# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1902_S70
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

70 Proceedings of the 25th General, or

-sand. Although various obstacles, some of them quite severe, such as
the illness of both pastors, stood in the way, the progress of their
joint work has nonetheless been a flourishing one.

"'In the northwest of London is the Immanuel Congregation, founded
by P. Schulze. It numbers 23 voting and 61 communicant members; it is
already self-supporting and raises the salary for pastor and teacher. In
the past three years this small flock, consisting mostly of bakers and
baker's journeymen, has raised the sum of £715.00 (= $3575.00) for its
own congregational budget. A chief obstacle to the mission here was the
lack of suitable congregational property. The congregation had until now
met in a room, rented at great expense, reachable only by a narrow, dark
passage, dimly lit by a skylight, and poorly ventilated, which the
Vice-President of the Eastern District, who visited us here on the
occasion of a visitation, aptly compared to the catacombs of ancient
Rome.

"'At last, after years of fruitless searching, the congregation has
succeeded in acquiring suitable property. The purchase may be called a
favorable one, not only because the location is quiet and respectable,
but especially because the congregation is not obliged, for the time
being, to undertake new construction, since the property — formerly a
private school, and consisting of two houses and a small chapel (20×40
feet) situated behind them — for now offers sufficient space for a
church and, eventually, a school as well, as well as for a parsonage and
teacher's dwelling. The whole comes, for a term of 39 years — it is only
so-called leasehold property, since land in London can for the most part
not be bought at all, or at least not be afforded — with the necessary
repairs, to £1050.00 ($5250.00). To accomplish this purchase, the
congregation had to take on a debt of £800.00 ($4000.00). It could, of
course, only do this on the strength of the promise of support already
given it at the last Delegate Synod — and so now, compelled by need, it
ventures to turn to the Honorable Synod with a corresponding petition,
and cordially asks all delegates to lay the cause of this mission truly
on the hearts of their congregations. This past Palm Sunday the new
church property was dedicated to the service of God. The prospects in
this area are favorable. The congregation is willing to sacrifice;
attendance at worship services has gratifyingly increased; adults also
take part in the Sunday catechetical instruction; every Wednesday
evening a doctrinal discussion is held for old and new members and those
wishing to become such, regularly attended by 20 to 30 persons.
Furthermore the congregation intends, God willing, to open a
congregational school this fall.

"'A second preaching station is found in South Tottenham, in north
London. It is served by P. Poch. Of