St Paul School of Excellence fundraiser

Deltra Long contacted Historic City News to invite our readers to participate in a celebration later this month to benefit the “St. Paul School of Excellence” construction and restoration project.

The former Buckingham-Smith nursing home, used by African-American families in Lincolnville during segregation, is now owned by St. Paul A.M.E. Church. The deteriorated building needs renovating to become the campus for students in grades K-5.

Long said, “I cannot over-stress the importance of personal and financial participation from our local civic organizations in this important effort.”

Approximately $20,000.00 was initially raised and spent towards preserving “Echo House”.

“Community and church volunteers have removed roof tiles, wrapped the roof, and saved our church about $10,000.00,” Long told Historic City News.

An additional $615,000.00 is needed to convert the building into the St. Paul School of Excellence campus.

“Your contributions will help the St. Paul School of Excellence become a reality. Your partnership will rebuild, restore and renew the culture of a people with a rich and historical legacy,” Long said. “St. Paul is committed to re-establishing a culture of pride, integrity, dignity and excellence within the historic Lincolnville community. Once our goal is accomplished, excellence is possible”.

Pledges and donations, at all levels, are requested by March 21, 2011.

A special program marking the culmination of this fundraising effort will be held on March 27, 2011, beginning at 5:00 P.M. at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Lincolnville.

We want to have adequate seating and refreshments for the event, so, we ask that you contact either Luetisia DeSue at (904) 540-5660 or Deltra Long at (904) 823-7896 to confirm your attendance and participation.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed file photograph