This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand -- People who do things move -- the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune -- "LET'S GO."
Janitor's Salary ......... $1,449.00
Gutters for Janitor's Home 94.50
City Tax ................. 41.70
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Total .................... $1,585.20
Sisters' Salary ........... $2,800.00
School Coal Bill in part... 69.34
Electricity................ 51.90
Water Rates ............... 59.50
Books for Poor Children.... 34.80
Repairs to Windows......... 35.00
Painting and Window Screens 153.71
Repairs to Radiator ....... 10.00
Brooms. Floor Oil, etc .... 97.40
Repairs to Boiler ......... 4.32
Erecting Shed behind school 75.00
----------------------------------------
Total ..................... $3,390.97
Coal ...................... $115.59
Half of Gas / Electric Bill 80.18
Water ..................... 14.55
Insurance ................. 68.00
Shrubs for Lawn ........... 30.10
Hot Water Coil for Boiler . 12.00
Boiler Repairs ............ 20.28
Wash Machines Repairs...... 38.12
Window Repairs............. 20.00
Coal Stoker RepairS........ 2.60
-----------------------------------------
Total ..................... $401.42
Coal ...................... $142.09
Gas ....................... 51.53
Electricity ............... 44.00
Water ..................... 12.95
Telephone ................. 5.00
Insurance ................. 43.14
Windows ................... 68.00
Plastering ................ 5.00
Painting & House Cleaning . 42.00
Electric Fan .............. 12.35
House Linens .............. 54.88
Kitchen Utensils .......... 19.11
-----------------------------------------
Total ..................... $563.05
Improving / Renewing Roof.. $ 296.50
Electricity................ 13.68
Water ..................... 5.00
Insurance ................. 40.00
Total...................... 355.18
Wrecking Stage. etc ....... 53.77
Stamps, Stationery, etc.... 128.49
Pastor + house- keeper .. $1,300.00
Assistant Pastor + Board. 1.000.00
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Total .................... $2.300.00
Kendrick Seminary ............. $ 350.00
The Holy Father................ 150.00
Orphans ....................... 250.00
Catholic High Schools.......... 240.00
Indian and Negroes............. 45.00
Holy Land...................... 15.00
Cathedraticum ................. 240.00
-------------------------------------------
Total.......................... $1,290.00
Total Expenditures...... $21,479.80
4% Envelope Collection ......... $15,828.46
Basket Collection............... 2,749.73
Holy Day Collections............ 184.80
Collections for Lent............ 133.77
Christmas Collections........... 1,021.20
Funerals ....................... 250.00
Interest ....................... 135.09
Collection for Holy Father ..... 34.65
Pay on Stained Glass Windows.... 90.00
Donations and Special Offerings. 218.82
Dramatic Club Donation.......... 200.00
---------------------------------------------
Total........................... $20,846.52
New Church .................... $11,411.72
Janitor ....................... 1,585.20
School......................... 3,390.97
Convent ....................... 401.42
Rectory........................ 563.05
Parish HalL.................... 355.18
Pastor's Salary ............... 2,300.00
Stationery, Stamps. etc........ 128.49
Parish Grounds ................ 53.77
Diocesan Taxation.............. 1.290.00
--------------------------------------------
Total Expenses ................ $21,479.80
Total Receipts ................. $20,846.52
Total Expenses ................. $21,479.80
-------------------------------------------
Deficit ....................... $633.28
A deficit means that sufficient revenue was not on hand to pay for a service or a furnishing contracted in the name of the parish by the pastor. It would be very embarrassing for him had he to face debtors day after day as many of the contributors to the parish fund undoubtedly have had because of the hard times. We deeply sympathize with them in their experience and we thank them all because we have not been exposed to these humiliations. Fortunately there was a surplus of over $2.000.00 reported in last year's annual statement and the deficit has been met from this fund.
There would not have been a deficit were it not that insurance on the New Church has been paid for two years in advance.
The parish indebtedness is now $65,000.00. The Church and all the parochial buildings are insured for their full value against fire and tornado.
The heading reads like a wealthy man's philanthropy though it really is only an acknowledgement of the personal donations made by St. James parishioners towards the support of the parish church and school.
This amount was obtained during the year 1930 without a single collector calling at any parishioner's door to solicit church support. The offerings were made voluntarily by weekly contributions placed in the collection basket at the Offertory of the Mass each Sunday.
