The Southern Training School at Graysville, Tennessee
By J. E. Tenney
J. E. TENNEY
The tenth year in the existence of the school, and the sixth since it came under conference control, opened Sept. 25, 1901. Two terms of sixteen weeks each are in the past, and the summer term of twelve weeks opened on the 20th of May.
The Work of the School
With the beginning of the present year the name of the school was changed from the Southern Industrial to the Southern Training School. This change was in harmony with the plan of the Southern Union Conference to make the school a place for the preparation of workers for the entire field. A few had gone out from the school into different lines of evangelistic work previously to this time, but the training of workers had never been made the distinctive feature.
Co-operation
It was our privilege, during the summer and autumn before the opening of the present school year, to attend all the camp meetings held in those States comprising the Southern Union Conference, and to present to the people the plans and prospects of the school.
Without an exception the State conferences, most of which were organized at these meetings, most heartily indorsed the school and its objects, and pledged themselves to its support. This cordial co-operation has been enjoyed throughout the year.
The Attendance
The general purpose of the school having been changed, it seemed advisable to make other provision for the younger pupils. This was done by opening a primary school, composed of the first five grades. This school enrolled nearly sixty pupils during the year, and under the efficient management of Mrs. W. T. Bland, made most encouraging advancement.
The enrollment in the Southern Training School reached one hundred and three; this made the total enrollment about one hundred and sixty. All the States in the Southern Union Conference, except South Carolina, were represented among the students, besides several of the Northern and Western States. The average age of those enrolled was nearly twenty years; and it has never been our privilege to have a more earnest or a more intelligent class of students.
The Lines of Training
We came to this field entirely ignorant of its needs and the conditions to be met. It seemed best not to outline a definite policy at the beginning, but to take some time in obtaining such a personal knowledge of the work needed as would lead to the laying of more effective plans. We do not feel that the work has suffered from lack of definiteness, yet the course to be pursued in the future will be more clearly outlined.
There is great need in this field for laborers in all departments of the work; but medical missionaries, teachers, canvassers, and practical business men and women are specially needed; and though other branches of training will not be neglected, these will be given prominence.
Spiritual Condition
The school has been blessed in spiritual matters. From the beginning of the year there has been most perfect harmony among the board, faculty, and students concerning the principles underlying the work, and this has led to concerted action.
The devotional exercises of the school have been characterized by a deep religious fervor. A number of unconverted youth have turned to God, and ten, during the eight months, have gone forward in baptism. When the school closed, there were very few who were not enjoying an experience which can come only to those who know their Saviour.
The School Home
It may be interesting to know that during the year fifty-four students have lived in the school home. Nineteen of these have been young men.
There have been only six cases of illness during the year, and only one of these was at all serious.
The most perfect harmony has prevailed18and there have been many precious seasons of social and spiritual enjoyment in this large family circle.
What the Students Are Doing
About ten will spend the summer vacation in canvassing and Bible work. Six or more are doing practical nursing. Five or six are, or will soon be, in the church-school work. At least five have entered offices as stenographers and bookkeepers. Some have remained to attend the summer term, and others have gone to their homes, expecting to return to us at the beginning of the next school year.
We praise the Lord for the wonderful care he has had over the school during the year, and also for what we know he will do for us in the future.
The next school year will open September 24. Send for the new announcement. A most prosperous year is expected.
