# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1904_S64
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

64 Proceedings of the twentieth convention

St. Louis. Missionary Thalley and Teacher McDavitt have for some time begun a mission station in St. Louis, have preached here and there and opened a Sunday school which is attended by 25 children. Whether this new station is to be continued further, whether a missionary of its own is to be appointed for St. Louis and a mission school founded, etc., the Commission for Negro Mission will have to decide shortly.

Concerning the Immanuel College, our preparatory school in North Carolina, Director N. J. Bakke reports as follows:

Two years ago the Honorable Synodical Conference resolved to establish preparatory schools for the training of colored preachers and teachers. This resolution has been carried out in North Carolina to the extent that a classroom in the congregational school at Concord was fitted up temporarily as sleeping, living and study room and an old Negro cabin in the school yard as kitchen and dining room. Only such articles as were absolutely necessary for the operation of the institution were procured. The undersigned, who was at that time stationed at Charlotte, was asked to take over first of all the direction of the school, retaining his mission stations Charlotte, Meyersville and Monroe.

On March 2 [printed "Marz"], 1903 the institution was opened with God's Word and prayer under the name Immanuel College. Five pupils were present at the opening. Later six more presented themselves, so that the number of pupils of the first semester was 11. Of these only 4 could pay the monthly board of $5.00. The hours of instruction have, however, been arranged so that the students had opportunity every day to earn some money by the work of their hands. In this way all bills could be paid at the close of the first term. Unfortunately one of these first ones had to be sent away on account of unchristian conduct, and two others were advised not to return, because they lacked the necessary gifts.

On September 14, 1903 the first full school year began. It was opened with a festive service in the church. The undersigned gave an address on Eph. 6:6 and sought chiefly to encourage the pupils to do the will of God from the heart, with good will, both inside and outside the schoolroom. Of the old pupils 7 were present; 2 new ones entered and shortly before Christmas 2 more came. In addition 9 girls from our congregations outside the city of Concord were admitted. They were placed in two families. From Concord and surroundings 12 girls presented themselves, who lived partly with their parents, partly with relatives. The total number of pupils thus came to 32. The average is 24. Since the opening 36 have attended the school.

Instruction has been given in the following subjects: