lOSPKCXUS. California 4^1 Trainino; ColleQ;e |My SchooIv Teachkrs f %ik Studknts, Etc. CALIFORNIA cw ormal Craitiing College FOR Sunday School Teachers, Bible Students, AND Other Lay Workers. Founded June 11, 1891. ( Interdenominational.) PROSPECTUS FOR FIRST YEAR, On the Basis of the American Institute of Religious Education. Under the Patronage of the State Sunday School Association. \ 1 1 *l ••; •••• " Study to show thyself appro v^ed unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of trnth.''— Paul. QOAl^D OF Is?eQe]ST3. Flt^ST CLkflSS. Term Kxpires in 1802. 1. Rkv. Robt. Mackenzie, D.D., . . San Francisco. Presbyterian. 2. Rev. H. B. Heacock, D.D., . . . Oakland. Methodist Episcopal. 3. Rev. T. H. B. Anderson, D.D., . Santa Rosa. Methodist Episcopal, South. SHCOfiD CLiflSS. Term Kxpires in 1893. 4. Rev. R. M. Stevenson, . . . Sacramento. Presbyterian. 5. Rev. J. K. Harrison, . . . Santa Rosa. Congregational. 6. Rev. J. Q. A. Henry, . . . San Francisco. Baptist. TKl^n CLifliSS. Teri«n Expires in 1894. 7. W. F. IvEwis, D.D.S., .... Oakland. Methodist Episcopal. 8. C. Z. Merritt, . . . . . . Oakland. Congregational. 9. Prof. Selden Sturgis, . . . San Francisco. Christian. 679612 OFFieer?s of boai^d. PHHSIDE^^T. Rkv. Robt. Mackenzie, D.D., 1452 Franklin Street, San Francisco. VICE PI^ESlDEflT. Dr. W. F. IvEWIS, 1209 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland. C. Z, Merritt, 508 California Street, San Francisco. SECI^ETill^V. Prof. SeIvDEn Sturgis, 734 Shotwell vSt., San Francisco. STllfiDH^G COMIVIITTEES. On Rooms Sturgis. On Printing, Merritt. On Finance, . . Mackenzie, Anderson, Heacock. On Faculty, . . . Henry, lyEwis, Harrison. THE GREETING. The Regents of the ' ' California Normal Training College ' ' for the preparation of Sunday-school Teachers, Bible students and other lay workers , submit to the Christian public the plans of this institution, earnestly inviting the pray- ers and co-operation of all good people. The worthy ends pro- posed cannot fail to secure general approval. The future church is in the present Sunday-school. ' ' Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Every hope for the coming years centers in the boys and girls of to-day. To provide them, therefore, with competent instruct- ors is the dictate of the highest wisdom. Many earnest souls, desiring to be useful in various other fields of lay effort, need to know how to study and handle the Word as the sword of the Spirit. It is believed that the movement now inaugurated is providentially ordered, and that it has all the elements neces- sary to the highest usefulness in both these directions. But suc- cess is possible only through united eJBfort under the Divine blessing. THE HISTORY.'^ ' ' The Executive Committee of the State 'Sunday-schoor Asso- ciation, desiring to elevate the standard of teaching, invited Rev. J. E. Gilbert, D.D., of Indianapolis, General Superinten- dent of the American Institute of Religious Education, to spend three months in normal institutes under their direction, in various cities of the State. The Committee had received numerous testimonials of Dr. Gilbert's abilities as a specialist in this department, and they had some knowledge of the society he represented, and of its work in other states, so that there was good ground to hope that his services would prove a great blessing, preparing the way, possibly, for some permanent and more extensive measures. Beginning April ist, he was greeted in every place with large audiences. The dignity of the teacher's office, the equipment necessary to the faithful discharge of its duties, the improved methods of study and teaching, the possibilities of spiritual development, — these and related themes were so presented as to awaken in all who heard an earnest desire to undertake an advanced course of training. In most of the communities resolutions were adopted and committees formed, all looking to that end. These expressions were spontaneous and cordial, all denominations uniting in a way to excite surprise that no diversity of opinion existed. At the State Convention held in Santa Rosa, June 9, 10 and II, before large audiences, that which had been presented in the several cities was repeated and enlarged. All felt them- selves instructed and quickened, and the sentiment gradually crystallized. The body moved steadily on in one direction. At the last session, most of those earnest men being present who have been for years the warmest friends of the state work, the committee on resolutions presented a paper, which, after a free discussion, was adopted without a dissenting voice. That paper follows in this prospectus, and constitutes probably one of the most important documents in the history of Sunday- schools on the Pacific coast. This recital must convince every thoughtful person that the College merits suppoi;t. From first to last fully five thousand peopW have- end^scd .this measure in