The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1931, Page 37

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THE LUTHERAN PIONEER

37

TT

Buffalo, N. Y., preached the sermon, dwelling upon
the importance of the Sacrament of the Altar.

Thus the convention closed as it had opened —
in the name of the Triune God. Looking back, we
feel the convention was well worth while, profitable
and inspiring for all, pastors as well as local con-
gregations, and we are now looking forward with
keen anticipation to the next meeting, in St. Louis,
in June. God bless it, as He blessed this con-
yention. :

The following officers were elected: Chairman,
Pastor M. Carter; secretary, Pastor J. Fey.
E.R. P.

A Week’s Visit with Bethlehem Station
at New Orleans.

You say this is your first visit to New Orleans?
And you have never been in a colored Lutheran
church or school? Oh, I see. You have learned
much about the work our Church is doing among
my people through the Pronrer. Well, you are cer-
tainly most welcome.

Let us start for the church. No, not far. Just
three squares away. That wide street is Washington
Avenue. Here we are. That large two-story build-
ing in the middle of the block is our school. There,
at the corner of Dryades Street and Washington
Avenue, is our venerable house of worship. That
simple frame structure with its small cross atop the
old belfry has stood there for well over forty years.
There goes Mr. Bradley La Fourche, our sexton, to
ring the first bell. He has served the congregation
for a number of years, making fires, sweeping, tak-
ing the collection, and the like, but refuses to accept
any pay whatsoever.

No, Bethlehem has not had many changes in its
pastorate during the long period of its existence.
That is one of the many ways in which the Lord has
signally blessed our congregation. While other con-
gregations have been torn and alniost wrecked by
frequent changes of pastors, our congregation has
had but three pastors in over forty years. The first
missionary was Pastor August C. Burgdorf, who or-
ganized the congregation. Oh,. you know him

slightly? I think he is now in Chicago. The
second missionary was Pastor J. W. I. Kossmann.

He was the pastor by:whom I was confirmed. The
third is the present missionary, Pastor G. M.
Kramer, who has faithfully served the congregation

| for ‘nearly twenty-five years: In point of years of

gervice in the mission, Pastor: Kramer is the oldest ~

of the white missionaries. Incidentally, my mar-

riage was the first one that he, as a young pastor,
had the duty to solemnize.

See that old gentleman just entering the church ?
He is Brother Robert A. Dixon. Notice his at-
tractive head when he removes his hat. Doesn’t that
white hair of his adorn his head like a silver crown?
He'll be eighty-five next birthday and is the oldest
active Lutheran on our field. He sings from his
hymn-book’ without the aid of glasses. Rain or
shine, at Sunday or mid-week service, you will see
him in his pew.

You felt at home during the service? Yes, that
is true. A Lutheran congregation is a Lutheran
congregation regardless of race, color, or place

Rev. Aug. Burgdorf.

where it happens to be—the same sweet Gospel,
the same dear hymns, the same fervent prayers.
You say you liked our singing? Yes, we have quite
a large choir, twenty-two members at present. Oh,
you were especially pleased with the group of
singers you heard last? They are known as “The
Bethlehem Four.” While they are members of the
choir, yet they are quite distinct. The choir sings
our beautiful chorals, anthems, and hymns, but
“The Bethlehem Four? sing Negro spirituals as
well as other selections.

Our people enjoy the Negro spirituals im-
mensely. ‘There is every reason why they should.
The spirituals are the “sorrow songs” of the Negro
slaves, the groans and sighs of their heart when
they lay in the bonds of slavery with its misery,
ignorance, and degradation. . The words may seem
a trifle frivolous and childish at times, but their
sad minor strain and peculiarly sweet and tender x

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