Experiences in Tennessee and Georgia by Arthur W. Bartlett

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 21, 1908

Experiences in Tennessee and Georgia

By Arthur W. Bartlett

In “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII the following instruction is found: “Many of the colored race are rich in faith and trust. God sees among them precious jewels, that will one day shine out brightly. The colored people deserve more from the hands of the white people than they have received. There are thousands who have minds capable of cultivation and uplifting. With proper labor, many who have been looked upon as hopeless will become educators of their race. Through the grace of God, the race that the enemy has for generations oppressed may rise to the dignity of God-given manhood and womanhood. . . . The obligation to work for the colored people rests heavily upon us. Shall we not try to repair, as far as lies in our power, the injury that in the past has been done to these people? Shall not the number of missionaries to the South be multiplied? Shall we not hear of many volunteers who are ready to enter this field to bring souls out of darkness

and ignorance into the marvelous light in which we rejoice? God will pour out his Spirit upon those who respond to his call. In the strength of Christ they may do a work that will fill all heaven with rejoicing.”

Moved by these words, especially by the promise of the Spirit upon those who would respond to this most precious appeal, I laid my burden for the colored people before the members of the Indiana Conference Committee, and was authorized by them to labor in the most needy field of the South, and they agreed to pay me twenty dollars a month and traveling expenses. On my way to Georgia I stayed two weeks at Nashville, Tenn., and inspected our prosperous publishing house. I rejoiced at what God has wrought for that institution. While there I also visited the celebrated Fisk and Walden universities for the colored people. The presidents of these institutions treated me kindly, and gave me much instruction as to the best methods of reaching the colored people. Both universities are doing a great and good work in their line. I also had the pleasure of visiting the nice church building for colored people recently erected in Nashville. Here I met Elder J. E. White, and heard him preach a stirring sermon. Let us not forget to pray fervently for the work and workers at Nashville.

About three months ago I left Nashville for Brunswick, Ga., a beautiful city of ten thousand inhabitants, and almost every day since my arrival I have had some good experiences. In search for a room I met a preacher of the First-day Adventist Church. Thus I was at once introduced to this people in whose church I preached the next Sunday. Three members of that church now meet with us in our Sabbath meeting, and all the honest among them will soon gather round the standard of God’s Spirit and Word which has been raised in their midst. I found a little company of colored Sabbath-keepers here who were maintaining a small mission school by the help of the Southern Missionary Society. This company is led by a brother who was recently a Baptist minister of no mean qualifications. He and his entire family are, with one exception, all in the truth. I preach to this company weekly.

I was much pleased to find here a large and prosperous Normal and Manual Training-school for colored people, the only school of that kind to my knowledge in Georgia, excepting possibly the one in Atlanta. The principal of the school, Miss Bemus, is a talented white woman and is much devoted to her work. She is very friendly to our people and work, and at her request I have delivered two addresses to the students. Here is a door of utterance inviting us to enter. I have proposed to the principal that I be permitted to support a department for Bible instruction in the school where lectures might be given daily on the Word. My proposition was favorably considered, and I am praying for an opening for the gospel of Christ in that school.

I am now negotiating with the manager and owners of the large and costly Oglethorpe Hotel for the privilege of opening treatment rooms and a health food restaurant therein.

We have proposed to lease the old Advent church building that we may hold public services, and to provide a church-school for the youth. We shall soon be in possession of this building. I now hold Sabbath services for the white people in a private house, and am glad to say that new faces are continually seen at those meetings. I am practically alone in my work, as far as any ministerial or experienced laborer is concerned, and I feel deeply my need, first of the grace of God, then of human aid. O for laborers and money for this most needy field! Those who are interested in this work may address me at 700 D Street, Brunswick, Ga.

ARTHUR W. BARTLETT.