our state. This popular approval, ^glveu tjncjec • yarious circumstances, finally taking tbrin 'ill' a' large ^fk^m^lyof representatives from different sec- tions of the state, is proof that a great need is supplied. THE CHARTER. Reported by the committee on resolutions and unanimously adopted by "The California Sunday-school Association," at its twenty-fourth annual convention, Santa Rosa, June 11, 1891. Whereas, We have heard with pleasure from Rev. J. K. Gil- bert, D.D., General Superintendent of the American Institute of Religious Education, concerning the plans of that society for the training of Sunday-school teachers and other lay work- ers ; and, Whereas, The friends of Sunday-schools in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Jose, Napa, and San Francisco, after hearing Dr. Gilbert's lectures and lessons in institute sessions, are pro- posing to introduce the system of teacher-training as a per- manent feature of religious work in those cities, and have with great cordiality arranged the necessary preliminaries for that purpose ; and. Whereas, We, the delegates to the twenty-fourth annual State Convention, desire this movement to be more general, and to give it our support, that the entire state may share in the benefits ; therefore. Resolved, That there shall be a permanent institution, to be known as the ' ' California Normal Training College for Sun- day-school Teachers, Bible students and other lay workers, " in which shall be pursued the two years' course of study and practice put forth by the American Institute of Religious Ed- ucation. Resolved, That the following persons be, and they hereby are, elected a Board of Regents for the government of said College. (For list, see page three.) Resolved, That the Board of Regents be instructed to pro- ceed as follows : 1 . They shall elect a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Registrar, — the first three of whom shall be of their own number. 2. They shall perfect the details for such College in all par- ticulars not now prescribed by the said ' ' The American In- stitute," and adjust the proper relations with that society, so as to secure the assistance of its General Superintendent. 3. They shall issue a prospectus, and mail the same to min- isters and leading laymen, setting forth the plans so devised. 4. They shall adopt such measures as may be necessary to secure the formation of a branch school as speedily as possible in each town in the State. 5. They shall have power to raise funds, employ helpers, establish an office, and do whatever else may be necessary in accomplishing the work committed to them. Resolved, That the Board of Regents shall present to the 8 next State Convention, and thereafter to each succeeding an- nual Convention, a written report of its work for the year pre- ceding, including the list of the towns where schools or classes have been formed, the number of students and the number of graduates, and that this report be referred to a special com- mittee, who shall review it, and present to the Convention some expression for its approval. Resolved, That at each annual State Convention hereafter held the Board of Regents present three names for the approval of the Convention, to serve in the place of the three whose term of ofl&ce shall expire ; providing that in case names so pre- sented are rejected, the Board shall have right of further nom- ination ; and provided also, that the Board shall fill any vacan- cies occurring in its number during the year. Resolved, That for the use of the Board of Regents for the coming year an appropriation of three hundred dollars be made, and that the Executive Committee be authorized to increase this amount at its discretion during the year. Resolved, That the intent of the foregoing action is to se- cure a popular endorsement of a movement in our state, which has been signally successful in other parts of the country, and that to the Board of Regents above named and their success- ors, we hereby pledge our hearty support. THE SYSTEM. The training to be pursued in the College is not a cramming process designed to fill the mind with facts. Nor is it a routine drill, arbitrarily imposed, to give proficiency in those methods of study, teaching and management which some have called improved because they are new. The aim is rather to stimulate and guide in those normal activities that result in character knowledge and skill, by which one may be able in turn to stim - ulate and guide others. The teacher must be more than a copyist, — he must be an inventor of methods to be used in reaching a desired end. His mind must be more than a store- house, — it must be a well disciplined agent, summoning its powers and acting promptly as necessities require. Teaching is not a perfunctory performance determined by rules, — it is 9 the inspiration and guidance which one soul gives to another in its struggles after truth and a higher