Five months after the closing work in Battle Creek College in the spring of 1901, students and teachers again met in the new quarters at Berrien Springs. The work of those few months cannot be described. It means much to transfer the interests of an institution, and reopen under conditions so widely different. Many felt that it would be a task too difficult to accomplish, and counseled the management to postpone the opening for one year. October 30, however, things were in readiness.
It is pioneer work, to be sure, but a spirit of greater earnestness on the part of students I never witnessed. It made one courageous just to come in contact with the young men and women who were here in time to help transform the hotel into a dormitory and to prepare class rooms.
The opening exercises on the morning of the 30th were very simple. Friends in the village assembled with the students, and an hour was devoted to words of welcome and good cheer. It is surprising to note the hearty reception accorded the college by the people of Berrien Springs. This spirit has been noticeable ever since the decision to locate here, and a hearty expression of the public feeling was made at the opening of the college.
The words of Miss Orcutt, an experienced teacher and W. C. T. U. worker, expressed the sentiments of many. Two years ago she was one of the teachers in the People's University, a socialistic movement started at Berrien Springs. This organization purchased the courthouse buildings, in which the college work is now conducted, and the hotel which is now used as a college dormitory was then filled with guests in attendance at their summer school. Unable to carry to completion their plans for a settlement and university, this movement died out. The Seventh-day Adventists have come into the same place, are occupying the same buildings, and, as Miss Orcutt said, "There is every indication that the educational interests of the new school will be a success. They are working on a higher plane than we did, by recognizing the spiritual side of education." She wished us Godspeed.
STEAMER “MAY GRAHAM” AT EMMANUEL COLLEGE LANDING.
Two telephone messages of greeting were heartily appreciated. One came from the General Conference Committee, assembled at Battle Creek, and the other from Professor Magan, whose illness prevented him from being among the teachers.
The entrance examinations began Wednesday morning. Professor Sutherland gave the students a talk upon the need of developing systematically, and laid before them the plan of the institution to make thorough students. The entrance examinations opened the eyes of some to their own need. One man who has attended various institutions in the East, said, after taking his test: "This is something new; I have studied Greek and Latin, and have taken other advanced work, but I never saw a school open like this. I am here for work, and want those subjects which will best prepare me for usefulness."
Every student devotes at least two hours to manual756labor; a number work their entire way. Last Sunday the gentlemen teachers and nearly every boy spent a half day on the farm. A wood shed was needed at the dormitory, so Professor Haughey and some of the boys are building one. This is the beginning of student labor, as it will be utilized in the erection of buildings on the farm.
Elder W. C. White spent a day at the college, looking over the farm and temporary buildings. In his talk with students he counseled them to make friends with the neighbors, to hold meetings, and in every way possible let the light of truth shine.
Already a number of openings have occurred. During the summer public meetings were conducted two evenings each week. In this way some were reached. The W. C. T. U. has asked the co-operation of several of our lady teachers, and Mrs. Dr. Edwards has a standing invitation to give instruction to the women. The way is open for both Dr. and Mrs. Edwards to do medical work in the village.
SAINT JOSEPH RIVER FROM WHITE'S BLUFF, EMMANUEL COLLEGE FARM.
The school has begun, with but few students, it is true, fifty being the present attendance; but this gives an opportunity to get the work well started, when it would have been difficult to accommodate a large number. The simplicity with which the work opens bespeaks a steady growth. A number of new students are planning to enter December 3, the beginning of the latter half of the fall term, when several new classes form.
Doubtless we have reached an era in the educational work. The exodus from the cities has begun. The freedom of the country breathes a spirit of strength into the work; and as a happy family, students and teachers look upon this as the beginning of a great work in the cause of Christ.
