Medical Missionary Department by Lois L. Wakeham

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 4, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 36.

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Medical Missionary Department

By Lois L. Wakeham

W. A. RUBLE, M. D. - General Secretary

L. A. HANSEN - Assistant Secretary

H. W. MILLER, M. D. - N. Am. Div. Secretary

Graduating Exercises, England

ON July 17, 1913, a goodly number gathered at the Caterham Sanitarium, England, to attend the nurses' graduating exercises, when a class of five completed their three years' training.

Light refreshments were served at six o'clock in the sanitarium dining-rooms, where the tables were laden with a generous supply of tempting delicacies. Following this pleasant item the guests, patients, and graduates assembled in the gymnasium for the exercises proper. The class motto, "Saved to Serve," was artistically done in evergreen at the front, and was the key-note of the program.

After the opening hymn, whose title corresponded with the motto, Dr. C. H. Hayton, superintendent of the Stanborough Park Sanitarium, offered prayer, invoking the blessing of God on the class as they were about to go forth to engage in medical missionary work, either at home or in the wider fields beyond.

Elder W. J. Fitzgerald, president of the British Union Conference, occupied the chair, and made a few appropriate remarks prior to the graduating address, which was delivered by Elder S. G. Haughey, president of the South England Conference.

It has always been the intention of the leaders of the work to open treatment-rooms in the cities, and Elder Haughey called attention to the sanitarium medical mission that it is now hoped will very soon be opened in London for the benefit of those who are unable financially to visit our institutions for the needed treatment and care. He appealed to all those who are interested in this line of work to be liberal with their donations, as it will require considerable funds to equip and maintain such a mission.

Miss A. M. Clark read a paper presenting the principles, aim, and standard of a new gild that it is hoped will soon be organized among sanitarium workers, The Service of Joy. An appropriate and attractive badge has been prepared for the members of the gild on which are represented various symbols indicating its fundamental principles.

Dr. A. B. Olsen, superintendent of the Caterham Sanitarium, presented a diploma to each of the five graduates: Misses Edith Crooks, Margaret Harrison, Isabel Johnstone, and Ebba Schmitt, and Mr. William Kirkwood. Dr. Olsen congratulated the class, not so much on what they had done, but on what they had faithfully tried to do. He said that the diplomas were a token, not that they had finished learning, but that they had completed the preparatory course, and were going on to the higher school of experience and self-training.

Mr. Kirkwood responded in the name of the class, thanking the doctor and his associates for the kind interest that had been shown them during their three years' study, and for their words of encouragement at times when the way seemed hard.

To close the exercises, the audience joined in singing "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow," and Elder W. T. Bartlett pronounced the benediction.

After the program, the graduates were heartily congratulated by their friends and the guests who were present, and received many cordial good wishes for their success in their chosen work of ministering to the diseased bodies and sin-sick souls of needy men and women.

LOIS L. WAKEHAM.