Pomaria in Newberry County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mount Bethel Academy
— United Methodist Church Registered Historic Site No. 419 —
Photographed By Brian Scott, November 1, 2008
1. Mount Bethel Academy Marker - Front
[Front]
Located about one mile northeast on land conveyed by Edward Finch, this school, the first Methodist educational venture in the state, was established by Bishop Francis Asbury and opened by him, 1795. A number of Mt. Bethel students became the first S.C. College graduates. The first Methodist conference in S.C. outside Charleston met here at Finch's house in 1793.
[Reverse]
Mount Bethel Academy Among the leading citizens who attended this school, which opened 1795 and closed ca.1820, was William Harper, United States senator and judge. William Harper was the son of John Harper, who, in 1803, founded Washington Street United Methodist Church in Columbia and is buried in the cemetery near the Mount Bethel school site.
Erected 1987 by Washington Street United Methodist Church, Columbia. (Marker Number 36-11.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Francis Asbury, Traveling Methodist Preacher, and the United Methodist Church Historic Sites series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1795.
Location. 34° 22.5′ N, 81° 32.233′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Clayton Memorial Universalist Unitarian (approx. 5.4 miles away); Ebenezer Methodist Church (approx. 5.7 miles away); Rosemont Cemetery (approx. 7.7 miles away); R. Aubrey Harley Bridge (approx. 7.9 miles away); Newberry College Historic District (approx. 8 miles away); Newberry College (approx. 8 miles away); Mollohon Mill and Village (approx. 8.3 miles away); Newberry (approx. 8.4 miles away); Old Court House (approx. 8.4 miles away); Vietnam War (approx. 8.4 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Francis Asbury. Francis Asbury (August 20, 1745 – March 31, 1816) was one of the first two bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States. (Submitted on November 1, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
2. The Pioneer Bishop, or the Life & Times of Bishop Francis Asbury, by William Peter Strickland. (Submitted on November 1, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
3. Tribute to first commencement highlights this year's ceremonies. November 2007 article detailing the year's commencement, noting that the first five graduates of the University of South Carolina, all hailed from Mount Bethel. Their descendants,
Photographed By Brian Scott, November 1, 2008
2. Mount Bethel Academy Marker
Photographed By Brian Scott, November 1, 2008
3. Mount Bethel Academy Marker
Looking northwest on US Highway 176.
Photographed By Bishop Asbury Cottage Photo Gallery
4. Francis Asbury, Founder of Mount Bethel Academy
South Carolinian Library
5. Senator William Harper, Graduate of Mount Bethel Academy
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,374 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 1, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
