Adelphian Academy by W. D. Curtis

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 8, 1906

Adelphian Academy

By W. D. Curtis

It was my privilege to spend a few days recently at the Adelphian Academy, Holly, Mich. This is an institution of the East Michigan Conference.

Holly is quite an enterprising little town with a population of about fifteen hundred. It is the junction of the Pere Marquette and Grand Trunk Railways, and is therefore a good shipping point. Seventeen passenger-trains stop there daily.

The conference has purchased a farm of seventy-seven acres, upon which the academy buildings are to be erected. It lies about one-half mile from the village, and “is beautiful for situation.” From it one gets an excellent view of the surrounding country.

Last summer excavations were made and foundation walls laid for two large buildings. The construction of the main building, forty by sixty feet, was also begun, but circumstances arose which prevented its completion. Late in the season, when it became apparent that the academy building could not be occupied this season, Professor Lamson and his fellow workers erected a temporary building. This was accomplished in seven days, and school work was begun in it and some rented buildings. The faculty and students are quite comfortable, though they do not have all the conveniences of those in some of the older schools; however, it is refreshing to note the look of contentment upon the countenances of all. They are happy.

The principal and his faculty are offering a good course, and are doing thorough work. Professor and Mrs. Lamson have charge of a very elaborate commercial department. I think it is the strongest business course offered by any of our schools of the same grade.

The academy has installed quite a complete, though small, printing-plant, which is operated under the supervision of Mr. Rathbun. Instruction is also being given in carpentry, by W. T. Marshall.

The Adventists have the confidence of the citizens of Holly, who expect to see good buildings and a well-equipped academy in their midst. It is to be hoped that our brethren will not allow the people of the village to lose confidence in them, by failing to complete the building at once. The institution should be placed upon a good working basis as quickly as possible.

There is another, and an infinitely higher motive that should prompt our brethren to arise and finish the work at once. It is that our young people may be gathered in and quickly trained for the Master’s service. We do not realize that while we are delaying, some who might have been successful workers are being drawn into worldly business, and perhaps will be lost. May the Lord help us to awake to the responsibility that rests upon us. W. D. CURTIS.