This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
Dear Parishioner;
A review of the financial affairs of the parish covering a period of seven years seems at this time to be of special interest.
On January 1st, 1919, the parish indebtedness amounted to $4,000. A few days later the old church caught on fire and conditions were anything but encouraging; the parishioners assembled around the ruins and gathered up a few candlesticks and vestments, they took .them to the assembly room in the school and with the assistance of the nuns, an altar was erected.
The bell rang the next Sunday and masses were offered as usual. Most of the parishioners showed grit and determination. The ladies made light of having to kneel on the muddy floor over which the previous congregation had walked. With few exceptions, the congregation showed a fine spirit of self sacrifice and parish fidelity. They made it evident to the priests that they were going to see the thing through. Some sent flowers for the altar. Saturday after Saturday ladies came and scrubbed the floors of the temporary church; many of the parishioners sent to the Rectory generous checks; even the children vied with one another in giving nickels and dimes. It was really a great year for St. James; the parishioners had awakened from a torpor and the parish had received a baptism of fire.
A parish meeting was called. The hall had a capacity crowd, numerous suggestions were made, some said, "build a basement," others thought the old church could be improved and enlarged. It was difficult to come to a decision; the meeting disbanded without a definite program.
On the next Sunday I proposed to the parishioners the idea of enlarging the school and of using the addition for a temporary church. They at once agreed with me, and in a few weeks the present building was under construction. It cost $10,500. That year it was paid for and the parish debt was- reduced $500.
On January 1st, 1920, the parish was still in debt $3,500. Mr. John P. Dolan died that year, on his death bed he had the interest of the church at heart and bequeathed to the parish $500. By the end of the year the church was out of debt and for the first time in the history of the parish there was a balance on hand of $3,000.
The next year pew rent was discontinued, the school was practically made free, some of the old timers shook their heads and said expenses could not be made, I told them I knew the parishioners might be depended upon to do the right thing and I am glad to announce now I was not mistaken in my confidence; that year $6,000 was set aside. Next year I asked them to set aside $10,000. They did it -- at the end of 1922, the balance in the treasury amounted to $19,000. But the pace was too slow, it was evident it would take very many years before a sufficient sum could be accumulated to erect a new church; a meeting of parishioners was again called, the difficulty was explained to them, they asked me for a plan to increase the revenue, I suggested that each parishioner give 4% of his income to the church. The enthusiasts were few but the fidelity of the majority was evident. Many feared this was not a progressive plan, I assured them I had given the matter sufficient thought to be sure of my decision. The old guard had no more hesitation, they said they were with me, and the meeting decided to accept the 4%.
Since that time the revenue of the parish has consistently increased though many were slow to fall in line. In that period the parish has increased the building fund $41,000, and there is today in the treasury $60,000.
By persistent efforts the parish has progressed, Without the co-operation received from the staunch supporters of the parish, each movement would have died aborning. I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude to those faithful ones. The parish account books record their generosity and I am confident God will reward them in His own way for their sacrifices.
I appeal to them again on this the eve year of building the New Church, to get behind another movement I have in mind for making the biggest drive that yet has been conceived for increasing parish funds. I deem it necessary because I know after these years of effort and hope the vast majority of you want a church erected that will be in keeping with your appreciation of what is architecturally correct and large enough to seat the increased congregation which might be expected in St. James in another decade. Should any error be made in this matter, it will entail very serious consequences for the parish because the vast majority of the parishioners expect to see a beautiful large church erected. Should the edifice not come up to their expectations, they will be disappointed and disheartened and will say, "Is this all we have after all our efforts?" The morale of the parish would be broken and the indebtedness regarded as an overwhelming burden.
I deem it our duty to build a beautiful church, regardless of the cost, and it will be impossible to do so unless we have set aside a sufficiently large fund before the plans are drawn; hence I feel compelled by the exigencies of the case, to urge you to make unusual effort to increase your donations to the church this year.
Thanking you most sincerely for all you have done in the past and wishing you great success in your own undertakings, praying God to bless your homes and families with much gratitude, I remain,
Yours truly,
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR.
FATHER O'CONNOR'S COMMENTS ON THE ANNUAL REPORT
The first Sunday of the year, the late mass was crowded, the morning was dark, a thaw had set in. and everybody seemed to have taken a long sleep.
Father O'Connor commented on the annual statement and said he was very delighted with the report of the year 1925. The revenue was never greater. The income for the year amounted to $26,000 and of that amount over $15,000 was added to the surplus fund leaving in the parish treasury.-a sum total of $60,000.
He expressed special appreciation of the sacrifices that many of the parishioners made in paying their 4% regularly. He knew, he said there were some who had large families, small salaries and were burdened by the obligation of meeting notes on their own home, but notwithstanding these they kept up their contributions.
He also referred to the contributions received from a large number of the young people of the parish. "These," he added "are the manifestations of sterling Catholic character. Young people have many calls from the world of pleasure and show. When a young man or woman contributes regularly to the church we know that he has a proper appreciation of its spiritual worth, and that he is making an effort to live up to the high ideals of conduct which it dictates."
"The greater part of the revenue was derived from contributions of 4%, the total receipts from this fund amounted to $17,500. Added to this, the Sunday basket collection of $2,300, the interest of $3,000 on investments, the Christmas collection which amounted to over $800, it was evident that the amount derived from those who are not contributors to 4%, was an insignificant sum. In fact it might be said this latter class did not contribute as much in hundreds as the others did in thousands. They do not believe in the 4%, they believe in the old system. But with the old system it would be difficult to meet the current expenses of the parish, and it would take a thousand years to build a church." “It is not quite fair to say that those who contributed the 4% are also to be given credit for the basket collection, but it is a remarkable fact that the basket collection has not increased ten dollars in the past seven years. It was as high in Father Casey's time as it is now. It seems to us people get accustomed to put in a nickel or dime when the basket is passed regardless of whether or not they are contributors to the 4%. Now and then some individual in a moment of spiritual zeal, and perhaps of repentance for his past neglect, throws in a five or ten dollar bill and feels big about it; we appreciate the moments of generosity that have influenced his thoughts, and opened his purse, but they come far too rarely in the lives of many of you. People who are regular contributors to the church do more than that in a few weeks and think little or nothing about it. We would much prefer to see each contributor placing his donation in an envelope so that he will be duly credited with it in the parish records. Contributing to the church is a matter of duty and a good Catholic man, no matter how small his contribution might be, should be desirous of letting his parish priest know that lie is making an effort to assist him in carrying the parish burden."
“We intend mailing to each parishioner this week a statement of the amount of his contributions to the church during the past year. There are a few of the new parishioners whose names are not yet in the parish account books, perhaps, they expect us to send them collectors but we are not in the habit of doing so. We realize they are not yet initiated in the ways of the parish and would ask them to begin as soon as possible to send in their contributions."
"Investing the parish funds has become a matter of much concern to me. An error of judgment in this affair would be calamitous. I have made an effort to invest in securities that bear 6% interest. Mr. Gittens has given me, with others, a great deal of valuable assistance, so far the investments have been safe and profitable, and the Archbishop has so much approved of the purchases, he has long since left me to travel alone. However, I submit to him each year a record of our investments and I am confident his keen eye would quickly detect a bad bargain had I made one.
"I am going to make an announcement to you today which is of the greatest moment in the history of the parish. This month next year, with God's help if I am living, the contract for the new church will be let. Many of you, since you were children have looked forward to this event. I'm afraid that because of your long deferred hopes and many efforts that you will expect a building that will be so complete and beautiful as would be impossible to erect with the amount of funds that will be on hand. When we go into the purchase we will be like a man in a store with a child at his side who goes to purchase a hat. He will be asked whether it is for the child or himself he wants to make the purchase, the bigger the hat and the more high grade the material, the greater the price. So if you want me to purchase for you the church that will come up to your expectations you must send me to the architect and the contractor with sufficient funds to buy what you desire.
"I intend submitting to you from time to time at the parish meetings sketches of churches drawn by reputable architects with an estimate of the probable cost. We have traveled together these many years and have undertaken nothing before we had reached a mutual agreement. I hope to do so in this affair. Don't blame me if the church that is erected is not satisfactory. I will give you what you want, though I am sure I will do all in my power to prevent your making a mistake.
"You see, therefore, how necessary it is for you to attend the parish meetings. These will be the proper occasions for discussing the problems that we have before us. Every parishioner will be given an opportunity of expressing his viewpoint, or of agreeing or disagreeing with those that might be expressed so that the parish as a whole will have to carry the responsibility for the debt that shall be contracted and the church that shall be erected.
"I feel that we owe it to this community to erect a beautiful church. There is nothing that so impresses a child with the majesty of God as magnificence and art in a temple. A child's ideas of things are taken from his first impressions and the importance of religion will be deeply engraved in his memory if he sees his parents making a big sacrifice towards the erection of a magnificent church.
"You might hesitate when asked to give a large contribution towards the church building but if your child were in the hands of a police officer or you saw him looking at you through prison bars, what sum would pay for your tears? Would you not spend all that you had to procure his release? You would even sell the home over your head to secure his liberty, but you could never, had he committed a crime, buy back his reputation or remove from your memory the conscientiousness of the tragedy that had fallen on your home.
"I appeal to you to be properly impressed with the importance of the spiritual welfare of your children. You can't build a spiritual character of strength or stability without paying the price. Religion alone will save the youth in modern times in the many dangers and temptations which everywhere surround them, and when a child is taught from his infancy to put his penny in the basket and to look up to the church with reverence he will gradually develop in his life those principles of conduct which will make him a pride and an honor to his parents.
"At the beginning of last year I asked you to set aside $15,000 towards the new church fund. I know you and I knew what to expect of each one of you, I felt you wouldn't fail me and you came up to my expectations. When I ask you to do something that is difficult you may hesitate and shift from one foot to another, but you never refuse me. I am not going to tell you how much I expect you to contribute this year, the sum I have in mind would probably startle you, I intend putting on a big drive, the least that I ask of each one of you is 4% of your income, I will expect some of you to do more. Regardless of what anyone did in the past, I would ask every wage earner who is listening to me to begin at once to send in his contribution and to form a unit in this parish organization that has determined to build a suitable church. Let us all work together for the honor of God and towards the extending of the Kingdom of Christ in Heaven which the church foreshadows on earth, mindful that there is no love where there is no sacrifice and that Christ in emphasizing his love for us said, "No one had greater love than to lay down his life for his friend." Let us contribute toward the new church in the spirit of zeal and devotion and our contributions will have a religious value. They will be a proof to our Lord of how earnestly we love Him and He will be with us in all oar undertakings and difficulties, and with so powerful a protector we cannot fail."
ST. JAMES PAROCHIAL SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
A special meeting of this organization held in the school hall on the evening of December 17th. The meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a dramatic club within the society.
Raymond Usher presided and about forty members were present. Mr. Usher stated that it would be a decided advantage to have a dramatic club which would help to continue the development that was begun in the school and which made many members pre-eminently fitted to take part in a play. He said in this way a fund could be created wherewith suitable memorial windows could be erected in the new church in memory of Father Casey, Sisters Catherine and Louis. A motion was made to begin at once to elect officers who would encourage this organization and the following were appointed:
Dan Murphy, President;
Helen Bawn, Vice-President;
John Mahon, Secretary;
Genevieve Mahon and Mary Wilson, Assistant Secretaries;
Teresa Manion, Treasurer;
Euph. Jones, Assistant Treasurer.
It was decided that the officers should meet on Thursday, January 7th, at Mr. Murphy's home and select a play and name the formers.
BAPTISMS FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
============================
Mrs. Daly, better known as Helen Moore, 1356 Tamm Ave., gave birth to a baby boy Christmas eve, at St. John's Hospital.
=============================
John May, 2009 Martha Place, was in an explosion, January 4th, and is St. Mary's Hospital.
EUCHRE AND LOTTO
The Boosters' Club are requested to note that St. Ann's Sodality will give a Euchre and Lotto in the School Hall, Thursday evening, January 21st, the price of admission 35c, You are expected to be present with all your friends and relatives and prove to the ladies of the Sodality that this Boosters' Club is not a big hoax.
MAHONS’ FILLNG STATION
There appears to be a keen competition between Bellamy's Filling Station, The Mahon brothers' Filling Station and Eddie Ryan. Mr. Ryan proposes erecting a stand for himself that will be so high that he can spit on the other two. Recently, Mr. Ryan suffered an awful humiliation. Whilst passing The Mahon Brothers' Filling Station, his machine went dead. John Mahon obligingly came out to render whatever assistance he could. He saw at a glance that Mr. Ryan was out of gasoline. "I knew," he said, "Mr. Ryan that when you needed a first class article, you would come with an empty tank, so drive in, I will give you the first five gallons for nothing."
THE CHRISTMAS PARTY
With part of the proceeds of their Euchre, the Mothers' Club gave a Christmas party for the children at the school on Wednesday, Dec. 23rd. Besides the 300 belonging to the school, 132 extra children were entertained and each was given by Santa Claus, candy and fruit.The ladies presented the Sisters with a Christmas turkey and a large basket of fruit. They also made gifts to Father O'Connor and Father Pohl.
This efficient body, inspired by the dynamic Mrs. Bovard is deserving of an immense amount of credit for their efforts in behalf of the school and church.
=========================
The church, the aisles, the vestibule and the hallway leading to St. James Church was crowded at the Christmas Midnight Mass. It would appear most of those present went to communion.
===========================
Father O'Connor presented a pocket knife at Christmas to the boy in each room who knew best the Catechism. On the way home from school two of the boys got into a scrap about one the knives and one of them gashed the other's foot. No more pocket knife presents!
Father Pohl is becoming quite a hunter. He has advanced so far that he can now hit what he aims at. Unfortunately, he sometimes aims at "protected" game. Recently, while on a hunt with Messrs. Plengemier and Bersch, he saw what he thought was a cottontail bunny sitting on the crown of a hill, took careful aim, pulled the trigger and blasted an ear off a mule.
WAH! WAH!
On Tuesday morning, January 5th, at St. John's Hospital, Mrs. Theresa Moran Larson, 6225a Victoria Ave., gave birth to a ten pound baby boy.
Mrs. Larson is a sister to Mrs. William Hefele, and recently returned to St. Louis after living for several years in New York City, where Mr. Larson held an important office with the Fox River Butter Co. Mrs. Larson persuaded her husband to give up his position so that they could return to St. Louis; as in her own words, she would "rather live in St. James Parish than on the Joisey side."
The Larsons have two other children, Dorothy and Raphael.
===========================
LETS GO goes to press on the Tuesday after the last Thursday of the month, and is distributed on the following Sunday.
================================
Sister Sacristan requests the ladies of the parish to be mindful that candles for the Altar and home will be blessed on February 2nd and that she expects them to send in their donations not later than the Sunday previous.
===================================
Ryan's filling station presented a thermometer to its customers at Christmas. It tends to produce in the home a spirit of comfort and good cheer. When the fire goes down and the north winds blow, it registers a temperature of 80, and when the weather moderates and the furnace flames with latent energy suggestive of the lower regions, the thermometer plainly says, "keep cool, see I'm only 65." It has some of the peculiar energy of Ryan. When he is all smiles and bubbling over in the effervescence of wit and good will one can be sure he is suffering from a corn on the toe; a blister on the heel, a boil in the back of the neck and not a dime in his pocket.
THE MIRACLE
Undoubtedly, Father Stritch, by his criticism, has done a good deal to eliminate undesirable features from the Miracle play. We understand the producing company acceding to his wishes, made a laudable effort to remove many of the objectionable features of the play, but there is still in the performance an element of ridiculousness which is repulsive to Catholic taste and untrue to Catholic practice.
A few boys from St. James' parish witnessed a recent performance. They were impressed by the grandeur of the temporary cathedral, the solemn tones of the organ, the consonance of the bells, the elaborate staging of the play in its rich tapestries and variegated lights, the rigid statuesque pose of the Chicago lady who represented the statue of the Virgin.
All these features, however, did not counterbalance the abhorrence they experienced at seeing nuns so ridiculously caricatured. "We never," they said, "saw a nun who would act so silly and display such lack of self-control. These ladies in the nuns' garb rushed here and there around the cloister like inmates of a madhouse, rather than the disciplined women whom we are accustomed to admire in our convents. At times they became hysterical and silly, and at no time were they reverent and impressive." If convent life was no better than what it is depicted to be as staged in the Miracle, the boys would be in favor of abolishing convents and sending the so-called religious into the world.
The religious processions also were conducted contrary to Catholic practice and the court fool was given a place among the dignitaries in the sanctuary where his capers were supposed to be mirth-provoking, but to a Catholic, nauseating.
We would rather depend upon a boy's unsophisticated impressions of the worth of the Miracle play than any afterthought which Father Stritch might have given to his former remarks.
================================
Mrs. Buddy, mother of Mrs. Ward, 1041 Louisville Ave., who was buried from St. James Church, December 23rd, was a fine type of old-fashioned mother. She loved her home, her family and her church and faced death in the fortitude of Christian hope. May she rest in peace.
PARISH MEETING
The Parish Meeting of November was deferred from the last Thursday of the month, owing to Thanksgiving, and as the meeting for December would fall on the eve of New Year, a special meeting of the Parish Organization was called on December 11th. The attendance was small but enthusiastic..
The chief business transacted during the evening was an election of officers: Messrs. Riegel, Martin Coad and Pierce as soon as their names were placed in nomination vigorously opposed their election. It looked as if they were fearful to run in a race with Mr. Crotty the outgoing president. After a vote was taken Mr. Crotty's popularity became more evident. At the first roll call he received a majority of votes and was continued in office for another year.
Mr. Martin Coad received second highest number of votes and was elected Vice-President.
Mrs. G. J. Boerckel formerly Miss Mary O'Hare, was unanimously elected Secretary.
The committee of forty were called on to report on the visits which they were instructed to make on parishioners who had not been supporting the church and school. Father O'Connor spoke for this committee and said that as some of the members had shown a reluctance to call on these parishioners, he transferred their work to the financial committee. These, he said, visited many of the parishioners with very good results. Ollie Dolan procured promises from several that they would begin to contribute, and Mr. Kletzker and Mr. Stiff received a donation of $25 from one family. It was decided to discontinue the calls until the New Year.
A discussion took place as to whether the Parish Meetings should not be held on the first Monday of the month and it was finally decided to continue as in the past on the last. Thursday.
Father O'Connor paid an eloquent tribute to Mr. Pierce, Mr. and Mrs. Boman, Mrs. Gittens and Mr. Jim Coad for the efficient service they had rendered in publishing the little pamphlet "LET'S GO." He said it took a great deal of time and trouble as the copy had to be made up in the few days following the parish meeting, usually the work had to be rushed to get the copy to press not later than the Tuesday following. He was glad to say that the paper was a financial success and the majority of the parishioners appreciated the breezy, newsy manner in which it was written. No doubt it has justified its existence and accomplished its purpose which was to keep the parishioners informed on parish activities.
Mr. Ed. Pierce suggested the advisability of establishing a parish boosting club. Father Pohl enlarged on the advantages that might be derived from such an organization, and on a motion being made by Mr. Pierce, Father O'Connor was requested to form the nucleus of such an organization. All the men who were present signified their willingness to be members of this organization, and their motto is BOOST EVERYTHING THAT IS STARTED IN ST. JAMES, and be present at every affair given in the name of the Parish.
Mr. Crotty, after thanking the meeting for his election, said that there was every indication that the year 1926 would be one of the biggest years of financial success and he asked all who were present to co-operate with him in making the meetings larger and more interesting.
As there was no further business to transact, the meeting adjourned.
PICTURE SHOWS
St. Ann's Sodality recently gave two picture shows which were very entertaining as well as financially successful. The proceeds from these shows are being put into a fund to be used for purchasing something for the new church. This fund is well past the $100 mark and the Sodality officers promise to stimulate its further growth with a number of entertainments during the coming year.
Indebted to Mrs. Bringlia
Many have been wondering how the Sodality was able to obtain such wonderful pictures for its shows until it was recently explained that they were procured without cost through the friendship of the Bringlia family, who are closely related to the Skouras Brothers, theatrical magnates. One of the Skouras brothers is married to Mrs. Bringlia's daughter. At their first performance "The Sea Hawk" which was very recently a first run picture, was presented.
The officers of the Sodality extend their thanks to Mrs. Bringlia for her kind assistance and urge parishioners to patronize the Skouras Theatres.
Euchre Prizes Wanted
The Sodality is preparing to give a Euchre in the very near future and the officers are asking the parishioners to assist by the donation of articles suitable for prizes.
EUCHRE AND LOTTO
The Prize Euchre and Lotto given by the Mothers' Club in the School Hall, on Wednesday evening, Dec. 8th, was attended by a large and enthusiastic crowd. Both the Euchre and Lotto tables were well filled and all seemed to be well satisfied with the evening's entertainment.
Chigger! The Cops!
No prizes were given, but an arrangement by which the winners were granted the privilege of purchasing certain items at very nominal prices, seemed to be the point of distinction, between a gambling orgy and a legitimate enterprise: Oh! Well! anything to please, Chief.
New Tables
The Euchre was the christening event for the new tables purchased by the Mothers' Club. The tables are small, but efficient, and fold up to a very compact size so that they can be packed away with little trouble. They are patterned after a sample borrowed from St. Bridget's Parish. The material was purchased from Huttig Sash and Door Co., and the tables were made by a committee of the men from the School Patrons' Association.
Of this committee, Jim Kelly procured the sample and bossed the job; Louis Riegel purchased the material and assisted Kelly; Tom Duggan set a dizzy pace in the construction of the tables, and was ably supported by Will Driscoll, Ben Plengemeier, Geo. Wiber, Bernard Brady, John Lawrence. Ed. Pierce and his son James.
==========================
Very often people in the parish are anxious to be nearer the church and school and would be glad to know of property so situated. Mr. W.T. Boman has a modern five room brick bungalow one block west of the church and a modern 5-room frame, 2 blocks south, and would be very glad to talk it over with you.
======================
The Dolan Real Estate office has now painted on its window
DANIEL SHEEHAN, Attorney-at-law. Good for Dan!
==================================
The Mother General Regenald O S D of Sparkill, New York is on a visit to the Dominican sisters of the west. She was expected at St. James on Jan. 8th.
===================================
Patrick J. Connors, 1321 Hampton Ave., has taken over the barber shop at 6401 Manchester Ave., in the John P. Dolan Building.
===================================
Jimmy Kelly, 6519 West Park Ave., fell off a fence during the Christmas vacation, and broke his leg.
VIRGIN MOTHER'S SODALITY
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception the Virgin Mother's Sodality held their meeting at which the following officers were elected:
Mary Devaney, 1538 Buck Ave., President;
Virginia Jones, 1034 Tamm Ave., Vice-President;
Margaret Oates, 6811 Waldemar Ave., Secretary;
Margaret McDonnell, 1104 Forest Ave., Treasurer;
Loretta Cooper, 1515 Tamm Ave., Medal Bearer.
The members present pledged themselves to make the Sodality a more energetic, active organization. They propose to make a special effort to bring all the public school children in the parish into the catechetical instructions that are being held at 4 o'clock each Friday, and to see that the children are present at 9 o'clock mass each Sunday. They also determined to advertise Catholic literature in the community, and to arouse and interest in the many admirable novels that have been written by Catholic authors.
Father O'Connor said he proposed to have no one in the Sodality who would not be willing to become all active parish worker.
On the first Sunday of the month there was a profession of members and the following young ladies were enrolled: Ethel Barry, Margaret Irvin, Cornelia Gruner, Loretta Cooper, Mary Harris, Margaret Oates. Teresa Jones, Francis Doering, Helen Oates, Catherine Mahon, Josephine Moellenbeck, Helen Mahon, Geraldine Arlt, Dolores Arlt, Rose Gioia, Teresa Gioia, Edna Saxton, Amelia Aydt.
=================================
Mrs. B. Weaver whose sister was killed January 2nd, by an automobile at Manchester and Prather Aves., has the consolation of knowing that the deceased lady was at communion the morning of the day she met with the fatal accident.
================================
Mr. Joseph Pauk purchased the next lot south of the rectory from Evans and Howard at the suggestion of Father O'Connor. He intends building there a double decker flat at a cost of about $12,000.
======================
Make haste with the marriage, Lent begins February 17th.
===================
Mrs. Bayers, 6929 Magnolia Ave., who has been a patient in the Deaconess Hospital during the past three weeks, came home on Wednesday. Her condition is not much improved.
===============================
Catherine Cullen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, 1111a Central Ave., was given permission by Father O'Connor to be married at Chicago on Thursday, December 31st. Mr. John Jay Woodmansee is the fortunate fellow.
=================================
Throats will be blessed on the Feast of St. Blase, February 3rd, after the morning masses and at 3:30 and 8 p. m.
=================================
Miss Minnie Carreras has been re-employed as organist at St. James Church. During the past six years she played at St. Malachy's. She hopes to have a splendid choir trained for the opening of the new church.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY
At the annual meeting of the Holy Name Society, December 14, 1925, the principal matter of business was the election of officers.
The new officers are
Mr. Bernard P. Brady was appointed as delegate to attend meetings of the Archdiocesan Union during the next three years. There are three such delegates, the other two being Mr. H. Hager, who has just one more year to serve, and Mr. George Wiber, who has two more years to serve..
The meeting was not so well attended, but nevertheless there was plenty of zestful competition for the various offices. Besides Mr. Oats, the nominees for the presidency were Mr. Bernard Brady and Mr. J. P. Harris. For the office of vice-president there were four nominees, Mr. Michael Maloney, Mr. D. F. Collins, Mr. Bernard Brady and Mr. Hugeback, the successful one. Mr. Mike Maloney ran a close second to Mr. Hugeback.
Mr. John J. Kelly was opposed for the office of secretary by Mr. D. F. Collins, who lost by merely one vote. In fact, the favor shown for Collins was responsible for his being elected to the office of assistant secretary.
This will be Mr. Kelly's fourth year as secretary of the Society, and his re-election this time very nearly caused him to lose his happy home. Before coming to the meeting he received explicit instructions from his wife to decline any further offers for the secretaryship of the Society because he has been using altogether too many of the children's note books for the minutes of the Holy Name meetings.
Mr. Boyer was elected to the office of treasurer by acclamation.
Father O'Connor, Spiritual Director of the Holy Name Society, welcomed the new officers and wished them every success in their work during the coming year.
A piano has been purchased by the Holy Name, and at the annual meeting it was decided to charge a rental of $5.00 for each time it is used by other societies until the treasury has been reimbursed for the cost of the piano. Mr. Anthony Palumbo was appointed custodian of the piano.
In future, the meetings of the Holy Name Society will be held quarterly in place of monthly, as heretofore. The next meeting will be in February, on the evening of the second Monday of the month.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
Dear Parishioner;
I feel I come closer to your ear when I write you a letter and can more easily explain to you the thoughts that are constantly recurring to my mind.
We should build a church so devotional and beautiful as to be a source of inspiration to all who enter it; the kind of building that arouses in the heart a holy emotion and that inclines one to linger in reverence.
Rubbing up against a selfish world makes our hearts callous and cold; when we come to church we would like to find our generous better nature bursting the shell and expanding in sentiments. of love and good will. Such a feeling as the apostles had when they uttered in the presence of the Transfigured Christ, "Lord, it is good to be here."
A beautiful church usually produces this effect in the minds of the well disposed. It speaks to the soul and stimulates the emotions. It is a sermon in stone, a refuge in times of mental distress, a help to salvation.
One of the parishioners recently said to me, "Father, I would rather see you wait ten years than erect an ugly unattractive church." He expressed my own thoughts, but my hands are now tied; I am bound to keep my promise of letting the contract in January.
At the parish meeting it was decided that the church must have a seating capacity of at least 750. That means a large church, and unless we have a sufficient fund when we begin, we cannot expect a very beautiful church without imposing on the parish an intolerable debt.
Hence I would ask each wage earner to give not less than 4 per cent of his income this year to the church. You won't miss it if you put the amount into the envelope on receiving your pay; four cents of each dollar that you earn is not an enormous sacrifice to make. There will be still 96 cents left for your bodily needs, and you will get on better with that much and God's blessing than with the whole dollar and God's frown.
Don't say, "I will pay it all in one sum at the end of the year." With few exceptions people who say that prove that “Hell is full of good intentions!"
Yours sincerely in Christ,
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR.
A BEAUTIFUL CHURCH
Many irritations come our way in the course of a day, things go wrong in the best regulated families; the mind colors the objects around it with a touch of what it finds within itself. A Fifth Avenue mansion is as open to the shafts of grief as is the miner's hut of clay. Luxurious apartments, turkish bath, and French chefs do not make men happy The soul requires its own food. Spiritual starvation is more prevalent among the rich than bodily starvation is among the poor. More important are the things that bring peace to the mind than those that minister to bodily comfort.
In the desert, amidst the shifting, burning sands, the traveler hopes to reach, before his strength is spent, the oasis, where he shall rest under the cool shade of the palm tree and drink of the refreshing fountain. The church is the oasis in this desert of burning cares and weary labors. There a man hopes on Sunday to lay down his heavy pack of worldly anxieties and refresh his weary soul.
The church building to be in keeping with the inspiring message of God's love, should have all those elements that appeal to the man's thoughts from the sordid things of earth. The soothing tones of the organ, falling midst the soft light from stained glass windows within a beautiful edifice, dispose a man to feel that Heaven is near.
Money spent on a beautiful church is well spent. One thinks little of paying $500 for the furnishing of his sitting room. The church is the ante-chamber of the home; it is the spiritual banquet hall for the family. The fact that it is used by others does not deprive it of that privacy which man wants when he retires to meditate. Your parish church is a very important portion of your property. Do your share to make it possible to erect a building that will be inspiring and beautiful. If you want the best you must pay the price.
LENT
Lent is a time set apart by the church for penance and acts of self-denial.
After the eternal punishment due to mortal sin is remitted there still remains a debt called temporal punishment which must be paid in this life or the next. Voluntary penance satisfies this demand and the church exhorts all who have sinned to discharge this debt during Lent.
Lent is also a time for increasing merit and advancing in sanctity. Christ, who never sinned, fasted and prayed in the desert for forty days.
Acts of self-denial are the most potent exercises for character building. Each day one should deny himself something in order to gain self-control. Sin is an indulgence of a passion or a selfishness and is the mark of a weakling. Virtue is taken from the Latin word "vir;" which means a man! Virtue means manly strength, habitual self-control and self-denial in conformity with the will of God.
Practical Acts of Self-Denial
Refraining from amusements and luxuries such as cards, dances, tobacco, sweets and shows. Abstaining from unnecessary food and complying with the abstinence from meat on days on which the church forbids it.
Men who drink owe it to themselves to put on the brakes during Lent. A habit of drink easily grows and has ruined the career of many. A man who can deny himself the glass during Lent needs have no fear of becoming a drunkard.
Practical Devotions
Daily mass, weekly confession and communion; attendance at the public devotions, especially at the Stations of the Cross.
Reading a few good books, such as the Holy Gospels, the life of our Lord, etc., etc.
Lent begins February 17th. There will be distribution of ashes Wednesday morning after each mass, in the afternoon at 3:30 and at night after devotions.
Working men and their families are permitted the use of meat at the principal meal all days of Lent except Ash Wednesday, Wednesday and Saturday of Holy Week and on Fridays.
Hours of Devotion
CHILDREN'S EXAMINATION
The school children were given report sheets on Tuesday on their recent examination. Sister Gabriel requested the children to have their parents sign them before they are returned to her. Children who have not succeeded in making the grade will be given an opportunity of making up the work before the end of the school term. In future, diplomas will not be awarded to any child who has not passed.
The following children of St. James School made the highest marks in the recent examination in their respective classes
BAPTISMS IN JANUARY
=========================
Mrs. John Wack, 1546 Tamm Avenue, gave birth to twins Saturday, January 30th. She has ten children living, seven boys and three girls.
PRESIDENT UNTIL SHE REMARRIES
Mrs. Bovard was again elected President of the Mothers' Club much to her disappointment. She states that the people of Benton greet her as Mayor Kiel. Father O'Connor suggested that she be appointed for life as she was a splendid president. A voice in the hall "or till she gets married again."
On the way from the meeting she said, "I would like to tell you ladies what I think about you.” Mrs. Hefele replied, "You have been retained in office because you are so capable of holding your tongue. We all admire this exceptional trait in a woman."
Mrs. McDonnell was elected Vice-President and Mrs. Wiber and Mrs. White continue in office as secretary and treasurer respectively.
The Mothers' Club in their annual report state that their efforts have been directed to giving a warm lunch to the children at cost. They also find it necessary to keep a supply of candies and sweets to meet the demands of the children. During the past year there was a deficit in the treasury presumably because of the loss in the sale of candy. Mrs. Irvin was appointed to take care of the candy counter during the year 1926 and to appoint ladies who will be responsible to her for its sale. It was decided that the candy counter would be closed on days when her representative was not present.
Many mothers have complained that the children spend all their money in purchasing candy and go without lunch. The sisters and the ladies in charge make every effort to encourage the children to buy more milk and less candy. If a child has only five cents, they insist that it buys a lunch.
The Club sold about $1,500 worth of lunches during the past year.
With funds which they have received from their euchres and lottos they have purchased chairs for the parish hall and euchre tables, also the equipment for tables for banquets, and the balance of the fund has been applied for maps for the school, blackboards and other requirements. In many instances they have given free books and free lunches to poor children.
CATHOLIC INSTRUCTION CENTER
The Catholic Instruction Center, under the direction of Father Henry, S. J., has been holding a class every Sunday in the School Hall for the education and recreation of children not attending the parochial school. Last Sunday there were 50 present. George Wiber operated the picture machine.
Mr. Maher, a Jesuit Scholastic, exhibited on the lantern pictures of the mass. Mr. Birch, Mr. and Mrs. Henkle, Mr. and Mrs. Stiff assisted in the hall and the Young Ladies' Sodality was represented by Mary Devanney, Vera Bersch and Cecelia Badendieck.
APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER
The Apostleship of Prayer Society reports a number of special favors that have been granted through the prayers of the members scattered through the world. One member reports a cure from rheumatism. Another a return to the practice of religion, and the baptism of an infant. Those seeking favors are requested to send in their requests preceding the Holy Hour, so that they may be placed on the Altar during this devotion.
The promoters, in their endeavor to encourage the reading of Catholic literature, have established on the second Sunday of the month a Catholic Magazine Exchange at the door of the church. Mrs. Nixon is in charge of the 7:30 Mass, Marie Pate the 9 and Mrs. Combrevis at 10.
Those who desire a special magazine can purchase one at a slight cost or get it in exchange for another.
===========================
The River Des Peres sewer is made in Benton and the portion near Scullin’s Plant is now under construction.
============================
Mr. Arnold, 6507a Manchester Avenue, is at Barnes Hospital, where he recently underwent a very serious operation. His condition is satisfactory.
FATHER O'CONNOR SEES THE CHARLESTON
Mary Wilson and Louise Bawn gave an exhibition of the Charleston at a meeting of the Dramatic Club, which was held January 20th in the, school hall. Father O'Connor was asked what he thought about it. He smilingly replied, "The girl who can dance that is capable of becoming a mountain climber."
Miss Maria Kelley, 6903 Mitchell Avenue, gave a recitation entitled "The Baseball Game." It was evident she is a skilled elocutionist. She was given extended applause.
Estelle Coad read a poem by Aloysius Mahon, a welcome to the class of 1925. About forty members of the association danced after the entertainment.
Raymond Usher in the course of the evening sang several songs. Refreshments were served by the officers.
The next meeting of the society will be held Thursday, February 11th, in the school hall. There will be songs, dances, one-act plays and refreshments. The following will entertain John O’Shaughnessy, Randall Dwyer, James Dwyer, Loretto Cooper, Cornelia Gruner, Genevieve Martineau. Refreshments committee: Arthur Pahl, Eleanor Bannon, Alvinia Barr, Viola Barr and Virginia Jones.
PARISH MEETING – HOW BIG A CHURCH?
Chairman Mr. Crotty asked Father O'Connor to give an outline of the work to be taken up by the organization during the year.
In his opening remarks, Father facetiously spoke of the birthday of the organization falling on the same day as the birthday of the secretary. "We are," he said, "tonight celebrating two birthdays, one of this organization and the other of the secretary. We know the parish organization is one year old, but we have no accurate knowledge of the age of the secretary. The two have done very well during the past year, the secretary got married and the parish organization has been accomplishing what it set out to do."
Purpose of Parish Organization
"The Parish organization has for its purpose three aims; namely, creating a better social feeling among parishioners; increasing parish revenue, and deliberating on questions that can be better solved by the priests consulting with the parishioners."
Know More Faces
"It has done a great deal of good during the past year in, getting the parishioners acquainted; many of them were strangers in the parish a year ago and now they claim they are acquainted with half the congregation. It is a pleasure to come to church where you are greeted by a number of your neighbors."
An Increase in Revenue
"Its second aim was to increase revenue. This it has accomplished, as the revenue increased $3,000 in the past year.
Questions to be Solved
"This year the organization will devote the greater part of its efforts to solving questions that pertain to the new church. Older priests have advised me to spend a year preparing the plans. I intend doing so and having everything ready for the letting of the contract at the end of the year."
Size of Church
"Tonight I would ask you to discuss this question and come to a decision; later in the evening I will submit other matters for your consideration. There is, "Father continued, "a great deal of vacant property in this parish; perhaps there is not less than 800 acres. All of the property north of West Park has a market value not less than $30 a foot and that portion near the park is estimated to be worth from $50 to $100. Owners of this ground will not leave it vacant very long. Taxes are increasing, interest is being lost and most of the owners have been so long waiting for a market they are availing themselves of the boom that is now affecting this territory; they will sell as soon as they can and the buyer will erect a home. This means an increased population and a demand for a larger church. The Evens and Howard property south of the Rectory and east of Tamm Avenue is expected to be sold soon. They were recently offered a fair price and may accept it. True, this property is not high priced, but when it is opened, the poor man's home will come and with it the large family. We, as a parish, are more interested in souls than pocketbooks, and we must consider those facts when planning a new church."
Mr. Coad: "The present church will seat about 470 people. It is well filled at most of the masses, and with growth of the parish I think we ought to provide an additional 50 per cent seating capacity."
Mr. Martineau: "I believe, as Mr. Coad does, that the church should seat about 750 people. The property east of Hampton Avenue will eventually build up with factories and bring laborers to the parish; however, along Oakland Avenue and those streets close to the park, west to the parish boundary, will probably be built with homes costing between $10,000 and $25,000. Clayton Road has become one of the main arteries entering the city on the south side of the park."
Mr. Hugeback: "I have been around a good deal and observed that churches, in other parishes like this, have a seating capacity of about 500."
Mrs. McDonnell suggested about 800, and requested Mr. John G. Houlihan to give an opinion. "It won't be long," she said, "until the young Houlihans will require a whole church for themselves."
Mr. Crotty: "We should also give some thought to the needs for special occasions such as Easter, - Good Friday, Christmas Eve and the times of a Mission."
Father Pohl said that it was unnecessary to have more space to heat, build and decorate than would be used ordinarily; the picture show houses say all their profits come from those that are standing.
Mr. Martin Coad: "We must consider the length of the ground and the proper proportions of a church. After 30 feet is taken off for an entrance and ten feet in the back for a passageway, you cannot build a church and keep proper proportions if you look for a seating capacity of more than 750. I doubt even if you have room for 750."
