John G. Fee was one of the few people that had the courage to act upon their beliefs. Not only did he persevere in his journey after many hardships, but now his dream has materialized in the Berea College seen today. With the many issues presented in order to gain an education, Fee was able to comprehend them, narrowing the many opposing factors into basic characteristics such as, “whom we should serve” at Berea College. A person’s social economic status and race are two essential elements that Fee mentioned in his Introductory Address for his vision for the future of Berea College. Fee believed that Berea College’s emphasis on the teachings of Jesus Christ was the glue that would keep the school together. He did acknowledge that funding had an impact in how institutions were settled. “…some institutions are projected at once into existence, full and complete, by the force of concentrated wealth. Others grow—have a slow, but regular development—developed as the principles which underlie them are appreciated, and time shows their utility (Fee).” Fee knew that money was a way an institute could prosper but not essential. He acknowledged that an establishment grows at fast pace with the funding. However, his visualization was for an institute that could prosper, that could develop into success, and that…show more content… Fee’s ultimate goal for the school was stopping sectarianism. His mission was looking for issues within the community that promoted hatred and superiority. He did not accept division of any kind even criticizing the division of the Church. He emphasized that the many divisions in Christianity stops the speeded of the Gospel and that Berea College would not fall into those stereotypes of division (Fee). By selecting economic status and race as indicators of “whom we serve” at Berea Collage promotes his goal in stopping sectarianism from increasing in the South. Fee even goes to calls Berea College the middle man between the mountains and the wealthy
