p. 17 | Closing Exercises at Union College by A. G. DANIELLS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 18, 1908

Closing Exercises at Union College

By A. G. DANIELLS

IT was my privilege to attend the closing exercises at Union College, College View, Neb. The past year has been one of the most prosperous and encouraging in the history of that institution. During a portion of the year the attendance was over five hundred. Both the faculty and the students have been blessed with good health, and have enjoyed their work. A good spiritual atmosphere has pervaded the school. The great majority of the students were there for the one purpose of securing a preparation for efficient service in the cause of their Redeemer. The consecration of life to the Master’s service was not a sentiment worked up for the closing exercises of the college; one could feel that it was the deep, abiding conviction of the students. A large company — about one hundred fifty — entered the canvassing work. Others have taken up the various lines of gospel work for which they have been making preparation.

Sabbath morning, May 23, Professor Kern preached the baccalaureate sermon. The large church building was packed with an interested and sympathetic audience. The formalities of the occasion were not allowed by either the speaker or the audience to dim the luster of the subject, nor cool the spiritual fervor appropriate at such a time. The sermon was based upon the text from which the class motto, “To Hasten His Coming,” was taken,—2 Peter 3:10-14. It was full of good thoughts, and delivered with an earnestness which made a deep impression

upon an attentive audience.

The regular graduation exercises were held Sunday evening, May 24, and it was my privilege to address the graduating class on this occasion. The lesson I endeavored to impress was drawn from the words of Mordecai to Esther, “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Twenty-nine were graduated from the various departments of the institution, being one of the largest classes ever graduated from Union College. Nearly every one had definitely consecrated his life to the service of God, wherever he may call.

The presentation of the diplomas by Prof. C. C. Lewis, the president of the school, closed the service of the evening, and the school year for 1907-08. All were full of courage, and the majority of the students looked forward to the opening of the next term, fully expecting to be present.

I sincerely hope that our people in the Union College district will make an earnest effort to place their young people in this school at the earliest opportunity possible. The great advantages which that Christian institution offers should not be missed. A. G. DANIELLS.