In 1894, influential figures from Mercer University and the Flint River Baptist Association engaged in discussions about establishing an educational institution in Locust Grove, GA. This dialogue culminated in the formation of the Locust Grove Institute, with the inaugural Board of Trustees consisting of prominent individuals from the City of Locust Grove. The initial trustees included T. R. Mills, G. W. Garner, G. W. Good, A. W. Walker, T. W. O'Kelly, I. G. Walker, J. H. Mitchell, E. Culpepper, F. S. Etheridge, R. F. Smith, D. W. Scott, W. T. Kinsey, J. R. Williams, J. W. Beck, and A. G. Combs. At its inception, the institute commenced operations with merely two teachers and a modest enrollment of 13 students.
The vision of the Locust Grove Institute continued to flourish, and in 1904, the Board of Trustees successfully raised $14,000 for the construction of a new building. By 1905, the construction was completed, and the institute's new facility became operational. In 1915, local advertisements provided a glimpse into the institute's status and standing in the community:
""None but Christian boys and girls are tolerated in the student body."
For nearly 32 years, the leader at the helm of the Locust Grove Institute was none other than Dr. Claude Gray. Born in Jackson County, GA, in 1872, Dr. Gray embarked on his educational journey at Mercer University, earning accolades that eventually culminated in an honorary doctorate from the university's esteemed faculty. In a pivotal move in 1897, the Trustees of LGI recognized Dr. Gray's exceptional leadership qualities and appointed him as the president of the institute.
Under Dr. Gray's visionary guidance, the Locust Grove Institute entered a veritable golden age of education. By 1921, the school proudly showcased its progress, boasting four cottages, two brick dormitories, and the impressive administration building, all situated on a sprawling 46-acre lot. Dr. Claude Gray's enduring legacy is intertwined with this transformative period, marking a chapter of prosperity and advancement for the Locust Grove Institute.
In 1930, the Locust Grove Institute faced closure as it fell into the hands of investors who, regrettably, left its doors shuttered and unused. For a span of three years, the school remained dormant until its transformation into an elementary school. Fast forward to 1983, when the City of Locust Grove, GA, took a pivotal step by acquiring the property. The purpose behind this acquisition was to embark on a comprehensive renovation, ultimately repurposing the historic institution into the new city hall for the burgeoning municipality. This strategic move breathed new life into the premises, preserving its legacy while adapting it to serve the evolving needs of the community.
Source: https://www.lostcolleges.com/locust-grove-institute
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