Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1950, Page 46

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46 Proceedings of the Forty-First Convention,

The Gulf Coast congregations contributed $100 from their mission
treasury; the rest is assumed by the congregation, the work having
been done largely by the members,

“A kindergarten department was set up immediately. It has
yielded about 40 for the day school and some 70 souls directly and
indirectly for the congregation. Aside from the grace of God, much
of this success must be attributed to the faithful labor of the
pastor’s wife, who spends much time and energy for this cause
and who receives only token appreciation for her work.

“The children are faithful in attending Sunday school and
church, all Sunday school pupils remaining for the services. The
current month’s average attendance of children under 12 is 52. —
As soon as they learn the meaning and blessedness of Baptism, each
says to his parents, ‘I want to be one of Jesus’ children.’ — The
next day after several little children had been baptized, a larger
boy ran to the pastor, saying, ‘I want you to baptize me next
Sunday.’ — And they are good contributors. Last year the Sunday
school gave $200 for African Missions and $36.40 for Mohammedan
Missions. The school paid its fair share toward purchasing
a_ washing machine (a project of the Gulf Coast schools) for
Alabama Lutheran Academy-College. They give at Easter for
field missionary expansion and at Christmas and in May for edu-
cational purposes.

“Generally, the adults are also true to the Lord. Often an
unusually large percentage of members commune publicly and
privately — 43 out of a possible 48! The offerings are on the
liberal side, and the attendance is very good.

“The result is: The present church is too crowded. The con-
gregation is ambitious enough to assume full responsibility for
a loan of several thousand dollars for larger quarters, while still
paying on an indebtedness on church and school.

“The ladies’ aid society is active, having procured a secondhand
organ and paid $82 on chairs, to say nothing of its labor of love
toward the sick, and other works.

“By and large, there is excellent co-operation of the non-
Lutheran parents of the school children. Said a mother, when
questioned as to the children’s becoming weak in catechumen
attendance: ‘The other churches were here before you all came.
I could have sent them there. But I put them where I wanted
them to be.’

“An officer of another church was threatened with the loss of
his position if he continued supporting our church and school with
his children. Forthwith he enrolled the third child in the school
and co-operates 100 per cent.

“‘When can you begin giving my husband and me lessons?’
asked the mother of one of the schoolgirls, as soon as she had
returned from the hospital after a severe siege of illness.

“A bright little girl wanted to be baptized. The parents, mem-
bers elsewhere, would not consent. In the meantime, a little boy,
who had just been enrolled in the kindergarten, accidentally shot
himself with his father’s pistol. When the afore-mentioned parents
heard that the lad had died without Baptism and that such a disaster
could happen even to their child, immediately they sent a note
to the teacher, signed by both father and mother, requesting that
the child be baptized.