This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand -- People who do things move -- the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune -- "LET'S GO."
THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The Association met at breakfast in the Parish Hall, May 24th, after receiving Communion in a body at the Church. One hundred and twenty members were present and included many from outside parishes. It was a home-coming that was very delightful. Dan Murphy, and the other Officers were much elated, as the breakfast and Communion were a new departure from the traditions of the Society.
Alumni breakfast photo from 1925
The Alumni Association was organized in 1909, and includes the graduates since 1904. The first class consisted of Jos. L. Brady, Edward Cody and Joseph Gibbons.
After breakfast a business meeting was held and the following were elected to office
“Welcome Class of ‘25’”
We have crossed the one way river
That has borne us from your school;
Where we learned to be obedient
And apply the golden rule.
Where the patient sisters taught us
All that any child should know,
So that we would not be backward
In the ranks where we must go.
But no matter where we wander
In this world of strife and woe,
We will be with you in spirit
Any place that we may go.
For this reason we have banded
Our Alumni year by year,
That in stepping 'cross the river
You may do so without fear.
You may join our band well knowing
That your comrades rank and file,
With St. James are linked in spirit
And will make your stay worth while.
So we welcome you new comers
Graduates mean added names,
Faithful to our Alma Mater
Honors too, to old St. James.
T. Aloysius Mahon, 5-8-25.
TO ST. JAMES STUDENTS
Well, how are the essay writers getting along?
Here's a red hot tip, kiddos: That dad of yours can think of a whole flock of reasons why he should be paying his 4%, so it is up to you to get around him in the right way and make him 'fes up.
Ask Dad! He knows.
And now, because I like you, and want you all -- to win these big prizes, I am going to tell you how I would go about writing this essay.
I would start out by drawing a word-picture (your teacher will tell you what a word. picture is) of a beautiful church standing on the magnificent site which Mr. and Mrs. Macken so generously donated to us, and how pleasant it would be to attend there.
I would also picture what a wonderful pleasant, clean, comfortable and healthy school we would have if we were given the space now used for our Church, and which belongs to the School.
Then I would point out the great pride both my Daddy and I would feel in the knowledge that he had done his part in making this picture a reality. That he had not been a slacker when this great work was undertaken.
I would put into words the warm feeling of pride I would have in knowing that this beautiful church, finished, stood as a monument to commemorate the many sacrifices my good daddy made to aid in its completion.
Now jump in St. Jamesites, and let's have a grand lot of essays. We want every one of you to win a prize. if you can. We are going to publish the three winners, and we want them .to be GOOD. There are a lot of other reasons why Dad should pay: make him help you think of them.
I'm just a kind of a little tot
And can't be expected to know a lot;
'Bout writin' poems, an' essay's, an' such
'Cause these are things I aint studied much.
So please excuse if I make mistakes
And remember I havn't all that it takes,
To be a great writer, but some day, who knows?
I may be one; and so here goes.
MAY BAPTISMS
Robert James Houlihan, 6744 Oakland Ave.
Robert Edward Droege, 6400 Wise Ave.
PARISH MEETING
On May 18th the Carnival Committee met at the Parish Hall to talk over the arrangements for the Picnic which was favorably voted upon at the April Parish Meeting.
Mr. Wm. Blank was selected to act as Chairman of a Picnic Committee with Messrs. Joe Hruby, Reece, Walsh and Pierce assisting.
The impression was forcibly made on the Committee that they were to arrange a Children's Picnic -- not alone for the school children but those older ones who have left the school. Father O'Connor made the point that we should devote as much effort to holding the young people after graduation as before, and Mr. Hruby was especially selected to serve on the Committee to assure these young people that their wishes would be given proper consideration.
Dancing
With these instructions, the Picnic Committee proceeded to procure grounds which would afford first-class dancing facilities and, after a thorough investigation, decided upon Bartold's Grove as the one among those available best suited for our purposes.
It was decided to bend every effort and spare no expense to give St. James Parish the best picnic possible, and the Committee proceeded with that idea in view.
Big Parade
At the Parish Meeting on May 28th, Messrs. Blank and Pierce. speaking for the Picnic Committee, reported having arranged to have a big parade starting from the School at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June llth, headed by a 10 piece Band and comprising every automobile attainable, and augmented by several double-deck busses. This Parade is to proceed over a long route covering all parts of the Parish and giving the children a ride which they would enjoy. The school children will be furnished free transportation to and from the grounds, and all others at 20c each.
