Whereas the Rev. R. E. Flickinger, our beloved superintendent and friend, has announced his resignation as superintendent of Oak Hill Industrial Academy, now Alice Lee Elliott School; and whereas such resignation has come to us at a very unexpected time; We, citizens of the neighborhood, patrons, students and teachers of the Academy, and members present of the Presbytery of Kiamichi, do hereby unite in adopting the following resolutions:

First. That the announcement of his resignation brings to us profound grief and disappointment, as it takes from among us a friend and brother bound to us by many unusual and lasting ties.

Second. That we lose in Rev. R. E. Flickinger, the founder of the new and the real Oak Hill Industrial Institution, through the accomplishment of the following achievements, during his administration:

When he re-opened the doors of this academy seven and a half years ago, it had been closed for the year, and for months there seemed to be but little prospect it would be opened again. The evidences of neglect, decay and desertion were manifest on every hand. Under his magic hand the school was re-opened, only a few students were enrolled the first term, but the piles of rubbish in every corner, and underbrush began to disappear, and one of the buildings was neatly painted by the boys. At this time the Board did not own the land on which the buildings were located. After the removal of the restrictions in 1908, the title to one small tract was promptly secured by purchase. A dozen other adjoining little tracts have since been added to this first one, as their purchase became possible and at their virgin price; so that now there belongs to this school, as a means of promoting its local support, the magnificent domain of 270 acres of beautiful and valuable tillable lands of which about one-third is now cleared, enclosed and under cultivation.

"Enlargement and Permanent Improvement," became the watchwords of progress, when the title to the second tract was secured. Upon this stable material basis there has been systematically organized and developed an important Industrial institution, where boys and girls are trained not only in the great fundamentals of the best intellectual and moral culture, but also in the essential industrial arts of life.

The accomplishment of these results has cost the superintendent an indescribable amount of toil and labor. His great staying powers and ingenuity were taxed to their utmost, when, in quick succession, the two largest buildings were suddenly destroyed by unexpected fires, that left nothing but ashes and discouraged friends. The testimony that he has proved himself capable of overcoming these staggering losses appears in the temporary Boys Hall, an addition to the Academy building after the first fire in 1908, and in the large and commodious new building, bearing the name "Elliott Hall" of which he enjoys the honor of having been its architect and builder, through the labors of the students and the teachers of the academy; and, in this creditable student body of well trained young people.

Third. In grateful recognition of his unusual patience and perseverance, his unceasing toil and never failing interest, his self denying generosity and for his noble, manly exemplary christian life, we tender to him our heartfelt lasting gratitude; and, enrolling his name among the worthy founders of Oak Hill Industrial Academy, shall enshrine it as one to be given to children's children, as the educator and organizer, who infused new life into this institution and greatly enlarged the scope of its work.

Fourth. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the Board of Freedmen, to the Interior, The Valliant Tribune and the Times, Fonda, Iowa.

Dear Superintendent:

I have been requested by the boys of this institution, to offer you a slight token of our affection and regard. I cannot tell you how delighted I am to be the means of conveying to you this expression of our united love. What we offer you is a poor symbol of our feelings, but we know you will receive it kindly as a simple indication of the attachment, which each one of us cherishes for you in our hearts.

You have made our days and months pleasant to us. We know that we have often tried your patience and forbearance, but you have dealt gently with us in all our waywardness; teaching us by example as well as precept, the advantages of magnanimity and self control.

We will never forget you. We shall look back to this institution in after life; and, whenever memory recalls our school days, our hearts will warm toward you as they do today.

I have been requested by my school mates, not to address you formally, but as a beloved and respected friend. In that light, Dear Superintendent, we will regard you.

Please accept our good wishes. May you always be as happy as you have endeavored to make your pupils; and may they—nothing better could be wished them—be always as faithful to their duties to others, as you have been in your duties to them.

Dear Sir: I want to thank you for your interest, help and work among my people. I feel that you have done us a great service here. It is my prayer that God will reward you in time for all your services in labor, thought and interest. This is the plea of one whom you have been serving.

With the sending forth of this issue of the Oak Hill Freedman's Friend, Rev. R. E. Flickinger lays aside the mantle of service, as superintendent of the Academy and Farm, and cordially commends Rev. W. H. Carroll, his successor, to the confidence and esteem of all the patrons and friends of the institution.

The opportunity afforded here during the last eight years, to engage in the educational work among the colored people of our beloved land, has been the realization of an earnest desire awakened in the early part of our ministry, but not expressed until the opening occurred at this place. The silent but deeply impressive cry of need, the golden opportunity to lay the foundation for the organization and development of an important Industrial Educational Institution in this new section of country, and the cordial co-operation of local ministers, teachers, patrons and friends, have combined to make this work throughout, intensely interesting.

It has enlisted our noblest and best powers of mind, heart and hand. The constant probability that our term of service would at best be brief, and the desire to accomplish the greatest possible results, have proved an incentive to incessant industry. When difficulties increased, they served as a signal to go forward more earnestly.

We have done what we could to add our mite, most, effectively, to the great educational work needed in this south land. That which has been done, has been due to the constant and cordial co-operation of our Board of Missions for Freedmen, and of the immediate patrons and friends of the institution. It remains, that we express to you all our lasting gratitude, for your cordial co-operation, and for the present, say, Farewell!