The Summer Assembly by M. Bessie De Graw

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 8, 1902

The Summer Assembly

By M. Bessie De Graw

It has rained nearly every day for the past two weeks at Berrien Springs, but showers do not quench the ardor of the students of the assembly. All feel that God wonderfully blesses with an abundance of health, and signs of vigor are replacing wan cheeks and overworked nerves in many who came directly from the class room to the summer school. The atmosphere of the camp is refreshing, and the spiritual interest is strong. Educational reform means more to many of these young people than it did a few weeks ago. Vague ideas are gradually replaced by practical knowledge of subjects and methods which will help children to know Christ, and to become workers in his cause.

The practical side of education appeals strongly to all the students. One of the most interesting features of the work is the consideration of manual training for church and intermediate schools. This problem is now so prominently before educators of the world that it is no longer left for the church-school teacher to pave the way in industrial training. The effort made by Superintendent Harvey, of Wisconsin, has been carefully studied. Professor Bailey, editor of “Country Life in America,” has contributed matter greatly appreciated by those who have to wrestle with this problem. One young man said, “When I entered the church-school work, I determined that wherever I might be, the school should have a garden. Last year each child had a flower bed, and we studied the planting of seeds and the cultivation of flowers. The children were happy to devote the early morning hours and the intermissions to their gardens.”

This spirit, entertained already by some church-school teachers, is being strengthened during the summer. The morning hours are devoted to class work, the afternoons in part to manual work. A love for manual work on the part of teachers will enable them to make their schools a center from which will emanate an influence in favor of country life. In this way they can materially assist in the solution of one of the greatest social problems.

The Bible lessons, given by Elder John A. Brunson, are thoroughly appreciated. The classes in instrumental and sacred music, numbering twenty-six students, are enthusiastic.

The interest begins to point toward the ten days’ convention to be held August 10-20. The work of the summer virtually centers in two problems of vital interest to the educational work and to the work at large. The first is concerned with an educational system, the adoption of which will provide Christian training for every child and youth. “A campaign for the free education of all children and youth,” is the call of the hour. The financial support of Christian schools for the children is a question closely related to the first one mentioned.

Information concerning the convention will be furnished upon request; for a general and most cordial invitation to attend will be extended to all. This season should witness such growth in the school problem that every Seventh-day Adventist will realize that the movement is imbued with life from above.

M. BESSIE DE GRAW.