“Collegium Kingsgate is a Classical-academy-cum-practicum for the purposes of secondary school instruction, Christian formation, the fostering of wisdom and responsibility, and the cultivation of a love for Truth, Goodness, and Beauty; accomplished through a harmonization of Classical learning, Apprenticed traditional trades, and the study and regular practice of both Fine and Common Arts.”
THE FELLOWSHIP OF ARTS & MYSTERIES, LTD., and its successive secondary-level school, COLLEGIUM KINGSGATE, together represent a unique educational endeavor that seeks to combine the two most important educational streams in the history of Western Civilization – viz., Classical education and traditional, apprenticed trades. This philosophy affirms that – in the same way that a mighty river may be formed by the confluence of two great rivers – history tells us that two great streams of education contributed to the establishment of the Judæo-Christian West. Re-integrating these two vital streams of education into a single school offers many advantages over the competing philosophies of our present post-Christian age.
For example, this approach provides an environment in which kinesthetic learners, who frequently face unique challenges in conventional academic structures, can instead flourish in their giftings. Conventional learners, too, can be positively formed by learning work ethic alongside academics. At Kingsgate, scholars will benefit from learning Biblical worldview and the cultural strengths of Classical Christian education, whilst simultaneously mastering useful and transferable trade
experience through a master-apprentice relationship (viz., discipleship). By these means, we work to equip the current and rising generations to live life as epistemologically self-conscious, genuinely- Christian, socially skillful lay and professional world-changers; doing all for the glory and delight of,
Shoemaking Classes for Adults and Teens:
A hands-on course teaching traditional techniques of shoe- and boot-making, aimed at adults and teens interested in the art of cordwainery. Instruction will be led by skilled shoemakers.
Leatherworking 101 and Leatherworking 201:
Beginner and intermediate classes focusing on traditional leatherworking techniques. These courses will be offered at various heritage sites and are taught by artisans skilled in traditional methods.
Eighteenth-Century Dance Classes:
Dance classes focusing on the social dances of the 18th century. These classes will be held in Carnegie, PA, and Ligonier, PA.
Lectures on Historic Topics:
A series of lectures delivered at various sites, exploring a range of historical subjects, including trades, apprenticeships, and cultural heritage.
Shoemaking (Cordwainery):
Further expansion of shoemaking instruction, providing in-depth courses for mastering traditional shoe- and boot-making skills under the tutelage of skilled tradespeople like B. Walker.
Saddlery & Harness-Making:
Classes focusing on the traditional craft of making saddles and harnesses, with an emphasis on heritage methods and tools.
Blacksmithing/Cutlery:
Courses that introduce students to the art of blacksmithing, focusing on the creation of tools, knives, and other metal goods using historical techniques.
Masonry:
Instruction in traditional stonework and bricklaying, with a focus on building structures using heritage methods and materials.
Carpentry & Joinery:
Hands-on courses in building structures (carpentry) and crafting furniture or fine details (joinery) using traditional woodworking techniques.
Coopering:
Classes focused on the art of making wooden casks, barrels, and buckets, using traditional methods of cooperage.
Bookbinding & Printing:
Courses that explore the historical techniques of bookbinding and printing, focusing on preserving traditional methods of creating books and printed materials.
Silversmithing/Goldsmithing & Engraving:
Instruction in working with precious metals, including engraving techniques used in historical metalworking.
Tailoring & Mantua-Making:
Courses in traditional tailoring and dressmaking, focusing on the construction of historical garments using heritage techniques.
Fiber Arts (Spinning, Weaving, Dyeing):
A series of classes on textile arts, including spinning fibers, weaving cloth, and dyeing materials with natural dyes.
Traditional Surveying & Cartography:
Hands-on courses that supplement geography and geometry instruction by teaching traditional techniques of land surveying and mapmaking.
Rare Breeds Animal Husbandry:
Courses that focus on the care and management of rare animal breeds, with an emphasis on traditional farming methods.
Beekeeping:
Classes that teach the historical practices of beekeeping, including hive maintenance, honey production, and the role of bees in agriculture.
Maple Sugaring:
Instruction in the process of harvesting and producing maple syrup using traditional techniques.
Eighteenth-Century Dancing:
Further expansion of historical dance classes, continuing the work begun in Phase I.
Fencing:
A potential collaboration with the Ligonier Fencing Club to offer instruction in historical fencing techniques.
Archery & Shooting Sports:
Classes that teach traditional archery and shooting skills, focusing on safety, technique, and historical context.
Equestrian Activities (Equerry):
Courses in horsemanship and equestrian skills, potentially including care for horses, riding instruction, and equestrian sport.
Drawing, Painting, and Sculpting:
Fine arts classes focused on traditional techniques in drawing, painting (oils, watercolours), and sculpting, fostering a love for artistic expression.
Theatre:
Courses in theatre arts, including the history of costuming, the art of playwriting, and the production of historically inspired performances such as madrigal dinner-theatres and mystery plays.
Traditional Domestic Arts:
Courses in broom-making, basket-weaving, candle-making, and soap-making, preserving the skills of historical domestic craftsmanship.
Herbal Health and Medicine:
Classes that explore traditional herbal remedies and practices, with a focus on using natural ingredients for health and wellness.
Heirloom Gardening and Heritage Farming:
Instruction in growing and maintaining heritage crops, preserving traditional farming techniques and heirloom plant varieties.
Barbering:
Instruction in traditional barbering skills, potentially led by M. Kozelek, with a focus on heritage grooming techniques.
Pottery:
Classes that teach the traditional art of pottery making, focusing on hand-throwing techniques and historical designs.
Foodways & Culinary Arts:
Courses that delve into traditional food preparation techniques, including cooking methods passed down through generations.
Continuation and Expansion of the Fellowship’s Work
The aim is to build upon the foundations laid by the Fellowship of Arts & Mysteries, Ltd., with the creation of a physical center of learning and a Christian community.
Establishment of a Brick-and-Mortar Center
A dedicated space for scholars to engage in Classical learning and traditional trades, fostering both intellectual and practical skills.
Formation of a Vibrant Faculty
A team of preceptors (schoolmasters, tutors) will guide scholars (students) in mastering the Seven Ancient Arts of Classical learning, which include:
The Trivium (The Three Ways)
Focus on Latin, languages (French, Classical Greek, Hebrew, Old English), dialectical and rhetorical skills (Logic, Apologetics, Hermeneutics, Speech, Debate), Literature, Poetry, Geography/Cartography, and the Rudiments of Theology.
The Quadrivium (The Four Ways)
Focus on Arithmetic (numbers in the abstract), Geometry (numbers in space), Music (numbers in time), and Astronomy (numbers in space and time).
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