This pamphlet was conceived in enthusiasm by men and women who are bristling with PEP to build a Beautiful Church in St. James Parish. They are impatiently waiting: they are clamoring for action. They want YOU to know what they propose doing. They hope you will be with them. Don't look for a seat in the Grand Stand-People who do things move-the disinterested sit and watch -- Our Parish Big Drum is beating a marching tune – “LET'S GO."
Dear Parishioner;
I feel I come closer to your ear when I write you a letter and can more easily explain to you the thoughts that are constantly recurring to my mind.
We should build a church so devotional and beautiful as to be a source of inspiration to all who enter it; the kind of building that arouses in the heart a holy emotion and that inclines one to linger in reverence.
Rubbing up against a selfish world makes our hearts callous and cold; when we come to church we would like to find our generous better nature bursting the shell and expanding in sentiments. of love and good will. Such a feeling as the apostles had when they uttered in the presence of the Transfigured Christ, "Lord, it is good to be here."
A beautiful church usually produces this effect in the minds of the well disposed. It speaks to the soul and stimulates the emotions. It is a sermon in stone, a refuge in times of mental distress, a help to salvation.
One of the parishioners recently said to me, "Father, I would rather see you wait ten years than erect an ugly unattractive church." He expressed my own thoughts, but my hands are now tied; I am bound to keep my promise of letting the contract in January.
At the parish meeting it was decided that the church must have a seating capacity of at least 750. That means a large church, and unless we have a sufficient fund when we begin, we cannot expect a very beautiful church without imposing on the parish an intolerable debt.
Hence I would ask each wage earner to give not less than 4 per cent of his income this year to the church. You won't miss it if you put the amount into the envelope on receiving your pay; four cents of each dollar that you earn is not an enormous sacrifice to make. There will be still 96 cents left for your bodily needs, and you will get on better with that much and God's blessing than with the whole dollar and God's frown.
Don't say, "I will pay it all in one sum at the end of the year." With few exceptions people who say that prove that “Hell is full of good intentions!"
Yours sincerely in Christ,
PATRICK J. O'CONNOR.
A BEAUTIFUL CHURCH
Many irritations come our way in the course of a day, things go wrong in the best regulated families; the mind colors the objects around it with a touch of what it finds within itself. A Fifth Avenue mansion is as open to the shafts of grief as is the miner's hut of clay. Luxurious apartments, turkish bath, and French chefs do not make men happy The soul requires its own food. Spiritual starvation is more prevalent among the rich than bodily starvation is among the poor. More important are the things that bring peace to the mind than those that minister to bodily comfort.
In the desert, amidst the shifting, burning sands, the traveler hopes to reach, before his strength is spent, the oasis, where he shall rest under the cool shade of the palm tree and drink of the refreshing fountain. The church is the oasis in this desert of burning cares and weary labors. There a man hopes on Sunday to lay down his heavy pack of worldly anxieties and refresh his weary soul.
The church building to be in keeping with the inspiring message of God's love, should have all those elements that appeal to the man's thoughts from the sordid things of earth. The soothing tones of the organ, falling midst the soft light from stained glass windows within a beautiful edifice, dispose a man to feel that Heaven is near.
Money spent on a beautiful church is well spent. One thinks little of paying $500 for the furnishing of his sitting room. The church is the ante-chamber of the home; it is the spiritual banquet hall for the family. The fact that it is used by others does not deprive it of that privacy which man wants when he retires to meditate. Your parish church is a very important portion of your property. Do your share to make it possible to erect a building that will be inspiring and beautiful. If you want the best you must pay the price.
LENT
Lent is a time set apart by the church for penance and acts of self-denial.
After the eternal punishment due to mortal sin is remitted there still remains a debt called temporal punishment which must be paid in this life or the next. Voluntary penance satisfies this demand and the church exhorts all who have sinned to discharge this debt during Lent.
