LET'S GO

May 8, 1927
Volume Three, Number Five

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

[Bob Corbett's note from July 2009] Note the square tower at the back of the chuch. This was the artist's conception, and it is modelled after the Cathedral in Queenstown, Ireland. Note that the original plans called for a large square tower just in about where the original communion rail was, and the four columns in the front were built to hold that tower, but the parish couldn't affort it, and thus they built the present steeple instead.

OUR PASTOR'S LETTER

My dear Parishioner;

This is a period of much anxiety for me, each day brings new problems to be solved concerning the new church before the final draft of specifications and blueprints are complete. What is pencil drawings today will in a few months be brick or stone in a permanent construction and set in a background of dollars. Who calls the tune must pay the piper and the specifications and blueprints are the order for the building.

I am in a position to determine what is best for the parish because of the time and study I have been giving the problem, but I am resolved not to impose my decisions on the parishioners; pride precedes a fall and self-will, though necessary to leadership, has its dangers. I am ready to lead where the parish is willing to follow. I won’t go alone into a big responsibility. The parish debt must be willingly assumed by the congregation and they are the ones who in the final analysis should decide the price to be paid for a new church.

Hence I am calling a meeting of all the parishioners Monday, May 9, in the parish hall, and that there might be intelligent discussion I will endeavour to submit to you in this issue of Let’s Go a summary of the steps that have led up to the draft of specifications and plans which will be submitted to you as final for the new church, and which cannot be changed without further delay in the general contract.

The plans as now drawn are the best efforts of the architect to meet the requirements of the parish. He has spent at least three hours every week during the past year in the Rectory submitting sketches, discussing changes, proposing possibilities, getting our viewpoint preparatory to final draft of plans and blue prints. He has been patient, self-sacrificing and sympathetic, and he is as ambitious to produce something in architectural perfection that will be to his credit as are we to have a structure that will be to our liking.

Necessarily there have been changes in my viewpoint from day to day, resulting from closer study and more detailed information. One cannot keep an iron-bound rule of cost when there is a choice of material and an opportunity of selecting that which is more or less attractive and permanent. There is ever an urge to procure what is most desirable regardless of the price and the crux of the matter is to harmonize one’s desire with his pocket book.

I have through parish meetings, endeavored to keep in touch with parish sentiment. Now and then we have the experience of meeting a parishioner whose interest has only been recently aroused and who would have us open at the first meeting he attends, all the discussions that long before were considered concluded. The meetings have been very tolerant of such a questioner and have endeavored to inform him as to the decisions that have been reached, but progress would cease and there would be hopeless indecision and inaction if a question should remain open and all previous action rescinded as long as there was someone who was not satisfied with the decision or unacquainted with all the motives on which the conclusion had been reached.

The Archbishop last week approved of the plans after an hour and a half scrutiny of every detail. I invited criticism of them and asked his advice on several points on the letting of the contracts. His sympathetic interest and apparent satisfaction were encouraging. He gave his blessing to the undertaking, imposed no restrictions on our actions unless his saying “that style of architecture calls for stone” could be construed as a limitation.

I am very hopeful that we are advancing with certain steps towards our gal and feel confident if the plans as conceived are followed, we will have a church in St. James Parish that will attract a great deal of attention and meet with general approval.

Yours in Christ,
PATRICK J. O’CONNOR, Adm.

THE SIZE OF THE BUILDING

This question has been decided on the basis of this present congregation and in view of the probable growth of the parish. The attendance at Mass on ordinary Sundays is about 1,300I, this includes children. Were the parishioners distributed equally at all the masses there should not be more than 325 at each mass. Of course this does not occur, the late mass is more popular in winter and the early mass in summer, which causes congestion that must be provided for. There are indications of growth and a reasonable assurance that the parish will have a congregation of 2,500 in less than ten years. Should this occur there will be need of another assistant and of six masses and of a church that has a seating capacity of 800.

The proposed church will have a seating capacity of 600 in the center aisle and there shall be two ambulatories each ten feet wide and eighty feet long that will he left open and which may he presumed will take care of the overflow at Christmas and at times of a Mission. These ambulatories will later on be provided with cathedral chairs.

