Queen's University was the earliest degree-granting liberal arts college established in the united Province of Canada, holding its first classes in March of 1842. Established by the Presbyterian Church, it evolved into a national institution under George Munro Grant, who was principal from 1877 to 1902. By the 20th century Queen's had emerged as one of Canada's major universities with a reputation for scholarship and social purpose. Many of the nation's notable political figures and public servants have been Queen's graduates.