Page 9 - 75low

1940 1941-1947 1948 1950 1953-1955

George W. Curtice accepted the position 1941 Miss Mary Beer assigned to National Office at 1628 In 1950, Dr. Gebb, pastor of a CBM reaching 350,000 public
of general secretary for CBM. He saw SC as branch director Gary Road, on U.S.92, local church, became the sec- school students in nine states
the number of missionaries increase from ond president of CBM. He had
eight to eighty. The CBM family rever- 1942 Alabama branch started by Lakeland, FL, erected in been a member of the Board of 1953 Second showing of
ently thanked God for the 14 years they Althea Hooker and Bea Ames 1948 on lot given by ―Crossroads‖ in Mayhall
had been permitted to share with him in 1943 Georgia organized and devel- businessman interested Directors for a number of years Auditorium, Lakeland, FL
the Lord‘s service. In February, 1955, at oped by Mrs. Agnes Mackey in the work and was vitally interested in the 1955 New Life Camp
the age of 71, Mr. George W. Curtice salvation of boys and girls. He purchased for $12,000
went home to be with the Lord. 1943 1st edition of the ―CBM Quar- Bob Johnson, Sr. transfers contributed much to CBM dur-
terly‖ was published to NC ing his 10 years as president. George A. Field steps aside after 18
years as Deputation Secretary

Mr. and Mrs. George W. Curtice South Carolina Miss Georgia- Mrs. Dr. L. G. Gebb Some workers taught as many as 800
Mary Beer Agnes Mackey students a day

―Win a Child and You Win a Life‖

THE PLAN
Encourage children in the public schools to memorize the Word of God by offering scriptural awards:

A list of carefully selected Bible verse was prepared and awards offered to children in the public schools for memorizing these verses and repeating them to the
teacher. The schools were to be visited once a month, when the awards would be presented. The school visitors would also be equipped to tell a Bible
story, with or without visual aids, and to teach choruses when desired by school authorities. "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scrip-
tures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15)
...In the Schools!

Will the school authorities accept the Bible Memory Program? This was the question uppermost in the minds of the missionaries
and the burden of their prayer. In the first forty-eight schools visited, all gladly welcomed the program with one exception. The
teacher in that school said there had been no Sunday school or gospel service in the community for years and that it was useless to
enroll her children as they were too indifferent to learn Scripture. However, she finally agreed to try and was amazed at the re-
sponse.
The principal in another school said they would cooperate to the fullest extent. He said that
in all that district, which included several schools--a radius of about 30 miles--there was not
a church or Sunday school of any kind.
AWARDS
News spread rapidly that the "Bible folks" were coming, and the often repeated greeting would John 3:16--Gospel of John
be, "We thought you would never come!" The happy faces of the children and comments of 25 more verses--New Testament
grateful teachers more than repaid all the effort of traveling many miles daily over narrow roads 25 more verses--A Story Book
and trails, seeking out schools. The children eagerly swarmed around the missionary if they 50 more verses--A Wall Motto
were out for recess, and shouted with delight when they heard they were going to get Gospels of 100 more verses--A Bible
Children from a country school who received John for learning a Bible verse--JOHN THREE SIXTEEN! 100 more verses--Week of Camp
awards for Bible memorization
6