LET'S GO

January 8, 1928
Volume Four, Number One

PARISH PUBLICATION: 1925-1932
Special thanks to Joe Boman and family for the loan of their bound copies of this rare publication.
Further thanks to Father Rauch for the loan of one issue which the Boman's didn't have
Without those loans this project could never have taken place.
Bob Corbett -- March 2004

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 Staff: Mr. William T. Boman and Mr. Robert Edward Pierce.
• Advertising Staff: Mr. Daniel J. Coad and Mrs. Sam Gittens
• DIRECTOR -- Rev. P. J. O'Connor

OUR PASTOR'S LETTER

My dear Parishioner;

The annual statement which appears in this issue is not as flattering as previous annual reports. The parish income is much less than it was last year, though it was generally expected the enthusiasm aroused by a church under construction would incline the parishioners to make greater sacrifices and give bigger contributions.

Observant and interested wellwishers say I am to blame because I do not talk money often enough, and I am rather pleased with the accusation, and do not smart painfully under the reprimand, though I have no doubt a pastor can be remiss in discharge of this duty as people who have the best intentions are negligent of their obligation unless. they are encouraged and reminded of them from time to time.

I don't like talking about money, it is an embarrassing subject and irritates those who are unable to give more than it does those who are unwilling or uncharitably disposed; good Catholics do not need a whip, and bad ones are rarely improved by a spanking. The church is a place of mercy and peacefulness, and the quiet of the Sabbath is not increased for the weary toiler if Sunday becomes another irritating experience in his memory. I would much prefer to think that every Catholic has at heart as much as I have God's Honor and Glory, and that he is as solicitous for the interests of the church as is the Nun who gives her life in the school or hospital, or the Missionary who braves the dangers of the wilderness where the prayer and the sacrifice is known only to God.

The church deals in spiritual things "though poor" said the Apostle "enriching many." The most priceless blessings cannot be purchased by money and man's mind is the depository of his richest treasures; peace, contentment and happiness need no luxurious trappings, and the King in the fable In search of a shirt of a happy man, found the happy man had no shirt. Our Christian heritage comes to us trom lands that were poor in material things and rich in Faith. It is doubtful if our Christian ideals could survive in a land of great material prosperity. "Amen, I say unto you, it is as difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven as for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle." It is not the wealthy who contribute most to church support, their wealth means more to them than God, and they usually guard it with selfish complacency; the poor are accustomed to be happy though poor, and give liberally from their necessity to the God who gave them health and peace.

Hence, in a poor parish like St. James, we are erecting a magnificent church. It is our perpetual Christmas Gift to God and we hope, when it is completed, to dedicate it to the King of the Manger and Cross. Beautiful we would make it, beautiful it shall be if your gifts are given ungrudgingly, He gives twice who gives with a good will.

Sincerity in faith disposes a man to believe that money is not lost which is given towards God's Glory. "Touch a man's pocketbook and you will test his sincerity in any cause," is an old saying. There is a pious selfishness which would take the spiritual benefits of religion whilst pulling tighter the purse strings. God sees the fat purse and the poor selfishness and frowns at the prayer of my lady in furs who comes to the altar with empty hands.

I am entirely satisfied with the past year's revenue. If it is lower than last year it is because many of the wage earners were out of work. I have not the least doubt that the majority of the parishioners did their best, and some who gave little in 1927, for one reason or another, will be among the most generous contributor's in 1928. Father Pohl, who counts the collections and keeps a record of individual.accounts assures me that the one who gives something each week and increases his donations when prosperity comes is the best asset to the church. He says the one who gets into the habit of giving nothing in times of stress, forgets to contribute when distress ceases.

So far there has been no inconvenience caused by the lack of funds nor will there be as long as the money in the treasury lasts, but a time will come soon when contracts for decorations will be presented and I cannot sign them unless I see my way to meet the obligations.

I thank you all very sincerely for your generosity in the years I have been among you, my approval or disapproval means little unless God is pleased with our efforts, naturally, I am attracted by people who are generous and admire the spiritual character of those who make sacrifices.

