The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1912, Page 37

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The Lutheran Pioneer. 37

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Uncle Bob’s New Orleans Letter.

Palm Sunday, glorious Palm Sunday! — The
ancients carried a palm branch as a symbol of vic-
tory; and, of course, such occasions were attended
with great rejoicings. There is, however, in all the
world’s history no parallel to the reception of Jesus
of Nazareth, the carpenter’s son, and yet King of
kings, when Jerusalem turned out to receive Him.
We must not forget that the ovation which He re-
ceived on that memorable Palm Sunday was given
in spite of the enemies; not secret enemies, but
known and so declared on numerous occasions.
Thus the Scriptures were fulfilled: “Tell ye the
daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh!”

Since that first Palm Sunday, the daughter of
Zion, the Christian Church, has never failed to
make it a day of great rejoicing. Following this
laudable custom, Mount Zion assembled, 235 strong,
to rejoice at the coming of her King. For her it
was indeed a day of great joy; 23 new members
were enrolled under the banner of her King. The
catechumens of this year made their solemn con-
firmation vow, promising allegiance to the Lord.
The church was beautifully decorated with potted
plants and palms and flowers. Prof. Wm. Scee-
berry’s choir rendered a beautiful anthem, and the
juvenile choir, consisting of a number of Mount
Zion pupils,.also gave a two-part hymn. With rapt
attention the congregation listened to the fine ser-
mon of Pastor Bakke and to his examination of the
catechumens. ‘I'o add 23 new members to Mount
Zion on one day is, indeed, cause for great rejoicing.
It was the largest class ever confirmed there.

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, services
were also well attended, the latter somewhat better
than the former.

And now we have come to Easter Sunday, the
gladdest day of all. Follow Uncle Bob! It is
8.15 A.M. Easter morning. The whirring alarm
clock sounds the time of rising. Soon a warm cup
of coffee is gulped down, and then Uncle Bob slips
into his best bib and tucker to reel off fifty-six blocks
to Mount Zion. My hope was to get a car that
I knew was due at my corner near 4 A. M., and I
was satisfied to make the last leg of the journey
afoot, which would have been fifteen blocks. But,
lo, my coach got away when there was only a hop,
step, and jump between us! The next car was not
due for an hour. Now “me and myself” held a
quiet consultation between us, and we both agreed
to foot it.

‘

The moon was shining bright, the stars twinkled ~
merrily, the dewy morn was Jaden with the sweet -

perfume of many flowers, and Uncle Bob stepped
briskly along Canal Boulevard.

As I was going along, the city lulled in sleep,
the events that led up to Calvary passed in quick
review before me. I was approaching the hour of
the rising sun; my journey continued and encom-
passed the time of the resurrected Savior. For the
first time in its history, Mount Zion had desired
a 5 A. M. service on Easter morning. Would the
innovation prove a success? Would our people
really turn out in force? Such were my thoughts
Easter Sunday morning.

When I had almost reached Mount Zion, its
bells rang forth joyfully that the Savior was indeed
risen. I hastened my steps, and reached the sacred
edifice as the organ pealed forth in grand harmonies
the Easter prelude. A splendid congregation was
already assembled, and from the throats of many
fellow-Christians sounded forth that grand choral:
“Awake, My Heart, with Gladness!” And, friend,
I joined them, because I, too, felt a gladness within
which only a resurrected Savior can impart,

Rev. Kramer and Rey. Bakke had exchanged
pulpits, the former preaching for Mount Zion and
Rev. Bakke for Bethlehem, specially for this 5 a. ar.
service. I was well repaid for my long walk. An
excellent sermon, telling us that Christ’s resurrec-
tion removes all doubts as to the truths of Chris-
tianity, and also all doubts as to our reconciliation
with God. The juvenile choir also treated the con-
gregation to a fine hymn.

This 5 A. af. service was an innovation, as I said
before; it will now be a fixture in the years to come,
as all went home delighted and satisfied.

At 10 a. a1, the children’s service began. In-
stead of the regular lessons, there was something
new this year. Tor the last two weeks before
Easter, the pupils were rehearsing a set program.
When the hour had arrived, the children were al-
ready assembled. Besides them, there was also a
sprinkling of the members. To the credit of the
children be it said that they acquitted themselves
splendidly. Indeed, the song service was so de-
lightful that, by special request, they rendered one
of the hymns in the evening service.

This latter service.is the main service in Mount
Zion. Tiverybody can come to this service: The

church was crowded with an audience of more than_

150 people. Prof. Seeberry’s choir rendered an
anthem of praise. The rendition of this anthem