life. The principles underlying the system are contained in the following extract from Dr. Gilbert's " Philosophy of Religious Education ' ' : ' ' The cultivation of the spiritual nature is conditioned upon the right exercise of its powers, — the various faculties must be brought into a free and harmonious activity according to the laws by which they are governed. The Bible is eminently adapted to promote such activity, for it contains a record of ex- periences and phenomena, occurring under great variety of cir- cumstances, put up in a form to indicate the true method and furnish the best stimulus to spiritual exercise. The Bible at- tains its highest educational value only when studied. The mere hearer derives comparatively little benefit. Truth is riot apprehended or appreciated, neither does it awaken appropriate response, until it is sought, scrutinized, classified and held in contemplation. The Bible should be studied inductively. Its scattered facts should be gathered and arranged so as to show their relations, and lead to the discovery of fundamental truths, and these should be cherished chiefly because they exhibit the order and the attractive glory of spiritual development. Hence, the Bible teacher must be a Bible student, set to make other Bible students. He must master two arts in this order : first, he must acquire skill in finding those Biblical truths that nourish the spiritual nature ; second, he must acquire skill to induct others into the same excellent employment. He is not a teacher", neither can he be, who is content to receive what another has wrought out for him, however valuable that may be, and deliver the same to others as indolent as himself. ' ' THE COURSE. The College presents a course of two years, a Junior and a Senior, each divided into four terms of eight weeks, making thirty-two weeks per year and sixty-four weeks in all. It is advised that two of the terms be held before Christmas and two after New Year's day, although work may begin and end at any time. Haste is discouraged, however, inasmuch as that lO which is accomplished by slow and easy stages is more thorough and lasting. Forced work is liable to be superficial. Each term bears the name of a Greek letter, — Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Theta, — and by these the students will be distinguished. Throughout the entire period two kinds of exercises will be had, — study and practice. The study will cover those matters which are deemed to be necessary in preparing one to handle the Bible. See the syllabus on page eleven. The method of study and recitation will be such as to give relish and a correct habit, so that the end of all study will be attained, discipline and knowledge. The practice will be upon those processes which are involved in study and teaching, so conducted that the reason and method of the process may be known, and skill ac- quired to perform it. The study will prepare for the practice by broadening the realm of knowledge, and the practice will prepare for the study by increasing the power to study. The two exercises carried along together are designed to bring the candidate forward to the attainment of that peculiar ability which is needed in a truth-seeker, a character-builder, and a student-maker. Indeed, the entire course is planned to that end. Its parts gradually progress from Alpha to Theta, the value of each appearing more fully as the advance is made. As shown in the title page and charter, the work of the Col- lege will not be confined to those who propose to become Sun- day-school teachers. Its course will be helpful to all Bible students, — to those who seek only personal benefit, as well as to those who desire preparation for various lines of Christian activity. For the latter class the subjects of the Eta and Theta grades will be changed, and other subjects introduced accord- ing to the work to be undertaken by the candidate. THE SYLLABUS. The study course of the College is put up in eight small books, prepared by Dr. Gilbert, bearing the general title, "Normal Lksson Manual," with the term name prefixed, the topics of which are given in the following outline : II JUNIOR YEAR. Alpha Term : The Bible. 1. Its Present Structure. 2. Its Historic Origin. 3. Its Divine Origin. 4. Its Principal Versions. 5. Its Chj;-onology. 6. Its Geography. 7. Its Customs and Manners. 8. Its Religious Systems. . Beta Term : Sacred History. 1 . Its Nature and Value. 2. The Antediluvian Period. 3. The Postdiluvian Period. 4. The Theocratic Period. 5. The Monarchical Period/ 6. The Restoration Period. 7. The Kvangelical Period. 8. The Apostolic Period. Gamma Term : Bible Books. 1. The Pentateuch. 2. Old Testament History. 3. Old Testament Poetry. 4. Old Testament Prophecy. 5. The Gospels — Revelation. 6. The Acts of the Apostles. 7. The Pauline Epistles. 8. The Catholic Epistles. Delta Term : The Redeemer. 1. The Preparation of Messiah. 