We, the committee appointed, in the first month 1779 respecting the institution of schools for the instruction of our children in useful learning, having conferred together ... agree to report that we have divers times met and had this important matter under our ... consideration, and are desirous that this important subject and necessary care should meet with every proper encouragement and improvement; and we may inform the meeting that there have been several improvements made on the lot of ground lately purchased from Samuel Rhoads for the advantage of the school and benefit of the master, and that the committee have endeavored to encourage and pay for the schooling of such poor children as are in the limits of the school kept at or near this place whose parents are in low circumstances and are willing to accept thereof. We have likewise extended our consideration and views to the schools belonging to the other preparative meetings, and although the circumstances of things at present do not afford so promising and encouraging a prospect as we could desire, yet we are desirous that every proper encouragement may be afforded to promote the good and necessary work, therefore, we are free to propose to the meeting’s consideration that of having a standing committee appointed for this purpose by the monthly meeting, and that each preparative meeting should likewise appoint a committee for the like purpose that should have this important matter under their consideration in order to promote this so necessary care in their respective meetings; and that the said meeting’s committee should at proper and suitable times visit the several preparative meetings’ schools and unite with the said preparative meetings’ committees in affording and giving such help and assistance as to them from time to time may appear necessary in order to promote this so good and necessary a work and care. Signed at the desire and on behalf of the committee, by James Moon.[359] [Sidenote: Monthly meetings’ committee to join those of the preparatives] [Sidenote: Three schools reported] In accord with the above report the monthly meeting urged each preparative meeting to appoint a committee on schools; the monthly meeting named James Moon, John Merrick, Jonathan Kirkbride, William Satterthwaite, William Bidgood, Jr., John Stapler and Joseph Gillingham to join with those of the preparatives for that service.[360] Five months thereafter they reported, The three several schools kept within compass of our respective preparative meetings are conducted in some measure under the care of a committee of Friends appointed for that purpose and that the several teachers are members of our society.[361]