There are some in the parish who regard their donations to the church as acts of self-denial; one poor lady who recently came to the rectory to donate a $10 bill said she did not buy a hat for 2 years so that she could save something to give towards the new church, I am sure God will not forget her and the church will be more pleasing to Him because of her generosity.

I wish you one and all health, spiritual and physical during the year 1928. also peace and prosperity. and hope when the church is com- pleted it will be a great source of spiritual pride and consolation to all of us.

Yours in Christ,
REVEREND P. J. O'CONNOR.

THE LUNCH ROOM

The Lunch room in the Parochial School will re-open on Monday. The Mother's Club will continue their services to the children as long as the pupils show a desire to purchase their lunches in the Cafeteria; fresh milk or a cup of warm soup and a sandwich can be procured for a dime or less, but many of the children seem to prefer cake and candy, a fact which inclines the mothers to leave the trade to the local stores

FOR SALE OR LEASE

Business site on Dale avenue just paved, with or without building to suit. Good place for grocery and meat, bringing the market to the people. M. J. Macken or J. P. O'Gorman.-Adv.

THE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

We are pleased to credit the South Forest Park Improvement Association for its renewed activity for the betterment and building up of this community and . like to see our people attend the meetings in Dewey School the 3rd Thursday evening each 1110nth and help our liberal and fair-minded neighbors develop this splendid section of the city.

Among things. recently accomplished and nearly so we may mention a few as follows: The roadway in Forest Park along the South line just North of street car tracks our Park Commissioner, Mr. Pape, has given assurance that Oakland shall be widened. This will be provided for in the budget this Spring if the Board of Estimate and Apportionment accepts this recommendation.

The paving of Dale avenue from Manchester to Kraft is finished, making a good paved roadway via Dale and Louisville from Manchester to Clayton avenue and Forest Park.

The opening of Lloyd avenue eastward to Hampton avenue has been approved and the ordinance is probably signed by this time.

The improvement of Wade avenue ordinance is passed and contract will probably be let early in Spring.

Villa avenue improvement ordinance is passed and also one for opening of Roberts avenue from Hampton to Ripple.

The drive for a public high school in this section is being pushed, an in equity there should be at least one high school in the Southwest quarter of the city since in each of the other three quarters there are now two high schools.

ANNUAL REPORT OFST. JAMES CHURCH FOR 1927

Receipts

Four per cent (4%).............................. $18,210.00
Basket Collection ................................. 2,580.00
Special Collection................................. 4,410.00
Interest on Investments......................... 4,000.00
Pew Rent .............................................. 80.00
Funerals ............................................... 260.00
Quarter a Week....................................... 20.00
Donation from School Children............... 1,000.00
Donation St. Ann's Sodality..................... 500.00
Corner-stone Laying Collection.................. 550.00
Christmas Collection................................. 955.00
Miscellaneous........................................ 235.00

TOTAL................................................ $32,800.00

Pastor's Salary...................................... $1,200.00
Assistant's Salary................................... 1,000.00
Janitor's Salary....................................... 1,200.00
Organist's Salary...................................... 500.00
Sisters ($300 each).................................. 2,100.00

TOTAL SALARIES................................ $6,000.00

Coal................................................... 300.00
Electric............................................... 135.00
Water and Sprinkling.............................. 200.00
Gas.................................................... 100.00
Telephone........................................... 40.00
Insurance on Old Buildings..................... 445.00

TOTAL................................................. 1,220.00

Stationery, Stamps, etc.............................. 160.00
Painting, Repairs, etc., School...................... 200.00
" " " Convent.......................................... 125.00
" " " Rectory ....................................... 200.00
Miscellaneous............................................ 106.76

Total....................................................... 791.76

Diocesan CollectionsDiocesan Collections

Kenrick Seminary.................................... $ 350.00
Orphans.................................................... 250.00
Catholic High School.................................. 180.00
Cathedraticum.......................................... 240.00
Holy Father......................................... 100.00
Catholic University................................. 25.00
Holy Land.......................................... 15.00
Indian and Negroes................................... . . 15.00

....................................................... 1,175.00

TOTAL EXPENSE................................... $ 9,186.76

Cottage on Wade avenue................... 3,900.00

............................................................$13,086.76

TOTAL SURPLUS..................................... $19,713.24

Items herein listed are only approximate figures, but the totals correspond with the exact figures in the parish account books. Mr. Will M. Hawkins, expert accountant has examined the books and vouches for the correctness of this statement.

