Masonic Home for Children (MHCO)

It was originally established as St. John's College in 1858. The college floundered however due to the CIvil War. Following the war the facility became a place for homeless soldiers to "squat" so in 1872 the community suggested that the property be used to educate the less fortunate. In December 1873 the first residents were admitted to the Oxford Orphans Asylum, which is today known as the Masonic Home for Children. This Orphanage and Central Childrens Home of NC, also in Oxford, are the 2 oldest operating orphanages in NC.