of the
towns for their young people. For example, Fourth of July was made a day
of celebration at the church. When the people of other communities were
flocking to town by hundreds, the youth of that community were
gathering, in response to plans well thought out beforehand, to the
church grounds where patriotic songs were sung, games were played, a
picnic dinner was served, and a general good time was provided for the
young. They have also arranged that their young people have a place to
come to on Sunday nights where they can meet their friends. The elders
look to it that provisions are made for the gatherings of the young
people on Sunday so that they shall 'have a good time,' with due
arrangements for the boys and girls to get together under proper
conditions for their love-making. Even their church 'love feasts' held
twice a year, are also neighborhood gatherings for the young people. The
church is the center of everything. Is a farmers' institute to be held
in the community, or a teachers' institute? The church until very
recently was open to it. Is a farm to rent or for sale? At once the
leaders get busy with the mail, and soon a family from the East is on
their way to take it. This country church has not remained strong and
dominant in the country just by accident or even by federation. It has
survived because it had wise leaders who have met the changes with new
devices to attract the interest of the community and make the church
serve the community in all its affairs, but especially on the social
side. Such thought takes account of the 'marginal man' too. The hired
man and the hired girl, the foreigner and the tramp are welcome there.
No difference is made. There is pure democracy. With the growth of the
class spirit I do not know how that can survive. These hirelings are not
talked down to; they are considered one with the rest. They will some
day get enough to buy a farm and become leaders in the community,
perhaps. The church is theirs as much as anyone's else. It looks after
their interest, not only for the hereafter, but here and now. Under its
fostering care they form their life attachments, it provides for their
social pleasures, it is the center to which they come to discuss their
farming affairs or whatever interests them. And in spite of the fact
that the preaching has little contact with life and its interests, so
strong is the social spirit that the preaching can be left out of
account. What could