St. James Parish has a splendid record of generous church support. There is no coercion or irritation experienced by Pastors or Parishioners in the raising of funds. There is neither pew rent, school tuition or door collection. Those who give do so because they appreciate their faith and they know that a parish is an organization that necessitates sacrifice by all who are interested in the spiritual needs of the local flock.
In the administration of finances, Father O'Connor has acquired the reputation of being a "tightwad" but as he recently explained from the altar, he does not regard it a virtue to be big-hearted when one's hand is in the other fellow's pocketbook. He appreciates the fact that every dollar that is contributed to the church represents hours of tedious labor for the wage earner who made the contribution and he is bound in conscience, he says, to regard church funds as a sacred trust. He rarely gives an opportunity to parishioners of displaying their vanity by giving notoriety to big contributors. He has never published the names of donors or called attention to personal gifts. It is enough, he thinks, that these are known to God and are given in His Honor. If you are a parishioner of St. James you can give or not give as your conscience dictates, That the burden may be equitable all who can afford it are requested to give 4 per cent of their earnings to the support of the church. This, of course, is to be interpreted in reason and a person whose income is not sufficient to procure the necessities of life is not asked to contribute.
He expresses himself as being deeply grateful to all who have contributed to the support of the church during the past year. He appreciates their donations because he knows that many of them have their own urgent demands meeting notes due on mortgages on their homes, etc. He wishes all a prosperous New Year and God's Blessing.
In these should be inclosed a weekly percentage of salary that a sufficient revenue for tile church might be maintained.
It has been the experience of parishioners that it is easier to make many small contributions than a few large ones. No one who has a permanent salary finds it difficult to give a dollar a week, though they might find it impossible to make at one time a donation of $10.
Like a river, that is fed by many streams, gets larger as it proceeds, so a number of small contributions increases the volume of church revenue; your contribution is earnestly solicited. No matter how small your donations might be they will be appreciated. As a record is kept of each wage-earner's offerings it is desirable that yours be made in an envelope that bears your name and address. Should you not receive a carton of envelopes request an usher to give you one.
Mary Murphy Bresnahan, 2627 Arthur Avenue, gave birth to a baby boy December 28th at the Maternity apartment of St. Mary's Hospital. Mary graduated in the class of 1918 and has continued her interest in the Alumni Association.
Veronica Kelly O'Gorman, 2304a Big Bend Road, gave birth to a girl December 29th at St. Mary's Hospital. Her husband, Florent O'Gorman, is an Alumnus of St. James as is his wife. He graduated in the class of 1915 and she in the class of 1921. Both mothers and babies are doing very nicely.
Agnes Houlihan Coad, 6225a Victoria Avenue, gave birth to her ninth child in her home December 28th, a boy. She is one of the older alumnae and her children are being taught in the parochial school.
The Friday before Christmas was a busy day in the lunchroom of the parochial school when hundreds of the parochial school children, through their classroom teacher, donated innumerable articles of food and clothing for the poor, and the ladies assembled to make up the baskets. The donations were more than sufficient to take care of the immediate needs of the 45 families whose names Father O'Connor presented to the committee. The first difficulty encountered was to procure baskets sufficiently large and Mr. Walter Sauer scoured the neighborhood until he had found them. The hampers were delivered in a truck the Monday before Christmas and were undoubtedly regarded by those who received them as a practical manifestation of Christian charity and good will. There were meats, flour, potatoes, bread, groceries, fruits, and a variety of canned goods, all of which was donated by local merchants and parishioners. The hampers were so heavy the services of two were necessary to put them in the truck.
The Heil Packing Company forwarded 50 hams, 50 lbs. of sausage, and 50 lbs. of lard; G.W. Meyer, butcher, Tamm and W. Park Avenues, 200 lbs. of potatoes; O'Keefe Bros. Grocery, Hampton Avenue, 9 cases of tomatoes; Frank Baratich, Tamm-Dale Market, 10 hams, 50 lbs. of flour, and 3 cases of canned goods; Freund Bread Co., 50 loaves of bread; Mrs. Frank Walsh, 160 lbs. of potatoes; Mrs. Jas. Lawless, 200 lbs. of flour; Miss Kern, 10 quarts of homemade jellies; Mrs. W. Mellor, a case of baked beans; Joseph Long, a fat goose. Baskets of food were donated by Mrs. John E. Carroll, 6730 Clayton Avenue and her daughter Mrs. John A. Murphy; also by Geo. Baer. Mrs. Doran. Mrs. Bissick, Mrs. Bisch. Mrs. Pahl. There were many other baskets donated all which the donors' names did not appear.
