In the wing of the young men’s building is a room furnished by a gentleman who named it for a dear brother stricken down by consumption when nearly through his studies, and who gave great promise of usefulness. This gentleman has had a book-case placed in that brother’s room, and sends frequent donations of books for the use of the occupants of “Ferrier” room.
An Andover schoolmate, an Abbott Academy girl, named a room for her father, a devoted friend of the slave, and sends for its walls pictures, brackets, etc. Abbott Academy, as a school, has furnished a room in each building. One room is named for Dr. Gurley, of Washington, Abraham Lincoln’s beloved pastor. Just beside it is “Alice Carey,” in memory of an only daughter, a precious bud opening under brighter skies. Opposite is the name of the devoted father.
“Celeste,” my dearest companion in girlhood, though so angelic then, speaks to me now only of her celestial home.
“Little,” the young physician, brave soldier, and devoted husband of another dear friend, reminds me of the sweet promise that the darkness shall some time be made light.
So each of the hundred rooms has some history, many doubtless very precious to the donors, while unknown to us.
I must write of one more name, “Clarke,” which always deeply moves me. In 1862, our lamented E. P. Smith, whose earthly life went out in the Dark Continent, was laboring with his efficient and devoted wife in the hospitals of Nashville, Tenn., under the Christian Commission. Their first-born and only son, Clarke, sickened and died. Instead of leaving their post, heartbroken, they remained at the side of those wounded and dying soldiers, enclosed the precious dust in its little casket, and sent it to their dear Northern home.
In 1870, without any personal appeal, but in response to a letter in the Missionary, soliciting aid in furnishing rooms, came a precious note, calling down upon us and our work benedictions, of which so many have felt the inspiration, and closing with, “Please find enclosed $40 for a room in Atlanta University; please name it Clarke.
Yours, for the Master,
E. P. Smith.”