Seminary offers a ‘haven’ for today’s students

The seminary program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates its 100th birthday this year. What started as a response to the public school system that gradually replaced private, church-owned academies in Utah, the seminary program was designed to supplement a secular education with LDS religion class, according to the book, “A Miracle in Weekday Religious Education,” by William E. Barrett.

In areas with high concentrations of LDS students, and where the school board gives its stamp of approval, high school students are able to attend seminary as “release time” from the regular school day. In areas with fewer LDS students, seminary classes are held before school, sometimes as early as 6 a.m.

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