Lent is also a time for increasing merit and advancing in sanctity. Christ, who never sinned, fasted and prayed in the desert for forty days.
Acts of self-denial are the most potent exercises for character building. Each day one should deny himself something in order to gain self-control. Sin is an indulgence of a passion or a selfishness and is the mark of a weakling. Virtue is taken from the Latin word "vir;" which means a man! Virtue means manly strength, habitual self-control and self-denial in conformity with the will of God.
Practical Acts of Self-Denial
Refraining from amusements and luxuries such as cards, dances, tobacco, sweets and shows. Abstaining from unnecessary food and complying with the abstinence from meat on days on which the church forbids it.
Men who drink owe it to themselves to put on the brakes during Lent. A habit of drink easily grows and has ruined the career of many. A man who can deny himself the glass during Lent needs have no fear of becoming a drunkard.
Practical Devotions
Daily mass, weekly confession and communion; attendance at the public devotions, especially at the Stations of the Cross.
Reading a few good books, such as the Holy Gospels, the life of our Lord, etc., etc.
Lent begins February 17th. There will be distribution of ashes Wednesday morning after each mass, in the afternoon at 3:30 and at night after devotions.
Working men and their families are permitted the use of meat at the principal meal all days of Lent except Ash Wednesday, Wednesday and Saturday of Holy Week and on Fridays.
Hours of Devotion
CHILDREN'S EXAMINATION
The school children were given report sheets on Tuesday on their recent examination. Sister Gabriel requested the children to have their parents sign them before they are returned to her. Children who have not succeeded in making the grade will be given an opportunity of making up the work before the end of the school term. In future, diplomas will not be awarded to any child who has not passed.
The following children of St. James School made the highest marks in the recent examination in their respective classes
BAPTISMS IN JANUARY
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Mrs. John Wack, 1546 Tamm Avenue, gave birth to twins Saturday, January 30th. She has ten children living, seven boys and three girls.
PRESIDENT UNTIL SHE REMARRIES
Mrs. Bovard was again elected President of the Mothers' Club much to her disappointment. She states that the people of Benton greet her as Mayor Kiel. Father O'Connor suggested that she be appointed for life as she was a splendid president. A voice in the hall "or till she gets married again."
On the way from the meeting she said, "I would like to tell you ladies what I think about you.” Mrs. Hefele replied, "You have been retained in office because you are so capable of holding your tongue. We all admire this exceptional trait in a woman."
Mrs. McDonnell was elected Vice-President and Mrs. Wiber and Mrs. White continue in office as secretary and treasurer respectively.
The Mothers' Club in their annual report state that their efforts have been directed to giving a warm lunch to the children at cost. They also find it necessary to keep a supply of candies and sweets to meet the demands of the children. During the past year there was a deficit in the treasury presumably because of the loss in the sale of candy. Mrs. Irvin was appointed to take care of the candy counter during the year 1926 and to appoint ladies who will be responsible to her for its sale. It was decided that the candy counter would be closed on days when her representative was not present.
Many mothers have complained that the children spend all their money in purchasing candy and go without lunch. The sisters and the ladies in charge make every effort to encourage the children to buy more milk and less candy. If a child has only five cents, they insist that it buys a lunch.
The Club sold about $1,500 worth of lunches during the past year.
With funds which they have received from their euchres and lottos they have purchased chairs for the parish hall and euchre tables, also the equipment for tables for banquets, and the balance of the fund has been applied for maps for the school, blackboards and other requirements. In many instances they have given free books and free lunches to poor children.
CATHOLIC INSTRUCTION CENTER
The Catholic Instruction Center, under the direction of Father Henry, S. J., has been holding a class every Sunday in the School Hall for the education and recreation of children not attending the parochial school. Last Sunday there were 50 present. George Wiber operated the picture machine.
Mr. Maher, a Jesuit Scholastic, exhibited on the lantern pictures of the mass. Mr. Birch, Mr. and Mrs. Henkle, Mr. and Mrs. Stiff assisted in the hall and the Young Ladies' Sodality was represented by Mary Devanney, Vera Bersch and Cecelia Badendieck.
APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER
The Apostleship of Prayer Society reports a number of special favors that have been granted through the prayers of the members scattered through the world. One member reports a cure from rheumatism. Another a return to the practice of religion, and the baptism of an infant. Those seeking favors are requested to send in their requests preceding the Holy Hour, so that they may be placed on the Altar during this devotion.
The promoters, in their endeavor to encourage the reading of Catholic literature, have established on the second Sunday of the month a Catholic Magazine Exchange at the door of the church. Mrs. Nixon is in charge of the 7:30 Mass, Marie Pate the 9 and Mrs. Combrevis at 10.
Those who desire a special magazine can purchase one at a slight cost or get it in exchange for another.
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The River Des Peres sewer is made in Benton and the portion near Scullin’s Plant is now under construction.
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Mr. Arnold, 6507a Manchester Avenue, is at Barnes Hospital, where he recently underwent a very serious operation. His condition is satisfactory.
FATHER O'CONNOR SEES THE CHARLESTON
Mary Wilson and Louise Bawn gave an exhibition of the Charleston at a meeting of the Dramatic Club, which was held January 20th in the, school hall. Father O'Connor was asked what he thought about it. He smilingly replied, "The girl who can dance that is capable of becoming a mountain climber."
Miss Maria Kelley, 6903 Mitchell Avenue, gave a recitation entitled "The Baseball Game." It was evident she is a skilled elocutionist. She was given extended applause.
Estelle Coad read a poem by Aloysius Mahon, a welcome to the class of 1925. About forty members of the association danced after the entertainment.
Raymond Usher in the course of the evening sang several songs. Refreshments were served by the officers.
The next meeting of the society will be held Thursday, February 11th, in the school hall. There will be songs, dances, one-act plays and refreshments. The following will entertain John O’Shaughnessy, Randall Dwyer, James Dwyer, Loretto Cooper, Cornelia Gruner, Genevieve Martineau. Refreshments committee: Arthur Pahl, Eleanor Bannon, Alvinia Barr, Viola Barr and Virginia Jones.
PARISH MEETING – HOW BIG A CHURCH?
Chairman Mr. Crotty asked Father O'Connor to give an outline of the work to be taken up by the organization during the year.
In his opening remarks, Father facetiously spoke of the birthday of the organization falling on the same day as the birthday of the secretary. "We are," he said, "tonight celebrating two birthdays, one of this organization and the other of the secretary. We know the parish organization is one year old, but we have no accurate knowledge of the age of the secretary. The two have done very well during the past year, the secretary got married and the parish organization has been accomplishing what it set out to do."
Purpose of Parish Organization
"The Parish organization has for its purpose three aims; namely, creating a better social feeling among parishioners; increasing parish revenue, and deliberating on questions that can be better solved by the priests consulting with the parishioners."
Know More Faces
"It has done a great deal of good during the past year in, getting the parishioners acquainted; many of them were strangers in the parish a year ago and now they claim they are acquainted with half the congregation. It is a pleasure to come to church where you are greeted by a number of your neighbors."
An Increase in Revenue
"Its second aim was to increase revenue. This it has accomplished, as the revenue increased $3,000 in the past year.
Questions to be Solved
"This year the organization will devote the greater part of its efforts to solving questions that pertain to the new church. Older priests have advised me to spend a year preparing the plans. I intend doing so and having everything ready for the letting of the contract at the end of the year."
