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The Beginning of the Foreign Mission Band of Walla Walla College

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 27, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 5.

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The Beginning of the Foreign Mission Band of Walla Walla College

By W. B. Amundsen

[A report by Dr. Frederick M. Rossiter of the organization in 1890 of the first Foreign Mission Band at Battle Creek College, was published in the REVIEW of Aug. 21, 1913. Mrs. Ida Fischer Carnahan (née Jones) gave in the REVIEW of Sept. 16, 1915, a report of the first Foreign Mission Band at Union College. Miss Jones brought the idea with her from Battle Creek College. In the organization of the Foreign Mission Band at Walla Walla College, the helpful influence of Union College is seen. Thus the circle of good influence widens.—L. L. C.]
DURING the school year of 1906 and 1907, a few students who were deeply interested in foreign mission work and had a fixed purpose to become foreign missionaries, met together on Sabbath afternoons in the college library to study the foreign fields. Realizing the power that in prayer, they spent much time in communion with God. They realized also that to be foreign missionaries, they must begin their work at home and be real missionaries here; so they engaged in personal work for the unconverted in the school.
From time to time others became interested and joined the circle, although there was no regular organization until the following year. The Young People's Missionary Volunteer Society was doing good work, but the members of this circle had such a deep interest in foreign work that they thought a separate organization necessary. This first organization was effected after very earnest consideration. Elder H. A. Washburn, who was a member of the first Foreign Mission Band at Union College, gave valuable advice and instruction, and presented the idea of having a pledge and a declaration. This idea received serious, prayerful consideration before it was adopted. Professor M. E. Lady also took an active part in the organization, giving advice and dwelling at length on the object of the society. Consequently in November of 1907, what was known as the Foreign Missionary Volunteers was organized. The society existed under this name until in January of 1908, when the name was changed to the Foreign Mission Band. At this time the object of the band was changed somewhat, as was also the constitution. A declaration in the form of a pledge was also drawn up. To become a member it was necessary to sign this declaration. When opportunity was given those who wished to join, there were twenty-five who responded, these becoming charter members.
From this small beginning the band has grown until 235 names have been signed to the declaration. A large number of earnest, consecrated workers have gone out from this band to the foreign fields, and are spreading the good news of salvation in every available manner.
W. B. AMUNDSEN.