2. The Introduction of Messiah. The Early Ministry in Judea. 3. The Ministry in Galilee. 12 4- The Later Ministry in Judea. 5. The Ministry in Perea. 6. The Preparation for the Passover. 7. The Feast and the Sepulcher. 8. The Sepulcher and the Throne. SENIOR YEAR. Epsilon Term : Bible Doctrines. 1. Of God. 2. Of Man. 3. Of God-man. 4. Of Atonement. 5. Of Justification. 6. Of Regeneration. 7. Of Sanctification. 8. Of Final Things. Zeta Term : The Spiritual IvIFE. 1. Spiritual Powers. 2. Spiritual Death. 3. Spiritual Mindedness. 4. Spiritual Experiences. 5. Spiritual Culture. 6. Spiritual Aids. 7. Spiritual Growth. 8. Spiritual Rewards. Eta Term : The Church and the School. 1. The Church : Apostolic. 2. The Church : Patristic. 3. The Church : Medieval. 4. The Church : Modern. 5. The School : Its Mission. 6. The School : Its History. 7. The School : Its Relations. 8. The School : Its Organization. Theta Term : Teacher and Teaching. 1. The Teacher : Relations and Duties. 2. The Teacher: Personal Preparation. 3. The Teacher : Lesson Preparation. 4. The Teacher : Helps Selected. 5. Teaching : The Oral Method. 6. Teaching : The Conversational Method. 7. Teaching : The Catechetical Method. 8. Teachino^ : The Recitation Method. THE PRACTICE. The work done under this head will all be upon the regular International Sunday-school Lesson, constituting, therefore, an excellent preparation for the Sabbath duties, superior in every respect to that obtained in an ordinar}- teachers' meeting. It is therefore hoped that teachers' meetings will be converted into training classes in the College, thereby obtaining all they now seek, and much more. In our practice work, the student is set to perform exercises ; he is changed from a passive recip- ient of another's ideas into an earnest seeker and skillful op- erator. These practice exercises are outlined in a series of eight small books, prepared by Dr. Gilbert, and published quarterly, bearing the general title, ^^ Se?iior Normal Practice Guide.'" For its proper use a certain amount of oral explanation is needed, and the constant direction of a suitable leader, who knows how the exercises should be performed, and is able to pass judgment and render help to the candidates from week to week. And yet, in the hands of a person of ordinary intel- ligence the Guide may be used to very great advantage without such assistance. The practice course covers during the two years a great variety of exercises, among them the following, some of which are rendered many times : Statement of the context. Re-statement of the narrative. Inquiry into the meaning of words and phrases. 14 Exposition of passages. Recitation of Scripture. Questioning. Synthesis, or combination of facts. Analysis, or sorting and arranging facts. Map Drawing. Description of scenes. Character Sketches. Orientalisms and explanations. Summarizing. Bible Reading. Illustration. Specimen I^esson. Conversation. Stating Spiritual Truths. These are rendered by the students in various forms, — by black-board, by original paper, by oral outline, by diagram, by abstract, etc., — so calling out various qualities, and giving variety of method and much ease. THE PRIMARY. They who teach the very little ones in the Sunday-school have the most delicate and difficult task, and need preparation more than any other class of religious workers. For their special benefit there is a department in the College devoted ex- pressly to their training. It covers one year, the work being outlined in two books, entitled, * ' Primary Normal Lesson Manual," and "Primary Normal Practice Guide," both pre- pared by Dr. Gilbert. The first treats of organization, man- agement and teaching in this department of the school, and the other prescribes a course of practice exercises somewhat similar to those in the regular practice section, adapted to teachers of this grade. THE DIPLOMA. Those who complete the regular College course of two years will receive a diploma, issued by the training depart- 15 ment of the American Institute of Religious Education, bear^ ing the signature of its Superintendent, also of the President and Secretary of the College. This document reads as follows : " This certifies that a member of school in the College, having completed the two years' course of study, reading and practice prescribed in the Training Department of the American Institute of Religious Education, and being now in good fellowship with an evan- gelical church, is hereby invested with the highest honors of the Institute, and affectionately commended to all as quali- fied to teach the sacred Scriptures." All who hold such cer- tificate will be entitled to admission into the Alpha-Theta Society, which is devoted to the advanced study of various questions connected with religious education. Another certifi- cate will be issued to all who complete the work in the Primary Department. THE SCHOOLS. • The work of the College will be done in a series