Total Surplus Savings Since 1920

1920.................................................$ 3,000.00
1921 .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,800.00
1922 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10,000.00
1923 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12,500.00
1924 .. . .. . . .. . . ..... . .. . . . .. . .. . .. 14,000.00
1925................................................ 16,000.00
1926................................................... 28,000.00
1927.................................................. 19,700.00

TOTALS.................................................$110,000.00

Paid on New Church..................................... 87,500.00

Surplus Balance on Hand ............... $ 22,500.00

The parish receipts will be reduced next year considerably because instead of receiving $4,000 interest as we did this year, we will be paying $4,000, thus reducing the revenue $8.000, and there will be another cut caused by the cessa- tion of the special collection which ainounted to $4,000, in other words, the expense owing to the loan will increase the expenditure $4,000 for in- terest, $5,000 for principal and the income will be reduced $8,000.

COLD WAVE

The distress generally felt since the temperature dropped to around zero has been keen and trying in the parish convent. The heating apparatus has never been capable of keeping a moderate heat in the rooms and in the one recently built over the stairs where Sister Gabriel sleeps there is no radiation. The St. Louis Engineering Company have been requested to offer suggestions with the view of improving conditions and it is to be hoped some improvement can be devised. Any other group except Sisters would vacate the building.

THE NEW CHURCH

The work in the church was discontinued during the Christmas Holidays and is being retarded by the zero weather. The slate is on the greater part of the roof and the building may be completely enclosed within a few day. The boiler is installed and heating pipes are being laid in the tunnels. The first shipment of art glass windows is expected soon, lathers are preparing for the plastering and construction will be hastened during the earl" Spring. The Irescoeing of the walls will require three months to complete.

During Christmas week an electric lighted Christmas tree ornamented the Cross at the top of the fleche, and could be seen from a great distance. The building rises as on a pedestal from the elevated site on which it is erected. One can imagine how pretty it will appear when evergreens and 'shrubbery shall beautify its setting.

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Santa Claus and the Mother's Club were essential to the complete happiness of the children who witnessed the entertainment furnished by a few of the pupils under the direction of the Sisters, and they appeared at the proper time bringing with them the spirit of the season and the bags of candy that were earnestly hoped for In the playette, Christmas Spirit was personified in search of Joy. He went to the pagan world and ate and drank and danced in hectic hope of sensual thrills and looked saddened and debased until an angel came and taking him by the hand led him to the manger where the Infant Savior nestled, here he experienced a peace and elation that he had never known before, he was told of God's Love for the world and how the Savior came to invite him to a life of eternal joy. He was disposed to follow the star but hesitated on being told that those who went that way should mortify their appetites and curb their sensual inclinations, and an angelic choir encouraged him to follow the star and their white wings quivered as they knelt in reverence before the crib. He was at last won over by this appeal and being reformed he became the Christian Christmas Spirit. Mr. John D. Bersch knows who was Santa Claus and announced presents from the Mother's Club not only for the school children but for the janitor, Anthony Palumbo, the Sisters and the Pastors.

NOTICE

Mr. William Schmitz, a conductor for the Public Service Company, who resides at 1304 Graham avenue, is suffering from an attack of sciatic rheumatism and is a patient at St. John's Hospital.