Size of Church
"Tonight I would ask you to discuss this question and come to a decision; later in the evening I will submit other matters for your consideration. There is, "Father continued, "a great deal of vacant property in this parish; perhaps there is not less than 800 acres. All of the property north of West Park has a market value not less than $30 a foot and that portion near the park is estimated to be worth from $50 to $100. Owners of this ground will not leave it vacant very long. Taxes are increasing, interest is being lost and most of the owners have been so long waiting for a market they are availing themselves of the boom that is now affecting this territory; they will sell as soon as they can and the buyer will erect a home. This means an increased population and a demand for a larger church. The Evens and Howard property south of the Rectory and east of Tamm Avenue is expected to be sold soon. They were recently offered a fair price and may accept it. True, this property is not high priced, but when it is opened, the poor man's home will come and with it the large family. We, as a parish, are more interested in souls than pocketbooks, and we must consider those facts when planning a new church."
Mr. Coad: "The present church will seat about 470 people. It is well filled at most of the masses, and with growth of the parish I think we ought to provide an additional 50 per cent seating capacity."
Mr. Martineau: "I believe, as Mr. Coad does, that the church should seat about 750 people. The property east of Hampton Avenue will eventually build up with factories and bring laborers to the parish; however, along Oakland Avenue and those streets close to the park, west to the parish boundary, will probably be built with homes costing between $10,000 and $25,000. Clayton Road has become one of the main arteries entering the city on the south side of the park."
Mr. Hugeback: "I have been around a good deal and observed that churches, in other parishes like this, have a seating capacity of about 500."
Mrs. McDonnell suggested about 800, and requested Mr. John G. Houlihan to give an opinion. "It won't be long," she said, "until the young Houlihans will require a whole church for themselves."
Mr. Crotty: "We should also give some thought to the needs for special occasions such as Easter, - Good Friday, Christmas Eve and the times of a Mission."
Father Pohl said that it was unnecessary to have more space to heat, build and decorate than would be used ordinarily; the picture show houses say all their profits come from those that are standing.
Mr. Martin Coad: "We must consider the length of the ground and the proper proportions of a church. After 30 feet is taken off for an entrance and ten feet in the back for a passageway, you cannot build a church and keep proper proportions if you look for a seating capacity of more than 750. I doubt even if you have room for 750."
Mr. Boman: "I make a motion that we build a church that will have a nominal seating capacity of 750; this may mean more or less according to the judgment of the architect. A seating capacity of 750 would take care of a great deal more on special occasions, as chairs could be put in the aisles and usually in large churches there is a good deal of space between the front pews and the altar railing which could be also utilized."
Mr. Pierce: "I second the motion."
On a vote being taken it was evident that all who were present were in favor of building a church that would have, a seating capacity of about 750.
Father O'Connor: "I am glad that you have come to this decision; it agrees with that of the Archbishop. He said when the parish gets larger you will be getting another assistant and having six masses. A church that has a seating capacity of about 750 will more than take care of a normal parish congregation."
Test the Ground
"Another question to be considered is, is our ground safe to build upon? I have been assured by Mr. Gibbons and other old settlers that this ground has not been undermined for clay, but as there is some uncertainty as to where the old coal mines were, it may be well for us to have the ground tested by boring a distance of about 60 feet."
Mr. Riegel: "What will it cost?"
Mr. Boman: "It would depend upon the space to be tested. I have good reason for believing it would not cost more than $200 to have the building site tested."
Mr. Riegel: "Regardless of the cost, I think we ought to play safe."
Mr. Jenneman: "Does Mr. Gibbons think the ground was undermined for coal?"
Father O'Connor: "Mr. Gibbons says there hasn't been any coal mining in this locality for 50 years. There was a coal mine in the adjoining property and he believes it did not go north of Wade Avenue. The coal mines, he said, were not more than five feet in depth and in all probability the ground filled in long ago."
Mr. Martineau: "Why not have a committee appointed at once to make proper investigation. If the ground were undermined perhaps we wouldn't be able to build on that site. Better find out in time."
Mr. Crotty: "Even if there was a coal mine, construction work would remedy the danger to the building."
Mr. Martineau: "I make a motion that the chair be empowered to appoint a committee who will confer with engineers about testing the ground."
Mr. Pierce: "I second the motion."
