Centennial History, First Presbyterian Church,
Westfield, Chautauqua Co., N.Y. .

One of God's first commands to his chosen people, was to teach the children all His words and ordinances. This they were to do at home and abroad, and the child's chief text-book at school was God's word. They learned it by heart. The Christian church has always considered "Feed my lambs" a binding command. In the fourth century attendance at many e schools was compulsory. At the Reformation some of Luther's most remarkable and satisfactory work was with and for the children. The day schools of that time were practically the same as our own. While many isolated schools existed for a long time among all English speaking people, it was not until Robert Raikes established his school in London in 1780 that the movement came to be of national importance. Ten years later it was introduced into America, and in 1791 there was formed a Society for the Support of Sunday Schools in Philadelphia. The idea spread rapidly in all directions, and resulted in the formation of the American Sunday School Union in 1824. The idea of this society was very great in establishing Sunday schools far and wide, so that they were often the pioneer religious agencies in many new communities. The growth has been phenomenal, till there are 154,000 schools, 1,500,000 teachers, and 12,000,000 pupils enrolled in this country alone. Inasmuch as there was preaching at the Cross Roads (the old French road, now Gale Street, and the Main road) both by missionaries and circuit riders, as early as 1803, and thereafter, it will be fair to presume that the idea of the Sunday school had got here by the time our church was first organized. At any rate, we find that it was established with the re-organization in 1817, and that a well organized Sunday school was in existence the next year, and was one of the special items mentioned in the call to the Rev. Phineas Camp, our first pastor. All records of the early school have disappeared (such as existed having probably been destroyed in the fire of 1872) and there is no one now alive whose memory goes back to the first twenty years of the school's existence. We have therefore but few positive early dates, and such conjectural ones as are here assigned, have been decided on after a careful survey of all the data at our command.

All the records of the church show that three generations of the Stone family have probably done more for our church and Sunday school than any other one family, excepting only the Hall family. Hence it was most natural that Austin Stone (son of Eber) should be the first superintendent. He was teaching the district school about this time, in the log school house at the Cross Roads, and probably organized the school himself, and began the work in the new church building, as soon as it was ready in the spring of 1818. (See minutes, session, March 7, 1879, pp. 133). Mr. Stone was about twenty years old at this time, and appears to have had good success, and we judge about forty pupils gathered each Sabbath, probably meeting after the morning service in the audience room. The Montgomery, Hall and Fay families were of great assistance in this work. The method of teaching was by the selection of a passage of Scripture, which was to be committed to memory and discussed in the class, and afterwards commented on by the superintendent. This memorizing was considered very important, and some of the pupils became very proficient, whole chapters being repeated at once. The singing in the school was for several years conducted by Mr. Joshua Stone, a younger brother of the superintendent.

In 1828, apparently through the efforts of this school, 2200 Testaments were distributed throughout the county, which did much toward awakening interest and establishing other Sunday schools. When the new and larger church was built in 1832, the school had so increased in size that special rooms were arranged for it in the basement, one for the primary department, and a larger one for the classes. The boys' classes occupied the west end, and were taught by men. The girls with lady teachers, sat at the east end. Too much credit cannot be given Mr. Stone for his long and faithful service, which appears to have continued till he went west in 1837. Membership, 100.

