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."
My Dear Parishioners:
The determined and successful effort that is being made by the Holy Name Society to bring back to the fold every "should-be Catholic" and make them regular communicants is a great source of pleasure to me. The only solid foundation on which to build a parish organization is spiritual growth and Christian principles. A congregation without these is like ground that is undermined. It is likely to cave in without notice. Human efforts are capable of producing external manifestations of apparent healthy growth, it is possible to have a substantial parish revenue, an attractive and elegant church building, an enthusiastic and noisy parish organization and to have little or no individual sanctity or spiritual life. The surest indications of these is a well equipped parochial school in which the minds and characters of the future generation will be formed; a good tradition and well defined code of morals in the home; a reverence for the Lord's Day and a frequent reception of the Sacraments. As long as there is a child in the parish who is growing up without proper religious training, a man or woman who is indifferent to the obligation of hearing Mass and of receiving the Sacraments, the parish should not be satisfied with its accomplishments. There .are, I am sorry to say, in St. James Parish. numerous indifferent and careless Catholics. In the days when there was no parochial school many of them grew up without being well grounded in the faith, intermarried with non-Catholics and their children have broken loose from their Catholic traditions and are adrift. they have a pagan conception of life, and Jive for pleasure and food without a knowledge of God and His Will.
There are at present seventy-four Catholic children who attend public schools taking instructions preparatory to First Communion and Confirmation, their attendance at class is irregular and their knowledge is meager. Recently it was decided to give them a more intensive training and have a class every evening at 4 o'clock. Teachers from St. Louis University volunteered their services hut so far not more than hajj the children attend; why? - the parents are themselves lax or indifferent and the children give such excuses as. 'I must go to the library. attend a boy scout drill, take music lessons": proving conclusively that in their minds religion is already only a very unnecessary part of their education and a matter of little or no importance, and that they are on the way back to the pagan world from which their forefathers were rescued a few centuries ago by the message of Christ.
The Holy Name Society will endeavor to correct this condition and the parish must lead the way by doing everything that is possible to make the parochial school attractive. Fortunately five additional rooms can be opened next September when the temporary church now a part of the school building, will be divided into school rooms.
To construct and erect these a Carnival will he given in June to raise the necessary funds. This should be made an occasion for a public appeal. The parishioners themselves will not be urged to contribute because the majority of them are giving all that is expected of them every week, but they are exhorted to get behind the Carnival Committee and do all in their power to assist them. Attendance at the parish meetings is a duty on all who would assist.
Hoping to see as large an attendance of Holy Name members at their Communion Mass next Sunday as there was at Easter.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR
THE CROWNING OF THE STATUE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
The attractive devotion of the Crowning of the Statue of the Blessed Virgin will be renewed this year on Sunday. May 27th at 4 :30 p. m. when the Virgin Mother's Sodality preceded by the Angel Society will march in procession from the Old Church to the altar of the Blessed Virgin reciting the litany and appropriate hymns. Miss Frances Doering will place a crown of roses on the Virgin's head and a sermon by some distinguished visiting priest will be preached. The rest of the congregation will participate in this homage to the Blessed Mother and it is expected that as usual the church will be filled and that visiting clergy will march in the procession.
THE NEW CHURCH
The New Church is completed on the outside and the interior, though it appears to be a mass of scaffolding, is almost finished.
During the past month two carloads of millwork and wood decorations arrived from Minneapolis on the Missouri Pacific tracks near Dolan's which cost $21,000. and included organ screens, gallery railing, confessionals, reredos for the altar, canopy and ceilings. A force of about twenty carpenters have been working in the placing of these during the past two weeks and expect to complete them before the end of the week. The wood work is magnificent; competent critics say the craftsmanship is as perfect as anything they have ever seen, there are traceries of vines and grapes in the balustrades of the gallery and in the facings of the canopy that will surmount the tabernacle. The screens in the confessionals also are very artistic and form with the doors on the north and south a unit on either side. The unfinished portion of the construction consists of floors, pews and frescoeing. The floors can not be laic! until the scaffolding is removed and the decorations which consist of several coats of paint and stencil are just begun. Mr. Gaytee, the artist, regards this as the most artistic and exacting portion of the finishing and estimates that it can't be completed in less than ten weeks. The altar also is under construction and the tapestries for the stations of the cross and the Sanctuary are well advanced. The pulpit is under construction at the mill and the Kilgen company are working on the organ.
