Emmanuel Missionary College by O. T. Graf

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 15, 1916

Emmanuel Missionary College

By O. T. Graf

The commencement exercises, May 20-22, closed a year well marked by the blessing of God upon our school. During this year our library passed the 6,000 mark, the laboratories reached a valuation of more than $3,500. A Harvest Ingathering goal of $500 was set for us, and we raised more than $550. A school paper known as the Student Movement was started, and reached a subscription list of between eight and nine hundred. A well-illustrated commencement number was issued, all expenses were paid, and a neat surplus was left in the treasury for next year.

Another Goal

But by far the most important goal that was reached this year was the $5,000 goal which the college board set for the students and teachers, with the understanding that if this amount was raised the board would raise the rest. Such a spirit of sacrifice and enthusiasm as gripped the school I have seldom seen. Many days before it was due, the goal was reached, and has been overshot by nearly $1,000. Then the board met and wiped out every dollar of the college debt. This will save about $2,000 of interest money each year, which can be used to strengthen the school and build up its equipment, for we were meeting all running expenses before.

Missionary Work

Aside from the usual lines of missionary activity, such as personal work, sending out papers, writing missionary letters, Harvest Ingathering and temperance campaigns, we have had a most encouraging experience in missionary work of a very practical kind.

Last year our ministerial and Bible workers' hands combined in an effort a few miles from the college. Meetings were held in a schoolhouse, Sunday school being held in the afternoon and preaching service in the evening. From the first, the interest at this place was good, and as a result of this effort eight have been baptized and joined the church.

This year we strengthened our stakes and extended our borders; meetings were held at six different places. About three hundred attended these meetings, and some of the most influential members of these communities are deeply interested in the truth. Prof. R. B. Thurber, who has recently returned from Burma, has connected with the college as leader in this and other lines of missionary work.

After the close of school about sixty-five students go into the field to canvass for our books during the summer vacation.

Spring Week of Prayer

During the special week of prayer, held the second week in April, the Spirit of the Lord came very near. Confessions were made both in public and in private, wrongs were made right, many who had professed Christianity for years, and some who had become discouraged, began to serve the Lord in a new way.

Closing Days

The closing days of the school year were marked by a spirit of wholesome earnestness and simplicity. Elder MacGuire was with us and conducted some most helpful meetings with students and teachers. Professor Griggs preached the baccalaureate sermon, taking as his text Esther 4:14: “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Elder M. H. St. John, of Chicago, delivered the commencement address on “The Opening and Closing of Doors.”

The class day program was especially impressive. It was marked by a spirit of earnestness and simplicity. The class prophecy and history, and other things of a more or less frivolous nature usually included in class day exercises, were omitted, and every number breathed the spirit of the message which the graduates are going forth to proclaim.

Note Burning

One of the most interesting features of the closing exercises was the burning of more than $46,000 worth of notes that have recently been paid. Hundreds had gathered for a farewell picnic; after the dinner, speeches were made by the president of the college board, Elder MacGuire, and representatives of the alumni and senior classes. Then the notes were brought forward and burned. The first one to be burned was a $5,000 note. It was used as a torch to light the rest. As one note after another turned to ashes, the interest and enthusiasm grew, and as the last note—also one for $5,000—was reduced to smoke and ashes, one round of applause after another but weakly expressed the joy and thankfulness of every heart.

The ashes were carefully preserved and placed in a glass jar. They will be kept as a memorial of the Lord's goodness in delivering us from the bondage of debt. O. T. GRAF.