WEDNESDAY, November 30, was the date set for the opening of the Washington Training College, and at ten o'clock members of the college board, members of the faculty, about fifty students, and some of our people living in Takoma Park met in the assembly-room of the boys' dormitory, where the opening exercises were held.
ONE OF THE DORMITORIES
Following the opening song, Elder W. A. Spicer read as a Scripture lesson portions of the second and third chapters of Proverbs. Prayer was then offered, invoking the divine blessing upon the work of all connected with the institution.
The principal of the institution, J. W. Lawhead, stated that this service was not for the purpose of dedicating the buildings, but rather to mark the formal opening of the school. Because of the unfinished condition of the buildings, they could not be dedicated now, but would be at a later time.
Following these remarks the writer called attention to some facts in connection with the origin and development of our educational work, comparing the conditions surrounding this school with those that attended the beginning of some of our other schools, which have done a noble work in training young people for service in the great harvest-field. Our first educational institution, Battle Creek College, was opened June 3, 1872, with an attendance of twelve students. The managers, in reporting the opening of that school, said: “This is a better beginning than we had ventured to anticipate.” Before the close of the first year, however, the attendance had increased to forty, among whom were Professor and Mrs. Lawhead, who are now in charge of the Washington Training College. Since that time our educational work has grown, hundreds of workers have been trained for service in all parts of the world, many institutions have been built, and are now engaged in training still others to enter the needy, waiting fields. We should not despise the day of small beginnings; steadfast adherence to righteous principles will bring glorious results.
The one great purpose of the Washington Training College is to aid in preparing men and women for the highest service possible in the closing work of the gospel as set forth in the third angel's message. To meet this purpose the institution must be filled with a missionary spirit. The students must breathe the warm atmosphere of gospel missions from the day they enter until they leave. This means that the faculty must be thoroughly imbued with this spirit. If the teachers chill the students, the whole work of the school will be imperiled.
AN UNFINISHED BUILDING
Although at the present time our buildings and grounds show a degree of incompleteness, yet this is only temporary, and we have great reason to rejoice at the progress that has been made in so short a time in the erection and equipment of this institution. The actual building operations were begun about the first of July. Since that time workmen have had to be secured, material placed upon the ground, and equipment of various kinds brought to the place. Contractors and firms in various parts of the country have been negotiated with, in providing different kinds of material. This has required much care in order to make the best selections, and at the cheapest prices, so that time has been consumed, and unavoidable delays have ensued. Great credit is due those who have been engaged in the work of erecting these buildings, in the fact that they have worked unselfishly, and almost unceasingly; for during the past few weeks many have worked until far into the night in order that the buildings might be ready for use at the appointed time. The main college building will not be erected until next year.
Elder H. W. Cottrell spoke especially to the students, counseling them to have a high ideal in their work, and to endeavor to carry it out in their school life. One great purpose of education is to receive, in order that we may impart; and the record is true, that it is more blessed to give, to impart, than it is to receive.
We trust that the work of the Washington Training College will be blessed of God in training many persons who shall engage in service for him wherever duty may call.
