Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 21.djvu/74

64 is evidence, however, that most denominations ( Methodists and Catholics excepted) are coming to the conclusion that higher education may better be left to the care of the state as primary and secondary education have been,. The Methodists and Catholics may sooner or later come to the same conclusion. At least, there are some noticeable tendencies in this direction.

However, our subject deals with a topic far removed from the general question of religious educational statesmanship. In the pioneer period, the church was the theorem and the school the most apparent corollary. Where the church went, there the schools went also. While the very first teaching in the Oregon country was not under the direct influence of any religious body, it is safe to say that fully nine-tenths of all the educational activities in the Oregon country before 1860 was either directly or indirectly the result of religious influence.

The period with which we are dealing divides itself into three logical phases: the period of Indian mission schools, from 1834 to 1844 approximately; the period of pioneer elementary term schools, 1844 to 1854, roughly; and the period of organized institutions, 1854 to 1860. Of course, it is understood that this is a rough approximation, that there is considerable overlapping in each division, but as a basis for discussion this analysis will do very well, as the later development will show.

The purpose of this paper is not to give a complete and final form to the educational history of this period, but to confine itself pretty strictly to Methodist education. Even this subject, limited as it is, cannot be treated exhaustively or with finality. It is hoped, however, to indicate the chief sources available for this work, and to sketch, at least, the principal landmarks along the way. Doubtless there are valuable documents in existence of which we know nothing, old pioneer letters, diaries, and perhaps even books which were used in these primitive schools, and samples of the work done by the pupils. It is certain there is a wealth of reminiscent material