# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1924_S53
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

of the Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference of North America. 1924. 53

48. Trinity, Selma, Dallas Co. (Founded 1919. Missionary: Eugen B. Cozart, since 1922.) In these two years the number of souls has risen from 12 to 51, the number of communicant members from 7 to 40. That is a wonder, when one considers that the colored sectarian congregations in this city own fine churches, while our services and our school have been held all along in a small, old board house that measures 20×30 feet and costs the "enormous" rent of $4 a month! Two women teachers taught 112 children last year in this small dwelling house. At times some children sat on the bare floor or squatted on the organ or sat on the laps of larger pupils. A building site and a modest building would cost about $3,500.

49. Hope, Kings Landing, Dallas Co. (Founded on 17 January 1924. Missionary: Georg A. Schmidt.*) In a few months Superintendent Schmidt has won here, despite opposition on the part of some whites, 33 souls and 24 communicant members. That is only the beginning! He cherishes great hope for this new place. The services are held in a schoolhouse that belongs to a Negro. About $1,000 is needed for a building site and a modest little church.

50. Pilgrim, Birmingham. (Founded 1923. Missionary: Isaak Holneß, since 1923.) The 38 souls, 29 communicant members and 10 voting members come from our country congregations in Alabama. Superintendent Schmidt speaks in enthusiastic words of the future of our Negro Mission in Birmingham. He thinks $7,500 to $10,000 would be needed if we were to erect a church and school.

51. St. John's, Joffre, Autauga Co. (Founded 1917. Missionary Paul J. G. Weeke,* since March 1924.) This congregation never had a resident missionary in its midst and was served only once a month. Since March there has been a service every Sunday. Attendance is better, and so are contributions. Souls: 37.

52. Bethlehem, Holy Ark, Autauga Co. (Founded 1922. Missionary: P. J. G. Weeke,* since March 1924.) Souls: 65. Communicant members: 34. These were all won since the last meeting of the Synodical Conference [Synodalkonferenz]. The beginning was made by Superintendent Schmidt under great difficulties and adversities. But the LORD has helped gloriously. The 29 confirmed members whom we had last year went to the Lord's Table 147 times during the year (each member on average more than five times). The congregation was the first in Alabama to give more than $400 a year for God's kingdom. Yet the people are not at all well-to-do. Last year I was invited with two white missionaries to supper at a family that owns the best house in the whole sandy district; but for the three of us there was only one teaspoon in the house. — The members are heartily thankful for the church and school that were given to them in the spring ($1,000).

God has given us for the promising Alabama field a small band of fine mission workers whose equal is to be sought in the whole world. A young man from St. Louis, who spent a few days in Alabama, said to me: "I had to pinch myself several times to see whether I was dreaming or whether what I saw and heard was reality."