Masonic Female College and Cokesbury Conference School facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Cokesbury and Masonic Female College and Conference School
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Cokesbury, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| Area | 14,438 acres (5,843 ha) |
| Built | 1824 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000589 |
| Added to NRHP | August 25, 1970 |
The Masonic Female College and Cokesbury Conference School is a very old building in Cokesbury, South Carolina. For about 100 years, from 1854 to 1954, it was home to several different schools. This building, along with the nearby village of Old Cokesbury, is now a special place. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an historic district. This means it's important to history and should be protected.
Contents
What Was the Masonic Female College?
When the school building was first finished in 1854, it became the Masonic Female College of South Carolina. This college started in 1853. It was supported by a group called Bascomb Lodge No. 80 of Freemasons.
Education for Young Women
The Masonic Female College was special for its time. It offered an education to young women. This was not common back then. The school operated until 1874.
The Cokesbury Conference School Era
After the Masonic Female College closed, the building became home to a new school. From 1876 to 1918, it was the Cokesbury Conference School.
From Boys' School to Co-Ed
At first, from 1876 to 1882, the Cokesbury Conference School was only for boys. After 1882, it became a co-educational school. This means both boys and girls could attend.
Becoming a Public School
In 1918, the school changed again. It became a public school. It served the community as a public school until 1954.
The Building's Design and Features
The school building has three stories. It is built in the Greek Revival style. This style often looks like ancient Greek temples.
Unique Architectural Elements
The building has a tall bell tower. It also has four large square columns. These columns go from the ground all the way up to the triangular part at the top, called a pediment.
Inside the Historic Building
The first floor of the building had four rooms for students to learn in. It also had four rooms for music lessons. On the second floor, there was a chapel. The third floor was used as the main meeting place for the Masonic Lodge.
A Historic Landmark
The school building and the village of Old Cokesbury are important parts of history. They were officially listed together on the National Register of Historic Places on August 25, 1970.
