A Mountain School by Mattie Hamilton Welch

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 18, 1912

A Mountain School

By Mattie Hamilton Welch

IN response to many requests that I give an occasional report through the columns of the REVIEW, I am glad to write that I am now in my chosen field of labor, among the mountaineers of Virginia. This is surely a needy field, and the harvest is overripe. These dear people have been left in ignorance, and comparatively few can write even their names, while many can not name the capital of their own State.

There are forty-four children in this district who are eligible for school. Many of them have never seen a book, and can not tell the name of any State in the Union except their own. They are taught that Virginia is the best place in the world. With this they are content, and do not feel the need of further inquiry. My work for the present will consist in teaching the elementary branches. Many of the parents will attend, and my primer class will indeed be large. There is an old log schoolhouse with no windows, and without facilities necessary in a schoolroom. While waiting for this building to be repaired and put in order, I am going to the different homes and teaching the families.

The Bible is seldom read in these mountain homes, and few families know of the soon coming of our Saviour. However, Halley's comet awakened them to a belief that the great Creator of the world is showing signs in the heavens. There is also a feeling of apprehension that a great war will soon begin in which all nations are to take part. I earnestly ask the prayers of my brethren and sisters in the message, that God may use me mightily in this work. One woman, sixty-three years old, asked me how much the tuition would be. When I told her it would be free, she exclaimed, “Then I will come to school, too, and maybe I can learn to read my Bible before I die.” I am hoping that some revival services can soon be held among these people and a church organized.

I would be happy to correspond with some of our people, as I am far away from all my relatives. Address me at Stanleyton, Page Co., Va.

MATTIE HAMILTON WELCH.