Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1950, Page 38

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38 Proceedings of the Forty-First Convention,

J. S. Montgomery, C. Peay, G. S. Roberts, R. F. Jenkins, R. E.
Neely, J. G. Lavalais, and E. H. Thompson.

This is a sawmill community, and most of the population is
transient. In the past the school was large and bore much fruit
for the church; but now it numbers only twenty pupils. We have
a membership of 72 souls, 24 communicants, and 3 voters. Most of
our members have moved away. The present active group is not
able to meet the pledged obligations. The year was started with
a deficit, which increases each month. E.H.TuHompson, Pastor

Pine Hill, Ala.

St. Peter’s Congregation was organized by Rev. J. S. Mont-
gomery in 1922, The church property consists of two acres of land
and a teacherage, which is at present being used for school and
church purposes. The chapel was destroyed by fire seven years ago.

This congregation is really in the backwoods on what was
once a main highway. There are 58 souls, 28 communicants, and
6 voters. The day school has 28 pupils and is taught by Clinton
Mason, a son of the congregation. He has declared his intention
to prepare for the holy ministry. The day school has really
served the purpose for which it was started.

In spite of the fact that the congregation is a very backward
one, and, because of conditions beyond its control, it cannot hope
to become self-supporting, yet there is something the church
can do. So this year the members decided to purchase their
church property from the Missionary Board and to remodel the
teacherage.

Like most Lutheran churches, St. Peter’s is surrounded by
other churches, and its growth in adult membership must depend
upon persons moving into the community.

E. H. Tuompson, Pastor
Tinela, Ala.

In 1917 a call was made to have a mission started at Tinela.
A pall of darkness was over this community. The people had never
heard the Gospel taught or preached in its truth and purity. In
answer to the cry of the people the Missionary Board sent a mis-
sionary. Services were held in an old, abandoned building, but
the response was encouraging. Regular Sunday school and preach-
ing services continued to be held, and instruction given to cate-
chumens. This continued until 1928, when Mount Olive Lutheran
Congregation was organized. Much opposition continued in the
community, and the going was not always easy, but the Word of
the Lord. had its effect. Hundreds of souls have ben enlightened
in the truth of God’s Word and have been brought to Christ. We
have a growing congregation, now numbering 54 souls, 29 com-
municants, and 9 voters. The day school, of which the pastor is
the teacher, has 27 pupils. The Sunday school has an enrollment
of 36. Preaching services and Sunday school are well attended,
and the Christian day school is bringing forth fruit. Some of the
graduates are now attending Alabama Lutheran Academy and are
preparing to be missionaries.

The congregation is paying ten dollars a month toward the
pastor’s salary and expresses willingness to increase the pledge
as the Lord prospers. J.S. Montcomery, Pastor