Trinity Bible College

Though the school received its legislative charter in 1889, it was slow to get established and was underfunded from the outset. The school’s original name, State Manual Training School, is reflected in the large molded-concrete marquee on the west end of the imposing armory building. The first three graduates (all women) received their certificates in 1901. The school’s name was changed in 1907 to the State Normal and Industrial School, and the term “SNI” was adopted as its moniker. In playful style, students and staff soon adopted the word “Snitchers” for themselves. In 1965 the school became known as the University of North Dakota Ellendale Branch, and served as a regional center for industrial arts training and the preparation of teachers. Following a fire in 1970 that destroyed two of the school’s main buildings, legislative support collapsed and a new owner was sought for the campus. The campus closed in 1971, a devastating blow to the community of Ellendale, which took great pride from being the home of this small and architecturally rather pleasant college campus. In 1972, the state sold the school facility to Trinity Bible College, which moved to Ellendale and continues to use the campus.