Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1846-02-28
For the Herald.
HISTORY OF THE BLOOMINGTON
EDUCATION SOCIETY,".

In the year 1899, the citizens Of Blooming
ton aud vicinity. associated themselves to-
ge,her TO purchase lot and build house
suitable for schools, and TO hold religious and
other meetings in. An amount Of about $500
was raised by subscription. in shares Of SIS
each. Trustees were chosen, a lot bought.
and house built; in all costing about $1,000.
The Trustees borrowed $500 Of Mr.. ST. John.
II was expected that persons would sub
scribe enough to pay off the debt. but they
did not. The house was erected for schools,
and for religious and other meetings. Mr..
81. John demanded pay, and in default Of
payment. he demanded other security than the
note which lie held. The Secretary o: the
Society gave him mortgage on the lot.
AT the next session Of the Legislature, a
charter was obtained, entitled IAN &C, 10 in
corporate the Bloomington Education Soeie-
ty." This is perpetual charter. and is a
good one by which to Incorporate select
school Of academy. I. provides for three
Trustees 10 be elected by the share holders.
These Offices have3never been vacated since
the first election. A Constitution has been
adopted, which, among many other things,
provides for the house to be used for schools,
and vhen not 50 occupied, it may be used for re-
Hgious and other meetings. This part of the
Constitution has been disregarded by the
Methodist Society. Schools and school
meetings have been made secondary object
when the Melhodists wanted il for their meet
ings. II is presumed that most Of the men,
bers Of that respectable society were no,
aware that they were trespassing on the rights
of the Bloomington Education Society. A..
gain, it has been asserted by those who
ought to know better, that the Methodist soci-
ETY. have the title to the lot. II is true the
mortgage above spoken Of has been force losed,
and the lot sold, and the Methodist society.
or their agents, have become the purchasers.
Il is deemed sufficient explanation Of tina,
title. 10 say, that the mortgage on which it
rests, was given, not by tina: incorporate body
who possessed the title, but by their Secre,a-
~, who had no authority nor power SO to do.
But again, the Methods. society. OF their
agents, are now the holders Of nearly all the
original stock. Then whoever holds that
stock are the Bloomington Education Society.
Il is well knownSthat for some years past,
the Trustees Of this Education Society have
been Of the Methodist Church. Let % ask
those Trustees. Iii we mar not DO deemed too
inquisisive) what is the state Of the Society
now !! and what are ts future prospects Il,
Is rumored thata religious denomination are
about 10 build a church on the .'school lott!
the only foot Of ground in town TOR the purpo-
ses OF education!! Will a religious society
do this Thing 10 the sigh. Of nearly 1000 peo-
pie-when our streets are daily throngsd
with the playful youth. whose souls highest
earthly interests are starving and begging for
the bread of KnowIedge.'
!. This affair will be decided in a. few days.
Those who have TO takea part in il we9hope
viii give j. second sober thought. and decide
for the best iatsrssts Of Education and of the
Church.