The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-10-05

eferI Is not the only lihabltant oil
this countfs High hp ID the Cum
bertrand mountains and Just vest
of tie centre 81 Tenne see We find
the promise Of better things IN the
establishment Of q modern school.
Livingstone Is q settlement far
above the average in education, in:
dustry, and religious love for all
that makes for civilizations Al.
pine School has a rectangular tract
Of land Of about 140 acres, purchas.
ed with money raised by the NOUN
taineers in two days. This is evi.
dence Of the worth and the value
they place on education. II addi-
tional proof Is, desired consider the
growth Of the school from Soto $50
In two years. Part Of this is due
to the efficient corps Of teachers
but part to their awakening to the
essentials of life.
I A large building Of stone has re.
Gently been begun and Is to be mod:
ern and complete in every way. An
equally well built stone house for
the teachers Is nearly, finished.
School houses are far apart In this
district and only three months ,ot
school Is provided each year with
'inadequately- paid teachers. Edu.
cation has therefore lapsed SO that
instead Of cultivated minds the PEG.
pie have the sharp eye, the skin.
full hand and the shrewd reasoning
of the pioneer.
Religion is a natural part OF the
mountaineer's makeup. We may
not agree with. the way he express.
es his religious emotions, but none
can doubt his sincerity. The pro.
tracted meeting Spring and Fall,
with the circuit rider making an
appearance twice o month, offers
aboutsthe only outlet to his emo:
lions. Occasionally a singing mas.
ter will hold forth for several
nights in settlement and at such
times we hear such songs as II
Feel Like Going On" set to the
sort Of music that renders 1t OF
little worth outside. The lassies
have high sweet voices though in.
clined to be loud and shrill.
During many months Of the
year It requires a good team and
skillful driving to bring IN empty
wagon to this place. Therefore 1t
is only natural that the man OF the
community will be content with
what he has and makes tho best
Of It to supply his needs. Shut in,
he becomes a living monument OF
the past and only where lines OF
communication are open can the
pulse Of civilization be felt. Back
In the hills he remains the "con.
temporary ancestor"
The conditions are changing and
are bound to change more. In the
distance We hear tho rumble Of the
giant blast breaking up the bout.
ders. These old hills are rich in
ceal and minerals and the slopes
are covered with valuable timber.
Shafts, tunnels, FORCES and anvils
are at the door and industry is go
ing to enter with the insistent driv.
ing civilization Of the twentieth
century.
VIII the change be for good or
evil? There are elements that
make for the best and there are
others that make for the worst.
One thing is sure. the Christian RI.
iligion and education, make for the
best. The question is, will 1t pre-.
vail over modern business and
Mammon? Some OF the children
are already assimilating the knowl.
edge OF the church and school and
few have gone hack into the hills.
Mich, but not all, depends upon the
diligence and devotion OF those en-.
trusted with this work. Something
depends upon those at home in the
Second line defence" with prayers.
interest and gifts. Education and
religion will ultimately win. The
vital thing for each OF us is 10 do
our host in the part assigned TO us
by God in His work. Az engaged
in His program have the promise
Of His partnership.