Mr. Boman: "I make a motion that we build a church that will have a nominal seating capacity of 750; this may mean more or less according to the judgment of the architect. A seating capacity of 750 would take care of a great deal more on special occasions, as chairs could be put in the aisles and usually in large churches there is a good deal of space between the front pews and the altar railing which could be also utilized."
Mr. Pierce: "I second the motion."
On a vote being taken it was evident that all who were present were in favor of building a church that would have, a seating capacity of about 750.
Father O'Connor: "I am glad that you have come to this decision; it agrees with that of the Archbishop. He said when the parish gets larger you will be getting another assistant and having six masses. A church that has a seating capacity of about 750 will more than take care of a normal parish congregation."
Test the Ground
"Another question to be considered is, is our ground safe to build upon? I have been assured by Mr. Gibbons and other old settlers that this ground has not been undermined for clay, but as there is some uncertainty as to where the old coal mines were, it may be well for us to have the ground tested by boring a distance of about 60 feet."
Mr. Riegel: "What will it cost?"
Mr. Boman: "It would depend upon the space to be tested. I have good reason for believing it would not cost more than $200 to have the building site tested."
Mr. Riegel: "Regardless of the cost, I think we ought to play safe."
Mr. Jenneman: "Does Mr. Gibbons think the ground was undermined for coal?"
Father O'Connor: "Mr. Gibbons says there hasn't been any coal mining in this locality for 50 years. There was a coal mine in the adjoining property and he believes it did not go north of Wade Avenue. The coal mines, he said, were not more than five feet in depth and in all probability the ground filled in long ago."
Mr. Martineau: "Why not have a committee appointed at once to make proper investigation. If the ground were undermined perhaps we wouldn't be able to build on that site. Better find out in time."
Mr. Crotty: "Even if there was a coal mine, construction work would remedy the danger to the building."
Mr. Martineau: "I make a motion that the chair be empowered to appoint a committee who will confer with engineers about testing the ground."
Mr. Pierce: "I second the motion."
Motion carried and the chair appointed Mr. J. P. O'Gorman and Mr. Will Boman, with instructions that they were to incur no expense before reporting at the next meeting.
Survey of the Ground
Father O'Connor said that before calling in architects he thought it was necessary to have a survey of the church plot, so that they will have a chart to work on showing elevation of ground, depth of sewers and street levels. He added if we had once decided upon the plan of the church we could give out the contract for grading in the early winter, when excavators were not so busy. Mr. McCauley agreed with this suggestion and said the contract for excavation need not be included in the general contract and if this were done ahead it would mean an earlier start for the building.
The meeting authorized Father O'Connor to give out a contract for the survey, so that architects could be called in to discuss designs for the new church.
Meeting adjourned.
FOUR PER CENT ENVELOPES
The four per cent envelopes have been delivered by the school children during the past week and it is expected that everyone will contribute their just share to the parish revenue. Should you not receive a package apply at once to the rectory.
Those who decide not to contribute should return the envelopes immediately.
==================
The St. James Alumni Dramatic Club are well on their way to be social entertainers in the community. - Under the direction of Mr. S..F. Halley they are preparing a play, entitled "It Happened in June." They expect to stage it soon after Easter.
==========================
Since Will Hense gave up the soccer team, they say everything is strictly business about the store. No more delayed orders; no more items short.
The Henses feel that they were given a raw deal and cheated out of the soccer championship; and there is some justification for their grievance. "Life on the hill just ain't the same."
Though their lapse of interest in soccer may have benefited the grocery business, it certainly has put a crimp in neighborhood athletics. Hense seems to be the only one capable of gathering and holding together the necessary talent for a successful team, and it seems a pity that this guidance which our youngsters are so much in need of should be lost to them.
========================
Mrs. May Bisso, 2226 McCausland Avenue, had a family gathering last week on the occasion of her birthday. She is over sixty and not afraid to climb the hill to St. James Church every Sunday.
SCARLET FEVER
There appears to be a slight epidemic of scarlet fever in the neighborhood. So far no case has been reported among the children of the parochial school: Last year it decimated every class because people whose children contracted the disease were careless and permitted them whilst they were still "peeling" to mix with others in the streets.
Often a child has so slight an attack a doctor is not called. Herein lies the danger to other children. If you have any suspicion that your child has scarlet fever, keep it confined as long as there is any sign of peeling.
FATHER O'CONNOR'S WHITE DOG
Father O'Connor lost his white dog a week ago. It is worth about $150, as it is high bred and well trained. Has one brown ear and is about two years old. Answers to the name of "Gypsy." Parishioners are asked to be on the lookout for it.
YOUR CHILDREN
Those outside the church judge us according to our conduct. The school children make a very poor impression upon the non-Catholics of the community by their tantalizing disregard for neighbors' property. As they go along the street many of them are mischievous and destructive. They run upon lawns, tear up flowers and shrubs, break fences, take tools and other things that lay around homes.
It is known that some of the parents are aware of these pranks, and it is well to remind them that their indifference to the activities of the children will only assist them to the penitentiary.
======================
LET'S GO is a mirror of the Catholic and social life of the community. Fifty years from now copies that are preserved will be very interesting reading for the children who are yet unborn. They will search in its pages for their fathers' and mothers' names and they will be very delighted if it appears that their parents took an active interest in parochial affairs the year the church was built. Father O'Connor intends having a set of copies bound in book form and preserved in the rectory. If there are others in the parish who desire to have copies bound, he assures them the expense will be a trifle, provided they have the copies.
St. James Parish is most favorably situated on the hills along the south line of the western part of Forest Park, with excellent drainage and fine landscaping possibilities for every home.
Public improvements are in full swing. Our South Forest Park Improvement Association is pestering the city officials continuously. Among those completed are improvement of Oakland, Clayton, Louisville, Kraft, Famous, Waldemar, Garner, West Park, Nashville and Wise, opening of Lloyd, Wade, Villa and Childress, granitoid walks on Lloyd and Plateau from Tamm to Dale.
Other improvements are coming along through the tedious processes of the Board of Public Service, the Board of Aldermen, the City Law Department, etc., among which are improvement of Childress, Dale, Cutter, Berthold, Kraft, Adeline, Art Hill and Graham, sewers in River Des Peres Section C, Cheltenham Joint District (Manchester to Clayton and Tamm to Hampton), Dale Avenue District No. 6 (Buck Avenue), and Manchester Avenue District No. 6; granitoid walks on both sides Clayton from Hampton to McCausland, West Park, Knox and Kraft.
The certainty of a large increase in population justifies us, yes, demands, that, in planning our new church, we must take into account the St. James congregation of the next 25 or 50 years.
Adequate church and school facilities are a very large factor in the building of a community. Our people will readily see that home and business property in the parish will be benefited by such facilities.
======================
Mrs. Gibbs, mother to Mrs. Kavanaugh, 6811 Wise Ave., recently returned to the parish. The mothers' club, mindful of the many prizes they received from her in the past, gave her a hearty welcome.
Mrs. Placke had a birthday party last week. Several of the ladies of the parish were present and congratulated her on her remarkable recovery from her recent illness.
Father O'Connor wonders if St. Ann's is a married ladies' sodality. The members seem to have no man who will bring back the old pews that were taken out of the church by them for the euchre and lotto.
You know where you're going St. Patrick's Night. The Mothers' Club will give their annual Minstrel Show at Yale Hall.
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 at 8:00 P.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.
-----------------------------
This is undoubtedly the best show the Holy Name Society has ever prepared, and a capacity crowd is expected. The Boosters' Club is on the job. Look for a full house.
This is the last entertainment to be given until St. Patrick's Day, so don't miss it.
Preceding the entertainment, at 7:30, the quarterly meeting of the Holy Name Society will be held. The hall will open to others at 8:15 p.m. The Holy Name Society expects to have a large attendance at communion on the following Sunday as this is the quarterly period. A number of new members will be received.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
Dear Parishioner;
I have been turning over the leaves in the Parish Account Books, selecting the names of those to whom I shall send the quarter-a-week collectors. I have been very much impressed with the amount which the majority of you have contributed during the past two months and the regularity with which you have been sending in your envelopes. No matter how small the contribution may be, when given Sunday after Sunday, it counts up with the others and helps to make a big permanent income. The Sunday you do not contribute your customary sum the collection falls back that much, and when a number fail on an occasion the continued omission is very noticeable, and is somewhat depressing even to an enthusiast.
I am now puzzled as to what I should do with those good, faithful ones who were regular contributors the greater part of last year, and who, during the past few months, have not been sending in their envelopes. If they fail much longer to give their offerings our chances of a Big Year are ruined. I don't like to make any demand of them. Some of them may be sick or out of work. I think I will submit a special intention to the Apostleship of Prayer and leave it go at that. The promoters assure me that most of the favors recently asked have been granted. I would ask you all to be faithful to this weekly obligation. If you have not been a contributor your assistance is solicited; no matter how little you can give your contribution will be appreciated. The ocean is made up of drops, and harvest of single seeds, the big Sunday collections of individual donations.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR.
STONE OR BRICK FOR NEW CHURCH
An Interesting Discussion
Mr. O'Toole, representing the St. Louis Contracting Company, was present at the last parish meeting and gave information tending to make it possible to discuss intelligently whether the proposed new church should be built of stone or brick.
He has had much experience in the construction of churches. His company erected Holy Rosary Church, Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Ann's Church of St. Louis.
When Father O'Connor introduced him he said undoubtedly Mr. O'Toole would make out a case in favor of a stone building, as his was mostly a stone contracting company, but later on the other side of the question would be presented by an individual representing the interest of brick manufacturers, so he warned Mr. O'Toole to be very careful about his statements.
Mr. O'Toole said that Mr. Boman invited him to confer with what he thought was 'a few' of the parishioners, but he felt somewhat embarrassed at finding himself present at a parish meeting; however, he said he hoped to give the information that was expected of him, and when he got through he would be glad to answer any question which might be asked of him.
Mr. O'Toole said that there is a variety of stone used in construction in the St. Louis district, the cost of which depended upon the quality of the rock, the labor expended in preparing it, the freight in hauling it, etc.
He would, he said, give comparative prices on rock quarried in Missouri.
Comparative Prices
Red unfinished granite, such as has been used in the Font Bonne College, would cost $1.95 a square foot.
Limestone rubble facing, $1.50.
Brown stone, such as is used in the church at Union and Kingshighway and Holy Rosary Church, $1.40.
He personally preferred red granite as being more durable, non-porous, and neater in appearance, though he admitted the limestone rock from the Big Bend Quarry was in much favor by many who sought elegance and durability.
Father O'Connor asked what would be the cost of a wall 100 feet long, 20 feet high and 18 inches thick. Mr. O'Toole replied that he would figure it in a few minutes, and estimated that granite would cost $3,900, limestone $2,900 and a shale brick about the same cost as limestone. "Of course," he added, "the real expense of building a wall must be estimated not in accordance with the material used in the main portion of the wall; the number of openings, the ornamentation and trimmings increase the cost immensely, and," he said, "a contractor can scarcely give a just estimate before the architect presents his plans."
Mr. Huger, a local contractor and a parishioner, who resides at 1033 Louisville Avenue, asked if the walls were to be backed with brick and stone faced. Father O'Connor said it would interest the meeting to be told how church walls usually were constructed.
Mr. O'Toole replied that stone walls were usually backed with brick or tile.
Mr. O'Gorman: "Mr. O'Toole, when you speak of a wall of granite backed with brick, what proportion would be granite and what would be brick?"
Mr. O'Toole answered in an l8-inch wall about 9 inches will be rock.
Mr. O'Gorman: "When two materials are used, is there not a danger of the wall separating?"
Mr. O'Toole: "The materials are bonded by ties and headers, so that the wall is as strong as if a single material were used."
Limestone
Mr. Crotty: "Mr. O'Toole, do you think that limestone is durable?"
Mr. O'Toole: "Absolutely. There is no question about a hard grade of limestone such as is quarried at Manchester and Dale Avenues and Big Bend."
Father O'Connor: "Is there not a noticeable decomposition in the rock of the College Church?"
Mr. O'Toole: "Yes, in a part of the building where the contractor used a different rock from that which was specified. A porous limestone will not stand this climate."
Father O'Connor: "Mr. O'Toole, do you like the looks of red granite after some years? Doesn't it get a dirty color?"
Mr. O'Toole: "Not red granite. It is so hard that the water won't get into it. It won't take moisture. Red granite is the hardest granite in the United States. The best example of red granite is a house on Westmoreland which is over thirty years old and looks like new. It is hammered, but Washington University is another sample of red granite. A great many today want to get different colors in the work; at Concordia Seminary there are five different colors in the building and it has some limestone mixed in. At Washington University they put in the rusty granite. Now, there is a church at Wydown just west of Skinker which is a very good example of granite work, church, school and rectory all together; church since 1913 and school since 1919. That will give you an idea as to how it looks. Font Bonne College will look better in a few years than it does now."
Father O'Connor: "Mr. O'Toole, I understand that red granite when blasted in the quarry comes out in rough, jagged masses, difficult to handle and costly to work."
"That is true, father, but I gave you the price per foot at which it can be laid, and after you have let the contract the masons and the contractors will have to do the worrying."
Dampness
Father O'Connor: "Is a stone wall that is not backed with brick subject to dampness and difficult to plaster?"
Mr. O'Toole: "Yes, the cost of plastering is increased, but the dampness can be prevented by furring."
Father O'Connor: "What exactly is furring?"
Mr. O'Toole: "Inserting into the wall or behind the plaster a material such as wood that will absorb the moisture. Furring is objectionable because wood decays and the wire used in plastering in time gets rusty. Brick or tile backing is much to be preferred."
Father O'Connor: "I notice that there was little steel used in the construction of Holy Rosary Church. Is it cheaper to carry the roof of the building on rock piers or on steel?"
Mr. Huger: "Steel is the cheapest material we have in building today, costing only 5 ˝ cent a pound; it takes up less space and the walls need not be as thick, but it is a matter of taste; the piers are often preferred for decoration purposes."
Mr. O'Toole: "Has anyone any other question to ask me; if not I'd like to be excused."
Father O'Connor: "We are very thankful to you, Mr. O'Toole, for attending our meeting and giving us this information. It will be very helpful to us. Before leaving will you please answer one more question. Is the usual length of the wall of a church about forty feet?"
Mr. O'Toole: "No, about twenty feet."
Father O'Connor: "Isn't the College and Rock Church more than twenty feet high?"
Mr. O'Toole: "You mean the gable, Father. Yes the gable is usually about forty feet."
Mr. Huger: "Father, I would advise you not to decide on the material until the plans are drawn, then ask the contractors to submit estimates on different materials."
Information for Architects
Father O'Connor: "The idea we have in mind, Mr. Huger, is this: When we call in an architect he will say, 'What is the building going to cost?' 'What is the seating capacity to be, and what materials do you intend using?' This is very important if we expect him to make blue prints that will be accurate and practical. Before calling in an architect I think we ought to decide on the material to be used in the church. From the discussion it seems to me that stone will cost about ten per cent more than brick and that there would be a difference of ten or fifteen thousand dollars in the cost. And now to bring the matter to a conclusion, and as the Mothers' Club are preparing a play for St. Patrick's night and are anxious to have the hall for a practice, it is necessary that we take a vote to get an idea whether the meeting favors brick or stone."
Mr. Crotty: "Will someone make a motion to bring the matter before the house?"
Father O'Connor: "I will present the question, ladies and gentlemen: Supposing a stone. building would cost one-third more than a brick building and that a brick building would cost even more than we can afford, how many would be in favor, regardless of the cost, of having a stone building?"
On a show of hands being taken the vast majority were in favor of a stone building.
Mr. Houlihan: "Father O'Connor, you are a genius for presenting a question. If you stated it differently the vote would not be the same."
Father O'Connor: "Mr. Houlihan, you have the floor; state the question any way you please."
Mr. Houlihan said he was satisfied with the conclusion.
Testing the Ground
Mr. W. T. Boman, in behalf of the committee who were appointed to investigate if the site intended for the new church was safe to build upon, submitted information volunteered by Aegerter & Bailey, architects, 1904 Railway Exchange Building.
No Mines
The report is as follows: "From the investigation made today, it appears on the face of all records, consultations and conversations, that no mines nor tunnels nor excavated rooms occur under said property, yet I do not feel that I desire to definitely make a statement and have a third party build a costly building on same without progressing further with this investigation.
We know that the records of clay mines are not accurately kept and the Evens and Howard plat indicates that they came up to Tamm Avenue to the lot line on the east side of said street and that the Highland Pottery Company came not closer than 600 feet of your lot, according to their records, yet it is possible that either with intention or inadvertently these drifts or rooms may have extended beyond the point indicated on the records.
We have ascertained from surveys that there are three stratas of clay in this neighborhood, separate one from another by layers of stones.
No one would be able to tell by the ordinary drilling whether drifts or tunnels exist underneath your property. The method of procedure here would be a steel sound and a stone drill.
Mr. Crotty: "Since the committee were authorized to incur no expense and as they have procured the information desired, it is evident that we can go no further in this matter without calling in a contractor to make a final test of the ground."
Father O'Connor: "I propose that we leave the matter rest until it has been definitely decided where the foundation of the church is to lay."
This suggestion met with the approval of the meeting and the chair asked if there was any other matter to be discussed.
Build a Convent and Rectory Also
Mr. Heil: "Ladies and gentlemen, in addition to building a church, I propose that we include in our plans a convent and rectory. The immediate need for a church is not urgent; we could get along very well for some time with the one that we have were it not that we propose to abandon it to make room for additional school rooms. You cannot have additional school rooms unless you provide living quarters for more sisters. The present convent, as is known to most of you, is inadequate for the needs and the comfort of the present teaching staff.
Each room has two beds and little space. One of the sisters is compelled to sleep in a little room that is without heat, which was constructed over the stairs. Our sisters require more consideration and better treatment. I say let us build them a convent.
"The rectory, too, is old and will be a considerable distance from the new church. I suggest attaching a rectory as a south wing to the church and a convent to the north. I believe the three buildings can be erected for a cost of not more than $200,000, and if the three are constructed at the same time there will be a saving of from ten to fifteen thousand dollars.
"A heating plant sufficient to heat the three buildings also should be constructed and would in time be a considerable saving for the parish, as it would eliminate the necessity of digging a cellar for a heating plant and fuel.
"The old convent and rectory could be sold for about twelve or fourteen thousand dollars and this, with the fifteen thousand dollars saved on the construction of the three buildings, would give us one of them practically free."
Plan the Three Buildings
Mr. O'Gorman: "I agree with Mr. Heil that the three buildings should be planned at the same time, and when we are ready to let the contracts we will be better able to decide if the parish can shoulder so big an obligation."
Mr. Pierce: "I agree with Mr. Heil that money can be saved by erecting the three buildings at once. Unless we have more accommodation for new sisters there is no use speeding up the building of a new church."
Mrs. Manion: "I agree with Mr. Pierce and Mr. Heil that the three buildings should be put up if we can afford it."
Opposition
Mr. Crotty: "We should have half the money before we start the work"
Mr. Houlihan: "The company loaning us money will insist on payments being made each year. Should we borrow a hundred thousand dollars, the interest each year would be $6,000 and our present income would be further reduced by the amount of $3,000 which we at present derive from our investments.
Mr. Reece: "Mr. Huger, could we save fifteen thousand dollars by erecting the three buildings?"
Mr. Huger: "Yes, if the three buildings are erected at one time."
Mr. Reece: "I have been talking to two bonding companies and they are anxious to give us a loan of $100,000 provided that we have on hand another $100,000."
Mr. Crotty asked Mr. Hense for an opinion and he replied that he probably wouldn't be here when the church was built.
Mr. Crotty: "Don't be hanging crepe."
Father O'Connor: "Mr. Crotty, you probably misunderstood Mr. Hense; he means he is going to get married soon and go to California on his honeymoon."
Mr. Crotty asked Father O'Connor what he thought about the suggestion.
Father O'Connor: “We have set out to build a new church; for the time being let us defer the question of the rectory and a convent. We must not take on too large a debt. It appears to me that fifty thousand dollars is as much as the parish can carry."
Mr. Heil: "I do not agree with father. If he is afraid to put a debt on the parish for so good a purpose, I have lost my faith in his leadership."
Mr. Crotty: "I do not blame father for not wanting to assume so large a debt. You and I, Mr. Heil, may decide later to move to the West End; he will have to remain with the debt and his blond head will soon become white from worry.
The meeting adjourned.
Mr. O'Toole's Figures Upset by Hercules Construction Company
The Hercules Contracting Company, who erected the International Fur Exchange, Fourth and Market Streets, at a cost of $740,000, were asked by Father O'Connor to give the comparative prices between granite, limestone and brick. The following is their estimate of wall 100'x20'x18"
It is probable Mr. O'Toole made an error in his figures, but from both reports it is evident that the cost of rubble stone and matt face brick differs about 2% per cent, but as regards the difference between granite and brick, Mr. O'Toole's figures would imply that there is a difference of 33 1/3 per cent, whereas Mr. Hercules shows a difference of only 8 per cent.
Undoubtedly a truer estimate could be had by calling a third party.
BAPTISMS IN FEBRUARY
ADELE McVEY CONROY
This clever comedian will again lend her talents in behalf of the Mothers' Club Minstrel, to be given at Yale Hall on St. Patrick's Day.
Remembering her humorous antics on previous occasions, we look forward to another evening of genuine entertainment. Her clever imitations and ludicrous mimicry are a show in themselves, and they say she is better than ever in the new show. Do not miss it!
VIRGIN MOTHER’S SODALITY MEETING
After the usual devotions the sodality members met in the hall and discussed the possibility of organizing a basket ball team. Mary Emma Paul, 6705 Garner Avenue, and Marie O'Gorman were appointed as a committee of two to make the preliminary arrangements.
At an informal meeting held one evening after devotions it was reported that the team was now organized and that arrangements were made with Miss Thompson, principal of the George Dewey School, for the use of the gymnasium on Friday evenings.
Velma Trammel was authorized to purchase a basket ball and it was agreed that the ladies would meet on Friday evening after devotions and go in a body to play.
Refreshments were served by Genevieve Mahon, Cecelia Badendieck, Ethel Barry and Mary Sexton.
Virginia Jones and Rosemary Wiss were prize winners in a game that was played.
A discussion was held about the sodality adopting some means for raising funds for the new church, and it was agreed to present in the airdome at a later date the play known as the "Old Maids' Convention."
Father O’Connor complimented the young ladies on the work that was being done teaching the children in the Catholic Instruction Center, which meets each Sunday in the Parish Hall, and he exhorted them to extend their activities by aiding in organizing the Foreign Mission Society in the Parish.
It is understood that Reverend Mark Carroll of the Diocesan Missionary Society will address the sodality at the meeting which will be held in the School Hall Tuesday evening, March 9th, and all the members of the sodality are expected to be present.
LOUIE! THE BOWLER!
Ed Pierce, one of the editors of LET'S GO, is going to Toledo, Ohio, on the 12th of this month to take part in the Knights of Columbus National Bowling Tournament.
Mr. Pierce is a member of one of the teams League, of the Kain Council Bowling League along with Mr. Thomas Williford of St. James Parish.
---------------------------
Holy Name members who were mailed tickets for Shrove Tuesday's entertainment are requested to make returns to one of the captains mentioned in the letter that accompanied the tickets or to the Marshals on Communion Sunday.
A guard of honor will be kept during Holy Thursday night in church before the Altar of Repose by St. James Branch of the Holy Name Society. Volunteers are called for and the president, Michael Oates, 6414 Nashville Avenue, requests members to notify him, stating what time they would prefer serving.
THE ALUMNI DRAMATIC CLUB
The monthly meeting of the Dramatic Club of St. James School Alumni Association was held Thursday, February 11th, in the school hall. Mr. Dan Murphy presided. Over sixty members were present.
Apart from the dancing and general choruses, special features were added by James Dwyer, who dramatized the "Trials of a Traffic Cop," Genevieve Martineau and Raymond Usher.
Refreshments were served by Arthur Pahl, Viola Barr, Eleanor Bannon and Virginia Jones.
Mr. Murphy reports that the play, "It Happened in June," will be ready for presentation Easter Week.
Alumni members are requested to note that the regular monthly meeting will be held in the school hall Thursday evening, March 11th, and no special notices are to be mailed to members.
CONVERTS AND ADULTS
A class for converts and adults is being conducted on Wednesday evenings in the Rectory at 8 p.m. Pass on the information to those who might be interested and volunteer to accompany them.
THE CATHOLIC INSTRUCTION CENTRE
One wonders where the children are from, but Sunday after Sunday there are new faces in the class that is being conducted at 1:30 p.m. by Father Henry, S. J., in the school hall.
The children are very delighted with the arrangement. It is not all catechism; there are movies, prizes and special events. On the Sunday before Lent there was a Valentine party and outdoor games. There is to be enrollment in the Scapulars Sunday, March 6th, and the pupils are to be assigned to classes.
The instruction is specially for Catholic children who attend the Public School. There are ninety-seven now enrolled; an instruction is given also on Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. by the priests of the parish.
JUBILEE INDULGENCES AND CONDITIONS FOR GAINING THEM
The indulgence to be gained through the Jubilee is a plenary indulgence -- the total remission of the temporal punishment due to sin.
As in the case of all other indulgences, in order to gain the jubilee Indulgence it is necessary to be in the state of grace -- free from mortal sin.
The Jubilee Indulgence may be gained only twice -- once for the person who performs the prescribed works, and once for the souls in purgatory.
If it is gained only once it may be applied for either of these intentions.
The Jubilee Indulgence may also be gained twice this year by those who gained it last year.
In order that it be gained twice the prescribed works of the Jubilee must all be performed a second time.
The Jubilee Indulgence may be gained any time during the year 1926 until midnight December 31; but we recommend that it be gained as soon as possible.
The conditions for gaining the Jubilee Indulgence are these four: Confession, Communion, Visits to designated churches and Prayers for the Pope.
Confession: Any confessor may be chosen for the Jubilee Confession.
The confession for gaining the jubilee Indulgence must be other than the annual confession prescribed by the laws of the church.
Communion: The Jubilee Communion may be received anywhere.
The Communion for gaining the jubilee Indulgence must be other than the Paschal Communion prescribed by the law of the churches.
Visits to Churches: The prescribed visits may be made before, between or after the Jubilee Confession and Communion; or they may be interrupted by the jubilee Confession or Communion.
The interval between the Confession, Communion and Visits is left to the individual; but they must all be completed before midnight, December 31st, next.
A Visit must not be otherwise of obligation -- for instance, to satisfy our obligation of attending Mass on Sunday.
The Visits to the Churches need not be made on foot.
The Visits should be made with the intention of worshipping God, and this intention should be manifested by one's exterior reverence.
The Designated Churches: Those persons whose parish church is situated within the limits of the City of St. Louis should visit once a day on five days (not necessarily consecutive days) the New Cathedral, Lindell Boulevard and Newstead Avenue; St. Francis Xavier Church, Lindell and Grand Boulevards; The Basilica of St. John the Apostle, Sixteenth and Chestnut Streets, and the Old Cathedral (Church of St. Louis of France), Second and Walnut Streets --thus making in all 20 visits.
The designated churches may be visited in any order, not necessarily in the order named. No other churches may be substituted for these four.
The term day in connection with these Visits is taken to mean either the natural day of twenty-four hours from midnight to midnight; or the ecclesiastical day from noon of one day until the midnight thirty-six hours later.
Prayers for the Pope: In addition to the general intention of the Pope the special intentions for the jubilee Indulgence are: "Lasting peace among nations; the conversion of those outside the True Fold; and the arrangement of conditions in the Holy Land in a way that will safeguard the rights of the Catholic religion."
Any prayers may be said. The number of prayers is left to the devotion of the individual. It is certain that the Our Father, Hail Mary and Gloria said five times (or the equivalent of these) are sufficient. It is a pious custom to say the prayers at each visit to church, but this is not necessary. They may be offered apart from the visits.
The prayers should be vocal prayers, but need not be said aloud. If said aloud they may be said alternately with a companion. (In this matter the usual concessions are made in favor of deaf mutes.)
It is not necessary when praying for the Holy Father to recall precisely what his intentions are.
Some Exceptions to the Above
Confessors are delegated to make such concessions as the respective peculiar circumstances of such persons warrant. These concessions may result in lessening the number of prescribed visits to churches; altering them in some way; or `even exchanging them for some other works of religion, piety or charity.
In the case of the sick, if the illness is so grave as to prevent one from Confession or Communion or both, the Confessor may also excuse the sick person from such obligations.
THE TRE ORE -- GOOD FRIDAY
The three hours devotion in memory of our Lord's three hours' agony will be held in St. James Church between 12 and 3 p. m. on Good Friday. Father Henry, S. J., will preach on the "Seven Last Words."
This sublime meditation on the death of our Blessed Saviour is attracting more attention each year, and the business world is beginning to recognize the fact that there is a big religious sentiment in favor of a half holiday.
Last year St. James Branch of the Holy Name Society requested the stores in this locality to close and the merchants unanimously consented to suspend business.
This will be the fifth year that the devotion has been held in St. James Church: each year the attendance has increased and the meditation has become more inspiring. Catholics should arrange with their employers so that they can leave in time for devotions -- suggest going to work an hour earlier.
Don't expect your employer to start the movement; your religious obligations are your own affair -- agitation is an indication of earnestness.
Protestant people need have no fear of attending this exercise. It is as Christian as the Cross and is an act of appreciation of God's love and of Christ's suffering and death for our Salvation.
HOLY NAME ENTERTAINMENT A PHENOMENAL SUCCESS
Michael Oates, the president of the Holy Name Society, achieved an unusual success in the Holy Name entertainment of Shrove Tuesday evening.
By 8 o'clock the parish hall was filled and the crowd was still coming. Father O'Connor, anticipating just such a happening because of the zeal and activity of the officers and captains of the branch, had the school hall ready for the overflow crowd, and the vaudeville performers passed from one hall to the other and gave a duplicate show. After both halls were filled late comers crowded around the door and many of them, finding it impossible to gain admission, went home.
The Shamrock Trio and the boxing held the stage a great deal of the evening.
Mr. Quinn and his band of merrymakers were encored several times and returned with some new hit of wit or melody.
The boxing did not appeal as much to the women as it did to the men; it was too realistic and, to the ladies, barbaristic. One lady was heard to exclaim to her husband, "Why does Father O'Connor permit it? Won't they hurt one another? It makes me sick. Let us go home." The husband answered, "Ah, pshaw, woman, don't you see the gloves they have on are as soft as a wool sack, but the boys are sure fighting." This seemed to be the opinion of all the men -- the boxing was a first-class exhibition of pugilistic art and the boys punished one another rather severely for a practice test.
Mr. Dobson, the monologist, though a stranger, seemed to have an unusual knowledge of the affairs of the community. He explained satisfactorily how hopeless is Father O'Connor's search for his dog. "I knew," he said, "Father 0'Connor would never get that dog back. Why, the very next day the Mothers' Club served hot dogs in the kitchen." The monologue was interrupted by a call for Mr. Ray Dolan. The audience, fearing a calamity had occurred in his home, searched the hall with their eyes for his person. "Here he is," somebody said. "Well," said the comedian, "tell him to come quickly to the cloak room his coat is leaking."
The Irish dancing by Mary Scanlon, the Hanley Sisters and the Barry Brothers brought back a touch of old times to many of the audience, and Edward Benda in the eccentric dance showed how the modern stage can harmonize rhythm and ridiculousness.
Smiling George Gibson, toastmaster, jester and general security against failure, filled in whatever time was unoccupied, and in intermissions that resulted from the comedians not passing quickly enough from one hall to another.
Genevieve Mahon, Charley Brady and Joe Flaherty furnished the music, and had difficulty in supplying extempore recitals demanded by the comedians.
The evening's entertainment proved very delightful, and the audience apparently were enthused by Mr. Oates' effort to furnish an evening's fun. Mr. Oates, however, disclaims any special distinction and credits the success of the evening to his able assistants, Sergt. Martineau, Michael Maloney, Stephen Boyer, James Harris, Francis Collins, Wm. Henkel, Joseph Crotty, R. F. Fish, Frank Strathman, J. J. Kelly, Mat McLaughlin, Henry Hugeback, Ed Hussman, B. P. Brady, Pat Connors, W. Hawkins, Pat and Pete McHugh and R. F. Hodnett.
MARRIAGES
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE MONTH
Collection taken for the priests at all the masses.
=========================
The Mothers' Club Minstrel Show, Wednesday, March 17th, at 8:15. Devotions that evening will be held at 7 o'clock
The :Mothers' Club Minstrel has become a parish institution. Given annually for the past two years, these shows have always drawn capacity houses. The coming show, the result of adding several years' experience to the natural ability of these industrious ladies, is to be, according to the advance notices, "bigger and better than ever." '
Mrs. Ben Plengemeir, that handsome interlocutor, is the "gentleman" who does the announcing, and argues with the end men.
APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER OF THE LEAGUE OF THE SACRED HEART GUARD OF HONOR FOR THE FIRST FRIDAY
The Promoters of the Apostleship of Prayer have been very much encouraged by the number of Special Favors that have been granted recently in the parish. For some time they have been organizing a Guard of Honor, who will watch for a quarter of an hour before the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of the month. The above list will show that the greater part of the day is filled by those who are willing to give a quarter of an hour to the Blessed Sacrament in Honor of the Sacred Heart.
Parishioners desiring to serve are asked to send in their names to Miss Genevieve Mahon 1534 Tamm Avenue.
The promoters are anxious not only to have someone present every quarter of an hour during the day, but to have several in attendance.
END MEN
SOLOS
FUN
Conroy and Gittins
THE PRIZE CHARLESTON
THE DANCERS
Mrs. Sam Gittins sings coon songs in the style of Sophia Tucker, and doubles with Mrs. Conroy in creating side-splitting comedy.
Mrs. Bernard Quinn, "the dancing mother" as in previous shows, again promises to show us some new and fancy steps.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
The resurrection of Christ. His commission to his disciples.
WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY EASTER
Dear Parishioner:
There are a number of problems pertaining to the new church which must be decided upon. The closer I study the question the greater possibilities I see for making mistakes. I don't mean glaring errors that shall be apparent to the inexperienced, but errors just the same that take from the style, beauty and usefulness of the building.
For instance, the selection of an architect, the church shall be his creation and will embody his ideas of beauty and strength. A comparatively unskilled architect may produce one building of neat proportions and excellent design, and a genius may create a monstrosity.
There is not an architect of any pretension but can plan a church, but usually excellency of design and creation of unique art is the work of genius.
Material, size, price and indebtedness are also important items and give an opportunity at each step along the way for keen judgment and good sense
I am studying the whole question with the humility of one who knows he has lots to learn, but with a confidence that I will know a great deal about building before the work is undertaken. I have many professors and am much amused in observing how thoroughly convinced every architect and contractor is that he, himself, is about the very ablest, best and most economical man in the business, and that every school and church in the city in which he had not a guiding hand is a deplorable failure.
I have a great deal of consolation in the thought that a number of the parishioners will remain by my side and share with me the responsibility of arriving at decisions that will lead up, I hope, to the very best results. After Easter, The Boosters' Club and myself intend visiting a number of churches that have been recently erected, and getting all the information from the pastors that may be helpful for our purpose. We are fortunate to have much time and opportunity for investigation and the parishioners may feel assured we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to improve our judgment in all matters that pertain to the selection of the best men and material for the perfection of the undertaking.
But whilst I attach much importance to these human efforts, I am mindful that the best laid plans of men and mice can gang a glee, and I place all my confidence in the help that comes from that unseen Hand that directs all who in humility seek guidance on the solution of life's problems. The purpose of this letter is to ask all of you, especially the children, to pray to God through the Virgin Mother to guide us to a proper solution of every problem that may arise, so that when the church is built its physical perfection and fitness will be an indication of God's approval and benediction.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
REV. PATRICK J. O'CONNOR.
ST. JAMES CHOIR
The Parish Choir has been receiving many favorable comments during the past few months. It is apparent that their training under Miss Carreras is progressing. Charles Heil rendered a solo "The Palms" on last Sunday which carried a wave of religious emotion through the church. The timbre of his voice lends itself to religious expression and its strength and fullness harmonizes with the mellow tones of the organ.
Recently a parishioner was heard to remark, "I'm going to change from the 6 to the 10 o'clock mass, that choir makes me more devotional."
The Mass on Easter Sunday, however, has been set with the purpose of giving an opportunity to the early church goers of hearing the choir.
The following program will be rendered at the Solemn High Mass at 6 A. M.
The following are the members: Chas. Heil, John Lawrence, Chas. Brady, Ben Kelly, James Kelly, David F. Collins, John Kelly. Wm. Koncen, Louis Riegel, Joe Masterson, Ed Hussman, Geo. Wiber.
Miss Carreras expects additional members after Easter and is contemplating arranging for a mixed choir.
BAPTISMS IN MARCH
=====================
On March 6th, Miss Agnes Glass, 6718 Mitchell Ave. and Jack Espen, were married at St. James Church. Samuel Glass and Miss Irma McHenry were the official witnesses.
Miss Jane Sache, 6311 Famous Ave., is a patient at St. Mary's Hospital. ` ,
Mrs. Anthony Guriche, 6316a Victoria Ave., is at St. Mary's. -
Mrs. Anna Dwyer, 1032 Tamm Ave., has been a patient in St. Anthony's Hospital during the past two weeks. Her condition is much improved.
Mr. William Angenendt, 1120 Graham St., has grieved very much since the death of his wife; who was buried from St. James Church, March 3rd. R. I. P.
Mrs. Sarah Donnelly, 6922 Magnolia Ave., is ill in St. Mary's Infirmary.
PARISH MEETING
Selecting an Architect
Price of the new church; eliminating a general contractor; a beautiful stone church erected by the University City Methodists at a cost of $150,000; a saving of $20,000.
Father O'Connor was called upon at the Parish Meeting to report on the selection of an architect for the proposed church. He said that he had drawn up under proper direction a number of requirements which would make it possible for architects to enter a contest. So far it was not possible to submit the complete requirements to the architects because there were questions which were not finally decided. Among those he mentioned the cost of the church, the number of rooms required for a convent and rectory. After Easter he hoped to have more time to decide on the convent and rectory and at this meeting he would ask the parishioners to come to a conclusion, as to what the church should cost.
Mr. O'Gorman was in a smiling mood and enlivened the meeting by his humor and enthusiasm. He was sanguine about the future and apparently satisfied with the present. The times were never better, he said, everyone is working, building has taken another start, public works are in full swing, real estate is booming, everyone will be able, to give more to the church, myself will give double what I gave last year; he then paused as a man might who has a scruple of conscience, and added, not that I gave a whole lot last year. I intended making a big contribution, but I had among my assets a lot of frozen stock, which are now thawing out, and I paid little or nothing till the end of the year. I sold five or six lots recently in the Cody & O'Gorman Subdivision; Mr. Pahl is already building upon them; I will give more this year to the church than, I have ever given. I say, "Let us build a real Church."
Mr. O'Gorman was energetically applauded and the spirit of the meeting inclined most of those present to vote for a costly church and a big debt, but Father O'Connor evidently was not carried away by the prevailing sentiment. “We must be practical," he said, "the specifications that we are to submit to the architects make it imperative that we decide tonight the exact amount that we intend to expend on a church building. If we decide on a certain sum and later find we cannot afford it, the plans and blue prints must be all changed and this would entail unnecessary loss of time and money."
