p. 91 | Church School Thrift by W. E. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 22, 1914

Church School Thrift

By W. E. H.

THIS seems to me a fitting title under which to present some very interesting facts that have come trooping in recently through my correspondence. Anything that spells achievement and progress in the care of our children in the elementary grades ought to inspire the heart of every parent and worker with courage.

There is an upward movement in the efficiency of our church schools, which in the not distant future will surprise some who have been faint-hearted about their success. Church schools are here to stay. Their staying qualities are growing stronger year by year. In due time it will be made apparent to all that they constitute a solid buttress to stay up the very foundation of our denominational enterprises. There is no feature of our educational work in respect to which we watch our department correspondence more eagerly for evidences of thrift than the church school work, and we have been more than usually gratified of late.

One very refreshing report, because unsolicited, very definite, and bearing the marks of earnest work among the schools, came in the other day from B. L. Howe, educational superintendent of the Western Oregon Conference. After two years of service in that field, he is able to report as follows (title mine):—

A Work That Cannot Fail

"It is an inspiration to be connected with a work that cannot fail. Our church school work has not 'attained,' neither is it yet 'perfect,' but it is pressing on toward the 'mark.' The mark is, 'All the children in.'

"At the beginning of the school year 1911-12, we had eight church schools in our conference, and one family school. These together enrolled 195 pupils. Now we have eighteen schools and a German evening school. Including the twelve pupils in the German school, we have 487 enrolled this year. Two years ago, ten teachers did the work. This year, twenty-four are employed.

"It is very encouraging to note the steady improvement in the quality of the work done. Although we are compelled by circumstances to employ some new teachers each year, we are getting a better grade of work. The summer school is no mean factor in helping our teachers to become more efficient. When the teacher's Christian experience is maintained at even, high tide, the class work ranks best.

"Nearly all our schools are conducting Junior Missionary Volunteer Societies.

One school met the morning of December 24 to hold a prayer meeting. Those attending, brought what they called a 'pound offering.' The pupils, together with their teacher, took this offering to a needy widow. The story of their experience at the home of the poor washerwoman is quite touching.

"Several of our schools have taken up the work with the educational journal. One ordered thirty for the first month, another placed an order for six for six months, and a third is taking sixteen for six months. These are all small schools, having an enrollment of from fifteen to eighteen. Five schools have each obtained the required number of subscriptions, and have sent in to secure the globe premium.

"One school board has set a pace that we should rejoice to see all others follow. A few weeks ago when we were with them, they secured a full case of large wall maps and a set of large history charts.

"One teacher, in sending in her report, said: 'School is just fine. We had such a good time during the week of prayer! We are of good courage.' Another writes: 'I have the best school. It would be hard to find better girls than mine. I want our school to be a success all through the year.'"

One good feature of this report is the balance of work it represents. The quality of teaching is improving. The schools are organized into Junior Volunteer Societies. They are selling single copies of the educational journal in the vicinity. Needed apparatus is being supplied. The teachers are pursuing the reading course. More than this, in a series of institutes among the churches, covering five weeks, the superintendent was accompanied by the conference president, and two or three other conference workers—a strong point for the schools.

Other Signs of Thrift

A statistical report from Superintendent Wolfkill, of the California Conference, shows a growth in church school enrollment from 349 to 456 in a little over two years.

Oklahoma Conference has 22 teachers at work this winter. A club of ten copies of the educational journal was sent in by Miss Garrett, the superintendent, not long ago.

From South Dakota Miss Du Bois reports an enrollment of 106, and three parent-teachers. All her schools are organized into Junior Volunteer Societies, and all her teachers are taking the reading course.

West Michigan, Northern Illinois, Indiana, and New Jersey Conferences report all their schools working on the Junior Volunteer plan, and their teachers taking the reading course.

Ohio reports an enrollment of 193 in 18 schools, 11 of which have Junior Volunteer Societies. One little band of six raised $20 for missions last quarter.

Space requires me to stop here, but the story is far from being told. Pray, reader, pray earnestly, for our faithful teachers and superintendents.

W. E. H.