Our History

In 1870, a group of Wesleyan ministers met in Sherbrooke and agreed to build a college in the Eastern Townships. Stock sold at $25 a share, with the hopes of raising $20,000. Whichever community put up $10,000 would be home to the college.

Construction took place through 1873, and the first classes began in the first week of January 1874. Rev. A. Lee Holmes was the first principal.

Dr. and Mrs. A.G. Bugbee of Derby Line donate the residence of Albert Knight, former Stanstead MLA, and have it moved across the field to the College grounds to be used as Bugbee Business College.
(Photo Eastern Townships Archives)

The Eastern Townships Conservatory of Music establishes itself at Stanstead College with the opening of Pierce Memorial Hall.

The Holmes family donates $3000 to build a grade school for local children, known as the Holmes Model School. It opens in 1903 and remains the local school until 1952 when Sunnyside School is built.

1905 – New gymnasium built.

Rev. E.C. Amaron becomes principal, remaining so for 23 years.

During the war, the College hosts evacuees from Oldfeld School in Swanage, Dorset.

1946 – Alumni Association donates memorial gates.

Pierce Hall is destroyed by fire.

Faced with declining enrollment, the school closes Bugbee Business School and the Eastern Townships Music Conservatory in 1958. Pierce Hall is rebuilt. Davis House for senior boys and Bugbee House for junior boys open.

1965 – Amaron Gymnasium opens.
1968 – LeBaron Hall opens.

A year of centennial celebrations includes the opening of the Ralph B. Hood Swimming Pool and a visit by Governor-General Roland Michener.

In the face of Bill 101, Stanstead College chooses to no longer accept the per-student subsidy from the Quebec government. The resulting independence allows the school to maintain control over its policies, including allowing francophone students to enroll without certificates of eligibility.

Stanstead College returns to co-ed status.

The Rec Hall is destroyed by fire. Eight months later a new student centre is built and later named the Eric T. Webster Student Centre.

2007: The College purchases neighbouring "Broadview," also known as "Butters House," to house its Advancement Department.

2011: After a major fundraising campaign, including government funding announced in person by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Pat Burns Arena opens.

Like most schools across North America, Stanstead College was forced to temporarily suspend on-campus operations in March 2020 due to the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.