The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1913, Page 59

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The Lutheran Pioneer.

59

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a Christian day-school opened, which in a short
time increased to such an extent that an additional
“teacher had to be called, and a small congregation
* was organized. ‘The Lord signally blest the labors
of His servants. After a few years, Rev. Berg re-
signed to accept a call to a white congregation.
The work, however, was continued with various de-
grees of success by missionaries and students. But
in 1896, for some reason or other, the mission so
auspiciously begun was entirely abandoned and the
property sold. On the grounds where the Lutheran
_ chapel once stood, beautiful residences have been

conducted in the house of Mr. Bosley, one of the
members, and are fairly well attended.

The writer has spent some time in Little Rock
looking into the religions condition of the colored
people with a view of resuming active mission work.
After so many months of confinement and inac-
tivity it was a pleasure to be able and permitted
to preach again on Sundays and make some mis-
sionary calls. From personal observation, as well
as from information gathered by interviewing prom-
inent colored laymen and ministers of reliable re-
pute, he has come to the conclusion that Little

Field Secretary Bakke and Somo of the Members of St. Paul’s Colored Lutheran Church, Little Rock, Ark.

built, and the dividing line between the white and
colored population has been moved.

But the congregation did not die with the de-
parture of the last missionary and with the sale of
the church property. Some, it is sad to relate,
strayed away, and connected themselves with other
churches, but there was a remnant — three families
and a few single persons, among them Mrs. Branch-
ford and Aunt Jones, who joined the church at the
time of Rev. Berg — which continued to adhere to
the Lutheran Church and its confessions. For
years this little flock was under the fostering care
of the German Lutheran church and its pastor, the
Rey. Ad. H. Poppe, to whom much credit is due for
keeping up the good work. Now services are being

Rock is still a very good field for missionary work.
Undoubtedly the Mission Board will take steps in
the near future to place a missionary here and
build a chapel.

May God, who never forsakes those who put
their trust in Him, answer the prayers of His people,
bless, encourage, and strengthen them in the work
of upbuilding His Church! N. J. BAKKE.

“Tire blood of Christ is the life of Christ; and
slife alone can cleanse from death.”

“Tp we wish fellowship with one another, there

is one sure way to get it; have fellowship with -

Christ.”