Silver Point Christian Institute
1909-1918
1913 Photo Of Silver Point Christian Institute
Source: Subject to Copyright, Undying Dedication,
The Story of G.P. Bowser, by R. Vernon Boyd
Silver Point Christian Institute
The Silver Point Christian College operated from 1909 until around 1918. The school was the brainchild of G.P. Bowser and other black brethren who desired to see education made possible among black people in the south. In October, 1906 a gathering took place at the Jackson Street church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee where plans for the school took place. Initially, the school was determined to be called "Nashville Normal, Industrial and Orphan School." The school opened in the building of the Jackson Street church on January 8, 1907 with seventeen students enrolled.
Within two years plans were put in place for moving the school to a new location. In mid-October, 1909 the Jackson Street school was moved seventy-five miles east of Nashville to the small village of Silver Point, Tennessee. Ten acres had been purchased for $250 where they erected a two-story frame building. The teachers in this venture were G.P. Bowser and Miss P.H. Womack, daughter of S.W. Womack.
Silver Point Christian College began its first term with nine students. By 1915 there were 63. The following year, with the assistance of A. M. Burton, a nice brick building was built for chapel and worship. The school continued to grow for the next three years, when upon conclusion of commencement exercises April 11, 1918, G.P. Bowser resigned as president of the college, thus bringing the school to an end. The building continued to be used several decades by the black brethren in the community until finally the doors were closed in 1986. The building is now used for special meetings and occasional singings.
-Scott Harp, web editor
Sources: Undying Dedication: The Story of G.P. Bowser, by R. Vernon Boyd; Search For The Ancient Order, Vol. 3, pages 181ff.
George Philip Bowser
Directions To Silver Point Christian Institute Campus
East of Nashville, Tennessee on I-40 take Exit 273, and turn back to your immediate right on Center Hill Dam Road. Go 1.1 miles and the old school is located on your right. See present day photos below.
GPS Location
36.090825,-85.740369
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The brick building on the hill was built in 1916. It is the third and only structure left of the old Silver Point Christian Institute
West End Church Of Christ
Formerly
Silver Point Christian Institute
Established 1909
Henry Clay, Sam Womack, And Alexander
Campbell served on the Board of Directors
G.P. Bowser was principal
In 1913 Religion, Alegebra, English, History
And Latin Were Taught. The Second Building
Erected Housed A Printing Press Used To
Publish The Christian Echo
Silver Point West End Church of Christ
Est. 1909 - Closed: 1996
Annual Homecoming & Reunion In October
There were at least three buildings on this property at one time, the building you see and two others.
A few yards to the left of this worship center was the main school building, and in between the two was a print shop.
Photos Taken 05.14.2013
Site Produced 08.22.2013
Courtesy of Scott Harp
www.TheRestorationMovement.com
