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
GIVE IT NOW
If you intend giving a subscription toward the new church, make it now.
Next year will be too late. The subscriptions that will have an influence on the size and beauty of the church, are those that will be made before the plans are drawn; those that come later will help to meet the parish debt, but will in no way affect the cost of the building.
Every design that the architects may submit will have to stand the acid test of "can we pay for it." If it is found the cost of any attractive decoration is too much, the architect will be told, “eliminate it" .
Those subscriptions already made, will be regarded as cash in hand. There is scarcely a doubt that those who made them are sincere and their word is as good as their bond.
The parish may grow; in all probability the congregation will double in less than ten years. This must be taken into account, when estimating the size of the church, but dealing in futurities is uncertain speculation and a safe margin of security must be maintained when contracting a debt. Courage is a better quality when prudence holds the wheel
A neat window, an artistic arch, a majestic spire or tower are decorations that give a church a character and a comeliness. A large barn can have as much seating capacity as a Gothic edifice.
Everyone who appreciates beauty in God's edifice and has zeal for His Glory has an opportunity of doing- his bit in erecting in St. James Parish a beautiful church. Should you find yourself inclined to subscribe generously, be assured God is prompting you to make a great sacrifice for His sake.
Let love prevail and if you are in the mood to give, do not defer action, go to the telephone or take a sheet of paper and tell your pastor how much you will -subscribe. DO IT NOW. .
FATHER O'CONNOR ON THE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
On setting out to the Eucharistic Congress, Monday, June 21st; I had a feeling akin suffocation. I feared I should find myself from the moment that I got on the train until my return, in an atmosphere loaded with human perspiration and being jostled by .an impulsive crowd of curious pilgrims that would constantly increase in- number and tread on one another's toes till the congestion of an already congested city, would feverishly vomit them back again through the apertures through which they came.
My anticipation of meeting a vast waiting crowd at Union Station, St. Louis, soon gave way to surprise at the few that were standing at the gate leading to the Chicago and Alton train. The chair cars in which we were seated were half empty and their cool freshness and quiet luxury suggested sleep and pleasant dreams.
St. Louisans had already gone to the Congress, or were not going. The fear of congestion had apparently its psychological effect, the town had talked itself into the conclusion that the safety first slogan of the United Railways, was practical for individuals, and only the most adventurous and zealous found themselves amongst the pilgrims.
When the train pulled into Chicago at 6:30 P. M., there was no bustle around the station. Yellow taxis stood in the usual lines, and the traffic in the streets was not exceptionally congested. What was all the talk about? Where were the crowds? Was the Congress lost in a quiet corner of this vast city? It looked like it. The car in which I rode speeded into the down town district at a clip of 35 miles an hour. I passed along Jackson Boulevard to 4800 West Adams St., and still the streets looked half empty.
Arrangements had been made by a clerical friend for me to get a room at Mrs. Hanrahan's, whom I was informed came forty years ago from the same part of Europe as I did myself. Her son-in-law, Mr. Mortell awaited my arrival at the station and from a description picked me out from among thirty priests.
I soon found myself in Mrs. Hanrahan's home and was given a warm welcome by all the family. After the usual civilities about health and weather, refreshments were passed, Mrs. Hanrahan and myself began to examine our family pedigree in hopes we would find some point in the distant past where our people met. We quickly established recognition points. I knew the lady's relatives and she knew many of mine and though either one of us made no special claim to family distinction, I am sure we must have impressed the younger generation with the fact that we came from "dacant" people who never knew the inside of a jail unless when they were deprived of their freedom for showing too much zeal for the cause of Irish Freedom.
Tuesday was ladies' day at the Congress and bright and early the family were out of bed and we found ourselves on the way to Soldiers' Field or as it is popularly called The Stadium. The stations leading to the elevated road were crowded, and it was quite a time before we were admitted to a car. The congestion was undoubtedly more congested from the fact that people were also going to work. As we stepped from the cars, we could see in the distance, the Soldiers' Field and every avenue leading up to it was one over swollen stream of humanity. Officers were stationed at intervals along the way directing and holding back the crowd. One, an Irishman, who did not recognize me at once as a priest, jostled me somehow, and becoming conscious of the slight indignity, became embarrassed and immediately, in the spirit of atonement and reverence, signed himself with the cross and said "excuse me Father."
