A historical marker was placed at the site of New Hymn School last Sunday, November 14 at 2:30 p.m. between New Hymn Church and Simpson Central School on Highway 28.
Peggy Bowden and William Clark hosted a ceremony to mark the occasion. Bowden is the great-granddaughter of the founder of New Hymn School, Professor Edgar Quitman Collins. The program was attended by several guests who included Jim Woodrick with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, School Board Representative Lillie Hardy, Simpson Central Principal Dr. Antionette Woodall, and Mendenhall Mayor Todd Booth.
According to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, New Hymn School was an African American school located in the Union community of Simpson County. It was founded around 1897 on the grounds of New Hymn Church by Edgar Quitman Collins, who also served as a teacher and the school’s first principal. Edgar Collins' wife, Malinda Herron Collins, also taught at the school.
Students were taught through the 12th grade, and the school was active until the late 1960s when it was eventually consolidated into the Simpson County School system and renamed Simpson Central Elementary School.
The ceremony was opened with a word of prayer before guest speakers gave brief remarks honoring Professor Edgar Quitman Collins for his accomplishments and founding New Hymn School.
Lillie Hardy stressed the importance of knowing our history and appreciating the people who came before us. She said, “We stand on the shoulder of giants every day without realizing who they were and what the story is behind it.”
Bowden said, “God laid this on my heart to do this and when he gives you an assignment he won’t leave you. I’m so grateful for everyone who showed up. It was a marvelous day and a blessing to Simpson County.”
Bowden is happy to see her great-grandfather honored and it means a lot to her family. She stressed that the marker should serve as motivation and an example to future generations that they too can leave their mark on the world. She wants all students to know that anything is possible and advised them to take advantage of every opportunity.
In regard to the marker she said, “It’s a small token of appreciation to Professor Edgar Quitman Collins for his contributions to Simpson County.”
Bowden extended special thanks to her cousin William Clark, all Collins descendants, Jim Woodrick, Neal Bass, Marlan Jones, the Magee Courier/Simpson County News, television stations, and everyone who attended.
The historical marker now stands for all to see and remember the legacy of Professor Edgar Quitman Collins, a leader in education.
