Church's missionary efforts, highlighting the significance of education, religion, and social progress among this community. The opening of the book sets the stage by discussing the institution's founders, its early history, and the circumstances surrounding its founding in 1886. Flickinger introduces key figures, such as Miss Eliza Hartford, the first teacher, and Parson Charles W. Stewart, who played pivotal roles in the church and educational development within the Choctaw Freedmen community. The narrative emphasizes the transition of the Freedmen from enslavement to a life of education and independence, encapsulating their experiences and struggles as they sought to secure their place in a rapidly changing society. Overall, the beginning establishes a foundation for understanding the later chapters, which will presumably delve deeper into the achievements and challenges faced by the Academy and its students. (This is an automatically generated summary.)