The Church of the United Brethern in Christ founded the College in 1866, as a private coeducational institution on the site of the Annville Academy. It became a four-year institution by 1883 as the lower grades were phased out.
"When Lebanon Valley College first opened its doors on that Monday morning, May 7, 1866, the founders had a vision of what a Christian Liberal Arts College could be: a place where the minds of young people, under the Christian influence, might be trained to the greatest efficiency, so that these young men and women, freed from the drag-chains of ignorance, superstition, and prejudice, might the more fully realize themselves in the service of God and man." - Paul A. W. Wallace
Source: Lebanon Valley College: A Centennial History, 1866-1966