The Scandinavian Union School by O. A. JOHNSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 2, 1908

The Scandinavian Union School

By O. A. JOHNSON

This school is now held on a farm called “Nyhyttan,” located in Westmareland, Sweden, and was established for the benefit of the Scandinavian countries, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland.

The first term of school began Nov. 1, 1906, and continued until Feb. 28, 1907. While we had hoped for an attendance of twenty-four or twenty-five, our regular attendance averaged about thirty-eight. The Scandinavian Union Conference was thereby encouraged to plan for more permanent school work, and therefore decided to have six months school. The second school term opened on Nov. 1, 1907. We thought that if we could get thirty-five or forty students, we should do well; but already fifty-five have been enrolled, and others are expected. Our school is held in two large farmhouses. Classes are conducted in the larger rooms. Two class rooms had to be turned into rooms for the students to occupy, and the two dining-rooms are used as class rooms in their stead. Of course this is very inconvenient, and makes extra work.

The Scandinavian Union Conference has planned a course of study for our school, to cover three years of eight months each, and to include the following

branches: Bible, history, language (Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, English, German), arithmetic and higher mathematics, geography, zoology, botany, physics, drawing, civil government, book-keeping, hygiene, music, public speaking, missionary work, etc.

An effort is being made to find a permanent place for our school. The school work is at present carried on by four teachers. An excellent spirit prevails. Two have begun to serve the Lord since the opening of the school. There are at present only two more unconverted students.

Of the fifty-five enrolled, twenty-three came from Sweden, fifteen from Denmark, ten from Norway, three (two Swedes and one American) from California, U. S. A., two from Finland, one from Iceland, and one from Russia. Such perfect harmony prevails among these seven nationalities, that it could not be more perfect if they were all of one nation or one family. Most of those in school will take up some kind of missionary labor as soon as school closes on April 30. We are truly grateful to God for the tokens of his blessing and the leadings of his Holy Spirit in our school.

O. A. JOHNSON.