Elder Hiram Couch, who was always known as "Deacon Couch," then became the superintendent. Though he appears to have acted as superintendent as early as 1830, and from time to time afterwards, possibly as supply. For nearly fifty years he was always ready to serve the school in any way possible, and was a teacher most of that time. He was a deeply religious man, actuated by a truly Christian missionary spirit, and faithfully improved his valuable opportunity to instill the same spirit into those under his care. The subject of foreign missions was frequently brought before the school, and the talks were illustrated by pictures take from the Missionary Herald, and framed, so they could be seen by the whole school. The importance of each one having a part in the great work of spreading the gospel in heathen lands was presented, and pledges of a penny a week were asked for. To make the work definite, a boy in Ceylon was supported in the missionary school, and named Timothy M. Hopkins, from their pastor. This greatly interested the children. Undoubtedly this early training has been one of the most important factors in cultivating that missionary spirit for which this church is now noted. Superintendent Couch used to take great pains to illustrate the Bible teachings with stories suited to the child's comprehension. He was assisted in his work by Mr. Amsden as chorister. In 1842, Mr. Charles J. J. Ingersoll took charge of the school for a short time, but soon Deacon Couch resumed the Superintendency, which appears to have continued till the commencement of the pastorate of Rev. Reuben Tinker, in 1845. A special factor in quickening the interest in the school about this time, was the Child's Paper, and a library, which was in charge of Mr. James Johnston, who also acted as treasurer. Membership in 1849 was 153.

At this time Mr. James B. Wright became "Clerk," that is secretary and treasurer, and for nearly twenty years he kept a most faithful record of the school.

The juvenile Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Sabbath school was alive and in good working order in these days. Under the inspiration of Superintendent Couch and pastor Tinker they raised from 1843 to 1849 inclusive, $115.00, and from 1850 to 1858 inclusive, under the name of the Presbyterian Sabbath School Missionary Society, $115 or more. This appears to have been spent for library books, Child's paper, Singing books, Testaments, Catechisms, Mission Ships (probably Morning Star) $10.00, Rev. Alexander Montgomery for destitute Sunday schools in northern Wisconsin $30, where one school was founded by this school.

Upon the retirement of Mr. Couch, Mr. Lester Stone took up the work in 1852. With the aid of the Rev. Mr. Tinker, lately returned from a foreign mission field, he was able to maintain the missionary spirit, with interesting talks, illustrated by a large number of strange objects, collected while in the Hawaiian Islands. The Child's Paper was also distributed among the pupils. Mr. H. L. Hulburt led the singing. In 1855 the library numbered 191 volumes.

Mr. Stone was so thoroughly impressed with the importance of the work among the young folks, that he conducted other Sunday schools outside the village, and used to walk many miles to teach these schools Sunday afternoons. In 1854 Rev. L. A. Skinner brought his family here, and for three generations they have been among the church's and Sunday school's most efficient workers and valuable counselors. After "Deacon" Stone's resignation as superintendent, August 10, 1856, Mr. Skinner took charge and served for nearly thirteen years, doing a large amount of work, faithfully and persistently endeavoring to build up the school and extend its influence. At the beginning of this period the basement rooms, becoming somewhat crowded and uncomfortable, were exchanged for the audience room of the church as a place of meeting, and here the Sunday school continued to meet as long as the church stood. Rev. Charles F. Mussey came as pastor at this time, and immediately identified himself with the work of the school in many ways. He was a good singer, and led that part of the exercises, being greatly assisted by the introduction of Bradbury's new Sunday school hymn book, Golden Chain. He also exercised the Sunday school in the Catechism, and offered prizes for proficiency. The Children's Morning Star Mission, originated by the American Board in 1855, appealed to schools everywhere to purchase shares of stock at 10¢ per share, and here as elsewhere many were taken, and thus the interest in missions continued to grow. Membership in 1862, 214 Pupils; officers and teachers 31, average attendance 103.

Monthly missionary concerts were regularly held, at which money was raised for various objects, among which the American Sunday School Union received $30 and the American Board $25 during 1863. The officers at this time were: L. A. Skinner, superintendent; J. H. Carlisle, assistant superintendent; J. B. Wright, secretary; George E. Barger, chorister; E. P. Whitney, librarian; J. W. Johnston, assistant librarian.

The missionary contributions of the school continued to increase, being $75 in 1864. In 1866 thirty-eight pupils united with the church.

Mr. Skinner was followed by Rev. R. S. VanCleve, our pastor, whose superintendency continued but a few weeks, on account of the resignation of his pastorate.

