p. 28 | The Takoma Park (D. C.) School by T. E. Bowen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 4, 1909

The Takoma Park (D. C.) School

By T. E. Bowen

On the morning of September 16, over seventy young people and children presented themselves at the Takoma Park (D. C.) School to begin another year's study. These were divided into three rooms, and classified into grades from one to eleven, Stanley C. Morian, the principal, having charge of the work in the room of the most advanced students; Miss Mary I. Cobban, that of the next room; while Miss Mary F. Rice was given charge of the children in the primary department. Good work has been done in each of these departments of the school. A thorough course of study is given in all the grades, and the students are maintaining commendable marks upon their grade cards.

Not many weeks had passed when the school board was confronted with the proposition of releasing Miss Cobban, in answer to an invitation that had come to her from the Mission Board to take the matronship of the Claremont Union College, at Cape Town, South Africa. It was no small sacrifice on the part of the school board, and also of the children themselves in Miss Cobban's room, that she was released to respond to this call. But as she felt that the Lord was leading in this, and that she ought to accept the invitation, she was released, and with many hearty “God-speeds” in behalf of her future work, she left us December 19, in company with Prof. C. P. Crager and wife, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, for South Africa. We felt that the need in foreign lands should ever be given first consideration, and in this sense we were thankful that we could contribute another worker from our school to assist in some needy field. Immediately at the close of our first year's school, Miss Sadie Clark, one of our teachers, had joined Brother H. S. Prener, of New Jersey, in answering a call to Brazil, for which country they set sail after their marriage, to assist in that needy field.

Mrs. Stanley Morian was chosen to continue the work laid down by Miss Cobban. She had had experience in public-school work, but not in any of our schools. She is conducting a good school, and thoroughly enjoys her work under these new conditions.

During the week of prayer, special meetings were conducted for the school by Prof. Frederick Griggs and other brethren. The Lord blessed these efforts for the children and youth, and a good work was accomplished. Quite a number of the children had not openly taken a stand to serve the Lord. But as the meetings continued, many young hearts were touched, and several expressed a desire to be baptized. Further services were held in them, and after careful consideration was given the matter by

the church, as well as by the parents of the children desiring to go forward in this ordinance, arrangements were made for a baptismal service at the Memorial church, down in the city. This took place Sabbath afternoon, January 9, at which time, after a few impressive remarks and an earnest prayer by Elder A. G. Daniels, Professor Griggs buried in the watery grave nineteen children and young people; Mrs. Morian was also among the candidates. This was indeed a very impressive occasion, and one which we believe caused joy among the angels. Several others besides those connected with our school were baptized at this time.

The building in which our school is conducted is used for the regular church services. It is not yet paid for, but the church is united in its efforts to raise this money, and has decided to raise twelve hundred dollars during the present year. At a recent service seven hundred sixty dollars was pledged, in the form of five-dollar-blackboard blocks, on this obligation. Others who were not present will esteem it a privilege to assist.

While it is best, if possible, to provide a place for school privileges without incurring debt, still, rather than let our children imbibe the spirit of the world, and perhaps be lost at last, even a little obligation in the way of debt, if by this means the children can be gathered in and saved, is surely the part of wisdom.

We truly have great reason for thankfulness to God for his blessing upon the work of our school at Takoma Park. With the psalmist of old, we can say, “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”

T. E. BOWEN.