It is claimed that public schools have: the greatest potential in the development of character and personality, and the ability to offer a comprehensive preparation for life.
The Loretto sermons of the late Mr Allan Ramsay Smith, who was headmaster from 1908 till 1926, show that for him, a scholar and sportsman, public school tradition was but a stage in a progress - to service in the larger life for the boy growing to manhood.
"We must learn here to work hard; to confront sin with courage; to shield ourselves with faith in God's high purpose; to guard ourselves by being true to what we think .
Thus concludes a 1908 address, in which courage (which every boy is quick to appreciate on cricket or football field) is shown as independent of the applause or ridicule it may bring.
A kindred theme is expressed in a later discourse where that, admission of fears is shown to be a step towards their conquest: "You cannot be honest with yourselves without courage.
Mr Smith's style "has charm and winning persuasiveness, and is often graced by the happy use of picturesque metaphor, as for example in an address on the theme, "Traditions are not enough," where there occurs the illustration: — "Often I have found a path across a moor which because many have trodden on it, has become wet and slippery; and the wise pedestrian , if he is sure of his direction, will go more safely if he walks a little way from it."
The war - as might be expected when one recalls the school's fine record of service— gave Mr Smith many themes from which a high moral is drawn, and the titles, "The Cloud of Witnesses", "Patriotism", "Liberty" show how the terrible conflict could yield its peaceable fruit; there is also a notable sermon on Matthew xxvi, 7, delivered on the completion of the war memorial in Loretto chapel.
The discourses were not written for publication, but it is certain that a wide usefulness opens for thorn in volume form; and thus, too, they will serve as a fragrant remembrancer to many Lorotto boys of the headmaster , whose " Layman's Sermons " were both inspiration and benediction to them in their school days.
Smith was succeeded as headmaster by another Scotland international rugby union player James Greenlees.
It takes the form of a two leaf door of oak, installed at the west end of the school chapel, and is very much in keeping with this old and picturesque edifice.
An exquisitely carved atone tablet placed on the dovecots in the orchard was the first memorial to the late school headmaster.