Greater Boston Academy - Mayflower Yearbook (Stoneham, MA)

Page 71 text:

gabforiaf Nine years-less than a decade-ago Greater Boston Academy first embarked as a senior academy, on Harvard Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Our school had developed from a church school and junior academy that had been, for the most part, under the combined guidance of Mrs. Annie Bell Hall and the late Robert W. Hall. If we should let our minds wander back to September, 194-4, we would recall that Richard Hammond was the principal that first year, with Mr. and Mrs. Rex Adams and Miss Barbara Butler completing the teaching staff. To start the school of with a real bang, Harvey Davies had organized a band, which is prob- ably still remembered by many. But G. B. A. expanded, better facilities and equipment were required, so it moved to a new location on Newbury Street, Boston, in 1946. The building was formerly Middlesex University, a medical school. Surely God was looking out for His young people in this area and provided a structure to accommodate their grow- ing needs. Some of those who have stood at the helm are no longer' with us,' yet they have left their imprint on the minds and hearts of those under their leadership. Miss Butler, Mr. Adams, Miss Ottilze Frank, Mrs. Alice Lotze, and Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Harkins have all gone to take up new duties calling them elsewhere. Many students, too, have passed through G. B. A.'s doors, cherishing memories of a multitude of friendships and experiences gained during their comparatively brief sojourn here. As the years pass new faces are seen, improvements have been made in the build- ing, textbooks are in later and more modern editions, yet fundamentally the same spirit, the same ideals, the same aspirations are esteemed. A bulletin issued the first year of G .B. A.'s existence stated that it is being es- tablished as a Christian school for the training of youth for service for God and hu- manity. It is of foremost importance that spiritual activities be given a leading place .... This new institution is being established with a prayer that God will use it to enrich the lives of the students who attend, and to prepare them for the future life. Should we approach any one of our present administration, he would tell us that these statements need no revision, but that they still hold true to-day. The objective remains the same-'gtheyshall all be taught of God. Thus we have covered in a few words G. B. Afs short history and the reason for its establishment. With these thoughts in mind, you are invited to turn the pages of this yearbook. Perhaps from them you can catch a fresh glimpse of the atmos- phere, the spirit, the life of our school. May some of the happy memories portrayed find a permanent lodging in the hearts of the young men and women who have sought education here. if 5 J el