|
|
| History of Bethesda Boys Home |
Some place was needed for the orphans to live. James Habersham was the first president. He was granted 500 acres of land for construction.
The construction began in 1740. In 1742, the last cast-iron nail was driven. There were many difficulties for Bethesda including famine, war, and lack of funds. It burned down twice. In 1780, the new dormitory building was constructed which still stands today. In 1925, a replica of George Whitfield's chapel was built. The new swimming pool was built in 2000. Bethesda has a large dairy farm with Hereford cows and horses.
Today, boys live in a small cottage with a married couple who act like the boys' parents.
They try to set up a home environment for these boys, giving them love and support as well as discipline. They teach them important values and counsel and pray with them. Currently there are ten cottages. Boys are accepted at Bethesda from ages 6-12 and remain until they are old enough to take care of themselves. |
| Bethesda Today |
Styled after the community boarding school concept, Bethesda offers a school and residential program for young men in grades five through twelve of the ages ten through ninteteen.
Approximately thirty-two students live on campus and approximately seventy students commute daily. All students have a residential requirement of at least one semester prior to graduation;however, many students live at Bethesda during their entire matriculation.
Bethesda is a private, non-profit organization and is supported wholely by philanthropic donations, tuition and private development. Tuition amounts are determined based on a parent's ability to pay and no accepted student is denied admission due to financial need.
Students are accepted to Bethesda based on a satisfactory school record, admissions testing and positive references. Students are interviewed and questioned about their motivation to attend Bethesda and their understanding of the unique opportunity provided to them should they be extended an offer of admission to Bethesda. While some students may have experienced a gap in their learning prior to applying to Bethesda, they must demonstrate that they are of average or above average intelligence, and capable of closing any gaps in their academic performance and motivated to excel.
Bethesda students are primarily residents of Chatham County; however, students from other counties and states are welcome to apply. Bethesda serves a diverse socio-economic population in an environment that is specifically geared to the needs and attributes of boys. Bethesda students participate in a traditional school program leading to a high school diploma and opportunities to attend college, university or technical school upon graduation. Additionally, students participate in athletics, extracurricular activities, work activities and spiritual development.
Located on over 500 acres of pristine land bordering the Moon River, Bethesda offers a safe, peaceful environment in which to grow and learn. Students are housed in family style cottages and take their meals communally in the Dining Hall. Bethesda is fortunate to have a state-of-the-art school building that offers a wholesome, inviting environment in which to learn. Young men take part in a host of recreational activities including an outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, weight room, outdoor basketball courts, lakes, the river, a dock, a pavillion, and a cattle farm. |
| Contact - Address & Website |
Phone: 912-351-2055
Address: 9520 Ferguson Ave., Savannah, GA 31406
Bethesda Home for Boys Website |
|
|
|
|
Check These Out:
 NPS Coast and Islands
GA Coast and Islands
GA Coast Events
Coast Free Things To Do
GA Coast Fishing Lakes
GA Coast Museums
GA Coast Parks
GA Coast Shopping
GA Coast Libraries
GA Coast and Islands Map & Travel Region
|
