BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE SUMMER SCHOOL.
By M. Bessie DeGraw
But little has been said in public concerning the work of the summer school conducted in Battle Creek. Nevertheless the work has gone steadily on, and the hand of God is in it. July 20 about one hundred and twenty young persons met in conference in this city. Many of these were teachers who remained only three weeks, and have since been visiting churches in various parts of the district, distributing educational literature, in the interest of the schools. One young man, working in Michigan, cleared, in one month, over twenty-five dollars, selling “Christ’s Object Lessons” and “Living Fountains.” Between fifty and sixty students remained through the summer school. A careful examination was given at the opening of the term, and students deficient in the common branches were given an opportunity to strengthen these weak points. The principles of Christian education were studied, “Living Fountains” being the text-book. The Bible as the basis of the common branches received attention, and special stress was laid on the matter of discipline, and proficiency in teaching the common branches, following the Lord’s plan of teaching according to physiological principles and basing all instruction on the eternal truths of his word. A class of noble young persons will enter the church schools this fall. They go forth with a spirit of sacrifice, and a love for God and the lambs of the flock. May they receive a hearty welcome in the churches, and may God’s blessing attend their work. A list of the churches having schools and the teachers filling these positions will appear in the October issue of the Training School Advocate. An advance step, which speaks well for the interest in Christian education, has been taken by several States in this district. At the Green Bay camp-meeting Miss Lottie Farrell, of Littlewolf, Wis., was elected superintendent of the church schools of Wisconsin. The location of teachers in that State is now in the hands of Sister Farrell, and churches that desire to open schools should correspond with her. At the Kankakee camp-meeting a board of education was elected to look after the Illinois educational interests. This includes the church-school work and such industrial schools as may be started in the State. In the absence of another competent person to act as superintendent, Elder N. W. Kauble, president of the Conference, will have oversight of the schools for the present. All correspondence concerning school matters for the State of Illinois should be addressed to Elder N. W. Kauble, Sheridan, Ill. The people of Michigan have put the educational work in the hands of a board of five, to be composed of at least two members of the Conference Committee, one member of the college faculty, and the other two to be chosen from the membership at large. S. M. Butler, 627 S. Ingalls St., Ann Arbor, Mich., is acting superintendent. Brother Butler’s work with the Sabbath-schools makes him acquainted with the needs of the State churches. Correspondence concerning school matters for Michigan will hereafter be addressed to him. Cedar Lake Academy will reopen this fall. All these things are encouraging, and show that Christian education is now recognized as a part of the Third Angel’s Message.