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."
Though there was not a word said from the altar urging parishioners to contribute to meet the annual note of $5,000 and half yearly interest of $1,625, the appeal made through Let's Go met with a generous response and after a check was written for these amounts on November 15, there was $40 balance in the parish treasury.
The people of St. James are ideal in this matter of contributing to the support of their parish and make it possible for their pastors to be easy with those who find it impossible to donate. They assume full responsibility for parish finances and the majority of wage earners contribute voluntary a very reasonable amount of their earnings. There is no nagging, house collecting or any form of compulsory giving. Pews are free in the Church, children are free in the school; a parishioner who fails to contribute is not singled out for public or private rebuke. It is presumed that every well instructed, zealous, Catholic knows his duty to support the Church, and if his conscience does not accuse him of neglect, neither do the pastors. Of course this systemn of conducting a church makes it easy for individuals who are selfish to avoid contributing, but after a long and practical experience with the people of St. James parish we have come to the conclusion that our parishioners react to kind treatment and that the few who fail to support their church do so because their interest is not sufficiently aroused, or, they indeliberately have fallen into a careless habit of making payments.
The number of special contributions that have been made during the past 7 or 8 weeks are very encouraging and removes from our minds all anxiety about the future. We feel confident as long as the people have means the parish obligations will be met. There is between the people of St. James and their pastors a fine spirit of consideration and co-operation for which we are deeply grateful. Each family and individual wage earner endeavors to maintain a high record of church giving. There is a personal touch to their contributions and their solicitude for the welfare of the parish is made evident by their frequent donations.
This is undoubtedly the hardest year that we have had in raising parish funds but we have good reason for hoping that there will be no deficit. The Sunday collections have increased recently because everyone who can afford it gives a little each Sunday and the many small donations count up.
There is to be met before the first of the year back salary for the Sisters and pastors, as well as other current expense for lights, heat, repairs and the special tax for diocesan institutions which are usually met through the Christmas Collection. These include Orphans, $250; Seminaries, $350; Catholic High Schools, $260; Cathedraticum, $260.
We thank sincerely all who have contributed during the year to the support of the parish and assure them of our deep appreciation for their sacrifices and goodwlll and wish them all a very happy Christmas.
Your pastors in Christ,REV. P.J. O'Connor
REV. N.E. Pohl
The Archbishop's Emergency Drive in the Parish was noted for speed, energy, efficiency and generosity, and cash contributions were forwarded to him to the amount of $2,200.00. We didn't think that there was that much money in the Parish. Undoubtedly there was a great deal of scraping and planning done by those who contributed and in most instances their donations implied sacrifice. There were many impelling motives to be generous, among them might be mentioned sympathy for those in distress, the popularity of the Archbishop, the intelligent approach made by the collectors and the eloquence of Father W. F. Mullally, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen's Church who exchanged pulpits with Father O'Connor on the Sunday preceding the Drive. The total sum raised in the city and suburbs amounted approximately to $370,000.
The whole Catholic community are rejolcing in this success and feel assured that the fund will be distributed in a manner that will do most good. No formal announcement has yet been made by the Archbishop as to the details of distribution except an assurance to all who apply for relief through St. Vincent de Paul Society and its local branches that they will be given immediate consideration.
It is very difficult to formulate a plan that will reach the peculiar needs of each family who are in distress, and, to measure accurately how far the Emergency Fund will go. Presumably there must be economy of administration and prudence in application. Too much cannot be expected of His Excellency. It is certain his broad sympathy and fine judgment will be used to alleviate the extreme needs of the many who are in distress and that he will adopt the best method of applying the fund.
The Christmas collection will be for the Orphans, Diocesan Seminaries and High Schools.
To be regular and reasonably submissive to standardized methods of alleviating distress, St. James Parish has organized a branch of St. Vincent de Paul Society.
It did so with regret. There is of necessity a red tape routine and consequent humiliation about all organized charity. St. Vincent de Paul cannot escape it though it is the least objectionable of all known organized charities.
Acceptance of aid from an organization devoted to charity is regarded by many as a mark of inferiority. There are people now in need who would rather starve than have their names listed in the files of a benevolent organization. Perhaps they are unreasonably sensitive; they will admit that in these times of depression there is no disgrace in being out of work and out of money but a current philosophy will not in a day remove a traditional family pride. There are others and these probably the more numerous who have little or no sensitiveness to applying for relief to an organization that is professedly charitable and who regard their distress as the result of an economic problem for which they are not reesponsible. They have no hesitation in making known their needs and feel they have a just claim to such funds as others have donated from their surplus. These are very matter of fact people whose humble avocations make them indifferent to their social standing.
Organized Charity is justified in its existence because of these. "The poor we have always with us." But they cannot always be distinguished from the unscrupulous and the ne'er-do-wells whose hands are always open for such easy money as they foresee can be obtained through a cry of distress. This necessitates investigation and registration, especially in a city where there are many organized relief agencies.
St. Vincent de Paul investigators are usually men of broad sympathies and kindly Christian spirit who move among their neighbors and are quick to determine what should be done in an individual case. They make an investigation and report at the weekly meetings of their Conference. On their recommendation relief is given or withheld. They are bound to secrecy and are admonished to avoid critical comment or any form of humiliation, but notwithstanding this, there are people now in need who would have to do violence to their innate sense of respectability were they to apply for aid.