DOG AND GUN

Dog and gun and long walks in the woods and cornfields have been the hunters greatest reward during the hunting season; Father O'Connor says game was scarce and his marksmanship was poor, but for all that life was worth living in the open spaces by day, in the country rectories by night, and in a duck blind near a lake or marsh at dawn. He spent the first few days out with Father Ed Connolly. Monroe City, where he bagged eleven duck, a few quail and rabbits, and gave his Irish dog a primary instruction on quail hunting. On all his other trips he was accompanied by Father McKeown or Rav Dolan. They visited Father Hirner, Luebbering; Father Dempsey, Richwoods; Father Carr. Milwood; Father Lonergan, Chaffee; and usually had their trips spoiled by rain. The only place where quail were numerous was at Chaffee, one morning there they flushed seven covies. The clergy whom they visited were delightful hosts, kindly unassuming priests. faithfully discharging their duties with zeal and whole heartedness; learned too, and playful as boys.

It was a treat to hear them talk of their parishes and people. 'What sacrifices they make! And how meager is their world reward! In one of the rectories the heating apparatus was a single wood stove and wood was not too plentiful as Ray Dolan can testify. The rooms in which they slept on this occasion had a temperature of sixteen above zero, the resident pastor did not seem to mind it, he had inured himself to cold and we who are debilitated by the luxuries of city life trembled at the thought of passing a single night under these adverse circumstances. Ray Dolan tried to be proper and took off his socks, before dawn he was almost in his top boots and still endeavoring to sleep.

It was an experience he will not soon forget, and his sympathies are with the country pastors. He was deeply interested in hearing them tell of big collections that amounted to a hundred dollars, of picnics and parties that have been given and will be given, he seemed determined to spend the greater part of the rest of his life making these affairs a success. It is to be feared he will flood St. James parish with tickets and devote his entire energy to promoting the welfare of country missions.

The country priest is a hero, he has our unlimited admiration and commiseration

MR. GEORGE WIBER, SR.

Mr. George Wiber, Sr., died at the home of his son, 6143 West Park on January 1st at a ripe old age after a lingering illness. He was an expert grainer, and his occupation brought him into contact with the greater number of religious institutions in St. Louis.

Though he was not a Catholic he admired very much the priests and nuns whom he met and had a warm spot in his heart for St. James parish. Last year he contributed to the New Church fund $100. He was deeply religious and undoubtedly was in good faith in not joining the church. He constantly recited, previous to his death, acts of faith and love. We have no hesitation in associating him with the soul if not with the body of the church and recommend him to God as a good earnest man who lived according to his lights and died in Christian hope. May he rest in peace.

CHRISTMAS EVE CONFESSIONS

Christmas eve three priests heard confessions from 3 :15 till 10 :30 in St. Tames church except during the supper hour. The attendance at Communion was greater than on any former year. Two priests gave Communion for 45 minutes at Mid-night Mass, congestion in the aisles made it impossible for Communicants to return quickly to their seats and vacate the railing; not only the space within the church was occupied but also the adjoining school rooms and every available nook around the church from which the priest could be seen.

The choir delighted the congregation with their rendition of the Mass. The music and singing produced a feeling of spiritual elation that disposed one to think the crib of Bethlehem was near and the Angel choir were still singing Glory to God in the Highest.

THE SICK

Mr. George Gagan had a nervous break- down and is in a delirious condition at his home, 6124 Victoria avenue.

John Brady, Lloyd avenue, has an attack of pleurisy and is being nursed by his daughter, Mrs. Martin Coad.

Mr. Charles P. Heil, the founder of the Heil Packing Company has reached the fine old age of 85 and was hail and hearty until recently when he had an attack of bladder trouble. His mind is unernpaired, his constitution vig-orous and his wit excellent. He faces the ugly fact of old age and its accompanying infirmities with a strong wholesome philosophy and an amiable disposition. He has temporarily left his home at 2102 Forest avenue and has gone to reside with his daughter, Mrs. Joseph Muehling, 5916 Cabanne avenue.

A PICTURE SHOW THAT DID NOT ATTRACT

The Sunday school and parochial school chil- dren were invited by the parish to a picture show, "The Rills of Kentucky" on the day after Christmas; the picture cost $7.50 and was run in the machine by the Jesuit scholastics who teach in the Sunday school; very few children attended and the patrons were disappointed. The picture was interesting and attractive but it did not attract, an indication that picture shows are losing their appeal and that the children were happy in their homes.

