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
Unattached
There are in our midst a number of Catholic families, who have not identified themselves with the parish. They are keeping aloof because they regard themselves as birds of passage who have not yet reached the end of their flight. They are stray birds that belong to no flock, lost sheep, who have no shepherd. Catholics without a parish or a parish priest, those that come under the head of vagi or wanderers who have nomadic inclinations and town habits; usually very agreeable folk who mean well, but do nothing in the way of establishing healthy relationship with the parish church, the parochial school or parochial life.
They are not always people who try to escape the burden of supporting the church, some of them are generous when the collection basket is passed, they have been known to drop a dollar into the plate when they happened to be in a church where an appeal was made for funds. They are very impartial in their contributions to the church except to their own parish. They usually are generous to churches that are well established and prosperous, because they are in the habit of identifying themselves, like Whang the Miller, with wealthy folk, large congregations and Cathedral Choirs; or they become habitués of the churches for transients where their recurring visits establish their identity and give them a prominence beyond their fellow wanderers.
Their embarrassment and sad necessity begins only when they have a sick call. They have to get a priest and they are sufficiently instructed to know they must call in one of the pastors of the parish in which they reside. How can they approach him when they are conscious of neglecting their duty to him for so many months and sometimes for years! They are consciously stricken and ashamed. They fear they will be mistaken for fallen away Catholics and yet they realize it would be poor diplomacy to say they have been attending and supporting other parishes. It is harder still on the one who is ill. He is in no condition to be placed under a mental strain, his sickness and fever are sufficiently annoying, and as he is not well acquainted if not entirely unknown to the local clergy, he dreads to meet one of them and defers receiving the sacraments.
There has been to our knowledge, one sad instance of such a happening in the parish during the past year. The family were ashamed to call on us because they had not been identified with the parish and delayed until the patient was unconscious. It was deplorable and unfortunate and the embarrassment was increased when it came to making the funeral arrangements. They expected a number of their prominent Catholic friends and relations at the funeral. They wanted to have a High Mass and a flattering panegyric. The pastor had no good reason for believing that the deceased was a practical Catholic and suggested the propriety of a plain, unpretentious funeral service. It was not satisfactory to the parishioners or pastor, Pastors have, the deepest sympathy for all who are mourning round the coffin of a dear one, but they cannot be hypocrites. The plain, unvarnished truth is: a good Catholic, even if he intends to remain in a parish only a few months, becomes acquainted with his pastors and co-operates with them and their efforts; whereas, the individual who does not want to be known or will not take an interest in his parish church is too disinterested to be practical and is on the way back to the, world that has no religious affiliations.
THE BOOSTER
If you mean to build a Church
Give your "dough"
Don't leave your Pastor in the lurch
Help the fund to grow.
When there's anything to do
Let the fellows count on you
You'll feel bully when it's through
Don't you know.
If you're used to giving knocks,
Change your style;
Throw bouquets instead of rocks
For a while
Let the other fellow roast,
Shun him as you would a ghost
Meet his hammer with a boast
And a smile.
When a new one comes along
Tell him 'bout your Church
Make it strong.
Needn't flatter, never bluff,
Tell the truth, for that's enough;
Join the boosters -- they're the stuff
Sing your song!
CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT AND COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES AT AIRDOME, JUNE 18-20
"Scenes and Songs of Ye Olden Times" is the title of the performance which will be given by the school children on the evenings of June 18th and .20th. They hope to briefly combine sweet songs and scenes of "Auld Lang Syne."
You will be asked to linger thoughtfully on the golden bridge which spans the past, and cast a look at far-off, by-gone days, while the mists of a century shall roll away as each class presents some well known, but perhaps forgotten melody, dance or scene.
