The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1912-06-27

the school plant should have something
for, parent as well as for child, for pat
ron as well as for pupil; yes, and some
thing fo-sthe taxpayer who has no
child. Thus has the school become A
social center for lectures and libraries
for farmers meetings and wothers'
clubs.
But why should the school not contri-
butte directly TO che practical education
of the adult rs well rs the child7 May
there not be placed in the school ma
chinery some factor, the operation of
which shall help those adults whohave
thirst for knowledge, desire to make
up to some extent for the limited or the
neglected opportunities of early days
Let the fascinating story of the Moon
light Schools of Rowan County. Ken
lucky, answer the question.
The schools were begun on the moon
| light nights of September, 1911, and
were made part of the school work of
the year. Their primary object was
to help any grown people who n
younger years had had no opportunity
to learn to read aud write, or those
who had failed to improve that oppor.
tunity. Unselfish teachers campaign
ed their districts telling of the schools
and urging the people to come. Then
they waited for results. The response
was most gratifying. The workers,
Ifrl aH 10 he'll he
threes, found their classes swelling
till of the forty-hve rural schools of
Rowan County no school had less than
ten and one enrolled as many as forty
eight. Earnest and eager they came,
of all ages, from the young man of
twenty 10 the silver haired grand moth
err of eightY-six, And the results of
the wolk have been as wonderful as
the response was gratifying. In two
weeks some of these adult pupils were
able to write a legible letter. Five
members OF enc family In fortnight
had learned to read and write Many
enrolled who were not illiterate, but
who thirstod tor more knowledge.
Reading, writing, composition, ar.th-
metic, history and geography were all
popular studies. Bible study was a fas-
ciuation tomany. Visitors to the schools
who saw the interested and eager stu
dents and their animated teachers went
away declaring the sight an inspiring
one.
The community results we're far
reaching. Increased attendance d t
day school followed, parents who had
enrolled as night pupils taking d deep
er interest than ever in the education
CT their children. Social life is sweet
ened; the demand for books, mag All
mes, and farm periodicals has great
~ increased, Sunday schools have
gained members, and a deeper interest
is taken in church work
These adult pupils themselves have
become new creatures" A new hope
is awakened; dull faces have bright
coed. a new light shines from the eve,
the step is more alert The lost is be-
ing found.
1t is strange-passing strange-that
this work has not been done before in
our rural schools. But we are coming
to our own. The Moonlight Schools"
OF Rowan County, Kentucky, will be
beacon lights sending forth beams that
shall cause otLer fires to be kindled
North and South, East and West, It'll
the dark cloud of illiteracy which like
a pail shrouds many a life, sh all be
lifted and a new hope shall come into
the heart.
In every county of our State there
are many who will rejoice to have such
an opportunity offered, and there are
scores of teachers and others who will
gladly enter such a field of service.
GEO. A. JORDAN.
Susan, Va, June 9th, 1912.