In June, 1869, "Deacon" Stone (Elder Lester Stone) was again elected superintendent, with Mr. Joseph H. Hall as assistant. Upon a petition of the officers and teachers of the Sunday school the session appointed the first Sunday in June as the time for the election of officers, by the officers and teachers of the school. The officers appear hitherto to have been appointed by the Session. According to the Discipline, the Session still retained authority to ratify such election. Membership at this time, 260.

After the destruction of the church in 1872, the Sabbath School was held at No. 3 Brewer block, and in Virginia Hall, corner of Main and North Portage Streets, where the congregation also met for services, till September, 1874, when the new church edifice was dedicated. About this time Mr. C. P. Skinner was called to the superintendency and went to work diligently and intelligently to build up the school. Enrollment, 223.

July, 1876, was the beginning of a new era in our Sabbath school work. Officers were elected as follows: Mr. C. P. Skinner, superintendent; Mr. R. H. Thompson, assistant superintendent; Mr. William H. Thompson, secretary and treasurer; Mr. Henry J. Minton, librarian; Mr. S. W. Mason, chorister. The membership at this time was 240. There was a thorough revision of the methods and courses of study. Our pastor, Mr. Green, encouraged the teachers to take the Chautauqua Normal course, both he and his wife accompanying them on the grounds during the Assembly. Papers, books for the library, and new hymn books were added. In May, 1877, there was a large accession to the church, many coming from the Sunday school.

Our school had always maintained a class for the young children, which for a long time had been under the charge of Miss Elizabeth Stone, and later of Miss Helen Sexton. But in the new building special provision was made for them, and the homecoming was signalized by the formation of a separate department for the little ones, at first called the Infant Class, and later the Primary Department. Their room was at the east end of the first floor, where the kitchen is now. Mrs. Kittie W. Wallace took charge of it, with Mrs. C. P. Skinner as assistant, and several other ladies as teachers. There were six or seven classes, with about 45 enrolled. In the summer of 1877 Mrs. Wallace was obliged to be absent for a long time, and Mrs. C. P. Skinner and Mrs. G. W. Holt took charge for a year, till failing health necessitated a change of climate for Mrs. Skinner. Her early demise took from us one of our most intelligent and enthusiastic workers.

Another fire in January, 1878, destroyed the new church, and again the older classes of the Sunday school met in Virginia Hall, and the Primary Department, under the care of Mrs. Kittie Wallace, in No. 3 Brewer block, till March, 1879. The membership at this time was 285.

The officers for 1879-1880 were Mr. C. P. Skinner, superintendent; Mr. F. A. Hall, assistant superintendent; Mrs. R. G. Wright, superintendent of primary department. The new church, which we now occupy, having been dedicated, the Sunday school returned to what then seemed spacious quarters, with much rejoicing, and its work was taken up with renewed vim and interest. From June, 1880, to June, 1881, Mr. F. A. Hall was superintendent, with Mr. Robert M. Mateer, assistant, and Mrs. R. G. Wright in charge of the primary. June, 1881, to June, 1882, Mr. C. P. Skinner, superintendent; Mr. R. M. Mateer, assistant, and Mrs. R. G. Wright in the primary. June, 1882, to June, 1883, Mr. F. A. Hall, superintendent; Mr. R. M. Mateer, assistant, and Mrs. G. W. Holt in the primary. June, 1883, to June, 1884, Mr. C. P. Skinner, superintendent; Mr. J. H. Plumb, assistant, and Mrs. Kittie Wallace in the primary. At this time there were thirty-nine classes and teachers in the school, of which in the various departments there were, Senior, six; Adult, four; Intermediate, sixteen; Primary, thirteen. This makes the whole number of officers and teachers forty-five. Soon after this Mr. C. P. Skinner removed to Kansas. The period covered by the superintendency of Messrs. Skinner and Hall may fairly be called the "high tide of our school" the membership reaching 325. A very large amount of intelligent and conscientious work was done by officers and teachers at this time, of which we have a graphic account in the following report:

