A Place Called Oakwood

11—Bricks Cannot Be Made Without Straw

Context: Ellen White informs Elder N.C. McClure, California minister and friend, about her Southern travels.

July 12, 1904

During the time that we spent in Nashville, we had many profitable counsels in regard to the work. We also spent considerable time in looking at properties for sale. On the way down the river we looked at a four-hundred-acre farm that Brother Magan and Brother Sutherland thought would be a favorable place for the training school that they wish to establish near Nashville, and the moderate sum for which it could be purchased seemed to point it out as the very place for our work here. The house is old, but it can be used until more suitable school buildings can be erected. PCO 25.1

Other properties were examined, but we found nothing so well suited to our work. The price of the place, including standing crops, farm machinery, and over seventy head of cattle, was $12,723. I felt so thoroughly convinced that it was a favorable location for the work that I advised our brethren to make the purchase. PCO 25.2

The place has been purchased, and as soon as possible Brethren Magan and Sutherland, with a few experienced helpers, will begin school work. We feel confident that the Lord has been guiding in this matter. Possession cannot be taken of the house until September. Brethren Magan and Sutherland have returned to Berrien Springs to bind off their work there and to raise funds in the North for the new training school. PCO 25.3

After our trip up the river we visited Graysville and Huntsville. We found that the work at Graysville had made encouraging advancement. But the Huntsville School must be given assistance. Bricks cannot be made without straw. PCO 25.4

I need money to use in the work. I hope that you may have an opportunity to sell my Healdsburg place. I have felt that I ought to receive $3,000 for it. At one time you asked me if I would accept $2,800, and I hesitated. But now I would be glad to sell it for $2,800 if I could have the money to use in this time of necessity. Please advertise the place for sale, in the Healdsburg paper, and also the Signs of the Times. PCO 25.5

Abridged

Sources: Letter 245, 1904, pp. 1-3; Manuscript Releases 3:268