The few who have been permitted to view the interior of the church have been extravagant in their appreciation of its neatness. Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh said, "I felt so thrilled my breath was taken away, I never saw anything so beautiful in architecture."
THE ANNUAL COMMUNION OF ST. JAMES ALUMNI
The annual communion of the Alumni will be held Sunday, May 20th at 7:30 Mass.
Every member is not only invited but expected to be present. After Mass a breakfast will be served in the assembly hall.
The annual communion and breakfast is attended by many who are not attracted by the banquet and dance. A quieter and a less expensive way of meeting old acquaintances is hereby given and an opportunity is furnished to each one to renew their loyalty to the traditions of St. James Parochial School.
The attendance last year attracted the attention of the priests and the Sisters and old timers from the congregation remarked that the best come back and that families who in former years were among the most prominent parish workers and who are now in other parishes, returned with their children and assisted at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This expression of affection and good-will was much appreciated and it is to be hoped that this year every member of the Alumni Association who resides in the parish will exert himself to make the occasion eventful and extend a personal invitation to his former classmates who no longer reside in this locality.
Attention is called to a motion assessing graduates $1.00 a year. The officers request this trifling sum be paid as soon as possible.
MRS. KLETZKER'S SUCCESSFUL EUCHRE
Mrs. Kletzker has given a practical exhibition of her ability to give a successful card party for the benefit of the Mothers' Club. The Euchre and Bridge which she sponsored and gave at the Piggly Wiggly Hall on Thursday, April 19th was a splendid success, every table was filled and it is understood that she netted about $125; this is all the more complimentary to Mrs. Kletzkcr because owing to the excitement aroused on the previous Sunday by Father Pohl's illness, her affair was forgotten and no announcement of it was made to the parishioners, with. the result that more than three-fourths of all present were from outside the parish. Mrs. Hausmann had a contingent from St. Pius' parish and Sally Dolan, the Heil's and Mrs. Pierce also had a contingent. Other ladies in the parish are asked to sponsor other such affairs and help to raise a fund for the completion of the school.
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The cornerstone laying of St. Luke's new church will take place today, The members of St. James Branch of Holy Name are invited to join in the parade which will form at the Christian Brothers' grounds at two o'clock.
BAPTISMS IN APRIL
Doris Mary Dickneite, 6418 Wade Avenue.
Gloria Joan Rickner, 6733 Garner Avenue.
Betty May Brazell, 5759-a Manchester Avenue.
Maurice Allen Miller. 1505 Tamm Avenue.
John Joseph King, 5931 Nashville Avenue.
Henry Francis Kraemer, 1111 Central Avenue.
Alfrieda Margaret Gatton, 6810 Balsom Ave.
John Robert Brady, 1328 Pierce Avenue.
FATHER POHL OPERATED UPON FOR APPENDICITIS
Father Pohl heard confessions Saturdays, April 14th till 6 p. m. He did not feel well after supper and called on Dr. Brent Murphy who diagnosed a case of acute appendicitis and ordered him to go at once to St. Mary’s Hospital. The correctness of the diagnosis became evident; before Father reached the hospital he was in great pain and when the appendix was removed by Dr. Murphy an hour later, it was found to be swollen and inflamed and on the point of rupturing.
The suddenness of the attack left Father Pohl little time for anxiety and a sensation was created in the parish when the news spread that he had undergone an operation. His recovery has been consistent with his general good health and before a week had passed he was able to enjoy a good cigar. He is home and convalescing since last Monday.
In his absence Father Martin, S. J., assisted Father O'Connor on Sundays.
Father Pohl feels no bad effects and is again on duty.
