The School at Paris by B. G. Wilkinson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 9, 1902

The School at Paris

By B. G. Wilkinson

I have received inquiries from our young people in America who desire to enter the work regarding the possibility of coming to France to study. To all who have such desires, I would say that the way is open. This year we expect to conduct a training school in one of the large cities of France, presumably, Paris, where the students may pursue their studies with all educational advantages, and at the same time receive a missionary training.

Paris is usually considered the most beautiful city in the world. Its universities, libraries, museums, palaces, parks, gardens, conservatories, and other advantages are the center of a life and education not only for the four million people in Paris itself, but also for France and for the French-speaking people throughout the world. Here we could easily plant ourselves within reach of these facilities, to draw from them what might be of good, and at the same time carry on the great work of evangelization.

The teaching force will be strong enough to offer, as far as it goes, a course of study equal to that which could be offered anywhere. Elder J. Curdy is a skilled instructor of Bible history, and literature in the French language. Brother John Vuilleumier, who has been editor of a French paper and also of a Spanish, is well instructed in these languages. Brother Nussbaum, who is the leader in the canvassing work in the Latin union field, is an able and successful evangelist. Mrs. Curdy has been a public school teacher for several years among the French. Mrs. Wilkinson will assist me in the work.

The following studies will be offered: Bible, history, French language and literature, physiology, nursing, practical training in giving Bible readings and in public speaking and canvassing.

To such a year of study and evangelistic work in France we invite students to come. Who should come?—Those of mature years who are prepared to dedicate themselves to missionary work in France, or among the French-speaking people. The studies to be offered will be only for mature minds.

What will be the expense? We can assure our patrons that the expense will not be greater than that of attending one of our colleges in America,—for example Union College,—with this exception, the only labor that we can offer for which the student will receive pay is the canvassing work. Last year at Geneva some of the students earned all their expenses by canvassing. We cannot say that the same thing can be done in Paris. That remains to be tried. There is also a small fund of money to be spent in education in this field, from which some assistance may be had; but for those who can pay, it would be decidedly best not to look to this source for help.

The time is at hand for our young people to form their plans for the coming year. We beg of them to pray over the needs of these fields. As we have been delayed in the perfection of our plans, we shall not be ready to open the school until October 15. But should any be late in preparing to come, we can arrange for them at Nov. 1, 1902. We should be pleased to hear immediately from all who are interested in this work. The writer’s address is 48 Weiherweg, Basel, Switzerland. We trust that this school may be blessed of the Lord in preparing workers for this needy field.

B. G. WILKINSON.