The Herald reported on July 2, 1885 – “A four acre lot has been purchased on West Church Street for the purpose of erecting a colored mission church. The lot was purchased and the building will be erected by members of the Church of Our Savior, Episcopal.”
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on March 9, 1887 – “The Episcopal Church of Rock Hill has begun a missionary school to be taught by Mr. W.L. Mellichamp, who will arrive in town today.”
The Herald reported on March 31, 1887 – “The building now being erected for the Episcopal mission is nearly ready for occupancy. The school is doing well. Much interest has been shown in the project by both white and colored citizens.” Later the Herald reported on June 16, 1887 – “It was discovered that an attempt was made to burn the colored Episcopal Chapel in the Western section of town. A pile of shavings had been placed under the front steps and lite on fire. This was discovered and extinguished before any damage was done. Two young color boys are suspected.”
The Rock Hill Herald on Jan. 17, 1916 reported – “The School Board meet and the enrollment at St. Paul’s with 76 students.”
City Directories and History: 1908 – St. Paul’s Episcopal Mission and School, Rev. R.M. Marshall – Rector, 1922 – Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church
CR&R HISTORY LINK: CONNECTING LOCAL HISTORY ONE ADDRESS AT A TIME
See misc. pages on R&R dealing with extensive African American businesses under topics such as barber, pool hall, restaurant, etc. Saint Paul’s school was a major institute of higher learning for African American children, who didn’t have local public schools to attend. The building has reportedly been demolished during urban renewal efforts in the late 1960’s and was described as a handsome stone structure. Also see the Urban Renewal image for a 1950’s look at the area.
The Rock Hill Herald contained an article written by Rev. Y.J.P. Cohen of Rock Hill dated Jan. 25, 1893 which states – “The article lists four schools being operated for the African American community in Rock Hill. Rev. Cohen arguses that if these four school were organized into one graded school with an adequate building, the needs of the students would be better met. He said the four schools receive limited public funds which add up to less than the salary of one white teacher. The four schools are: Ms. Mary E. Harris from Franklin, Penn., has charge of the school taught in the Burial Aid Hall, a splendid building owned by the colored people. She is assisted by Mrs. T.P.R. Moore and they have about 140 students. The second school is the one in Hermon Pres. Church which is run by Ms. Hughes who is also the organist for the church and a teacher in music. The third school is Ms. Hattie A. Marshall teaches in the Episcopal Chapel. She is considered one of the best teachers in the state. And the forth school is the Baptist who have a high school which receives some public aid. Prof. Hall and Prof. White are in charge of the large number of students.”
The Herald reported on Sept. 5th, 1896 – “J. H. Parker has been employed as teacher at St. Paul’s, a color Episcopal Mission School.”
The Herald reported on Jan. 31, 1899 – “St. Paul’s for colored people, under the Episcopal Church has done a good work through its day school for ten years or more. This years enrollment is 70. They have built a carpenter’s shop to train boys in that business. W.F. Clarke is the teacher and a trained joiner.”
From the Rock Hill Herald, December 2, 1896: A Report on the Colored Schools
Friendship Institute: This school has 150 pupils. This is a Baptist institution with Rev. W. M. Murray, Rev. M. P. Hull, and Mrs. E. C. Murray in charge. They have a large two-story school house in the rear of the new Baptist Church in the extreme western part of the city.
St. Paul’s: A mission Episcopal school is presided over by J. Parker. This school has about 50 pupils and is situated near the residence of Capt. L. M. Davis.
Clinton Institute: This is a large boarding and home school under Methodist control. The school is about a mile south of town on the Chester road. The furniture and fixtures are of the latest pattern. R. J. Crockett, M. D. Lee, and Mrs. Perry Walker compose the faculty. The enrollment is about 45.
Hermon Presbyterian School: This school is situated in the grove opposite the Globe Mill. Rev. and Mrs. C. M. Young conduct the school. The enrollment is about 95.”
Stay Connected
Explore history, houses, and stories across S.C. Your membership provides you with updates on regional topics, information on historic research, preservation, and monthly feature articles. But remember R&R wants to hear from you and assist in preserving your own family genealogy and memorabilia.
Visit the Southern Queries – Forum to receive assistance in answering questions, discuss genealogy, and enjoy exploring preservation topics with other members. Also listed are several history and genealogical researchers for hire.
User comments welcome — post at the bottom of this page.
R&R HISTORY LINK: FURTHER EDUCATION DESIRED
R&R HISTORY LINK: THE PLAIR FAMILY CONNECTION
R&R HISTORY LINK: THE AFRICAN AMERICAN BARBER OF INFLUENCE
Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the “Share Your Story” link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall.
Thanks!
User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Share Your Comments & Feedback: