THE SUMMER ASSEMBLY. The first Chautau qua Assembly (known as the 'Sunday-school As sembly') tray in session August 4 Is. 1574, as the rcsult of a plan formed by Lewis Miller. of Akron, Ohio. and Bev. dolin 11. Vincent, of New York. Both 111(11 were interested in the 1 rove men t and development of To this end they devised a meeting which should be more than a mere conference of two or three days, and which should include courses of study in pedagogical principles, biblical analysis, and practical questions of Sunday-selmol organiza tion and management, extending over a period of ten days or two weeks. The plan also recog nized the importance of recreative exercises, and of certain lecture: of a general character not strictly related to the noun subject of Sunday schools. It was decided to hold this 'assembly' in camp, to adopt the unquestionably good fea tures of the so-called eamp-m•eting, but to give prominence to the calm. earnest, careful study of important principles and methods. Although the plan originated with members of the Metho dist Episcopal Church, there was no thought of making. the Assembly denominational. At the first session all the leadine. Protestant bodies were represented, and there has never since been any attempt to make distinctions. The attend ance in 1S74 was gratifyingly large. In spite of primitive lodgings and many discomforts, there was a spirit of enthusiasm which promised well for the success of the experiment. The Sunday - school Normal Department provided means for daily study under experienced in structor:: prominent speakers gave lectures of a popular character on biblical themes. A large
model of Palestine (300 feet long) was laid out near the lake (which served as the Mediter ranean), and students were conducted through this miniature land by Oriental travelers.
The Assembly plans widened rapidly in suc cessive years. The system which had succeeded in the ease of Bible study was quickly extended to include science, language (the teaching of 'Hebrew began in 1875), and literature. Music of a better grade was introduced, and a large chorus was drilled daily. This expansion has continued, until now the staff of lecturers and instructors monbers more than two hundred men and women prominent in all departments of edu cational life. Every year, at least one well known British scholar is induced to cross the Atlantic especially to lecture at Chautauqua. Gradually, progressive courses on some one topic have been substituted for miscellaneous addresses on a groat variety of subjects. In 1876 the ses sion was lengthened to three weeks, and now eovers nearly twit months. Thus began the Chautauqua assembly, based on the theory that change of occupation, not idleness, is true rec reation, and that. the summer vacation may be made a in•aris of (in.elopm•nt and stimulus to those engaged during the year in the ordinary pursuits of life.