Wherever possible the church building should in its architecture express in a worthy way the religious ideals of its members.  It should first of all be adapted to the uses expected of it.  It should be beautiful in conception and execution, and should allow no unlovely or unworthy elements to enter into its structure.

We should teach our children something of the wonder and beauty of religious architecture as represented in the great cathedrals and churches of all lands, and lead them to see in these creations the desire and attempt of great souls to express their appreciation for God’s goodness to men.

1.  It will help you to understand the child’s idea of God if you will think back to your own childhood and answer the following questions:  Just who and what was God to you?  Was he near by or far off?  When you prayed, to what kind of a Being was the prayer addressed?  Did Jesus seem more near and friendly to you than God?  What were (or are) the most outstanding attributes of God’s nature to you?  Did you ever have any disturbing ideas about God?

2.  Now, suppose you attempt to answer these same questions about the children in your class.  You will have to remember that the child may not be able to explain just what God seems to him—­perhaps you can hardly do this yourself.  Further, a child may often have some notion that what he feels is queer or would not be well received, and hence he will not fully express it to others.

3.  Just what does religion seem to you to be?  Is it largely a way of living or a set of conventions and restraints?  How did religion appeal to you in your childhood?  Are you able to tell how the children of your class understand religion?  What definite help are you giving them toward broadening and enriching their concept of religion?  Are you leading them to see that religion is a way of living the day’s life?

4.  To what extent do you feel that you really know the Bible?  Could you give a sketch of twenty of its leading characters, describing the strengths and weaknesses of character of each?  Could you describe the great biblical events, and draw the lessons they teach?  Could you compare and characterize the Hebrew religion and the religion of Jesus?  Are the pupils in your class going to be able from the work of the church school to answer favorably these and similar questions?

5.  We expect good citizens to know something of the history of their country and their commonwealth.  Is it too much to ask members of the Christian Church to have the same information about the church?  Could you pass a fair examination on the history and achievements of the church?  Of your own particular church?  Are the children of your church school growing in this knowledge?  The children of your class?

6.  To what extent do the children of your class know the hymns of the church?