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."
On Thursday, June 9th, Rev. P.J. O'Connor, pastor of St. James The Greater Parish, was exactly twenty-five years a priest, twenty of which he spent in St. James Parish either as assistant, administrator or pastor. Previous to his coming to St. James, he was five years assistant pastor at St. Edward's Church, St. Louis.
On Sunday, June 5th, approxhnatelv 50 nuns and a well-filled church were present at the Solemn Mass celebrated by Rev. P.J. O'Connor, which opened the Jubilee Celebration. He was assisted by Rev. P.J. O'Rourke, pastor of St. Mark's Church. Rev. John Nugent, St. Catherine's Church, and Rev. John P. Ryan, pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church who were respectively Deacon, Sub-Deacon and Master of Ceremonies. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev, John Lonergan, pastor of St. Cronin's Church.
The church edifice was highly decorated and polished so that the wax on the floors reflected the sunbeams that came through the art glass windows, and the altars and Sanctuary were elegantly decked with flowers. The Statue of the Blessed Virgin which usually sets in the Shrine at the back of the Church had been transferred to within the Sanctuary and was embanked with the most beautiful roses that could be procured in the city. This was done at the request of Father O'Connor as a tribute of gratitude to the Blessed Mother of God, to whom he has a very special devotion. Tears of gratitude were in his eyes as he knelt after Mass before this statue in his vestments with the Deacon and Sub Deacon at his side whilst the choir sang, "On this day 0 beautiful Mother".
The Sermon preached by Father Lonergan was a scholarly production and delivered with great unction. He spoke of the priesthood and of the SacrifIce of the Mass and other functions of the priest and made application of his sermon to the Jubilarian. He sald he was faithful, zealous, aggressive and forceful, and that his administrations were always sympathetic and kindly. He referred also to his literary talent and said that many or the articles published in "Let's Go" were recopied in Catholic and other periodicals and thus spread through the whole country.
After Mass he had the nuns and priests as his guests at lunch in the cafeteria of the school and each of the clergy gave a humorous toast that touched on the taste and characteristics of the Jubilarian. Father O'Rourke accused him of being guilty of misrepresentation and said no one present was willing to believe that so young a looking man could be 25 years a priest. The sisters took a great delight on hearing the priests tease one another.
On Monday evening more than 70 men including members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, gave Father O'Connor a stag party during which he was presented with an intricate combination of book and box for holding flies to be used in his fishing excursions. On revealing to them that he found it necessary to give up "Let's Go" in order to relieve the nervous strain which he recently found so irritating, a discussion followed as to what might be done to save the publication and many opinions were expressed as to its usefulness, but he would not relent. He said he had either to ease up on his work or make arrangements to soon have a room in a mental sanitarium. To complete the entertainment there was a competitive pinochle and card game which furnished a good deal of amusement. There was a prearranged scheme to make Mr. Charles Klasek give fuller and more determined contempt for his poor luck at cards. During a rubber a phoney deck was slipped into the game and Mr. Klasek on looking at his cards perceived he had a wonderful hand and bid 650. He said it with a zest that made it evident he did not expect to be outbid, but chagrin soon came upon him on hearing Mr. Newport say, "I bid 1600", Mr. Klasek presumed the statement was a joke until Mr. Newport melded 1500 trumps. The crowd gathered around him and with feigned expressions or sorrow extended him sympathy whilst Mr. Newport urged the players to contribute their 10c a hundred, Mr. Klasek crossed the jokesters by calmly reaching for his chips to pay off, without a complaint about his bad luck. Father O'Connor, who was not in on the joke, felt real sympathy for Mr. Klasek and congratulated Mr. Newport on his unusual good luck. It was the second time he said he had ever seen 1500 trumps in a pinochle game and the boys covered his astonishment with broad smiles and many a wink. A little later in the game the thing happened again but this time it was real, Uncle Henry actually had the 1750 hand, there was nothing phoney about it, and from that moment the Jubilarian for the occasion seemed to be Mr. Pierce.
On Tuesday evening the young ladies of the Virgin Mothers Sodality threw another party for Father O'Connor and made him a donation of a box of silver and many spiritual bouquets. He spoke to them of the days long ago when they were little Agnes and Dorothies in the Kindergarten and recalled to them many of their childish tales. He said, "Do you realize you are always the same little girls to me and how I am grieved to the heart if I ever find one of you endangering your peace and spiritual beauty by setting out on a dangerous course or a foolish experiment."
Wednesday was a day of great rejoicing in the Parochial School where the children, under the direction of the Dominican Nuns, had prepared a reception. The hall was neatly decorated with flowers and emblems appropriate to the occasion. The children sang and recited. They also made presentations, one a spiritual bouquet that took in thousands of Communions, Ways of the Cross and pious ejaculations, and another a gorgeous bouquet of flowers that had suspended from every branch, silver dollars.
On Wednesday night all the parishioners and many visitors, especially from St. Edward's Parish assembled in the school yard to enact a delightful program and make a presentation. This was probably one of the most delightful entertainments that was ever given in the parish. It was very informal but undoubtedly must have been very carefully prearranged. It opened by an address to the Jubilarian by Mr. Joseph Crotty, an old and most respected member of the congregation and a parish trustee. He appointed Rev. Michael O'Leary, pastor of St. Malachy's Church, to be toastmaster and the program that followed was a variety of entertaining numbers which kept Father O'Connor in perpetual laughter and surprise. Somehow or other through a detective system the chairman of the flrst parish meeting ever attended by Father O'Connor and held in St. Edward's was brought to the stage and he described the young priest of 25 years ago with a warmth of appreciation and affection.
Next was produced a fiddler from East St. Louis, Mr. Michael Boyle, the blacksmith who shod Father O'Connor's father's horses back in Ireland when he was a boy. William Collins, a parishioner, was so aroused by the Irish Jiggs and Horn Pipes he volunteered an exhibition of step dancing and soon he found himself in competition with Mr. Richard Barry and Jerry Corbett.
Mrs. John McKeon in an excellent tenor voice followed this number with the Kerry Dance. Others on the program were Rev. Robt. McKeon who spoke on our Jubilarian, Mrs. Frank A. Walsh who sang "Thank God for a Garden". Mr Fred McKenna gave an address, "The Former Parishioner", Miss Dorothy McLaughlin and Mr. Frank Strathman, a vocal duet; Mr. John Mulrooney, a friend from St. Edwards; a medley of songs and anecdotes by the Shamrock Quartette. Messrs. Riley, Breen, Jakle, Foley, Blanchard; a presentation from the Children of Mary Sodality by Miss Virginia Pursley: by the Mothers' Club, Mrs. Catherine Klasek; St. James Alumni Assn., Mr. Walter Strathman; St. Ann's Sodality, Mrs. Ben Plengemeier, and one from the parish in general who were represented by Mr. Robt. Edw. Pierce. Song of Love - duet, Mrs. John McKeon and Mr. Charles Heil, and a highly interesting and entertaining speech entitled "A Sketch of the Pastor" by Uncle Henry, which in part is published in another part of this issue.
But most entertaining of the many good entertainers was the toastmaster, Father O'Leary, whose original comments and wit made all present regard him as the best toastmaster they ever heard. He gave several speeches, each one more amusing than the former and amazed the audience by the frequency with which he received telegrams. Each of these he read after its reception and all of them were phoney. He had one from the Pope which he read as follows: Reverende et Carrissime Pater, "I know you understand this much, he said, but I'll translate the rest for you." And continued, Health and Apostolic Benediction and felicitations. You are not only a hunter and fisherman in the accepted meaning of the words but likewise a hunter and fisherman of souls. Give my blessing to my Italian people who still are with you as well as to those who have moved out to the hill. Congratulations to Father Palumbo. Hope the Archbishop will see the need of two assistants at St. James and give you Father Palumbo. If he is a true Italian he ought to be a help to your wonderful choir that is well known not only in St. Louis but also here in Rome. Paternally yours, Pope Pius.