Opposed To A Big Debt
Father O'Connor continued, "I am opposed to a big debt and I have made up my mind not to let you borrow more than $50,000, this is as much as the parish can safely carry. You know the majority of the parishioners are wage earners and it is quite possible conditions may change in the next five years; if a number of wage earners were out of work I could not stand up at the altar and ask them for money which they had not.
"I suggest distributing this loan over a period of ten years. If prosperity continues, we can set aside a sum each year for a convent and rectory, and when we have sufficient funds to justify the erection of a convent, we can make another loan and place a separate mortgage on the new building."
Cost of a New Church
Mr. Heil: "How much would that leave us for a new church?"
Father O'Connor: "It is a matter of addition. We had on hand at the end of 1925, $60,000; add to that the ordinary income for this year which I presume will be $15,000, and the income of 1927, less the sum taken in as interest of $3,000 on our investments, about $12,000, and the total including the amount borrowed shall be about $137,000. As far as I can see this must be the cost of a new church."
Mr. Heil: "Do you mean to include in this the cost of furnishings?"
Father O'Connor: "Yes, everything complete."
Mr. Heil: "What do you suppose the furnishings including an organ would cost?"
Father O'Connor: "Roughly I would say about $30,000.'"
Mr. Heil: "That leaves only $107,000 for construction. You will never get a stone church that will be large enough for that amount.
Mr. Coad: "The parishioners want a stone church and will not be satisfied with anything else. Could we not make it $150,000?"
Father O’Connor: "Where is the money to come from?"
Mr. Coad: "From the parishioners."
Father O'Connor: "It is up to the parish to decide. All that I know is there will be $137, 000 to expend and unless I have sufficient guarantee from the parishioners that more funds are forthcoming this will be the sum I shall submit to the architects and you-will have to be satisfied with whatever kind of a church can be erected for that amount"
Mr. Crotty: "I think the church should cost not less than $150,000."
Mr. Martin Coad: "I make a motion that we build a $150,000 church."
Mrs. LaGarce seconded the motion.
Mr. Coad: "By scratching we should be able to raise $13,000."
Mr. Kletzker : "I believe a matter of $10,000 can be taken care of inside of two years. I consider $150,000 a very conservative estimate." Motion carried.
Mr. Houlihan: "Will $150,000 include everything?"
Mr. Jim Coad: "Father O'Connor, what would an Altar, Organ and Stations cost?"
Father O'Connor: "The cost of the altar would be in proportion to the cost of the church, usually a permanent altar costs about 6 per cent of the price of the building."
Mr. Coad: "That means an altar for $150,000 church would cost about $9,000?"
Father O'Connor: "Yes."
Mr. Coad. "And what would the organ and stations cost?"
Father O'Connor: "An organ would cost about $10,000, pews about $5,000 and $1,000 for the stations and there are other furnishings, such as the communion rail and pulpit, baptismal font which would take quite a sum"
Mr. Charles Heil: "If we are only going to allow $150,000, even at that the church will be skimpy."
Mr. O'Gorman : "Couldn't we get on for a time without an organ and costly stations?"
Mr. Kletzker : "We want the church completely furnished."
Mr. John Houlihan : "I am opposed to too much cost, we are presuming too much on the parishioners, we aren't all as prosperous as Mr. O'Gorman."
Mr. Jim Coad: "I make an amendment that the $150,000 cover the entire completed church including fixtures such as altar, organ and stations."
Mrs. LaGarce seconded the motion and it carried.
Eliminate General Contractor
Father O'Connor said that he and Ollie Dolan were driving in University City last Monday, and saw at the corner of Washington and Trinity Avenues, a beautiful stone church under construction. On entering the building they met a gentleman who seemed to have charge of the construction, and they asked him what was the seating capacity of the church and by whom it was being erected? He replied the church had a seating capacity of about 700 and that when complete with furnishings it would cost $150,000. The church impressed them as being very beautiful and would about satisfy the requirements of St. James Parish. It is being erected for the Methodist Congregation in University City. He asked the gentleman who the general contractor was and was informed that the church was let to sub-contractors and that he was employed to superintend the work. Father O'Connor requested the gentleman to come to the parish meeting and to give particulars of the method. He said, "The gentleman is here present and I have great pleasure in introducing to you Mr. M. A. Mills."
Mr. Mills an elderly gentleman of much dignity and apparent honesty, said he would be very glad to give whatever information he had to the parish and as he was not much of a speaker, he would endeavor to briefly outline the method pursued by the Methodist congregation.
He said the general contractor's estimate for the Methodist Church amounted to $170,000. The congregation felt it was impossible to raise that amount and decided they would either have to change the plans or adopt another method. They called sub-contractors to give separate bids and it was decided that he would superintend the work. They found in this way, and by eliminating unnecessary items, that they could erect the church for $150,000. "I want you to understand," he added, "that this saving of $20,400 was not the exact difference between the general contractor's bid and that of the sub-contractors, a part of it resulted from the economy that was practiced by changes that we saw possible while the building was under construction; for example, the original specifications called for a wall 18 inches thick of solid stone with furring which meant inserting a number of studs which we eliminated by substituting an inner facing of brick 5 inches thick, and saved the entire cost of furring by so doing. The outer walls are built of Bedford Rock and in the back gable we substituted limestone which looks just as good. We found another advantage, he said, the building is always under the direction of the owner and changes can be made from time to time without any additional expense. I would be glad to answer any questions."
Mr. Hugeback: "Mr. Mills, did you employ union labor?"
Mr. Mills: "Yes."
Mr. Martin Coad: "Wasn't there a loss of time in handling the contract in that way?"
Mr. Mills: "Everything seemed to go on just the same as if we had a general contractor."
Mr. Crotty: "Mr. Mills, what qualifications have you for superintending a general contract."
Mr. Mills: "I am a carpenter by trade and I have been superintending general contracts for the past ten years and if you want to know something about me, ask Mr. Grady, superintendent at the St. Louis Terra Cotta works, I have supervised many buildings for him."
Mr. Jim Coad : "Do you interpret the blue prints for all the sub-contractors and see that they are followed?"
Mr. Mills: "Yes."
Mr. Crotty: "Have you authority to stop a sub-contractor if he does not carry out the specifications?”
Mr. Mills: "Yes that is my duty."
Mr. Crotty: "Is the carpentry work given to a sub-contractor?"
Mr. Mills: "No, I employ the carpenters and act as foreman. I also work myself and thereby eliminate a further cost."
Mr. Coad: "Of course, you had the assistance of the architect all the time?"
Mr. Mills: "No, unfortunately the architect died, but his office gave me whatever assistance I required."
Father O'Connor: "Mr. Mills it seems to me that your plan involves a great deal of risk and annoyance, there is no responsible party and in case of an accident the church is responsible."
Mr. Mills: "The sub-contractors are responsible for any accident that might occur to their men whilst they are on the work, of course an insurance would have to be taken against accidents on the carpentry portion of the job."
Father O'Connor: "It appears to me, Mr. Mills, that there is only a difference of paying you or a general contractor, what do you charge?"
Mr. Mills: "I remain on the job all the time and my price is the charge made by a carpenter foreman, or $14 a day. I donated $2 a day to the Methodist Church."
Father O'Connor : "Would you do that for a Catholic Church?"
Mr. Mills: " I see no reason why I should not."
Father O'Connor: "Mr. Mills, I know that the Methodists have a very nice church and that you have superintended it, but I don't know how much trouble you and the church committee had with the sub-contractors.”
Mr. Mills: "We had very little trouble, if you select reliable sub-contractors you will find that they are more than anxious to give complete satisfaction. I would refer you for further information to the church committee of which Mr. Vierling of the Mississippi Valley Trust Co. is a prominent member, also the President of the North St. Louis Trust Co., and Mr. Garret of the Fidelity Bond Co.
Father O'Connor : "Who let the contracts?"
Mr. Mills: "The Fidelity Bond Co., and the church committee."
Father O'Connor : "Who was the contractor for the brick and stone work?"
Mr. Mills: "The Pickle Stone Co. I have here, Father, a list of all the sub-contractors and I will give it to you."
Father O'Connor: "Have you exact information as to the amount paid to the individual contractors?"
Mr. Mills: "No, Father, I had nothing to do with the letting of the bids."
Father O'Connor: "Perhaps, Mr. Mills, your information is not accurate as to the difference between the total price submitted by the general contractors and that arrived at by the sub-contractors."
Mr. Mills: "Father, I have been assured by the church committee that there was a difference of $20,000."
Father O'Connor : "Mr. Houlihan, do you know Mr. Vierling of the Mississippi Valley Trust Co.?".
Mr. Houlihan :"I am very well acquainted with him and I will go further into this matter."
A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Martin Coad to Mr. Mills.
Architect's Competition
The following was the report made by Father O'Connor as to what he thought should be the requirements made of Architects who would enter the contest for designing St. James Church, subject, of course, to changes which may be agreeable to the contestants.
St. James Parish is contemplating the erection of a church, Parochial Residence and Convent, and to this end is inviting a limited number of Architects to submit designs which will guide it in the first important step which is "Selecting an Architect."
It is understood and agreed that the Parish will be under no obligation to any of the competing architects; that the Parish will be the judge of the merits of the various designs to be submitted, and that decision of the Parish will be final.
The Parish will select an architect after careful examination of the designs submitted and will thereupon enter into a contract with him for his services.
The total cost of the church complete with furnishings, is not to exceed the sum of $150,000, as this is the limit of funds available. For the purpose of determining the cost it will be assumed that it can be built for forty cents per cubic This will permit designs involving ( ) cubic feet, and any design involving greater cubage, will be, together with the author, eliminated from the competition.
Each design to be accompanied by the statement of the cubage of the three divisions of the group; cubage to be estimated from a plane six inches below basement floor level to a plane midway between top of masonry walls and apex of the roof.
No figured dimensions will be marked on the drawings, but the scale of eight feet to the inch will be used in making the drawings and will be used by the Parish in checking cubage.
Space for the following divisions will be required
The following is a list of drawings required to be submitted in this competition, drawn in pencil
No drawings other than those above enumerated and no photographs to be submitted. A short written description covering heating plant, decorations, material used in construction, etc., and other comments pertaining to some feature of design to which architect may wish to call attention, should accompany the drawings.
All drawings must be delivered to Reverend Father P. J. O'Connor, 1368 Tamm Ave., St. Louis, Mo., on or before
Mr. Kletzker asked Father O'Connor when he would submit those conditions to the architects. He replied that the planning of a Convent and Rectory required a good deal of consideration, and as he was too busy during Lent, he deferred considering the matter. He expects to have more time after Easter and hopes by the end of the month to have everything arranged so that the architects may be invite.
Mr. Crotty asked the meeting if it approved of what Father O'Connor had done and if there were any suggestions to be made as regards the conditions.
Silence prevailed till a motion was made that a vote of approval be given Father O'Connor.
Meeting adjourned.
WEDDING BELLS
Announcement has been of several weddings to take place in during the month of April.
The hours for these marriages are not definitely set. It is understood the couples will be married from mass in order to obtain the nuptial blessing. Father O'Connor informed them that there is no regular hour for the second mass during the month of April, and they may select whatever time is most convenient.
HEALTHFUL HIGHLAND HOMES
You tell 'em
Among the hills along south line of Forest Park, St. James Parish is the ideal for homes. The 1,300 acre park with its various attractive features affording wholesome recreation, the giant water main being laid near the south line assuring us an excellent and plentiful supply and the big $10,000,000 sewer being constructed in River Des Peres assures rapid carrying off of all waste, the natural lay of terrain affording excellent drainage.
Choice home sites are still to be had at low prices compared to sections not as nicely situated, where promoters and speculators have boosted values.
Street car and bus service is good, we have sewers, gas, water, electricity, granitoid walks and paved streets, and our merchants carry complete lines of supplies. Some parts of the parish not fully developed are being rapidly improved and put on the market.
Among improvements being made and to be made are:
Paving
Opening and Widening
===================
The Virgin Mother's Sodality's Basket Ball Team are having a very delightful time at the George Dewey School, Friday evenings after nine o’clock. Two teams have been organized and the increasing membership makes it necessary to have the players alternate. Mrs. Ethel Cummings who has been directing a team from the Congregational Church kindly offered her services as coach for St. James and the players are progressing under her tutelage.
===================
The Mothers' Club intends having a rummage sale in the latter part of April, or the early part of May. The Holy Name Society donated them a piano which they are to put on sale. They request the ladies of the parish to be mindful of them when they are housecleaning and forward all the unnecessary articles for distribution amongst the poor.
=====================
Score another bulls-eye for the Mothers' Club. Their show at Yale Hall on St. Patrick's Day was such a huge success and so many late arrivals had to be turned away that the performers have been prevailed upon to present the show again.
The walls of Yale Hall bulged outward, traffic on Manchester Avenue was tied up, and all other parts of the parish were deserted, and every one in the audience proclaimed it the greatest show they had ever seen. When it was announced that the show would be given again, one sage was heard to remark, "they'd better rent the Coliseum."
The next performance will be given in April and no advance seats will be sold, so you had better get there early.
After the performance, a dance orchestra will give all the youngsters (especially those under 80) a chance to "Charleston" to their heart's content.
MRS. MOULDON'S FUNERAL
Mrs. Margaret K. Mouldon, wife of the late James Mouldon, 1217 Childress Ave., was found dead in bed on Thursday, March 25th, at 11 P. M., by her daughter, Mrs. J. Lawrence. She had been suffering for some time from acute attacks of heart disease, but her condition the day preceding her death gave no intimation of the serious condition in which she was. She sat up during the day and took a lively interest in all that transpired in the home. She was a lady who was not accustomed to complain and may have concealed the fact that she was not well.
Mrs. Mouldon was the mother of a large family and was an old settler in the community. She reached the ripe age of 69 years. She was a convert to Catholicity and her funeral was conducted from mass in St. James Church, March 29th,
Mr. Ed. Pierce, associate editor of "Let's Go" is her son-in-law. May she rest in peace.
======================
Boosters Club-The St. James Parochial School Alumni Dramatic Club will appreciate a boost. Use your telephone today and invite your many friends. Don't stay at home yourself, remember the show will be given Wednesday and Thursday.
The Mothers' Club Show does not need a boost; what they need is a bigger hall.
=====================
Aymer Lucas, 6679 Berthold Ave., died of pneumonia, at St. Mary's Hospital, March 11th, and was buried from St. James Church, March 13th. He leaves a wife and two young children. R. I. P.
ARRANGES FOR HER OWN FUNERAL
Mrs. Louise Landskron, late of 6908 Magnolia Ave., arranged for her own funeral with Father O'Connor the day preceding her death. She had been ailing from tuberculosis and was confined to her bed for the past three months. She was accustomed to receive the sacraments very frequently during her illness, and the day before her death she asked for the Viaticum. After the sacrament was administered and the prayers for the dying recited, she, in a business-like manner, began to discuss how she would like to have her funeral conducted. She asked Father O'Connor to promise her that he would personally assist at the funeral services and offer the mass. She also requested him to accompany her remains to the cemetery and to take with him the altar boys. She was fearful that there might be some impropriety in having the Ladies' Auxiliary of the U. S. W. V. carry out their ritual at the cemetery and enter the church bearing American Flags. All these things Father O’Connor assured her were permissible and on Monday, March 29th, her funeral took place from the church and her remains were interred in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.
Her husband, Hugo Landskron and her son, Hugo, are not Catholic, but were keenly appreciative of the fact that she found so much consolation in her religion, and did everything in their power to procure for her those spiritual consolations for which she craved.
==================
Father Pohl is the official money counter in the Parish. Last year he invited a few of the Altar boys to assist him with the Easter Collection which is for the clergy. Every time they found an envelope with a five or a ten, they raised it up and said, "Father here is another big one,” and Father invariably smiled a grateful smile.
========================
Mrs. Bovard says if you have articles for the Rummage Sale, send them to any of the following stores: Hense's, Mrs. McDonnell's or Badendieck's.
Dan Sheehan purchased Mrs. Epstein's home, 1452 Tamm Ave.
Frank Walsh, 6418a Lloyd Ave. is building a home in the Cody-O'Gorman Subdivision. Mrs. Walsh says she likes the neighborhood.
The Mothers' Club expect a large attendance at their show Wednesday, April 21st, at Yale Hall, and do not intend selling tickets.
NEW FAMILIES
================
Won’t Michael Oates, the president of the Holy Name Society be popular. He has arranged with the members to give a breakfast to St. Anne’s Sodality on their Communion Sunday, April 18th. St. Anne’s will receive Communion at the 6 o'clock mass.
=========================
There was a large attendance of old timers at the funeral of Michael Coyne, who buried, March I8th. R. I. P.
IT HAPPENED IN JUNE -- WHAT????
[Missing photo of the cast since the xerox copy I am using isn't good enough quality to copy photos]
Wednesday and Thursday. April 7th and 8th the 3-act comedy, “It Happened in June" will he presented by the St. James’s Alumni Dramatic Club in Yale Hall, under the direction of Warren Carroll, a student of the St. Louis University Law School. Who made a reputation as an elocutionist and won quite a few medals at various debates.
The Alumni have organized the Dramatic Club primarily to raise funds for the installation of a stained glass window in the new church and to develop the social life of St. James Parish. The young people have been hoping that someone would start something and make a Bow Wow that would be a rallying call. So be around when the Dramatic Club makes its bow to the audience at Yale Hall. Wednesday. April 7th.
Marie Kelly will, before going on stage, distribute her host of St, Louis University boy friends to the girls who come unattended, and Fred McKenna does not know how to take care of all the young ladies to whom he and John Dolan have sold tickets.
John was so enthused about this affair he simply went up in the air. One day down at Scullin’s he imagined he was dancing with an angel and seeing a golden rope leading to a garden of roses, he slid with his compatriot down a shaft of sunbeams, twenty feet and lay groaning in a bed of scrap iron till an ambulance whisked him off to St. John's Hospital where he still is a patient suffering from contusion, compound fracture, dislocated bones and features that resemble a raw hamburger. He hopes, however, to be able to take his part in the play, and he expects to bring with him a bevy of the prettiest nurses in St. John’s training school.
The six-piece Astor Orchestra will furnish the music. No one will be afflicted with Lenten garments when the band plays, "There will be a hot time in the old town tonight." Wasn't Lent severe! Oh my! the eggs, the fish and the stay at home weather, but this is the orchestra that plays for St. Louis University frat affairs, it is the best ever.
Get your reserved tickets in time from Gene Mahon, 1534 Tamm Ave. Would not have you disappointed; but remember what happened St. Patrick's night at the Mothers' Club Show.
Characters:
===========================
Mrs. Catherine Shields, 6431 West Park Ave. is very ill at her home.
=========================
The only real relief that comes is the Easter Collection. It makes a priest feel at least once a year that he is independent, and has enough of money to justify him buying clothes, a few books and perhaps taking a vacation for a week or two.
The Easter Collection is divided three-eighths to assistant and five-eighths to pastor. Priests receive no part of the Christmas Collection.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
The resurrection of Christ. His commission to his disciples.
Dear Parishioner:
A recurrence of kindnesses and innumerable manifestations of good will over a period of years have deeply impressed me and have made me sincerely attached to the people of St. James Parish. There is no place else where I want to be or where I'd rather be. I am thankful to God that he has called me to labor in this portion of his vineyard.
The Easter collection was only another expression of your good-will and generosity. It was one hundred dollars greater than any former collection, and it is doubtful if there are four wage earners in the parish who did not contribute. I am not so conceited as to presume that it was any special qualification of mine that attracted your attention. The collection was taken for both priests of the parish and I have no doubt that the happy disposition and attractive personality of Father Pohl had a great deal to do with the big collection and the many contributions.
Presuming a continuation of your good will, I feel confident that you will take a deep interest in all those things in which I am most deeply concerned and I ask you one and all to get behind me in this effort I am making to arouse enthusiasts in the parish and to raise funds for the new church. Your presence at a meeting, your opinion on a difficult problem, a word said here and there in approval of our policy, will have a heartening effect upon me and the parishioners generally. Drop around now and then to the Rectory and show that you are interested in the affairs of the parish, even if you have no special advice to give or no special donation to make, the fact that you give your time and take trouble to make a call is an assurance that you are with us in our work, and that you may be counted upon whenever there is need of one more friend.
Yours very sincerely in Christ,
REV. PATRICK J. O'CONNOR.
HE ASKS YOUR ALMS
Labor unions rightly insist on the right of the toiler to something more than the mere necessities of life. He should be given time and opportunity to develop his finer sensibilities and wage sufficiently large to enable him to procure those aesthetic essentials which appeal to his deeper human emotions and gratify his spiritual cravings for what is beautiful and sublime.
In simpler language, a man's natural craving for the finer things of life is not lessened by the fact that he is poor, nor increased by the pressure of a fat pocketbook; the nature of human beings is identical and the aptitude to enjoy and appreciate art, music, beauty and those other things that stimulate and satisfy the emotions is not the peculiar heritage of the millionaire.
The poor toiler has a heart whose cords are as quick to respond to the magic music of the stream, the song of the bird, the beauty of the flower, as has the pompous pedant, who, with monocled eye, views with critical conceit, the art galleries of the Louvre or the Garden of the Tuilleries.
The wage earner usually is a plain man who sees and appreciates what is attractive without conscious urge to talk about it. His opportunities to enjoy the sublimer things of life are often limited. A touch of color in the draperies of his sitting room, a few unpretentious pieces of furniture in his home, the smile of innocence in the children's eyes. All week from morning till night he labors in surroundings that are irritating and depressing; when Sunday comes he craves for that assuaging peace and soothing elegance that elevates his thought and stimulates his mind to high ideals and noble purpose.
The church endeavors to accommodate herself to his need; she would lift him from his dejection and cheer his spirit by all the artifices that make a legitimate appeal to his emotions and which have a tendency to turn his thoughts from the sordid things of life to the unending bliss of heaven. The church building is the community centre for all that is spiritually helpful and consoling. It is the tabernacle of the Most High God. We are taxed for streets, sewers, roads, public school and state capitols. These are public utilities to which men gladly subscribe in the spirit of civic pride. The Parish Church should not go abegging for funds; it is an institution that was established by Christ. It is He who asks your alms.
EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
The Illinois Central offers rates to parishioners who intend going to the Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Chicago, from the 20th to 24th of June. A person desiring to spend only a day in Chicago, can leave St. Louis at 11 :48 P. M. and arrive at 7:43 A. M. in Chicago, returning at 11:30 P. M., and arriving in St. Louis at 7:23 A. M., at a cost of $23.12. This includes Pullman service and lower berth, which may be used by two persons. Round trip rates in coach or chair car good for one week $10.41.
THE MOTHERS' CLUB BREAKFAST
The Mothers' Club members were given a breakfast by Father O'Connor, Sunday, May 2nd. Fifty ladies were present. They went to communion at the 7:30 Mass and for the first time wore their badges, which had printed upon them, "St. James Mothers' Club." They were very proud of this special decoration and many of them wore it with the conscious conceit of a lady who has on for the first time, a pretty Easter bonnet.
The men who cooked breakfast for St. Ann's Sodality on a previous Sunday, again volunteered their services and the ladies remarked how much their efficiency had improved from practice. On this occasion the coffee did not seem to be an after-thought, it came at the very beginning of the meal and was very delightful, in fact, everything about the breakfast was satisfactory and the entertainers were as numerous and as interesting as they had been at the breakfast given by the Holy Name Society.
At the close of the meal, big Mike presented to each lady a finger bowl and towel and later a powder puff. This provoked a good deal of laughter and Mike would have perfected his performance, but he could find no lady to lend him a lip stick and a mirror.
BAPTISMS IN APRIL
THE PARISH MEETING
Free Barbecue and Entertainment
At the Parish Meeting which was held a week earlier than usual, there was a large attendance. Some old timers who have not been seen at previous meetings were present and there was also a sprinkling of new parishioners. It was evident from the debate, that questions pertaining to the size, shape and cost of the proposed church are arousing tremendous interest. Everyone has an opinion and the meeting is an open forum for discussion. Some are conservative and are endeavoring to solidify sentiment in favor of a plain, cheap, commodious church, whereas others, whose aesthetic tastes are more developed, are clamoring for something that shall be beautiful regardless of the cost. It would be intensely interesting to have a full gathering of parishioners and a vote taken as to whether the plans should be designed for a plain brick, substantial church, or for one that will be of stone and of much artistic worth. This question has been discussed at almost every parish meeting, and presumably decided, but with the sudden flare of a smoldering fire it bursts out anew at every gathering of parishioners, and until the parish as a whole vote on the matter, it would be impossible to say which group is most likely to prevail.
Your Party
Father O'Connor seems to have come to a clean-cut decision which leaves freedom of action to wage earners. He says he will not permit the parish to go in debt more than $50,000, and the church that shall be erected will entirely depend on the willingness of the parishioners to open up their pocket-books and pay the .price. "I will," he says, "get all I can for your money but remember, this is your party."
A Difference of Opinion
Since the Boosters' Club began their investigation of the cost of churches that have been erected or are now under construction in the city their ideas are crystallizing, and an honest, earnest difference of opinion is evident amongst them. They have come to the conclusion that no useful purpose could longer be served by discussion behind closed doors. They have decided to come out in the open and let the parish as a whole decide by vote on the merits of their opinions.
A Free Barbecue and Entertainment
To bring the congregation together, it was decided to give a Free Barbecue and Entertainment on Ascension Thursday night in the Airdome. Admission to the grounds will be through tickets and Fathers Pohl and O'Connor were authorized to send invitations to those parishioners and others whom they consider benefactors of the Parish and who are sufficiently interested in parochial affairs to honor the occasion by their presence. A large crowd is expected and committees were appointed by Chairman Mr. Crotty to attend to the preliminary arrangements. Children will not be invited.
A Professional Cook
Mr. Chas Heil said he knew a professional cook who was accustomed to barbecue meat at picnics and supply the necessary frame or spit, and that his services could probably be had for fifteen dollars. He dilated on barbecues that he attended, and from his description of hundreds of hams and haunches of beef sizzling over charcoal fires in the open air with the orchestra playing a cabaret selection, one felt he had not been anywhere if he had not been to a barbecue.
Mr. Crotty approved of Mr. Heil's suggestion and the meeting instructed him to employ the cook.
Father O'Connor, whose skill at prediction is established, was asked how many people might be expected. He estimated the number to be about 450. "When I invite people to dine with me," he jocularly remarked, "they do not refuse." The committee were accordingly instructed and arrangements are to be made to entertain and serve a light lunch to between four and five hundred.
Father O'Connor, on request of the chair, appointed the following committee to take charge of the affair.
Barbecue Programme
The guests are expected to assemble on the grounds at 7:30 P. M. Invitations with admission cards will be mailed to each wage earner. Those who cannot come are requested to mail back their admission cards in time, so that the committee may know how many to make arrangements for.
MARRIAGES
There has been an unusual number of pretty weddings at St. James during the month of April. Five of the young couples were Catholic and four of them were married from Nuptial Mass. There were two mixed marriages.
The ceremony at the Church was very impressive and the Nuptial Mass and Blessing has only to be understood to be appreciated. On entering the Church the bride and best man lead the procession, followed by the groom and the bridesmaid. They advance, keeping step to the music of the wedding march.
Arriving at the sanctuary they genuflect to the Blessed. Sacrament and silently ask the Lord of Hosts to sanctify their love and bless their union. The white robed priest, the veiled bride, the neatly dressed bridesmaid, the earnest manly groom and the sprightly groomsman make a pretty picture as they stand before the illuminated altar.
The groom takes the bride's hand and they pledge themselves to each other in marriage 'till death do them part. The contract being perfected, the groom puts a ring on the finger of the bride saying, "with this ring I thee wed and plight to thee my troth," and when they kneel whilst still holding one another's hand, it is customary at St. James to have the choir sing "Promise Me!"
The prayers of the Nuptial Mass begin with the words, "May the God of Israel be with you and may He join you together and fulfill his blessing in you. Blessed are all who fear the Lord and walk, in his ways."
The following are the couples who were married at St. James during the past month.
There was a capacity crowd in church at the O'Shaughnessy -- Brady marriage, and Miss Helen Cullen's neighbors and admirers gave her a big send off.
Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh, Mrs. Sam Gittins and Miss Genevieve Mahon made up the choir and sang at all the Masses. Their singing was very delightful and it is understood that arrangements have been made that they will sing at all Nuptial Masses in the future.
THE SOUL OF A LITTLE LOST SHEEP
They weren't all lost in the back woods, there are Murphys, Spigardis and Lemkes who lost their faith and their Catholic tradition under the shadow of the spires of city churches, the reason being their parents didn't give them a fair chance, they weren't instructed in the faith and they were swept from the shelter of the church by the first storm that blew their way.
It is estimated that there are over two million Catholic children attending the public schools in the United States. The haphazard instruction that they have been receiving through Sunday School classes has been, to say the least, meager and in many parishes the child who does not attend the parochial school is considered an item of loss of such little consequence that nobody should bother about it. But scientific study has convinced the Jesuit Fathers that there is here a leak through which millions of children are departing from the church and becoming a part of that vast army of Americans who have no religious affiliation. They say it must be stopped or the church will suffer. The plan proposed by Father Lyons, S. J., of Chicago, is to establish in every city, Catholic instruction Centers to which teachers will endeavor to attract the children by means of picture shows, prizes, picnics, etc.
One of these classes has been working under the direction of Father Henry, S. J., in St.. James Parish during the past year. He has been self-sacrificing, untiring and zealous. Before he took up the work the parish priests had a class of 76 children, since the Catholic Center has been established over thirty have been added to the register and it may be presumed that they will continue to attend until they are confirmed. This means that through the efforts of the Catholic Instruction Center, there will be thirty children instructed who in all probability, would be lost to the church if there was not a Catholic Center in this locality. It is a great cause, a splendid purpose and an undertaking that requires effort, energy and self-sacrifice. Fattier Henry and the teachers -- who have been giving their Sundays to these children deserve greater notoriety and wider co-operation. Almost everyone can and should render them assistance. We hear of the Big Brothers taking little folk to summer, camps and social functions, how beautiful it would be to see a Catholic lady or gentleman becoming interested in the little neglected tot at his door and taking it in his machine to one of those Catholic Instruction Centers.
To defray the expense of the Center in St. James, Father Henry, in another article, modestly pleads for sufficient funds to continue his work. He intends presenting Lantern Slides of the mass and a lecture by a distinguished associate in the Airdome for which he will charge a moderate admission fee.
Tickets will be sold for the benefit of this worthy cause. It is to be hoped that there will be proper appreciation shown to Father Henry for his work and that a large attendance of parishioners will be present when the Lecture is given and the slides presented.
Note -- The date set for this big event is Wednesday, May 19th. The public school children attending the class are the big boosters for this affair and will be given charge of the sale of tickets.
==================
Rev. Gerald Paunovich, 0. F. M., son of Mrs. Mary Paunovich of 2011 Schaeffer Place, will be ordained on Pentecost Sunday, at the Franciscan Church, St. Louis, by His Grace Most Reverend John J. Glennon.
Father Paunovich intended saying his first mass at St. James Church, but as his mother is in poor health, the family feared that the burden of entertaining the number of visitors that might be expected on this occasion 'would be too much for her. It was finally decided that he would say his first mass at the Franciscan Church.
ST. JAMES ALUMNI
DRAMATIC CLUB PLAY
The performance attracted unusual attention, because it was the first play staged by the Alumni. The audience was noticeably a gathering of young folks and Alumni who have not been seen for years at parish affairs, were present. The players were watched with keen interest and their performance won repeated applause and general approval. Catherine Moran Hefele and Arthur Pahl, representing Molly and the Country Hick Jim, developed the humorous scene with a good deal of cleverness, especially on the second night, when Arthur went on his knees proposing to Molly and received a doubtful reply. His face expressed admirably bewilderment, anxiety, trepidation and ridiculousness. Helen Bawn was given the most unattractive part, she was expected to look ugly and to act silly in her love affairs. This was very unnatural for Helen, as she happens to be clever and pretty, but she certainly looked the part of the most horrible young lady that could possibly be dressed even for the stage. Her face was repulsive and her conduct pathetic, as she amorously followed John Dolan, who, as Charley, had a leading part and whose attention was taken the greater part of the time by another admirer. They both developed incidents that were singularly humorous and won repeated applause.
The development of the plot fell upon Marie Kelly and Eleanor Bannon as Betty and Susie, and on Festus Signaigo and John Dolan, as Randy and Charley. The play which had for its climax a marriage, unraveled itself with a lack of forceful expression. It is difficult to point out just what caused this insufficiency. It appeared to the critic that the play did not lend itself to vivid impressions and fanciful situations because the players, though showing unusual skill and a range of ability well above the average, could not bring out the big idea of "What Happened in June."
Fred McKenna, as Jarvis, took the part of the villain and the severity of his manner and the clear-cut annunciation gave a prominence to his performance.
The director is to be complimented on the modesty of conduct which was preserved by the lovers in scenes that were romantic. There was no mush as was proper for a play under Catholic auspices.
The attendance the first night, did not quite fill Yale Hall, but on the second night, there was not a vacant seat. It is believed that the play will be a financial success. A report is at this time impossible as complete returns have not been made. There was $70 taken in on reserve seats, $86 on the program and $30 in the cloak room. The expenses are expected to reach about $150 and the surplus receipts are to be deposited in a fund for the purchase of 2 stained glass windows in the new church to the memory of Father Casey and Sisters Catherine and Lewis.
Lunch In Honor of the Cast
The Alumni, in appreciation of the honor that came to the society through the brilliant performance of those who staged the play, tendered a banquet at one of the hotels to the cast. This they did not accept as they said they preferred to have a less expensive affair in the school hall to which all the alumni who are members of the dramatic club could be invited. The officers agreed to this suggestion and have made arrangements to serve a lunch at the next regular meeting which will be held May 20th. It was expected to hold the meeting at the usual time which is the Thursday after "Let's Go" is published, but owing to the Barbecue, the Alumni meeting was deferred.
ATTENTION ALUMNUS
There are 77 registered members in the dramatic club. You must make reservations with one of the following officers at least two days before the date set if you intend being present at the supper, otherwise there will be unnecessary expense and much dissatisfaction.
LANTERN SLIDE LECTURE
BY THE JESUITS
Father George Keith, many years ago, conceived the idea of having colored slides made for an illustrated lecture on the Mass. After some twenty years, through an enormous expenditure of time and energy, he finally succeeded. The result surpassed the highest expectations of himself or his friends, and from time the slides were available, they have been in constant use throughout the country. A lawsuit was necessary last year to prevent a second lantern slide company infringing on the original copyright.
The last edition to this set is a beautiful colored slide of the art poster of the 28th International Eucharistic Congress, one of which posters adorns the entrance to St. James Church. This slide in itself, rich in symbolism and depth of meaning, would furnish material for a complete lecture. It will be treated in a briefer form in the lecture of the Mass, given at St. James Hall, Wednesday, May 19th. The lecture will be given in the afternoon, and again in the evening.
Three Jesuits have been working in the parish since the first of the year, organizing a Center of the CATHOLIC INSTRUCTION LEAGUE, and have been present every Sunday afternoon for several hours, working with the children. They have, besides this, spent much time during the week arranging for the Sunday program, sending out notices to the children, and other such work. These Jesuits have expressed themselves time and again as being well pleased with the members of the parish who have been on hand faithfully Sunday after Sunday and without whose co-operation the work would be impossible. Following is the teaching staff: Miss Cecilia Badendieck, Miss Vera Bersch, Mr. James Coppinger, Miss Mary Devanney, Miss Frances Doering, Miss Genevieve Mahon, Mr. Francis Gerst, Miss Mary Harris, Mrs. W. H. Henkel, Miss Virginia Jones, Miss Lorain Lutz, Mr. Maher, S. J., Mrs. C. K. Stiff, Mr. Charles Walweg, Mr. Herbert Winterer, Mr. Zerker, S. J. In addition to these, Mr. Henkel and Mr. Stiff have been with us Sunday after Sunday from the first, have taken an active interest in the whole Center, and have rendered invaluable service with their autos and in many other ways. The Center could hardly have gotten even a start and could scarcely have kept going without Mr. George Wiber, the "man on the job" for the moving picture machines. His secret middle initials are "E. F." -- Efficient, Faithful. When Mr. Wiber could not be present, his place was ably taken by Mr. Bersch, who has also given his time and services generously from the first. The uniformed baseball team representing the Center is in charge of Mr. James Coppinger, a Boy Scout Master, who has had considerable experience and much success in dealing with boys. He and the other young men teachers are from St: Louis University.
This CATHOLIC INSTRUCTION LEAGUE has for its purpose the instruction and training of children and young people not attending the Catholic schools. This League has been in operation for the last fourteen years and has Centers in all quarters of the United States. It is evident that the purpose of these Centers is not merely to provide entertainment, or a place to go on Sundays, but to assist the pastors in providing means to satisfy the obligation which all parents and guardians have to give those under their charge an adequate instruction in the Catholic religion. The Church Law (Canon Law) and the natural law demand this instruction.
The Jesuits are not asking anything for their work out here, except that the work started, be continued. There have been some expenses, however, connected with the operation of this Center, for games, movies and prizes have been furnished to make the Center attractive to the children. The proceeds of this lecture are to defray the expenses already incurred. and to provide a fund for the future of the Center.
This illustrated lecture on the Mass, the central object of our worship, should not be missed. By attending it, you will not only be richer to the extent of an interesting and instructive talk and the deepening of your faith, but you will be helping a cause which needs your support, and which is vital to the future of this as well as every parish -- the religious and moral training of our young people. An ignorant Catholic is a dangerous Catholic.
Many Protestants have come to see these beautiful slides and hear this lecture when given elsewhere, and you may be assured that they will find it interesting and that nothing will be said that will offend them. Bring any of your friends.
Two or three reels of some popular film will conclude the program.
=======================
The Mothers' Club has established a sewing circle with the idea of helping to make costumes at a minimum cost for the children who will take part in the school entertainment. They meet every Friday evening in the cafeteria at 8 o'clock. All the ladies of the parish are invited. It has also been decided to hold the regular monthly meeting at night on the first Friday of each month.
===================
Mrs. Irvin, 6815 Wise Ave., and her daughter, Margaret, recently drove to St. James, Mo., where they spent a few days with relatives.
FUNERAL
Miss Anna Milenslayer, 6308 Oakland Ave., formerly of St, Mary’s, St. Louis, and mother of Mrs. George Kletzker, 1041 Fairmount Ave., died at the Josephine Hospital on April 23rd, where she underwent a major operation from which she did not rally. The night before she disposed herself to be reconciled to God's will and received from Father O'Connor, the Last Sacraments.
She has been a widow over thirty years and lived for her three children. They were all very devoted to her and Helen, her youngest daughter who has been ill for some time, was deeply afflicted because she could not attend the funeral.
The remains were taken to St. James Church, April 26th, and after mass, conveyed to Calvary Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
=====================
James C. Foley, 1046 Forest Ave., who has been a fireman at the engine house at Clayton and Central Aves., was recently, to the great delight of his companions, promoted to be Captain in Engine House 22.
=========================
Mr. E, Loyet, 6906 Bruno Ave., father of Mrs. Bovard, has been suffering for some time from the infirmities of old age and is now a patient in the Alexian Brothers Hospital. Mary Hester Bovard, who had the measles, is convalescing and the quarantine sign has been removed.
==========================
Mrs. Dennis Harris, 1033 Fairmount Ave., was taken with a hemorrhage recently. She was alone at the time. Her neighbor, Mrs. Kletzker, fortunately came to her assistance and called her husband and father from their work also Father O'Connor and Dr. R. Brent Murphy. The amount of blood lost was not considerable.