Money donations were made as follows: the proceeds of the Mothers' Club Card Party, $26.20: Church Choir. $14.05: Mrs. Genck, $5.00; Mrs. Kletzker. $10.00: Mrs. Mary Jones, $5.00: Mrs. Meehan. $3.00: Mrs. Meyer, $1.00; Mrs. O'Hare. $2.00: Miss Mary Manion, $2.00; Mrs. Doran. $2.00; miscellaneous, $2.00; Joseph Crotty family, $15.00; Mrs. Klasek, $5.00; Mrs. Merriman. $50.00: Mrs. Wm. Collins. $5.00: Mr. P. McGuire. $1.00; Mrs. McAnnar. $1.00.
It is imbossfble to recall the names of all who made contributions as it frequently happened that Father O'Connor suggested the name of a poor family to the would be contributor, or, immediately transferred their offering to someone in need. Mr. John E. Carroll, 6730 Clayton Avenue and a coterie of his friends decided not to give or take Christmas presents but to turn the money to the needs of the poor in this vicinity, and he distributed the fund and made generous donations to a few families whom Father O'Connor recommended to his care.
Mesdames J. Lawless. M. Cooper, Ed. Pierce, Mrs. Jones. W. Mellor, H. Knickel, G.W. Meyer, Frank Walsh, Chas. Klasek, and J. O'Hare were in charge of the distribution. Mrs. John O'Hare and Mrs. Cullen attended to the collecting and distribution of clothes. There were many desirable garments donated. Mrs. Menner assisted Mrs. O'Hare in assorting these gifts and the poor who presented themselves were allowed to take whatever they required.
Miss Carreras, sister of Miss Minnie Carreras. organist of St. James Parish, is a patient in St. Anthony's Hospital, and is recuperating from a slight stroke of paralysis.
FOR RENT -- Four room modern bungalow. $35. 6449 Brockschmidt PL., HIland 2031
The following are living members of the Purgatorian Society and are entitled to 3 Masses should they die during the year. They participate in the First Friday Mass and the daily memento. The Spiritual Director, Father P. J. O'Connor, should be notified of the death of any of these members. Membership may still be had upon application to him. If your name has been omitted kindly notify him at once as this is the official list.
| Anderson, Mrs. John | Dolan, A. F. | Kearney, Mrs. Wm. |
| Arnold, Mrs. A. | Dolan, Mrs. P. J. | Keelan, Bessie |
| Badendieck, Cecilia | Doran, Mr. & Mrs. J | Kelley, Mrs. Mary |
| Bannon, Mary | Duggan, Mrs. Thos. E. | Kelly, Mr. & Mrs. John |
| Barni, Mr. & Mrs. Angelo | Dyer, Mrs. E. | Kern, Louise, Josie, Agnes, Emma |
| Begley, Mrs. M. | Eckhardt, Mrs. M. | King, Nellie |
| Berger, Mary | Fahey, Mrs. Jas. | Klanfar, A. R. |
| Bigney, Mrs. J. | Fahey, Mrs. M. | Klasek, Mr. & Mrs. Chas. |
| Boman, Mr. & Mrs. W. T. | Flanagan, Mrs. M. J. | Kletzker, Mrs. Geo. |
| Boyer, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen | Flavin, Mrs. P. J. | Knickel, Mrs. H. |
| Brady, John | Flood, Margaret | Koncen, Mrs. J. |
| Brady, Mrs. H. | Flynn, Mrs. T. | Lafser, Mrs. A. J. |
| Brady, Mrs. Norman | Foley, Viola | Leonhardt, Mrs. |
| Brown, Marie | Forrest, Nan | Linkul, Mrs. Mary |
| Bruno, Mrs. Irene | Foy, Mrs. Marie E | Long, Mrs. J. |
| Buckley, Mrs. Edw. | Gallaher, Mrs. Bess | Mahon. Genevieve L. |
| Byrne, Margaret | Gallaher. Mrs. J. H. | Mahoney, Mrs. John |
| Byrne, William | Genck, Mrs. Herbert E. | Maloney. Mrs. H. C. |
| Cadwallader, H. | Gesell, Mrs. C. | Maloney, Irene |
| Carreras, Minnie | Gibbons. Mrs. E. | Maloney, Herbert |
| Carroll, Mary | Glynn, Mrs.D. | Maloney, Irene |
