We learned some history this morning about our SOWER project this month – the Center for Intercultural Training where missionaries who are poised to enter their chose field can “receive strategic missionary training on how to transition to new cultures, overcome the unique challenges of living overseas, and help prepare hearts for the Gospel.” It was very interesting to hear how this ministry developed over the years, and also to hear what a positive impact this program has had on different mission groups. But what sent me to the internet to “learn more” was the fact that previous to the ministry being located here, this campus was an orphanage. Now that I needed to learn more about!
It was in 1925 that a Mr. J.F. Alexander agreed purchasing a failing private school and the surrounding acreage. The name was changed at that time to “Alexander Schools, Incorporated, for Motherless Children” (ASI). Its name contained the word, “Schools” because it was to contain three: (1) a school of industry, including weaving and associated arts, (2) a school of nursing, and (3) a combination of an elementary and a high school. The “for Motherless Children” was later dropped from the name.

It continued in operation until 1975, when it closed for good. After that, the property went through several different owners, sat empty for several years and a couple of buildings were deeded to the community. Today CIT owns  28 of those original acres and about 11 of the original buildings.

If you’d like to learn a bit more about this little slice of North Carolina history, you can check out these websites (from whence I got my information!)
Carolina Crossroads
Alexander Schools Inc – a History
We’ll be working in those buildings for the next three weeks – and it will be fun to imagine all of those children who grew up here!