Keene Industrial Academy by C. Sorenson

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

Keene Industrial Academy

By C. Sorenson

WHILE there are no marked changes from the work of last year, yet we are glad to be able to report advancement. One of the most encouraging things that characterizes our work this year is the large number of former students who are again pursuing work.

The industrial work of the school is on better footing than it has been for several years in the past. During the summer a number of students remained and worked in connection with the broom factory and the farm. These students all carried one or more classes during the summer, and when school began, they were on the ground ready to take up regular work in school. Quite a number of these were young people who would not have been able to meet the expenses of the next year but for the opportunity afforded by the work during the school.

In place of the literary societies as conducted in former years, the students are divided into five divisions, under the lines of Evangelical Work, Medical Missionary Work, Christian Teachers' Band, Foreign Mission Band, and the Missionary Reading Circle. In these five are included all the students who have made a definite decision as to the work they expect to enter on leaving school. To accommodate those of the younger students who have not made any definite choice of work, a Self-Improvement Band was organized.

Several of our students last year spent the vacation in canvassing. These have all returned, bringing good reports with them. Several more will enter this branch of the Lord's work this year.

During the week of prayer we enjoyed some very precious seasons together, and at the close twelve were baptized.

The income this year is not only sufficient to meet all current expenses, but we are able to make several improvements, among which we might mention the installation of a steam laundry plant, and a tent factory, both of which are in successful operation. A building is being refitted for the use of the music department.

The attendance last year for the month of January, aside from those below the seventh grade, was one hundred and thirty-eight. This year for the same month it was one hundred and fifty-six. The church-school is having a very encouraging attendance, and is employing three teachers, besides the principal.

The one great object, for which we desire to work as never before, is to prepare speedily as many workers as possible to enter the fields.

C. SORENSON, Acting Principal.