A Place Called Oakwood

13—A Precious Treasure

Date: January 10, 1905
Source: Letter 11, 1905
Status: Portions published

Context: Key movers and shakers in the South met in Nashville during this time period to evaluate and plan the work in the South. This letter from Mrs. White was read during the council.

To those assembled in council at Nashville:

Dear Brethren, PCO 104.4

I am deeply interested in the work that is being done in the Southern field, and especially in the work of the Huntsville School. This school farm was represented to me as having on it fruit trees in full bearing, and also a variety of grains and vegetables, which were in a flourishing condition. Then the words were spoken: “This land is a precious treasure. If thoroughly cultivated, it will yield a valuable increase for the support of the school. But special pains must be taken in its cultivation. Much more may be realized from it than now appears possible. If properly treated, this land will be a lesson book to the students, and to our people, and to those not of our faith.” PCO 104.5

There was presented before me a gathering in of the harvest with much rejoicing. Painstaking effort had gained a liberal reward. Then the explanation was given: “Thus it may be in the lives of the students, if they will put forth patient effort to acquire knowledge and will respond to the painstaking effort put forth in their behalf. The seed sown by the diligent efforts of the teachers will be seen in the development of valuable faculties, which will be of use in the Lord's cause. The students will gain knowledge that they can give to their own race.” PCO 104.6

When I was last in Nashville, I was asked whether it would not be best to dispose of the Huntsville School Farm and purchase land elsewhere. Those who asked this question thought that perhaps there was more land in this farm than could be properly managed by the students. PCO 105.1

When I was on the steamer Morning Star, the matter was opened before me. I wrote out the instruction given and read it to a large number at the Huntsville meeting. I will have this matter copied and sent to Brother Rogers and to other workers in the South. PCO 105.2

Abridged