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Brainerd Institute


category : Other Attractions
This institute grew out of an 1866 school for freedman. It became Brainerd Institute in 1868 when the Board of Missions of the Presbyterian Church in New York appointed Rev. Samuel Loomis to help establish churches and schools among blacks near Chester. At first an elementary school, Brainerd grew to ten grades by 1913 and was a four-year high school by the 1930s. Renamed Brainerd Junior College about 1935, it emphasized teacher training until it closed in 1939. Kulmer Hall is the only remaining building on the site.
In the late 1990s a local group generated national interest in preserving the school. Actress Phylicia Rashad and her sister, dancer Debbie Allen answered the call for support. Rashad purchased the property in honor of her mother, Vivian Ayers Allen, who was a 1939 graduate of the institution. Both Rashad and Allen continue to assist programming and fundraising for the site.


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Address: Marquis ST
Chester,SC 29706

Our Website:http://www.chesterchamber.com/

Come visit us in Chester, South Carolina

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Carmel United Presbyterian Church

Organized in 1868 by Rev. Samuel Loomis during the Chester Mission, Carmel was a worship center for the students and faculty of Brainerd Institute. It's programs continue to focus on the religious training of African American youth. Call the church or the Chester County library (803-377-8145)

Chester, SC Churches

Bethel UMC

Founded in 1837 and built in 1898. Please call the church or the Chester County library (803-377-8145) for detailed directions and more information.

Chester, SC Other Attractions

EL Bethel UMC

This church and cemetery dates to before the Civil War. Please call the church or the Chester County library (803-377-8145) for detailed directions and more information.

Chester, SC Other Attractions

Bethlehem Baptist

Predates the Civil War, cemetery. Call the church or the Chester County library (803-377-8145)

Chester, SC Other Attractions

Fishing Creek

Learning of the disaster at Camden, Patriot Gen. Thomas Sumter pulled his troops northward and camped at Fishing Creek near Great Falls. Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton's mounted troops riding double caught up with Sumter's men on August 18, 1780

Chester, SC Other Attractions

Things to do Other Attractions near Chester, SC

Black Rock Baptist

Founded in 1853 by the Rev. Leroy Featherstone. Call the church or the Chester County library (803-377-8145) for detailed dir...

Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority

Providing public transportation to Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marlboro and Marion County since 1976....

Catholic Presbyterian

Founded 1759, oldest standing church in the county. Please call the church or the Chester County library (803-377-8145) for d...

Mt. Prospect Methodist

Built c. 1851, this church still has an intact slave gallery. Call the church or the Chester County library (803-377-8145) fo...