We talk learnedly and continuously in this age of business, of success and successful work; and in general terms we say that the one who accomplishes his full purpose, and does what he sets out to do, independently of the means he uses, is the successful man. But there is an element which enters into success which does not always appear, and is not taken at its full value; and that is, hard work, the spirit of persistent, unremitting effort, that will kindle fires on the snow bank or tunnel the mountain, but will never give up. Specially is this true in regard to Sunday school work, because of the many difficulties that, from the nature of the work, spring up like obnoxious weeds. If then we measure the success of the work in our Sunday school for the past year by this rule, no one who has seen anything of the working of the school can question its undoubted success. It has been a twelve-month of work to every member, from the superintendent down to the smaller scholar. Work has been our purpose in life, our meat and drink, our recreation and our chief care. If one of our number has taken a holiday, it has been to engage in Sunday school work. If one has gone on a journey, Sunday school work has had a large place in his plans; and to every one our school has filled an important place in time, thought and care. As we review the year's work, we cannot but agree that considerable progress has been made. In proof of this I refer to the record that follows:

We work by system. We believe in system. It was by thorough organization and fair distribution of the work, that whatever has been done was done.

I do my part, my neighbor does his part; and by individual efforts, small perhaps in themselves, we heap the mountain till it pierces the clouds, and is kissed by the eternal sunshine above.

Our superintendent, who stands at our head, has laid out and planned in detail, and gone forward himself in all the good things that have been done. It is a game of "follow your leader," and no man can lead workers who is not himself a worker. It is no easy task to direct such an organization as this; and to have constant oversight and care for all the branches, departments and committees is no doubt a greater effort than to do work in any fixed place. "If you want anything done, do it yourself," is an old axiom. But he who has power to guide others to do his will, shows so much the greater wisdom. Thus the actual work of the school, outside of the class work, which will be noticed presently, is given in great part to committees. To the executive committee, with the superintendent as chairman, is intrusted the arrangements of holidays and all special occasions, and general business that is not otherwise provided for. The Children's Aid is another important committee, who have done some royal work in providing for needy children the necessary clothing to enable them to attend Sunday school. A small thing did you say, to give a pair of shoes or a coat or a dress to some neglected and obscure child? True, it is not an act to move nations or to convert the world; but how dare we call anything small or trifling that is done in the name of Him who said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye have done it unto me." The committee on examinations has been by no means idle. It is their work to prepare a written examination at the end of each quarter, upon the lessons studied during three months, and to report the result. The first review examination was held on September 19, 1880. No special report was made, but it resulted satisfactorily. At the second quarterly examination on December 19th, five, two of whom were teachers, reached 100 per cent; between thirty and forty were above 90 per cent. The third examination, held on March 20th, produced very gratifying results. Forty-two members of the school stood at 100 per cent., seventeen at 99 per cent., six at 98 per cent., six at 97 per cent., five at 96 per cent., one at 95 per cent., two at 93 per cent., one at 91 per cent., and three at 90 per cent.; or more closely reported, eighty-five stood above 90 per cent., passing with honor. The fourth examination of the Sunday school year was held last Sabbath.

The committee on music is very important, and needs no higher commendation than the interest with which all the school unite in singing, and the gratification and pride that our exceptionally fine music affords us all. The library committee is an important one, and deserves more than a passing notice. Our school has a fine, large library, intended for the use and benefit of every member of the school. It numbers about three hundred volumes, of which one hundred have been purchased within a short time; and the books cover many of the subjects that should be given to the Sunday school, including missionary work, travels, biography, natural history, and in fiction, such standard Sunday school literature as Charles Kingsley's works, Pansy's books, Mrs. Charles' unsurpassed stories, and Mrs. Whitney's bright stories. The school owes thanks to the discriminating care of the library committee in its judicious selection of books, as well as for the important work of weekly distribution to the scholars.

