Scarritt Bennett Center

The Scarritt Bennett Center’s rich history encompasses religious training, women’s rights, civil rights, and higher education. Scarritt Bible and Training School began as a school for women in Kansas City, Missouri in 1892, but they moved to Nashville in 1924 to become Scarritt College for Christian Workers. After building this beautiful campus, the school adopted a very progressive program for its time, opening its doors to men and women as well as hosting international students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. In 1952, two years before the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, Scarritt College became one of the first predominantly white colleges in Tennessee to integrate black students. Lelia Robinson and DeLaris Johnson were the school’s first full-time African American students.  

To promote and support national efforts related to racial equality, Scarritt College hosted a three-day conference in 1957. The keynote speaker was none other than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who spoke about the necessary role of religious organizations in the fight to desegregate public and private institutions—including colleges. Throughout the 1960s, Scarritt College was criticized for its progressive stance on segregation, but they maintained their commitment to fight for equality. The school closed in 1988 and is now the Scarritt Bennett Center—a non-profit conference center that continues to advocate for racial equality, equal rights, social justice, and spiritual formation. The center is available to rent for conferences, weddings, and meetings. Visitors can contact their office to schedule a tour of the beautiful chapel and buildings. 

Continue on Eighteenth Avenue South until you reach Edgehill Avenue. Cross Edgehill Avenue then turn LEFT and cross Eighteenth Avenue South. From this corner, you can see the Vanderbilt University’s John Seigenthaler First Amendment Center. Learn more about Seigenthaler, and the downtown bridge named for him, on many of our other tours. Continue walking on Edgehill Avenue until you reach Seventeenth Avenue South. Cross Seventeenth Avenue to reach Ocean Way Nashville Studios on the opposite corner.