In conjunction with the education for the deaf, the spiritual needs were always paramount. The initial purpose of education of deaf children was so they can read and write in order to understand the Bible. That was the driving force behind the effort to establish schools for the deaf. As a result, within a large deaf community, one would find a church like this one behind me. Churches would be established everywhere so deaf people could congregate to worship. Church services were done in sign language-- as well as weddings, funerals, and sermons. In fact, there were several deaf leaders who became preachers, ministers, and church leaders. For example, several NAD Presidents were clergymen themselves! Sign language helped those who have spiritual needs to connect with their creator, and it was also true for other religions in America. Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.