On Saturday either at the country school house or in the basement of the country church there was arranged an exhibition of corn, while during the day class exercises in the study of corn were in progress. On the day following, Sunday, there were two sermons, the theme of each being closely allied to the economic problems studied the day previously. The ministers are reported to have coöperated enthusiastically in this work, each one attempting in his sermon to show how better economic life may be made contributive to a better religious life.
On the Monday following, the program was continued with a farmers’ institute representative of the several interests of the adults and the young people. At this Monday meeting a number of the faculty of the state university were in attendance and gave helpful addresses appropriate to the occasion. At night the County Superintendent gave an illustrated lecture, using the stereopticon to show the audience just what was being done in the various parts of the county and country by way of improvement of the social and economic conditions.
In many places in the New England and other eastern states the rural communities are attacking the social-religious problems in practically the same manner as is being done at Plainfield, Illinois. At Danbury, New Hampshire, there is a Country Settlement Association, which is accomplishing some epoch-making things. At the official building there is provided a trained nurse to assist the entire community. The organization conducts social-betterment work for the local neighborhood and leads in a campaign for social reform throughout the state.
Likewise, at Lincoln, Vermont, there is an interesting example of coöperation between the religious and social interests. Three churches have formed a federated society. In a building maintained in common by them, the meetings of the Ladies’ Aid Society, the Good Templars, the Grange, the Grand Army Post, and many others of a social nature are held. Such coöperative work is certain to have a helpful and far-reaching effect on any community.
Plate X.
Fig. 11.—An illustration of “Corn Sunday,"” as instituted by Superintendent Jessie Field, Clarinda, Iowa, in the rural churches thereabout.