A MARRIAGE
Miss Alice Phelan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phelan, 6609 Wise A venue, was married in St. James Rectory on Wednesday, April 18th to Mr. Willard A. Bailey. George F. Darkey and Agnes Saxton were the official witnesses.
Mr. Bailey is a man of good appearance and gentle manner and though the young couple differ in religion, we anticipate for them a happy union.
GROWTH OF HOLY NAME SOCIETY
At a Special Mass on Easter Sunday morning every pew in church was necessary to the seating of members of St. James Branch of the Holy Name Society. Old members say it was the first time in their recollection this has occurred, usually not more than half the pews in the center aisle are filled.
The large attendance probably was due to the awakening spirit of religious activity amongst the laity that is being felt. throughout the country, they are coming to realize the tremendous amount of good that can be accomplished by organized effort where those in the pew will become the active supporters of those in the pulpit and each member of the flock will undertake a portion of the burden of reaping the harvest in the missionary field. Another reason is the efficient efforts of the officers under the intelligent direction of Mr. Pierce to organize individual units in each section of the parish and bring every man and boy under the influence of a local organizer.
To accomplish this aim a map of the parish was made and the entire territory has been partitioned into more than sixty precincts, and a lieutenant is assigned to each precinct. It will be the duty of each lieutenant to take a census and become familiar with the religious status of everyone in the few blocks to which he is assigned and report at the monthly meetings of captains and lieutenants the progress of his activities.
An information bureau will be established to tabulate the knowledge thus obtained and distribute it to the other societies in the parish who will also be expected to cooperate in the rehabilitation of careless and indifferent Catholics.
The importance of this work will be realized when it is fully understood how many people ill every parish are falling away from the church: there is scarcely a home that has not a black sheep and countless children of mixed marriages and of careless Catholics are growing up without receiving proper religious training. The pagan world is at our doors and anti-Christian ideals are being propagated by innumerable agencies that influence the lives of the multitude.
The Holy Name Society must become more than a “do not curse" association of Catholics. It must develop a virile programme of religious activity that will not only refrain from vicious profanities but sustain and propagate Christian ideals.
The St. James Branch of the Holy Name Society was the first to be organized in St. Louis. It will soon celebrate its Silver Jubilee. During the quarter century it has experienced difficulties in maintaining its existence, and it is our humble opinion other branches in the city have encountered the same difficulties. The cause of inanimarion and lack of vitality has arisen from stagnation and inactivity. 1v[embers found nothing to do and got tired of talking. Men want action and are encouraged by accomplishments. We have now a programme which not only aims at the sanctification of individual members but stretches out a hand to those who are being carried away by the current of modern unbelief. As the first branch in St. Louis we have a duty to lead.
Our slogan is "The First and the Best."
Next Sunday there will be a Special Mass for the society at 7:00 o'clock. The lieutenants are requested to make a special effort to bring with them all the men and boys in their respective districts.
EDWARD FRANCIS GIBBONS FUNERAL
Edward Gibbons. 6455 West Park Avenue, who died on April 11th and was buried from St. James Church April 13th was for over 40 years a respected and intelligent member of the parish. He was a hard-working, industrious man who devoted his last efforts to his home and large family and gave them a good example of practical faith and earnest devotion to God and country.
His composure and resignation to approaching death were admirable, with Christian fortitude he awaited it for several months. He made each day one of preparation and merit, often lifting up his thoughts to God and to the blessed hope of eternal life. He was 69 years old, a reasonable limit to a good life. May he rest in peace.
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Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong who recently came from St. Pius Parish and reside in the John Manion Apartments are giving evidence of being a helpful addition to St. James. Their former pastor speaks of them in terms that are most complimentary.
A SCHOOL PATRON'S DEATH
Mr. William Hense, Sr., merchant, school patron and enthusiast was buried from St. James Church, Tuesday, April 24th. His death aroused a great deal of keen sympathy in the community and his wake and funeral were widely attended.
