A Place Called Oakwood

Diary Entries

29—There Cannot Be a Place More Appropriate

Date: June 1904
Source: Manuscript 143, 1904
Status: Portions published

We have been visiting many places to ascertain if we could be so favored as to find a place that would have not only land but a suitable house that would be made to serve as a sanitarium for a time. There is need of means coming in to the Southern field and a work started in our cities. This work rests upon every State conference that exists in our world, to work where they are in creating what they can. It is not in the order of God to leave things in their present condition in the southern localities of America. PCO 131.1

We found on our visit to Graysville that they are able to carry their own business ably. There has been such an earnest, zealous work done in establishing the sanitarium up on the high hillside; and the appearance is a manifestation of zeal and earnestness that they will carry their present responsibilities manfully, but it was never supposed so large a building would be established. It has been stated that a small sanitarium should be in Graysville to supply the necessities of the school. PCO 131.2

There is a great deal that needs to be done in Huntsville. They have not had the donation of means or the proportionate talent of capability and determination to make things have a correct showing. There needs to be much repairing of old buildings, new buildings created, and a moderate-sized sanitarium erected to take care of the colored sick, enlarged if necessity requires. PCO 131.3

We see some good crops, and yet there should be much more upon the land, being produced for consuming. There is an evidence of neglect of buildings that need repairs. They present a forlorn appearance outside and inside. Everything that wears by use needs to be diligently cared for lest they will go to ruin. The Lord calls for the men who accept responsibilities to show an earnest, honest zeal, to make the very best of the land. PCO 131.4

There cannot be a place more appropriate for the colored school, the college for the intermediate class, if parents of good, sound minds will come in and act a disinterested part in the working out of the problem. We are not to go searching for other lands and purchasing other grounds for the colored people. I have been shown that the land in Huntsville will yield her treasures. PCO 131.5

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