HOLY NAME SOCIETY, ST. JAMES
BRANCH No. 1
List of Stores That Closed On Good Friday From 12 to 3
MIKE MOLONEY SPILLS THE DISHES AT ST. ANN'S SODALITY BREAKFAST
On Sunday, April 18th, St. Ann's Sodality proved to Father O'Connor it is a married ladies' sodality. The Holy Name men cooked and served breakfast in the school hall to the members who went to communion at the 6 o'clock mass. No damage was done to the crockery, though Mike Maloney, when cleaning off the table, spilled a tray of dishes. Eighty two ladies were at the table and they watched the cooks serve with a curiosity unusual to women. Considering the fact that the cooks were amateurs and mere men, they did not do so badly. There was on the table when the ladies entered, the usual number of cups, dishes, spoons and sugar bowls; half an orange, bread, rolls and butter, and a neat paper napkin, suggested the efficiency man brings to a problem when he wants to eliminate work.
When the fruit was eaten, a force of ten men and their foreman, Michael Oates, appeared. They bowed to the ladies and blushed, and impressed one as being about as awkward a squad as ever attempted so delicate an undertaking. They wore over their male attire, the official female kitchen garb, commonly called an apron, and they apparently selected these articles with an ambition to catch the eye of the ladies.
One that attracted most attention was pink crepe-de-chine, with orange piping and valenciennes lace rosettes, set with lilies-of-the valley. It was worn by big Mike Maloney, and it neatly decorated a tiny patch of his vast anatomy, leaving unmeasured distances exposed. Mike was undoubtedly designed by nature and intended by the foreman to be the big surprise of the morning. He entered the dining room after the others, bearing on his shoulders a vast tray of bacon and eggs. His face was red and indicated he was laboring under unusual strain, or that he had come from a warm fire. His brow had beads of perspiration upon it, he advanced with uncertain step between the rows of tables; the ladies arose and cheered, and Mike appeared to be doubtful for a second or two as to whether he would throw the tray at someone and beat it, or join in the merriment that his presence evoked. Fortunately for the company, he decided to the latter course and his inimitable and mirth provoking laugh uncorked the bottled up humor that the ladies had up to the moment been keeping in cold storage.
Mike's laugh is so out of the ordinary, and so contagious, it is worthy of description and deserves a place in this catalogue of important parish events. It begins with a low chuckle and a high blood pressure; this is a signal for everyone to tune up for the big chorus that is to follow, consequently everyone begins to chuckle; Mike appears to drive down into his ribs, air-tubes and conduits, and accompanies the action with a variety of spasms and contortions and extricates himself finally from an apoplectic condition by a conclusive burst of Irish melody that is a combination of all the notes peculiar to the vast harmonies of the woodlands, the orchestra, the ocean and the disquieted elements,
When Michael was almost through his first explosion, he endeavored to set the tray on the table, it was impossible to guess which side was likely to come down first. The ladies sitting closest to where he stood, moved back their chairs. One of them exclaimed excitedly, "For land's sakes! Mike don't spill it on me." This caused him to give an encore into which he shoved a few thrills and contortions that had not appeared on his previous effort.
The breakfast was already a success, everyone was happy, the bacon and eggs were remarkably well cooked and the men were delighted with the zest the ladies showed for the eats. Mrs. Cullen and Mrs. John Houlihan were noticeably behind the rest toward the end of the meal. They apparently were in a contest. Mrs. Cullen thinks she won. She says she ate six cuts of bacon and two eggs. She was so full she could not take part in the Irish jig contest that followed, she remained so quiet for the rest of the morning there is a suspicion she went to sleep, but her neighbors say her mind was on her daughter Helen's wedding, which was scheduled for Thursday.
Members of the Mothers' Club were prominent among the entertainers. Mrs. Sam Gittins sang "Paddlin' Maddlin'," Mrs. Oates "Sleepy Time Gal;" Loretta Bisso, "Just Around the Corner;" Mrs. Nixon, "The Christening;" Mrs. LaGarce played a mouth organ, Mrs. Foley danced the Coon Jig to the music of "Turkey in the Straw;" Mrs. B. Quinn gave an exhibition of the Charleston; Mrs. Bessie Gallagher, a fancy dance and Mrs. Manion tripped around like a kid in an Irish break down, and Benny Conklin and Jerry Corbett were her side-kicks. Mrs. W. Hefele sang a romantic ditty to an Irish air, which suggested to Mike Maloney the possibility of his being able to sing "My Wild Irish Rose," but after a few unavailing efforts he was given a place in the Croaker's Club.
Father O'Connor dropped into the hall before going to say the late masses and an impromptu performance designed to make him smile, was at once introduced. Among the features was a parody by Mrs. B. Quinn
"Does he pay his four percent?
Yes he pays his four percent.
Does he live in Cheltenham?
No, he lives at Wade and Tamm,
And another poetic effusion which Mrs. LaGarce had prepared for his reception on his return from Ireland and which she then omitted because she feared it might make him lonesome, was introduced:
He Was Lonesome For Home
He wasn't satisfied, he did not sleep at night; home was worrying him, yes his home across the sea. He had a sneaky feeling 'round his heart that he wanted to take a trip home, and he packed his grip and took the trip back to old Ireland's Home Sweet Home, where there wasn't any high born airs. He got his three squares of corn and 'lasses served by Rastus He was tickled to death when he got home and he did not like to leave there any more. You can take it from me his folks were all glad to see Father O'Connor coming back home.
But he was not satisfied, he did not sleep at night; why? we were worrying him. He had sneaky feeling 'round his heart that he ought to come back to us, so he packed his grip and took the trip back to St. James. We are tickled to death that he came back home and we don't want him to leave us any more. You can take it from me St. James' people were all glad to see Father O'Connor, the night he came back home.
Father Pohl, Spiritual Director of the Sodality was glad to see so many present and hoped that this breakfast would stimulate them to greater activity and attract all the young mothers of the parish to St: Ann’s,
Mrs. Irvin, President of St. Ann’s, in behalf of the organization thanked the Holy Name Society for the excellent treat which they gave the ladies.
Mr. Michael Oates, President of the Holy Name Society, said it was indeed a privilege to entertain the ladies, and as he understood from Father O'Connor, that, heretofore the Sodality had not felt themselves part of parish activities, he hoped this breakfast would assure them they need no longer feel isolated.
Mrs. Boyer donated a cake with the name of the Sodality and date iced thereon, which was not distributed at the breakfast. Some of the ladies who are wondering what became of it will probably be given information if they consult Father Pohl.
In answer to the query, "who cooked the bacon so well?" information has been received that Benny Conklin turned the trick. The unassigned members of the Kitchen Troupe were, Mike Maloney, Boyer, Wiber, Corbett, Harris, Connors, Hugeback, Oates and Frank Strathman.
Special Drive For Members
St. Ann's Sodality intends having a reception of new members at the 6 o'clock mass, May 16th, when the members will go to Holy Communion. Father Pohl requests all the married ladies of the parish, even those who are not members of the sodality, to go to communion that morning and witness the reception. Quite a number of young mothers in the parish have signified their willingness to join the society, and it is expected that the attendance will be large and the occasion edifying.
=====================
Mr. Shepherd Rose and son-in-law, Mr. Apron, with their families, have returned to the parish and now reside at 1111 Forest Ave. Other new parishioners are: Charles A. Holster, 1206 Graham, Bernard Apprill, 6135 West Park Ave.; E. O. Echor, 2102 Clifton Ave.; Mr. Classic, 6212 Victoria Ave.
========================
On the Eve of Good Friday, Holy Name Society members kept an all night vigil in church, before the Blessed Sacrament. The Guard of Honor consisted of seven members.
The Holy Name Branch have arranged to make a drive for members and intend having a reception the second Sunday of May. Breakfast will be served in the school hall in honor of the new members, after 6 o'clock Mass, to which all the members have been invited. Mr. Michael Oates, President, expects at least 150 for breakfast and hopes to have the officers of the Diocesan Union, honorary guests.
==================
The First Communion Class which will include children from the public schools, will make their first communion on Ascension Thursday, at the 7:30 Mass. As many of the parents as can do so are requested to approach the altar with the children.
===================
The annual event of crowning the statue of the Blessed Virgin will take place at St, James Church, on Sunday, May 23rd, at 4:30 P. M. This beautiful devotion has attracted a great deal of interest in the past, it is a public profession of loyalty to the Blessed Mother. The young ladies of the parish will join in the procession and hymns. A number of clergy are to be present.
===================
Mr. John A. Murphy of Lloyd Ave., was taken to St. John's Hospital, last Saturday. He was suffering from a severe attack of grippe.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
EDITORIAL
Unattached
There are in our midst a number of Catholic families, who have not identified themselves with the parish. They are keeping aloof because they regard themselves as birds of passage who have not yet reached the end of their flight. They are stray birds that belong to no flock, lost sheep, who have no shepherd. Catholics without a parish or a parish priest, those that come under the head of vagi or wanderers who have nomadic inclinations and town habits; usually very agreeable folk who mean well, but do nothing in the way of establishing healthy relationship with the parish church, the parochial school or parochial life.
They are not always people who try to escape the burden of supporting the church, some of them are generous when the collection basket is passed, they have been known to drop a dollar into the plate when they happened to be in a church where an appeal was made for funds. They are very impartial in their contributions to the church except to their own parish. They usually are generous to churches that are well established and prosperous, because they are in the habit of identifying themselves, like Whang the Miller, with wealthy folk, large congregations and Cathedral Choirs; or they become habitués of the churches for transients where their recurring visits establish their identity and give them a prominence beyond their fellow wanderers.
Their embarrassment and sad necessity begins only when they have a sick call. They have to get a priest and they are sufficiently instructed to know they must call in one of the pastors of the parish in which they reside. How can they approach him when they are conscious of neglecting their duty to him for so many months and sometimes for years! They are consciously stricken and ashamed. They fear they will be mistaken for fallen away Catholics and yet they realize it would be poor diplomacy to say they have been attending and supporting other parishes. It is harder still on the one who is ill. He is in no condition to be placed under a mental strain, his sickness and fever are sufficiently annoying, and as he is not well acquainted if not entirely unknown to the local clergy, he dreads to meet one of them and defers receiving the sacraments.
There has been to our knowledge, one sad instance of such a happening in the parish during the past year. The family were ashamed to call on us because they had not been identified with the parish and delayed until the patient was unconscious. It was deplorable and unfortunate and the embarrassment was increased when it came to making the funeral arrangements. They expected a number of their prominent Catholic friends and relations at the funeral. They wanted to have a High Mass and a flattering panegyric. The pastor had no good reason for believing that the deceased was a practical Catholic and suggested the propriety of a plain, unpretentious funeral service. It was not satisfactory to the parishioners or pastor, Pastors have, the deepest sympathy for all who are mourning round the coffin of a dear one, but they cannot be hypocrites. The plain, unvarnished truth is: a good Catholic, even if he intends to remain in a parish only a few months, becomes acquainted with his pastors and co-operates with them and their efforts; whereas, the individual who does not want to be known or will not take an interest in his parish church is too disinterested to be practical and is on the way back to the, world that has no religious affiliations.
THE BOOSTER
If you mean to build a Church
Give your "dough"
Don't leave your Pastor in the lurch
Help the fund to grow.
When there's anything to do
Let the fellows count on you
You'll feel bully when it's through
Don't you know.
If you're used to giving knocks,
Change your style;
Throw bouquets instead of rocks
For a while
Let the other fellow roast,
Shun him as you would a ghost
Meet his hammer with a boast
And a smile.
When a new one comes along
Tell him 'bout your Church
Make it strong.
Needn't flatter, never bluff,
Tell the truth, for that's enough;
Join the boosters -- they're the stuff
Sing your song!
CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT AND COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES AT AIRDOME, JUNE 18-20
"Scenes and Songs of Ye Olden Times" is the title of the performance which will be given by the school children on the evenings of June 18th and .20th. They hope to briefly combine sweet songs and scenes of "Auld Lang Syne."
You will be asked to linger thoughtfully on the golden bridge which spans the past, and cast a look at far-off, by-gone days, while the mists of a century shall roll away as each class presents some well known, but perhaps forgotten melody, dance or scene.
The program will open with a Mother Goose Scene in which several numbers will be presented by the Kindergarten and First Grade. The Eighth Grade will be seen in a stately Minuet, a Pioneer Scene and a Mill Scene; all of which picture the customs of the early settlers. The Fourth Grade think their number "Ye Deestrick Skule" is to be the leading feature, but the Sixth Grade are sure that the Plantation Scene is by far the best number on the program. The Fifth Grade boys will dance a Sailor's Horn Pipe and the girls of the Fifth Grade will have a very pretty and quaint Old Folks Tea. In the Summer Bower Scene given by the Seventh Grade boys and girls, they will sing "Love's Old Sweet Song," and dance on the dances of by-gone days. The little boys and girls of the Second and Third Grades have two numbers: "Coming Through the Rye" and "Jingle Bells."
The performance will close with the "Star Spangled Banner." The following are the graduates of the 1926 Class
CROWNING OF STATUE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
On Sunday, May 23rd, at 4:30 P. M., the annual event of the Crowning of the Statue of the Blessed Virgin was performed by Miss Estelle Sensenbrenner, Wise Ave. Father Robert McKeon, assistant pastor of St. Mark's Church preached the sermon, Father John Nugent, pastor of St. Catherine's Church officiated at solemn benediction.
About forty young ladies and the girls of the First Communion Class took part in the procession.
The church was well filled with devotees of Mary, and the altar was beautifully decorated.
After devotions, the following clergy were entertained at the Rectory: Rev. John Ryan, Pastor Immaculate Conception, Maplewood; Rev. George Ryan, Pastor Holy Angels; Rev. John Nugent, Rev. James McGrath, Assistant Pastor, St. Columbkills; Rev. Dan Courtney and Rev. Robt. McKeon.
FATHER OF FIVE CHILDREN DIES
William Bernsen, age 41, the father of five children, died May 24th, at his home, 5922 Clayton Ave. He was a man of fine physique and was ill only a few days. The doctors made light of his case till Sunday evening when it was apparent his condition was most serious.
Father Pohl and later Father O'Connor were called to his death bed. He was suffering intense pain but made an effort to repeat the prayers for the dying. His wife, children and immediate relatives were with him when he expired. His remains were taken Thursday, May 27th, to St. James Church and thence to Calvary Cemetery.
His cousin, Father George Haukap assisted at the funeral.
Mr. Bernsen was well known in St. Bernard's Parish, also at St. Henry's, where he resided until 1924, when he came to St. James. May he rest in peace.
======================
Wm. Menner, 6430 Wise Ave., has opened a barber shop at Central and Clayton Ave., across from the Dewey School and is equipped to give the ladies expert service, bobbing, shampooing, massaging, etc. Since a cropped head has become so important a part of woman's attire, we are certain the ladies of the parish will welcome this convenience.
PASTORS ARE THANKFUL
As voluntary subscriptions continue to flow into the New Church Fund, the spirits of our Pastors continue to rise. The generous and almost unanimous scope of the subscription list makes them hopeful that when the voluntary donations are ended, there will remain very few of those able to, who have not made some sort of subscription.
The Pastors realize that they are obligated to some extent, out of fairness to those who subscribed voluntarily, to ask a subscription of those who are apparently able to donate, and have not done so, but they dislike the job very much; and every time a subscription comes in, they joyfully eliminate one more name from their list of calls on this unpleasant duty.
All who have not yet decided on the size or nature of their subscription are urged to do so, and hand in their card at as early a date as possible. Remember, your subscription which helps to swell the fund, may also help some other donors to make up their mind.
LET'S GO! Remember, you have twenty months to pay.
BAPTISMS IN MAY
IT COULDN'T BE DONE
I
Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That maybe it couldn't, but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he tried.
So he buckled right in with a grin on his face;
If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing, as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
II
Somebody scoffed, "Oh, you'll never do that,
At least, no one ever has done it."
But he took off his coat, and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
III
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done;
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle right in with a bit of a grin;
Just take off your coat and go to it.
Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing
That couldn't be done and you'll do it.
-- By Edgar A. Guest
THE PICNIC
The School Children's Picnic will be held at Creve Coeur Lake, on Wednesday, June 9th. The cars will leave Tamm Ave. loop at 8:45 sharp. Baskets may be left at Dolan's Real Estate office, where an automobile will call for them not later than 8:30 A. M.
Tickets will be issued to all who wish to ride on the Picnic Cars. Round trip ticket: adults 30c, children 20c. No one-way tickets will be issued.
The management at the Lake have signified their willingness to give the children several treats, including a free ride on the Ferris Wheel and a ride to the Observation Tower at reduced rates.
Father Pohl and John D. Bersch are arranging an athletic program and have already secured a number of valuable prizes. They say this picnic will be the best ever. They intend giving free lemonade.
Tickets can be purchased from the Sisters and should be had before Wednesday.
WHEN PAYING THE SPECIAL COLLECTION
When you are paying to the Special Collection, don't put your money in the basket unless it is a small amount which you have added to your regular donation.
Pay it to one of the Official Ushers or Trustees or to one of the Pastors and be sure you get a receipt.
The Official Ushers and Trustees when on duty, shall wear a badge marked "Usher," "Trustee."
A statement will be mailed every month to all subscribers.
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS NOT TO BE PUBLISHED
St. James Parish proposes to build a church and maintain a policy of not publishing names of contributors or amounts of individual contributions.
It has the greatest confidence in the big generous spirit of the parishioners and in their faith which prompts them to give for the glory of God and not in the spirit of vanity.
For this reason names of contributors in the last big drive will not be published with the exception of those few benefactors whom the parish wishes to honor in a special manner because they do not live in the parish and their gifts are so notable, a record of them in "Let's Go" will have in years to come, an historic value.
ST. JAMES PAROCHIAL SCHOOL ALUMNI
COMMUNION AND BANQUET
The St. James Parochial School Alumni will hold its annual communion at St. James Church, Sunday, June 20th, at the 7:30 Mass, after which breakfast will be served. After the breakfast there will be a short business meeting.
The Banquet in honor of the Graduating Class of 1926 will be held at the City Club, Sunday, June 27th, at 6:00 P. M., at which Banquet 28 Graduates will be taken into the ranks of the Alumni.
The members who intend being present at either the Breakfast or the Banquet are requested to notify one of the officers in time.
The officers are: Ray Usher, president; Arthur Pahl, vice-president, assisted by William Pate and James Gibbons; Mrs. Florence Ehle Hilton, secretary, assisted by Marie Kelly and Margaret Signaigo; Delphina Jones, treasurer, assisted by Joe Ryan and Colleen Bawn.
The Program for the Banquet is:
The Alumni officers are looking forward to a record breaking attendance at both the Breakfast and' the Banquet.
THE FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART
The feast of the Sacred Heart occurs this year on Friday, June 11th. Devotions will be held at 7:30 P. M., when diplomas and crosses will be awarded those promoters who have faithfully fulfilled their duties for at least six months.
The following promoters will receive their crosses and diplomas
CONSECRATION OF HOMES TO THE SACRED HEART
June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart, and the Promoters of the Apostleship of Prayer desire to remind the parishioners that this is the month when homes are consecrated.
In order to consecrate the home to the Sacred Heart, it is necessary that every member of the family belong to the Apostleship of Prayer. To belong to the Apostleship of Prayer, it is only necessary that one say the morning offering each day and be enrolled in the league register.
If you want your home consecrated this month get in touch with the local Promoter and she will make the necessary arrangements.
Every member of the family must be present at the consecration and the regular picture of the Sacred Heart is necessary. At the bottom of this picture is a space where the members' names may be inserted and also a place for the Pastor to sign. It is also necessary that you have two blessed candles and holy water, and the picture must be unframed.
It is possible to gain a plenary indulgence on the day the home is consecrated, under the usual conditions, confession and Holy Communion and prayers for the Pope's intention.
The Promoters also wish to remind those who have had their homes consecrated that they can receive a plenary indulgence on the anniversary of said consecration.
LOUIS A. SCHOLLMEYER
At the Barbecue, Mr. Schollmeyer was the first to announce a donation to the special collection for the New Church Fund. Louis kicked in to the extent of $500.00.
Mr. Schollmeyer is not a Catholic; neither is he a parishioner. He is a just a Friend -- BUT WHAT A FRIEND!
When we needed chat and crushed rock to cover the ground of the Airdome, Louis sent it out from the Union Quarry & Construction Co., of which he is a proprietor, and refused to accept pay for it. Again, when we wanted similar material to cover the mud of the school playground, Louis donated.
The drive for the Church Fund was a great success, and St. James parishioners are to be congratulated for the whole-hearted support they gave it, but the drive would not have been nearly so successful had it not been for our generous friends from outside the parish.
The Pastors hope they will have to make few calls, as every day wage earners are calling at the rectory with their subscriptions.
Maidens who are in their teens are donating $50 and the little tots in the Angel Sodality sent in a check for $13.50.
Father O'Connor says it is simply wonderful how the parishioners are contributing, and maintains he could build a Cathedral if the people had money. "They have," he said, "hearts of gold but pockets of silver."
The drive for funds initiated by the Booster's Club and launched with unprecedented enthusiasm at the Barbecue, Ascension Thursday night, amidst a scene of applause, cheers and joyous demonstration, netted subscription in one hour of more than $21,000.00.
There never was before in the history of the parish so startling a display of generosity and Parish loyalty.
From the moment that Mr. Joseph Crotty, in response to the fiery appeals made for funds by Mr. Ray Dolan and Father O'Connor, set the campaign going, a hurricane of subscriptions blew toward the stage where Frank Walsh and Louis Riegel announced the amounts and the names of contributors to Mrs. Mary Boerckel and Dan Sheehan, who though they were keeping records in shorthand and type were compelled to cry out more than once, "We can't keep up with you, you are going too fast."
These blockades were availed of by Mr. Frank Walsh, and whilst the stack of subscription cards were being registered, he regaled the crowd with familiar episodes and high colored narratives. Among other things he gave a short biography of his own life which was neither complimentary or edifying and which appeared to observers to be very embarrassing to his wife. She was seen to give him a sour look and on noticing it he remarked, "I am after getting a sour look from the Mrs. but what is that between husband and wife?"
When Mr. Quinn donated the Stations of the Cross, Mr. Walsh became reverential and launched into an edifying sermon on self-sacrifice. He mentioned George Wiber as being a notable example of a man who is always on the job around the church. "He does everything," he remarked, "except hear confessions." "At that I wouldn't mind going to George for confession, he wouldn't give one the stations.
Mr. Riegel: "Does Father O'Connor ever give you the stations?"
Mr. Walsh : "No, I go to The College with the rest of the bad ones."
The number and amount of subscriptions were all the more amazing when one considers the fact that the majority of those present had no foreknowledge that subscriptions would be solicited.
When the campaign began to get under way everyone present realized that the hour to strike a triumphant blow for Old St. James had at last arrived, and lovers of the parish arose in every corner of the airdome and vied with one another in pushing up the total thousand after thousand till the quota for the evening was well beyond the $21,000 mark.
The greatest enthusiasm of the evening was aroused when the venerable Mr. Macken was accompanied to the front of the stage by Father O'Connor and introduced as the donor of the site for the New Church. He was greeted with thunderous applause and when he added to his previous gift $7,000 for the main altar, the cheering and applause lasted more than five minutes.
After quiet was restored, Father O'Connor added, there is another person at this meeting who is too retiring to appear before you, but has contributed to the parish as much as Mr. Macken. I have no doubt Mrs. Macken has been the woman in this affair and deserves an equal share of the gratitude of St. James Parish."
John A. Quinn, 7054 Forsythe Blvd., preceded Mr. Macken and was greeted with outbursts of cheering when he announced that he would give $2,000 for the Stations of the Cross. He had been anxious he said to donate the main altar and spoke to Father O'Connor a few years ago about it, when he resided in the parish, but on being informed recently that Mr. Macken demanded this privilege, he and his wife decided it would be best for the parish were they to yield in favor of Mr. Macken.
The meeting was attended by practically all the old standbys of the parish. Everyone was happy, jubilant and interested in the drive, and the spirit of loyalty, co-operation and self sacrifice manifested was most inspiring and helpful and augurs well for the continued progress of St. James Parish.
Twenty Months to Pay Special Contributions
It may be well to emphasize that the special collection is voluntary and must not interfere with the 4% contributions. The people who have conscientiously contributed 4% of their income to the church during the past three years have done their full share, and should they decide to do a little more, they will be given a period of 20 months in which to pay toward the special fund.
Quite a number of the parishioners have decided to give half the amount contributed this year and to pay the balance during 1927. This appears to be a very satisfactory arrangement and ought to make it easy for everyone to do something out of the ordinary. Of course, there are some who do not like the time-payment plan and prefer to give their donation right away. They find it easier to sign checks than to sign cards. In general, it may be stated that any plan that suits the donor will be pleasing to the parish provided that the amount subscribed be registered immediately and payment of same be completed before end of the year 1927.
The Campaign Manager
The plans for the Barbecue and Drive were well conceived and intelligently executed. It required a good deal of effort and considerable thought. The Boosters' Club are to be congratulated on deciding on this plan. No doubt the parish as a whole has been aroused and is very well pleased with the great success of the campaign. Whilst everybody acknowledges the good disposition of the parishioners, it must be conceded that the great success of the Drive is to be attributed to the campaign manager, Mr. Frank Walsh.
Mr. Walsh kept the meeting in good humor all through the evening by his genial disposition, glibness of tongue and unwavering consciousness of the merits of the cause, and untiring energy. He is a born leader and if ever he decided to enter politics and run for office we would advise him to at least make a dab at being a senator.
Special Collection Necessary
Father O'Connor regretted to have to ask for a special collection. He was well pleased, he said, with the progress that had been made during the past few years. He was very grateful to the many parishioners who had been faithful in contributing 4% of their income to the church. He was not now making a demand of them, but since he and the Boosters' Club visited the churches that were recently constructed, he came to the conclusion that the funds on hand with a $50,000 loan would not be sufficient to erect the church the parishioners desired. It would cost at least, with furnishings, $150,000. In the beginning of the year there was only $60,000 in the treasury and the balance had to be guaranteed before the plans were drawn.
He asked the parishioners to face the problem with the courage and determination they displayed in the past.
MR. MARTINEAU'S SPEECH
Ladies and GentlemenIt is indeed a pleasure and a privilege to be given the opportunity to speak to you on this occasion.
We are gathered here this evening to meet on common ground, as a plain people, for a noble cause, namely the building of the new church of St. James.
And the subject that I am going to try to interest you with as a fellow parishioner is the development of this parish from the viewpoint of the past, the present, and the future.
I came to this parish in 1905, twenty-one years ago, and at that time there was not a single improved roadway in the parish, real estate was selling on the average from $10.00 to $20.00 a foot, and homes were costing from about $1,200.00 to $2,500.00, today over 95 per cent of. the roadways in this parish are improved, and real estate is selling from about $30.00 a foot for un-improved ground to about $100.00 a foot for improved ground, and homes are costing all the way from $6,000.00 to $25,000.00, so you can realize the natural development that has taken place in this parish in the period that I have just stated.
Tonight as we turn our faces to the future development of this parish, we can see to the south of us the re-surfacing of Manchester Avenue, from Kingshighway west through Maplewood, connecting with the Manchester concrete road, making it the gateway to the great southwest. This improvement alone will make Manchester Avenue, from east to west a solid business center, and will naturally develop all of the southern part of our parish. We have no better proof of this fact than the Easton Ave.-St. Charles connection, the northwest gateway, which has already become congested with great business activity.
As we look to the north we can already see a good deal of business and building activity along that great highway, Clayton Road, and that section from Childress Ave. east to the intersection of Oakland Ave., will be built up in the near future with a prosperous business and shopping center. We must not lose sight of the fact that the whole northern part of our parish overlooks the largest and most beautiful city park in America, and with its great recreational facilities, is causing the northern part of our parish to build up with homes costing from $10,000.00 to $25,000.00, and in a few years from now that section will all be built up.
To the east of us the City of St. Louis has already adopted a plan to widen Hampton Blvd. build a viaduct over the Missouri Pacific and Frisco tracks, and continue Hampton Blvd. to the most southern part of our city, which will make another great highway running through our parish, the property owners in that section are looking forward to this improvement, and the low lands east of Hampton Blvd., and south of Oakland Ave. are being rapidly filled in, and new streets to be layed off for the erection of first class apartment houses, as that type of buildings are under construction at the present time.
As we look to the west of us, we can see the new O'Gorman-Cody Subdivisions, adjoining the other improved sections in the western part of our parish, and in a few years from now will all be built up with modest and substantial homes.
Last but not least we have at our very door good old Tamm Ave., running through the heart of our parish, and when the new church is built on its peak, giving it a commanding view in all directions, and all the surrounding improvements closing in on it, it will make Tamm Ave. the great white way for parish activities.
In reviewing the future developments of this parish, I do not desire to paint a conceited picture of ourselves, or to overestimate our possibilities, but merely to give a conservative outline of the future growth of this parish, because it means that in a few years from now the wealth of this parish will be vastly increased, and parish revenue will double itself.
Speaking about parish revenue, back along the years we were sliding along in a certain groove, and we seemed to be contented to just keep on sliding along, until one day a young Irishman came along and pulled us out of the groove, and that person is none other than your Pastor, Father O'Connor. Not so long ago he told us if we intended to get anywhere, we would have instituted a four per cent system, and it seemed mighty hard for us to digest it at the time, but today it has become fairly well digested, and the result is we have $60,000.00 on hand drawing six per cent interest, and still going strong.
This is your achievement under the leadership of your Pastor, and his able assistant, Father Pohl.
What are we going to do tonight, are we going to slide back in to the old groove, or are we going to press on to new achievements?
Are we going to join the new spirit that is coming with the new people into our Parish? Are we going to keep faith with the pledge we made to that grand old character, Mr. Macken, whose generosity in donating the church ground is beyond words?
Are we going to build a church that in the years to come, will be viewed by our children with pride and admiration?
Judging from the sentiment manifested here this evening, I believe we are going to realize our ambition, and when the new edifice of St. James is built, and we gaze upon its beauty, it will bring new inspiration to our efforts, and we will say to ourselves, "We thank God for giving us the opportunity and the privilege to share in its consummation."
===============
Father O'Connor reported that one lady who would not sign a subscription card for the Special Collection, called at the Rectory on Monday morning and presented him with two $50 bills. This he announced from the altar and the following Sunday the record was broken by a gentleman who presented a hundred dollar bill.
===================
The entertainment at the Barbecue was considered by the audience unusually good. The performer of the Charleston gave an exhibition requiring energy, agility and stamina. The crowd from St. Edward’s were somewhat jealous in their competition with those from St. James who took part in the performance. They seemed to be very enthused with the fact that they were helping Father O'Connor "make good."
But the outstanding performance of the evening was given by Mr. Ed. Pierce, the Coon impersonator. He caricatured clergy and the community with a humor which was delightfully entertaining. He kept the stage for about forty minutes and the audience seemed to be willing to give him the whole evening.
The only topic on which he did not touch was the mistakes made by one of the editors of LET'S GO. He seemed to imply that as editor his literary ability is above ridicule, whereas his stenographer knows that whenever he uses a big word he has to consult Eddie Ryan as to its exact meaning, and the proof sheets are a proof that he is the first and second worst speller in the parish. His literary skill has improved considerably since his wife presented him at Christmas, the primer spelling book.
But taking him all in all Eddie is a first class comedian whether on or off the stage.
Ray Dolan briefly outlined the purpose of the Barbecue and said there never were to his knowledge, so many of the wage earners of the parish assembled in the parish grounds. He felt it was a proper occasion for doing something practical in the way of encouraging Father O'Connor to go ahead with the plans for the new church and arranging with the architect for designs of one that would be beautiful. He suggested that those present would tonight publicly subscribe toward the additional fund which would make it possible for the parish to build a church that would cost not less than $150,000.
After Mr. Dolan made these suggestions, Father O'Connor requested Mr. Walsh to ask for subscriptions and the number that were received and the enthusiasm with which the audience approved of the method, made it evident what success might be expected through the plan.
====================
Mr. Chas. Heil would have made a wonderful speech at the Barbecue were it not that he got stage fright. He spoke on the policy of the parish and emphasized the fact that we had free pews in the church, a free school and pastors who didn't know how to talk money, but notwithstanding these facts, through the generosity of the parishioners and the economy of the pastors, there has been set aside for a new church over $60,000 in the past five years.
He had a great deal more to say about the parish policy but forgot it and came off the stage resolved that he had made his last speech and that it was a notable failure, but nobody else agreed with him.
Mr. Martin Coad spoke on our parishioners. He said this is a cosmopolitan parish as is exemplified by the personnel of our leaders. The pastor is all Irishman, the assistant, a German, and there is in training an Italian, Antony Palumbo.
The people are of many races and they have learned to ignore race prejudice and to be tolerant of one another's foibles.
They have reason to be proud of their achievement. During the past five years, in proportion to their number and to their wealth their contributions to the church are pro rata, if not greater at least equal to the contributions made by any parish in the archdiocese.
People of St. James have reason to be proud of their generosity and of the many sacrifices which they have made for their religion. They have at last reached the goal of their ambition, a new church is no longer in the realm of possibility: in a year from now it will be an accomplished fact and he knew that this year every wage earner would make sacrifices greater than any they had made in the past and the church they would erect would be a perpetual manifestation of their faith and generosity.
=====================
ARTHUR E. PAHL
Among the more liberal of the contributors to the New Church Fund, we note the name of our friend, Arthur Pahl.
About a. year ago the writer was working with a committee charged with the duty of preparing for St. James Picnic. When plans were completed, we called for volunteers to assist at the grounds, and Arthur volunteered. We wanted as many, as could do so to be on the grounds at five o'clock in the morning of the picnic day, to hang swings, ice soda, and put the grounds in readiness: Arthur was there, and he worked all day serving drinks, and was one of the reasons the picnic was declared a success.
On another occasion, when volunteers were requested to put the school play-grounds in condition, and erect equipment, Arthur was among the most energetic and untiring of the workers.
Limited space prevents a more complete chronicle of Mr. Pahl's many displays of friendship for St. James parish. Nevertheless, these few instances convince us that Arthur is a real friend.
And we call to your attention to the fact that Mr. Pahl is the non-Catholic father of a Catholic family.
DONATIONS FOR BARBECUE
The success of the Barbecue was due partly to the tasty sandwiches and delightful coffee which was served. We had understood that Father O'Connor had "set-em-up" to the lunch, but now find that, with customary thriftiness, he had a large part of the material donated:
Following is a list of the donors, and the nature of their donations
These donations, procured through the efforts of HENSE & SON and McShaffery & Bovard, were greatly appreciated by the committee, and we urge our readers to remember them when making purchases of this nature.
====================
Children who have sale of tickets for the entertainment must return tickets or money not later than June 17th.
MRS. LAGARCE AND MRS. WIBER ENTERTAIN AT THE RIVER
On Wednesday, May 26th, Mrs. LaGarce and Mrs. Wiber entertained at the Wiber Club House, near Valley Park, several of the ladies who have been active workers for the Mothers' Club. They rode to the river in a truck furnished by Mr. Sharamitaro and two automobiles. The ladies say they enjoyed the day very much, some of them played cards, others canoed on the river and a few went swimming.
Mrs. Sam Gittins refused to go in a boat because she said if she were drowned that Sam could never get along without getting married again, and that he would in all probability make a greater mistake the second time than he did the first.
Mrs. Wagner who rode in a boat with Mrs. Cullen feared for their safety when Mrs. Cullen began telling jokes and requested that she be taken to shore at once.
Mrs. Barney Quinn's swimming suit needs being laundered. She did her swimming in a mud hole distant from the main current.
The following were the ladies who made up the party: Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Englehardt, Mrs. Lauterwasser, Mrs. Gittins, Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Cullen, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Plengemeir, Mrs. Schuler, Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. Foley, Mrs. Irvin, Mrs. McDonnell, Mrs. Quinn, Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Mahoney, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. LaGarce, Mrs. Arlt, Mrs. Wiber.
FUNERALS
Mrs. Margaret Bisso, a widow who lived with her only daughter, Ollie at 6857 Bruno Ave., died on Sunday, May 23rd. She had lived in St. James Parish nineteen years and since her husband, August, died in 1908, she and her little girl conducted a store for many years at 6837 Manchester Ave.
Though she had been ailing from a chronic tumor, she managed to climb the Tamm Ave. hill every Sunday and be present at Mass 'till Easter, when her condition became critical.
She received the last Sacraments with fervor and on Wednesday, May 26th, her funeral took place from St. James Church to Calvary Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
Her daughter has decided to reside with her aunt, Mrs. Regney, 1344 Elliot St.
ANTONIE BISSO'S DEATH
Antonie Bisso, father of John A. Bisso, the florist, 6317 West Park Ave., died on May 20th, at St. Louis Baptist Hospital, at the age of 65. He remained conscious to the last and knew he was dying. He faced eternity without whimpering and spent the last hours of his life in continuous prayer.
Father O'Connor said at the funeral, "Antonie Bisso was a man who had a family tradition that was Christian and lived up to it. His eyes were unusually expressive and revealed a soul that was sensitive, affectionate and sincere. He had so high a sense of honor he never stooped to anything that was mean or vicious.
"He was born in Montreal, where he resided till he was eighteen and assimilated in that Catholic City, the faith in all its mellowness.
"He journeyed into Missouri, which was a comparatively wild country forty years ago. Often he lived far from church and priest, but he kept close to God and cherished in his soul that light of faith that was enkindled from a divine spark; it burned brighter as he went and its brilliancy increased as he stood at the portals of death."
Antonie's grandchildren wept bitterly at his funeral. Children's tears at such a time are the highest tribute that can be paid a plain unpretentious man. -- R. I. P.
THE YOUNGSTERS
One of the things which we particularly noticed with reference to the Special Collection was the great number of young people who made donations.
Girls in their teens, and mere boys, many of them just out of school, grasped the spirit of the occasion, and put a crimp in their spending money for the next few months in order to help the cause.
We would like to show this list to some of the calamity howlers who are so critical of the younger generation. We think the "kids" are alright, and are emphatically "for them." Ninety-five per cent of them have their hearts where they belong, and a good many of the other five could be set right with a little more consideration, and less criticism.
Hurrah for the youngsters.
================
The Virgin Mother Sodality is practicing to present a play in the airdome Wednesday, July 7th.
===================
The Mothers' Club are not going to give free suits to the children who will take part in the entertainment, but they will make a suit at cost of material for any child whose mother is too busy.
==================
In mentioning non-Catholics who contributed to the Special Collection, we almost overlooked George E. Wiber, Sr., 1318 Tamm Ave., who subscribed $100. Few realize that George, Jr., was once a Non-Catholic. George, Sr. has made a good start and we hope to see him come home before the finish.
================
Because of the Special Devotions to the Sacred Heart which are being conducted in St. James Church each morning after 6:30 Mass, all the parishioners who go to confession and Communion, can gain a plenary indulgence on the last Sunday of June, also on June 30th as often as they visit the church and say a prayer to the Sacred Heart.
A plenary indulgence can also be gained daily by attending the devotions and going to Communion.
==================
Mrs. Conbrevis returned Thursday from a three weeks' trip to Macon, Georgia.
