City Directories and History: In 1910 when Walker’s Postal Map was drawn of the Bethany area is shows this structure as the school just behind Bethany Church. It was originally constructed by William Bonner McGill in 1902 and donated to Bethany Presbytery to be used as the Bethany Presbyterian High School for girls. When the school was discontinued in circa 1913, the property reverted to Mr. McGill who sold it to Isaac Grayson. It has long been held by the community that it was also the teacherage for the Bethany school.
The Yorkville Enquirer reported on June 26, 1889 – “Bethany has a handsome new school house.”
The Yorkville Enquirer of March 13, 1896 – “The closing exercises of Bethany School were conducted by S.C. Ratterree, who has been teaching there for ten months.”
The Yorkville Enquirer of May 19, 1914 stated, “There was a rally and picnic Friday at Bethany marking the end of the school year. The old Bethany High School with its boarding department is no more. The old school building has been torn away and near the sight has been erected a new structure of four rooms with all modern conveniences. Prof. W.R. Koon, Ms. Willie Mae Grayson, and Ms. Lena Howell have been leading the school.”
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