The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1933, Page 132

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132

THE LUTHERAN PIONEER

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a chair, placed in the main aisle of the church,
directly in front of the altar. My dear readers,
I shall refrain from describing the expression on
Mr. Seeberry’s face, the stare of surprise at the
whole loyal congregation, and the look he gave Mz.
Berger, who substituted for him as organist for the
night. There was a little burst of laughter, which,
however, was soon hushed by the singing of an ap-
propriate hymn, which was followed by another one.

Then we had our regular order of service and
a soul-inspiring sermon by Pastor E. H. Wildgrube.
His text was based on Ps. 103, 1. 2: “Bless the
Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless
His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and
forget not all Tis benefits.” Pastor Wildgrube said
that his coworker, like David, had been showered
with blessings and should therefore join David in
his song of praise and thanksgiving.

He further stated that he as pastor and we as
a congregation had gathered to thank God for the
many gifts and benefits which He had bestowed on
our congregation through Mr. Seeberry during his
twenty-five years of service in our school.

At his installation twenty-five years ago God
was asked to give Mr. Seeberry these gifts: His
Holy Spirit, wisdom from on high, and lastly
strength and courage. God bestowed these gifts on
the jubilarian; for our dear teacher has been the
means of winning many souls for Christ’s kingdom.
Pastor Wildgrube admonished the parents to send
their children to a Lutheran school, where they are
shown the way to salvation, where the Word of God,
both Law and Gospel, is explained to them, and
where they learn to love their Savior. In conclusion
Pastor Wildgrube asked the Lord to bless the labors
of his coworker and make him a blessing to many
immortal souls. The sermon was truly edifying and
to the point. Mrs. Falcon then sang “I’ve Done
My Work” with all the feeling that was in her clear,
melodious voice.

Now for the history. Superintendent Kramer

spoke of a little boy’s birth, birthplace, and the-

various schools which he attended. “That little boy
is the man who sits before you to-day.” Having
attended Southern University and New Orleans
University, Mr. Seeberry received a good teacher’s
training from the efficient Pastor F. J. Lankenau,
who to this day is very dear to him, an instructor,
who he says, is greatly responsible for his being
“a stickler for Lutheran doctrines and truths.” The
jubilarian finished his studies at Luther College and
graduated with high honors.

Mr. Seeberry was installed almost at the same
time as Pastor Kramer and has served St. Paul’s
since. In conclusion Rey. Kramer read a letter of
congratulation addressed by the Mission Board to
Mr. Seeberry. He then extended his personal grect-
ings and best wishes.

Now, dear readers, I must not forget to tell you
that Mr. Seeberry listened patiently to the render-
ing by his own choir of an appropriate anthem
chosen by Pastor Wildgrube for the occasion and
accompanied by Mr. A. V. Berger.

Rev. Wildgrube, pastor of St. Paul’s presented to
Mr. Seeberry a gift of the Mission Board, and Mr.
Frank Francois, 2 member of St. Paul’s, addressed
Mr. Seeberry in glowing terms and handed him the
gift of the congregation.

After bearing up bravely through all these words
of admonition, encouragement, and praise, and the
presentation of gifts, solo, and the constant gaze of
every grateful enthusiastic member, Mr. Seeberry
rose and expressed his gratitude for the love shown
him. He was visibly affected. THe showed himself
a humble and grateful servant of the Lord. “Yes,”
he said, “I am grateful to my Lord for His many
blessings; I am grateful to the venerable Mission
Board, which has at all times encouraged me
throughout my twenty-five years of service; I am
grateful to Superintendent Kramer, to the various
pastors of St. Paul’s, to my coworkers, to St. Paul’s
Congregation, and to the Ladies’ Aid Society for
supporting me so loyally in my work among the
children. My work here has afforded me great
pleasure. I have had my little ups and downs; we
all have them. But, dear friends, I have tried to be
like a hunter—the more elusive the game, the
greater the hunt. Let me say to all present, super-
intendent, pastor, coworkers, parents, and children:
My ups and downs fade into utter insignificance
compared with my pleasures and blessings.”

The memorable service concluded with the sing-
ing of “The Lord hath Helped Me Hitherto.”

Now followed a general handshaking and well-
wishing. Each member present walked up to our
faithful, patient, and devoted teacher and expressed
his or her personal good wishes, and the congrega-
tion as a whole wished him God’s choicest blessings.
Yes, we all join David in saying: “Bless the Lord,
O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy
name.”

Greetings to you, dear readers! S.LR.

Nore. —The Editor adds his hearty good wishes and

prays God to grant his former pupil yet many years of
useful labor.