Cumberland Industrial School
By Clifford G. Howell
The pillar of cloud is moving southward; and the eyes of the favored ones of the Northland are upon this needy field. The Lord is fulfilling his promise, and sending help, six families having moved here on account of the school. We are borrowing between four hundred and five hundred dollars to put in a sawmill, planing-machine, and shingle-machine, the money to be paid back out of the earnings from the mill. We greatly desired to keep out of debt, but this move seemed necessary. Brother C. A. Graves, who came at a dark hour, and Brother J. E. Vosburgh, of Iowa, who has located here with his family, are earnestly helping. Brother J. C. Watt and his family, of Eddyville, Iowa, have made this their home. Brother Watt is a carpenter and mechanic, and has taken hold in noble self-denial to help the work forward. Miss Irene Watt is a teacher, a valued worker, and is teaching in the school. The attendance at present is not large. The free schools are in session, and outside pupils attend them. There are several more of our own young people who expect to enrol during our winter term. Brother Bluem, of Wisconsin, has just been here, and after looking around for a time has returned North to get his family and move here. So far only one who has come to find a home has decided not to locate here, and he had not sold out in the North when he came. We are expecting Brother O. F. Thompson and his family, of Sadsburyville, Pa., to join us the coming month, and shall be glad to welcome them. There is room for several more families who may wish to purchase a home cheap where there is a milder climate, and locate near a school. There is good opportunity for missionary work. I have held meetings in five different places the past summer, and now have appointments at three. Six adults have accepted the Sabbath since we came here. A few days ago I received a letter enclosing $2.25, saying, “It is a small donation, but the dear Lord knows the denial I have used to have this to send. I have made my living all summer by selling flowers from my yard.” We feel that when the Lord causes such money as that to be sent us, it must be used as unto him. We still live in a log cabin, but have a dwelling started, and hope to get it far enough along so we can move into it before cold weather. It seems as if every inch of progress has been strongly contested. We are determined, however, to rise above adverse circumstances and gain strength by the effort. We have sold a large number of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and will pay freight on lots of twelve copies or more which any may donate to help illumine this dark corner. Remember us at the throne of grace.