South Lancaster, Mass., School.
By S. N. Haskell
IT may be interesting to the readers of the SIGNS, especially those on the Pacific Coast, to learn something of the progress of the school at South Lancaster, and more particularly so considering that the school at Healdsburg, Cal., and the one at South Lancaster commenced at nearly the same time, and were established upon the same principles. With us it was more of an experiment, although we have always had great faith in the plan adopted by these schools; that any school established upon correct principles will prosper, and that God will add his blessing to efforts put forth in the right direction, and we shall see them succeed. We serve a God who is all-powerful, and his providence is over his own work; neither does he leave his people to fight their battles alone, but he goes before them and works for them to his name's glory. We believe that the school upon the Pacific Coast will yet furnish laborers for the islands of the Pacific Ocean, Australia, New Zealand, and many places where as yet the living preacher has never gone, in addition to its influence in America; and we hope as great results will be achieved by the College at South Lancaster, in the country bordering upon the Atlantic Coast and the islands of the Atlantic Ocean, and distant lands east; while the Battle Creek College will furnish a class of laborers that will form a clasp to bind the influence of the two schools in the one great work until the influence of all will encircle the world. From these schools there should be hundreds of teachers that will commence smaller schools in every Conference of S. D. Adventists in America, and we know of no reason why the same spirit should not reach the European Continent where our missions are established. It is now nearly two years since these schools, were opened. Our brethren in the East, realizing the nearness of the time of trouble, thought that there should be a school for the benefit of those who could not have the advantage of the one at Battle Creek, Mich. They have labored under some disadvantages that our brethren in California have not experienced, having no suitable school buildings. During the first term of the school, although numbering less than forty, students were under the necessity of reciting in three separate buildings. In the winter the number so increased that they were170obliged to occupy the meeting-house, in which the school has been held from that time to the present. Having no suitable rooms in the boarding-house in which the students could study, they have been under the necessity of spending all their study hours in the meeting-house. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the results of the first year were far greater than our most sanguine expectations. This encouraged our brethren to go forward; consequently, at a general meeting held in Lancaster about one year ago, a resolution was passed authorizing our School Committee to proceed to erect such buildings as would be suitable for the school; but owing to circumstances, nothing was done in this direction until the present winter. At the general meeting held at Lancaster in December, it was voted to proceed at once to raise $25,000 to purchase land and erect buildings. One-half this sum was pledged at this meeting. In less than one week from the close of the meeting twenty-six acres of desirable land were purchased in the village of South Lancaster, for cultivation and a building site. During this week a corporation was organized with the following persons as directors: S. N. Haskell, D. A. Robinson, G. H. Bell, E. P. Farnsworth, C. W. Comings, J. C. Tucker, and C. E. Palmer. At a subsequent meeting the board was organized, electing S. N. Haskell, President; D. A. Robinson, Secretary; E. P. Farnsworth, Treasurer. A stock-book was opened and stock has been issued representing 226 shares at $25 each. Others have paid in their pledges in part, so that there has been paid up to date upon real estate, including what was paid for lumber, school furniture, etc., over $10,000. A portion of the lumber and stone for the foundation of the buildings are already upon the ground. Building will commence early this spring. It is decided to erect two school-buildings, one 45x65 feet with a 13x20 front, in which will be placed the stairs, leaving the main building for recitation and lecture-rooms, etc.; and another about 40x75 or 80 feet, three stories high, with basement. Believing it would be for the interest of the students to have manual labor connected with the school, and that this manual labor should be directed in useful trades, it has been arranged to connect with the school at least six trades, four of which are now in active operation, viz., the manufacturing of tents and brooms, mending of boots and shoes, and printing; and it is hoped before spring opens two other trades will also be introduced, besides gardening. It is needless to state that there have been discouraging circumstances connected with the school, but no more so than might be expected with any new enterprise. Looking back over the past two years, it can truthfully be said that God has dealt with this school in great mercy and given largely of his Spirit. Quite a large number have been converted and baptized, some of them as marked cases as we have seen for a number of years. At least twelve of the students are now active laborers in the cause in different Conferences, a number of whom came to the school without any idea of engaging in the work of God. Some of these were converted here, and so partook of the missionary spirit that they have gone forth and become successful in colporter work. There has also been a school started in Rome, N. Y., by a student from this school, which is now in successful operation; while Maine and Vermont have efficient secretaries who received their instruction in this branch of the work in connection with this school during the first year. For these things we thank God and take courage. During the next term, which will commence the 17th of March, there will be a course of instruction given, especially adapted for those advanced students who expect to enter the field as laborers the coming season, and also those of more mature years who have not had the benefit of instruction at this school. These various steps are entered upon not without much prayer and careful consideration. It is expected that during the next term we shall see at least a score of men and women from the New England Conference, and as many more from other Conferences, who will enter the field as laborers during the summer of 1884. There are hundreds of young men and women, as well as those of gray hairs, who by a few weeks or months instruction in language, letter-writing, general missionary and colporter work, and how to conduct Bible-readings, will be qualified to become efficient laborers in the cause; and others who have had some experience in the field, but have found themselves deficient in some respects, can be greatly benefited by the special course of instruction to be given next term. Many have a heart to do, but do not know how to set themselves about the work; a little instruction and mental training may change their entire course of life, when they can enter upon a sphere far more useful. Another feature of the school is to connect actual labor for souls with the instruction received, if individuals are being educated for teachers or colporters, or in any feature of the missionary work. There will be long vacations in the summer, during which schools can be taken in our churches and the same principles be taught which have been received during the winter, and also canvassers, colporters, and ministers will exercise the gifts which God has given them, during the long summer vacations. Indeed it has been the aim, and God has seemed to signally bless the effort, to have such a school as will contribute to the advancement of the truths which we believe are applicable at the present time and also to enable those attending the school to form habits of industry that will fit them for usefulness in any sphere where the providence of God may place them. We look forward with a degree of hope to the future of the schools among Seventh-day Adventists, believing, if they are conducted properly, they will contribute largely to the carrying forward of the work of God in the earth. It is altogether too late to look forward to three, four, or six years of mental training before the individual enters upon the work of God which he is seeking to fit himself to do. There should be a combination of the practical with the theoretical, and an experience should be had in every step taken. It is the building up of the character in every particular that will fit men and women for the kingdom of God. As the stream can rise no higher than the fountain, so individuals can be useful only as they have had experience themselves. If this experience is connected with the acquiring of their education, then they will be qualified to lift the fallen, and make their work practical as they go forth from the institution of learning.