The Schools of Willie and Edson White

Willie and Edson White attended Battle Creek College, where they were expected to receive a judicious, practical education that prepared them for service in the cause of God6MR 399.4+1.

🏫 Battle Creek College

The brothers were connected to Battle Creek College, an institution established to provide instruction free from corrupting influences and centered on the Bible as the foundation of all knowledge10MR 271.2+1.

• Purpose of the School: It was designed to be a place where the younger members of the Lord’s family were trained according to a divine plan of growth and developmentPH117 14.1.

• Curriculum: The education included biblical lectures, the history of the message, physiology, and habits of order and punctuality6MR 399.4+2.

• Spiritual Focus: The goal was to lead students to the fountain of truth so they could return home as soldiers of the cross of ChristPOSDAI 53.4+1.

• Challenges: During their time, the school faced struggles with worldly models, such as popular amusements and games that excited the mind but hindered spiritual receptivitySpM 72.4+2.

🌾 The Move to Berrien Springs

In later years, the educational work shifted from Battle Creek to Berrien Springs to escape the unsuitable influences of the city11MR 41.3+1.

• Emmanuel Missionary College: This new school was established on a beautiful tract of land in the country, where students could learn to care for the land intelligentlySpM 326.3+1.

• Practical Labor: The move was intended to ensure that the physical and mental powers were equally taxed, preventing the corruption of mind that comes from sedentary study alone23LtMs, Lt 168, 1908, par. 12.

🏡 Home and Specialized Training

Beyond formal institutions, a significant portion of their education occurred through direct parental instruction and practical experiencePOSDAI 70.3+1.

• Business and Management: Willie developed qualities for safe business management, while Edson was trained to work with dispatch, though he was cautioned to follow a more systematic and well-considered plan3LtMs, Lt 3a, 1880, par. 2.

• Missionary Outreach: They were taught that the college was an outreach tool, and they were encouraged to take broader views regarding the work of sending workers to foreign fieldsPOSDAI 70.3.

In all their schooling, they were encouraged to rise above the fog of doubt and gain a deep, living experience in Christ7BC 907.12. As they labored, they were reminded that the life of Christ must circulate through them as blood circulates through the veins Galatians 2:205BC 1144.4. The light of the gospel was to shine in their hearts to give them the knowledge of the glory of God 2 Corinthians 4:6. 🌟