Motion carried and the chair appointed Mr. J. P. O'Gorman and Mr. Will Boman, with instructions that they were to incur no expense before reporting at the next meeting.
Survey of the Ground
Father O'Connor said that before calling in architects he thought it was necessary to have a survey of the church plot, so that they will have a chart to work on showing elevation of ground, depth of sewers and street levels. He added if we had once decided upon the plan of the church we could give out the contract for grading in the early winter, when excavators were not so busy. Mr. McCauley agreed with this suggestion and said the contract for excavation need not be included in the general contract and if this were done ahead it would mean an earlier start for the building.
The meeting authorized Father O'Connor to give out a contract for the survey, so that architects could be called in to discuss designs for the new church.
Meeting adjourned.
FOUR PER CENT ENVELOPES
The four per cent envelopes have been delivered by the school children during the past week and it is expected that everyone will contribute their just share to the parish revenue. Should you not receive a package apply at once to the rectory.
Those who decide not to contribute should return the envelopes immediately.
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The St. James Alumni Dramatic Club are well on their way to be social entertainers in the community. - Under the direction of Mr. S..F. Halley they are preparing a play, entitled "It Happened in June." They expect to stage it soon after Easter.
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Since Will Hense gave up the soccer team, they say everything is strictly business about the store. No more delayed orders; no more items short.
The Henses feel that they were given a raw deal and cheated out of the soccer championship; and there is some justification for their grievance. "Life on the hill just ain't the same."
Though their lapse of interest in soccer may have benefited the grocery business, it certainly has put a crimp in neighborhood athletics. Hense seems to be the only one capable of gathering and holding together the necessary talent for a successful team, and it seems a pity that this guidance which our youngsters are so much in need of should be lost to them.
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Mrs. May Bisso, 2226 McCausland Avenue, had a family gathering last week on the occasion of her birthday. She is over sixty and not afraid to climb the hill to St. James Church every Sunday.
SCARLET FEVER
There appears to be a slight epidemic of scarlet fever in the neighborhood. So far no case has been reported among the children of the parochial school: Last year it decimated every class because people whose children contracted the disease were careless and permitted them whilst they were still "peeling" to mix with others in the streets.
Often a child has so slight an attack a doctor is not called. Herein lies the danger to other children. If you have any suspicion that your child has scarlet fever, keep it confined as long as there is any sign of peeling.
FATHER O'CONNOR'S WHITE DOG
Father O'Connor lost his white dog a week ago. It is worth about $150, as it is high bred and well trained. Has one brown ear and is about two years old. Answers to the name of "Gypsy." Parishioners are asked to be on the lookout for it.
YOUR CHILDREN
Those outside the church judge us according to our conduct. The school children make a very poor impression upon the non-Catholics of the community by their tantalizing disregard for neighbors' property. As they go along the street many of them are mischievous and destructive. They run upon lawns, tear up flowers and shrubs, break fences, take tools and other things that lay around homes.
It is known that some of the parents are aware of these pranks, and it is well to remind them that their indifference to the activities of the children will only assist them to the penitentiary.
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LET'S GO is a mirror of the Catholic and social life of the community. Fifty years from now copies that are preserved will be very interesting reading for the children who are yet unborn. They will search in its pages for their fathers' and mothers' names and they will be very delighted if it appears that their parents took an active interest in parochial affairs the year the church was built. Father O'Connor intends having a set of copies bound in book form and preserved in the rectory. If there are others in the parish who desire to have copies bound, he assures them the expense will be a trifle, provided they have the copies.
St. James Parish is most favorably situated on the hills along the south line of the western part of Forest Park, with excellent drainage and fine landscaping possibilities for every home.
Public improvements are in full swing. Our South Forest Park Improvement Association is pestering the city officials continuously. Among those completed are improvement of Oakland, Clayton, Louisville, Kraft, Famous, Waldemar, Garner, West Park, Nashville and Wise, opening of Lloyd, Wade, Villa and Childress, granitoid walks on Lloyd and Plateau from Tamm to Dale.
