The Distinctive Work of the Washington School by F. G.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 1, 1907

The Distinctive Work of the Washington School

By F. G.

At the time the headquarters of our denominational work was moved to Washington, instruction was given by the spirit of prophecy that a school should be established, which would give an education that would in a very definite way fit men and women for gospel service. It was clearly pointed out that this school had a distinct work to do, differing somewhat from that of our other schools.

It is known to those who have read the report of the council at Gland that considerable attention was given at that meeting to the study of this school, to enable it to further accomplish the work which it was ordained to do. At this meeting an earnest call was made for many more workers for foreign service. When the committee sought for those who could answer these calls, there was so great a dearth of workers that it was at once made apparent that some new source of supply must be found. It was the call for these workers that brought this school directly to the attention of the council. Moreover it is of advantage to our work in foreign fields to have those who are going to them spend some time at the headquarters of our work that they may become acquainted with the members of the Mission Board and with the work of that Board. From a study of the possibilities of this school it became apparent to all that, with some changes, this school could be made to meet the need of the missionaries preparing for this foreign service.

It is the purpose to give this school a character of work that is somewhat different from that carried on in our other schools. It is recognized by the General Conference Committee that our other schools are doing a grand and important work in fitting for the foreign fields as well as for the home lands. But there are many students who come to these schools who do not have in mind the particular field of work which they wish to enter. There is a line of academic or college instruction which they should have for any field. During this instruction they may be led to decide definitely as to their place of labor. When this course of instruction is completed, and they have chosen a place of work, they may then go to the Washington school for special instruction. There will, moreover, enter this school men and women of advanced years, whose general education in life is such that with a short preparation they can be qualified for service in foreign lands. The Washington school does not intend to give regular courses of academic and college studies, but necessary classes will be formed to meet the various needs of those who are deficient in some branch of common study. The regular course of instruction given by this school will consist of special studies in Bible, history, medicine, and language, extending over one or two years, and designed to qualify the student for his distant field of work.

From this it will be seen that special qualifications are necessary for admittance to this school, and that it does not contemplate giving the same regular courses of study as do our other schools. There will of course be those attending the Washington school who for various reasons do not go to foreign fields, but who enter the work in the home land; but, generally speaking, the definite object of this school is to give a special training for the foreign fields. We are sure that this plan will meet with the hearty co-operation of our teachers everywhere, and that they will welcome this addition to our school system as one which will tend to greatly hasten the finishing work in all lands. F. G.