Eastern Mennonite School - Shenandoah Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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Page Thirty-one Astral Society About thirty-six resident members took an active part this year in the work of the Society. On clear evenings our star-gazes on the roof of the school or on the front campus were enjoyed immensely. Star-drills were a regular feature of our monthly programs. Early in the year we had an interesting lecture and demonstration on “The Universe to Scale” by Bro. Brackbill. At the April meeting we had the privilege of hearing a lecture on “Measurements of Star-Distances” by Mr. Leonard Barcus, graduate student of astronomy at the University of Virginia. On Saturday evening, November 6, 1937, thirty-nine of us drove to the Leander McCormick Observatory at Charlottesville, Va. Here through the large 25-inch re- fracting telescope we had an excellent view of Saturn and the Ring Nebula and the double star in Lyra. The boys in the Astral society are constructing a six-inch, newtoman type, re- flecting telescope. By means of this the dark bands of Jupiter and the ice caps of Mars can be seen. This telescope is a donation to the Astral society by the present members. On February 7, 1938, we celebrated the eighth anniversary of the society. The total membership now is one hundred fifty. Our next reunion is scheduled for the coming Christmas vacation at the Fels Planetarium, Philadelphia. We anticipate a good program and a large attendance. Ad Astra! —Esther Good. Avian Society The membership this year has reached the record height of forty-nine. With Bro. D. Ralph Hostetter as sponsor and Bro. Melvin Ruth in charge of the hikes we have had a number of interesting as well as instructive meetings. Each month this group of bird-lovers migrates to the Biology Laboratory where programs are given. Some titles of interesting programs we have enjoyed this year are, “Mechanical Side of Bird Life,” “Voices No Longer Heard,” “Attracting Birds,” and ‘“‘Senses and Behavior of Birds.” These programs consist of talks, readings, music, and illustrated lectures. Yes, the Avians still possess the hiking spirit. Saturday morning usually brings them out to some nearby woodland. Armed with binoculars, bird-guides, and with their thoughts far from history, Latin, or Greek they test their knowledge in identify- ing birds and searching for the less common species. Last fall a group enjoyed an interesting illustrated lecture on birds by Dr. Allen at Washington and Lee University. Spring brings with it the annual trip to Sparkling Springs, an event Avians look forward to. This is a glimpse of our activities and what is in store for future Avians. —Andrew Gingerich. Nature Society The Nature Society, organized this year for Junior class members, had its be- ginning under the direction of D. Ralph Hostetter. This organization was only the beginning of many delightful times the thirty-three of us have enjoyed. Our pro- grams have been interesting and helpful. Best of all were the trips to interesting places where nature rules free and even its freaks were seen. By the help of our sponsor we have seen and learned to appreciate many things we did not notice before. We leave to the following students the unlimited privilege of building a bigger and better Nature Society in the years to come. We have enjoyed it and we know you will too. —Miriam Virginia Lehman.

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Page Thirty ASTRAL SOCIETY AVIAN SOCIETY NATURE SOCIETY

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Page Thirty-two For Six Short Weeks Mennonite young people everywhere are realizing more keenly the need and value of training. Some attribute this cognizant attitude to the Summer Bible School movement, in which trained and qualified young people are sought as teachers. In January, 1938, a relatively large number of young people laid aside other duties to take training for six weeks at Eastern Mennonite School. On the morning of Janu- ary 4, the regular student body found the halls crowded with new students. Many new faces, anxious but friendly, greeted them. They had come for the opportunity await- ing in the Special Bible Term. An address “Ten Keys to Bible Knowledge” by J. B. Smith appropriately “set the pace” for the busy six weeks of Christian fellowship, Christian training, and Bible study interspersed with wholesome Christian recreation. Registration revealed another record in attendance for Special Bible Term, ex- ceeding 1937’s record-breaking attendance of 110. Eleven states were represented. Pennsylvania led the list with 65 representatives. Virginia followed with 26; Ohio 8: Maryland 8; Michigan 7; Oregon 3; West Virginia 2; and one each from Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, and Iowa: making a total of 123. These together with the 180 regular students made a total of 303 students at Eastern Mennonite School. To some this figure may be abstract and have little meaning, but to those involved this large number meant much more. First, it meant acquaintance and fellowship with fine Christian young people from a large number of communities; second, it meant to each one an increased number of friends, and third, it meant contact with three hundred and three lives, each with a distinct personality which had the power to influence and modify other lives. Accommodations could be made in the dormitories for only a few, about a dozen or more. The remainder found pleasant rooms in homes of fac ulty members and others in the community. About two hundred took meals in the dining hall, which has a capacity of thirty tables. Seven were placed at some tables instead of the usual six; thus, by applying the old saying, “There is always room for one more” accommodations were made for all. Mealtime always afforded ample opportunity for social pleasantries. Tickets were drawn for the tables twice each week. This continual re-grouping resulted in more acquaintance between special Bible students and regular students. SPECIAL BIBLE TERM STUDENTS