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 the dog should be 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 US GO."
On Saturday evening, March 14, Michael J. Macken and his wife at their home. 1354 Semple avenue, signed their names to a deed in the presence of Father O'Connor, James P. O'Gorman and Ray Dolan, which transfers a city block of property on Tamm avenue between Nashville and Wade avenues, to . St. James Parish as a free gift for the site of a new. Church. The estimated value of this property is between nine and ten thousand dollars. It fronts 200 feet on Tamm avenue and is a depth of 160 feet on Wade and Nashville avenues.
Mr. Macken
Mrs. Macken
A strip of 35 feet on Tamm and Wade avenues was sold by Mr. Macken last August to Mr. and Mrs. William T. Boman, 6425 Nashville avenue, and plans were made to rest a bungalow, but on being informed by Father O'Connor that the church hoped someday to purchase the rest of the lot from Mr. Macken and would need this portion also, Mr. Boman suspended his decision and left the lot lie idle.
When it was represented to Mr. and Mrs. Macken that they ought to donate the entire site for the church, they agreed to arrange with Mr. Boman for the repurchase of this lot and an exchange of property was made that was agreeable to both parties. Mr. and Mrs. Boman were as anxious .to help the, church as were Mr. and Mrs. Macken. A fine spirit of generosity and charity' was manifested.
Mr. Macken - was born in Ballen Roba,, County Mayo, Ireland, and served as a draper’s assistant in his native village until he married Miss Donnelly, a Roscommon girl. Fifty years ago the couple set out for St Louis. "God," he said, "has been very good to me. I have prospered and we are getting old. It is the greatest pleasure of my life to give this piece of property to be the site of a Catholic Church." There was 'a tear of gladness in his eye as he said those words and to conceal his emotion, he had his little joke:
When Father O'Connor gave him the dollar required in the form of contract, "I have," he said, "given many a dollar to priests, but this is the first that ever I received from one of them."
Mr. Macken's gift is a splendid spiritual urge to the people of St. James Parish to get busy about their proposed New Church, as well as a substantial aid. We are not going to say when we will begin to build but the Parish is aroused; an organization is being formed and meetings of the Parishioners will be held the last Thursday of every month. We thank you very sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. Macken, and we assure you we will make great haste so that you and your good wife will have the pleasure of being with us on the date when a splendid edifice shall be dedicated to the Lord on the ground you donated to St. James Parish.
FORTY ENTHUSIASTS
At a call from Father O'Connor, forty enthusiasts met in the Parish Hall on the last Wednesday in January. They were selected from among the parishioners who have been regular contributors to the 4%.
Father O'Connor's Remarks
On addressing the meeting he said: "In calling this committee I have no definite plan to submit and prefer the members to mark out the course to be pursued. I have selected you because of your many manifestations of good will and because of the sacrifices you have been making to increase the fund for a New Church. I am confident that each one of you has a desire to do all in his power to advance the best interest of this Parish. I realize that you being closer to the business world than I am, and more conversant with business methods in a variety of offices, will bring to bear your business ability on the problems that will come up from time to time, and that united with me in effort we will achieve in a short time, a success that shall be gratifying to ourselves and to all parishioners. I have called you especially to establish a Parish Organization.
The thoughts that have occurred to the general purpose of such an organization are:
Ray Dolan Temporary Chairman.
At the close of Father O'Connor's remarks, he requested Mr. Ray Dolan to act as temporary chairman and a vote was taken as to whether a permanent organization should not be established. Mr. Martin Coad objected because the meeting was not parochial. Mr. Dolan replied that he had attended many parochial meetings that were publicly announced and to which the parishioners were earnestly exhorted to attend, but he never saw a much larger and more representative body of parishioners than were present on this occasion. He was, he said, very much in favor of proceeding with the election of regular officers for a permanent organization. A motion was made by Mr. Crotty, which was carried, and after a keen contest on the three nominees -- Messrs. Frank Walsh, R. Dolan and Joseph Crotty --Mr. Crotty was elected by a majority of one vote. Mr. Dolan and Mr. Walsh each received the unlucky number . of 13.
On a motion from Mr. Dolan, Mr. Walsh was unanimously named assistant chairman. There were three nominees for secretary Miss Irene Moloney, Theresa Manion and Mary O'Hare. On a division Mary O'Hare was elected.
Little Headway.
The meeting opened with a variety of questions and there seemed to be a general inability to decide on what course to pursue. The chair asked for suggestions. Mr. George Kletzker suggested appointing a committee who would act on such questions as the site of a church, the size, cost, and style of architecture, Father O’Connor said he preferred to leave these questions to later meetings. Mr. Frank Walsh said it was unreasonable to look for practical suggestions at this meeting because he believed most of those present were, like himself, unaware till they arrived, of the purpose for which they were called -- and therefore he would suggest that the meeting close with the understanding that each one present would deliberate on the things that might be done for the benefit of the Parish and report at next meeting.
A Financial Committee.
Father O'Connor urged the meeting to select a financial committee who would begin at once to increase the number of contributors to the four per cent. The meeting acquiesced and the chair appointed Messr,. Hell, Ollie Dolan, Sam Gittins, Clyde Stiff and George Kletzker.
Regular Meetings.
It was decided to holed a meeting on the last Thursday of each month and to extend an invitation to all the parishioners. Meeting adjourned.
SECOND MEETING
Splendid Suggestions Offered by Sergeant Eugene Martineau.
Mr. Chairman: "This being the second meeting called by our Pastor, Father O'Connor for the purpose of devising ways and means by which the people of this Parish may realize their cherished ambitions, namely, the building of a New Church, suggestions are in order. I have come to the conclusion that the people of this Parish are made up of three distinct groups. The first group I would term the Progressives, because they favor any practical plan that would intensify the activities to increase Parish Revenue and facilitate the building of a Church. The second group I would term the Conservatives, because their contention is they have accepted the four per cent system of raising funds and are in favor of staying within, the limits of that system: and the third group comprises those who favor any plan adopted by the majority. Of course, this is all opinion and may be wrong-but if this condition is true, then it is only right and proper that this meeting should decide by vote whether it wants the Progressive or Conservative plan. After the winning plan has been determined by a majority vote, the submitting of plans to raise funds by any member should be in order.
A Motion to Adopt the Progressive Plan.
Mr. W. Boman proposed a motion to accept the Progressive Plan. Mr. R. Dolan seconded the motion. Sergeant Martineau was requested by the chair to explain in more in detail what these plans implied.Progressive Plan.
Hold two monster outdoor carnivals, one to be held this year and one in 1926. Committee on Arrangements to be appointed as soon as possible for the purpose of advertising the carnival, getting tickets out and attending to other matters. This plan to run for two years independent of the four per cent system. At the end of period, NEW CHURCH TO BE BUILT.
Conservative Plan.
To draw money from the four per cent system and user same to buy two portable school rooms or temporary buildings to relieve the congestion in our school. Make other improvements, such as painting, landscaping and beautifying the present properties, a committee to be appointed to take charge of this work. This plan to run for five years; at the end of this period a New Church to be built. This plan to be run under strict economical plans in order to raise as much money under the four per cent system as possible.
Opposition to Carnivals.
Mr. Thomas Duggan stated he favored Conservative plan, because extended facilities for the school children were more necessary than a New Church. "Everyone knows, he said, "the school is crowded to its capacity and there are people in the Parish who are availing themselves of this excuse and neglect of the religious education of their children." He was opposed to bazaars; they were associated in the popular mind with gambling; they; entailed a great deal of work, and the money that was raised through them came chiefly from those who were already doing their full share. He was determined, he said, to contribute to give only one or the other. He would urge them to stick to the four per cent method of raising funds -- at one time he was opposed to it; now he was convinced it was the rational method for supporting the church -- it was fair to all; the man who had a small salary was not asked for much and the one who had a large salary was asked to only four cents out of each dollar. He was sorry to see Father O'Connor not making a more decided stand against Carnivals -- a few years ago he was opposed to them.
Charlie Heil
"I am," said Mr. Heil, "a contributor to the four per cent. I understand I have been appointed on the financial committee. I am ready to do anything for the good of the Parish -- let us get after the ones who are not contributing -- they are the Slackers. I am ready to give two evenings a week and my machine to the committee. Let us build a Church -- we can't do it without money. I am in favor of any method that increases revenue.
Those Who Do Not Pay.
Mr. John Houlihan asked Father O'Connor what percentage of the parishioners supported the Church. Father O'Connor replied., It is not easy to answer that question – some contribute for a month or two and get tired. About seventy per cent of the congregation are regular contributors."
Favors a Carnival.
Mr. Nicholas Nolan said: "A raffle is the only way to increase funds." He works, he continued, for a firm that employs two or three thousand men and they are always ready to take a chance on a worth-while prize, such as an automobile or a house. A raffle would in no way interfere with the four per cent, because only those need pay for a ticket who were willing to take a chance.
Mr. Ray Dolan:
"There is scarcely anyone present who is not .a contributor to the four per cent. If we also want a Carnival, it is the privilege of this meeting to decide. I am in favor of a Carnival; because it will help us to get a Church sooner. I have spent all my life in St. James Parish and in all that time the neighboring Churches have been better than ours."
They Go to Carnivals Anyhow:
Mr. Martin Coad: "The question is not whether you believe in Carnivals or not -- as a matter of fact, there was not, a Carnival in this Parish from 1916 to 1924. Last year the Mothers’ Club gave a Carnival to improve the School, and though Father O’Connor did everything but condemn it from the Altar, twenty-five hundred dollars, ($2500.00) was raised. There are oodles of our parishioners whom I have seen at Carnivals these several years. If you don't give them a chance to spend their money at home, they will spend it somewhere else. I have been a contributor to the four per cent and I favor a Carnival. I will further state for the information of this meeting that the workers who put over this Carnival and raised the $2500.00 were parishioners who are paying .the four per cent."
Did Not Take Interest Till Carnival.
Mr., Frank Walsh, who up to this time had remained silent, was requested by the chair to give his views. He listened, he said, with pleasure to the discussion -- he liked to see parishioners meet and thrash out questions pertaining to the Parish. A parish meeting was the practical place to find out whether one's viewpoint corresponded with that of the majority. It was a place where one could meet and get acquainted with his neighbors. He was in favor of a Carnival because, until the last Carnival, he never took any interest in the parish and he was confident there were several of the new settlers who, like himself, would become more interested in parish affairs if they were asked to help with a Carnival.
Portable Schools.
Mr. Bernard Brady said the present Church was satisfactory; he favored Mr. Duggan’s suggestion to erect portable school buildings Mr. Dolan said it would be waste of money and an unnecessary delay to a Church. "The School is already erected; we are occupying a part of it for Church purposes; let us get out, and there will be plenty of room for the children."The Vote Decided.
The question was put to a vote --the greater number of those present were in favor of the Progressive plan and a Carnival. Mr. Duggan again objected and Mr. J. P, O'Gorman said it was the custom when a question was discussed and voted upon to have all accept the majority decision as final. "This is a parochial meeting to which the entire Parish was invited” he continued, “and unless we abide by the decision of the majority we will, never get anywhere"
Volunteers!
Sergeant Martineau made a motion that, as the Parish had decided to give two Carnivals before 1927, when `a Church would be built; the meeting would place itself on record as upholding the four per cent contributions from every wage-earner -- with the clear understanding that only those would be expected to contribute to the Carnival who were willing to do so; that it should be regarded as a voluntary affair which the urgent needs of the Parish made imperative. Mr., Hodnett moved a committee be appointed to look into the matter of Carnival, leaving date, location, etc., in the hands of the committee. Motion seconded and carried, committee appointed being: John Houlihan, Jr., chairman; Mr. Hodnett, Geo. Kletzker, Thos. Duggan, R. R. Dolan, Louis Regal, W. T. Boman, Martin Coad, Frank. Walsh, E. J. Martineau, Chas. Heil, Clyde.Stiff. This committee to meet and report back to next meeting plans they have decided upon.Meeting adjourned.
St. Patrick's night in St. James Parish will be associated for many years to come with the Mothers' Club. The Minstrel Show given by them, to a full house, aroused unusual admiration and enthusiasm. One would readily believe the players were professionals. For three hours the vast audience laughed. Adele McVey Conroy in her personification of "Danny Murphy" made a hit that was equaled only by the Quartette and Mrs. Sam Gittins. The whole cast was excellent.
(Printed by Wellington Printing Co. – and carried a union bug.)
MOTHERS CLUB MINSTREL
The Mother’s Club will repeat their minstrel show on Sunday evening, May 17, 1925 at the parish open air theater. They say it is the first word in high class entertainment. When the oldest Catholic Mother’s Club of the city starts to do something it is as good as accomplished.
The Mother's Club with Father O'Connor
The minstrel show at Yale Hall March 17 was acclaimed to the audience a better show than one sees down town for $2.00 Judging by the repeated laughter it had plenty of kick. Mrs. Adele McVey Conroy believes she has a few wiggles left for the show in the airdome and Mrs. Gittins expression in the picture proves she is still smiling. The following is the program for the evening:
Act I
Interlocutor
Mrs. E.M. Plengemeir --- Washington.
End Men:
Act 2
Mrs. Sam Gittins and Mrs. Adele McVey Conroy
Act 3
SCRUBWOMAN’S REVENGE
Mrs. V.M. Kavanaugh and Mrs. W. Hefele
ST. JAMES MOTHERS' CLUB
The St. James Mother’s Club is, as far as we know, the oldest mother’s club of parochial schools in St. Louis. It celebrated its fifth anniversary on October 5, 1924. It was organized by Mrs. Emma Bovard, under whose active and zealous presidency it has developed and earned a place in the affections of the school children and their parents.
Every lady in the parish is eligible to membership. Members who have time take turns in the cafeteria -- a hot lunch is served at a nominal charge during the winter months to the children who' do not care to go home, and a seasonable snack with fresh milk the rest of the year. The club aims at no profits in the lunch room and as it purchases commodities at wholesale prices, the lunch costs the parents less than if served in the home.
The health of the children is the first object of the mothers' club and so successful has been its efforts, the children of the parish last year were awarded first prize in the contest among parochial schools conducted under the auspices of the St. Louis Tuberculosis Society
The club also furnishes books to poor children and interests itself in the needs of the classroom and the general welfare of the pupils. Last year it gave a carnival and raised $2,500 for the installation of toilets, and the renewing of plastering in the play rooms. The children probably remember best the Christmas presents and Christmas tree.
The Mothers' Club's chief sources of revenue: are euchres, lottos, minstrel shows and rummage sales. The entire fund is spent on the children. Recently chairs and tables were purchased in anticipation of the euchres.
MEN TO SERVE LADIES BREAKFAST
The Mothers' Club will go to Holy Communion on Sunday May 10, at 7:30 o'clock. and will afterwards be guests of the parish. Men will cook and serve their breakfast. Eddie Ryan says he is a first-class chef but his experience is limited to the cooking of bacon and eggs. He is not much of a hand, he says, at making cookies. However, he believes John Bersch, Stephen Boyer, Louis Regal and George Wiber may be depended upon to turn the trick.
YOUNG MOTHER
Children are much the same at birth. The difference comes later. Human nature is like a grab bag. The inheritance of each one has an element of chance some of our greatest human characters and finest intellects have come from genealogical scrubs. Sir Isaac Newton, for instance, one of the greatest mathematical geniuses the world has ever known, was the son of a little farmer. Nero was born in a palace -- Jesus in a stable.
Your child is an unknown character even to you. What will this child be? God alone can tell. Whilst waiting developments there is much that you can do to mould the plastic beings that God has entrusted to your care.
Health is more important than education. Open air, sunshine, plenty of plain food and exercise will keep the doctor from your door. Let the child kick, shout, climb and play till he's tired. Do not irritate him with "don'ts” "Don'ts" make walls to a child's prison. Your nerves will not suffer if you encourage him to play abroad winter and summer. Inventiveness and self-reliance will come if you leave him make his own toys and games. 0ld folks and adults are poor playmates for children and the picture show is a dangerous pleasure. Fido should be given a place in the family circle. He is worth a dozen artificial toys. God made him; he doesn't talk but he can love and he understands the way of a child. When Fido and the child are too tired to play, feed them, fondle them a make their little beds.
EDITORIAL
This little Paper-echo of a regenerated parish spirit and inspired by a desire to spread information and enthusiasm concerning parish affairs, will justify its' existence in the measure in which it serves that purpose, The only thing that could have induced the editors to undertake the great amount of work necessary for its publication was the realization of the absolute necessity of improvements in parish buildings,
That realization, coupled with implicit faith in the people of St. James Parish, gave us the feeling that through this medium a great deal could be done to facilitate the work of making these improvements. As regards the improvements, we all feel that we should have a new church sooner or later; a few of us know that it must be sooner.
To be sure, your present church is not the worst in the world -- the roof doesn't leak; it is clean, warm and almost large enough; but it is not a fitting place to house our Host, because it is not the best we can afford Him. Besides, the present quarters provide no means for taking care of natural parish growth, which is taking place and sure to continue. Furthermore, sooner or later the school children are going to notify us to hang out the "forced to vacate" sign-and when it comes to a show-down, we are with the kids: They have been imposed on long enough; we are ashamed of the way they have been cooped up in their present crowded quarters, and when they get up on their hind legs, we're going-to help them declare themselves. And we haven't said a word about the fact that we ought to get busy in order to let Mr. and Mrs. Macken know that they have not been misguided.
We said we had faith in the people of St. James, and repeat it. There is not a wage earner in this parish who would shirk his or her duty; provided they were sure of what that duty consisted of, and were reasonably , certain that each of the "other fellows” were doing theirs. There folks, is where we come in. We intend to show you just what your duty is; and we intend to convince: you that your neighbor is doing his. When we have done this, we will have justified our existence, and St. James will have their NEW CHURCH.
THE CROWNING OF THE STATUE OF BLESSED VIRGIN
The annual custom of "crowning the Statue of the Blessed Virgin in St. James church will take place Sunday, May 24th, at 7:30 p. m. The Virgin Mother Sodality will march in procession from the Parish Hall singing hymns as they proceed. When they have arrived before the altar of the Blessed Virgin, Miss Virginia Jones will place a crown on the head: of the statue, whilst the rest of the Sodality will sing the beautiful hymn, "O Mary We Crown Thee the Queen, of the May."
The honor of crowning the Statue usually has been conferred by the Sodality on young ladies of unusual virtue. The devotion was established six years ago and three of the maids, Misses Irene Barr, Collette Schram and Parthenia Pate have become nuns.
The preacher for the occasion is not yet selected, but an eloquent sermon may be presumed.
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We are informed that the Mahon Brothers have purchased a Filling Station at 6100 Oakland Ave. "Gasoline Eddie Ryan" now gets competition from "Coal-Oil Johnnie" Mahon.
MOTHER'S DAY
If I were asked to give a thought which in one word would speak
A unity of brotherhood, a sympathy complete,
A hundred happy cheery ways, a mind that knows its own,
Contented midst a throng of folk, yet peaceful when alone,
A heart that sheds its silent glow, to brighten many another,
Without a moment of delay I'd say, "You mean my mother."
Who fed me from her gentle breast,
And hushed me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheeks sweet kisses pressed
My mother
Who taught my infant lips to pray,
To love God's Holy Word and Day,
And walked in wisdom's learned way
My mother
When pain and sickness made me cry,
Who gazed upon my heavy eye,
And wept for fear that I should die
My mother
Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the part to make it well
My mother
And can I ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee,
Who was so very kind to me
My mother
Ah, no, the thought I cannot bear,
And if God be pleased my life to spare,
I hope. I shall reward thy care
My mother
PARISH MEETING
At the meeting of the Parish Organization on March 26 it was decided -by vote of those present to hold a Carnival on the 6th, 7th and 8th of August, at the intersection of Clayton and Childress and Wise avenue. The site was very generously donated by Mr. Sam Bellamy, who has invariably been courteous and sympathetic.
After plans were completely formulated and well under way, the order of the Police Department putting a ban on raffles of every description, including those for charity, made the Carnival a more or less hazardous undertaking. The heads of the committees after consulting with Father O'Connor, decided to withhold all activities until the parishioners were consulted.
APRIL PARISH MEETING
The April meeting held at the assembly hall on April 30 was well attended and enthusiast tic.
Discussion of Carnival
The first question considered was whether or not plans for the Carnival should be continued, and developed the following discussion:
Mr. Pierce: "I am one of the many who feel that the police ruling which prohibit church carnivals is unjust and unfair. The anti-gambling law was aimed at gamblers, and a gambler doesn't apply his arts at a charity carnival. No one goes to one of these affairs with the hope or expectation of getting rich quickly; on the contrary, a man starts out with ten dollars in dimes with the declaration 'This is all I'm going to spend.' He takes a chance with the idea of donating and at the same time getting a 'kick' out of it. I predict the Police Department will be forced to renounce this ruling, but in the meantime the ruling stands and I don't think we ought to tie our kite to a rainbow by inviting a legal; battle with them. Therefore, I move we table' the Carnival program."
Mr. John Houlihan, Chairman of the Carnival Committee: "Under the existing conditions, I feel that the only thing to do is to table the proposition and that is the consensus of opinion of the committee, but I would like to hear others express their views:
Afraid of Police
Mrs. McDonnell: "I believe the Carnival should be set aside for the present"
Mrs. Bovard : "Table it. I'm afraid of the police."
Mrs. Nixon: "Someone has to make a test case; why not St. James?" .
Motion to table the Carnival program was seconded and passed by acclamation.
All Cheating
Mr. Crotty, Chairman of the Parish Organization, said: "The chief purpose of the organization is to raise funds for a new church.' He invited discussion on other means to in. crease the parish revenue.
Mr. Frank Walsh: “Mr. Chairman, in a steel mill yard scraps of iron and junk lay strewn on the ground and the intelligent hand puts them into the furnace and fashions out of them an engine that carries freight across the continent, ships to distant ports and air planes into the clouds of Heaven. This is nothing more than an achievement in organization the scraps are arranged and unified and set to a purpose and stupendous results are accomplished. Let us all get together under the directing hand of Father O'Connor and when every member of the congregation becomes a unit in the activities for raising funds, a great force will bet set in motion and a New Church will soon be so near even the short-sighted can see it. I suggest that we concentrate on the 4%"
"Let me speak plainly," he continued; "Father O'Connor stated that the revenue of the Parish last year amounted to $375 a week. It was good. It would have been better if most of you were not like myself cheating a bit on the 4%. I believe about 85% of those supposed-to-be 4% contributors are cheating. They are not conscientious in this matter and their bad example is contagious, for instance, John says to Bill, 'Did you hear what Father O'Connor said last Sunday about the 4%?’ 'Yes, John, I heard it, but I don't pay much attention to that; I give what I like.' 'Why, Bill, how much do you give?' 'Me l give 50c a week and that’s all.' 'My!' says Bill;, 'what a chump I've been giving 4%.' That is the attitude of a great many of us.”
They Do Not Contribute
Mr. Walsh asked Father O' Connor how many were regular contributors to 4%. Father O'Connor stated that there were about two hundred of the 560 wage-earners who were 'at' least honest enough to admit they did not believe in the 4%. They were not contributing half as much as the others; they had no system of giving; they belonged to the disordered mass of scrap iron that should be organized.
Mr. Walsh continued: "Mr. Chairman, our course is quite clear; if those whose names are on the list of 4% contributors give a real 4% and the others be induced to come in, we will increase the revenue in one year $10,000 and be ready to build a church in January, 1927."
Suggests a Picnic
Mr. Blank: "I am a newcomer in the Parish but would like to do all I can to help to build the new church. I believe as long as we cannot hold the Carnival, a picnic would be a good substitute. We can raise a good deal of money from the sale of lunch, ice cream, etc., also by charging for dancing."
Motion to appoint a committee to investigate the prospects of holding a picnic carried. Amended to name the Carnival Committee, to which Mr. Blank was appointed for this work and report at the next meeting.
Better Luck
Mrs. Bovard: "I think when people give to the church thy have better luck. A family moved into our apartment who had nothing when they came and $500 when they left. They gave 10% of their earnings to the church. The husband was a carpenter during the week and a minister on Sunday."
Mr. Reese: "Mrs. Bovard! Do you mean to suggest that Father O'Connor ought to get a, job so he can pay 4% of his earnings to the church?”
Father O’Connor: “I am sure whatever success I have at preaching I would be a failure as a carpenter.” (Laughter.)
No System
Mr. Regal: “Along the 4% line seems to be the only logical and sure way of raising revenue. If we would organize and canvass the Parish and see everyone who is not paying the 4% I believe we could increase our revenue sufficiently so that we would not have to bother about Carnivals and make just as much cash. If two-thirds of the wage-earners are leaving us a surplus each year of $15,000, without doubt, we could set aside $20,000 if all contributed their full quota, and we would have a permanent revenue that would enable us to take on a bigger debt and erect a neater church. We owe this to ourselves to our children and to Almighty God. The school is congested -- on Good Friday between the hours of 12 and 3 the church was crowded though most of the men were at work. A new church will be an inspiration to the Parish.
Mr. Nick Nolan :"You may lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. We cannot compel the rest of the parishioner to pay 4% but we may induce them to do so if we handle them in the correct manner."
Selling the New Church
Mr. Frank Walsh: "Each one should consider himself a salesman. He should talk 4% to his neighbor, and sell the idea of a new church to the Parish."
Mr. Regal: "We can get everyone to contribute if they realize the conditions that make a new church necessary. Talk to other parishioners like men in other organizations talk to one another. A pledge system could be used."
Mr. Hodnett: "A steady source of income is most needed and is a thing that would be best for the parish."
Pledge Card System
Mr. Heil: "I suggest a house-to-house canvass of wage-earners. Ask each one, regardless of what he has done in the past, to contribute 4% of his income to the church. We do not want to know how much money he will give, nor is it my idea to investigate any man's past donations. Let us get a card system and canvass the parish, not only the slackers but the good people; organize teams; get each wage-earner to sign a pledge card. It should be possible to do this in a couple of weeks."
Mr. Crotty: "Mr. Heil's idea is excellent.
Mr. Hodnett : "Following Mr. Heil's suggestion, I move that a committee of sufficient number be appointed. This committee to be known as the Pledge Committee.” Motion carried.
Mr. Crotty requested Father OConnor to name this committee. Father O'Connor said that every man present at the meeting who has been paying 4% should consider himself a member of the Pledge Committee. The following were later appointed:
C. Heil, P.J. Ludden, .D. J. Coad. S..J. Gittins, W. T. Boman, D. F. Collins, Thomas Williford, Bernard Brady, Henry Hugeback Louis Regel, Wm. Hawkins, Ray Dolan, F. Walsh, R. E. Pierce, G S. Kletzker, Ben Hawkins, John McDerby, F. M. Graves, Bernard Quinn, Aloysius Dolan, John G. Houlihan, W. G. Saxton, J. Crotty, M. C. Coad, W. J. O'Brien, C. K. Stiff, Joseph Hruby, Mike Maloney, Thos. Duggan, John Brady, Geo. Wiber, H., F. Hodnett,, W. D. Reese, J. H. Seager, P. H. Murphy, Leo Hefele, J. P. Harris, E. A. Dyer, W. D. Blank, Win. Henkel, Henry McCauley and J. P. O'Gorman.
This committee will meet at Rectory Wednesday evening, May 13, at 8 p. m.
Mr. Heil: "I believe the names of those who sign pledge cards should be printed in the parish paper, 'LET'S GO.' It would be just as well to know WHO IS WHO in this parish."
Motion made and seconded that names of those signing pledge cards be published; the number each month to be left to the decision of the committee in charge of the publication.
Mr. Regal then arose and asked what the meeting intended to do on Mr. Hodnett's motion about appointing a pledge committee. Everyone laughed and Jim Coad asked Mr. Regal when he awoke.
