The purpose of the institution was to furnish the youth of the area (regardless of race, color creed or nationality) not only with a sound primary and secondary education but with a superior education and proper preparation for matriculation in the areas of art, law, and medicine at the university level. The institute also prepared its students for teaching and commercial business pursuits.

The institute, a plain frame building, was officiated by a board of trustees which included Rev. R.R. Disney (chairman), Morris Potter, Stanton Hunton, Issac Holden, Nelson Robinson, Nathaniel Murry (secretary), and Perry F. Chase (treasurer). The teachers included Robert Lowe (Principal) and T.A. Moore (assistant principal). The principal's salary was $950.00 per year with the assistant at $350.00 per year. The original number of pupils was approximately 100 with 36 in the preparatory classes and 18 to 20 in the primary. It should be noted that this educational institution came about as a result of the philanthropic ideas of Mr. Charles Avery of Alleghany County, Pennsylvania (1). In his will, Mr Avery stipulated that "... one half of the residuary porton of his esate should be set apart and devoted as a perpetual fund for promoting the education and evalution of the colored people of the United States and Canada." This was accomplished through the actions of the executors of the estate, Thomas Howe and Josiah King. In 1872, the capital of the institution was about $36,000.00 in invested funds, with a yearly income of $25,000.00.

By this time the members of the board of trustees had changed somewhat. They were: Nathaniel Murray (chairman), Josiah F. Scott, J.G. Taylor, Nelson Robinson, and Delos R. Davis of Amherstburg.

A comment should also be made concerning the caliber of the instructors in the school. The best instruction were attained for the purpose of superior instruction, especially under a later administrator, Alfred Lafferty (2). Other fine teachers, at various times, graced the school with their wisdom such as Dolly Scott, Lillian Shreve, Vera Bently, Emma Fox, and Mollie Lewis.

Contrary to the belief of some, this school was only used to teach the liberal arts and was used after school hours for other purposes, as was the case with George Gant who, with apprentices, used a portion of the school as a woodworking and wood finishing shop.

Source:
(1) Thirteenth Session of the Annual Conference of the British Methodist Episcopal Church - minutes
(2) see Alfred M. Lafferty - in people section

Other:
Canadian achievements of Kent County by Rev. Hugh Cowan, pg. 70, Chatham Kent Museum
In the 1880's results of school examinations were often published in the daily papers.

(3) March 28, 1894 - Chatham Daily Planet

Note:
(A) The cornerstone of the Wilberforce Educational Institute is housed at the Chatham Kent Museum. The King Street building was erected in 1887 and demolished in 1952.
(B) The last trustees of Wilberforce on record were: Rev. Andrew Hackley, Rev. Thomas Henderson, Nathaniel Murray, Josiah Scott*, when Josiah Scott died he was replaced by his grandson Bethune Binga.
(C) Literary & Musical - Mr. Lafferty of Wilberforce, Oct. 24, 1879 - Chatham Tri-Weekly Planet
(D) (1) The British American Institute - 1841
(2) The Nazrey Institute - corner of Princess & Wellington 1869
(3) Wilberforce Educational Institute incorporated in 1873
(E) The Courses taught during Mr. Lafferty's principalship - arts, classics, French, German, Mathematics and science.