Providing an historical overview of the stories 
and moral teachings of the Bible,
thereby strengthening a student’s understanding of 
western history, literature, and art, 
which are replete with biblical allusions and influences.

Mission Statement of Bible In The Schools

“No one in the English-speaking world can be considered literate 
without a basic knowledge of the Bible.

E.D. Hirsch, The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy

I like Bible class because I have a nice teacher.

It’s fun, and I like learning new things.

This year we learned about the kings, 

how some people disobeyed and what their punishment was.

I look forward to Bible every week.

I think it is just as important as all of the other classes.

When I don’t have it, I feel like I’m losing a privilege.

Elementary Student

I really enjoyed the Old Testament story about Samson.

It was my favorite from all the lessons this year.

It interested me to know how he was supposed to keep certain promises.

Bible class is enjoyable because the way the lessons are taught 

helps me to understand what the Bible teaches.

Middle School Student

     For 70 years Bluefield and surrounding communities in Mercer County 
have exercised their constitutional right to present the Bible to students, 
from the desk and not the pulpit. This is the book that inspired great artists, 
musicians, and playwrights for centuries; that the founding fathers of our country 
read and knew well; that inspired the formation of some of our great American universities.

To know this book is to have a key that opens many areas of life.

I just wanted to thank the many people who have been unmoved by cultural fads 
and who have cared deeply about the total education of our children 
by financially supporting and keeping Bible in our public schools.

Parent

   My hometown of Bluefield is full of surprises, and the one I am most proud of is the Bible In The Schools program.  I took Bible for two semesters at Beaver High School in 1942 as a junior. It was an elective course, taught by the lovely Catherine Walker, who knew every trick to keep us from finding out to what denomination she belonged.

     We studied Old Testament in the fall term, and New Testament in the spring. I remember those classes fondly.  Even in 1942 I do not remember being taught “religion.” In those early days I learned about grand Old Testament stories, met the famous prophets, and “listened” with fascination to Jesus’ teachings.

     We received a deep appreciation of the exciting history of the children of Israel, and a love for the magnificent biblical imagery so often quoted by statesmen, orators, and writers.

Alumnus,  Beaver High School, class of 1943

Mercer County should be so proud of this program. 
To think how the community has continually supported this program financially 
for 70 years is really amazing.

            Former Bible Teacher