VIRGIN MOTHERS SODALITY

Within the Octave of the Feast of the Im- maculate Conception, as is custornary, the Virgin Mothers Sodality elected officers for the year 1928. Margaret Irvin was made president to be assisted by Aurelia Aydt, Vice-President; Virginia Jones, Secretary; Frances Doering, Treasurer; May McCauley, Medal and Book Bearer; Genevieve Mahon was appointed by Father O'Connor, the Spiritual Director, to represent the League of the Sacred Heart and to furnish to promoters taken from the Sodality the names of families. who could be influenced through Apostleship of prayer to renew their interest in Catholic practises. There are about fifteen girls in the parish who are earnestly striving to get all the young ladies in the parish to be faithful children of Mary and judging from the results of their efforts they have undertaken an uphill task.

BAPTISMS

Elizabeth Anasta-sia Coad, 1240 Graham avenue.

Viola Marie Schweppenstede, 6140 Wilson avenue.

Thomas Mathew Dolan, 6438 Lloyd avenue.

Raymond Joseph Bayer, 6437 Wade avenue.

Marvin Joseph Eisenberg.

Dorothy Virginia Dyer, 6420 West Park avenue.

May Frances Theresa Wood, 1318 Tamm avenue. .

Anne Teresa Reese, 1232 Childress

A LADY WHO IS INTERESTED IN BRIDGE

Mrs. Ed Pierce conceived the idea that ladies in the parish who play Bridge could have as pleasant a time and as desirable a circle of acquaintance if a Bridge party were arranged and a game given in the parish hall. She asked the cooperation of the Mother's Club, invited many of her immediate friends and set a date for December 9th.

That evening when the crowd gathered they found the Parish Orchestra playing merry selections, the Mother's Club were assembled and dressed for a farmer's party. Tables were set in one of the outer halls. for Bridge, Euchre and Pinochle. Each table held a Pyrex baking dish as a prize; the farmer's party became hilarious and attracted many from the card party to the dance floor, about fifty played Bridge and twice as many danced.

Mrs. Irvin and Mrs. Hugeback were on the arrangement committee. Mrs. McDonnell and Mrs. Plengemeier served a good lunch of home-made cake and sandwiches. Mr. Hense, a non-intoxicating grape juice that smelt as strong as wine.

A pink sateen quilt, donated by Mrs. Schollemeyer was raffled, Mrs. Koncen held the lucky number and said it was the first thing she ever won.

Other ladies from the Mother's Club are arranging for another party in the near future. Mrs. Ray Dolan may be able to furnish some information as to the date, and should she fail to do so Mrs. Boerckel and Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh may be depended upon to enlighten the enquirer.

HOLY NAME TO RECEIVE NEW MEMBERS

The Holy Name Society is making an effort to bring into St. James branch, every man and boy in the parish; the co-operation of the collectors for the Seminary is expected to arouse the necessary interest in the meeting that will take place tomorrow evening, Monday, in the church where Father Lloyd the diocesan Spiritual Director will receive new members and make the chief address, after devotion there will be a meeting in the hall downstairs and election of officers.

Parents, especially mothers, are exhorted to become interested in this laudable effort to keep their boys in the pathway of virtue, a Catholic education means little unless the youths who have received it are regular in their religious duties and conscious of their obligation to their Creator.

DEATH OF MRS. GLASS

On Saturday, December 24th, Mrs. Bridget Glass, wife of Samuel Glass 6718 Mitchell avenue, died at her home, and was buried from St. James Church on Monday December 26th. Her death at Christmas time was unusually saddening because her demise left her two grand- children, Owen and John Lavin, little tots who lost their mother last May, a second time motherless. She had been ill a few weeks and anticipating death prepared for it with earnest faith and deep humility. She frequently received the Sacraments and was anointed a few days previous to her death. She is a member of a family who have long resided in this community. The funeral was well attended by old time parishioners and accompanied to Calvary Cemetery by Father Pohl. May she rest in peace.

THE MERRIMAN HOME DESTROYED BY FIRE

On December 7, when Miss Anna M. Merriman returned from school she found her home completely gutted by fire.