of Train- ing Schools established in the various cities, each under the control of a Board of Directors, representing various denom- inations. Such Board should be organized by the election of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Regis- trar, and when reported to the College Registrar will be entered upon the records, and thereafter considered, together with the School under its control, an integral part of the College. The Regents will assist in establishing such Train- ing Schools, and afterward exercise supervision over them, that there may be unity of plan, all working to perfect the system proposed. In each Training School there should be as many training classes as may be needed to meet the wants of the com- munity. These may be arranged on any plan to suit the wishes of those concerned. A single church or denomination may have its own class or classes. The times and places of meeting may be determined by vote of the members, provided one session is held each week of the school year. It is recom- mended that no Training Class be formed of less than ten nor i6 more than seventy. A greater number should divide into two or more classes. In each Training Class there should be a Leader, a Treasurer and a Secretary, elected by the class or by the Board of Directors. At the end of each term the class Secretary should report to the School Registrar certain items showing the work of the term, as may be designated, the same to be compiled, presented to the Board of Directors and a duplicate forwarded to the Col - lege Registrar, who will embody the same in his term report to the Board of Regents and to the General Superintendent of the American Institute of Religious Education. There ought to be a just pride in every student of every class to make the school and the College prosper, and take a proper place among the colleges of other states that pursue the same course of train- ing. In the formation of classes it is hoped that others besides Sunday-school teachers will be encouraged to enter as students. There are many among the earnest 3^oung people, sixteen years of age and upward, who ought to be put; in training for the of- fice of a teacher in the church. Their presence in the training classes with those now filling this important position will have a very salutary influence upon all. When they graduate, being more flexible and ardent, they will come into the places of re- sponsibility at a very great advantage over others, who have contracted many bad habits not easily overcome. THE FACULTY. Over each school there should be a Principal, and for each class a Tutor, all elected by the Directors. If the necessary funds can be obtained, it is advised that these receive compen- sation for their services. It will be difficult otherwise to com- mand the right talent, and to invest it with sufficient dignity. Unpaid labor is lightly esteemed, and few can be found to con- secrate themselves to it. As soon as the right man can be found, the Board of Regents will elect one who shall supervise all the Training Schools of the College, give special instruction to principals and tutors, devise methods for promoting the efficiency of the Classes, con- 17 duct examinations, etc. This person will give his entire time, traveling through the State under the direction of the Regents. Dr. Gilbert will be the permanent President of the Faculty. Holding the same position in other states, he cannot give his entire time to California, but his inspiration and guidance will be felt, exercised largely through the State Superintendent, who will be fully instructed and trained in Dr. Gilbert's meth- ods, and who will be the Vice President of the Faculty. THE COMMENCEMENT. The completion of the College year will be observed by two kinds of exercises, in the months of May or June. 1 . lyOCAL. The Board of Directors of each Training School will arrange at an appointed time and place for an exhibit of its year's work, for the promotion of Juniors to become Seniors, and for a proper recognition of graduates, including the presen- tation of diplomas. 2. General. The Board of Regents may arrange for an annual public assembly in San Fiancisco or Oakland, when all the interests of the College shall be reviewed. It shall provide in connection with the Annual Convention of the State Sunday school Association the following : A meeting of the Regents and Directors ; a conference of School Faculties; class re-unions ; and at least one public session for a review of the College work of the 5^ear, at which time the names shall be read of those who during the year have completed the prescribed course of study and practice. THE OPENING. This prospectus is not wholly in the realm of desirable plans. A beginning has already been made. The Oakland Training School has been established. The Board of Directors, numbering fifteen, selected from ten de- nominations, has been organized, with