BHMA Property

Alumni Efforts to Preserve BHMA

Starting in 1984 (the year after BHMA closed) under the leadership of National Alumni Association (NAA) then-President James Clyburn ('57), alumni attempted for more than 15 years to repurpose or purchase the property and original Mather buildings.

Proud BHMA alumni from various decades gather in front of Browning Home in Camden, SC after a prayer service to help preserve the property.

A 15-Year Endeavor

Task Forces . . . a Architectural Redesign Rendering . . . a Higher-Than-Appraised-Value Purchase Offer . . . Caucus Summits . . . Speaking Out and Petitioning at Rezoning Hearings . . . Submitting Numerous Proposals to Church Officials.

Those attempts proved unsuccessful in appealing to the Methodist Women's Division (formerly the Women's Home Missionary Society) that operated the school as part of the General Board of Global Ministries.

Here is a recounting of our valiant efforts to secure a lasting physical presence and legacy for Boylan-Haven-Mather Academy.

1984

Claflin College (now University), Orangeburg, S.C. (also a Methodist-supported school) proposes a college prep school, but withdraws, suggesting Claflin receive proceeds from Mather's sale.
The BHMA National Alumni Association (NAA) creates a task force to explore other possibilities, including raising funds for an endowment. (Those funds later helped serve as seed money for a BHMA scholarship at Claflin.)

1986

The NAA asks the Women's Division to donate the property. The request is denied.

Former president Eddie McGirt ('40) makes a point during a Summit meeting.

1990

The NAA forms Mather Development Corporation (MDC), which proposes to purchase the land for $290,000 (higher than appraised value). The Board refuses the offer.
The MDC submits architect's drawing for a retirement community. The Board does not respond.

Alumni strategize at 1996 Summit.

BHMA gate frames construction of drug store on school's former property.

Today, BHMA is mentioned in this Campbell Street Corridor marker in front of the city tennis center (formerly the site of the Boy's Dormitory)

1993

In April, all buildings are torn down, declared fire hazard after frozen sprinkler system burst and remained unrepaired.

1994

The Board takes the land off the market.

1995-1996

NAA President Sylvia Haile ('54), Ruby Minton ('52) and others speak out at re-zoning hearings opposing re-zoning to commercial.
The NAA votes to support efforts by the Camden Coalition to Develop the Tent of Reconciliation at a 1996 Summit Meeting called by President Agnes Thomas-Abernethy ('46).
Alumni and friends hold a vigil under a tent on the vacant Mather property and tie yellow ribbons on the fence to symbolize their desire to preserve the land.

1997

At Summit Meeting, the NAA votes to send a letter accepting the Women's Division offer of donating two acres for a Memorial. Officials ask for a "formal" request and state that donating land is against policy. The NAA replies that the letter serves as the request.

1998-1999

Women's Division refuses to donate land for a memorial, stating the offer was made by one person and was not an official action.
President Abernethy writes asking for an official plat, expressing hope that the Women's Division would reconsider donating the land. There is no response.

Browning Home's demolition took longer than crews expected due to the building's sturdy construction.

Alumni hold a prayer service at Browning Home's brick portal, circa 1993.

Participating at a Summit meeting

Subcommittee hashes out ideas for a memorial and ways to preserve BHMA artifacts.

"For Divine Purposes Only"

At 1996 NAA Summit, alumni and friends hold vigil on the vacant Mather property to pray against commercial development, citing the original deed's phrase that designates the property "for divine purposes only."

Ruby Minton ('52) and others listen as Mather Alumni President Agnes Thomas Abernethy ('46) reads the "Vision of the Tent of Coalition", proposing a Worship and Help Center be developed on the property.

Alumni tie yellow ribbons on the fence signifying hopes that the property's future use will further Mather's legacy of uplift of mind, body and spirit.

BHMA's Sign, Bell and Cornerstone

Matherite Coach Nathaniel Hughes saved these iconic BHMA artifacts when the campus was being dismantled in 1993 after the Women's Division of the United Methodist Church sold the property to a developer. Since then, he has safeguarded the items in storage at his home. They will be transferred for display at the South Carolina Museum of Civil Rights in Orangeburg, SC. Curated by noted photographer Cecil Williams, the museum is relocating to a new location in the Claflin University and South Carolina State University area. [Photo by Knorphe Byrd, enhanced with ChatGPT]

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