The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1895-08-22
MT. LEBANON.

existed mas ha0 It's own pecuIldI
history whether hidden or reveal
ed. Even the lowest class of ver-
mis- winding Its way beneath the
earth's surface, and which seems
so worthless to us because we have
so little knowledge Of 1t and its
mission, has had history parti-
ally unknown to any other form of
creation. Hence, the value Of any
thing is known only by an ac-
quaintance with it whether belong
ing to the animal, mineral, or veg
etable kingdom.
1t is true, also, of organizations OF
all kinds, the more is known of
their objects, lives, and works, the
more highly do we appreciate them
and the more earnestly do we
strive to become c0-laborers in the
work and equel partakers of their
elevating principles. The one
to which we now refer, Mt. Leba-
non Sunday school, is a subject Of
which we do not promise to give
a full account during its many
years, for to do this would require
one to have been connected with it
for a time longer than can be claim
ed by one so young as compared
with its existance, but will give a
few historical sketches, expressing
thanks to those who have furnish,
ed information pertaining to its or
igin and to whom we listened with
eager delight, after having given
up to waiting revelation, having
glanced occasionally at those state
~ oaks surrounding us on all sides,
and wondering if they could not
breathe forth inspiration sufficient
to satiate our wondering minds.
From the facts made known to
us we learn that in the year 1855 in
an old log school house near here,
this Sunday school had its origin.
1t was first known as "Rocky
Ridge" school, being so-called
from the structure Of the surrounds
ings. 1t was through the efforts Of
Mr.. Columbus Cowan, who was Its
first superintendent, and of Mrs
Elias Hitch, better known as "Aunl
Jennie", veay pious lady, that the
school organized.
1t continued for a short time prss.
perously at this place, but from
some cause not yet made known ia
us, 1t was transferred to an old
dwelling on the farm nrw In pos.
session of Mr.. A. Hitch, about one
half mile from the former site,
where 1t remained until the yeaI
1858 in which the church on the
present spot of earth was complct.
ed. The school then assumed its
present name.
The Literature first used was
the Union Question Books. AL
though quite different from that
now in use, it was used with inter
, est intensely great.
To break the monotony of the
; sound and to sweeten the variety,
the old "Webster Blue-back" was
, occasionally used when the sound
of "b-a, Ca, d.a, Ann can spin flax
could be heard distinctly within
+ the walls of the building, as was
the custom in those days. This
class was taught by a Mr.. Adams
the very name suggestive of many,
many years ago to us. For some
/ time, a class of the more advanced
! pupils known as the Bible class
careied with them their bibles
formed their own questions and in
this way searched the Scripture:
for what is contained therein.
An amusing little story is told as
having occurred in this class once
when the question arose as to who
was king of Babylon: one of its
members then a young man and
always ready with an answer
, promptly replied, "Nebuckhadnaz'
. zar". Another one in the class
that day who was a very SHARP
man and thinking himself the prop
el authority Immediately attacted
the first member with this ques
, tion," How do you pronounce itY
Observation-Disclosures, was the
answer given to the inquireing one
who took it, looked wise and re
! manned silent; yet thinking of how
much is to be learned. Leaving
, the school at this point, we will
now come to its organization as q
Baptist 8. s., and a period to which
, our first rcmemberances, as a pu
| pill, date. This was affected in The
, year 1880, and is due mainly tC
| Rev. P. B. McCsrroll, whose yea