Hot Lunch
It was further reported having arranged to serve hot lunch to all who desired, to give a euchre during the day and to furnish ample entertainment for the grown-ups as well as the children. Excellent prizes are being procured for a large variety of races which are being arranged by Mr. Jim Kelly. The Band will entertain at the grounds until 1:30 P.M. From 4.00 P.M. to 12:00 P.M. -- the well-known La Paradis Orchestra will play for dancing. During the day a ball game between the married and single men has been arranged.
No Raffles
As no raffle or lottery devices are permitted on the grounds, these forms of entertainment will not be indulged in.
The Committee especially desires to obtain as many machines as possible for use in the Parade. All who can aid in this capacity will please report as soon as possible to the Committee, or by phoning Benton 1534-W.
Don't Forget Children's Entertainment June 12th and 14th
St. James Picnic June 11th.
MOTHERS' CLUB MINSTREL
The Minstrel Maids of the Mothers' Club displayed their arts, Sunday evening, May 17th, at the school hall, and as is customary with them, scored a huge "WOW." In spite of inclement weather, and the fact that the show had been presented twice previously, the hall was well filled and the show greatly enjoyed.
Among the outstanding features were the "coon shouting" numbers of Conroy and Gittins, Mayme Brady's Soprano and Katherine Hefele's Contralto, the dancing numbers of Mrs. B. Quinn, and solos of Mrs. Oates and Mrs. Bisso; and the antics of Mrs. Kavanaugh. Mrs, Plengemeir made a stunning man and clever interlocutor; anything but the "jack-ass" Mrs. Quinn called her. Mrs. Ray Dolan, in plaintive tones, expressed an interest in the whereabouts of "Sally."
Gittins and Conroy, representing Linda Lee and her "boy friend" were humorous and decidedly robust. Conroy’s trousers were short in length but long on girth. After half a dozen encores this pair of comedians, to show their versatility, gave a studied and well executed rendition of vocal discord.
This being a church paper, we don't dare publish the jokes. They were for the most part, scandalous but entertaining. We do not need to tax our imagination to picture any one of the performers boxing their youngster's ears for using the same language. Nevertheless, it is the writer's opinion that all present enjoyed the show as thoroughly as he did. The Revs. O'Connor and Pohl were probably hovering somewhere about the immediate vicinity. The only thing lacking, was tambourines and bones; in the old days these two "props" were essential parts of any minstrel, though they may have been eliminated from modern minstrelsy.
The School Room Scene was hilariously funny. Adele Conroy in the role of "tough," with her mischievous side-kick Corine Gittins, entertained cleverly with their ludicrous horseplay. It was in this act that Mrs. Quinn gave a very good presentation of the Spanish Fandango, and that Kath Hefele, in her rich contralto, lent color to the touching tribute to "Mother," which brought the show to an end.
FOUR PER CENT PLEDGES
It was decided at a Parish Meeting to publish a partial list of wage earners each month who have pledged themselves to pay 4% of their income to the church. The parish was divided into nineteen districts. The best district was that section of West Park and Wise Ave., west of Tamm and east of Childress.The following are the names of subscribers in the district visited by collectors P. J. Regan and Pat Murphy:
THE PARISH ENTERTAINS THE MOTHERS' CLUB
On Sunday, May 17th, Father O'Connor in behalf of the Parish, entertained the Mothers' Club at breakfast. There were 41 members present. The Club went to Communion at the 7:30 o'clock mass. The sermon delivered by Father O'Connor was appropriate to the occasion, Mother's Day, and was an eloquent tribute to Christian Motherhood.
After mass a frugal breakfast was served by Messrs. Eddie Ryan, John D. Bersch, George Wiber and Will Hense. The cooking was elegant and the service was perfect; one of the guests was heard remarking "I bet they are accustomed to getting their own 'breakfasts," and one of the younger members added "It is about time men were taught something, my husband brings a cup of coffee to me in bed every morning before he goes to work," whereupon Mrs. Bovard shook her :head in a disapproving manner and solemnly ejaculated "what is the world coming to?"
