Alameda County, Oakland, California
Central Mission Sunday School, 1876
One Sunday morning early in January, 1876, while walking through Sixth Street, W. R. Bentley was attracted by the number of children playing at the corners and in the vacant lots, many of whom were old enough to be members of Sunday-schools. He learned that some attended schools while others were allowed to remain at home and pass the time as they felt disposed, with little or no religious influences around them.
The impression that there was an opportunity to organize a school that should call to its support earnest Christian men and women, who could go out among people and invite all who were not engaged, to come in and work, so possessed him that he resolved (God helping) to undertake it
The subject was mentioned to B. S. Tower and others, all of whom thought it would be a noble undertaking. Some promised pecuniary aid, while others said they would come and labor.
After having the matter under advisement during all of February, and finding many friends of such a move among the residents of the southern part of the city, arrangements were made with Mr. Sagehorn, for the use of the Academy of Music, on Sixth Street, for one year, at four dollars each Sunday.
The first regular session was held Sunday afternoon at half past two o'clock, March 19, 1876. There were present twenty-six children and twenty visitors and friends. All left the session fully impressed that a glorious work had been undertaken.
The early officers were: William 'R. Bentley, Superintendent; Benjamin S. Tower, Assistant Superintendent; Fred. C. Miles, Secretary; Theodore O. Gladding, Librarian; Miss Ella Bradway, Treasurer; Miss Fannie Betancue, Collector and Pianist.
January 13, 1878, the school moved to Pythian Hall, on Broadway, caused by a notice from Mr. Sagehorn that the Academy of Music was to be turned into a Tivoli Garden. These parties failing, the school moved back to the Academy of Music, March 10, 1878. June 16, 1878,,Mr. and Mrs. Brooks donated to the school library twenty-five books. During April, 1879, Mr. Edmund Pugh was chosen Musical Director of the organization. Thursday, January 1, 1880, the school held at the hall a New-year's tea-party. A large number were present, who seemed to enjoy themselves.
March 7, 1886, the Sabbath-school moved to Camron Hall, then on Fourteenth Street, as the seats were more conveniently arranged. January 9, 1881, Mr. and Mrs. Stebbins (who were with Mr. Moody, the Evangelist) visited the school, and sang a few selections.
August 28, 1881, the school moved to the parlors over the Independent Church, corner of Thirteenth and Jefferson Streets, on account of Camron Hall being turned into an opera garden.
It was thought best, as the Young Men's Christian Association and the school were both undenominational bodies, to unite the two; this change was made Sunday, May 24, 1882, and the school is now a part of the Young Men's Christian Association, of Oakland. The resignation of Mr. Pugh, Musical Director, was accepted July 9, 1882. The school owes a great portion of its success to him, as he has spent many days laboring for the "School Gatherings," which brought many a dollar to the school, without a cent in his pocket. Yes, he even often paid out money in the interest of the school.
The school meets at 865 Broadway each Sabbath afternoon, at half past two o'clock. Attendance on the increase. The officers for 1883 are as follows: B. S. Tower, Superintendent; Dr. C. S. Lane, Assistant Superintendent; R. S. Gladding, Secretary; J. C. Estey, Treasurer; Fred. Lane, Librarian; Miss Mamie Tower, Pianist; Miss Hattie Carson, Assistant Pianist
Alameda County, California,
Including Its
Geology, Topography, Soil and Productions
Oakland.: M.W. Wood Publisher, 1883
Transcribed by Julie Appletoft, November, 2007 Pages 733-734
Archive Church Records ~ Archive Index
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