Cedar Lake Industrial Academy by S. M. Butler

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1907

Cedar Lake Industrial Academy

By S. M. Butler

The present school year opened Sept. 25, 1906. It is in many respects the most satisfactory in the history of the school. The enrolment to date is seventy-six, with twenty-three in the primary department—a total of ninety-nine. The dormitory is crowded to its utmost capacity, and we have been obliged to make provision for four students in the academy building. We feel grateful for the liberal manner in which our people are sustaining the school by sending their sons and daughters here. It is our earnest prayer that the school shall be of permanent value to all who come under its influence.

Our course of study is that outlined at the General Conference educational council at College View last summer, with only such changes as seemed necessary to adapt it to our conditions. It includes all grades from the first to the twelfth.

A good spirit prevails in the school. While we do not have as much opportunity for active missionary work in the community as we should have in a more thickly populated district, and where there are fewer Sabbath-keepers, yet the missionary spirit is active in the hearts of the students. The greater portion of them are definitely planning to enter some department of the work, at home or abroad.

Each Friday evening at six o'clock the Young Men's Improvement Society holds its meeting. This is a voluntary organization of the young men, having for its object the study and presentation of the various points of the message. Each member pledges himself when he unites with the society to take an active part in its proceedings. Three speakers are chosen for an evening. At the same hour the young women meet for a similar purpose. We expect soon to have some earnest young people to enter the ministry and Bible work. These meetings are followed by the regular students' meeting at half-past seven.

In the matter of discipline, we have been singularly free from embarrassments. Aside from such minor offenses as are incident to youthful inexperience, there has been but very little to complain of. For the most part, the young people seem to put conscientious effort into their daily life.

There is abundant evidence that the Spirit of God is at work upon hearts. There has been no remarkable demonstration in the way of a revival, but it is plain that Christian principles are taking root in the hearts of these young people. We feel very grateful to God for this, for we realize that the greatest work that our schools can do is to lead their students to Christ.

We also have reason to be thankful to the Lord for material prosperity. An unprecedented cold wave in this part of the country early in October, 1906, destroyed a large part of our crops. At first the outlook was rather dark, but the increased attendance over former years, and other assistance from unexpected quarters, have helped to carry the work on very satisfactorily. Of course there are many things needed yet, but we thank God for present blessings, and face the future with courage.

S. M. Butler.