The program will open with a Mother Goose Scene in which several numbers will be presented by the Kindergarten and First Grade. The Eighth Grade will be seen in a stately Minuet, a Pioneer Scene and a Mill Scene; all of which picture the customs of the early settlers. The Fourth Grade think their number "Ye Deestrick Skule" is to be the leading feature, but the Sixth Grade are sure that the Plantation Scene is by far the best number on the program. The Fifth Grade boys will dance a Sailor's Horn Pipe and the girls of the Fifth Grade will have a very pretty and quaint Old Folks Tea. In the Summer Bower Scene given by the Seventh Grade boys and girls, they will sing "Love's Old Sweet Song," and dance on the dances of by-gone days. The little boys and girls of the Second and Third Grades have two numbers: "Coming Through the Rye" and "Jingle Bells."
The performance will close with the "Star Spangled Banner." The following are the graduates of the 1926 Class
CROWNING OF STATUE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN
On Sunday, May 23rd, at 4:30 P. M., the annual event of the Crowning of the Statue of the Blessed Virgin was performed by Miss Estelle Sensenbrenner, Wise Ave. Father Robert McKeon, assistant pastor of St. Mark's Church preached the sermon, Father John Nugent, pastor of St. Catherine's Church officiated at solemn benediction.
About forty young ladies and the girls of the First Communion Class took part in the procession.
The church was well filled with devotees of Mary, and the altar was beautifully decorated.
After devotions, the following clergy were entertained at the Rectory: Rev. John Ryan, Pastor Immaculate Conception, Maplewood; Rev. George Ryan, Pastor Holy Angels; Rev. John Nugent, Rev. James McGrath, Assistant Pastor, St. Columbkills; Rev. Dan Courtney and Rev. Robt. McKeon.
FATHER OF FIVE CHILDREN DIES
William Bernsen, age 41, the father of five children, died May 24th, at his home, 5922 Clayton Ave. He was a man of fine physique and was ill only a few days. The doctors made light of his case till Sunday evening when it was apparent his condition was most serious.
Father Pohl and later Father O'Connor were called to his death bed. He was suffering intense pain but made an effort to repeat the prayers for the dying. His wife, children and immediate relatives were with him when he expired. His remains were taken Thursday, May 27th, to St. James Church and thence to Calvary Cemetery.
His cousin, Father George Haukap assisted at the funeral.
Mr. Bernsen was well known in St. Bernard's Parish, also at St. Henry's, where he resided until 1924, when he came to St. James. May he rest in peace.
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Wm. Menner, 6430 Wise Ave., has opened a barber shop at Central and Clayton Ave., across from the Dewey School and is equipped to give the ladies expert service, bobbing, shampooing, massaging, etc. Since a cropped head has become so important a part of woman's attire, we are certain the ladies of the parish will welcome this convenience.
PASTORS ARE THANKFUL
As voluntary subscriptions continue to flow into the New Church Fund, the spirits of our Pastors continue to rise. The generous and almost unanimous scope of the subscription list makes them hopeful that when the voluntary donations are ended, there will remain very few of those able to, who have not made some sort of subscription.
The Pastors realize that they are obligated to some extent, out of fairness to those who subscribed voluntarily, to ask a subscription of those who are apparently able to donate, and have not done so, but they dislike the job very much; and every time a subscription comes in, they joyfully eliminate one more name from their list of calls on this unpleasant duty.
All who have not yet decided on the size or nature of their subscription are urged to do so, and hand in their card at as early a date as possible. Remember, your subscription which helps to swell the fund, may also help some other donors to make up their mind.
LET'S GO! Remember, you have twenty months to pay.
BAPTISMS IN MAY
IT COULDN'T BE DONE
I
Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That maybe it couldn't, but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he tried.
So he buckled right in with a grin on his face;
If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing, as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
II
Somebody scoffed, "Oh, you'll never do that,
At least, no one ever has done it."
But he took off his coat, and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
III
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done;
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle right in with a bit of a grin;
Just take off your coat and go to it.
Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing
That couldn't be done and you'll do it.
-- By Edgar A. Guest
THE PICNIC
The School Children's Picnic will be held at Creve Coeur Lake, on Wednesday, June 9th. The cars will leave Tamm Ave. loop at 8:45 sharp. Baskets may be left at Dolan's Real Estate office, where an automobile will call for them not later than 8:30 A. M.
