A Place Called Oakwood

35—A Place of Special Interest

Context: By this time, an Oakwood orphanage was being seriously considered; in fact, tentative plans were already in motion. Ellen White writes to those in charge of the orphanage enterprise.

February 16, 1909

Dear Brethren,

The question has been asked if the orphanage for colored children ought to be located on the Oakwood School Farm. PCO 55.5

Long before I visited Huntsville the Oakwood School Farm was presented to me, both as it then was and as it might be in the future if wisely managed and properly cared for. PCO 56.1

The presentation of what the place ought to be, included an orphanage and a sanitarium. I was also shown cultivated fields, gardens where vegetables were cultivated, and orchards bearing abundance of fruit. PCO 56.2

Instruction was given me that the Lord would have consecrated, unselfish Christian workers connected with the Oakwood School, who would use skilfully the advantages of the Oakwood Farm for the benefit of the students in the school and the children in the orphanage. These advantages were to be used wisely in helping to supply the necessities of the orphans and in obtaining for them an education and training that would be pleasing to the Lord. PCO 56.3

I have been instructed that for the development of the Oakwood enterprises, the very best class of workers should be secured, because a special work is to be done here in revealing what religious education will do for the orphans and the outcasts through the labors of consecrated and skilful teachers. The teachers connected with the school must bear in mind that they are dealing with the purchase of the blood of Christ, with souls who, through earnest, God-fearing labors may become members of the Lord's family. PCO 56.4

This work is not to be despised because the children are colored. Because they are colored, and because they are fatherless and motherless, they are to be brought up with kindness which is revealed in words and actions. There should be no scolding, no extravagant display; none should be treated with indifference, but all should be given respectful treatment, and this will win respectful attention and obedience from them in return. PCO 56.5

These children are the purchase of the blood of Christ. Their color is something that they cannot change; but the Lord will cooperate to change the character if we will work in harmony with Him who gave His life to secure the pardon of every sinner of every land, and of different colors. PCO 56.6

When this light was given me, I had never seen Huntsville. I was shown that Huntsville would be a place of special interest to those who would act their part to help the colored people. PCO 56.7

Unabridged

Sources: To Those in Charge of the Colored Orphanage Enterprise, 1-2; The Huntsville School, 2