Since their founding in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have represented the intellectual incubators, nurturing social-cultural environments, and professional launching pads of numerous black leaders, such as noted black theologian and revered Morehouse man, Howard Washington Thurman (1900-1981). This article examines the early history, environment, and leadership, of Morehouse College and how its Black male leadership shaped the life of Howard Thurman. The author also presents the student experiences of Dr. Howard Thurman, one of America's most influential theologians and preachers of the twentieth century and a founder of America's first interracial church, Church of the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco in 1944. Morehouse College was an educational institution that served a full range of students, literally taking them from boys to men. Morehouse had established its reputation as the builder of men under the institutional leadership of John Hope. Morehouse served students from all walks of life and from all levels of preparation. It maintained an academy division until approximately 1930. The collegiate level curriculum reflected what was being taught at many White liberal arts colleges. For Thurman, Morehouse College provided the nurturing soil for his identity development as a Black man with intrinsic worth and dignity, and his future success and influence on others through his preaching, teaching, and writing. (Contains 1 note.)