Tickets will be issued to all who wish to ride on the Picnic Cars. Round trip ticket: adults 30c, children 20c. No one-way tickets will be issued.
The management at the Lake have signified their willingness to give the children several treats, including a free ride on the Ferris Wheel and a ride to the Observation Tower at reduced rates.
Father Pohl and John D. Bersch are arranging an athletic program and have already secured a number of valuable prizes. They say this picnic will be the best ever. They intend giving free lemonade.
Tickets can be purchased from the Sisters and should be had before Wednesday.
WHEN PAYING THE SPECIAL COLLECTION
When you are paying to the Special Collection, don't put your money in the basket unless it is a small amount which you have added to your regular donation.
Pay it to one of the Official Ushers or Trustees or to one of the Pastors and be sure you get a receipt.
The Official Ushers and Trustees when on duty, shall wear a badge marked "Usher," "Trustee."
A statement will be mailed every month to all subscribers.
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS NOT TO BE PUBLISHED
St. James Parish proposes to build a church and maintain a policy of not publishing names of contributors or amounts of individual contributions.
It has the greatest confidence in the big generous spirit of the parishioners and in their faith which prompts them to give for the glory of God and not in the spirit of vanity.
For this reason names of contributors in the last big drive will not be published with the exception of those few benefactors whom the parish wishes to honor in a special manner because they do not live in the parish and their gifts are so notable, a record of them in "Let's Go" will have in years to come, an historic value.
ST. JAMES PAROCHIAL SCHOOL ALUMNI
COMMUNION AND BANQUET
The St. James Parochial School Alumni will hold its annual communion at St. James Church, Sunday, June 20th, at the 7:30 Mass, after which breakfast will be served. After the breakfast there will be a short business meeting.
The Banquet in honor of the Graduating Class of 1926 will be held at the City Club, Sunday, June 27th, at 6:00 P. M., at which Banquet 28 Graduates will be taken into the ranks of the Alumni.
The members who intend being present at either the Breakfast or the Banquet are requested to notify one of the officers in time.
The officers are: Ray Usher, president; Arthur Pahl, vice-president, assisted by William Pate and James Gibbons; Mrs. Florence Ehle Hilton, secretary, assisted by Marie Kelly and Margaret Signaigo; Delphina Jones, treasurer, assisted by Joe Ryan and Colleen Bawn.
The Program for the Banquet is:
The Alumni officers are looking forward to a record breaking attendance at both the Breakfast and' the Banquet.
THE FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART
The feast of the Sacred Heart occurs this year on Friday, June 11th. Devotions will be held at 7:30 P. M., when diplomas and crosses will be awarded those promoters who have faithfully fulfilled their duties for at least six months.
The following promoters will receive their crosses and diplomas
CONSECRATION OF HOMES TO THE SACRED HEART
June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart, and the Promoters of the Apostleship of Prayer desire to remind the parishioners that this is the month when homes are consecrated.
In order to consecrate the home to the Sacred Heart, it is necessary that every member of the family belong to the Apostleship of Prayer. To belong to the Apostleship of Prayer, it is only necessary that one say the morning offering each day and be enrolled in the league register.
If you want your home consecrated this month get in touch with the local Promoter and she will make the necessary arrangements.
Every member of the family must be present at the consecration and the regular picture of the Sacred Heart is necessary. At the bottom of this picture is a space where the members' names may be inserted and also a place for the Pastor to sign. It is also necessary that you have two blessed candles and holy water, and the picture must be unframed.
It is possible to gain a plenary indulgence on the day the home is consecrated, under the usual conditions, confession and Holy Communion and prayers for the Pope's intention.
The Promoters also wish to remind those who have had their homes consecrated that they can receive a plenary indulgence on the anniversary of said consecration.
LOUIS A. SCHOLLMEYER
At the Barbecue, Mr. Schollmeyer was the first to announce a donation to the special collection for the New Church Fund. Louis kicked in to the extent of $500.00.
Mr. Schollmeyer is not a Catholic; neither is he a parishioner. He is a just a Friend -- BUT WHAT A FRIEND!