Everyone was courteous and friendly and this became more noticeable after we entered the gates leading to The Field. Priests were assigned separate sections and fortunately I was permitted to take with me my companions.
We sat not very far distant from the altar and had a splendid view of the ceremonies and the assembly. I have never witnessed a scene of such magnificent splendor. The Cardinals seated on the knoll on which the altar was erected, their scarlet robes sparkling in the morning sun; in front of them the stately Doric pillars supporting the dome that overshadowed the altar, around about them the Bishops and Monsignori, and in front of the Sanctuary were thousands of nuns, each order distinguished by its peculiar religious garb. Behind them, section after section, acre after acre, as far as the eye could see were the countless throngs of women who had gathered to witness this great event. Their dresses presented a variety of color, but noticeably amongst them, whether by accident or deliberation, was the light blue tint of the Immaculate Conception.
An immense organ began to peal its solemn tones and thousands of women's voices in sweet harmony rose into the air like angels' voices proclaiming the praises of The Master of the Universe. Was He listening? Could He be deaf and blind to what was happening here in this Soldiers' Field. The Nations of the world gathered together and united like one family in the fold that claimed Christ as their Shepherd. Here there were no foreigners as there shall be none in Heaven. Every child of God was in its own home, and the Father of one was the Father of all. In different tongues they prayed and the speakers addressed the gathering in many languages, somehow one felt that the difference of speech and race was only God's way of giving variety to one grand harmony. Thoughts flowed into my brain. Bigger thoughts and deeper sentiments than I thought I was capable of conceiving. God seemed so near and so wonderful and His people so pleasing and so proper. "Come Holy Ghost," chanted the choir. I thought then of the efforts made by men of science to attract by powerful electric signals the supposed inhabitants of Mars. "Come Holy Ghost." Thousands and thousands were singing. Was there ever before such a signal sent up to Heaven. My soul was stirred, tears of emotion came into my eyes and my heart and lips were full of prayer. I prayed for the parishioners, I prayed for the school children, I prayed for my relatives, I prayed for all that I love and all who love me, and my one prayer was that when that immense gathering of people should assemble at the day of judgment that we should not be outside the gates in the glorious arena, where the saints and the angels were assembled with Christ no longer the humble hidden king of the Eucharist, but the triumphant master who had redeemed mankind.
Whilst standing in a space where the crowd was not so thick, by some strange coincidence, I jostled against my first cousin, a priest from New York, Father John Lyons, and whilst we were chatting, Mother Reginald and Sister Veronica of our Dominicans came along. I also happened to run across Father Dempsey's sister and several St. Louisans, in fact, the world seemed to be the proverbial small world, where the impossible seemed to happen and friend met friend.
The scene at night was still more impressive. Armies of men marched over the paths where the ladies had congregated in the morning and again the field was full, and every approach to it, by men, thousands of men. Fortunately there were seats for over 160,000, but it would appear that only a few of the vast throng were seated. Away in the distance, outside the enclosure there were men, more and more armies of men.
Bishop Hoban, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, presided at the Congress. He introduced amongst others, the chaplain of the Holy Name Society, and under his direction, all stood and in a clear distinct voice, recited the pledge made by Holy Name Society members. They promised to be true to God and country, and later, when they were addressed by the Cardinals and Bishops, manifested a fervor and an earnestness that was truly inspiring.
During Benediction, they had lighted candles in their hands and this unusual scene of thousands of lights sparkling in the night over the crowd, made one feel that heaven had put on a double arch and that the stars that belonged to the sky were lighted on the surface of the earth.
Senator Walsh, amongst others, spoke, and the end of his address was somewhat wearying and the crowd showed impatience by repeated applause. This did not produce the desired effect, on the contrary, it seemed to encourage him to speak the longer. I fear me his popularity as an orator waned that night.
As the Cardinals, representing each racial group, receded in procession from the altar, they were given an ovation. When Cardinal O'Donnell appeared, one would think that all the Catholics at the Convention belonged to that International Organization, whose cradle is in Ireland, and whose journeyings are limited only by the circumference of the globe. The crowd remained seated whilst the other Cardinals were passing, but they arose when Cardinal O'Donnell arrived, and their applause was more enthusiastic.
