The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1916, Page 44

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44.

The Lutheran Pioneer.

After we had preached and taught for a while,
one, acting as the spokesman of the rest, said, “You
are leading us into the Scripture as| no other man
has done here, and are opening our eyes.. We have
the confidence that you are teaching us the Scrip-
ture truth. Only tell us what to do, and we will
do it.” Never have we had a class so willing to
learn, so attentive and punctual in attendance, as
this class in Rosebud. That the Word of God is
still a power unto salvation, that faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, and that
God saves to the uttermost them that penitently
and believingly hear it, was made evident to us
again and again.

The schoolchildren that applied for membership
were divided into three classes, according to their
grades, and each class received a period of cate-
chetical instruction every day.

On Palm Sunday, which had been set apart for
confirmation, the chapel was tastefully decorated
with fragrant roses, palms, and ferns, thanks to
the kindness of Mrs. J. L. Bonner, and it was filled
with worshipers. After the examination and the
sermon 49 adults and 21 children, 70 in all, eleven
of whom had been previously baptized, solemnly
promised to renounce the devil and all his works
and ways, to believe in the Triune God, and to be
faithful to Him and the Lutheran Church unto
death. Of those that applied too late to be received
on this day a new class of adults was formed, which
on Easter Sunday numbered 36. Since then a few
more have been added.

On Easter Sunday the chapel was again elabo-
rately decorated, and an audience estimated at 400
crowded into the sanctuary and the hall. Some
came from adjoining counties. The unbaptized chil-
dren of the members, together with a number of
others, ranging in age from six to eleven years,
who had received instruction during the winter,
were examined, and they gave a good reason of
the hope that was in them. Of this class 42, to-
gether with 5 babies, were added to the Church by
Baptism. Then followed the Easter sermon, the
confessional address, confession, and communion.

Without any intermission the entire audience
remained to witness the organization of the congre-
gation. The name “Christ Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Rosebud, Wilcox Co., Ala.” was selected.
A constitution, consisting of 18 paragraphs, was
read, explained at length, and adopted. Deacons,
other officers, and a committee to care for the aged,
sick, and needy were appointed. Regarding this

class of the Lord’s suffering poor we wish to say
in parentheses that it is the practise of many of the
dominating Churches here and elsewhere to place
on the “dead list”? members who are too old and
poor to contribute towards the expenses of the
church. From the time they are “dead-listed” they
are left to shift for themselves at a “poor dying
rate.’ To the Church they are dead. These, re-
gardless of whether they are Lutherans or not, —
we have only a few, — will be looked after by Christ
Church.

Rey. W. H. Lane was unanimously called to
temporarily supply the congregation. At the time :
of organization it numbered 117 baptized, 70 com-
municant, and 22 voting members.

The exercises of the day closed with a Chil-
dren’s Service. An Easter Program, consisting of
the recitation of the story of the Resurrection, songs
and declamations appropriate for the day, was ac-
ceptably rendered by the children, considering the
short time they had devoted to it. This Easter
service, which lasted five hours, will not be easily
forgotten by those that were present.

Had it not been for a severe case of bronchitis,
which made public speaking impossible for a time,
we would have remained in the “Black Belt” a few
weeks longer in order to put into active operation
two other stations, one five and the other sixteen
miles from Christ Church. Some work has been
done, and the outlook is as promising as at Rosebud.
At each station we have a few staunch Lutherans,
who, with the help of our literature, intend to
organize and conduct Sunday-schools during the
summer. Until more laborers can be sent, Rev.
Lane will occasionally provide them with the preach-
ing of the Gospel. E

On the day of our departure, at 6 o’clock in
the morning, a great surprise was in store for us.
Along the road, near the railroad station at Neenah,
members of Christ Church and a large number of
children were lined up waving us “Godspeed” and ~
a “God bless you till we meet again.” The parting
was touching. Tor this and other tokens of appre-
ciation and kindness sincere thanks are returned.
We invoke the blessing of God upon Christ Church
with all its members, and upon Rey. Lane and Miss
Young, to whom the care of the flock is now en-
trusted. y

Nor will we forget to remember in gratitude
Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Bonner, of Rosebud, under
whose hospitable roof we dwelt for nearly four.
months. May God be their exceeding great reward!