When we needed chat and crushed rock to cover the ground of the Airdome, Louis sent it out from the Union Quarry & Construction Co., of which he is a proprietor, and refused to accept pay for it. Again, when we wanted similar material to cover the mud of the school playground, Louis donated.
The drive for the Church Fund was a great success, and St. James parishioners are to be congratulated for the whole-hearted support they gave it, but the drive would not have been nearly so successful had it not been for our generous friends from outside the parish.
The Pastors hope they will have to make few calls, as every day wage earners are calling at the rectory with their subscriptions.
Maidens who are in their teens are donating $50 and the little tots in the Angel Sodality sent in a check for $13.50.
Father O'Connor says it is simply wonderful how the parishioners are contributing, and maintains he could build a Cathedral if the people had money. "They have," he said, "hearts of gold but pockets of silver."
The drive for funds initiated by the Booster's Club and launched with unprecedented enthusiasm at the Barbecue, Ascension Thursday night, amidst a scene of applause, cheers and joyous demonstration, netted subscription in one hour of more than $21,000.00.
There never was before in the history of the parish so startling a display of generosity and Parish loyalty.
From the moment that Mr. Joseph Crotty, in response to the fiery appeals made for funds by Mr. Ray Dolan and Father O'Connor, set the campaign going, a hurricane of subscriptions blew toward the stage where Frank Walsh and Louis Riegel announced the amounts and the names of contributors to Mrs. Mary Boerckel and Dan Sheehan, who though they were keeping records in shorthand and type were compelled to cry out more than once, "We can't keep up with you, you are going too fast."
These blockades were availed of by Mr. Frank Walsh, and whilst the stack of subscription cards were being registered, he regaled the crowd with familiar episodes and high colored narratives. Among other things he gave a short biography of his own life which was neither complimentary or edifying and which appeared to observers to be very embarrassing to his wife. She was seen to give him a sour look and on noticing it he remarked, "I am after getting a sour look from the Mrs. but what is that between husband and wife?"
When Mr. Quinn donated the Stations of the Cross, Mr. Walsh became reverential and launched into an edifying sermon on self-sacrifice. He mentioned George Wiber as being a notable example of a man who is always on the job around the church. "He does everything," he remarked, "except hear confessions." "At that I wouldn't mind going to George for confession, he wouldn't give one the stations.
Mr. Riegel: "Does Father O'Connor ever give you the stations?"
Mr. Walsh : "No, I go to The College with the rest of the bad ones."
The number and amount of subscriptions were all the more amazing when one considers the fact that the majority of those present had no foreknowledge that subscriptions would be solicited.
When the campaign began to get under way everyone present realized that the hour to strike a triumphant blow for Old St. James had at last arrived, and lovers of the parish arose in every corner of the airdome and vied with one another in pushing up the total thousand after thousand till the quota for the evening was well beyond the $21,000 mark.
The greatest enthusiasm of the evening was aroused when the venerable Mr. Macken was accompanied to the front of the stage by Father O'Connor and introduced as the donor of the site for the New Church. He was greeted with thunderous applause and when he added to his previous gift $7,000 for the main altar, the cheering and applause lasted more than five minutes.
After quiet was restored, Father O'Connor added, there is another person at this meeting who is too retiring to appear before you, but has contributed to the parish as much as Mr. Macken. I have no doubt Mrs. Macken has been the woman in this affair and deserves an equal share of the gratitude of St. James Parish."
John A. Quinn, 7054 Forsythe Blvd., preceded Mr. Macken and was greeted with outbursts of cheering when he announced that he would give $2,000 for the Stations of the Cross. He had been anxious he said to donate the main altar and spoke to Father O'Connor a few years ago about it, when he resided in the parish, but on being informed recently that Mr. Macken demanded this privilege, he and his wife decided it would be best for the parish were they to yield in favor of Mr. Macken.
The meeting was attended by practically all the old standbys of the parish. Everyone was happy, jubilant and interested in the drive, and the spirit of loyalty, co-operation and self sacrifice manifested was most inspiring and helpful and augurs well for the continued progress of St. James Parish.
