The Educational Work in the North Michigan Conference
By W. D. Curtis
I SPENT ten days during the last of January and first of February in the North Michigan Conference, attending conventions, visiting primary schools, and studying the needs of the field from the standpoint of the Educational department. The first convention I attended was held at Petoskey, one of the famous summer resorts of the Northwest. The attendance from the surrounding churches was not so large as it doubtless would have been given in arranging for the meeting. The Lord was present, however, by his Spirit, and many precious lessons were learned. The majority of the subjects was were presented by the young people who had written papers upon the topics assigned them. It was very evident that much thought had been bestowed upon the preparation of these papers. As I have been brought into closer touch with the young people of this and other conferences of the Lake Union, I have been deeply impressed with the large amount of talent which may, and should be, quickly trained to carry the “advent message to the world.” I have thought I could better understand something of the view the Lord gave his servant, and the impression made upon her mind, which caused her to exclaim, “With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the world!” The brethren and sisters who attended the Petoskey convention caught the spirit of the meeting, and immediately began to make preparations to give their children and youth a Christian education. May God help them to continue this work until the Master comes. The Mesick convention followed that held at Petoskey. The attendance was good, and the brethren seemed much interested. The papers read were excellent, and the discussion which followed the reading of each brought out some excellent thoughts, which, if put in operation, will add strength and character to our work in that part of the conference. The educational superintendent, Miss Myrta M. Kellogg, is devoting her entire time to the work of the department, and the Lord is blessing her labors. I understand that several Sabbath-schools have been organized during the year, the list of the Home Department members is steadily growing, the Young People’s Society work becoming stronger, and there are fifteen primary schools in operation, and at least three more will begin in the spring. The North Michigan Conference has no academy, but is sending most of its students to the Cedar Lake school. I understand, however, that four from the Northern Peninsula have gone to Bethel, Wis. May the Lord help our people to realize that he is calling upon them to educate the youth of the church.