THE COST OF THE CHURCH

The size of a church in a great measure establishes the cost. Architects base their estimate on cubage. There is a very slight difference per cubit yard between a building that is constructed of brick and that of brick with stone facing. This is not evident to one who is not familiar with the cost of construction but a little thought will make it easy to understand.

The facing of the exterior wall is little more than skin to the structure and does not necessarily change to any great extent the material and labor element in the rest of the building. In all probability the four-inch facing of a wall does hot cost one-tenth of the price of the entire building because it is not one-tenth of the labor or material and is entirely independent of the furnishings.

In a church such as we have planned, the popular error is likely to be that stone or brick will make an immense difference in cost and in emphasizing this one-tenth feature the other nine-tenths is taken for granted as being of little importance.

A stonemason can lay a facing of cut stone as quickly as a bricklayer can set a similar area of brick because the stone is usually three times the size of the brick and the bricklayer has to handle and set three bricks whilst the mason is handling one stone. Both men are skilled mechanics and the difference in hour wage is not considerable.

The exact difference in cost is little more than the difference in price between the cubage of stone facing and brick facing and this Item must be determined from the class of stone and brick that is used in construction.

Brick such as that in the facing of the Jewish Temple on Skinker Road cost $43 a thousand whereas there is a matted red brick that can be purchased for $24.

The brick church in a neighboring parish, we are in informed with the minimum of furnishing cost over $150,000. A private bid has been submitted to erect our church of stone which is nearly as large, for $132,000, plus $10,000 for heating and lighting, $7,000 for pews and $7,000 for architect’s fees, $2,000 for excavating and $7,000 for an organ, or at a total cost of $105,000.

This, it appears is the minimum cost of a stone church such as is planned for St. James Parish and the parish meeting will be provided with more accurate figures and have an opportunity of deciding whether St. James Parish wants to pay this price for a stone church or would be satisfied with the same plan in brick construction. This should be a matter of much concern for every member of the parish. The decision will he put to a vote. Your vote may be the deciding factor and you are in the regular list If you have contributed not less than $15 the past twelve months to the parish treasury.

MEMORIALS

An added cost to what has been already summarized will be that of memorials. These will not be parochial, they are personal and as individualistic as a monument in a cemetery. They mean a great deal more than a tombstone setting amongst thousands of others in a lot known only to the owner and his immediate relatives, visited perhaps a few times a year and forgotten in a quarter of a century.

The memorial in a parish church is in the most sacred and yet the most frequented portion of God’s earth and will continue through the centuries an object of interest to the children yet unborn, the visiting clergy and the local pastors. They will ask, “Who was she? When did that family live in the parish ?”‘ And a proud boy or girl will say, “That is the name of one of our family, he was my grandfather, she my aunt.” It will be an inspiration to them to hold onto their moorings in the city of the faith in the traditions of their forbears, and be a perpetual manifestation of the donor’s zeal for the glory of God.

It will be a memento to neighbors and associates of the one who is commemorated, a silent appeal for prayers at Communion and during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, a mute expression of memories that are treasured, a voice of a loved one speaking from the grave beckoning to the living to prepare for eternity.

A memorial in a parish church is not an obligation, it is a privilege that necessarily is awarded only to a few. Mr. and Mrs. Mackin have been promised the altar, Mr. and Mrs. Quinn the Stations of the Cross; they are not parishioners and will defray the cost which is estimated about $10,000. Mrs. Irene Mills is promised the Sanctuary Lamp, Mrs. James Blythe our Lady’s Chapel for a memorial to her two children who are gone to their reward.

There will be a window to Father Casey, one to Sisters Catherine and Louis and seven others are requested by parishioners. There still remains the Baptistry, a smalI Chapel, a few large and several small windows. All these are expected to cost not less than $25,000 and when installed the church will be complete and beautiful at an expenditure of about $200,000.

All who are desirous to have a memorial in the church should confer with the pastor at their earliest convenience.

The cost of memorial windows varies according to the size. The large ones are estimated to cost $600 and the smaller ones $200. The large windows are made up of three sections, any of which can he taken as a memorial.