Mr. Hense though he reached the age of 72, retained to the last the vigorous outlook and physical agility of youth. He was an enthusiast about athletics and frequently organized football and baseball teams in the Municipal League. He associated with juveniles, accompanied them to the greens and parks, burned with proper sentiment at the high points of the game, and returned home with the gang after a contest sharing in full the elation of triumph or the sadness of defeat.
The spirit breaking realities of life came his way and left him unscathed, he neither shirked duty nor lacked sympathy. He had a large family, an exacting business, keen competition and a quick temper; he sometimes flared into a red heat ans expressed himself vigorously, there was no malice in his mind, no hatred ill his heart, no vulgar or profane words in his speech. He was generous and kindly disposed, a practical Christian, and a very likeable man.
He was an active church worker and attended most of the parish meetings and social gatherings. He liked to jig and was never too tired of an evening to take the floor and give an exhibition of his salutary skill. He was keenly interested in the parochial school, contributed generously towards the fund for extending the recreation grounds, his last days work was done in the school yard.
His illness was sudden and of short duration. He was on a visit to his daughter, Lilian, who resides in the city, when he was stricken with a heart attack; he was removed to St. John's Hospital where he apparently was, for a few days, recuperating. When his condition became critical, his children who are in other cities were notified and all, with the exception of Mrs. Peppers, had the pleasure of being at his bedside. He maintained to the last all unconquerable spirit and sanguine disposition, the day before his death, he told Father O'Connor he was going home tomorrow. He went to his eternal home fortified by the grace of the Sacraments and a living faith. He is deeply mourned by many beside his immediate relatives. The "Colonel" as he was affectionately titled was a man whose memory brings a tear to the eye. May his spirit revel in the mansions of the blest.
ALUMNI TO PRESENT PLAY
The St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will present the play entitled "Dollars and Chickens" on the evenings of Wednesday, May 9th and Friday, May 11th at Yale Hall, 7161 Manchester Avenue.
This three act comedy is full of wit and humor and has a romantic appeal. The cast is composed of the following:
Sterling Rose ............... Tommy Jones, an agronomist
Dan Murphy .................... Mr. Harvey Hines, a money-maker
Bernard Brady.................. Junior, His Son
Arthur Pahl ............ ......Jesse Tilton, his right hand man
Jerry O'Connell........... Tony, his chef
John O'Shaughnessey....... Mike, his handy man
Charles McVey..............McGuire, Capt. of N. Y. Police Boat
Bernadine Quinn............ Twinkle, his daughter
Catherine Hefele..............Daisy, his sister
Mary Wack.....................Katherine, a maid
The play is being produced under the direction of Mr. Sam Halley who has prepared the dramatic club on former occasions to present attractive plays.
Tickets can be secured from members of the cast as well as from Camilli Jones and Mary Devanney Kaiser. Regular admission charge, 50c; reserved seats, 15c extra, these can be obtained by calling Hiland 7947.
The proceeds of the play will be applied to a fund for memorial windows in the New Church. The purpose should appeal to all the association but especially to those who hold in affectionate memory their late teachers, Sisters Catherine and Louis.
Don't miss this play, it promises to be one of the best presented by the association.
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Bessie O'Gorman Gallaher, of Detroit, visited here last week and was congratulated on her healthy appearance.
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The children will received First Communion on Ascension Thursday, May 17.
DEATH OF THOMAS P. BRADY
On April 11, 1928, Mr. Thomas P. Brady died suddenly at the home of his sister, Mrs. Hugh McVey, Sr., 6412 West Park Avenue. He had been treated by Dr. R. Brent Murphy for heart trouble only a few days previous, and been warned that any physical exertion might effect him fatally. Before breakfast he tended the furnace and while washing his hands received the final heart stroke. However, the warning given him had prepared him for just such an emergency, for his reception of Holy Communion the previous Sunday served him as Holy Viaticum. His funeral Friday, April the 13th assembled many relatives and friends to pray for the repose of his soul and to meditate on the ever-present possibility of a sudden death for anyone. R. I. P. .
