The School at Geneva by B. G. Wilkinson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 15, 1902

The School at Geneva

By B. G. Wilkinson

Upon my arrival at the camp meeting at Moudon last year, a number of the young people, hearing that I had been connected with the educational work in America, suggested that we have a school, even if it could not be on such a large plan as in America. The question had been agitated among the workers for nearly twenty-five years, as they felt their need of training.

At first it seemed that circumstances were against the holding of such an institute, because of the necessity of my being out in the field visiting the churches that needed encouragement. But the people were eager for a school, and at the general meeting in January at Chaux-de-Fonds it was voted to begin one in two weeks. This seemed quite an undertaking, as we had but one hundred dollars on hand, and no place in which to hold the school. The brethren, however, were liberal, and four hundred dollars more was raised for this purpose.

It being decided that the school should be held in Geneva, we began our search for a location where we might be able to have the school, and carry on meetings at night for the people of that city. Those acquainted with the customs of the people here will know how difficult it is to rent apartments for less than one or two years. But after two weeks' search we found a place for three months, just as we had desired. This seemed to us providential.

February 2 our school opened with twelve students. Many others were desirous of attending, but on account of being bound by the contracts of watchmaking for a year or two, they were unable to do so. However, we hope that matters will be so arranged another year that they, too, may have the opportunity of attending the school.

We adopted the dormitory system, having the students do the necessary work, and in the afternoons they canvassed, some for papers, and others for books. Thus they were able to pay their way in school, and at the same time sow seeds of truth. The students were taught Bible, history, French grammar and composition, and physiology. Miss Noualy assisted in the school work, and was an invaluable helper, as we were not supplied with a doctor, business manager, canvassing agent, etc., as many of our schools are.

The students appreciated their opportunities, and when not at work, were glad to devote all their time to study. As a result, six of them are now canvassing, and three others give promise of becoming good workers. As a result of the meetings held in the city at night, five have accepted the truth. Out of our four hundred dollars raised, we have between one and two hundred dollars left, besides the other fund that we had on hand. This we expect to put into our school next year, but we shall need more, as we expect more students, and shall have a longer term of school.

The doors are open for our work. Still we lack the means, we lack workers who will step in and quench the thirst of these millions of souls. We appreciate what America is doing; all can do something, even if they cannot come and work. This work must enlarge. New fields are opening, and we must enter them. The work begun in weakness must be carried on to a glorious termination.

B. G. WILKINSON.