It would not be necessary to the completion of the church to install these decorations at this time but as the donors request them it is evident that they would not give their contributions unless the memorials were erected. The cost of these items therefore should not be considered in the light of a parish expenditure.

HOW MUCH DEBT

Effort will be made this year to raise sufficient funds to keep the parish debt between fifty and seventy-five thousand dollars.

There are many other improvements contemplated to complete the group of parish buildings and every wage earner should realize that he has a duty to share in the burden.

The pastors intend making a close scrutiny of the parish account books and soliciting funds from those whose contributions have not been regular or large.

Time and trouble would be saved were those who are conscious of being delinquent to begin at once making payments.

It is possible, without sacrificing the beauty or perfection of the new church, to have little or no parish debt. Those who are advocating a small debt are to be recommended provided they are giving their moral and financial support towards greater contributions.

BIDS FOR BRICK AND STONE

It has been taken for granted since a parish meeting decided to build a stone church and the congregation by a show of hands approved of this decision, that the matter was settled.

At a recent meeting of the Boosters’ Club the discussion was again opened and continued over a period of two hours. Father O’Connor, who was in the chair, did not encourage the discussion nor did he rule it out of order. There appeared to be a reason for considering building in brick if the parish insist on confining the cost of a church to $150,000.

A resolution was made to have bids submitted for brick and stone from which it is evident the question of a stone church is not settled.

A BEAUTIFUL CHURCH WILL ATTRACT

The church that is planned is very elegant and undoubtedly will enhance the value of all the local property. It will give prestige to the community, strengthen the morale of the congregation, attract Catholics to come to St. James Parish and erect homes, and give a much needed stimulus to church activity.

As a community investment it is excellent and even non-Catholics will derive many advantages. Business houses will be called upon to cater to an increased population, building sites will be more desirable, more pretentious. The parish funds will increase. An additional church supporting family represents on basis of last year’s revenue, an annual contribution of $100. Fifty new families would possibly mean an increased revenue of $5,000. A large parish debt is not desirable unless the improvement it represents may be a larger parish asset, and In planning a pretentious and costly church business principles cannot he ignored. In the present instance St. James Parish is making a bid for a big and important place in the Catholic life of St. Louis.

WHEN WILL WORK BEGIN ON NEW CHURCH?

The plans and specifications are now in the hands of competing contractors and the general contract is expected to be let on Tuesday, May 17. In the meantime a second contract on foundation and basement excavation will be prosecuted, so that stonework on the basement can be begun as soon as the contract for general construction is awarded.

The wet weather has delayed the excavation that has been begun for landscaping, the heavy trucks were sticking in the mud and the contractor was not pressed to use teams because we were not in a rush.

Moreover, the City Hall requires a good deal of red tape and has been slow to give a permit for the sewer that is to be built under city supervision in the grounds that have been purchased for a school yard where the clay is being dumped.

We anticipate no further delays and expect continuous work from this time till the building is completed.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A CHURCH?

Churches the size of the one St. James Parish proposes to build are constructed in about nine months. During the past five years there was difficulty in getting mechanics and material and often buildings lagged behind the time specified. The conditions this year are more favorable, good mechanics are seeking employment and material men are yawning in their offices. Unless something unforeseen occurs the church shall be completed and ready for occupation by Easter, 1928.

Mrs. Mackin had a paralytic stroke as a result of a fall on the ice last February. She is not expected to recover.

CALLED TO GIVE

To contribute generously of one’s means toward the building of a new church is an exercise of faith and charity, and is an acknowledgement to God of appreciation of the gifts He has bestowed.

It is a great honor to assist in erecting a temple to the Lord and adorn His holy place. From the time that Mary with her sinless fingers prepared the best she had for the clothing of her Divine Infant, our Blessed Saviour has always found devout persons who delight to nourish their faith and charity by working for His Sacred Person.

A goodly number of such zealous Christians are to be found in every congregation. As far as their means will allow, they give to Him who is Creator and Lord of all, the best of everything.