Mrs. Joseph M. Crotty and Mrs. Quirk, who were in the house noticed smoke coming from the basement, they gave the alarm and the fire department arrived in a few minutes, the fire was apparently extinguished and the firemen had climbed back into their trucks when a flame was observed at the ridge of the roof, a swift Arctic wind whipped the flames to fury; the streams of water froze as they fell from the lines of hose, neighbors helped to bring a few articles of jewelry to Mrs. Crotty who watched with intense grief the old homestead being destroyed; the firemen were unable to cope with the fire, though a second and a third alarm increased their numbers, and when it was finally under control the house was a ruin.

Many of the neighbors invited the occupants to come with them. Mr. Crotty said he did not know the family had so many good friends. It was difficult for him to make a choice, but as Father O'Connor was among the first few who arrived his invitation was accepted and Mr. and Mrs. Crotty remained at the Rectory till New Year's eve, where their presence was immensely enjoyed by the clergy.

Miss Merriman, who is the principal teacher in the Hempstead School and Miss Anna A. Crotty, a teacher in the Stix School, found it more convenient to remain with relatives in the West End till a furnished apartment, which they rented at the north side of Forest Park was vacated on January 5th.

Miss Merriman has decided to reconstruct the home, it is understood the building and furniture was partially covered by insurance.

The Merrimans are among the charter members of St. James Parish and have been, with Mr. Joseph Crotty, a brother-in-law, among the most devoted parishioners. Mr. Crotty is one of the parish trustees and an usher in the church for many years. The whole congregation Sympathise with them in this disagreeable experience and are glad they have decided to rebuild.

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A fire did considerable damage to the roof of Mr. John J. Steffens house, 1014 Tamm avenue, on the night of January 3rd.

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A fire did considerable damage to the roof of Mr. John J. Steffens house, 1014 Tamm avenue, on the night of January 3rd.

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The radiators in the school are twenty-five years old, a few of them burst under the high pressure that was necessary during the cold weather. Repairs were made at once.

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Arthur Paul Kearney, who was married to Miss Agnes Flood at Nuptial Mass, November 7th, at St. James Church, became a convert and was baptized by Father O'Connor a few days previous to his marriage. Agnes is, to be con- gratulated on her teal and both on their Sacra- mental union.

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The parish loan of $75,000 which shall be met in annual installments of $5,000 will cost the par- ish over that period $33,400 in interest and $1,500 commission. In other words we will pay back to the bank $108,400 for a loan of $73,500 or a monthly rent of $594 for fifteen years purchase of the church.

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Note the thousand dollars contributed by the Parochial School children toward the new church fund. It represents many acts of self-denial. The children are to be congratulated.

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Our advertisers make it possible for us to give this little pamphlet free to our parishioners. All thing’s else being equal they ought to be re- garded more favorably than those who do not advertise.

FOR SALE

Five-room house with also 2 basement rooms, about 2 blocks from our new church. A large family could be comfortable in it. Go up Dale avenue or down Louisville and Dale to corner of Lloyd and Dale and then 1 block North to Stevens. Look it over and get price and! terms from Stevens or ]. P. O'Gorman.-Adv.

YOUR CHURCH ENVELOPE

In St. James Parish contributions to the church are made in envelopes and placed in the offertory collection on Sundays, these offerings are credited in the parish books and a statement is mailed to the contributors. every quarter.

Four per cent of each wage earners pay is requested and this amount covers all parochial obligations and enables the management to erect a church and keep a free school. A carton of envelopes will be forwarded at the end of this month to all who have shown a willingness to support their parish.

Many new parishioners have arrived since the last distribution was made and there have been changes of addresses among the former contributors; for accuracy of a mailing list those who intend donating during the year, 1928, should give correct address and enclose some offering in an envelope during the month of January.

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Michael Eichner. a school boy and son of Mr. and Mrs. John Eichner. 1041 Tamm avenue, shoved a stick into an operating concrete mixer, his hand became entangled in the belt and it was drawn into the machine. He received severe fractures. and was removed to the Children's Hospital where every effort has been made to make amputation unnecessary.