There are, besides these, committees on finance, on attendance, on welcome, and on spiritual growth, each of which is important in its own direction, but which on account of wide scope, cannot be reported in detail in this brief sketch.

The work that teachers do directly in their classes is beyond human power to measure or classify; for we aim to teach the heart. There is one that searcheth the understanding, even God; but the heart hath no man seen. However there is a certain intellectual sense in which we may judge our work, and that is by the examinations, although examinations are not always unfailing tests of knowledge. When we remember that only the senior and intermediate departments of the school join in the examinations, the thought that eighty-five, or more than half, stood at 90 per cent. in March, leads us to conclude that some faithful, earnest work has been done amongst us. In yet another sense we measure the success of the year's work. Since June 21, 1880, twelve pupils of the school have stepped up into a broader plain, confessed the Lord Jesus, and joined the church. Almost one entire class have been converted.

Death, too, has come into our midst, and left the school not as he found it. Class No. 7 has one empty chair; its class-book has one name erased from the page. Louise Hall has been transferred from our school to the school in Heaven; her name is not lost or forgotten, but is written in the class-book of Life, and from thence it shall never be taken away.

I cannot pass without mentioning the primary department, the pride and delight of the whole school. It numbers nearly one-third of the whole enrollment, and is, I think, more constant in attendance than any other department. It has the best of management and the best of teachers. It is no matter of surprise therefore that it is one of the most successful branches of our school; nor that every member of the school feels personal pride in the sixty to seventy-five primary scholars. God bless the primary department.

Thus much concerning the regular work of the year within the school itself. There are in addition auxiliary divisions that deserve at least passing notice. The teachers' meeting on Friday evenings, and the Sunday school prayer meetings on Sunday evenings, are two Corinthian columns on which the school rests. We need help, and they supply us. A fountain cannot flow unless it has a source; we cannot pour water from a pitcher unless it has first been filled; and how shall we teach unless we first be taught? These meetings are an open way for Sunday school workers to receive help from God and from each other. The Sunday evening prayer meetings belong to the school and are for the school. They are conducted in a simple way, so, to be understood and enjoyed by everybody, and have been well attended during the year. They are of unusual benefit in sustaining the school and holding it firm in its place. The teachers' meetings are nearly as important as the others. During the past year they have been very interesting, but the attendance has not been in proportion to their interest or their deserts.

A third organization that has its origin in our school is the Look Up Legion, a society formed in great part not of our grown Sunday school workers, but of children. The Westfield division of this society was organized September 26, 1880, with nearly one hundred and fifty members. As the season was so late, no meetings were held till this spring, except an informal reunion in February. In April the business meetings of the League began and will be continued during the summer and autumn. They have a large attendance of from thirty-five to sixty, more than three-fourths of whom are from the primary department of our school. It is distinctly a children's society, the whole work being carried on by them. The Look Up Legion is perhaps the first organization of its kind ever established, the president and secretary alone being adults, and simply preside at meetings and direct the work. The other officers and all committees are children, and the little people themselves conduct the business and do the work. As the original purposes of the society are self-restraint and helpfulness, the work done is missionary and benevolent in nature. It is but just to add that the work is well done, too, conscientiously, earnestly and enthusiastically done. Indeed the children show an earnest spirit that is not often surpassed in societies for similar work among their elders; no sacrifice is too great for them willingly to undertake, and no obstacle so threatening but they are sure they can overcome it. It is the purpose of the officers to ultimately include in the society all the children in the town, of all denominations and no denomination, but as yet little has been done towards gathering proselytes.

