Washington Missionary College by J. L. Shaw

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1915

Washington Missionary College

By J. L. Shaw

Institutions, like trees, develop by growth. Some grow more rapidly than others, because favorable advantages surround them. When the College at Washington was established, it was in response to counsel given by the Lord's servant to the effect that an educational institution at Washington should be a training center for the work at home and in the mission fields. Had it been possible to give the College at the time of its beginning a definite territory for academic and college students, and a settled operating policy, it is quite reasonable to suppose that the institution would have grown more rapidly than it has up to the present time.

Since the reorganization of the College one year ago, the outlook for students has been more encouraging. The enrollment this year shows a material increase over that of previous years, amounting at the present time to 193. The fact that this increase in attendance has to no great extent affected other schools is evidence

that a college in the East at the headquarters of the work is supplying a need.

It is quite possible that our people do not realize the advantages of the Washington Missionary College from an educational standpoint. Its location at the entrance of Washington, the capital of the nation, with the educational advantages which the city affords, makes it invaluable as an educational center. The Smithsonian Institution and other museums and departments of the general government offer exceptional opportunities. The Congressional Library, with its 2,000,000 volumes, and other libraries in the city, are at the disposal of students. And yet with all these advantages, the College has the benefits of a rural location away from the evils of a large city, amid nature's environment, where industries can be developed and educational work carried on in harmony with the principles held by the denomination.

MINISTERIAL BAND OF THE WASHINGTON MISSIONARY COLLEGE

With the beginning of the present year, an organized academic department, including grades nine to twelve, is being maintained, and an increase in academic patronage from the conferences immediately surrounding Washington is noticeable.

The College presents unique advantages to the students desiring advanced work. Together with the benefits Washington affords as a city, it is the headquarters of our work, which makes it possible to provide a faculty of long and successful experience in teaching. It is by teaching for a number of years in a particular line that teachers gain proficiency. A high standard of efficiency is necessary for workers entering various departments of the cause. Missionaries, in addition to a large measure of consecration, should be well trained and have a thorough education. The great cities of the East are calling for college-trained men and women who possess the love of God. To meet this need, young men of promise are encouraged to complete a college course.

A college ministerial course of four years is offered by the institution for the benefit of those who wish a college education for the ministry. No workers in the Lord's cause need broader and more thorough training than do those whom God calls to the sacred ministry. It is a source of encouragement that a large number of young men in the College are definitely planning to enter the ministry, and while attending school are getting practical training in canvassing, in holding Bible readings, cottage meetings, Sabbath services, and in conducting hall efforts under the direction of experienced instructors. There are six ordained ministers on the College faculty. A large amount of practical field work is being carried the present year.

The Bible workers' course is also affording young women the opportunity of preparing to give Bible readings. A lady worker of long experience gives all her time to training young women in the art and science of giving Bible readings, both in the classroom and from house to house, thus showing them how to conduct readings in the homes of the people. A class of twenty young women is taking up this line of instruction this year.

The College and Sanitarium are carrying on an advanced course for nurses, known as the medical evangelistic course, covering one year, and having as prerequisite the completion of a nurses' course in an accredited sanitarium. A class of nine is taking the course the present year. Many nurses, after finishing a course, need further training to teach the truth to others or to do medical work in a mission field independent of a physician. The purpose of the course is to fit young people for that work. The College, Sanitarium, and the dispensary in the city of Washington, working together, offer this course. The studies offered are as follows: Bible, Bible field work, college physiology, English, hygiene and temperance, theoretical and practical work in obstetrics, history, public speaking, tropical diseases, dispensary clinic, special massage, and elementary dentistry.

The recent week of prayer has been a time of spiritual uplift to the College, both teachers and students having made vows of reconsecration. The Spirit of God worked mightily upon the hearts of the unconverted, and a spirit of prayer and earnest work for souls has more than ever been manifested by the students. God is showing himself ready to do larger things for the Washington College as students and teachers rightly relate themselves to him.

J. L. Shaw.