Presiding over the program was N. H. Knorr, president of the school. After opening song and prayer Brother Knorr made some remarks on the youthfulness and enthusiasm of this class of students.

Then came the main graduation talk, given by N. H. Knorr. He briefly reviewed the history of the missionary school and the wonderful work that graduates have accomplished. Since the School’s inception on February 1, 1943, well over five thousand students have graduated, about one half of whom are still actively engaged in the full-time ministry.

The speaker noted that in the Greek the expression “cling to what is good” is, literally, ‘glued to what is good’ and urged the students to be glued to their assignments. (Rom. 12:9, 11; Kingdom Interlinear Translation) Enduring means not only to put up with hardships but to continue a long time in a certain course, he said. Today, after 29 years, 36 of the first hundred Gilead students are continuing in the full-time ministry somewhere.

Brother Knorr particularly stressed the need of the missionaries to be humble, lowly in mind, when teaching others. For them to try to impress others by telling of their education and special training could well deter people from trying to imitate them in the field ministry. Rather, “your humility and lowliness of mind will aid them to understand,” he counseled. As Jesus helped those literally blind to see, so the missionaries can help those spiritually blind to see, and this will contribute to the vindication of Jehovah’s name. In conclusion Brother Knorr urged: “We appreciate very much that we must have lowliness of mind, we must be willing to give. You have the truth. As you go forth​—GIVE.”