We should not rest satisfied until the Sacred vestments, the furniture of the church and Sanctuary itself are better, more costly and more beautiful than anything with which we either clothe our own person or furnish and adorn our own homes. Is it not shocking to lavish money upon the clothing of our poor, perishing bodies, on our automobiles, and upon the adornment of our reception rooms, whilst our parish church, the house of our Eucharistic King, is neglected and unworthy of the dignity and majesty of Him whose presence we adore.

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The Easter collection was the largest ever taken in St. James Parish. The Pastors are very grateful to the parishioners for their kindness and generosity.

EUCHRE, LOTTO, BRIDGE AND PINOCHLE

On Tuesday, May 10, St. Ann’s Sodality will give a card party in the school hall at 8:15 p.m. sharp.

Proceeds from the affair will go into a fund which the Sodality has been creating toward the purchase a stained glass memorial window in the new church.

The members are very anxious to prove their ability to do something special for the parish. Many prizes have been secured for the game and others are hereby solicited.

Those who have a prize to give to the Sodality are requested to call Highland 1899 and all the parishioners are invited to participate in the game, also to bring their relatives and neighbors.

Father Pohl, the Spiritual Director, is very enthusiastic and promises everyone a good time.

A NEW FAMILY

A new family coming into the parish from St. Cronin’s called Father O’Connor on the phone and asked him to bless their home. The woman, who is Irish, said “Father, we are glad to be in your parish, we heard so many nice things about you.” To which Father replied, “But if you remain long enough you many hear things not so nice.”

The names is James Lawless. He purchased the pretty bungalow at 1139 Childress Ave.

THE ANGELIC WARFARE EUCHRE

Hard work, good prizes, nice weather and innumerable friends helped the Angelic Welfare Society to get splendid financial results from the Euchre and Lotto given by them Easter week. They netted $230 and expect, when all returns are made, to clear $250.

The officers of this Society are Margaret Matrici, Betty Kavanaugh, Dorothy Buscher, Ida McCauley, Mary Clare Duggan and Rose Kelly. They were assisted by Mrs. Schllmeyer, Mrs. McDonnell, Mrs. Foley, Mrs. Irvin, Mrs. White, Mrs. Wiber. Mrs. Plengemeier.

A CHILD’S FUNERAL

On Saturday , April 30, Miss Kathleen Morissey, one of the parochial school children, and laughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Morrissey, 1328 Tamm Avenue, was buried from St. James Church. She had been suffering from congenital heart trouble which was aggravated by whooping cough.

She received her First Communion last year and was a gentle and devout little lady. She could not join in the active games that children play and her life was sad, but she did not grieve. Childlike, she accepted her sickly condition with a patient smile.

May she rest in peace.

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The Mothers’ Club reproduced their minstrel show at St. Vincent’s Mental Hospital last Sunday evening. Their husbands were glad when they all came home!

A SEWER FOR THE SCHOOL

Mr. Cody reports having let the contract for a sewer to connect the drainage from the school with the Leahy-Stedlin branch. It will cost, when complete, about $400, and being built under city inspection, will probably be permanent.

THE PARISH COTTAGE

The building is not yet sold. Advertise it among your acquaintances. It’s a bargain.

THE OLD-FASHIONED DANCE

Mr. Hense was not quite satisfied with the affair because all the school halls were not crowded. The dance floor was tried by a number of enthusiast and they say a little waxing will make it perfect. About 175 attended the dance. The Holy Name Society gave the receipts toward the purchasing of the school yard.

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ANOTHER PLAY AND DANCE

The St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will present the play entitled “Easy Payments”’ at Yale Hall on the evenings of Tuesday and Thursday, May 24 and 26.

The characters, scenes and situations are in keeping with the comedy that snaps with wit and humor, The play is expected to be as interesting and well staged as was the “Four Flusher.”

