Many churches in the late 19th and early 20th centuries helped meet African Americans’ need for education, including Mizpah Presbyterian Church. Churches often raised funds to build schools, with occasional financial assistance from county governments. Parents contributed labor, materials, and ongoing maintenance for these schools. Founded in 1890, Mizpah Presbyterian Church exemplifies this collaboration.
In 1901, the Mizpah School was built on church land. It served Black children in grades 1–7. Teachers were poorly paid, often living with students’ families and moving between homes. They were responsible for maintaining the school, which included sweeping, oiling floors, heating the building, and supervising children. Despite these hardships teachers were highly respected and served as leaders in the South Boston community.
Mizpah school taught reading, writing, and arithmetic. Because of its church connection, Mizpah School also taught Bible verses and hymns. Many families relied on their children to help with farm work. As a result the school year often lasted only four or five months, and absenteeism was common.
