Missouri by O. A. Olsen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 26, 1911

Missouri

By O. A. Olsen

CLINTON.—Recently I had the privilege of visiting our German seminary at Clinton, Mo., arriving on Friday evening, December 16, just in time for the evening service. Several noticeable changes had taken place since my last visit; and both from the inside and the outside the seminary building presented a pleasing appearance. The chapel, with a seating capacity of three hundred or more, was especially attractive. Indeed, the whole arrangement was most creditable.

But better than these material improvements was the sight of the large number of students in attendance. Up to the present, less than three months since the opening, the enrolment has reached one hundred twenty, sixteen of these being in the primary department. An excellent spirit pervades every department.

Elders E. T. Russell and D. U. Hale also met with us. During Sabbath and First-day we had some interesting and profitable meetings. A church of fifty-nine members was organized and fully officered. This company is made up largely of teachers and students and a few who have recently settled at Clinton. May the special blessing of God be over this church in its responsible position.

The week of prayer offering of $127.30, coming as it did largely from the students, revealed a real interest in the work.

Monday evening was another interesting occasion. The citizens of Clinton had expressed a desire to visit the seminary, and see it in its renewed state; so the school made arrangements for a reception. The citizens came in large numbers, many of the leading people of the place being present. The house had been put in readiness for inspection, all the doors were thrown open, and electric lights shone from every window. All were greatly pleased and even much surprised to see the improvement that had been made.

After viewing the building, we all gathered in the chapel. Here Elder Russell gave an address on the object and mission of the seminary, and the writer was asked to present in brief the position and work of Seventh-day Adventists. These were followed by brief remarks from several of the business men and ministers present: All expressed appreciation of the way the Adventists had improved the building, and their sympathy with the opening of the college. Indeed, they gave us a hearty welcome, and bade the work Godspeed.

We earnestly hope that the excellent impression made by the work may be so utilized that it may result in the advancement of the message and the saving of many souls. May the special blessing of the Lord be over the German seminary.

O. A. OLSEN.