Father O'Connor: "Before any action is taken by this committee the minutes of this meeting should be published in 'LET'S GO, so that the parishioners will know such a committee has been appointed. The committee should be ready to act on the seconds Monday following the publication of the pamphlet. It is best that members be not appointed to visit parishioners in their immediate vicinity. I would suggest that the committee also take a census.”
Taking a Census
Mr. Duggan: "Father O'Connor is the best 4% talker in the parish. Let him take the census and also talk 4%. He converted me to the 4% system. I thought that a man with four or five children should not be expected to contribute in the same ratio as a man with only one. I was opposed to the Carnival from the first. One knows exactly how much, he must give under the 4% system. If a man goes to a carnival with his family and runs out of money he’s in a poor place to borrow.
Mr. Houlinhan: “The committee should make it clear they are not going to make an effort to find out how much anyone's salary is nor how much he will contribute, but simply get one to promise to pay 4 cents to the church out of every dollar he might earn.”
Mr. Pierce: "I think the committee should tell everyone which of his neighbors has signified a willingness to contribute. The knowledge might help him to sign the card."
Father Pohl
Father Pohl was then called on and greeted with applause. Father Pohl said: "I don't understand what the noise is about! The suggestions made are all very good. The parish books show that when one contributes others will follow. However, after the pledges are signed that will not mean that the 4% is in the parish treasury. There are a number of persons whose names are on the books, who call themselves 4% contributors, but have only one or two entries on their accounts -- the balance of the page is beautifully white. The pledges must be followed up in order that payment may be made. Keep up the spirit shown in the meeting tonight."
Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Macken
Motion made, seconded and carried that a rising vote of thanks be offered Mr. Macken and his wife for the gift of a location for a new church, also that a committee of three be appointed to call on them and thank them. Meeting arose in expression of their appreciation and committee appointed was Mrs. Bovard,. Mrs. McDonnell and Mrs. Pahl.
Meeting adjourned.
HOLY NAME SOCIETY
Easter Sunday morning at the Solemn High Mass, two hundred and fifty men and boys of the Holy Name Society of St James Church approached Holy Communion and one hundred and thirty five others went at the 7:30 o'clock mass. It was an inspiration to those who witnessed so large an attendance and justified the good opinion expressed by Mr. Josias, President of the Arch-diocesan Union, at the last meeting when he said St. James was not only the first branch established in St. Louis, but also the most regular in their attendance at Holy Communion.
The Holy Name Society goes to communion on the second Sunday of each month at the 6 o'clock mass during the summer months. All members are now assisting in reviving the old custom of assembling at the old church hall before mass begins, and marching in a body to the church, taking seats to the left of the center aisle. Holy Name badges -are worn which adds to the splendor of the spectacle. .
Then there is, the monthly meeting on the Monday evening following the communion Sunday. These meetings are not so well attended .as they might be. Members have the impression that they are tiresome business affairs, but that is not so; they are really a devotional exercise, which begins at 8 o'clock, continues for a period of only one hour. There is a short business session of twenty or thirty - , minutes followed by a very interesting talk by Father O'Connor, the Spiritual Director, on the life of some Saint. These talks are indeed inspiring and should be heard especially by every youth in the parish. After the meeting has closed those who desire to do so may adjourn to the school hall where several forms of recreation are afforded."
BAPTISMS
March
April
ST. JAMES BASE BALL TEAM
Line Up
Substitutes:
Manager, Tony Palumbo
Captain, Frank Strattman
=====================================
Father O'Connor's going to get a job
And go to work each day;
Dinner bucket on his arm
With lively step, and gay
And when his daily work is done,
And he is homeward bent;
St. James will be the gainer
Of another four per cent.
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SCHOOL CHILDREN SEE THE ELEPHANTS
Sergt. Eugene Martineau is the most popular man in St. Louis Police Department in the estimation of the children of St. James Parochial School. He procured for them a pass to the Police Circus. On Tuesday, April 28th, the Sisters, Father O'Connor and 280 little tots were at the Coliseum laughing at the clowns and through the kindness of good Sergt. Meyers and the Police, partaking of soda and popcorn. One of the clowns warmed his hands over the blaze of Vivian Saxton's red hair and put his finger in his mouth when Sister Alphonses looked at him. The elephants climbing on the tubs were as attractive to the children, as the ladies who swung on the trapeze or rode on the horses. It was a very delightful day; the Sisters and Father O'Connor seemed to be as happy as the children. There was a little difficulty in procuring cars in the evening during the business rush. but the discipline of the children and the watchful care of the nuns made the trip a happy event long to he remembered.
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Father O'Connor was a booster for the Police Salary Increase Bill which recently was voted by the legislature and was signed by the Governor. $35.00x4%x12 months = Gosh! Ain't that Grand. And just look how many policemen there are living in the parish,
Officer -- We're truly happy
In the success of your attempt;
But when you get your raise, remember
That it isn't tax exempt.
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Ray Dolan is a clever young man and keeps his wits well ailed, but he just turned a deal that has him guessing. He sold himself a house, and bought it back from himself; and has spent most of the time since in trying to figure out how much commission he made out of the deal.
Better call in "Bill" Hawkins on this one, Ray.
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There is a story going the rounds to the effect that a certain young man in the confessional admitted to Father O'Connor that he had missed Mass on five consecutive Sundays. "What's that, five Sundays l What was the matter with you? "Why Father, this is the hunting season and I have been going out on Saturday." Oh, Is that so? Where did you go? Get anything?
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SPORTS
The Home Team is decorating the vestibule of 'the church with Pennants. The Soccer Team in the Parochial School League in Forest Park Division won the Championship for years, 1923-1924. This year the base ball team are going to increase the decoration, Capt. Fanky Strattman says. In the opening game they cleaned up St. Cronans 26 to 14. It was a runaway for St. James. This was evident from the first inning when they hammered St. Cronans all over the field, and made three home runs. Waldo Bisso, first to bat, slugged the ball into the bleachers, and arriving over the plate was elevated on the shoulders of the enthusiastic fans and carried around the diamond. The procession halted to watch Bernard Thiele drive the ball almost out of the park. When he arrived he was embraced by a crowd who kissed him; rolled over him and rolled over one another several times. The enthusiasm did not abate till Frank Strattman. was thrown out at second. The whole team showed unusual skill.. Billy Corbett, shortstop, distinguished himself by catching three successive flies. Manager Palumbo was well pleased with his .team and says he is going to show St. Margarets and the New Cathedral boys that the kids from Clayton and Tamm Ave. are the real Babe Ruths of local base ball. St. James played the Dewey School Team on April; 27th and beat them 24 to 3. The Dewey boys say a few of their best players were missing. It remains to be seen whether they can hold down the score of St. James in the next game.
OUR ADVERTISERS
We call especial attention to our liberal advertisers and cordially recommend them to our readers. 1n giving this paper their patronage they materially aid the cause and we should show our appreciation, as Catholics, by giving them our generous support.
The fact that a merchant advertises in "LETS GO" is a guarantee that he considers your patronage worth having. It is a guarantee that he: believes you a desirable customer and is willing to patronize "LET US GO" to secure you. Such people are worthy of your patronage and you should always scan "LET-US GO" to see who they are.
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The Association met at breakfast in the Parish Hall, May 24th, after receiving Communion in a body at the Church. One hundred and twenty members were present and included many from outside parishes. It was a home-coming that was very delightful. Dan Murphy, and the other Officers were much elated, as the breakfast and Communion were a new departure from the traditions of the Society.
Alumni breakfast photo from 1925
The Alumni Association was organized in 1909, and includes the graduates since 1904. The first class consisted of Jos. L. Brady, Edward Cody and Joseph Gibbons.
After breakfast a business meeting was held and the following were elected to office
“Welcome Class of ‘25’”
We have crossed the one way river
That has borne us from your school;
Where we learned to be obedient
And apply the golden rule.
Where the patient sisters taught us
All that any child should know,
So that we would not be backward
In the ranks where we must go.
But no matter where we wander
In this world of strife and woe,
We will be with you in spirit
Any place that we may go.
For this reason we have banded
Our Alumni year by year,
That in stepping 'cross the river
You may do so without fear.
You may join our band well knowing
That your comrades rank and file,
With St. James are linked in spirit
And will make your stay worth while.
So we welcome you new comers
Graduates mean added names,
Faithful to our Alma Mater
Honors too, to old St. James.
T. Aloysius Mahon, 5-8-25.
TO ST. JAMES STUDENTS
Well, how are the essay writers getting along?
Here's a red hot tip, kiddos: That dad of yours can think of a whole flock of reasons why he should be paying his 4%, so it is up to you to get around him in the right way and make him 'fes up.
Ask Dad! He knows.
And now, because I like you, and want you all -- to win these big prizes, I am going to tell you how I would go about writing this essay.
I would start out by drawing a word-picture (your teacher will tell you what a word. picture is) of a beautiful church standing on the magnificent site which Mr. and Mrs. Macken so generously donated to us, and how pleasant it would be to attend there.
I would also picture what a wonderful pleasant, clean, comfortable and healthy school we would have if we were given the space now used for our Church, and which belongs to the School.
Then I would point out the great pride both my Daddy and I would feel in the knowledge that he had done his part in making this picture a reality. That he had not been a slacker when this great work was undertaken.
I would put into words the warm feeling of pride I would have in knowing that this beautiful church, finished, stood as a monument to commemorate the many sacrifices my good daddy made to aid in its completion.
Now jump in St. Jamesites, and let's have a grand lot of essays. We want every one of you to win a prize. if you can. We are going to publish the three winners, and we want them .to be GOOD. There are a lot of other reasons why Dad should pay: make him help you think of them.
I'm just a kind of a little tot
And can't be expected to know a lot;
'Bout writin' poems, an' essay's, an' such
'Cause these are things I aint studied much.
So please excuse if I make mistakes
And remember I havn't all that it takes,
To be a great writer, but some day, who knows?
I may be one; and so here goes.
MAY BAPTISMS
Robert James Houlihan, 6744 Oakland Ave.
Robert Edward Droege, 6400 Wise Ave.
PARISH MEETING
On May 18th the Carnival Committee met at the Parish Hall to talk over the arrangements for the Picnic which was favorably voted upon at the April Parish Meeting.
Mr. Wm. Blank was selected to act as Chairman of a Picnic Committee with Messrs. Joe Hruby, Reece, Walsh and Pierce assisting.
The impression was forcibly made on the Committee that they were to arrange a Children's Picnic -- not alone for the school children but those older ones who have left the school. Father O'Connor made the point that we should devote as much effort to holding the young people after graduation as before, and Mr. Hruby was especially selected to serve on the Committee to assure these young people that their wishes would be given proper consideration.
Dancing
With these instructions, the Picnic Committee proceeded to procure grounds which would afford first-class dancing facilities and, after a thorough investigation, decided upon Bartold's Grove as the one among those available best suited for our purposes.
It was decided to bend every effort and spare no expense to give St. James Parish the best picnic possible, and the Committee proceeded with that idea in view.
Big Parade
At the Parish Meeting on May 28th, Messrs. Blank and Pierce. speaking for the Picnic Committee, reported having arranged to have a big parade starting from the School at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June llth, headed by a 10 piece Band and comprising every automobile attainable, and augmented by several double-deck busses. This Parade is to proceed over a long route covering all parts of the Parish and giving the children a ride which they would enjoy. The school children will be furnished free transportation to and from the grounds, and all others at 20c each.
Hot Lunch
It was further reported having arranged to serve hot lunch to all who desired, to give a euchre during the day and to furnish ample entertainment for the grown-ups as well as the children. Excellent prizes are being procured for a large variety of races which are being arranged by Mr. Jim Kelly. The Band will entertain at the grounds until 1:30 P.M. From 4.00 P.M. to 12:00 P.M. -- the well-known La Paradis Orchestra will play for dancing. During the day a ball game between the married and single men has been arranged.
No Raffles
As no raffle or lottery devices are permitted on the grounds, these forms of entertainment will not be indulged in.
The Committee especially desires to obtain as many machines as possible for use in the Parade. All who can aid in this capacity will please report as soon as possible to the Committee, or by phoning Benton 1534-W.
Don't Forget Children's Entertainment June 12th and 14th
St. James Picnic June 11th.
MOTHERS' CLUB MINSTREL
The Minstrel Maids of the Mothers' Club displayed their arts, Sunday evening, May 17th, at the school hall, and as is customary with them, scored a huge "WOW." In spite of inclement weather, and the fact that the show had been presented twice previously, the hall was well filled and the show greatly enjoyed.
Among the outstanding features were the "coon shouting" numbers of Conroy and Gittins, Mayme Brady's Soprano and Katherine Hefele's Contralto, the dancing numbers of Mrs. B. Quinn, and solos of Mrs. Oates and Mrs. Bisso; and the antics of Mrs. Kavanaugh. Mrs, Plengemeir made a stunning man and clever interlocutor; anything but the "jack-ass" Mrs. Quinn called her. Mrs. Ray Dolan, in plaintive tones, expressed an interest in the whereabouts of "Sally."
Gittins and Conroy, representing Linda Lee and her "boy friend" were humorous and decidedly robust. Conroy’s trousers were short in length but long on girth. After half a dozen encores this pair of comedians, to show their versatility, gave a studied and well executed rendition of vocal discord.
This being a church paper, we don't dare publish the jokes. They were for the most part, scandalous but entertaining. We do not need to tax our imagination to picture any one of the performers boxing their youngster's ears for using the same language. Nevertheless, it is the writer's opinion that all present enjoyed the show as thoroughly as he did. The Revs. O'Connor and Pohl were probably hovering somewhere about the immediate vicinity. The only thing lacking, was tambourines and bones; in the old days these two "props" were essential parts of any minstrel, though they may have been eliminated from modern minstrelsy.
The School Room Scene was hilariously funny. Adele Conroy in the role of "tough," with her mischievous side-kick Corine Gittins, entertained cleverly with their ludicrous horseplay. It was in this act that Mrs. Quinn gave a very good presentation of the Spanish Fandango, and that Kath Hefele, in her rich contralto, lent color to the touching tribute to "Mother," which brought the show to an end.
FOUR PER CENT PLEDGES
It was decided at a Parish Meeting to publish a partial list of wage earners each month who have pledged themselves to pay 4% of their income to the church. The parish was divided into nineteen districts. The best district was that section of West Park and Wise Ave., west of Tamm and east of Childress.The following are the names of subscribers in the district visited by collectors P. J. Regan and Pat Murphy:
THE PARISH ENTERTAINS THE MOTHERS' CLUB
On Sunday, May 17th, Father O'Connor in behalf of the Parish, entertained the Mothers' Club at breakfast. There were 41 members present. The Club went to Communion at the 7:30 o'clock mass. The sermon delivered by Father O'Connor was appropriate to the occasion, Mother's Day, and was an eloquent tribute to Christian Motherhood.
After mass a frugal breakfast was served by Messrs. Eddie Ryan, John D. Bersch, George Wiber and Will Hense. The cooking was elegant and the service was perfect; one of the guests was heard remarking "I bet they are accustomed to getting their own 'breakfasts," and one of the younger members added "It is about time men were taught something, my husband brings a cup of coffee to me in bed every morning before he goes to work," whereupon Mrs. Bovard shook her :head in a disapproving manner and solemnly ejaculated "what is the world coming to?"
After breakfast, Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh sang Mother Machree, Mrs. Catherine Hefele recited "I'd give up Heaven and all to set Old Ireland free," Mrs. Barney Quinn danced and the climax of the occasion was reached when Father O'Connor arose and in behalf of the Mothers' Club presented to the President, Mrs. Bovard, a signet ring. He said in part, "I want to thank The Mothers' Club for their wonderful achievements in the past in this parish, most organizations, when a priest turns his back for fifteen minutes, are in a state of collapse, not so the Mothers' Club they continue of their own efforts, and this is due mainly to organization; ten people organized can accomplish more than a hundred unorganized, no matter how good .their intention. About forty men are now organized to assist me in the Parish drive for a New Church and if I had about the same number of women there is no limit to what could be accomplished in this Parish. The wonderful work of the Mothers' Club can be attributed mostly to the unselfish, untiring efforts of the President, Mrs. Bovard, who organized this society and who has been the backbone of the organization. The time has arrived for something more substantial than thank you and in behalf of the Mothers' Club I wish :to present your worthy president, Mrs. Bovard, this small token of appreciation and esteem.'.' Amidst much excitement, laughing, handclapping and shouting to put it on the wedding ring finger, a call went out for a widower to place it there and it looked for awhile as though Mr. Hense would be chosen, but the lot finally fell to Father O'Connor. You have often heard of people being struck speechless; that explains Mrs. Bovard's condition exactly. She said she had come prepared to thank the club for their kind cooperation, also the men who were responsible for the wonderful breakfast, but she had been taken so entirely off her guard that she felt utterly helpless. She managed, however, to thank the club and Father O'Connor for the token and assured them that she would always treasure highly this ring as one of her dearest possessions.
Florence Wiber is in the market for a car, tell the automobile agents, she won five gallons of oil after breakfast.
Mrs. Nixon wants a new hat, said she had it picked, but refuses to divulge who is wearing it, so ladies watch your hats.
BESSIE O'GORMAN
On Monday morning, May 25th, Mrs. Jim Gallaher, better known perhaps as Bessie O'Gorman, gave birth to a baby boy. They are both very well.
Bessie has been an advocate of large families. She often said she hoped she would have as many children as Mrs. Dulany Reese, or at least ten.
After this, her first experience in motherhood, someone asked if she still wanted to have ten children and she replied, "yes, but- I would rather adopt the other nine."
ANTONY PALUMBO
"Tony," the popular student and Altar boy of St. James Parish suffered recently an acute. attack of appendicitis. When he arrived at. St. John's Hospital his condition was declared serious. Dr. Glennon operated upon him at once, and found a ruptured appendix. For several days he lingered between life and death. The Dominican Sisters stormed Heaven for his recovery and many of the parishioners added their earnest supplications.
He is now out of danger and is expected to be back on the job in a week or two.
Among those present at the Alumni Breakfast was Mrs. Helen Scherzinger (Helen Finn) who was the first Alumni bride. Helen is now the mother of six children, and one of the most conscientious contributors to the 4% collection.
DISSENSION
A serious argument took place between Ed. Ryan and Ed. Pierce, following The Mothers' Club Breakfast, of which Ryan was one of the chief perpetrators. Pierce took Ryan to task for the effect the breakfast had on his domestic relations. After 16 years of careful training he complained, Ryan and his cohorts had spoiled a wife who, "Lord knows, was hard enough to handle." All he now hears is "why don't you fix breakfast?" "don't see why a few women like Mrs. Ryan got only good men."
MOTHERS' CLUB MINSTREL AGAIN
The Mothers' Club Minstrel is like Abie's Irish Rose, it will stay as long as it is wanted. The third performance will be given in the Airdome, at 1360 Tamm Avenue, Sunday evening, June 28th, at 8 o'clock. The people are clamoring for it.
The first performance was given in Yale Hall, St. Patrick's night and was incessantly applauded by a full house; it was presented the second time, May 10th, in the Church Hall, which was crowded. It is a splendid show and is the essence of comedy. This may be the last chance to see it. Tickets cost only 35c.
MARRIAGES
The bans of marriage have been called for Vernon Smith, son of Joseph and Louise Smith, of St. James Parish, and Louise Carr, daughter of James and Norah Carr, of Immaculate Conception Parish, Maplewood.
FUNERALS
The church does not permit Solemn Funeral Services for Careless Catholics who die without receiving the Last Sacraments.
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It has been decided to hold the Annual Banquet at 6:30 P. M., on June 21st, at the City Club. Minimum plate cost, $2.00.
EDITORIAL
Parish Revenue
The parish revenue for the year 1924 was approximately $20,000; practically all of which came from 4% contributors. Estimated on a 4% basis, this figure would indicate a $500,000 annual income for these contributors, and, as they constitute 65% of the wage earners, the total annual income for the parish would seem to be in the neighborhood of $750,000 if all wage earners were contributing 4%, the amount available for parish affairs would be $30,000 yearly; 80%c, or $24,000 of which could be placed in the New Church Fund.
At the beginning of the present year the New Church fund totaled $45,000. Adding to this figure $24,000 for each of the years, 1925 and 1926, together with $3000 interest accruing for that period, the fund at the end of 1926 would total $96,000.
It is no uncommon thing for people to contribute 10% of their earnings to the support of a church. We do not feel, therefore that 4% is too much to ask from any parishioner. To the man earning $5.00 per day, 4 cents out each dollar would total 20 cents daily. How long would that man hesitate to buy two ten cent cigars? Yet he holds back when that twenty cents means so much to the Church.
OREGON SCHOOL LAW
As we go to press we learn that the Oregon School Law is declared unconstitutional by the U. S. Supreme Court. This insidious piece of legislation, conceived in intolerance, fostered by bigots, and aimed at the Catholic Church, was intended to hamper Catholic growth by destroying the Parochial School. It received what it deserved, the unanimous condemnation of the Supreme Court Judges.
HEBER NATIONS AND HIS DAD
Heber is a chip of the old block. His father is a lawyer and presumably a man of intelligence. He is a professional bigot who has used his pen to foster Anti-Catholic prejudice in Missouri and his intelligence to commercialize the brew he has fermented in the brain of back wood illiterates. If he were honest in his convictions his misplaced zeal might he overlooked, but his hypocritical patriotism and virtue is in keeping with his son's false protestations of zeal for prohibition. His virtuous indignation at the wets won him leadership and place among the dries. His aim was self aggrandizement. His professions were hypocritical. The fanatics have even now difficulty in believing that he sold out.
THE PARISH CENSUS
Exact information was obtained by the Parish Committee who recently took a parochial census, and solicited wage earners to pledge 4%, of their earnings to the Church.
There are six hundred and thirty wage earners in the parish, and three hundred and ninety-six families. Ten per cent of these are Catholics in name only; they do not attend mass on Sundays, and are not very much concerned about the building of a new Church. There is another six per cent of families of foreign origin, who speak English with difficulty and whose European traditions are against church support. They do not feel at home in English speaking congregations, and they contribute little or nothing to the Church. Many of them send their children to the Parochial School, their presence necessitating more teachers and more space. There is also a small percentage of the congregation who live close to the Parish boundaries, who attend the nearest Church and consider this a sufficient reason for not identifying themselves with their own Parish. These three classes constitute the rag-tag and bob-tail element, who cannot be counted upon for Church support. They constitute about twenty per cent of the congregation, or one-fifth of the families and wage earners.
Eliminating these from the list of contributors, there remains five-hundred and four wage earners and three hundred and seventeen families in St. James Parish.
THE CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT
They are coming again and they always hold the crowd. Two hundred and fifty children will be on the stage. No one except a child can play the part of a child, and its attempts to cover up its errors are more amusing than its best performance. The unexpected always happens at the children's entertainment. This year thrills will be provided to make you smile. Look out for the-Baby Room in their action songs, Chinaman and Raindrops, they will bow to the audience in oriental costumes and pig tails.
The third grade are having something very special in the way of fairies, there will be white fairies, black fairies, good fairies, bad fairies; fairies who sing, fairies who dance, fairies who expect to win your generous applause.
The senior boys will present a sketch "Around the Camp Fire." There will be plenty of action, drills, songs and humorous situations. Leave it to the boys.
The senior girls will present a play "Beyond the Gates." It opens a vista of the future and presents the initial flapper and her dreams of Prince Charming. Of course she will have enough of good advisers to keep her on the road of righteousness. Clowns, harvesters and happy workers will enliven the scene with bright costumes, dances and choruses.
The performance will take place June 12 and 14, in the Airdome, 1360 Tamm Ave. at 8 P. M. Don't get your dates mixed, remember Friday and Sunday, after the picnic.
Diplomas will be presented the second night of the entertainment at the airdome to the class of 1925, by Rev. P. J. O'Connor. Rev. M. J. Stritch, S. J., well known orator and lecturer will address the graduates.
Graduates of 1925
CROWNING OF THE STATUE
The evening was cold, those in procession were compelled to wear their coats till they arrived at the door of the church. The snow white dresses impressed one with the idea that the marchers came out of the clouds of Heaven.
The Young Ladies Sodality led the procession and crowned the Statue of the Blessed Virgin. They were followed by the Angelic Warfare Society and the girls of the First Communion Class came in the rear. The line presented the graduation from innocent childhood to budding womanhood as they moved around the church singing the Litany of the Blessed Virgin. When they knelt before the altar of Our Lady and consecrated themselves to the Virgin Mary, one realized how earnest the Church strives to impress on womanhood the grandeur of Purity.
Rev. Daniel Daly of St. Marks Church preached in a voice that was as soft as an organ peal, a sermon that earnest devotion alone could inspire. He was assisted at Solemn Benediction by Rev. Robert E. McKeon, and Rev. John P. Ryan
YOUNG MOTHER
The spoiled child is a calamity to himself and to his associates (all through life). He is usually willful, selfish, irritable, and disagreeable. At home he sulks and kicks and cries unless he is given his own way; at- school, he incurs the displeasure of his companions; they are always picking at him; and he rarely wins the admiration of his teacher. In later years, at work, his mind is often in a turmoil. He has little peace; he picks quarrels with his fellow laborers; he becomes suspicious of one, holds a grudge against another; the boss gets on his nerves, he is not getting a square deal; he goes home with a grouch and takes it out on his family -- he craves for love and like a child who breaks its toys and weeps for their loss, he wounds the hearts of those he loves.
Heredity has a bearing on ones character, so has the emotional outbursts of the mother whilst bearing and the food she eats. The Doctors attribute much of ones natural disposition to gland development. A child's brain grows very rapidly until the age of five or six -- during this period the baby needs rest and quiet -- jumping him up and down, watching him blink at lights may seriously injure the delicate nervous mechanism.
It is natural for a child to be willful and selfish -- this disposition must be curbed, children have to be taught to consider others -- the parents' decision should never be open to question -- the child should be taught the lesson of blind obedience. The parent must win the admiration and confidence of the child. This imposes a high standard of living and talking and thinking on the parents -- displays of anger are the worst example for a child.
The spoiled parent has many children in the penitentiary.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Pastors
Masses
Sunday and New Year's Day -- 6.00, 7:30, 9:00, 10:00.
Holidays -- 6:00, 7:30, 9:00.
Week Days -- 6:30 and 8:15 during Lent and the Months of May and October.
Holy Hour
Thursday before First Friday at 7:30 P.M.
Instructions for Public School Children
Fridays during school year at 4 P. M., and every Sunday after 9 o'clock Mass.
Confessions
Saturdays from 4:30 to 6:00 P.M. and 7:30 to 9:00 P. M.
Sunday mornings from 7:00 to 7:25 A. M. for the aged and those who are not free to go on Saturdays.
On the eve of solemn festivals and First Fridays -- 3:30 to 4:30 and from 7:30 to 8:30 P. M.
Special confessors on Eves of Christmas and Easter.
Meetings
Parish meetings the last Thursday of each month at 8 P. M. All invited.
Mother's Club meeting first Friday of each month at 2:30 P. M.
Virgin Mother's Sodality -- Tuesday after first Sunday at 8:00 P. M.
Holy Name Society -- Monday after 2nd Sunday of the month at 8:00 P. M.
St. Anne’s Sodality -- ,Tuesday after 3rd Sun. day at8:00P.M.
Visiting Hours to Rectory
Preferably from 8 to 10 A.M. and from 6:30 to 8:00 P. M.
Baptisms
Sundays at 3:30 P. M. sharp. Sponsors ought to be practicing Catholics.
Sick Calls
Don't delay; the pastors will not be responsible for sick calls over the telephone. In all cases confer with one of the Priests.
Bells
Church bells are rung for the Angelus at 6.00 A. M., 12:00 and 6:00 P. M. Also a quarter of an hour before services.
