Monteagle Sunday School Assembly
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The Monteagle Sunday School Assembly, is a church. Its Charter, which was granted by the State of Tennessee on October 31, 1882, states the purpose (mission) of the Assembly:
the advancement of science, literary attainment, Sunday School interests, and the promotion of the broadest popular culture in the interest of Christianity without regard to sect or denomination.
Monteagle Sunday School Assembly is inter-denominational and family-oriented. It is dedicated to fulfilling its original charter and mission through a variety of spiritual, educational, cultural, and health development activities for all ages during an eight week season each summer and through retreats and other activities throughout the year.
From the hundreds of such Assemblies patterned after Chautauqua Institution in New York in the late 1800s, only nine or ten remain active today. In 1982, Monteagle Sunday School Assembly celebrated its 100th year of continuous operation and was placed on the National Register of Historical Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Assembly members represent 23 different states and the District of Columbia. Many belong to fifth-generation families who return each summer to pursue spiritual and intellectual enlightenment, to strengthen family ties, and to engage in Christian fellowship and mission.
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[edit] Monteagle Assembly History
In April, 1882, the Sunday School Convention of Tennessee sought to establish a Sunday School Congress for the following summer. That October the charter was drawn for Monteagle Sunday School Assembly. The Board then selected a site, hired a landscape engineer from Rochester, New York, to lay out the grounds, and planned a program. Monteagle Sunday School Assembly opened its first session on July 17, 1883.
The Assembly was an immediate success although few comforts were available that first summer; a restaurant and amphitheater were the only permanent structures on the Grounds. An ambitious building program soon resulted in scores of boarding houses, public meeting rooms, and private cottages to accommodate the thousands who visit the Assembly every summer.
For a number of years before southern colleges and universities offered summer courses on campus, summer schools at the Assembly were very popular. At one time at least 19 different courses were available. They ranged from ancient languages to music. School teachers from across the South thronged to Monteagle to attend classes that broadened their educational experience.
In those early years, the Assembly maintained close ties to Chautauqua Institution at Chautauqua, New York, the first Assembly established. Their goal was to combine the training of Sunday School teachers with a broader program of educational and cultural pursuits. The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (C.L.S.C.) held annual graduation ceremonies for Southern students at Monteagle, the recognized southern headquarters for C.L.S.C. In the early 1900s, through a coalition with other Assemblies (International Chautauqua Alliance), Monteagle Sunday School Assembly presented nationally known lectures, ministers, and entertainers in the Auditorium. The Monteagle Sunday School Assembly is known as the "Chautauqua of the South".
[edit] The Mid-1900s
World War I, the Depression, and World War II took their tolls on Monteagle Sunday School Assembly. Fewer people meant declining revenues; many programs were discontinued; some cottages stayed vacant year after year.
The 1960s and '70s brought a re-awakening of interest in the Monteagle Assembly and its programs. Families re-opened and repaired cottages; and an endowment fund was established to provide the means for the rejuvenation of the platform programs and other activities. Many old programs were up-dated, and new ideas were introduced. The Centennial Celebration in 1982 was a catalyst in promoting growth interest and participation in the Assembly and it programs. This Centennial re-established ties to the Mother Chautauqua Institution which promoted the Chautauqua Network News enabling all assemblies to stay in contact with one another.
[edit] Today
Monteagle continues to honor its charter and history with varied religious, educational, and cultural programs and activities. Warren Chapel, the heart of Assembly life, is located on the Mall in the center of the Assembly. In addition to the religious programs held there, the Chapel is used for lectures and programs. Assembly Members affirm their commitment to fulfill the purpose of the Charter by their support of all these programs.
[edit] Summer programs
The 8-week period from early June to August, referred to as the Season, is when the MSSA hosts its annual summer program. This includes a number of social, spiritual and cultural activities for all ages, as well as guest speakers, entertainers and ministers.
[edit] Religious activities
Often known as the cornerstone of the Assembly program, the number of spiritual activities appeal to Christians of all denominations, and community activities and prayer also help visitors and members get to know each other. The MSSA offers Sunday school and Sunday church, evening prayer [called Twilight Prayers], and a weekly guest minister and speaker, all of which take place in the Assembly's small but well-known church, Warren Chapel.
[edit] Cultural activities
The Assembly also offers culturally and socially enriching activities during the summer, which can include cottage tours, bazaars, flea markets and guest lecturers, as well as card parties and book clubs offered by the Monteagle Woman's Association.
[edit] Youth activities
By far, the widest range of activities are offered to 5-18 year-olds who come to the Assembly. There is no shortage of things for children and teens to do, and on any given day the Assembly could host evening movies, hiking excursions, youth groups, arts and crafts, and fun.
[edit] Guests and members
Although the MSSA offers popular summer programs, it has many year-round residents who live in the cottages on the grounds. MSSA, located only six miles from the University of the South, a noted liberal arts college, has been a haven for many writers and artists, including Andrew Lytle and John Gaddis. Only members of MSSA may purchase homes and mortgages are not allowed. Many other people rent out their cottages to people during the summer, and some only stay for a few days at a nearby bed and breakfast, The Edgeworth Inn.
[edit] External links
- Official MSSA Website - MSSA.org
- The Chautauqua Network of the Chautauqua Institution
