The Taney County republican. (Forsyth, Mo.) 1895-1992, 1905-08-03
An AIIRACIRE ENTERPRISE
N AS AIIRACTRr COuNIRT


ABOUT two years ago the attention
Of the Synod Of Missouri Presbyter-
ian church in the United States was
directed TO the great need and the
splendid opportunities for Christian
education in themountain districts with
in our bounds. Growing out Of the in
terest aroused at that time, instructions
were given TO the home missions COM
mittee that have resulted in we'll
matured plans for a school that will
supply the needs Of large region, and
accomplish the great work that is
providentially open TO our church. You
will be interested in the following brief
statement concerning the work.
THE PLACE.
liz locating the school the question OF
the greatest reed was prominent in the
mind of the synod. Upon investiga-
tion five counties were found, with an
aggregate population Of about 10000.
and without any adequate religious or
educational advantages. There il not
a Christian school in these counties,
and they are practically without any
wholesome presentation Of the truth Of
the gospel. Thousands Of them are
living in utter ignorance Of the cardin-
al principles OF our religion. Their
educational advantage are such a. are
confined to u necessarily poor system Of
public schools. In three Of these coun.
ties the average length Of the school
term is about four months, and many oi
the teachers have had no other OppOr-
tunities for equippiDg themselves for
their work, than are afforded by these
same schools 10 which they are nOv
instructors. Only two per cent OF the
teachers have had the advantages Oi
higher education. In this section the
need OF such an institution Is probably
greater than any other Of like extent
in the state. And IL may be noted
here that adjoining these counties
there il equally as large section In
Arkansas where practically the same
conditions prevail
The particular place within this
territory for the location Of the school
was determined by the accessibility Of
the town and the local interest Of the
people. Forsyth, the couoty.seat oi
Taney county, was the unanimous
choice Of the committee. II is in many
respects an admirable location for the
institution, and the local interest Of the
people Of this little town Of 20 inhabi-
tants can scarcely be understood except
by those who have been there and seen
IL. A substantial expression Of that
interest Is manifested by their guaraD.
teed subscription Of more than 100
10 cash and 30 acres Of land. Radiat-
ing from this point, for distance Of
30 miles, we will draw from and in
fluence counties that have an aggre-
gate population Of more than I25, ,OO0
and an enumeration Of children oi
school age Of upwards Of 1000.
THE PLANS.
Before deciding definitely upon the
plans, the committee requested the
Rev. a. Y. Beatie, who has been elected
principal Of the school, 10 make q tour
Of investigation through the mountain
sections Of several states. visiting schools
that have been established under sin1i.
lar conditions. Nine such institutions
we're investigated. Their experience
justiiies the conclusion that the general
plan should embrace Christian edpca
tion with industrial training; the cur
riculum providing for thorough course
in Bible, the primary grades, academic