The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1926, Page 37

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36

THE LUTHERAN PIONEER.

Dedication of the Colored Lutheran
Chapel at Los Angeles.

“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in
our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath
made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now,
I beseech Thee, O Lord, O Lord, I beseech Thee,
send now prosperity.” ‘These inspiring words of
Ps. 118 formed the text of a fine sermon preached
by Rev. A. M. Wyneken of Long Beach, Cal., on the
afternoon of January 17, at the dedication of our
colored Lutherans’ beautiful chapel at Los Angeles
to the worship of the Triune God. “Rejoice,” the
speaker said, “that another Lutheran church is dedi-

Scripture-lesson was read by Rey. Aug. Hansen, sec-
retary of the mission board and vice-president of the
California and Nevada District. Trinity choir,
under the direction of Mr. Dankworth, rendered an
edifying anthem. The whole assembly then sang
“T Love Thy Zion, Lord,” whereupon the dedicatory
form was read by the pastor, Rev. John McDavid.
A second prayer, offered by Rev. J. W. Theiss, fol-
lowed the sermon. Then Rev. G. A. Smukal, chair-
man of the mission board, addressed the congrega-
tion, congratulating the members on the lovely
edifice and upon the promising outlook for growth
and impressing upon them the blessed duty of con-
secrating themselves to God. The benediction was

St. Paul’s Chapel, Los Angeles, Cal.
Inset: Rev. John McDavid.

cated to-day; rejoice that it is to minister to the
needs of our colored brethren; rejoice at the mar-
yelous way thg Lord has brought this day about;
rejoice that, in spite of all difficulties, you may in
His name step forth boldly into the future; rejoice
that you are privileged as His instruments of grace
and mercy to bring your gifts and offerings for
His cause!”

This was indeed a day of great joy and thanks-
giving particularly for our colored Lutherans, but
also for their white brethren, who celebrated with
them. Long before the dedicatory service began,
crowds had gathered at the door. Nearly 400 people
were present, among them twelve ministers and the
mission board of Southern California. After the
opening hymn, “Now Thank We All Our God,”
a prayer was offered by Rev. G. H. Theiss. The

pronounced by Rev. A. E. Michel of Trinity Church,
and the service was closed by the singing of the
Doxology. Collection at the service, $300. ‘The
undersigned, who was privileged to be present at the
dedication, must say that it was beautifully expres-
sive of glad gratitude to the Giver of every good
and every perfect gift, who graciously blesses His
children with His Word and salvation, and also of
joyous confidence with regard to the future.

At a later service, held on the same evening in
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Orange, Cal. (Rev. A.
C. Bode), more than 600 persons were present.
Rev. McDavid preached from Ps. 87, 1—3. Two
hundred dollars were collected. On Monday eve-
ning Rey. J. W. Theiss, the former pastor, preached
at the chapel on Ps.26,8: On Tuesday evening
another service was conducted there, in which Rev.