Bakersfield's role as a secondary educational center began in 1839 with the founding of the local Association for the Promotion of Education. Construction of the Greek Revival-style academy building on land leased from Capt. Elijah Barnes was funded by subscription, and the school opened for its first term in September 1840. Owned by the Association and Methodist Chapel Society, Bakersfield Academy was chartered in 1845 as Bakersfield Academical Institute, known as South Academy. Enrollment peaked by 1850 with 13 instructors and 361 pupils under Principal Jacob Spaulding and his wife, Mary Taylor Spaulding, preceptress. Its college preparatory curriculum focused on writing, geography, philosophy, chemistry, math, and languages. In 1867 the congregation of St. George Catholic Church began buying sections of South Academy and owned it entirely by 1885. Renovations about 1906 for its new use included removal of the second floor and windows to create a sanctuary, division of the entry hall with rooms on each side, and application of Gothic Revival-style detailing. From 1924 to 1928 the church was closed; upon reopening, Mass was celebrated every Sunday until the church finally closed and was deconsecrated in 1996. The Diocese of Burlington donated the building to the Bakersfield Historical Society in 1997, and the former South Academy now serves as a museum and community center in the center of the village.