The Removal of the Southern Training School by Frederick Griggs

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1916

The Removal of the Southern Training School

By Frederick Griggs

EVER since the girls’ dormitory of the Southern Training School, at Graysville, Tenn., burned, about a year ago, the matter of the future location of the school has been under consideration. Many have felt that the school could carry on its work to better advantage if it were in a place more remote from a village than at present.

The Southern and Southeastern Union Conferences form the constituency of this school, and in the personnel of its board of management the presidents of the conferences of these unions are included.

The Southern Union Conference, at its meeting recently held in Nashville, Tenn., gave consideration to the question of rebuilding the dormitory at Graysville, or seeking a location elsewhere. Members of the Graysville church and citizens of the place presented very liberal inducements for the school to remain in Graysville. However, final action was deferred until the Southeastern Union Conference meeting at Atlanta. At this meeting the members of the board from the Southern Union were present. After a careful consideration of all features, it was decided to seek a new location in the country. It was felt that in so doing, better opportunities for industrial work could be offered. In the removal of the school it is explicitly understood that the debts now resting upon it shall be met, and all land and buildings paid for before occupancy, so that no debt shall in any way be incurred.

Very naturally the Graysville church and the citizens of the place were anxious that the school should remain, and made liberal inducements for it to do so, but when it was thought best to remove, their representatives assured the constituency that the church would unite with their brethren in making the school a success in a new location.

These two unions have assumed a heavy burden in this new move. It is one in which all the members of the conferences must unite if it succeeds. But when we consider what has been accomplished by some of the other school constituencies, it appears in no way an impossible task. The Pacific Union has recently raised a fund of $150,000 for its school interests, Union College about $75,000, and Emmanuel Missionary College $70,000. It is not yet known how much in a financial way is involved for the Southern Training School constituency in this contemplated move; but if all unite, it can undoubtedly be accomplished.

The education of our young people is of prime importance in the development of our cause in any portion of the country, and a strong central training school is indispensable to the rapid advance of the third angel’s message in the Southland. The Southern Training School has not discontinued; it is only being transferred to another place where the instruction given by the Spirit of prophecy concerning our schools can be more fully carried out. This school during its twenty-two years in Graysville has accomplished great good for the Southern field. Besides the hundred or more who have been graduated from its different departments, many who have not completed courses have gone forth to gospel service. The constituency believes that this change will increase its efficiency. FREDERICK GRIGGS.