| Cenatiempo, Mrs. R. | Godfrey, Mrs. Mary | Manion, Mrs. Peter" |
| Chevalier, Adelaid | Griffin, Mrs. Robt. | Manion, Teresa |
| Christy, Mrs. | Grosch, Frances | Marshall. Mrs. T. |
| Chiodini, Mrs. Mario | Harris. Mrs. Jas. | Mayor. Mrs. Mary |
| Clegg, Mrs. | Harte, Wm. Jr. | McCauley, Mrs. H. J. |
| Coad, Mrs. Agnes | Hartnett, Mrs. Eugene | McDonnell. Mrs. |
| Coad, Mrs. Martin C. | Hawkins, Mrs. G. A. | McEvoy, Mrs. A. |
| Collins, Mrs. Eliz. | Heil, Mrs. Cecilia M. | McGuire, Mrs. John |
| Collins, Nelly Kirby | Hense. W. H. | McGuire, Margaret |
| Collins, Mrs. Nora | Herman, Veronica | McKenna. Mr. & Mrs. F. J. |
| Collins, Misses | Houlihan, Mrs. J. G. | McLaughltn, Mrs. Matt. |
| Cook. Mary E. | Hugeback, Mrs. H. | McVey, Mrs. Hugh Jr. |
| Cooper, Mrs. M. | Irvin, Margaret | Meehan. Mrs. |
| Corcoran, Mrs. K. | Jackson, Mrs. Clara | Meier, Mrs. |
| Coughlin, Marguerite | Jones, Del. | Mergenthaler, Mrs. E. J. |
| Cross, Mrs. E. F. | Jones. Margaret | Merlott!. Mrs. L. |
| Cullen, Mrs | Jones, M. | Mills, Mrs. Irene |
| Dahmer, Margaret | Jones, Wm. | Moore. Mrs. Margaret, John |
| Dailey, Mrs. E. | Jirauch, Mrs. A | F., Martin, Mollie |
| DeRienzo, N. | Morrissey, Mrs.A. B; | |
| Dietz, Mrs. Eliz. | Moran, Mrs. M. J. | |
| Doering, Frances | Moss, Mra: J. | |
| Doering, Mr. & Mrs | Mouldon, Mrs. J. | |
| Mrus, Veronica | Pate, Mrs. R. L. | Sister M. George |
| Mudd, A. H. | Phelan, Mrs. P. J. | Sister M. Hilda |
| Mullin, Mrs. John | Pierce, Mrs. R. E. | Sister M. Jacqueline |
| Murphy, Mrs. Brent | Placke, Mrs. H. W. | Sister M.. Macrina |
| Murphy, Mrs. Eliza | Placke, Mrs. T. | Sister M. Marietta |
| Murphy, Mrs. P. H. | Purcell, John | Sister M. Patrice |
| Newport, Mrs. J. . | Pursley, Mrs. T | Sister M. Tarcisius |
| Nixon, Mr. & Mrs. Edw. | Regan, Mrs . | Thompson, Mrs. Chas. |
| Noonan, Mrs. Josephine | Regan, Delia | Tracy, Julia M. |
| Oates, Mrs. J. | Rehagen, Hazel O'Donnell | Wagner, Mrs. Kate |
| O'Connell, Mrs. J. | Riegel, Mrs. M. | Walker, Mrs. P .. |
| O'Donnell, Mrs. Mabel | Rooney, Mrs. Mary | Walsh, Mr. & Mrs. F. A. |
| O'Keefe, Mrs. C. M. | Ross, Mrs. Ellen | Ward, Mrs. |
| Owmby, Mrs. Mary | Ross, Mrs. Blanche | Wiber, Mrs. G. |
| Orner, Catherine | Scherzinger, Mitchell C. | Wichman, Mrs. Caroline |
| O'Shaughnessy, Mrs. | Scully, Mrs. | Willer Mrs. J. |
| O'Toole, Catherine | Smith, Mrs. Mary | Winters, Mrs. M. |
| O'Toole, Eliz. | Stumpf, Wm. A. | Wiss, Mrs.H. J. |
| O'Toole, John | Sullivan, Mrs. Mary | Witte, Mrs. J. |
| Pahl, Mr. & Mrs.A | Sister M. Gabriel |
The troop of Boy Scouts recentlv orcantzed in St. James Parish had their first official outing on December 28th at Fern Glen, Mo., where Mr. George Kletzker extended to them the privilege of using his grounds and one of his summer cottages. The boys under the supervision of their scoutmaster, Mr. Morgan P. Foley, and his assistants, James Pierce and Jack Webb were conveyed in automobiles to Manchester. Mo. by the officers of the troop: John Wack, Geo. Boerckel, Ray and Ollie Dolan. Frank Walsh. and Rev. Norbert E. Pohl. After a hike through the woods over a distance of 3 miles, the boys arrived at Fern Glen where the officers, who continued the journey in automobiles. had prepared for them a wiener roast which the boys enjoyed immensely. During the afternoon the troop participated in boy scout activities and indulged in various games. They were greatly pleased with the outing and anticipate many others during the winter.