Twenty Months to Pay Special Contributions
It may be well to emphasize that the special collection is voluntary and must not interfere with the 4% contributions. The people who have conscientiously contributed 4% of their income to the church during the past three years have done their full share, and should they decide to do a little more, they will be given a period of 20 months in which to pay toward the special fund.
Quite a number of the parishioners have decided to give half the amount contributed this year and to pay the balance during 1927. This appears to be a very satisfactory arrangement and ought to make it easy for everyone to do something out of the ordinary. Of course, there are some who do not like the time-payment plan and prefer to give their donation right away. They find it easier to sign checks than to sign cards. In general, it may be stated that any plan that suits the donor will be pleasing to the parish provided that the amount subscribed be registered immediately and payment of same be completed before end of the year 1927.
The Campaign Manager
The plans for the Barbecue and Drive were well conceived and intelligently executed. It required a good deal of effort and considerable thought. The Boosters' Club are to be congratulated on deciding on this plan. No doubt the parish as a whole has been aroused and is very well pleased with the great success of the campaign. Whilst everybody acknowledges the good disposition of the parishioners, it must be conceded that the great success of the Drive is to be attributed to the campaign manager, Mr. Frank Walsh.
Mr. Walsh kept the meeting in good humor all through the evening by his genial disposition, glibness of tongue and unwavering consciousness of the merits of the cause, and untiring energy. He is a born leader and if ever he decided to enter politics and run for office we would advise him to at least make a dab at being a senator.
Special Collection Necessary
Father O'Connor regretted to have to ask for a special collection. He was well pleased, he said, with the progress that had been made during the past few years. He was very grateful to the many parishioners who had been faithful in contributing 4% of their income to the church. He was not now making a demand of them, but since he and the Boosters' Club visited the churches that were recently constructed, he came to the conclusion that the funds on hand with a $50,000 loan would not be sufficient to erect the church the parishioners desired. It would cost at least, with furnishings, $150,000. In the beginning of the year there was only $60,000 in the treasury and the balance had to be guaranteed before the plans were drawn.
He asked the parishioners to face the problem with the courage and determination they displayed in the past.
MR. MARTINEAU'S SPEECH
Ladies and GentlemenIt is indeed a pleasure and a privilege to be given the opportunity to speak to you on this occasion.
We are gathered here this evening to meet on common ground, as a plain people, for a noble cause, namely the building of the new church of St. James.
And the subject that I am going to try to interest you with as a fellow parishioner is the development of this parish from the viewpoint of the past, the present, and the future.
I came to this parish in 1905, twenty-one years ago, and at that time there was not a single improved roadway in the parish, real estate was selling on the average from $10.00 to $20.00 a foot, and homes were costing from about $1,200.00 to $2,500.00, today over 95 per cent of. the roadways in this parish are improved, and real estate is selling from about $30.00 a foot for un-improved ground to about $100.00 a foot for improved ground, and homes are costing all the way from $6,000.00 to $25,000.00, so you can realize the natural development that has taken place in this parish in the period that I have just stated.
Tonight as we turn our faces to the future development of this parish, we can see to the south of us the re-surfacing of Manchester Avenue, from Kingshighway west through Maplewood, connecting with the Manchester concrete road, making it the gateway to the great southwest. This improvement alone will make Manchester Avenue, from east to west a solid business center, and will naturally develop all of the southern part of our parish. We have no better proof of this fact than the Easton Ave.-St. Charles connection, the northwest gateway, which has already become congested with great business activity.
As we look to the north we can already see a good deal of business and building activity along that great highway, Clayton Road, and that section from Childress Ave. east to the intersection of Oakland Ave., will be built up in the near future with a prosperous business and shopping center. We must not lose sight of the fact that the whole northern part of our parish overlooks the largest and most beautiful city park in America, and with its great recreational facilities, is causing the northern part of our parish to build up with homes costing from $10,000.00 to $25,000.00, and in a few years from now that section will all be built up.
