General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

MT. VERNON ACADEMY

Since our last General Conference, the work of this school has moved steadily and evenly forward, and with a reasonable degree of prosperity attending its every department; yet there is much to be accomplished before the plans of its founders are entirely realized. As this school was established in harmony with the direct counsel of the Lord, and as a specific and definite object for its existence was set before it, it therefore follows that if this object is kept constantly in mind, and the ways and means pointed out in the Testimonies for the accomplishment of this end be followed, the anticipated purpose will be realized. GCB April 7, 1901, page 112.1

One of the most perplexing questions with which we have had to deal during the entire existence of the school has been the fact that the age of the majority of the students has been such as to render it impracticable for them to enter the denominational work upon leaving school. During the last year careful plans were laid to provide a short special course for the benefit of an older class of pupils, who might make immediate use in the field of any advantage derived from the school. As a result, some ten or twelve men and women of mature years and rich Christian experience responded, by taking the course offered; and all but one or two of them are at the present time in the field working in some capacity. The results of this effort were so gratifying that the same work will be continued during the future, and by this means we hope the school may be able to reach and benefit many persons from twenty to twenty-five years of age and upward, and at the same time we shall offer, as in the past, studies in our regular courses for persons from fifteen to twenty years of age. GCB April 7, 1901, page 112.2

It may be proper to state in this connection that our primary department has been discontinued, thus giving the teachers opportunity to give their entire time and strength to the older pupils. The children, however, are not neglected, the church having assumed the responsibility which properly belongs to it of providing a school for the children who are under the care of a competent and experienced teacher, so that the little ones are well provided for in every particular. GCB April 7, 1901, page 112.3

Perhaps the largest and most perplexing question before us during these last two years has been with reference to church schools, and the preparation of teachers who might successfully conduct this work; and realizing the magnitude of the question and the farreaching influence of the church-school work, the Academy has approached it most carefully, feeling that the Lord’s work is so important that undue haste can in no wise be permitted. The result has been that we have been directly connected with the establishment of a comparatively small number of church schools; but according to the best information we can obtain, both from teachers and others connected with the schools, a good work has been accomplished, and not one has been closed through discouragement or lack of support. It is not intended to convey the impression that these schools have all been conducted without trial or perplexity, for such is not the case; but the Lord has worked in a signal manner and in the hour of greatest need has manifested his presence by the gift of richest blessing. GCB April 7, 1901, page 112.4

While giving earnest thought and careful planning to the work of preparing teachers for our church schools, this fact has not prevented our planning just as carefully for the preparation of workers in other lines of activity, thus making the school useful to all our young people, whatever their plans for the future may be. And having thus done all that is in our power, we can but submit the school, ourselves, and all our desires to the dear Saviour, to use and to bless as he may deem best. GCB April 7, 1901, page 112.5

J. W. Loughhead.