Written by: Nyah Jackson
The Southern Smiths, a student-run blacksmithing club, recently relocated because Southern Adventist University began preparing the area surrounding its former meeting place, the hill behind the Art Annex, for new housing.
Now, the Southern Smiths meets in the warehouse next to WSMC Classical 90.5. The club is fundraising to get the infrastructure needed to safely forge inside the building.
“We’ve worked hard to use the move as an opportunity for growth,” said Chehalis Eno, a junior English licensure major and president of the club. “We’re now located closer to campus, so it’s easier for students to find us. In addition, once we’ve raised the funds and have fully moved into our new location, we’ll actually have a larger footprint than before, allowing more room for growth and the potential introduction of welding and pewter casting.”
Eno said she is thankful for Marty Hamilton, senior vice president for financial administration, who has been working closely with the club, updating leaders on their moving deadline and helping them search for a new building.
The Southern Smiths is comprised of students and community members interested in the art of blacksmithing. In addition to Eno, other club officers are secretary Josie Amstone, sophomore general studies major; pastor Vitor Doy, junior theology major; and treasurer Hayden Rigsby, senior history major.
The Southern Smiths host meetings every Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m, during which members work on individual projects and help each other. The club also hosts a LifeGroup called “In the Forge,” which works to share Christ with people by teaching them blacksmithing. Southern is sponsoring the club to attend this year’s International Pathfinder Camporee, which will take place on Aug. 5-11 in Gillette, Wyo. While there, club members will help Pathfinders earn the blacksmithing honor. The Southern Smiths also sets up a booth at SonRise each year and hands out thousands of nail swords.
Eno encouraged anyone interested in learning more about the club to stop by the shop and participate. The first visit is free, allowing individuals to get a full blacksmithing experience. If an individual would like to join the club full-time, they will be charged a $20 fee to cover the costs of materials, such as propane and new tools. Even the inexperienced can join the club and participate because club members will help them learn the basics.
At first, Eno only wanted the LifeGroup credit. However, she decided to give forging a try and hasn’t looked back. More experienced club members taught her all the skills s he needed.
“There’s always more to learn,” Eno said, “and I don’t claim to be an expert. But because of the club, I know exactly who to talk to in order to realize my creative goals. I’ve gained the skills I need to pursue a lifelong hobby, and I’ve made friends and connections that are invaluable to me.”
