Healdsburg College by H. G. Lucas

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 7, 1903

Healdsburg College

By H. G. Lucas

The religious experience of the students of Healdsburg College for the year just closed was gratifying. The Holy Spirit brought deep conviction, and many were converted during the last six or eight weeks of school. Prayer-meetings were held almost every day at chapel hour, and at the college home in the evening. From day to day the interest increased, and it was a cheering sight to see our youth take their stand for right and truth, and by voice and the change of habits confess an indwelling Saviour.

Instead of having commencement exercises, the faculty advised a change that proved most pleasing. Class recitations and examinations were carried on without interruption during the last week of school until Friday morning, May 29, at ten o'clock, when all the students and their friends assembled in the college chapel for the closing exercises. These consisted of a grand social meeting in which students, teachers, and friends took part, and many spoke, telling of their love for God, of their failures and successes, and of their hope for the future. Hearts were touched, the Spirit was guiding the meeting, and it was good to be there. When the final call was given for those who loved God, and for those who would yield to him, to rise, the response was unanimous.

It was an inspiration to the teachers as they saw all the students stand on the Lord's side, and they knew that their work was blessed of Heaven, and that its influence would be felt throughout all eternity.

Then in a few well-chosen words, Professor Cady presented certificates to those who had finished their courses, sixteen in all,—one from the normal, three from the preparatory medical, seven from the teachers', four from the business, and one from the shorthand courses.

This meeting lasted about three hours, and all felt that this school had closed, as every school should close, in the power of the Spirit. We have a noble army of young men and women in this denomination whom we can take into our confidence, and through whom God will do great things for the uplifting of humanity.

Sister White came from St. Helena the last day of school, and spoke to the students and teachers at the Sabbath morning services. She advised all to become “fishers of men,” taking Luke 5: 1-11 as the basis of her remarks.

Evening after Sabbath a musicale was given by Professor Beardslee.

The students were invited to enter the canvassing field, and an institute was held during the last few weeks of school. At least eighteen students and teachers are going out to canvass for, “Great Controversy,” “Bible Readings,” “Home Hand-Book,” “Education,” etc. May the Lord prosper every canvasser.

Our summer quarter will open July 6. A six weeks' course for church school teachers will begin August 3.

H. G. LUCAS, Secretary.