DEDICATION OF THE WOODLAND (WIS.) INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.
By Wm. Covert
ACCORDING to appointment the Woodland school was dedicated Sunday, May 6. Meeting began Friday evening, the 4th, and continued over Sunday evening. Many people were present, and all, as far as the writer could learn, were greatly pleased with the school and its prospects. The time was well filled up with sermons and other exercises appropriate for the occasion. It is not known how many were in attendance; but though the rooms are sufficiently large for all practical needs, yet all the people could not be seated. The remarks made expressing satisfaction and appreciation of the services were to the effect that they were the most blessed ever experienced. Of the building, the premises, and the school it was said they exceeded the expectation of the visitors, and that the Lord had planted the institution. What most impressed the hearts of those who love the Third Angel's Message was the fact that almost317every student was converted, and with many this precious experience had been gained at the school. The treasurer's report showed that $8,880.06 had been expended in buildings and furnishings for this institution. Of this amount, a little more than one thousand dollars has been given by those not of our people. There was a small balance not paid, but this was fully covered with cash and pledges before the dedicatory services closed; so that there is no debt to embarrass the work, and discourage the people. There is only one coat of paint upon the building, and a number of articles are yet needed to complete the furnishings, so that some more money will be needed to fully equip the enterprise. The delegates at our last annual conference voted that the builders go no faster in investments than the means in sight would warrant. Compliance with this vote left the large part of the painting yet to be done, but this will very soon be accomplished. It is needless to say that this report gave general satisfaction. Some had feared that the enterprise would embarrass the Conference and also keep means from being paid to other departments of the cause; but it has done neither. On the other hand, it has given courage to our people, and has acted as a strengthening tonic to cause them to do even more for the general cause than they have previously been doing. We embody in this report thoughts from the address of Professor Tenney, given at the dedication, also a poem written for the occasion by Elder Godsmark. Surely the Lord is anxious for his people to have courage, and work in behalf of Christian education.