"ON THE RAGGED EDGE"

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 57, 4 September 1926, Page 20

"ON THE RAGGED EDGE"

CANADA'S FRONTIER COLLEGE.

The Frontier College is the outcome of a Beading Association, founded 25 years ago in railway construction camps on the long Transcontinental railway lines which run across the prairies of Canada, more particularly in those camps situated in the mountain country. The idea originated with the Rev. Alfred Fitzpatrick, a Presbyterian minister who was humane enough to wish to serve construction men when no one else was doing so, writes the Rev. J. J. Hastie in the Melbourne "Argus." The plan was to send a young man of Christian character, equipped with a largo tent, rude tabfes and seats, some literature, and a good supply of stationery, to follow the men. The young man was not to attempt to preach; he was to represent religion in its manliest form, donning the same rough garb as the o.thers, working by their side for pay by the company, and yet' living a life that \ would commend Christianity to the men. When the.long.summer evenings set in, and oil Sundays, the young Christian had his opportunities. He brought out such literature as he had, and opened his box ol stationery. He hung round on the walls printed cards, such as "Home, Sweet Home,'.' "When Did You Write to Your People?" and "What About Writing a Letter Tonight, or To-day?" If he could not preach ho could sing a hymn, and Sankey hymn books were produced if the suggestion met with favour. The results were that letter-writing began—■ the young man writing for those unable to do so (for many of them were Italians), and soon singing was always in order. I once recommended a young man for this unique, work, and I well remember the descriptions given on his return of those evenings and Sundays, of the siuging that sounded so far from the camp in the mountains, and of how the men would call for singing, and come to regard the young man's tent as their headquarters, and the young man as their friend. It was in thfs way that the Sev. Alfred Fitzpatrick began the work '' On the Ragged Edge," which has now grown to unexpected dimensions. It is no longer the Reading Camp Association, but, following in a modest way the example set by the University of London. It is called the Frontier College, with a Dominion University Charter, and it fills a unique pltce in the sphere of education, having numerous graduates and under-gradu»te« who go out to act as. instructors on railway construction lines, and in lumbering and mining camps. The teacher* from the Frontier. College don overalls and work side by side with those whom they instruct at. manual labour. As opportunity arises they hold classes for men in the gangs who. may lack elementary education. The value of all this has been noted by employers in various parts of Canada, who have provided cars that can be attached to railway gangs, and who otherwise co-operate with, the Frontier College. The instructors themselves have liberal accommodation provided for them at the large construction camps by the Ontario Hydroelectric Commission. Operations "On the Ragged Edge" have been wonderfundeveloped, and one is glad to hear that Mr. Fitzpatrick is principal of the Frontier College, and still directs the grand work begun more than 25 years ago. There is a peculiar interest in the practical efforts made to help those whose lot is to pioneer; and with courage and hardihood battle with the oddsi .'On the Ragged Edge of the World."