The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1908-12-02
GRAY COURT.


the writer had the happy privilege of
visiting under very auspicious circum-
stances the progressive little town of
Gray Court, which is delightfully."- sit
uated on the Charleston and Western
Carolina railroad in Laurens county.
Laurens.
The town covers an area of one mile
square and is picturesque and attrac-
tive to an unusual degree, impressng
stranger as having bright future
in prospect.
The grand and stately Blue Ridge
mountains form a beautiful back
ground. as it were, although so far dis
tant their lofty heights seem to keep
silent watch over the town and ma
turally one looks from nature to ma
ture's God.
This section is well wooded and
abounds in deep and sparkling streams
that ripple and flow through fine
farming country Well cultivated fields
Of grain and other farm products are
greatly in evidence.
The population. though small at pres
ent. is increasing at Il steady rate and
all who move in are substantial, en-
terprising citizens.
There is a Commendable amount of
public spirit shown whenever an en-
terprSe is launched, the mayor of the
town, Mr. J. n. Leak, being very pro-
ment and ability His associates in
office, wardenS of this embryo city.
Messrs. l.. C. Dorroh E. T. Shell, r.
l.. Gray and G.. T.. Dorroh are progress
Sive, live business men who are ever
ready to labor for the advancement of
their town
The mental development of the
young is under the management Of an
able corps of teachers, with MIR. j. 4.
Willis as principal. who assemble at
the Gray Court-Owings institute. which
is pleasantly located in a native grove
OF beautiful oaks. a tennis court and
ball ground show to the casual Wis
itors that the physical development of
the pupils is not neglected. The cost
of the building is $4,000. the land
having been donated by friends of edu-
cation.
There are two churches, Methodist
and Presbyterian. The former erected
at cost Of $4,000, is handsomely stu
ated on an cminence overlooking the
town and commands an extensive view
nf of ;n;
ity. There is membership of $50
at the Gray Court church and 400 in
the entire circuit. The present pas
tor, Rev. r. NJ. DubOse, with his noble
wife and interesting family are highly
esteemed and doing good work at
this point and elscwherc the writer
can testify to the kind hospitality that
is bestowed upon the erstwhile guest
and stranger who tarries within their
gates
The Methodist church building de-
mands more than Il passing notice, for
one does not often find so handsome
and conveniently appointed an cdi-
flee outside Of n large town 1t is
modern and up-tO-date in many re-
spects, with elegant stained glass win
dOwS, Seml-Circuar pewS. sloping
floors, Sunday school rooms. pastors
study with library, numerous cntran
ces, and good heating facilities The
value OF the lot is estimated. with the
church included, at $1,000. including
also a very handsome memorial win
~ hn # In |
l.. Gray, who was the foremost in the
development of this section and de-
voted to the cause OF Methodism: the
tasty and beautiful blending Of colors
which is developed in the central fig
ure can not fail to Impress the OBJ
server. Connected with this church
in good running order are two flour
ishing missionary societies, the Ladies'
and Chidren's Willing Workers Mrs
r. l.. Gray is president OF the former
and Mrs. W. IT, Mccain OF the latter
with Mrs. Gray as lady manager. Sab
bath SCHOOL every Sunday.
Steady Growth in Building.
There is a steady growth in building
several new residences adorning the
fine sites that everywhere abound
Two or more new stores and Il teie-
phone system i'm contemplation and
four general merchandise firms in op.
GRAFTON and other enterprises testify
to the spirit of the town There is
also modernly equipped drugstore
and a splendid new bank in success
full operation. The last mentioned in.