Church Dues
Each wage earner is expected to give 4c out of each dollar earned; for maintenance of priests. sisters, ordinary parish expense and for a building fund. No pew rent or special collections except at Christmas and Easter.
MR. BEN HAWKINS
We share the pride which our friend and fellow parishioner, Mr. Ben Hawkins must feel, in the great honor recently conferred upon him. Mr. Hawkins entered the contest of the Art Students League of New York, knowing that he was matching his work against the best of America's Artists, and came out winner of a two-year scholarship too the New York Art School. We feel this great honor the more keenly because of the fact that Ben has always been one of us, he played with us, attended school with us, and: grew up to manhood with us.
We extend our congratulations and wish him luck.
Bennie had a little lamb,
He modeled when a boy.
He tried to teach it lots of tricks,
Tho' it was but a toy.
It went with him to school, one day,
In the pocket of his coat;
And when the teacher took it from him
Benny cried "She's got my goat."
SPORTS
Our school boys played eleven games in the Parochial School League contest Forest Park Division, and lost the trophy to Holy Angel Team by one run. It was hard luck. They were the best team in the division. Had the Cathedral or St. Cronin’s boys won a game or two the contest would be keener and the result doubtful; however, our boys have no kick. They are real sports. They say they were beaten and they offer no alibi. They congratulate Father Kelly and his team.
Students 28 (14 boys and 14 girls)
Top Row: William Corbett, John Fannen, Bernard Thiele, Renard Gruner, Frank Strathman, John Doering, Maurice Sullivan, Orvad Harnes, Norman Fehrensen, Joseph Hussman.
Second Row: Angelo Pilla, Emmet Jones, Regina Bernsen, M. Hester Bovard, Mary McCauley, Estelle Coad, Evelyn Lutz, Loraine Lutz, Joseph Phelan, Waldo Bisso.
Front Row: Sylvia Blazitz, Rosalie May, Rose Gioia, Dorothy Brady, Rev. P.J. O'Connor, Dolores Brady, Margaret M. Huff, Lillian Saxton, Christina Hobbs.
CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT AND GRADUATION
On June 14th at 8 P.M. a crowd of about 800 persons assembled in the air-dome at the back of St. James Old Church to witness the Commencement Exercises of St. James Parochial School. Twenty-eight children were awarded diplomas by Rev. P.J. O'Connor. Rev. M.J. Stritch, S.J., who gave the address, humerously commented on the fact that the class consisted of 14 boys and 14 girls who graduated on the 14th of the month and were each 14 years old. The exercises were advanced because ominous clouds gathered and an electric disturbance flickered in the distant heavens.
The entertainment feature was repeatedly applaudedd. The children showed excellent training. They went through the various numbers with confidence and accuracy. The costumes were rich in color and material and were markedly appropriate. It must have taken a great deal of time and patience to stage so cleverly, the many children who performed.
The entertainment and play were deferred Friday evening to Saturday because of the rain. The attendance was not as great as on Sunday evening. Notwithstanding this drawback the total net receipts of the entertainment and graduation was close to $500 and greater than on any former occasion. The Sisters express themselves very pleased with the attendance and thank the parents of the children and the other supporters and friends of St. James School who co-operated with them so earnestly to make the exercise a success.
CHILDREN'S ESSAY CONTEST
The contest on "Why Daddy Should Pay His 4% Quota" has brought out some clever essays. There were in fact so many good ones that the selecting of the winners was a difficult task.
This contest was inaugurated the 15th of May by an announcement to the children that "LET'S GO" would pay cash prizes of $5.00, $3.00 and $2.00 for the three best essays on "Why Daddy Should Pay His 4% Quota," The contest closed on June 12th, and the judges carefully considered all entries and chose the winners without knowing their names
The rules of the contest were:
The judges have carefully examined each entry, and made their awards as impartially as possible. Following are the three winners:
First Prize $5.00
PHILOMENA SHAFFREY
6320 West Park Avenue
Every Daddy should be willing to give four per cent of his salary to help build a New Church because if Mr. and Mrs. Macken who are not parishioners are good enough to give us the property, Daddy should be willing to give four percent for material.
Now if Daddy can go to the ball game. the movies and many other amusements, and pay fifteen or twenty cents for cigars, he certainly can give 4% of his salary to help build a new Church: even though he should have to make some sacrifices.
There are so many beautiful theatres and other buildings. why can't we have a nice church. We ought to have as beautiful a church as other parishes.
Another reason why Daddy should pay 4% is that the children are very crowded in St James School and need more class rooms.
St. James Parish was established sixty years ago, and to think we haven't a nice church yet!
The school children saved their pennies during Lent and Father O'Connor put the money in the bank to be used for the purchase of a pipe organ for the New Church. Father O'Connor would not ask for 4% if it was too much. You know that the money is going towards a New Church, so, LET'S GO men, women and children, pay your 4%.
Second Prize $3.00
DOROTHY BRADY
6235 Victoria Ave.
Daddy should give his 4% quota to St. James Church because:
First -- Father O’Connor, who is the leader of the parish for a long time has seen the urgent necessity for a New Church which would be located on the beautiful terrace donated by Mr. and Mrs. Macken and which is across from the present church.
Secondly – Because our parish is one of the earliest founded in the City, and is one of the very few that has never had a church building of which to be proud.
Third – because a representative number of parishioners believe the 4% system of raising the funds is the most just and quickest.
Fourth -- Because, with a New Church all its beauty and charm, we would take more pride in our parish and would have more devotion, and it would fill our hearts with joy to hear a big new organ peeling forth hymns of praise to God.
Third Prize, $2.00
VIRGINIA COAD
6433 Lloyd Avenue
For years St. James has been trying to get together money to build a New Church. It seems as though all former methods have been too slow. Now we have the 4% plan which I hope will succeed.
I think my Daddy should pay 4% because St. James should provide a suitable place for the adoration of our Lord; because we need the space where our church now is to provide people facilities for our education; because God has given him health and strength to earn money, and therefore he owes our Lord a portion of his earnings.
Still another reason why Daddy and all Daddies in the parish should pay 4% is, St. James is an old parish and yet its people cannot point toward their Church and say “there is a building worthy of the name.” However, if all the Daddies and other wage earners get together now and pay 4% we will soon have a New Church which will be a fitting dwelling for our Lord.
I am glad my father belongs to the “LET’S GO” and is paying the 4%.
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Other authors whose efforts merited special mention were:
SCHOOL PATRONS' ASSOCIATION
The St. James School Patrons' Association met on the 9th of June and took active steps to support the Picnic Committee. The "Mothers" branch of this organization took over a large share of this work and performed admirably the tasks assigned them. Cashiers were named to serve for two hour periods throughout the day and evening.
Messrs. Blank, John Houlihan. J. Coad and Pahl were appointed on a committee to handle the refreshments at the Picnic.
Messrs. Blank and Pierce reported arrangements completed.
Mr. John Kelly was appointed on the balloon concession. Mrs. Sam Gittins appointed for Fish Pond.
Mr. Lederle turned in a long list of donations from firms with whom he does business. Trucks were offered for picnic day: one by Mr. Harry Huger and the other by the Roxana Petroleum Co., obtained through Eddie Ryan.
After much discussion it was decided that a program of races should be arranged for the St. James School children only and several additional in which all would be allowed to compete.
A plan to give each school child two five cent purchase tickets was discouraged by Father O'Connor who contended that the committee would be establishing a precedent which might cause difficulties in the future. He pointed out that the school picnics usually are affairs which he is forced to handle without financial assistance, and that if given free tickets this year, the children would expect them in the future when it might not be possible to give them. The meeting voted to abandon the plan.
It was also voted that the proceeds of the picnic, it any, be turned over to the treasurer of the School Patrons Association.
ST. JAMES PICNIC
The picnic held at Bartold's Grove on June 11th was a gala and successful affair. So many people turned out as to give the impression than those unfortunates unable to attend must have been terribly lonesome.
Big Parade
The day was ideal, and the festivities began at 9 o'clock with a monster parade made up to three double deck motor busses and a large line of machines gaily decorated, to the inspiring accompaniment of a large band, and marshaled by Mr. Bersch, who maintained perfect order, the route took in practically the entire parish, then proceeded to the grounds west of Maplewood.
Preparations Complete
Bent on having everything in readiness, a group of men had met on the grounds at five o'clock in the morning to prepare swings, pony track, decorate booths, arrange lunch and refreshment stands, etc., so that when the parade disbanded at the grounds everything was in readiness, with the first shift of workers furnished by the Mothers' Club at its post in the cashier's stand and ice cream booth.
Hot Dogs and Dulany Reese
Dulany took charge of the lunch stand and assisted by two gentlemen of color, served faithfully throughout the day and evening. The lunch and coffee were delicious. To utilize a trite phrase, their ham, beef and frank sandwiches, served hot, would "melt in your mouth." Folks ate that lunch and pronounced the picnic a success.
Step right up folks and get in line, We've got your choicest morsel. The beef is hot and the franks are fine, Ten cents buys quite a parcel.
Kelly's Kids
Jim Kelly and Father Pohl took charge of the races and we believe we are not far from the truth when we say that. the youngsters had almost as much fun out of it as they did. Father Pohl "also ran" in the fat man's race, won by Mr. French. This race was quite a disappointment to Mrs. Bovard's gang as they had been training Father on their cake. The, result indicated their training may have been ill-advised and too thorough. They made him too eligible.
Jenneman Too Fast
George Jenneman took highest honors among the men by annexing both the 100 and 440 yard dashes. By a burst of speed he took a long lead in the 440, a lead which was never threatened, and which carried with it the parish cup.
McLaughlin Wins Marathon
Mathew McLaughlin won the marathon with a remarkable display of speed and stamina. Starting at the school, he covered the distance to the grounds (about 2 one-fourth miles) in less than fifteen minutes. In this race each of the twelve entries finished and none seemed to have overtaxed his vitality.
C. Kavanaugh Best Boy
C. Kavanaugh was the best athlete among the boys of school age, he having shown first in three events and third in the marathon.
Miss L. Grandinetti took two of the girl events, and Mrs. Geo. Wiber two of the ladies.
Police Look Us Over
Several Maplewood and County plain clothes men spent considerable time in looking for something to which they might object, and were finally compelled to admit failure. They were especially vigilant during the time the Mothers' Club were conducting their euchre, but all they were able to discern was a lot of happy and contented people sitting around playing euchre for "fun."
Busy Bartenders
The men behind the refreshment bar served long and tirelessly. Messrs. Pahl, Banks, both Coads, Sam Gittins, "Ollie" Dolan, Bill Blank and several others efficiently handled an all day rush. They all worked hard and harmoniously and we heard not a single complaint. These gentlemen deserve credit for a mean job well done.
Dancing Well Managed
Capping the climax of a perfect day was the dance which was arranged and managed to perfection. Starting at 4 o'clock, the clever LaParadis Orchestra seemed to realize that the committee desired that their numbers be short and often. Five cents per couple was charged and Father Pohl, Jim Kelly and Geo. Wiber were kept busy shooting them in on one end of the floor and out of the other. No one got in without a ticket. The thoroughly business-like methods of those in charge of this concession were equally fair and satisfactory to all.
EDITORIALS
CO-OPERATION
The recent parish picnic pointed a valuable lesson in "co-operation, and the benefits to be derived there from." Launched on an uncharted and stormy sea, the floundering ship "Committee" was having a rough voyage when the crew mutinied. They objected to the port of passage and were about to take to the boats when a few of the steadier heads persuaded them to reconsider, and soon the craft was fully manned. Almost immediately the storm lifted, the seas smoothed and the port of Utopia appeared in the offing.
The lesson pointed is "make the most of what you can't correct." The good common sense shown by the rank and file of parishioners saved the day. These good people frankly condemned that which they did not approve. We all claim and exercise the same privilege. When, however, they were convinced that the committee had done what it thought best, and that the time for changing was passed; they, like good seamen, manned the sails and righted the ship. "Altogether, let's go."
LET THE NEXT GENERATION PAY FOR IT
Pioneers clear the ground and erect temporary dwellings; the next generation does not look backwards, it continues to improve; the shack is abandoned, a neat home is erected and the offspring inherits the benefits of the laborers who went ahead; and this is the unending order of human progress.
The first buildings erected in a parish are usually temporary. St. James is in its second stage, it has to erect more capacious and neater buildings that will be permanent. This generation has to build a Church; the next, will have its own task in erecting a larger Convent, a bigger rectory and a modern school.
Were the parish now to erect a church that would meet the requirements of the times, a loan of $100,000 should be made, which, with commission and interest, would cost $6,000 a year. This is too much rent to pay for a new church, and would, with an added $2,000 for depreciation, leave us in a persistent struggle for several years.
Better delay for a year or two, add the interest to the principal on hand, put on a spurt to accumulate, and look forward to the day when the Parish will have a church which it can call its own.
WILLIAM BLANK
Mr. Blank, practically a newcomer in the parish, was the instigator of the picnic which has been declared so great a success. "Bill" was also an indefatigable worker for its success, and deserves a great deal of credit. He started his campaign for a picnic at a time when affairs of this kind in St. James were about as popular as a "bull in a china store" and staunchly stood by his idea to the end. He successfully engineered a plan which none of the old timers would have had the temerity even to suggest.
Stay with us "Bill" we need your kind. Let us have some more of your ideas.
WATCH YOUR STEP BOVARD
There is a story going the rounds to the effect that Mrs. Bovard called for a "klotch" on one of the members of the Mothers' Club who has the reputation for serving liquid "wallops" and upon starting for home, she took the bus going in the opposite direction. Better take a guide along next time.
I swear I didn't have a thing
But just one tiny drink.
For when they passed the second one,
I spilled it in the sink.
So you can see it was not that
Which confused my journey homeward,
Pon myword! Says Emma Bovard.
BALLOON ASCENSION
John Kelly, owing to his size (or lack thereof) was purposely selected for the balloon concession at the picnic, because the Committee thought an ascension would be an added attraction. When, however, after blowing up a couple dozen, John started to ascend, he suddenly got cold feet and called Mrs. Quinn and Mrs. Hefele to help him hold down the job.
TRANSPORTATION PAYS A PROFIT
Mrs. George Wiber deserves credit for her work in making the transportation to and from the picnic grounds profitable instead of expensive. Entirely through her efforts, enough ride tickets were sold to more than defray this part of the expense.
TOUGH LUCK
Father O'Connor was busily passing out challenges for a race with a number of men in his age class previous to the picnic, but several of them failed to accept. Owing to improper pedal equipment, when the race finally was run, Father O'Connor couldn't get started. Better luck next year.
VACATIONS
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dolan and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pahl recently returned from a trip to Canada They say the weather was bad but the beer was fine.
FOUR PER CENT PLEDGES
The district south of Manchester Avenue had the fewest wage earners willing to pledge 4% of .their earnings to the Church.
The following are the names of subscribers, visited in the district by John H. Seager, Clyde Stiff, John McDerby and William Henkel.
Each wage earner in the parish
Either lady or a gent
Is asked to make donations
That will equal Four Percent
Many have complied while
Others seem to lurch
Now if this is not soon remedied
We'll never build a Church
In donating Four Percent
By our Pastor we are told
Not a solitary ticket
In the parish will be sold
No Bazaars, no Raffles
Gee won’t that be fine
Come on you slackers
Please fall in line
Unless we all contribute
Things wont be so nice
There'll be carnivals and picnics
Perhaps a little dice
Take the fish hooks from your pockets
And come from off your perch
Buy some Mortar, Brick and Plaster
For that Great and Grand
New Church
HOMES CONSECRATED TO THE SACRED HEART
The following families were consecrated in their homes .to the Sacred Heart by Father O'Connor during the month of June.
NOT A BATHING BEACH
The pilgrims to the Vatican comply with the Catholic tradition of modesty in dress, women are not permitted to appear before the Holy Father in short sleeves and dress décolleté. A few ladies appear in St, James Church from time to time and their dress suggests they must have mistaken ideas about propriety and the essentials of reverence. They seem to be ready to jump from a diving board,
MOTHERS' CLUB MINSTREL
A storm hung around the horizon and deterred the gathering crowd from the air-dome, though the Mothers' Club held out the flag and prayed for a pleasant evening.
Despite the threatening weather, the curtain rose and the minstrel show was on in all the splendor of its two previous performances and numerous new features, which a sparse audience applauded till the thunder claps drove the players from the stage.
Not discouraged, they betook themselves to the hall where Biz Kenny put the finishing touches to the performance sending all away in high good humor and all praising that wonderful Mothers' Club.
NEW PARISHIONERS
At the Parish Meeting it was decided to appoint the committee of twenty who solicited the parish, as a committee on Good Fellowship, their duties to be to welcome new Catholic families in the name of the parish, turn their names in for publication in "LET'S GO," and hand them a copy of the publication when calling on them.
THE ALUMNI BANQUET
The annual banquet of the Alumni Association of St. James Parochial School was held Sunday evening, June 21st at the City Club. One hundred and forty-five members including the new graduates were present.
After partaking of an appetizing menu, the Class of 1925, twenty-eight in number, were introduced and welcomed into the association. Father O'Connor eulogized the graduates and left no doubt they were his favorites. He said he would make this class his body guard and promised to confer this distinction on no other class.
The older grads are jealous and say Father O'Oonnor gave this honor to the Class of 1925 because it is Jubilee Year.
Father Pohl on being requested to make a few remarks, said what pleased him most was the word "few" and he strictly adhered to it.
Frank Strathman, as spokesman for the Class of 1925, assured the association of their appreciation of the banquet tendered them and of their determination to live up to the traditions of the Society and the high ideals learned in St. James School.
The Annual Communion and breakfast recently introduced, Ray Dolan said was a splendid addition to the activities of the society, and should be availed of as an occasion for remembering Sisters Catherine, Louis and Father Casey, "those saintly and much beloved ones who made the organization possible." He impressed upon the newly elected officers, the propriety of making the annual Communion and the banquet, the two big events of the association.
The only set speech for the evening was delivered by James Dolan. His eloquence and literary skill were impressive. He wove words into rich tapestries and variegated imagery. His thoughts flowed like a crystal brook through a flowery meadow, alliterations, metaphors, hyperboles nestled in the crevices of deep emotionalism. He flew over the sheep ranches of Nevada, the poppy fields of France, interviewed the pompous citizens of heaven, the most exalted ecclesiastics of the earth and pointed many morals to the class. With tender sentimentalism, he touched on the graduates farewell to childhood, the Parochial School and the faithful Sisters who taught them; and in a climax to their possibilities in life, he closed his remarks with the slogan "Let's Go."
Dan Murphy the outgoing president, introduced the new officers and Raymond Usher was vigorously applauded when he took the chair to preside. He at once got down to business and had a motion carried to have the society financed by dues of a dollar a year from each member, which, the motion declared, would be obligatory though non-compulsory.
After the banquet, the Alumni met in the lobby many of their friends who came to dance, and all repaired to the Club Ball Room where the Orchestra was already playing a lively waltz.
A QUARTER OF AN HOUR WELL SPENT
The Promoters of the Apostleship of Prayer are making an effort to get volunteers to keep a watch before the Blessed Sacrament each Friday from 7 a. m. to 8 p. m. The devotion gives an opportunity for spiritual thought and practical belief in Christ's presence. Each adorer spends a quarter of an hour in church and forms a link in the chain of worshippers. A schedule in the back of the church shows the hours and days that are already filled. Those who desire to have their names listed, should communicate with Miss Genevieve Mahon, 1534 Tamm Ave.
CHINAMEN?
Among the many friends who attended the picnic, we noticed Messrs. Wm. Graves and George Ehrhardt. These are the two young men who recently opened the Forest Park Laundry at 6442 Wise Avenue. We understand they do fine work and are enjoying an ever increasing volume of business. We wish them the best of luck.
BAPTISMS -- JUNE
Bridget Viola Edna Hofstetter, 1319 Ripple Street.
Kathleen Mary 'Regan, 6815 Waldemar Ave.
Helen Frances Graves, 6020a Loretta St.
YOUNG MOTHER
Do not permit your child to form objectionable and detrimental habits; these will ever impede his way to success and happiness. It is almost impossible for an adult to extricate himself from a deep rooted habit that has grown up with him from childhood. Habit becomes second nature and bad habits, like weeds, are quick to sprout, hard to eradicate and usually more fertile than good ones.
Habits are formed from repeated acts. A single act rarely gives a facility or inclination for similar actions, but repeated, it cuts for itself a groove in which it can increase its speed and force. A habit is a pathway to an action, good or bad. It makes the way easier and suggests the action. One who has formed a habit does not deliberate on the act; like the rabbit, he repeats the run of yesterday and follows the same path.
You do not permit your child to pick his nose because the action is objectionable and repulsive to others, though perhaps pleasing to the child. There are quite a number of things that people do that make their manners vulgar and their presence less desirable; their conduct is irritating and their attractiveness is thereby decreased. One snuffles, another bangs doors, a third keeps the middle of the road, chews tobacco and spits on your doorstep, etc. All of these imply a lack of consideration for others and arouse antipathies. The mother lives in the child's habits, and the child is father of the man. Refinement is not an inheritance, it is the polish produced on raw character by the gentle rubbings of a considerate woman.
Bad habits do not always afflict our neighbor, some are so personal they cause the greatest inconvenience to ourselves. I am ever looking for my pipe. My glasses, the book I had been reading, my hat, my pen, my transfer or railroad ticket. I waste lots of time doing nothing, and yet absorbed in a nerve racking search for something. I was an impulsive child. The newest attraction called me so suddenly, I dropped the hammer I had been using, the book I had been reading, the cup from which I had been drinking, anywhere next to hand, and went my way in happy forgetfulness of what was left behind and where it was. Mother may have corrected me but not sufficiently. I now am hopelessly tied to these careless habits which I have endeavored to correct but find myself too careless to be persistent.
Carelessness about dress, punctuality, personal cleanliness are common offenses. The high class business man is a model of neatness and order. The sloppy, untidy woman and her home are as unsightly as a rag-picker's wagon.
A bad habit is a vice when one's attitude is at variance with the laws of God. These habits imply viciousness, lying, stealing, impurity and blasphemy, lead to depravity and unfit a human being for any great nobility of character.
Young mother, your home is a school room wherein a child's character is formed or deformed. You are the teacher; are you qualified to discharge your duty, or do you permit your child to grow up as Topsy grew?
SUCKERS
Corinne Gittins had a hard time finding a suitable place for her Fish Pond. She finally decided upon the refreshment booth as the "wettest" location on the grounds. It was so "wet" in fact, that some of the men may have contracted pneumonia if they had not taken proper precaution.
PARISH MEETING
On Thursday, June 25th, the regular monthly meeting of St. James Parishioners was called to order by Martin Coad in the absence of Mr. Crotty and Frank Walsh. Aside from a few who are on vacation, the meeting was well attended.
PICNIC COMMITTEE REPORTS
The committee reported a profit of $65 on the picnic and this amount was turned over to the School Association, while important suggestions as to the management of future picnics were turned over to Rev. P. J. O'Connor for future reference.
"The picnic," Mr. Pierce said, "was not to be a money-making affair but a grand get together for everyone in the parish, to advertise St. James inside and outside the parish, to promote pride and interest in parochial affairs and to inspire the young people with possibilities of finding things to do in the parish; in this, the committee feel they have been very successful." He said a group of about 20 people who worked from 5 A.M. to 11 P,M. deserved the thanks of the parish and at the same time the parish as a whole ought to be thanked for turning out as they did. He made special mention of the untiring efforts of Jim Kelly who took the place of two of the original committee who could not serve.
This committee was discharged with a rising vote of thanks for their earnest and efficient services.
SCHOOL ASSOCIATION TO DEVELOP ATHLETICS
The picnic has inspired the children with a desire for athletics and the school association feels there are great possibilities along this line. There is talk of a handball court, basket ball, etc.
FOUR PER CENT
The remainder of the parish meeting was devoted to the financial report on the 4% system.
Mr. Gittins said, "Letters have been mailed to those who subscribed 4%, those who subscribed nothing and to those who signed pledge cards but designated no amount."
FATHER O'CONNOR
Mr. Coad requested Father O'Connor to give the committee something further to work on and requested that some members of the parish look over the books in order to instruct the meeting as to the parish financial standing. Father O'Connor said. since the 25c a week collectors have stopped calling on some of the parishioners, they make no effort to give anything, do we want to let this go on indefinitely? The individual who takes advantage of the church and school is the first to criticize and we should call them on it. The thing should be discontinued, a priest should not be compelled to talk money from the altar. The Sisters and Priests work only for the continuance and development of the church to improve the growth of the parish, etc., and this required revenue.
The Church is authority. It is based on justice, and it is justice that those who have the benefits of its school and church should help to keep them up.
A large number of good people are not contributing to the church not because they are not willing, but because their good intentions never materialize: they treat every question as it comes along with a generous viewpoint; they buy from everyone who comes to their door selling, with the result at the end of the month they have nothing left for the church.
Motion made and carried that financial committee and Father O’Connor go over the parish books and at next meeting report on their findings and make recommendations.
Meeting then adjourned.
CHILD LOGICIANS
The school children, in their essays on "Why Daddy Should Pay His 4% Quota" brought out some interesting and novel gems of logic. A number of their reasons why “Dad” should “kick-in” are entirely new and so worthy and indicative of careful thought that we have selected a few for publication, and list them as follows:
We commend the youngsters and thank them for phrases some of which may suggest slogans. The child’s mind, usually free from prejudice, when properly encouraged, often shows almost unbelievable flights of wisdom.”
SPORTS
The athletic events held in conjunction with the picnic were interesting and thoroughly representative. Arranged by Mr. James Kelly, they brought into play virtually every form of physical skill.
The marathon, chief event of the day, was something new in the parish. When the idea was first suggested, we admit entertaining some misgivings due to the fear of the effort upon the boys. As all of the twenty entrees finished and none of them show any ill effects we gladly place our stamp of approval on the race and nominate it for first consideration for future meets.
Names of the first three in this and winners of other events are given below in the order of their position.
Matthew McLaughlin ---------- first
Waldo C. Bisso ---------- second
Cornelius Kavanaugh ---------- third
Standing Broad Jump – boys under 8 years
R. Corbett
Standing Broad Jump – boys under 12 years
J. Phelan
100 Yard Dash – boys under 12 years
J. Phelan
100 Yard Dash – boys under 15 years
C. Kavanaugh
Sack Race – boys over 12 years
Byron Fannen
Needle and Threat Race – girls over 12 years
Christina Hobbs
Sack Race – girls over 12 years
Philomena Shaffrey
Fifty Yard Dash – girls 9 to 12 years
L. Grandinetti
Sack Race – girls 9 to 12 years
L. Grandinetti
Fifty Yard Dash – school girls over 12 years
Philomena Shaffrey
Fifty Yard Dash – school girls over 12 years
H. Moellenbeck
Relay Race – school girls 16 and under
M. Regan and L. Stumpf
50 Yard Dash – Single girls over 18
Dolores Arlt
440 Dash – open to all men
George Jennemann
100 Yard Dash – married men
George Jennemann
Fat Man’s Race –
C. French
Married Ladies Race –
Mrs. George Wiber
Fat Ladies Race –
Mrs. George Wiber
"Into this Universe and why not knowing,In the Catholic School the child learns "God made the World." This truth becomes the foundation of the rest of his education. It seems as reasonable to a child to believe God made the world as that man built the school. He is taught to seek the will of God and do it; to revere the name of God and praise Him and to regard his fellow man as his brother. When the child has learned that God-man so loved the world that He sent His Son to teach us, the child's heart expands and a generous impulse loosens the cords from the structures of selfishness. The lesson proceeds from day to day and consciousness opens its flowery arches and a God-man groans in agony for the sins of men in the road where the purple blossoms of love had fallen and will forever mark the way of Peace and Good will.
