Charles H. Parrish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles H. Parrish
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Parrish in 1887
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| Born | April 18, 1859 |
| Died | May 8, 1931 (aged 72) |
| Alma mater | Nashville Institute, Simmons College of Kentucky |
| Occupation | Minister, educator |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Religion | Baptist |
Charles Henry Parrish (born April 18, 1859 – died May 8, 1931) was an important leader in Kentucky. He was a minister (a religious leader) and an educator (teacher). He led the Calvary Baptist Church in Louisville for many years. He also worked as a professor and president at two colleges: the Eckstein Institute and Simmons College. His wife, Mary Virginia Cook Parrish, and son, Charles H. Parrish Jr., were also well-known educators.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Growing Up in Kentucky
Charles H. Parrish was born on April 18, 1859, in Lexington, Kentucky. At that time, he was born into slavery. His parents were Hiram and Harriet Parrish. His father, Hiram, worked with teams of horses and was a church leader. His mother, Harriet, was a seamstress.
After slavery ended, Charles was able to go to public school in Lexington. He also attended Sunday school. When he was about 15, he left school to work. He worked as a porter, helping customers in a dry goods store.
Becoming a Teacher
Charles was very active in his church. He was baptized when he was 12 years old. He became a secretary and teacher for the Sunday school. He also helped out as a church clerk and assistant teacher at a night school.
His work as a teacher made him want to learn more. In 1878, he decided to go to college. He enrolled at the Nashville Institute. To pay for his studies, he worked as a janitor at a public school at night. He also worked full-time during school breaks.
He graduated in 1882 and continued his college studies. He worked as a student-teacher, tutor, and bookkeeper. In 1886, he earned his A.B. degree. He then became a professor of Greek at State University, which later became Simmons College of Kentucky. He also earned more degrees from the same school.
Early Activism and Church Work
Charles Parrish was involved in politics and civil rights. He attended important meetings for the Republican Party. He also went to conventions about education for African Americans. In 1886, he was a delegate at the National Convention of Colored Men in Louisville.
He was also very active in his church. He attended national Baptist conventions. In 1886, he became the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Louisville. He led this church until he passed away in 1931.
Career in Education
Leading the Eckstein Institute
In 1890, Charles Parrish became president of the Eckstein Institute. This school was in Cane Springs, Kentucky. He led the institute until 1912. During this time, in 1908, he also started the Kentucky Home Society for Colored Children in Louisville. This organization helped children in need.
From 1909 to 1919, he was also a secretary for the Board of Trustees of the Lincoln Institute. In 1912, the Eckstein Institute joined with the Lincoln Institute.
President of Simmons College
In 1918, the Eckstein Institute fully closed. Charles Parrish then returned to Simmons College of Kentucky. He became the president of Simmons College. He served as president from 1918 until his death in 1931.
After he passed away, Simmons College faced financial problems. It was eventually sold to the University of Louisville. Charles Parrish and his wife, Mary Virginia Cook Parrish, were very important people in African American society in Kentucky. They helped many notable Kentuckians. For example, they introduced the famous businesswoman Madam C. J. Walker to Booker T. Washington.
Other Activities and Travels
In 1904, Charles Parrish traveled to the Holy Land and toured Europe. He attended a Baptist World's Congress and a Sunday School Convention in Jerusalem. He even preached in Germany. In 1915, he traveled to Jamaica for religious work.
Family Life and Legacy
On January 26, 1898, Charles Parrish married Mary Virginia Cook. She was a well-known educator from Bowling Green, Kentucky. They had two sons. Their son, Charles Henry Parrish, Jr., also became a notable educator. Their other son was Frank Hawkins Parrish.
Reverend Parrish passed away on May 8, 1931, in Louisville. He was buried in Louisville Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Parrish in 1887
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Parrish in 1915
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Parrish in 1921
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Parrish married educator Mary Virginia Cook in 1898
