The Southern Training-School
By R. M. KILGORE
THE following encouraging report of the opening of the Southern Training-school, by Prof. J. E. Tenney, we send to the readers of the REVIEW. It is much better than we had reason to expect. The restrictions of the quarantine laws are very rigid, and those who would come from the South are deterred. This has reduced the attendance at the school. With the coming of frost these quarantine restrictions will be withdrawn; but the demand for a new heating plant at the school will be increased. The two thousand dollar fund for this purpose is growing slowly. We are thankful for these evidences of regard and sympathy for this institution, concerning which the servant of the Lord has said, “God led in the establishment of the school at Graysville, Tenn.” He will bless those who will contribute to place this worthy and needy institution upon a modest, efficient, and reasonable footing. A new roof now covers the school building. Other repairs and facilities are imperative. “We know that the friends of the Southern Training-school will be glad to learn of the opening of the school and its prospects. At nine o’clock on the morning of September 20 the school was well filled with students and teachers, and friends who had gathered to unite in the opening exercises. Elders Smith Sharp, W. W. Williams, and Geo. W. Wells were present as the representatives of the board of managers. “After appropriate remarks by ministering brethren who were present, Professors Washburn and Howard, new members of the faculty, were introduced, and feelingly responded. The plans for the year were then briefly considered, and an earnest appeal made to the students to let their work be characterized by a spirit of carefulness and conscientious devotion to their high and holy calling in Christ. The Spirit of the Lord was manifestly present, and it was afterward remarked that seldom if ever had school opened with more marked evidences of divine direction. “The attention of the students and teachers was then given to the enrolment, and selection of studies. Sixty students were present above the primary grades, making a total attendance for the first day of eighty-eight. At the end of a week the enrolment in the upper grades had reached sixty-six, and in the primary grades, thirty-two, making the total enrolment at present ninety-eight. Doubtless the attendance will considerably increase during the next few weeks. “Several students living in districts infected with yellow fever or in localities separated from the school by quarantine lines, desire to come to the school, but have not been able because of these restrictions. Then, the great needs of the school have been kept before the people, and it is not unlikely that some have been kept from attending by fear that the school will hardly meet their needs. “We believe that the spirit of sacrifice is characteristic of the entire faculty; and it seems that if our brethren and sisters throughout the Southern field would to a greater extent be actuated by this same spirit, and unite with the teachers in a willingness to make sacrifices for the school, its needs would soon be supplied, and its rooms filled with students. “Already there are many evidences that the Lord is working in behalf of the students, and we confidently believe that these are only the first drops of showers of blessings. “May God richly bless his people throughout this southland, and arouse in them all an active interest in our dear school.”