A fourth work outside of the school, is the Sunday school at the Harbor, carried on mostly by teachers and officers from our school. It is a much harder thing than one would imagine to do double duty on the Sabbath, and teach a class in two schools. But however hard it may have been, the teachers have proved faithful to their work, and during the past severe winter, Sunday afternoon has never failed to bring with it teachers and officers to the waiting school in the little white school house at the harbor. At the risk of interfering with the treasurer's report, I wish to merely mention some of the uses to which the contributions to our Sunday school funds have been devoted, and therewith to close this sketch.

In March, at a special teachers' meeting, the question of disbursements came up for consideration, and it was voted to give $25 to the Randolph "Home for Friendless Children," to aid in re-building and re-establishing the Institute, that was burned some time ago. It was also carried by a strong vote at the same time, to appropriate from the Sunday school fund on hand, $130 for the support and education of a student at Lincoln University for one year, beginning next September. This university is an institution in Pennsylvania for training colored students for the ministry, and is considered by every one as worthy of our commendation and help. In addition to this, our school has had in charge for nearly two years a young Japanese boy at Yokohama, educating him for missionary work. His name is Baba San, and he is a convert to Christianity from Japanese heathenism. Although he is quite young he has begun already on his course of study, and proves to be bright and studious. In due time if his life is spared, he will enter a theological seminary to prepare himself for his missionary labors.

JESSICA F. BLOWERS, Historian.

June 26th, 1881

The membership of the school at this time was 325. The average attendance for the last quarter covered by the above paper was 225.

In 1884, Mr. E. A. Skinner became superintendent and Mr. C. R. Crosgrove, assistant. Mrs. W. H. Walker and Mrs. Ross Knight took the primary. About 1889, Mr. D. K. Falvay took Mr. Crosgrove's place, and in 1890, Mrs. E. A. Skinner succeeded Mrs. Walker as head of the primary department. During this time Rev. W. F. Faber was our pastor, and an able and enthusiastic helper in the work of the Sabbath school. The membership varied between 167 and 212, including 25 officer and teachers. In 1889 at Mr. Skinner's suggestion, Mr. Hiram Tiffany bequeathed us $300, the income from which was to be used in providing books for the Sunday school. This fund has since been known as the Tiffany Fund. In June, 1891, Mr. J. M. Mateer was elected superintendent, with Miss Clara H. Skinner as assistant, and served for one year. The membership numbered 200. The church records show that there were at this time 32 of the pupils in full church membership, 73 who had been baptized, and 17 were received into full church membership during the year. There were 500 volumes in the library. The Rogersville and Burch Sunday schools were maintained mostly by our members, Mr. H. W. Thompson having been superintendent in the latter district from 1890 to the present, and and they had a combined enrollment of 114. The Blakesley Graded Lessons, consisting of six courses, were introduced this year, which proved a decided advance along the line of Bible study. They took the place of the International Lessons, which had been in use a long time.

In June, 1892, Mr. S. W. Mason and Miss Clara H. Skinner were elected superintendent and assistant respectively, and served till June, 1893. A special effort was made at this time to revive the social interests of the school, and under their management a picnic was held in Peacock's grove, at the mouth of Chautauqua Creek, which proved one of the most enjoyable affairs in our history. The attendance was very large, old and young being invited, the repast was exceptionally good. Music by the Westfield Cornet Band whiled away the hours for the quiet ones, and playing on the beach, wading and boating entertained the more active. It being Thursday the hymn books were taken down, and the sunset hour was spent in prayer and praise to God.

Mr. F. B. Brewer and Miss Clara H. Skinner then succeeded as superintendent and assistant. The evangelist, Rev. E. E. Davidson, held a series of meetings here in the early part of 1894, which wonderfully stimulated not only the church, but also the Sunday school, and many young people were received into the church at that time. Interest in the various courses of study was quickened by a thorough examination at the close of the school year. At the usual Christmas entertainment there was a short lecture on the lessons of the past year, illustrated with stereopticon slides, which helped to fix the various topics in the minds of the pupils. Mr. Brewer being obliged to remove from town in January, 1895, Miss Clara H. Skinner became superintendent and Mr. J. E. Hall assistant, serving till July, 1897. Miss Skinner is the only lady thus far elected to this important office, but being thoroughly fitted for the position, she was both earnest and efficient. The membership in 1896 was 201. In 1897, Mr. F. A. Hall was again called to the superintendency, with Mr. J. A. Skinner and Mr. Roy S. Blowers, assistants. Mr. Hall is one of our most experienced and energetic workers, and his conduct of the school has always been successful. The membership in 1899 was 260.

