Life sketches of ellen g. white

parts of the great Australian continent by the handful of
believers upon whom rested the responsibility of holding up
the light of the message. Thousands of truth-filled books
had been placed in the homes of the people by faithful
colporteurs, and plans were now laid for the employment of
Bible workers to follow up the interests awakened by the
reading of these books. p. 333, Para. 4, [LS15].
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. p. 333,
Para. 5, [LS15].
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? p. 334, Para.
1, [LS15].
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. p. 334, Para. 2, [LS15].
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. p. 334, Para. 3, [LS15].