Students Tour Adventist Landmarks, Learn History

Story by Rob Gettys

Ellen White once wrote, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196). It was for this reason that it was important for the students at Highland View Academy (HVA) to experience and witness the incredible history of the Seventh-day Adventist movement. Providing students an opportunity to learn of the work the pioneers accomplished and the lives they lived gives them a greater understanding of the Adventist faith and makes church more tangible to young people.

Students recently boarded the HVA coach bus at 3 a.m. to embark on a long journey through Southern New England and upstate New York. Their journey would take them to key Adventist landmarks, such as the William Miller Farm, William Miller Chapel—where students participated in a communion ceremony, foot washing and worship— Ascension Rock, the Hiram Edson Farm, and the Washington New Hampshire church—the birthplace of the first Sabbath-keeping Adventist congregation.

One of the most memorable moments was at Ascension Rock, the place where believers stood looking up at the sky in the hope that Jesus would return Oct. 22, 1844.

Joy Young, a senior who attended the trip, says, “I really enjoyed Ascension Rock because it was amazing to imagine waiting for Jesus while looking at the sky, just like William Miller did in 1844.” While they reflected on that moment from 180 years ago, students and staff sang “Side by Side” as the Sabbath ended. This song, often sung at HVA on Friday evenings to welcome in the Sabbath, reminded students that the goal today is similar to the goal two centuries ago: We will see Jesus coming in the clouds someday soon.

Via Nichols, another senior who attended the trip, says, “I enjoyed seeing where something that plays such a big part in my life originated.”

A trip that was laden with educational experiences was also a trip that was deeply spiritual and uplifting. In addition to visiting Adventist landmarks, students also visited important United States historical landmarks, including Niagara Falls, Old Sturbridge Village and sites on the Freedom Trail in Boston. Students and staff agree that HVA’s first Adventist history tour was a huge success and deeply impactful.