South Lancaster Academy
By Mrs. Sara J. Hall
We are glad to hear the good reports from our sister schools, and we rejoice in their progress. We are glad that we can send a good report from our academy at South Lancaster. This twenty-second year of our school has been, in many ways, unusually gratifying. Having our school situated in one of the most picturesque towns of old New England, where a refined literary influence prevails, our opportunities for educational work are more than ordinary. We are trying to keep pace with these opportunities by making them serve the special needs of our work, and letting the characteristic features of our school become known in the community. Several not of our faith are in attendance this year, especially in the Commercial Department, where a good interest is shown by them. We feel truly grateful for a large attendance, and thankful, indeed, for the excellent class of pupils that the Lord has sent to us, from which we hope to return to him many faithful workers for his vineyard. Viewing the past from twenty years' experience as teacher in the academy, there has not been a time when the work has been more thorough and earnest. A truly working spirit has prevailed,—a willing, earnest spirit, full of purpose. We feel that there is an earnest seeking after the knowledge that passeth understanding and that perisheth not. “To obey is better than sacrifice, the Lord hath said,” and as we have seen a goodly number of our young people go forward in baptism since the year began, we have felt this thought verified in our work; even from our Primary Department, there have several of our children been converted and baptized. We praise the Lord for victories, and thank him for the promise that he will give us our children, if we are faithful to train them for his service. During part of the week of prayer our regular school duties were laid aside, and the time was given to the work of selling “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The majority of the teachers and pupils entered heartily into this work, with good results. Thus we have additional reason for praise and rejoicing.