"The time is always right to do what is right."
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."The time is always right to do what is right."
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.1793 – 1866
Industrialist • Philanthropist • Visionary
John Price Crozer was a prominent Pennsylvania industrialist, businessman, philanthropist, and supporter of education whose contributions helped shape the history of Delaware County and the community of Upland, Pennsylvania.
Born on January 13, 1793, Crozer developed a successful textile manufacturing business, operating cotton mills that provided employment and contributed to the region's industrial growth. Beyond his business achievements, he devoted substantial resources to religious institutions, charitable organizations, and educational opportunities.
Crozer financed the construction of the historic Old Main building in Upland, Pennsylvania. The building became home to an educational institution intended to offer learning opportunities to deserving young people, particularly those from families with limited financial resources.
During the American Civil War, Crozer made Old Main available to the United States government for use as a military hospital. The facility treated thousands of wounded soldiers, including Union and Confederate troops.
Following Crozer's death on March 11, 1866, his family continued his commitment to education.
In his honor, the family helped establish Crozer Theological Seminary, which opened in 1868 in the historic Old Main building.
The seminary became an important institution for theological education and religious leadership — one whose reach would extend far beyond its walls.
Nearly a century after Crozer established Old Main, the building became part of the educational journey of one of America's most influential civil rights leaders.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attended Crozer Theological Seminary from 1948 to 1951, graduating with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. During his studies, King served as student body president and further developed the intellectual and spiritual foundations that would influence his leadership in the American Civil Rights Movement.
John Price Crozer's vision helped create an institution that would eventually become part of the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Old Main represents generations of American history — from nineteenth-century education and Civil War medical service to theological scholarship and the emergence of a historic civil rights leader.
Today, the MLK Center at Old Main Committee seeks to preserve this irreplaceable landmark and honor its history while advancing a renewed vision for education, innovation, community development, and opportunity.
Preserving Old Main means preserving the history of John Price Crozer, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the generations whose lives were connected to this extraordinary place.