p. 1130 | Foreign Mission Bands in Our Schools

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Nov 20, 1913

Foreign Mission Bands in Our Schools

By L. L. Caviness

REPORTS are coming in from several of our denominational schools indicating an active interest in the work of Foreign Mission Bands. Mount Vernon College reports a second-year study class of fifteen, and the prospect of a large first-year class. Pacific Union College also reports the organization of a band.

There had never been a Foreign Mission Band as such at the Washington Foreign Mission Seminary. As it seemed that a bond of union between those going out to foreign fields would be especially valuable in this school, a meeting was called at the writer’s home, Sabbath afternoon, October 25, at 4 P. M. Twenty-six persons were present. All were heartily in favor of the formation of a band; and some expressed regret that it had not been organized last year. Five present had been members of such bands in other schools, and they spoke of the help they had received through that means. The matter of organization was then taken up. Mr. James Robison was chosen leader, and Miss Scharffenberg secretary; and a committee was appointed to draw up a written constitution.

This committee reported at a meeting held Sabbath, November 1, at 2:30 P. M., at the Seminary. The constitution presented embodied the suggestions on organization made at the interschool meeting held at the time of the General Conference (see REVIEW AND HERALD, Sept. 4, 1913). After slight amendments the constitution was adopted. With the election of Mr. Clarence Moon as assistant leader and Mr. Coffin as assistant secretary, the launching of the Foreign Mission Band was completed. One provision of the constitution will interest a large number of our workers in foreign countries. This is that article which gives honorary membership to those who, having gone from the Washington Foreign Mission Seminary, are now in foreign fields. It is desired to keep in touch with such in order that the band may pray intelligently for them, and that news of their successes may kindle a brighter flame of missionary interest in those who have not yet gone out.

We shall be glad to supply other schools with this constitution for inspection and comparison. A further report will be made as soon as we hear from other schools. L. L. CAVINESS, Interband Secretary.