For these we would urge some method of relief that would not unduly subject them to even an imaginary humiliation. They don't mind confiding their troubles to their pastors. They are accustomed to reveal to them in the Confessional and out of it the most intimate and humiliating incidents of their lives. They will unburden themselves of all their woes or at least give expression to them, when they come to the Rectory, or, have a visit from a priest. If they could be sure that their names would not come up for discussion at a conference of their neighbors, they would gladly avail of the proffered help.
In St. James Parish during the past 15 years the Pastors have attended personally to every known case of distress that has affected a member of the local community and have administered such funds as came into their hands for the relief of the poor. During those many years there has been very few instances of unworthy applications for relief, and the bond of sympathy between the priest and the parishioners has been greatly improved because of these contacts. If we had now at our disposal $1,000 we feel confident we could relieve the greater part of the urgent need that exists around us. Administering relief funds through pastors seems to be in accordance with suggestions recently made by the Holy Father in one of his Encyclicals. He even recommends that Bishops attend personally to the relief of the needy. His recommendations are necessarily very broad because they were made for the city and the world, but they indicate sufficiently the dignity and the graciousness with which charity should be administered.
There are intricacies and entanglements in obligations to be faced by home keepers and families that cannot be met by a basket of groceries or an order for a pair of shoes. These involve First Mortgages on homes, interest notes, rent, improvement taxes and the like, which cause much mental distress and drive individuals into the offices of loan sharks. To meet a pressing note they to make a loan or lose their home. They borrow a few hundred dollars to relieve their immediate need and contract to pay it in a given time, usually in monthly payments, to meet which they sign away a part of their salary. The months come around quickly and they are getting deeper and deeper into distress, their days and nights are filled with anxiety and worry; they borrow wherever they can until they have drained out the last drop of credit and after a time the crisis is reached when they are likely to lose the little piece of property which represents years of labor and economy. It would not require a big outlay to tide them over a period of six months, a small loan on their own note would be sufficient. We would recommend that the Emergency Fund be used in this way. St. Vincent de Paul Society, we have been informed, has at present a surplus of $40,000 and in all probability will have sufficient to alleviate the needs of those who have not the added anxiety of trying to hold on to a piece of property.
Could this be done through the agency of pastors? We think it could! There is no question here of families who are little know in the parish. In every congregation there are old respectable parishioners, now in distress, who have been for years the mainstay of their parishes. They are people of character and respectability, their word is as good as their bond, a prudent helping hand of a pastor could do much to tide them over this period of anxiety and worry and they would be grateful as long as they lived for the assistance given to them. It would be too much to expect that everyone who has a property entanglement could be relieved in this way but enough could be done to justify the effort and to save a home until such time as property values had increased.
On November 11, 1931, the St. James Athletic Club presented a comedy production entitled "The Whole Town's Talking," at Yale Hall. With a cast well-balanced and well-trained and a vehicle not too heavy, the play furnished an evening of highly enjoyable entertainment to an unusually appreciative audience.
With a reversal of the ordinary situation where there is a marriageable daughter in the family, Henry Simmons became the intriguing matchmaker and in the person of Jack Houlihan the role was skilfully and amusingly carried out. Mr. Houlihan was entirely at home in character of a scheming husband and father who almost brought disaster down on his own head through his efforts to set everything right for everybody else. Miss Margaret O'Shaughnessy was the modern and liberal-minded wife of Henry who played her part effectively and was a perfect foil for her very busy husband. Miss Betty Kavanaugh as Ethel Simmons, daughter of Henry and Harriet was not only good to look upon but she had her character well in hand and was a charming college girl whose ideas were certainly not old-fashioned. Jerry O'Connell stood out as a clever and versatile actor in the part of Chester Binney, business partner of Henry and suitor for the hand of Ethel. Under the spell of her charm and a little competition on the side he blossomed forth as a flower. Mr. O'Connell took his part out of the amateur class. Letty Lythe motion picture actress was portrayed skilfully by Miss Florence Wack who was not only the dainty, petite star but was natural and easy in her role. Jack Coad was the "heavy" of the play. As Donald Swift he was a violently jealous lover of Letty and an erstwhile prize-fighter who preferred to settle differences with his imaginary rivals in the time-honored primitive way that left nothing to the imaginatton. His interpretation of the part was highly satisfactory. Bill Hefele was the handsome moneyed lover from Chicago who played his part well but lost his sweetheart largely through the lack of co-operation with "father." Miss Mary McGrath and Miss Veronica Coad were friends of Ethel who gave a very effective touch to the play. Miss Mary Corbett was Annie the maid and a very good one she was too. Glennon Burke was sartorially perfect as a taxi driver. Miss Ita McCauley was a hit as Sadie Bloom, a dancing teacher who well-nigh upset the apple cart for the Simmons family. She was rough and tough and didn't care who knew it but subsided into a peace-loving citizen as soon as her property was restored to her.
Mr. Houlihan, as president of the Athletic Club, requests that returns for tickets be made as soon as possible.
The Parish Choir were agreeably surprised to learn that there will be a change in the hour of High Mass this Christmas. The members like to eat breakfast before singing; to give them an opportunity of doing so, the High Mass will be at 7:30. This change, it is expected, w111 also prove satisfactory to the congregation. It was noticed last year that the early Masses were comparatively poorly attended and the biggest congregation was at the 7:30 Mass.
