Your ShelfYour Projects

The Oakwood Teachers' Institute

13%

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 19, 1907

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 38.

Read the full edition

The Oakwood Teachers' Institute

By W. J. Blake

A TEACHERS' institute was conducted at the Oakwood Manual Training-school, for the benefit of the colored workers of the South, beginning June 6 and closing July 17, with very satisfactory results. The attendance was as large as was expected, and every State in the Southern Union Conference was represented but one. The teachers left feeling richly repaid for the effort put forth in attending. The work of the institute was under the joint supervision of the Oakwood School and the Southern Missionary Society.
It was the aim of the management to make the work as practical as possible. Simple instruction was given by competent instructors in the various common branches of study, with a view of demonstrating the best methods of teaching the same. Brother A. F. Harrison and Elder R. W. Parmele conducted very interesting classes in canvassing and general missionary work. As the results of these efforts, a few will enter the canvassing work, and take orders for our large books, while still others will sell the Bible Training School and the Watchman.
Prof. J. E. Tenney, Educational Secretary of the Southern Union Conference, spent considerable time at the institute, and rendered valuable service. Elder and Mrs. Haskell were present during the first part of the institute, and gave very practical Bible instruction. Evening lectures were given on the principal points of the message, which resulted in good.
On the last Sabbath evening of the institute, following an impressive sermon by Elder Parmele, in response to a call to those who desired a deeper work of grace in their hearts, nearly one half of the congregation came forward, and rededicated themselves to the work and service of God. We believe that this meeting will result in much good to the work.
The next day, Sabbath, four precious souls were buried with the Lord in baptism. Three of these candidates were not even Sabbath-keepers when they entered the school last fall, but now they are rejoicing in the truth, and are members of our church. We thank the Lord for the influence of Christian schools, and feel that the institute just closed will prove of great benefit to our educational work in the South. The teachers go to their respective fields of labor greatly encouraged, and more thoroughly informed in regard to the important work which they are expected to do. A greater degree of unity will also be apparent in the future methods of school management because of the valuable instruction given.
May the Lord add his blessing to the efforts already put forth, that the mission and church-schools among the colored people may wield a wide influence for good during the coming year.
W. J. BLAKE, Principal.