Charles Frederick Allison was the founder of the Wesleyan Academy for boys in 1840. In 1839 he offered to purchase land in Sackville with the intention of building a Methodist academy. He committed to giving operating funds of 100 pounds/year for 10 years.

This offer was accepted and the cornerstone for the Wesleyan Academy was laid on July 9, 1840. The building was open to students in January 1843.

His conversion to Methodism had a deep impact on him. This along with his interest in education propelled him to set up an institution for the education of boys initially known as the Wesleyan Academy.

At a later date an academy for girls was established in 1854.

Gradually with the growth of students, Mount Allison Wesleyan College was established in 1862. Source of information: Tantramar Historic Sites