# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1896_S53
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

of the Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference [*Synodalconferenz*] of North America. 1896. 53

4. Claremont. This station was gathered a year and a half ago from Negroes who had previously been connected with "St. John's Church," Pastor Prof. Dau. It numbers at present only eight souls, five communicants. The service is held in a small Negro schoolhouse, 2½ miles from Claremont. Without a small house of worship the mission cannot prosper here either. A building lot has already been selected and money enough collected in Prof. Dau's congregation to buy an acre of land. For $250 a chapel could be built.

5. Lexington. The small Lutheran Negro settlement near Lexington consists of 25 souls with nine communicant members. It is a remnant of the short-lived "Alpha Synod." The little congregation owns a plot of its own, given to them many years ago, but in a region where no Negroes live any more. The services are held now in the town, now in the country, and are attended on average by 25 hearers. Years ago we promised them a chapel, but we have not been able to keep our promise until now. Through this and through Meyer's apostasy these people have become very discouraged, and unless something is soon done for them, it is to be feared that the station will go under.

6. Salisbury. This is a flourishing town of 8000 inhabitants and the center of a considerable mission field. Missionary Meyer lived here. A congregation has not yet been organized. A number of young people receive catechism instruction. At the beginning of June the student Volkert began a weekday school, which is attended by 45 children. About 25 adults attend the weekday service. Through the school this station is entitled to the finest hopes. But only through the school and the young people, since the older ones mostly belong to the sectarian churches. The achievements of this young school, especially as regards reciting the catechism and singing Lutheran hymns, are excellent.

7. Rockwell. This station has been served from Salisbury for about a year. It numbers 33 souls with 18 communicant members. The services are held in a private house, where on average 40 hearers gather. The Sunday school numbers 35 children. A chapel for about $250 would be absolutely necessary.

8. Gold Hill. This congregation, which consists of 28 souls, 16 communicant members, whose services are attended by 50 hearers and whose Sunday school by 45 children, is likewise served from Salisbury. Nine persons are under instruction, and there is altogether a great deal of material for the congregation. The public schoolhouse for Negroes is the meeting place of the congregation. At any time it can be turned out of it. Hence here also a little church for $250 would be much to be desired.