Nor whence, like water willy nilly flowing
And out of it, as wind along the waste,
I know not whither, willy nilly blowing."
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Mr. and Mrs. Henkel spent a week at Stanton, Mo.
Maria Shaffrey, Dr. Courtney Murphy and his wife toured to Lake Emerald, Newaygo, Michigan, where they had a delightful time. They had a great deal of trouble on the way -- blowouts, punctures and dead ignition alternator. Maria says no more touring trips for her.
PARISH BOUNDARIES
The system of the Catholic Church is to divide a city into parishes, placing there priests who are responsible for the spiritual interests of all the parishioners in that territory. He is obliged to provide ample church and school buildings; he must see that his people have convenient hours for mass, devotions, confessions, etc., he must look after the spiritual training of the youth of his parish and see that all are prepared for First Communion and Confirmation; he must care for the sick of his parish, etc., etc.
THE PEOPLE at the same time have THEIR OBLIGATIONS towards their OWN PARISH. It is their duty to attend and support not any church they may fancy, but THEIR OWN PARISH CHURCH. They must unite with their fellow parishioners in building up their own parish; they should be members of their own PARISH SODALITIES AND SOCIETIES. They should not be strangers there; if they are, it is because they make themselves such. They should strive to attain PARISH PRIDE and PARISH LOYALTY, encouraging their priests and their fellow parishioners in their undertakings.
(Year Book of Sacred Heart Parish)
YOUNG MOTHER
When you go to the store, you want the best vegetables, the most luscious fruit, the finest cuts of meat, you have in mind the health and happiness of those who sit at your table, but you too often forget that air, sunshine and recreation are as necessary to the physical development of a child as is food.
In the Public Schools of New York City, the Board of Education has provided a physical culture class as a part of the program of school exercises. The children are taught to take proper recreation. On a cool morning one might see crowds of ten in the streets near the school under the direction of a teacher. They are taught how to fill the lungs with fresh air, how to carry the body and give the muscles full play. The children take a delight in these exercises and vie with one another in athletic ability. They enter the school room in a bright cheerful spirit, their cheeks have the glow of health; the dullness and tediousness of the school room is forgotten and the teacher faces a class of vivacious little pupils who are well disposed for the work of the day.
Recreation, to have real value, must have the element of sport. The child must play the game and forget thinking about himself. It is not recreation for a child to take a quiet walk with a parent or nurse. The child must cut loose from the mother's apron strings and meet companions of his own age in friendly rivalry. The clothing must be free and easy, and games should be provided which give a chance to the child to use every muscle in the body.
To have the incentive to use the muscles to the fullest extent the school yard ought to be provided with recreational facilities and the home with toys that will tempt the child to use his muscles. '
Nature, if permitted, would tempt children to all the exercise they need; climbing, tumbling, rolling, throwing, jumping, baseball, football, wrestling, are splendid old-fashioned methods of physical development. In the sickly child, nature is often dormant, and the child who most needs exercise is least inclined to take it. He becomes self conscious of his inability to meet his fellows in a game and he avoids them, to be later humiliated and dubbed a "sissy." Such a child seeks pity, and it is unfortunate if his parents are so lacking in judgment as to sympathize with him and quarrel with the parents of all the healthy robust children in the neighborhood who offer these insults.
Such a child is simply backward in physical development, his chest is hollow, his voice is girlish, his shoulders are goose-backed; he lacks vitality and virility; he is under a terrific handicap. He needs a physical instructor more than a mental tutor. Give him a chance and see that he plays the games.
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Mrs. Harry 'Malone and her daughter Irene made a retreat at the Sacred Heart Convent,, St. Charles.
A STORY FOR BOYS
How To Become a Man
Old Greece was a lovely land; mountain and valley sat side by side and the sea reflected from the hills, the white washed cabins, the sheep fold and the vineyard.
Over these mountains and valleys walked a race of warriors and beautiful men. Their skin was smooth and well rubbed with olive oil, their bodies muscular and flexible, their movements easy and graceful, their step sprightly, their eyes bright, their countenances beaming with the glow of health and the courage of confidence. What made them so beautiful? They were athletes trained in the gymnasium; soldiers who from childhood were taught to be men.
"Did you cry when leaving home?" said the old Greek teasingly to a boy who came to the training school.
"No," said the boy, "why should I cry? I have come to be a soldier. Spartans do not cry,'
The Spartans were the bravest of the Greeks and the best athletes.
The boys left home at an early age and entered a military academy Where their characters were formed and their muscles were developed. These boys were not permitted to stay up late at night, they slept in the open air and in hard beds, they were awakened at day-break and ran to the river for a cold plunge, and then ran back to camp ground. The different Irens called their boys together, twenty or thirty companies stood in soldiers orders, the boys were taught to box, to wrestle, to throw the discus and to jump, the men walked among them looking on. They gave praise when a boy did well, they stopped the game when it was wrong.
After the boys played for some time, the trumpet blew and another lesson began. “What?” said the teacher, “makes a man brave?” “Love of country,” said a boy. “No,” said the teacher, “that is a bad answer. Let this help you remember what makes men brave.” As he said that he bit the boy’s thumb. The thumb turned white under the teeth, but the boy did not wince; he had already learned that it is ability to suffer that makes men brave.
Boys rarely talked when in the presence of men. "When you are with older men," said Lichas to his boys, "your tongue cannot teach them, so let your ears learn. You will hear more wisdom in one breath, than you can speak in a day."
The Greek boys appreciated their instructors and never were disrespectful to one of them. Though they were only boys, they wished to be men and soon learned to have the gravity of men. Nothing except the most serious illness would keep one of them from a lesson. Each one of them became more skillful after an instruction. The boy who failed to be an athlete, was sent home to herd the sheep and the girls laughed and taunted him for not being the stuff of which warriors are made.
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Mr. Louis Schollmeyer, Sr., was operated on for appendicitis in St. Luke's Hospital July 14. The surgeon found the appendix ruptured and regarded the case serious. Mr. Schollmeyer is now convalescing and expects to leave the hospital in a few days.
FRED C. LORENZ -- HERO
In a small shop at 6406 Wise avenue, we find our old neighbor, Fred Lorenz, brother of Mrs. William Boman, patiently applying his arts as watchmaker and jeweler, and endeavoring to please and satisfy those who trust him with their work.
We knew Fred some few years ago, when he was hale, hearty and happy; just a big, handsome, good-natured kid. After a lengthy apprenticeship, he had become a journeyman book-binder; worked steadily and seemed to be enjoying life on a substantial craftsman's pay
Then came the war, and with the others, Fred shouldered his gun and marched away. His clean body and lithe muscles responded quickly to the demands of rigid training, and he was soon in France, and on the way to the battle-lines. His folks heard from him with regularity up to this time, and intermittently hereafter, and Fred seemed to be faring as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Through battles and barrages, he miraculously emerged, apparently under Providential protection, but finally, in a disastrous moment, a German shell found its mark, and the lights went out. For something like two days he lay for dead, and eventually was picked up and cared for by a German Hospital Corp., probably because he understood and spoke their language.
A slow convalescence; signing of the Armistice; and in due time Fred found himself again in his native land, and among friends. The ravages of a sore hurt, however, refused him the freedom which he once had, and enjoyed so greatly. Frailty of a once robust body forbade pursuit of his former occupation, and he was forced to accept the Government offer of a new apprenticeship; and so elected to learn the art of watch-making.
He manfully declines to play on his past achievements. With Christian fortitude, he comes back to us with the humble announcement -- "Fred C. Lorenz, Watchmaker and Jeweler." We have an opportunity here, to pay a small part of the interest on a tremendous debt.
"Let us not forget our soldier heroes."
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Sisters Alphonsus, Joselita and Thecla were called to New York. Sister Alphonsus has completed her term as Superioress at St. James Convent, She was very lonely leaving St. James. Sisters Joselita and Thecla also fear they are not returning. They send cards to many of the school children,
PARISH MEETING
The meeting of the Parish Committee. held on Thursday evening, July 30th, was attended by a small but interested group of parishioners. Their minds set on hastening the work of building the New Church, and improving the School conditions, practically the entire evening was devoted to discussion of various plans to increase the revenue.
Mr. Heil reported for Finance Committee that nothing had been done to increase the revenue since the last meeting. Mr. Crotty stated that it was his understanding that a number of parishioners were neglecting their 4% payments, and he felt that some energetic action should be taken to bring the matter to their attention. “It is not right to continuously take from some of the parishioners, while others give next to nothing, without at least making an attempt to collect from them."
Thinks Priests Should Follow-Up
Mr. Ray Dolan : "The Pledge Committee solicited signers to 4% pledge cards with the expectation that some means would be used to follow-up the campaign. I think this should be done but that the Priests can do it better than any one else. If some are delinquent, Father O'Connor or Father Pohl might write them a letter asking that they come to the Rectory to discuss the matter, and I don't believe any one would be mean enough to ignore the summons. If they came to the Rectory they would be courteously received and would feel better after frankly stating their reasons for not paying."
Father O'Connor : "I have thought seriously of this question, and have reached the conclusion that it would be better if these people were approached by laymen than by the Priest. If either Father Pohl or myself invited them to the Rectory and they failed to appear, or if we called on them on such a mission and obtained a promise which, for some reason or another, they could not live up to, they would become embarrassed and start to avoid us, and their catholicity would suffer. I believe better results could be obtained by your committee."
A Follow-Up Campaign
Mr. George Kletzker : "It seems to me that these people could be successfully appealed to by this committee, it not being Father O'Connor's place on Sundays to campaign. If letters were sent out in follow-up order, they might get the attention and consideration of those for whom they were intended, and I am sure, would do a great deal of good. They should be so worded, however, that they would require an answer. It is my belief that most of these people become delinquent through carelessness, -- and if we can successfully get a message to them, calling their attention to the fact, I am sure they will respond. To give a more personal appeal, these letters should be signed by some individual, rather than just the Committee."
Mr. Riegel: "I am in favor of anything, which will persuade more of the parishioners to do their part. I don't see why the Finance Committee doesn't go into the books, and go after these people who are not contributing. It is as much their duty to support the Church as it is ours, and we should make it our business to see that they do. None of us are assuming this obligation to build and support a Church just because we crave obligations, but because it is absolutely necessary. If we cannot reach them through a mail campaign, then use some other, and perhaps harsher method, but by all means, LET'S GO after them."
Mr. Pierce: "I understand there are a number of wage earners who used to pay to the quarter-a-week and pew-rent collections, who, since they have pledged to pay 4% are giving nothing, because they are neglecting their pledge. I don't see why every wage-earner should not be expected to pay at least the amount of these two collections, as they would have to do in any other church, and unless their contributions under the 4% plan equals at least $1.50 per month, they ought to state the reason, or be billed for that amount"
Carelessness
Father O'Connor: "There are quite a number of such people, and some of them have children in the school for whom they have stopped paying tuition. It is due in most cases to carelessness on their part and not to malicious intent, but it is manifestly unfair to the parishioners who are striving for a new Church, and something should be done about it.
Mr. Heil: "While the Finance Committee have done little work so far, I still think it is their job, and am ready when called upon to do whatever the majority think necessary. I believe we should send letters to those who are not paying, and if that does not get results, I am not a bit afraid to make a personal call."
Should Use Tact
Mr. Frank Walsh: "I am one of those, who at first was opposed to any committee examining the books, but I am beginning to change that opinion. If some are taking advantage, we ought to find out their reason. We should, however, go after them with as much .tact as possible, and not with the idea that all who have not paid are slackers. I don't have a regular time to pay, and others probably are in the same position. I believe, however, they ought to be reminded of their obligations, and that this can best be done by a series of letters, the last of which should be registered to insure their getting it."
Mr. Wm. Boman : "Several months ago I suggested the appointment of the Finance Committee because I felt that the soliciting of funds should be done by laymen, and not by the Priests. At the last meeting, in order to obtain the majority opinion, I made a motion that the Finance Committee be discharged, and as that motion was voted down, I assumed that the majority wanted the Finance Committee to act. I think they should get busy."
Mr. M. Coad: "The Church is the property of the parishioners, and not of the Priests, who are here today and may be gone tomorrow. As long as the property belongs to us, the obligation to maintain it is also ours. This obligation rests with the entire parish, and it is the privilege of a properly authorized and representative body, such as this Committee, to insist upon all doing their share. I think therefore, that the Finance Committee should use whatever means they see fit, to see that this is done."
Entertainment and refreshments
Father O'Connor : "I am partly responsible for the fact that the Finance Committee has been slow to act, as I wanted to be sure of the wishes of the majority. This discussion has made these wishes plain, and the Finance Committee can now act with assurance. Before adjourning, I want to suggest that some means of entertainment and refreshments be arranged for the next meeting."A Committee on refreshments and entertainment was appointed for the meeting on Thursday, Aug. 27th, and consisted of the following: Louis H. Riegel, Ed. Ryan, J. D. Bersch, Geo. Wiber, Jerry Corbett, Chas. Heil, Steve Boyer, Wm. Hense, Jr.
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Mr. P. J. Ludden was pressed into service to bring the Franciscan Father who was taking Father O'Connor's place on Sundays to the Rectory. In his haste he overlooked a boulevard stop and was given a ticket to appear in the Police Court. Since, he is very careful about crossings; he has learned to read small print, but says it takes a long time to go anywhere.
A PARISHIONER WHO WAS IN ROME
Miss Vincencia Coppinger, a parishioner who resides at 6139 Crescent Ave., recently returned from a six months' trip to Rome. The impressions made upon her are probably similar to those anyone of us would receive were we to visit the Eternal City. Miss Coppinger is a well educated lady whose sympathies are broad and her viewpoint is Catholic, and one who, if she knew she was being interviewed for publication, would be too scrupulous about truth to make any statement concerning her impressions.
St. Peters
"I was in Rome," she said, "for the opening of the Holy Door. Before arriving there, I spent a few weeks in Florence. It is a very beautiful city; more attractive to me than Rome."
"When I arrived in Rome I was somewhat disappointed with St. Peters. I knew it is the biggest church in the world: it did not appear big. I presume it is because of its perfect uniformity; there is a chart which shows a comparison between it and the large Cathedrals of the world. The lines indicating the length and breadth of Westminster Abbey and other Cathedrals, fall far short of those representing St. Peters. There is a church out of Rome that is said to be the size of one of the pillars in St. Peters and it appeared to me to be an ordinary size church."
The Holy Father
"It might be the result of a heated imagination," she said, "but when I first saw the Holy Father, I thought there was a Halo around his head. When offering Mass, his face and manner expresses a sublime sense of restfulness and peace, and gives one a feeling that he is among the Blessed.
"Later I saw him giving an audience. He was alert, energetic, and impressed me as being a high class business man. He spoke in Italian to the American pilgrims though it is said he spoke in English to the Australian delegation. I was informed he writes and reads English very well but he is not sure of his pronunciation. I heard him address other pilgrims in French.
“When we were leaving Rome in June, he appeared to be weary of the continued strain the Holy Year is making upon him. He has been daily receiving thousands of pilgrims from every land."
Mass Said in Greek and Latin
"When the Holy Father pontificates, the mass is said in Greek and Latin, and the Deacon on the occasions when I was present was a Greek. This is to symbolize the unity of the Greek and Latin rites and continues the tradition of the early Church."
Rome
"Rome gives one the impression of being the headquarters of a great religious organization. The streets are full of priests and monks. Processions are almost continuous. Banners, crosses, colorful emblems are borne with religious fervor and the Italian peasantry sing hymns and psalms as they move along, now and then stopping before some statue or sacred image to kiss the ground in intense devotion or to listen to the tale of some stupendous miracle which to the American mind appears to be too exaggerated for belief.
“The Italians are an impressionable people; they delight in strong colors and grotesque imagery. They prefer pageantry to mysticism and will kneel longer before the statue of a Saint than in the quiet silence of the Blessed Sacrament. To an American, their devotion seems to be ostentatious and bordering on the superstitious. During Mass they move about the Church and sometimes converse unless they are taking part in the congregational chant.
"My Aunt," said Miss Coppinger," who has lived in Rome for many years and speaks Italian, assures me foreigners do not understand Italian Catholics. They are children who view God as an indulgent Father. They make merry in his presence and have no feeling of irreverence. When they miss Mass on a Sunday, they say, "God knows his children are too busy to go to church," and have no qualms of conscience about neglect of duty."
The American Pilgrims
"The first American Pilgrims to Rome were the Bostonians. They aroused,” said Miss Coppinger, “a decided prejudice. On their arrival they chartered all the automobiles they could lay hands on, drove through the city in a boisterous manner, violated all the traffic laws, disrupted processions, flaunted from every machine the American flag, and were a sad contrast to the simple, earnest, wayworn pilgrims who were trudging in the dusty streets singing penitential psalms. Everywhere they went they scattered money, displayed wealth and demanded service. They seemed to be quite unconscious of the figure they were cutting, or if they did, to be entirely indifferent to the impression they were making. What about it! they were Americans who had come to Rome to honor the Pope. In their hearts they were proud of their Catholicity, they were glad to be in the Eternal City and they wanted everyone to know they had come."
"A pilgrimage to Rome," said Miss Coppinger, “is an education. It teaches one to realize how difficult it is for foreigners to understand one another, and how easy it is to arouse a prejudice."
"The Italians," she continued, “are a very individualistic people. They dislike discipline and even in the army each one endeavors to preserve his identity and to decide on his own course of action. During the war, citations for bravery were frequent though the efficiency of the army was doubtful. This trait was noticeable in the military parades I witnessed in Rome. It seemed impossible for a regiment of Italians to stand in line. They moved about like children in a school parade."
"How about Mussolini?" I asked. "He is the greatest leader in Italy," she replied. "His soldiers and adherents are apparently the most intelligent body of Italians one sees. He treats the Holy Father and the Church with the greatest consideration."
"And what of the King?" "Most Italians are sturdy little fellows who look as if they were pressed down from the top, and it seems to me, he is more flattened out than the rest of them."
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Miss Virginia Pursley recently returned from a month's vacation spent with relatives in Hopkins, Ky.
A PRETTY WEDDING.
Those who were fortunate enough to be present at the 6:30 Mass August 4 witnessed a very pretty wedding when William J. Hotop and Miss Martha Pfeiffer were married.
Father' O'Connor performed the ceremony. The young couple were married within the Sanctuary. The neat white dress and veil of the bride, the simple ceremony of low Mass, the devout reception of Holy Communion and Nuptial Blessing, the white robed Dominican Sisters in the rear added to the solemnity of the occasion the grandeur of unpretentious faith and the sublimity of the Christian ideal.
After the honeymoon Mr. and Mrs. Hotop will live at 6938 Bruno avenue.
A BIG CROP OF BABIES.
Latest arrivals in baby-land are
FRIED CHICKEN AND ED PIERCE
It was easy to see who was the most popular man at the picnic. There was work to the right of him and work to the left of him and question after question but no one saw him falter, and when word went out that Father Pohl must have at least two springers for his lunch, the valiant Ed ordered out this machine and went hunting, -- bringing in enough to serve the Sisters and clergy a lunch befitting the occasion. Mrs. Pierce, assisted by Mrs. Schollmeyer and Mrs. Moore and through the courtesy of the Bartolds, was able to make it a homelike affair.
DISTRIBUTE "LET'S GO"
Father O'Connor, "Talking new church and 4% in the parish will help raise funds. Our pamphlet "LET'S GO" should be distributed to every family in the parish. I visited 40 homes in the parish recently and some of the parishioners had never heard of the publication. The paper should be distributed to new families moving into the parish who are anxious to know the hours of Mass, etc. PASS THE PAPER ALONG.
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Oh, for boyhood's time in June
Crowding years in one brief moon
When all things I heard or saw
Me, their master, waited for.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Pastors
Masses
Sunday and New Year's Day -- 6.00, 7:30, 9:00, 10:00.
Holidays -- 6:00, 7:30, 9:00.
Week Days -- 6:30 and 8:15 during Lent and the Months of May and October.
Holy Hour
Thursday before First Friday at 7:30 P.M.
Instructions for Public School Children
Fridays during school year at 4 P. M., and every Sunday after 9 o'clock Mass.
Confessions
Saturdays from 4:30 to 6:00 P.M. and 7:30 to 9:00 P. M.
Sunday mornings from 7:00 to 7:25 A. M. for the aged and those who are not free to go on Saturdays.
On the eve of solemn festivals and First Fridays -- 3:30 to 4:30 and from 7:30 to 8:30 P. M.
Special confessors on Eves of Christmas and Easter.
Meetings
Parish meetings the last Thursday of each month at 8 P. M. All invited.
Mother's Club meeting first Friday of each month at 2:30 P. M.
Virgin Mother's Sodality -- Tuesday after first Sunday at 8:00 P. M.
Holy Name Society -- Monday after 2nd Sunday of the month at 8:00 P. M.
St. Anne’s Sodality -- ,Tuesday after 3rd Sun. day at8:00P.M.
Visiting Hours to Rectory
Preferably from 8 to 10 A.M. and from 6:30 to 8:00 P. M.
Baptisms
Sundays at 3:30 P. M. sharp. Sponsors ought to be practicing Catholics.
Sick Calls
Don't delay; the pastors will not be responsible for sick calls over the telephone. In all cases confer with one of the Priests.
Bells
Church bells are rung for the Angelus at 6.00 A. M., 12:00 and 6:00 P. M. Also a quarter of an hour before services.
Church Dues
Each wage earner is expected to give 4c out of each dollar earned; for maintenance of priests. sisters, ordinary parish expense and for a building fund. No pew rent or special collections except at Christmas and Easter.
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When you will be on your death bed, the pleasantest memory will be the good you did.
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MONKEY BUSINESS
The recent "Hippodrome" staged at Dayton, Tennessee, has given the world something to laugh about. A great many people are bent on giving us a monkey ancestry, and one of the best reasons they give is the fact that we have a spinal column closely resembling that of the Chimpanzee, suggesting that our ancestors may have carried tails. If we breathed through our ears, they probably would have associated us with the fish species.
The whole proceeding gives us a lot of fun, and while in a humorous frame of mind we recall some "monkey traits" we have For instance:
He does things with ease, it is true,
Which looks hard to me, and to you.
Just a wrench and a pipe,
And a torch and a "wipe,"
And a fine jot) our Thomas can do.
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"Pat" and Mrs. Ludden recently spent a vacation at Lewis Lake and Pat had such a good time that he came back to town and tried to make a "monkey" of one of our traffic 'cops." "Good morning, judge; I haven't $13.00 in cash; will you take a check?"
"Paddy" attempted to drive by a sign
Which distinctly, and plainly said Stop!
He didn't get far,
Someone started a war.
Pat was ordered to court by a cop.
Some of his friends recently asked Ben Hawkins to depict in clay his idea of evolution. Ben replied that if the subject was left entirely to his selection, he would prefer to make a "monkey" out of Mr. Volstead.
Last Saturday seven men gathered in the school yard and began the erection of playground equipment. They represented the Parochial School Patrons' Association.
Mr. Ed. Pierce, one of the editors of LET'S GO engineered the job and purchased the material. Tom Duggan, the conscientious objector to everything but work, did the fitting. Dulany Reese, a banker, did the digging. Bernard Brady, a telegrapher, mixed the cement. Mr. Pahl, a cigar manufacturer, operated the wheelbarrow. Ray Dolan was detained in his office and sent Andy Wynne to substitute, George Wiber dropped in, to see how things were going and to do anything that might be too hard for anyone else. Martin Coad, the railroad magnate, served as water-boy.
It was inspiring to see them work in the burning sun. They joked and teased and perspired, but they never ceased their efforts until the work on hand was completed.
For twenty-two years the school yard was without equipment. We presume the Pastors did not get to it, and the parishioners did not give the matter thought, and, as a result, the children were neglected.
Every parish needs a body of lay workers to lighten the work on the priests. The laity are not called to give up their whole life to the interests of the church but they have a duty to at least co-operate as far as it is possible for them to do so in all parochial activities.
When one pays cash for anything, the question comes to mind, "Is it worth it?"
Contributions to the church have a spiritual value and their worth can be properly estimated only by those who have a deep abiding faith that God takes an interest in the affairs of men, and observes their acts of generosity and self denial.
"With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again," said our Lord to his disciples, and He added, on another occasion, "for whosoever shall give you to drink, a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ; Amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." '
The great cathedrals of the world bear eloquent testimony to the faith and generosity of our Catholic forefathers. We live in an age of jazz and snack. In the words of Bishop Dowling, "The restless mind of man seeks in the old way to make all things new. It has eliminated God from his world, though the majestic memories of a divine order still pervade our laws, our customs, our language and our ideals."
Catholics who are in the midst of an environment that is material and irreligious can scarcely be expected to escape the contagion. The spiritual diagnostician views with alarm the easy indifference with which many of our Catholic people marry before a Justice of Peace, evade their responsibility to God and neglect their duty to the Church.
The parochial account books are a good index to the individual's estimation of the
sublimer things of life. Those who contribute little to the church are with few exceptions people who believe it does not pay to give. They are lacking in the faith which assures the giver that he shall receive a hundred-fold.
The parochial school will reopen Tuesday, September 8th. The children will assemble in the church at 8:30 a. m. and be present at Mass and Benediction.
It is customary for parents to accompany new children and introduce them to the Sister Superioress.
On the opening day, children are registered and assigned to their respective classes. Books are ordered and a general idea is given of the work for the year.
It is very important that every child who intends going to the parochial school should be present the first day. The first lessons are the foundation of those that are to follow and a child who is absent the first few days gets a bad start and is very apt to have difficulties catching up with the class.
Children whose parents do not contribute 4 per cent of their income to the church will be expected to pay tuition the first week of each month. The management finds it necessary to increase tuition fees to $15.00 a year for each child. Janitor service, coal and general running expense have more than doubled in the past five years.
Where parents are too poor to pay all of the tuition, special arrangements should be made with the Pastor before the child is sent to school. Free books will be given to very poor children when their case is properly presented.
Parents cannot expect to be considered contributors to the 4 per cent if their account in the parish books since January does not show regular contributions. Children whose parents are conscientious contributors of 4 per cent of their earnings to the church will be free in school.
A child who will not submit to discipline shall be expelled.
In the olden days parents cooperated with the teacher in maintaining order; in modern times parents have a tendency to co-operate with the child in destroying it. -- Johnny can do no wrong.
Classes will begin each morning at 8:45 sharp. A child who is habitually late will be refused admission to the class room.
When a child is absent for a part or a whole day, a letter stating the reason should be given by the parents to the child on its return to school.
Home work helps the child to digest the instruction given in the class room and parents should see to it that this important part of the school work is not neglected.
During the months of October and May, and the Lenten season, all of the children will be expected to attend the 8:30 Mass, and parents should see that the children are on time.
A child who habitually misses Mass on Sunday will not be continued in school.
Parents are earnestly requested to admonish the children against injuring parochial property, and they are asked to cooperate with the teacher in building up the spiritual and moral character of the child.
Sister Gabriel has been appointed superioress of the Convent and director of the St. James Parochial School.
She is well known in St. Mark's Parish, St. Louis, where she taught the eighth grade for a period of thirteen years and won the admiration of the children and parents. She is a highly efficient teacher, and though she is very kind and considerate, she is regarded as a stern disciplinarian. Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh recalls an occasion when she was given "a hundred lines" for stepping out of line.
Sister Gabriel when at St. Marks, found time to visit the City Infirmary, which was for a time conducted in the Christian Brothers old institution. The aged poor benefited by her kindly administrations and watched for her coming with the eagerness of children. She loved them with the charity of Christ and inspired many of the Sisters in her community with a spirit of service and self-sacrifice.
