- Bethesda Highlights State Historical
Marker
- Located at Bethesda, Ferguson Ave. off Whitfield
Ave., Savannah
- 31°57.595, 081°05.763
BETHESDA: HIGHLIGHTS
OF ITS HISTORY
The interest of George Whitefield in the
institution he founded here never flagged. During his lifetime
he paid frequent visits to what he called "my beloved Bethesda,
surely the most delightful place in all the southern part of
America."
Whitefield's will left Bethesda in trust
to Selina, Countess of Huntingdon. In 1773 lighting and fire
damaged the main building, enlarged 4 years previously by the
addition of two wings. Repairs were made as a result of her benevolence.
Her plans to establish a college at Bethesda
were thwarted by the American Revolution. During that struggle
the Georgia House of Assembly appointed trustees to manage the
property.
In 1788, under the patronage of the Countess
of Huntingdon, Bethesda opened as a college. Following her death
in 1791 the existing Board of Trustees was incorporated by Act
of the Legislature and the State assumed control of the property.
During the next ten years Bethesda fell
into decay. Revived in 1801, the school was closed 4 years later
following a disastrous fire. In 1855 the Union Society acquired
the property and recommenced the great work begun by the Reverend
Whitefield.
025-80 GEORGIA
HISTORICAL COMMISSION 1962
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