Knoxville (Tenn.) Ministerial Institute by Arthur G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 16, 1911

Knoxville (Tenn.) Ministerial Institute

By Arthur G. Daniells

WE are now in the midst of our first ministerial institute arranged to be held this year. As this is the first institute of this kind that has been held by us for a number of years, many will doubtless be interested to read a brief report of its progress.

The Southern and Southeastern union conferences had arranged to hold this institute at Knoxville, Tenn., for the benefit of all their ministers and Bible workers. The attendance consists of the two union conference presidents, all the local conference presidents, except one, who is sick, and nearly all the ministers and Bible workers in the two unions. Nearly all came in time to take part in the opening meeting, and they have devoted themselves to the work with commendable zeal. Every meeting begins on time, and almost every member of the class is in his seat when the opening hymn is sung. We have no trouble whatever about members absenting themselves from the classes.

The following is the daily program:— A. M. 9:00-10:15 ................. Bible study 10:15-10:45 ............... Intermission 10:45-12:00 ............... Bible study 12:00-12:30 ............... Dinner P. M. 2:00-3:00 ................. Bible study 3:00-3:15 ................. Intermission 3:15-4:15 ................. Bible study 6:00 ...................... Evening lunch 7:30 ...................... Public service

Very pleasant and satisfactory arrangements have been made for this institute. Exclusive use was secured of the central Presbyterian church, which accommodates the institute very nicely. There is a large basement, well lighted, in which meals are served. The building is carpeted, has a fine pipe-organ, and everything connected with the arrangement is very satisfactory. I can not imagine how arrangements could be made more convenient and pleasant. Meals are served on the cafeteria plan, each one paying for what he gets. Sleeping-rooms in the neighborhood of the church have been secured for all.

We are holding public meetings each evening, for the benefit of the citizens of Knoxville. These meetings are fairly well attended, and are reported daily in the city papers. The meetings seem to be making a good impression, and the brethren living here are greatly pleased with what is being accomplished.

Now, a word with reference to the subjects we are presenting: Prof. W. W. Prescott is giving a series of studies on our message. He is now presenting the different features of the great threefold message, giving special attention to the subjects of the sanctuary, the Sabbath, and the coming of the Lord.

During the first week Elder G. B. Thompson gave a series of studies on the Holy Spirit; and the writer is giving lessons on the work of the ministry. All these studies have been greatly appreciated by the workers. Wherever we go, we find a longing in the hearts of our ministers and other workers for a clearer knowledge of the responsibilities that rest upon them as ministers of the gospel, and for a larger measure of the blessed Spirit to help them in doing the work committed to them.

We have had some precious prayer and social meetings in connection with these lines of study. I believe that before the institute closes, there will come upon these workers a new baptism and infilling, which will enable them to go back to their fields with new courage and new power to proclaim the message.

Elders C. F. McVagh and Chas. Thompson, the presidents of these two unions, tell me that the workers are pleased beyond expression that they have this privilege. I am sure this institute will mark a new era in the history of the work in the South.

There are many interesting features in the development of the work here, which I may be able at another time to report through the REVIEW. We thank God from our hearts for the spirit of strength and devotion and sound organization which is entering into the work all through the South. May the Lord greatly bless his ministry with power to proclaim the Word, and to bring in the sheaves which should be garnered in this harvest-time. A. G. DANIELLS. Knoxville, March 6.