420 RURAL SOCIOLOGY 



to building the church, remodeling the m-anse, making other re- 

 pairs, and increasing the pastor's salary 40 per cent., the people 

 have contributed to benevolences in the last decade $5,270 as 

 against $6,407 contributed during the fifty years preceding. 



The effect that this new life is having upon the people of the 

 parish is remarkable. Whole families that formerly had no in- 

 terest in the church or in the uplift of the community have be- 

 come active members. Some of them are now officers and lead- 

 ers. They not only lend their service but they give freely of 

 their means to support the work. Their conception of life is 

 growing larger. They are buying books, pictures and musical 

 instruments. They are installing in their dwellings the modern 

 comforts and conveniences, including the daily newspapers, maga- 

 zines, and religious weeklies, where formerly there were none 

 of these. Many who once gave nothing to benevolences are now 

 regular contributors. Others that formerly gave but a pittance 

 have grown generous. 



We see in the young people a growing ambition to get an edu- 

 cation. They seem to be inspired with a determination to make 

 the most out of their lives. The honor students at a neighboring 

 high school in town for the last five years have been young people 

 from our community. A number of these young men and women 

 have taken honors at our State university. Nor is the studying 

 all done in college and away from home. The fireside university 

 is becoming more and more popular. 



There is noticeable in the people an increased willingness to 

 take part in the various activities of the community's life, which 

 may be attributed to the fact that they are better prepared for 

 service. A new community-spirit and harmony have sprung up, 

 with a wholesome pride. This has been brought about by making 

 the church serve the whole community rather than minister to a 

 particular part of it. 



Whether it be the result of a more abundant life in this vicinity 

 or not, farms here are at a premium. Whenever a farm is adver- 

 tised for rent, half a dozen applicants are after it the next day. 

 Persons living outside the parish have remarked to pastor and 

 people again and again : * ' How we wish we lived nearer to your 

 church!' And there has not been in our community the ten- 

 dency for farmers to sell or rent and move to town. 



