Children in Sophiasburg Township officially received their $325,000 Christmas present on Saturday—a spanking new central public school.

The official opening of the school was carried out by Reeve Donald Kotchapaw, who laid the corner stone, and William Wood, assistant supervisor of elementary education for the Ontario Department of Education, who cut the ribbon.

The service of dedication was conducted by Rev. W. H. Stabbart of Northport.

At least 400 persons filled the auditorium of the 13-room school to hear Mr. Wood say he hopes the new school is the beginning of a new era in education in the township, setting the pattern for all of Prince Edward County.

The school, which replaces 12 one-room and one two-room schools in the township, has actually been open to the 335 public school children in the township since the end of September. It was built by Miron-Wiggers Construction Company of Trenton in just under six months.

Saturday was the first opportunity the general public has had to see through the handsome brick and stone structure, situated on County Road 15 west of Northport,. Open house was held for most of the afternoon and evening, giving parents and other visitors ample time to inspect the classroom facilities and meet the 10 teachers on the staff under principal Arthur Jackson.

COINS, PAPERS IN CORNERSTONE OF NEW SCHOOL

There’s treasure in them thar walls.

The walls of Sophiasburg Central School, that is.

And it’s there for perpetuity.

Reeve Donald Kotchapaw of Sophiasburg Township inserted a copper cylinder into the wall when he laid the cornerstone of the new central public school on Sunday. It contains one silver dollar, a new 25 cent piece, copies of The Picton Gazette for November 17 and 19 and a copy of the Dedication program for the new school.

He added that he hopes the school will help to make it possible for industry to come to Sophiasburg and for young people, to find work in the township.