One who was not present, could not realize how large was the crowd that assembled at Mundelein, on Thursday, at the closing event of the Congress. Over a thousand acres of ground pilgrims were scattered and close to the walk, where the procession would pass, groups were condensed like swarms in a hive. Everyone was jubilant, the Congress was almost over; the procession was wending its way down along the lake, Cardinals, Bishops and Monsignori were assembled around the Cardinal Legate, Bonzano, who held in his hand, the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament. It was a moment of triumph, the hour of victory and pomp. The Congress had been written up in all the papers of the world as the greatest event of Christendom. Catholics might well feel proud that their church had been so notably triumphant, but there was yet one sermon to be preached. The Christ of the Eucharist was still to march as did the Nazarene, God's ways are not man's ways. Man becomes proud by success and is elated with victory. The clouds were gathering in the heavens, it was evident that a storm was breaking, the Faith of many, including mine, presumed that the God who had been so favorable in the weather during the rest of the week; would keep back the storm that one hour when the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. But no, He would not. He did not, rain fell in torrents and hail as big as marbles broke on the heads of the crowd. The walks turned into streams, the bishops and the Cardinals had water flowing from their shoes, their vestments were sodden and crumpled. It was not an accident, undoubtedly it was the deliberate will of God. He was preaching the last sermon of the Congress, "Go home and be humble," for the triumph of Christ must ever be the triumph of failure, so the glory of the church must ever remain shrouded and the divinity that dwells in her must remain hidden as did that of the Master, when He hung on the Cross.
BAPTISMS IN JUNE
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Mr. Frank Pursley, 6136 Crescent Ave., is one of the non-Catholic contributors at the Barbecue, whose name was omitted from the list. During the month he sent to the Rectory $100.
PLAY GIVEN BY THE YOUNG LADIES' SODALITY
Wednesday evening, July 7th, the Young Ladies' will present a comedy in three acts entitled "Cupid and Calories." The play is composed of twelve women characters, and though not a man appears on the stage, there are at least four behind the scenes. There is a refreshing air of good fellowship among these plucky and cheerful girls, with some character contrasts of a very different kind. A delightfully democratic point of view and a cheerful quick movement toward the happy ending of each love affair, make this a really enjoyable play.
The girl who gives the play its title wins her sweetheart on the telephone as the curtain falls.
[Photo of the people named below is missing. My copy is a poor xerox and would not adequately copy the photo]
(In photo) Romaine Brady, Rosemary Wiss, Genevieve Mahon. Genevieve Saxton. Estelle Sensenbrenner, Mary Devanney, Virginia Jones, Margaret McDonnell, Velma Trammel. Mary Saxton, Cecelia Badendieck
The scene is laid in a hotel for working girls. Between each act a specialty of some kind will be put on.
The play will be presented in the St. James Airdome, at 8:15 P. M., Wednesday, July 7th. Tickets are 35c and are being sold by the Young Ladies of the Sodality.
The cast of characters includes the following:
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Miss Agnes Kern presented the Mothers' Club with a sewing machine, which the ladies found very useful when making the costumes for the children's entertainment. Mrs. Ben PIengemeier acted as forelady and cutter.
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Gladys Huger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry A. Finger, 1033 Louisville Ave., completed her four year course at Loretto Seminar, and was awarded a scholarship in the Webster Groves Academy.
A THIRTY ACRE SUBDIVISION TO BE OPENED IN THE PARISH
The enthusiasm shown by St. James Parishioners at the Barbecue, undoubtedly had something to do with the sale of thirty acres of real estate owned by Evens & Howard, adjoining the church property.
Messrs. Leahy and Stedlin, the purchasers of the property, had been dickering for it for the past two years. The day after the barbecue, they decided to give Evens & Howard their price. The prospect of a new church in the near future for St. James parish has increased the value of this estate, as well as all the real estate in the immediate neighborhood. New settlers are attracted by a good school and a neat church. They like to live in a parish, where the parishioners are active, and where prospects of home life are favorable.
On the night of the barbecue, it became evident, that the people of St. James were a big body of boosters, who were determined to put their parish on the ecclesiastical map. Mr. Leahy's sisters and brothers were present and we wouldn't wonder if they whispered to him the sanguine hopes that the parishioners have of the future in the parish. The psychology of a crowd, when it forms a high estimate of the locality in which it finds itself, is quite an asset when putting real estate on the market, and this community have come to the conclusion that every day in every way we are getting better and better.
