p. 19 | The Oakwood Manual Training-School by W. J. Blake

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 26, 1907

The Oakwood Manual Training-School

By W. J. Blake

WE are drawing near the time of our general annual collection for the work among the colored people, and as the Oakwood Manual Training-school, at Huntsville, Ala., is to be one of the beneficiaries of the fund, we feel sure that our brethren and sisters will be glad to know something of the needs of the institution, as well as some of the victories gained during the past year.

We wish you to remember the fact that immediately following the last annual collection, our main school building was consumed by fire. This sad misfortune placed the school in great need of help financially. Plans were at once laid for the erection of new buildings. The larger portion of the means necessary to complete these buildings has been raised, but there is yet an urgent need for additional funds for thoroughly equipping the institution. We are glad to say that although our chapel and recitation rooms were burned, yet the work of the school has gone steadily forward without interruption. The students and faculty have been willing to crowd themselves into small and uncomfortable quarters, patiently waiting the coming of better equipment, and we are glad to say that our hopes are being partially realized, for the school is now able to occupy the new chapel in Study Hall.

The boys' dormitory is greatly needed, and we are hoping that the way may soon be opened for the erection of this plain building.

There are good prospects for a full school the coming year. In harmony with the counsel from the spirit of prophecy, the management is planning facilities for accommodating one hundred pupils; and we have reason to believe that were our equipment complete, this attendance would be realized.

Sanitarium work is to be opened in connection with the school as soon as possible. This will afford opportunity for the training of nurses, a much-needed acquisition to our work. Our doctor is already at work in the interest of the medical department of the school. There is a great and important work before our training-school, and we hope our brethren and sisters will rally to the support of this work in the October collection. Our teachers here have been working very hard the past year, and yet have received a very small portion of their wages. Funds have not been on hand with which to pay these faithful workers. This is not as it should be, and we are hoping that our annual collection will be so large that such a lack of means may not exist the coming year.

W. J. BLAKE, Principal.