The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1918, Page 70

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70 The Lutheran Pioneer.

to raise and replace the prostrated building on its
foundation, and make the necessary repairs. Owing
to the disastrous fall it sustained in that storm, it
never stood up as firmly as it had before, but like
a cradle it rocked to and fro in severe storms. In
time it became evident that it was getting more and
more dangerous to seek shelter under its roof, even
during a moderate wind-storm. On two occasions,
during school-hours, when the wind struck the
church, there were heard such rattling sounds as
though every board were falling off the building;
the children were thrown into a panic. It was
thought, after these experiences, to be better to dis-
miss the school when signs of a coming storm w ere
seen, to avoid any more panics.

On the 18th of June, when a storm passed over
our section, damaging and demolishing many stores,
halls, and dwellings of our town, our chapel was
again seriously damaged. ‘Though not swept olf its
foundation this time, yet it is in a very dangerous
condition — twisted and leaning to the west side,
the torn roof allowing the rain to come in in tor-
rents, and apparently awaiting the next severe wind
to utterly destroy it.

When the Mission Board bought the lot for the
church, there were many empty lots - facing the
church lot. One of these was believéd to be the
public thoroughfare. But unfortunately this was
a mistake. These empty lots have all been built
upon, and our church is now cut off from the street.
This situation has made it impossible for us to
reach our church by means of a public outlet. For
want of an outlet to our church we were compelled
to beg a passage of the people through their yards.
By this means our members are afforded a passage
to our church. But it is a poor arrangement for
visitors and strangers who wish to visit our services,
and who are not acquainted with the obscure past
to our church.

But the saddest news, dear readers, we have to
tell you is coming now. Listen! You know what
is the prime object of our parochial school. You
know how much stress and importance we Luther-
ans place upon it. Many of you have been brought
up in it. The voice of warning given by a teacher
or a pastor is still thundering in your breast, telling
you to. flee from evil influences and profane lan-
guage. What a pity, right before the door of our
school our city authorities have established the “red
light district.” It is sad, indeed, that our school-

children must have constantly before them such im-

a ;moral influences and hear the low, common, and

profane language of these prostituted inmates.
Some parents refuse to send their children to our
school as long as our school continues in this locality.
Do you blame them, dear readers? Would you not
do the same? But remember, dear readers, to move
would require us to secure a new lot. Will you help
us to do so? God grant that you will. If you help
us to raise a sufficient fund with which to secure
a new lot and erect a new chapel, you will have also
helped us to solve another difficult problem which
confronts us; namely, the need of a cemetery.
A cemetery has become an urgent need with us.
There are no city cemeteries in which our people
can be buried. Years ago our people were allowed
a burial-place on plantation cemeteries; but now
this is no longer allowed. ‘The old church lot, how-
ever, would serve admirably for a Lutheran cemetery.

Now, dear readers, we have told you our sad
story. Will you not come to our aid?

C. P. Tostpson.

- 7m _

Good News from Napoleonville, La.

Our long silence has undoubtedly caused us to
be forgotten by most of the readers of the PIONEER.
But we are still here on Bayou Lafourche, and
are working hard for the Master.

Sunday, July 7, three members were confirmed,
Lillian Head, Ernest Harris, and Eddie Nelson.
They had been duly instructed by Pastor C: P.
Thompson and in their public examination answered
the questions put to them correctly and promptly.

Our little church was well filled on this special occa- /

sion, and you cannot imagine how glad and thankful
we were to God for adding three more souls to our
little congregation. We take great pleasure in tell-
ing you of our rejoicing, because we want you to
rejoice with us and help us in praising and thank-
ing the Lord for the kindness and goodness shown
to us.

Our service on this particular Sunday was much
beautified by the tones of a splendid organ which we
had just received from our dear friends, Mr. and
Mrs. Sonneborn, members of Rev. H. W. Rabe’s
church, Warsaw, Ill. We highly appreciate this use-
ful and handsome gift, because we were badly in
need of an organ. The organ was untouched until
Rey. C. P. Thompson dedicated it to the service of

the Lord. We heartily thank the donors for their ~

welcome present.

The boys have come home from Iuther College 3