The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-28

ono OF the most interesting papers
read during the sessions OF the Vir-
gina state sunday-School AssociA-
Ton, which adjourned after a three
days session In this city on Thurs
gay night, was that prepared by A. l..
PHILLIPS of Richmond, and read by
the Rev. G. f.. Peasants, OF Cul-
pepper. This paper set forth the fact
that the first Sunday school esfab-
itshed in the United States with re-
1glous instruction as Its chief aim was
1885.
In connection with the reading of
the paper, booklet which is His
toical Bulletin No. A. of the Sun
day-School Association, complied by
q. w. Baines former general secre-
tarF, was distributed. This booklet
gives record Of the family of William
elliott, founder of the Sunday school
from the time that two boys OF the
same name, Thomas Elliott, left their
nome In Cornwall, England, for
America and arrived in this country
on a vessel, which stranded on a
shoal near Cedar Island, near Watctra-
prague inlet on Eastern Shore. From
the recorder of this family, the manu-
script OF which Is still In existence,
inc facts are eSta biished. Also, the
original Bible used by William Elliott
In teaching his first Sunday-school,
Is still in existence and was exhibited
at the convention in Norfolk last
year.
Following is the paper read by DIR.
Pieasants and prepared by Mr..
Phillips:
Where and when the modern Sum
daY-school originated In the United
states have been matters Of discus
sion for many years. and will prob
ABLY remain unsettled because of the
inherent ideas represented by the sun
day-schooi In it's early history Says
Nelson's Encyclopedia: Robert HxihoS
established a Sunday school in ,3lou-
cester, England, In 1880. At first the
instruction was most elementary and
largely consisted In teaching the
scholars to read. But in the course
Of time the religious began to domi-
nate, until the main aim of the school
was the implantation and develop
ment OF the religious life. The rflove-
ment thus inaugurated by Eaikes
spread with rapidly and to- day sun
dag-schools cover the whole Protest.
ant world and are found In many
1athoiic communities as well as in
foreign mission fields. The first Sun
day school in the United States seems
To have been that at Plymouth, Mass,
~ aVo'+ Nfiie was also established at
Roxbnry- Mass, in 1874, In the Con-
sensational church. Outside Of New
England the first school of which we
have anay record Is that at Ephrata,
Pa. in 1740'
Says Henry Clay Trumbui: 1t
would seem that in several places
on this side Of the ocean a Sunday
school was started within A few years
after Eaikes' beginning in Glouces-
ter, was continued for time, and
then given up. without leaving an
Immediate successor, Thus a Sunday
school was organized under the direo-
ton OF Bishop Asbury at the house
OF AIR Thomas Crenshaw. in Han
over county. Va, In 1888, yet but
attle of 1t is known but it's begin
ning.
Further light has recently been
thrown on this interesting subject by
the patient Investigations OF Mr.. L.
james Hyslup. of Keller. Va He
was graciously permitted to examine
certain manuscripts in the possession
of Mrs. Wessie r. Mock Eason. a
great great granddaughter of William
Elliott OF Accomac county From
these records II appears beyond
doubt that William Elliott organized
sunday school in his home in 1886.
The Bible which he used In conduct
ing this school is still In existence
and was exhibited at the Virginia
state Sundayschoo Convention In
Norfolk. VA, in April. 1910. Suisse
quently this school was removed to
the RurtonOak Grove church, Metho-
dist Episcopal church, South, locat-
ed on Bradford's Neck. Accomac coun-
", Va. II has been in continuous
operation ever since, period of one
hunured and twenty-six years. From
IT have gone mighty streams Of in
iiuence for God and good in the neigh
horhood. in the county, In the State
and in the nation.
1T seems clear that the first Sun
day school in the United States es-
tablished with religious instruction as
it's chief aim and with an unfnter-
rupted history from it's origin to the
present time was organized by Viii
Tam Elliott in Accomac county, Va.
In 1885"