A telegram from the President of the United States: - To Father O'Connor, St. James Church, St. Louis, Mo. Heartiest congratulations. Your great work in St. Louis is one noble experiment that has not failed. Would appreciate it very much if you could find time to send me one honest to goodness prescription for Prosperity. Please try to get it to me before the Chicago Convention. We have a wonderful fishing camp down in Virginia. Take a run down before the season closes. If you can't make it, would be glad to have you visit me any time next year in London, England, where I expect to be permanently located. Sincerely, Herbert Hoover.
One from Al Smith: - To Father O'Connor, Dear friend Pat, Heartiest congratulations. This goes for Katie too. Just what do your people think of the 18th Amendment? Would like to put their view in the record and in my platform for the coming campaign. Hope to meet you in Chicago this month. Please send me latest copy of "Let's Go." Cordially yours, Al Smith.
From the Archbishop: - Father O'Connor, St. James Church, St. Louis, Mo. Congratulations. Hope you are well. Sorry I cannot be with you tonight but must put in some study on my sermon for the Eucharistic Congress. Your great work at St. Edwards and later at St. James is well deserving of a promotion, so that I now hereby promote you to St. Malachy's Parish, your appointment to go into effect upon my return from Ireland. I hope you will be pleased at this recognition of work well done. Cordially, John J. Glennon, Archbishop of St. Louis.
To appreciate the humor of this last telegram those who do not know St. Malachy's parish must be informed that it is one of the downtown parishes of which the toastmaster is the appreciative pastor. He is a young man of great charm and of much ability and in the opinion of many his life is wasted because the once prosperous parish is now only an echo of the past and has neither a congregation nor any substantial revenue.
An appreciative speech of much humility was made by Father O'Connor and as the writer of this article happens to be the same individual, modesty forbids a repetition or a statement as to its merits. Mrs. Boman says "It was a rattling good speech and delighted everybody."
The concluding celebration was on Thursday, June 9th, the date of the anniversary of the ordination. This opened with a solemn High Mass celebrated by Father O'Connor assisted by Father Robt. McKeon, Deacon; Father Geo. Keating, pastor of St. Mary and Joseph Church, Sub-Deacon; Father J.P. O'Malley, Professor Kenrick Seminary, Master of Ceremonies; Rev. Antony Palumbo, Assistant Master of Ceremonies. Rev. Daniel Lavery, D.D., delivered an instructive and dogmatic sermon on the Mass which was attended by nearly 80 priests and a well filled church. After service in the Church on Thursday a banquet was tendered the Jubilarian at which more than 70 priests were present including Very Rev. P.P. Crane, Vicar General; Very Rev. Charles L. Souvey, C.M., president of Kenrick Seminary; Very Rev. Charles L. VanTourenhout, rural dean, St. Genevieve. Toasts were made by these and Rev. Wm. Carr, pastor at Millwood, Rev. Robt. McKeon. The toasts in order were as follows: Irish Missionaries, Our Adopted Country, Ecclesiastical Art, Hobbies, Our Jubilarian. Toastmaster Rev. H.F. Schuermann, Ph.D., S.T.D. The toastmaster read the following letters and telegrams:
From the Archbishop:
Archbishop's House, Saint Louis, June 2, 1932. My dear Father O'Connor: I am in receipt of an invitation to your Silver Jubilee. I wish to thank you therefor and regret exceedingly I will not be able to attend.
If I were present I should gladly testify to your constant fidelity in the performance of your priestly duties, in the care of your parish and its people and your great success in church building, to which I would add also the hope and prayer that there are left you many years to continue your priestly labors.
Sincerely yours,
John J. Glennon,
Archbishop of Saint Louis.
Very Rev. C.E. Byrne, Bishop of the Diocese of Galveston, Texas:
Dear Father O'Connor: I'll not be there for the celebration. But I'll say a prayer for you and wish you "ad multos annos." But I should warn you not to be too severe on my friend Cardinal O'Connell next time you must take him in hands.
Very Rev. Francis Gilfillan, Bishop of St. Joseph, Missouri:
Dear Father O'Connor : - Accept my sincere congratulations on your Jubilee and on the noble and memorable work you have accomplished in St. James Parish. May you live long to enjoy it.
Rev. Eugene Teahan, pastor Ellsworth, Kansas:
Dear Father Pat: - To follow the past to twenty-five years ago, before your fruitful priesthood began, would find us together going o'er the old roads in Kerry, and the friendship I treasured then is treasured today, and so I will warm my heart with fond memories of the past and with the esteem of today and send you my dearest congratulations on your Silver Jubilee day, and in the good old Irish way say: God keep you for many more till the silver is turned to gold and, then, for many more. I value your invitation sincerely and will try and see you sometime later on, but at present, I must with regret say I can't be present.
I love you as my oId friend, I honor you as a priest and admire you for the things you have done as a priest, for beneath them all no truer heart could beat, and for the sake of all take this old friend's hand that is warmed from his heart to wish you many many more years of devoted service to the God we first learned to love away back in the old County Kerry.
South Forest Park Improvement Association, Mr. "Jock" Bellairs:
Dear Father O'Connor: - Mrs. Bellairs and I wish to extend to you our hearty congratulations on your achieving your silver jubilee as a priest. You have been such a source of helpfulness to this entire section that we believe the neighborhood should be congratulated on having you for its own. We have known you since your coming among us and have been charmed with your real personality, your ready response to every call for help, no matter of what sort, or of what creed. Briefly, you have been of such immense help in the upbuilding, morally and otherwise, of this entire territory and of its people, that we, all of us should be grateful for whatever influence directed you to us and kept you here. I wish to add to our personal compliments, the congratulations of this entire association. We are proud to number you in our membership and glad to acknowledge the great help you have been to this community.
Again congratulations and may the good Lord spare you to us until we may celebrate your golden, aye your diamond jubilee.
DeSoto Council Knights of Columbus forwarded a magnificent bouquet and the following letter:
Dear Father O'Connor: - DeSoto Council, Knights of Columbus, of which you are a most highly esteemed member, wishes to join the people of St. James Parish and your host of friends in celebrating this, your twenty-fifth Anniversary.
Rev. Daniel A. Lord, S.J., national organizer and editor of the Queen's Work: You have my heartiest good wishes. I regret I cannot be present. I know how deeply happy the day will be. There is something of conclusion about a Golden Jubilee. But a Silver Jubilee is just a time when, from the inspiration of the years completed happily and successfully, you can draw inspiration and courage for the years ahead. I know the Master you have served in so priestly a fashion will make your day deeply happy and the years ahead continuously blessed.
The National Catholic Women's Union, Missouri Section: We extend you our sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of your Silver Sacerdotal Jubilee. It is our earnest wish and prayer that God will bless you on this day and give you many happy returns of your anniversary.
Dr. John A. Simon:
Dear Father O'Connor: - Your brief interview in last Sunday's Globe-Democrat was in many respects a classic gem and revealed the kernel of a sane and beautiful philosophy. A dog, a fishing rod and flowers! Who could wish for more? Unless perhaps, old Omar Khayam were to add his jug of wine.
"Ad XXV plures annos!"
