Knox Hall and the Selma Reformed Presbyterian Church building stand side by side in living testimony to the dignity restored to men and women when the Scriptures were again opened during the Reformation.
In 1560, John Knox, faithfully advancing the biblical mandate to teach, envisioned schools throughout Scotland to educate everyone—rich and poor, boys and girls. A revolutionary reformer for the time, he believed that learning for all reflected the good commonwealth God intended for society. “Seeing that God hath determined that His Church here on earth shall be taught, not by angels, but by men; and seeing that men are born ignorant of all godliness…it is of necessity [to be] most careful for virtuous education and godly upbringing of the Youth….As the Youth must succeed to us, so we ought to be careful that they have the knowledge and erudition to profit and comfort that which ought to be most dear to us, to wit, the Church and Spouse of the Lord Jesus.”
Recalling this monumental aspect of the Reformation, which elevated mankind, communities and nations, Thomas Carlyle perceived that the worth and imperative Knox assigned to learning was demonstrated by the fact that, in the midst of the incessant strivings of the time, Knox “sent the schoolmaster forth to all corners and said, ‘Let the people be taught.’” The Reformer did so because he knew the end of the matter: “Let men know that they are men; created by God, responsible to God; who work in any meanest moment of time what will last through eternity.”
More than 200 years later, Alexander McLeod’s denunciation of slavery included an exhortation to teach those once held in bondage, that they might become what their Creator intended them to be: “Be merciful to them. Cultivate their understandings. Make them feel themselves to be men. Raise them to the rank which God has assigned them. Teach them the doctrines of the gospel.”
In this vein, on May 11, 1874, Knox Academy was established in Selma, Ala., as an RPCNA teaching mission to enlighten minds formerly held captive in darkness. It was a labor of love and joy in response to the heavenly Master’s command.
As a ministry, the teaching was not only academic but one that would bring healing, restoration, and usher integration into society for many precious lives. As William Simons points out, “the Church did not suppose…that merely upgrading education for blacks would heal the great wound that slavery had inflicted on them. Rather, the Church established its work on the foundation of Jesus Christ as both healer and educator.” Once again, the poignant plea of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:30-31) was heard and answered; once again, ennobling transformation could take place as minds were renewed by the entrance of His Word.
From an initial enrollment of 14 students, Knox Academy expanded to have three daughter schools also—one in East Selma and two in rural areas. By 1911, the school’s enrollment had grown to 849. Academic as well as vocational instruction was provided. Bible and catechism were studied each day for a half hour and were recited each week in chapel; older students memorized 10 to 20 verses of Scripture each week.
Mrs. Ruth J. Brooks, a current member of the Selma RPC, serves as Sunday school superintendent, teacher of the adult class and treasurer. Her grandparents were superintendents of the Pleasant Grove School, and she summarized the mission’s work this way: “They relieved the stress of many people.”
Wisdom is justified of her children. Today, although Knox Academy no longer exists, its fruit remains. Knox Hall stands as a lively memorial and reminder to continue in the Way as members of the Selma congregation meet within its walls for Christian education and fellowship.
—Beverly Simpson