Map of the Bethesda Orphanage
In James Habersham: Loyalty, Politics, and Commerce in Colonial Georgia, it is observed that the idea of an Orphanage originated by James Oglethorpe, and Charles Wesley, but was adopted by George Whitefield and he pledged to carry it to fruition. As the plan of the orphanage had already begun Whitefield decided to obligate himself to “receive from time to time as many Orphans as the land and stock would remain” (Lambert, 2005). Before having sufficient funds to build the orphanage, Whitefield and Habersham rented quarters in Savannah. This allowed the use of a parsonage owned by German Pietists who were the early immigrants of Georgia. Bethesda was an orphanage for typical orphans who lost parents in the first summer of exploration. Since labor was scarce, children were expected to work. This supports the reason why the orphanage was built far more off town so the children would be far away from bad examples and to be closer up the land to work. At the orphanage, the kids were taught basic skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. This idea of education for poor children was shaped by Habersham’s education in London. He believed that practical knowledge was essential for clerks and tradesmen as well as valued practical subjects over foreign languages and literature. Habersham also believed that good character made a young boy or girl a valuable employee which is why Savannah schools emphasized moral training. He viewed the orphans as apprenticeship where they learned a useful craft, for example acquiring skills that equip children to be carpenters for life.