In 1883, two Presbyterian women in Charlotte, North Carolina founded the Presbyterian Orphans Home,now called Barium Springs Home for Children. As needs grew and space did not, the Presbyterian Synod purchased acreage for the Home in Barium Springs, NC. The land they purchased was the site of the legendary, healing "Barium Springs."
The Legendary Barium Springs
In the mid-1700s, the first settlers to explore the area discovered nine springs. These waters contained healthful minerals, with the largest of the springs containing barium. A company called The Great Human Repair Shop was formed and shipped water from the springs throughout America, England and Ireland. To accommodate patients who visited the springs, a 30-room hotel was built. This area and the business it created boomed until the end of World War I when the land was sold to Davidson College and then to the Presbyterian Synod.
The Orphanage Era
After purchase of the land, Presbyterian Children's Home moved to Barium Springs. Over the next ten years, the campus grew with cottages, an infirmary and a school. Until the 1950's, children coming to Barium Springs were mostly orphans who would stay for long periods of time. Many came as infants and stayed until graduation from high school or college. During the reign of the Home's legendary charismatic leader, Mr. Joseph Boudinot (J.B.) Johnston (1922 - 1949), the children produced 85% of the Home's food needs. The Home once operated a farm, orchard, dairy, laundry, print shop, and shoe repair shop, as well as a Baby Cottage, and had a successful athletic program in football, basketball, wrestling, and track. Christian education was a part of daily life at the Home.
Changing Times, Changing Needs
In the 1950's, needs for an orphanage decreased, partially due to peacetime and advances in medical technology. Instead, children needing care had one or both parents still living; but suffered from abuse and neglect. Not only did these children need a place of refuge but they also required treatment and therapy.
To meet the needs of children today, Barium Springs Home for Children evolved to provide a group home model of care. Our stability lies in our deeply-rooted mission and a willingness to attend to the special needs of each generation. Services expanded in 1969 to include high-quality, full-day childcare for working parents. Later, an alternative school was founded for early middle school to high school students who have not been successful in traditional classroom settings.
If you'd like to learn more about our rich history, visit the Barium Museum on our campus. There is a photo gallery and access to many books written about life at Barium Springs. Schedule a tour.
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I like going to school here. They teach me lots of things, like how to write my name and sing my ABC's. I have lots of friends in my class and I love my teachers. They are very nice and show us how to paint and draw. They told me that I can go to Kindergarten soon and ride the school bus.
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