Other improvements are coming along through the tedious processes of the Board of Public Service, the Board of Aldermen, the City Law Department, etc., among which are improvement of Childress, Dale, Cutter, Berthold, Kraft, Adeline, Art Hill and Graham, sewers in River Des Peres Section C, Cheltenham Joint District (Manchester to Clayton and Tamm to Hampton), Dale Avenue District No. 6 (Buck Avenue), and Manchester Avenue District No. 6; granitoid walks on both sides Clayton from Hampton to McCausland, West Park, Knox and Kraft.
The certainty of a large increase in population justifies us, yes, demands, that, in planning our new church, we must take into account the St. James congregation of the next 25 or 50 years.
Adequate church and school facilities are a very large factor in the building of a community. Our people will readily see that home and business property in the parish will be benefited by such facilities.
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Mrs. Gibbs, mother to Mrs. Kavanaugh, 6811 Wise Ave., recently returned to the parish. The mothers' club, mindful of the many prizes they received from her in the past, gave her a hearty welcome.
Mrs. Placke had a birthday party last week. Several of the ladies of the parish were present and congratulated her on her remarkable recovery from her recent illness.
Father O'Connor wonders if St. Ann's is a married ladies' sodality. The members seem to have no man who will bring back the old pews that were taken out of the church by them for the euchre and lotto.
You know where you're going St. Patrick's Night. The Mothers' Club will give their annual Minstrel Show at Yale Hall.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Pastors
Masses
Sunday and New Year's Day -- 6.00, 7:30, 9:00, 10:00.
Holidays -- 6:00, 7:30, 9:00.
Week Days -- 6:30 and 8:15 during Lent and the Months of May and October.
Holy Hour
Thursday before First Friday at 7:30 P.M.
Instructions for Public School Children
Fridays during school year at 4 P. M., and every Sunday after 9 o'clock Mass.
Confessions
Saturdays from 4:30 to 6:00 P.M. and 7:30 to 9:00 P. M.
Sunday mornings from 7:00 to 7:25 A. M. for the aged and those who are not free to go on Saturdays.
On the eve of solemn festivals and First Fridays -- 3:30 to 4:30 and from 7:30 to 8:30 P. M.
Special confessors on Eves of Christmas and Easter.
Meetings
Parish meetings the last Thursday of each month at 8 P. M. All invited.
Mother's Club meeting first Friday of each month at 2:30 P. M.
Virgin Mother's Sodality -- Tuesday after first Sunday at 8:00 P. M.
Holy Name Society -- Monday after 2nd Sunday of the month at 8:00 P. M.
St. Anne’s Sodality -- Tuesday after 3rd Sun. day at 8:00 P.M.
Visiting Hours to Rectory
Preferably from 8 to 10 A.M. and from 6:30 to 8:00 P. M.
Baptisms
Sundays at 3:30 P. M. sharp. Sponsors ought to be practicing Catholics.
Sick Calls
Don't delay; the pastors will not be responsible for sick calls over the telephone. In all cases confer with one of the Priests.
Bells
Church bells are rung for the Angelus at 6.00 A. M., 12:00 and 6:00 P. M. Also a quarter of an hour before services.
Church Dues
Each wage earner is expected to give 4c out of each dollar earned; for maintenance of priests. sisters, ordinary parish expense and for a building fund. No pew rent or special collections except at Christmas and Easter.
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This is undoubtedly the best show the Holy Name Society has ever prepared, and a capacity crowd is expected. The Boosters' Club is on the job. Look for a full house.
This is the last entertainment to be given until St. Patrick's Day, so don't miss it.
Preceding the entertainment, at 7:30, the quarterly meeting of the Holy Name Society will be held. The hall will open to others at 8:15 p.m. The Holy Name Society expects to have a large attendance at communion on the following Sunday as this is the quarterly period. A number of new members will be received.
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