Western Oregon University - Yearbook (Monmouth, OR)

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OREGON NORMAL SCHOOL Year 1922 ' ' aw.- - , x ,l 41' ? H . I 7 ; r. a ..I . ,1 ...y Y - Community Y DEAR RUTH: Do I think you would enjoy the Oregon Normal School? I certainly do know you would enjoy working with our . splendid faculty and with so many co-operative fellow students. Do not misunderstand meethe faculty and fellow students arenit the only reasons why you would enjoy 0. N . S. for the community plays an important part in making our work a success. I think you should understand both the school and community side of Monmouth before coming here, and as I have already written letter after letter to you about the school, Pm going to make this a iiCommunity letter. It seems as if people have always been troubled with religious and political differenceseand it was because of a religious difference that Monmouth became a city. The particular people who came from Mon- mouth, Illinois, to found a habitation where their ideals might prevail, settled in Polk county. From this settlement came our educational insti- tution and a thrifty community Which is ever working for the interests of the school. V In 1854 five progressive citizens donated a square mile of land in Polk county on which to found a town. The proceeds from the sale of town lots were to be used in establishing a college under supervision of the local Christian Church and to be called Monmouth University. At a mass meeting the town was named Monmouth. Money was donated, a building erected and Christian College was founded. In 1882 the name of Christian College was changed to Oregon State Normal and in 1891 the buildings and grounds were accepted by the legislature .as a gift to Oregon. In this way did Monmouth become the home of the Oregon Normal School. Since 0. N. S. was first established under supervision of the Chris- tian Church, it follows that the Christian Church of Monmouth is the oldest church in the city. The church was first built on the school grounds where the dormitory now stands and the church and school carried on their work together. The church is now located two blocks south of the normal. Besides having the usual church departments, there are special classes for normal students. Rev. H. Cu Rossell, the present pastor, always extends a hearty invitation to normal students to help in the work of the church as do the pastors of the other two churches, the Evangelical and the Baptist. The Evangelical Church is progressing under the leadership of Rev. Lewis. As in theyChristian Church, special classes are organized for normal students and a hearty invitation is extended to all students who desire to help in the church work.

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OREGON NORMAL SCHOOL Year 1922 comm mt

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Year1922 OREGON NORMAL SCHOOL