Freedmen's Bureau Records: Roswell Waldo to John A.
McDonnell, October 20, 1868
Summary:
Waldo reports the condition of schools in Staunton and Waynesboro to McDonnell.
In this report, he clarifies some of the conflicts over school room use in both
towns. He finds it unfortunate that the community "would sooner prefer that
their children should remain uneducated rather than 'defile' their church by its
use for Educational purposes." Waldo also describes a sectarian conflict between
the black Methodist and Baptist congregations in Waynesboro over the use of a
building.
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Office 4th Division, 9th
Sub-District of Virgina
Captain Jno A.
McDonnell
Sub Assistant Commissioner
&c
Winchester, Virginia
October 20 1868
Staunton, Virginia
Captain:
I was about to address you on the subject of schools in my Division, when your communication [added: of 19th inst.] relating thereto was received. In reply, I have the honor to make the following statement viz:
On the 21st of August ult., a communication was addressed to this office by Mr.
Jno. Scott of Naugatuck Connecticut saying that the
American Missionary Association desired to send him
to Staunton as teacher, and requested to be informed as to what arrangements
could be made for School room, board &c. Colonel Jordan, not having replied to this letter, as the records of the
office show, after calling a meeting of the colored citizens of Staunton, and
learning what they were able to do toward supporting a teacher, &c I
replied to Mr. Scott informing him that the freedpeople would see that his board
was paid
[page 2]
and that the Basement of their Church was offered as a
school room &c. No reply has yet been received to this Communication
although a full month has elapsed since sending it. Therefore, in accordance
with a recent verbal request of Miss E. James, Agent
of American Missionary Association now teaching at
Harrisonburg, I informed her that there were as yet no teachers for Staunton or
Waynesboro. What she will be able to do I cannot say, but if Mr. Brackett Superintendent of Schools for the Valley can send
teachers without unnecessary delay, I would earnestly recommend it, as it would
be injurious to the school interests to wait longer for the action of the
Association.
A large number will attend the school at this place this winter, therefore, the
basement of the Church, the only place yet offered for school purposes, is not
of sufficient capacity for the accomodation of the scholars, and it being
[unclear: illy] ventilated is not adapted for this purpose. The body of the Church could be used without material
injury and is more suitable for a school room for the wants of Staunton than any
other they could procure, but there seems to be an undefined and uncalled for
prejudice on the part of the many of the members against it. They do not seem to
consider their poverty stricken condition
[page 3]
and wish to adapt
themselves to circumstances, but would sooner prefer that their children should
remain uneducated rather than "defile" their church by its use for Educational
purposes. If this prejudice could be removed, and the room used, it would not a
little enhance the interests of the schools. I am using what influence I can
bring to bear to accomplish this end.
Books must be procured for use of this school when, if competent teachers will be sent, all the necessary preparations will have been made for the opening of the same without further delay.
In connection with this subject, I respectfully ask your attention to the following statement relative to the condition & progress of school building at Waynesboro. viz:
Toward the erection of the building referred to the Bureau expended $150.37 and
from all the information I can gather from the records of this office I am led
to infer [added: that] the authorities granting said
appropriation did so under the impression that the building was to be used for
school
purposes regardless of any religious denomination.
This building is now under the control of the Methodist (colored) and managed by
Trustees of that
[page 4]
denomination, although I am informed that the
Baptist denomination, aided [added: as much]
pecuniarily in erecting the building, as their opponents, subscriptions having
been raised by the colored people regardless to sectarianism. The stand taken by
those who have control of the building is anything but encouraging toward the
prospect of opening a school for all, their aim being to make it a sectarian
concern. The Baptists have no such desire, and are without delay raising
subscriptions among themselves for the support of a teacher to take charge by
1st November - hoping the Methodists will finally fall
in and help them out.
It was reported to this office a few days ago by the former owner of the ground
on which this building was erected that there is yet due him for said land
$50.00 which must be immediately paid "or he would give them trouble"
&c. I have notified the Church trustees regarding it, although they
acknowledge the debt they seem to be thoroughly frightened for consequence
thereof. If the Baptists will aid them in liquidating this indebtedness, I would
most respectfully recommend that orders be issued by the proper authorities,
granting the use of this building to each denomination on
[page 5]
alternate
Sabbaths, and that it be used during the usual scholastic year, for school
purposes without regard to any religious society, &c.
I am informed a teacher will be needed there by the 1st of November. Books also necessary.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Roswell Waldo
Assistant Sub Assistant Commissioner
