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Show 176 MADELYN CANNON STEWART SILVER perfection of poetic genius." Humor provided a release from the tensions of war. And, humor is the tasty flavor that gives conversation savor: humor keeps alive the luster of life and maintains balance. The lessons discussed the meaning and principles governing humor, the mediums and types of humor, some great humorous characters, and humor about and for children, including ways of entertaining a baby. For one of the lessons Madelyn had class members mention their most embarrassing moment. Another month, they had a debate stunt, depicting leading radio comedians, one class mem ber to represent each of the following: Fibber McGee and Mollie, Bob Hope, Charlie McCarthy and Edgar Bergen, Jack Benny, and Red Skelton. One lesson was devoted to O. Henry William Sydney Porter-and such tales as "The Ransom of the Red Chief" and "The Gift of the Magi" in The Four Million. The literature lessons for 1942-46 were on "The Bible as Literature." Madelyn's notes for each lesson are handwritten on 3 x 5 cards, replete with provocative questions and interesting material she used from her wide reading among scholarly and literary works. Instructors in those days, and in outlying areas like Denver, were pretty free in adding to and changing the focus of the material in the lesson guides provided by the cen tral church. Madelyn usually spent at least eight hours prepar ing each lesson. Because Madelyn was non-judgmental, Harold would say, proudly, "Madelyn has a way of presenting the Gospel to the smoking Elders, drinking Seventies, and swearing High Priests without offending them," and the number of less-active atten ders grew. After a year or two, whenever the Sunday School president decided that the Gospel Doctrine class deserved a male instructor, Madelyn would be released and the attendance would drop off. Officers soon re-appointed her and the atten dance would once more build. Attendees especially enjoyed the who seldom missed her repartee between Madelyn and Harold, lessons. Madelyn's imaginative creativity is perhaps most clearly por- |