She was a very dear friend of Sisters Catherine and Louis, and in all probability was appointed to St. James by Mother Reginald because of her fitness to continue their work and perpetuate the traditions of the Convent.
Mother Reginald taught at St. Malachy’s several years and could almost tell the number of steps from the Market car to the Convent at 1354 Tamm Avenue. She has a very appreciative recollection of the people of St. James and their kindness to the Sisters, and in this St. James is fortunate, because it assures a consideration for the mission beyond its importance and inclines her to send the very best teachers in the community to teach in the parochial school.
St. James has a priority of age among the Dominican missions of the Archdiocese. It is now the oldest mission in the West conducted by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill. New York.
Sisters Catherine, Louis and Loyola were the pioneers. They entered the city from the western gate, spread their camp in "Dry Hill," and from that eminence viewed the possibilities of extending their work. They received many applications for teachers from the city and county parishes, and because of the scarcity of Sisters, were compelled to limit their activities to a few places. They established themselves at St. Marks, Epiphany, Holy Redeemer, Webster Groves, and St. Mary Magdalen, Brentwood.
The nuns who came West in those early days were a type not easily excelled. Mother Veronica, Sister Loyola, Sister Catherine and Sister Louis are perhaps best remembered by the people of St. James, except, of course, Sister Alphonsus, the last Superioress, who is of today, and yesterday, and will on the morrow have an abiding place in the affection of the community.
PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN
A catechetical instruction will be given to Public School children every Friday afternoon at 4 P. M. in the school hall and on Sundays after the 7:30 Mass.
These classes are for all the Public School children regardless of whether they are confirmed or have made their first Communion.
No important branch of education can be taught a child in one or two instructions a week for a few years, yet there are parents so lacking in judgment that they presume a child who is confirmed has a thorough grasp of religion though the sum total of the time devoted to this study, did not exceed a period of two days.
The Young Ladies' Sodality have formed a committee on religious instructions; they will investigate how many Catholic children from the parish are in the Public Schools. They will assist at the instructions and see to it that the children attend Mass on Sunday. The first class will open Friday, Sept. 11th at 4 P. M. and the children are expected on Sundays to take the place in church assigned to them and to be present at 7:30 Mass.
FATHER POHL AND THE CATS
Father Pohl and his little old bus are ever at the service of the community. Recently he was called upon by one of the parishioners to take two cats to the headquarters of the Humane Society.
The farewell ceremony was so sad and impressive Father Pohl was observed to shed tears.
A suitable box was procured to enclose the living remains of these faithful domestics and after a cushion was placed in the interior, the cats were kissed for the last time and confined to the box. The purr, purr of the engine and the sudden, jerky start peculiar to the little bus, caused the cats so much perturbation they began to squeal. These manifestations of distress so affected the feminine heart of the owner, she became hysterical and declared she could not part with her little darlings
Father Pohl endeavored to quiet her with suitable words of condolence, and being mindful that the strength of the spirit is not always able to cope with the weakness of the flesh, he exhorted her to be brave.
To allay her distress and to make the cats more comfortable, he cut a hole in the box in the hopes that a little air and sunshine might assuage the uneasiness of the imprisoned felines, and expedite the departure. It worked like a charm. The cats became playful and merry, and Father Pohl said, "They feel as if they were going to a picnic."
He lit a cigar, shifted the gears and the cats were on their way. He arrived at Chouteau Avenue, and conscious of the importance of his charge and the pledges he made to be considerate of their comfort, he pulled to the curb with the intention of having a look at them. Chagrin and dismay clouded his general countenance! One of the cats had escaped! It appears his knowledge of natural history was defective. He did not know that a cat can pull his body through any hole into which he can place his head, and in his desire to give the cats a chance to see the world, he cut the hole so that the head might protrude.
Father Pohl, with evident signs of distress, cast a searching glance back along the street; on the distant sun-baked sidewalk he perceived the retreating cat; he gave a jerk to his pants, tightened his belt, and pursued the little animal. People stopped in the street and gazed after him. Boys ran from vacant lots in expectation of seeing a fire or a burglar -- dogs began to bark and took up the chase, while Father Pohl shouted to a pedestrian, "Stop that cat!" A negro mammy said, "I'm blessed if that ain't Mr. Jiggs," Father Pohl was making the grade, perspiration was falling in drops from his face, his breathing became quick and heavy; he was plainly being outdistanced by the cat. He could not continue the pace; it was too fast. He stopped kind of quick, mopped his brow with his handkerchief and was heard to utter something that sounded almost profane.
He returned to his bus and continued his journey to the department of the Humane Society. He delivered the remaining cat in good condition to the orderly, and on his way home debated with himself if everything had not turned out for the best; that run-away cat, he thought, will find some good home where it can continue its usefulness in security and none will be the wiser.
Next day he visited the locality from which the cats were taken. As he approached the lady's house he observed a pussy scamper from the porch and run under a shed. He shook his head disconsolately, "Now she will never go," he mused.
This is the reason why Miss Alice Smith, decrepit, blind and solitary, is still plying at her washtub at her little shack at 2121 Esther Avenue and not at the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor, and why the police officer at Seventh and Olive puts his fingers to his nose when Father Pohl approaches in his bus, says Whew! and quickly blows the whistle for traffic to advance.
You may break, you may shatter
The vase if you will,
But the scent of the roses
Will hang round it still.
Lest people of slow comprehension should not get the point of this story, the following news item was penned
Miss Alice Smith is a dear old lady who has no relatives. Father Pohl wanted her to go to the home of the Little Sisters of the Poor and she hesitated because she did not know what to do with her cats. Father Pohl volunteered to take them to the Humane Society and since then there is an ugly smell in his car.
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YOUR ENVELOPE
Your account in the Parish books will not be credited with the money you put in the basket unless you enclose it in an envelope to which you have affixed your name. The parish has a right to know that you are not neglecting your duty.
YOUNG MOTHER
The age at which a child should be sent to school is usually decided by a number of considerations which do not take into account the well-being of the little one. Many children are sent to school before they have reached the age of six just to get them out of the way. The kindergarten is regarded as an annex to the nursery, and a happy relief to the overtaxed mother.
School boards, by providing and equipping kindergartens, seem to approve of the child being sent to school at an early age. No doubt the child learns many things and for a few weeks enjoys the novelty of being at school, but these advantages are more than counter-balanced by the danger there is to the child's health and development.
Nature is slow to place burdens, anxieties and cares on a child. It keeps it free as long as possible from mental strain so that the animal casing for the mind may be built firm and strong and capable of sustaining later the strain of the mental machinery.
In sleep the mind is at rest, the engine is shut off and the body builds up. An infant sleeps twenty hours a day and increases its weight. Sending a child to school too soon has much the same effect as keeping an infant awake.
In the school room there is an artificial stimulation of the mind and an increased mental activity which draws the blood from the digestive organs, the nerves and the muscles, and interferes with their proper functioning and development. The injury done in this manner to a nervous, sickly child cannot be computed. In all probability it will have to pay for it in later years by that condition which is known as nerves.
The school room is, at best, a congested place where the child's freedom is limited by "sit up," "watch the board," "don't be late," "don't talk," "keep your hands clean."
It is the hotbed of measles, diphtheria, chicken-pox and scarlet fever.
I wish I had my way in my training. I would not have gone to school until I was ten. With a strong, robust body, I could rule the roost in my class and probably gain such confidence I would study for the rest of my days how to hold my lead in life.
THE HOLY NAME PARADE
On Sunday, Sept. 13th the Grand Rally of the Holy Name Society will be held in St. Louis.
The parade will be formed on the east side of Grand Ave. from Lee Ave. to Natural Bridge; as usual St. James Parish Branch will lead the various Parish Groups.
Eight officers from the Mounted District will ride in front, followed by Father Spigardi's Band and the officers of the Diocesan Union. The parade will move along Grand Ave. to the Rock Church grounds.
Mr. William J. Moriarty, prominent in Knights of Columbus Circles will be the speaker of the occasion. It is not certain the Archbishop will be present. Father Brady. Spiritual Director, and the other officers will also make addresses.
The parade will start sharply at 3 o'clock from Lee Ave. St. James Branch will assemble at the school and leave not later than 2 P. M.
The officers of the Diocesan Union disclaim having anything to do with depriving St. James Branch of their proper place in the parade at Maplewood. They say it will not occur on future occasions and regret the incident. Undoubtedly it was an oversight on the part of the local Marshall.
BABY DIES
Robert Chester Kraemer, six months old child of Mr. and Mrs. Kraemer, 6447 Dale Ave was buried from St. James Church, Thursday Sept. 3rd.
BAPTISMS IN AUGUST
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Mr. and Mrs. George S. Kletzker, 1041 Fairmount Ave., in their recent trip to Wisconsin, escaped what might have been a very serious accident. As they approached Chicago about 8 P. M. there was a drizzle that made the roads slippery -- a Ford touring car ran into their machine and threw it into the ditch. They were not injured but a wheel was broken on their car and they were detained three hours.
PARISH MEETING
The August Parish meeting was held in the school hall on Thursday Evening, August 27th, and was well attended. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Secretary Mary O'Hara and approved as read.
$$$ Finances $$$
Mr. Stiff reported for the Finance Committee that letters had been sent to all parishioners who were not living up to their promise to the Pledge Committee in the matter of making contributions to the New Church Fund. He admitted that the committee had probably made some mistakes in sending letters to parishioners who, for very good reasons, had been unable to keep up their payments, but stated that the committee had been compelled to rely entirely upon the showing on the Parish Books, and were unfamiliar with conditions throughout the Parish.
Father O'Connor absolved the Committee of blame for any letters which had gone out to parishioners who through no fault of their own, were manifestly unable to pay, as the Committee could not be expected to know of these cases. He said he had worked with the Committee as much as he could in an attempt to prevent the mailing of such letters, but he had been compelled to perform other duties, during which time some letters were mailed which should not have been, and for which he was sorry. He stated that a number of the parishioners who had been delinquent in their account had paid something after receipt of the Finance Committee's letter calling the fact to their attention; which indicated that the intentions of these parishioners were good, and that the campaign of the Committee showed signs of bearing fruit.
A rising vote of thanks was extended to the Misses Devanney and Saxton, for their loyal work in helping the Financial Committee prepare and mail the letters.
Bring Them to Church
Father O'Connor expressed the belief that a great many parishioners who are not giving anything to the Church are not attending Church either, and that is the reason they are not giving. "People cannot put their envelope into the basket unless they are on hand when the basket is passed." He said he thought that the parish workers could do a lot of good in both a spiritual and financial way by trying to persuade people who had fallen away from the Church to come back. "The reason they don't contribute is because their Catholicity is weak, and they are indifferent to the welfare of the Church."
Louis Riegel -- The Lecturer
He also suggested that a lecturer be appointed to provide more entertainment at the monthly meetings, as a means of increasing interest in parish affairs. After a lengthy discussion as to what form of entertainment should be provided, Mr. Louis Riegel was selected to act as Lecturer, with full power to use his own judgment as to the form of entertainment, and to be aided by the Misses Madeline and Wilifred Walker, -- newcomers in the parish.
Mr., Martin Coad presented a motion to the effect that the officers of all parish organizations be requested to attend each monthly parish meeting, and take an active interest in parish affairs. The motion was unanimously approved and the Secretary instructed to notify each officer before the next meeting.
Lunch and Music
After adjournment, hot lunch and cold drinks were served, and music provided by several volunteers.
In every way the August Meeting was the best and most enthusiastic yet held.
TWO MARRIAGES IN ONE FAMILY
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"Jimmy" Nolan of soccer notoriety, was married in Saint Roch's Church at Nuptial Mass August 18th to Estelle O'Brien, 5845 Pershing Avenue.
The Scullin football team, of which he was a member, presented him a beautiful silver set.
The day previous his brother, Ambrose, was married at the Immaculate Conception Church, Fort Smith, Ark., to Miss Julia Arnold. He and his wife came to St. Louis last week and spent a few days with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Nolan, at 1239 Graham Avenue.
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Ray Dolan was recently appointed District Deputy in the Knights of Columbus. The initiated know this is a mark of signal distinction.
AMONG THE CONDEMNED
Tobe, Father O'Connor's veteran hunting dog, went out one morning last week without sufficiently attending to his dress, and was taken by the dog catchers and placed in the cell of the condemned.
Mrs. Moore, his favorite among many friends, whom he accompanied to the store, pleaded with the minions of the law to spare him the humiliation of riding in the dog wagon. She said it was an oversight that he had not his muzzle on, and that a dog so venerable and so intimately connected with the Church should be given some consideration.
But all to no avail. Tobe was in the grip of the law and had to submit to the inevitable. He was permitted, however, a few moments to confer with Mrs. Moore, and one of the most treasured memories shall be the tears he saw her shed for him.
For an hour or two he turned over in his mind the events of his life and the dangers and possibilities of his unhappy circumstances. "I have given many years of service to my master," he said, "and I know he won't desert me, but perhaps he will think my usefulness as a hunting dog is near its end and he may avail of this opportunity of dropping me from his companionship, and giving my kennel to another. It is an age that calls for youth and efficiency. I am weary and old with service and possibly I am only in the way."
Before he had come to a satisfactory solution of these unpleasant possibilities, he was taken from the wagon and thrown into the dog pound. Thirty or forty prisoners watched his admission with a curiosity that is peculiar to such an event. The older dogs noted with some satisfaction that he was like themselves, an old-timer who should have known better than fall into hands of the dog-catchers. There was a general silence and a few moments of keen scrutiny. Tobe knew he was being sized up and that the bat of an eye, the quiver of a lip or the weakening of a facial expression would destroy forever his reputation for "guts" among these hard-boiled observers, so he assumed a poise of indifference which he by no means felt, but which the requirements of the occasion made necessary, and with ears alert and tail well curved upwards, he advanced toward the general body with a firmness of expression that tended to convey the idea that he was a dog of some importance.
After the ceremonies peculiar to dog introductions were gone through and the rites of dogdom were duly performed, one brindle, broken-toothed bull remarked, "Taken off your guard, eh? Too accustomed to danger, I presume." "Yes," said Tobe with some coldness, "I never before knew of dogcatchers being out on Tamm Avenue before 7 a.m." "I bet," said a spry looking fox terrier with a wink to the other dogs, "there was a female in it." Tobe did not deign to notice this remark, but passed over to the water trough and without having received an invitation, lapped up a few mouthfuls.
A few of the younger pups that were at first very fearful of Tobe because of his size, drew closer and one of them, with many a friendly obeisance and a nervous bark, sought his acquaintance. Tobe somewhat relaxed his severity and accepted the puppy's advance. In a little time all the younger dogs were around him, and as the truth that they were in the death chamber was dawning upon many of them, Tobe felt it was his duty to console them. When Father O'Connor arrived at the dog pound he found Tobe composedly sitting in the midst of the puppies, apparently delivering a speech with sentiments somewhat similar to those expressed lately by Clarence Darrow, which was repeatedly interrupted by repeated barks of approval.
SCHOOL-YARD EQUIPMENT
Following a recent meeting of the School Patrons Association at which a committee was appointed to do what was possible in improving the school-yard for the children to play in, designs were made and material purchased for
The available funds were insufficient for the purchase of this equipment "made up," so that the committee was compelled to order the raw material, and call for volunteers to aid in assembling and erecting it. Answering this call, Messrs. Tom Duggan, Arthur Pahl, Dulany Reese, Bernard Brady, Martin Coad, Ray Dolan, George Wiber and Ed Pierce assembled at the school grounds on Saturday, August 29th and Saturday, Sept. 5th, and, by dint of hard work, made-up and placed this equipment, and set it in concrete, and prepared it for the use of the children at the opening of school.
The material is of the very best, and compares favorably with that of any playground in the city, and these men are deserving of a great deal of credit for their prove the school conditions.
A FISHING PARTY
Mrs. J. A, Bisso, Mrs. Catherine Engelhardt, 6235 Victoria Ave., Mrs. Maurice Cooper, Mrs. Nixon were entertained by Mrs. Wiber at the Placky Lodge, Valley Park, last week. After lunch they went fishing and caught Mrs. Engelhardt, who fell out of the boat in three feet of mud.
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Mrs. Nellie Cullen, 1111a Central Avenue, is spending her vacation with her brother in Chicago.
Mrs. Louis Schollmeyer and Virginia went last week to New York. They hope to meet Sister Raymunda in Washington on their return trip. Sister Raymunda was permitted to go on a vacation to her old home in Washington, D. C., where her parents reside.
THE CORNER STONE CEREMONIES OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, MAPLEWOOD
On Sunday, August 23rd, Monsg. J. J. Tannrath laid the corner stone for the new $150,000 Church for the Parish of Immaculate Conception, Maplewood, where Rev. John Ryan is pastor.
A large assembly of St. James parishioners attended and the local branch of the Holy Name was well represented in the parade.
Father Ryan, the pastor, gave a very witty talk in response to the Mayor of Maplewood's address. There was no doubt but Father Ryan and the Mayor intended availing of the occasion to boost Maplewood.
The weather was very beautiful, which is a propitious sign -- rarely in the past did Maplewood Parish have a dry celebration.
Recently a Convent was purchased, a rectory is in course of construction, the school is to be enlarged, the grounds have been improved and the Immaculate Conception Parish is making gigantic efforts to set a splendid example of Church activity to the neighboring parishes.
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Mary Hester Bovard, Ruth and their uncle, Ed Loyet, 6906 Bruno Avenue, are in Indiana.
BONDS
Sam J. Gittins, who is in the Bond Department of Mercantile Trust, is one of St. James' high-class business men. He resides at 6247 Clayton Avenue and may be depended upon to give good advice to any parishioner who contemplates purchasing bonds.
MRS. GIBBONS HIT BY AUTOMOBILE
Mrs. Ed. Gibbons, 6452 West Park Ave. was struck by an automobile a few weeks ago at Tamm and Oakland Ave. and was knocked unconscious. She suffered severe contusions, but escaped serious injury. She is now able to move around and regards her escape as providential.
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There is a great deal of activity in the building line in the parish. Two bungalows have been erected across the street from the rectory, ten flats and two stores are under construction on Clayton Avenue, west of Louisville, and John Manion, a parishioner, has, completed two magnificent apartments in the same locality.
Father O'Connor has been of considerable help to families who are looking for homes in the neighborhood and will appreciate a call from those who contemplate making a purchase.
HOW THEY COME AND GO
Two hundred and forty families have moved from St. James Parish during the past five years. Some were birds of passage who are of a nomadic disposition and ever restless; others were old settlers who were forced by circumstances to purchase homes in other parishes. Many of them hated to leave St. James and their affections continue with it.
POOR BUT HONEST
A new parishioner lost a silk scarf August 15. She believed she left it in a pew in the Church and insisted that someone must have taken it. Father O'Connor said, "I bet you dropped it somewhere else. We might be poor out here, but most of those who go to church are honest."
A week later she phoned to say she found the scarf and that she did -- not leave it in Church.
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The following graduates have made application for admission to St. Louis Diocesan Catholic High Schools
Mrs. Mary Kern and daughters, 1105 Central Avenue, returned from a trip to Mendota, Ill., where they spent a week with relatives. They traveled by auto and covered a distance of 900 miles. Mrs. Kern, who is in her eighties enjoyed the trip immensely.
Mrs. H.F. Hodnett. 6433 Dale Avenue. was a guest for a week at Kilcairn Lodge.
Castlewood.
-- Folks! Meet "Harry" Brightly ; artist, cartoonist, wit.
So many people have asked us who the clever artist is who makes our cartoons, that we have prevailed upon the modest reluctant "Harry" to come out of his shell and let us show him to our friends.
Mr. Brightly is an artist and engraver, in the employ of the Bemis Bag Company. "Harry" is a peculiar chap, like most artists in that he loves art, and unlike them from the fact that he likes work. The writer, who sees a great deal of him has never seen him idle, and he gets a tremendous "kick" out of his ability to show people the funny way. He has never seen any of you of whom he has shown so many in caricature, but has made them all from description.
We hope you have enjoyed his "stuff" as thoroughly as we have.
MISS EMMA JENNEMAN'S MARRIAGE
Miss Emma Jenneman, 6411 West Park Ave., was married in St. James Rectory, August 22nd, to Hugo Rasmussen. Mr. Rasmussen is a splendid type of Illinois farmer. He intends going on a farm in fall (to Michigan). Father O'Connor has already received an invitation to visit the young couple there and get to do some real hunting and fishing.
THE MARINER -- EDITORIAL COMMENT
There is a squabble among the Knights of Columbus in the State of Missouri. The Mariner, the State Publication, is the bone of contention. State Deputy Charles J. Riley, the Supreme Representative of the Knights in Missouri, says: "The publishing of an official publication is plainly within the executive powers of the State Deputy, subject to a reasonable limitation by the State Council." D. A. Murphy, State Advocate, declares that the State Council of Missouri has created a committee on the State paper by certain resolutions which give the right to the State officers to arrange for publication and control. The result is, two papers have been published, each declaring itself to be the Official Organ -- one under the direction of Mr. Riley, State Deputy, and the other under the supervision of the majority of the State officers.
Mr. Riley admits the State Conventions of 1918 and 1920 passed resolutions granting the State officers a right to arrange for the publication of the Mariner, but, he asserts, the conventions exceeded the authority vested in them by the Supreme Council, and denies, with a fair show of evidence, that the convention of 1925 did anything more than appropriate a sum from the general fund of the State Council for the publication.
The other officers reply, saying even if the convention of 1925 did not specify who should direct and arrange for the publication, the resolutions of former conventions remain in force, since there is no record of their being amended or rescinded.
The whole question boiled down comes to this: Did the State Council of 1918-20 intend to limit the freedom of the State Deputy in arranging a contract for the publication? And if they did, did they exceed their authority?
It appears to us that the State Council did not anticipate a division such as has arisen among the State Officers and had no intention of limiting the functions of the State Deputy. They presumed the officers would work in harmony with the State Deputy for the good of the Order and acknowledge his decision as being supreme in this and all other matters. They could not be expected to confer the high dignity of State Deputy on a man whom they would not trust with the publication and letting of a contract for the State paper. Such a course of action would be inconsistent with the spirit of those who were responsible for Mr. Riley's election, since it takes from the State Deputy the title of being supreme.
A limitation as to the amount that should be expended in the publication is a matter of regulating finances and is in no sense a regulation that strikes at the authority of the State Deputy, whereas the direction of the State paper is one of the most necessary and essential functions of his office. Take this right from him and his title is a joke.
Hence, we agree with Mr. Riley. The State Council would be exceeding its authority if it took from him the right to direct and contract for the Mariner. It is his duty to uphold the dignity and supremacy of the State Deputy.
To say the least of the other officers, their action is deplorably lacking in etiquette, and is expensive and embarrassing to the general body of the Knights of Columbus in the State of Missouri. Petty politics should be tabooed.
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Ita McCauley, 1319 Graham Street, and her aunt, Miss Annie Kirby, returned from a ten. day trip to Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Smith, 6514 Berthold Ave. went to the Lake of Killarney, Arcadia, last week and spent a few days fishing. They say "Don't go to the Lake for fish or pleasure" -- All they got was moss, chiggers and sunburn.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Pastors
Masses
Sunday and New Year's Day -- 6.00, 7:30, 9:00, 10:00.
Holidays -- 6:00, 7:30, 9:00.
Week Days -- 6:30 and 8:15 during Lent and the Months of May and October.
Holy Hour
Thursday before First Friday at 7:30 P.M.
Instructions for Public School Children
Fridays during school year at 4 P. M., and every Sunday after 9 o'clock Mass.
Confessions
Saturdays from 4:30 to 6:00 P.M. and 7:30 to 9:00 P. M.
Sunday mornings from 7:00 to 7:25 A. M. for the aged and those who are not free to go on Saturdays.
On the eve of solemn festivals and First Fridays -- 3:30 to 4:30 and from 7:30 to 8:30 P. M.
Special confessors on Eves of Christmas and Easter.
Meetings
Parish meetings the last Thursday of each month at 8 P. M. All invited.
Mother's Club meeting first Friday of each month at 2:30 P. M.
Virgin Mother's Sodality -- Tuesday after first Sunday at 8:00 P. M.
Holy Name Society -- Monday after 2nd Sunday of the month at 8:00 P. M.
St. Anne’s Sodality -- ,Tuesday after 3rd Sun. day at8:00P.M.
Visiting Hours to Rectory
Preferably from 8 to 10 A.M. and from 6:30 to 8:00 P. M.
Baptisms
Sundays at 3:30 P. M. sharp. Sponsors ought to be practicing Catholics.
Sick Calls
Don't delay; the pastors will not be responsible for sick calls over the telephone. In all cases confer with one of the Priests.
Bells
Church bells are rung for the Angelus at 6.00 A. M., 12:00 and 6:00 P. M. Also a quarter of an hour before services.
Church Dues
Each wage earner is expected to give 4c out of each dollar earned; for maintenance of priests. sisters, ordinary parish expense and for a building fund. No pew rent or special collections except at Christmas and Easter.
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Stone or brick or spire, plain or ornate, or just a church -- any kind of church, that will enable the parish to vacate the present building and enlarge the school?
In a year the question will be decided and facts will begin to take the place of fancy. In two years a church of some kind will be on the site selected, and people will say, "That is St. James New Church."
The observer will comment on its appearance, size and cost. It will be said, "Isn't it beautiful!" or "How small and cheap it looks!" It shall reflect the faith, the generosity, the religious pride and the strength of the congregation, the artistic taste of the pastors, the skill of the architects, or the lack of one or all of these.
Every Catholic in the community will have his share of responsibility for the work. It will be erected by the parish as a unit, and shall be a concrete expression of the religious fervor of the individual and the community.
If the building is beautiful, it will be a constant source of pride and pleasure to all who see it and especially to the people who helped to erect it. It will be an inspiration to their children and a public tribute to the Majesty of the God-Man who was crucified 1900 years ago.
Castles in the air cost nothing but air. A neat church will cost real money. We must cut according to our cloth. What kind of a church are you helping us to build? Your account in the Parish Ledger is the silent tongue that speaks for you. Does it say "shame?"
A few of the parishioners who live close to the boundaries of the parish, are assuming they have no obligation to St. James Parish because they find it more convenient, or prefer to go to one of the neighboring parishes on Sunday.
The number is so small, and the amount of money lost to the parish is so insignificant we have time after time refused to discuss the matter at a parish meeting, but there is an aspect to the question that cannot be overlooked and which is at the base a matter of church discipline.
These self-willed individuals to fortify their false position, are actively engaged in a propaganda to spread the belief among their neighbors that there is some understanding with the Archbishop whereby they are freed from their obligation to St. James. This is absolutely false. His Grace was asked last year if he had transferred any of St. James Parishioners, and he replied he had not and he did not intend doing so.
As an army has regiments, so the church has diocese and parishes, and this to the end that there may be order, discipline church, and reciprocity of duty and obligation between pastors and their flocks.
Parishes are of ecclesiastical institution, and the rights and duties of pastors are defined by Canon Law. Parishes are territorial, and are not for nationalities or families. The pastor is bound to attend to the care of souls of all who have a home or a quasi-home in his territory. Without the permission of the ordinary, no other priest can, without his consent, baptize, or attend a sick call in his parish. He must make the prescribed investigations and publication before marriage. He must visit and help the sick and guard that nothing undermines the faith and morals of his people.
In the face of these facts, a parishioner who deliberately sets up an opposition to parochial boundaries and inclines others to ignore them, is disobedient to ecclesiastical authority, and puts his own pleasure before the best interests of the church.
THE CAFETERIA IN SCHOOL OPEN
Because of the uncertainty of a whole day school session owing to the intense heat, the Mothers' Club did not begin serving a lunch to the school children until Monday, September 28th.
