Graduation of Nurses at the Graysville (Tenn.) Sanitarium
By L. A. HANSEN
WHAT was to our sanitarium an important event, passed off very agreeably June 22, 23. After an existence of about seven years, there was graduated the first class of nurses from this sanitarium. A special interest was felt in this occasion, as the class was made up of seven persons who gave promise of usefulness, and some of whom have spent more than the usual time and effort to complete their course.
On the Sabbath preceding, we were favored with the baccalaureate sermon by Elder Westworth, president of the Southeastern Union Conference. This was the first Sabbath sermon delivered by our new president to our church, and while it was not of a character that could be designated as applying to a particular phase of our work, it was especially suited to a class of workers who need practical help in meeting added responsibilities. The deep spiritual truths presented met with heartfelt response on the part of each one of the class.
On the night of June 22, a program was given by the class at the sanitarium, to which a general invitation had been extended. The audience was seated on the lawn facing one of the verandas which had been arranged to represent a nurses' exchange. The program opened with all the members of the class at home once more, discussing some of the privileges they had enjoyed, and then with the suggestion that they spend a little time with music and other appropriate selections. The suggestion was followed, but they were very soon interrupted by emergency calls by telephone and otherwise, giving opportunity to demonstrate in a practical way some of the things that they had learned in their training. Wounds and dislocations were properly dressed and bandaged, a drowned boy was resuscitated, and various other phases of the nurses' work were presented. When the day's rush was over, and the nurses were again together, the closing of the program was given with music, an address, etc. One item worthy of special mention was a class history given by Miss Mabel Wood, combining in a very interesting manner little personal incidents and descriptions of the subjects of the sketch, with the providential leadings that brought them finally into God's work. The program was arranged and carried out in a manner that made us feel pleased with this class, especially considering that they had only two days in which to prepare for the occasion.
THE FIRST NURSES' GRADUATING CLASS AT THE GRAYS-VILLE (TENN.) SANITARIUM
On Tuesday night the final exercises were held at the church, the program beginning with a sacred march, to which the entire sanitarium family entered the church and took their places, the graduating class seating itself on the rostrum. A congregational hymn, Scripture reading, and prayer followed. A vocal duet was then rendered by Brethren Westworth and R. L. Williams. Then came a few remarks on the medical missionary work in the South, after which was given a vocal quartet, the words and music of which were especially composed for the occasion, and dedicated to the class, using the class motto, “Loving Service.” It was sung by four members of the faculty, and was a pleasant surprise to the class.
The address of the evening was given by the superintendent, Dr. A. J. Hetherington, and was full of wholesome and practical instruction, many illustrations being given of what might be accomplished by earnest effort and perseverance. A rendering of Mendelssohn's Consolation was then given. The diplomas were then presented, and the benediction was pronounced. An effort was made to have all these exercises simple yet practical, and it was felt that this was accomplished.
The class consisted of two young men and five young ladies. Carl N. Hewitt left soon after the graduating exercises to connect with the Atlanta Sanitarium, where he is giving valuable service. George J. Lovell plans to take up active work in the Southern field. Miss Vinnie Goodner spends a month's vacation with friends at Birmingham, and then will take up duties in connection with the sanitarium. Miss Helen V. Price was called at once back to Chattanooga, where she is doing full duty in nursing and treatment-room work in connection with Dr. Hayward. Miss Mabel Wood is spending a few days at home, preparatory to her permanent work. Misses Amy Lea and Elizabeth Jones remain with the sanitarium for the present.
Another class now becomes “second year,” and new ones take their places. Pray that this important work of training valuable workers may be properly done. L. A. HANSEN.