Ed. O'Neill, 6536 Clayton Ave., injured his spine lifting a radiator at a building where he was employed as a steamfitter and has been in a cast during the past month. He is now sufficiently improved to be able to walk.
On December 29th. Father O'Connor officiated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church where Earl Smith was married to Miss Agnes Tuhsmith of St. Rose's parish.
Earl Smith is a young lawyer who for many years as a boy resided in the 6700 block Clavton Avenue. About 9 years ago he became acquainted with Father O'Connor and was converted to Catholicity. In the years that have intervened they have been intimate friends and have accompanied one another in many a hunting excursion. Mr. Smith was a favorite as long as he resided in this community. His mother donated the Stations ot the Cross to St. James Church. We extend to Mr. and Mrs. Smith our felicitations.
A recent excerpt from St. Louis press under the date of Jan. 2, 1931 and the heading 25 Years Ago Today, states, Father Casey of St. James Catholic Church extinguished the flames caused by a candle, thereby averting a possible panic.
A class for Converts is being held at Rectory, Tuesday and Friday each week.
Father O'Connor made a personal investigation of the poor in this locality a few days before Christmas with the purpose of finding relief for, and giving consolation to, those who were in extreme need. He states though he found many families in distress, very few were in extreme want. There were only three homes that he visited that had not some one working at least a day or two every week and in no instance did he find a family who were dejected and despondent. The poor are displaying a fine heroism and courage, and they are not whining or complaining, nor are they imbued with a spirit of avariciousness or an inclination to capitalize their distress. They hesitate to accept gifts lest by doing so they might be depriving someone else who might be in more need. One lady refused to accept a basket until she was assured that there was enough to go around to the others among her acquaintances who were in want. There was no exhibition of sensitiveness or false pride; though frequently it was heard, "I never before had to ask anybody and I'm sure you know Father, I wouldn't take assistance from you now if my husband could find work."
The distress that is most keenly felt is not the need of food or clothes but of money to meet the petty needs of an individual who finds himself unable to go on a street car because he has not a dime, or a woman who has a baby ill and wishes to purchase one or other of the known home remedies at the neighboring drug store. A house without furniture looks bare and a cellar without coal is distressing, but a pocket in which a few nickels and dimes have not rattled in a week or two makes keenest realization of poverty.
There were homes in which the gas was cut off where children had the measles or scarlet fever. Some having failed to pay their electric bill were accommodating themselves to the light of the old tashioned coal oil lamp and there were notices from the water department that unless the water tax was paid the water would be cut off; but notwithstanding all these threats and deprivations there was manifested a fine spirit of making the best of the situation and an apparent indifference to dire future possibilities.
The meeting of the Holy Name Society held on December 15th, demonstrated that a large attendance is possible if proper arrangements and publicity are given an affair.
The retiring officers with the assistance of the arrangements committee headed by John Lawrence. Frank Walsh, and George Jenneman, determined to get out every possible member for this meeting, at which officers for the coming year were elected. They arranged an interesting program, served lunch and smokes, and donated an electric clock for attendance prize.