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Mrs. McKevitt, 6122 Crescent avenue. had a recurrence of heart attack and is in a critical condition. She is being nursed by her daughter. Mrs. Eugene Martineau.

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Dominico Meoli, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Meoli, 2016 Prather avenue, a child of five years. died on December 7th and was buried from church on December 10th.

NOT A SPIRE

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MARY LEANDRA SUSANKA

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ORIGIN OF THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY

Sad indeed was the condition of the Church in France and Spain at the dawn of the thir- teenth century. The ravages of heresy had well nigh taken from her all traces of strength and beauty. In the evening of unbelief the corner stone had been attacked and the edifice seemed to stagger. The divinity of Christ was denied; His supernatural character ridiculed. ::)0 preva- lent was this heresy, and so complete its work that if men did not actually deny in formal words that Christ is God, they did it just as effectively by speaking His Name thoughtlessly and irreverently; by using it as an epithet with which to express every feeling, whether of sin- ful passion, undue excitement, or unholy anger. Truly might it be said that Christ was not known among them.

Times such as these are 'sure to come in the history of the Church. for it is human. But it is guided by God and, as an evidence of its divine guidance, wherever such a crisis appears, God raises up some man, especially fitted for the time, who by reason of his own ability, aided by heavenly strength, recalls the sinner from his errors to the way of justice and truth. The man chosen by God at this crisis was the saintly Dominic; his weapon, the preaching of Christ, and of Him crucified.

He taught men to think: he placed before their minds the mysteries of the incarnation, the redemption and the resurrection, in so clear and unmistakable a manner that ignorance of religion, on which heresy is built, was soon de- stroyed. Man grew to know Jesus Christ, and knowledge begot Jove. But the habits of years are not suddenly overcome, and though- the heresy was destroyed, the effects, the blasphem- ies, the cursing, the swearing, the irreverent and unholy use of the Name of God, lived after. Dominic attacked and conquered the greater evil: his sons were to combat the lesser. The Second Council of Lyons. knowing the universal lessening of love and respect for the Name of Jesus caused by the Albigensian heresy, deemed It necessary to urge special devotion and zeal toward the Holy Name.

The Dominican General. Blessed John of Ver- celli, immediately issued instructions to the whole Order, urging its members, and principally the preachers, to carry out the will of the Holy Father with scrupulous diligence, and untiring zeal. The devotion spread rapidly within and without the Order of St. Dominic. There is a tradition that the holy Patriarch added the Name of Jesus to the Hail Mary. Blessed Henry Suso cut into his flesh the letters of the name “Jesus." St. Vincent Ferrer lost no opportun- ity of preaching on the strength and beauty of the Holy Name. St. Catherine of Sienna began all her letters "In the Name of Jesus crucified." Altars in honor of the Holy Name were erected in all Dominican churches.

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Mrs. John Pilla has interested herself sufficiently jn the care of the Sanctuary lamp to get a few of her friends to co-operate with her in buying oil for its use for the coming year.

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The diameter of the flesche in the church IS eight feet.

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We wish our advertisers a prosperous New Year.

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The parish societies are requested to set about raising sufficient funds to re-model the temporary church into school rooms in the early summer.

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UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
January 8, 1928.

dear Charlie:

wel charlie, another yr. is past history, an i cant hardly reelize that the holidays is over on acount they went by so fast, an i feel almost like the darkie wot was coming home from work on new yrs. eve with a qt. of gin under his arm an planin' on a big party, an he slipped an draped the bottle an it smashed on the pavment an he stood lookin' at the fragments for a min- ute an then shook his head an said, "now wot you know about that, new yrs. is done been here an gone."

i guess you had a good christmas, an so did i but it was just about the same as always an i got kind of disgusted with runnin around the stores tryin' to buy a few presents wot i had to give an i almost wisht that the gifts would disapoint my friends an make them mad so nex' yr. i wouldnt have to bother. the mrs. an me has got so we kind of understand 1 an the other an has got so we look at this present busines; sensible, an so this yr. i. bought her a box of my favorit cigars, an she give me a green silk parasol, an so we both is wel satisfied with our gift.

