Hazel (Ky.) Industrial Academy

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 12, 1906

Hazel (Ky.) Industrial Academy

THE school year for Hazel Academy closed April 4. This we consider to have been the most successful year of the school's existence. Much in policy, in sentiment, and in spiritual atmosphere which had been formative assumed permanency and fixedness.

From its incipiency the institution has struggled with poverty, and this has partly been the result of a misconception of the principles of Christian education. The only accommodations for doing class work and caring for the stock and the crop from the farm was a thirty-by-fifty-foot barn. Temporary, rough floors were laid in one section of the barn, and this was partitioned into two rooms. One room was for the principal and his wife, and the other was used as a type-room for our conference papers, and during the school session for recitations.

The schoolroom was in one of the commodious hay lofts, light being secured by temporarily removing the weather-boarding along one side of the rows of seats. In another hay loft eight boys had their sleeping apartments and what served as study rooms.

Very good class work was done in these trying days, and the work on a school home was pushed with the greatest vigor. The work on the building, as well as the farm work, was largely done by students.

Space would not permit the mentioning of details of crowded quarters, and, sometimes, almost unendurable inconveniences; but with few exceptions the students bore their part without complaint.

About the first of December the school building was in a manner ready for occupancy. One of the large rooms was seated with the school desks, and without a break in the recitations, all entered with renewed energy upon work in new and better conditions.

The spiritual atmosphere of the school and school home was almost ideal after entering the new building. Discipline almost attends to itself where the young people are largely meeting expenses by their own labor. The growth in character was remarkable in a number of instances, and hearts long withheld, yielded to the gentle pleading of the Saviour.

The outlook now for the school is far brighter than at any previous time in its history. It is now located on a farm, with stock and some implements. This will greatly reduce the expense, as well as afford a wholesome atmosphere and facilities for agricultural pursuit.

The buildings are set well back from

the public road, in a natural grove of oaks, covering more than twenty acres. Possibilities for making the premises attractive and educational lie within reach of the promoters of the school.

Already the conference is reaping the results of this effort to educate their youth. Students of this school are entering the ministry, are in the Bible work, are canvassing, and are ministering to the sick as missionary nurses. It brings rejoicing to the heart to become a colaborer with God. Even here and now we may begin to enter into the joy of our Lord, who “shall see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied.”