on Rev. William Butler was present, Feb. 11, 1906,
and took for his theme in the morning, the Good Shepherd, and in the
evening, the New Heart, his own heart was gladdened by seeing
twenty-three young people come to the front in response to his appeal
and pledge themselves to live a Christian life. A month later the
pastor's heart was gladdened anew by receiving fourteen of them into the
membership of the church and administering baptism to ten of them. Two
years later, as the result of an evangelistic meeting held on the
evening of the closing day of the Farmers' institute, January 1, 1908,
Mr. Butler, who was one of the speakers at the institute, had the
pleasure of seeing twenty-one other students manifest a decision to live
a Christian life. Rev. Wiley Homer, T. K. Bridges and Samuel Gladman,
assisted and with encouraging results on other decision days.

In 1910, Washington's birthday, Thursday, was observed by a patriotic
and evangelistic meeting at which impressive addresses were delivered by
Rev. W. J. Willis of Garvin and Rev. A. B. Johnson of McAlester. Among
those present were thirteen that had not previously manifested a
decision. In response to the appeal of Mr. Willis, every one of these
thirteen voluntarily arose, came forward and gave their pledge to live a
Christian life. The attainment of a voluntary pledge from every student
in attendance at that time made this an eventful occasion. It was also
deeply impressive. Every one joined in the joyful congratulatory
procession.

As it was the last glad and happy decision day before the loss of the
Girls' Hall, which occurred on the second Sabbath following, it has been
commemorated by an engraving from a photo, thoughtfully taken before
hand by Miss Mary Weimer, in which may be seen David Michael, Livingston
Brasco, and William Shoals, who have just returned from the timber with
vines and white flowers to decorate the chapel for this meeting.

XXIV

THE SELF-HELP DEPARTMENT

FOOLISH NOTIONS.--A PROMISING GIRL.--THOUGHTLESS BOYS.--THOUGHTFUL YOUNG
PEOPLE.--VACATION WORKERS.--JAMESTOWN COLLEGE.--SUPPORT OF
SELF-SUPPORTING STUDENTS.--HOW IT WORKS.--ENLARGEMENT AND PERMANENT
IMPROVEMENT.--SELF-SUPPORT MEANS INDEPENDENCE.--PARK COLLEGE.

"If any would not work, neither should he eat."--Paul.

The unexpected disappointments experienced in establishing the self-help
department are worthy of a brief mention. They serve to illustrate some
foolish n