# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1904_S58
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

58 Proceedings of the twentieth convention

division in the school. The school closed this year with 75 children. "It is now going significantly better," writes Missionary Schmidt, "than in my first years with regard to gross lapses into sin, church discipline, attendance at the services and the use of the Holy Supper, collections, etc. God's Word has not been preached in vain. One notices inward growth. Growth outward is not much to be expected here, since almost every Negro in the city is a member of a church. Instead of the Sunday school we have introduced regular catechetical instruction. May the gracious God grant that we make further progress inwardly and outwardly. Perhaps it would not be uninteresting to remark further that, although wages here are lower than in other cities, even here in North Carolina, yet 14 of our families own their own homes, in part free of debt."

The station Sandy Ridge is also served by Pastor Ph. Schmidt. Since the organization at Sandy Ridge (in July 1902) there have been here 5 children and 1 adult baptized, 9 adults confirmed, 2 couples married and 1 buried in Christian fashion. One member we lost through removal; on the other hand 12 souls who were dismissed from sister congregations were received. 97 communed. The receipts amounted to $65.82. The congregation now numbers 38 souls, 26 communicant and 7 voting members. During the last two years a loss of 2 souls was matched by an increase of 26 souls. The small congregation has bought 2 acres of land and in addition has collected $45.00 among themselves and is now about to build a chapel, and intends shortly to celebrate a joyful church dedication.

Charlotte and Meyersville. The mission workers there are Pastor Theo. Buch and a Mr. Reid (Negro), who keeps school. The congregation has been much disturbed, some years ago, by the fact that the Negro pastor Phifer, who formerly belonged to us, left it and founded an opposition congregation. The number of souls in the congregation comes to 54; of these 27 are communicant and 8 competent to vote.

In the school Mr. Reid (Negro) has worked since Teacher Persson's transfer, and indeed with great diligence and great faithfulness. Although in this school year no shoes and clothing were given away, school attendance was fairly regular. To be sure the children often came in very poor clothing, but they came all the same. And they have also learned. Teacher Reid in particular has understood how to instill in the children love for biblical history and for the catechism, which will be of great benefit to these children, whether they join us later or not. The number of pupils was 76.

Missionary Buch writes among other things: "Since last summer I have served the two stations Charlotte and Meyersville. As almost everywhere, so here in Charlotte too the field of work is a difficult one. Every Negro belongs, at least in name, to some church, even if for years