We believe there are many of the new parishioners who never heard our Parish choir sing a High Mass. It's a treat they will enjoy. We are not conceited in our estimate of the choir and share in the viewpoint of most of the parishioners that they are excelled by few choirs in the city. This we attribute to the efficiency of the organist and the persistent efforts of Mr. Charles Heil to train members. As the popular phrase goes, "He is a bear when it comes to drilling a choir." He is an accomplished vocalist and is very sensitive to harsh notes or squeaky voices that disrupt the harmony. He can detect a quarter vibration missing in a note that goes flat and he is quick to rebuke members who do not make an effort or cannot improve. There is no continuing in the choir by one whose vocal efficiency is doubtful.
Miss Carreras reports there will be a musical program or organ recital at all the Christmas Masses.
The Masses will be as follows: First Mass, 5:30; Second, 6:15; Third, 7:30; which will be a High Mass; also a Mass at 9, 10 and 10:30.
A few years ago the school children presented a playette in the school hall that is not forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to be present. It was a Christmas play depicting the Nativity, and, Christian civilization. All the players were school children but now they are men and women. Their enthusiasm about this little sketch inclines them to believe that the parishioners never witnessed anything that has such an emotional spiritual appeal. They have volunteered to reproduce it and will present it to the public at Yale Hall on the Sunday before Christmas. Matinee for children at 2 p.m. Night performance at 8 p.m. Admittance cost - Children, 10c; Adults, 35c. three for $1.00.
The Senior branch of the Holy Name Society are sponsoring this presentation. The players will be assisted by the full staff of St. James' Choir. When the curtain raises the Star of Bethlehem will be seen and a concealed choir will sing "Holy Night." The next scene will be the angel speaking to the shepherds. At the fall of the curtain the song of the angels "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" will be sung by the choir. There will be a reproduction of the crib and the Holy Family and whilst the wise men are adoring, the beautiful "Adeste Fidelis" will be sung. Next there will be the Flight Into Egypt and a second sketch depicting Christian civilization in its battle with worldliness. A waif will depict the Christian pilgrim seeking the Star and she wlll discuss with Folly, Pride and Pleasure her ideals.
The scene depicting Folly or the Follies gives a flne opportunity for presenting secular songs and like entertainment. The characters in this scene are keenly enthused about the part they are to play. Virginia Pursley who had charge or the preparation says, "We are going to put it over big." Assisting her will be Frank Strathman who takes the part of Pleasure and Misses Lucille Plengemeir, Dorothy McLaughlin, Lillian Saxton, Margaret Hense, and Margaret Gruner.
Mr. Frank Staab; assisted by Mr. Pierce and Mr. Will Henne, are resetting the sketch that was presented in the school, and replanning the stage scenery. The players are being trained by Mr. and Mrs. Staab.
Others in the cast: Bernard Kelly, John Pursley, John Coad, Billy Hefele, James O'Connell, Imelda Saxton, Veronica Coad, Agnes Fratini, Gertrude Stoverink, Mary Catherine McGrath, Grace May Kelly, Veronica Coad will take the part of the Virgin and her baby brother, Billy, the part of the Infant Jesus.
Mrs. Charles Klasek reports a full staff of volunteers are serving the children daily in the lunchroom since November second. During the month pupils have purchased nine hundred ninety-two lunches. They are very delighted with the service and many of the parents find it more economical to have the children take their lunch in the cafeteria. For Thirteen cents a very tasty lunch can be had. There is a change of menu each day and milk is a part of the meal.
The ladies not only serve the children but cook the meal and wash the dishes. Mrs. Klasek is the purchasing agent for supplies and runs in every day to see that ever thing is going well. She is assisted on Monday by Captain Mrs. W. Lambert, Mrs. F. Staab, Mrs. E. Regan. Mrs. E. Ready. Tuesday, Captain Mrs. R. Griffin; Mesdame W. Sauer, A.H. Mudd, W. Henne. Wednesday, Captain Mrs. H. Lott; Mesdames White, Jackson, John Kelly. Thursday, Captain Mrs. R.E. Pierce; Mesdames M. Cooper, Holland, Hager. Friday, Captain Mrs. Dan Murphy; Mesdames K. Dolan, M. Newport, Doughert. Substitutes, Mesdames W. Menner, Meyer, Gruner, J. Lawless, L. Mitchell, Eichner.
The December menu is a follows:
Monday
Hot roast beef or pork sandwich, .05
Chili Mac and bread, .05
Tuesday
Homemade vegetable soup, bread .05
Special hot sandwich, .05
Wednesday
Hot hamburger sandwich, .05 Boiled navy beans, bread .05
Thursday
Chili, bread, .05
Hot frank sandwich, .05
Friday
Spaghetti and bread, .05 Egg salad or cheese sandwich, .05
Milk each day, .03
Extras each day, Pie, .05; Cookies, .01.
Bridge and Bunco will be played on Thursday, December tenth, 1931, at the Laclede Gas Light Co., 1017 Olive Street at 1:30 p.m. Tickets flfty cents.
A beautiful prize for each table will given, also, an attendance prize. The Laclede Gas Light Company will furnish refreshments.
This will not be a cooking demonstration.
About thirty-five ladies attended a cooking demonstration at the Laclede Gas Light Co. on November fifth, 1931 for which the Gas Company sent a check for $8.75 or 25c per person to the Mothers' Club. Eight ladies who could not attend gave 25c each bringing the total to $10.75 to be used to supply milk and free lunches to needy children.
