Opening of Union College
By L. A. Hoopes
UNION COLLEGE opened Sept. 17, 1902, with a much larger attendance than at the opening one year ago. Fully one hundred more are in school now than were here at this time last year. It is truly inspiring to look into the faces of so large a company of bright and enthusiastic young people, nearly all of whom have only one purpose in life, and that is to fit themselves for service in the Master's vineyard. The ladies outnumber the gentlemen. This is due, largely, to the fact that the young men are detained to take care of the large crop. We expect them later in the year. Every indication is that there will be a full school. One of the most encouraging features of the present make-up of the school, is the fact that a large percentage of the students are in training for labor in some special missionary work. Thus far the students have manifested a determination to make the most of their opportunities, both in preparation and in actual missionary work. There is an intense desire on the part of many to obtain a speedy preparation for service. The many and earnest calls for church-school teachers throughout the conferences have brought many to our college. Our Normal department is well patronized. The faculty and management have strengthened this department. Other departments of the school work have been strengthened, among which we would mention printing, broom making, blacksmithing, wood and iron working, tailoring, sewing, carpentry, horticulture, and work in the bakery, besides domestic economy, thus enabling the students to learn useful trades, and in time to earn a great part of their expenses while at school. We feel sad to announce, at the beginning of this school year, the death of one of our faithful teachers, Prof. Julius Cogniaux. Professor Cogniaux was an accomplished linguist. He had charge of the Latin and Modern Language department. His place will be hard to fill. For the present emergency Miss Winnifred Peebles, one of our former instructors, who was visiting relatives, has kindly consented to take the work of the department. But she must return to Mexico soon. The General Conference has promised to send us competent help, so we may expect the best in the denomination. In this connection we would like to announce that there will be a special course for canvassers, Bible workers, and those who have been laboring in a public capacity.19This course will be especially adapted to their needs, and will begin about January 3 or 4, 1903, and continue for eight or ten weeks. In view of the earnest efforts put forth by our brethren in the field in the sale of "Christ's Object Lessons" and the hearty response on the part of the young people who have given themselves to the cause of the Master, we certainly have reason to be encouraged. Our earnest prayer, as teachers, is that God may give us grace and wisdom to do all for these young people that can be done to fit them for service. L. A. HOOPES.