Chapter 51—The Avondale School
During the closing days of the Australian camp meeting, much
time was devoted to a study of educational problems. The committee
having charge of the Australasian Bible School, and the committee
on location, made their reports. It was generally felt that the three
short terms held in rented quarters had been of great value, and should
be counted as a marked success. At the same time, it was seen that
if the school was continued in rented buildings, the expense to the
students would be too great to permit of that large attendance which
was desirable. It was also evident that with a small attendance, the
expense to the promoters of the enterprise would be very heavy. How
could the school be put on such a basis as would open the way for a
large number of students to attend at moderate expense?
Mrs. White spoke often regarding educational work, and presented
the views which had been given her from time to time concerning the
character of the work to be undertaken and of the places that should
be selected for the training of Christian workers. She also spoke of
the advantages to be gained by combining study with work in the
acquirement of a well balanced education.
Shortly after camp meeting, she prepared for publication a com-
prehensive statement regarding the advisability of placing the school
away from the large cities, and outlining the kind of education that
should be sought for and given in the proposed school. The main
features of these counsels are embodied in the following extracts:
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Work and Education
“Our minds have been much exercised day and night in regard to
our schools. How shall they be conducted? And what shall be the
education and training of the youth? Where shall our Australasian
Bible School be located? I was awakened this morning at one o’clock
with a heavy burden upon my soul. The subject of education has
been presented before me in different lines, in varied aspects, by many
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