Mather School National Alumni Association

History

mrs rachel crane mather
mrs rachel crane mather

The Mather School, named for its founder, Mrs. Rachel Crane Mather, was started in the year 1867. From Mrs. Mather’s faith that God would provide for all His children, has grown an accredited high school and junior college. Through the years, faith has been justified many times and today we rejoice in the further expansion and beautification of the campus by the dedication of three new buildings.

On August 23, 1959, a letter was received by the school from Carl K. Goodson, attorney-at-law, Washington, D. C. He wrote: “Certain charitably-minded clients, who wish to remain anonymous, have heard of the need of Mather for a Woman’s Dormitory, and have authorized me to inquire, if a dormitory could be built for $200,000.00, would your organization match such a gift by furnishing the building and putting the necessary heating plant in it-the $200,000.00 to be used for construction only.”

The letter was answered with high hopes and then forwarded to the American Baptist Home Mission Societies who sponsor the school. After much prayer, correspondence and consultation, it was agreed that a smaller dormitory could, be built and other much needed buildings added to the campus. A campaign was begun to raise the required furnishing fund and this year of our Lord, 1961, we see the completion of three new buildings and the renewal of a fourth.

The Residence Hall for college girls faces beautiful Beaufort Bay. It houses 20 students and 2 staff members. An attractive lounge, built-in kitchenette, tiled bathrooms and all modern conveniences make it a most desirable home. Several rooms have been furnished in memory of friends of Mather and plaques on the doors indicate these. It has been named to honor Eleanor Ida Anderson, the tenth administrator of The Mather School.

mather logo

Marker Inscription

"Shortly after the Civil War, Mather School was founded here by Rachel Crane Mather of Boston. In 1882, the Women's American Baptist Home Mission Society assumed support of the venture, operating it as a normal school for black girls. With some changes, the school continued until 1968, when it was closed and sold to the state for the educational benefit of all races."

Erected 1982 by Mather School Alumnae Association. (Marker Number 7-16.)

Location: Marker is in Beaufort, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. Marker is on Ribaut Road (South Carolina Route 281) 0.05 miles south of Reynolds Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in this post office area: Beaufort SC 29902.

Other nearby markers: At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. Thomas Heyward, Jr. (approx. 1.1 miles away); Beaufort County, South Carolina (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Beaufort County, South Carolina (approx. 1.1 miles away); Beaufort County South Carolina (approx. 1.2 miles away); Maxcy – Rhett House / “Secession House” (approx. 1.2 miles away); St. Helena’s Church (approx. 1.2 miles away); Verdier House (approx. 1.3 miles away); and First Fort (approx. 1.3 miles away).

By Mike Stroud, 2008

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