A Place Called Oakwood

14—A Holy Influence

Date: January 26, 1905
Location: St. Helena, California
Source: Letter 35, 1905
Status: Previously unpublished

Context: Ellen White writes a pleasant letter on various subjects to her granddaughters, Ella May and Mabel (Willie's daughters).

Dear Children,

Sara and I have just returned from Mountain View. We desired to reach home last evening, but made a mistake in regard to the train connections and left Mountain View on a train that went one hour after the one we should have taken. We were obliged to wait four hours in San Jose and one hour at Niles; and when we reached Oakland, the train for St. Helena was gone, so we were obliged to spend the night in Oakland.... PCO 105.3

Edson White came to St. Helena rather unexpectedly just before the meeting, and he and your father went to Mountain View on Tuesday. Sara, Sister Hall, Sister Peck, Dores, and I went down the following Thursday. Edson is collecting donations from our people for the purpose of establishing an orphanage in Huntsville for colored children. PCO 105.4

The colored people of the South need the sympathy and help of everyone. I would invite those who have means that they are willing to invest in the cause of God to send to me donations for this needy field, and I will see that the means thus received is sent to the workers in the South. I have sent several hundred pounds of prunes to help them, but I have not been able to send them much money. My money has been exhausted in the preparation of new books—books that the people need, which I prepare in harmony with the will of God. In order to help in the establishment of sanitariums in southern California, I have hired money from the bank at heavy interest. PCO 105.5

We now have a sanitarium in San Diego and one in Los Angeles, both nearly ready to begin their work of caring for the sick. These sanitariums are not mammoth institutions but they are large enough to attract the attention of tourists and to represent the truth for this time which we are trying to give to the world. PCO 106.1

The colored people of the South must be helped. The Lord is greatly blessing the efforts that are being made to build up the work of the Huntsville School. This institution had been greatly neglected and was crippled because it had received so little support. But since Brother F. R. Rogers has taken charge of the school, conditions are much improved. There are seventy-five students in attendance, and fifteen more desire to come; but there is not sufficient room at present for their accommodation. PCO 106.2

There are many places where it is impossible for white workers to labor for the colored people. Colored workers must be trained for this work. In the Huntsville School colored students are being fitted to bear the message to their own race. Some are being educated for teachers. These will be able to establish many smaller schools for the Colored people, and in this work they will exert a holy influence, drawing others to the truth. PCO 106.3

A small building is being erected near the Huntsville School as a home for colored orphans. This enterprise should receive the sympathy and support of our people. PCO 106.4

Abridged