The Department of Education

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 27, 1909

The Department of Education

First Meeting

May 14, 5 P. M.

In opening the council the chairman spoke of the importance of the gathering. At the council four years ago a great impetus was given to the educational work. The objects of the present council are to consider points on which we wish to secure definite action from the Conference, to listen to reports, to gain inspiration from our association, and to study how we may adapt our school work to the needs of the message. We shall hear reports of the work from all lands, and we shall need to view our educational work through these reports. From our schools come the men who are to fill the gaps in the missionary fields throughout the world.

F. W. Field, superintendent of the Japan Mission, said that eight years in a heathen land had made him almost forget that he was ever a school man. No school has yet been started in Japan. Only institute work has been conducted to develop workers for the field, but the time is at hand when the organization of educational work must begin, and schools must be established.

Professor Otto Luepke, principal of the Friedensau Industrial School, Germany, speaking through an interpreter, brought greetings from the brethren in Germany. He had been visiting some of our leading schools in this country, and had observed a great difference in methods. He had learned much that will be of value to him on his return.

Prof. H. C. Lacey, principal of the Stanborough Park Missionary College, England, said that their greatest problem was to learn how to plan work for the students, so that they could earn their expenses in school.