===================
Property owners need have no fears that the Jewish Orphan Home to be erected on Oakland Ave. will depreciate the value of their property. The Home has been conducted many years across from the Immaculate Conception Church, St. Louis, and the clergy assure us the place was never regarded as a nuisance.
==================
When you go to the River don't go to Hell. Do not forget to say your prayers and to assist at Mass on Sunday.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
EDITORIAL
GIVE IT NOW
If you intend giving a subscription toward the new church, make it now.
Next year will be too late. The subscriptions that will have an influence on the size and beauty of the church, are those that will be made before the plans are drawn; those that come later will help to meet the parish debt, but will in no way affect the cost of the building.
Every design that the architects may submit will have to stand the acid test of "can we pay for it." If it is found the cost of any attractive decoration is too much, the architect will be told, “eliminate it" .
Those subscriptions already made, will be regarded as cash in hand. There is scarcely a doubt that those who made them are sincere and their word is as good as their bond.
The parish may grow; in all probability the congregation will double in less than ten years. This must be taken into account, when estimating the size of the church, but dealing in futurities is uncertain speculation and a safe margin of security must be maintained when contracting a debt. Courage is a better quality when prudence holds the wheel
A neat window, an artistic arch, a majestic spire or tower are decorations that give a church a character and a comeliness. A large barn can have as much seating capacity as a Gothic edifice.
Everyone who appreciates beauty in God's edifice and has zeal for His Glory has an opportunity of doing- his bit in erecting in St. James Parish a beautiful church. Should you find yourself inclined to subscribe generously, be assured God is prompting you to make a great sacrifice for His sake.
Let love prevail and if you are in the mood to give, do not defer action, go to the telephone or take a sheet of paper and tell your pastor how much you will -subscribe. DO IT NOW. .
FATHER O'CONNOR ON THE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
On setting out to the Eucharistic Congress, Monday, June 21st; I had a feeling akin suffocation. I feared I should find myself from the moment that I got on the train until my return, in an atmosphere loaded with human perspiration and being jostled by .an impulsive crowd of curious pilgrims that would constantly increase in- number and tread on one another's toes till the congestion of an already congested city, would feverishly vomit them back again through the apertures through which they came.
My anticipation of meeting a vast waiting crowd at Union Station, St. Louis, soon gave way to surprise at the few that were standing at the gate leading to the Chicago and Alton train. The chair cars in which we were seated were half empty and their cool freshness and quiet luxury suggested sleep and pleasant dreams.
St. Louisans had already gone to the Congress, or were not going. The fear of congestion had apparently its psychological effect, the town had talked itself into the conclusion that the safety first slogan of the United Railways, was practical for individuals, and only the most adventurous and zealous found themselves amongst the pilgrims.
When the train pulled into Chicago at 6:30 P. M., there was no bustle around the station. Yellow taxis stood in the usual lines, and the traffic in the streets was not exceptionally congested. What was all the talk about? Where were the crowds? Was the Congress lost in a quiet corner of this vast city? It looked like it. The car in which I rode speeded into the down town district at a clip of 35 miles an hour. I passed along Jackson Boulevard to 4800 West Adams St., and still the streets looked half empty.
Arrangements had been made by a clerical friend for me to get a room at Mrs. Hanrahan's, whom I was informed came forty years ago from the same part of Europe as I did myself. Her son-in-law, Mr. Mortell awaited my arrival at the station and from a description picked me out from among thirty priests.
I soon found myself in Mrs. Hanrahan's home and was given a warm welcome by all the family. After the usual civilities about health and weather, refreshments were passed, Mrs. Hanrahan and myself began to examine our family pedigree in hopes we would find some point in the distant past where our people met. We quickly established recognition points. I knew the lady's relatives and she knew many of mine and though either one of us made no special claim to family distinction, I am sure we must have impressed the younger generation with the fact that we came from "dacant" people who never knew the inside of a jail unless when they were deprived of their freedom for showing too much zeal for the cause of Irish Freedom.
Tuesday was ladies' day at the Congress and bright and early the family were out of bed and we found ourselves on the way to Soldiers' Field or as it is popularly called The Stadium. The stations leading to the elevated road were crowded, and it was quite a time before we were admitted to a car. The congestion was undoubtedly more congested from the fact that people were also going to work. As we stepped from the cars, we could see in the distance, the Soldiers' Field and every avenue leading up to it was one over swollen stream of humanity. Officers were stationed at intervals along the way directing and holding back the crowd. One, an Irishman, who did not recognize me at once as a priest, jostled me somehow, and becoming conscious of the slight indignity, became embarrassed and immediately, in the spirit of atonement and reverence, signed himself with the cross and said "excuse me Father."
Everyone was courteous and friendly and this became more noticeable after we entered the gates leading to The Field. Priests were assigned separate sections and fortunately I was permitted to take with me my companions.
We sat not very far distant from the altar and had a splendid view of the ceremonies and the assembly. I have never witnessed a scene of such magnificent splendor. The Cardinals seated on the knoll on which the altar was erected, their scarlet robes sparkling in the morning sun; in front of them the stately Doric pillars supporting the dome that overshadowed the altar, around about them the Bishops and Monsignori, and in front of the Sanctuary were thousands of nuns, each order distinguished by its peculiar religious garb. Behind them, section after section, acre after acre, as far as the eye could see were the countless throngs of women who had gathered to witness this great event. Their dresses presented a variety of color, but noticeably amongst them, whether by accident or deliberation, was the light blue tint of the Immaculate Conception.
An immense organ began to peal its solemn tones and thousands of women's voices in sweet harmony rose into the air like angels' voices proclaiming the praises of The Master of the Universe. Was He listening? Could He be deaf and blind to what was happening here in this Soldiers' Field. The Nations of the world gathered together and united like one family in the fold that claimed Christ as their Shepherd. Here there were no foreigners as there shall be none in Heaven. Every child of God was in its own home, and the Father of one was the Father of all. In different tongues they prayed and the speakers addressed the gathering in many languages, somehow one felt that the difference of speech and race was only God's way of giving variety to one grand harmony. Thoughts flowed into my brain. Bigger thoughts and deeper sentiments than I thought I was capable of conceiving. God seemed so near and so wonderful and His people so pleasing and so proper. "Come Holy Ghost," chanted the choir. I thought then of the efforts made by men of science to attract by powerful electric signals the supposed inhabitants of Mars. "Come Holy Ghost." Thousands and thousands were singing. Was there ever before such a signal sent up to Heaven. My soul was stirred, tears of emotion came into my eyes and my heart and lips were full of prayer. I prayed for the parishioners, I prayed for the school children, I prayed for my relatives, I prayed for all that I love and all who love me, and my one prayer was that when that immense gathering of people should assemble at the day of judgment that we should not be outside the gates in the glorious arena, where the saints and the angels were assembled with Christ no longer the humble hidden king of the Eucharist, but the triumphant master who had redeemed mankind.
Whilst standing in a space where the crowd was not so thick, by some strange coincidence, I jostled against my first cousin, a priest from New York, Father John Lyons, and whilst we were chatting, Mother Reginald and Sister Veronica of our Dominicans came along. I also happened to run across Father Dempsey's sister and several St. Louisans, in fact, the world seemed to be the proverbial small world, where the impossible seemed to happen and friend met friend.
The scene at night was still more impressive. Armies of men marched over the paths where the ladies had congregated in the morning and again the field was full, and every approach to it, by men, thousands of men. Fortunately there were seats for over 160,000, but it would appear that only a few of the vast throng were seated. Away in the distance, outside the enclosure there were men, more and more armies of men.
Bishop Hoban, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, presided at the Congress. He introduced amongst others, the chaplain of the Holy Name Society, and under his direction, all stood and in a clear distinct voice, recited the pledge made by Holy Name Society members. They promised to be true to God and country, and later, when they were addressed by the Cardinals and Bishops, manifested a fervor and an earnestness that was truly inspiring.
During Benediction, they had lighted candles in their hands and this unusual scene of thousands of lights sparkling in the night over the crowd, made one feel that heaven had put on a double arch and that the stars that belonged to the sky were lighted on the surface of the earth.
Senator Walsh, amongst others, spoke, and the end of his address was somewhat wearying and the crowd showed impatience by repeated applause. This did not produce the desired effect, on the contrary, it seemed to encourage him to speak the longer. I fear me his popularity as an orator waned that night.
As the Cardinals, representing each racial group, receded in procession from the altar, they were given an ovation. When Cardinal O'Donnell appeared, one would think that all the Catholics at the Convention belonged to that International Organization, whose cradle is in Ireland, and whose journeyings are limited only by the circumference of the globe. The crowd remained seated whilst the other Cardinals were passing, but they arose when Cardinal O'Donnell arrived, and their applause was more enthusiastic.
One who was not present, could not realize how large was the crowd that assembled at Mundelein, on Thursday, at the closing event of the Congress. Over a thousand acres of ground pilgrims were scattered and close to the walk, where the procession would pass, groups were condensed like swarms in a hive. Everyone was jubilant, the Congress was almost over; the procession was wending its way down along the lake, Cardinals, Bishops and Monsignori were assembled around the Cardinal Legate, Bonzano, who held in his hand, the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament. It was a moment of triumph, the hour of victory and pomp. The Congress had been written up in all the papers of the world as the greatest event of Christendom. Catholics might well feel proud that their church had been so notably triumphant, but there was yet one sermon to be preached. The Christ of the Eucharist was still to march as did the Nazarene, God's ways are not man's ways. Man becomes proud by success and is elated with victory. The clouds were gathering in the heavens, it was evident that a storm was breaking, the Faith of many, including mine, presumed that the God who had been so favorable in the weather during the rest of the week; would keep back the storm that one hour when the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. But no, He would not. He did not, rain fell in torrents and hail as big as marbles broke on the heads of the crowd. The walks turned into streams, the bishops and the Cardinals had water flowing from their shoes, their vestments were sodden and crumpled. It was not an accident, undoubtedly it was the deliberate will of God. He was preaching the last sermon of the Congress, "Go home and be humble," for the triumph of Christ must ever be the triumph of failure, so the glory of the church must ever remain shrouded and the divinity that dwells in her must remain hidden as did that of the Master, when He hung on the Cross.
BAPTISMS IN JUNE
====================
Mr. Frank Pursley, 6136 Crescent Ave., is one of the non-Catholic contributors at the Barbecue, whose name was omitted from the list. During the month he sent to the Rectory $100.
PLAY GIVEN BY THE YOUNG LADIES' SODALITY
Wednesday evening, July 7th, the Young Ladies' will present a comedy in three acts entitled "Cupid and Calories." The play is composed of twelve women characters, and though not a man appears on the stage, there are at least four behind the scenes. There is a refreshing air of good fellowship among these plucky and cheerful girls, with some character contrasts of a very different kind. A delightfully democratic point of view and a cheerful quick movement toward the happy ending of each love affair, make this a really enjoyable play.
The girl who gives the play its title wins her sweetheart on the telephone as the curtain falls.
[Photo of the people named below is missing. My copy is a poor xerox and would not adequately copy the photo]
(In photo) Romaine Brady, Rosemary Wiss, Genevieve Mahon. Genevieve Saxton. Estelle Sensenbrenner, Mary Devanney, Virginia Jones, Margaret McDonnell, Velma Trammel. Mary Saxton, Cecelia Badendieck
The scene is laid in a hotel for working girls. Between each act a specialty of some kind will be put on.
The play will be presented in the St. James Airdome, at 8:15 P. M., Wednesday, July 7th. Tickets are 35c and are being sold by the Young Ladies of the Sodality.
The cast of characters includes the following:
================
Miss Agnes Kern presented the Mothers' Club with a sewing machine, which the ladies found very useful when making the costumes for the children's entertainment. Mrs. Ben PIengemeier acted as forelady and cutter.
=================
Gladys Huger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Finger, 1033 Louisville Ave., completed her four year course at Loretto Seminar, and was awarded a scholarship in the Webster Groves Academy.
A THIRTY ACRE SUBDIVISION TO BE OPENED IN THE PARISH
The enthusiasm shown by St. James Parishioners at the Barbecue, undoubtedly had something to do with the sale of thirty acres of real estate owned by Evens & Howard, adjoining the church property.
Messrs. Leahy and Stedlin, the purchasers of the property, had been dickering for it for the past two years. The day after the barbecue, they decided to give Evens & Howard their price. The prospect of a new church in the near future for St. James parish has increased the value of this estate, as well as all the real estate in the immediate neighborhood. New settlers are attracted by a good school and a neat church. They like to live in a parish, where the parishioners are active, and where prospects of home life are favorable.
On the night of the barbecue, it became evident, that the people of St. James were a big body of boosters, who were determined to put their parish on the ecclesiastical map. Mr. Leahy's sisters and brothers were present and we wouldn't wonder if they whispered to him the sanguine hopes that the parishioners have of the future in the parish. The psychology of a crowd, when it forms a high estimate of the locality in which it finds itself, is quite an asset when putting real estate on the market, and this community have come to the conclusion that every day in every way we are getting better and better.
Engineers have been making a survey of the property during the past few weeks and taking levels. The promoters hope to have grading machines working there in about two weeks.
Running parallel to Tamm, will be a street which is named Gregg Ave. It will run along the valley west of Graham Ave. The lots will be 125 feet deep and will be in sizes 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 feet, prices ranging from $20 to $25 on Gregg Ave. and Graham St., and on Sproule Ave. $29 to $33 and on Manchester Ave., $39 to $50.
The property is conveniently located, on one side of it the parochial school and church, and Gratiot public school is on its eastern boundary. Along the southern boundary, is Manchester Ave., with splendid street car service, and immediate prospects of being a state highway and the gateway to the city from the southwest. Close by is the Scullin Rolling Mill and factory, that employs thousands of men, and east in Cheltenham there are lead works, terra cotta works, sheet metal works and brick works.
Old settlers have no fear that ground is unsafe for building because of the mining which took place there many years ago. They say that after the props have been removed, the ground settles and as the upper strata is a sheet of rock, the whole field settles and this is apparent from the fact that in several parts of the ground, where water lies, there seems to be no leakage to the channels in the underground where the mines were.
===============
Vacation time has many temptations and dangers for young people and for that reason those who remain faithful will have a greater reward. A timely word might be said about avoiding places where it is difficult or impossible to hear mass or receive Holy Communion.
=================
Waldo Bisso, son of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Bisso, florist, 6317 West Park Ave., had the highest general average in the Sophomore Class, in the Christian Brothers' College for the year 1926. He made a general average of 97%.
PICNIC AT FERN GLEN
Father O'Connor will give an outing on Thursday, July 8th, to the Altar Boys, and his "Bodyguard" Class of 1925, at Fern Glen, on the Meramec.
It has recently come to our attention that Fern Glen is owned by the Kletzker Brothers, one of whom is our own Mr. George Kletzker, of 1041 Fairmount Ave.
George Kletzker is one of the most liberal contributors to the Church, and his generosity and co-operation have made it possible for the publication in Let's Go of so many photographic and cartoon pictures, which have been obtained through him from the Central Engraving Co., of which the Kletzker Brothers are proprietors.
Since taken over by them, the Kletzkers have installed a great many improvements in the Fern Glen property. These include an improved Inn with large dining room, and clean, commodious rooms; large new dancing pavilion; artesian well water; new cottages and many other improvements.
[Missing: two photos of the Fern Glen. My xerox copy is too poor quality to allow me to scan the photos.]
The Fern Glen Orchestra of six pieces serves for dances every Saturday night, and for special occasions.
Being so conveniently located, within easy reach of the city, yet far enough in the country to be totally detached from city life and influences, Fern Glen makes an ideal place for picnics, outings and cool motor trips. Knowing that the place is operated by friends, should be an added inducement for parishioners to make Fern Glen the objective of their next outing.
AWARDED FIRST PRIZES IN SCHOOL
John Houlihan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Houlihan, 6744 Oakland Blvd., was. awarded first prize in the seventh grade.
Mary Kearney, daughter of Wm. H. Kearney, 1336 Hughes Place, first prize in sixth grade.
In the fifth and third grades, Veronica Duggan and Agnes Duggan, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Duggan, 6156 Victoria Ave.
In the fourth grade, Ruth Heil, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Heil, 2108 Forest Ave.
Second Grade, Benedict Moynihan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Moynihan, 1328 _Hughes Place
Competition amongst the children for these prizes was very keen and the successful pupils are to be congratulated
HARRIS A. BRIGHTLY; BENEDICT
Our distinguished co-worker, Mr. Harris A. Brightly was married on June 30th, to Miss Grace Campbell of St. Cronin's Parish.
Everyone will remember "Harry" as the clever artist who makes our cartoons. Now that he has taken on a censor, we suppose Harry will have to be more careful in the way he caricatures certain phases of life; married life, for instance, and pretty girls.
We know Mrs. Brightly, however, as being of the good-natured type who would not let her censorial duties hamper Harry too much in his work.
We would like to see the young couple settled down in St. James, but they located on Rolla Place, "just what we wanted," so we will have to continue knowing them at long distance.
We wish them the greatest of success and happiness.
=================
Mrs. Clyde Stiff recently underwent a serious operation at St. Mary's Hospital, when a cancer was removed from her breast. The doctors think it was not malignant. Mrs. Stiff has been a splendid patient and showed great courage when entering the operating room. She says she suffered very little pain and has continued to maintain a humorous attitude in her unpleasant surroundings. She is now convalescing and is expected home in a few days. Her daughter, Georgette, has been residing since her mother's illness with Mr. and Mrs. Henkel, 1040 Fairmount Ave.
ANNUAL COMMUNION OF THE ST. JAMES ALUMNI
Sunday, June 20th, about 125 members of the St. James Alumni approached Holy Communion at the 7:30 mass. Immediately after mass, breakfast was served by the following friends of the Alumni:
Miss Mary Ward, Miss Catherine Ward, Mrs. Dan Murphy, Mrs. Pat Usher, Miss Emma Ehle, Mrs. Florence Wiber, Mrs. B. Doering, Mrs. M. Cooper, Mrs. Ray Dolan, Mrs. Florence Nelson, Miss Ruth Carlson, Mrs. Ed Gittens. The breakfast was cooked by Mrs. Bauer.
A short business meeting took place after the breakfast and the following members have been elected to office:
ST. JAMES ALUMNI DRAMATIC CLUB
The regular monthly meeting of the St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will be held Thursday Evening, July 8th. Both the Entertainment Committee and the Refreshment Committee are planning to make this a real meeting and a good time is assured. Plans are underway for three one-act plays, which will be given the latter part of September, and the Director, Mr. Warren Carroll, will select the cast for these plays at the July meeting.
MICHAEL OATES GOES TO EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
At a meeting of the St. James Branch Holy Name Society, Monday, June 15th, the members spoke very enthusiastically of then president, Michael Oates, and gave him a check of $50 that he might attend the Eucharistic Congress, at Chicago.
=================
Mr. William Hawkins, past president volunteered to, give Mr. Oates a free ride to Chicago and back in his auto. They set out Saturday and returned a week later. They had a very delightful time.
=================
Charles Cunningham, 6654 Mitchell Ave., fell recently and scarred his elbow. The wound became infected and he was taken to St. John's Hospital, where he is now a patient.
====================
Mrs. Stiff came home from the hospital, June 28th.
ST. JAMES SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET
St. James Alumni held their annual banquet at the City Club, Sunday evening, June 27th. There were 132 members present and the class of 1926 were initiated into the society.
Mr. Raymond Usher, the outgoing president, acted as chairman and in his opening remarks dwelt upon the purpose and spirit of the organization. He stated that this was the 18th annual banquet given by the society and that the increasing success and continued life of the organization resulted from the grand spirit and high idealism imparted by Sisters Catherine and Louis when the Alumni was first organized. This, he said, was the only organization of its kind in St. Louis, as far as he knew there is no other parochial school that has one.
Arthur Pahl gave the address of welcome to the class of 1926, and said in part:
The Alumni Association of St. James School has planned this banquet to honor your admission into the ranks of this society.
Your long years of training in St. James School and your graduation certificate are sufficient proof to us of your eligibility and worth and are also a recommendation which the society regards as the brand of Christian character and high idealism.
The purpose of our organization is to perpetuate the idealism of St. James School in our lives and to keep united in fraternal charity the successive classes that shall year after year come from its portals.
Dear graduates of 1926, we greet you with open arms in the spirit of brotherhood and with gladness we welcome you into the ranks of St. James School Alumni.
To which George Epstein in behalf of the class replied in a well delivered speech which received a good deal of applause, as follows
We the class of 1926 have reached the goal of every child in St. James School. We are at last to be members of the Alumni. We are most happy in this consummation of our desire and wish to express our gratitude to the members of the Alumni for the good example always given us and for the encouragement afforded us by their efforts to make this evening one of welcome.
The purpose of our dearly beloved Alma Mater is to educate her children for the true and complete life of the perfect Christian. We appreciate the advantages afforded by her towards the accomplishment of this, her aim. And we her children like to believe that we have learned unforgettably something at least of the invaluable lessons she imparts. If our lives be, as we hope to make them, an illustration of her teaching they will be truly and immortally successful.
Other speakers were Maria Kelly and Dan Murphy. Maria's subject was "The History of the Alumni." She compared its growth to that of the sturdy oak from the acorn. There were only 18 members at the first banquet and year after year the members had gradually increased till now membership had reached the total of 387.
There were a few members in the society whose children are expected to graduate in the year 1927, and it was reasonable to hope that an organization which had gone into another generation would continue to flourish.
Mr. Dan Murphy said the society organized during the past year, a Dramatic Club with the intention of raising funds to place two memorial stained glass windows in the new church to the memory of Father Casey and Sisters Catherine and Louis. Later in the evening a check for $200 toward this fund was presented to Father O'Connor by Mr. Usher, outgoing president.
Mr. Murphy said the officers each year would be asked to raise the balance of the thousand dollars that are required for the windows and for the next attraction the club intended putting on three one act plays in the fall.
The newly elected president, John McAnnar, 1028 Graham St., addressed the meeting prior to the dance and in a spirited speech asked for the co-operation of the members for the coming year.
The banquet was regarded as one of the most successful yet given. The cream of the membership was present, and the dinner served by a catering company was elaborate and delicious.
TONY'S BROTHER DIES
Joseph Palumbo, brother to Antony and one of the twins born to Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Palumbo, 1347 Graham St., October, 1925, became ill June 18th, and died Monday, June 21st. Its remains were taken to church and buried in Calvary Cemetery on Tuesday.
===============
Rev. Ethelbert Harms, who was ordained at the Franciscan Monastery in June, is an uncle to Sister Mary Therese. He was guest at the rectory, Sunday night, June 27th, and said Mass in the Convent Chapel, at 6 A. M., Monday morning.
GIVE DIPLOMAS
An excellent program by the pupils of St. James Parochial School was presented at the airdome, on Saturday and Sunday nights, marking the close of the school year for 1925-26. The program as arranged included every pupil in the school, and various songs and sketches were rendered in a creditable manner. The program opened with a Mother Goose scene and the children from the kindergarten and first grades delighted the audience by the simplicity and the earnestness with which they performed the parts assigned to them. The other grades had a variety of uniforms and performed their parts equally well, especially on Sunday evening, when Miss Mathew's Orchestra, from the Conservatory of Music, Webster Groves, played for the children.
There were twenty-eight graduates, ten boys and eighteen girls. Cornelius Kavanaugh, one of the graduates was very ill and was not able to appear with the class, when Father O'Connor awarded diplomas. The commencement address was delivered by Rev. Thomas WaIIace, S. J. He stressed the value of Catholic education and urged that the Catholic parents continue to send their children to parochial schools. He also made a very complimentary reference to the Dominican sisters and stated that as an educator, he had been given an unusual opportunity of judging the character and efficiency of students who presented themselves at various academies directed by the Jesuit Order, and that children who came from schools conducted by The Dominican Sisters were exceptionally well disciplined and manifested those qualities that go to make well defined moral character. He said the people of St. James were fortunate, in the fact that they had the Dominican Order conducting the parochial school, and he congratulated the children for having successfully finished their course and wished them success in their onward march through life.
Diplomas were presented by Father O'Connor to:
Top row from left: 1. George Epstein, 2. Joseph Schmid, 3. Francis Dwyer, 4. Charles Heil, 5. Henry Stoverink, 6. Matt McLaughlin, 7. Frank Manestar, 8. Anthony Kollias, 9. Joe Gioia
Middle row: 1. Catherine Reese, 2. Iona Arnold, 3. Lucille Cenatiempo, 4. Ruth Kelly, 5. Dorothy Martineau, 6. Bertha Stoverink, 7.Virginia Pursley, 8. Lillian Bernsen, 9. Othea Lauterwasser
Front row: 1. Agnes Stanton, 2. Catherine O'Shaughnessy, 3. Laura Stumpf, 4. Margaret Regan, P.J. O'Connor, 5. Ruth Bovard, 6. Philomena Shaffrey, 7. Monica Moynihan, 8. Anna Purcell, 9. Frances Matreci.
Also in the class, but not in this photo is Cornelius Kavanaugh.
The Pastor's Medal for Christian Doctrine was awarded Anthony Kollias who, by the way, is not a Roman Catholic. His family are affiliated with the Orthodox Greek Church.
The Medals awarded by St. James Parochial School Alumni Association for Highest Average for boys, was given to George Epstein, and for girls to Ruth Bovard, for General Excellence, to Monica Moynihan.
Receipts from the entertainment are expected to exceed $400 and will be used for installing an automatic oil burner in the Convent.
=================
Miss Mary Wilson, 1046 Forest Ave., has been ill for several weeks. The doctors have difficulty diagnosing her case. She has been running a fever.
PARISHIONERS AT THE CONGRESS
Among those present at the Eucharistic Congress were noticed Mrs. Irene M. Mills and her friend Miss Celeste Lynch, 6682 Oakland Ave.; Marie Ryan and her Aunt Minnie, 6167 Crescent Ave.
Mrs. Anna Strathman, 5900 West Park Ave., who was accompanied by her son, Walter, and Mrs. John A. Bisso, 6317 West Park Ave. They visited St. Xavier’s Academy with Sister Mary DeSales, sister to Mrs. Strathman, and were given a very kindly greeting by Sister Paulina, daughter of Dr. John Simon, and Sister Centia.
Mrs. Louis Schollmeyer drove in her car to Chicago, and experienced no inconvenience as did William Hawkins and Michael Oates. Betty Kavanaugh also witnessed the big doings and was much impressed.
Father O'Connor, with a few of the parishioners, visited the technical school conducted by the Good Shepherd Sisters in Chicago, where he met Sister Michael, who, before joining the order, was Catherine White, daughter of William White, 1203 Kraft Ave. Sister Michael appears to be very well. She entertained her guests with many a pleasantry about her little colored pupils. She expects to be transferred in fall to the convent in St. Louis.
THE SISTERS WHO ARE GOING EAST
Sisters Patrice, Estelle, Raymunda and Mary Therese are spending their vacation in the East. Sister Gabriel, Sister Jeanette and Sister Celestine will continue in the Convent on Tamm Ave. Sister. Josileta was called back from New York last week, to be present at her father's funeral, Mr. Wm. Fruin, who was buried Monday, June 21st, from St. Edward's Church. Mr. Fruin was a close friend of Father O'Connor. He was the first St. Louisan to take him on a hunting trip and Father O'Connor assisted at the funeral and preached the panegyric.
=====================
Rev. Edward Connolly, pastor of Monroe City, Mo., and Rev. Patrick Cronan, Minneapolis, Kansas, were guests at St. James Rectory during the Centennial celebration.
====================
Mr. Arthur E. Pahl, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Pahl, 1458 Tamm Ave, graduated on June 3rd, from the Christian Brothers' College and intends going to St. Louis University next year to study medicine.
DAVID P. LEAHY, PROMOTER OF THE TAMM AVENUE SUBDIVISION
Fortunately for St. James Parish, thirty acres of ground directly east and south of the parish rectory, known as the Evens & Howard property, will be put on the market by David P. Leahy, the well known realtor.
Mr. Leahy resides at 4561 McPherson Ave., and is a brother of Mrs. Phillip Smith, 6524 Berthold Ave., and to Stephen Leahy, 6514 Berthold Ave., both parishioners. Mr. Leahy is a self made man, and for the last thirty-five years has been the promoter of twenty subdivisions of city property, the most notable of which was West Walnut Manor, which consisted of thirty-five city blocks and extended over 250 acres. As this property was outside the city limits and distant from street cars, Mr. Leahy, to promote sales, built a railroad for his purchasers and conducted it for a number of years at a very low rate.
In the year 1925, he laid out a, subdivision near Watson and Arsenal St., which is now considered one of the beauty spots of the city of St. Louis. The grading of this property cost $180,000, and was put on the market with streets and sidewalks made and all sewers built.
Mr. Leahy developed a tract in Brooklyn, N. Y., known as South Ozone Park, Jamaica, in the year 1918, which gained him a great deal of notoriety, though incidentally he lost on the transaction over a quarter million dollars. When he came west to his old home town, he was stony broke, and not over popular with many people who had advanced money to him. Mr. Leahy began all over again with courage and determination, the traditional honesty of the Leahy family had to be upheld and Mr. Leahy set about making another fortune with the chief aim of satisfying his creditors. It is understood, that Mr. Leahy has never failed to keep a promise and he has been known to carry debts for over six months, rather than foreclose on those who were unable to meet their payments on property purchased from him.
In 1922, when Mr. Leahy was on a pleasure trip to New York, the people of South Ozone Park, and their parish priest invited him to a banquet. They wanted to honor him because of the prosperity that had come to them through his efforts. They christened him "The Father of South Ozone Park," and presented him with a loving cup, and in an address they stated that Mr. Leahy had shown them the way to prosperity. He made it possible for them to purchase their own home on easy terms and taught them the lesson of economy. Most of them had become comparatively wealthy and in their gratitude to the man that had helped them, they gathered round him and manifested an emotionalism and affection that is unusual in real estate dealings.
Mr. Leahy was encouraged to purchase Evens & Howard's property by Father O'Connor . He intends grading it to street-level at a great cost, making macadam streets in the entire subdivision, putting in walks and sewers. Lots will be sold on easy terms and Father O'Connor is very hopeful and that many of the former parishioners, who were unable to find suitable real estate for a home in the parish, will return, and that all the parishioners will get behind the sale of this property and invite their friends to settle in the parish.
=====================
Gladys Leahy, daughter of Stephen Leahy, 6514 Berthold Ave., graduated from St. Elizabeth's Academy, June 12th, where she studied during the past seven years. She led her class in domestic economy and finds great pleasure in exhibiting her skill to her daddy, for whom she intends being chief cook and housekeeper for the next few years.
MARRIAGE
Patrick McHugh, 6738 Glades Ave., was married June 23rd, at St: Aloysius Church, to Miss Marie Malone, of that parish. The wedding was a pretty affair and the ceremony in the church was most impressive. Adeline Steingrubey, Catherine Roddy and Isabell Coble were maids of honor. Loretto Schinsky, flower girl, and Eugene Burington, ring bearer. The groomsmen were Peter McHugh, Vincent Malone and Carl Fieselman. The parish priests were present at the breakfast, which was given at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Malone, of Garner Ave.
A reception was held at 7:30 that evening, at St. Aloysius Hall, and a large and enthusiastic gathering congratulated the young couple and presented them with wedding gifts.
RECEIVES THREE SACRAMENTS IN ONE WEEK
Miss Rita D. Neisz, 6112 Adeline Ave., was baptized and received into the church on June 16th. Next morning she received Holy Communion and on Saturday evening, June 19th, she was married in St. James Church to Leo Henry Hassel.
Other converts received during the month were: Augustine Beinicke, 2163 Clifton Ave.; Mrs. Geraldine Marks, 1434 Hampton Ave., and Mrs. Dempsey of Dale Ave.
======================
Mrs. Mary Bisso, 2226 McCausland Ave., who is 63 years old, became suddenly ill Sunday, June 20th, and was taken to St. Mary's Hospital. The doctors found her suffering from acute gall and bladder trouble, and as she was in intense pain, it was necessary to operate on her at once. For two or three days her condition was critical and her family remained at her bedside the greater part of the time. She is now out of danger and hopes to be home in a week or two.
========================
The picnic at Creve Coeur Lake, given to the children of St. James Parochial School, would have been a decided success were it not that Mrs. Dennis Harris, 1033 Fairmount Ave., when getting off the car on the return trip was jostled and thrown against a seat and taken home in a state of nervous collapse.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
OUR PASTOR'S LETTER
Dear Parishioner
Three reputable architects are working on the plans for the new church in the elimination contest. Each will submit a final sketch August 30th, for publication in Let's Go, and ten days later the architect who seems to have the most desirable plan will be awarded the contract.
One depressing feature has been revealed in the past few days; two of the architects threatened to withdraw from the contest if we insist on the condition of designing a granite church that would have a seating capacity of 750, at a cost of $150,000. They say it can't be done without sacrificing all pretense of architectural decorum, they think a brick constructed church will cost that amount.
Not to delay the plans any longer I advised them to design a neat edifice that might seat 750 and the parish would decide later whether the material should be brick or stone. Bids could be called for on a double specification, and I have the utmost confidence- when the matter is fairly represented to the parishioners, they will be willing to make even greater sacrifices in order to erect a church that will be at least elegant.
I have endeavored these many years, as you all know, not to give tirades from the altar about money. I have discontinued pew rent and the pay as you enter plan at the door of the church. I have never published a list of contributors. I have been watchful not to humiliate children in the parochial school whose parents could not or would not pay tuition, and I have been rewarded by most of the parishioners by a sympathetic understanding of the needs of the parish and whole hearted support of everything I have suggested. I am grateful for this and I have the greatest admiration for that quality in human nature, or grace which inclines Catholics to make unostentatiously so many sacrifices for their faith.
The parish account books covering contributions for a period of years, is a good index of the practicable Catholicity of individuals and families. The sheets assigned to some are covered over with records of their sacrifices -- even the school children give -- whereas others are as barren as a weed patch by a garbage pile.
These latter are few and far between, but too numerous at a time like this, when real self-sacrificing men and women and not triflers are needed to build a parish church. I do not think they are all niggardly and lacking in public spirit; some of them, I presume, are spending more than they can afford in frivolities and unnecessary luxuries, and they have nothing left for the church. I appeal to them to curtail their extravagance in shows, cigars, dress and broken down super-sixes, and to contribute, at least, a little each Sunday.
We must all realize that we are given the tremendous responsibility and privilege of erecting a parish church in St. James Parish. In it God shall dwell and future generations of Catholics shall hear the word of truth and eat the Bread of Life. It shall be the Temple of the Most High and the Gate to the Eternal Kingdom. Loving hands must toil to earn the money that will raise its stately walls and impart mystery to its settings. We would bejewel its altar with gems and emblazon its sanctuary with gold and make every stone and every window a memorial to our living faith and sublime sacrifice.
Yours in Christ.
REV. P.J. O’CONNOR
THE FERN GLEN PICNIC
The special party made up of Altar boys, graduates of the parochial school class of 1925 and the Dominican Sisters, which Father O'Connor invited to Fern Glen for an outing on July 7th, took the train at Benton Station and arrived at their destination at 9 o'clock.
Mrs. George Kletzker, 1041 Fairmount Avenue, whose husband has an interest in the place, accompanied the party. She delighted the boys by giving them a room in which to put on their swimming suits and in less than ten minutes after their arrival, they were swimming like young ducks. Father O'Connor also took a dip and admired very much the facility with which the boys could swim and dive. Maurice Sullivan, Norman Fehrensen and Joe Phelan and the Corbetts are, he says, adepts.
The girls danced in the spacious dancing floor whilst the boys were in the water, and the sisters and Mrs. Kletzker climbed to a cottage in the bluff and admired the beautiful panorama.
Before eleven o'clock the tables for lunch were set on a hill overlooking the river, everyone was hungry, and the viands which the ladies of the party supplied became the most important feature of the outing.
Mrs. Hugeback and Sister Gabriel joined the party in the afternoon.
Tony and the boys were on the reception committee and ran errands. Everybody was delighted with Mrs. Kletzker's solicitude for the happiness of the visitors. It was considered by all A PERFECT DAY.
==================
Mr. and Mrs. Banks, 1208 Kraft Ave., whilst visiting in Lawn Avenue had their Ford stolen. It was found the next day in Webster Groves.
====================
Mr. and Mrs. Ed Orner, 1207 Kraft Avenue are on tour. They drove to Pittsburg, where Mr. Orner has a sister, a Nun, and continued from thence to New York.
====================
Mr. and Mrs. William White, 1203 Kraft Avenue drove to Chicago on the Fourth of July, They visited their daughter, Sister Mary Michael of the Good Shepherd Sisters.
===================
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pahl, 1458 Tamm Ave., are touring to Cincinnati. '
========================
Miss Isabelle Hawkins has returned from a vacation which she spent at Jerome, Mo.
NEW FAMILIES
Father O'Connor took a census in the new flats on Clayton Ave., and registered the following families:
==============================
The firemen were paid their back dues, and $100 of the fund has already reached the church treasury. Mr. Pat Winters, 1333 Graham Ave., was the contributor.
===============================
Mrs. Charles Heil and family set out August 1st for a two weeks' holiday at Wisconsin.
=============================
Mrs. H. McCauley, 1239 Graham Ave., is on a two week trip to Chicago.
=============================
Mrs. Maurice Cooper recently went to Lafayette, Indiana, where her cousin, Miss O'Connell of Union, Missouri, was received into the Community of Franciscan Nuns.
================================
Father O'Connor goes on retreat Monday, August 23rd, and Father Pohl the following week.
WITH THE ARCHITECTS
Father O'Connor
I believe very much in availing of expert knowledge on subjects of which I am ignorant, and as ecclesiastic architecture is one of those academic topics, which no one outside the profession should dare discuss without the risk of displaying the most deplorable ignorance, I have with due humility sat at the feet of a few eminent authorities, and come to the conclusion that there is as much confusion of thought in the schools as to what is architecturally correct as there is among the laity, and that American ecclesiastical architecture, as a whole, is a fragmentary expression of old world ideals and new world modernism.
The new world ideal is individualistic and self-assertive, and some authorities think it is as irreverent as bobbed hair and as cosmetic as a stage beauty. It is, they say, "tawdry, deceptive, and transitory." It is a combination of the theater, the picture show and the circus wagon. It is a clap trap affair hurriedly erected in a commercial age to catch the eye and the pocket book, and is a deplorable expression of popular taste and of decadence in art.
These ideas I have gathered mostly from reading a treatise on architecture by the very eminent American architect, Ralph Adam Cram. He says, "America has created no religious painter, no music, no school of art work, and above all, no logical architecture. In worldly affairs it has become the fashion to affect the splendors of elaborate architectural form, and the results are as chaotic as one could ask. Style follows style, as fashion changes, until at least, we are confronted by an absolutely futile confusion. Has the church stood aloof from this babel of tongues? Has she pursued her way uninfluenced by the fads around her? By no manner of means; every newly discovered style has found favor in her eyes; and she has become architecturally, but the echo of the artificiality of secular life."
He attributes the decay to the disruption caused by the Reformation. Had the life of the church been unbroken, she would have maintained her position as the leader and creator of art and handed on to secular life the styles and modes that have developed under the spiritual.
He would have us go back to the days when the mental, social and spiritual temper of the times was Christian, and when architects, reared in the tradition of the immutable church, developed the principles that are changeless and staple and which gave to Mother Church her early vigor and glory.
