A Place Called Oakwood

Key References

Self-denial boxes: These were small boxes in the homes of Seventh-day Adventists in which monetary contributions were to be placed for the black work in the South. This innovative practice was encouraged by Ellen White in 1904. PCO iv.1

The fire: On October 11, 1906, Chapel Hall on the Oakwood campus was totally consumed by fire. One student, Will (aka John, Alfred) Willingham, perished. No one else was harmed. PCO iv.2

The orphanage: Upon the urging of Ellen White, Oakwood assumed management of an orphanage constructed by Mrs. Stephen N. Haskell in 1911. This orphanage took in black children of unfortunate backgrounds, caring for and educating them. A number of the orphans would later attend the Oakwood primary and training school. The orphanage closed its doors in 1930. PCO iv.3

The sanitarium: Also started as a result of the counsel of Ellen White, the Oakwood Sanitarium, a modest two-story building, began a nursing and medical training program in the summer of 1910 under the leadership of Martin M. Martinson. The sanitarium trained nurses and medical workers and offered medical assistance to the community at large. The sanitarium had a tumultuous history, and in 1937 it was closed. PCO iv.4