Keene Sabbath-School Convention
By Ida A. Nelson
SABBATH, May 7, was an interesting day for the brethren and sisters at Keene, Tex. In the morning after all the different divisions of the Sabbath-school had assembled in the academy chapel for the closing exercises of the Sabbath-school, twenty-seven of the little children from the kindergarten and primary divisions sang “Little Lights.” At the opening of the morning session, twenty-four of the same children formed in a straight line upon the rostrum. Each child carried a card and repeated a verse beginning with the letter printed upon the card. They then sang that beautiful song “Once a Shepherd Band.” This exercise was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by the parents and teachers of the children. The enthusiasm manifested on the part of the children shows that with little effort the children can be made to realize that they are a part of the Sabbath-school. Following this exercise, Elder C. P. Haskell delivered a discourse on the subject “The Teacher as Pastor of His Class.” Among other points he brought out the following: “Pastor” means shepherd. The shepherd feeds his flock, and gives his life for the sheep; not only twenty minutes each Sabbath, but his life, to the sheep. In Eze. 34: 2-4 judgment is pronounced upon the unfaithful shepherds, or pastors, who do not feed their flocks, strengthen the diseased, nor heal the sick among them. God has placed a great responsibility upon the Sabbath-school teacher as pastor of his class. He must have love for the lambs or sheep of his fold. When a member of the class is sick, it is the duty of the teacher, as pastor of his class, to visit the individual, and do all in his power to comfort and relieve the sufferer. If any one under his charge is discouraged or despondent, the teacher, through love for the lost sheep of his fold, will earnestly pray with and for the wanderer. If one is lost, the shepherd will go and seek the lamb until it is found, and replaced among the “ninety and nine” that are safe in the fold. Only the teacher who has a jealous love for each member of his class can be indeed a pastor of his class, and make a success of the important soul-saving work the Lord has given him to do. In the afternoon the following topics were considered: (1) The Teacher’s Preparation of the Sabbath-school Lesson, and the Use of the Lesson Pamphlet; (2) The Pupil’s Preparation of the Sabbath-school Lesson; (3) The Qualifications of a Teacher; (4) How May a Secretary’s Report Be Made Interesting? The first topic was discussed by Mrs. L. O. Corwin. In beginning the study of the Sabbath-school lesson the teacher should have in mind the different members of his class, and study the lesson with the object in view of being able to apply the lesson personally to each member of the class. He should have the lesson so clearly in mind that he will not need to read the questions from the pamphlet. The next topic was dealt with in a paper by Mrs. S. Waters. She suggested that Sabbath afternoon the study of the lesson for the following Sabbath be begun, and that it be continued a short time each day, and on Friday all the points in the lesson be summed up and reviewed. Before taking up the next topics, twenty-five students of Mrs. C. B. Hughes’s classes in elocution repeated pithy quotations from the Testimonies in regard to Sabbath-school work. Prof. C. B. Hughes opened the discussion on the subject of “Qualifications of a Teacher.” The principal points brought out in this discussion were that the teacher should teach his pupils to teach; for every one will, at some time, teach in one way or another. A teacher should study to show himself approved unto God, not men, and what he teaches should have such a foundation as will stand the test of the judgment. He should teach known facts rather than presumptions. He should draw out from the pupils what they know, and then offer suggestions. The subject of “How May a Sabbath-school Report Be Made Interesting?” was explained in a paper by Miss Sudie Bayliss. The secretary should be consecrated and have a love for his work. He should always be on time, and take full note of all the proceedings of the exercises. In writing the report, he should be natural, and not imitate nor have a set form for the minutes. He should mention all the departments of the Sabbath-school, and note any especially interesting feature connected with any part of the Sabbath-school, as well as the especially emphasized points of the review. In the reading of the minutes, he should read to the school, and not to himself. After each talk or paper a general discussion followed, in which the brethren and sisters took an active part. During the evening session five topics were discussed. Brother E. Harris, in speaking of the proper use of the Sabbath-school donations, stated that the donations were designed to be used in the most needy fields, which usually is not at home. Among other things, he21stated that ninety per cent of the donations of the Keene Sabbath-school is sent to foreign missions. Mrs. J. P. Lorenz read a very interesting paper on “The Place of Music in the Sabbath-school.” The world of to-day craves sentimentalism, and is fast losing its love for the old gospel hymns. The composition of music is more of a money-making scheme than a desire to elevate and ennoble through the power of music. Mothers should set apart a little time each day to sing old hymns to the children. “What Are the Advantages of Teachers’ Meetings? and When Should They Be Held?” was discussed by Mrs. C. B. Hughes. One purpose of the teachers’ meeting is that the teachers and officers may come together to consider matters of business. Another object is that the teachers may together recite the lessons, and be able harmoniously to present them to their classes. The teachers’ meeting is also the Sabbath-school prayer-meeting, where erring pupils should be remembered, and God’s blessing sought for the entire school. Considering the fact that the teachers’ meeting is more or less of a business nature, it was suggested that some time aside from the Sabbath hours should be given to these meetings. The hour just preceding the weekly prayer-meeting was suggested as an appropriate time. A question which in many schools is a perplexing one,—“How May We Secure Punctuality?”—was discussed by Prof. H. T. Curtis. Always begin the school promptly on time with an interesting exercise, so that the tardy ones will be made to feel that they have missed something. Study the life of Christ, and seek to follow the example of punctuality he has set. Encourage the members of the Sabbath-school to make all necessary preparations before the Sabbath, and rise as early on Sabbath morning as on other days, and thus they will be able to be at the Sabbath-school on time. The last topic that was discussed was “The Relation of the Day-school to the Sabbath-school,” by Prof. J. L. Jones. If the lessons in the day-school are a continuation of the Sabbath-school lesson, and both schools have the same object in view—the salvation of souls—both will be strengthened. Such a thorough study of so many important questions will surely be the means of coming nearer the high standard God has for the Sabbath-school. IDA A. NELSON,
Texas Sabbath-school Secretary.