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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 23, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 4.

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Alabama

By H. F. COURTER

ELIZA.— The “Old Paths” Industrial School is located in Sand Mountain, about twenty-four miles from Chattanooga. Dr. and Mrs. O. M. Hayward were moved a year or so ago to start a little school here in the mountains for the benefit of those who had few if any educational privileges. This school was carried on for a time in a building that was not suited to the work; but as they saw the needs of this people, their hearts were enlarged to build a two-story house with a good basement. This was done during the past summer. Circulars were sent out, and over fifty pupils united with the school in September; but after running two months, typhoid fever broke out; Mrs. Hayward, the principal, was stricken with the disease, and the school was closed.
About three weeks ago the writer received word of the situation, and was urged to come here and take charge of the school. School began again two weeks ago, with fifteen pupils in two departments and three in the night school. Miss Alice Light has charge of the primary pupils.
The idea of the founders of this school is that every one in the mountains within available distance shall have an opportunity to obtain an education, if he is willing to work for it. The farm contains about two hundred acres with fifty acres cleared. About thirteen acres have been set out to peach- and apple-trees. A small cannery has been built, and although there were no apples or peaches the past year, yet enough tomatoes were canned to last the home during the winter. Vegetables of nearly all kinds that grow in the valley do well here; and it is intended to raise a good supply for home consumption and for market the coming summer.
A Sabbath-school and some kind of religious service has been going on ever since Dr. Hayward came here. Last year he accepted an invitation to teach in the Sunday-school. This was closed in the early autumn because the place where it was held was uncomfortable for winter. The people were notified that they were welcome to hold their Sunday-school in the nice warm room of the school building. About thirty persons assembled four weeks ago and organized a Sunday-school. They chose me for their Bible teacher.
The people are peculiar in this respect: they do not want any lesson pamphlet, but prefer to take just the Bible. Dr. Hayward persuaded them last summer to begin in their Bible study with the book of Acts. They have studied the first twelve chapters and are now beginning the thirteenth chapter. We trust that the Lord has a people in these mountains who will be called out to help make up the one hundred forty-four thousand.
H. F. COURTER.