After breakfast, Mrs. Helen Dolan Walsh sang Mother Machree, Mrs. Catherine Hefele recited "I'd give up Heaven and all to set Old Ireland free," Mrs. Barney Quinn danced and the climax of the occasion was reached when Father O'Connor arose and in behalf of the Mothers' Club presented to the President, Mrs. Bovard, a signet ring. He said in part, "I want to thank The Mothers' Club for their wonderful achievements in the past in this parish, most organizations, when a priest turns his back for fifteen minutes, are in a state of collapse, not so the Mothers' Club they continue of their own efforts, and this is due mainly to organization; ten people organized can accomplish more than a hundred unorganized, no matter how good .their intention. About forty men are now organized to assist me in the Parish drive for a New Church and if I had about the same number of women there is no limit to what could be accomplished in this Parish. The wonderful work of the Mothers' Club can be attributed mostly to the unselfish, untiring efforts of the President, Mrs. Bovard, who organized this society and who has been the backbone of the organization. The time has arrived for something more substantial than thank you and in behalf of the Mothers' Club I wish :to present your worthy president, Mrs. Bovard, this small token of appreciation and esteem.'.' Amidst much excitement, laughing, handclapping and shouting to put it on the wedding ring finger, a call went out for a widower to place it there and it looked for awhile as though Mr. Hense would be chosen, but the lot finally fell to Father O'Connor. You have often heard of people being struck speechless; that explains Mrs. Bovard's condition exactly. She said she had come prepared to thank the club for their kind cooperation, also the men who were responsible for the wonderful breakfast, but she had been taken so entirely off her guard that she felt utterly helpless. She managed, however, to thank the club and Father O'Connor for the token and assured them that she would always treasure highly this ring as one of her dearest possessions.
Florence Wiber is in the market for a car, tell the automobile agents, she won five gallons of oil after breakfast.
Mrs. Nixon wants a new hat, said she had it picked, but refuses to divulge who is wearing it, so ladies watch your hats.
BESSIE O'GORMAN
On Monday morning, May 25th, Mrs. Jim Gallaher, better known perhaps as Bessie O'Gorman, gave birth to a baby boy. They are both very well.
Bessie has been an advocate of large families. She often said she hoped she would have as many children as Mrs. Dulany Reese, or at least ten.
After this, her first experience in motherhood, someone asked if she still wanted to have ten children and she replied, "yes, but- I would rather adopt the other nine."
ANTONY PALUMBO
"Tony," the popular student and Altar boy of St. James Parish suffered recently an acute. attack of appendicitis. When he arrived at. St. John's Hospital his condition was declared serious. Dr. Glennon operated upon him at once, and found a ruptured appendix. For several days he lingered between life and death. The Dominican Sisters stormed Heaven for his recovery and many of the parishioners added their earnest supplications.
He is now out of danger and is expected to be back on the job in a week or two.
Among those present at the Alumni Breakfast was Mrs. Helen Scherzinger (Helen Finn) who was the first Alumni bride. Helen is now the mother of six children, and one of the most conscientious contributors to the 4% collection.
DISSENSION
A serious argument took place between Ed. Ryan and Ed. Pierce, following The Mothers' Club Breakfast, of which Ryan was one of the chief perpetrators. Pierce took Ryan to task for the effect the breakfast had on his domestic relations. After 16 years of careful training he complained, Ryan and his cohorts had spoiled a wife who, "Lord knows, was hard enough to handle." All he now hears is "why don't you fix breakfast?" "don't see why a few women like Mrs. Ryan got only good men."
MOTHERS' CLUB MINSTREL AGAIN
The Mothers' Club Minstrel is like Abie's Irish Rose, it will stay as long as it is wanted. The third performance will be given in the Airdome, at 1360 Tamm Avenue, Sunday evening, June 28th, at 8 o'clock. The people are clamoring for it.
The first performance was given in Yale Hall, St. Patrick's night and was incessantly applauded by a full house; it was presented the second time, May 10th, in the Church Hall, which was crowded. It is a splendid show and is the essence of comedy. This may be the last chance to see it. Tickets cost only 35c.
MARRIAGES
The bans of marriage have been called for Vernon Smith, son of Joseph and Louise Smith, of St. James Parish, and Louise Carr, daughter of James and Norah Carr, of Immaculate Conception Parish, Maplewood.
FUNERALS
The church does not permit Solemn Funeral Services for Careless Catholics who die without receiving the Last Sacraments.
========================
It has been decided to hold the Annual Banquet at 6:30 P. M., on June 21st, at the City Club. Minimum plate cost, $2.00.
EDITORIAL
Parish Revenue
The parish revenue for the year 1924 was approximately $20,000; practically all of which came from 4% contributors. Estimated on a 4% basis, this figure would indicate a $500,000 annual income for these contributors, and, as they constitute 65% of the wage earners, the total annual income for the parish would seem to be in the neighborhood of $750,000 if all wage earners were contributing 4%, the amount available for parish affairs would be $30,000 yearly; 80%c, or $24,000 of which could be placed in the New Church Fund.
At the beginning of the present year the New Church fund totaled $45,000. Adding to this figure $24,000 for each of the years, 1925 and 1926, together with $3000 interest accruing for that period, the fund at the end of 1926 would total $96,000.