Hon. Edw. J. Houlihan, ex-mayor of Richmond Heights, delivered an interesting talk during which he related humorous instances reminiscent of Holy Name meetings of years past.
Mr. John L. Sullivan, Assistant Circuit Attorney of St. Louis, spoke of the crime wave among the youthful, and pointed out the responsibility of parents in properly guiding their children, and also the good influence the Holy Name Society can have by devoting a measure of attention to the junior members. He paid a glowing tribute to the effective work which "Ollie" Dolan is performing in behalf of the circuit attorney's office.
Spirited election contests were conducted for all officers, and especially that of secretary. Walter Lambert being elected over Will Pate and Jack Webb. Other officers elected were R.E. Pierce, president: Wm. A. Gearon, vice-prestdent : A.H. Mudd, treasurer; Wm. Henne, delegate to the Union; and John Lawrence and Will Pate, marshals. Louis Riegel was appointed Lecturer for the first quarter of 1931.
Lunch was served by Messrs. John Lawrence, Wm. Hense, Walwin Bosche. Geo. Wilber, Chas. Thompson, and James Pierce.
G.W. Thompson, late of 5716 W. Park Avenue, was struck by an automobile a few days before Christmas as he was returning from work and was taken to Barnes Hospital where he died Tuesday, December 30th without gaining consciousness. His funeral took place Friday, January 2nd from St. James Church and his remains were conveyed for burial to Calvary Cemetery. His daughter Blanche is an Alumna of St. James School. Condolence is extended to his bereaved wife and children. May he rest in peace.
Dorothy Merelli, 5760 West Park Avenue.
Charlotte Ann Krasnesky, 6938 Bruno Ave.
Paul Terence Allen, 6448 Nashville Avenue.
Mary Catherine Cronin, 6744 Nashville Ave.
Helen Maria Bray, 6134 Roberts Place.
Doris Lavern Patricia Bray, 6134 Roberts Place.
Virginia Mary Bray, 6134 Roberts Place.
Arthur J. Donnelly, the popular undertaker whose picture has appeared on the last page of Let's Go since its inception 5 years ago, died after a lingering illness, at his home, 6224 Pershing Avenue on Sunday, December 28th and was buried from St. Roch's Parish Church on Wednesday, December 31st. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Katherine Regan Donnelly; his son, Arthur J. Donnelly, Jr., and a sister, Mrs. Chas. F. Stuart.
More than 55 priests and 50 nuns were present at the Funeral Mass, and in all probability each one of them had been at some time the beneficiary of his charitable inclination. He was a man who was deservedly popular because he had a heart that was easilv touched and he appeared to get as much pleasure in giving as in taking.
The Archbishop of St. Louis was heard on an occasion to say, "There is not a charitable organization in St. Louis that has not at some time or other received the support of Mr. Donnelly."
He contributed during the past five years one-third of the entire cost of printing this pamphlet though the financial advantage to his business by doing so was insignificant.
In appreciation of his kindness and as a tribute of affection to his memory, Father O'Connor and the people of St. James offered one of the public Masses last Sunday for his repose. He was not a wealthy man but we hope and believe that he has laid up treasures for himself in Heaven where the rust and moth do not consume, nor thieves break through and steal.
May he rest in peace.
The whole congregation admired how neat the floors of the church appeared on Christmas morning. We regret we have not space to give the names of the ladies who scrubbed the floors and applied the polish. They are known to God whose approval alone they hoped to gain.
Thos. F. Cullen, whose wife Mrs. Nellie Cullen, is well known in Mothers' Club circles, died at his home, 1111 Central Ave., at the age of 65 years after a brief illness on December 14th, and was buried from St. James Church on the following Thursday.
Mr. Cullen was an artist and interior decorator. He was employed for 19 years in this capacity in the City Art Museum. He was born in County Kildare, Ireland, and came to this country at an early age. He received his education in Chicago but spent the greater part of his life in St. Louis.
He is survived by his wife, Nellie, and two daughters, Mrs. Katherine Woodmansee, Chicago, and Mrs. Helen Jackson, who resides with her mother.
Mr. Cullen spent the greater part of the past 9 years in the basement of his home developing a chemical process by which new cement could be gotten to adhere to older and settled deposits of this material without any special preparation such as is ordinarily employed. He also had devised a method by which material taken from former constructions could be renewed and after having been crushed would have the properties of a new cement.
