Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Lt 245, 1904

McClure, N. C.

Takoma Park, Maryland

July 12, 1904

Portions of this letter are published in 3MR 268-269.

Elder N. C. McClure
Healdsburg, California

My dear Brother,—

We are here in Washington, engaged in doing what we can toward the advancement of the work. I have just returned from a trip to the South. I spent six weeks there, during which time I visited Nashville, Graysville, and Huntsville. 19LtMs, Lt 245, 1904, par. 1

We spent a week on the Cumberland River, in the steamer “Morning Star.” Edson was very anxious that I should take this trip, and it was indeed a great rest for me. Brethren Magan and Sutherland, Willie, Brother W. O. Palmer, and Edson and his wife were in the party; also Brother Crisler, Sara, and Maggie. The brethren were searching for land on which to establish a school, and they had heard that some distance up the river land could be obtained for a very low price. But they found that the price of land was as high seventy or eighty miles from Nashville as nearer the city. 19LtMs, Lt 245, 1904, par. 2

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. As we looked this place over, we became deeply interested in it. The size of the farm, its location, the distance that it is from 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. 19LtMs, Lt 245, 1904, par. 3

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 $12,723.00. I felt so thoroughly convinced that it was a favorable location for the work that I advised our brethren to make the purchase. 19LtMs, Lt 245, 1904, par. 4

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 confidence that the Lord has been guiding in this matter. 19LtMs, Lt 245, 1904, par. 5

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. 19LtMs, Lt 245, 1904, par. 6

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. 19LtMs, Lt 245, 1904, par. 7

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 $3,000.00 for it. At one time you asked me if I would accept $2,800.00, and I hesitated. But now I would be glad to sell it for $2,800.00, if I could have the money to use in this time of necessity. Please advertise the place as for sale in the Healdsburg paper and also in The Signs of the Times. 19LtMs, Lt 245, 1904, par. 8

Please do your best for us. Give my love to your wife. I hope that both you and she are well. 19LtMs, Lt 245, 1904, par. 9