"First of all," he says, "a church is a House of God, a place of His earthly habitation wrought in the fashion of heavenly things, a visible type of Heaven itself. From the day God gave Solomon the plan and the fashion of the temple down to those wherein our own forefathers lavished their scanty wealth and toiled with devout hands to raise the awful fabrics of medieval cathedrals and abbeys, this thought has lain as the cornerstone of everyone of the great and splendid churches that brighten Christendom, with the memory of devout and reverend times. They were building a house of God and the treasure and labor lavished so abundantly were consecrated as they might never be on any other structure; all the wonders of art, the handmaid of religion, all the treasures gathered from many lands. were lavished here in gratitude and praise and thanksgiving; and nothing was too precious, indeed all things failed in a measure to show the deep devotion of faithful men, and their solemn knowledge of the majesty of that Presence that should enter and dwell therein."
"Realize," he says, "that no tricks, no imitations, no cheapness, no pretenses of any kind are tolerable in a Christian church. Instead of cheap and tawdry structures of shingles and clapboards, or flimsy brick and stone veneering doomed to very desirable decay, we should have once more, solid and enduring temples."
"The second reason for a church is to provide a place apart, where may be solemnized the sublime mysteries of the Catholic faith; a temple reared about the altar and subordinate to it, leading up to it as the center of honor, growing richer and more splendid as it approaches the sanctuary. It seems incredible that in the last few centuries this the eminent reason and law of church building should have been so grievously obscured, until men should wrong-headedly have reared their auditoriums and show structures, forgetting the supremacy of the sacramental nature of the church."
"The third aspect of church architecture is this: the creation of spiritual emotion through the ministry of all possible beauty of environment; the using of art to lift men's minds from secular things to spiritual, that their souls may be brought into harmony with God."
"The agency of art to this end is immeasurable and until the time of the Reformers, this fact was always recognized; not in the barren and ugly meeting house of the Puritans, with its white-washed walls, three-decker pulpit and box pews, were men more easily lifted out of themselves into spiritual communion with God, but where they were surrounded with the dim shadows of mysterious aisles, where lofty piers of stone softened high overhead into sweeping arches, where every wall and every foot of floor bore its silent memorial of the dead, its thank offering to God where was always the faint. odor of old incense, the still atmosphere of prayer and praise." .
"The fourth aspect of church building is the one which is generally considered exclusively, and is the last in importance, the arrangement of a building, where a congregation may conveniently listen to the instruction of its spiritual leader. I do not mean for an instant that this quality must be sacrificed to the others, I only protest against the custom of refusing to consider any plan that shows a single seat behind a column, a naive longer than it is wide, or that does not provide a picture gallery light during the day and the illumination of a theatre at night."
"If we are to see speedy restoration of Catholic Christianity, we must abandon our niggardly and parsimonious giving, forsake our flimsy temporary, chaotic architecture, and build once more churches that by reason of their massive stability, their richness and their splendor, the voiceful pictures of their walls and windows, the storied stones of their niches and porches and pinnacles shall not only be worthy of acceptance as the Temples of God, but shall show forth to men the mystery and sublimity of the Catholic faith, satisfy their stifled cravings for art and beauty, lift them into the exaltation of spiritual conviction."
THE TREASURES OF THE VATICAN
On Wednesday evening, August 4th, the picture titled, "The Treasures of the Vatican" was presented at the airdome, under the auspices of the Holy Name Society. Preceding the picture, there were four excellent acts of vaudeville Several young ladies from the Wientage School of Expression sang, recited, played the ukulele and. gave an admirable exhibition of their training.
Paul Dradden, magician and sleight of hand artist manipulated cards and glass vessels to the amazement and bewilderment of several boys whom he invited to the stage, and to the intense delight of the audience.
Joe Woody, Jack Tudor, Chas. Douglas in the one, two, three trio sang several popular songs, and Fred Moore the impersonator, won repeated applause. His impersonation of an old missionary's prayer, sermon, and song was truly artistic and clever. His hodcarriers' meeting was humorous, though somewhat uncomplimentary to the craft.
The picture was magnificent, but heavy. It probably would prove very interesting to students of art. It cost $38. Michael Oates was pleased with the attendance and thinks there will be a surplus after all expenses are met. The proceeds will go to defray the expenses contracted by the Catholic Instruction Center.
NELL USHER GETS MARRIED
Wednesday, July 21st, Helen Usher, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. Usher of 7430 Hazel avenue, was married to William LeRoi at the 6 o'clock Mass from the Immaculate Conception Church of Maplewood. The wedding party had breakfast at the Chase Hotel and then went to Springfield on their honeymoon.
Catherine O'Connell, a cousin of the bride, was maid of honor and William Griesedieck, a cousin of the groom, was best man.
The Usher family were former members of St. James Parish and are gratefully remembered as excellent workers and admirable Catholics. Though they have not lived in the parish for several years, they retain their affection for it.
Mr. and Mrs. Usher were present at the Barbecue and donated $200.
==========================
The Dolan Brothers have added to their salesmen's staff Mr. Luke O'Shaughnessy, 6160 Crescent avenue. They say the sales for the past two months have exceeded their expectations. They are the local agents for the Nash automobile.
==========================
On Sunday, July 25th, Mary Harris, 6217 West Park Avenue, suffered an acute attack of appendicitis and was removed to St. Luke's Hospital, where she was operated upon. She is now convalescing.
NEW PARISHIONER
You are welcome to St. James. You will like us if you stay long enough. We are a plain people without pretensions; we hate hypocrisy. There has not been a major crime in this community in many years; the people are hardworking, neighborly and honest. They have a high sense of self-respect and most of them live within their means.
Catholics and non-Catholics live next door to one another, and in the district north of Manchester Avenue to Forest Park, there exists a splendid spirit of charity and tolerance.
Children brought up in this community are not exposed to the temptations and dangers that surround them in other parts of the city. The boys may run across your lawn, make a depredation on your cherry trees, tie a can to your dog's tail, but they are not vicious. Organized lawless gangs have never received enough of encouragement to roost in our midst. People who are not good citizens are ostracized by young and old.
There are plenty open spaces for children to play. The school boys take an ardent interest in athletics. They have successfully competed for many years in the Municipal League contests. The nearness of the park gives them an opportunity of indulging their curiosity and wanderlust.
There are several good public schools within easy distance of every home and the parochial school conducted by the Dominican Sisters of New York compares favorably with the best schools in the city.
A new church will be built next year in the Parish. Through economy and sacrifice, the parishioners each year, for the past six years, have set aside $10,000. Our pastors rarely talk money, they have endeavored to train the congregation to contribute conscientiously in proportion to their means and to do so for the Love of God.
All pews in the church are free and open to every parishioner and their guests. The parochial school also is free to parishioners who are consistent supporters of the parish and to children whose parents may find it difficult to pay tuition.
Revenue to sustain all parish activities and to erect suitable parochial buildings is derived from the voluntary contributions of wage earners. Each wage earner is asked to give four cents out of every dollar he earns. This is considered a reasonable demand and the majority of practical Catholics gladly contribute their quota each Sunday after payday. Many parents see to it that their children also give an envelope offering; they wish to train them from their infancy to appreciate the church and contribute unselfishly to its support.
Cartons of envelopes can be had from one of the ushers, and regular, consistent giving, no matter how small the amount, is solicited. Deferring one's obligation generally leads to neglecting it entirely.
The Masses on Sundays are at 6, 7:30, 9 and 10 A. M. Baptisms at 3:30 P. M. Week day Mass at 6:30. Confessions on Saturday, from 4:30 to 6:00, and from 7:30 to 9:00 P. M.
GASOLINE EDDIE
Mr. Eddie Ryan and family, 6167 Crescent Avenue, sent to the rectory a check for $200 on the New Church Fund, to which he attached the name of "Gasoline Eddie." He purchased a new Nash car from the Dolan Brothers during the past week.
On that occasion Father O'Connor observed Mr. Ryan gazing through the Dolan Real Estate window, where his son Joe, is employed. "I see" said Father O'Connor, "you are admiring that boy of yours. He is a chip of the old block!" "No," replied Mr. Ryan, "every time I look at him I get sad and think of what might have been. I hoped he would be as big as his mother, and have the brains of his father, but he has inherited only the defects of both of us." He did not mean it. One could easily surmise he is proud of the boy's ability and good looks.
=======================
John Moore, 1356 Tamm Avenue, when returning from Aberdeen Club, Eureka, in a Ford car had one of the wheels break and he and a companion were thrown to the road through the windshield. He suffered lacerations of the skull, but escaped serious injury.
VIRGIN MOTHER'S SODALITY OUTING
On Sunday, August 1st, immediately after the 6 o'clock Mass, forty-two members of the Virgin Mother's Sodality piled into the Mahon Brothers' truck, and were given a free ride to the Wabash Club, Ferguson, where they spent the day boating, swimming and dancing.
The club grounds are exclusively for members of the Wabash Railroad and their families. Through the good graces of Mr. John Wack, 1546 Tamm Ave., the girls were admitted. They had a very delightful outing. Father O'Connor, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dolan and family drove out to the picnic in the afternoon.
Genevieve Mahon had a bench fall on her instep and her foot became swollen. She maintained a good humored hope that she could go to work the next day. She received medical aid from a dentist and forty-one unofficial nurses who were sunburned and sympathetic.
=========================
Dennis Cooney, brother of Mrs. Peter LaGarce, 1309 Graham St. died at St. Mary's Hospital, East St. Louis, July 23. He was a very prominent member of the Young Men's Sodality in St. James Parish, in the year 1896.
CUPID AND CALORIES
Cupid and Calories, the play given by the Virgin Mother's Sodality in the airdome, July 7th, was an admirable exhibition of amateur acting. There was not a poor performer among the twelve women characters. The girls' voices were clear and strong and their enunciation was perfect.
The audience, which filled every seat in the airdome, was generous with their applause. The play had many comical situations and Margaret McDonnell, Mayme Saxton and Rosemary Wiss, the comedians brought out the humor with unusual skill and kept the audience on the alert all through the performance.
Genevieve Mahon, Virginia Jones, Estelle Sensenbrenner and Genevieve Saxton, on whom fell the development of the plot, entered into the spirit of the play with considerable skill and with fine outbursts of emotionalism, creating an atmosphere of romance which prepared one for the inevitable victory of cupid.
Cecilia Badendieck, as Hortense, played the part of the French maid with elegant conceit and appropriate accent, and Velma Trammell cleverly portrayed the beneficent mistress with an easy composure and a touch of accommodating refinement. Romane Brady, Josephine Moellenbeck, who had minor-parts, completed the cast.
The selection of characters was an outstanding excellence of the performance; each one fitted her part in voice and appearance and gave the play a natural setting. Mrs. Harrington, who trained the girls, is to be congratulated on the good judgment she exercised without an intimate knowledge of the ability of the performers.
The play was a big success and as this was the first performance given by the Sodality, it augurs well for the future. The Virgin Mother's Sodality have shown their friends that they are capable of handing out an overflowing cup of pleasure at a small price.
BRIDAL ROBES AND SHROUD
Mrs. Agnes Glass Espen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Glass, 6718 Mitchell Avenue, who was married to Jack Espen, March 1926, was taken ill July 7th, with an earache. She visited the doctor and her condition was not considered serious. Later, when the pain became worse, she feared to call him, lest she would be sent to the hospital. An abscess formed and she was rushed to the Baptist Sanitarium, where she was operated upon July 11th. She did not rally and died after receiving the sacraments. She was buried from St. James Church, July 14th.
Her bereaved husband was a pitiable sight at the wake. He rolled on the floor in hysterical grief and could not be consoled. May she rest in peace.
==================
Teresa Manion, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Manion, 6450 West Park Ave., departed for California, where she hopes to secure a position.
BE LIKE THE REST
Contributors to the church should enclose their offerings in envelopes and sign their names thereto, so that they may be given full credit in the Parish Account Books for their gifts.
You owe this to yourself, to your parish and to your pastors. If your offerings are reasonable, you need not be ashamed to have your name signed to them; you encourage your pastors to think well of you; you make it easier for them to go after those who do not give, and the records will show in later years that you did your share toward the building of a Parish Church.
Common sense will tell you it is an old stall to say, "I put my offerings in the basket." If you mean to do your best for the church you will gladly co-operate with your pastors in a systematic plan of raising funds and you won't set up your individual opinions against an established order that is accepted by the majority and which has proven practical. Docility in parish affairs is a mark of good manners and good faith. Eccentricity is hard to regulate and difficult to please. Ten eccentric parishioners are enough to make a crown of thorns for a pastor.
A good, practical Catholic is sympathetic with his pastors and is rarely heard to grumble. He realizes that there are enough difficulties in the ordinary run of parish life without the artificial ones that self-willed individuals manufacture and set up as a camouflage to cover their lack of generosity and petulancy.
Fault-finding never built anything but trouble.
ALUMNI DRAMATIC CLUB
Thursday evening, August 12th, the St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will hold its regular monthly meeting in the School Hall. A large attendance is expected as the final cast of characters will be selected for the three one-act plays, which they expect to present in October.
Every member is requested to be present as both the Refreshment Committee and the Entertainment Committee guarantee a pleasant evening. .
MEXICO
The church has been accused of entering politics in Mexico. The truth is, politicians have endeavored to destroy the church, and because it has not died in silence, it has been accused of opposing the government.
President Calles claims he is making an effort to separate church and state. The separation he would make is similar to that which a burglar makes when he robs his neighbor before killing him.
BAPTISMS IN JULY
=======================
Mr. William Hense, Sr., the popular grocer, 6400 Wise Ave., seems to be immune from heat, age and lassitude. He is well over 60, has worked hard every day during the past fifty years. His head is gray, his grandchildren are numerous, and his spirit is that of a gay Lothario. He jigged two of the warmest nights last week at the Medicine Show, Clayton and Central Avenues. No, not for pay! just to give expression to gladness of his heart.
==========================
Miss Margaret Forrest of 1015 Fairmount Avenue, returned from Florida, where she had been nursing a patient during the past three months.
===========================
Katherine O'Hare, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O'Hare, 6446 Wise Ave., is on a trip to County Down, Ireland, to visit her father's relatives.
===========================
Viola and Alvina Barr, 6801 Magnolia Avenue, are on a visit to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they intend spending a fortnight with their sister, Irene, who is a Sister of Charity.
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
We know we've work to do
So let's keep it well in view
And go at it now with vigor, punch and vim.
We've got the ball a sailing
So let's just keep on a whaling
Till we get it to the very highest rim.
Let's build for old St. James
A church worthy of the name
Let's go in this thing to conquer and we'll win
And when all is said and done
Let's make sure we're not the one
Who is always on the outside looking in.
So let's do our duty now
The best way we know how
For to shirk it or to step aside is a sin,
Then when Gabriel comes to call
We can feel sure one and all
That we won't be on the outside looking
-T. Aloysius Mahon,
6-23-26
====================
Michael Maloney popularly called "Big Mike" has been a patient during the past week in St. John's Hospital. He says he is just resting up as he cannot afford to take a regular vacation.
=====================.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. White, new parishioners and cousins of Mr. John McDerby, who reside at 6418 Lloyd Avenue, made a call at the rectory and introduced themselves. This etiquette shows an intelligent catholicity and a proper sense of duty. We recommend it to all newcomers.
=======================
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Henkel and family, 1040 Fairmount Avenue, are spending their vacation at Twin Springs, Stanton, Mo. They left August 1st. Mr. Henkel had to return to judge at the primaries.
=======================
Many former parishioners are anxious to receive a copy of "Let's Go" each month. We do not carry a mailing list and would be very grateful to parishioners who should mail their copy regularly to those interested in St. James.
=======================
Mrs. James C. Fahey, 1046 Forest went on the excursion to Kentucky, August 1st.
========================
Mrs. Harry Maloney and her daughter, Madge, left on August 2nd, to spend a week with relatives at Jerseyville, Ill.
==========================
Mr. D. J. Coad, 1240 Graham Ave., recently was awarded a prize by the Reliance Insurance Co., for good salesmanship which entitles him and his family to .a trip to the convention in Chicago, which will be held this week.
===========================
Mr. and Mrs. John G. Houlihan and family are on a touring trip to Wisconsin. They left home, August 4th.
===========================
Mrs. Grace Gallagher Keily and husband returned to the parish and now reside at 6518 Berthold Ave.
============================
Mrs. Stephen Boyer, 6705 Garner Ave., fell on her door step and broke her arm.
========================
In a late edition of Ralph Adam Cram's book, he states that in the past fifteen years there has developed in the United States a splendid school of art and that American artists and architects are now leading the world.
=========================
In the maternity section of St. Mary's Hospital, there are two sisters in one room. Hannah Flavin Wolf, 7232 Sarah St., Maplewood, and Helen Flavin Kuster, 7204 Southwest Ave. Helen gave birth to a baby girl July 27th, and Hannah expects to be a mother soon. These ladies are daughters of the late James Flavin of Benton and are members of the Alumni of St. James School.
=========================
Father O'Connor spent a day fishing with Al Noser at the Bourbeuse, July 29th. He reports he hooked a dozen good crappie in two hours and would have done better were it not that the minnows died. He visited Mr. and Mrs. Grues eight miles southwest of Union, who have five daughter nuns.
=========================
Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh has moved into her new house, at 6452 Lloyd Avenue. Many of the Alumni members who visited her, say she has a very beautiful home.
=========================
Bernardine Hugeback, 6163 West Park Avenue, one of the school children. whilst playing in the back yard with companions, fell and broke her wrist.
=========================
Willis Kavanaugh, son of Mr. and Mrs. V. Kavanaugh, 6811 Wise Avenue, whilst playing monkey in a tree near their club house at Valley Park, fell and broke his two arms.
==========================
Sister Raymunda went to New York, Thursday, August 5th. Before setting out she cast her vote at the primaries for Mr. Harry B. Hawes.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
Dear Parishoner:
This issue of "Let's Go" is devoted almost entirely to designs of churches submitted to the Parish by three reputable architects. Each has its peculiar feature and is an admirable effort to solve the difficulties that are presented by the physical contour of the site, the dimensions of the lot, the size of the church, the grouping of the three units comprising church, rectory and convent and the cost of the buildings.
The contour of the site suggests a pedestal setting for a church. It has a frontal on three streets, Tamm Avenue on the east, Nashville on the north and Wade Avenue on the south. The lowest elevation is a point on Tamm Avenue frontal which is nine feet above the level of the side walk and which gradually rises to the west till it reaches an- elevation at the back of the lot of seventeen feet. The sidewalk on Nashville Avenue inclines thirteen feet from front to back of lot and there is an inclination of fifteen feet along Wade Avenue. This involves a separate problem for an architect. He must endeavor to place the group of buildings at a grade level that will make access easy, landscaping beautiful, excavation not costly with cuttings of ground not to exceed the fills necessary to the landscaping.
The size of the lot presents another difficulty. It is only 165 feet deep and fronts 200 feet on Tamm Avenue. The best field of vision is from Tamm Avenue, and, as the lot is only 165 feet from this street, there is scarcely sufficient room to place a church of the proposed seating capacity facing this approach without risking a danger of not having proper proportions, acoustics and sufficient background.
One architect, to solve this problem, has designed a church that faces Nashville Avenue, and thereby avails of the greater breadth of the lot. To give the semblance of a church facing Tamm Avenue, he cleverly set the main door of the church at the center of the eastern side and from this erects a tower that presents a magnificent front to Tamm Avenue: He has also a door and suitable front on Nashville Avenue.
A third problem is to arrange the group of buildings in such a manner that the best exposure be given for air and sunshine to the units involved and as much privacy as possible to the occupants of the rectory and convent. With this admirable aim, two of the architects have so placed the rectory, convent and church as to make a court yard that opens on Tamm Avenue which gives both convent and rectory southern exposure and a great deal of seclusion.
The fourth problem is to give the greatest amount of advantages for the least cost and to erect units of excellency in architectural design. This is really the biggest of all the problems and involves all the others. It opens up another feature which pertains to construction and style of architecture and which calls for technique and detail of design. It is really the work that gives an architect an opportunity of manifesting his ability, and is so peculiarly professional, an architect cannot help but have heartache when he expects a decision on the perfection of his plan from one who is not an architect.
I have decided to submit these sketches to some reputable architect who is a disinterested party. There are a number of plain facts which the parishioners and myself are competent to judge. In matters that are outside of our sphere we will seek advice from those who are more competent.
So far I have no decided inclination to accept one of the sketches and reject the others. I feel like the lady who had three lovers at one time. She liked John best of all, but Jim was wealthy and Harry was pretty. 1 will maintain an open mind for a week or two and listen to all who have a right to express their views.
I am calling a meeting of all the parishioners for Thursday night at 8 o'clock, when we will discuss the three designs and endeavor to come to a decision as to which one we shall present to the archbishop for approval.
Yours in Christ
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR, Adm.
DESIGN NO. 1
Design No. 1 is the sketch of a church of the Tudor Gothic style of architecture. This style is marked by arches that come to a point suddenly. It is a type of the Old English Church and is considered one of the most classic styles that has developed in ecclesiastical art.
The proposed church has three aisles. The middle aisle separated from the side aisles by arches resting on pillars twelve feet high. The apex of these arches to be 14 feet. Each of the side aisles to be 14 feet wide and each arch to be lighted by a window 8 ˝ x 6 ˝ . The center aisle is to be 33 feet wide which gives the church an entire width of 61 feet.
Close to the sanctuary the church widens out through arches into transcepts, almost every seat in which has a view of the altar. Thus there is a space around the chancel which is much wider than the body of the church and which will carry three magnificent arches, one facing the door and directly over the altar railing and one on either side 42 feet high.
The height of the walls is set at 32 feet and the apex of the gables would rise to 42 feet. The entire length of the church is 136 feet. The vestibule to be twelve feet deep and the sanctuary 28 feet. The upper walls of the clear story of the church are lighted by windows 7x6, and the gables on the side wall will each be lighted by windows 10x20.
It is proposed to have cut stone in all the window sills and to have artificial or cut stone in each of the arches.
The church is to face Tamm Avenue, elevated above the side walk about 14 feet flanked by a tower on the northwest that would have an elevation of 86 feet.
In this as in all the other sketches there would be four approaches to the church, one from each street. The entrances from Nashville and Wade Avenues would have an elevation of not more than five feet above the side walk, and the church floor would be only two feet higher than the driveway from which the church could be entered from the back. .
The rectory is set on the building line of Wade Avenue and facilitates the digging of a cellar, as is the convent on the north side, and these two buildings extending toward Tamm Avenue encloses a secluded space between the church for rectory and convent.
This plan gives a southern exposure to convent and rectory and groups the units so as to present to Tamm Avenue an unbroken line of buildings.
DESIGN NO. 2
This arrangement of rectory and convent around a cloister is a scheme, the virtue of which, will be apparent when the whole section is solidly built up. The three buildings will face Tamm Avenue and the plan eliminates the cost of a tower.
The style of architecture is Romanesque and is marked by the tubular arch in the nave and over the doors and windows.
The plan has pillars setting within the outer walls along the side 24 feet high extending three feet into the church, supporting arches over the nave 48 feet high and transverse arches 32 feet from floor to apex.
There shall be five transverse arches on each side lighted by windows 16 feet high and 5 feet wide. One of these windows will open into the convent porch on 2nd floor and shall be used to give the Sisters an opportunity of witnessing the services whilst remaining in the convent.
The church will be practically free from pillars in the interior. Its masses are all simple, its parts few. The plan is one that offers a solution of the vexed question of seats in aisles. The transverse arches are pressed back against the side wall which, nevertheless, give the requisite variety and shadow, whilst the one on either side of the sanctuary widens out into transepts that shall be supported on the north and south by gables and lighted by windows similar to those in the body of the church. The width of this transverse section shall be 76 feet, whereas the body of the church from pillar to pillar shall be 45 feet.
The length of the church shall be 128 feet, the height of the cross on the gable above the side walk on Tamm Avenue shall be 82 feet. The window in front of church in this approach shall be 16x7. There shall be a Rose window behind the altar 8 feet in diameter and two smaller windows 4x9 lighting the sanctuary.
The side walls measured from floor to church to plate line of roof 33 feet high. The pillars and window frames are of cut stone. The decorations appearing on the front wall and parapet at front entrance are of cut stone.
BAPTISMS IN AUGUST
=======================
Mr. Thomas Hasty and Fireman Capella purchased and moved into two of the homes, built by Mr. Arthur Pahl in the O'Gorman Subdivision.
========================
"Jack," said Sister, "were you given the name of a Saint in Baptism?" "No," replied Jack, "I was named after my grandfather."
========================
Mr. Martin Coad and family spent the past few weeks at a club house on the Current River, near Poplar Bluff. Martin says the fishing was excellent.
========================
The same staff of teachers that taught at St. James School last year, have returned with the exception of Sister Mary Therese, who has been transfered. Sister Vinentia takes her place.
DESIGN NO. 3
This is a sketch of a pure Gothic Church such as is the one at The College. It is located across the lot along the western boundary, and is from wall to wall 158 feet long.
To give it a facing on Tamm Avenue the architect designed a massive entrance in the middle of that side and has erected a massive tower over the vestibule. This imposing front sets back from Tamm Avenue 53 feet and gives an admirable perspective.
When one enters the church he arrives in an ambulatory and at his left there is Our Lady's Chapel 13 feet wide quietly resting outside the main body of the church and extending from the main door south to the altar rails. It is connected with the body of the church by beautiful Gothic arches through which there is a full view of the altar.
Along the ambulatory there are stately pillars which are 31 feet high and which carry the beautiful Gothic Arches in the Nave to a height of fifty-four feet. These pillars are massive till they reach a height of eight feet when they take on smaller proportions and make a setting for the transverse arches which are carried to a height of 16 feet and rise gracefully within three feet of the outer walls and enclose the ambulatory, and on one side Our Lady's Chapel. The Sacristies can be seen through the arches at the sides of the sanctuary and form a part of its width. The arch in front of the sanctuary is ten feet lower than those in the body of the church, and space extending upward as well as the entire ceiling is laid in solid oak.
The windows form two rows one above the other; the greatest lighting effect will be from large stained glass windows above in the clear story.
There will be only two rows of pews in the body of the church. The nave from altar railing to vestibule where sets the pews, is 100 feet long and only 38 feet wide. This is in accordance with the best tradition and is almost an infallible index of good acoustics as it is generally conceded that there is a risk when the width of a church is greater than the height of the side walls. In this instance the walls are 42 feet high.
The objection to this scheme is evident; it cannot be erected for $150,000 in granite. The estimate rendered and guaranteed by the architect is granite $175.000; brick $150,000 and this exclusive of interior decorations which may be procured at a cost of not less than $20.000 and to suit the rest of the construction ought to cost $50,000.
The architect states he can reduce the plan to a cost of $150,000 but the number of eliminations will take considerably from the beauty of the construction.
EUCHRE AND LOTTO
Tune in on this! St. Ann's Sodality will give a Euchre and Lotto in the school hall on Wednesday evening, September 22nd, at 8 P. M.
The Euchres given by St. Ann's Sodality usually draw a big crowd, because the members are hustlers and the fancy work prizes which they make are sought after by connoisseurs.
Ladies who want to help the good cause, which is to raise a fund for an ornament for the new church, are requested to make a few prizes. Ring Mrs. George Wiber, Hiland 1899-W; or Mrs. Hugh Marshall, Hiland 1501-J on the phone and they will call for your prizes.
OR BE FOREVER SILENT
Three sketches of a church will be submitted for consideration at a meeting of parishioners which will be held in the Parish Hall on Thursday, September 9th at 8 o'clock. One of the three is the sketch of the church that shall be built and which shall stand on Tamm Avenue, we hope for many centuries.
Everyone of the parishioners are invited and will be given an opportunity of expressing of their views and of influencing us on the selection.
'Tis the last chance for saying what the church shall be. If you don't avail of it, Be Forever Silent.
ANOTHER BROTHER OF TONY'S DIES
Antony Palumbo had been reveling in delight that the Cardinals were at the head of the National Baseball League, 'till a call came to the Rectory, Thursday, announcing the death of his little brother. This is the second one of the twins to pass away rather suddenly. He was ill only 24 hours. He died in the doctor's office.
Tony has completed his fifth year at the Preparatory Seminary and intends entering the Kenrick Seminary, Tuesday, September 14th.
==========================
Most people who are back from their vacations have 4% envelopes on their shelves that Father O'Connor would like to have. No! not empty. They always make a better impression when they have something in them.
===========================
The very warm summer made many people irritable. It’s getting cool. Don't remember what was said in a heat. "The anger of man worketh not the justice of God."
============================
Mr. Ed. Pierce has been on vacation during the past week if building a granitoid wall in his cellar could be called a vacation. Having finished the wall he and his wife drove to Kansas City.
===========================
Mike Moloney reports that the mule whose ears Father Pohl was featured as shooting off, died of the fright on seeing a picture of his narrow escape in "Let's Go."
DEATH OF MARTIN MOORE
He lived next door to the Convent and close to the Rectory for a period of fifteen years. He and his family were always the last to say farewell to the priests or sisters when they were departing and the first to welcome them on their return. He was a kind-hearted, good natured man that was respected and loved by all his neighbors.
His death came after a protracted illness. He saw it coming and prepared; the parish priests and sisters were often at has bedside and were a great source of consolation and spiritual strength to him in his last sad hours. Father O'Connor, Mrs. Moore and family, Miss Moore, his sister, and a few of the neighbors were present when he passed away on Monday evening, August 23rd.
A large gathering of neighbors and friends were present each night of the wake and the church was crowded on Thursday when his funeral took place from Mass.
He retained through his mature years a boyish enthusiasm for the heroes of his youth. He usually could be found of an evening conversing with a crowd of boys and narrating to them the feats of the great pugilists and athletes of the past half century. He was an inspiration to them to emulate the Corbetts, the Sullivans and the other notorities, and if a priest came along, he would recall when he was a student in St. Louis University and tell of the wonderful priests that were in those distant days. He took an interest in all the Parish meetings and was for many years president of the Holy Name Society.
He died a happy death. The whole community mourns for him. May he rest to peace.
==========================
Miss Margaret Harris, 6217 West Park Ave. returned from a two weeks' vacation, which she spent touring in Chicago and Detroit.
CHURCHES YOU SHOULD SEE
That you may have an opportunity of judging for yourself the ability of the architects who have submitted the sketches for our New Church, we recommend that you visit St. Wenceslaus (Bohemian) Church. 3014 Oregon Ave., St. Ambrose (Italian) Wilson and Cooper Aves.,, also the Good Shepherd Convent Chapel.
Father O'Connor and a party of parishioners will visit these churches today, Sunday, September 5th. They will leave the Rectory at 2 P. M. All are invited.
======================
Sister Bernice, O. S. B., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Murphy, 6438 Lloyd Ave., is home on a week's visit. She is very delighted with her "new" niece and the rest of Danny Murphy's children.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
It is just a consideration of values; IS life more than the raiment, is the soul worth more than real estate? Your child's soul, your child's character, your child's well-being are involved. The clock of time cannot be turned back, its movement is toward time to come. On the morrow your child will have saved or lost its soul. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his immortal soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul.
Education is a preparation to be efficient. It should also be a preparation to rule one's passions. Ability and depravity are not unusual, and parents have wept not less bitterly for clever children whose careers have been blighted by passionate indulgence that has led to disgrace and ruin.
Religious education endeavors to impart to a child moral principles based on the divine law of right and wrong; it develops the spiritual in man's nature and gives him a nobler ideal of life. It teaches him the divine plan in creation and shows him the true value of things.
Education without religion gradually causes the decay of virtue. Everywhere in the land there are manifestations of indifference to God and his laws. Crime records are too stupendous to be hidden. Everywhere it is being deplored that the rising generation is alarmingly irreligious and lawless.
Recently Judge Ben B. Lindsey of the Denver Juvenile Court gave out data which tends to show that our high school boys and girls are, in large numbers indulging in immorality. Virtually the prevailing code of morals is "Don’t be found out." That is the only wrong. Being caught is the great sin. The Ten Commandments do not matter. "Many of the young people," he adds, "have banished all idea of religion and future chastisement for sin. As a result impurity and dissipation are indulged in regardless of everything but appearances."
True a smattering of religion can be given to a child who does not attend a parochial school; a healthy Catholic tradition in the home backed up by the parents who have deep religious faith and a good environment is an immense asset, and is really a necessary background for Catholic education, but as a rule Catholic children who go to the public schools have not these advantages, they go to the public school because it is the line of least resistance, and experience teaches us that most of these parents are indifferent as to whether they attend Sunday Mass and instruction.
The children of those parents who are conscientious deserve a better opportunity of acquiring a complete Catholic education, the religious day school is the very best and often the only practical way of bringing up children in the religious spirit. "Religion," says Father Scott, S. J., "is not a garment to be put on at stated times only. It is or should be a part of our very being; something inherent in us, a vital principle which animates our purpose in life and conduct. Religion on Sunday with the rest of the week a religious blank is not calculated to implant in a child the habit of religion. Unless religion be a formed habit of living as God directs, it will not affect conduct to any great extent. Now a habit is not formed except by repeated acts. The religious mind is not the result of merely hearing pius maxims and good counsels at stated intervals, but of being in a religious environment and cultivating religious practices."
The Nuns, the classroom with its crucifix, the devotional practices, the whole trend of the day's work in the Catholic school without any loss of secular knowledge, develops in the child a realization that the one great thing in life is to merit God's approval.
Thus religion takes deep root and becomes as it were a part of one's nature. It becomes a matter of daily life and not merely of occasional observance. The religious formation instead of interfering with educational progress, actually helps it.
==================
Mrs. Bovard and her girls spent last week at the River, where she developed several bright ideas for promoting the interest of the Mothers' Club.
===================
Adeline O'Gorman and Vera Berch have returned from Wisconsin University, where they took a special course during the summer.
======================
Genevieve Nixon narrowly escaped a serious accident whilst touring to Farmington. The automobile in which she was riding skidded and she and another young lady were thrown over an embankment.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL
There is a mistaken idea prevailing in the Parish that the Parochial School is overcrowded, and that many of the children have been neglected.
This is not the case. For instance in the graduating class of last year there were 28 children; these had a room and a teacher to themselves not only last year, but on the three previous years. More favorable conditions of receiving an education than these had cannot be conceived. There are very few school rooms, public or private, where a teacher has less than 30 children in a room; yet this will probably be the case in five rooms of St. James School during the academic, year of 1926.
There are seven teachers for eight grades; the congestion arises in two rooms in which there is the need of having a class and a half. The boys of a grade are sent to one teacher and the girls to another; moreover, the crowded condition is not constant, there are a number of the younger children who are Fine Weather pupils, every inclement day disseminates the baby room. Taking it all in all it is evident the rumor of crowded conditions is much worse than the facts warrant.
Parents are requested to send their children to school on the opening day which is Tuesday, September 7th, so that the classes may be formed immediately and that there are no pupils lagging behind and requiring the special attention of the teacher.
Parents should warn children to be careful not to run into the street, unless when they are necessitated to make a crossing, and not before they have assured themselves that they are in no danger of being run over by passing automobiles.
Children whose parents have not been paying the 4% are expected to arrange with the pastors as regards tuition. There are very few parents, who, if they make an effort, are not able to give some contribution towards the maintenance and upkeep of the school.
The school year will open with Mass and Benediction at 8:30, and all the children are expected to be present.
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.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
OUR PASTOR'S LETTER
Dear Parishioner
The enthusiasm that prevails in the parish concerning the building of a new church is a splendid manifestation of faith. Everyone is anxious to see a new church in the parish. The parishioners have been waiting long and at times almost hopelessly; they are now delighted at the prospect of having a new church next year.
The weekly collections were never bigger. The sacrifices that are being made by so many people who can ill afford to give, is inspiring. It is all spontaneous on their part. I don't know how to talk money, as you know I rarely do talk money; the parishioners give because they know it is right to give, because they believe in God's providence, avid watchful care. He is not blind to their sacrifices. He will not be outdone in generosity. Giving in His honor; giving when it is herd to find something to give is a sign of real love, it is sacrifice; it is the spirit behind Christianity. It is the soul of good works and that which will make our new church a living manifestation of our faith.
The parishioner who does not give to this great and holy cause will feel small and cheap before God and man when the church is erected. When people will say, "I see you have built a beautiful church," he will be compelled to answer, unless he is a hypocrite, "Yes THEY have." He will remember that he was only an observer; that he failed to bring a stone when the rest of the parishioners had their coats off and their sleeves tucked up and were toiling in the heat and sweating to erect a temple to the Lord.
When he and his family sit in a pew that a poorer man than he paid for, when he looks up at the high walls arid artistic arches, when he hears the pealing of the organ, which should bring peace to his soul, he will have no peace; he will .feel like a man who is stealing a ride in a train, like a thief in another man's home.
I would ask all of you to keep up your collections and if possible .to increase them. One of the architects has rendered a sketch of a neat church which I will submit to the Archbishop for approval. I fear it will cost more than we can afford though I have eliminated everything that could be eliminated to reduce the cost. The last parish meeting approved of this design. Mr. Crotty suggested a brick -building, but all the ladies present objected, and a big majority voted in favor of a stone construction.
Yours in Christ,
PATRICK J._ O'CONNOR.
HOME ENVIRONMENT
Perhaps a greater influence than the parochial school, the press or the church, is home environment. A child is molded by the tradition of the home, the opinions of the parents and his own inclinations. His moral standards are rarely higher than the moral standards that prevail in his home. If the parents lie and steal, miss church on Sunday morning, in all probability the child will do likewise, notwithstanding the instructions that might be given through the pastors of the parochial schools.
There can be no high moral standard where there is no discipline and the parent who has not enough of discipline to regulate his own life so that he can give a good example to his child, cannot expect his child to have enough of reverence to accept his guidance in things civic and spiritual.
Criminals come from homes where there is no discipline and lax morals. Good citizens are likely to be found in a home where parents have proper ideas of right living, strict standards of conduct for themselves and are imbued with an ambition to bring up a child that will be a credit to church and country.
Home life is demoralized in these modern days. Children rarely feel a duty to parents, and parents have ceased to regard themselves as bound to discipline the child. The result is that youth is driven hither and thither in the world of sin and passion, with no adequate protection for the guidance of conscientious God-fearing parents. They are exposed to every storm and if their lives are wrecked the parents are often more responsible for the demoralization than is the child.
A judge recently said when sentencing a boy to a life of penal servitude, "You deserve what you're getting but your parents should be hanged."
The records of St. James Parochial school seem to bear out this conclusion, the majority of boy graduates, whose fathers do not go to mass, have drifted away from the church and are ranked amongst the number whose lives are run on the level of men who have no religion.
It seems little good to build up a moral character in the school, which is going to be torn down by the influence of the parents in the home. If we want to have good morals and good Christian boys and girls, it is very necessary that we have religious schools and good teachers, but nothing would be accomplished unless we have good Christian parents who day in and day out uphold the moral standard of the church, discipline their children and set them a good example, showing that the principles of religion are not theory which is like the wisp of a dream or the weakness of shadow, but a strong, practical something which is felt, appreciated and lived in the ordinary life of the home.
THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL
Thirty-nine new children were registered in the parochial school, 34 of whom are in kindergarten. There are 308 children registered in the school, 29 of these are in the graduating class, 30 in the 7th grade, 38 in the 3rd grade, 38 in the second, 37 in the first. Five of these classes have individual rooms and teachers. School is now well under way and splendid janitor service is being rendered by Mr. Isador Schram.
