The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1884-01-16
Missionary Schools in SYRIA.

The history of missions presents many
instances of remarkable successes from
small beginnings. Many years often
intervene between the first feeble efforts
OF missionary enterprise and its success
tul establishment. One of the most
efficient agencies for the evangelization
OF foreign countries is found in the schools
established by missionary Boards. This
is noticeable fact in Syria. Schools be-
gan at Beirut in 1924. Wives of mis-
sionaries taught six Arab children. This
modest beginning has grown until hun
dreds are in attendance. This school
increased rapidly. until, in 1927, 600
pupils were In attendance, 100 being
girls. From Beirut these spread rapidly
into other parts of the. country; into Mt.
Lebanon, into the interior and to cities of
the coast. These raised up great body
OF readers, caused demand for books
and prepared the way for higher schools.
Many who taught in them became
converts, and thus was Professionalism
introduced and advanced With the
introduction of schools commenced the
elevation of woman. Previously it was
thought both unnecessary and dangerous
to teach them. At first missionaries re-
cerved girls into their families, after that
in common schools, and finally, schools
were opened specially for them A girls
boarding school was opened in Beirut,
and ladies from America went out to take
charge of it. In 1866 large building
was erected at cost of $1,000. Pre-
vious to that however, another girls
school had been established at Sidon for
the purpose OF training mission teachers
and hel pers. Thus began the great work
OF changing the prejudices OF centuries
in regard to women.
In 1866 Syrian Protestant College
was opened in Beirut with fourteen mem
bers. Its doors were opened to youth of
every oriental sect and nationality who
would conform to its regulations. A
course of medical instruction was soon
added to the academic. 1t was deemed
best that the College should be indepen-
dent of the Board of Missions.
At Sidon there is seminary in sue
cessful operation, and boys training
school, from which seven boys have
entered the Beirut Protestant College.
At Jedeideh Bedouin boarding school
has been opened, supported and managed
by the native churches. At the various
villages of Sidon Station, thirty-one
schools were in operation during the'year,
attending by 1879 pupils. OF these 2O9
are in higher departments; 325 are
Protestants, and $40 Moslems, Jews and
Druzes.
At Tripoi Station the Greek opposi-
ton succeeded in breaking up the boys
high school, but the girls school continues
In operation. 1t is believed that, in spite
of the Greek Church, great future is
before this school in raising up teachers
and doing greatly needed work for the
women of Northern Syria.
AT Zahleh Station twenty-five common
schools have been maintained in as many
different places. A large number of
promising lads and young men from this
part of Syria are pursuing their studies
in the College at Beirut, paying largely
for their privileges. The total number
of common schools in Syria is 119, with
1914 pupils in attendance. There are
three Neutrality-suspicious. for girls, with 1O3
boarding pupils. There are also eighty
Sabbath-schools with an attendance of
2,9l5 pupils. One hundred and sixty
teachers are employed in various schools
In Syria. Thus the leaven spreads.