River Plate Academy

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 24, 1914

River Plate Academy

Prof. H. U. Stevens, principal of the River Plate Academy, Argentina, South America, sends the following encouraging letter telling of the progress of the school:—

“In spite of the upheaval in Europe, we find ourselves here in comparative tranquillity. Argentina has been passing through a dreadful financial crisis for several months, and the war in Europe has only intensified the situation. Located as we are in the country, however, and in a prosperous agricultural district, we have not come in very close touch with the misery which is seen in some parts, especially the large cities, such as Buenos Aires and Rosario.

“So far our school work continues to run smoothly. Our enrollment has reached 126, which is probably as high as it will go, although one or two may enter yet. Last year our last pupil entered the last month. Of course such ones can do little more than get a start for the following year. However, we take them in if they wish to come, as long as there is room.

“Recently we had a remarkable experience in one of our student prayer meetings. It was the Friday night before the last quarterly meeting. The prayer meeting began as usual. A short talk was given on the necessity of ridding our lives of sin by repentance and confession. At first it seemed that what was said had little effect, and the usual testimony meeting, which followed, seemed lifeless until some personal questions were put to the company, when the meeting took a very solemn turn. Nearly every one present was in tears; and many, in agony, voluntarily confessed the sins which had been lurking in their lives. Not very much was said by the leader, but the Spirit of God was present and led out in one of the most remarkable ways we have ever experienced. One good thing about it was that the influence did not pass when the meeting closed. Many carried out the good resolutions made in the meeting, voluntarily going to their companions and teachers, confessing definite wrongs and asking pardon, and some we believe have been led into a new experience of faith and victory. Since then we have been very much gratified to perceive evidences of an awakening conscience where it had not been seen before. For all these blessings we are profoundly thankful.

“We have stopped work on the new dormitory for lack of money. All that the union conference committee has voted has been spent, and we shall have to wait until it convenes at the time of the Argentine conference in October. As it is, our building will need the tiles laid for the floor, the woodwork, and the sewer, before it can be used as a dormitory. If the union conference can get possession of the money which it has, we may be able to put the building in shape for use, although we have practically given up the idea of entirely finishing it at present. There is so much uncertainty here in business matters that one hardly dares to make plans for the future which involve any outlay of money.

“Our power plant has been put into operation, and our engine and boiler are working away. We had a novel experience recently when moving the engine and boiler from the railroad. We had succeeded in loading them onto some improvised trucks, but how to drag the load up the hill to the power house was quite a problem, as the engine weighed over five tons. We finally dismissed school, and the pupils and teachers, hitched by means of long ropes to the trucks, pulled it up by hand. Every one enjoyed the diversion, and in less than half an hour the job was completed.

“Since the war broke out in Europe, our brethren are planning to publish a special War number of our Spanish Watchman, to be sold by our churches. Our school intends to make a special effort with this number. We are forming four or five companies, each to be led by a teacher, to canvass some of the large towns in Entre Ríos and in Santa Fe (an adjoining province). It would be more convenient if these missionary fields were a little nearer; but as it is, we plan to spend a whole week in the effort. Three of the teachers will be left in the school to continue the work of the first four grades for those who do not care to take part in the campaign.”