Hazel (Ky.) Academy by Chas. L. Stone

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Feb 18, 1904

Hazel (Ky.) Academy

By Chas. L. Stone

For years there has been a conviction that the young people of the Kentucky Conference should be educated at home. This conviction kept increasing till at the camp-meeting of 1901, steps were taken to establish an intermediate school at Hazel. In a small conference this is a large undertaking, but the need was so great that it inspired those having the responsibility with courage.

The modest two-story building now occupied by the school was erected late in the year 1901, and was occupied Jan. 1, 1902. We had already waited several weeks after the time announced to open, so we went on with our school, although the doors were still unhung, the windows had been put in on only one side, and there was no blackboard, and not a sign of a seat or desk. This, of course, would mean more to one starting a school in New England or in some other part of the North, but we spent many an uncomfortable hour trying to do the work under these adverse circumstances. There were no complaints from students, however, and I think all appreciated more thoroughly the conveniences when they did come.

Unfortunately, the lack of means caused the brethren to sell the land purchased for the school, and use the money in erecting the building. Only about eight acres now belong to the school property, and not all of this is fenced. The responsibility of the whole work rested upon about twelve families, and with all the help they could get from the little farm bought, it was impossible to complete the building without incurring a small debt. This debt has nearly all been met since; but little aggressive work has been accomplished for the school.

The opening of the third year marks an era of success for which we have hardly dared to hope. By this we do not mean that the large attendance gratifies the desire for popularity, and insures the financial success of the undertaking. On the other hand, the attendance thus far has not been so large as for the corresponding time of last year.

Almost all the students of the first year came to us from the public schools or from church schools not far removed from the principles of the public schools. Thus a light element came in, which was very difficult to manage. While there are still some very apparent imperfections in students who have been in the school from the first, yet such progress has been made that we feel gratified with the results. Where formerly a spirit of frivolity and lightness prevailed, Christian sobriety, and an earnest desire to be rapidly fitted for active service in the cause of God, are now manifest.

These gratifying results we attribute partly to the work of our efficient matron, Mrs. N. W. Allee. In the previous years there was no home for the students, and in placing them in private homes, the proper order and discipline could not be obtained.

It is a recognized fact that there is less money handled in this part of the South than in many parts of the North, and as a consequence, students find it difficult to secure sufficient means to pay their expenses through school.

Up to this time very little has been done to establish industries for the benefit of the students. One or two industries are being carried on by individuals, and in a limited way students are helped by the work offered.

Friends in the North have helped the institution to the amount of two hundred dollars, and with this we have been enabled to meet the first payments on the above-mentioned school home. We feel grateful indeed for this substantial help, but we are confident that if our situation were better known, many friends of the work in this field would rally to our aid.

During the late summer an earnest effort was made to interest our brethren in different parts of the conference in the work of the school, especially in establishing industries as a part of its work. This effort was successful in part, but here, as in many other places, the burden of properly fitting all our youth for efficient work has not yet been assumed by all the parents.

Plans are being matured by which we hope to open agricultural and other industries this coming spring, and we are earnestly praying that God will move on the hearts of all to lift to the utmost of their ability in this important enterprise.

Already, those in positions of responsibility look to this humble institution as the source from which future workers in the conference will be drawn. Indeed, this hope is now being realized in missionary efforts, the students devoting an occasional day to work with “Christ's Object Lessons” and The Signs of the Times, as time can be spared from regular school work.

With courage we go forward, knowing that God has a tender care for all his institutions.

CHAS. L. STONE, Principal.