The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1877-10-04
Lette-' from Iowa.
Correspondence of the Journal
NOJ-JT0N Jnwo SAINT 5

ringing out i'll solemn tones to call us to
church this morning, but the pews will be
empty to-day, for the rain is falling gent
~ down, telling us, more plainly than
words can, of the care and love over
ruling all. Western churches, in small
cities, are all trce-Scatcd, and the most
aristocratic boasts of nothing better than
chairs for seats at the best; while in none
do we see the nicely cushioned and car
peted peWs of eastern churches. The
seats are hard, generally Of black wal
nut, which grows here in abundance, the
pulpits neatly but plainly upholstered.
There are many churches in Iowa of the
Christian denomination, followers Of the
teachings Of Alexander Campbell, and re-
quiring nothing further in a candidate for
| admission than confession that he believes
that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and
baptism by immersion. They are gener-
ally called Complexities, though they seem
| to think the name a reprOach. Preachers
Of this denomination are very conversant
with Scripture, quoting any desired pas
sage, giving chapter and verse. Many of
them profess to believe that a thorough
conversion is necessary to a religious life;
but most certainly their leader and teach
or, Campbell does not teach it in his writ
ings. There is one denomination whose
manners and customs remind one of the
Quakers and Shakers OF the east. They
are called Dunkaris or German Baptists
1t is a popular church in Germany and
Holland, and many Of its members in
Iowa are OF Teutonic descent. There is
a Dunkard settlement north Of here, in
this county marked by thrift, industry
| and neatneSS among its sister towns. In
dress this people are very plain and strict
The men wear broad trimmed, loW-croWn-
ed soft hats, very dark in color, or black,
with long blue Or black coats, like the
one famed in song, ''all buttoned up be
fore" The hair is long, either parted in
the center or combed straight back The
women are required to dress plainly, es-
chewing oyerskirts and many rutties,
wearing white muslin caps and sunbon-
nets and long aprons. The women also
keep silence in the churches, as st. Paul
commanded As a class the brethren are
comfortably situated, or, as a lloosler
would say fixed, and many of them are
wealthy. 4 member in distress is aided
by the church, which cares kindly for the
widow and tatherless. Baptism is admin
stered in very singular manner; the
candidate is immersed face downward
three times, in the name Of the Father,
Son and Holy Ghost. Good arguments
are produced for this peculiar mode, quot
ing many items OF proof from ancient and
authentic sources. Once a year a big
wash each others feet and partake of a
soup or broth made by those in authority.
None but members are allowed to be pres
ent at this feast. This generally occurs
on the last night of the meeting, and is
the only time the sacrament is admins
tered, though they have regular preach
ing each week.
In this month and next schools begin
throughout the county, in the rural dis
tricts for Il term Of three, four or six
months. Each township is divided into
districts two miles square, which may
choose three directors to hire teachers,
&c. In some districts but one is chosen,
he being subject to the board of township
directors. Teachers must 90 to the coun-
ty seat to obtain certificates from the
county Superintendent. Written eXami-
nations are made, from list of questions
given by the State Superintendent, the
certificate of first, second or third class.
One condition of first class is that the APP
plicant shall have had experience i'll pub
lie school teaching. Articles are drawn
up between teacher and director for the
term. Teachers receive from S25 to Sf5
|
per month. Good board can be procured
from 800 to $3.50 per week, thus max \
ing Il teacher feel as if he We're earning
something more than his board.
Iowa is one of the leading States in
educational work, her school laws having
been framed by men who have studied
| Il lH l,n irnp nh
ject Throughout the State Normal In
stitutes are held, when teachers are hay
inc vacation and can most conveniently
attend. First class drills are given in the
best methods of imparting knowledge by
teachers of ample experience and well
| known success. And if some of the coun-
try schoolma'ams 10 sometimes 60 bare
foot in the hot summer, is their ability to
teach the Young idea how to shoot, to be
questioned because they do not wish to
spoil the symmetry Of their feet by tight
CATERS
Appanoose Co Normal had an atten-
dance of $50 in the five weeks session
winch has just closed. 1t was conducted
by Prof. Campbell, Principal of the Moul-
ton Normal and High school The session
was very interesting. Some of the older
states would do well to pattern after their
Younger sister in this direction, and ele-
waite the standard of education in their
borders. Moulton school is very far ahead
of any school ever attended in the east
in SO small a city. Emigrants to Iowa
never need fear for the education of their
children, if they move where it is at all
| thckly settled. OF course there are many
log school houses, but | have seen nice
little white ones in some places where
not a single frame dwelling house could
be seen. But Yankee teachers "raised
back east" are in good demand and can