Unfortunately there is danger that he took the secret of his invention to the grave as he was very cautious of transmitting the knowledge of it to writing. There was no doubt about the invention as he on many occasions gave a practical demonstration of its efflciency to those who were interested in purchasing and patenting his recipe. He had made arrangements to complete a contract the week of his death and the interested parties are studying his manuscript, hoping to find a clue that might lead up to an accurate analysis of such fragments of the composition as have been found in his workshop.
Mr. Cullen though he did not anticipate the approach of death piously received the Last Sacraments and was we hope, prepared to meet his God. May he rest in peace. Condolence is extended to the family.
The Parochial School Christmas Carol Club collected $20.00.
Danny Murphy, President of the Alumni Dramatic Club is enthusiastically arousing interest in a play that he proposes the Dramatic Club should stage in the early Spring. "We are going to put it on big," he says, "and get a downtown theatre or the Hall in the Knights of Columbus Building, and the talent to be selected will be drawn from the very best there is in the Alumni Association. There will be no favoritism, the suitability of an individual to play a part alone will be taken into consideration." The officers of the Dramatic Club are hereby extending an invitation to members of the Alumni Assoctation who may desire to be in the Cast and request them to present themselves tomorrow evening, Monday, January 12th. in the school hall at 8 o'clock when the officers of the Association and members of the Dramatic Club will submit to a trial those who make application.
A director has not so far been selected but Danny Murphy has his spotters on the lookout. Many are boosting Terry Gesell for the place, as he is a parishioner of remarkable talent, though his connection with the club is somewhat strained since the last play was being prepared. He found it difficult to get the Cast to be present at rehearsals and this has been a source of irritation to all the directors who have had anything to do with the Dramatic Club. It has been generally supposed that the trouble will be eliminated if one of the pastors could find time to be present at the rehearsals as usually his official position gives him a right to demand strict obedience. This is not intended to be a criticism of the Dramatic Club or of the clergy but undoubtedly it is a broad hint to Father Pohl to be present at the next meeting.
Miss Julia Tracy, school teacher, of Graham Ave., slipped on the sidewalk on December 8th when going home from church and broke her hand. She returned to her home last Saturday after being a patient in St. Mary's Hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Orner have migrated to Florida for the winter. Ed. is a plasterer who left St. Louis because he could not find work. He must be doing well. He sent Father O'Connor a crate of oranges at Christmas
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of Sister Gabriel's admission to the Dominican Order, she was invited to spend Christmas at the Mother House in New York, and was allowed to visit her relatives in Albany. She was accompanied by Sisters Tarcisius and Macrina who also were granted the privilege of visiting their parents in Providence, R.I. The three returned a week ago and assured us they had a very delightful vacation.
The receipts of Carnivals and other parochial entertainments are deposited in a separate fund under the title of St. James School Children's account. This is amassing into a nice sum. The exact total we are not ready to state because we have not time to balance this account for the year. Funds necessary for the improvement of the lunchroom were drawn from this account as a credit to the Mothers' Club and it is planning ways and means to raise revenue to meet its indebtedness. The last report from this organization inclines us to believe that the members are going to give a big Minstrel Show on St. Patrick's Night and put a rush act in the city in the way of disposal of admission tickets.
P.J. Ludden, 6115 Clayton Avenue, age 56, a Parish Trustee, died of a sudden stroke of paralysis of the heart on Thursday. January 8 at 3 a.m. The attack was induced in the opinion of his physian by the strain and shock he suffered when he was struck by an automobile a few weeks ago, and as a result had one of his legs broken and several ribs fractured. Mr. Ludden was considered out of danger. His family arrived at his death-bed whilst he was yet conscious. Father Melican administered to him the last Sacraments whilst Mr. Ludden, apparently sensible of death, kept repeating the pious ejaculation: Jesus and Mary. Physicially Mr. Ludden was a perfect type of man. He did not know his strength, and socially and spiritually he was admirable. During the past twenty years he was intimately associated with the Parish priests and his death grieves them as keenly as it does his bereaved wife and family. May he rest in peace.
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
Jan. 11, 1931.
