Among questions of church practice may be mentioned in this connection the attitude of the Norwegian Synod toward the Christian day school and the lodge. From the very start, our fathers were very much concerned about giving the rising generation a thorough training in the Christian truths. They very soon realized that this training would not be cared for in the public schools, as had been done in the country from which they emigrated. The Rev. J. W. C. Dietrichson arranged to have some religious school in his congregations. The parishes later established followed his example. They soon realized, however, that this arrangement was very imperfect. In the beginning of the sixties considerable time was set aside at the meetings for considering the Christian training of the young, and resolutions were passed urgently recommending the establishment of Christian day schools, owned and conducted by the congregations, in which the common secular branches as well as Christian fundamentals might be taught.
It is not necessary at this time to enter into a discussion of the value and desirability of establishing such schools. Parish schools were actually started in a number of places, and were in operation for a shorter or longer period. They were a great blessing to those who had access to them. However, it proved very difficult to create general interest among our people in these schools. The traditional view, that the public schools were sufficient, was very firmly rooted in the minds of our people. besides, it was a great deal easier for the old Adam to rest satisfied with a few weeks of religious instruction during the vacation period in addition to the Sunday School, than to establish real parish schools. Many of our pastors no doubt also lacked a full understanding of the need of such schools, as well as the moral courage to testify effectively among the members of their churches. At the Synod's jubilee in 1903 the fact that so little had been accomplished in the matter of Christian day schools was termed as a ``dark chapter in the history of the Synod.''
But no one needs he in doubt as to the official attitude of the Synod in the matter of Christian day schools. Strong resolutions were repeatedly passed, both by the general and by the district meetings, urging our people to establish such schools. Well written essays were read and published, and strong testimony to the urgent need of these schools was borne in the discussions. This testimony was continually heard in the Synod up to the union of 1917. It was even used with effect as an argument in favor of the merger, that the union would give new impetus to the establishing of Christian day schools.
Several Christian day schools were started during the period between 1903 and 1917. They appeared for a time to have a promising future. Instead of being strengthened by the Union, however, these schools have all been discontinued.