Church School in Singapore by J. Sharp

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 11, 1914

Church School in Singapore

By J. Sharp

In April, 1912, the Singapore church school was opened with an enrollment of twenty, Miss Isabel Fox being the teacher. By the end of that year there was an addition of five to the school, and since then it has run as high as thirty-four, the fluctuation in membership being caused chiefly by parents moving away from Singapore.

At the close of 1913 Miss Fox, whose health had become somewhat impaired, sent in her resignation. A request was then made to the General Conference for an experienced lady teacher, and we were gratified to receive a cable early in January saying that one had been found to supply the need. Later a letter stated that Miss Yarnell, the new teacher, would not leave America until February 14, making it about the end of March before she could be expected to arrive in Singapore. So it was thought best, as the school had already had a long vacation, for the writer to open the school, which was done February 13, with twenty-six children present.

The enrollment has now risen to thirty-two, made up of Eurasian, Chinese, and Tamil children. They are divided into four grades and three primary classes.

With the coming of Miss Yarnell we expect the beginning of greater things for our school, and it is our intention to add an assistant teacher as soon as the membership demands it. We are looking forward to a prosperous year for the school, and trust that the blessing of God will rest upon it and the teacher as she endeavors to give the children under her care a Christian education in all the common branches of learning.

A little later it is hoped to start a training school to prepare our young people to take their places among the laborers in Christ's vineyard.

J. Sharp.