Name/Title
Malignant Spirts and the Founding of the Greenville Women's CollegeEntry/Object ID
RG134-13-10Description
Judith Bainbridge’s article, “Malignant Spirits” and the Founding of the Greenville Women’s College, recounts the contentious origins of the college in the 1850s. Despite fierce opposition from some Greenville citizens, led by Episcopalian William Choice and secessionist George Townes, Baptist leaders including Benjamin Perry secured approval to establish a denominational women’s college using public academy lands. Legal battles ensued, but the courts ultimately sided with the college’s proponents. The South Carolina Baptist Convention chose Greenville as the site, and the Greenville Baptist Female College opened in 1855. The struggle revealed deep political, religious, and social tensions within the community.Collection
Proceedings and PapersCopyright
Copyright Holder
Greenville Country Historical SocietyCopyright Details
Exclusive License
