The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1924-03-06

Let each organization dig its own po-
tatoes but market them together.
Let neither think of itself more
highly than it ought to think. Both
the church and the school will find
when they get acquainted that neither
can prosper without the cooperation
of the other.
There is one way in which COOP
GRAFTON is often attempted Whfch
believe to be generally failure.
Sometimes a public school official is
called upon to teach class. in Sun
day school or to be a Sunday school
SUPERINTENDENT 1t is difficult for the
victim to refuse such a call because
of his natural desire for service and
the certain misinterpretation of his
refusal by few well meaning people
who do not understand. Yet, in gen
eral, if there is anything that a pub
lie school superintendent hates to do
on Sunday it is to be a superintend-
ent and in general If there is any
thing teacher hates to do on Sun
day it is to teach. Why2 Because
that makes Sunday not a day of rest,
relaxation. change and worship for
him but a day just like the week
days. We should. in my opinion. find
some other way of cooperation.
Il would like to have all the minis
tiers in town give talks to the stu
dents in the high school and the
grades. And | would debar none
whether orthodox or not, Protestant
or not, provided it was understood
and agreed that the talk would be
such as to inspire the highest ideals
among the boys and girls without
sectarian bias. | understand that a
movement in this direction is al
ready begun. Frequently prominent
men are in town in connection with
one institution or the Others / would
suggest that whenever convenient,
the churches use the school man, and
the schools use the church man.
1T seems to me that there can be
cooperation in the attitude of mind
encouraged by both church and
school. | believe that the churches
should encourage not only the rever-
ent attitude but also the scientific
attitude of mind. Prove all things
said Paul, hold fast to that which is
good No great discoveries in indus
try, medicine or religion truth were
ever made by looking backward. Is
it not the holy duty of the churches
to encourage progressive movements
of thought and action?
"Reciproeaify, l believe that the
schools should encourage not only thf
scientific but also the reverent atti-
tude of mind. Worship the Lord in
the beauty of holiness, said David on
three different occasions. There has
never been any advancement that was
worth whik even in things material
without a spiritual vision. 1t is the
solemn duty of the schools to encour-
age the highest ideals and to de-
yelop the best and noblest of charac-
tiers.
I'm Kennebunk high school, we
have, this year, at the suggestion of
Mr.. Coleman, introduced Bible study
as a part of the study of litera-
ture. We require the reading of
the Bible and the repetition of
the Lords Prayer daily in all
schools. There are in the hands of
tho teachers texts on character build
ing We have in preparation col
lection of notices for school use. The
contract of every teacher requires
her to hold TO those high standards
of conduct both in school and out
which enable her to retain the respect
of pupils and parents. We expect
the cooperation of the church in the
support of such policies.
"At Christmas time and Easter
time, it might be a good thing for
the churches to agree on at least one
song that would be common to all
the concerts and have all the pupils
in the public schools learn it. 1t is
obviously out of the question for all
the pupils to learn all the songs in
all the concerts. A certain amount
of cooperation among the churches
will make II easier for them to coop
crate with the schools.