Our Training School (Colored) at Huntsville, Ala.
By George I. Butler
It has been my privilege this spring to pay two visits to Huntsville, Ala.,—the first, from March 28 to April 3; the second, from April 25–28. These were seasons of interest and profit to the cause in this place, where our largest colored school is located. Doubtless it is well known to many of our people that about six years ago a farm of three hundred and sixty acres was purchased within four miles of the flourishing city of Huntsville, Ala., at a cost of eighteen dollars an acre, or $6,480 in all, for the purpose of establishing upon it a training school for our colored believers, to fit promising young colored people of both sexes to labor successfully for their own people in the cause we all love. This farm, with its old Southern mansion, once a place of great interest to the surrounding country, where such celebrities as President Jackson had paid visits, in the vicissitudes of the last forty years had greatly run down. So has many a famous Southern homestead since the blight of war so reduced its owner's means that no other result was possible. The farm is a place of great natural beauty, with its gigantic oak trees surrounding and overshadowing what remains of the old mansion. There could not well be a more suitable location for such a school. Just about far enough away from the thriving city to escape its evil influences and pleasures, here in quiet retirement amid the beauties of nature, the pupils can learn of God and his works, attain mental discipline and instruction, have the benefit of physical labor, and learn the processes of nature's growth, and thus be well fitted for life and its duties. The property was sadly run down when it came into our hands. It is said that scarce a rod of fence sufficient to restrain stock was left on the place. Much of the land was grown up to brush and small trees. There was little if any fruit on the place. The buildings were sadly out of repair. Indeed, it was much like starting anew in many ways. Brother S. M. Jacobs, one of Iowa's most respected members, was chosen to take charge. He and his devoted wife, with the children's help, have labored there hard and faithfully to bring order out of chaos and improve the place, and put the buildings in repair. The place is now all under fence, or largely so, the brush cleared off and grubbed out, until the place has become an object lesson to city and surrounding country. Fruit trees—peaches, pears, plums, etc.—are now growing luxuriantly, and large crops of produce fill the commodious barn erected on the place. Fine stock graze on the green herbage, and everything wears the appearance of thrift and comfort. The farm has more than doubled in value in the last six years. Last year the produce and sales paid all the living expenses, and about four hundred dollars over; this year the same, with about seven hundred dollars excess. This result has been most gratifying. It simply speaks of the energy and good sense and economy of its management. Very many visitors come to look over the premises to learn of the processes employed to bring about these results. The land was run down so that it was difficult to raise a paying crop. But by deep plowing, etc., the soil has been brought up till it now produces bountifully. Another feature is very gratifying; that is, the change of feeling of the whole community in regard to our work there. It can easily be understood that the advent into a typical Southern locality of Seventh-day Adventists, with their unpopular doctrines, handicapped also with a negro school to develop, would not be apt to strike the ordinary Southern white17man as a very desirable acquisition. Evidences of this feeling were from time to time apparent. But honesty, kindness, friendliness, industry, improvement, and an accommodating spirit, courtesy to all, will gradually win their way to the confidence of the community. And after six years it is evident to the most casual observer that Brother Jacobs and the institution have the good will and confidence of the best people of the community. The business men ever show him the most entire confidence and esteem. Leading men often drive out to the farm, and accept the hospitality of those present. The result is most encouraging to all concerned. For some time past the training school has numbered about fifty, under the charge of Elder B. E. Nicola as principal, with several teachers as assistants. Already several have gone forth from the school as teachers, Bible workers, etc. Others will do so within a few weeks, when this year's school shall close. The care, responsibility, and watchfulness required in properly looking after so large a family of young colored people for six years, had worn heavily upon Brother and Sister Jacobs. Her health especially has been greatly affected by it. Her friends have been anxious lest her valuable life should be forfeited unless she is soon relieved. She has done a faithful, noble work, and has the esteem of all who are acquainted with her ardent labors. Brother Jacobs himself has felt for months that he was in danger of a serious breakdown if he continued much longer to bear the burden. He handed in his resignation last January, and begged to be relieved. But it was so difficult to find the proper persons to succeed them as superintendent and matron, that their request was not granted at that time. The school board, of which I was chairman, at our meeting about March 1 were forced to confront the issue of making a change in the management. The names of many had been considered; but the positions were difficult to fill, requiring certain gifts not very plentiful. The board, of which two members were colored,—Elder Sheafe and Brother Brandon, the latter living near the training school,—carefully considered all questions relating to the policy, management, and discipline of the school, and its past work. There had been some feeling with our colored brethren in the past because they were not made better acquainted with the management of the school, which, of course, was not to be wondered at under the circumstances. Several days were profitably spent in a careful study of all the facts accessible. We earnestly desired that our colored brethren on the board should be made perfectly familiar with all our aims and plans, that all suspicions might be allayed, and a clear understanding of all matters reached. This result was secured, satisfaction was expressed, and the statement was made that they were better prepared to recommend the school among their people, and induce the young people among them to patronize it. These remarks were highly appreciated by our white brethren present. After several days of careful study of the situation, the resignation of Brother and Sister Jacobs was accepted. The final conclusion of the board was to call Brother C. H. Rogers to the position of superintendent, and his sister, Mrs. Estella R. Graham, to that of matron. These were well known to several of the council present as earnest, devoted believers, persons of experience in the Lord's work, though of no experience in the kind of work to which they were called. As both were absent, it took two or three weeks to bring them together to our training school. It was my privilege to be present with them at Huntsville, April 25–28, and to introduce them to their new calling. They were very pleasantly and heartily received, and entered upon their duties as I left the place. I had the privilege of speaking to the school, which I found in good condition, everything having passed off very pleasantly since our previous visit. Brother and Sister Jacobs did everything possible to make the entrance of the new superintendent and matron upon their work pleasant. They have since gone to Graysville, Tenn., where their son will have an opportunity to enjoy the benefit of our excellent school. There were many pleasant circumstances connected with their departure. The students very plainly manifested their high regard for them when they left. As I was to take the train at 3 A. M. on my way to Atlanta, Brother and Sister Jacobs, who were going across the country to Graysville with a horse and buggy, started early to take me four miles to the station. Not desiring to awaken all the students at that early hour, they endeavored to keep the time of our departure (about 1 A. M.) from being known. As we were quietly getting ready to go off as privately as possible, all at once the bell began to ring, and most of the students came out to bid us good-by. This sudden surprise quite touched the hearts of Brother and Sister Jacobs, and all the rest of us as well. As we drove away, the sweet sound of that beautiful hymn, “God Be with You till We Meet Again,” rang out on the night air. Many of our colored pupils have sweet, melodious voices, and know how to use them. Our emotions were deeply touched, and we could but say, God bless our colored training school. May it prosper, and do a vast amount of good. Its prosperity lies very near my heart. It needs the means and the prayers of all our people to make it what it should be.