To the east of us the City of St. Louis has already adopted a plan to widen Hampton Blvd. build a viaduct over the Missouri Pacific and Frisco tracks, and continue Hampton Blvd. to the most southern part of our city, which will make another great highway running through our parish, the property owners in that section are looking forward to this improvement, and the low lands east of Hampton Blvd., and south of Oakland Ave. are being rapidly filled in, and new streets to be layed off for the erection of first class apartment houses, as that type of buildings are under construction at the present time.
As we look to the west of us, we can see the new O'Gorman-Cody Subdivisions, adjoining the other improved sections in the western part of our parish, and in a few years from now will all be built up with modest and substantial homes.
Last but not least we have at our very door good old Tamm Ave., running through the heart of our parish, and when the new church is built on its peak, giving it a commanding view in all directions, and all the surrounding improvements closing in on it, it will make Tamm Ave. the great white way for parish activities.
In reviewing the future developments of this parish, I do not desire to paint a conceited picture of ourselves, or to overestimate our possibilities, but merely to give a conservative outline of the future growth of this parish, because it means that in a few years from now the wealth of this parish will be vastly increased, and parish revenue will double itself.
Speaking about parish revenue, back along the years we were sliding along in a certain groove, and we seemed to be contented to just keep on sliding along, until one day a young Irishman came along and pulled us out of the groove, and that person is none other than your Pastor, Father O'Connor. Not so long ago he told us if we intended to get anywhere, we would have instituted a four per cent system, and it seemed mighty hard for us to digest it at the time, but today it has become fairly well digested, and the result is we have $60,000.00 on hand drawing six per cent interest, and still going strong.
This is your achievement under the leadership of your Pastor, and his able assistant, Father Pohl.
What are we going to do tonight, are we going to slide back in to the old groove, or are we going to press on to new achievements?
Are we going to join the new spirit that is coming with the new people into our Parish? Are we going to keep faith with the pledge we made to that grand old character, Mr. Macken, whose generosity in donating the church ground is beyond words?
Are we going to build a church that in the years to come, will be viewed by our children with pride and admiration?
Judging from the sentiment manifested here this evening, I believe we are going to realize our ambition, and when the new edifice of St. James is built, and we gaze upon its beauty, it will bring new inspiration to our efforts, and we will say to ourselves, "We thank God for giving us the opportunity and the privilege to share in its consummation."
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Father O'Connor reported that one lady who would not sign a subscription card for the Special Collection, called at the Rectory on Monday morning and presented him with two $50 bills. This he announced from the altar and the following Sunday the record was broken by a gentleman who presented a hundred dollar bill.
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The entertainment at the Barbecue was considered by the audience unusually good. The performer of the Charleston gave an exhibition requiring energy, agility and stamina. The crowd from St. Edward’s were somewhat jealous in their competition with those from St. James who took part in the performance. They seemed to be very enthused with the fact that they were helping Father O'Connor "make good."
But the outstanding performance of the evening was given by Mr. Ed. Pierce, the Coon impersonator. He caricatured clergy and the community with a humor which was delightfully entertaining. He kept the stage for about forty minutes and the audience seemed to be willing to give him the whole evening.
The only topic on which he did not touch was the mistakes made by one of the editors of LET'S GO. He seemed to imply that as editor his literary ability is above ridicule, whereas his stenographer knows that whenever he uses a big word he has to consult Eddie Ryan as to its exact meaning, and the proof sheets are a proof that he is the first and second worst speller in the parish. His literary skill has improved considerably since his wife presented him at Christmas, the primer spelling book.
But taking him all in all Eddie is a first class comedian whether on or off the stage.
Ray Dolan briefly outlined the purpose of the Barbecue and said there never were to his knowledge, so many of the wage earners of the parish assembled in the parish grounds. He felt it was a proper occasion for doing something practical in the way of encouraging Father O'Connor to go ahead with the plans for the new church and arranging with the architect for designs of one that would be beautiful. He suggested that those present would tonight publicly subscribe toward the additional fund which would make it possible for the parish to build a church that would cost not less than $150,000.