The following are the ladies who have volunteered to serve during the fall term:
The Mothers' Club is putting on a drive for new members. It intends increasing its activities and extending its work. At the August meeting it was decided to have badges purchased for members so that they may stand at the door of the church on Sundays and ask ladies to join the Society.
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Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Corbett and family spent a week recently at Oklahoma City and they also visited Sulphur Springs.
Billy Hefele, a school child who sells papers at the car sheds, had a very narrow escape Sunday, September 27th, when he was slightly hit and much frightened by a passing automobile. On Monday, the 28th, Maurice Sullivan was hit by a machine, when on his way to the Catholic High School. His condition is not serious.
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There is a Parish impression
That the Mothers' Club works only in the kitchen,
And, unless you are versed in culinary skill,
You cannot belong to the club until
There is room in the kitchen.
Now, this is decidedly missing
A point -- if the kitchen
Is important; so is the money
Derived from the Minstrel so funny,
AND ITS THE MONEY WE WANT.
To this end, we earnestly send
An invite to come and attend
Our Club, which meets in the kitchen,
But under Mrs. Bovard's supervision,
Acquires whatever it wants.
A rummage sale we have in line,
Please save papers neatly bound in twine,
To (card) parties you may go,
Acquire talent for the Minstrel show,
And this is aside from the kitchen.
If by chance, you can't appear,
Useful yet you'll be don't fear,
Though there may not be room in the kitchen,
You may pay dues of a dollar a year
AND THAT IS MONEY.
In other words, mothers who are unable to leave home to assist the club activities, are doing their bit by paying the small dues of $1 a year.
THE VACATION ENVELOPE
It is still on the shelf; perhaps it has been troubling your conscience, but you know the right thing to do is to put your regular dues into that dusty vacation envelope and drop it into the basket next Sunday. There is no vacation in religious affairs.
A SECRET MARRIAGE
Grace Gallaher didn't want to make a fuss about it -- she just wanted to get married in the parish to Edward F. Kiely and continue working for a few months longer,
Father O'Connor knew her parents had no objection to the young man and arranged the preliminaries with due haste. A dispensation from the Banns was obtained and a very quiet marriage took place Within the Sanctuary on May 20, 1925.
The witnesses were Barney Wily and Josephine Hoelter. They kept the secret, but now that it is out, wedding gifts are in order.
SINGERS WANTED
Louis Riegel requests that we voice the plea of the Choir, for recruit singers. Louis says, "we'll never have a choir until we acquire more singers."
Right you are, Louis, and your plea should be heeded by all who are "vocally" inclined. The writer's only experience has been as a member in good standing of numerous and diverse "beer quartets," and during five years of prohibition our sessions have been anything but regular. However, out of practice as I am, if the GOOD singers won't help you, 1 will.
Come on, all you tenors and bassos; help lay the foundation of a fine Choir for our New Church. JOIN THE CHOIR.
BAPTISMS FOR SEPTEMBER
A RING FOR THE BABY
Beginning with this issue until January 1st, 1926, every new baby in the parish will receive a handsome baby ring if this announcement with Birth Record, is presented at the F. C. Lorenz Jewelry Shop, 6406 Wise Ave.
THE PARISH MEETING
On Thursday evening, September 24th, the regular monthly meeting was held in the parish hall. There was an unusually large attendance, and discussion of many topics was animated and interesting.
At the opening of the meeting, Mr. Crotty announced that the secretary, Miss O'Hare was on her honeymoon, and that it would be necessary to appoint a secretary for the evening. whereupon Miss Louise Dwyer was appointed.
Father O'Connor said he was sure the meeting would approve of what Miss O'Hare had done. She has been a very efficient secretary and a conscientious contributor to the 4%. Mr. Crotty, on behalf of the Parish Organization, extended felicitations to Mrs. Buerckel and Father O'Connor added a wedding gift.
In response to a letter mailed to the various parochial societies, representatives of each organization answered the roll call and Father O'Connor addressed them. He said he was very glad that each society was represented, and he hoped that they would form each a unit in the Parish Organization, and cooperate with one another in their various activities.
The Apostleship of Prayer
He recommended the work of the Society of the Apostleship of Prayer and suggested their example as one to be imitated. They go, he said, from door to door with a message of Catholicity on their lips, a leaflet in their hand and a word of encouragement to everyone. At their last meeting they decided to visit the Public Library and obtain a knowledge of the best works written by Catholic authors, with the purpose of recommending the books and distributing the information obtained.
Neglected Children
He also referred to the activities of the Young Ladies' Sodality who were, he said, on the lookout for children whose Catholic education was being neglected. They bring these little ones to church on Sunday, teach them their prayers, give them Holy Pictures, and encourage them to lead a Christian life.
St. Ann’s Sodality
Mrs. Irvin said St. Ann’s Sodality wished to raise a fund to provide something for the new church, and for that purpose-they intended giving a picture show from time to time. They hoped, she said, to supply the parish with clean entertainment, and asked the Parish Organization to support them. The first picture, she said, would be given in the hall, Wednesday, September 30th.
Mothers' Club
Mrs. Bovard reported for the Mothers' Club and stated they would continue the work they have been doing in the past and hoped to have the co-operation, especially of parents whose children were in the parochial school. Father O'Connor remarked that there were important features of their work to which he wished to call attention; namely, the distributing of clothes and gifts to the poor, the supplying of books in the parochial school to poor children and their general solicitude for the needy amongst us.
Alumni Plans
Mr. Ray Usher said the Alumni Association were considering in what way they could be useful to the parish. There was, he said, already a dramatic club and he would suggest to the officers of the Alumni Association at their next meeting that his society would cooperate with the dramatic club in preparing and presenting plays in the parish. He had no doubt, he added, that a nice sum of money could be raised that way.
Holy Name Society
Mr. Hawkins, the president, said that meetings were not held by this organization during the summer months and that he was not prepared to state what the society would do for the parish. Father O'Connor asked if they could not take an interest in athletics, whereupon Mr. Jim Kelly arose and stated he thought it would be better policy to let the athletes take care of themselves. Those parishes that had taken all interest in athletics had brought a great deal of discredit and adverse notoriety on themselves because parish teams were no longer representative; once they entered the Muny League players were picked without any consideration for morals or religion. Sportsmanship became a secondary consideration – they were out for the “dough.”
Mr. Hense agreed with Mr. Kelly and after a lengthy discussion it was decided to defer action.
Result of Letters
Father Pohl reported an increase in collections as a result of the letters sent out by the financial committee, but, he added, there are still a number of wage earners who contribute little or nothing.
Mr. Kletzker said a parishioner who still refuses to contribute after the many appeals that have been made should be regarded as a hopeless case and unworthy of any more consideration. The sooner such a one is dropped from the list of probable contributors the better it will be for the Parish Organization.
Many Are Not Hopeless
Father O'Connor said there are many of the parishioners who, because of peculiar circumstances, and present financial embarrassment have been unable to contribute, and there are others who have set ideas and because they are opposed to the 4%, give nothing. He suggested that a list be drawn up of all who belong to this latter class, and that the committee of forty pay them another visit, and remind them that since they were not giving 4% to the church, they ought at least pay school tuition, pew rent, quarter a week and special collection.
Mr. Duggan Disagrees With Father O'Connor
Mr. Duggan vehemently opposed this latter plan and said if you draw up two lists of contributors, I for one would join the cheap class.
Too Much Pussyfooting
Mr. Regal hesitantly arose and said: "I have remained silent during this discussion, I am disgusted. There is too much pussyfooting going on in this parish. You all seem to be afraid to ask a parishioner for a contribution towards a new church -- you don't want to publish lists -- you're afraid you are going to hurt somebody's feelings. I know what I intend saying is not going to be popular. Let us strike straight from the shoulder at those people who are not contributing. We have set out to raise funds for a new church, and people who can, and will not contribute, should be dealt with without gloves. They should be told they are not doing their duty, and by opposing the 4% they are throwing a monkey wrench into the machinery."
Special Collection
It was finally decided to follow Father O'Connor's suggestion and take a special collection in October from those who are regular contributors to the 4%.
Sam Gittins, John Houlihan and Wm, Boman emphatically refused to call on some of the families whom they visited on a previous occasion.
Father O'Connor said, "Pay no attention to those boys, they never fail when the time for action comes."
Meeting adjourned.
INFORMS HER FRIENDS BY LETTER SHE IS MARRIED
On September 21st, the morning mail brought a surprise to many of Miss Mary O'Hare's friends. She wrote to them from Springfield, saying she got married.
By a Justice of Peace? No! Mary O'Hare is a real Catholic girl who, with the exception of Irene Maloney, Adeline O'Gorman and a few others, has been the biggest, the longest and the most regular contributor to the 4%. She was married by Father O'Connor on September 12th, within the Sanctuary of St. James Church, to George Buerckel, her coworker at the Wabash.
Mr. and Mrs. Buerckel are residing at present with Mr. and Mrs. O'Hare, 6446 Wise Ave., the bride's parents.
FIFTEEN SCHOOL POINTS FOR PARENTS
A help for children in starting the new school year right is issued by the United Parents Association of Greater New York Schools. It consists of fifteen suggestions to parents that are made public through the New York Times, and may be useful in an even wider field. Preceding the suggestions is a note to parents:
THE LATE MRS. TOOMEY
On Monday, Sept. 7th, the remains of the late Mrs. Toomey, wife of Michael Toomey, 1033 Fairmount Ave., was conveyed to St. James Church, and thence to Calvary Cemetery. The large attendance at Mass, and the grief manifested by those present, was a sufficient testimony of the deceased lady's popularity in the community.
Father O'Connor said she represented a class of Irish Emigrant, whose gentle ways and native refinement brought home to the minds of American people more eloquently than the words of orators, the attractiveness and modesty of Irish womanhood, and the spiritual grandeur of their simple faith. Usually, the light of a kindly smile illuminated her face and from her eyes beamed the radiance of deep spirituality. There was character to her smallest movement and a soothing something in her simplest utterance. Children liked to be sent on an errand to her home, she always had a little treat for them, her motherly instinct was well developed, her heart was open to all that was innocent and beautiful, and her days were blessed with the peace that was promised by The Master to the humble and the meek. May she rest in peace.
ANOTHER MARRIAGE
Marie Olive French was married on September 10th, to Louis Edward Montgomery.
Father O'Connor suggested some months ago to Mr. Montgomery, who is not a Catholic, that it would be a very nice compliment to his intended wife, to study her religion as he might that of a Mohammedan, so that he would better understand her viewpoint. Mr. Montgomery acquiesced and took five instructions. He says he enjoyed every one of them and regrets that so many people who claim to be educated, have such vague and meager knowledge of the teaching of a church that has existed since the dawn of Christianity and has been favorably or unfavorably known to every civilized race on the face of the earth.
Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery live at 6727 Wade Ave.
THE LATEST MARRIAGE
On September 23rd, Miss Florence Ehle, 6430 West Park Ave., was married in the Rectory to Chester L. Hilton. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hoffman of the Hoffman Commission Co., were the official witnesses. Mr. and Mrs. Hilton intend purchasing a home in the Parish.
MRS. CULLEN FELL FOR IT
Mrs. Cullen is witty ebullient, original and lovable. She is regarded as the private, personal and mirth-provoking comedy of the Mothers' Club. On Monday she assists in the lunch room in the school and whilst cooking meat balls for the kids, she lavishly feeds her co-workers with humor. These ladies recently decided that it would be a nice joke to have one of the reporters for LET'S GO drop in on a Monday morning in the cafeteria, and "draw out" Mrs. Cullen, so that her comments might for once be registered in print. Mrs. Cullen, quite unconscious of the honor that was being conferred on her, chattered in her wonted mood with more humor than the writer's memory can reproduce. The conversation went somewhat as follows:
Reporter: "Who are the ladies that attend here on Monday?"
Mrs. Cullen: "Put me down at the head of the list; I was the first to arrive. A person who wants prominence must push herself to the front. Give Mrs. Lutz second place, though she was here first, weren't you, Mrs. Lutz?"
Mrs. Lutz: "Yes, ma'am."
Mrs. Cullen: "Well, take the second rung of the ladder. Buck Avenue is not much of a place anyhow for social celebrities."
Reporter (taking pencil to write) Your Christian name is Catherine?"
Answer: "No! that is my daughter's but you are not the first one that has mistaken me for her. I am going to doll up in her feathers one of these nights, hook up with her beau and go out for a jazz. Why are you writing my name?"
Reporter: "I want to publish the names of the ladies who work in the lunch room."
Mrs. Cullen: "Well, then, put me down Mrs. Thomas Cullen. I am a married woman, and though I haven't much to show for it, 'tis better than being a widow."
Reporter: "You had your hair bobbed recently?”
Mrs. Cullen: "Yes, how do you like it?"
Reporter: “It would look nicer if you had it curled.”
Mrs. Cullen: "I know it, but it costs too much.”
Reporter: "How much?"
Mrs. Cullen : "More than the price of pairs of stockings or a suit of underwear for my husband."
Mrs. Huger : "It costs only a dollar."
Mrs., Cullen: "It costs a dollar and a quarter. You pay a dollar for the cut, and when you see yourself in the mirror after the hairdresser gets through, with a neat little curl over each temple and a ringlet or two on the side, you think of the day you went out with your first beau and you feel you could not offer less than a quarter tip to the girl that made that alteration.
"I had my hair bobbed in Chicago. My brother said to me, 'Nellie, I will give you a five-dollar bill if you will go and have your hair bobbed.' I said, 'Plank it down, Bo, I'm game.' His wife and myself went down town -- she took me into a barber shop in a big hotel; I parked in the chair in front of the handsomest barber I could see (I felt awful nervous). He said it will make you look twenty years younger and I said, 'In that case I will get a divorce; my old man won't be able to step around with me lively enough.
"Zip, zip, went the scissors -- I hoped for the best. The deed was done.
"'Want a shampoo?" he asked.
"'What will it cost?' I questioned.
“Only a dollar,” he replied.
"'Will I?' said I to my sister-in-law.
“Sure,” she said, “you must blow in the five dollars before you go home.”
"Go to it old boy,” I replied, “it is the first time in my life that I had my hair washed.” My sister-in-law was mortified and looked daggers at me, and the barber turned his back and went for a bottle. I believe in bobbed hair; it is so sanitary. My hair used to get tangled; I often wished I could cut it off and be like a boy. The next time I will have it cut ponjola. Mrs. McShaffrey and Margaret Wilson had theirs done and they look so pretty. It is so easy to run a comb through it. I sure wish I had hair like Father Ritchie, who preached at the closing of the Forty Hours."
Reporter: "Was it his hair or his sermon you admired most?"
Answer: "Both; they were lovely. His sermon was so instructive. I wish I could have heard that sermon last night in the Protestant church about 'choosing a wife."'
Reporter: "What was the interesting feature?"
Mrs. Cullen : "He said the wife of your choice should be a domestic girl and it was more important to know bakeology, stitchology and roastology than psychology, biology and the rest of them darn ologies."
"You know," said Mrs. Cullen, "people are getting very worldly, and that is the kind of sermon they like to hear; they don't want to listen any more to sermons on grace, redemption and original sin. You understand I am not criticizing Father Ritchie! He talked like a true priest. I hear he is a very learned man."
"Here, girls, what time is it? Eleven o'clock. The children will be here in a few minutes; let's shake a leg."
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Charles J. Riley, State Deputy of the Knights of Columbus of Missouri has been suspended from office, pending trial.
The Dolan Brothers have purchased a piece of property originally owned by William O'Gorman, at 6405 Manchester Ave., where they intend building immediately, an automobile sales department and garage.
Joseph Cemtiempo, 1316 Graham Ave., mashed his toes with a sledge hammer recently whilst working at Scullin's Steel Works.
Mrs. Henry McCauley, 1319 Graham Ave. and her sister are on a visit to relatives in Indianapolis.
LABOR DAY PARADE
In response to an appeal made from the Altar for men to assist in completing the work in the school yard on Labor Day, the follow appeared on the ground at 6:30 A.M.
Martin Coad, Ed Pierce, Dulaney Reese, Thomas Duggan, Jerry Corbett, Louis Riegel, Bernard Brady, James J. Kelly, Bernard Brady, James J. Kelly, Dominic Palumbo, Arthur Pahl. Stephen Boyer, J. J. Perry, Hugh Marshall, John Lawrence, Geo. Wiber, Tom Murphy, Tony Guerich.
When Father O'Connor appeared on the grounds at 9 o'clock the work was done and the boys dressed in overalls, holding spades, shovels, hammers, saws, wrenches in military fashion, paraded in front of him and incidentally threw in a Ha! Ha ! at his late arrival.
FREE GRAVEL
The School Patron's Association have been pinched for money. They would like to do a lot of things for the school children, but they haven't the cash. The question came up of putting gravel in the school yard; some one suggested they speak to Louis Schollmeyer, he is a good fellow and his wife is a prominent member of the Mothers' Club.
He was approached. "What do you want," he said.
"Twenty tons of crushed rock for the school yard," was the reply.
Next day it was delivered marked "Paid."
That is Louis Schollmeyer ! He is not a Catholic and his wife is no longer a parishioner.
OLD NEWSPAPERS
The Mothers' Club requests the parishioners to save newspapers and magazines and send them to the school the first Friday of each month by one of the school children. They hope through the sale of these, to create a fund sufficient to pay for books for poor children attending the parochial school.
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Mr. Robert Brazell was operated upon Wednesday. September 23rd at the City Hospital for appendicitis. He is reported to be convalescing.
PRIESTS ENTERTAINED AT THE RECTORY
Mrs. George Wiber, Mrs. Ben Plengemeyer, Mrs. Catherine Engelhardt assisted the Rectory housekeepers in preparing a dinner for the priests who were present on the occasion of the Forty Hours Devotion.
The priests who were at dinner are: Rev. Daniel J. Lavery, D.D., pastor Holy Rosary Church; Rev. John Nugent; pastor of St. Catherine’s; Rev. Joseph Newman, pastor St. Teresa’s ; Rev. Timothy O'Sullivan, pastor Immaculate Conception, St. Louis; and Rev. Daniel Courtney. Rev. John Ryan, pastor Immaculate Conception, Maplewood; Rev. Leo McAtee, pastor. Holy Innocents; Rev. Paul Ritchie, S.T.L., pastor St. Lawrence O'Toole ; Rev. George Ryan, pastor Holy Angels; Rev. John Butler, Archdiocesan director of St. Vincent de Paul Society and Rev. Joseph Herner, pastor of Lubering.
PURGATORIAN SOCIETY
The purgatorian society of St. James Parish has for its purpose the aiding of the Souls in Purgatory and to obtain their intercession. To aid especially the souls of the deceased relatives and friends of loving members.
Means -- United prayers of living members, and the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Obligation- - On Spiritual Director: To offer Mass on All Souls' Day for living and deceased members; also Mass once a month (on First Friday when possible). A memento for all members in all his Masses during the year.
Obligation -- On the Members: To unite with spiritual director in offering prayers and Masses. To offer Communion three times a year for living and deceased members.
Membership Fee -- $1.00.
Privileges -- Each living member has a right to send in several names of deceased relatives and friends.
Three Masses offered immediately on death of member.
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Several children including Albert Buescher and Ruth Bovard have been injured slightly in the school yard by being hit by the swings that were recently erected.
Last week an automobile collided with a truck at Clayton and Graham Ave. The automobile which was owned by Mr. Jefferson, 6500 block on Nashville Ave., caught on fire and was partially destroyed.
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At the opening of St. James Parochial School on Sept. 8th, the following number of children were enrolled:
There are twenty-five more boys than girls in the school. There is a separate room for each grade with the exception of the second and third grades and the baby-room which includes the kindergarten These two rooms have a capacity crowd and no more children can be accepted, but the other , rooms are not crowded.
THE ROSARY
Each evening during the month of October, there will be Rosary, Litany of the Blessed Virgin and Benediction in the Parish Church, at 7:30 P. M. Those who cannot be present, are expected to recite the Rosary in their home.OUR NEW ADVERTISING AGENT
At the Parish Meeting for September, Mrs. Sam Gittins was appointed as advertising solicitor for LET'S GO, to take the place vacated by Mr. Ben Hawkins, who is leaving for New York to study art. We would warn all prospective advertisers, "don't try to tell Mrs. Gittins NO; she never has heard the word before and don't know what it means."
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Rain on Wednesday night and afternoon diminished considerably the attendance at the picture show. The singing and vaudeville acts were exceptionally good and all who were present said the picture was interesting.
EDDIE'S DREAM
Eddie Ryan awoke the other morning after a night of tossing and moaning, and refused to speak to anyone until after he had eaten his breakfast; then he told his family what his dream had been. There were rumors for a while that he was considering changing to a "gas" of less potent reputation, but we learn that he is now reconciled to the fact that it was "only an Irishman's dream."
FORTY-HOUR DEVOTION
Impressive indeed was the beginning on the third Friday in September of the Forty Hours' Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. At seven thirty, there was a solemn High Mass at which Father O'Connor was celebrant, Father Pohl, Deacon, and Father Courtney, Sub-Deacon. The school children took part in the solemn procession of -the Blessed Sacrament.
Confessions on Saturday evening were heard by the parish priests, assisted by Father Ring, S. J. Incidentally Father Ring departed the next day for Rome.
Ends With Benediction
The devotion ended on Sunday afternoon with solemn Benediction. The service opened with the recitation of the Rosary. This was followed by an inspiring sermon by Father Ritche of St. Lawrence O'Toole Parish, then there was a procession of- the Blessed Sacrament, and finally solemn Benediction. The church was filled beyond its capacity.
At no time during the entire Forty-Hour's Devotion were there less than fifteen or twenty persons in the church kneeling in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Memorial Devotion
This devotion, in memory of the forty-hours during which the Sacred Body of Jesus was in the Sepulcher, was introduced into Rome about 375 years ago. A plenary indulgence is granted to all persons, who being truly repentant, receive the Sacraments of Penance and of the Eucharist, visit the church in which the Sacrament is exposed on one of the three days of the Exposition. and pray for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff.
HOLY NAME SOCIETY
The Holy Name Society will go to Holy Communion at the Seven Thirty O'clock Mass next Sunday, October 11th, and the regular monthly meeting will be held on the following Monday evening at eight o'clock.
There has not been a meeting of the Holy Name for several months, and it is hoped that there will be a large attendance at the October meeting. There will be only a short session of business matters, and in accordance with the practice begun some time ago, the business meeting will be followed by a very interesting talk on the life of some saint by our spiritual director Father O'Connor. That there is need of a Holy Name Society these days, none can deny. There is indeed an abuse of the Name, "Jesus," there is a tendency to speak lightly of God and his saints, a growing custom of laughing and ridiculing whatever approaches the supernatural. It was to fight these evils that the Holy Name Society was formed.
To maintain and to increase man's faith in the divinity of the Savior is the chief object of the Society; to promote respect and honor for His name, the means. An organized body of men striving heart and soul to make Jesus the Man-God better known and better loved -- that is the Holy Name Society and its aim.
The splendid regularity with which the members of our branch receive the Sacraments monthly is proof of their zealous interest in the aims of the Holy Name Society.
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In response to an appeal made from the Altar, Mrs. John Willer donated a missal for requiem masses. Miss Anna M. Crotty and B. F. Conklin, the two patinae, and a lady who does not want her name published donated oil for the Sanctuary light for one year.
CHURCH CLEANUP
The Church was all dressed up for the Forty Hours, the dustless floors, the shades to the electric lights and the clean windows were in keeping with the floral decorations on the Altar; and the candlesticks glittering among the flowers, reflecting the numerous little flames from the wax candles seemed to be set as sentinels to guard "The Light of World," Our Lord of the Eucharist.
There were many willing hands to scrub and clean and decorate. The Sisters and little girls did the work within the Sanctuary, many of the parishioners gave donations for flowers, and the following ladies leaving their silks at home made up the bucket and mop brigade: Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Jerry Corbett, Mrs. Cullen, Mrs. K. Wagner, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Lauterwasser, Mrs. Ault, Mrs. Irvin, Mrs. Jos. Moore. Mrs. Engelhardt, Mrs. Doering, Mrs. Will Hefele. Mrs. Plengemeier, Mrs. Wiber.
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Mr. and Mrs. Martin Coad, 6433 Lloyd Ave., returned from a two weeks' trip to Sioux City.
THE BIGGEST FAMILY IN PARISH
The largest family in the Parish resides at 6149 Elizabeth Avenue. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gunther have the following children three times a day at meals: Anna M., Fred. Eileen, Edna, Jim, Robert, Russell, Frank, Lucille and John. The eldest is fifteen and the youngest is two years old.
ITALIANS, SLAVS AND THE REST OF US
Race consciousness, race prejudice, and race tradition, are plain stubborn facts that will not sink out of sight in a day or melt away in an hour's heating in, the melting pot. Each race has its peculiar characteristics which give color and individuality to its people and variety to society.
The Catholic Church has, without prejudice to patriotism, ever maintained the brotherhood of man, and encouraged charity and good will among the human family. It is, a society in which the various races coalesce and harmonize in justice and truth, and learn the great lesson of universal love.
In St. James Parish the congregation is well seasoned with descendants of Irish, German, Italian, Slav and a few other races. No race predominates. The church and school is for all Catholics who understand, or want to understand, English, and who .desire to bequeath to their children the priceless gift of the Faith which has been so long and so lovingly cherished in their families.
There are a large number of Italians and Slavs settling in this community. The old folk, in many instances, speak English with difficulty, though they understand it well enough to transact business with their English speaking neighbors. Undoubtedly these would feel more at home in a congregation where their native tongue is spoken. They avail themselves of the church and school in this parish more because of convenience than of choice, but their children want to be like the rest of the American children, and knowledge of English is absolutely necessary for their future well-being.
The most intelligent among the parent appreciate the spirit of sympathy and good will which they find at St. James, and acknowledge their duty to the parish with no conditional allegiance. They give to the collections as regularly and as generously as the majority of the parishioners and have the good will of priests and people.
There are others, however, who, whilst taking advantage of the convenience of the church and school at their door, regard themselves as belonging to some other congregation in the city, and contribute little or nothing to the parish; this is not fair nor reasonable, especially when one considers the crowded condition of the school and the heavy burden that the parish has in its efforts to build a church that will be sufficiently large to take care of the future congregation. One of the parishioners recently remarked, "The new church will be owned in a few years by Catholics of Italian and Slav descent; they are purchasing property all around the church and within the confines of the parish.”
Be this as it may, there is at least a grain of truth in the statement, and enough to suggest the need of impressing the idea that every one who hopes to bring up their children Catholic in this community, should, with charity and faith, identify themselves with the parish and contribute to its support as generously and with as much enthusiasm as the rest of the parishioners.
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The Seventh and Eighth Grades were given a very delightful Halloween party in the School Hall Friday, October 30th, by Sister Gabriel – even the boys say it was good.
BAPTISMS IN OCTOBER
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Mr. and Mrs. Isadore Schramm, whose two daughters are nuns, were so anxious: to be near the church, they sold their home at 2047 Knox Avenue and purchased a cottage at 6427 Nashville Avenue.
Mrs. Bernard Uelk, 6763 West Park Avenue, has been ill since she gave birth to a baby boy in September.
PARISH MEETING
The October meeting of St. James Parish Association was held on the 29th of the month in the school hall. In the absence of Mr. Crotty, president, Mr. Louis Riegel acted as temporary chairman.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and Father O'Connor urged that the business of the evening be transacted as briefly as possible, as he had promised to turn the meeting over at 9 o'clock to representatives of the Food Research Department of the Everwear Aluminum Company, who would give a lecture and demonstration on cooking without water or grease.
Free School?
The first question discussed was, what should be done in regard to parents who have children in school and were neither paying tuition nor contributing to the church?
In response to the chairman's request for an expression of opinion, there was a general silence.
