Orleans Seminary, the forerunner of Central Christian College, was founded on the Nebraska plains in 1884 by Free Methodist preacher Rev. C.M. Damon and his wife. (At that time, "seminary" designated a Christian school regardless of grade levels.) The school endured years of small enrollments, repeated faculty turnover, and deteriorating facilities. Because of deteriorating facilities and a more central location in the support area, Orleans Seminary was moved to McPherson, Kansas, in 1914. The relocated school was named Central Academy and College. Along with its elementary and secondary grades, Central added the first two years of college to its curriculum at this time. Occupying a four-story brick building left by the relocated Covenant Church affiliated Walden College, Science Hall was a welcome change to the faculty and students of Central.