Historic 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 Highway 1 South
Brusly, LA 70719

Pictures

View the images of the unveiling of the Historic Lukeville 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 Reverend 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.

Literature

Review texts to learn more about Historical Lukeville School:

  • Along the River Road by Mary Ann Sternberg, pages 209
  • Artist rendering of first church built (pen and ink drawing)
  • Nazarene Baptist Church PowerPoint presentation of church founders; 8 pages of text & photos
  • Reference files at the West Baton Rouge Museum and Library
  • Riverside Reader Currents, August 25, 1997
  • Riverside Reader, November 14, 2005
  • Rosa L. Martin, United in History Morrisonville and Nazarene Baptist Church, Post/South, Thursday, February 25, 1988, page 8 B
  • State Historic marker files at the West Baton Rouge Museum
  • Video tape Morrisonville…a Community Legacy; produced by Dow Chemical, 2004, captures oral and visual histories (available at West Baton Rouge Museum)
  • West Side Journal Volume 70, Number 19, Thursday, November 24, 2005
  • Mr. and 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)