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November 20, 2009

Preserving the past

By Jean Cole

Donating for the renovation of historic Trinity School, built in Athens in 1865 to educate freed slaves, just got easier.

The Trinity Class of 1957 recently created a Web site for the project titled “Ruins to Restoration,” to make giving easier.

Go to the Web site — www.trinity57.ning.com — and click on the “donate” button to give. A form will appear, which you can print and mail to the association with your check or money order. The address is: Athens-Limestone Community Association, P. O. Box 1476, Athens, AL 35612.

The renovation will include a museum that will tell the story of slavery in antebellum times in Athens and highlight the history of Trinity School, according to the Web site.

Both the Fort Henderson site and Trinity School are listed on the Alabama Register of Historic Places.

Classmates who helped create the Web site include Arteen Campbell, Ann Collier, Vivian Collier, Betty Davis, Sarah Green, Burnett Houston, Rosie McLin, Jessie Phillips, William Weaver and Ola Yarbrough.



History



The American Missionary Association of New York established Trinity School in 1865 to educate freed slaves. First located east of the railroad, the school was moved in 1907 to Brownsferry Street at the site of former Fort Henderson. Over the years, the school burned twice and was rebuilt — once when it was located near the railroad and again at the Fort Henderson site. The fort was built in 1863 during the Civil War by federal troops that occupied Athens.

The school closed in the 1970s in the wake of desegregation. But during its existence, Trinity was known for educational excellence, due in part to the dedication of its teachers and principals. Notable graduates have emerged from Trinity, including authors, artists, teachers and judges as well as renowned singer Patti Malone of the Fisk University Jubilee Singers.

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