Hopewell Academy was a Baptist Latin grammar preparatory school in Hopewell, New Jersey that operated between 1756 and 1767. The academy is noted as the first Baptist educational establishment in the American Colonies. The school was the forerunner of Brown University, with Hopewell alumni James Manning and Hezekiah Smith both playing major roles in the establishment and early administration of the college.[1][2]
The academy was financed by the Philadelphia Baptist Association and the Charleston Baptist Association, who appointed trustees to oversee its affairs[3][5]
The school operated out of a parsonage house at 19 W. Broad St. The c. 1750 structure was remodeled in the late 19th century and further modernized in the 20th century.[6] The school closed in 1767.
Relationship with Brown University
Two alumni of the school played major role in the establishment early administration of Brown University. Minister Hezekiah Smith was an early supporter of the university while James Manning served as the college's first president.[7][8][2]
