An Educational Conference
By M. Bessie DeGraw
A MEETING of the educational superintendents of Lake Union Conference was held at Berrien Springs, Mich., May 7, 8. Among those in attendance were S. M. Butler, of the West Michigan Conference; E. K. Slade, of the East Michigan Conference; Miss Lottie Farrell, of Wisconsin; Mrs. I. J. Hankins, of Indiana; and Miss Mary Cook, of northern Illinois. These workers represent territory in which an active interest is taken in the subject of Christian education. They came from the field thoroughly alive to the importance of this work, and anxious to formulate plans which would tend to place the work on a more substantial basis. The following are some of the subjects discussed: Plans for the Summer School at Berrien Springs; How to Reach the Young People and Give Them the Necessary Training to Place Them in the Field as Missionaries; The Circulation of Educational Literature, such as “Education,” by Mrs. E. G. White, Vol. VII of the Testimonies, “Living Fountains,” The Advocate, and “The Bible in Education,” by A. T. Jones; The Bible Plan for the Support of Christian Teachers; Conventions for Young People; How to Provide Christian Schools for Isolated Families; Scope of Work for Elementary Schools, Intermediate Schools, and Training Schools, and the Relation of Each of These Schools to the Others; Uniform Examinations for Elementary and Intermediate Schools; Proper Text-books as a Factor in Christian Education; Industrial Work for Elementary Christian Schools; The Duties of Educational Superintendents. Definite arrangements were made for the summer school, which opens June 24 at Berrien Springs, Mich. As the educational superintendents bear a heavy responsibility, and are to a great degree responsible for the success of elementary school teachers, it was decided that the examinations and the classification of students for the summer school should be in their hands. The superintendents also decided to make arrangements to spend as much of their time as possible in the summer school, giving practical instruction to the students concerning the work in the field and the problems which must be met. Arrangements have been made for conducting a five days’ institute at the beginning of the summer school. This will call together educational superintendents, elementary Christian teachers, representatives from intermediate industrial schools, ministers, and general workers. It was felt that the importance of the educational work demands a study of principles by both teachers and ministers. The program for the institute presents subjects for discussion which are of most vital importance at the present time. The question of the circulation of educational literature was discussed, the educational superintendents pledging themselves to unite with the Advocate Publishing Company in placing three thousand copies of the book, “Education,” before the public during the next few months. They offered also to see that the pamphlet, “The Place of the Bible in Education,” written by Elder A. T. Jones, is widely distributed among teachers in secular schools. The mission of the Advocate also received attention, and arrangements were made to issue a pamphlet dealing with the subject, “Why Seventh-day Adventists Maintain Separate Schools.” This is to be given wide circulation. A general movement was started looking forward to a more definite work for the young people. Plans were laid for holding young people’s conferences, in which a study of the work which young people should do will be made prominent, young people themselves bearing the burden of these meetings. The superintendents recognized the importance of encouraging definite study on the part of young people,—this to be carried on by correspondence,—and they pledged themselves to exert their influence to start classes among all the churches, the work to be connected with the Correspondence-Study Department of Emmanuel Missionary College.17 Appropriations have been made for the erection of cottages in the grove on Emmanuel Missionary College farm. These will be placed at the disposal of summer school students. Christian teachers are recognized as a self-sacrificing class of people, and it is gratifying to know that many of the conferences are planning to meet the traveling expenses of those teachers who attend the Summer Assembly. Plans were suggested whereby the support of Christian schools will be more uniform. Elder Butler advocated, temporarily at least, the plan now in operation in the West Michigan Conference. According to this plan, each church-member assists in the support of Christian schools. The fund thus raised is held by the conference, and teachers’ accounts are audited the same as other conference laborers. By this means Christian education is placed within the reach of all the children within the church, as well as all others; the schools become centers for missionary work, and the burden of support is equalized. No problem at the present time weighs more heavily upon educational workers than that of the support of schools, and its solution will be the signal for rapid advancement in the cause of Christian education. We have been told plainly that the first work of the church is the education of its children, and instruction has also been given that every Christian should share in the financial support of these schools. How can we expect the work to prosper until these direct commands are heeded? Such questions as Conferences for Young People, Text-books, Liberal Support for Teachers, How to Obtain Better Qualified Teachers, etc., will be considered at the institute, held the first five days of the summer school, June 24-29. A general invitation is extended to all who are interested in the work for children. The educational superintendents of Lake Union Conference will gladly welcome parents, teachers, and workers whose hearts respond to the invitation.