Self-Supporting Workers' Convention by M. Bessie Degraw

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 29, 1910

Self-Supporting Workers' Convention

By M. Bessie Degraw

The first meeting of the third annual convention of self-supporting Southern workers was held in Gotzian Hall at the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute, Madison, Tenn., Sabbath evening, August 26. Workers had gathered from five or six States, and it was befitting the occasion that the first hour should be devoted to a prayer and social service. Words of encouragement came from all directions, telling how God has blessed these workers.

Sabbath was a good day for all. Elder J. O. Johnston, of the Eufola (N. C.) Agricultural and Mechanical Academy, addressed a company of nearly one hundred fifty at eleven o'clock. In the afternoon Dr. Paulson, of the Hinsdale (Ill.) Sanitarium, gave an inspiring talk on medical missionary work. On Sunday the attendance exceeded that of Sabbath. The subject of medical missionary work as a part of self-supporting school work was discussed. The little schools feel the need of skill in doing some medical work, and of having simple equipments for it. Much time on Sunday was devoted to a study of this subject.

Dr. O. M. Hayward, of Chattanooga, was present, and gave instruction in

physiology and simple treatments in connection with rural school work. Prof. W. J. Blake, of the Oakwood Manual Training School, and Prof. A. W. Spaulding and Sister Brownsberger, of Asheville, were among those who came from a greater distance.

The meeting lasted four days, and every hour was full. A devotional service was held each morning at five thirty; and the heads of schools held a daily session, discussing every-day problems of the self-supporting school, courses of study, practical demonstrations of agricultural class work, how to make the soil produce a support, etc. The convention closed on Tuesday with a prayer and praise service. Many expressed their appreciation of the meeting,—of the spiritual uplift realized as well as the mental inspiration.

It has been the custom to hold these quarterly conventions at Madison; but the number of schools has so increased, and they are so widely scattered, that district meetings are now taking the place of the central meeting. A group of schools, within close range of one another, hold quarterly meetings for study. Several of these group meetings have been held, and others are planned for.

At the close of the convention two Madison students, Brother Charles Franz and his wife, left for a short visit to their home in Michigan, preparatory to sailing for Cuba. These young people go to Cuba as self-supporting teachers. It requires courage to undertake this work, and they go forth trusting in God.

Those who hear the call, "Go work to-day in my vineyard," would appreciate such a convention as the one just held. The next one is called for August, 1911, at the close of the next summer school at Madison. Let us pray and work for the progress of mission schools in the South.

M. BESSIE DEGRAW.