The Spirit of Barrington: A Celebrated Legacy

In 1900 Essek Kenyon (pictured first in header) founded the Bethel Bible Training School in Spencer, MA. His vision centered on biblical teaching, shared work and communal living. A contemporary of A. J. Gordon, Kenyon shared a similar educational philosophy. Over the next 50 years, the school underwent five name changes before becoming Barrington College. 

In 1985 Barrington merged with Gordon College, bringing together two distinct Christian institutions. The merger preserved much of Barrington’s identity and integrated its legacy into the life of Gordon’s campus. 

Traditions That Live On 

The Pop Crowell Cross Country Invitational is one of Barrington’s most enduring traditions. First run in 1971 the event honors Barrington Coach Ray “Pop” Crowell—who led the 1969 team to the College’s first undefeated athletic season. On September 13, 2025, Gordon hosted the 54th annual invitational. 

Other lasting symbols of the merger include the Barrington Center for the Arts, dedicated in 1999, and the Barrington Rock located outside the building's entrance. Ferrin Hall honors Howard Ferrin (pictured third in header image), Barrington’s longest-serving president, who began his leadership at age 26 and served for 40 years. Additional reminders appear across campus in spaces like Gregory Auditorium in Jenks Library, the Gregory Cinema Room and Stebbings Conference Room in the Barrington Center, and Griswold Auditorium in MacDonald Hall. 

First image: Coach Augustine with the Barrington basketball team during a high-energy game moment. 

Second image: Members of the Afro-American Society, a vibrant part of Barrington’s student life in the 1970s. 

Lasting Academic Impact 

Barrington’s 1985 merger brought four new majors to Gordon’s academic offerings: social work, accounting, marine biology with a Tropical Coastal Waters course, and youth ministries. It also brought several respected faculty members into Gordon’s community, including Muriel Radtke, Marion Bean, Roger Green, Tim Stebbings and Jane Andrus. Marvin Wilson, another key figure, had taught at Barrington before joining Gordon in the 1970s. 

This fall, the Gordon College Archives is highlighting Barrington’s legacy through The Spirit of Barrington: A Celebrated Legacy. Located in the Jenks Library Reference Room, the exhibit opens Homecoming weekend and runs through December 2025. It can also be viewed online: library.gordon.edu/college-archives/current-exhibit. 

First image: Students in one of the academic programs brought from Barrington to Gordon. 

Second image: Professor Carlton Gregory, whose legacy lives on in Gordon’s Gregory Auditorium and Cinema Room.