The Opening of Our Schools by H. R. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1911

The Opening of Our Schools

By H. R. S.

While we are giving reports from our colleges and academies, we should remember with deep thankfulness that during the past month there were opened throughout the United States six hundred church-schools, with an enrolment of about fourteen thousand students. Every year the church-schools are becoming more firmly established; they are better organized, the teachers better trained, and facilities improved. True, there is room for improvement, but there is great cause for thankfulness that every year shows progress. And now, secretaries, superintendents, church-school boards, and teachers are united in harmonious effort to place the work of the schools during 1911-12 in advance of the past year.

Walla Walla College, College Place, Wash.

Professor Kellogg writes: “The college opened on the thirteenth of September. Wednesday and Thursday were given to the work of registration. Friday, classes met, and lessons were assigned. Monday the recitations were conducted, and the work went on in the regular way.

“Friday evening we had a social meeting, in which the students and teachers took part. There was an excellent spirit in the meeting. The school is making a good start. In fact, I think I never saw students more responsive than those in the college here.

“At the end of the first week, we had registered in the first eight grades one hundred twenty-one pupils, and above the eighth grade one hundred two, thus making at the close of the first week two hundred twenty-three students. Others have come since then. Every one is busy and happy; and apparently the work is moving along in a normal condition.

“We are organizing a Foreign Mission Band, and shall soon organize a canvassers' band. We hope ever to be imbued with the spirit of the message, and to answer the purpose of our existence in training laborers for the great, needy field.”

Fox River Academy, Sheridan, Ill.

Principal W. E. Straw says: “School opened at the Fox River Academy on September 20, with the largest attendance in the history of the institution. Fifty-six young people had arrived before the close of the first day, and now (October 2) there are sixty-two enrolled, and several others will be here soon. Practically all of these are dormitory students, there being only four who reside in the vicinity of the school, and three who are staying in private families near the school.

“We have a more mature class of students than usual; and a good spirit seems to pervade the institution. At our Sabbath evening services the Spirit of the Lord has been especially near, and six have taken their stand for the Lord. We look forward to a pleasant and profitable school year.”

Gravel Ford Academy, Gravel Ford, Ore.

Miss Minnie Comer, the principal, sends the following report: “Our school opened with a fairly good attendance, which is rapidly increasing, with prospects for the largest enrolment we have ever had. The interest is the best we have had during my three years here.

“About twenty per cent of our students are not Adventists; many of them are residents of this neighborhood, but prefer this school to the public school. This affords an excellent opportunity for missionary work, and has resulted in the conversion of some young people. The Lord certainly is manifesting his power with us by helping us in every way, and we have only words of thankfulness and cheer to offer.”

A good report comes from Bermuda, where Brother Roland Loasby is beginning his second year's work. Last year the school opened with eight pupils, this year with twenty. One of the students of last year is in South Lancaster Academy. Besides his school work, Brother Loasby finds time to carry on work for the church, and to conduct Sunday night meetings for the public; he also gives some time to holding Bible readings with those who become interested.

H. R. S.