Pacific Union College and Normal Institute by W. T. Knox; L. A. Reed

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 26, 1906

Pacific Union College and Normal Institute

By W. T. Knox; L. A. Reed

To Succeed Healdsburg College

The past year has marked a crisis in the educational work in the Northern California Conference. Independent of the interest on an already large indebtedness, and not counting taxes and insurance, the Healdsburg College debt has been increased the past two years almost six thousand dollars, and this, added to the interest, taxes, and insurance, has increased the total indebtedness by nearly eleven thousand dollars. Such a financial burden has caused considerable embarrassment in conducting the work, and has led to a general sentiment that the continuation of financial losses must stop or the school close.

Statements from Sister White, like the following, have impressed the people that the time has come to do something: “Debts must not be allowed to accumulate term after term. The very highest kind of education that could be given, is to shun the incurring of debt as you would shun disease. When one year after another passes, and there is no sign of diminishing the debt, but it is rather increased, a halt should be called. Let the managers say, ‘We refuse to run the school any longer unless some sure system is devised.’ It would be better, far better, to close the school until the managers learn the science of conducting it on a paying basis. For Christ’s sake, as the chosen people of God, call yourselves to task, and inaugurate a sound financial system in our schools.” —“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 211.

A thorough investigation of the financial organization and conduct of the school has shown that the institution can be conducted at a very large reduction of the expenses, without in any way curtailing the educational work or its value. In the light of this fact, the Pacific Educational Association, which legally controls the college, at its recent annual meeting, June 19, 1906, decided to reorganize the educational work upon a safe financial basis, and in a way to do credit to the cause of education on the Pacific Coast.

To this end a new managing board was elected, composed of the following persons: H. W. Cottrell, E. D. Sharpe, E. R. Palmer, J. O. Corliss, F. A. Lashier, with W. T. Knox president of the board, and L. A. Reed secretary. It was also decided to sell the property in Healdsburg as soon as possible, and secure a more suitable location in the country. Looking to this change in location, it was thought best to change the name of the institution to that of the Pacific Union College. This name is especially appropriate in view of the action of the Pacific Union Conference at its last biennial meeting in recognizing this college as the one representing the college interests of its territory, embracing the States of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.

Steps have already been taken to dispose of the old college property. We expect as a result that this property will be taken the present year by the town of Healdsburg for its school purposes.

This leaves the home property still undisposed of. This property is a beautiful tract of ten acres, overlooking the town, on which are located the college home and a number of other buildings. The value and location of this property almost guarantees its sale eventually. It could be very nicely adapted to sanitarium or similar work.

For the coming school year, however, we may have this property, and it is possible that the Pacific Union College will conduct its first year’s work in the old home and its adjoining buildings. Perfectly adequate facilities can be provided for the work of the coming year, and it is earnestly hoped that in the meanwhile something can be done toward securing permanent quarters. The matter of the school’s location for this year will be definitely decided at the Oakland camp-meeting, July 19-29.

During the coming year we expect to have one of the most successful schools the conference has ever conducted. Some very marked changes will be made in the financial management of the school, such as we are assured will bring confidence to the people, unity to the educational work, and hearty support to the school.

The courses of study have been largely reorganized and greatly strengthened. A faculty has been chosen, and the calendar is now in the hands of the printer, and will soon be issued.

For the first time in the history of the work here, we shall have a thoroughly organized normal school in operation. The mere announcement of this department of the college has awakened a response that shows the great need of such a work and of a thorough appreciation of it. The special feature of this normal course will be the training-school, where the normal students will have an opportunity of studying and practising the actual work of teaching under the supervision of skilled critic teachers.

We shall have a well-organized commercial department and strong courses in music. Dr. L. A. Reed has been elected president of the college, and Prof. E. D. Sharpe director of the normal. Prof. I. C. Colcord has been chosen conference educational superintendent, and will do a great deal toward upbuilding the educational work, and in supporting the interests of the college.

Wherever our people here have come in touch with the new order of things for the school, they are showing a willing co-operation that is truly encouraging.

The prospect for a large attendance is very bright. About twenty-five students are in the canvassing work this summer for the purpose of earning scholarships. They have been working barely a month, and some have already half of their scholarships earned, and all of them are moving steadily on. Brother Covell has done a grand work in training these young people for the summer campaign, and the spirit of service which he has kindled in their hearts has done much for the school and the religious influences of the college.

Those wishing to know further with reference to the school should write for a calendar, or correspond with the president of the college, Healdsburg, Cal.

W. T. Knox, President of the Board, L. A. Reed, Secretary.