A CONVERT'S FUNERAL
Mrs. Mary Hawkins, 1048 Forest Avenue, died on March 30th at the unusual age of 90 and was buried from St. James Church, April 2nd. Mrs. Hawkins was born in England and was affiliated with the Episcopalian Church until about eleven years ago when she became a convert to Catholicity. She was a woman of refinement and splendid poise, her face even in her later years was remarkable for intelligence and dignity. She was an earnest Catholic, her death came very suddenly and was a shock to her family. May she rest in peace.
18 MONTHS IN BED -- MONEY GONE
Stephen Boyer, 6705 Garner Avenue, a former treasurer of the Holy Name Society got an abscess on the lung nearly two years ago. He underwent several operations, had a doctor visiting him almost every day, has been in bed 18 months and is still in a precarious condition. He was the sole wage earner in the home and his money is all gone. His fellow members of the Holy Name Society have determined to come to his assistance and are receiving the cooperation of the entire parish.
A benefit Euchre will be given for him Tuesday evening, May 15th in the school hall and a lotto in the Old Church under the auspices of St. Ann's Sodality and the Mothers' Club.
Admission to the Lotto 35c and to Card Party 50c.
Messrs. Pieschel and Jenneman are in charge. of raffles.
Donations of money or prizes should be forwarded to Mrs. McDonnell's, Mrs. Bovard's and Frank Walsh's stores.
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Mrs. Mary Kern, 1105 Central has been an unusually active lady notwithstanding her advanced years. Recently she had a slight attack of bladder trouble.
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Mrs. Peppers, a former parishioner, daughter of the late William Hense, is extending her visit to St. Louis, and is being entertained by Mrs. Ollie Dolan and other of her friends.
PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR A CARNIVAL
The officers of the various parish societies and the school improvement committee met in the school hall Tuesday, April 25th and decided to give a mammoth barbecue and carnival in the proximity of Clayton Road, on the evenings of Wednesday, June 20th and Saturday, June 23rd to raise funds to complete the parochial school.
Mrs. Rupp, a non-Catholic, has kindly consented to give the church the use of the grounds on Clayton Road near Kraft, and this site was selected because of its proximity to one of the main thoroughfares leading into the city.
It is expected a large number of automobilists will be attracted by the Barbecue and contribute to its success. The parishioners are requested to avail of the occasion to solicit assistance from their many acquaintances in other parts of the city.
The meats for the Barbecue will be procured and cooked under the direction of Messrs. Heil, Pierce and Moellenbeck.
A committee on games consists of Mrs. Birtley, Ollie Dolan, Clyde Stiff and Louis Riegel.
A charge of 25c will give the one holding an admission ticket a chance of receiving one of the following prizes:
$100.00 Liberty Bond .......... lst prize
50.00 Cash ......................... 2nd ....."
35.00 " ........ , ......... 3rd .........."
25.00 " .................. 4th .............."
15.00 " .................. 5th .............."
10.00 " .............. , ... 6th .........."
5.00 " .................. 7th .............."
5.00 " .................. 8th ............."
5.00 " .................. 9th .............."
Admission tickets will be in books of 24, the person who sells 20 will be given four free.
Rosalie Moran was appointed to get prices on the books and tickets.
It was decided that another raffle would be conducted by the school children and that meetings would be held weekly until the Carnival.
AN ALUMNA OF THE SCHOOL GETS MARRIED
Miss Isabel Coble, daughter of the late Harry and Mrs. Coble, Forest Avenue, was married from Nuptial Mass at St. James Church, April 11th to Peter J. McHugh, the popular milkman for the Highland Dairy Co. in the Tamm Avenue district.
Carlisle Fieselman, a buddy of Peter's was best man and Bessie, a sister to the bride, was maid of honor. A large gathering witnessed the ceremony and the immediate relatives were entertained at breakfast at Mrs. Coble's home. Father O'Connor was among the guests.
Isabel has been a faithful parish worker for many years. She used to be collector for the quarter-a-week and an ideal Catholic young lady. Her marriage was in keeping with her religious training. She received the Nuptial blessing and many affectionate good wishes. She was a very charming bride, her good looks were more noticeable when she appeared in her wedding robe.
