418 RURAL SOCIOLOGY 



We are obliged to minimize the number of meetings held, on 

 account of the great difficulty that country people have in get- 

 ting together. We have few meetings and make each count for 

 much. 



A great deal is made of sociability and fellowship. In fact, the 

 church is practically the social center of the neighborhood. The 

 best socials that we have are those attended by all the family 

 the older people and the children taking part in the games and 

 the frolic. We are, indeed, just like one family. The mothers 

 come and bring their babies. The little ones romp and play till 

 they grow tired and sleepy; then they are taken. to the mothers' 

 room and tucked away in a little bed provided for the purpose 

 and all goes merrily on. 



Perhaps the greatest day in all the year is what we call our 

 "Annual Meeting," which is held on the third Saturday in 

 March. Its principal objects are inspiration and fellowship, and 

 it certainly does give the dead-level gait a severe jolt. It is an 

 all-day meeting, and the whole country-side assembles in full 

 force. The ladies serve a banquet at noon sometimes to 250 

 people. We usually have two or three good speakers from out- 

 side, besides the best music that our home talent can produce. 

 This is the grand round-up of the year's work. Reports and 

 letters from absent members are read. Some one always speaks 

 tenderly and lovingly of those who have passed away during the 

 year. A blessed day, this ! 



Other inspirational meetings are held once in awhile for the 

 various societies. One was held recently for the young men's 

 Bible-class and was attended by 100 young men. 



A new feature which we are planning for this winter is a 

 number of study courses in Scientific Farming, Domestic 

 Science, Sociology, and Civil Government. Landscape Garden- 

 ing will also be taken up with a view to encourage the country 

 people to beautify the environment of their homes. 



It is not our intention to make of the church a knowledge-im- 

 parting institution, but rather, through it, to foster the spirit of 

 inquiry and to encourage the investigation of truth by supplying 

 the occasion and the opportunity for such investigation. The 

 desire for knowledge and development once inspired, the way 

 is found and things get done. 



