Closing Days at Emmanuel Missionary College by O. J. Graf

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

Closing Days at Emmanuel Missionary College

By O. J. Graf

THE Lord came unusually near during the closing days of our school year. For several years a number of our older students have been giving anxious thought to the question of raising the college debt. Their determination to do something about it has been growing for some time; and about two weeks before the school closed, the spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice had grown to such an extent among the student body that a committee of students asked for the chapel period, in which to present the question to the school, the teachers meanwhile meeting in another room to seek the Lord for wisdom and guidance. The students' request was readily granted, and as a result of that and other meetings held, every student and teacher heartily engaged in the effort to raise the college debt.

Over one hundred pledged a week's work this summer, some their best week's work in the canvassing field. One teacher pledged one fourth of his income for the summer. Every teacher gave his salary for the last week of the school year. Two teachers gave one hundred dollars. A young woman, a former student who was present at the time, pledged the first fifty dollars she can earn painting pictures; and a number of the teachers will give a second tithe on their salaries the coming year. A number of both students and teachers have set as their task for the summer the raising of $500 to help reduce the debt; but we are, before launching out on a definite campaign, waiting for counsel from the Lake Union Committee.

Seven o'clock every Monday morning has been set aside by the school as a time of special prayer for the lifting of the college debt, and in behalf of those who have gone out into the canvassing work.

It is really remarkable the way the Spirit of the Lord has moved both students and teachers with a spirit of self-sacrifice. We believe this is the beginning of a movement that will deliver us from the tremendous burden that is resting upon our school. One encouraging feature is that our debt, $45,000, has not been increased during the past three years; hence every dollar that is received can be applied on the debt.

The last Friday evening of the school year brought our farewell vesper service. Nearly one hundred were standing at one time waiting to praise the Lord for the blessings of the year. That evening we heard praises from some who had not previously taken part in our meetings during the school year. On Sabbath, Professor Longacre preached a most inspiring baccalaureate sermon, "Building for Eternity." Sunday afternoon fourteen persons, mostly students, were buried with their Lord in baptism. On Monday evening the commencement address was given by Elder W. A. Westworth, who took as his subject the class motto, "Into the Furrow of the World's Need." Thirty students were graduated from our various courses. Nine of these received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Every member of the class of thirty is an active Christian, and is planning to give his life to the service of God and humanity.

About seventy of our students are engaging in missionary work this summer; this includes about forty who enter the canvassing work. Others go out as ministers, Bible workers, teachers, office helpers, etc. The Lord has greatly blessed us, and we thank him for it.

O. J. Graf.