Our title repeats headlines from The Conroe Courier of Sunday, April 5, 1970, stating that the flames of the last remaining college building “leaped to over 50 feet high.” Yes, spectacular were the flames, reflecting the spectacular impact of Old Royal College.
Our story begins in 1902, when 7,000 young Black individual swarmed into Atlanta, Georgia seeking to capture the power of Christianity as the avenue of cultural transformation. While amazing was their enthusiasm, even more astounding was their decorum. Press releases recorded a scene of responsibility of the highest order. The occasion was the Black “Young People’s Educational Congress.” Attending this congress was Frederick Wilkerson Warren, a young man destined to make a remarkable impact on Conroe.
Four years earlier, F.W. Warren had surrendered to the ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Filled with the spirit of the Atlanta Conference, he would found numerous A.M.E. churches while helping others find relief from oppressive mortgages. Along the way, he founded a fraternal organization called “Royal Sons and Daughters” which by 1916 had mushroomed to 104 chapters with 3,800 members.
Continuing to follow his spiritual calling, Rev. Warren brought his wife, Mary, and their family to Conroe. Evidence of his presence may be gleaned on the cornerstone of the Union Center A.M.A. church. Reflecting their entrepreneurship, the awesome Warren’s accumulated 47 city lots and two splendid farms. Their most treasured accomplishment, however, came at the hands of the Royal Sons and Daughters.
In 1927, off FM 2854 on Conroe’s western flank, that fraternal organization played a key role in the establishment of a magnificent institution of higher learning called Royal College; this even as the grand African American Normal and Industrial College thrived on Conroe’s eastern side. One can only imagine the glorious sound when the majestic bells of the two schools rang simultaneously.
Exhibiting commonality of purpose, Professor G.B. Bennett, formerly of the Normal and Industrial School, played a major role at Royal College. Furthermore, commonality of purpose crossed racial lines. For example, two great pioneers of early Conroe, John Wahrenberger and Alfred H. Beck, the latter the manager of the Wahrenberger funeral home, traveled many miles fund-raising and generally promoting the school.
At the height of segregation, academic enlightenment embraced the Black community of the Conroe area. The word “Royal” describes well the atmosphere of the times. Yet energy from the flames which The Courier article portrayed, continue to embellish the spirit and wonder of Conroe, long known as the “Miracle City.”
The author’s special thanks to Dorothy Reece, Selma Vinson and Carolyn Cryar.
Robin Montgomery is a native of Montgomery County and is a retired professor, author and columnist for The Courier.
