The New Light School was initially supported by its mother church, New Light Baptist Church and was considered part of Pendleton School District #2. The building was erected by God through the members of the church and the community without any county or state funds.
New Light Baptist Church was marked on the 1877 and 1897 county maps. In 1937, Anderson County Highway Map placed the school across from the church on SC Hwy 187. By 1905, the school was considered part of Zion School District #53.
After the first New Light School phased out, the Rosenwald Foundation was offered as an option to build another school. The foundation required a cash matching funds but the community families did not have monetary wealth. What they did have was mightier than the dollar. They had spiritual wealth, God, and a determination to see their children receive an education. In order to raise the required matching funds, the men of the community cut timber and carried the log to the saw mill for lumber. Initially, the first teachers were compensated with fruits, vegetables, and whatever the families could give them.
The faith and good works of past generations are still alive and well. The descendants of the saints of old are still on the battle field for the Lord today. Imagine what He can still do through God's chosen people in New Light, South Carolina