Mrs. Eliza G. Murphy, mother of Dr. R. Brent Murphy, 6120 Victoria Avenue, who died on Saturday, November 14, was buried from St. James Church on Monday, November 16 from Solemn High Mass and interred in St. Peter's Cemetery, Kirkwood, Missouri.
Officers at the Mass: Rev. P.J. O'Connor, celebrant; Rev. N.E. Pohl, deacon; Rev. Bongartz, Holy Family father, sub-deacon; and Rev. John Kelley, master of ceremonies.
Mrs. Murphy who resided at the home of Doctor and Mrs. Murphy reached a fine old age. She was a woman who was endowed with rare strength of mind and body. Her life had all the ups and downs of one who makes a full course. Her husband died many years ago and his death imposed upon her all the duties of the home. She was keenly conscious of her obligations and discharged every duty with scrupulous care. She was a practical Catholic who scarcely ever missed Mass of a Sunday as long as her strength remained. She was a frequent communicant and a zealous supporter of her parish church. For many years she rarely left her home unless on some errand of mercy or a visit to the Church. She was a direct descendant, we are informed, of the Carrolls of Carrollton. This did not incline her to any pretensions of superiority. She was humble and kindly and much beloved. May she rest in peace.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gallaher, 6512 W. Park Avenue, are grieving because of the death of their infant girl Mary Patricia who died Saturday, November 28 and was buried from St. James Church November 30. On the occasion of her funeral the Joy Bells rang as they do at a wedding because the Church, who views all things from the standpoint of eternity, sees in her demise only the crown of glory that is given to little ones. To her sorrowing parents we extend our deep sympathy.
Confessions Christmas Eve: A Jesuit Father will assist hearing Confessions Christmas eve at St. James Church. Children's Confessions will be heard from 3 to 4 and others who are free before supper. The evening should be left for tired workers.
Mrs. Michael Imperial, 2012 Kraft Avenue, has returned home from the Jewish Hospital where she underwent a very serious operation. She is convalescing and apparently out of danger.
At the last meeting of the Forest Park Improvement Association Mr. May called attention to three streets and alley projects now pending in the Board of Alderman. These include the widening and surfacing of January Avenue, the same for Martha Place and the opening and making of an alley from Berthold to Clayton between Graham and Tamm Avenues. Mr. Sringmeyer urged the association to do something about the lack of sidewalks along Oakland Avenue west of Chlldress Avenue. The next meeting will be addressed by Mr. H.W. Hammer head of Protective and Improvement Associations.
The Athletic Club of the Parish invite you to become a member and to be present at a special meeting which will be held tomorrow evening Monday, December 7 in the school hall when a program for Winter entertainment and outing will be discussed and other matters pertaining to athletic events. In all probability a constitution and By-Laws will be presented for debate. A preliminary discussion makes it fairly certain that membership will be reserved to those who are members of the Junior Holy Name, Virgin Mother's Sodality, Children of Mary Sodality, Angelic Warfare Society, Boy Scouts and Alumni members.
It has been proposed to have a governing body that will consist of John Houlihan, Indefinitely Honorary President, a President also, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director, Chief of Police, Building Efficiency Expert, and a Delegate from each of the Sodalities. This will insure proportionate representation and just dealing with all concerned.
No one will be permitted to use the hall who has not a membership card. The question of dues will also be decided.
The money raised in the play given by the Athletic Club will go into the treasury of the new-formed organization and officers for the year 1932 will be elected. The Athletic Association is filling a much needed want. The young people are making a meeting place of the old church and are considering many improvements.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
On November twenty-fourth, Father John J. Butler, secretary of St. Vincent de Paul Society and Mr. John Burke came to St. James' Parish to officially assist in the organization of a Conference.
Father Butler on being introduced by Father O'Connor, said the society originated in Paris in 1833. Frederic Ozanam, leader of a band of eight young law students of the University of Paris who answered Atheists in the school, decided to join action to words and affirm by works the vitality of The Faith. They chose St. Vincent de Paul for their model and patron and took upon themselves the visitation of the poor in their homes.
The first Conference in the United States was formed in St. Louis, Mo. in 1845 by Bryan Mullanphy.
Father O'Connor also introduced Mr. John Burke who outlined the organization and informed the audience that once a year the President General presents to the Sovereign Pontiff a report of the Society's work. Conferences depend, for affiliation with the Society at large, upon the approval of the General Council. A probationary period of usually one year is required and evidence of observance of the rules of the Society.
After questions by Father O'Connor as to the method for handling different cases, officers were named as follows:
Rev. Patrick J. O'Connor, Spiritual Director, 1368 Tamm Avenue.
William E. McGann, President, 1201 Childress Avenue.
Joseph M. Crotty, Vice-President, 1423 Tamm A venue.
John J. Kelly, Secretary, 6149 West Park Avenue.
W.J. Bosche, Treasurer, 6449 Nashville Avenue.
Rev. Norbert Pohl, 1368 Tamm Avenue; C.P. Billings, 6408 Lloyd Avenue; William Henne, 6916a Bruno Avenue; John G. Houlihan, 6744 Oakland Avenue; William Jones, 1209 Childress Avenue; Walter Lambert, 1455 Graham Avenue; Edward L. Loyet, 6906 Bruno Avenue; A.H. Mudd,. 1228 Tamm Avenue; John T. Newport, 6420 Wade Avenue; Roy H. Obermann, 6312 Victoria Avenue; J.P. O'Gorman, 6441 Lloyd Avenue; R.E. Pierce, 1223 Childress Avenue; P.H. Regan, 6405 West Park Avenue; C.L. Thompson, 6419 West Park Avenue; George H. Wiber, 6143 West Park Avenue.
