TLC: Cokesbury College - Echoes of Enlightenment: A Visit to the Old Cokesbury Masonic Female College

Tucked away in the quiet charm of Greenwood County, South Carolina, stands a three-story brick building that whispers stories of ambition, intellect, and vision. In August, The Learning Current had the privilege of touring this historical treasure—once known as the Cokesbury Masonic Female College, a pioneering institution built in 1854 by the Freemasons to educate young women at a time when such opportunities were rare.

A Beacon of Progressive Education

Constructed with purpose and pride, the college featured four recitation rooms, several music rooms, and a grand hall complete with a stage. Its architecture reflects the Greek Revival style, with stately columns and a bell tower that once rang in the promise of learning. The building served as a college for women until 1874, later transforming into the Cokesbury Conference School and eventually a public school until 1954.

 Preserving the Past

Today, the building is a living museum. Visitors are greeted by a remarkable collection of antique pianos—each with its own story and sound—alongside period furniture, original paintings, and artifacts that evoke the spirit of 19th-century education. These pieces are more than decorative; they are echoes of the visionary ladies and gentlemen who believed in the transformative power of knowledge.

Our group enjoyed a catered lunch provided by the kitchen staff of Camp Fellowship before parting and saying “good bye” to a honored historical treasure of Greenwood County.