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14-24, 1898, Mrs. White reviewed this most encouraging feature of
the development of the school, as follows:
“During the first year, ... with an attendance of sixty students, there
were about thirty who were over sixteen years of age; and from this
number, ten were employed during the vacation in various branches of
our religious work. During the second year, there were one hundred
in attendance; and from among fifty who were over sixteen years
of age, definite work was found for thirty-two during the vacation.
Twenty-five of these were employed by the conferences and societies
in religious work.”
The Review and Herald, March 28, 1899
.
[368]
Aims and Objects
It was primarily for the purpose of giving the students a practical
fitting up for service in many lines of Christian endeavor, that the
managers of the Avondale School had been planning all through the
years. Clearly and forcefully Mrs. White emphasized, over and over
again, the work before the school, and the great advantages accruing
to students and teachers through daily contact with the practical affairs
of everyday life. In September, 1898, she wrote:
“We need more teachers and more talent to educate the students
in various lines, that many persons may go from this place willing
and able to carry to others the knowledge which they have received.
Orphan boys and girls are to find a home here. Buildings should be
erected for a hospital, and boats should be provided to accommodate
the school. A competent farm manager should be employed, also
wise, energetic men to act as superintendents of the several industrial
enterprises, men who will use their undivided talents in teaching the
students how to work.
“Many young people will come to school who desire a training in
industrial lines. The industrial instruction should include the keeping
of accounts, carpentry, and everything that is comprehended in farming.
Preparation should also be made for teaching blacksmithing, painting,
shoemaking, cooking, baking, laundering, mending, typewriting, and
printing. [
Note.—Some of the industries undertaken at the Avondale
School have developed to large proportions. Concerning the printing
plant and the health food factory, it was reported at the 1909 General
Conference: “The work in our printing plant and in our food factory