The first classes to educate formerly enslaved people in Raleigh took place inside St. Paul AME Church beginning in 1865. It is important to note that the classes were open to people of all races, especially the poor to combat high illiteracy rates in the South. The classes were organized by the Friends Freedman’s Aid Society of Pennsylvania, establishing the Andrew Johnson School for newly freed people in Raleigh. By 1867, 300 students attended the school. At the requests of teachers providing instruction as well as Rev. G.W. Brodie and St. Paul’s Board of Trustees also requested that the school be enlarged and repaired. The Freedmen’s Bureau constructed a school building on St. Paul’s property, locating the school next door to the church, at the corner of West and Edenton Streets (104 North West Street). Church leader, and master carpenter Stewart Ellison is listed as a builder on several Freedmen’s Bureau structures including school buildings. Freedmen’s Bureau officials often noted the fierce desire and respect for education among freed people.