Arkansas by J. W. Dancer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 11, 1907

Arkansas

By J. W. Dancer

DEVALL'S BLUFF.—Elder M. Jones, our colored brother from Jamaica, whom the Southern Union Conference invited to come over and take the oversight of the colored work in its territory—the place made vacant by the death of Elder S. S. Ryles—visited the above-named place on the ninth of February, and spent more than a week with the church here, holding meetings every day. His instruction was much appreciated by us all.

Elder Jones took his children out of the public school when he accepted present truth, and as the only school for colored children we have in this conference is near Devall's Bluff, Ark., Elder Jones decided to make this his headquarters; but he was not satisfied with the prevailing condition of things. So while four of us colored workers and the church were together, we decided to hold counsel meetings for the purpose of developing some plans that would put this school on a better basis than heretofore.

About four years ago, the little church here made an effort to erect a small meeting-house. They leased forty acres of land with the privilege of buying it if they so desired during the term of the lease. On this land they built a small house for church and probably school purposes.

At the following General Conference a picture of this house was presented, and it stirred the brethren assembled to lend assistance to this very needy enterprise.

The Southwestern Union Conference purchased these forty acres which the brethren had leased, and built a schoolhouse on the land. But this is only a beginning. The school has been in session only from three to four months in the year heretofore, and the school land has not as yet been cultivated so as to yield any returns to the school. Believing we should do all we could to carry forward the work, we elected a local school board as follows: Elder M. Jones, chairman; J. W. Dancer, secretary, and R. R. Devereaux, treasurer.

Brother Devereaux agreed to cultivate a small farm this year on the school land, the profits to go into the school treasury. As there was no school fund to invest in this, we four—the above-named board, and the teacher, Prof. W. H. Swait—agreed to share equally out of our small earnings this year, whatever may be required to cultivate the school crop. I would say just here, if any one who reads this feels disposed to help us out, whether little or much, it will be highly appreciated. If any one is so situated that he could loan a few dollars without interest to be used in this way, it would be thankfully received. Such could send their donations to R. H. Devereaux, Devall's Bluff, Ark., stating that they are to be used in the interest of Vartan Springs Intermediate School. We trust this appeal will not be lightly considered. The work for the colored people here in the South is in a sad condition. They are more willing to do than they are often given credit for, but the trouble is, we are so poor we have no money to do with. But when we make an effort, as in the matter of this school farm, if we can receive a little help we will make a success, the same as any other race. Try us.

Now, we will need an animal to cultivate the land, and a mill to work up the sorghum we shall plant. There is no money in sight to procure these necessary things, but we have launched out by faith, and we believe the Lord will help us out.

J. W. DANCER, Secretary.