Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-09-22
SIORER COLLEGE.
Harpsr's Ferry, W. Walls History and
Promise.

There are many who recall the events
of our Civil War, and how as the glare
and din faded away the North beheld a
light which aroused its keenest sympathy.
More than four million men, women and
children, just liberated from a cruel and
lemoralizing bondage. were stretching
forth helrless. appealing hands for aid.
not bodily merely, but mental, neral and
spiritual aid.
Among the denominations first to re-
spond was the Free Baptist. 1t was
agreed with the American Missionary
Association that the beautiful valley of the
Shenandoah should be left with our
people to cultivate. This valley is one
hundred and sixty miles in length by thirty
in width, and the freedmen here were gen.
orally acknowledged to be more enterpris-
ing and intelligent than in most sections of
the South. At various points, from Har-
per's Ferry to Lexington, missionaries were
stationed to inaugurate and carry forward
lay schools, night schools and Sabbath
schools,-the whole placed under the sup
eryision of the Rev. N. C. Bracket, a
Young man peculiarly qualified for the posi-
ton. Rarely adapted in mind and charac-
ter, he had also gained deep insight into
the capabilities of the colored people while
serving under the Christian Commission
in this same valley-during the last year of
the war. And at this time he was superin-
tendent of schools there for the Freedmen's
bureau. This preliminary educational
work was first set in operation at Harper's
Ferry, and in the same old government
building where two years later Storer Col
lege had its birth.
As the work progressed, the vital neces-
sity of normal schools became apparent,
where those who had mastered the rudi-
ments of education might be fitted to, 90
forth as teachers and ministers to aid in
elevating their race. Our missionaries
early recognized the truth that colored
teachers could do efficient work in fields
where no white person could enter. Many
facts showed that the salvation of the freed
men dc manded that instructors and helpers
be raised from their own ranks and that the
chief energies of Northern workers should
be bent in this direction. Trusting and
praying our little band toiled on till through
the providence of God a way was opened to
meet this urgent need.
In February of 1867, President o. B.
Cheney of Bates College visited Mr.. John
College. Although not a Free Baptist,
Mr.. Storer was deeply interested in the his
tory and aims of our denomination. Dur
ing the conversation he said to DR.. Cheney,
II have determined to give $4,000 to some
society which will raise an equal amount
toward the founding of school in the
South for the benefit of the colored people
l should prefer that your denomi-
nation have this money, only that
1 fear that they will not or can
not meet my condition. l am old and l de-
sire to see the school started before 1 die,
so as you came was about writing to the
American Missionary Association making
them this proposal, and am confident they
will accept and rapidly advance the project"
In reply DR.. Cheney pleaded that we be
allowed to make an effort. He told him of
our Southern enterprise, of its needs, and
added, "a school there is just what we must
have in order to carry forward the work.
We shall feel that God has heard our pray
ers and is blessing our labor if you will give
us your support. You may set your own
time, one year, six months, or less,-only
let US try"
1t was nearly midnight when Mr.. Storer
came to favorable decision and agreed
that we should have till July, and if he then
saw we were thoroughly in earnest the time
should be extended to the lst of January,
1868. 1t was Mr.. Storers wish that the in
stitution eventually become a college and
it be so chartered, with proviso that it be
operated as q normal school or seminary till
the endowment funds should be adequate
for college purposes. And that it be open
to both sexes without distinction of race or
color.
Our people gratefully accepted the prop
osition and vigorous measures were set on
foot to raise the &c., 900 required. To some
the whole scheme appeared wild and we'll
nigh ab'urd, and college in the South was
to them "a railroad to the moon!' But
Gods benediction seemed to rest upon the
movement, and hearts and pockets were
wonderfully responsive. Four thousand
dollars were pledged as with one breath at
a remarkable meeting held at Fairporr, N.
Y, in connection with the Genesee yearly
meeting in June, 1867. This gave assur-
aoce of success, AMI through the efforts of
DR.. G. H. Ball large portion of the SlO,-
600 was secured in that state.
Meanwhile DR., Cheney went South to