The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1907, Page 76

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16 The Lutheran Pioneer.

Mission at Conover, N. C.

Sunday, August 25, was a glad day for our mis-
sion at Conover. Heretofore we had only the small
public schoolhouse for worship and instruction, and
that was not always to be had. On the aforesaid
day our commodious new chapel was consecrated
to the service of the Triune God. Missionary W. H.
Lash, of Salisbury, conducted a service such as is
customary in consecrating churches. A beautiful
and appropriate dedication sermon was preached by
Prof. Ad. Haentzschel, of Concordia College, from
Rey. 3, 20. Following, Prof. J. S. Koiner preached
from Acts 20, 20. 21. 27, showing “the better way
in’ religion.”

Colored Lutheran Chapel in Conover, N.C. 7

About one o’clock there was a recess, and lunch
was served. Then Mr. Walter Bischoff, on request,
took a photograph of the chapel and the members
and visiting friends. Several members of our
Mount Olive congregation, which is some seven
miles east of Conover; were present, sharing in our
joy. Pastor S. S. Keissler was also a visitor.

In the afternoon, student Charles Reay, who has

completed one year in the theological course in
Immanuel College, preached a good sermon on
1 Tim. 2, 5. 6. He was followed by Pastor Lash,
who spoke very earnestly from Luke 18, 9—14.
At night, Prof. G. A. Romoser preached from 2 Cor.
10, 3—5. He showed very ably from the Holy
Scriptures that Christians must stand for right-
eousness, as does our dear Lutheran church.

The offerings amounted to over $6.00. ‘The
building is 18X35 feet, costing complete $238:00,
the cost of the lot being $25.00. One hundred dol-

lars of the cost were provided by our Mission Board.
The congregation now consists of three members,
who, with limited strength and means, are willing
to do all they can. We still need good seats, an
organ, and a bell.

Missionary Geo. Schutes, then at Salisbury, be-
gan preaching here once a month about five years
ago. His successor, Rev. Lash, continued these
services, instructed and confirmed two members,
one of whom died in the faith last year.

Mary Mobley, one of the members, teaches a
Sunday school. Most of the colored people here are
Methodists, but some are without church connec-
tion. A missionary stationed in this county could
work in two or three other towns. Our mission
here began with colored people who were Lutherans
before the Civil War. The slave bore his master’s
family name and often embraced his religion.

Tom Smyre was a slave child on Gen. George
Washington’s plantation when the father of his
country died. He was born in 1792. With others
he was brought to this part of the country in the
year 1803. As early as any one now living knows,
Tom was owned by Elias Smyre, a German Lutheran
in Catawba County, N. C. Later he belonged to
Cornelius Fry, son-in-layv of Mr. Smyre. Tom
could read and speak both German and English.
He was a devoted Lutheran, knew well our doctrine,
and was well acquainted with the Book of Concord.
In 1866 Revs. P. C. Henkel and J. M. Smith, by
authority of the Tennessee Synod, examined ‘om
as to his fitness to preach the Gospel and authorized
him to labor in the Word among the negro slaves.
We cannot-learn how long Tom preached, but he
became blind and then ceased to preach. He was
not an orator, but could preach the truth. When
quite old he recovered his sight and again enjoyed
reading his Bible, holding daily family worship,
and teaching the Catechism.

In 1882, for some months the writer preached
for the colored people at Conover, and taught a
Sunday school for them, assisted by his wife and
Mr: J. S. Shell. Uncle Tom Smyre was present at
some of the services, ninety years old. He died a
few years later. J. S. Korner.

Trav is not yet knowing the Gospel, if thou
knowest the teachings, and commandments, but
when the voice comes which says to thee that Christ
is thine own with His life, teaching, works, death,
resurrection, and all that He is, has, does, and is
able to do. — Luther.