Laurelwood Industrial School
By G. W. Pettit
This school is located at Gaston, Ore., about thirty-two miles southwest of Portland, in the center of the conference, as regards the number and membership of the churches. In response to an urgent appeal for such a school, steps were taken at the conference of 1904 for its establishment. Accordingly the executive committee of the conference chose Elders F. M. Burg and G. W. Reaser and Brother G. W. Pettit as a committee to select a suitable location. After about four weeks of careful searching, the above place was chosen, being centrally located. At the head of a fertile valley, sixty-three acres of productive land, well watered and with plenty of good timber, was bought. Work began on the main building in August, 1904, and by November 3 they began school in poorly equipped quarters. Prof. R. W. Airey, of the Gravelford Academy, our intermediate school in southern Oregon, was chosen principal, and Miss Irene Anderson assistant teacher, matron, and instructor in music. The school opened with eight students, but soon grew to twenty-eight. When school closed, all expenses of the year had been met, and a crop of sixteen or more acres put in without debt. During the year nearly every young person in the school experienced conversion to present truth, and was eager to prepare for service. We are glad to say several of them have been actively engaged in work during the past summer, and are now at the school, seeking a further preparation. This year some improvements have been made. The main school building, twenty-eight by fifty feet, two stories in height, has been plastered throughout, a dormitory twenty-eight by forty-four feet, two and one-half stories high above the basement, has been built and plastered, and a good large barn put up. These improvements have been made this year without incurring debt. The Lord has blessed us beyond our expectations. This year the school is full. The opening day twenty-five students were enrolled, and the beginning of the second month showed an enrolment of fifty-eight. All seem well satisfied, and with the four instructors employed, are working hard to make this another good year. Professor Airey is still principal, and Miss Clara Rogers has the church-school department and music, assisted by Miss Olive Perkins. Sister Alice Holt is matron. Elder Burg, with the writer, spent Sabbath, November 4, at the school; and following his stirring discourse on the invitation of our Saviour, “Come,” about ten students gave their hearts to God. While we regard a thorough,22practical education as essential, yet the first aim of this school is spiritual growth. The school is situated in the country, at the foot of the Chehalem Mountains, overlooking Wapato Lake. In the distance the blue outline of the Coast Range is etched against the sky. The nearest city of any size is nine miles distant. We hold that these conditions promote spiritual growth. G. W. PETTIT,
Educational Sec. Western Oregon Conf.