Freedmen School House - January 1864

BURNETT, TYNER

Posted By: Pat Ryan White (email)
Date: 12/13/2013 at 18:07:17

WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE SCHOOL HOUSE FOR THE FREEDMEN OF MT. PLEASANT?

It is known to many in this community that some time last summer an effort was made to build a house of worship for the use of the First Colored Baptist Church of Mt. Pleasant, and also for the use of any colored schools which might be established here – Considerable money was subscribed for this purpose – nearly three hundred dollars of which was paid over to the Trustees of the First Baptist Church, who had the matter in charge. A very long delay has occurred in the prosecution of this enterprise, and some are asking what has become of the money paid in? It’s due to all the parties concerned, that this delay should be explained. For the purpose of making the matter as satisfactory as possible to all parties, the Trustees of the Baptist Church proposed to the School Board of this city to transfer to them all the funds raised, and let them purchase the property – taking the title in the name of the School District, and simply giving to the Colored Baptist Church a guarantee that they should have the use of it for meetings, when not needed for school purposes.

The proposition was understood to be adopted by the School Board – they agreeing to appropriate $150.00 dollars to the object, and the Trustees have been waiting, in good faith, to see it carried out. Recently, however, they have ascertained that the Board decline, for some unexplained reason, to carry out the arrangement, and the Trustees of the First Baptist Church now propose to go immediately forward and execute the original design themselves.

Those who have not paid their subscriptions may therefore expect to be called upon for them at an early day; and they would earnestly request any others who may be friendly to the enterprise, to come forward and assist. In behalf of the Trustees.

P. BURNETT, Pres.
Attest J. TYNER, Sec’y.

[“Home Journal”, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Saturday, January 2, 1864, page 2]