we both planed on goin to midnight mass, an fmaly i got big-hearted an told her i would stay home an let her go this, yr. an she could stay home an let me go nex yr. an she did not reelize til she got home that i had put 1 over on her on acount of nex yr. we will be in the new church, an the quire will be able to sing better with the new organ, an she put up a holler, but it wont do her no good. she told me that most of the men in the parish was there an i guess they went so they wouldnt have to go christmas day, an would have more time to play with the electric trains wot they bought for there kids.

the new yr. established a bad repetation for itself on acount of coming in with a terrible blizard an cold weather, an it put a disagreable end to a lot of watch parties. the folks had a "happy new yr." an then went out an found there machine froze, an had to be towed home, an wen they got home the fire was out an the water pipes froze up, an they spent the rest of the night thawin em out, so there "happy new yr." did not last long, and there 1st rezolution was "no more new yrs. parties."

I was comin home from church new yrs. day an charlie Ehlie was out in the cold shoveling snow off of the walk an i says, "charlie, it is certinly nice of you to be out hear in this inclement weather, making the walks safer for democrats and republicans"; an i rambled on with a lot more gush about wot a credit he was to the naborhood, an it is 2 bad they aint more thoughtful men like him, an finaly he straighten up an said, "dont kid yourself, my furnace is froze up an i had to come out an do this to get warm."

i dont no if eddie Ryan has got a repetation for thawing out frozen machines or what but it looks, like everybody wot has trouble makes a bee line for Ryans, an i passed there the other day an they was so many steamin' automobiles there, the place look like a round-house an it kep eddie an joe an luke O'shaughnessy humping to get rid of em as fast as they wuz pullin into the place, an with so many machines spoutin steam, a stranger going by might think it was a coal yard instead of a gas station.

i seen a picture in the sunday paper of Joe gibbons and joe Angeli with a cupple other fellers, an the¥ was surround by a lot of game, includin quail an rabbits an 2 fox, an it made a nice picture an gibbons was dress like a reel hunter - with coat and leggins an everything - an the game look natchel, like the reel thing. I dont no where they borried the specimens, but it was a good coleckshun, an show wot wonderful work these taxi-dermists can do. i guess sum of the natives down in Montgomery city had the fox skins for throw rugs in front of the organ, but they looked like the reel thing, an set the picture off fine. joe admits he is the best hunter in the country, only he does most of his huntin' in the city, an' i aint never saw him kill eny game, exceptin if sumbody else crippled it first.

we had a very distinguished visitor during the holidays, an you probably would remember him as a freckel face red head kid by name of bennie Hawkins. since then he has changed his name several times, like wen he begun to grow up he was Ben, an wen he start to write checks he was B. H. an wen he went to New York he was Ben H., an now he comes back with a distinguished monicker like B. Harrison Hawkins an i guess if he ever gets a big repetation as a artist he will probably change it to B. Hemmingway, or sumthin like that.

ben is quiet a man of the world now on acount of he is been in new york for 2 yrs. studying art an several months travelin in europe, an now he has a studio on fifth avenoo or Greenwich village, or sumwares, an he dont receive pay or salary for his work enymore, but commissions, an he dont work for no more bosses but now they are clients. i thought it would be a good idear wile ben was hear to let him keep in practice an so I told him I would be willin to pose for him if he wants to make a bust of me, an then if 1 ever amount to sumthin an sum body wants my statue for the hall of faim it will be a big boost for ben to have a plate on it "done by B. Harrison Hawkins."

i thought he would jump at the propestion but he just got sarcastick, an than Ben, they aint nobody can be more sarcasticker an he says, "listen donkey, you was a bust before ever I nowed you, an besides i have kind a gotten away from caricature, on acount of i have saw so many funny sights that they dont appeal to me eny more, an i have decide to devote my art entirely to things of beauty." i got kinda soar on acount of wot is the use of tryin to do sumthin for sumbody wen they dont apreciate it, an if he dont change his attitude, i doubt if he will ever get enywares.

Yours truly,
UNCLE HENRY

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