Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1950, Page 86

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86 Proceedings of the Forty-First Convention,

site was purchased by the Federation of Lutheran Churches of
Indianapolis for the erection of a suitable house of worship for Qur
Savior Congregation. Under God’s blessings the congregation con-
tinued to increase.

In June, 1947, building operations for the new church com-
menced. After much difficulty the building was finally dedicated
on October 3, 1948. It is considered to be one of the finest churches
of the smaller type in Indianapolis. It is built of Indiana limestone
and has a seating capacity of 300. It has an excellent basement,
a church office, and a meeting room. The cost of the edifice with its
furnishings was approximately $100,000. The Federation of Lu-
theran Churches of Indianapolis assumed $22,000 of the debt and
Our Savior Congregation the remaining $35,000.

The congregation has experienced wonderful growth since the
dedication of the new edifice. On June 1, 1950, it numbered 328
baptized and 216 communicant members. Its offerings amount to
about $7,000 a year. What the congregation needs now is a paro-
chial school. It is the prayer of all the members that God will
see fit to grant this request in the near future. The opportunities
for growth are tremendous in this particular mission field. There
are 70,000 Negroes in this city. Many are completely dissatisfied
with the sectarian churches: They are looking for a church that
will bring them the truths of God. By His grace we have His
true Word. What a challenge these colored in Indianapolis are
to our Church. May our Lutheran Church meet the challenge.

St. James, Louisville, Ky.

' he Rev. John Kutz, Vacancy Pastor

Work among the Negroes of Louisville was first begun in 1934.
The Rev. C. F. Spaude was appointed by the Federation of Lu-
theran Churches of Louisville and Vicinity to investigate the possi-
bility of establishing a church among the Negro population.

Since there were no funds available for the work at that
time, the Louisville Federation asked the Federation of Jackson-
Bartholomew Counties for financial help. This was granted. In 1936
Pastor Spaude was instructed to appeal for a candidate to do
this work.

In 1938 the Rev. L. A. Wisler, Secretary of the Missionary
Board, advised the Federation that it would have to finance the
mission and that the Board of the Synodical Conference was not
able to help at this time.

In 1939 the Rev. Carl A. Eberhard took over the work of the
mission, Some valuable contacts were made, and on July 9 the
first meeting was held at the home of Mr. James Gotier. Seven
were present. On July 29 Pastor Eberhard began the first instruc-
tion class at the home of Mrs. Lula Carter. Five were present.

This small group began to look for a public place of worship.
It was able to use the school formerly occupied by Redeemer Lu-
theran Church. This was located at 22d and Madison. The members
cleaned and painted the building and made it into an attractive
chapel. The first service in the chapel was held on January 28, 1939.
A class of four was confirmed on June 9, 1940, by Pastor Eberhard.

They decided to call the mission St. James Lutheran Church.

The group continued to worship at 22d and Madison until the