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History
Report to Newton Religious Education Board
April 25, 1996
A quote from the Newton Kansan, Saturday, May 20, 1961 says “The first weekday Bible School in Newton, a dream of the late Rev. A.R. Hardy, former pastor of the First Baptist Church, and the late J.B. Heffelfinger, superintendent of public schools, and church ministers, was realized in 1922 when it was organized.” However, records have not been found to clarify if the school actually began in 1922 or 1923. Minutes of the Newton Board of Religious Education indicate 1924. We quote: Minutes of May 22nd, 1924 - “The Protestant Ministers of the City of Newton, together with one lay representative from each Church, met at the Sunflower Café at 12:15 PM on the above date, for luncheon together, and to organize a Board of Religious Education for the City of Newton to supervise the weekday school of religious instruction, which is to start in the Fall of 1924.” (19 were present). Minutes of June 10, 1924 indicated that a committee on Rules and Regulations of which Rev. Hardy was chairman, presented a Constitution which was adopted and election of officers was held. President, Rev. J.W. Kliewer; Vice-President, Rev. D.H. Switzer; Secretary, Dr. H.M. Glover; Treasurer, Mr. E.P. Robertson. September 9, 1924 minutes state that “the following qualifications for teachers in the school for religious education would be accepted: - High school graduate with two years of teaching experience in the public schools or 6 years in the Sunday school. Or two years of college work and no teaching experience.” Classes were to be held on Wednesday - one period just before noon and two periods after noon. Children were excused one-fourth day from the public school to attend churches for Bible instruction. Each church provided their own teachers. It was reported in October of 1924 that 65% of students in 2nd through 6th grade attended. Closing exercises were held in the City Auditorium on May 28th, 1925.
In time, it became evident that there was a need for a more unified organization of the plan to insure better supervision of the whole program such as teacher qualifications, course of study, efficiency, general conduct of classes, and transportation problems. In 1936 a new plan was placed in effect and is still used today. Under the new plan, a superintendent was elected by the board of Religious Education (composed of the pastor and a lay person from each local church that cared to cooperate in the plan) to supervise all the work and effect uniformity throughout all phases of it. Provisions were made to hold classes in churches nearest the various public schools so that all the pupils from one public school attended classes in the same church with approved teachers and curriculum. The students walked from school to church and back. No controversial doctrines are permitted to be taught - just the Bible. Teachers are chosen from as many different denominations as possible if they meet the standards and are dedicated Christians.
Addendum to Newton Weekday Bible School History
August 16, 2000
In March a 1998, the Weekday Bible School program was reorganized and officially named Newton Weekday Bible School. A new constitution and by-laws were adopted and put into effect by the Board Members at that time: Rev. Clarence Rempel, Rev. Eugene Barker, Mrs. Ethelyn Branum, Mrs. Janice Gaeddert, and Mrs. Martha Loewen, the acting director of the program.
The new constitution and by-laws provided for an independent Governing Board ll consisting of eleven members. Ten shall be elected to two-year terms, and each may serve up to six consecutive years. The Board shall elect its own members at the annual meeting in April, with no more than two board members from any one supporting church. The Director of the Newton Weekday Bible School shall also serve on the Board as the eleventh member, in an ex-officio capacity, without vote. Representatives are sought from these constituencies:
The purpose of the Newton Weekday Board of Directors is to oversee and direct theentire program, including, but not limited to: Director search and recruitment, Finance, Teacher Recruitment and Support, Curriculum, Enrollment, Public Relations, and Program Promotion.
The Director of the Newton Weekday Bible School is appointed by the Board, and is responsible for the day to day duties involved in running the program, as well as the proper conduct of classes of instruction.
Newton Weekday Bible School continues to be affiliated with The National Association for Released Time Christian Education of Los Angeles, California.
Newton Weekday Bible School was incorporated under it’s current name in August of 1999 and received it’s tax-exempt status on May 9,2000.
In June of 2000, an Assistant Director position was added to the program. This person is appointed by the Board, and is to be under the direction of the Director.
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