The seminary opened in fall 1912 with 70 students enrolled. Yates continued working at the Murray power plant and would ride his horse to make it to the last two class periods of the day to teach. He was paid a $100 salary for his contributions. Students studied religious texts and were expected to take notes. While Yates was offered the job the following year, he declined the position due to his heavy work schedule. He only served as the seminary instructor for one year, after which he was succeeded by Guy C. Wilson.