OVER 100 YEARS OF PUBLIC PURPOSE
THE VISION OF ONE MAN
In the spring of 1922, Dr. J. P. McCallie (pictured), founder of The McCallie School, was appointed Chairman of the Religious Work Committee of the YMCA of Chattanooga. When asked to state some plans of work for this Committee, he made the following statement.
"I have seen what the Bible, taught as a regular daily class, with tests, promotions, reports, and credits attained diploma for graduation, can do for young boys of upper elementary, junior high, and high school age. It is a shame that public school youngsters cannot have the same privilege as pupils in a private school, where they find it the most interesting and rewarding subject they study. It has made possible the Honor System of conducting examinations without cheating, diminishes dishonesty, lying, profanity, and bullying, and is altogether the most worthwhile course we have. Cannot the same thing be offered in the public schools as an elective study and as a gift, apart from all taxes, by the YMCA, in cooperation with the YWCA, the PTA, members of churches, and other individuals who see its value? Remember, that not 50% of youth are in any Sunday School; some principals say 75% never receive Bible instruction."
On behalf of his committee, Dr. McCallie approached the Chattanooga City Commission to present the gift of a Bible course adapted to the various ages from 4th grade through high school, with teachers selected and paid by the Bible Study Committee, but subject to the principals and the Board of Education in scholarship and discipline. The Mayor asked: How can you prevent controversy over doctrinal matters that have divided and perplexed the church throughout the ages? "Very simply," replied Dr. McCallie. "Our Bible teachers will be instructed to use the language of the Bible and under no circumstances to engage in denominational controversy. If such questions are asked by pupils, tell them to ask their pastors why their church believes as it does, and they will be happy to explain. As far as Bible teachers go in the public schools is to let the Bible speak for itself and not use sectarian or denominational terms."
One member of the City Commission, a Catholic, promptly said, "Mr. Mayor, Bible study has never hurt anybody yet, and it could do a lot of good to our boys and girls. I move we gladly accept this free gift to our school curriculum as an elective and ask our Commissioner of Education to work out this Bible course in cooperation with this Bible Study Committee." The Jewish member of the Commission quickly said, "I second the motion." The motion was passed after three readings.
The program was later expanded to include Hamilton County schools, and it has continued since 1922.
Dr. J. P. McCallie served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public School Bible Study Committee (later known as Bible in the Schools) until February 3, 1970, when, because of Dr. McCallie's health, Hugh O. Maclellan, Sr. was elected to serve as Chairman. Shortly after Mr. Maclellan's untimely death on January 7, 1994, Mr. Thomas H. McCallie III was elected to serve as Chairman. Mr. L. B. Austin III succeeded Mr. McCallie in 2003 as the fourth Chairman of Bible in the Schools. Dr. Frank Brock became the fifth chairman in 2010, followed by Mr. Steve Frost the sixth Chairman in 2012, Mr. Bob Marshall the organization's seventh chairman in 2015, and Mr. Chris Maclellan (grandson of Mr. Hugh O. Maclellan, Sr.) the eighth Chairman in 2017. Mr. Tom Glenn succeeded Mr. Chris Maclellan in 2020 to become the ninth Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bible in the Schools. Mr. Rob Huffaker, Jr. succeeded Mr. Glenn, becoming the tenth Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2023.
Mr. Douglas Stromberg was elected President in 2003. Mr. Ralph W. Mohney, Jr. succeeded him in 2009 and Mrs. Cathy Scott became President in 2016.
IMPACTING OUR STUDENTS
"I wish Bible was offered in all public school in the USA. My children took it in middle school and it turned out awesome. I think our youth in this country would be better off if they took Bible."
- Bible parent, Hamilton County Schools
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100 YEARS OF PUBLIC PURPOSE
THE VISION OF ONE MAN
In the spring of 1922, Dr. J. P. McCallie (pictured), founder of The McCallie School, was appointed Chairman of the Religious Work Committee of the YMCA of Chattanooga. When asked to state some plans of work for this Committee, he made the following statement.
"I have seen what the Bible, taught as a regular daily class, with tests, promotions, reports, and credits attained diploma for graduation, can do for young boys of upper elementary, junior high, and high school age. It is a shame that public school youngsters cannot have the same privilege as pupils in a private school, where they find it the most interesting and rewarding subject they study. It has made possible the Honor System of conducting examinations without cheating, diminishes dishonesty, lying, profanity, and bullying, and is altogether the most worthwhile course we have. Cannot the same thing be offered in the public schools as an elective study and as a gift, apart from all taxes, by the YMCA, in cooperation with the YWCA, the PTA, members of churches, and other individuals who see its value? Remember, that not 50% of youth are in any Sunday School; some principals say 75% never receive Bible instruction."
On behalf of his committee, Dr. McCallie approached the Chattanooga City Commission to present the gift of a Bible course adapted to the various ages from 4th grade through high school, with teachers selected and paid by the Bible Study Committee, but subject to the principals and the Board of Education in scholarship and discipline. The Mayor asked: How can you prevent controversy over doctrinal matters that have divided and perplexed the church throughout the ages? "Very simply," replied Dr. McCallie. "Our Bible teachers will be instructed to use the language of the Bible and under no circumstances to engage in denominational controversy. If such questions are asked by pupils, tell them to ask their pastors why their church believes as it does, and they will be happy to explain. As far as Bible teachers go in the public schools is to let the Bible speak for itself and not use sectarian or denominational terms."
One member of the City Commission, a Catholic, promptly said, "Mr. Mayor, Bible study has never hurt anybody yet, and it could do a lot of good to our boys and girls. I move we gladly accept this free gift to our school curriculum as an elective and ask our Commissioner of Education to work out this Bible course in cooperation with this Bible Study Committee." The Jewish member of the Commission quickly said, "I second the motion." The motion was passed after three readings.
The program was later expanded to include Hamilton County schools, and it has continued since 1922.
Dr. J. P. McCallie served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public School Bible Study Committee (later known as Bible in the Schools) until February 3, 1970, when, because of Dr. McCallie's health, Hugh O. Maclellan, Sr. was elected to serve as Chairman. Shortly after Mr. Maclellan's untimely death on January 7, 1994, Mr. Thomas H. McCallie III was elected to serve as Chairman. Mr. L. B. Austin III succeeded Mr. McCallie in 2003 as the fourth Chairman of Bible in the Schools. Dr. Frank Brock became the fifth chairman in 2010, followed by Mr. Steve Frost the sixth Chairman in 2012, Mr. Bob Marshall the organization's seventh chairman in 2015, and Mr. Chris Maclellan (grandson of Mr. Hugh O. Maclellan, Sr.) the eighth Chairman in 2017. Mr. Tom Glenn succeeded Mr. Chris Maclellan in 2020 to become the ninth Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bible in the Schools.
Mr. Douglas Stromberg was elected President in 2003. Mr. Ralph W. Mohney, Jr. succeeded him in 2009 and Mrs. Cathy Scott became President in 2016.
IMPACTING OUR
STUDENTS
"Thank you for providing Bible. Bible has helped me understand more about Christianity from a Muslim point of view.""
- Bible student, Hamilton County Schools
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