Life Sketches of Ellen G. White

Consideration of School Interests

The majority of those who had embraced the truth in Australia, were tradesmen living in the cities. As their children reached the age when they must leave the public schools and prepare to assist in the support of the family, it was found, because of their observance of the Sabbath, exceedingly difficult for them to secure employment or to learn trades. LS 333.5

Some desired that their children should be trained to become laborers in the cause. But how could this be accomplished? The colonies were passing through a severe financial depression; and many of the Sabbath keepers, with thousands of others, were greatly perplexed and overtaxed with the work of supplying their families with the necessities of life. Then how could they, at such a time, enter upon the expensive enterprise of establishing and supporting a denominational training school? LS 334.1

The canvassers pleaded that the school be organized without delay. Many of them had been thrown upon their own resources in early life, with but little school education; and their work among the people had led them to feel that they must have opportunity to fit themselves for more efficient service. These urged that if a school was not established soon in Australia, they would be obliged to bear the great expense of going to America to get the education necessary for the best success in their work. They also said that while a few of them might be able to do this, there were scores who might attend a school in Australia, but who could not go to the schools across the sea. LS 334.2

The Conference appointed a committee to outline plans, and another committee to study the question of location; and it authorized the holding of a worker's training school while waiting for the selection of a site and the erection of buildings. LS 334.3