Barracks and Workshop (1947)

Aerial photograph of the barracks at Westminster College circa 1950.

In 1947, Camp Mexia, a World War II-era German P.O.W. camp near Tehuacana closed, and Westminster College acquired materials from several former barracks to construct workshops, a student union, and apartments on the Tehuacana campus. Three structures were connected in an “H” pattern to form a single, rambling, one-story building. 

The workshop pictured in the 1958 Westminster College yearbook.

The easternmost section has served as a workshop since its construction. The westernmost section, originally built as a workshop, was later converted into married student housing. The central section, once home to the student union, has since been remodeled into additional living quarters. Around 1977, a long screened porch was added to the south façade to provide outdoor living space. The shops were established to fulfill the vision of Southwestern University in Georgetown, which had assumed ownership of Westminster College, to offer vocational education. Facilities included a print shop, woodworking shop, and metal shop, which produced books, chandeliers, and other practical items.

The barracks and workshop in 2025.