Established in 1871, the Brown’s Grove CME Church is located just outside of Milledgeville. The first pastor was Reverend Gideon Hill. The school was founded in 1896. The first teacher was J. C. Raiford. Oftentimes when I have photographed two story school buildings, they were also used as a fraternal lodge. I have not determined if that is the case here or not.
The property also has a small cemetery and a more modern building.
Sitting along Old Federal Road in Franklin County, Georgia is the Plain View School. It is a contributing building to the McConnell Historic District. It was built in 1905 and used as a school until 1955.
For photos on the inside, please visit the Cocoa Smiles blog.
Temperence Bell is an unincorporated community in Greene County. It had a post office from 1823-1833.
Once a farming community, this schoolhouse is all that is left of Mechanicsville. The school was in use from 1911-1923.
Founded in 1884, St. Luke’s Baptist Church is still an active church with services every other Sunday. It was formed by former members of the First African Baptist Church. The church was initially called the 2nd Baptist Church. Current structure has been in use since 1902.
St. Luke’s also had one of two Rosenwald Schools on the island. Everything I’ve read states that the school is still standing and is being used by the church. If that is the case, this is the school, but it has been heavily modified. I hope to get confirmation that this is the building.
Built in 1896, St. Bartholomew’s Church is the longest continuing Black Episcopal congregation in the state. The school, now the parish hall, was built in 1897.
The Victorian elements of the church make it a standout in rural church architecture. It was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
The church is still active with services offered twice a month. They are held in the afternoon, which is a long-standing tradition of the church.