In the early 1900s, Messiah College president and founder S. R. Smith wanted to relocate both his flourishing noodle-making business and his new educational endeavor, Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home, from downtown Harrisburg to an area with expansion potential. He knew several families living just outside the city, and decided to move both his business and school to the village of Grantham.

The Grantham area was especially appealing to the entrepreneur for several reasons. In addition to acres of available farmland, Grantham was home to the Reading Railroad, an important source of
transportation; the Yellow Breeches Creek, a vital power generation source; and a mill, a thriving business where local farmers could grind their grain. Smith saw plenty of potential for both his business and school and purchased land in 1907. Read more

	Plan now to attend Centennial celebrations.
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Archivist Glen Pierce: Leaving his imprint in history

Glen Pierce is the director of the Brethren in Christ Historical Library and Archives and the Archives of Messiah College. As the College’s Centennial celebration approaches, Pierce exemplifies how Messiah becomes a significant part of an alum’s personal history.

	Read five fun facts about the Brethren in Christ Church/Messiah College archives.
	Read an employee profile about Glen Pierce.

Jess Rhoads: An extraordinary stretch to home base

When Messiah's women's softball team clinched their first national title ever in May, pitcher Jess Rhoads instantly became a beloved hometown hero and reluctant media star.

	Read a profile about Jess Rhoads.
	Read about the softball team's amazing season.