The school library, called the Ira J. Taylor Library, contains the largest theological collection in the Rocky Mountain area with approximately 205,800 volumes, 60,600 microforms, and over 900 current periodical and serial subscriptions.[5]
Bell tower and south entrance, Iliff School of Theology, 2021
Iliff was founded in 1889 as a seminary and school of religious studies of the University of Denver.[6] In 1892, it was named the Iliff School of Theology after John Wesley Iliff (1831–1878)[7] who had wanted to establish a school for training ministers in the territory of Colorado. After he died, his wife Elizabeth Iliff Warren and her second husband, Bishop Henry White Warren, succeeded in starting the Iliff School of Theology.[8] The cornerstone of Iliff Hall was laid on June 8, 1892 and construction was completed in 1893.[9] While the construction was taking place, the first classes began on September 23, 1892.[10]
In the summer of 1900, Iliff closed for various financial and organizational reasons.[11] On August 27, 1903, Iliff School of Theology was incorporated as an independent institution, separate from the University of Denver.[12] It reopened on September 10, 1910 as a freestanding school of theology and Methodist seminary.[13]
"In 1893, Iliff School of Theology took into its library a book, given as a gift, written in Latin that is a History of Christianity. It was covered by the skin of a murdered Indian man. It was treasured by the institution and displayed for 80 years in a case outside of the Library. In 1974, under pressure from students, the book was taken out of public view and in the presence of a representative of the American Indian Movement, the skin cover was removed and repatriated. Everyone present that day were sworn to secrecy and required to sign non-disclosure agreements."[14]
Iliff has hosted a number of high-profile leaders for special events, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the Little Rock Nine, and others. From February 24–27, 2008, Iliff honored the Little Rock Nine in a series of events called "A Celebration of Courage."[16][17][18]
In 2011, Iliff established "The Courage Award." The award is given out as a means "to acknowledge and celebrate individuals or organizations whose courage, persistence, and determination has changed an unjust situation in the world." The first recipient of this award was Judy Shepard for her work in telling the story of her son, Matthew Shepard.
Presidents
Presidents of the Iliff School of Theology have included:[19][20]
^Ira J. Taylor Library Archives (November 21, 2008)."Brief History of Iliff". Archived from the original on December 1, 2008. Retrieved November 21, 2008.
