Dedication Service at Watford, England
By W. T. BARTLETT
MONDAY, October 28, was an important date in the history of the third angel's message in the United Kingdom. Many of our leading workers in this field, together with a goodly number of the brethren and sisters, gathered at that time to dedicate to God the estate and buildings which he has graciously given us at Stanborough Park, Watford. When we bought the estate of fifty-five acres, fifteen acres of which were thickly wooded, the property had on it a large house, with outbuildings, orchard, and gardens. Since then we have erected two other large buildings. One is the new home of the International Tract Society, Limited, which also provides accommodation for the officers of the British Union Conference. At present we are also crowding into it about twenty of the young men students attending the college. The other building is occupied by the health food business, which has been removed from Birmingham. The dedicatory service was opened with singing, prayer, and a Scripture reading from 1 Kings 8. Elder E. E. Andross then delivered an address based on the words, “What mean ye by this service?” He drew some valuable lessons from the building operations in which we had all been so much interested, and spoke of the firm foundation provided for our work in the Word of God. Resting upon this foundation are seven main pillars which support the superstructure of the message; namely, The Atonement, Law of God, Prophecy, The Second Advent, Temperance, Spiritual Gifts, and Consecration. Elder W. H. Wakeham then led the meeting in a prayer of dedication, consecrating to the divine control, to be used in the cause of God, the estate, the buildings, and the people connected with them. The Spirit of God moved perceptibly on the hearts of those present. All felt the solemnity of the act in which they were participating, and there was a deep conviction that the Lord was pleased to accept that which was given into his hands. Brother W. C. Sisley, architect and business manager, gave a financial report, and Prof. H. C. Lacey, principal of the college, also spoke. He referred to the missionary spirit which was already being manifested by the students, and appealed, on behalf of the school, that our brethren should not relax their efforts until the educational work also was provided with a suitable home. He felt that so far as the school was concerned, it had not yet entered fully into its inheritance. Elders W. D. MacLay, M. A. Altman, S. G. Haughey, and H. E. Armstrong also spoke briefly. A spirit of gratitude and courage marked the proceedings, and this was deeply felt by all who were present. The large house which was purchased with the estate serves at present for a school building, and also for the accommodation of the lady students. It is not nearly large enough for the needs, and classes have to be held under conditions which are far from comfortable. We are hoping, with the assistance we are receiving from the $150,000 fund, that we shall be able to raise a sufficient sum within the next few months to enable us to erect a suitable school building in which the class work, at least, can be properly conducted, before the next school year begins. Our buildings are plain in the extreme. We are spending no money on unnecessary ornamentation, and only desire the bare necessities of existence for our educational work. We take comfort in our poverty and plainness, in the belief that the Lord has sent to our school young men and women who will shine as the stars forever and ever because he can use them in leading many to righteousness. This is the adorning on which our hearts are set.