Lukeville School Marker Name:Historic Lukeville School Marker Dedicated: November 16, 2005 Marker Sponsor:Lukeville Upper Elementary School Marker Location:Lukeville Upper Elementary School, 6141 Hwy 1 South, Brusly, LA 70719 (in front of the school) Marker Text: Established by Luke Billups in 1887 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Lukeville School has provided elementary education since its founding. In addition to serving the Lukeville community, it also served black students from nearby areas. Building in front was erected in 1950. Background: Through the efforts of Principal Cynthia Thomas and the West Baton Rouge Historical Association Historic Preservation Committee and Brusly Councilwoman Joanne Bourgeois, this marker was erected. Principal Thomas was born, reared, and educated in Lukeville. After an attempt failed to place the school on the National Register of Historic Places, Principal Thomas found the funds to purchase the marker and honor Rev. Luke Billups for his establishment of this school in 1887. One of the proudest moments of Ms. Thomas’ career was the placement of this marker at her alma mater. A ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at the Lukeville Upper Elementary School to dedicate this marker. For more information: • Mr. & Mrs. Jack Martin and Nazarene Church members, “The History of Nazarene Baptist Church Year 2004”, 5 pages of text written in early 1970’s (available in Museum file) • Rosa L. Martin, “United in History” Morrisonville and Nazarene Baptist Church, Post/South, Thursday, February 25, 1988, page 8 B • Video tape “Morrisonville…a Community Legacy”; produced by Dow Chemical, 2004, captures oral and visual histories (available at West Baton Rouge Museum) • Nazarene Baptist Church Powerpoint presentation of church founders; 8 pages of text & photos • Artist rendering of first church built (pen and ink drawing) • Riverside Reader Currents, August 25, 1997 • Riverside Reader, November 14, 2005 • West Side Journal Volume 70, Number 19, Thursday, November 24, 2005 • Along the River Road by Mary Ann Sternberg, pages 209 • State Historic marker files at the West Baton Rouge Museum • Reference files at the West Baton Rouge Museum and Library Photo by Genie Hendry The Lukeville Upper Elementary School is the site of the historic marker honoring Rev. Billups. Photo by Genie Hendry The Lukeville Upper Elementary School is located on La. Highway 1 right outside of the south town limits of the Town of Brusly. Photo by Genie Hendry One of the many speakers which made up the day’s program was West Baton Rouge School Superintendent David Corona. Photo by Lauren Davis West Baton Rouge Historical Association Vice President Garry Hubble was on hand to welcome the attendees and read the marker words. Photo by Lauren Davis Historical Association Vice President Garry Hubble assisted School Principal Cynthia Thomas in unveiling the new historic marker. Photo by Lauren Davis Lukeville Upper Elementary School Superintendent Cynthia Thomas was the driving force behind the marker, which honors Rev. Billups. Photo by Genie Hendry Top of Page