Practical Bible Training School - Theologue Yearbook (Johnson City, NY)

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The O L1 I1 C I' W DR. JOHN A. DAVIS D R. John A. Davis prepared the way, charted the course, and built the School for hundreds of young people to fit themselves for Christian service. Dr. Davis had many slogans which he used to challenge the students. One most often used was Forethought. TE wisdom of his own forethought of preparation has proved itself more and more through the years. He saw the need of consecrated young people who had little money but a great desire to serve God, having a school where they could be trained and prepared for full time Christian service. It was his forethought of preparation that resulted in the starting of the first Bible Class in Lester- shire, that prompted him to pray for these grounds while they were still in the hands of the wicked: that directed him in acquiring the Old White City Amusement Park and converting it into the beautiful school and campus we now enjoy, that guided him in gathering around him teachers of the Word and building an adequate curriculump that helped him choose the name Practical Bible Training School and make it not only a name, but an actuality in the lives of the students, and that led him through years of discouragement and depression to depend upon the living God who never fails. ln short, it was his forethought of preparation and his great faith in God that made the Founder of our School the great builder that he was. How well he prepared the way is shown in the great School he has left as a monument to his faith and forethought. He has been with his beloved Lord and Master now for nineteen years, but his great work continues to progress because he prepared it so well. How often those of us who knew him heard him say: Students, be prepared, Adapt yourselves, Use forethought. He, himself, was an excellent example of these slogans. Sponsored through the courtesy of BUTLER HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH ' AUSTINBURG BAPTIST CHURCH Butler Hill, Pa. Austinburg, Pa. Walter E. Pifer, Pastor Walter E. Pifer, Pastor 8

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WE who are about to graduate know definitely that our beloved school was prepared for us by God. When we think of the fact that at one time these grounds and these buildings harbored all manner of sing when we think of our founder, Dr. John A. Davis, who had a vision of a Bible School where young people could study and go out into the fields white unto harvest , when we think of the Christian scrub woman who gave the first dollar to help make that vision come true, when we think of those who have gone before, who are even now laboring in the places where God has called them, when we think of the consecrated teachers and staff members who are so precious to us, and when we think of our call- ing to study here, we know that P.B.T.S. was prepared for us by God. This is haw God's purpose was made manifest. Dr. John A. Davis, noted evangelist, in the summer of 1900 organized a Bible class which met evenings in a hall room over a store. The class grew to such proportions that it was decided that a permanent school building should be obtained and a Bible school established which would give instructions for both day and evening students throughout the year. Land was donated for a school building. The first certificates of the completion of introductory studies were issued under date of September 1, 1901. ' The naming of our school is of interest. A number of people urged Dr. Davis to call the school The Davis Bible School , but he was determined not to name it after himself. He insisted that what he wanted to give was a practical working knowledge of the Bible to young people, which would enable them to be of unusual service. Again and again, he would say that he wanted a practical Bible training course. The institution was finally named The Practical Bible Training School. In 1911, by the grace of God, it became possible to move the school to what was until that time a notorious amusement park known as the White City. Since then, buildings have been enlarged, remodeled and additional ones built. The campus itself is most impressive. Each time our eyes wander over the acres abundant with trees, shrubs and flowers, we are reminded of Psalm 19:1 -- the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork. To sit on Sunset Knoll, enjoying the beauties of nature and meditating on God's Word is the ultimate in peace and contentment. When we came as freshmen, we knew it was God's chosen place of preparation for us. Some of us had known for many years that God would lead us here. Others came to that decision only shortly be- fore the Fall term opened. Many came with the full approval of loved ones and friends, while others came in the face of strong opposition. Still we knew that this was where God would have us, and, in His infinite wisdom and grace, He has tried us where we needed trying, comforted us where we needed comforting, supplied our every need according to His riches in glory, and above all, loved us with a love beyond human measure. Each one of our class periods has been a precious time. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our teachers have had a hand in weaving together the threads of a beautiful tapestry which we will always treasure. We have studied and found how deep are the riches of God. His Word can never be exhausted and we are inspired to go on and study further into its pages. At P.B.T.S. we have been drawn closer to God. We have learned to live together, work together, pray together, to the honor and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here we have learned to share one another's burdens. We have had sweet Christian fellowship which will always be remembered. When we leave these halls, we may never return. There will be some of our fellow students whom we shall never see again on this earth. But wherever we go, whatever we do in the service of God, we know that He has singularly blessed us in the place of our preparation for service. In the words of our school song, we can truly say: P.B.T.S. how we love you, and your teachers dear, We will all pray daily for you, though we're far from here. Sponsored through the courtesy of AMERICAN PROPHETIC LEAGUE, INC. Box BB, Sta. Eagle Rock, Los Angeles 41, Calif. 7

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w Q And J i s i c 1 MRS. JOHN A. DAVIS A S we review the life and work of a saint of God, we can see that God begins to prepare that life from youth for the place and work of the future. It was even so with Mrs. John A. Davis. When she was young, her father was killed in a railroad accident, and being one of the older children, she had to assume responsibility in the home. As a school teacher, she had the opportunity of being with and dealing with people. Later she became the wife of a pastor and evangelist, which also gave her a vast and varied experience. All of these things equipped her to be of valuable help in training the young people of P.B.T.S. for the Lord's service. A prepared one is needed to prepare others. To the students, the life of Mother Davis was an example of thelubeliever in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Often she quoted these words in l Timothy 4:12 to the students be- fore they left school for a vacation period. She was an example of Christian womanhood - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Many lessons were gleaned from her quiet manner and calm composure. She always had a word of encouragement and a cheery smile for all. She was an example of Christian leadership, dealing in love, tact and wisdom. When wronged by others she showed a Christlike spirit in speaking well of those who wronged her. Her prayer life made her able to be strong in the Lord , no matter how dark the way or how heavy the load, and, because He was her Burden-Bearer, she manifested the ioy of the Lord. The consecrated life and testimony of this saint of God was of untold blessing to thousands. In loving memory of our Mother, Mrs. John A. Davis DR. and MRS. GORDON C. DAVIS 9