Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1950, Page 77

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Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference of North America. 1950 T7

“On October 4, 1948, the Rev. Martin E. Nees was commissioned
as the first missionary of our Church to the Negroes in Kansas
City, Kans. The missionary spent some time in preparation for his
work and explored the community of some twenty thousand
Negroes for the purpose of finding an opening for the establishment
of a Lutheran church in this community.

“On his recommendation the Mission Committee purchased
a large house on a street with good public transportation ‘in the
residential district of the Negro community. This house was re-
modeled to serve as parish house and chapel. It was furnished with
altar and pulpit, each with proper appointments. Pews and a chapel
organ helped much to lend.a churchly atmosphere. Funds for the
purchase and remodeling of this building were loaned by the
chapel fund treasurer. The cost was approximately $9,000.

“There was no Lutheran nucleus with which to begin the work,
only one communicant from St. Philip’s, St.Louis, made herself
known to us and since has proved herself as a loyal and consecrated
worker for her church. The first service was held on April 3, 1949.
A Sunday school was organized in May of the same year. A mem-
bership class for adults was organized immediately.

“A public dedication of Faith Chapel took place on June 26,
1949. Dr. Marmaduke N. Carter, Chicago, preached two powerful
sermons to overflow crowds that day. His service meant much
towards establishing community confidence in this new mission,
which from the time of its opening has carried the name Faith
Lutheran Church.

“On August 14 the first class of six adults were confirmed.
Two adults and one child were baptized. During December, 1949,
Faith Lutheran Church adopted a constitution and was organized
with four voting members.

“This new and small congregation prepared and adopted a
budget for 1950 according to which it assumed responsibility for
$35 a month towards home purposes. The congregation has con-
tributed $191 for home purposes and $57 for mission purposes
during the first four months of this year.

“Two more adults were added to the church in January, 1950,
one by Baptism, the other by confirmation. On Easter Sunday
seven children were brought to the Savior in Holy Baptism.

“Average church attendance is in the twenties, while Sunday
school attendance averages about twenty.

“Faith Vacation Bible School last summer enjoyed an enroll-
ment of 51 children. The church offers a weekday program of
supervised recreation and handcraft for the benefit of the young
people of the community. About thirty young people avail them-
selves of this opportunity. Faith church now numbers 12 com-
municants, 22 baptized members, and 5 voting members.

“It should be mentioned that the District purchased a residence
for the pastor at a cost of $9,000. The Lutheran Mission Associa-
tion and Auxiliary of Kansas City, Kans., have given much assist-
ance toward the establishment of Faith Church.”

Pastor Nees is doing an outstanding job in laying a good foun-
dation. The small group of members is taking an active interest
in the program of the congregation. With the Lord’s blessing Faith