Alexander, John L.

About the author

John L. Alexander (1878–1932) was an American religious educator associated with the turn-of-the-century movement that sought to adapt Sunday schools for more robust community-building and moral formation. Keenly aware of adolescent needs, he wrote practical manuals and guides that integrated sports, crafts, and mentorship into church programs, believing that active engagement would imbue boys with responsibility, leadership skills, and ethical grounding. His approach emphasized cooperation over competition, presenting the Sunday school environment as a space where character could be shaped through constructive recreation and meaningful study. This blend of organized play and moral teaching typified progressive Sunday school reform, leaving a mark on how many communities engaged youth in spiritual growth.