The Missionary by Stephen Nelson Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Aug 7, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 30.

The Missionary.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

South Lancaster Academy.

It is now over two years since this school at South Lancaster, Mass., was first started. The scarcity of laborers in the cause of God, and a feeling on the part of many that the influence of the common schools at the present day is not best calculated to improve the morals of those attending them, were among the considerations which led the friends of the enterprise to put forth efforts to establish this school. It began as an experiment, those in charge believing that if they would have a school which should prove a success, it must be by adopting those principles which are adapted to call out the judgment, and fit individuals for usefulness in society.

We have now passed through seven terms of the school, and we look back over its history with much satisfaction as to the results. During the two years which the school has been in progress there have been over thirty conversions among those connected with it. Many came to the school unconverted, some of whom had little or no faith in the Bible. Most of these individuals have not only given their hearts to God, but have connected themselves with his work. In these respects God has most signally blessed the school, and we feel to give him all the praise, and trust in his mercy and hope for his special blessing to accompany the efforts in the future.

Two other schools have been started by teachers who came here to acquaint themselves with our methods of teaching. One of these schools is in Jamaica, Vermont, and the other at Rome, New York. The results of both of these thus far are very encouraging.

Last winter, at a meeting of the leading brethren in the New England Conference, it was voted to raise the sum of $25,000, purchase land, and erect buildings suitable to carry out the design of those who led off in this enterprise. Accordingly stock to the amount of over $12,500 was subscribed at the meeting, twenty-six acres of land were immediately purchased, and in the spring they proceeded to erect two buildings capable of accommodating

one hundred and fifty students, at an expense of about $35,000 including the land. Other buildings have been arranged, where students who attend the school can learn some one of six useful trades. This does not include gardening and the culinary department, etc. It is now expected that these buildings will be completed so that their dedication will be held the first of October, at which time the fall term will commence, making a delay of a few weeks on account of the buildings not being completed.

The expenses at the South Lancaster Academy are light in comparison with other schools, the entire expense including board and tuition not exceeding $3.50 per week.

The True Educator, an eight-page sheet, is published monthly by the Academy, the typesetting, proof-reading, and press work all being done by those connected with the school. Those boarding at the Academy have advantages in the matter of tuition and learning trades not offered to others.

A specialty is made of teaching the Scriptures in such a manner that a general understanding of them may be acquired. There will be three departments in Bible study for advanced students—those desiring to fit themselves as teachers or for some other position of usefulness,—first Bible history, second theology, and third, the parables of our Saviour. Instruction will also be given in the best methods of missionary labor, especially that phase of it which relates to correspondence and how to arrest the attention of the careless to those subjects which pertain to their eternal interests. This course of instruction will be adapted to older persons, and those who cannot follow set rules in textbooks.

There will be lectures from time to time on the subject of hygiene, illustrating before the class the adulteration in foods and giving instruction upon proper ventilation and those subjects which can be made of practical use. This instruction will not take the place of studies commonly taught in such schools.

Certain hours each day will be devoted to physical employment. The conductors of the school have already found by experience that while the student engages in some employment that calls into exercise the muscles of the body, as well as the judgment, he will accomplish more with fewer hours of study than he would without that physical training. We think any who have a spirit and burden of labor can be benefited by the Biblical course and by the lectures on these practical subjects.

It is the design of those having charge of the school to make every arrangement in their power to carry out these principles which the most successful schools have found to be the true principles of education, and also to make the stay of those who come as pleasant as possible. South Lancaster is one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts. Its broad streets, with stately elms on each side, its neat residences and verdant hills, make it as attractive a place as is often found in any rural district in New England.

All connected with the school are expected to attend church on the Sabbath if able, and pay that outward respect to the worship of God which is thought to be consistent. Our only hope is in God. We acknowledge our dependence upon him, and seek his guidance in the enterprise.

We invite those who wish to learn more particulars of the school to send for catalogue, and correspond with those connected with the school. All correspondence addressed to South Lancaster Academy, South Lancaster, Mass., will receive prompt attention.

S. N. HASKELL.