The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1921, Page 3

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The Lutheran Pioneer. 3

Rey. N. J. Bakke, who had been with us, had guided,
advised, encouraged, and comforted us for so many
years, spoke his farewell address to the mission-
aries and friends here. ‘Che services were held at
St. Paul’s Chapel, Oak Hill, and were well attended
by both white and colored. Rev. Bakke based his
address on Acts 20, 32, and commended the brethren
and members to God, to the Word of His grace, and
to the care of the Lutheran Chureh. During the
delivery of the sermon there was scarcely a dry eye
in the entire audience. After having had such a
missionary and friend with us for so long, it was
rather hard to sce him leave us and our field, and
that, not for a short time, but for always. We, how-
ever, realize that God directs all things for the good
of His kingdom, and therefore we believe that Rev.
Bakke, in his new field, can labor to better advan-
tage for the spreading of our Lutheran Zion among
the many millions of America’s black citizens who
are sitting in spiritual darkness and ignorance.
We therefore pray that God’s richest blessings may
crown his labors.

After the service the missionaries sprang a sur-
prise on the venerable worker by holding a short
celebration commemorating his fortieth anniversary
of uninterrupted missionary activity among the
Negroes of the South. ‘This celebration was also
very touching. When the chairman, Rev. Peay, an-
nounced that we were about to celebrate the fortieth
anniversary of our esteemed Superintendent, the old
soldier of the Cross could not refrain from shedding
tears, and neither could the audience. During the
celebration the following persons spoke on some
phase of the veteran’s work among the Negroes:
Mr. Jas. McBryde of St. Paul’s Congregation gave
a brief response to the sermon; Rev. G. A. Schmidt,
the new Superintendent of the Alabama Field, spoke
of Rey. Bakke as a missionary, the writer spoke of
him as an educator, and the Hon. J. I’. Dale, of Oak
Till, brought some touching reminiscences of the
first days of Rev. Bakke in Alabama. As a filting
climax to the occasion the Rev. M. N. Carter pre-
sented to the celebrant a fine gold watch as a token
of appreciation for the many years of unselfish ser-
vice in the Master’s vineyard. ‘Chis watch was a
present given by all the missionaries of the Negro
Mission, ranging from New York to New Orleans.
Rev. Bakke then expressed his appreciation of, and
thanks for, the words spoken by the various persons,
for the letters of congratulation from the New
Orleans Conference and St. Paul’s Congregation of
New Orleans, and for the token which he held in

his hand, commended us to God, and with a hand-
shake and a blessing took leave for his new home
in Milwaukee, Wis. We all wish for him many
more years of health and happiness. ‘Though he is
gone, he will never be forgotten, neither on this nor
on any other field where he has labored.

On October 7 our Pastoral Conference held its
monthly meeting at Rosebud as the guest of Rev.
Carter. The entire day was spent in the trans-

-action of business pertaining to our work here. We

all went home feeling that the day had been profit-
ably spent. It might be mentioned that Rev. Carter

Superintendent G. A. Schmidt.

treated the Conference to a good “feed,” which all
enjoyed. Revs. Westcott and Jas. Montgomery were
received as members during the session.

For the ‘last. three years our chapel at Buena
Vista has been without an altar or lectern. Who
will be kind enough to donate one or both? Ship
same to the undersigned at Corduroy, Ala., and send
notice of shipment to his address, R. 3, Box 55,
Camden, Ala. — Speaking of Buena Vista, we need
a bell there also: and while we are at it, we might
add that an additional room is a crying need there.

_ At the present time the schoolchildren are packed

in the chapel like sardines in a box. And to aggra-
vate matters. /wo teachers are working there every
day. Can you imagine it, two teachers in one room
about 20X30? I know you will not allow that