Graduation of Nurses in England by W. T. Bartlett

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 19, 1909

Graduation of Nurses in England

By W. T. Bartlett

Another little band of well-trained missionary nurses has just been graduated by our sanitarium at Caterham. One of the nurses, Miss May Loveday, has already left to join the sanitarium in India, and another, Brother H. J. Hurlow, is expecting to proceed shortly to that field. Three others were present to receive their diplomas at the graduating exercises, which were held in the gymnasium of the sanitarium on Thursday, July 8. One of the five, Mrs. Ruby Eastcott-Brown, almost finished her course three years ago, but owing to failing health was unable to be graduated at that time. Since then, however, she has done creditable work in the field, and at present she and her husband, another graduate of the training-school, are engaged in self-supporting missionary work. Two others, Miss M. Hanna and Miss Violet Spearing, complete the class. All received commendation from their teachers as faithful students and efficient nurses.

The motto adopted by the class was the statement of the apostle Paul, "For me to live is Christ," and we believe that this motto actually represents the purpose of them all. The graduating exercises formed an interesting and profitable occasion. Brother W. C. Sisley occupied the chair, and Elder W. J. Fitzgerald gave the address of the evening. He dwelt especially on the thought that the gospel committed to us meets every need of mankind, and that God has raised up and organized a company of men and women in order that the presentation of this gospel might not be incomplete or swayed by individual bias, but well-rounded and many-sided, thus meeting all the needs of mankind. Elders W. H. Meredith, W. H. Wakeham, and W. T. Bartlett also spoke briefly, and Dr. A. B. Olsen then presented diplomas to the graduating nurses. He set before them, in earnest words, the high standard at which missionary nurses must aim, and exhorted them to patient continuance in well-doing, that they might gain the prize held out before them, and at last receive the Master's commendation.

The gymnasium was well filled with an interested audience, consisting of patients and nurses and friends of the latter. The Caterham Sanitarium continues to enjoy a good patronage, but best of all, the presence of the Lord is felt in the institution. Judging from the testimony of many of the workers, there never was a more healthy spiritual condition in the institution than has prevailed during the past few months. It is the earnest desire of those connected with the sanitarium that the nurses trained in it should go forth not only able to care for the body, but also understanding how to minister to sin-sick souls.

W. T. BARTLETT.