Mrs. Mildred Crouch, 6129 Crescent Ave., who for many years has been convalescing from tuberculosis, recently suffered an attack of pneumonia. For several days she was in a critical condition at Barnes Hospital, but is now home and on a fair way to recovery.
Mrs. Tim Flynn, 6936 Bruno Ave., is home after Undergoing a serious operation at the DePaul Hospital.
My dear parishioner:-
The enthusiasm and spontaneity with which
you united with me in properly celebrating
the Silver Jubilee of my ordination continues
to be a great source of satisfaction as it was
a great delight.
I can't recall any period of my life that was so singularly pleasurable as the week of my jubilee.
It was an occasion of spiritual elation, thanksgiving, exchange of goodwill and much that delights the ear, the eye, the heart, the mind.
The Church which the ladies and Sisters had so attractively decorated and prepared for the opening solemn service, the procession of altar boys and clergy, the almost angelic singing of the choir, the size of the congregation, the presence of so big a gathering of Dominican nuns and the preacher's eloquence and refinement of expression were each on the opening day a spiritual stimulation that aroused all my emotions and made me so happy I shed tears of joy.
These things disposed me to wish I could give myself over a hundred times more completely to the service of the congregation and to the blessed work of the ministry. I renewed my ordination vows and consecration with a grateful heart and prayed that I might remove from my character everything that is offensive to God or man.
Each succeeding day brought new delights. In the mail came letters and presents from relatives, friends, acquaintances, former and present parishioners, neighbors, priests, nuns and even a few from Bishops. Everywhere I turned there were flowers, beautiful, gorgeous and expensive bouquets sitting on stands, tables, desks and furniture. I am peculiarly susceptible to the attractiveness of beautiful things and the Rectory was to me a little paradise for a whole week.
The Rectory had been under a cleaning and renovating process for several days and the painters and cleaners made the old wood and walls put on a glad and cheerful aspect. After a new rug was laid in my sitting room and a few armchairs added to the furniture, things began to brighten, and the last touch was complete when a new and well fitting cover was put on the old lounge and green curtains on the windows.
Priests dropped in to give a helping hand or say a word of greeting. Father Keating went into the country a hundred and twenty miles to procure rainbow trout to serve at the banquet tendered me and the priests. Fathers McKeon and O'Leary kept behind the scene and directed the parishioners. Every society and sodality had its meeting and plan for making a presentation. I received innumerable spiritual bouquets, Sanctuary ornaments, a few surplices, fishing tackle and equipment, presents of silver, and checks well in excess of a thousand dollars, but behind it all there was unmistakable evidence of wanting to please and show gratitude. The halting nervous utterance made at the parish gathering by some of those deputed to make presentations and unaccustomed to publicity, their embarrassment and effort to maintain poise, all were so human and artless, my heart was touched with gratitude in a manner that could never be achieved by studied eloquence or dignified formality.
I thank God over and over for the great charm he has given to the flock entrusted to my care, men and women, young and old, the fairly prosperous and the very poor, the trustful smiling little boys and girls all alike have endeared themselves to my heart. I am glad I had a Jubilee. I am glad I had so many prayers. I feel already a much improved disposition and a deeper sense of gratitude to God and our Virgin Mother and the many priests and people whom the occasion of celebration gave an opportunity of showing me so much consideration.
Your pastor in Christ,
P.J. O'Connor
Rosati Kain: Mary Kearney, Imelda Saxton, Gertrude Stoverink, Rosemary Kelly, Catherine Maloney, Julia O'Shaughnessey.
Loretto Academy: Beatrice Zubini.
Font Bonne: Gladys Kletzker.
Central High: Ruth Pierce.
Christian Brothers: John Coad.
Arcadia College: Georgette Stiff, Mary Josephine Dempsey.
Congratulations are extended by "Let's Go," and all are wished God's blessing and success by the pastors.
Mayme Brady, as she was popularly known, wife of Mr. Edwin J. Hayes, 6504 Nashville Ave., and daughter of Mr. John J. Brady of Lloyd Ave., was one of the many happy ones present at all of the functions that marked the Jubilee of Father O'Connor. The morning after the last celebration, June 10th, she was present at Mass. Towards evening she became nauseated and medical attention was given to her. Saturday she was little improved and about 9 p.m. Father O'Connor after anointing her suggested that Dr. Murphy be called in consultation. A few days later she was removed to St. Mary's Hospital where her case was diagnosed as spinal meningitis. She died June 16th, 1932, and was buried June 20th from St. James Church.
Her almost sudden death aroused the sympathy of the whole community as Mayme was a character and one who was known and much beloved by all the old settlers. She had that peculiar trait that carries with it an inherent and unpremeditated wit. Her sayings and comments were frequently repeated and she could describe a character or touch off a scene with that characteristic adroitness of thought and speech that makes a marked impression. She had a fund of stories pertaining to the parish, pastors and parishioners. During the past 35 years she was active in parish circles and was for many years a member of the choir. Her humor was usually free of malice or illwill. She was a born dramatist and mimic, and, could impersonate everyone from the Archbishop to the baby. She was deeply religious and a constant defender of the Faith. Her mind was Catholic, and her standards of conduct eminently Christian. She frowned on anything which she deemed offensive to God and was sympathetic to all who needed assistance or consolation. Children liked her and sought her company. Her stories captivated their imagination and she easily held their attention. She had a vivid faith and a fine devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and her love for her parents was one of the outstanding characteristics of her personality. She married late in life because she felt that her assistance was needed at home. She was a pretty girl and had many wooers.
Her funeral and wake were attended by a vast concourse of people. She was buried from Solemn High Mass celebrated by Rev. P.J. O'Connor, Pastor: Rev. Norbert E. Pohl, Assistant Pastor, Deacon, and Rev. Anthony Palumbo, Sub-deacon.
Deep sympathy of the many church societies and sodalities is extended through "Let's Go" to her bereaved husband and more especially to her sorrowing father and family. May she rest in peace.
Mrs. Amanda Kessler, 56 years old, who was grandmother and mother to the Stoverink family, 6659a Garner Ave., died suddenly at her home on the morning of June 21st, apparently of acute heart disease, and was buried from St. James Church June 23rd in BonHomme Cemetery, Chesterfield, Mo.
She was a convert to Catholicity but for many years previous to her conversion instructed her grandchildren in the Faith. She kept house for them and their father, Mr. Henry Stoverink. She was an unselfish, self-sacrificing woman and a kindly neighbor. May she rest in peace.
An effort has been made to arouse interest in athletics among the school children so that their minds may turn from the artificial and often vicious entertainment of the picture show and dance hall, to outdoor recreation and amusements. For this reason the picnic committee under the direction of Father O'Connor secured many valuable prizes and he donated 2 cups for the best athletes amongst the boys in a Senior and Junior group. The contest for these cups covered the broad jump, the high jump, the 100 yard dash and a 300 yard dash. The prize for the best all round athlete was awarded to John Wack in the Senior group and Joe Duggan in the junior. There was keen competition for these prizes and the handicaps were so nicely adjudged there were many close finishes. There were also class contests which proved very exciting. Maxine Bertram was in the general estimation by far the most athletic girl. Prizes to the various grades were awarded by Mr. Dan Murphy, Clem Placke and Paschal Palumbo. We regret space does not permit that we print the names of all the winners.
