p. 18 | The Opening of Our Schools

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 5, 1911

The Opening of Our Schools

THE reports of the opening of our schools for another year are beginning to come in, and are filled with courage and good cheer. Let those who have been undecided hasten to join themselves to one of these busy groups until our institutions are full to overflowing. In 1900, there were 2,357 in our academies and colleges; in 1909, there were 6,535; and last year, 7,169. This year bids fair to pass the average. Let us thank God that our prayers are being answered. Let those who believe in Christian education and the soon appearing of our Saviour, work unceasingly to get all our youth into our own schools.

Union College

The first report to arrive was from Union College. Professor Griggs says:—

“Union College opened for its twenty-first year’s work, Wednesday morning, September 13. An interesting program of music and speeches by members of the faculty, friends, and students was given as an opening exercise.

“We have an exceptionally fine class of students this year. There is some increase of attendance over that of last year, and yet hundreds of young men and women in this portion of the United States who should be in Union College preparing for the work of this message, are pursuing avocations not connected with it.

“The teachers and faculty are of good courage. We look forward to an excellent year’s work.”

A further report from Elder A. T. Robinson says:—

“The chapel was nearly filled with students and visitors, fourteen more students enrolling on the opening day than on the corresponding day last year. We all felt to thank God anew for Christian education, for schools in which the honor of God and reverence for his holy Word are made first.

“Indications are favorable for an excellent year’s work in Union College. Why should we not expect that it will be even better than any preceding year in its history? Let us all pray that the Lord may bless the teachers and students during this school year. No other institution in the Central Union Conference is more deserving of a large place in the hearts of our people than Union College, the largest educational institution in the denomination. In this school many of our young men and young women spend several years in fitting themselves for usefulness, a large number of whom are definitely preparing for work in the cause of the third angel’s message. We sincerely hope that if there are parents who are wavering upon the question of sending their sons or daughters to the college, or if there are young people who are debating the question of coming, such decisions may be quickly made as will result in helping to fill up the vacant seats in the college.”

Emmanuel Missionary College

“Our school opened September 13,” writes Professor Graf, “with a larger enrolment by twenty-five per cent than at any other opening in recent years. More encouraging to us than the increased attendance is the maturity, the advanced grades, and the earnestness of our students. The opening vesper service of the year was held Friday evening, and was one of the most inspiring and spiritual meetings we have ever had. Almost every student took part. The key-note of the testimonies seemed to be a strong desire to make this school year the best in every way. We are of good courage, and thank the Lord for his goodness to us.”

It is interesting to note that for the past four years this college has had an increase of about twenty-five per cent each year.

Bethel Academy

Prof. C. L. Stone, principal of the Bethel Academy, says:—

“The present summer has been a prosperous one for the Bethel school. In many places throughout the State of Wisconsin there have been drought and failure of crops, but the school farm has been highly favored in that the oats and the rye, the potatoes, and the coarse vegetables for the cattle, as well as all the garden vegetables, have yielded well. We have filled our fifty-ton silo for our cattle, and have hay and grain for our teams. So far as provision for the school family is concerned, we have about two thousand quarts of fruit and vegetables in cans.

“Just one week of school is past, and at present the enrolment is sixty-six. There is a wholesome and excellent spirit among the students, even an improvement over previous years. This is due in part, we believe, to added conveniences and the pleasant appearance of the place. Naturally, the premises were in bad condition after the fire and during the time of rebuilding, but now all the rubbish is out of sight. The lawns have been leveled and newly sodded, and are decorated with beautiful flower beds. The walls of our buildings have been tinted, appropriate pictures have been hung, and in every building there is a genuine homelike feeling.

“It is very gratifying to the faculty that the students manifest such a spirit of earnestness in their work, and a desire to fit themselves quickly for acceptable service in the cause. Almost without exception, these students meet all or part of their school expenses by means of their own exertions, and three of them earned scholarships by selling our literature the past summer.

“Every Friday night in the Bethel school the students have their social meeting. It seemed very much like a reunion as all met once more to express gratitude for the blessings of the past and present, and a very large per cent testified heartily to the goodness of God and of their determination to work for him. Between the faculty and the students there is the most friendly relation that could be desired. From every view-point, the outlook for the school is very encouraging.”

More reports equally as encouraging as these have just been received, and will appear next week.