The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1931, Page 38

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_ Why? Oh, all talking at

38 THE LUTHERAN PIONEER

Rev. G. M. Kramer.

melody seldom fail to touch the heart. Who can
hear “Steal Away to Jesus” or “Swing Low, Sweet
Chariot” without responding to their touching ap-
peal? Do we cherish them? Indeed, we do. We
hold them dear as a precious heritage bequeathed to
us by our forefathers. When we sing them, we are
reminded of their unhappy lot. ‘The Negro spir-
ituals are the only original American folk-songs.

All the other folk-songs, as those of the Germans, ~

the Scotch, and other nations, have been imported
to our shores.

Have we other organ-
izations within the con-
gregation? Oh, yes. You
see, the faculty of our
school consists of four
members. In order that
more effective work might
be done by them, the con-
gregational activities of
our teachers have been
departmentalized. There
is first the ladies’ aid.
They meet this Tuesday
evening. Would you like
to drop in? Good. Vl
introduce you. You say
you would have known it
was a ladies’ meeting?

once. Never fear. I would mention what you
said. I agree with you anyway. That young lady

sitting at the teacher’s desk is Miss Bernice
J. Craig, who teaches our third and fourth grades.
She was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts
by Straight College last May. When the task of
organizing the ladies’ aid was assigned to her,
she worked strenuously, “rounding up” the
ladies at night and in the rain. They were
organized last October; membership, twenty-five.
The society rewarded Miss Craig by making her its
first president. At the close of their first meeting
they accorded her a rising vote of thanks “for doing
for us,” as one member expressed it, “what we have
been long trying to do.” How do I know? Oh,
I was listening behind the door. Their activities
and objectives are many, and they have accom-
plished much during the few months of their or-
ganization.

The choir and “The Bethlehem Four” you heard
last Sunday night. As you saw me directing the
singing of both, you gathered, of course, that T must
be in charge of the department of music and sing-
ing. You would like to see us in action? Let’s go.
We meet this Wednesday evening. That man sit-
ting alone on the front bench is Mr. Albert Simpson.
He is chairman of the congregation, financial sec-
retary, and member of the choir and of “The
Bethlehem Four.” Another spiritual, you say?
We’re agreeable, if they’re all here. Let me sce.
Yes, there’s Miss Alberta Bloom, Miss Hilda Ware,
Mr. Albert Simpson, myself. We'll sing “Will the
Lighthouse Shine on Me?” Thanks; it’s very kind
of you to pay us that high compliment.

Bethlehem Chapel and School.