SABBATH-SCHOOL CONVENTION AT RAYMOND, PA by F. C. Oviatt

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, June 10, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 24

SABBATH-SCHOOL CONVENTION AT RAYMOND, PA.

By F. C. Oviatt

THIS convention was held May 29, 30. Every school in the district was well represented, and from some schools there was quite a full attendance. We have never before had so large a gathering in Pennsylvania. Arrangements had been made, not so much to show what our schools could do, as to secure the most practical good from the occasion by the discussion of those principles which lie at the foundation of success in the Sabbath-school work.

Sabbath morning the school was conducted in the usual manner, all present taking part. Having been previously seated by the President, all were in readiness when the hour came for the opening exercises. The general exercises consisted in questioning the second division, and a short but spirited exercise upon the map. After an intermission of five minutes, Sister Lindsay spoke on the relation of parents to children, from Col. 3:20, 21.

Sabbath afternoon, we listened to a discourse on the True Vine, from Eld. Saunders. Then followed in quick succession stirring testimonies from brethren and sisters, expressing their determination to draw near to God, and work more earnestly than ever before for their children and for all the unconverted Sabbath-school scholars. This was indeed a precious season. We felt that the Holy Spirit was with us.

Sunday morning, after a short season of prayer especially for the children, nearly eighty responded to the roll-call with such texts of Scripture as would best express their feelings. Then Bro. Oviatt made general remarks on the Sabbath-school work, and quite fully explained the duties of a Superintendent. He was followed by F. C. Oviatt, on how to be a good Secretary. After a brief intermission, Sister Lindsay very ably handled the subject of teaching, illustrating by class exercise. Eld. Saunders then spoke for a short time on the spiritual relation between teachers and scholars. How to learn a lesson was explained in a clear manner by Mrs. D. C. Phillips. Bro. Knapp spoke on the subject of teachers’ meetings. Although we had been assembled so long, the meeting was interesting and spirited to the close. The last hour was filled up with a variety of exercises, among which was a recapitulation of the Sabbath-school lessons which describe the journey of the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan, the places being pointed out on the map; select reading, four essays, rehearsals by the Sabbath-school scholars, etc. We had good music and good order.

An unusual degree of interest was manifested throughout the entire meeting. The special influence of the Spirit of God was felt during each exercise. Some were heard to remark that they did not remember of ever enjoying a meeting better. All regretted the close of the meeting, for nearly if not quite half the exercises had been omitted for want of time.

We trust that the result of this convention will be shown by a deep and lasting interest in the Sabbath-school work.

F. C. OVIATT, State Sec.