The Educational and Missionary Volunteer Council
By I. H. Evans
At the last fall session of the North American Division Council, it was voted that the Educational and Missionary Volunteer Departments should hold a joint council some time during 1915. Later it was decided to hold this meeting at Pacific Union College, June 4-14, 1915. Accordingly the council convened at the appointed time and place, with nearly a full delegation in attendance. Two union conferences were not represented as fully as we might have wished. From the opening service on Friday night, the council was full of deep interest. One could not afford to miss any of the program; for having heard the excellent papers read on the topics assigned, and the discussions that followed, he realized that to be absent from any meeting meant irreparable loss. The workers taking part on the program had made careful preparation, and given much thought and care to the subjects they were to discuss. Not a few of them were beyond criticism, and gave dignity and character to the council. The opening addresses, given by Professors Griggs and Kern, were strong and suggestive, outlining the work of the convention, as well as giving a résumé of the work of the departments up to the opening of the council. Unity prevailed from start to finish. Not one delegate during the entire council sounded a discordant note; not once was the discussion of any topic heated; nor did any school or delegate work simply for his own local interests. It would seem that no one could attend the meeting and not feel the uplifting influence of nearly every talk. College and school men studied with equal interest the many problems of the Missionary Volunteer Department; while secretaries of the latter department showed the same interest in our educational questions as did the school men. The keynote of the council was the salvation of our young people and the speedy training of workers to help finish the work. Our Educational and Missionary Volunteer Departments are far stronger and better equipped for efficient work than ever before. The courses of study in our various schools were unified, uniform standards for graduating students were adopted, and many resolutions elevating and extending the departmental work were passed. During a portion or all of the time, in addition to the regular delegates, the council was favored with the presence of Elders Andross, White, Farnsworth, McElhany, Stevens, Hibbard, Daniells, and Tait. Many others from Pacific Union College and near-by conferences were at the meeting. The attendance was all that could be asked. Many felt that this was the most helpful and inspiring council these departments have yet held. The outlook is good. Our school men are set to train workers for the cause of God, and with the cooperation of our Missionary Volunteer Department we expect to see many of our young people won to Christ in the coming years. Six conventions will now be held in the territory of our leading schools, giving all the workers in both departments opportunity to attend and get the help they need for better work. One Educational-Missionary Volunteer secretary expressed as his purpose what I hope all classes of workers will try to accomplish; namely, to secure the attendance of every teacher and secretary at one of these conventions. It will pay. To have teachers or secretaries who think they are too busy or cannot afford to attend the convention in their territory, will be a loss we cannot afford. The blessing of God was with us at the council. Brethren Griggs, Kern, Howell, Benson, or MacGuire will attend the conventions, and we have every reason to believe that great good will result from this work. Elder Daniells brought a strong plea for more workers for the Far East, and our hearts burned within us as he told of the imperative needs in these waiting lands. Our schools must train workers to meet these heavy demands. The denomination has the young people, and it is our duty to give them for the finishing of the work. Let us all pray for the success of these conventions.