Dr. W. F. Lewis as President, J. A. Calhoun, Vice President, C. F". Baker, Secre- tary, W. S. Merriam, Treasurer. Four classes have been i8 formed, numbering about three hundred students. A primary teachers' department has also been formed, with Mrs. C. J. Woodbury at its head. Prof. T. O. Crawford has been elected Principal of the School, on a salary. At San Francisco, Napa, San Jose, Sacramento, and Los Angeles, Boards have been formed, and are now waiting for the President of the Faculty to organize the School, train the Principal, and set the work- in order. THE HEADQUARTERS. As soon as the necessary funds are obtained and other con- ditions are met, the Regents will establish an office in San Francisco, elect a Registrar, and provide facilities for furnish- ing suitable information to all inquirers concerning the schools and classes. In the same connection it is desired to open a Drill School, in which special instruction maj- be given to all who desire preparation for any positions in the Faculty, and to any others who seek fuller acquaintance with the philosophy and spirit of the system of education to be pursued in the Col- lege. This Drill School might become eventualh^ the source of influences that should extend to all the towns and all the churches of the State, and even of the Pacific Coast. THE FINANCES. The Regents propose to raise a sum sufficient to meet the general expenses of the CoUge, — postage, printing, office rent, clerk hire, superintendent's salary and traveling. For that pur- pose an appeal will be made to the Christian public, with con- fidence that the usual liberalit}^ of our people will fully supply the need. Each Training School will be expected to meet its own ex- penses, by such plan as it may devise. The Superintendent will assist the Directors, however, in managing this part of their work so that the budget may be easily raised. TESTIMONIALS. " My interest has been deeply aroused b}^ a movement now being carried on by Rev J. E. Gilbert, D.D., of this city, in reference to a much needed reform in Sunday-school instruc- tion. There has been in the past a haphazard character in the instruction of the average Sunday-school, that is, to my mind, sadl}' out of harmony with the vastness of the interests at stake. Without doubt, there is a distinct problem before the Sunday School teacher, namely — to produce a definite, intellectual con- ception of fundamental truths, and a definite emotional state resulting from studious contemplation of those truths as applied to the development of Christian character. Dr. Gilbert seems to have grasped the idea that, such being the end, the process of such teaching must be one based on a careful analysis of the nature of the truth to be taught, and of the being who is to receive instruction. There is, therefore, a rational method of training teachers for this work. The reasonableness of his plans, and the ability and energy he puts into the work, explain the unprecedented success which his methods are achieving. ' ' — L. H, Jones, Superintendent of hidianapolis Public Schools. "After extensive reading and careful thought on the subject of teacher- training for more than ten )^ears, after devising and putting in practise in one school a plan of my own for its ac- complishment, and after thoroughly examining and for the most part studying the various systems having this end in view, I entertain a decided conviction that the system of which Dr. Gilbert is the author is by far the best, most thorough and practical of any yet devised." — A. C. Stuart, St. Louis, Presi- de7it Missouri Sunday-school Assembly. AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF Reliqiou^ Education Rev. J. E. Gilbert, D.D., General Supermtendent. The purposes for which this Society is organized are these : First, to awaken a profound interest in the subject of Bible study ; second, to maintain an advanced system for the thor- ough instruction and training of suitable persons to be teach- ers of the Bible ; third, to improve the management of the Sunday-school as an institution ; fourth, to promote temper- ance and other reforms by educational methods applied to the development and culture of the spiritual nature ; fifth, to en- gage the best minds of all the churches in a diligent search for the best methods of religious education ; sixth, to encourage religious instruction in the family. In prosecuting these de- signs this Society seeks to be subordinate and helpful to all the churches, and co-ordinate and co-operative with all other religious institutions, offering the results of its efforts upon their merits to all who wnll employ them for the glory of the Master. — Constitution ^ Article II, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY BERKELEY Return to desk from which borrowed. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 67961: C3 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY •S^y'TlM I, '',1.,