The Mothers' Club gave the children an opportunity of purchasing their lunch from the local stores. At mid-day the children can be seen sitting at the corners munching large sections of coffee cake, cookies, pies and a general assortment of things that are sweet and toothsome. This freedom was appreciated by the children for a time but they are now asking, "when will the Mothers' Club open the lunch room?" They have learned that money means more eats and drinks in the lunch room than elsewhere, and they probably too realize that a warm lunch and a glass of good milk, though plain, is more substantial and satisfying than the cookies eaten at a corner on the streets on a cold day.
The Mothers' Club have decided to open the lunch room about the first of November.
Parents who have not been paying the 4% whose children attend the parochial school, are again reminded that they are expected to come to the Rectory to make arrangements about parish support. The school is now being financed from the parish treasury. Tuition is not demanded in the school because it is presumed that people who are unable to support their parish, cannot afford to pay it.
The school costs the parish a little over $5,000 for salary of teachers, coal, janitor service and upkeep of school and convent. Only children of parishioners can have accommodation in the school.
PURGATORIAN SOCIETY
The leaves are falling and thoughts of death enter our mind. Many whom we love have gone, and the cares of life and the many distractions of the day make us less conscious of their absence.
The church, mindful of its duty to its children, reminds us once every year in a very special manner to pray for our dead. It has set aside the 2nd of November as the special feast for the dead. On that day the faithful are invited to go to church and by alms and pious works make atonement for the venial faults and the remains of sin which pious souls carried with them into eternity, and for which they must suffer in purgatory until the last farthing is paid, for nothing undefiled, the scripture says, can enter Heaven, and it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be released from their sins.
Three masses are offered by each priest on the Feast of All Souls. This is an unusual privilege and it is a manifestation of the church's desire to do something very special for departed souls. Everyone who has a deceased relative, friend, or neighbor has a duty at this time to remember them in their prayers and to assist at one of the masses and offer communion for their repose. Flowers on the grave is a very pretty act of remembrance but faith teaches that a single communion, or a short prayer is more helpful to the soul of the departed than all the wreaths and monuments that can be set up at the grave.
An excellent method for having a daily memento made of your dead is to join a purgatorian society. There is one in the parish. The spiritual director, Father O'Connor offers a special mass on the Feast of All Souls for all those whose names are sent to him on the Purgatorian sheet. There is also a mass offered in honor of the Sacred Heart the first Friday of each month, and each day in the mass at the Memento of the Dead your loved ones will be commemorated.
The person who sends a list of deceased ones should sign his name to it if he desires to become a living member., There are no special obligations but it is fitting that those who are living members should, when possible, attend the masses on First Fridays and offer three communions for other living members who may die during the year. The Spiritual Director also promises to offer three masses on the death of a living member. If there are several in a family who want to become living members each one should write his own list of deceased.
The special advantages of becoming a member of the purgatorian society are: if you should forget to pray for your loved ones, you will know that they are not entirely forgotten. Each day a memento is made of them and each month a mass is offered for them in the parish church. You yourself also are remembered and should you die during the year you will have the assurance that three masses will be offered and that all your fellow members will pray and offer three communions for you.
Instead of a certificate of membership as in former years, members' names will be listed in Let's Go. The Purgatorian Society's dues are $1 a year for membership.
THE ALUMNI DRAMATIC CLUB TO GIVE A PLAY AND DANCE
Yes, they are coming again on the stage, the St. James Parochial School Dramatic Club. And Warren Carroll, the manager, has linked up for life with one of the best performers. He recently announced his marriage to Miss Marie Kelly. They kept it a secret for over six months. It appears they were married by Father Walsh at Kimmswick, Mo., in April, through the co-operation of Father McMahon, Marie's pastor.
The Alumni have been practicing for several weeks three one-act plays which they will present at Yale Hall on the evenings of October 19th and 21st, at 8 o'clock.
Festus Signaigo will star in the first play, entitled "Speaking to Father." The other members of the cast are: Mary Murphy, Euphronious Jones, Arthur Pahl and Fred McKenna.
Mr. Carroll is a member of the cast in the second play, "Passe" as is also Dan Murphy, president of the club. The Bawn sisters may be expected to put this feature over big. Helen has appeared in many former plays and has always won the applause of the audience. Louis Rose and John Mahon will complete the cast. The playlette dramatizes mother's love and will give an excellent opportunity to Miss Bawn for acting a highly emotional role.
The skit of the evening will be the third play, "The Mayor and the Manicurist." Amusing incidents, comical situations, witty sayings added to original caricaturing by John P. Dolan will prepare the audience to laugh till the curtain comes down. The ladies who take part with Mr. Dolan and Mr. Hruby are Bernadine Quinn and Mary McCauley.
Lest you forget and miss an evening of much merriment and a host of old friends, mark on your calendar October the 19th and 21st. This will be pre-eminently a parish affair, but provisions are made to give a good time to the young people after the show. There will be a dance and orchestra.
Tickets for reserved seats can be procured from Dan Murphy, Hiland 1129-M; John Mahon, Hiland 0348-R; Euphronious Jones, Hiland 2710-W; Nell Usher LeRoi, Hiland 1765-W.
The proceeds being raised will go to a fund that is install memorial windows in the new church for Father Casey and Sisters Catherine and Louis.
Meeting of Dramatic Club
The regular monthly meeting of St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will be held in the school hall Thursday evening, October 14th. All the members of the club are expected to be present to make final arrangements for the play and committees will be expected to make final reports.
THE ROSARY
Each evening at 7:30, the parishioners who live in the neighborhood assemble in the church and recite the rosary before the Blessed Sacrament, which is exposed. An indulgence of 500 days can be gained for each visit and those who assist ten times during the month can gain a plenary indulgence.
After devotions beads are blessed. Father O'Connor has the faculty to impart the Crozier indulgence. A person whose beads are blessed and thus indulged can gain 500 days by saying an Our Father and Hail Mary. He also has the faculty to add the Dominican Indulgence. These faculties belong to Missionary Fathers of the Holy Cross and the Dominicans and have been given to him as a privilege.
Those who cannot assist at the devotions in church should gather in a family circle and recite the Rosary each evening during the month in their homes.
THE FORTY HOURS
The Forty Hours Devotion closed in St. James Church, Sunday evening, September 26th. Father Lyons, pastor of St. Pius Church officiating, assisted by Father Pohl and Father McAtee pastor of Holy Innocents. Sermon of the occasion was preached by Father Michael O'Keefe, assistant pastor of Holy Rosary Church. The usual procession took place and a large congregation attended. Father John Nugent was master of ceremonies.
After devotions Father O'Connor entertained in the Rectory, at supper, the clergy who included the above mentioned, and Fathers Lavery and McKeon and James McGrath.
THE NEW CHURCH SKETCHES
None of the sketches submitted by the architects so far have stood the test of criticism by men who are competent to judge. All have been rejected and new designs are again called for. It may delay the work but we will not begin until we are sure of our ground.
HALL T00 SMALL FOR THE BIG EUCHRE
Many Family Parties Present
Several parishioners had special parties made up of relatives, friends and neighbors at the card party given by St. Ann's Sodality, in the school hall, September 22nd. The hall was crowded and many found it difficult to get tables and seats. Groups sat in rows as they might at a home affair and played euchre, bridge, pinochle or lotto, as their preference went. The management had no iron-clad rule; one could easily observe that they desired to make everyone happy.
There were 215 prizes awarded, few were present who did not win something. Contrary to custom, the players did not rush home after they had received their prizes, they sat around and the refreshment stand was kept busy serving soda, coffee and sandwiches 'till everything was sold.
It was a big success as a get-together party of parishioners. New parishioners were introduced to old ones and the kindly democratic spirit that is so peculiar to St. James Parish was everywhere evident.
All the prizes were donated by parishioners. There were many pieces of fancy needlework and embroidery. Mr. Null donated a load of coal; J. P. Houlihan's Nursery Co., a row of lawn shrubs; Ryan's Filling Station, gave an order for twenty gallons of gasoline and there were also donations of soda from Mr. Coyne and Mr. Quinn.
The biggest party group was made up by the ladies who assemble at Mrs. McDonnell's store. Father O'Connor said of them. "They are like quail, they travel in coveys." This group included Mrs. Fahey, Foley, Wagner, Cullen, Houlihan, Irvin, Schollmeyer and their many friends and relatives from other parishes.
Mrs. Kern and daughters also had a group which included Mrs. Ed Kern from St. Luke's Parish, and Miss Kern from St. Genevieve.
Mrs. Henkel and Hausmann from the Louisville Ave. district had their group as did Mrs. O'Shaugnessy from Crescent Ave.
Next in numbers to the McDonell group was the Coad-Brady-Houlihan-Rose combination. They have possibly the biggest following in the parish.
It would be interesting to have a group contest at one of the parish affairs and give a prize to the lady having the largest attendance.
The old settlers were represented by a few tables of veteran parish workers, amongst these were Mrs. Manion, Gibbons, Jones and Doran. Their presence at a parish gathering gives a spirit of continuity to the work that has been going on in the parish these many years.
The Heil party were missing and missed. They usually occupy a large section of the hall and patronize everything given at St. James. It appears grandmother Heil was having a birthday party and the young people celebrated the occasion.
The German element, however, were well represented. Mrs. Riegel, Mrs. Plengemeier, Mrs. Killian, Mrs. Pauk, Mrs. Lederle each had their party from St. Bernard’s, Holy Family and Saint Aloysius. They kept out of the pinochle game, they left that to the Irish and the few Dutch that can get along with them. Father O'Connor was with this group and he was heard to ask, "How much a hundred?"
Mrs. O'Brien had a big party in which were Mrs. Slaughter and Mrs. Comiskey from St. Edwards.
There were numerous other family parties of lesser size, including the Wash-Doran-Pahl group, the Manon-McGuire-Saxton group, the Bovard-Benton group, the Stephen Boyer party in which was Miss Boyer from DeSoto, the Willers, the Pieschels. Mrs. Lutz had a party of her non-Catholic neighbors, as did Mrs. Stumpf.
The affair was the most representative parish gathering we have seen in the hall for years and augurs well for the enthusiasm that there is for a new church. Father Pohl directed the committee who were responsible for the arrangement. He gives Mrs. Nixon credit for selling one-third of all the tickets. Other active members of the committee were: Mrs. McCauley, Mrs. Wm. Schmitz, Mrs. Marshall was chairman. The proceeds will be applied to a fund to purchase something special for the new church.
THE BARBECUE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Every week brings in substantial donations on the subscriptions made at the barbecue. Many parishioners have already paid their subscriptions and some are making monthly contributions. About one-third of the amount subscribed is paid. The parishioners are suiting their convenience. They were given twenty months in which to pay, but it was understood that one-half the amount promised be paid in the year 1926.
Statements will be mailed again this month and each subscriber is requested to note if he is credited with payments, and those who so far have made none, are urged to do so at their earliest convenience.
THE JUBILEE
On Sunday, October 3rd, Father O'Connor, and a number of parishioners, made visits to the churches which are designated for the Jubilee, viz.: The Old Cathedral, St. Johns, College Church and the New Cathedral. Five visits are to be made to each church. This is the second round of visits made by parishioners. There were about twenty-five machines in the parade. Those who are fortunate enough to have machines gave seats to their less fortunate neighbors.
The next visit will be made October 17th. Parishioners will assemble at the church at 2 o'clock. Those who haven't machines are invited to forward their names to the Rectory before Saturday, October 16th, so that if a large number signify their willingness to make a visit, a bus or busses can be secured. On Sundays, parish after parish can be seen with their groups of pilgrims visiting the churches. On the occasion of the last visit, Father O'Rourke of St. Marks had seven busses; St. Ann's, three; The Nativity, four; and pilgrims who were making private visits were keeping the churches filled.
Other conditions for gaining the Jubilee Indulgence are confession and communion before the end of the year.
MRS. B. WEAVER’S DEATH
When Miss Aurelia Weaver arrived home on Wednesday, September 22nd, she found her mother dead in bed. In the morning, when she was leaving home, her mother seemed to be quite well. An inquest was held and it was found that in all probability she died of heart disease.
Mrs. Weaver was a very pious catholic woman. Only a few weeks before her death, she was at confession and communion. She and her daughters were enthusiastic supporters of the Dominican Sisters during their first year's teaching in St. James School, and were very close friends of Sisters Catherine and Louis.
Mrs. Weaver's funeral was held in St. Luke's Church because it is not, permissible to have a corpse brought into church during the Forty Hours Devotion. May she rest in peace.
MISS CROTTY'S WIT
When pilgrims from St. James Parish were leaving St. John's Church, Father Sessnon approached Father O'Connor to greet him. Seeing Mr. Crotty in the distance, he said, "There is one of your parishioners that I know very well." Father O'Connor said, "Do you know the young lady by his side, she is Miss Anna Crotty, his daughter, and we expect her to get married very soon." "Is that so, Miss Crotty?" said Father Sessnon. "No," she replied, "but whilst there's life there's hope."
EDDIE RYAN, A GRANDFATHER
Mr. Ryan usually agreeable, smiling and optimistic, has become universally philanthropic. His smile has widened beyond the limits of his face and his hope has run into another generation of better Ryans and Guerichs than any that belonged to the generations that have passed. Eddie Ryan has become a grandfather. A boy was born to his daughter, Mrs. Katherine Guerich, September 29th. "Fine combination of blood," said Mr. Ryan, "not much quantity to Tony, the father, or to myself, but there sure is quality."
When Eddie went to St. Mary's Hospital, he forgot to ask for the mother, and said, "where is that young one?" "Nine pounds weight," he said "boy you sure must cut down on your food or you won't long be allowed to sit on your grandfather's knee." "My! what a hand, a miniature Babe Ruth's and Gene Tunney's, one advice I give you right now, never decide to become a cop, you have too much space exposed." He then got a piece of card board on which he wrote, "No parking here, this space is reserved for `gasoline Eddie"' and he placed it on the nursery door where his youthful grandson was confined with several young hopefuls, and then he walked up and down the corridor with a military stride of the Little Colonel, pausing from time to time to peep through the aperture at the boy in the cradle.
When Tony, the father, arrived, Mr. Ryan said to him, Mr. Guerich, there is an advice I would give you, never strike that boy in my presence, for if you do, there will sure be a scrap, and you'll find two against one, and a man will not feel any the better for a licking which he gets from his own son and his father-in-law."
A BIRTHDAY PARTY
Much to the delight of the girls of the 6th grade, artistically painted invitations were sent to each, inviting them to a party at Eileen Houlihan's, 6744 Oakland Ave., Sunday, Sept. 19, 1926, 3 to 6.
Games were played and the clamor was at its height when the dining room was thrown open to their amazed eyes. The beautiful decorations, elaborate place cards and favors, with delicious cake and ice cream left nothing to be desired. It could easily be seen that the party was a tremendous success.
HALLOWEEN PARTY
The annual Halloween party under the auspices of St. James branch of the Holy Name Society will be given in the Parish Hall, Sunday evening, October 31st.
A feature of the evening's entertainment will be a raffle of fowl. The rest of the programme has not been arranged but in all probability there will be the usual high class vaudeville and picture.
Members of the Holy Name Society who have not yet made returns for tickets used at the "Treasures of the Vatican" picture are requested to do so immediately to the district captain.
The proceeds of the affairs given Halloween and Shrove Tuesday go into the treasury of the Society and make it possible to have necessary funds, as no dues are asked of members. It is expected each member will patronize these shows and invite his friends.
HOLY NAME PARADE TODAY
Rogers Hornsby and his victorious Cardinal crew were, upon their return to St. Louis, given a demonstration that lasted till midnight. It was the greatest triumphal procession in the history of the city.
Why?
Because St. Louis fans have been great baseball enthusiasts and Rogers brought to the pennant winning team and the hope of the highest distinction there is in the baseball world. The fans are hero worshippers, they could not sit still, they gave a demonstration, they went on parade.
Behind all parades there must be enthusiasm and worship of an ideal or a hero. The Holy Name Society hope to have both in their parade today. The ideal is clean speech, clean living and the promotion of Christianity.
The Hero Is Jesus, The Saviour Why So?
Because Christianity is the basic principle of our civilization, our prosperity and our liberty. Should we neglect to emphasize from time to time our adherence to Christian principles, our thoughts and the thoughts of our country men will gradually drift away into principles that have made the red flames of Bolshevism rage in Russia and have banished from Mexico the rights of free speech and freedom of worship.
You Should?
Crowds are made up of individuals. You, Sir, have a place in this world of thought, this world of action. If you believe in Christ, if you believe in his principles today
Be A Fan
And be with the boys and men who think that our liberties must be protected and our ideals promoted by men who are ready to parade with enthusiasm for the Name of Christ.
Influence Your Neighbor
When your neighbor hears your words and sees your enthusiasm he too will be aroused to action, sparks set the world afire.
2 O'clock
The men and boys of the Holy Name will step off from St. James Church to lead the Arch-Diocesan Union of Holy Name Societies of St. Louis. St. James has this unique honor because ours was the first branch of the Holy Name Society in St. Louis.
Lindell and Vandeventer
Where the branches will assemble to march to the New Cathedral lawn, where the Archbishop will address the demonstration at 3:30 P. M. -
Wear Badge
And be prompt and don't make excuses. It is your duty to parade today with your parish.
A HIKE FOR YOUNG LADIES AND BASKETBALL
At a meeting of the Virgin Mother Sodality in the Parish Hall, October 4th, the young ladies decided to give a Hike, Sunday morning, October 10th, when members will make final arrangements for a Basket Ball Team.
Young ladies who desire to participate are requested to assemble in the school hall, at 9:30 in the morning.
Margaret Signaigo has been selected to lead the hike and Misses McDonnell, Estelle Sensenbrenner, Rosemary Wiss, Frances Doering, Virginia Jones, Aurelia Aydt, Margaret Irvin have signified their willingness to be members of the Basket Ball Team.
Girls who intend hiking should have suitable shoes, etc. They expect to be home for lunch.
======================
Mr. William Hense, Sr., donated to the Sanctuary a gold-laced embroidery which decorated the front of the altar during the Forty Hours The Sister Sacristan wishes to thank all who sent her donations for flowers, etc.
CATHOLIC INSTRUCTION LEAGUE
Instructions for Catholic children who attend the Public Schools will be continued in the Parochial School, each Sunday, at 1:30 P.M. under the direction of Father Barton, S. J., and on Fridays at 4 o'clock under the priests of the parish.
Miss Loretta Tully, 4611 Kennerly Ave., a public school teacher has been appointed district superintendent; Miss Genevieve Mahon, local director, assisted by Miss Vera Bersch.
Other teachers include Robert Pate and two St. Louis University scholastics, also Miss Frances Doering, Cecelia Badendieck, Mary Devaney, Mary Harris, Virginia Jones.
The Virgin Mother's Sodality are auxiliaries and field workers. Advance courses in catechism will be given to children who have been confirmed and all the parishioners are requested to lend their moral support to this movement which gives to every Catholic child a fine opportunity of acquiring a complete knowledge of salvation.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
OUR PASTOR'S LETTER
Dear Parishoner:
A sketch for the New Church has been submitted by one of the architects which seems to meet the requirements. The work is not sufficiently advanced to publish in this issue of "Let's Go." The architect asked time for more study; to make sure of the cost, he intends submitting the sketch to contractors as he progresses and making such alterations as the estimate may require.
This sketch I have already submitted to the department of architecture of two universities and to His Grace, the Archbishop. 'The general outlines of the design were approved and many helpful suggestions were offered which the architect is incorporating in his present plan. My aim is to erect a plain, unpretentious church that will be architecturally correct, which I hope shall meet the approval of connoisseurs, and which shall be a source of pride to parishioners.
Architects inform me there are very few parish churches in St. Louis that can be regarded as examples of correct architecture.
The architect who is working on our plan is fired with an ambition to erect something that will have a national worth. He intends to produce something that will, when completed, be regarded as a model.
Our limited funds make the problem so difficult the architect has suggested more than once that we defer building for another year, or extend the possibilities by erecting a brick structure. I insist that we will not delay longer and that a church must be built in the year 1927.
So far I have not entered into a contract with the architect, nor have I accepted as final the sketch on which he is working. Before doing so, I will consult The Boosters Club and call a meeting of the parishioners. If they approve of the design or decide to build in brick I will not offer any objection. I feel that I have done my duty because I have not spared time nor trouble to get the very best church for the money at my disposal. I don't even promise a pretentious church and you won't get very much for $150,000. Without a doubt, a larger building could be had in brick, and the question to be solved now is, does the parish want quantity or quality, or both? and this brings us back to the old war-cry, “more money." We want every wage-earner in the parish to "give till it hurts." It is a time when we find it difficult to be patient with slackers. This is God's work, and all who pretend to be passing-fair Catholics have a duty to give.
Yours in Christ
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR, Adm.
THE ALUMNI PLAY
The three one-act plays given by St. James Parochial School Alumni Association, on Tuesday and Thursday, October 19 and 21, was a splendid exhibition of amateur acting and was so unusual one could readily believe the performers were professionals
Without exception, the players suited their parts and revealed with admirable cleverness the wit and captivating humor which the authors injected into the plays. .
It is difficult to form a just estimate of the individual players' performance; each was perfect in his part and the appreciation of the audience was reiterated time after time by peals of laughter and applause.
Warren Carrol’s impersonation of the drunken husband and Helen Bawn's superb presentation of Vetori in the playette "Passe" left an indelible impression on the audience, and Louis Rose, the son who supposed had killed the humiliation of his mother, looked so weird and distressed, it required little imagination to fall into the delusion that he was the frantic, unhappy youth who rushed to his mother's comforting arms to unburden on her the anguish that tossed, and surged in his storm-swept soul.
Joe Wiss was exceptionally good and Arthur Pahl, Festus Signaigo, John Dolan have only to appear on the stage and there is comedy. Joe Hruby suits a severe part and was admirably fitted to play the sharp quick-thinking Mayor and man of the world. John Mahon was pre-emptory and deliberate, whilst Danny Murphy was more impressing as Danny Murphy than in the part he played.
Bernadine Quinn and Mae McCauley in the :Mayor and Manicurist were clever and natural. Bernadine played the villain and though she was outwitted by the mayor, her reactions as her villainy was unveiled were a magnificent exhibition of good acting. Mae McCauley surprised everyone by giving such a precocious interpretation of her part. She hid the jealousy that a woman has towards a rival under the semblance of confidence in her ability to be master of the situation.
The third play, "Speaking to Father," was the Bow Wow of the evening. The humor was so irresistible the performers had difficulty to keep from laughing in the parts that required serious expression. Arthur Pahl and Mary Murphy were a scream and Euphonius Jones and Dad Signaigo had their innings.
It was unfortunate that an incessant rain storm interfered with the attendance at the first evening's performance, as undoubtedly a satisfied audience would be the best advertisement for the second evening. The attendance the second night filled the hall. There is a prevailing belief in the parish that the playettes could be again reproduced and draw a full house. The Alumni Association are considering staging the performance some time before Christmas in the Parish Hall to give an opportunity to older people in the neighborhood to witness the plays.
"Let's Go" congratulates St. James Parochial School Alumni Association Dramatic Club on this, their greatest achievement. Their performance makes it evident that they are not lacking in ability and that their dramatic club will in future give desirable entertainment to all the community.
ST. ANN'S SODALITY ELECTS OFFICERS
On Monday, October 18, St. Ann's Sodality, with 33 members present, held an election of officers.
The Spiritual Director, Father Pohl, with his usual enthusiasm called for snappy action and requested that no one decline a nomination because she didn't care to hold office; only very good excuses would be accepted.
Never in the history of the society was an election held so satisfactorily in so short a time. There was round after round of witty comment and hilarious laughter, but it did not interfere with the business on hand
The officers, who will be installed at the next meeting, are: Loretto Bisso, President; Mrs. Irvin, Vice-President; Mrs. Plengemeier, Secretary; Mrs. Boyer, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. Nixon, Treasurer; Mrs. Foley, Medal Bearer, and Mrs. Arlt, Assistant Medal Bearer.
At one period of the meeting Father Pohl was taking the names of those nominated and said. "Let me see, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Cullen, Mrs. Hefele, did I jump over anyone?" "No," said Mrs. Nixon, "I didn't see you."
When Mrs. Hefele was nominated she said, "Oh, I have a policeman for a husband; you know, they are very unreliable."
Members were requested to fill up the front pews on Communion Sunday, as Father O'Connor had to move them up the last time. "Couldn't we tie the pews and open one at a time?" "Yes, or tie Father O'Connor," was the reply.
Mrs. Wiber declined a nomination because she held office in the Mothers' Club. "What's that got to do with it?" "Well, we can't hold office in both."
"Who said so?"
"Father O'Connor."
Father Pohl: "All right, that's enough; he's boss."
The meeting was a snappy, breezy, delightful affair, accomplishing a usually tiresome business in an incredibly short time. One lady remarked if she knew St. Ann's was such a peppy sodality she would have joined long ago.
The ladies who served refreshments were the busiest of the evening, and the empty cake plates gave mute evidence of their success.
In the report of the Euchre given by St. Ann's Sodality, Mrs. Engelhardt should have been mentioned as one of the committee who solicited prizes and helped to make the affair a success.
PARISH SUPPORT
Each parishioner is asked to contribute to the support of his parish church, which includes the upkeep of all parish institutions. Every Catholic understands that a parish could not exist unless somebody contributes to its support. The finances of a parish are quite a problem for the pastors. The growth of a parish demands growth of parish institutions, and the magnificence and completeness of parish buildings are a very good intimation of the fervor and the generosity of the flock.
Though St. James is an old parish, its growth is quite recent. The old buildings served their purpose and are unsuited to the present requirements. A church, rectory and convent have to be erected and the necessary funds have to be raised.
Distribution of the burden is just and a system of taxation or voluntary contribution has been imposed on or requested of each wage-earner.
The parishioners have agreed that 4 cents out of each dollar earned is about the minimum demand to make up the necessary funds, and the majority of wage-earners are gladly making this sacrifice each week. If a parishioner is out of work, having earned nothing, he is expected to give nothing; if his salary is small, his contribution is small, but if his income is large, he is expected to give in proportion to his means.
A few parishioners, for reasons best known to themselves, are not willing to regard this demand as a duty of conscience, but this does not free them from the obligation of church support On a recent occasion Father O'Connor said, "Do you believe in giving a penny out of each dollar you earn to the church, that is, giving 1 cent to God and keeping 99 for yourself? Perhaps you could be bigger and more generous; you might decide that you could easily afford to give 2 or 3 pennies. Make up your mind as to what you are going to give, and, that the parish income be definite and regular, put your contribution in an envelope every time that you are paid and drop it in the collection basket the next Sunday."
Should you not attend your parish church for a few Sundays or a longer time, if you have taken the precautions to place your parish dues in the weekly envelope, you can deposit them all at one time and you will be saved the difficulty of trying to estimate how much you owe.
This method is businesslike and methodical. You place your contribution under your own name you are not ashamed of it, and you get full credit in the parish books for the service that you have rendered the church.
Children also ought to be taught to contribute. It impresses them with the idea that they have to make sacrifices for their faith. Good parents are usually anxious to see their children generous and self-sacrificing; they take pride when their manifests a desire to contribute to the support of the church for they know it is an indication the child is going to accept every reasonable obligation that good citizenship and solid faith imposes upon him. He will not be a worse man for giving, but he may be a worse man for keeping. There is no greater curse for a child than the inheritance of selfishness, irresponsibility and greed.
MAYME BRADY
Mayme Brady is leaving the parish. She will be married to Ed Hayes before this issue of "Let's Go" comes from the press.
The old settlers are sympathetic and interested -- in fact, are quite pleased --because Miss Brady is a colorful character and has been prominent in parish affairs ever since she was knee high.
She is a member of the choir, and often was the whole choir.
She sang at funerals, nuptial masses, parish entertainments and local gatherings. Her comments on these events have been, to say the least, interesting and original.
She saw what others did not see. She heard the vibrations that were in the air. Her emotions are easily aroused and move in strong currents. She has a capacity to dramatize her thoughts, visualize the scene, and mimic her neighbors. She has been an impersonator of community characters. She is a first class vaudeville performer in every-day life and is a welcome guest in every home. She is an unconscious master of the unpremeditated art of depicting the hopes, the fears, the pretensions, prejudices, the virtues, the conceits, the eccentricities and the foibles of this community.
Being such a person, she is given this prominent place in "Let's Go." Mayme was probably intended by nature to be an actress, a writer, a great painter of life as it is lived by plain people, "for many a flower," the poet says, "is born to blush unseen, and waste its sweetness in the desert air." Her sense of humor is strong, her sympathies stronger; there is no bitterness in her wit, she is rarely sarcastic. Her neighbors want her in their sorrows and she comes to them without being asked. She deferred her marriage for many years because of her love for her parents. It is an open secret -- she has made no secret -- that it is 18 years since she received the first engagement ring from Mr. Hayes. You must understand that Mayme has received more than one because the course of true love never did run smooth, and Mayme and Mr. Hayes have had their quarrels, on which occasions Mayme usually threw back the engagement ring, being perfectly certain that she was going to get a much more modern and costly one the next Christmas.
For the past few years she and her father have resided with Mrs. Coad, her sister. Her nephews and nieces have difficulty in distinguishing which is their mother, they love Mayme very dearly, as do all her neighbors' children. Mayme has an assortment of nursery tales, hobgoblin stories and interesting anecdotes which delight an audience of children. Mayme is at her best when she is playing fairy godmother and will be missed by the children.
The Bradys, as you may presume, are Irish. It is not mentioned they came over in the Mayflower, they had their place defined in this community before the city had acquired Forest Park or knew it had a future.
Mayme's mother, the late Mrs. Brady, had an intimate knowledge of all the priests who served in the parish since it was established in 1851. She never forgot them in her prayers, and the names of former pastors, Sullivan, Tobin, Kelly, Butler, McNamee, for many years were listed in her purgatorial sheet. Mayme succeeded to this tradition and it is a dangerous thing to speak slightingly of the pastors of the parish in her presence, though it is to be surmised she had sometimes inclinations to comment critically on their frankness. Mayme is an uncompromising Catholic, tolerant and well disposed but never weak-kneed about her religion. Her husband is not a Catholic. He has long since learned that Miss Brady regards her faith as her richest dowry, and he appreciates the strength and breadth and goodness of it.
Mr. Hayes' mother has been an invalid for some time. Miss Brady intends taking care of her. We wish Mr. and Mrs. Hayes many years of happiness and prosperity
A LOCAL GENIUS
The Halloween party given in the hall under the auspices of the Holy Name Society gave abundant evidence that there is in this community a local genius.
His name is Eddie Pierce.
He dabbles almost in everything from the making of an apple pie to the perfecting of a steam shovel. He is mechanical engineer at Bemis Bag Co. -- when he is not inventing stop signals for automobiles, editing high-class pamphlets, traveling from city to city taking his breakfast in St. Louis, his lunch in Chicago and his beer in Milwaukee.
He was at his best as a comedian on the eve of Halloween The following is an illustration of his ability as a humorous observer and dramatic exponent of local men and customs
Senator Heintz
Ladies and oderwise, I haf come pefore you das efening to make fo you a political spooch. Politics, mine frients, is a funny pusiness; sometimes good, but not often. Polly may be a nice girl, but ven you add der ticks phooey pusiness. A politician got to be a grafter, a crook, a liar and a thief, so I tink I haf all der gualifications. Mit politics, der front door is marked with "pull" on der inside, un "push" on der outside. A politician iss like a accordean player, he got to haf push and pull. I got der push, and now I vant to get der pull from you, my fellow vote-duplicators.
I am going to tell you what iss wrong mit das juniverse, and how I am going to fix it so der common people can all become capitalists and der capitalists can all become common. In oder vords, I haf gaddered minself togedder, soda-speak to disgust all der impossible delusions vich confront us from pehint.
I vant to say right now, and I say it in all stupidity, and mitout fear of combustion, dot it mox nix aus vich vay ve turn, our back iss alvays pehind us. I may start south oder east, but I alvay come out in der vest. Somebodies wrong, oder ve cant misunderstand vats der matter, and ve dont know vat to make it out off.
People are here de same as dare, and dare as odervise. Der oder evenink I vas visiting Dan Murphy, and he vas vaxing his liardvood floors, and dressed in torn pants and BVD shirt. Vile I vas dare, some young ladies off der DADA Club came in; dare vas Dolan and Vard and McVey and Valsh and Cody and Mahon and Conroy and Manion, py golly I never seen so many Irishers in vun place since Foley's vake. Und do you tink ven dey came in dot shanty Dan ran avay and hid? Huh. Pefore all dos shanas, dot three-time papa shtood in his undervorld clothes, and he didn't efen plush. Tush ! Vot is der vorld comming from. Such shaningahans got to stop, if ve got to run all der irishers oudt off der country.
Shust very ve least expect to find vat ve dont vant, den someding ve did vast so bad turns up mising, and ve are up against vot ve vouldn't haf if ve could find it by looking in der place vare ve thought it vas pefore it got transfigured avay from der place vere it should have been at der time ven it vasn't. Und so ve got to vait til der next election. Off you vote for me, dot vill all be changed for der people, in der people, mit der people, off der people and on der people.
Und off you dont think I can do it, shust ask Louis Riegel he vont tell you. Louis mofed oudt here from St. Bernard’s Parish pecaus dot neighborhood vas too conjested. He vanted to be oudt here vere dere vas lots off fresh air, and room to expandt. Off he expands much more, he soon conjects dis neighborhood too.
Fellow income-taxers, poverty stalks in high blaces. Last week, I called on a Senator. His vife came to der door and said, "der Senator is oudt in der rear." No, it vas not Tom Vatson, aldow he iss most alvays oudt in der rear too, fixingh tings up mit his clanis frients. She said "der Senator is oudt in der rear" and I gaddered from vat she said dot she vas telling der truth. He vas oudt in der rear, pecause he had left his seat in der Senate. Some bolshevik had put varnish on it. Ain't dot gonglusive evidence dot he vas oudt irt der rear? I said "lady, a vord to der vise is official, so conglomerate on dis vise old adverb: a stitch in time safes two in der bush.
Und vy do dey attack our seat off government? I tell you it is a base conspiracy, and it is all caused by der vimen off today. Dey all have der disfranchisement to vote, and vy don't dey use it ? It is pecause dey are afrait some man finds oudt how old dey are. Der vimen can't vote till dere 21, and after dot age no man is interested in dem. Der oder night Father O'Connor met several vimen, and it vas too dark to see good, so he said "good evenink girls," and der oldest in der bunch, vat iss der mudder of three children, and lives at 1540 Tamm avenue vas der first vun vat answered "good evenink Father." Did she tink ven he said girls dot he meant her? If elected, I am going to put in efery voting place a gonfessional vere dey can tell dere age in brivate, and den maybe ve can get der oldt hens to vote. Der trouble iss, dere iss too many vimen like Nan Cody, vot go to see Artists and Models, to get foolish ideas in der head, instead of to der pools to get new ideas in der government.
I tell you der country is full of gonspirators; for instance Dago Joe. He vants ve should buy his garden truck, so he can take der brofits to buy more trucks. Und Mr. Hense. He raises der price off goceries so he can squander der brofits on feetballs. He vould like to see der brice off groceries higher as der peramids ; hence der peramids. Und Charlie Heil, der big ham man. He vould like to feed us so much ham, dot ve soon look like vun. Und he vants ve should built a big exbensive church mit rectory and gonvent, and eferyding, un den some day ven he makes enough brofits from der ham he mofes to der vest end, and who pays for der fine buildings? Not Charlie; he aint dot kind off a ham. Und dere is also der grandfadder off Crescent avenue, Eddie Ryan. He iss der philandrophist off der neighborhood. He gifs avay more as any oder man I know. He takes avay all off your money for gasoline and den he gifs you der air.
But der vorst vat ve got to contention is der fakers. Dey force you out in der rear and den dey gouge oudt your eyetoot pefore dey let you in again. Ray Dolan sells you some real estate, and den you findt oudt you got a dirty deal. Shust a lot off dirt, and you got to pay taxes for it. Arthur Pahl goes arount selling cigars and shmoking cigarettes. Und dot odder big faker, Jim Coad. He sells you a paper fot insures you against death, and all der time, he knows dog-on vell dot some day your going to die.
Ain't it transparent? Aint it a stab at our very fundamentals? Off you want brotection, vote for a man vat has been a tailor. A man vot can pring your suit to der supreme courthouse, and press it himself. Vun who iss gaddering up der threads vich vill some day restore der seat off government in all its insignificance from vich it has been denatured, to its rightful place in der people, off der people, for der people and by der people.
Now a days, eferyone iss being deceived. For instance, der oder day I vas standing on der street corner, and I seen a little dog crossing der street car tracks, and der street car hit him on der south side and cut off his tail. Vot did he do? Vot vould you do? He came ofer to me mit tears in his eyes and said "brudder, here is a sad tail." I said, "vere iss der last extremity, Fido?" He vent back in der street, picked it up and brought it to me and said, "dis iss der end off me." Der poor little feller vas being deceived. He did not know. Der end off him iss ven Charlie Heil gets him, I bet you.
Und dots der way it iss mit eferyding. Honesty iss no longer der best policemen. Life iss a hard-boiled egg, and you can't beat it. Und don’t forget dis constitutional commencement: "No matter how fast your clock may run, it always vinds up in der same place." Wheeling Vest Virginia might be a hard job, but Lansing Michigan is a vorser vun.
Brudders, I tell you dere iss too much graft in der world. Look at Burbank. He plants here a pumpkin, dare a vatermelon, and vot iss der crop? Punk vatermelons. Vy, dis country has got so wicked dot ve got to haf a vice-president. Mike Maloney used to vas a nice feller, now look at him: He rides around in a high-powered Ford and tries to shiek all der widows in der Mudders Club. Der time has come to call a spade trumps, and vote for a man vot believes in equal disfranchisement off der people, for der people, mit der people and by der people.
In closing, I vant to say dot if elected, I vil use mine influence in having a law pabsed, vereby any man vot plays a cherman game like Pinochle against an Irish Priest, gets a gold medal if he vins. I dank you.
THE JUBILEE
Father O'Connor and a party of parishioners completed their fifth pilgrimage to the churches designed to be visited to gain the jubilee indulgence. It is estimated about 150 parishioners were in the group and the parade of automobiles was impressive.
It has been ascertained that the Holy Father has granted special privileges to all churches dedicated to the Holy Cross so that pilgrims making five visits in one day, to a church so dedicated, with the usual conditions of confession and communion, can gain the jubilee indulgence.
To give all the parishioners an opportunity of sharing in this privilege, it has been decided to charter busses on a date not yet fixed and visit the church of Holy Cross in Baden.
The officers of the various societies and sodalities are requested to decide on a date and to solicit the names of members and other parishioners who want to participate.
The school children also are asked to make the pilgrimage. Arrangements will probably be made to convey them to Holy Cross Church on the 8th of December, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Invalids and others who find it impossible to make the visits can make the Jubilee by performing some other work assigned to them by their pastor or confessor.
HOLY NAME BENEFIT
Mr. Michael Oates, President of St. James Branch No. 1 of the Holy Name Society, became ill before arrangements were perfected for the Halloween vaudeville performance, which was held in the parish hall Sunday night. The programme was made up rather hurriedly and a few performers did not show up; however, all who were present enjoyed the evening’s entertainment was excellent.
The Cenatiempo family opened the evening's entertainment with a chorus. One of the boys played and five of the girls sang. One of the girls sang alto, their voices were very sweet and they were encored repeatedly by the audience.
