A School in Battle Creek.—Seventh-day Adventist Educational Society.
These are questions which have been agitating the minds of the brethren in this place more especially for a few weeks past. Shall we take hold, as a people, of the subject of education, and form an Educational Society? Shall we have a denominational school, the object of which shall be, in the shortest, most thorough and practicable way, to qualify young men and women, to act some part, more or less public, in the cause of God. Shall there be some place provided where our young people can go to learn such branches of the sciences as they can put into immediate and practical use, and at the same time be instructed on the great themes of prophetic and other Bible truth? These are some of the questions that came before a meeting of the church called by Bro. and sister White in Battle Creek about two weeks since. That such a school is greatly needed is very evident; or rather, that many workers are called for, who have passed through such a course of training. Can they be found? and will they take hold of the work? Several meetings have been held over this matter; but the steps thus far taken are only preliminary. Probably it will be thought best to form a society putting the shares or memberships, which will entitle the holder to vote in the business meetings, at $10 each, to raise funds for the purpose of renting, purchasing, or erecting school buildings, and procuring school apparatus. We would be glad to learn how many are ready to pledge for shares in this enterprise and to what extent. The price of shares is put at a low figure, so that all may be able to take part in the enterprise, while the wealthy can take as large a number of shares as they choose. The friends of education we expect will take all the way from one to fifty shares each. We hope to see a thorough organization of an Educational Society effected at the General Camp-meeting appointed in this paper. But the more immediate need is to start the school in some form. To this end we would like an immediate response from all who would be glad to attend such a school, and who will be ready to commence by the thirteenth of May next. If it can be ascertained at once how many wish to attend such a school, arrangements can be made, and we think operations commenced by the time specified. Let those who respond to this proposition, answer to the following particulars:— - What studies have you already taken, and what proficiency have you made in them?
- What studies in the regular English branches do you wish to take up?
- Do you wish to learn French, German, Greek, or Latin, one or all?
- Is it your special object to fit yourself to take some part in the work of God?
As to expense, tuition will be no higher than at other places; and board will be obtained at from $2.50 to $3.00 per week. Those unable to meet this expense can board themselves at a still cheaper rate. The matter at present is in the hands of a standing committee, U. Smith, chairman, E. W. Whitney, secretary. To either of these persons correspondence may be addressed in reference to this matter.