Frank G. Ebenreck, 6508 Clayton Avenue.
Names presented at meeting November twenty-fifth, 1931.
Ollie Dolan, 6412 Lloyd Avenue; Charles W. Klasek, 6212 Victoria Avenue; J.E. McLaughlin, 6764 West Park Avenue; Arthur E. Pahl, 1458 Tamm Avenue.
To finance the Council, Father Butler advised the members to sell the Sunday Visitor and offer periodicals each Sunday at the doors of the Church.
On Monday. December 14 at 8 p.m., the members of St. James Branch No. 1 of the Holy Name Society will honor the outgoing officers with a light supper and a toast by Assistant Circuit Attorney James McLaughlin, following which there will be a meeting and election of officers.
The outgoing officers who have served during the year are Robert E. Pierce, president; Walter Lambert, attorney, secretary; A.H. Mudd, treasurer; Peter Walker, marshal. These gentlemen have promoted monthly Communion, membership campaigns, a Triduum, Mission and the Emergency Drive, and have been untiring and faithful in discharge of their duties. It is believed the membership will delight in paying them an honor.
There are also two school divisions of the Holy Name and a Young Men's unit. The officers for boys from 5th to 8th grades are Pete Palumbo, Pres.; Hubert Ward, V.P.; James Kelley, Sec.; Robert Mudd, Treas. The Infant Holy Name recently elected William Boman, Pres.; Thomas Conroy, V.P.; Lester Duggan, Sec.; Edward Mudd, Treas.; Bob Coad, medal bearer.
Hense & Sons Grocery and Meat Market are making extensive alterations in their store in preparation for Silver Jubilee Week which will be celebrated in the early summer. These consist of new shelving, furnishings and decorations. Mr. Will Hense, successor to his father, is now manager of the store. He has been associated with it since it was opened twenty-five years ago. The store has been noted for its high class meats and groceries. The tradition is "You can be sure that what you get from Hense is good."
The following is a list of Purgatorian Society living members. They share in the Masses that are offered for living and deceased members on the First Friday of each month, All Souls' Day and in the daily memento made in Mass offered by Father O'Connor, Spiritual Director, and should any living members die within the year, on being notified of their demise, the Spiritual Director will offer three Masses for his repose.
Each living member submitted a list of deceased relatives and friends. These constitute the deceased members and the Purgatorian Society Masses will be applied for their repose. They also are given a daily memento in the Mass and the sheets on which their names are recorded are placed on the altar during the Mass of the First Friday.
Possibly there are some names of living members omitted from this list because they forgot to sign their name to the Purgatorian Society sheet or registered under their family name without giving the Christian name.
There were also a few names that were difficult to decipher. Should your name be omitted notify Mrs. Agnes Boman, HIland 2031 and a correction will be made in the next issue.
Should a living member die a notification of his death should be sent to Father O'Connor so that he might be reminded to offer the the 3 Masses.
Membership in this Society has to be
newed each year and can be done on
eve of All Souls or later.
| Arnold, Mrs. A. | Heil, Mrs. Cecilia M. | Moore, Mollie |
| Andre, Dorthea | Hense. W. H. | Morrissey, Mrs. A. B. |
| Badendieck, Cecelia | Houlihan. Mr. & Mrs. J. G. | Moss, Mrs. J. |
| Bannon, Mary | Hugeback, Mr. & Mrs. Henry | Mrus, Veronica |
| Barni. Mr. & Mrs. A. | Irvin. Ethel | Mudd, A. H. |
| Barron, Mr. & Mrs. F. | Jackson, Mrs. Clara | Mullin, Mrs. John |
| Barry, Emma | Jirauch. Mrs. A. | Murphy, Mrs. B. |
| Begley, Mrs. M. | Jones, Margaret | Murphy, Dr. & Mrs. Brent |
| Belossi. Mrs. Rosa | Jones, Mr. & Mrs. M. | Murphy, Mrs. Eliza. |
| Beinecke, Mrs. Agnes | Jones. Wm. | Murphy. Mr. & Mrs. P. H. |
| Beondo, Michael | Kearney. Mrs. Wm. | Newport, Mr. & Mrs. J. |
| Bertuso, Mrs. B. | Kelley, Mrs. Mary | Newport, Mrs. |
| Berger, Mary | Kelly, Mr. & Mrs. John | Nixon, Mr. & Mrs. Edw. |
| Bigney, Gertrude | Kerker. Martha | Noonan, Mrs. Josephine |
| Blechle, G. D. | Kern, Agnes. Emma, Josie and | Oates, Mrs. J. |
| Boman, Mr. & Mrs. W. T. | Louise | O'Connell. Mrs. J. |
| Bosche, Mr. Mat & Viola | King. Mrs. Nellie | O'Conner. Rev. P. J. |
| Boyer, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen | Klanfar, A. R. | O'Gorman, J. P. |
| Brady, John | Klasek, Mr. & Mrs. Chas. | O'Hare, Nellie |
| Brady, Mr. & Mrs. Norman | Kletzker. Mrs. Geo. | Owmby, Mrs. Mary |
| Brambilla, Chas. | Koncen. M. Kate | O'Shaughnessey, Mrs. Wm. |
| Brown, Marie | Lane, Mrs. Con. | O'Toole, Eliz. |
