Trevecca House was formally opened and dedicated as a theological college on August 24, 1768, the anniversary of the birthday of the foundress.  Whitefield preached the sermon, choosing as his text Exodus xx. 24, “In all places where I record My name, I will come unto thee and bless thee.”  The next Sunday he addressed a congregation of some thousands gathered in the courtyard of the college, from the words, “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

From its foundation the college has combined both the literary and theological training.  While estimating literary and theological learning at a very high value, the aim has always been first and foremost to train earnest spiritual evangelistic preachers.  The college has been almost as much a home as a seminary.  The students have always resided within its walls, enjoying intimate relationship with each other, and friendly intercourse with the principal.  Lady Huntingdon made the college in a very real sense her home, and the institution has never lost the impress of her own fervent piety and the saintly benediction bestowed upon it by Fletcher.

From the very beginning the students combined regular preaching, either in the village near Trevecca, or in the pulpits of the Countess’s chapels, with the prescribed courses of study.  The college prospered at once, and even Berridge bestowed his characteristic blessing upon it.  “I am glad to hear of the plentiful effusion from above on Talgarth.  Jesus has now baptized your college, and thereby shown His approbation of the work.  You may therefore rejoice, but rejoice with trembling.  Faithful labourers may be expected from thence; but if it is Christ’s college, a Judas will certainly be found among them.”

Mr. Easterbrook’s stay at Trevecca was brief.  He left early in 1769, and was succeeded, on John Wesley’s recommendation, by Joseph Benson, afterwards so eminent in the Methodist movement, and the biographer of Fletcher.  But prior to his coming into residence the first anniversary was held, and the occasion was utilised for the holding of a series of very remarkable services.  From August 20-23 crowds of people flocked to hear sermons twice daily in the courtyard by Shirley, Fletcher, Rowlands, Peter Williams, Howel Harris, and others.  On August 24, 1769, John Wesley administered the sacrament to his fellow-ministers, the students, the Countess and her household.  At ten o’clock “Mr. Fletcher preached an exceedingly lively sermon in the court; when he had finished William Williams preached in Welsh till about two o’clock.  At two they all dined with Lady Huntingdon; and baskets of bread and meat were distributed among the people in the court, many of whom had come from a great distance.  Public service commenced again at three o’clock, when Mr. Wesley preached in the court, then Mr. Fletcher; about five the congregation was dismissed.”  “Truly,” wrote Lady Huntingdon, “our God was in the midst of us, and many felt Him eminently nigh.  The gracious influence of the Spirit seemed to rest on every soul.”