We Can Do This
Autumn Lowry, Associate Writer
If you haven’t stopped by the archives located upstairs in the library in Avery, do it as soon as possible. It is a must see. In the archives, there are many treasures such as yearbooks dating back to 1920, pictures of North Greenville from the 70s, and a tribute to all of the men who have lead NGU since it was a high school. However the most precious gem that is contained in the archives, according to Lisa Hagin, archivist at the Hester Memorial Library, is the minute by minute manuscript when the North Greenville Baptist Association gathered together to discuss the future of North Greenville.
A meeting with a committee of nine men took place from October 13 to October 15, 1891. John Ballenger, a member of the Tigerville community, said we need to have a school for people who attend our churches who are unable to attend school. During this time, students only went to school a few times out of the year due to harvesting and planting. He wanted a place where students could be educated and then further their education at universities like Furman. He asked a simple question, “What does education mean?” He answered this profound question by saying, “It simply means the development and training of talent, faculties, and forces.” Everyone, despite location or status deserves the right to an education.
These manuscripts include the Constitutions and Rules of Order and its seven articles. The third article says, “The object shall be the extension of the Redeemers Kingdom by the preaching of the Gospel at home and abroad; fostering institutions of learning and by using all proper means for winning souls to the Lord.” North Greenville truly has always been a place where Christ makes the difference.
Before each meeting, songs of worship were sung and a prayer was said. Whatever decision the North Greenville Baptist Association made, they wanted the future of North Greenville to be Christ centered and Holy Spirit led.
At the first session, with spirits high, M. L. West said, “We can do this.”
“Oh, brethren, then let us, as we value the happiness of our dear children for life and for eternity, let us rise in our might …. And let us establish and maintain a high school within our borders that will be a blessing to our children and a monument of glory to the North Greenville Association.”
“We can do this.”
I can only imagine the excitement from the association as things began to fall into place. As stated in the manuscripts “They had the money, the had the students, they had the wealth”
They just needed the moral courage to move forward.
This is how North Greenville became a High School, which led to North Greenville Junior College, then North Greenville College, and finally became North Greenville University in 2006.
If you’re like me, and you were not aware that NGU had archives, well now you do. If you have time in between classes or a day off stop by and ask Lisa Hagin about what treasures can be found. You might just learn something new and feel a little more connected to the University.