Other entertainers were: Ed Pierce in a monologue. He presented himself as Senator Heintz. His acting was in keeping with his wit. The Manly children, dressed in green, gave an exhibition of Irish jig dancing. Velma Trammel sang as did Mrs. DeLargy and Miss Gertrude O'Neil from St. Edwards Parish. Mr. J. P. O'Gorman played the piccolo, whilst Jerry Corbett jigged. Mr. Hense was on the programme but did not appear. Mr. McCarthy from St. Luke's Parish was the big feature of the evening and entertained by telling a number of jokes.
Frank Walsh acted as stage manager and regaled the audience between the acts with a variety of interesting comments. He seemed to get a great deal of fun in embarrassing Mr. Mike Maloney and Mr. Heil. After the show there was a drawing for chickens; the Heil party were determined to carry home one, which must have cost them at least $5.
The officers of the Holy Name Society were pleased with the receipts of the evening. The returns go to make up a treasury to meet expenses, as the members of this society are not charged dues.
DEATH OF LEO DOLAN
Mrs. Ollie Dolan and her four children were ill for a few days before a doctor was called, it being presumed that their indisposition was a trifling cold or at worst, an epidemic of tonsillitis. Mrs. Dolan had been attending to her household duties and applying home remedies till Doctor Costello diagnosed their condition as being a serious case of diphtheria. He ordered the mother and children to bed and administered immediately the standard doses of anti-toxin.
Little Leo's case was the most pronounced and before the doctor's arrival he had taken to bed and was in much distress. As the hours passed he grew worse and on the fourth day his heart weakened and the doctor had fears that he would not survive.
A few hours before his death he was calling for his mother and she was taken for a short time from her room into his. With difficulty she was compelled to retire for the night. About 12 o'clock she was told the child was dying and before she reached his bedside he had passed away.
Mrs. Dolan's illness was aggravated by her grief and on the day of the funeral her condition was so critical she was given the last sacraments whilst the child's remains were being taken to the cemetery. She disposed herself with admirable heroism to be reconciled to God's Holy Will, and now she and the children are convalescing.
Leo was a fine specimen of childhood. He was four years old, strong, humorous and manifestly inclined to be generous. He had a well-chiseled face with an unusually fine forehead and gave promise of being a high-class man.
The distress experienced by the family was aggravated by the fact that the house was quarantined and that relatives having young children could not prudently enter to aid Mr. and Mrs. Dolan; however, they were not neglected, as two friends of the family, Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. White, constantly remained with them, and Mrs. Smith, a saintly woman, wife of the late Ed Smith, who used to reside in Brockschmidt place, hearing of their affliction, left her home on the South Side and unselfishly nursed Mrs. Dolan and the children.
The sympathy of the parish goes out to the bereaved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dolan.
FATHER POHL ACTIVE
Father Pohl has been soliciting funds towards the special collection. He received a great deal of encouragement on his first visit when he called on Mrs. Kammerer, wife of Dr. Rudolph Kammerer, 6660 Oakland boulevard. She gave him a check for $70. Her neighbor, Mrs. McArthur, intends visiting Europe in the near future and she promised Father O'Connor that she would purchase in Rome a marble statue of St. James to be installed in the new church. Mrs. Irene Mills, wife of the eminent roentgenologist, Dr. Walter Mills, has promised to donate a Sanctuary Lamp. She sent to the rectory Sunday a check for $50 on her 4 per cent. She also paid $100 on the special collection.
BAPTISMS
September
October
=================
Mrs. James Albert Moellenbeck, 1105 Graham Ave., is a patient in St. Anthony's Hospital where she was operated on during the week. Her condition is satisfactory.
IS YOUR NAME ON THE LIST?
There is no special obligation attached to being a member of the Purgatorian Society and it is a great charity to help the souls in Purgatory.
Mrs. Mary Finn signed as a living member on Sunday but on Tuesday was listed amongst the deceased. By her act she is assured of at least three masses for the repose of her soul.
These masses will be announced later and all living members of the Purgatorian Society, though not obligated, are requested to assist at these masses and to offer communion for her. By being faithful to this pious custom membership in the society will mean something to the living and the dead.
Living members have also the advantage of getting a memento each morning in the mass said by the spiritual director and they participate in the monthly mass which is offered on the first Friday.
Men, women and children are eligible. You can still join the society by filling in the Purgatorian sheet that can be found in the vestibule of the church.
MOTHERS' CLUB
Ladies who are new in the parish and others who have not been registered in the social set, were given an opportunity of meeting the Mothers' Club members in the school hall on October 8th. There were 68 ladies present, and as may be expected, Mrs. Bovard, the president, in her usual brilliant way, acted as hostess. Her assistants, Mrs. McDonnell, Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. Wiber and Mrs. Plengemeier smiled at all her witty sayings and were very gracious entertainers.
There was a danger every now and then of Mrs. Cullen throwing a monkey-wrench in the works by saying something that had a tendency to shock the visitors, but the worst that happened was they all laughed when she spoke and everybody seemed to have an inclination to add some jocose remark and keep up the merriment.
The Mothers' Club, apart from its customary duties, intends this year paying special attention to develop a fine social spirit amongst the ladies of the parish. Members will call on their neighbors who are not members and invite them to many affairs which are to be planned for the winter months.
It has been decided to have a rummage sale in the parish hall on Monday morning, November 15th, and parishioners are requested to send in a day previous, articles which would be useful for the sale and not necessary in the home.
There are now on hand many articles of furniture, misfits for homes where people move which would be very desirable for those whose pocket-book does not give them the freedom of going to the department stores. The proceeds of the sale go to the Mothers' Club Fund.
====================
The St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will hold their regular monthly meeting Thursday evening, November 11th. All members are urgently requested to be present as a final report of the last show will be made, and plans for the next one will be discussed.
Refreshments will be served by the officers and a special entertainment is being prepared. The Alumni Association are giving a dance in Yale Hall Saturday evening, Nov. 20th. Admission 35c to raise funds for the treasury of the society.
A SUDDEN DEATH
Mrs. Mary A. Finn, mother of Mrs. Michael Scherzinger, 6436 Wade Ave., died suddenly on Monday, November 1st. She had been nursing in South St. Louis until Saturday afternoon. Feeling somewhat indisposed, she came home on Sunday, and Monday noon she became very ill. Priest and doctor were called, she received the Last Sacraments from Father Pohl and was dying when Dr. Murphy arrived. Her funeral was held from St. James Church, Thursday, November 4th. She was a woman of the old school who went almost every morning to church and after mass was accustomed to make the Way of the Cross. She went very frequently to communion and had a remarkable spirit of prayer.
She was a former member of the Immaculate Conception Church, St. Louis, where she is remembered for her untiring service in church activity.
May she rest in peace.
FATHER M. I. STRITCH, S. J. COMING TO ST. JAMES
Father M. I. Stritch, S. J., well known St. Louis University professor and popular lecturer was invited to speak at the Barbecue in May, but peculiar circumstances made it impossible for him to be present. He is a friend of St. James parish and has been very anxious to have an opportunity of addressing the congregation. It will be remembered he put new life into the Holy Name Society on an occasion about ten years ago, when it was being reorganized. He spoke in the old church and assisted Fathers Casey and O'Connor initiating 83 new members.
It has been arranged to have him present on Sunday, November 14th, when the Holy Name Society will go to communion. Members of St. James Branch are reminded that during the winter months they go to communion at the 7:30 mass. Father Stritch will be the celebrant and it is to be hoped that members will honor him by being present in large numbers.
To give an opportunity to those who have not been at the Sacraments for a long time, Father Stritch will hear confessions Saturday afternoon and evening, and will also speak at the late masses on Sunday.
OFFICER MANION CELEBRATES HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY
Officer John Manion, 6328 Berthold Ave., celebrated on October 28th, his 60th birthday. His friends determined to make the event impressive and arranged for a dinner at the Forest Park Hotel, where 38 members of the immediate family gathered and participated in a banquet.
Lieut. L. Hussy acted as toast master, and three lawyers, Messrs. Robt. Schroeder, Earl Broeg and Francis Manion were the chief speakers.
Later in the evening he was initiated in the Osler Club for old men, who purpose to safeguard their energy and health and who take life easy. Mr. Manion appeared too young for membership and was asked for his birth certificate. He responded by showing his grey hair and pointing to his 36 years on the police force. He has no wrinkles in his face, looks hale and hearty, and in line for promotion.
THE SANCTUARY LAMP
Each year it is customary for some lady to donate a fund for the purchase of oil for the lamp that burns before the Blessed Sacrament. This year Mrs. John Pilla, 1101 Graham avenue, solicited small donations from her neighbors, to which she and Mrs. Louis Scortino each added $3, making a total of $23, sufficient to purchase oil for one year.
Other donations to the Sanctuary were made by Mrs. Sullivan, who donated a beautifully embroidered Ciborium cover and a number of altar linens by Mrs. Signaigo.
NOT TOO YOUNG
"Johnny goes to the public school, he is too young to go to the parochial school." This is all oft-repeated phrase and an accepted truth, but it shows lack of understanding of a child's mind and a lack of appreciation of early impressions. An eminent Jesuit authority on educational topics recently said, "A child forms its first and most lasting impressions about religion before it goes to any school." A child's mind is a clean slate on which each day's impressions are written, and the wise mother realizing this, will see to it that the seed of religious truth is the first seed that is sown in the receptive mind.
The child's religious education must begin at the very dawn of consciousness and continue through all the stages of mental development. At first the child learns of the existence of a being which mother calls God by seeing her on her knees apparently speaking to one that is unseen. Later he is taught to lisp a prayer and to be watchful lest he should by word or act give offense to God, in fact, his mother's commands are only the outspoken wishes of the Creator and with prudence she tells him what to do and what not to do. There must be a reason in her every word and act if she hopes that this child will believe that it is infinite wisdom that dictates these commands. Under her wise guidance it will not take long for a child to build up for himself a standard of right and wrong, which it is the duty of the parent to maintain at all times in his presence as a standard for her life and her home.
I have mentioned the mother because she is more in the child's company than is the father, but he also has a place. At night he enters, almost as a stranger to what has been passing during the day in the child's mind, and the unsolved difficulties are to be decided by his judgment. The child sits on his knee and tells what mother said. The father now becomes the second pupil in mother's class and the child watches his every word and act and notes how far his conduct and his speech is in approval of mother's admonitions. If the father is not a good boy, how can he expect his son to be better. In a very short time the child can distinguish in how far the father approves or disapproves of mother's words, and since father is the hero of the home the child will copy his actions and accept his thoughts.
From what has been stated it is evident that a child usually has accepted or rejected in whole or in part the ten commandments before he is of school age, and when he goes to school he is, or is not, receptive to a fuller development of the principles of conduct which these commandments involve. If he is cowardly and unassertive he will in all probability comply with the requirements of the school and submit to his teacher's moral code, but not with his complete will and entire heart.
The seed of rebellion is within his soul and some day it will assert itself. Nay, even on the evening of that very day on which his conduct in school was most exemplary, he will manifest on the street corner or on the playground conduct that is in keeping with his own thoughts and which meets with the approval of his moral code, so that in truth it can be said he has rejected the religious lesson which his teacher hoped she had impressed upon his mind.
The bully of the school yard now enters his life and takes the place where daddy was once enshrined as the hero. He watches him as he watched his father, he copies him and seeks his approval and the weakling boy accepts the moral code which is voiced by the bully and which the gang approves.
Hence the second step in moral development is environment and companionship. Progression here towards good or evil depends largely on the bully's moral code, because being a bully does not always imply decadency of character; on the contrary, it is a mark of qualities which makes a boy attractive and gives him a physical superiority over his fellows. It is fortunate for the majority of boys if they come in contact with a bully who has been brought up by Christian parents in a well regulated home, for his conduct, though not always to be admired for its propriety and amiability, has still at the back of it a number of moral principles which will be admired and copied by the rest of the gang.
This may imply that reference is being made to children of mature years. I have still in mind the child of kindergarten age, for he finds in the school a different world from the world that he knew before he went there and his mental and moral development does not cease because his parents decided that he was too young to yet go to a Catholic School.
The day he leaves home and goes to school his moral development has an increased urge to determine what he is going to accept or reject as being right or wrong. He is falling into the hands of other teachers and they are not the school ma'ams, they are his companions, and their code if accepted is likely to continue to be his code even should he later go to a religious school.
The question that must be answered by parents who send children to a public school at an early age with the intention of sending them later to a Catholic School, "Am I fair to my child: Are the teachers helping me to educate a child to the one thought that God is and must be first and last in all his aims and efforts, and that religion must be the nurse of his childish thoughts?"
I am not condemning the teacher or the code of morals of the public school; officially the teacher is presumed to have nothing to say about religion nor have any two teachers a similar viewpoint as to a moral code unless indeed they happen to have the same religious creed. There are undoubtedly in public schools teachers of the highest ideals and the finest morals, but religion, which is the basis of all morals, is not on the program.
For this reason the child cannot help but have an idea that religion and all that pertains to God is a matter of secondary importance and this in itself is sufficient objection to a course of kindergarten training in a public school, for besides the dangers of this laxity as to the importance of religion it must be remembered that there is no determined effort made to increase the child's religious impressions. The mind develops, but the heart and the will is not fed with the food that makes a child reverence God and adhere to His laws.
REV. P. J. O'CONNOR.
====================
Officer Peter Manion is a patient in Barnes Hospital. To save his life the doctors decided it was necessary to amputate one of his legs.
==================
St. Anne’s Sodality report they cleared $200.00 in their last euchre.
====================
If everyone gave toward our New Church like me
What kind of church would our New Church be?
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 in other years been given you. The Spiritual Director requests that he be notified at once if your name has been omitted.
This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
Dear Parishoner:
The sketch of the New Church which you will find in this issue of "Let's Go" was presented Wednesday, November 24th, to the Boosters’ Club and approved by them; and on the Saturday following to His Grace, the Archbishop.
The Archbishop was well pleased with the sketch and said we are going to have a beautiful church if we can build it of stone, and approved of our choice of architect. He inquired into the financial condition of the parish and expressed himself gratified that so large a fund has been established. ' -
The contract for plans has been awarded to the firm of O'Meara & Hill, the plans and general supervision to cost $7,0.00.
A professor of Washington University School of Architecture and Father Mannhardt of St. Louis University School of Arts have assisted me by offering valuable suggestions and criticizing a former sketch. I am assured the church that is proposed will be unusual because of its simplicity and correctness and shall, when completed, attract the attention and win the admiration of all who are qualified to render a judgment.
I am glad of this for your sakes; for many years the parish had little to point to with a finger of adulation except the school; the rest of the buildings suggested hardened financial arteries and general decay. You .were conscious of this and sensitive of criticism of people who did not understand the circumstances. Many of our young people became accustomed to this condition and accepted the verdict as being correct, and on getting married left the parish to extricate themselves from a situation which they regarded humiliating; even a few of the older folk, like the proverbial rats in the sinking ship, scampered off to other parishes on Sunday and ceased to be loyal to their own, but thank God there, always remained with us a goodly congregation of courageous self-sacrificing . individuals and families who had vision and determination to keep the old. ship afloat, and at last they have reached the harbor of their hopes, and after buffeting and battling for so long in the- storm, they can say of .the old ship: St.. James, "Her timbers yet are sound and she may float again."
These faithful ones have reason to be proud and are to be congratulated on their achievement Every brick and stone in the church will represent the labor and the sacrifice of someone, perhaps it will also represent a struggle to spare an offering made from one's necessities; a struggle too with the selfishness of nature which makes it so much easier to make excuses than to give.
I never encouraged you to give for a motive of vainglory or human respect. I have not published general lists of contributions or endeavored to shame .you into giving by competition with your neighbor, you gave for the honor and glory of God, and the church will be a prayer in the making and a treasury in which you will have placed some of your good works.
You will have reason to be proud when you will see a stately church standing in all its dignity and grandeur in the city block on Tamm Ave. between Wade and Nashville Aves. It shall represent labor equivalent to the total of your contributions. The parishioner who has given 4% of his earnings has given one day out of each of his 25 working days.
The $100,000, which I expect to have in the fund before the contracts are fulfilled will be equivalent to 20,000 days of labor of a man working at $5 a day.
Your labor and sacrifice is as real to me as if I were looking at you working on the site, your shoes begrimed with clay and plaster, your hands blistered and your faces wet with perspiration.
Your pastors have done little more than give you a word of encouragement and a nod of approval, we have noted the ones who have been the most faithful and who have labored longest and we cannot help having for them a special affection, we have seen the school children, the youths of the parish lending a helping hand to the older and more determined enthusiasts and we were gladdened till the work of church building has become the great pleasure of our lives. Now and then we felt it our duty to urge those who were standing idle with their hands in their pockets and watching the workers, to take off their coats and lend a helping hand.
Nor are we unmindful of those outside the parish who have given us substantial help and encouragement and especially Mr. and Mrs. Macken who donated the site and have already contributed $5,000 toward the main altar.
Our prospects at the approach of this Christmas are brighter and nearer fruition than on any former occasion. By Christmas, 1927, we hope to be worshiping in the New Church. We are grateful to God, Who gave the inspiration and the means to our parishioners to make the New Church possible and we pray God to reward you according to your work.
Wishing all a happy Christmas,
Your pastor in Christ,
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR.
CROATIANS, LITHUANIANS AND ITALIANS
John Blasic, Emil Manaster and Frank Manaster called on Father O'Connor, on Thanksgiving day, to say that the Catholic people of their race, in this community wanted to be known as parishioners and were willing .to help to build a church and to support a school.
They cannot help having an affection for St. Joseph's Church, in which their native tongue is spoken, but as they speak English, and desire to give their children a Catholic education and an opportunity of associating with the rest of the American boys and girls in the neighborhood they have transferred their allegiance to St. James.
Catholics of the Italian group have long since recognized the advantages their children have in St. James Church and School, and there are about ten families who have been regular contributors to, and enthusiastic boosters of the parish.
The Catholic Church knows no distinction of race; by baptism we become members of one body and have one spirit; and regardless of the country of our birth we give allegiance to only one land, the good old U. S. A.
A WEDDING GIFT
Mrs. Mayme Hayes was given a party by the choir, and presented with a neat silver coffee service; the presentation being made by Miss Carrerras, the organist.
THE NEW CHURCH
The style of the new church is English Gothic. It will face Tamm avenue and set back 30 feet from the sidewalk. The entrances will be at the sides close to the front gable, and will lead into side aisles that will run along the church to the altar railing. These ambulatories which will be ten feet wide, are separated from the nave by a number of transverse arches and lighted by large windows. The nave of the church will be 37 feet wide and will have a seating capacity of 600. This space will be free from pillars and the view of the altar will be unobstructed. The ambulatories also can be used for accommodating large crowds such as are present at missions and Christmas Masses, and will later be fitted with Cathedral chairs.
The space in front of the sanctuary will carry the tower, which from the interior of the church will not be evident. There will be a space directly in front of the altar railing 32 ˝ feet long and 57 feet wide that will be unobstructed by pillars and which shall be enclosed by four arches, those on the side running in line with the transverse arches in the side aisles. Opposite these larger arches on either side will be gables, a little lower than that in front which will be 50 feet thigh. The gable on the Nashville avenue side will have an entrance and a vortex that will extend outside the main wall which will give room for a confessional and a shrine.
The altar will be at the west side of the church and the choir loft and the Baptistery directly opposite and back of the main entrances to the church. There will be also windows in the clearstory smaller than the windows that light the aisles. In the front gable there will be a beautiful window 25x14, fashioned in artistic stone carving and one of the chief motifs in the building.
The roof will be incased with an oak-beamed ceiling and will harmonize in softness with the stained glass windows.
The exterior of the building, as the sketch shows, will have an outer wall 19 feet high, which will carry a roof to the wall in the clearstory which shall rise from the pillars within the building, and shall be elevated above the roof of the aisles 17 feet. This will break the appearance of a wall which would be otherwise 36 feet high.
The total length of the church will be 132 feet and the width, including the aisles, 57. There shall also be large windows in the gables to the north and south side of the church.
It is the intention of the architect to preserve the present contour of the site and to keep the church floor 16 feet above the sidewalk on Tamm avenue, To make admission easy, the entrances from Tamm avenue will be reached by walks that will make a half circle with Tamm avenue and on which the tiers of steps will be broken by intermediary landings. The Nashville avenue entrance will be only three feet above the sidewalk, as there is a decline along the church property from east to west of thirteen feet which does not appear evident to one looking up Nashville avenue. There shall be a driveway at the back of the church leading from Nashville to Wade avenues, from which one can enter the church at the Nashville entrance without having to climb any steps.
The church will be erected along the north side on the lot, leaving a sufficient space on the south for a rectory and lawn; as all the buildings will be a sufficient distance from the sidewalk to permit landscaping, retaining walls will not be necessary.
A final decision as to the material of which the walls will be constructed has not been reached. It is proposed if finances will permit to use sawed Bedford rock, backed by brick, both in the tower and in the walls, and to use carved stone in all the openings.
THE ARCHITECT
The architects for the new church, the firm of O'Meara & Hills, St. Louis, Mo., and St. Paul, Minn., are well recommended and have a large association of constructive engineers and skilled draftsmen. They shave erected buildings in thirteen states and work exclusively in the erection of ecclesiastical edifices. They have to their credit the chapel and buildings for the Laymen's Retreat, St. Louis; the Chapel of the Franciscan Seminary, St. Louis Province; the St. Louis University Gymnasium; the Franciscan School, St. Louis; the Monastery of the Crosier Father, Onamia, Minnesota; the Seminary for the Servite Fathers, Chicago, Ill.; the addition to the Passionate Monastery, Normandy; St. Ann's School, Normandy; new St. Wenceslaus Church, St. Louis, and several other churches, schools and seminaries.
Mr. O'Meara has already begun work on the plans for St. James Church and intends submitting them to contractors for an estimate as he proceeds, this and the innumerable details will require time, hence he does not promise to have the plans ready before the end of March. He understands that we are anxious to break ground as soon as possible and intends using all his work force to speed up the work.
The conditions of his contract demand an initiatory payment of $2,500 January 1st, $2,500 on the date the contract is let, $1;000 when the corner stone is laid and $1,000 when the key, of the completed church is turned over to Father O'Connor.
The terms of this contract are not as will be seen, on the percentage basis, the amount agreed upon is stipulated on the basis that the church when completed will have cost about $160,000, and the architect has agreed to redraw plans free if the contract calls for a greater expenditure; but regardless of the cost the architect's fee will not exceed this amount, and he is bound to be on the job at least three times a week whilst the church is being constructed until all the furnishings are installed.
It will be seen from what is stated that the church is already begun since payments for services will have to be begun on the first day of the year.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is Christ's Birthday, and the world celebrates the event.
The celebration has had more than 1,900 anniversaries and customs have grown up around it and have become so permanent and universal, they influence the conduct and continue with many who are not keenly conscious of the spiritual urge which was responsible for these customs and the celebration.
Christmas has to a great extent become commercialized, materialized and popularized as a big feed day, a holiday and a period of dissipation; and the Christmas giver caught in the social net of custom, pays his greetings as he does his tax, with a feeling of restraint.
The tradition and the spirit of the Christian feast is much neglected and even good Christian people permit themselves too often to be carried away from the thoughts that the festival should inspire.
First honors are due to Him for whom the celebration was originally intended and our traditional customs were instituted to teach the lesson of His Life.
We give gifts because God so loved the world He gave His Son. Christmas is the Feast of pure, unselfish loves, and in Christ we hope to make them permanent. We join hands at Christmas with our relatives and our neighbors. We form a circle around Christ and into it we take His friends, the poor, the Hungry, the naked; his benign recommendation gives a divine approval to every gift that is given and to every suffering that is alleviated. He is much honored when we give in His Name He wishes us to make our biggest gifts to those who have least and our warmest attention to those who are most desolate. His favorite children are the children of the poor, and the widow and the orphan are his guest at our door.
"Well done my good and faithful servant, He says, "when I was hungry, you gave me to eat; when I was thirsty, you gave me to drink; when I was naked, you clothed me; when I was in prison, you visited me, And when," said the stranger, "were you hungry that I fed you etc., etc." "Amen," He replied, "when you did this to one of these the least of my little ones, you did it to me."
The Christmas Tree has its message when set up in the home, and the secret should not be kept from the children. "I am the vine and you are the branches." The tree is a symbol of Christ and his children, and, lights show where the tree is and the Master sits enthroned. The twinkling stars in Heaven throw their light in the dark caverns of the night and Christ the Light of the world has illumed the darkness that covered the, earth before the star of Bethlehem had shone.
Holy Night! Blessed Night that brought us such understanding and such Faith in God and gave this tree for a resting place to the birds of the air.
No Christian home has provided properly for the children's festivities when the emotions which the manger, the shepherds and the Wise Men would arouse, are neglected. Mechanical toys divert the child's mind from the spiritual unless they come through the hands of the Holy Child. Santa Claus, I fear, is a usurper. I would throw him out if I were sure he was robbing the Christ of the gratitude of the children's hearts.
Christmas cards and the Christmas letters may be associated with the Angel's tidings of Great joy, and they are when a mother's prayer is heard and an erring child writes home this glad news that the memories of his childhood are not forgotten and that in spirit he is again at the crib and mother is leading him on to high ideals and holy inspirations.
Christmas cards that have no reference to, or representation of Christ, are a misnomer; at least they are poor art and a concession to the spirit that robs Christmas of its Christ, and robs Christians of their faith. The Christian Christmas is a great spiritual event to which there is an Advent, a preparation, a conscience cleaning and a moral restoration. "The rough ways shall be made plain and all flesh shall see salvation." It reaches its climax when the priest clothed in the robes of his priestly calling offers sacrifice and praise to the Lord, when the organ peals its harmonious homage and the choir chants the Venite Adoremus; when mothers and their little ones kneel at the crib, when the spirit of repentance is in the heart of the sinner, when life without luxury seems sublime, and when God comes knocking at the citadel of worldly desires.
COMMUNION AT MIDNIGHT
Those who intend going to communion on Christmas night are not obligated to fast before midnight. Devotion and custom suggest the propriety of not eating or drinking for a few hours before receiving.
A SPECIAL CONFESSOR
A Jesuit Father will be invited to hear confessions with the parish priests on Christmas Eve. The children, their mothers and all who are free to do so, should go to confession in the afternoon and leave the period after supper for confessions of those who work.
Confessions will not be heard Christmas day. All who go to communion on Saturday should endeavor to go also on Sunday.
THE VIRGIN MOTHER’S SODALITY
The young ladies of the parish who are members of the Virgin Mother's Sodality are learning to appreciate the fact that membership is conditioned on the inclination to work for the spiritual and temporal advancement of the church.
Every member is expected to be a worker and the activities of the Society are widespread and useful.
During the year the Sodality has specialized in finding children in the parish who have not received religious instruction, and teaching them at home or in the Sunday School, their prayers, and preparing them for First Communion and Confirmation.
Mary Devaney, the president, assisted by the other officers Virginia Jones, Margaret Oates, Margaret McDonnell have taken a great of interest in this work and Genevieve Mahon, Vera Bersch, Mary Harris and Margaret Irvin have been teaching in the Sunday School.
An entertainment also was given, the proceeds of which amounted to $115 and was turned over to Father O'Connor for new church purposes.
During the year the meetings have been well attended and attendance at communion was fairly regular.
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th, the Sodality will go to Communion at the 6 o'clock Mass. That evening a meeting will be held in the Parish Hall when there will be election of officers.
MOTHERS' CLUB EUCHRE
The Mothers' Club of St. James School will give a Euchre and Lotto at the School Hall, Tamm and Wade Avenues, Wednesday evening, December 8th. As at the last Euchre, they expect family parties and will be prepared for games of bridge and pinochle. They are preparing for a large attendance and will avail of all the play halls and the cafeteria. Many valuable prizes have already been donated and parishioners are requested if they have not already sent in a prize to do so at their earliest convenience. Prizes may be delivered to the Convent or will be called for on phoning Mrs. Thos. Duggan, 6156 Victoria Ave., whose telephone number is Hiland 0447-W.
CHURCH CLEANING
AND OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
The ladies of the parish are requested to help clean and decorate the church on Wednesday, December 22nd at 9 o'clock.
The children will be given a Christmas party by the Mothers' Club, Thursday, December 23rd, at 2 o'clock.
The Masses on New Year's will be as on Sundays. Confessions will be heard on New Year's Eve, from 7:30 to 8.30 P. M.
FAST AND ABSTINENCE
The Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is not a day of abstinence.
The Quarter Tense fast and abstinence is to be observed Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, December 15, 17, 18.
OFFICER PETER MANION'S FUNERAL
Officer Peter Manion had been convalescing after a serious operation which necessitated the amputation of a limb. On the eve of Thanksgiving he was expected to come home, but it was noticed that he began to run a temperature and that pleurisy had set in which later developed into pneumonia. He gradually weakened until Friday, when his condition became critical. Towards noon he received the Last Sacraments and an hour later it was evident he was dying. Mrs. Manion, who was present at his bedside, phoned the family to come immediately, but he was dead before they arrived.
His funeral took place from the parish church on Tuesday, Nov. 30. His remains were escorted to the church by a police guard and an unusual concourse of people.
Father English. Father Hedderman and Father John Lyons of St. Agnes assisted the celebrant, Father O'Connor, at Solemn Requiem Mass as Deacon, Subdeacon and Master of Ceremonies, and Mario Filonio and Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh assisted Miss Carreras in the choir.
When the remains were taken from the church, the Police Band assembled at the door and played "Nearer My God to Thee." Father Pohl, accompanied by the altar boys, led the funeral to the cemetery. The band played whilst the funeral went through the parish and a pause was made in the procession when the dead officer was taken past his home.
Officer Peter Manion was one of the rank and file, a plain man with few pretensions. He lived in a community that appreciates sturdy virtues and sterling worth. He was respected by all who knew him and won the appreciation of the people of Benton whom he served as a police officer for over thirty years. He was an officer who believed in the law, the highest and the holiest law, which is God's Law, and he performed his duty with a prudence that marked him out as a man of keen intelligence and broad sympathies. With him there was no middle course between right and wrong, and he conscientiously adhered to this standard all his life; he regarded himself as a protector of the citizen's rights, property and life, and whilst he was on his beat, the community had a confidence that they had proper protection. He was a small man, but his manner lacked nothing of that courage which is so necessary in a guardian of the law. He feared no consequences in the discharge of his duties, and the dark alley and the gunman's gat had no terror for him. He understood police duty and interpreted it correctly. He was slow to place incriminating fingers on a man's shoulder. When he made an arrest he knew what he was doing. The good man was his friend and he was feared by the criminal.
In civilian life he was simple and unassuming. He loved his home, his family and his church. He was among the oldest parishioners and found time to be present at parish meetings and to take an interest in parish affairs. His name was on every list of parish collections and he was held in high respect by the priests of the parish. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and went to the sacraments every month of his life. He was blameless and God-fearing and bequeathed to his children an honored name. May he rest in peace.
A SUDDEN DEATH
Michael Brady, 1325 Ripple Ave., a veteran of over eighty years, was found dead in the yard, on Tuesday, November 29th, by his brother. ,
His funeral took place from St. James Church, Friday, December 3rd, at eight-thirty in the morning.
He was an honest industrious man, who was charitably inclined and well disposed to his neighbors. Being unable to go to church for many years, the priests of the parish visited him at regular intervals and administered to him the Sacraments.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
A collection is ordered in every church in the Diocese on Christmas Day for the support of the Seminary.
Priests for the Diocese are not made in a day, students are required to make at least eleven years preparation. They give all this time for nothing and are under a good deal of expense, their parents have to supply their clothes, books and pocket money, the parishes are called on to defray the expense of their education through burses and the church collection.
Every Catholic is requested to give a liberal donation at this time and make it possible for boys from the ranks of the medium classes to study for the priesthood.
In St. James Parish this collection includes also Cathedraticum (tax for the support of the Bishop) and a tax of $250 for the support of the orphans.
Last year the collection amounted to $830. An envelope and a card announcing the hours of the masses will be mailed to all who are listed in the Parish account books.
ONE MEMBER OF ST. ANN'S SOLD 105 TICKETS AND OBTAINED 78 PRIZES FOR THE PAST EUCHRE
The new officers of St. Ann's Sodality were installed at the regular monthly meeting and Mrs. Bisso, the president, thanked the members for her election, expressing the wish that all would co-operate with her. "This is the first office I have ever held," she said, "and unless you give me your support, I feel I cannot fulfill its obligations."
Mrs. Nixon, the new treasurer, said a good many things but lest you think she is all play, it is well to remember that she is the St. Ann's member who collected 78 prizes and sold 105 tickets for the last Euchre. The chairman of the Euchre Committee, Mrs. Marshall, made a final report of $205 cleared that evening. When turning over the money to Father Pohl, she handed him $5 too much and it was returned.
Father Pohl announced that part of the Refreshment Committee was ill all day, ill this evening and expected to be ill part of tomorrow, so could not be on duty for the evening. One member of the committee appeared with two cakes, but said. "What is that among so many, a miracle must be performed."
Then Father Pohl remembered the $5 he had returned to Mrs. Marshall.
"How many bricks would that buy?" he asked.
"Let the new officers buy the ice cream" was suggested.
"I should say not" from the officers.
Father Pohl: "Who said anything about ice cream? I spoke of cheese."
Protest from everyone.
Finally Mrs. Marshall and two others were delegated to go out to buy enough ice cream and cake to feed the crowd.
The question now puzzling the members is, "where do you go for ice cream when it takes one hour?" Mrs. Cavanaugh knows.
It is whispered that chicken salad is on the menu for the coming meeting and when members were suggesting what to bring. Father Pohl said, "I'll bring a couple friends."
MIDNIGHT MASS CHRISTMAS
An elaborate musical program has been arranged by Miss Minnie Carreras, organist, and the choir of St. James Church for the solemn midnight mass at Christmas. The following is the program
During the year membership in the choir has increased considerably. The members are Helen Dolan Walsh, Margaret Centiempo, Bernadine Quinn, Mayme .Brady Hayes, Velma Trammel, Corine Gittins, Kathryn Moran Hefele, John Lawrence, Francis Collins, Louis Riegel, George Wiber, Charles Heil, Mr. Pieschel, John Kelly, William Koncen, Charles Brady.
====================
Edward Anthony Pilla and Dollie Kelly were married in the Rectory, November 19th. Mrs. Pilla who is a non-Catholic, is taking instructions.
The Dolan Real Estate reports a sale to Henry McCauley of the Hawkins residence, 1522 Tamm Ave.
ST. JAMES PAROCHIAL SCHOOL ALUMNI NEWS
Miss Hildegard Kriegshauser, daughter of Mr. George Kriegshauser the popular undertaker, was married on October 28th, to Edwin Walker Buchanan.
Father O'Connor of Our Lady of Lourdes, in whose parish the bride lived, officiated, and Marie, sister of the bride and Ernest Eggler were bridesmaid and best man.
==================
Edna Cleary of Chelsea, Kansas, who, when she was at school, in St. James, in 1907, resided in Wade Avenue wrote for her baptismal certificate, and announced she was about to enter the Dominican Convent, Sparkill.
==================
Leola Shaffrey, Corine Witt and Catherine White, whose names in religion are Sisters Domitilla, Michael and Ligori, made their final vows at the Good Shepherd Convent, November 21st. Father O'Connor paid them a visit and reports they are splendid religious women. Catherine and Leola have been working among the negroes. They are now stationed in Chicago. Corine has had considerable trouble with an infection in the ear and remains for a time in St. Louis.
=====================
Sister Irene Barr is on a visit to St. Louis. The northern climate was not agreeing with her.
FARMERS PARTY
St. James Alumni Dramatic Club
St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will entertain members and their husbands and wives, on Thursday evening, December 9th, at .St. James School Hall and give a Farmers Party, at which everyone will be dressed in good old farmer style. Anyone coming in metropolitan dress will be considered out of keeping with the spirit of the occasion. The arrangement committee have planned to have an orchestra present and will serve refreshments. If there is a large crowd and a great variety of costumes a prize will be given to the one who has the most becoming dress.
To defray the expense, a nominal charge of 25c will be made for admission.
Preceding the party, a short business meeting will be held which will over at 8 o'clock sharp.
The Farmers Party this year is expected to surpass the one given last year, which many of the alumni members will recall was one of the pleasantest events of 1925.
BAPTISMS IN NOVEMBER
=====================
James Loftus, brother of Mrs. George Diehl, 1437 Hampton Ave., who had been an inmate of a Sanitarium for several years, was buried from St. James Church, on Friday, November 26th. May he rest in peace.
MRS. WIBER INJURED
A steam-operated cooking oven exploded last Sunday at the home of Mr. George Wiber, 1318 Tamm Ave. Mrs. Wiber was struck in the face by a fragment and knocked unconscious. Her mother, Mrs. Placke, who was by her side escaped injury.
After much difficulty, Fred Placke secured the services of a doctor, who decided Mrs. Wiber should be rushed to St. Mary's Hospital. On examination it was found that there was a deep gash over her eye which inclined the doctor to fear there was a fracture of the skull and possibly a hemorrhage of the brain. After an x-ray picture was made of the injury the diagnostician was more optimistic and on Monday he felt confident Mrs. Wiber would be able to go home in a few days.
"Let's Go" congratulates Mrs. Wiber that her case was not more serious. The Wiber family have for many years been untiring church workers.
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
Dear Charlie
i guess you hav herd that we are goin to bild a nue Church in st. James. the Pastor has finely consent to lussen up and let go of the cash wot he has been holden out on us for the pas few years, an spend it for a swel bilding wot we already hav the plans made for an they tel me it is going to be grand altho of corse dont no much about plans. the Paster says he is goin to bild the church nex year so i will let you no wen the corner stone layin takes place an you can come out an join us.
Mrs. Bovard is stil presidun of the mothers Club an Chief boss of the school lunch rum. looks like she has estoblish a dinastey out of that job. stil i gess that job needs some one wot can talk a lot an Mrs. Bovard is the longes an fastes talkin woman i ever herd.
Mike Maloney is stil single an i cant understan wether that guy is to smart for the wimen or if he has got a charm life, but i think some of them has ther eye on him an now that he is drivin a ford i imigin it wont be long til lie is hook by some wise fisher-womin.
i dont gess you herd that Mrs. Conroy has anuther baby boy an frum wot i understan he is a chip off frum the old block. i herd that wen he was six weakes old he told Adele a bunch of nue joks an entertain her for two hours. some kid.
the Ryans is stil operatin there filin stashun at Clayton an crescent avenues onley it is not eddie any more but now it is eddie an joe. i herd two fellers disgusting that an one of them said that as long as eddie uset to be a blacksmith he probably had plenty of brawn an tuck joe in so that they woud hav som brains in the bisiness.
Bill 'Menner is operatin a barbur shop at Central an Clayton avenues wick he calls the Dewey Shop on account of the close shave george give the spaniards in Manile in 1898 or mayby he expecks to get the job of bobbin the Dewey School teachers an kids. in that case the shavin bisness wont be so good.
Martin Coad tuk a few of the boys to his hous the other evening for a sochibel game an wen i say tuk i mean it. he tuk up there time an he tuk mos of there jack and i gess the Coads had turky for Thankgiven as a rezult.
wel Charlie, i dont no any more nuws so i will clos with bes regard,
Your freind,
Henry.
St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 30, 1926.
| HOME | DOGTOWN |
| Bibliography | Oral history | Recorded history | Photos |
| YOUR page | External links | Walking Tour |