A series of training schools sponsored by the General Conference between 1889 and 1896, offering winter courses in Battle Creek, Michigan (later in other places), designed for “ministers, licentiates, Bible workers, and elderly persons,” but open to “any laborer, in any department of the cause, and those who desire to become laborers, who cannot take a regular course of study in any of our educational institutions” (General Conference Bible School announcement for 1893–1894).
The first session (called the Bible School for Ministers), held for 20 weeks in Battle Creek in 1889–1890, was an outgrowth of a 10-week institute held at Battle Creek College the preceding year. The announcement, outlining a two-year course, lists W. W. Prescott as principal, and the following serving on the faculty: Uriah Smith, A. T. Jones, E. J. Waggoner, E. W. Farnsworth, W. H. McKee, and W. A. Colcord. In 1893–1894 a 24-week term was offered in Battle Creek.
The 1895–1896 announcement outlines a three-year course; in that year, two 20-week schools were held, one in Battle Creek, with J. H. Durland as principal, and the other at Union College, Nebraska, with L. A. Hoopes as principal. Similar courses were given at Walla Walla and Healdsburg colleges and South Lancaster Academy.
The General Conference then discontinued these Bible schools because arrangements had been made for the regular schools to provide such training. Battle Creek College, for example, began in 1895–1896 to offer a two-year Bible course.
For other types of Bible schools, see Bible Schools and Institutes ; Workers’ Institutes .