“That money will be used to provide teacher's salary and the necessary supplies,” said Murray Murphy, chairman of the Bible Class board. “We receive money from foundations, but the bulk of our money comes from private donations and from area churches.”

Bible classes have been taught continuously in Big Spring since 1939, making the program one of the longest-running of its kind in the state.

Money raised will support six total classes — three at Big Spring, two at Forsan and one at Coahoma. Dr. Bill Welsh teaches in Big Spring, the Rev. Dwayne Wheat instructs in Coahoma and the Rev. Craig Felty teaches in Forsan.

“Our goal is to reach 10 percent of students in Howard County schools, and we're very close to that,” Murphy said.

In order for the course to meet state guidelines, it is offered as a humanities course that focuses on Old and New Testament history. Theology is not discussed, Murphy said.

“This course gives students an historical perspective into the Bible,” Murphy said. “Our purpose is not to teach Christianity, but to give these students a good base of knowledge about the Bible ... The class is non-denominational in nature.”

The only thing provided by the school district is the classroom. All other expenses must come from outside sources.

In addition to providing operating expenses for the classes, board members are in the process of developing scholarships for students interested in the study of religion.

And none of it is possible without donations, Murphy said.

“We have many Sunday school classes in the area that send us monthly donations,” Murphy said. “But the real backbone of the organization is the $15 or $20 donations from individuals. This could not happen without the fine folks of Howard County.”

Donations should be mailed to P.O. box 2609, Big Spring 79721. For more information, contact Murphy at 263-1176.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it