 When a Spokane developer offered land just before World War I, the college moved once more, and classes were held for the first time in Spokane in September 1914.The college relocated due to persistent financial difficulties, local competition from College of Puget Sound and the Pacific Lutheran Academy, and a lack of support from the Washington state Presbyterian Synod or the City of Tacoma.The university leadership led by President Donald D. MacKay came to realize that a relocation would likely be necessary to secure Whitworth’s future.