Eshcol (Miss.) Industrial School
By H. W. Pierce
At our camp-meeting at Quitman, Miss., one year ago last fall, the subject of Christian education was introduced by Elder R. S. Owen, and as the principles that we as a people hold with regard to education were set forth, the citizens of the place were much pleased with them, and seemed desirous of helping such an enterprise. The Mississippi Lumber Company donated one hundred and sixty acres of wild land within five miles of Quitman, and the citizens subscribed quite freely of their means. We took this as an indication that the Lord had opened the way for such a school in Mississippi. October 14 we pitched our tents in the woods, and began work, clearing and building. We have now about sixteen acres cleared and under cultivation. Two hundred and thirty peach-trees and six hundred grape vines, besides fig-trees and some other fruits, are set out, and the desert begins to blossom like the rose. A good schoolhouse was finished, and has been occupied for over a year, thirty-six weeks of school having been held in it. Last fall we built a boarding-house, or students' home. This building is finished, with the exception of about one thousand feet of ceiling, but is not painted nor furnished. It has been occupied the past winter by eleven of the students, and the family that has charge of the farm. A suitable barn and a blacksmith shop have also been built. For nearly a year Brother and Sister Parker Atwood have been with us. Sister Atwood taught two successful terms of school. The past winter Mrs. Pierce has had charge of the school, assisted by Mrs. E. H. Pierce, our son's wife, who has been here on a visit. Harmony has prevailed in the school. The students are children of our own people, as well as others, and have varied in age from little ones just beginning to attend school, to young ladies and gentlemen, professors and non-professors. All have seemed to take a deep interest in the work of the school, and if the interest in one branch has been greater than in another, it has been in the Bible study, in which all took part. Our plan has been to keep within our means, and contract no large debts. We now have a team and a few farming implements, all paid for. Just a word about our future needs. We wish to finish ceiling the home and paint it and furnish it. We also need a woodshed. If any one who reads this wishes to help, he can send his donation to the writer, at Eshcol, Miss. This is the Lord's work, and it is blessed to be engaged in it.