It is no uncommon thing for people to contribute 10% of their earnings to the support of a church. We do not feel, therefore that 4% is too much to ask from any parishioner. To the man earning $5.00 per day, 4 cents out each dollar would total 20 cents daily. How long would that man hesitate to buy two ten cent cigars? Yet he holds back when that twenty cents means so much to the Church.
OREGON SCHOOL LAW
As we go to press we learn that the Oregon School Law is declared unconstitutional by the U. S. Supreme Court. This insidious piece of legislation, conceived in intolerance, fostered by bigots, and aimed at the Catholic Church, was intended to hamper Catholic growth by destroying the Parochial School. It received what it deserved, the unanimous condemnation of the Supreme Court Judges.
HEBER NATIONS AND HIS DAD
Heber is a chip of the old block. His father is a lawyer and presumably a man of intelligence. He is a professional bigot who has used his pen to foster Anti-Catholic prejudice in Missouri and his intelligence to commercialize the brew he has fermented in the brain of back wood illiterates. If he were honest in his convictions his misplaced zeal might he overlooked, but his hypocritical patriotism and virtue is in keeping with his son's false protestations of zeal for prohibition. His virtuous indignation at the wets won him leadership and place among the dries. His aim was self aggrandizement. His professions were hypocritical. The fanatics have even now difficulty in believing that he sold out.
THE PARISH CENSUS
Exact information was obtained by the Parish Committee who recently took a parochial census, and solicited wage earners to pledge 4%, of their earnings to the Church.
There are six hundred and thirty wage earners in the parish, and three hundred and ninety-six families. Ten per cent of these are Catholics in name only; they do not attend mass on Sundays, and are not very much concerned about the building of a new Church. There is another six per cent of families of foreign origin, who speak English with difficulty and whose European traditions are against church support. They do not feel at home in English speaking congregations, and they contribute little or nothing to the Church. Many of them send their children to the Parochial School, their presence necessitating more teachers and more space. There is also a small percentage of the congregation who live close to the Parish boundaries, who attend the nearest Church and consider this a sufficient reason for not identifying themselves with their own Parish. These three classes constitute the rag-tag and bob-tail element, who cannot be counted upon for Church support. They constitute about twenty per cent of the congregation, or one-fifth of the families and wage earners.
Eliminating these from the list of contributors, there remains five-hundred and four wage earners and three hundred and seventeen families in St. James Parish.
THE CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT
They are coming again and they always hold the crowd. Two hundred and fifty children will be on the stage. No one except a child can play the part of a child, and its attempts to cover up its errors are more amusing than its best performance. The unexpected always happens at the children's entertainment. This year thrills will be provided to make you smile. Look out for the-Baby Room in their action songs, Chinaman and Raindrops, they will bow to the audience in oriental costumes and pig tails.
The third grade are having something very special in the way of fairies, there will be white fairies, black fairies, good fairies, bad fairies; fairies who sing, fairies who dance, fairies who expect to win your generous applause.
The senior boys will present a sketch "Around the Camp Fire." There will be plenty of action, drills, songs and humorous situations. Leave it to the boys.
The senior girls will present a play "Beyond the Gates." It opens a vista of the future and presents the initial flapper and her dreams of Prince Charming. Of course she will have enough of good advisers to keep her on the road of righteousness. Clowns, harvesters and happy workers will enliven the scene with bright costumes, dances and choruses.
The performance will take place June 12 and 14, in the Airdome, 1360 Tamm Ave. at 8 P. M. Don't get your dates mixed, remember Friday and Sunday, after the picnic.
Diplomas will be presented the second night of the entertainment at the airdome to the class of 1925, by Rev. P. J. O'Connor. Rev. M. J. Stritch, S. J., well known orator and lecturer will address the graduates.
Graduates of 1925
CROWNING OF THE STATUE
The evening was cold, those in procession were compelled to wear their coats till they arrived at the door of the church. The snow white dresses impressed one with the idea that the marchers came out of the clouds of Heaven.
The Young Ladies Sodality led the procession and crowned the Statue of the Blessed Virgin. They were followed by the Angelic Warfare Society and the girls of the First Communion Class came in the rear. The line presented the graduation from innocent childhood to budding womanhood as they moved around the church singing the Litany of the Blessed Virgin. When they knelt before the altar of Our Lady and consecrated themselves to the Virgin Mary, one realized how earnest the Church strives to impress on womanhood the grandeur of Purity.
