Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba College / St. Paul’s College (Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg)

Link to:
Principals | Vice-Principals | Teachers | Photos & Coordinates | Sources

Manitoba College was founded in 1871 by the Reverend George Bryce. Affiliated with the Presbyterian church in Manitoba, the College was one of the founding colleges making up the University of Manitoba. In 1882, it occupied an elaborate building on Ellice Avenue in Winnipeg designed by architect Charles A. Barber and built by Robert D. Paterson. Following unification of the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregationalist faiths in 1925, it cooperated more closely with its Methodist counterpart, Wesley College.

In 1931, the college building was sold to the Roman Catholic Church and became the home of St. Paul’s College (now situated at the University of Manitoba’s main campus in Fort Garry), expanded slightly on a design by Winnipeg architects Arthur E. Cubbidge and Edward Parkinson. In 1938, Manitoba College merged formally with Wesley College to form United College, precursor of the University of Winnipeg. The old college building was demolished in 1964.

Principals (Manitoba College)

Period	Principal
1871-1883	?
1883-1899	John Mark King (1829-1899)
1900-1911	William Patrick (1852-1911)
1911-1919	Andrew Browning Baird (1855-1940) - Acting
1919-1931	John Alexander Mackay (1870-1938)

Teachers

No information.

Photos & Coordinates

Manitoba College (c1882) Source: Archives of Manitoba, Manitoba College 5-1, N10851 Postcard view of Manitoba College (1905) Source: Rob McInnes, WP3218 Manitoba College (c1910) Source: Winnipeg Illustrated, Peels Prairie Provinces, University of Alberta Postcard view of Manitoba College (c1910) Source: Rob McInnes, WP1884 The former Manitoba College, later St. Paul’s College (March 1960) Source: Archives of Manitoba, George Harris Fonds, Acc. 1979-141, P7451, Album 15, Page 13. Site Coordinates (lat/long): N49.89405, W97.15115 denoted by symbol on the map above

See also:

A Memoir of Old St. Paul’s College by Fred McGuiness
Manitoba History, Number 58, June 2008

Historic Sites of Manitoba: St. John’s College (University of Manitoba)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Wesley College / University of Winnipeg (505 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba College War Memorial

MHS Centennial Organization: University of Manitoba

Manitoba Organization: St. Paul’s College

Sources:

“Corner stone is laid,” Winnipeg Tribune, 29 July 1905, page 5.

“Two pastors given honorary degrees,” Manitoba Free Press, 4 April 1914, page 4.

“Wins gold medal in oratory contest,” Manitoba Free Press, 26 February 1915, page 16.

“Induction of Principal MacKay takes place tonight,” Manitoba Free Press, 15 October 1919, page 3.

“Dr. M’Kay is guest of honor at banquet,” Manitoba Free Press, 17 October 1919, page 4.

“Last of Manitoba College” by T. C. B. Boon, Winnipeg Free Press, 19 November 1964, page 27.

We thank Rob McInnes for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and Nathan Kramer.

Page revised: 4 February 2023

Historic Sites of Manitoba This is a collection of historic sites in Manitoba compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. The information is offered for historical interest only. SEARCH the collection Browse lists of: Museums/Archives | Buildings | Monuments | Cemeteries | Locations | Other Inclusion in this collection does not confer special status or protection. Official heritage designation may only come from municipal, provincial, or federal governments. Some sites are on private property and permission to visit must be secured from the owner. Site information is provided by the Manitoba Historical Society as a free public service only for non-commercial purposes. Send corrections and additions to this page to the MHS Webmaster at webmaster@mhs.mb.ca. Search Tips | Suggest an Historic Site | FAQ Help us keep history alive!