Jenkins University Project Era (1977-1989)

In 1977, Austin book dealer and publisher John H. Jenkins III (1940-1989) purchased the former Trinity/Westminster campus. At first he did not have a clear idea of how the property would be used, but told a Mexia reporter: "of course, my main goal is to permanently restore and preserve the beautiful campus and buildings." In time the concept of the "Jenkins University Project" emerged, and many local events, family reunions, and similar programs were hosted in the various buildings.   

Pictured: John Holmes Jenkins III. Courtesy of DeGolyer Library and Southern Methodist University.

Preservationists Don Rhodes (1948-1994) and Mike Wolfe relocated to Tehuacana to lead efforts to restore and manage the property for Jenkins, living for many years in the 1930s bungalow on Main Street adjacent to the main campus. Texas Hall served as the centerpiece of the Jenkins University Project. It contained classrooms, two large meeting rooms, a main auditorium with seating for over 300, and upper floors with observatories and a bell tower offering panoramic views. Louisiana Hall, the former women’s dormitory, retained its parlor, dining room, and bedrooms, while the Central Dormitory was redesigned to include conference and gathering rooms along with sleeping accommodations for thirty.

Funding for restoration projects came largely from direct public contributions, with little reliance on federal grants. The project also included “The Sticks,” a 50-acre wooded retreat acquired by Don Rhodes featuring horseback riding trails, hiking paths, and views of valleys, creeks, and wildflower meadows. This natural area complemented the historic campus buildings, offering a mix of recreation and history in one setting.

Pictured: Rehabilitation work underway on Louisiana Hall in 1977.

The facilities were intended for groups seeking a quiet, historically rich environment away from the bustle of conventional meeting venues. By blending restored architecture with scenic outdoor spaces, the Jenkins University Project created a distinctive destination in Central Texas, preserving significant historic structures while providing practical spaces for meetings, lodging, and leisure.  But as funding dwindled during the Texas Recession of the 1980s, full restoration of Texas Hall was not possible.

Pictured: Don Rhodes collected Tehuacana photographs and archival materials, and prepared this short history in 1990 in honor of John Jenkins. Collection of Mike Wolfe, Tehuacana, Texas.