A beautiful hand embroidered linen cloth for the communion rails which was planned and selected by the Sacristan Sister M. Hilda, was used for the first time on the occasion of Father O'Connor's Silver Jubilee. One small section of the cloth has been lost and Mrs. Menner, who assisted Sister Hilda in distributing the work, requests that whoever has same return it to her at once. The following are some of the ladies who assisted: Mesdames Meehan, Griffin, Lavelle, McGann, Pierce, Sharamitaro, L. Meier, Meyer, Hefele, Scherzinger, Boman, Lorenz, Bosche, Lambert, Plengemeier, Mudd, Gruner, Rosemary Kelly.
The guest of honor at the Alumni Association Banquet, which was held last Sunday night at the Knights of Columbus Hall, was Rev. Anthony Palumbo, the first from the Association to be ordained a priest.
He spoke on religious vocations and was eloquent and witty, stating in his opening words his mother's admonition before he left home, "Tony be mindful that you don't forget yourself."
He deplored the fact that there weren't more priests from the parish and gave what he considered the probable causes; amongst them the fear a boy has that the whole community will laugh at him should he enter the Seminary and quit; another reason boys dread the idea of spending 13 years in what many who are not acquainted with Seminary life consider semi-confinement almost similar to a prison; and the third that parents don't keep the ideal of the priesthood sufficiently before their children's minds and pray for vocations. He added a fourth which was the difficulty of defraying the expense of education. Each of these he proved could be easily overcome and should be.
Father O'Connor, commenting on his remarks, said as far as he can see the children of the parish never were taught to strive for the bigger and the better things. In the Alumni Association, it is true, he said, there is only one priest but it is also true there is only one doctor, one lawyer, one engineer, one dentist, no druggist, chemist, astronomer, mineralogist, etc., and hoped that the young generation would set about arousing the proper ambition in their children. He pointed to Waldo Bisso as an example as to the aristocracy that arises from education and said the Church needed such men.
Miss Dorothy McLaughlin sang, Estelle Coad played the accompaniment, Messrs. Ray Dolan and Dan Murphy and the outgoing president, Walter Strathman, also made speeches. The class response was made by Master Jimmy Kelley and was quite clever and well delivered. There were 98 present at the banquet and many others joined in the entertainment and dance which followed.
Mr. Raymond Usher, an alumnus of St. James School, now residing in Maplewood, received his medical degree in June at St. Louis University and was married a week later. Double congratulations, Dr. Usher.
Rev. Thos. F. Prendergast, pastor at Sedalia, Mo., was present at Father O'Connor's Jubilee celebration, and was guest a few days at the Rectory.
Mr. Daniel O'Brien, uncle to Mr. A.H. Mudd, 1228 Tamm Ave., died in St. Margaret's Parish and was buried June 15th from the church at Millwood. Father Pohl was present at the Requiem Mass.
Mr. Bernard H. Pohl, father of the Rev. Norbert E. Pohl, assistant pastor of St. James Church, after a lingering illness, died at his home, 5034 Maple Ave., May 31 at the ripe old age of 76. Besides Father Pohl he is survived by one son, Bernard H. Pohl, who for many years has been away from home. Mr. Pohl worked in the capacity of foreman at the Hydraulic Press Brick Co. until a few years ago when he retired. He was much beloved by the men under him as the presence of very many of them at his funeral and wake manifested. A few of them with whom we spoke said he was a conscientious and just man both to his employer and his associates. He was buried from St. Mark's Church on June 2nd. Father Pohl celebrated the Solemn Mass and was assisted by Rev. Robt. McKeon, and Rev. John D'Arcy. Father Dan Daly was Master of Ceremonies.
There were many priests in the Sanctuary and several nuns among the congregation. The altar boys of St. James Parish, the boy scouts and the entire membership of St. Ann's Sodality were present at the wake and funeral.
Father Pohl expresses himself as being deeply grateful to the parishioners of St. James' and St. Mark's Parish who extended him sympathy by their presence, as well as to the many nuns and priests. He is now very much alone in the world as his immediate relatives are very few.
Sympathy and prayers of the whole congregation of St. James Parish are given to Father Pohl and they hope God will console him in his sad bereavement and grant eternal rest to his dear Father.
Joseph Sharamitaro, 6318 West Park Ave.
Mary Marg. Voltz, 1448 Prather Ave.
Father O'Connor received a post card from the Heil family mailed at Needles Calif. They expect to travel extensively through California and will be gone about 2 months. They say the fishing is fine in the Rio Grande.
At the request of the Archbishop a Catholic instruction class for public school children opened at St. James on Monday, June 20th, and will continue each day, Saturday and Sunday excepted, for one month, opening each day at 9 a.m. A student from Kenrick Seminary, Mr. Wm. McKenna, together with the Sisters and Priests, are following the schedule laid out by Father Steck, the diocesan director of religious instruction for public school children, and should prove very helpful to the children
To eliminate lengthy aunouucemeuts "Let's Go" was created. In its absence we fear we will have to devote more time to the spoken word, but in a last effort to cover the ground we again state:
Baptisms are every Sunday at 3:30.
Masses on Holy days, New Year's Day excepted. 5:30. 7 and 9.
Masses on Sundays begin during the months of June, July and August at 5:30 and are an hour and a half apart. For the rest of the year they are one-half hour later. The bell rings a quarter of an hour before each Mass or public service.
Mass on week mornings is at 6:30 and frequently, especially on First Fridays, there is also an 8:30.
Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 4:30 to 6 and from 7:30 to 9. On the eves of First Fridays and Holy Days from 3:30 until 5 and 7:30 until 9. The Holy Hour is held on the eve of the First Friday each month from 7:45 to 8:45.
Evening devotions during Lent on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:45.
Public school children during the school year will be given instruction every Friday at 4 o'clock and on Sundays at 1:30. Children who do not attend these instructions and come in the last few weeks preparatory to First Communion or Confirmation, will not be given any consideration.
Marriages: The Law of the Church forbids a priest to assist at a marriage unless the Baptismal record of both parties or an affidavit is presented. Bans have to be published where both parties are Catholic at a public service on 3 successive days in both parishes unless there is a reasonable cause for dispensation.
Mixed Marriages. A dispensation is not granted for a mixed marriage under the present disciplinary law of the church before the non-Catholic party has received 6 instructions.
Marriages are to take place before sundown.
Church Support. Since there isn't any tuition, pew rent or seat money it is evident the parish could not meet its obligations unless each parishioner conscientiously made a reasonable donation every week. You are asked to give 4% of your earnings or a reasonable percentage with regularity. The way to do it is put your offering in an envelope to which your name and address is signed and place it in the basket on Sunday. A carton of envelopes, covering weekly offerings for one year, can be had by making application to an usher or one of the Pastors. Each quarter beginning February 1st a financial statement showing contributions will be mailed to each parishioner. Lest there should be a mistake and no record that a parishioner donated, a blank sheet will be mailed to him. This is not intended to be an offense or a dunn, it's simply a manifestation of what the parish records show; evidently persons who put loose money into the collection basket cannot expect to have their donation recorded or to be given credit for church support.
Going to Confession: - Take your place and turn, in the pew opposite the box which you intend entering and don't try to beat the other fellow or stand in the aisle. Children should go to confession in the afternoon. A few confessions are heard every Sunday before the 2nd Mass. This time should be reserved for those who find it very difficult if not impossihle to go on Saturday, Should you forget the hours of Masses, please look on the card that is attached to the doors of the Church, It gives the necessary information.
Going to Communion: - The order now established for going to Communion need not he followed by invalids or others who find it difflcult to go to the railing. Such persons may even use the Sister's Chapel at a Mass at which the Sisters are not present, or make their difficulty known to one of the ushers who will be glad to make the going easy. When you are not going to Communion and sit in a pew in front of the Church at one of the early Masses those passing to the rails will regard you as an ugly impediment to their progress. The front pews of the church, at the option of the ushers, are specially reserved for those going to Communion.