Father O'Connor asked Mrs. O'Brien what she thought about it, and she replied that parents who can afford to pay for their children in school should do so without any compulsion. "There are some, perhaps," she said, "who are not paying because of difficulties in their home which they do not want to make it known to a parish committee or even to their pastors." Father O'Connor replied: "I do not see, Mrs. O'Brien, why they would not come to the priest and intimate that they were unable to pay."
"If you had ever been through the mill," she answered, "as I have been, Father, you would know what I mean."
Mrs. Bovard thought the parish committee should call upon those parents who were judged capable of paying for, their children and find out the reason why they were not doing so. The chair asked her what should be done if they refused to give a reason. She said: “Drop the matter.”
Mrs. Irvin urged an educational campaign for the parents. “Let the committee,” she said, “visit them, and explain how earnestly we are all making sacrifices to raise funds for a new church; in this way they might be induced to pay something.”
Mrs. Killian said: "The committee could call and at least find out what were their intentions."
Mr. Jim Coad : "We certainly do not want to close the school to any children whose parents are not able to pay the tuition, nor should we embarrass the children by asking them for it; however, we ought to try to collect from those who are able to pay."
Do Not Humiliate the Children
Mrs. Hefele: "The parents, and not the children, should be questioned."
Father O'Connor: "It has always been the policy of the priests and the sisters never to humiliate a child in the school on this or any other matter."
Mr. Jim O'Gorman: "I raised a family in St. James Parish and paid for their education. I believe the names of those who are not contributing to the church and school should be given to the committee which made the previous canvass, and that one or two members visit all those in their respective districts."
Getting Nowhere
Mr. Frank Walsh said he had not been at a meeting for four months because his business took him out of town a great deal. "The last meeting I attended the discussion was about increasing parish revenue, and it seems to me you are still in the same place, asking the question, 'What are we to do with the delinquents ?' "
Father O'Connor gave some facts with the intention of enlightening Mr. Walsh as to the progress the parish association was making in the raising of funds.
"When the parish organization put on this campaign for increasing parish revenue, the average weekly collections amounted to $365.00. The organization proposed to increase it to $500.00. During the month of October of the present year the average weekly collection amounted to $482.60.” This, he thought, was a very substantial increase and was a good reason why the organization should not feel discouraged. “If we could,” he said, “assure ourselves of a $500.00 weekly collection, we need have little fear of assuming a debt and of building a church that would come up to the expectations of our most zealous enthusiasts. When making a loan, the bank will ask for the parish books, and should it find that the income for the previous year has averaged $500.00 a week, it will be more inclined to make a loan and to give the money at a lower rate of interest. There are about 60 wage earners who to my knowledge could contribute but are not doing so. If they were to co-operate with us and send in a weekly contribution, the revenue would be more than $500.00 a week."
Mr. Walsh : "The figures just given by Father O'Connor seem to justify the campaign for increased funds, therefore I suggest that the committee again solicit the delinquents. Another drive through the parish ought to increase the revenue to the desired amount. Where there is doubt as to the ability of an individual to pay, instead of making them a visit, a letter might be mailed requesting them to come to the rectory and, explain why they are not contributing."
Appearances Are Deceiving
Mrs. Hefele: "Appearances are sometimes deceiving. Often people are much worse off financially than outward signs would indicate, and are likely to be embarrassed if asked to contribute when unable to do so. We should go after the ones who are undoubtedly able to contribute.""Yes," Father O'Connor said. "I know of an instance where a family owns two flats and have their children free in the school. They are growing wealthy while their poor struggling neighbors are bearing all the burden of supporting the church. In justice to the poor man, parishioners who can afford to contribute ought to be approached by the parish organization and politely requested to do their share."
Mr. Riegel: "It appears to me that we ought at least send these people a letter asking them to pay or come to the rectory to give an explanation. I suggest that the financial committee write them."
Mr. Jim Coad: "A letter won't get us anywhere; let us call on them in person"
Mrs. Nixon: "I make a motion that pledge committee call on delinquents"
Motion seconded and carried.
Free Church -- Free Pews
The second question which Father O'Connor desired the meeting to discuss was in regard to those who were not contributing 4 per cent or pew rent. “I have in mind,” he said, “young people who are earning a salary and who had few obligations. These blow in their money on wild parties, clothes, clubs and automobiles, and their names appear in the parish books followed by a blank space, which would indicate that they have not contributed even a quarter for the cleaning or heating of the church. Undoubtedly the thoughtlessness of youth may be offered in the way of apology, but a little firmness on the part of the committee would soon bring them to that seriousness where they would realize that they have a duty towards -the support of their church." Mr. Pierce made a motion that this second class of delinquents be approached by the same committee as the first and at the same time.Getting Results
Father O'Connor: "I am certain that we are getting results from our campaign and a new church is looming in sight, but we must not let up on our efforts to increase the parish revenue. We must keep on urging and striving and visiting, however distasteful it might be. The building of a church is not an easy matter; it is a heavy burden on the priests and people. Naturally, there are some who are inclined to ignore it. Leaders must not grow weary or be discouraged by petty criticisms; they can always be sure that the best people in the parish are in sympathy with their efforts. This meeting is larger and more representative than any we have so far had. Each month some new one is becoming more enthused and contributing more generously.
This organization carries with it so much moral force there are few people who would have the temerity to openly criticize the parishioners who have the courage and the willingness to co-operate with the priests in raising funds for a new church. Let us keep up the good work and by this time next year we will be ready to draw plans.
Eloquent Louis
Mr. Riegel was called upon for some comments of a valedictory nature and attained surprising heights of eloquence as he visualized the beauty of our proposed new church and the pride it would bring to the hearts of those whose efforts made it possible. "We will," he said, "have the consolation that our lives were not empty and that we did our duty to our parish, our pastors and our God." He complimented all who were at the meeting and asked them to come to the next one and bring a few of their neighbors. "There is," he asserted, "a feeling of courage when one is backed up by a large crowd."
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Mrs. Clara Werner of Los Angeles, Cal., spent the summer in St. Louis at the home of her brother, Louis Freimuth, 6736 Oakland Avenue. She. left last week for the West and carried with her many pleasant memories.
ED PIERCE, JR., HAS ARRIVED
Mr. Ed Pierce, one of the editors of Let's Go, is the happy father of another boy. Mrs. Pierce and the baby are doing very well at the maternity ward of St. Mary's Hospital.
It is eleven years since Mrs. Pierce had a baby. Some of the wags say Ed must have dropped the Stop Signal since he became editor of Let's Go. The boy is to be named Ed, Jr.
"What do you think of him?" said Ed to Father O'Connor.
"I hope," replied the priest, "the second edition will be as interesting as the first."
In reply to a similar question, Will Hawkins said: "Ed, were it not for the little mustache you wear, I could not tell the father from the son."
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Mrs. Bovard felt very much enthused with an invitation she received to attend, as president of the Mothers' Club, the commercial luncheon given at St. Luke's Hall, until she arrived at the door and found that it was a pay-as-you-enter affair. Her embarrassment was not diminished by the fact that she found she left her purse at home.
THE RUMMAGE SALE
A large assortment of furnishings and apparel were donated to the Mothers' Club for the Rummage Sale which took place in the Parish Hall October 12th.
A non-Catholic lady was seen carrying from the hall a nice picture of the Blessed Virgin. Another lady had a gold gilt bird cage. Mrs. Moore purchased a variety kennel picture which she presented to Father O'Connor. A lady on Wade Avenue purchased a coat which she later transformed into a pretty suit and hat for her little fellow.
It was reported that the club netted about $30 from the proceeds of the sale and that quite a number of poor people were enthused with their purchases.
When the reporter for Let's Go appeared in the hall the sale was lively and Mrs. Bovard was acting as auctioneer.
"There is here," she shouted, "a beautiful vacant lot. It once housed the biggest man in the Parish -- it has depth and length and frontage. It was donated to the Mothers' Club by Mrs. Charlie Heil."
"I wish we could raffle it," said Mrs. Irvin, "it would mean so much to a poor family."
"Where is it situated?" innocently asked Mrs. Moore.
"Quite close to you," replied Mrs. Bovard.
"Lot next to the rectory?" suggested Mrs. Moore.
"No, this one right here," said Mrs. Bovard, and turning to a huge parcel beside her which resembled a peddler's pack, she took from it a man's trousers. She unfolded the article like one opening a coliseum. "Lord, what a man!" said tiny Mrs. Wilkins.
The women held their breath as Mrs. Bovard extended at arm's length the waistline and Mrs. Irvin, to give it shape and to display its full dimensions, pulled it out in the front and with the other hand extended the back the legs took shape and reminded one of a pair of tunnels leading into Grand Central Station, and the waistline opened up such unlimited depth on seeing it one impulsively drew back as he would from a chasm.
"How much for this elegant trouser?" said Mrs. Bovard, but as no one bid she laid it back with a sigh amongst the rest of the unsalable articles, and then with a shade of consolation resting on her motherly face, she said to Mrs. Irvin : "Keep it for the Mothers' Club Minstrel Show; it will about fit Mrs. Adele McVey Conroy." A fact which suggested to the writer that Mrs. Conroy is probably dieting on small stores.
Who'll buy this fine pair of pants,
Which once housed a man's large expanse?
Their fit may be ill,
And their value quite nil,
"But they're grand," you can see at a glance.
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Miss Frances Matreci, 2025 Schaffer Place, a pupil of the Eighth Grade, St. James School, was given a surprise party by her class on Halloween. During the month a surprise was also given to Margaret Regan, 6815 Waldemar Avenue.
Ray Dolan has been shooting mud hens and passing them off on his office force as wild ducks. Ask Joe Ryan about it.
John A. Murphy, 6438 Lloyd Avenue, went to the Mississippi River last week for a day and brought back four wild ducks. There is good reason for believing he shot them himself: Ray Dolan says Mr. Murphy can sure turn over clay pigeons.
AT FAIRMOUNT
John D. Bersch, 6803 Nashville Avenue, and a prominent gentleman who lives on Tamm Avenue, decided to go to the races. It was a big occasion for both gentlemen; here were the old days back again, the ponies, the grand stand and the crowds and the little bet on the side. John was beside himself with hope and happiness. "Say what you like," he said, "there is nothing. like a horse race to put an old man's blood moving. I feel again like a kid. I can't keep sitting. I believe I will go for a paper and study the sport sheet."
He called at Eddie Ryan's filling station to make sure his Lizzie would not go dry on the way, and incidentally to find out what Eddie knew about horse racing. Eddie was once a blacksmith and John presumed that Eddie naturally knew more about horses than most people.
"Ryan," said John, "what do you know about race horses?"
"I know enough," said 'Ryan, "to fill a book." I have had my hands on the hoof of nearly every race horse that ran in Missouri for ten years before the World's Fair. I can tell a winner the moment I see him.”
"Crossing the winning post?" said Bersch.
"No," said Ryan, "whilst he is parading. Watch them come out of the paddock," continued Ryan, "note the horse with the broad chest, fore legs straight, strong and well set -- back short and on line with the pins -- hips well arched, eyes bright, ears erect and man and horse looking as if they both came at the same time from the same mother, and were out now to win this particular race on which you are about to plate your money."
"But how about it," said Bersch, rubbing his head in apparent bewilderment, "if there are two or three horses that each have all them things you talk about? In that case," said Bersch, “what horse should a man pick?”
"Bet across the board," answered .Ryan. "If your horse comes first, second or even third, you will in all probability win more than what you had ventured; or for a man like you who can't tell the difference between a horse and a cow, bet on all three for a show."
"A show !" said Mr. Bersch excitedly, "what does that mean?"
"Glory be to Mike," said Ryan disgustedly, "a man that does not know what a show is, does not know enough to wear pants; he ought to dress in mother-hubbard and stay at home with the children. A show is when a horse comes in at least third or gets placed among the first three."
Mr. Bersch and the, gentleman from Tamm Avenue looked the horses over. The ponies were already parading: "Look at that for an animal," said Mr. Bersch, "number four, that's a horse as good as Ryan himself could make."
"A nice horse!" his companion replied, "but what do you think of No. 7?"
"I believe he is a better one," said John, "what will I do, before it is too late?"
"Bet on both of them," suggested his friend. He rushed to the window where the paramutual bets are taken.
"Which horse?" said the clerk.
"Two of them," said John all excited and out of breath as he threw his four dollars on the table, "No. 4 and No. 7."
"I haven't time to fool with you," tartly snapped the clerk, "tell me the names of the horses and what way you are going to play."
Fortunately for John he had in his hand a program, and at once called the names of the horses, but that other instruction of Mr. Ryan's he could not recall. "Across the field," ventured John.
The clerk was annoyed. "Don't block the passage all day; move on!" he shouted.
“Just a minute, brother,” said John, much abashed. "I can't think of the word. Yes, I have it," he said, "give me a circus."
"A show, you mean," said the clerk threw him the tickets.
"My Lord," said Mr. Bersch on returning to his companion, "'twas as bad as being five minutes in the electric chair. Where are our horses and what are the colors?"
Blue, red yoke, white cap -- there she goes she has the inside -- Go it, "Monday Morning!" Come to the front, "Happy Bob!"
"They don't win over there," said a bystander, the winning post is at this side."
"Happy Bob! Happy Bob!" shouted a chorus of enthusiasts.
"That is my horse," said John.
"Monday Morning," third!
"That's mine also," vociferously shouted Mr. Bersch.
"That fat guy," said a boy to his dad "must own half the horses at the race," whilst John, beaming over with smiles, collected his fourteen dollars.
Another parishioner who visited the track enclosed in his 4 per cent envelope last Sunday three par-mutual tickets of horses that also ran, and wrote, "Father, I wish I could do better, but I was at the races and this is all I have left."
Johnnie Bersch on a race placed a bet,
With a horse which he knew without fret
Could run like a deer,
That was speeded by fear,
And they say the poor nag's running yet.
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The school children asked for a half day on the Feast of All Souls, and Father O'Connor said they could have it provided sixty children had gone to Communion that morning or on the day previous. After a count was taken it was determined only fifty-nine were at the Altar, so they missed their opportunity and had to remain in school.
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The veteran hunter, Mr. Joseph A. Crotty, spent, with Mrs. Crotty, the past two weeks in Maries County, Missouri, admiring the beauties of the Ozarks and incidentally taking a shot at a squirrel or rabbit in the woods.
Are you a member of the Purgatorian Society? If you do not know what it means, ask about it.
MRS, RIEGEL -- A BAD ONE!
"Louis, what was the matter with your voice last Sunday; your singing of High Mass was not as good as usual?"
"I have a sore finger, Father," and he displayed a hand wrapped in a bandage. "What happened; did you meet with accident?"
"I should say I did, and also a bitter appointment."
“Well, I’m sorry to hear of it. What occurred?
Louis” “When I reached for a second piece of bacon my wife hit me across the fingers with the carving knife.”
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Mr. John Mannion, 6528 Berthold Avenue, sold at a good price the two modern flats which he recently had built at 6500 Clayton Avenue. He and Mrs. Mannion and Mary, in company with Mrs. Peter Manion and Theresa, toured to New York. Incidentally, Mary called at the rectory before she left and donated a fifty-dollar bill toward the new church.
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Miss Rosemary Wiss, 6645 Wise Avenue, was discharged from the Mullamphy Hospital, where she was under a doctor's care for the greater part of a week. Her companion in the room happened to be one of the Misses Moriarthy, formerly of Benton.
A NEW PARISHIONER
Mr. and Mrs. John Patrick Mullahy and family purchased a store at the corner of Clayton and Forest Avenues and built three additional stores on the adjoining property on Clayton Avenue. Mr. Mullahy is well known in the downtown district. He recently sold his store at 3900 Finney Avenue. In 1921 he was State Vice-President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and is well known in Catholic circles. He is especially interested in St. James Parish, because, he says, Mr. Macken, who donated the church lot, gave him the first start. His son, John Martin Patrick, is attending St. Louis University High School and his only surviving daughter, Mary Gabriel, is at present a pupil at Notre Dame Academy, Collinsville, Ill.
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Robert Barr, 6801 Magnolia Avenue, has been awarded the contract for the brick work of the Automobile Sales Department and garage which is being erected by the Dolan Bros. at 6405 Manchester Avenue.
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Mrs. Margaret McDonnell, Mrs. Foley, Margaret Irvin and Mary Wilson are excommunicated; they attended a service at the Tabernacle, where Mr. Williams teaches people to take the sawdust trail. When request for prayers were uttered most of the ladies who spoke, asked prayers for their sons, but Margaret McDonnell gave variety by asking prayers for her mother. Margaret Irvin and Mrs. Foley donated like good Protestants when the collection basket was passed, but the rest of the party acted like Shanty Irish.
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Today at 2 o'clock Father O'Connor intends to be on a train on his way to Monroe City, where he and the Pastor, Father Connolly, will open the hunting season. He is taking his dogs along.
Father Pee Jay has left us once more,
Upon preaching he's quite closed the door.
With his dogs and his. gun
Out for game and for fun
He'll "bang" at the birds as they soar.
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The school children have been unfortunate with regard to holidays; beaten out of a whole day by the Feast of All Saints falling on Sunday, and losing by one the half day on the Feast of All Souls. But Armistice Day is at hand and the Friday after Thanksgiving would be a good day to even things up. How about it, kids?
ANOTHER MARRIAGE
Arthur Charles Matthes and Alma Rose Cissell were married at the Rectory, November 4th, Father O'Connor performing the ceremony.
These young people became acquainted while in the employ of Lantz Bros. Baking Company, where Miss Cissell learned to love Mr. Matthes, and to appreciate the doughnuts he made.
Miss Cissell, a Catholic, is a sister of Mrs. Killian, while Mr. Matthes is a non-Catholic. In a desire to gain an understanding of his wife's religious beliefs Mr. Matthes took instructions from Father O'Connor, and was much impressed with the Catholic faith. Mixed marriages prepared in this way are not so likely to result -in religious friction, and we commend Miss Cissell in her choice, and Mr. Matthes in his fairness.
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Martin Coad and son, Arthur Pahl and son, and Dan Murphy were on a fishing trip at Beaver Dam Lake during the last week of October. The weather was too cool and the fishing was poor.
A FAMILY RECEIVED INTO THE CHURCH
Mrs. Loretta Steffe, 6639 Garner Avenue, and her three boys, Vincent, Vernon Joseph and Sidney Stephen, were received into the church by Father O'Connor on October 10th. Mrs. Steffe attributes her conversion to God's Grace and the zeal of the Willer family.
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Mr. Dan Sheehan of the Dolan Real Estate Company went to Jefferson City last week, where he presented himself for the State Board examination on law. He made his studies at night school of St. Louis University.
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Mr. Edward Kraemer, the young husband of Adele Jirauch, was at the point of death during the past week. He is suffering from pneumonia. The whole Jirauch family went to Communion last Sunday and have the greatest confidence that through their prayers his life shall be spared.
ANNIVERSARY MASS FOR THE LATE CATHERINE USHER
The Ja-Da Club were present at St. James Church on Sunday, October 25th, and received Holy Communion at a mass that was offered for the repose of the soul of one of their members, the late Catherine Usher Kelly:
A breakfast was served the members of the club in the cafeteria of the school by Mrs. J. A. Murphy and Mrs. Kathryn Hefele, at which Father Norbert E. Pohl was an honored guest.
The Ja-Da is composed of several girls from St. James and surrounding parishes. The Club originated during the war as a knitting club, and later became a social club; meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at the different girls' homes, with the exception of the months during Lent and the extremely hot months of summer.
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Mr. James Morrissey, 1015 Graham Avenue, is erecting a store with living rooms above at 1330 Tamm Avenue. It is understood his father-in-law intends making his home with the family.
Mrs. William Jones, 1209 Childress Avenue, spent two weeks with her relatives in Indianapolis. She returned Saturday, October 31st.
THE JULY BRIDE
Father O'Connor overlooked many things in July when he was on vacation, notably to report the marriage of one of the Smith twins. It now gives him great pleasure to inform the young men of the parish that they must be careful in distinguishing which is Etoyle and which Dolores. To help them Dolores is the one with the very bright eyes, who at home sits between her grandmother, Mrs. Crawford, and her husband, Jacob B. Mitchell.
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Now that you have returned from your vacation, look up your 4 per cent envelopes and see how many Sunday contributions you owe the Church.
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HELPFUL HINTS TO BRIDES
At the parish meeting, Father O'Connor asked those present for news items for Let's Go. Mrs. Boerckel, the recent bride, said she fell on the step the day she returned from her honeymoon. Father O'Connor thought that was an omen which Mrs. O'Brien undoubtedly could interpret. Mrs. O'Brien answered that she did not know what to say about it, but she would like to hear what Father O'Connor thought of it. He laughingly replied that it was a sign that Mrs. Boerckel should watch her step.
A voice in the back of the hall: "Yes, and watch her husband."
The chairman, Mr. Riegel, added: "Feed him and you won't have to watch him.".
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The late Cecil Dudley Gregg, president of the Evens & Howard Fire Brick Company and the C. D. Gregg Tea & Coffee Company, and member of the directorate of the St. Louis Times, who recently died at St. Luke's Hospital, was not a Catholic, but had been for years on intimate terms with the priests of the parish. Through his kindly consideration the grounds south of the rectory have been used for parish purposes for the past twenty years. Last year when Evens & Howard were about to sell the property east of Tamm Avenue, Mr. Gregg visited the rectory and offered the portion adjoining the church grounds at reduced price for parish purposes. He was a big-hearted, humorous, gentleman of refined manner and exceptional culture. He was kindly and tolerant and the type of American business man that is admired by associates and beloved by his neighbors. May he rest in peace.
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Mrs. John Steffan, 1014 Tamm Avenue, returned home from Barnes Hospital October 31st. The doctors there advised her to undergo an operation, but as she has been suffering for some time from heart attacks, she decided to defer it until later. Her condition is considered serious.
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Mrs. Theresa Placke, 1318 Tamm Avenue, though somewhat improved, is still very ill. On All Saints Day, for the first time in several weeks, she sat up for a few hours.
YOUNG MOTHER-THAT SENSITIVE CHILD OF YOURS
You say you don't know what to do with that child of yours because it is so sensitive. You don't want to spoil it by sympathy, and a rebuke causes it so much pain your maternal heart is touched and ill at ease.
Try to diagnose the character of the child; a sensitive child is often one who has a generous nature and a high sense of honor. It aspires to a character that will be above reproach. It is a Knight Errant or a Princess in Embryo, and it dreams of distinctions that are too often unattainable. Usually it has an abnormal imagination. It lives in a world of its own making. It surrounds itself with fantasies; it plays a hero amongst the retinue of its own creation. It receives from them unfaltering submission and admiration.
A girl tries to make her world real; she dresses as a nun, a teacher or a queen. When she believes herself alone, she addresses an imaginary class, she is happy till the cold world of facts comes in contact with her fancies and melts them into airy nothings.
Her distress is real and her misery can be aggravated by a rebuke. What chagrin of soul this queen feels when her mother informs her that she does not know how to wash a dish or run an errand! Her fairy realm is invaded, her fortresses are tottering, her kingdom is being destroyed. She weeps till her daddy comes home; she knows he will sympathize with her and restore to her unhappy soul the gossamer robe of glory in which she has enthroned her self esteem.
A boy's imaginings require more substance. He wants to be something in real life. He gives orders to other boys as if he were a general. He moves among. them with a consciousness of superiority, he wants to be the Ty Cobb of the baseball gang, and should his skill in performance fall short of his ambitions he brings upon himself the scathing ridicule of his companions and scarcely is given the honor of being a substitute in the team.
The period when these manifestations are most evident is between the ages of 12 and 18 and varies in intensity with different individuals. It is termed the dangerous age, because the youth has for the time lost its balance and is open to suggestion, delusion and irritation. The girl likes to dramatize her fancies and hold the attention of those around her, she tells fibs which are well calculated to arouse sympathy, she tires of home and pictures herself as a martyr; she readily feigns illness and even gets up a rather good imitation of some affection. She becomes morose or hysterical and endeavors to live up to the reputation which brings her most into the limelight.
Her condition is nothing to worry about, but requires intelligent and sympathetic treatment. Parents should not take her too seriously, and they should guard against harshness or coddling. In a few years her physical development will bring about equilibrium and her mind will adjust itself to the hum-drum of facts. She may have hidden talent which calls for imagination and later may develop a genius for painting, music, literature or leadership among her fellows. It is said genius is akin to madness, and abnormal viewpoints in children are sometimes only manifestations of unusual powers which are out of balance with the undeveloped qualities that are necessary to proper poise.
Boys with imagination and sensitiveness are, like girls, easily misunderstood. Their delusions are not less extravagant, though more substantial. They seek notoriety, and not achieving it in a legitimate way, are apt to become sour and irritable. Harshness may provoke them to rashness and under the impulse of doing something sensational, they may be easily led into crime and go to the dogs before they have reached the age of equilibrium.
For both boys and girls who are subject to these fantasies, parents should make an effort to open to them a way of legitimate activities where their ambitions to be exceptional may meet with some success. Their failures are loaded with explosives which may wreck their careers -- they need encouragement and sympathy and an urge from without to stick to something that will absorb their surplus energies and turn their thoughts to things that are practical.
All theses suggestions are in the realm of psychology, but the humiliations of the Cross of Calvary, when attention is timely directed to them by a Christian mother, are more inspiring to a youth of generous impulse and extravagant conceit than anything that can be said or written.
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Mr. John Shaffrey, 6320 West Park Avenue, has been ill for the past two months. He is suffering from a complication of diseases and his condition is critical.
Dear Parishioner;
There is probably no country in the world where priests and people are so close to one another as in the United States; every family is the priest's family and the priest is "FATHER" in every home. The bond that unites them is spiritual, the priest assumes the responsibility and spiritual care of the flock, and as a shepherd he moves among them, and they in docile submission yield to him obedience and affection.
They have a diversity of cares but a unity of sympathy. The priest marks with anxious solicitude the struggle and the achievement of each parishioner. He is proud of some, depressed because of the failures or sorrows of others, and in sympathy with all.
He sees the little tot in school look up to him in all the reverend sincerity of innocent childhood. It speaks to him with its eyes the language of confidence and trust, and he must give no less than is expected of him -- a priest's solicitude and a father-‘s faithfulness.
The years pass. The parents and priests put on the glow of Autumn; the child has found its place in the world; with warm enthusiasm high spirit and splendid hope it faces its future. The parents and priest look on front afar. The youth thinks he is on an untravelled path, the parents and priest know 'tis the old, old trail of life, and their hearts go out to the pilgrim: they feel in his grand recklessness, the thrill of the unbroken spirit that was once theirs. In him they see reflected their own youth and inexperience. They would warn him of the dangers and the pitfalls of the delusions, but they know the lesson of life must be learned by each one from his own adventures and observations, and silently, they wait and hope to see the youth come through the dangerous passage of dreams and shadows with his wings, though singed, not scared, and his robe of innocence, though sullied, not destroyed.
There are confidences exchanged between the parishioner and the priest that are too sacred to be even remotely referred to here. In the confessional, the youth and the priest meet from time to time and the depth of the youth's soul is fathomed. The youth knows the priest alone holds an unbiased judgment of right and wrong and he reveals to him thoughts and deeds that are so personal and humiliating they could not be revealed even to the parent without confusion and annoyance. The priest is taken on as a pilot to guide a struggling soul that is tossed in the tempestuous sea of passion: in the order of providence he has a place not given to the parent or the spouse; officially, he stands where stood the master when Magdalene knelt at His feet and unfolded to his sympathetic eye the sin and sorrow of her soul.
What pen can paint the heart of a true priest when he listens in the confessional to the sobs of a sinner!
