Jón Bjarnason Academy - 01.05.1935, Blaðsíða 17

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education. Together, both are secure. Separated, both are
in trouble. I ask as a churchman—for the recognition of the
essential place of religion in education.
Some time ago, I read the story of a Godly teacher,
whose service in his community was cut short by death. By
the glow of his Christian spirit and radiant personality he
had so planted himself in the lives of those whom he taught,
that 30 years after, his influence is still a flame of inspiration
and helpfulness in the community where he lived and taught
and died. He had gripped the whole lives of his pupils, and
his spell will never die in that community. He was and is
indeed a rich man. His fortune cannot he ill spent by any
careless inheritor. There are those in our church, laymen
and, what is more surprising, clergy as well, who prophesy
and hope that this will be the last year of the Jon Bjarnason
Academy. Who can say what the outcome will be? But
tonight I wish to say that the little story I just related, applies,
I feel, to the teachers of our school, especially the principal
and his dean, who have given the best years of their lives
for this institution and the principles of Christianity, which it
represents. The school may or may not go—I cannot say—hut
come what may, you, members of the graduating class, and
any former students who are here tonight, for you and for me
it can never die! It will have a place enshrined in our hearts,
and the influence of those who gave their all for a Christian
cause, will abide with us forever!

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