If your heart is with your parish your neighbor's heart will also catch fire, flames follow the wind, and parishioners follow parishioners. A timely word, an abiding interest and an enthusiastic backing of the parish program is the spirit, flesh and backbone of moral support.
Pride in one's parish is infectious. If you have done anything for your parish you cannot help but feel you are an active participator in its accomplishments. That Church is yours because you helped to build it. So also are the other parish buildings. They were erected for a purpose and for a cause which you wish to promote. Their presence makes easy the spread of the Gospel of Christ, and this is what you have in mind when you think of your claim to a parish building. You own it that Christ might use it. The school is the hatchery in which the little Christians are nourished and developed. Sodalities are spiritual clubs that promote spiritual life, the various public devotions are the mainsprings of Catholic Action. Socials and card games are the get-together's that unite the flock. The most trivial parish activity has in it the seed of some bigger and higher good.
A parish is a body of which you are a member. You minister to its strength or weakness by your effort or lack of effort. The strength and forcefulness of a parish might be measured by the enthusiasm and fidelity of each of its members. An indifferent parishioner is like a paralyzed limb; and one who does not cooperate or associate with the flock, no matter under what pretext, is a hindrance to morale and discipline. Selfwill is the cause of most defections from parish loyalty, in fact it is at the bottom of all disloyalty. When you want to do as you please, and go where you please regardless of law or order you are jeopardizing not only your faith but also your plain-everyday-honest-to-goodness-citizenship.
Friends from near and far filled St. James' Church at 10:00 o'clock on Sunday, June 12, 1932, to attend the First Solemn Mass of Father Anthony Palumbo and to receive his priestly blessing.
Assisting Father Palumbo were Rev. H.F. Schuermann, Ph.D., S.T.D., Pastor in Gildehouse, Mo., who acted as Arch priest; Rev. N.E. Pohl of St. James Parish, Deacon; Rev. John V. Christ, of Immaculate Conception Church, Maplewood, Sub-deacon; and several Kenrick Seminarians who performed the other offices of the Mass. Rev. P.J. O'Connor, Pastor of St. James Church, becomingly congratulated Fr. Palumbo on the grace of his Ordination, his parents on the God-given privilege of having a son at the Altar of the Lord, and St. James Parish on the honor of one of its boys now ministering in the service of Christ.
Father O'Connor took occasion to plead for a better appreciation of the many talents of the Italian people as a race and predicted that Fr. Palumbo would do much with Italian genius and American training among the Italian people in St. Louis.
Immediately after the Solemn High Mass, Fr. Palumbo continued to evidence singularly virtuous patience and dignity in graciously imparting to the congregation individual blessings.
The priests and students had breakfast in the cafeteria which was prepared and served by Mrs. Chas. Klasek, Mrs. R.E. Pierce and Mrs. Dan Murphy, Mrs. Wiber, Mrs. Plengemeier and Miss Genevieve Mahon.
That evening a reception was given by Fr. Palumbo to more than five hundred admirers. He says of it, "The entire day was a most happy one, not only for me but for my parents and relatives as well. I sincerely hope the parishioners enjoyed themselves half as much as I did."
Fr. Palumbo has been appointed assistant pastor to St. Ambrose Church, which is an Italian congregation and the prayers and good wishes of the people of St. James go with him.
The material used in painting the school halls was a donation from Leo J. Mitchell, 6310 Oakland and probably would cost more than the labor.
The balance of the Jubilee Fund if; deposited to the school children's account for books for poor children.
Father O'Connor is deeply grateful to all who contributed.
Mrs. Willard Bailey, 1041 Art Hill Ter., was for several days before giving birth to her first baby, in a semi-conscious condition at St. Mary's Hospital and there was little hope that she would survive. She and her baby are now home and doing very nicely.
Father O'Connor extends his sincere gratitude to the many ladies and gentlemen who came from outside the parish to assist the choir at the High Masses during the Jubilee. Many of the clergy complimented him on the choir. Needless to say he is also deeply grateful to Miss Carreras and the parish choir.
If you are a subscriber to the Messenger of the Sacred Heart permit one of the Promoters of the Sacred Heart League to renew same when it expires as in this manner you are assisting them to obtain good books for the St. James School Library. Five subscriptions to the Messenger will obtain one good book for the Library, or if you have books to donate forward them to the promoter in your district.
Beginning July 5th those in charge of the St. James School Library have volunteered to open the Library from 1:30 to 2:30 each Tuesday afternoon. Those children who now have books are requested to return them not later than July 5th when they may obtain others.
Sacred Heart Leaflets for the school children will be distributed after each Mass on the 4th Sunday of the months of July and August. The children are urged to remember to say the morning offering each day during the Summer. Children will be in the vestibule today to distribute the Leaflets for the month of June.
In the final examinations for the year at St. James Parochial School those on the HONOR ROLL are: 8th Grade: James Kelley, 97%; Hubert Ward, 96%; Sadie Sharamitaro, 95%. She was awarded the scholarship to The Ursuline Academy,
7th Grade: Rita Ward, 97%; Allen Baer, 96%; Gertrude Foy, 94%.
6th Grade: Ann Marie Lafser, 97%; Jane Schmid, 96%; Timothy Barry, 96%; Chas. Klasek, 96%.
5th Grade: Frances Walsh, 94%: Rosemary Hasty, 93 3/4%; Albert Frattini, 93 18%.
4th Grade: William Boman, 96 1/8%; Lester Duggan, 95 1/8%; Josephine Barril, 95 3/4%; Maureen Barry, 95 4/7%.
3rd Grade: Catherine Lafser, 96 1/7%; Marjorie Houlihan, 95 3/7%; Marg. Morrissey, 94 4/7%.
2nd Grade: Helen Roach, 94 1/6%; David Saxton, 94%; Geneva Miller, 93%.
1st Grade: Charles Schmid, 95%; Mary Louise Bosche, 94 1/6%; Michael Metzger, 91 2/3%; Robt. Bosche, 91 2/3%.
Kindergarten: Agnes Marie Coad, Eugene Fieser, Mildred Whitmore.
More than 250 Catholic children or children whose parents should be Catholic in St. James Parish attend Public School. A very accurate census has been made of them and the Pastors solicitous for their spiritual welfare are visiting their homes. Not more than 50 of them are regularly attending instructions. There is a big leak in the Church, not only in the Parish but in the City and the whole country because parents are indifferent to the religious education of their children. In checking over the list it is evident that the indifference arises from mixed marriages or that the childrens' parents were born in the Old Country and do not appreciate the precautions that are usually taken by native Catholic Americans in safeguarding the faith at their offsprings.
With the sadness that one experiences at a funeral, we announce the death of "Let's Go." It was a brave little paper and much beloved by the whole community. It was a colorful sheet that told a local story of the everyday happenings of a plain, unpretentious people and the efforts of a parish priest to build a parish church. It recorded births, deaths and marriages and gave a touch of pathos to the short and simple annals of the poor. It had life, emotion, sympathy and humor; never did it give expression to anything that pertained to hatred, envy or illwill. It sometimes endeavored to be a lion and voraciously attacked things so big that it almost made itself ridiculous, but even plain people have opinions and though statesmen do not always heed them, yet it is true that it is plain people and their opinions that make and break statesmen. What we liked about "Let's Go" was the human touch and its word pictures of parish activities. In its group scenes there were usually individuals who were painted in the high lights of prominence. There was no endeavor to give distinction to individuals but somehow individuals unconsciously became prominent because the painting was true and their presence had the naturalness that belongs to life.
