The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1918, Page 62

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62

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The Lutheran Pioneer.

Letter from St. Mark’s, Atlanta, Ga.

Dear Eprror anD READERS OF THE “PIONEER” : —

It has been quite a while since you have heard
from St. Mark’s Congregation of Atlanta, Ga. We
are still here and doing nicely under prevailing con-
ditions. Although we are few in number, yet each
‘one is trying to let his or her light shine that others
may be constrained to come over to the Lord’s side.

While our little congregation has been working
zealously for the spread of the pure preaching of
God’s Word, it-has also been endeavoring to do its
bit for our Government, as true citizens of America.
The ladies of the congregation have organized a War
Savings Club. On the 28th of June this club in-
stituted a War Savings drive among the members
and friends. It secured pledges, and sold War Sav-
ings Stamps to the amount of $1,060.

Each house visited by the War Savings Com-
mittee is. not only asked to buy a War Savings
Stamp, but is also cordially invited to attend ser-
vices at St. Mark’s twice each week. In this way
our little mission is made known to many who never
heard of the Colored Lutherans of our city.

We sincerely hope that not only in Atlanta, but
wherever these War Savings clubs are organized,
they may prove a blessing in many ways. For our
people need to learn lessons in thrift and economy.
While we pledge to the support of our soldier boys
at the front, may we also pledge and give more for
the spread of the Lutheran Zion among us.

; Mrs. IsaBELLE ALSTON.

ft Teacher E. R. Vix. +

‘He whom our readers best knew as “Uncle Bob”
is-no more among us. He passed away from his
place of labor to the eternal rest on July the tenth
‘after an illness of little more than a week. The
immediate cause of his death we did not learn, but
we are inclined. to believe that it'was a general
breakdown. ‘The funeral took place on July the
twelfth, at 3 p.x1. Services were held at the late
home of the dear brother and at Zion Lutheran
Church.. Pastors Friedrich and Schliepsiek, both
of whom had been colaborers of the departed, de-
- livered the addresses. The choir of Mount Zion,

“which had been led for so many years by Teacher
Vix, assisted in the service. Interment was made

‘

in St. John’s Cemetery. Besides his faithful wife,
our dear brother’s death is mourned by a large fam-
ily of children, many relatives, and a host of friends,

Mr. Vix entered upon his work of teaching Col-
ored children in September, 1881, almost thirty-
seven years ago. Though a Southerner by birth,
being a native of New Orleans, he bore no prejudice
against the Colored people. On the contrary, I make
bold to say that the Colored race never had a truer
friend than “Uncle Bob.” Never were pupils more
kindly treated than were the children of Mount
Zion School by Mr. Vix during the thirty-seven
years that he taught there. The spiritual welfare
of his pupils was the chief concern of this good
man. Oh, how he did rejoice when he saw the
seed he sowed.bear fruit! How happy he was when
he saw in his pupils even the slightest indication
of the new life! How patiently he bore with the
wayward; how lovingly he lifted up the fallen;
and with what long-suffering did he go after the
lost sheep, seeking to restore it -
to the fold!

All those who worked with
“Uncle Bob” during the past
thirty-seven years will bear me
out in saying that a more zeal-
ous and faithful colaborer could
not possibly be fond. Not only
was he willing to do his share
of the work, but he was ready
to help others to do theirs. tTeacherE.R. Vix. +
Never will the writer forget the kindly counsel and
willing help Mr. Vix gave the young missionary
twenty-seven years ago, when he first launched out
upon’ the unknown work of the ministry. It was
“Uncle Bob’s” advice that helped him in many a
difficult case, and it was his ready help that came to
the novice’s assistance upon more than one occasion.

But our departed ‘brother was also an exemplary
father and husband. Oh, how he loved his home,
and what a pleasure it was for him to pass what-
ever time he could find in his busy life in the circle
of his loved ones ! Yes, wife and children will miss
his presence, his cheerful smile, and tender word.
Their loss will be even greater than ours; for he
was to them all he was to us, and much more be-

sides. May God comfort them in this hour of sad

bereavement, and sustain them in their great sorrow!
May He, who alone can give true and lasting com-
fort, be with them and us, and teach us to trust in
Him in these dark days of loss and sacrifice!

3 ' -F. J.

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