# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1888_S38
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

38 Proceedings of the twelfth convention

to lead before the altar of the Lord, where they then made a glorious confession of their faith and the vow of fidelity.

There has been no lack of work for Missionary Bakke, who also has the St. Paul's Station to serve, and his assistant, Teacher Vix. According to the testimony of the physician, Missionary Bakke has a chest ailment, and a recuperation in a more northerly climate was absolutely required. He went to St. Louis for some months, hardly long enough to find a thorough cure. But he did not want to allow himself rest any longer, because Missionary Burgdorf, who was likewise overloaded with work as it was, had to perform a part of his work during his absence.

Thank God! the work of our brethren has also not been in vain. Among other things Missionary Bakke writes ("Missions-Taube," X, p. 42): "On the Sunday after Easter we had the great joy of examining, confirming and admitting to the Holy Supper, before a large assembly, this year's catechumens of the Mount Zion church, 7 boys and a girl. A part of these new fellow-combatants in the kingdom of God is a remnant and fruit of our work in the old, disreputable nest called 'Sailors' Home.' They made with us the unforgettable move from that building to the church on Franklin Street. Through their help parents and grandparents were won here for the Lord. They have attended no other school and no other church than ours. Neither among children nor parents did we this time meet with reluctance, as had otherwise been the case as soon as one began to speak with them about confirmation. Familiar from childhood with the doctrine and practice of our church, brought up at home by God-fearing parents and diligently kept to church and school, they were always devoted to us and had always given their teacher and pastor joy. They looked forward to the day of confirmation with joy. By their excellent answers and recitation of Bible verses they proved that they had enjoyed an excellent Christian education under Teacher Vix. Parents, indeed the whole congregation, were full of praise, and the strangers marveled that even children knew so much to say of the dear Savior and his doctrines revealed in God's Word. 'Oh,' said a woman to the missionary after the service, 'that I could send my children to your school too! For two years I have inquired here, but always got the answer, I come too late, the school is already full.'"

For quite some time the establishment of a second class in the Mount Zion school had seemed an unavoidable need and was already resolved by the Rev. Synodical Conference two years ago. Missionary Bakke himself already wanted to begin it, but we could never permit him this, for he would in a short time under the burden of work