After Mr. Dolan made these suggestions, Father O'Connor requested Mr. Walsh to ask for subscriptions and the number that were received and the enthusiasm with which the audience approved of the method, made it evident what success might be expected through the plan.
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Mr. Chas. Heil would have made a wonderful speech at the Barbecue were it not that he got stage fright. He spoke on the policy of the parish and emphasized the fact that we had free pews in the church, a free school and pastors who didn't know how to talk money, but notwithstanding these facts, through the generosity of the parishioners and the economy of the pastors, there has been set aside for a new church over $60,000 in the past five years.
He had a great deal more to say about the parish policy but forgot it and came off the stage resolved that he had made his last speech and that it was a notable failure, but nobody else agreed with him.
Mr. Martin Coad spoke on our parishioners. He said this is a cosmopolitan parish as is exemplified by the personnel of our leaders. The pastor is all Irishman, the assistant, a German, and there is in training an Italian, Antony Palumbo.
The people are of many races and they have learned to ignore race prejudice and to be tolerant of one another's foibles.
They have reason to be proud of their achievement. During the past five years, in proportion to their number and to their wealth their contributions to the church are pro rata, if not greater at least equal to the contributions made by any parish in the archdiocese.
People of St. James have reason to be proud of their generosity and of the many sacrifices which they have made for their religion. They have at last reached the goal of their ambition, a new church is no longer in the realm of possibility: in a year from now it will be an accomplished fact and he knew that this year every wage earner would make sacrifices greater than any they had made in the past and the church they would erect would be a perpetual manifestation of their faith and generosity.
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ARTHUR E. PAHL
Among the more liberal of the contributors to the New Church Fund, we note the name of our friend, Arthur Pahl.
About a. year ago the writer was working with a committee charged with the duty of preparing for St. James Picnic. When plans were completed, we called for volunteers to assist at the grounds, and Arthur volunteered. We wanted as many, as could do so to be on the grounds at five o'clock in the morning of the picnic day, to hang swings, ice soda, and put the grounds in readiness: Arthur was there, and he worked all day serving drinks, and was one of the reasons the picnic was declared a success.
On another occasion, when volunteers were requested to put the school play-grounds in condition, and erect equipment, Arthur was among the most energetic and untiring of the workers.
Limited space prevents a more complete chronicle of Mr. Pahl's many displays of friendship for St. James parish. Nevertheless, these few instances convince us that Arthur is a real friend.
And we call to your attention to the fact that Mr. Pahl is the non-Catholic father of a Catholic family.
DONATIONS FOR BARBECUE
The success of the Barbecue was due partly to the tasty sandwiches and delightful coffee which was served. We had understood that Father O'Connor had "set-em-up" to the lunch, but now find that, with customary thriftiness, he had a large part of the material donated:
Following is a list of the donors, and the nature of their donations
These donations, procured through the efforts of HENSE & SON and McShaffery & Bovard, were greatly appreciated by the committee, and we urge our readers to remember them when making purchases of this nature.
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Children who have sale of tickets for the entertainment must return tickets or money not later than June 17th.
MRS. LAGARCE AND MRS. WIBER ENTERTAIN AT THE RIVER
On Wednesday, May 26th, Mrs. LaGarce and Mrs. Wiber entertained at the Wiber Club House, near Valley Park, several of the ladies who have been active workers for the Mothers' Club. They rode to the river in a truck furnished by Mr. Sharamitaro and two automobiles. The ladies say they enjoyed the day very much, some of them played cards, others canoed on the river and a few went swimming.
Mrs. Sam Gittins refused to go in a boat because she said if she were drowned that Sam could never get along without getting married again, and that he would in all probability make a greater mistake the second time than he did the first.
Mrs. Wagner who rode in a boat with Mrs. Cullen feared for their safety when Mrs. Cullen began telling jokes and requested that she be taken to shore at once.
Mrs. Barney Quinn's swimming suit needs being laundered. She did her swimming in a mud hole distant from the main current.