Rev. Daniel Daly of St. Marks Church preached in a voice that was as soft as an organ peal, a sermon that earnest devotion alone could inspire. He was assisted at Solemn Benediction by Rev. Robert E. McKeon, and Rev. John P. Ryan
YOUNG MOTHER
The spoiled child is a calamity to himself and to his associates (all through life). He is usually willful, selfish, irritable, and disagreeable. At home he sulks and kicks and cries unless he is given his own way; at- school, he incurs the displeasure of his companions; they are always picking at him; and he rarely wins the admiration of his teacher. In later years, at work, his mind is often in a turmoil. He has little peace; he picks quarrels with his fellow laborers; he becomes suspicious of one, holds a grudge against another; the boss gets on his nerves, he is not getting a square deal; he goes home with a grouch and takes it out on his family -- he craves for love and like a child who breaks its toys and weeps for their loss, he wounds the hearts of those he loves.
Heredity has a bearing on ones character, so has the emotional outbursts of the mother whilst bearing and the food she eats. The Doctors attribute much of ones natural disposition to gland development. A child's brain grows very rapidly until the age of five or six -- during this period the baby needs rest and quiet -- jumping him up and down, watching him blink at lights may seriously injure the delicate nervous mechanism.
It is natural for a child to be willful and selfish -- this disposition must be curbed, children have to be taught to consider others -- the parents' decision should never be open to question -- the child should be taught the lesson of blind obedience. The parent must win the admiration and confidence of the child. This imposes a high standard of living and talking and thinking on the parents -- displays of anger are the worst example for a child.
The spoiled parent has many children in the penitentiary.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Pastors
Masses
Sunday and New Year's Day -- 6.00, 7:30, 9:00, 10:00.
Holidays -- 6:00, 7:30, 9:00.
Week Days -- 6:30 and 8:15 during Lent and the Months of May and October.
Holy Hour
Thursday before First Friday at 7:30 P.M.
Instructions for Public School Children
Fridays during school year at 4 P. M., and every Sunday after 9 o'clock Mass.
Confessions
Saturdays from 4:30 to 6:00 P.M. and 7:30 to 9:00 P. M.
Sunday mornings from 7:00 to 7:25 A. M. for the aged and those who are not free to go on Saturdays.
On the eve of solemn festivals and First Fridays -- 3:30 to 4:30 and from 7:30 to 8:30 P. M.
Special confessors on Eves of Christmas and Easter.
Meetings
Parish meetings the last Thursday of each month at 8 P. M. All invited.
Mother's Club meeting first Friday of each month at 2:30 P. M.
Virgin Mother's Sodality -- Tuesday after first Sunday at 8:00 P. M.
Holy Name Society -- Monday after 2nd Sunday of the month at 8:00 P. M.
St. Anne’s Sodality -- ,Tuesday after 3rd Sun. day at8:00P.M.
Visiting Hours to Rectory
Preferably from 8 to 10 A.M. and from 6:30 to 8:00 P. M.
Baptisms
Sundays at 3:30 P. M. sharp. Sponsors ought to be practicing Catholics.
Sick Calls
Don't delay; the pastors will not be responsible for sick calls over the telephone. In all cases confer with one of the Priests.
Bells
Church bells are rung for the Angelus at 6.00 A. M., 12:00 and 6:00 P. M. Also a quarter of an hour before services.
Church Dues
Each wage earner is expected to give 4c out of each dollar earned; for maintenance of priests. sisters, ordinary parish expense and for a building fund. No pew rent or special collections except at Christmas and Easter.
MR. BEN HAWKINS
We share the pride which our friend and fellow parishioner, Mr. Ben Hawkins must feel, in the great honor recently conferred upon him. Mr. Hawkins entered the contest of the Art Students League of New York, knowing that he was matching his work against the best of America's Artists, and came out winner of a two-year scholarship too the New York Art School. We feel this great honor the more keenly because of the fact that Ben has always been one of us, he played with us, attended school with us, and: grew up to manhood with us.
We extend our congratulations and wish him luck.
Bennie had a little lamb,
He modeled when a boy.
He tried to teach it lots of tricks,
Tho' it was but a toy.
It went with him to school, one day,
In the pocket of his coat;
And when the teacher took it from him
Benny cried "She's got my goat."
SPORTS
Our school boys played eleven games in the Parochial School League contest Forest Park Division, and lost the trophy to Holy Angel Team by one run. It was hard luck. They were the best team in the division. Had the Cathedral or St. Cronin’s boys won a game or two the contest would be keener and the result doubtful; however, our boys have no kick. They are real sports. They say they were beaten and they offer no alibi. They congratulate Father Kelly and his team.
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