Our New School Grounds by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 6, 1874

Our New School Grounds.

By George I. Butler

YESTERDAY the writings were drawn conveying, to those that have charge of school matters here, a site for our proposed school buildings. These grounds lie in front of the Health Reform Institute, on the opposite side of the road, and comprise twelve acres. They were purchased of Mr. Erastus Hussey; and it is not too much to say that they form the most beautiful site for school buildings that can be found in the city of Battle Creek. They are tastefully adorned with a large number of fruit, evergreen, and other ornamental, trees; and by their high, commanding position, when suitable buildings are erected, a person can easily view at a glance nearly the whole city.

We consider this a very rare chance indeed. We have been able to secure just such a site for our school as we have earnestly desired, where the liberal donations of our people may be suitably expended. Our buildings will be away from the noise and dust of the business street, and yet, within easy access of all. The grounds will be ample, the air pure, and the surroundings inviting.

The purchase of this site will save the necessity of moving the Institute, which would have been necessary had the Fair Grounds been purchased, as it was once contemplated. Here will be a saving of several thousands of dollars.

Our institutions here will all be within easy access of each other, and within easy access of the church. This is an item of no small importance. In short, we feel exceedingly grateful that our anxiety in regard to the selection of a proper site is so happily terminated. When Bro. White left for California, we had little hope that it could be obtained without paying an exorbitant price. But the way has opened, and the grounds are secured.

The purchase of these grounds would not have been consummated at this time had it not been for the clearing away of difficulties in the church, during the last two months. It will be plainly seen that we expect to hold our ground in Battle Creek, which has been a matter of some doubt in the past. This purchase is a very important step in this direction. The increase of our school and our publishing work makes it necessary that school buildings be erected next season. Our school now numbers upwards of one hundred and twenty, and we could not accommodate a great many more in the present building. The Publishing Association will soon need it for its own use.

The winter season is the right time to make preparation to build cheaply. We must soon purchase material and get it upon the ground. It will be seen by this that we “mean business.” This will greatly gratify all true friends of the cause. Such desire to see something done. We do not want to see this drag along, but want to keep the ball moving right forward.

This will make it necessary that our friends, who have so liberally pledged during the past summer, should pay their pledges. Not far from $25,000 were subscribed to be paid in 1873. This is New Year's day, and not quite $10,000 of this has been paid in. We should like that balance of $15,000, friends, as quick as you can send it on; for we want to go to work now. We have no censure to cast in this matter. Money matters have been very close this fall, and you did not know as there was any special need of it. Now you will all rejoice that the way has opened for it to be immediately used. And if there are any who signed sums for 1874, who can just as well pay now, we should be very glad to have them, though they are under no obligation to pay till one year from to-day. But the burden of our expense will fall upon us the coming season.

We have no doubt but those who so liberally pledged will now pay those pledges. They cheerfully signed these sums and will cheerfully pay them. Send them in, friends, and you shall soon receive your certificates of stock; for the Educational Society will be legally organized within a few weeks, at most. The purchase of this site makes that step now necessary.

So one step after another is taken in the great work in which we are engaged. It does not go backward, but forward. So it will, till it shall end in the triumph of God's truth.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Battle Creek, Mich., Jan. 1, 1874.