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Alice Hefele, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hefele was married to Henry Duncan, also of Cheltenham, in the rectory on April 7, 1928.
THE SICK
Mrs. Mary Bambrick, who resides with her sister, Mrs. McEvoy, 1407 Tamm Avenue, was operated upon Saturday, April 28th at St. John's Hospital for a tumor of the intestines. During three or four days she wavered between life and death, she has now passed the critical stage and is on the way to recovery.
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Officer George Dailey, 6115 Crescent A venue when taking a foot bath, immersed one of his feet in water that must have been boiling and burned himself so badly an infection set in which later developed into gangrene, necessitating amputation of one of his toes. He was transferred to Baptist Sanitarium, Thursday, May 3rd where he is in a critical condition. He has been reconciled to the church and received Viaticum. The officer is father-in-law to Mrs. Helen Moore Dailey.
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Sister Celestine is ill and has been ordered to take a prolonged rest.
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Mr. Barret, a new parishioner who resides in the John Manion Apartments, 6648 Oakland Avenue is convalescing from a severe attack of pneumonia,
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Gerard Toomey, 6500 Nashville Avenue, fell from his coaster and broke his arm. He was a patient in St. Mary's Hospital until last week.
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The Mothers' Club cleared $400 on St. Patrick's Night Minstrel Show.
WALTER FRANKLIN DIES
Walter Franklin, 1517 Brock Street, died suddenly on April 17th at the City Hospital to which he was rushed the night previous. He died without receiving the Last Sacraments. He was a member of a respectable Catholic family but unfortunately he drifted away from their influence and was known in this community as a man who was his own worst enemy. He retained the faith and was buried from church. May he rest in peace.
PROMISE MADE AT BARBECUE
It is now two years since the Barbecue and about 80 per cent of the promises made at that time for Special Donations to the church are fulfilled. We would like to think that the word of a parishioner is as good as his bond, hence we are calling upon the others to make good their promises in whole or in part before the end of the month.
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A practical way to help the school carnival is to sell a $5.00 book of tickets, They can be procured by calling the rectory. phone Hiland 0167.
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There is a class for converts and others in the Rectory, Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights.
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St. James Parochial School Baseball team are in the Municipal League and won from St. Luke's their first contest.
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Mrs. Rose Wood, formerly Rose Pilla, has opened the store at 6484 Clayton A venue, as a confectionery, with a full line of Tobacco, Sweets and Light Lunches.
NEW PARISHIONER
You are welcome to St. James if you came half disposed to like us, and even if you didn't you are welcome anyhow. We know you will like us when you know more about us, that is, if you are God-fearing and law-abiding, because we are plain people who have gotten what we have through labor and diligence, and we are inclined to be sympathetic with all who work and are honest and decent, and we are in a special manner devoted to those who are of the household of the faith. You have perhaps noticed that our congregation is not asked to pay pew rent, school tuition nor are they kept waiting in the vestibule of the church until they have paid for for a seat, neither do collectors call on them for church dues. The reason is they are trusted in matters that pertain to their religion and they are accustomed to support their parish without petty methods of compulsion; they have willingly imposed a tax upon themselves, they give 4 per cent of each pay to the church and they contribute for the love of God.
You are expected to do as the rest even though you may not intend staying very long in the parish, because we presume you realize the church and school is for the benefit of all who are members of the congregation. You would not want to live in a place where there was neither a priest, a church or a school, and since you have the benefit of these you are in conscience bound to contribute toward their support.
The fact that you helped to build churches in other parishes is no reason why you should be free in this one, this parish receives no revenue from the parish you came from. it has to undertake its own obligations and erect its own buildings. You are sharing in all that has been done by those. who. have. gone before you. and the day you arrived In this parish you found herein a church and school with a staff of devoted Sisters and Priests ready to serve you. The New Church has not cost you a cent and you will have as much claim to it when it is opened as those who have made its erection possible.