The following were the ladies who made up the party: Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Englehardt, Mrs. Lauterwasser, Mrs. Gittins, Mrs. Wagner, Mrs. Cullen, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Plengemeir, Mrs. Schuler, Mrs. Nixon, Mrs. Foley, Mrs. Irvin, Mrs. McDonnell, Mrs. Quinn, Mrs. Boyer, Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Mahoney, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. LaGarce, Mrs. Arlt, Mrs. Wiber.
FUNERALS
Mrs. Margaret Bisso, a widow who lived with her only daughter, Ollie at 6857 Bruno Ave., died on Sunday, May 23rd. She had lived in St. James Parish nineteen years and since her husband, August, died in 1908, she and her little girl conducted a store for many years at 6837 Manchester Ave.
Though she had been ailing from a chronic tumor, she managed to climb the Tamm Ave. hill every Sunday and be present at Mass 'till Easter, when her condition became critical.
She received the last Sacraments with fervor and on Wednesday, May 26th, her funeral took place from St. James Church to Calvary Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
Her daughter has decided to reside with her aunt, Mrs. Regney, 1344 Elliot St.
ANTONIE BISSO'S DEATH
Antonie Bisso, father of John A. Bisso, the florist, 6317 West Park Ave., died on May 20th, at St. Louis Baptist Hospital, at the age of 65. He remained conscious to the last and knew he was dying. He faced eternity without whimpering and spent the last hours of his life in continuous prayer.
Father O'Connor said at the funeral, "Antonie Bisso was a man who had a family tradition that was Christian and lived up to it. His eyes were unusually expressive and revealed a soul that was sensitive, affectionate and sincere. He had so high a sense of honor he never stooped to anything that was mean or vicious.
"He was born in Montreal, where he resided till he was eighteen and assimilated in that Catholic City, the faith in all its mellowness.
"He journeyed into Missouri, which was a comparatively wild country forty years ago. Often he lived far from church and priest, but he kept close to God and cherished in his soul that light of faith that was enkindled from a divine spark; it burned brighter as he went and its brilliancy increased as he stood at the portals of death."
Antonie's grandchildren wept bitterly at his funeral. Children's tears at such a time are the highest tribute that can be paid a plain unpretentious man. -- R. I. P.
THE YOUNGSTERS
One of the things which we particularly noticed with reference to the Special Collection was the great number of young people who made donations.
Girls in their teens, and mere boys, many of them just out of school, grasped the spirit of the occasion, and put a crimp in their spending money for the next few months in order to help the cause.
We would like to show this list to some of the calamity howlers who are so critical of the younger generation. We think the "kids" are alright, and are emphatically "for them." Ninety-five per cent of them have their hearts where they belong, and a good many of the other five could be set right with a little more consideration, and less criticism.
Hurrah for the youngsters.
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The Virgin Mother Sodality is practicing to present a play in the airdome Wednesday, July 7th.
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The Mothers' Club are not going to give free suits to the children who will take part in the entertainment, but they will make a suit at cost of material for any child whose mother is too busy.
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In mentioning non-Catholics who contributed to the Special Collection, we almost overlooked George E. Wiber, Sr., 1318 Tamm Ave., who subscribed $100. Few realize that George, Jr., was once a Non-Catholic. George, Sr. has made a good start and we hope to see him come home before the finish.
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Because of the Special Devotions to the Sacred Heart which are being conducted in St. James Church each morning after 6:30 Mass, all the parishioners who go to confession and Communion, can gain a plenary indulgence on the last Sunday of June, also on June 30th as often as they visit the church and say a prayer to the Sacred Heart.
A plenary indulgence can also be gained daily by attending the devotions and going to Communion.
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Mrs. Conbrevis returned Thursday from a three weeks' trip to Macon, Georgia.
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Property owners need have no fears that the Jewish Orphan Home to be erected on Oakland Ave. will depreciate the value of their property. The Home has been conducted many years across from the Immaculate Conception Church, St. Louis, and the clergy assure us the place was never regarded as a nuisance.
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When you go to the River don't go to Hell. Do not forget to say your prayers and to assist at Mass on Sunday.
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