Dordt College had its beginning in 1937 with the circulation among midwestern Christian Reformed Churches of proposals and recommendations regarding the establishment of a Christian college. World War II put an end to these discussions; however, after the war, the movement gained new impetus due to the critical shortage of qualified teachers for Christian schools in the area. The college was organized in 1953 as the Midwest Christian Junior College. Under this name, instruction began in September 1955 with 35 students and five faculty members. In 1956 the name of the college was changed to Dordt College.