Barton College Marks 125 Years With Homecoming
Alumni gathered in Wilson for homecoming weekend to celebrate the college's 125-year history and induct the Class of 1976 into the Torchbearers Society.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Historical
Barton College celebrated 125 years of history during homecoming weekend, Oct. 23-24, welcoming alumni of Atlantic Christian College and Barton College back to Wilson. The festivities included a Memory Lane Sip & Stroll and the induction of the Class of 1976 into the Torchbearers 50 Year Legacy Society.
Why it matters
The weekend marks a milestone in the history of a Wilson institution that has operated since 1902, connecting generations of alumni to the college's origins. It also highlights the continuity between Atlantic Christian College and the Barton College that succeeded it.
Atlantic Christian College was founded in May 1902 and opened that fall with 107 students in a single building, Kinsey Hall. The college became Barton College in September 1990, and the source does not address enrollment figures for the years since.
The players
Barton College
A private liberal arts college in Wilson, North Carolina, formerly known as Atlantic Christian College, which was renamed in 1990.
The details
Alumni and friends explored selections from the college archives during the Memory Lane Sip & Stroll on Friday, Oct. 23, while student docents shared historical facts at campus locations. On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Class of 1976 was inducted into the Torchbearers Society in Hardy Alumni Hall, alongside returning members.
Timeline
May 1902: Atlantic Christian College was founded.
Fall 1902: The college opened with 107 students.
September 1990: Atlantic Christian College became Barton College.
Oct. 23-24, 2026: Homecoming weekend celebrating 125 years.
Historical Context
The celebration traces a lineage from Atlantic Christian College's founding in May 1902 to its renaming as Barton College in September 1990. The 125-year milestone places the institution's history alongside its evolution through that name change.
Wilson residents can view archival materials from the college's history through the college's ongoing commemorations. The Pentimento exhibition at Barton Art Galleries, featuring works by 21 artists, is on view through Nov. 24.
The takeaway
Long-running local institutions often mark anniversaries by reconnecting alumni with their origins, as Barton College's homecoming did through archives, induction ceremonies and campus tours. Readers interested in regional history can follow similar commemorations in their own communities.
What happens next
A Lighting of the Luminaries is planned for Dec. 1, and a time capsule event, a Founder's Day gala and the 125th commencement are planned for spring.
Further reading
Explore more local history in the Historical section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Wilson Times News.
