The Millsaps Weems House

Sometime during 1890 in the small town of Sun, Miss., William Lafayette Weems heard of plans to establish a Methodist college. Weems was a farmer with little formal education, but, as an active Methodist and community servant, he was sympathetic to the cause. When Weems confided to his brother Robert plans to sell a yoke of oxen and donate the proceeds to the first Millsaps fund drive, he was greeted with the skeptical response that he would never have a child who could attend the college. "Perhaps not," Weems conceded, "but maybe one of my descendants can listen to a preacher who was educated at Millsaps." As fate would have it, Weems and his wife Molly had nine children, two of whom went on to become Millsaps graduates.

In commemoration of a relationship spanning more than 100 years and 36 graduates, Dr. Lamar and Nanette Weems donated this beautiful home, which once served as their personal residence, to the College in 2000. Located at 1718 North State Street across from the main entrance to the College, the Weems House has become a special meeting place for the Millsaps community. Built in 1917, the home has served as host to numerous receptions, dinner parties, art exhibitions and other gatherings of faculty, staff, students and friends. In addition to serving as a place for social events, the Weems House is the residence of the Vice President and Dean of Students.

Take a tour of the Weems House
Read the speech made at the dedication ceremony
View photos of the dedication ceremony