There are probably five complete sets of copies of "Let's Go" extant. These we foretell will be regarded, in years to come, as historical records of this section of St. Louis and monuments over the buried past. Children will scan them and be anxious to know how prominent was their father or mother or grandparents in parish circles. They will find the names of some in many places through the scattered records of parish activities, and, take a pride in emulating their forebears. They will seek there the dates of marriages and the company that assembled in Church to greet their mother when she was a bride, the eulogy that characterized one of their dear departed or the name of a graduate and the date of a graduation. They will find in it the answer to the questions who was the first in that class? to whom was awarded the scholarship? who directed the Carnival or made a special donation to the Church? when was it built, the priests who were present at its dedication, etc.? They will also find an expression on what people felt and thought concerning such national affairs as depression and its consequences, in short they will find reflected in its pages a little bit of everything that affected the thoughts, the habits or the emotions of the people who lived in this vicinity during the period which the pamphlet covered, and the painting will be true to life for "Let's Go" endeavored always to be truthful.
Of the five bound copies of "Let's Go," two are now in the Rectory, one is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Boman, one by Mr. and Mrs. R. Ed. Pierce, one by Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wiber. The issues for the past year are not yet bound but we intend sending them to the binder very soon and we will be very glad to have bound free of charge any complete sets that may be in the possession of any of the parishioners. Should a copy of any issue be wanting, in all probability we may be able to find it in our file.
Why has "Let's Go" suddenly come to an end? Owing to the multitudinous demands made upon the Pastor its publication became a severe strain though it was usually composed in a single day; yet that day came on so quickly and brought with it so many irritations and annoyances the issuing of the little paper left memories sometimes similar to a nightmare. The detail work in reporting the smallest item of news demands investigation and accuracy. If someone is reported in general gossip as being ill, it is necessary for the writer of the printed page to find out the person's Christian name, the number of his home, the hospital in which he happens to be, the date he became a patient, etc. This requires time and attention, more time and attention frequently than we have at our disposal, or if we endeavor to write an article on any general topic requiring thought, since we dictate most of the copy, interruptions which necessarily come through sick calls, telephones, visitors, are sufficiently irritating to almost drive one crazy. There is also the consideration of expense. Though "Let's Go" has fully paid for itself through its advertisements and is not being suspended for financial reasons, of necessity we must be considerate of our local merchants who have enthusiastically and faithfully sustained us during the past seven years. In reality, they are the ones who have been footing the bills and we realize that every merchant is on the lookout to see where he can diminish the overhead and cut expense. In all probability he will find a measure of relief in not having to pay for an ad, though in his goodwill he could never find his way to refuse our advertising agent.
The work of editing "Let's Go" necessarily fell upon one who had an intimate knowledge of parish life, in fact there is no one in the parish except the priests sufficiently acquainted with the community to be in a position to write interestingly about it. The Pastors alone can do so and were they to substitute others the pamphlet would in all probability lose its identity as a parish journal.
Uncle Henry has been a great help but its composition covered only one page, the rest entailed the drudgery and the news-finding. Each issue had to be spicy and interesting and though it would be easy to write on religious topics, "Let's Go" should lose its attractiveness if it ceased to give news.
There have been times when to issue "Let's Go" in time for the press it was necessary for Father O'Connor and Mrs. Boman, who has been a faithful stenographer, to miss dinner and supper. It can be truthfully said they worked with the greatest persistency and never failed to accomplish their purpose on the day of issue. Mrs. Boman gave unstintedly of her time and the use of her home as a composition room and her husband, Mr. Boman, never complained if when coming home from work he had to cook his own supper. Of course the publication of "Let's Go" required more than one day's work; there were the proof sheets, the arranging of a dummy and the advertising; frequently it would be found at the last minute that there was too little or too much copy and articles had to be written and rewritten late at night; the soliciting of ads and the visits and book-keeping that was involved also called for great sacrifice on the part of Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Murphy. Mr. Murphy is an insurance agent and we have no hesitation in saying that on the weeks when "Let's Go" was issued he devoted as much time to the procuring of ads as to the securing of insurance. All of this he did free of charge.
But the man who assumed the greatest amount of responsibility was Mr. R.E. Pierce (Uncle Henry). He it was who made the dummies, measured and cut the copy, instructed the printer, went back and forward during lunch hour or rushed home from one of his periodical visits to Peoria or Detroit so that he might be on hand to assure the publication of the monthly issue. When he was unavoidably absent or had to be at work before the printer's office opened his son James and Mr. Martin Coad lent a helping hand.
There is one feature of "Let's Go" to which we would call attention and that is the pictures that appeared in the various issues these several years. The composition of many of them was the creation of Mr. Harry Brightly, a non-Catholic and a fellow worker of Mr. Pierce, and the wood cuts which entailed a big expense were made and donated by Mr. Geo. Kletzker, president of the Century Engraving Company. He always showed the greatest willingness to give the service of his company and in all probability his donation amounted to not less than $1000. The next largest donor, if not the biggest was the Donnelly Undertaking Company, who contributed about one-third of the cost of the publication from its first issue to its last.
To all these we extend our deepfelt gratitude and would remind them that through their cooperation the erecting of a church and other improvements were made possible for St. James Parish; because when everything is said and done, the sole purpose of "Let's Go" was parish improvement and this came about in a gradual, consistent flow of funds voluntarily contributed by parishioners and others through the interest that was aroused through the urge given by "Let's Go." To one and all, both advertisers and co-laborers, we extend our deepfelt gratitude. Yes, as the years go by and parish work becomes less exacting, we may find time to resurrect "Let's Go."
Dermot Slattery, Father O'Connor's nephew, returned to Ireland June 11th and was accompanied to the train, which pulled out near midnight, by Charles Billings, Officer Wm. Hefele and his son William, Ita McCauley, Florence Wack, Paschal Palumbo, Rev. Norbert E. Pohl and Rev. Antony Palumbo. At the station he met several students from St. Louis University who were also going to the Eucharistic Congress and Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Murphy. Next morning they attended Mass in Chicago and Mr. Slattery sent a letter from Montreal stating they had a swell time. He intimated that as he was writing he could see Mr. Murphy outside the Queens Hotel singing a melodious song. He didn't state how loud he was Singing. Mr. Slattery is not returning to St. Louis.
Mrs. James Flavin, a former parishioner who used to reside at 1522 Tamm Ave., wife of Mr. James Flavin, 4500 Fountaine Ave., was buried from St. Mark's Church Saturday, June 28th. Several priests including Father O'Connor were present in the Sanctuary. Besides her husband, she is survived by her children, Michael, William, James, Genevieve, Frank, John, Joseph and Thomas. She was a splendid Catholic woman and the family were most generous in their contributions to the Church when they resided in St. James Parish, May she rest in peace.
Mr. John E. Coffee, brother to Mrs. John Newport, 6420 Wade Ave., and to the late Father Coffee, died a week ago at Milano, Texas. May he rest in peace.
Miss Vera Bersch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Bersch, 6803 Nashville Ave., was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science on June 7th at St. Louis University. She is a teacher in the Mason School. A dinner was given her a few days later by a few of her fellow teachers at the Drenner home, 3856a Botanical Ave. Miss Adeline O'Gorman was among the guests. Her father, Mr. John Bersch, presented her with a car. Congratulations are extended to her on her success at school and at home.