Now the man in him dies, and the spirit that was given him at the Ordination lives. He is a supreme judge in the High Court in Heaven; with the mercy of Christ, he must pity, but with the justice of God, he must judge, and yet the man in him remains to understand the frailties and infirmities of human nature, and to sympathize with the struggle of those who are his companions in the same battlefield.
At Christmas time, the priest is reminded of the love and claims of relatives. Should he indulge a fancy, he will see again the group that gathered round him in his childhood, and note the vacant chairs. One there is, he thinks, that would find a welcome there at Christmas, but not this year, perhaps no more! What of it! There is a life around him more absorbing. It has captured all his hopes and thoughts. He is part of that parish to which he is assigned; he is adopted into that big family which he calls his parishioners: they will need him at Christmas more than at other times.
He must be waiting for them when they come to confession, he must speak to them when they are assembled in the church, he must rejoice with them at the spiritual banquet which Christ has prepared for his guests, and he must minister at this great Solemn Function in his parish, without which Christmas would not be Christmas.
These thoughts are written impersonally and might he applied to priests and people everywhere. I have given them expressions that you may better understand the interest we take in one another's lives and how unnecessary words are to express the greetings that should pass between us at Christmas. I feel deeply grateful to all of you for the sacrifices you have made at my suggestion, and for the generosity with which you have contributed from your limited means toward the fund for the new Church. You have increased my courage by your unceasing co-operation, and given me reason to hope that my poor efforts are not entirely barren, and that I have a small place in your affections. I wish for your sakes that I had not so many defects and that I could be more to you than I am. I ask you one and all to be patient with me and with the Charity of Christ to co-operate with me in everything that I may undertake for the advancement of your spiritual interests, but especially in aiding me this coming year in the biggest drive that has yet been made for funds for the new Church. I hope to have the plans ready to submit to contractors by next Christmas.
Assuring you that I will offer the Midnight Mass with much earnestness for the happiness of each one of you, with much affection, I wish you all a Happy Christmas.
Yours in Christ,
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR.
CHRISTMAS
The strong arm, the horse-drawn wagon and the crowbar were the big factors in force before Science detected the hidden energy in the rock, the river and the cloud. The unseen is more vital than the seen, and the mystery of things in nature makes one pause and seek in life itself a deeper meaning than the plain facts of the need of food and drink may suggest.
We are carrying on in a corner of an immense universe, and the mystery that surrounds us is greater than many suppose. God made the design and fashioned the pattern. Our intelligence is too limited to measure the infinite range of His conceptions. In awe we might pause at the Crib of Bethlehem and try to find a cause for the fountains of affection and good will which we find flowing in our hearts at Christmas!
The monkey origin idea might find some plausible possibilities in the fact that man as well as monkey has hair and nails and vertebrae: but the gulf that exists between our nobler emotions of love and hope and the grinning unemotional stupidity of a monkey are too vast to make possible a union of nature at some distant station back along the track.
Man is made of nobler stuff than the beast of the field; beneath the flesh there exists that mysterious spirit we call Soul, which inclines him to climb to the golden parapets of God, or for the love of home or country or principle, to dash in fine fury into certain death.
The depraved man looks to the animal for a solution of his existence; the monkey gives him a foundation for a morbid fancy, though he admits there is still a missing link. The virtuous man looks upward and accepts the revelation that the vital spark within came from a Being that is Divine.
The Christian ideal finds the link between God and man in Mary the Virgin Mother. In her womb God united himself to our nature and became man for our redemption. In Him we are lifted up to the Son-ship of Divine Adoption, and when we turn to the Heavens and say "Father," we see the rest of Humanity being enclosed by the outstretched arms of a God.
To meet the greatest need of humanity Christ was born in a stable so that he may find a pillow in the hearts of the poor and seal again the Soul of man with infinite honor.
Wealth has its trappings and its artificial caste. Christ is the inheritance of the lowly and the beats of the big heart of humanity are ever in harmony with His Gospel. The chains of the slave melted in the concentrated heat of Christian love, and in Christian civilization all that was refined and sympathetic in the human heart found expression; pity and justice are the pillars in the portals of Liberty and Christ opened the closed door.
Sin and selfishness are destructive of all that is divine in our ideals. If ever we destroy the Character of Christ, we shall find the iron man ruling in the court where Jesus was condemned, and the tear shed in misery shall evoke no pity.
The mysterious hidden power behind our happiness and prosperity is Jesus and His Gospel. Our bulky civilization would cave into the grave of Christianity; Our priests are more essential than our soldiers and our State Capitols shall not stand if our Churches fall.
Christmas is the time to emphasize these thoughts: "God so loved the world he sent his only begotten Son." In memory of this stupendous event we make merry at Christmas. The lights that burn round the Christmas tree shall light children to noble deeds if they are lit in the light of Faith, and in memory of the Star of Bethlehem. The symbolism of the tree should not be lost "I am the vine, you are the branches;" in Christ alone there is eternal life; the manger, too, with its unadorned simplicity, the ox, the ass, the faithful servants of man, are not excluded from a place in the plan of redemption; the plain things of the earth have their use and dignity. In the world that God made, the dumb beast, the inanimate rock fit into the picture with angels and men, but the humble shepherds kneeling in holy adoration in the presence of this mystery of love -- an infant who is the Savior nestling in the bosom of a Virgin -- are the great facts in this drama of human history. Christmas would have lost its meaning unless Christ is given his Divine Character and supreme importance and men come and adore.
Last Christmas a family in St. James Parish invited one of the priests to visit his home and see the Christmas Tree. It was expensive and well decorated with electric lights and tinsel, and underneath it was a miniature railroad running over mountains and streams which greatly delighted the children, but not the priest. He was evidently distressed with the pagan aspect of the Christmas decorations; there was no shepherd, no Virgin, no St. Joseph, no Infant, no touch of Christmas tradition to inspire the child; all was material and mechanical.
Christmas cards are becoming colorless. They are nondescript expressions of good cheer, good health and How-do-you-do.
Catholic people have a duty to keep Christmas Christian and we hope the people of St. James will not defraud the children of their friends by a departure from the Crib, the candle and the Virgin and her child.
CATHERINE A. SCOTT
On Monday, November 30th, the remains of Mrs. Catherine Scott, 2060 Knox Avenue, were taken to St. James Church and Father O'Connor officiated at her funeral. During the previous month her death was expected from day to day and Father Pohl was frequently at her bedside. She was a woman who was known in the community because of her exceptional charity and kindness. Miss Rose Hannick, a friend of the family and a lady of exceptional vocal ability, sang at the funeral.
THE LATE JOHN SHAFFREY
The funeral of John Shaffrey took place from St. James Church on November 11. An unusually large number of neighbors were present and accompanied the remains to Calvary Cemetery.
Mr. Shaffrey was born in Byrnesville, Mo., where his sisters and brother still reside, and came to the city when he was fifteen years old. During the greater part of 40 years he lived in Cheltenham where he raised a large family. His daughter, Leola, was unable to attend the services as she is a cloister nun in the Good Shepherd Convent. New Orleans.
In Brynesville, the Shaffrey family lives close to the little church and has been intimately associated with all the priests who were stationed there. Father John Dillon of Baden and Father John Nugent formerly pastors at Brynesville, were present at the funeral and Father Jeremiah Murphy, the present pastor regretted he could not be present because of a nuptial mass which was celebrated in his church that morning.
"Mr. Shaffrey," said Father Pohl, "was a silent man of rare character and sterling worth. He won the respect and confidence of the entire community and was ever a friend of those in need. His honesty was proverbial and his word was always considered as good as his bond. He was not endowed with much worldly goods, but, by many sacrifices, he gave his children a splendid education. He was never known to refuse a contribution to the church."
The priests of St. James parish had a deep affection for Mr. Shaffrey, and on many occasions, called on him to do odds and ends around the rectory. He was called a model Catholic and an ideal father. May he rest in peace.
THE SISTERS' PARTY
The sisters were given a party by Mothers' Club on Armistice Day. Dinner was served in the kitchen utensils supplied by the Food Research Dept. of the Everwear Aluminum Co. and a demonstration in cooking without water or grease was given them and a number of visiting sisters. The sisters were very delighted with the new method of preparing food and their gratitude was unbounded when the Mothers' Club presented them with a cooking set. The children, not to be outdone by the Mothers' Club, gave a party to the sisters and supplied them with a turkey for Thanksgiving.
SCHOOL PATRONS' ASSOCIATION MEETING WITH MOTHERS' CLUB
Monday evening, November 23rd, a joint meeting of the St. James Mothers' Club and the School Patrons' Association was opened by Chairman Martin Coad, who said, "We meet in the interest of the school and its pupils for the purpose of supplying the things most necessary, and to devise means of raising money to meet the expenditures." He called for suggestions from those ladies who spend much of their time around the children and the school.
Mrs. Bovard and Mrs. Plengemeier suggested that the Patrons' Association assist with the Christmas Party, which usually means an outlay of about $50.
Mr. Coad excused the Patrons, stating that the purpose of that organization was to provide additions and betterments of a more permanent and future nature.
"So you don't want to be a Santa Claus?" was hurled back at him amidst much laughter.
Wild Women
Chairman: "If the Mothers' Club has a plan for raising funds in which the Patrons' Association could consistently assist he would be glad to hear of it."
Mrs. Bovard: "Yes, we have plans drawn for a social evening to be known as a 'Circus' -- 'Wild Man from Borneo,' clowns, tents, music, etc., etc."
Mr. Hense : "How about a Wild Woman?"
Mrs. Nixon: "Why not have a parade through the business section in clown suits and masks?" "Some of you would only have to act natural to be clowns."
Mrs. Bovard: "We need the men to help."
Mrs. Plengemeier: "The Circus is a good idea, but I think it is the wrong time of the year."
Chairman: "Ninety per cent of the people are out every night anyhow; they will go some place regardless of the season."
Why Not Give Euchre?
Mrs. McDonnell: "Why not give a Euchre?"
Followed by a chorus of "Why be arrested?
Do you think we could do it?
Sure, they aren't bothering church affairs -- they're being advertised, etc."
Father O'Connor: "I believe this would be a more sociable plan -- neighbors could get together and have a little chat and a little game of cards and more good feeling would be created than in any other way."
Chairman: "Have Euchre, Lotto, Pinochle."
"Fine-what about prizes?"
Father O'Connor: "If you would ask for prizes through our little paper, LET'S GO, you would get them. Parishioners have approached me tendering gifts that would be appropriate for prizes, such as furniture, books, china, art works, etc. Let a receiving committee be appointed in the different sections, and people told where the things could be left."
Accordingly, the following were named: Mrs. M. McDonnell, 6814 Clayton Avenue; Mrs. P. Manion, 6450 West Park; Eddie Ryan's Filling Station, Crescent and Clayton Avenue; Mrs. Bovard, 2201 Forest Avenue; Mr. Wm. Hense, Clayton and Wise Avenue.
Mr. Jim Coad was appointed to see that tickets were printed and turned over to Mrs. Plengemeier, general captain, assisted by Mrs. Heil, Mrs. Bovard, Mrs. Manion, Mrs. Bisso, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. McDonnell, Mrs. Dugan, Mrs. Engelhardt, Mrs. Irvin and Mrs. Corbett.
Tables and Chairs
The question arose as to supplying tables and Mr. Dugan declared they could be made cheaper than rented, and this work was turned over to him. Messrs. Kelly, Cavanaugh, Riegel, Coad and as many others as necessary were asked to assist him.
Father O'Connor had seen a very nice table at St. Bridget's and one of these will be borrowed to be used as a pattern, the Mothers' Club to buy the material.
Charge 50c
A suggestion from the Chairman that the tickets be 50c brought forth a storm of protest from those present. "You can't get it in this parish -- people with a number of children can't pay it -- it won't work, etc."
Martin Coad: "Other parishes are charging 50c and drawing crowds."
Father O'Connor: "If you consider the rental of table and chairs, the price is small. A charge of 50c will make it more exclusive and will not leave the impression that it is a cheap affair."
Martin Coad: "With all due respect to the children, they certainly are a nuisance at such affairs. Charge 50c, offer good prizes, let the people know that there will be a sociable well conducted card game, and you will have no trouble filling the hall at 50c a person."
It was decided to charge this price for this time and be governed by results as to future games.
Another Meeting
It was deemed necessary to have at least two meetings before the Euchre and the chairman called for the first on Monday, November 30th. A committee in charge of lunch will be appointed at that time.
Work for the Patrons' Association
Father O'Connor requested the meeting not to adjourn until he had outlined a more definite plan for the Patrons' Association. He would like to see them taking a more active part in the affairs that concern the school, he said. From time to time, little things need attention and I would like to see you taking the matter off the hands of the priests -- you understand more about them and could more efficiently handle them. I would like also to call your attention to physical drills. Recently at Monroe City, Hannibal and vicinity I attended a basket ball game, and it was amazing to see the training these youngsters had. When our church gets going we will have lots of earth to dispose of, and some of the land in the rear of the school could be filled to enlarge the school yard for this purpose. Another advantage to the school would be a connection between the open air theater and the school yard, and while Mr. Moore is not offering his property for sale, I could buy enough of his rear yard to give us a connecting link between the church properties for $750. This to my mind is something for the Patrons' Association to think over.
FATHER POHL AND HIS DOG
The hunting enthusiasm of our pastor is spreading in the parish. The last to get infected was Father Pohl. Recently he purchased a little single-barrel and a dachshund and at the dawn of day he betook himself to the woods. He searched the likely places for a rabbit. The hound dawg sniffed the breeze and seemed to be running on a trail. The scent got hotter and at last bunny bounced from his cozy bed. Father Pohl was not within shooting range, but expected the dog to round up the rabbit; both began running and Father Pohl, in consternation, noticed they were going in opposite directions; apparently they were trying to get out of one another's way. Father Pohl deliberated which one he should follow. In a little time they were out of sight and Father was left lonely in the woods, dejectedly ruminating the bitter thought of a bad bargain. Having nothing else to do, he went home and found the fearful dachshund hiding in the high grass in the back yard.
Later in the day he visited the kennel where he had made the purchase of the dog; the proprietor sympathetically heard the story and said, "How far were you behind the dog when he got up the rabbit?" "About a couple of hundred yards," said Father Pohl. "Father," said the proprietor, "the dog would have had more courage if you were closer to him with the gun; the next dog I will give you will travel slower." It is said that Father has to break down the weeds ahead of the new dog.
THE ANGELUS
Before telegraphy, telephone or radio, bells tolled in vibrant words, the message of forest fires, wars, victories, weddings and funerals.
Bells are losing their dignity and usefulness; they have been dethroned from their lofty seats in turrets, spires and castle crags, but there is one noble message which they have not forgotten; they still peal the message of the Angel -- Hail, the Lord is with Thee -- and remind man that Redemption was achieved, not through human effort but by Divine Decree.
The Angelus is the bell rung at 6 A.M., noon and the evening. Countless generations of Christians have heard it and bowed their heads in Holy Reverence. It still delivers its message of love and redemption, but few there are who give time and attention to its solemn notes.
The following is the prayer you should say when the Angelus rings
The Angelus -- The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary and she conceived of the Holy Ghost. Hail Mary, etc.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me, according to thy word. Hail Mary, etc.
And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Hail, Mary, etc.
V. -- Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. -- That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray -- Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our heart that we, unto whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may, by His passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. R. -- Amen.
CHRISTMAS MASSES, ST. JAMES CHURCH
There will be a solemn midnight mass at Christmas in St. James Church. The priests of the parish will officiate, assisted by James Hayes, a student of Kenrick Seminary. The other masses will be as on Sundays, with the exception of an additional mass at 8:30 a. m.
Confessions on Christmas Eve will be heard from 3 to 6 p.m. and from 7 until 10:30 p.m., and again on Saturday at the usual hours.
Children's confessions will be heard from 3 o'clock until 4:30 on the eve of Christmas and those who are free to do so are requested to go to confession before supper, leaving the rest of the time for wage earners.
A Jesuit Father will assist the priests of the parish hearing confessions. ,
The eve of Christmas is a strict day of fast and abstinence.
A special collection will be taken in all the churches of the diocese for the education of students studying to be priests in the archdiocese. Envelopes will not be mailed as they had been in former years.
Holy Communion may be received at the Christmas midnight mass. The strict law of the church requires no fast before the midnight hour, but propriety and devotion would demand fasting from all food and drink from 8 o'clock of the evening before in preparation for receiving Our Lord at midnight.
The 8th of December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, is a Holy Day of obligation, as is New Year's Day. The eve of these feasts are not fast days.
The Quartertense occurs in December and Wednesday, December, 16th, and the Friday and Saturday following are fast days and days of abstinence. There will be four masses on New Year's Day, the same as on Sunday.
On other Holy Days through the year there are only three masses, the last being at 9 o'clock.
The Mothers' Club will give a Christmas party to the children on Wednesday, December 23rd, at 3 p. m., who may bring their little sisters and brothers.
The ladies of the parish are requested to assist the sister sacristan in the cleaning of the church on Wednesday, December 23rd, at 9 a. m.
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The Parish meeting for November and December will be held on Friday, December 11th, when plans will be perfected for the campaign of 1926 and officers selected.
A PRAYER FOR PRIESTS
Keep them, I pray Thee, dearest Lord,
Keep them, for they are Thine
Thy priests whose lives burn out before
Thy consecrated Shrine.
Keep them -- Thou knowest, dearest Lord,
The world, the flesh are strong,
And Satan spreads a thousand snares
To lead them into wrong.
Keep them, for they are in the world,
Though from the world apart,
When earthly pleasures tempt, allure,
Shelter them in Thy heart.
Keep them, and comfort them in hours
Of loneliness and pain,
When all their life of sacrifice
For souls seems but in vain.
Keep them, and, O remember, Lord,
They have no one but Thee,
Yet they have only human hearts,
With human frailty.
Keep them as spotless as the Host
That daily they caress
Their every thought and word and deed,
Deign, dearest Lord, to bless.
AN IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFT
Every Catholic will remember that his real Christmas Gift is Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and when looking about for gifts to make to friends, why not give good Catholic Literature.
One very good book has been called to the attention of this press, "A White-Handed Saint," by Olive Katherine Parr, which deals with the love of God and man; in short, a good, clean, wholesome love story for old and young. So good that one cares to read it more than once.
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Mr. Ed Gibbons, Sr., 6452 West Park Avenue, has been suffering from an acute attack of heart disease and has been confined to his home during the past week. The doctor reports that his condition is much improved and expects he will be able to enjoy Christmas dinner.
ENMITY BETWEEN MRS. BOVARD AND MRS. McDONNELL
As is very often the case, when a quarrel between two friends arises, we learn more truth than poetry. In this case Mrs. Bovard blames first Father O'Connor for printing, and secondly Mrs. McDonnell for relating her embarrassing predicament at an affair at St. Luke's last month.
Mrs. McDonnell: "Now, Mrs. Bovard, I did not tell Father O'Connor about that."
Mrs. Bovard: "You must have; I never told it to a soul but you, and the ladies don't like it, either."
Mrs. McDonnell: "Mrs. Bovard, you know you told me that you had an invitation to an affair out there and you asked me to invite several others. I told you it was a pay affair and you said that it wouldn't be for us, because we were invited."
Father O'Connor: "Mrs. Bovard, is it true or not as written in LET'S GO?"
Mrs. Bovard: "Well, I did pay 50c, or at least I was supposed to pay 50c, although I was so excited at having left my purse behind that I was shelling out nickels and dimes and pennies so rapidly I don't know whether there was 50c there or not."
Moral -- Mrs. Bovard, play in your own back yard. You could have run a charge account with us.
JOHN L. McANNAR
On November 24th when Mrs. McAnnar went to call her husband to go to work she found him dead. He had been in comparatively good health, had worked the previous day as usual at the Zoo in Forest Park. His funeral took place from St. James Church on Saturday, November 28th. Mr. McAnnar had an unusual knowledge of horticulture. On the last occasion when Father O'Connor visited his home he showed him a number of rare specimens of plants which he had cultivated in his yard, and among them one called the Touch-Me-Not plant, a creature so sensitive that it folded all its leaves and wilted at the touch of a finger. Mr. McAnnar was one of the old settlers and was much respected by all who knew him. R. I. P.
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Mrs. Arlt, an active member of the Mothers' Club, has been ill for some time and is still confined to her home.
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Father O'Connor reports there are plenty of quail.
Recently he and Mr. Jim Blyth spent an afternoon in the county and got the limit.
He also had a few outings with Mr. Ray Dolan and says Ray is a splendid marksman. In many places there appears to be a scarcity of rabbits, apparently they were frozen out in last winter's frost.
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MRS. BISSO ON A HUNTING TRIP
Mrs. John Bisso, 6317 West Park Avenue, has established a reputation of being the only woman nimrod in the parish. She can tumble them over as good as Father O'Connor. Recently she visited her parents in Sullivan, Mo., with her two sons, Waldo and Dean. A trip to Roche's farm near Spring Bluff was undertaken. A twelve-gauge gun was given to Mrs. Bisso, and as she wasn't modern enough to have knickers she compromised with male attire by getting into overalls. Mr. Roche and his boys accompanied Mrs. Bisso to the woods, a rabbit jumped from a brier patch, the gun was discharged, and bunny heard his death knell.
In the course of the day several squirrels and quail were added to the bag. In the evening everybody expected Mrs. Bisso to have had enough of it, when she suggested that they get the dogs ready for a possum hunt.
Night fell. Mrs. Bisso headed the party. The dogs roamed through the woods -- their dulcet music could be heard in rhythmic cadence in the frosty air. The moon lighted up with silvery tinsel the streams, the pine trees and the hillside. "Gyp has him treed!" said one of the boys. Mrs. Bisso arrived at the tree as quickly as the men. A pair of fiery eyes looked down from amongst the branches. "Let him have a bullet," said one of the men. "No," said Mrs. Bisso, "take off your coat and use an axe." In less than an hour the tree was felled and Mr. Possum and Gyp were in a death struggle. Gyp won, being an old soldier; and Mrs. Bisso brought back the prize to West Park.
On Monday the ladies who assist in the lunch room had possum for dinner and Father Pohl and Father O'Connor were also given a generous share. Everyone in West Park Avenue seemed to have shared in the spoils of Mrs. Bisso's hunt.
Let us hope she will soon go out again.
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Mr. Ed Loyett, brother of Mrs. Bovard, was a patient in Barnes Hospital during the past few weeks, where he was operated on and had one of his kidneys removed. He is now home and convalescing.
A SILVER WEDDING
On Saturday, November 21st, Mr. and Mrs. John Blasitz, 1340 Tamm Avenue, celebrated the Silver Anniversary of their wedding.
The ritual of the church provides a pretty ceremony for such an occasion. The couple kneel within the sanctuary and promise anew they will be faithful one to another until death does them part. They are given Holy Communion and a special blessing, and a few suitable words of encouragement and congratulation are expressed by the officiating priest.
John and Catherine Blasitz were married in San Gelina, Jugo-Slavia, a seacoast town on the Adriatic. Sea. After their marriage John found it necessary to emigrate to America, and two years later he sent for his wife. The couple settled in St. Louis and prospered.
Father O'Connor said to them: "You have traveled far from your country and wedding day, but not from your religion and early romance. They are still your best possessions and you do well to seal them again by so evident a manifestation of being true to them till death."
CHRISTMAS CLEANING
The ladies have decided to give the church its Christmas cleaning on Tuesday, Dec. 22nd, and say they can use a few more recruits. Those inclined to help will be welcomed.
We understand Ben's training at the New York Art School is having a marked effect on him; extending even to his clothes and personal appearance.
In a recent letter to his folks, Ben says he is now growing a beard, carrying a cane, wearing spats, and spends his spare time walking around with a camera looking for views.
If Ben ever appears on Tamm Avenue in this makeup, some of the "dog town" kids will certainly spatter him with mud.
When Ben left for New York he sold his Buick to Joe Gibbons. He recently wrote Joe a letter, admonishing "Safety First" in driving. After going into great detail in explaining what wonderful results could be obtained by running the machine with care, and what could be expected from careless handling, he ended up by saying, "I know it is a waste of time, Joe, to give you advice, but I'll bet George Freigshauser laughs up his sleeve every time he sees you drive by."
HOLY NAME SOCIETY'S HALLOWE'EN ENTERTAINMENT
We regret that in the last issue of "Let's Go" no mention was made of the splendid entertainment given by the Holy Name Society on the eve of All Saints Day.
While the size of the audience was not very gratifying, the show from start to finish merited high praise. The program opened with an amusing comedy picture, after which the Ganley sisters gave a fine exhibition of truly graceful dancing. Indeed, they did so well that a number of special requests were received to have them appear again at the close of the program.
Miss Bernadine Quinn revealed the fine quality of her sweet voice, and so did Miss Helen Ryan, and Miss Mary Harris, with Miss Marie Ryan at the piano. Helen accompanied her song with a few fancy steps from the Charleston, while Mary added zest to her part with a catchy recitation. The work of each one of these young ladies was highly pleasing.
Among the delightful treats of the evening were the Irish dances by Mr. Richard Barry and his brother John, with violin accompaniment by Mr. Frank Ganley. Mr. Richard Barry is a past dancing master, and he is also quite expert at playing the flute. And Mr. Ganley, too, may be said to be an artful violinist.
Miss Genevieve Mahon was the official pianist of the evening, and without her the tuneful selections would not have been so enjoyable as they were.
The program closed with a, comic picture appropriate to the occasion of Hallowe'en.
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Mr. Oscar A. Wood, who was received into the Catholic Church on his birthday, Nov. 18th, was united in Holy Matrimony on Thanksgiving Day to Miss Rose Pilla of 1101 Graham Ave. At the Nuptial Mass the couple were attended by Mr. and Mrs. James Smith, lately of Richmond Heights. After the ceremony, Father Pohl and Mr. Anthony Palumbo had the pleasure of also enjoying the wedding breakfast at the home of the bride's parents.
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Mr. Ed Conley, who was recently killed in an automobile accident on the highway between Robertsville and Union, was first cousin to Officer Maurice Cooper, 1515 Tamm Ave. The day previous to his death, Father O'Connor was hunting on his sister's farm, Mrs. Strothman of Robertsville. She said she was expecting her brother next day. A pathetic incident pertaining to the accident was the fidelity of the dog which escaped from the accident uninjured. He stood by the demolished car and would not permit anyone to approach the dying men.
THE STORK
A "shower" was the occasion of a jolly celebration at the home of Mrs. William Hefele, at 6511 Manchester Ave., on Monday afternoon, Nov. 30th. It was given in honor of an expected visit of the "stork" to the home of Mrs. Hefele's sister, Mrs. Theresa Larson, Victoria Ave.
A number of ladies were present, and it is said they all had a great time. Mrs. Hefele lived up to her reputation as a generous and efficient culinary artist. Mrs. Barney Quinn, after a great deal of coaxing, was prevailed upon to render her version of the "Charleston," and, we are significantly told, other dances.
Joe Sharamitaro must have thought the ladies would be unable to walk up the hill, after their big feed, as he obligingly delivered them to their respective homes in his fruit truck.
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On Tuesday, November 10th, Louis E. Fieser and Anna Kornegger were married at Nuptial Mass. Mr. James Gibbons and Miss Marie Meyer were best-man and brides-maid. The newlyweds traveled north for their honeymoon.
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To the advertisers who have so generously contributed to the financial support of this publication during the past year, we extend the season's greetings. We again ask our readers, before making purchases, to consult the following list:
Purgatorian Society
If you are a member of the Purgatorian Society and have sent in your dues and list, your name should appear in the following list, which will take the place of the usual certificate of membership which has heretofore been mailed or handed you. The spiritual director requests that he be notified at once if your name has by chance been omitted.
Masses will be said on the first Friday of each month for living and deceased and three masses offered immediately on death of a member. members,
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