| Bruno, Mrs. Irene | Leonhardt. Mrs. Annie M. | Pahl, Mrs. A. |
| Buckley, Mrs. Edw. | Linkul, Mrs. Mary | Pate. Mrs. R. L. |
| Byrne, William | Long. Mrs. J. | Phelan. John J. |
| Cadwallader, H. | Ludden, Mrs. | Pilla, Frank |
| Carreras, Minnie | Mahon, Genevieve L. | Pilla, Nick & Mary |
| Carroll, Mary | Mahon. Mrs. Mary | Placke, Mrs. H. W. |
| Chevalier. Mrs. A | Mahon, Helen | Placke. Mrs. T. |
| Chiodini, Mario | Mahon, Mary | Politte, Roger & Mary |
| Christy, Mrs. Anna | Mahon, John | Purcell, John |
| Clegg, Mrs. Mary | Mahon, Frank | Pursley, Mrs. Frank |
| Clivio, Mr. & Mrs. J. | Mahon, Thos. | Quirck, Louise |
| Coad, Mrs. M. C. | Mahon, Ed. | Regan, Delia |
| Collins, Mrs. David F. | Sister M. Kathleen | Reese, Mrs. Dulaney |
| Collins, Mrs. Eliz. & Blanche | Mahon, Thos. | Riegel, Mrs. L. |
| Collins, Wm. & Nellie Kirby | Mahoney, Mrs. John | Rigoni, C. |
| Cooper, Mrs. M. J. | Maloney, Mrs. H. C. | Rigoni, Mrs. E. |
| Cross, Mrs. E. F. | Maloney, Herbert & Irene | Rocchio, Mrs. John |
| Cullen. Mrs. | Maloney. Irene | Santambrogio, Pete |
| Dahmer, Margaret | Manion, Mrs. John | Scherzinger, Mitchell |
| Dailey, Mrs. E. | Manion. Peter | Scully, Mrs. M. |
| Dapron, B. C. | Matreci, Mrs. | Siefred, Mrs. M. |
| Doering, Mr. & Mrs. J. | Mayor. Mrs. Mary | Smith, Mrs. Mary |
| Dolan, Ellen B. | McCauley. Mrs. H. J. | Stevens, Eliz. |
| Dolan, Mrs. P. J. | McDonnell. Mrs. M. | Stumpf, Wm. A. |
| Doran, Mr. & Mrs. J. | McEvoy, Mrs. A. | Sullivan. Mrs. Mary |
| Eckhardt, Mrs. M. | McGee ham, Mary | Sister M. Acquin |
| Fahey, Mrs. M | McGuire, Mrs. John | Sister M. Celine |
| Flynn, Mrs. Margaret | McGuire, Margaret | Sister M. Gabriel |
| Foley, M. P. | McLaughlin. Mrs. Mat | Sister M. Rosella |
| Forrest. Nan | Mc Shaf'frey, Louise | Thompson, Mrs. Chas. |
| Fay, Eleanor | McVey, Mrs. H., Jr. | Thompson, W. |
| Gallaher. Mrs. J. H. | Meier, Mrs. L. | Wagner, Mrs. Kate |
| Glynn, Mrs. D. | Merlotti, Mrs. L. | Walsh, Mr. & Mrs. F. A. |
| Grosch, Frances | Mills, Mrs. Irene | Wiber, Mrs. G. |
| Harris, Mrs. Jas, | Moore, Mrs. M. | Wichman, Mrs. Caroline |
| Hartnett. Mrs. Eugene | Moore, John . | Wiss, Mrs. H.J. |
| Hawkins. Mrs. G. A. | Moore, Martin | Witte, Mrs .. J |
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Staab are a decided acquisition to the parish. Since their arrival they have taken an active part in parish activities and are eminently fitted to be helpful in organizing the young people. They recently directed the play that was presented by the Athletic Club which received so much favorable comment. The young people are enthused about their success and attribute their excellency in dramatizing to the training they received from Mr. and Mrs. Staab.
Mr. Staab who is the coach at St. Louis University High School has taken a hand in directing the young people's Athletic Club. He is a graduate of St. Mary's College, Kansas, where he became prominent as an athlete, amateur actor and director of plays. His wife Margaret, nee Mackey, is a graduate of the Catholic High School, Hayes, Kansas. They both have a wide experience of directing plays and athletics. Mr. Staab in the year 1929 had the leading part in the Vagabond King at St. Mary's University. Their home is at 1451 Graham Avenue.
The modern Christmas Card is an abomination. It is devoid of Christian sentiment and should not be purchased. Plenty of cards can be procured, if one looks for them in time that are magnificent reproductions of Christian art and the Greetings are also attractive. These are not usually in display in the stores, they say there is no demand for them. We rather think they are not encouraging the demand and that our Christian people are not overinsistent in asking for a card that has a picture of the Infant, the Virgin or other characters associated with the Nativity. Do your bit to correct the evil and buy only Christmas Cards that are really Christian.
The promoters of the Apostleship of Prayer are procuring picture books that would make a nice present for a child. These they will sell in Church on Sundays before Christmas. Give your child an opportunity of learning that Christmas means something more than "Santa Claus." Make it possible for him to be present at the Christmas Play. It will be cheaper than a picture show and will make a lasting religious impression.
Mr. Alfred Johnson, 5227 Murdock Avenue, St. Louis, RIverside 1964-W. called on us during the past week and exhibited a variety of Christmas presents mostly jewelry, which he is selling at wholesale price and much cheaper than what can be procured in the downtown store. We became deeply interested when we learned that he is the husband of one of our Alumnae, Pauline Epstein, whose late father was an enthusiastic worker for many years in the parish.
