General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

EDUCATIONAL

The reform inaugurated in our school system prior to our last General Conference has been steadily carried forward. GCB April 3, 1901, page 21.9

The lack of proper text-books, which in the beginning caused perplexity and threatened confusion, has been in a measure overcome by the preparation and publication of books embodying the principles of the reform called for. A council of ten days’ duration was held last August at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, at which were present Elder S. N. Haskell, Professor Magan, the president and secretary of the General Conference, and the presidents of each of our leading schools in the United States. At this meeting not only underlying principles, but the different phases of school work, were quite fully considered. Opportunity was given for each one to express himself fully and freely. The discussion resulted in a much better understanding between our leading educators, and more of that Christian love and sympathy that should characterize those engaged in one common cause. The council further developed that there was a strong unanimity of sentiment in harmony with reform, the differences that had heretofore existed being more in methods employed than in sentiment. It was the frequently expressed opinion of all present, that it was the most profitable meeting thus far held in the interests of our school work, and at the closing session a resolution requesting the General Conference to call a similar meeting next summer was unanimously passed. GCB April 3, 1901, page 22.1

While much has been accomplished along the line of reform in our school work, much remains yet to be done in order that it shall meet the mind of God, and accomplish the work he designs. Full and complete success can be attained only by a thorough study, on the part of both parents and teachers, of the great underlying principles, and a hearty co-operation in putting them into practice. Even when the goal is reached, it will require watchfulness on the part of all to maintain the standard. GCB April 3, 1901, page 22.2

Another encouraging feature has been the establishment and successful maintenance of so many church schools: for this shows that the church school has become an established fact and factor in our educational work. We have at the present time 6 colleges, 4 academies, 10 industrial and training schools, and 228 church schools, making a grand total of schools of all grades of 263, employing 381 teachers, with an average of 6,600 pupils. GCB April 3, 1901, page 22.3