The Signs of the Times, vol. 11

May 7, 1885

“College Notes” The Signs of the Times, 11, 19.

E. J. Waggoner

On Monday, April, 20 a most interesting meeting in the interest of the school was held in the College chapel. Since it was not the regular stockholders’ meeting, the financial report was only approximate, but all were surprised at the good showing. Of this, however, we shall speak more particularly next week, when we shall have the report of the stockholders’ meeting. That which contributed most to the interest of the meeting, and of which we wish to speak, is the experiences that were given by some of the students. Remarks being in order, after the teachers had spoken concerning the work of the last term, and the prospects for the future, one young man arose and said that he owed a debt of gratitude to the College, which she could never repay. He knew that the College did not advertise to be a sanitarium, yet it had been such to him, during his two years’ attendance. He said that his health was so poor when he entered that he should have been obliged to leave in a short time, if it had not been for the regular hours, and the physical exercise in the industrial department. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.1

One who has attended during the last school year, spoke very feelingly of the pleasant associations formed, and the previous religious privileges he had enjoyed while trying to gain knowledge. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.2

Another said that he had gained both spiritually and intellectually. The North College Hall had been to him a home, and he felt that it would be a pleasure for him to work for the school. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.3

One young man said that he was in very poor when he left home last fall, and that his friends had tried to discourage him. Now his health is good, his mind stronger, and his open bright. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.4

Still another, who has spent two winters at the College, and has already done some good work in the missionary field, said that if he has any success in life, the founders of the College will receive a large portion of the reward. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.5

One young lady said that before she came to the College she had never done any work, did not know how, and did not want to. Now, besides what she had gained mentally, she had learned much about work, and what is more, had learned to like it. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.6

Others spoke to the same effect. These utterances were spontaneous, and none who heard them could doubt their sincerity. If all the patrons of the College, and all who should be patrons, could have heard them, we are confident that the present accommodations would not be sufficient for half of those who would attend next term. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.7

The industrial system of education is no longer an experiment so far as Healdsburg College is concerned. It is a decided success. There are many who think it would be a good thing if it could be carried out; but in this case the students take hold heartily to carry out. It would do one good to see the pride which, with very rare exceptions, the students taking in the College, and in preserving a neat and orderly condition about the premises. The visitors present at the meeting were pleased at the general appearance of things; but no one who has not been present, can have any idea of the amount of work that has been done by the students. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.8

It was noticeable that nearly all of the students who spoke at the meeting, mentioned the fact that their health had improved. One of the brethren who has been a devoted friend of the school, and who was instrumental in securing the attendance of several students last fall, said that at first sight it was difficult for him to recognize some of them, because of their improved physical condition. This is an item upon which too much stress cannot be laid. There are many schools where students may rapidly gain knowledge from books, but there are few schools where they can at the same time steadily improve in health, and also learn how to preserve the health which they have gained. Healdsburg College is one of these, and the only one with which we are acquainted. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.9

We would not forget to mention the good feeling that has uniformly prevailed among the students. We believe that it would be a rare thing to find so many young people of different tastes and habits, brought together in one family without more or less discord. The fact that there was a perfect harmony was not because those present were naturally better than others, but because, with few exceptions, all were striving to live up to a high Christian principle. Much may also be credited to admirable tact and good management of those having charge of the “Students’ Home.” No family of six was ever better regulated than this one of sixty. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.10

No one can fail to see the hand of God in the prosperity that has attended the Healdsburg College, and know that if with humble hearts we suitably acknowledge his blessings, it will be manifested in a more marked degree in the future. E. J. W. SITI May 7, 1885, page 281.11