Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1950, Page 52

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52 Proceedings of the Forty-First Convention,

St. Matthew’s, Oakfield, Fla.

Pastor: Wm. G. Kennell Baptized Membership: 47
Teacher: Mary Lee Bodley Communicant Membership: 15

St. Matthew’s Congregation is located 6 miles north of the
regular Pensacola congregation. One Lutheran family lived in this
community when work was begun, and this one Lutheran family
was itself the result of the Pensacola pastor’s work. The day school
at Pensacola was instrumental in interesting the other families in
the Lutheran Church. In 1947 the congregation was organized,
two acres of ground were bought, and an Army house was erected.
This building now serves as combination chapel and school. Oppor-
tunities for growth are present, although, being a rural community,
the rate of progress will naturally be slow. Attendances are good
at both Sunday and midweek services. Practically all attending
the church services are also present for the preceding Sunday
school service.

Jehovah, Pensacola, Fla.
Pastor: Wm. G. Kennell Baptized Membership: 270

Teachers: Gertrude Irby Communicant Membership: 111
Nancy Dale Helena Champion

Work in the Pensacola area was begun in 1928 in a small house.
In 1931 the present land was bought, and in 1935 the present build-
ing erected — the typical L-shaped combination chapel and school.
Today one would scarcely recognize the buildings.

God has richly blessed the congregation. Adult classes are
always in progress, although the work is more of a slow and
steady type than one of sudden growth. The congregation has
a newly erected two-room block school building as well as a 16x 48
Army house. 115 children make up the grades from kindergarten
to the eighth grade. The kindergarten teacher, who also takes care
of the Primary department, receives remuneration from the church
through its kindergarten. The other two teachers receive their
salary from the Missionary Board.

In 1949 the chapel-school was remodeled and made into
a chapel. This now provides seats easily for 100. The average
Sunday attendance has been around the 100 mark. Of great
encouragement is the Sunday school, which has an enrollment of
about 175 and an average monthly attendance of about 115. The
April figures showed an enrollment of 190 and an average attend-
ance of 142. The Sunday school led the field in 1949 with an
African Mission offering of $500, and it appears that it will remit
the same amount in 1950.

The present handicap is that the pastor, because of so many
other duties, cannot give the congregation the time he desires.
Many calls could be made among school children, Sunday school
prospects, etc., if more time would be at his disposal. And yet
the work shows progress.

Another church on the West Side would be a great advantage.
Here is a populated section from which we could draw many a child
and many an adult. The congregation has been searching for
a suitable piece of property, but has so far been unsuccessful.
With the continued blessings of God, the future should show much
growth in such sections as Maysville, Mobile, and Pensacola.