Among the Sanitariums by Daniel H. Kress

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 23, 1911

Among the Sanitariums

By Daniel H. Kress

My recent trip through the South in the interest of our sanitariums and the health work has been a revelation and an inspiration to me, and I am able to understand more fully why so repeatedly in the past we have been urged to give this field the attention it demands.

A great work is being carried forward by various denominations in the education and uplift of the Negro race. There are a number of universities, especially in Nashville, Tenn., and in Atlanta, Ga., where excellent opportunities are afforded in educational lines. In these universities the number of students in attendance ranges anywhere from four hundred to seven hundred; and at the school in Tuskegee, Ala., there are about seventeen hundred young people. In some of these universities the students appear to be exceptionally bright. They seem to be there for a purpose.

It is evident that from among this race, so recently come out of slavery, there are many who will very soon take an active part in carrying the gospel not only to the millions of their own people in this land, but to the countless millions of Africa and other lands.

I was especially impressed with the spirit and motives which seem to actuate those who stand at the head of these institutional centers. They are there, in nearly every instance, because of an irresistible conviction that God has called them.

I had the privilege of addressing the student body at Mahery Medical College, Fisk University, Atlanta University, Baptist University, Spellman Seminary, and Clarke University. I also had a separate meeting with the theological students of Clarke University. In each of these institutions the students number from five hundred to six hundred fifty. I was conscious of special help as I tried to impart instruction to these young men and women, who will soon take up work as educators and evangelists.

I am glad that we, too, are represented in the South as laborers among the colored race. At Huntsville an excellent work is being carried on, with about seventy students. God is greatly blessing the efforts of the workers. The buildings and grounds are well planned and nicely arranged. Various industries are connected with the school. The purpose is to train the hand as well as the mind and conscience. At present a new dining hall, which is very much needed, is building. The work is done entirely by student help, under the direction of Dr. M. M. Martinson. The new sanitarium building, although small, is admirably adapted to the needs of the school. For a small institution, it is well planned, and will be a helpful addition to the work. The Drs. Martinson have their hearts in the work, and both being practical, are a great help to the school.

About six miles from the Oakwood school, is located the Normal School for Negroes. Between three hundred and four hundred are in attendance at this place. Various industries are carried on, and at present a hospital is under process of construction.

At Hillcrest, near Nashville, a good work is being done by Brother G. R. Staines and his associates. They have a splendid farm, and at present nearly twenty students are in attendance. The students here are more mature, and expect to go from this place directly into the work as missionaries, canvassers, or evangelists. A small building on the land recently purchased, they purpose to convert into a sanitarium for the colored people, especially of Nashville. This is very much needed. A good physician connected with this place could carry forward dispensary work in the most needy parts of Nashville. In this way both the very poor and those in better circumstances could be reached and helped.

Owing to the unsanitary conditions under which many of the colored people are compelled to live, and their ignorance of the value of pure air, also their lack of knowledge pertaining to communicable diseases, the mortality among them is double that of the white race.

It seems very important that those who receive their education in these institutions should be thoroughly trained in sanitary methods. When the Lord anciently led a people out of slavery, he found it necessary to correct their physical habits. Not only did they receive instruction in regard to the prevention and spread of germ diseases, but they were urged to make reforms in eating and drinking. This same knowledge is needed among the colored people in the South. Not very much has as yet been done by these educational institutions in imparting this instruction. From my conversation with representatives of these universities, I am convinced that they see this need, and would welcome such help.

D. H. K.