But our appeal to you for funds is not based on the supposition that you must be educated or travelled to do your duty. If you are a good Catholic you have been always accustomed to do. It and you have been a help to any parish in which you happened to find yourself. You have neither been unknown to your pastor nor disinterested in your parish, you have had the consolations of religion whenever you needed a priest and you were known and respected by your fellow parishioners, you were really a somebody in the past parish you came from, and if you were not, well, isn't it time you should cease to be a religious Nobody?
The mental attitude you maintain toward God is given color, size and shape by your life and actions. When you have a principle of contributing part of what you earn towards God's Honor and Glory you are making a sacrifice that shows your heart is in the right place and it will bring back God's Blessing into your home.
HONORS FOR ST JAMES
The Brady twins, Misses Dorothy and Dolores, 6235 Victoria Avenue, and Miss Madge Maloney 1022 Grandview Place, students at Rosati-Kain High School, and former students of St. James, have been awarded places on the Rosati-Kain team competing in the Interscholastic Contests being held at Missouri University. Columbia, Mo.
The young ladles left for Columbia on Thursday of this week, and took their tests on Friday, too late for us to publish the results. We are confident, however, that they have given a good account of themselves, and brought credit to their school.
They won their places on the team through a series of examinations which the school has been conducting during the past several weeks.
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There are religious instructions every after- noon for pubic. school children who are being prepared for First Communion and Confirmation Not more than half those registered in the Sunday School Class attend. Parents are to blame for this neglect.
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Mr. William Boman who resides at 6449 Nashville Avenue has completed a contract for a bungalow in Webster Groves. He is a very satisfactory local contractor. He recently completed the half block of bungalows on Nashville near Childress, also two flats on Tamm Avenue and a home for Paul O'Gorman. His prices are very reasonable, and the construction is substantial.
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Joe Hruby and Louis Rose returned from a trip to Chicago where they went to find better labor conditions and are ready to cast in their lot with the citizens of St. Louis where they are at least sure of a home.
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Mrs. Peter Manion, 6450 West Park Avenue has been in California during the past three months on a visit to her daughter, Theresa. She is expected home.
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Since the weather got fine many of the parishioners go to the River on Sundays or tour the state and do not make their regular contributions to the church. This is discouraging at a time when there are so many urgent financial obligations.
A COUNT OF ALL WHO ATTEND CHURCH
A count of all who attend Church was made on two successive Sundays in March. The attendance on
| Mass | March 18th | March 25th |
| 6:00 O'clock Mass | 134 | 200 |
| 7:30 O'clock Mass | 314 | 395 |
| 9:00 O'clock Mass | 402 | 350 |
| 10:00 O'clock Mass | 411 | 263 |
| ------ | ---------- | ---------- |
| Total | 1261 | 1208 |
The count last year was 1,160. These totals include 330 parochial school children, 70 children who attend public schools, about 50 who attend high schools, and as it may be presumed, there are about 300 mothers and grandmothers, the wage earners who are practical (sic) Catholics are not more than 500. Of these there are about 400 who are regular contributors. Did the other 100 give as well and as regularly the income would be increased $100 on Sunday or $5,000 a year. .
It will be observed the attendance fell 53 on the second Sunday though the weather was very pleasant. The explanation is they went touring or to "the River" and the decrease will be greater as Summer advances and as a result there will be a smaller collection and less revenue -- do not forget the needs of your own little parish and the anxiety of those who have to remain on guard till your return when summer is gone.
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Mrs. Mary Godfrey, 1100 Louisville Avenue has returned from an extended visit to her daughter, Mrs. Baker, who resides in Chicago and says she had a very pleasant time.
