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24 The school was carried on for a time under difficulties, as it met in the interval between the forenoon and the afternoon church services. But in July 1862 an alteration was made in the hours of public worship by postponing the afternoon service to six (afterwards changed to half-past six) o'clock, thus giving, as the Session minute somewhat naively states, "greater opportunity for doing justice to the Sabbath School, and also being a preventive to the wandering of young men and women on the Sabbath evenings." The alteration was made also to meet the case of female servants who could not make arrangements for attending at the afternoon service. The change, however, was postponed for some time after it had been resolved upon "in order that the Wesleyan minister might have the use of the church on the Sabbath evenings." The change of the hour of meeting brought about a marked improvement in the Sabbath School attendance, which rose at once from about 100 to 175. The school continued to prosper, and in 1870, the tenth year of its existence, the attendance had increased to 330 scholars, with 52 teachers. Mr Street's tact and his courtesy towards the teachers, combined with, his regularity and punctuality of attendance and his admirable administrative ability enabled him to carry on the work of the school with remarkable smoothness and success. After nearly fifteen years of zealous devotion to his duties as superintendent, Mr Street—in view of his contemplated visit to the Home Country—resigned his charge at the close of the year 1874. By that time the attendance had increased to 480 scholars.

A new and interesting feature in the organisation of the school was introduced about the beginning of 1874. This was the formation of a separate department for the younger children, whose instruction in a manner suitable to their years and capacity was undertaken by Mr David Ferguson, assisted by Miss Gourley (now Mrs Wadie) and other volunteers. This primary school meets in the class-room of the Old Church every Sabbath afternoon; and to Mr Ferguson is due the credit of having made it a useful adjunct of the main school. He continued his valuable services until his removal to Ravensbourne in 1881. He was succeeded by Mr Clement White, who is still in charge of the department, which he manages with much ability, enthusiasm, and success. In this work he is greatly helped by several well-qualified lady assistants. By means of a black-board, pictorial