The following is a list of the cast in the order their first appearance Jed Forde---------------- Charlie Jones
Bessie Forde---------------- Mary Devanney
Willie---------------- Norman Fehrensen
Ann Brierley---------------- Bernadine Quinn
Henry Brierly---------------- Clarence Adler
Thorton---------------- John O’Shaughnessey
Margie Campbell---------------- Genevieve Martineau
Tom Brisby---------------- Joe Wiss
“Cupid” Jones---------------- Orvall Harnes
Thelma---------------- Margaret McDonnell
Mr. Webster---------------- Charlie Jones
Marie---------------- Mae McCauley
“Laughing Jacob”---------------- John O’Connell
Phillip Ruxton---------------- John McAnnar
Birney MacDonald---------------- John Mahon

Tom Brisby, a young man in moderate circumstances, has a fairly good position and is in love with Margie Campbell, a wealthy young lady. Tom does not exactly lie to Margie but leaves the impression that he is wealthy. Henry Brierly, a young millionaire, is also in love with her. Circumstances develop leading up to the marriage of Tom and Margie. There are a few dark moments in time romance but as the last curtain drops the outlook is brighter.

The play is being directed by Mr. Sam Halley, the coach who was responsible for the brilliant success of the last play given by the club.

The parishioners are requested to show their appreciation of his efforts and give encouragement to the performers by their presence.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The St. James Alumni Dramatic Club are soliciting Patrons, to each of whom will be given admission tickets and two reserved seats at a cost of $2.

The club will appreciate your moral support a give patrons a place in their list of benefactors in the program. The best seats will be given to the first applicants. Phone our committee

Dan Murphy, Highland 4467.
E. M.M. Jones, Highland 7947.
Arthur Pahl, Highland 7504.
G.I. Mahon, Highland 2908.

TWELVE-FAMILY FLAT ON OAKLAND

Officer John Manion, 6528 Berthold Avenue, is consulting a twelve-family apartment at 6648 Oakland Avenue that will cost not less than $60,000. Mr. P.J. Smith was awarded the general contract.

CONVERTS

The following converts were received into the church in St. James Parish

Miss Selma Mary Wolberg, 5871a Easton Avenue.
Mary Goldie Graves, 2331 Ecoff Avenue.
Dollie May Pilla, 1353 Graham Avenue.

BAPTISMS IN APRIL

John Donald Cooper, 1200 Graham Avenue.
June Alice Marie Wilhelm, 2159 Sulphur Avenue.
Francis Marvin Fieser, 6221 Victoria Avenue.
Robert William Brazell, 5615 Manchester Avenue.
Jean Robert Polette, 5952 Victoria Avenue.

HONORS TO PAROCHIAL SCHOOL ALUMNI

Miss Ruth Bovard and Master George Epstein, competitors for honors in St. James School, were selected each in the first year’s class to represent the Catholic High Schools in Latin in a contest that was held between high schools at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Friday, May 6.

WHEN A MITE MEANS A MILLION

How many cubic feet of the new church have you paid for? That is the size of your Catholicity unless you gave from your necessities.

OTHER FACTS ABOUT CHURCH

The estimates already given are not to be taken as final, at best they are but an approximate figure. The exact figures cannot be determined until bids are taken from general contractors.

The sketch on the first page is the perspective of the church that is planned; it is 138 feet long, (60 feet wide; the ridge of the roof is 50 feet high, the side walls outside the ambulatories are 21 feet, and in the clear story 32; the roof is slate, the interior ceilings of stained oak are 40 feet high at the ridge; the floor is maple, the aisles decorated tiles; the doors do not face Tamm Avenue, they are in the side and a little behind the front gable; the entrance on Nashville Avenue is practically on a level with the sidewalk, though it will be twelve feet above the one in Tamm Avenue; this approach shall be inclined toward the street and there is 21 feet between gable and sidewalk to make possible correct landscaping.

A reliable contractors says the differences between the cost of brick and stone will be less than $10,000. A building committee will be elected at the meeting Monday evening.

When ground for the new church was broken there was no other ceremony than a stampede of school children to chime the bells. They rang a joyous peal for St. James Parish. We wonder if the dead could hear; and were glad!

CROWNING OF STATUE OF BLESSED VIRGIN

On Sunday, May 22, at 4 :30 p.m., the annual celebration of Crowning the Statue of the Blessed Virgin will take place. The Virgin Mother Sodality, a society of young ladies in the parish who have fostered this devotion, will lead the procession which will he formed at the old church and will proceed to the church proper where Miss Mary Collins, 6214 Berthold Avenue, will place a crown of roses on the head of the statue of the Virgin.

