Value of Church-Schools by H. M. Hiatt

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Oct 4, 1906

Value of Church-Schools

By H. M. Hiatt

How to Organize

“Two of my children were among those who were baptized,” said a brother standing near me on the Salina camp-ground. I was interested at once. “It is the result of our church-school,” he continued.

“Then it is not necessary to ask you whether you expect to continue your school this winter,” I observed. “O, no,” he replied, “I have already hired my teacher. We live so far from any other Adventists that we just have a family church-school, and the children are taught at home.”

“How much do you find it costs you?” I was curious to know. “From one hundred and twenty-five dollars to one hundred and fifty dollars a term,” was the answer. I passed on, but my mind was much impressed with the earnest determination of this godly man to faithfully educate and rear his family for the Master’s service.

This man did not allow a few paltry dollars to stand between him and his children’s salvation. I met two other brethren who were of the same mind,

and whom I endeavored to assist in securing a competent teacher.

One of these had only four children, yet, being isolated, had decided to have a family church-school, and was ready to pay a young lady fifteen dollars a month, board and room added, making an expense to him of from twenty-six to twenty-eight dollars a month. Neither of these three brethren is wealthy, and all are doubtless doing this at a sacrifice.

I mention these examples that all our brethren may know what some are doing, and taking courage from the lesson, may follow the same course of action. It has been my pleasure and good fortune to assist in the school work at Kansas City, during the past two years, where rents are high and living very expensive, as a rule; but the brethren, all laboring people, and nearly all renting, stood nobly together, and raised several hundred dollars for school purposes.

This was expended in building an addition to the church and fitting up two good schoolrooms. One room was built the first year, the other the second year, and the school was kept going all the time. It was accomplished by a steady stream of monthly payments. The Testimony, “Let all share the expense,” was literally carried out.

From the minister in the pulpit down to the teacher in the schoolroom, none were slighted. In this the minister and teacher were placed on a common level, and each was allowed to subscribe five dollars a month for the support of the school. Men not of our faith placed their names on the roll of honor for various amounts, some pledging five dollars a month. Each gave according to his ability. Some pledges were as low as ten cents a week. We found that it was the steady monthly flow of money that counted. A monthly tuition was also charged. As a result the first year not only was the schoolroom built and school carried forward, but something was in the treasury for completing the second room. By soliciting business men the amount still needed for the second room was secured.

At the beginning of this third year the church was entirely free from debt, and had a few dollars in the treasury.

In organizing a church-school I would suggest the following program:—

First, call a meeting of the church, and by vote decide to stand as a unit in building and operating the school. “In union is strength,” applies here. Elect a school board. Get a “hustler” for treasurer.

Second, take a “pledge paper” around and solicit for large amounts first; better have two pledge lists, one for larger and one for smaller amounts; of course show the larger list first. If any should place a small amount on the large list, cut the name off and paste is on the small list. It might influence some one to give a smaller amount if left on the large list.

Solicit your friends and business men. Head the list with most influential names.

Third, when you have money enough, build: count up the cost, and erect no larger building than you can pay for. “Shun debt as the leprosy.” Nothing discourages like debt.

Fourth, place your school on a permanent financial basis by securing pledges payable monthly, besides the above pledges. “Let all share the expense.”

Fifth, in hiring a teacher consult those who know and can give advice. A good Christian is not always a good teacher. A teacher should have a church-school certificate. Have your teacher sign a legal contract; school board sign one also, and give to the teacher. [The superintendent will furnish the blanks.]

When the teacher arrives to begin school, do all you can to make her feel at home. Under no circumstances allow your children to hear a word of criticism at any time. Let parents confer their opinions privately. If your child compels the teacher to inflict punishment at school, administer an additional quantity at home. Do not spend all your extra time visiting your neighbors; visit your school and encourage both teacher and pupils by a warm hand-shake, pleasant words, and, whenever possible, show your approval of their work.—H. M. Hiatt, in Kansas Worker.