Lucy Craft Laney

Woman's History Month

March 20, 2018

Washington Avenue

Presbyterian Church

Macon, Georgia

This past Tuesday, March 20th I attended a Lecture and Luncheon conducted at the Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church where Dr. Kent Leslie a renown expert on "Women's Studies and History" who received her doctorate from Emory University presented a very informative talk about the impact of Lucy Craft Laney on Education, not only in Georgia but in the entire United States of America.

Lucy Craft Laney focused on Education for all - to give all an opportunity.  She herself had a classical education and because of her love for all three Lincoln Free Schools were established here in Macon, Georgia with cooperation from "The Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church."

One of Ms. Craft's quotes was placed on the Pulpit at the Church for all attendees to see:

"God has no better dirt to make the finest Lady of the Land than He did Me."

As a very young girl, Ms. Craft played with children at the site of the current Hay House here in Macon.  Of course that was before the Hay House was constructed.  She could read by age four.

Ms. Craft worked to erase the concept that "Boys and Books Do Not Mix."  There is a museum in Augusta, Georgia as well as a High School there which bears her name.  Ms. Craft was born on 13 April 1854 in Macon, Georgia.  To learn more about this pioneer educator please visit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Craft_Laney

After Dr. Leslie's presentation we enjoyed a delightful Lunch prepared by Kenneth Maye the Pastor of Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church.  We also learned that this year, 2018 Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church will be celebrating 180 years of service to God and the Community of Macon.  Everyone was invited to participate in this celebration.