The Pastor Sez:
"In visiting the poor, I am impressed with
the hopeful, optimistic attitude they show,
and their courage and patience under
suffering. Most of the whining and pessimism
regarding the future is coming from those who
have plenty, and are fearful lest they might
lose some of it."
dear Charlie:
"Same to you, Charlie, an many of 'em."
Goodbye 1930. we're glad you're gone. you have been an epidemic of hard luck, suffering and strife, an they will be no mourners at your bier. by comparison, the "bull in the china store" would have left things tidy and orderly. "31" young feller, you're sure welcome. you have an honest face, an a thrifty look, an we believe you are goin to restore the confidence an good-will which your heathen predecessor so duthlessly destroyed.
well charlie, i suppose you had a good Christmas, an arrange for Santa to bring your youngersters the kind of toys you like to play with. you problv are tired of em by this time, though, an have most of em broke, so the kids can have undisputed right to em. i was treated exceptionally well, on acount of i got two pair of sox, instead of the usual one.
ray Dolan got a tough break though. he was tickled pink wen his boys got a live pony from Santa, an figered he was goin to have a heck of a good time with it. up to this time though, Ray hasn't had a ride; his machine is parked in the street so the pony can have the garage; Sally is near distraction because her family includes all the kids in the naborhood; an Ray is in just the right mood to start carryin' his gun in the hopes that he might run into Santa, an mistake him for a big red bear.
the Pastor felt that he had a good Christmas. in spite of the fact that parish finances showed a deficit for the year, he has been able to do a great deal to relieve the suffering or the poor in the parish; the year has brought back a considerable number who had fallen away from the faith; quite a few non-catholic marriages have been set right; the fall hunting was plentiful, though not productive of much game; and the Christmas collection was very generous.
you would of thought you was back in the old days if you had attend the December meeting of the Holy Name Society. we had a big crowd an herd a cupple of fine speeches, an was served with lunch an smokes, an geo, Jenneman directed sum singing that would pep any meeting. martin Coad an frank Walsh supplied the comedy. both of them was scared they might get elected. so they used there usual tactics of nominating sumbody else for each office, before they was a chance for anybody to nominate them. sumhow, they got there wires crossed an before he reelize what he was doing, martin nominated Walsh, an frank retaliated by declinin in favor of Coad. the two of em would of probly been hooked if young jack Webb hadn't prooved they was both unfit for office by promulgatin a lot of parliamentary law, which neither of the gentlemen understood. the officers tried to compose martins hurt feelings by letting his son jack win a clock which frank didn't want cause he knowed it wouldn't keep time. they finally took advantage of sum new members like walter Lambert an bill Gearon, an injected em into office before they had there excuses made up.
our boy scouts have got into full swing, an after there first outing at there cottage in Fern Glen, which they obtained through the generosity of geo. Kletzker, they are beginnin to act like reel veterans. the committee which organized an sponsored the troup deserve a lot of credit for the way they got the youngsters lined up. they seemed to enjoy it though, specially geo. Boerckel; that is till Mary met him as he was coming in from a meeting one morning about one a m, and after reading him several pages of rules from the manuel, told him he ought to be ashamed to keep the scouts out so late. geo. tried to explain that after they sent the youngsters home, "the committee" had sum more bisness to transack an so they went to johnnie Wacks house to disgus "ways an means." george ought to think up a good excuse like charlie Klasek is got the best one i ever herd. wen charlie wants to play cards with the boys, an kate starts to objeck, he tells her he reely dont care to play, but he is ahead of the game an will have to give the boys a chanst to get there money back-an he's got her bel1evin it. charlie's clever that way.
by the way charlie, if you have enjoyed Father Coughlin's broadcasts on the Little Flower hour each Sunday evening, you ought to write to station KMOX. an tell them so. sum of the wolves who don't feel fiattered by the word-picture likeness he makes of them are howling at his heels. an they are likely to get him, unless he is supported by folks whose conscience is "on straight", an who don't have to take there facts sugar-coated to avoid irritating a cankerous mentality. send a copy of your letter to Rev. C.E. Coughlin, Woodward Ave. and Twelve-mile Road, Detroit Mich.
your pertickler friend & uncle
HENRY
The boys of the higher grades in the parochial school have been receiving special instructions in singing ecclesiastical music from Prof. Molinno during the past 6 month and sang a High Mass in St. James Church at 8:10 on the Feast of the Epiphany.
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1931
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932
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