Battle Creek College by Alonzo T. Jones

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 20, 1900

Battle Creek College.

By Alonzo T. Jones

Battle Creek College is the oldest educational institution of the denomination. It was built because the Lord said we should have an institution for the education of ministers and workers. An indebtedness of eighty thousand dollars hangs over this institution. This is not right, either in the sight of God or the sight of men. Our debts should be paid. If any would say that the debt is too great, and that it was incurred through mismanagement, we would have to admit that in large part that is so. Yet for all that, the debt is there, and has to be reckoned with, and should be provided for. Besides, the institution is not to blame, and should not be punished, because of the mistakes that men have made.

We do not say that any such thing as a grand rush should be made to raise this whole sum at once: we only say that this institution is justly entitled to a place in the attention, and to a share of the money, of the denomination. Many of the creditors are now in straightened circumstances, and are very much in need of their money. There is thus immediate need of eighteen thousand dollars. The college is now paying all running expenses; so that every dollar received, outside of tuitions, will go toward paying off the indebtedness.

Last spring a little company of students and teachers pledged over five thousand dollars. Sister E. G. White gives to the college all the proceeds on all the copies of a new book of hers, which is soon to appear, that shall be sold in this school district. Professor Magan contributes the proceeds of his book, “The Peril of the Republic.” In the REVIEW of Nov. 7, 1899, there was announced by the president of the General Conference the arrangement concluded in council, by which the college management is allowed to raise in contributions in this school district, not to exceed seven thousand dollars a year. In accordance with this arrangement, March 17 has been appointed as a day to be spent in prayer and in the consideration of the educational interests, as represented in Battle Creek College and its district. Attention is called to this now because now is the time to begin to pray. On that Sabbath, offerings will be taken for Battle Creek College. Now is the time to ask the Lord to tell you what your duty is in this matter.

You can give money; you can make wills and bequests; or if the college owes you, you can contribute a part or all of the amount. The college will be glad to receive help in any of these ways.

One friend, a sister who had a note against the college for one thousand dollars, has lately given all of it. There are others who can do likewise with their notes.

Reading-matter, or other information on the subject, will be sent to all who address the secretary, P. T. Magan, Battle Creek College, Battle Creek, Mich.

Alonzo T. Jones, President of the Board.