A Place Called Oakwood

Support

I present before you, my dear brethren and sisters, the work among the colored people as the object of your liberality. The mission-schools, the training-school at Huntsville, the Nashville colored Sanitarium, the ministers and Bible workers devoting their time to the salvation of the colored people-all these and many other agencies are in great need of funds. The work must go forward. Every penny that can be spared should be invested in the Lord's cause. Let us see if the November collection cannot result in thousands of dollars flowing into the treasury. PCO 156.3

Sources: The Southern Watchman (1901), October 25, 1904

The Huntsville School greatly needs additional buildings. It ought to be fitted up for the accommodation of one hundred students, to be trained as teachers of their own race. A small building in which the students can be taught to care for the sick, should be put up near the school, and conveniences furnished. PCO 156.4

The students are to be carefully disciplined. They are to be given a thorough education, an education that will fit them to teach others. As soon as possible they are to be prepared for service. The young men who attend school should be taught how to put up buildings and how to cultivate the soil. At present white teachers can take part in the work of this school, educating and training the students. But soon it will be impossible for them to do this. Let us make earnest efforts to help this school to act its part now, while the way is still open. At present there are no outside opposing influences to hinder its progress. PCO 156.5

I now ask you to give of your means for the Huntsville School. Facilities are needed there. Things about the institution are at loose ends, and should be put in proper order, that the school may be a credit to the cause it represents.... PCO 157.1

I present this matter to you, my brethren and sisters, and I ask you to do what you can for the advancement of the work that a few faithful laborers are trying to do for the colored race. This work has been greatly retarded by neglect and because means sufficient to supply its needs have not been provided. PCO 157.2

I ask you, my brethren and sisters, to do your best.... By willing liberality let us prepare the way for the laborers in the South to do a work of mercy for this people. I urge you in the name of the Lord to do something, and do it now. I pray that God will open your hearts, and help you to do justice to the needs of the work for the colored people. PCO 157.3

Sources: Letter 313, 1904; The Oakwood Manual Training School, 11-12; Manuscript Releases 4:25-26

Several years ago it was presented to me that the Gentile world should be called upon to make donations to our work in the Southern field. Let discreet, God-fearing men go to worldly men that have means, and lay before them a plan of what they desire to do for the colored people. Let them tell about the Huntsville School, about the orphanage that we desire to build there, and about the colored mission schools that are needed all over the southern States. Let the needs of this work be presented by men who understand how to reach the hearts of men of means. Many of these men, if approached in the right way, would make gifts to the work. PCO 157.4

Sources: Letter 295, 1905; Manuscript Releases 2:70-71

My brethren and sisters in the South, will you not act your part in the good work of helping the Huntsville School? Have you not some time to spare in its behalf, that you can devote to the sale of Christ's Object Lessons? By taking up this work you will be acting as missionaries for the Lord Jesus. His approval will rest upon you as you try to assist the faithful workers in the Huntsville School. By circulating Christ's Object Lessons, not only will you be helping the Huntsville School but you will be placing in the hands of men and women a book containing the most precious spiritual instruction. PCO 157.5

The Huntsville School is in need of help. Let our people take hold earnestly of the circulation of Christ's Object Lessons in its behalf. If you will act your part faithfully, the school can get the equipment that it so much needs. Christ says to His disciples, “Ye are the light of the world.” “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” PCO 157.6

Sources: Manuscript 103, 1907; Manuscript Releases 2:78