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Faith and devotional practice played important roles in Rosenwald schools. Almost all of the dozens of Rosenwald school alumni I have interviewed have vivid memories of this, although the emphasis varies. Some people spoke mostly about singing hymns, while others emphasized group prayer or reading scripture. Andrew Corbett, a Canetuck alumnus who passed away last year, said he felt the teachers wanted them to learn "that you should love everybody."
Even more striking, Mr. Corbett remarked "Everyone should give reverence... to who you are and to your Creator." It was this ethos, of self-knowledge coupled with a sense of higher origin (and purpose), that seems to embody the spiritual side of the Rosenwald school experience.
As a teacher today, it would not be considered appropriate for me to speak explicitly about God. However, when I speak to my students I still try to convey my sense of their divine value. In order to do this, it's important for me to prepare spiritually each day. Here is part of my typical daily prayer:
Lord, we know with you all things are possible. Bless and guide my thoughts, my words and my actions. Help me to be a channel of your love and your peace. Bless me and my colleagues, and help us to teach well. Bless my students, and help them to focus and learn. Help all of us to know Your love, that You are holding all of us in the palm of Your hand. Amen.
