The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-07-04
a FAR CRY FROM THE FAR
CUMBERLANDS.
Rev. DR.. E. Nj. McCorkle.

On wooded plateau, overlooking the Cumber-
land river, i'll Pulaski county Kentucky, is an iso-
lated and insulated section. Sixteen miles from
the county seat, with very rough roads, it has
been we'll nigh inaccessible At this moment
there is store for general merchandise saw
mill, two mineral springs with waters containing
valuable properties, quite number of people scat
tered here and there, with one physician in the
community. These contemporary an
cestorS. They bright, wide-awake, most
hospitable people, And they are in sore need of
the pure gospel bitter cry comes from that
tar-away, belated and submerged mountain SEE
ton.
Some years since the Christian Alliance found
ed mission there, but after eventfu career it
was closed AT one meeting there dis
turbance, when the constable and two men were
killed in the doors of the church. An excellent
building for school purposes had been erected
with another and larger one for meetings. About
a year since, both of these buildings, with about
80 of land, turned to the Soul
Winners. Then came Mr.. John L. McCracken a
faithful worker from the mountains of North
Carolina, with his good sister, Miss Edith Nc
Cracken who have been conducting school and
Sunday-schOOl. They have had many difficulties
but have grappled with them in the most earnest
and self-denying spirit They have made mark
in that community The county superintendent
of schools recognizing the ability of Miss Nc
Cracker teacher, has offered her position in
the graded school at Somerset, with salary five
times large as she now receives for her faithful
work with the Soul Winners
At the earnest request of DR.. Guerrant, the
writer's spent three days in that neighborhood
Gently. The congregations were excellent, and
increased to the close of the services. There is
great number of children to be gathered into the
Sunday-school. A siXteen-room dormitory
is in process of erection. This will afford
facilities and accommodations for a normal school
for which there is urgent need. SO many wish to
teach, and teaching, who poorly equipped
for it. If these could be properly trained and
into fhair The briSt r1ata
blessing they would be to the coming generations
in these PARKWAY mountain Businesses 1t is too
late to do much for the older people. They
beyond reach; but the children, in the provi-
dence of God, are placed in the hands of Gods
people. And this hour holds out to them an op-
portunty never before offered The Christian
school holds in her hands the key to the destiny
of the rising generation in the mountains They
have long been buried in the hills, but God grant
that the future may not be so forlorn. They
hope that railroad is in sight This, with the
saw mills, the better roads, and the telephone,
gds their path with the glow of progress. A
and most interesting industry there is the
ginseng culture, with its nurseries and covered
sheds. This, with the root at So pound, and
the seed at $50 per pound ought to be profitable
business But the crying need is for the school,
and with the Christian school the pure Gospel.
To-day the prospect seems dreary. Can you tell
what the morrow will be? That is the earnest
query Of Opportunity as she looks into your face
to-day This Opportunity is represented
figure with eyes covered and winged feet. Her
eyes are covered because men seldom her when
she comes; her feet winged because
gone, she can never be overtaken. 1t is her voice
that is ringing in the ears Of the people to-day
1t comes with the far cry of generation of peo-
PIE. passing from the Cumberlands into eternity.
Do you hear it? If you do, the name of the place
Mount Victory" will be an unconscious prophecy
o. the fact, that redeemed by His blood, they shall
at last stand before the throne clothed with
white robes, and the palms of victory in their
hands"