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Mr. and Mrs. William Kirby, 6154 West Park Avenue have returned from Chicago where Mr. Kirbv and a number of Terra Cotta workers after the local strike, worked for several months
UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
May 6, 1928.
dear Charlie:
they has been plenty of excitement around the parish during the past month, an 1 thing that happen was that we nearly lost father pohl on acount of he was tuk down with a bad stumick ache, and doc Murphy rushed him out to st. mary's and with the help of about all of the surveying instruments known to the medical perfesion, finely located the truble and pernounced it "apendiseedus" and perseeded to tunnel his way into the source of the truble. they tell me the patient stooe! the operation better than the doctor on acount of he only lost his aperidix but the doc sweat away four pounds during the ordeal, and after it was over he said to the nurse, "they is sum cases ware a doctor ought to be allowed to blast."
everybody was excited over the case, an especially St. Ann's sodality, an they had a rite to be, on acount of they didn't have nobody but there self to blame for the fix he was in. I have herd since i was a baby that sweets would ruin your stumick, and the way them wimen has been feeding him cake an ice cream an such stuff, he wus bound to have trubble sooner or later.
i gess you are still pretty tite with your money, charlie, but if you would like to do a little gamblin i can let you in on a good thing, on acount of i herd that arthur Pahl an John an Dan Murphy have got a dog by name of Black Bertha or sumethin an they are gettin her readv for a big killin .. they wouldn't tell me nuthin about her, but they are a foxy bunch and i no they don't play any losers, so wen you see her name posted, put the family plate on her nose an make yourself sum easy money.
the Pahls have been housin' the dog, an Nancy is pretty well disgust with the way everything is chewed up, an she says if they don't get the "cur" away from their soon, she is goin to stage a "killin" of her own, an then Bertha won't be nuthin but a memory.
wel, charlie, if the arey-planes ever gets so thick that they have got to have traffic cops up there. we have got 1 all ready for 'em, an you can't gess who it is, so I will tell you. john O'Hara has been up in the clouds ever since he found out that he is a "grandpa", on acount of the Boerckels have got a fine baby girl. the morning after he got the news, he reported for inspeckshun in a kind of a daze, an the lootinant looked at him an said "o'Hara, wot's the idear of reportin' hear with all the buttons off your coat ?", an john said, "sorry, sir, but me coat is siveral sizes too small since i became a grand father and the lootinant laffed an said "congratulations, you old son-of-a-gun, take the coat off altogether, if ye like."
you should of saw the turnout wich the Holy Name Society had at there communion on Easter sunday, we had 450 men an boys, an it was a grand site to see all of them approaching the sacrement in a body. i gess you wonder how it is possible to get so many, but it is easy if you have got the boys hustling like we have to get as many members as possible. we sent out letters to all the members and ask them to bring along at least 1 more, an just before mass i seen young John Murphy going into church an he was leading the doctor by the hand, an i said, "well, John, i see you brought 1" an he looked around with a grin and said, "yes an they is 2 more coming," an a few minutes later in walks Brent & Talbot. it is easy to win when you have got a bunch of sluggers like John wot goes out an bats a thousand for there society. i have got a sneekin suspicion too that the Sisters is got a lot to do with our success, on acount of I have been noticin that the school youngsters is pretty well lined up, an most of them is using his influence with "the old man."
we lost several of the old timers during the last month, like Ed. Gibbons and Tom Brady an jus last week we buried Mr. Hense. that is taking them prety fast for 1 month an the old naberhood don't seem just the same with them droppin off so fast. the kids in the parish sure lost a friend in Hense on acount of he has spent most of his time lately workin' on the school yard, trying to get it in condition so the youngsters could kick a football aroun, an i don't no who is going to take up ware he left off. i gess you know that Hense was our groomsman wen me an the mrs. got married, an my God-father on acount of me gettin baptised the same day. the way it happen was we went down to the church to take the fatal step an father Casey says "ware is your witness?" an i said "me an the girl is the only interested party, so i don't no why we need a witness," an he said "they is a lot of things wich you don't no now, on wich you will get enlighten in the years to come," an believe me, for a single man, he certinly knowed sum thing about the "trials an strife, of married life."
wel, father Casey went out an got Mr. Hense off of the delivery wagon to act as witness, an not long ago i was razzing Hense about wot a mean trick he done me, an finely he looked at me an said,. "son, i have done a grate many things that I am sorry for, but that aint 1 of em."
Your pertickler friend an uncle,
HENRY
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1928
BACK TO LET'S GO, 1925-1932
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