On a recent occasion we had also the pleasure or visiting Schuermann's Jewelry Store, 921 S. Vandeventer near the corner where Vandeventer and Manchester street cars pass. We saw there also many bargains and are desirous to tell the parishioners about them because when we have a Carnival or a Card game our solicitors rarely miss going to Schuermann's.
FOR RENT - 6219 Victoria Avenue. 4 rooms, bath, furnace, hardwood floors, garage. Reasonable rent. Close to church and school.
The December meeting of the Virgin Mother's Sodality will be held Tuesday evening, December 8, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Those desiring membership who have received Holy Communion three times with the Sodality are eligible to Profession and are requested to be present the evening of the 8th of December when there will be a ceremony of admission. An enjoyable evening is assured. Plans are being made for a real "get together." Ladies over 21 years of age are invited.
The Sodality will receive Holy Communion in a body at the 5:30 Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Postulants who have received twice with the Sodality and receive Holy Communion on the Feast day will also be eligible for Profession.
The Card Party given by the Virgin Mother's Sodality netted $125.00. The Sodalists take this opportunity of thanking the people who were present, the Mothers' Club who assisted in serving the refreshments and calling as well as those who so untiringly gave their assistance in selling tickets, soliciting prizes and helping the night of the Card Party.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wilber celebrated the anniversary of the Silver Jubilee of their wedding at a home party of relatives and friends on Sunday, November twenty-second in St. James Parish. Let's Go extends to them its felicitations and wishes them continued happiness for many years.
The congregation that came to the 9 o'clock Mass at St. James Church on Thanksgiving were agreeably surprised when they observed two weddings in progress. The first pair were Helen Clara Heneberg, 1042 Art Hill Place, who was married to Oscar Joseph Weinel of St. Wenceslaus parish; the second were Miss Theresa Adrigan, 6904a Magnolia Avenue and Leo J. Hurley.
The bridesmaid to Miss Heneberg, Miss Josie Downs, 4712 Hemmert Place, wore a yellow costume and head dress; a contrast to the bride's white satin robe. The bridesmaid to Miss Adrigan wore a pink chiffon dress, blue crepe slippers and a blue velvet head dress, also a contrast to the beautiful ruffled white satin costume of the bride.
The church was well filled and an admiring congregation, it is stated, watched the couples receive the nuptial blessing and proceed down the aisle to the strains of a wedding march.
Father O'Connor officiated at the ceremony and Mass.
Christmas Eve, December Twenty-fourth, is a Fast Day and a Day of Abstinence. Last year there was difficulty in procuring fish as many of the local stores overlooked getting supplies or feared to handle fish because of the uncertainty of making sales. Fish is a perishable commodity and the odor makes it undesirable to hold in an ice-box.
Mr. Wm. Hense informs us that he will pay special attention to the trade this year and will offer for sale a variety of fresh fish. He suggests that orders be given to him a day or two beforehand to assure a reasonable guess as to the quantity that he should buy to supply the local needs.
Edward H. Bowdern, M.D., brother to the two distinguished Jesuit fathers and O.I. Bird, Dentist, who prior to the World War had an offlce on Tamm Avenue, wish to inform the public that they are about to open an office on the northeast corner of Tamm and Clayton Avenues.
Gerard Edwin McLaughlin, 6764 W. Park Avenue.
Mary Louis Jennemann, 6434a West Park Avenue.
Mary Lorraine Schmalz, 1523 Gregg Avenue.
Milton Frank Manestar, 6470 Dale Avenue.
Mario Eugene Chiodini, 1434 Gregg Avenue.
John AUburn Long, 1025a Central Avenue.
William George Baretich, 6415 Manchester Avenue.
Henry Merreld Duncan, 5921 Dale Avenue.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Harris, 6211 West Park Avenue, had as their guests on Thanksgiving Day, seven young men all students of Kenrick Seminary.
The Parochial School Soccer team is maintaining the tradition of St. James Parish in the Forest Park Division of the Municipal Soccer League and are well on the way of winning the divisional trophy. They have been successful in all of the five games played and have defeated such high class teams as come from the New Cathedral, St. Margareta, St. Lukes and St. Cronins. They have only three more games to go and at the worst can only be tied with their ablest competitor.
They played St. Lukes twice and the score was 5-1, 3-0. St. Cronins, 2-0; St. Margareta, 1-0; Cathedral, 3-0.
Jim Kelley is manager and Edward Corbett, Captain.
The lineup consists of Jack Kelly, Jim Brady, Pete Palumbo, Johnny McCauley, Hubert Ward. Bob Wack. Thomas Marshall, Francis McLaughlin, John Barry, Harold Myers, Bill Wack.
The ten new bungalows that are being erected on Louisville Avenue near Dale Avenue are attracting the attention of home makers. They are modern, brick construction, and it is understood will be sold for $4,300.00 - five rooms, bath and furnace and attractive cellar. The builders are men of excellent character and are known to Father O'Connor. He vouches for their integrity - the buildings you must examine for yourself; they appear to be bargains.
The ladies of the parish are invited to assist in church cleaning in preparation for Christmas on Thursday and Friday, December Seventeenth and Eighteenth.
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, December Sixteenth, Eighteenth and Nineteenth, are Fast Days and Days of Abstinence. (Quarter Tense Fast.)
