Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1911-05-19
LA CREOLE ACADEMY.

| Editorial in Oregonlan, March 90
The question of the discontinuance
of LaCreole Academy is agitating the
citizens of the thriving little town that
holds the distinction of being the
county seat of Polk County. The OBJ
server, printed at Dallas, takes up the
subject at some length, making a
strong plea for retention of academic
courses in conjunction with the COL
lege work in Dallas College.
The history of LaCreole Academy is
identical in detail with that of the
early educational institutions of higher
grade in Oregon. 1t is one of the pio-
neer schools, the date of whose begin
ming extends back into tn storied and
misty past. Like other schools of it's
class, it's history has been one of ups
and downs in financial sense, yet its
standards have always been high and
it's supporters have ever been loyal to
its interests.
The question agitatng the acad-
emy's friends and patrons at the
present time is one both of finance
trustees is to sell the grounds belong
ing to the academy which were do
mated to its use many years ago, and
add the sum realized from this sale to
the endowment fund, for the better
ment of both Dallas College and La
Creole Academy under one manage
ment.
A new location would be sought
within the limits of Dallas, new build
ings and equipment would follow, and
the combination would result i'm al
stronger institution, with both acad-
emic and college coursses, which
would be to Dallas and the Evangell-
cal Church what McMinnville College
Is to McMinnville and the Baptist de-
nomination.. e., a rallying point for
sectarian as well as secular education
under broad construction of the
educational idea.
1t is cited by the Observer that a
movement is on foot to bring about a
union between the United Evangelical,
the Evangelical Association, and the
United Brethren churches. Since these
names represent practically a distinc-
tion without a difference In belief and
effort, such a union would rebound
not only to the growth in grace of the
brethren of these names, but to the
largely increased constituency OF the
school under consideration. The day
OF the Protestant denominational
school, within the strict purpose and
limit OF that term, is practically end
ed. and the small college conducted on
wider lines, without insistence upon
or evangelical beliefs and
on the part of its stu
dents. is a great gamer thereby. This
is not 20 say that the fundamental
principles Of Christianity are not to
be observed and taught in these
schools. but rather that because of the
of the Christian idea these
schools will have a broader curricu-
um and larger constituency. Hence
they viii not be mere strugglers for
existence. but well-supported. grow,
Ing. useful educational Institutions
The union OF the three evangelical
bodies above noted as now pending Is
m indication OF a growing spirit OF
Christian tolerance and human broth
srhood that augurs well for the
schools under their tutelage.
Aside from this. many memories,
fragrant with the subtle essence OF
.ender association. filtered through the
refining power OF the years. are called
ip by the simple mention OF LaCreole
Academy. May this school OF hon
lred memory. combined with Dallas
College. live long and grow with pass
ng years in usefulness and In har-
nony OF thought purpose and en-
leavor. testifying 20 the fact that the
academy and small college still have
! place In shaping the 6estinies of the
tate through the wise and consistent
direction OF its youth.