In June, 1900, our pastor, Rev. George L. MacClelland, was induced to add to his many duties that of superintendent, with Messrs. J. A. Skinner, J. M. Mateer, F. A. Hall as assistants, and with great efficiency they carried on the work till January, 1905. The membership rose from 250 to 285. At the urgent solicitation of the Session, Mr. James E. Hall then took the superintendency, and conscientiously, diligently and very effectively labored for the advancement of the school till January 26, 1908, when the present incumbent, Mr. Oliver A. Jones took up the work. His wide experience in similar work, his energy, tactfulness and thoroughly conscientious devotion to the interests and work of the school, have made the past year's work one of interest and profit to the whole school. The present enrollment is 278, divided into 27 classes, and an average attendance of 180.

The contributions of the school during the year last passed amounted to $305.75, and were devoted to missionary work.

Since 1890 the primary department has been carried on by Mrs. E. A. Skinner with the assistance of Mrs. Knight and other ladies. Frances A. Skinner became her mother's assistant and both have labored unremittingly and with very marked success ever since. The enrollment has sometimes been as high as 80. At the present time there about 40 registered. The money raised by contribution has always been given to objects chosen by the children themselves, and during most of this time they have sent yearly offerings, averaging about $25, to the Western New York Children's Home, at Randolph. Under this management the children are required to pass certain examinations before promotion to the higher grade. Nothing in our whole school life exceeds in interest the transfer of these little ones to the upper room, with the words of eternal life up on their lips, taught them by these faithful and loving teachers.

April 3, 1909, the loving spirit which for so many years had guided this department, was called to a higher work, leaving the indelible impress of a thoroughly consecrated life upon the whole community, especially upon that portion which was ever on her heart, and for which it was her delight to work. To these meager outlines of history one needs to fill in much of the life of the school from imagination, to get an idea of what it has accomplished. In the first place, the superintendents have been faithful and true, teaching the Word of God in its purity and power, without quibble, equivocation or evasion, and it has been a power for good to all, and of salvation to many.

The early missionary spirit has been encouraged d developed. For many years all the money raised by the school has been devoted to the assistance of a large range of missionary enterprises. The home field has not been neglected, but from the foundation our school has furnished many who have carried on Sabbath school work in the outlying districts.

The social gatherings have been many, Christmas entertainments, with trees, music, pantomimes, plays, stereopticon pictures, and supper and presents for all; midsummer picnics to the woods or shores of nearby lakes, or excursions on the water, with a day of joyous games and feasting; Children's Day, with its songs and flowers, all varied as the years go by, bring joy and added interest to the work of the school.

Then there is the time of sadness, when a beloved schoolmate is called to a higher life, and a hundred hearts go out in sympathy to the stricken ones, helping them to bear their burdens and grief.

No occasion fills the whole school with such genuine satisfaction and joy, as when those who have learned to love the blessed Savior in the Sabbath school gather around the altar in their young manhood and womanhood, and offer themselves a living sacrifice, and ready for the work of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

In closing, tribute should be paid to that army of quiet, faithful loving, and conscientious teachers, whom it has been impossible to name, but with whose help alone the work so briefly outlined in these pages was possible. How great the privilege, how important the work, how far reaching the consequences, and how thrice-blessed this labor of love, only the years of eternity will tell, when the divine Head of the church will say, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

F. B. BREWER