'Twas nearly a half century ago in a farm at Coolkeraugh, County Kerry, Ireland, that a young priest was born. Of course, he wasn't a priest when he was born, but the mistake was rectified, and he afterwards became one.
During his childhood he was just a normal boy; nervously active at play, miserable within the restraining influence of the school room or disciplinary confines of the home. He devoted a great deal of time to athletics and became skillful in most branches of sport. He was noted among his neighbors as a mannerly boy, a fast runner and a poacher. He hated work as most boys do and the only chore he did with enthusiasm was to ride his father's horses into Gunsborough where he exchanged wisecracks with Pat Mulneaux while Mike Boyle shod the horses.
As he grew older he became visionary - a dreamer. He spent a great deal of time roaming the fields, studying the habits of wild game, or sitting on the bank of the River Gale watching the aimless activity of the fish as they ceaselessly drifted about. He was pondering a great question, one which at some time or another comes to every ambitious boy.
He was wrestling with the problem of a future vocation. He was healthy, ambitious and talented. In what field could he plant his sprig of genius to insure its best growth and greatest yield? He studied the operation of the neighboring dairy farms, the granite quarries, the coal mines; he visited the textile mills, steel foundries and shipping centers of the larger cities, always seeking, never finding, the answer to his future career. He gained a diversified fund of knowledge but his problem remained unsolved.
...............................................
As the date of his ordination drew near he again faced a serious decision. Ireland was overstocked with priests. Besides, the people were so thoroughly Christian there was little need for spiritual guidance. Where then would he find the most fertile field for his endeavors? For weeks he mulled over the question which would not submit to solution. Then one day he wrapped some lunch in an old Dublin newspaper, took his flies and went fishing. After a luckless morning he sat down to eat his lunch and his eye fell upon an item in the newspaper recounting how Butler's Indians had won a great victory at the polls and taken possession of the St. Louis City Hall.
St. Louis, he recalled from his early history lessons, was a trading post on the western frontier of America. Here, then, was the answer to his problem. He would become a missionary among the Indians of st. Louis, blarney himself into the good graces of Chief Butler, convert the Indians to Christianity and persuade them to give back the city hall. And so he came to America.
He was a very much bewildered young man when his journey finally ended in the center-most portion of St. Edward's Parish. Instead of Indians he found there a fine crop of ruddy complexioned Irish who pow-wowed in a brogue that reminded him of the side streets of Galway and Cork. Instead of hunting buffalo and deer with the Indians he spent his leisure hours chasing rabbits through the Missouri River bottoms with little Bobby McKeon. He was disappointed to find St. Edward's a modern Catholic parish, his missionary dreams blasted and his apostolic talents gone to waste.
His short stay in St. Edward's spawned many pleasant and lasting friendships which have paced the ensuing years with increasing intimacy and tenderness. Many of these friends by their presence here this evening, I am sure, bring great joy to the pastor.
Then he came to St. James, where he found ample missionary work to satisfy the most ambitious soul. He found a parish spiritually strong but physically weak. A parish which had outgrown the antiquated little structure which it pleased to call its House of God, but with neither the financial means nor mental perspective to match its physical growth with the changing conditions. He found himself working under a superior beloved by his parishioners but enfeebled by illness and reluctant to adopt changes which might disturb the established order of things.
These were the most trying years of the young priest's life. He spent them in studying the conditions of the parish and the attitude of the people of St. James. He decided that a complete change in policy would be necessary to parochial advancement. He found that the financial load of the parish was being carried by a comparatively small number of the parishioners, but felt that it would be unfair to increase their burden even though they admitted the necessity of an increased budget.
He promised himself that at the first opportunity he would start his campaign of improvement but that he would be ready with a plan that would make no additional demands upon the loyal band of parishioners who had supported the church through the past years. The opportunity came with unexpected suddenness. An accident made the old church temporarily unfit for use. He went fishing and came back with his plans complete.
He seized upon the accident to the church as a mandate from God; a green light authorizing him to take his cargo up the "main line," and he refused to be shoved into the "siding". He saw with great perspective a long straight road ahead, but with switches and spurs to both sides, which must be avoided. He took the throttle and headed for that infinitely distant point where the two rails come together as one. He would not go back to the old church.
How he accomplished it no one knew but within a few months he was saying Mass in the new quarters which were much more spacious and certainly as elegant as those we had lost. He then began making those revolutionary and radical changes which stamped him as the leader he is. Abolishing pew rent and seat tax; making the school free and public; prohibiting carnivals and special collections. He made our church services distinctively free of the discussion of finances.
I have never heard him discuss in detail the arguments which prompted him to this decision but as I look back it occurs to me that he must have reasoned along these lines: the Church had been supported by a minority made up almost entirely of pew-renters. Those renting pews therefore must have felt a proprietary interest which implied an obligation to support the church. Those who did not rent pews had no such feeling of obligation and gave little or no support.
He charged each wage-earner with an equal interest in the Church and an equal responsibility for its support. Coming at that time these were revolutionary moves which required extreme courage.
How correct he was in his reasoning is now apparent to all. I know of only three instances when his judgment was wrong. Those are the three times when he took issue with me. His methods have guided us steadily ahead into the proud possession of what we consider the most beautiful church in the diocese, a school for which we make no apologies, and a promise of future advancement which will complete our plans in due course of time.
Like Marc Anthony, my friends, I did not come here to praise this crusader who came, who saw, who conquered. The success we have obtained, however, is his heritage. If, as he insists, our cooperation has contributed to it, it is because he had the capacity to inspire that cooperation; was adroit enough to use it wisely; courageous enough to guide it with unfaltering step to its intended goal, avoiding the intersecting by-paths of uncertainty and misunderstanding.
Unlike Anthony, however, I am not here to bury him. He is not ready to be buried. The corpse is very much alive and kicking. His work is only well begun. Strengthened by the experience of twenty-five years of unceasing effort, we may reasonably expect him to go on to even greater accomplishments. His views are broader, his judgment wiser, his council safer for these experiences. His aims are farsighted and visionary as ever, but more perfectly focused on the intended objective.
Yet, with all his material accomplishments our pastor has lost none of the tender sentiment with which twenty-five years ago he started on his career of serving his fellowmen on behalf of his Creator. His constant thought has been for the welfare of those about him, while any tendency to show neglect has been directed to his own interests. For St. James he has maintained a rigidly disciplined stewardship, but for himself he has little of the world's goods to show.
His concern has ever been for the poor of St. James parish, while he himself is of the poorest. I have seen him give lavishly of his personal funds to help the needy, while refusing to spend a few dollars of the parish money to mend the broken seat of his favorite chair. I have seen him buy clothing for some unfortunate while his own looked shabby and threadbare.
The sentiments I have expressed, my friends, are the sentiments of the people of St. James and of his personal acquaintances elsewhere. It is because of these sentiments that we are gathered here this evening to honor the man who has brought so much honor to us.
The feeling is general that this sentiment should have a material as well as an intrinsic expression. It is therefore my privilege at this time to extend to you, Father O'Connor, the congratulations of your friends on this, the twenty-fifth anniversary of your priesthood, their felicitations for your past and future success, their best wishes for your continued good health; and to tender you this practical expression of these sentiments, with the hope that it may bring to you an occasional remembrance of us in your thoughts and in your prayers.
