# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1896_S55
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

of the Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference [*Synodalconferenz*] of North America. 1896. 55

happened if the lodge in question were not so much in need of the five thalers. The acquisition of a lot and of a church or school would seem to be an indispensable necessity for further blessed work in Greensboro. If building really cannot yet be done, one should at least try to secure a lot, so that the people may gain more confidence in us. A very fine, conveniently situated lot of 120 by 160 feet could still be had now for about $600, but soon may not be had at all or will cost considerably more. The Negroes here are mostly industrious, quiet people and good material for a congregation. They have begun to collect for a lot. Besides the Sunday services the missionary also holds services during the week with catechism and singing instruction. The appointment of a second capable teacher would therefore be much to be desired, especially since the missionary has to be away a great deal. Missionary Schmidt has his residence in Greensboro.

12. Elon College Station, Trinity Church, 17 miles from Greensboro. The mission owns here 1½ acres of land and on it a little church of 25 by 32 feet, which cost $610 without interior furnishing. It is the only church in the place and an ornament for the whole region. The station numbers 30 souls, among them 10 communicants. The missionary baptized 15 persons, among them 3 adults, and confirmed 6 adults. 6 adults and 4 children are still under instruction. The services are attended on average by 28 hearers. The Sunday school numbers 23. In money $50.75 was received. Prospects for a weekday school would also be very good here, for 40 families live here with at least 100 children of school age. The Negro student Burthlong kept school here last year for a time with 20 children. The members of the congregation would also like to erect a school beside the church for about $150. They have planted the free ground beside the church with tobacco in order to buy a bell with the proceeds, but could probably be induced to use it for the school building. A school would also be very beneficial for the prosperity of the congregation.

Missionary Schmidt also preached until now in Springdale, 27 miles from Greensboro. Here there is a little church on the land of the Rev. Sam. Holt, hence called "Holt's Chapel," and also claimed by Rev. Holt as his property. Although he promised years ago, on the advice of our missionaries, to preach no more, he nevertheless seems to suffer from a chronic preaching fever, holds pulpit and altar fellowship with all enthusiasts [Schwärmer], and has so confused nearly all who held with us that they have withdrawn from us. Only two families have remained faithful to us. Since there is now no prospect at all of growth, and these two families have promised to move to Elon College, Springdale or Holt's Chapel was given up. Missionary Schmidt's assistant in his mission work was last