December 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, is a holy day of obligation. The Masses on that day will be at 5:30, 7:30 and 9 a.m.
New Year's Day. the Feast of the Circumcision, is also a holy day of obligation. Masses on that day will be the same as on the previous Sunday. There will be four Masses.
The law of Fast and Abstinence does not bind on Fridays on which a holy day falls.
A Bridge and Bunco party will be given on January fifteenth, 1931 by the Mothers' Club at the St. Louis Dairy.
FOR RENT - 1328 Tamm Avenue. Flat, 4 rooms, sleeping porch, hardwood floors, bath, Murphy bed. Heat furnished $35.00.
Thomas B. Coleman, 4614 Enright Avenue, died of a bronchial ailment, at his home on Sunday, November 22. He was buried from the Cathedral on Wednesday the 25th.
Mr. Coleman is father of Miss Catherine Coleman who is a secretary in the same office as Mr. Pierce, at Bemis Bag Co., and for the past several years has rendered him great assistance in writing his copy for Let's Go.
Mr. Pierce, like most writers, invariably neglects the work until the last possible moment, and were it not for the efficient service given by Miss Coleman, Uncle Henry's Letter would often arrive at the printer too late to be published. She also looks after punctuation, paragraphing, etc. He is very particular, however, about the spelling, taking chances with no one wrongfully spelling a word correctly which should rightfully be spelled wrong.
Mr. Coleman left a family consisting of his wife, Mrs. Winifred Coleman, and eight children, Desmond, Thomas, John, Winifred, Margaret, Catherine, Dorothy, and Marcella. May he rest in peace.
Radio repairs and cheap radios: Anna Dolan's husband, Mr. Humphrey. 1229 Suburban Avenue, is a good radio repair man, he also sells radios and can probably give better prices than most dealers. He will be glad to call at your home
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
December 1, 1931.
dear Charlie:
The athletic club give a play during the month an it has been a long time since i have seen enythlng better. by the way the folks laffed at the sad perdickerments that jerry O'Connell got hisself into made it look like he didn't have a friend in the place. that wasn't so however, cause Josie was there, an there aint no doubt about her being his friend; even though the play did bring out sum sordid incidents of his past life.
it all come about through the ego of jack Houlihan in thinking he is a champeen "fixer", an when he tried to "fix it up" for his daughter Betty Kavanaugh to marry Jerry, he made the mistake of startin with a lie, and when he was found out, had to tell another to cover the first one, and so on in a endless chain.
margaret O'Shaughnessy was Jack's wife an she was a loyal an trusting mate, but i thought she was a trifle dumb not to get suspicious of his many escapades, specially the "affair" he had with "sadie Bloom". i know that i would have plenty of explainin to do if i tried to get away with that kind of stuff with the mrs.
the cast seemed inclined to give most of the credit for there success to Frank Staab an his wife, who directed the show, an I guess they deserved to be complimented. it was a good show, well presented, an the audience thoroughly enjoyed it.
speaking of shows Charlie, you ought to come down for the Christmas play which the Pastor is planing for the Sunday before Christmas. from what i understand it is a beautiful showing of the true Christmas as well as the more modern version. the Choir is to render the musical numbers, an you know we have sum Choir. the scenery is being made special for the play, and from what i understand it is to be the most elaborate affair ever given out here.
i guess you herd that we organized at St. Vincent de Paul Conference last month, an a lot of the boys is already figgerin how can they get sum help without sacrificing there social standing. i could use a little myself but if I asked for it chances are i would get turned down cold because they know me too well. walter Bosche would tell em i bought a new battery for the car, or charlie Billings seen me at the wrestling show, or julius Frederick played penochle with me at 10 cents a hundred, an why dont i cut out my extravagance. a friend in need is worth two in ambush, so i will be pretty hungry before i give em a chance to express there true opinion of me.
geo. Wiber an Florence celebrated there silver wedding last week an renewed there nuptial "I do's" for another 25 years. i remember when they "squared off" for life's battle, only i didn't realize it was so long ago. I aint got no way of keeping track of dates on acount of i am like Ring Lardner who "burned his diary when the Starr Faithful story broke", only i dont keep one because i found out long ago that there aint a lock strong enough to keep a woman out of her husbands diary or pants-pockets. course, I aint got nuthin to hide, but i just dont like the idear.
wel charlie we will soon be in the midst of that foolish seazon when the young fellows swap a gold watch for a pair of sox; fathers shop around for electric trains and doll buggies; an the old folks exchange greeting cards. i dont like to admit that old age is dictating my habits, but the greeting card idea appeals to me. the custom of buying sumbody sumthing they dont want an getting sumthin i dont care for in return, has always struck me as funny. an during this depression is the best time in the world to discourage it. so dont sem me nuthin.
T'was the "fight" before Christmas,
And all through the store,
Shelves full of "bargains",
The things we adore.
Men and women were jostling
Christmas gifts to acquire,
The worst mob I've seen
Since the lumber-yard fire.
by the way charlte, you ought to be more careful who reads your correspondence. i kinda got in bad with ollie Dolan on acount of in my last letter to you i included him among the "slackers" that passed-up the Triduum, an when he found out what i said, i had to apologize. everybody makes mistakes, an i am glad that the first one 1 ever made was at the expense of a broad-minded feller like Ollie. instead of sum crab that would get soar about it.
your pertickler friend & uncle
HENRY.
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1931
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932
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