THE EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE.
By M. Bessie DeGraw
TEACHERS in every part of the country have been looking forward to the Conference. Many are now experiencing the pleasures of that meeting. The Conference was at first called to meet at Gulf Lake, but at the last hour this appointment was withdrawn in favor of Berrien Springs, owing to the fact that the locating committee, who had been in search of a site for the new college, reported favorably concerning the country in southwestern Michigan. Like the spies who went up from Kadesh-Barnea and brought back the fruit of Palestine, those who have seen this place say: “We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey.” The camp is in a grove of oaks, on the bank of the St. Joseph River. As one looks upon the tents, sheltered by those towering trees, he cannot but think that it is one of God’s own temples. It must be something like the grove at Shechem, where Abraham and his family pitched their tents and erected their altars. As Jehovah met His servant there, so will He meet with us to-day in our camp. It is a fitting place for a school. The first meeting was a praise service, held on the evening of the 10th. Those who heard the voice of prayer and song knew that it was good to be there. Among the first on the grounds were Prof. E. S. Ballenger, from California; F. W. Field, Jerry Clymer, and W. H. Wakeham, from Mt. Vernon; Elders Haughey and Lindsey, and other members of the General Conference Committee, from Ohio. Elder Hankins, with Brethren Lloyd and McCuaig, and Mrs. Miller, from Indiana; Elder Covert and company of fifteen, from Wisconsin; Joel C. Rogers and wife; W. D. Curtis and wife; Elder Gowell, Brother Edwards, Brother Amadon and daughter, and others. Elders Daniells and Jones and others came a little later. This Conference is a departure from the regular meetings of Seventh-day Adventists. Ten years ago the teachers of the denomination met in institute at Harbor Springs, but they were concerned wholly with the work of the colleges and academies. To-day ministers and teachers are studying the still more important problem, How shall the children of the denomination be trained for the service of God? The first day of the Conference was devoted to a consideration of home schools: How can the denomination substantially maintain schools for the children and youth? scope of work for these schools, and kindred topics. Ministers and teachers are equally interested in these questions, and a wave of enthusiasm should sweep the Church as a result of this Conference. The work of the summer school proper began July 20. Those who have not come because of the change of location will never know the extent of their loss. This is a God-given opportunity, and it would seem that our Father is blessing the effort in every way. If you cannot be present, pray for the success of the work. M. BESSIE DeGRAW.