Of the money received by Father O'Connor
on the occasion of his Jubilee, he spent the
following sums for parish purposes.
| Hreger Smith art glass, alteration in | |
| Church windows in Sanctuary | $100.00 |
| Wax for Church floors. Clark Co. | $35.80 |
| Flowers for Church, Canary Flower Shop | $30.00 |
| Lunch for ladies, Mrs. Moore | $7.28 |
| Antependium for altar | $40.00 |
| Plastering in School, L. Coughlin | $5.00 |
| Lime and Cement | $5.00 |
| Aluminum painting; work in school hall | $110.00 |
| Banquet to Sisters and Priests, and | |
| Mrs. Klasek | $59.00 |
| Banquet to Clergy, Davis Company | $99.75 |
| Cigars and refreshments | $50.00 |
| Menu cards for Priests banquet, | |
| Roling Ptg | $13.00 |
| Invitation cards to clergy, Roling Ptg. | $18.25 |
| Stamps | $6.00 |
| Electric Fixtures for halls, W. Henne. | $15.00 |
| Glasses for cafeteria | $20.00 |
| Electric bulbs . | $6.00 |
| Pastor's photos, Strauss . | $7.00 |
| Photograph of Church, Piget. | $1.50 |
| Rectory painting, AI. Hofstetter, labor | $20.00 |
| J. R. Grupner, labor | $12.00 |
| Paint, Simmons Hardware | $12.00 |
| Lehman Hardware | $12.00 |
| Phelan-Faust | $4.08 |
| Interior painting, Otto Hager | $15.00 |
| Papering room, Gaus | $13.50 |
| Shades, Kennards | $16.45 |
| Screen for radiators, Nugents | $7.92 |
| Cover for couch | $7.08 |
| Two wicker chairs | $8.00 |
| Twelve small chairs | $12.00 |
| Window curtains | $5.15 |
| Rubber stair treads | $4.57 |
| Rug, Kennards | $46.25 |
| Otto Hager, repairs to furniture | $15.00 |
| John A. Bisso, plants for pots | $5.00 |
| Assisting priest | $10.00 |
| Lunch at Rev. Anton Palumbo's First Mass | $20.00 |
| Incidentals | $15.00 |
| Total | $885.56 |
The Orangemen who threw rocks at young ladies kneeling in prayer on their way to the Eucharistic Congress gave a fair demonstration of the brand of Christianity that has been developed under the Orange Flag. There are three counties under the government of the north of Ireland that are predominantly Catholic and if this is a species of the tolerance that is extended to them under the English flag, we don't wonder that they are anxious to join the forces of President DeValera.
Mr. Albert E. Schweitzer, an attorney, requests paid space in "Let's Go" to make the following announcement:
Republican Candidate for Committeeman of the 24th Ward
Mr. Ecoff has resided in the 24th Ward for the past 35 years. He has been unanimously elected as Secretary of the 24th Ward Republican Club for the past 10 years; has been endorsed by the 24th Ward Regular Republican Club (Harry H. Barnes Memorial), and is a candidate on his record.
YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT WILL BE APPRECIATED.
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
July 3, 1932.
dear Charlie:
Chiggers, chiggers, everywhere;
But I dont dare to scratch.
For every time I irritate
The gosh-darned things, they hatch.
yes charlie, I been on a fishing trip an though i didnt get any fish, i had the limit of chiggers within a few minutes. there dont seem to be any closed season on these pests, an the game-warden wasnt interested in the size of em, at least he didnt ask me to throw eny of em back, though i would of been glad to have returned my whole catch.
the Pastor was along an so was Ed Cody an father McKeon, and they got lots of game, but i was the camp cook an was kept so busy building fires, carrying water, cooking meals, washing dishes an making beds, that i didnt have time for fishing. Ed. Cody give me sum help, but the two Priests threw off there robes of dignity and substituted natural roles of "Puddenhead Wilson" and "Huck Finn". the Pastor even went so far as to volunteer to carry the mrs. across the stream, and then playfully set her down "keer-plunk" in the middle of it. you wouldn't of known our "Jubilarian" if you had seen him at play.
speaking of the Jubilee, charlie, you sure missed it by not being here. it was a busy week for everyone, but, especially for the Pastor. the St. Vincent de Paul society gave him a supper on Monday evening, followed by a penochle party which i immortalized by holding a hand of fifteen-hundred trumps.
the big affair though was on Wednesday night when we had a large crowd of parishioners and friends from all over the city. the Pastor said be never enjoyed anything so much and the audience seemed to reflect the pleasure he showed, we had some excellent entertainment and father O'Leary as toast-master displayed a brand of humor such as we have never seen. he had the crowd in an uproar all evening, and put the affair over by his own efforts. the folks contributed liberally to a purse which we collected for the Pastor, and which will probably go to the needy, as he dont seem to have any use for money for himself.
the reception we had for father "Tony" Palumbo was as big and enthusiastic as the Pastors, and refiected the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors. he didnt miss it either, and pointed out that he "was starting out with a following that the Pastor had taken twenty-five years to acquire." he is going to make a fine priest.
we lost a good friend of yours last week, Charlie, one of the old timers which you will remember well. the death of Mamie Brady Hayes shocked the neighborhood as i know it will you. she wasn't old in years but the echo of her sweet voice in the choir seems to go back as far as most of us can remember, i felt sorry for her father as there was a most sincere attachment between them, and he is going to miss her.
wel charlie, i guess you will be attendin the democratic convention this week and get yourself primed full of ballahoo for the coming election. a couple of weeks ago we heard all of the reasons why Mr. Hoover should be reelected, and this week we will be told as many or more why he should not. about all that is gained from these conventions is some new jokes for will Rogers and Ring Lardner to spring in their syndicated articles.
if you see our friend Al, tell him to bear down on that platform and give us something we can support without mental rebuke. if the democrats offer us any such a yellow-spined pussy-footing instrument as the republicans did we may be looking around for a third party to vote for.
the wishy-washy fence-straddling policy adopted by the G.O.P. is apparently intended by Mr. Hoover to please all, and consequently satisfies none. the bottom has dropped out of the "full dinner-pail" and the "job-for-every-man" is an exploded theory, so the President will have to pull some rabbits out of the hat to win; unless the "donkey" gets mired while listening to the "gee-haws" of the Cannon-McBride-Wilson triumvirate of wreckers.
wel Charlie, it looks like the current issue sounds the swan song of Lets Go. In the height of its popularity, and in the face of a great deal of persuasion for its continuation, the Pastor has announced his determination to take it out of circulation.
that it has been of great benefit both financially and spiritually there is no doubt, and that it has been a source of satisfaction to Father O'Connor I am certain.
I have known for some time that he longed for the day when he would no longer be burdened with its preparation, for it has been a heavy responsibility and taken unmistakable toll of his vitality. He had however hoped to prolong its existence until the Convent was built and he must be greatly disappointed in not having reached that goal.
That he is a gifted writer must be as apparent to every reader of Lets Go as it is to me. He has a free swing and clarity of expression that makes his articles easy to read. Lets Go is fortunate in having had for its chief contributor a writer of such unmistakable talent, and nothing else could have maintained its popularity.
I have enjoyed my part of the work immensely, in spite of the fact that there were times when it was extremely irksome. I have benefited materially by the experience, and the contacts it has brought, and in spite of the relief I feel, I am going to miss the privilege of writing for and reading Lets Go.
your pertickler friend & uncle
HENRY.
Capt. Foley of the local fire department who resides at 1017a Central Ave., is slightly incapacitated as the result of an accident in the discharge of his duties and is soon expected to return to work.
Of the very many who gave their time, labor and money toward preparing for the Jubilee and Father Palumbo's first Mass, there were none who were called upon as frequently as Mrs. Klasek, Mrs. R.E. Pierce, and Mrs. Dan Murphy. They almost lived in the school cafeteria, God bless and reward them.
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1932
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932
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