Appropriate hymns will be sung of which “O Mary, We Crown Thee” is most beautiful. There will he a sermon by Rev. George Ryan, pastor of Holy Angels Church, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Angels Sodality and the Angelic Warfare Society also will march in procession, and Father O’Connor has invited a number of the Clergy to assist.

MAY DEVOTIONS

The attendance at the morning masses since May 1 has been almost as great as it was during Lent, and numbers of devotees of the Blessed Virgin have been going to daily Communion.

The 6:30 mass is being offered on the altar of the Blessed Virgin. All the parochial school children have been attending the 8:30 mass which is followed by Benediction, except on Saturday, when there is only a 6:30 mass in church, the other mass being offered in the Convent Chapel.

On Sunday the devotion takes place after the l0 o’clock mass. The sermon is short and the senior sings during the low mass and Benediction.

PAT KANE MEMORIAL

The DeSoto Council No. 903 of the Knights 0f Columbus on Tuesday evening, May 3, after the memorial service of deceased members, unveiled and dedicated a memorial to the late Pat Kane, who was for many years an energetic member of St. James Parish. Father O’Connor gave a short eulogy and offered the dedicating prayer.

THE RADIO QUESTION BOX

Father Conway, who spoke on Good Friday night, and heard confessions Saturday at St. James Church, is one of the Fathers who answers the questions over the St. Louis University radio at 2 o’clock each Sunday.

He incidentally mentioned this to the pastors on Saturday evening after supper and they became so interested they forgot that a large crowd were waiting in church for confessions.

PAUL O’GORMAN WILL RETURN TO THE PARISH

When the five-room bungalow now being constructed at 6464 Lloyd Avenue is completed, “Bud”’ O’Gorman and his wife expect to occupy same. This will probably be some time in July. Paul has had the lot for some time but only recently decided to build.

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Mr. McCabe, brother to Mrs. Assman, 6738 Glades Avenue, was smitten with paralysis on Sunday, May 1, and has since received the Last Sacraments.

ALUMNI MASS AND COMMUNION

St. James Parochial School Alumni will hold their annual communion at St James Church on Sunday, June 5. at 7:30 mass and breakfast will be served in the school hall.

In accordance with the request made in the letter that follows, the mass that morning will he offered for the late Sister Catherine.

35 ½ North Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio.
April 26, 1927.

Dear Father O’Connor

I am enclosing an offering for a mass to be said for Dear Sister Catherine. It is the season of her feast. I remembered her on her feast days after I left school and feel that I must now remember and pray for her departed soul.

Father, if possible, please announce this mass and invite the school children, also all those who knew Sister Catherine during their school days. For Sister Catherine gave much to us all and none should forget her.

My only regret is that I cannot be present at this mass. I sincerely hope and pray that many will he there.

Thanking yon in advance, Father, for this kind favor and every good wish for St. James Church and school, also my very best wishes for you.

Most sincerely yours,
BESSIE GAAL POYNTER.
One of Sister Catherine’s girls.

THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’S PICNIC

Arrangements have been made to hold the school children’s picnic at Ramona Hills on June 14.

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Mr. Stephen Boyer, 6705 Garner Avenue, successfully underwent an operation to have an abscess removed from his lung. He hopes to he home in a week.

Mr. Owmby, 6434 Nashville Avenue, has regained consciousness and is very happy he was baptised. He fell from a scaffold and was taken to the City Hospital where his wife insisted he be baptised though semi-conscious, since he of expressed a desire to join the Catholic Church.

ALUMNI DRAMATIC MEETING

The St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will hold its regular monthly meeting in the school hall Thursday evening, May 12th. A large attendance is expected. Helen Ryan has been put in charge of the entertainment for the evening and has appointed a refreshment committee.

The officers are making an effort to get music for a dance that will follow.

If every one gave to our church like me, what kind of a church would our new church be? Did you say stone?

RUTH PIERCE TO BE OPERATED

Ruth Pierce, 1223 Childress Avenue, daughter of the Edw. Pierce of the editorial staff of Lets Go, is to enter the children’s hospital in the near future for an operation, but at present is deterred owing to an attack of mumps.

