Holy Cross Faith Memorial School
National Register Listing
Street Address:
88 Baskervill Drive, Pawleys Island vic., SC (Georgetown County)
Alternate Name:
Miss Ruby's School
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817722041
Description and Narrative:
Holy Cross Faith Memorial School, also known as Miss Ruby’s School, is a historic school building and parish house on the Waccamaw Neck. The school is located on the campus of Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church. Built in 1932, Holy Cross Faith Memorial School is a two-story balloon framed clapboard building. Architect Henry S. Burden designed the Colonial Revival style building, which features two arched entry doors, six-over-six sash windows, gable metal roof, and a two-story side porch. It was built as a one-room school with living quarters above for the clergy. Although the first floor has an open plan, it was designed to be easily divided into multiple classroom areas on a temporary basis. The chapel (1952, relocated c. 1960), cemetery (established c. 1950), and Miss Ruby’s Garden (1995) form the school’s historic setting. Holy Cross Faith Memorial School is locally significant for its use as a one-room African American parochial school from 1932 until 2000. The school is also significant for important associations with the productive lives of renowned local educators Rev. William Essex Forsythe and Ruby Middleton Forsythe. The school persisted with mixed-age, traditional teaching methods historically associated with the one-room school house, and it continued to be an exceptionally significant educational institution for the local African American community until it closed in 2000. Ruby Forsythe, commonly known as Miss Ruby, continued to teach at the school until 1991, garnering national attention for her work as an educator. The continued importance of both the school and Ruby Forsythe to the local educational landscape is exceptionally significant, as both school and teacher offered an alternative educational experience to Black youth in the local community during the late 20th century. Listed in the National Register May 21, 2024.
Period of Significance:
1932 – 2000
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Education;Ethnic Heritage: Black
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
May 21 2024