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The meeting Monday night will he the most momentous in the history of the parish.

THE SCHOOL YARD

Mr. William Hense, Sr., is ever enthusiastic in his efforts in behalf of the school children. His untiring endeavor to make an up-to-date playgrounds is to be commended.

FIRST COMMUNION

Father O’Connor has spent a half hour each morning since Easter preparing the class of parochial school children to receive their first communion on Ascension Thursday and reports the little tots who go to the public schools are deprived of this great opportunity.

A MARRIAGE

Mr. Stephen J. Leahy, 6514 Berthold Avenue, was married recently at St. George Church. We offer felicitations.

Mr. Leahy, it will be remembered, is one of the parish deeply interested in its growth. The gigantic task of leveling the Evans and Howard property south and east of the Rectory and making it into lots for homes is partly his effort.

UNCLE HENRY'S LETTER
May 3, 1927.

dear charlie

well charlie, i certinlv wus soar an disgust las month wen i read my letter to you the way they print it in thle lets-Go, and sea how many mistake they wus in it an it wus all of the pasters fault on accoun of after i wrote it i had to go away an leav it for him to sea that the printer didnt make no mistakes an I dont believ he even reed it over an if he wood of reed it over he wood of certinly of seen them mistakes on acount of he always has a dickshinary handie when he is corectin sumthing an it hurt me to see things go that way on acount of i take a grate deel of pride in my corspondense an i am awful careful not to make no mistakes in spellin or punkschion an it just luks lik you can not depen on nobodie to do nuthun an have got to do everiething yourself if you especk to hav anything dun rite.

Charlie, you shude of ben hear Easter on acont of it wus a beautiful day an sea all of the peeple goin to church in there nue close, an it Iuk lik everiebodie in the naborhood was goin, an i even seen severl of them reel good peeple wich is so good that they dont hav to go to church no time only mabie Easter an Christmas. wel i didnt hav no swel nue close an so I press my pants an brush my hat an went to the first mas on acont of i nowed a bunch of the shieks lik Dan sheehan and howard Mevey wood be at the late mas an I didn’t want to hav sumbodie sea me alongside of them on acount of it wood mak my close luk too conspickuous.

the Angelic Warfare socitie give a card partie the other nite an they had a big crowd an they wus even sum peeple from out of town an i wus talking to mrs. Gallaher wot uset to be Bess o’gorman an she is living in Chicago now an i gess i no why they call Chicago the windie citie on acount of to here her talk st LOUIS is just a little vilage on the outskirt of chicago, an we aint got no fine churches lik Chicago is got an our card parties aint run rite on acount of we dont no the ruls, an we aint got no swel lake like they hav got 1 up there. honest the way she boost that place you wood of think she wus a reel estate salesman an i gess if i visit chicago sumtime I wil feel lik a rube in the citie for a weak end.

you wood of think we amount to sumthing if you wood of been hear durin holy week an lissen on the radio to charlie Hell au Mario fuloni broadcastin the tre ori wich they sung at St. Malichis church good Friday. it wus certanly grand an i gess you are Iik mos of the peeple an think they is not no kind of music worth lissen to esceptin it is jazz, but if you wood of here that tre ori you wood of change your mind Iik i dun. the anouncer made a mistak in anouncin charlies name an call him mr. Hall, an i don no if it wus a mistak or if charlie has change his name lik all of the stars.

it luk lik they is goin to be trubble between eddie Ryan an jonnie Lawrence on acount of jonnie ketch eddie in 1 of his sly tricks to mak money an call him on it, an i don no all of the peticklers but it seem Iik jonnie drive over to the fillip station to get a littel of that free air wot eddie advertis so heavie an put it in 1 of his tires wich wus a littel flat on 1 side, an he didnt get 10 ft. away wen the tire blow out an he lok aroun an their eddie with a jack an rench all ready to take the tire off an jonnie got soar an accuse ryan of puttin tacks in the air so he wood get the job of fixin the tires wot cum their for air an i think he is goin to sue ryan for falce pretents or sumthing an it wood serv him rite for pullin off such a stunt an not tryin to make his money honest, don you think so?

Your particlar friend and uncle,
HENRY

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