Engineers have been making a survey of the property during the past few weeks and taking levels. The promoters hope to have grading machines working there in about two weeks.
Running parallel to Tamm, will be a street which is named Gregg Ave. It will run along the valley west of Graham Ave. The lots will be 125 feet deep and will be in sizes 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 feet, prices ranging from $20 to $25 on Gregg Ave. and Graham St., and on Sproule Ave. $29 to $33 and on Manchester Ave., $39 to $50.
The property is conveniently located, on one side of it the parochial school and church, and Gratiot public school is on its eastern boundary. Along the southern boundary, is Manchester Ave., with splendid street car service, and immediate prospects of being a state highway and the gateway to the city from the southwest. Close by is the Scullin Rolling Mill and factory, that employs thousands of men, and east in Cheltenham there are lead works, terra cotta works, sheet metal works and brick works.
Old settlers have no fear that ground is unsafe for building because of the mining which took place there many years ago. They say that after the props have been removed, the ground settles and as the upper strata is a sheet of rock, the whole field settles and this is apparent from the fact that in several parts of the ground, where water lies, there seems to be no leakage to the channels in the underground where the mines were.
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Vacation time has many temptations and dangers for young people and for that reason those who remain faithful will have a greater reward. A timely word might be said about avoiding places where it is difficult or impossible to hear mass or receive Holy Communion.
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Waldo Bisso, son of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Bisso, florist, 6317 West Park Ave., had the highest general average in the Sophomore Class, in the Christian Brothers' College for the year 1926. He made a general average of 97%.
PICNIC AT FERN GLEN
Father O'Connor will give an outing on Thursday, July 8th, to the Altar Boys, and his "Bodyguard" Class of 1925, at Fern Glen, on the Meramec.
It has recently come to our attention that Fern Glen is owned by the Kletzker Brothers, one of whom is our own Mr. George Kletzker, of 1041 Fairmount Ave.
George Kletzker is one of the most liberal contributors to the Church, and his generosity and co-operation have made it possible for the publication in Let's Go of so many photographic and cartoon pictures, which have been obtained through him from the Central Engraving Co., of which the Kletzker Brothers are proprietors.
Since taken over by them, the Kletzkers have installed a great many improvements in the Fern Glen property. These include an improved Inn with large dining room, and clean, commodious rooms; large new dancing pavilion; artesian well water; new cottages and many other improvements.
[Missing: two photos of the Fern Glen. My xerox copy is too poor quality to allow me to scan the photos.]
The Fern Glen Orchestra of six pieces serves for dances every Saturday night, and for special occasions.
Being so conveniently located, within easy reach of the city, yet far enough in the country to be totally detached from city life and influences, Fern Glen makes an ideal place for picnics, outings and cool motor trips. Knowing that the place is operated by friends, should be an added inducement for parishioners to make Fern Glen the objective of their next outing.
AWARDED FIRST PRIZES IN SCHOOL
John Houlihan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Houlihan, 6744 Oakland Blvd., was. awarded first prize in the seventh grade.
Mary Kearney, daughter of Wm. H. Kearney, 1336 Hughes Place, first prize in sixth grade.
In the fifth and third grades, Veronica Duggan and Agnes Duggan, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Duggan, 6156 Victoria Ave.
In the fourth grade, Ruth Heil, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Heil, 2108 Forest Ave.
Second Grade, Benedict Moynihan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Moynihan, 1328 _Hughes Place
Competition amongst the children for these prizes was very keen and the successful pupils are to be congratulated
HARRIS A. BRIGHTLY; BENEDICT
Our distinguished co-worker, Mr. Harris A. Brightly was married on June 30th, to Miss Grace Campbell of St. Cronin's Parish.
Everyone will remember "Harry" as the clever artist who makes our cartoons. Now that he has taken on a censor, we suppose Harry will have to be more careful in the way he caricatures certain phases of life; married life, for instance, and pretty girls.
We know Mrs. Brightly, however, as being of the good-natured type who would not let her censorial duties hamper Harry too much in his work.
We would like to see the young couple settled down in St. James, but they located on Rolla Place, "just what we wanted," so we will have to continue knowing them at long distance.
We wish them the greatest of success and happiness.
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Mrs. Clyde Stiff recently underwent a serious operation at St. Mary's Hospital, when a cancer was removed from her breast. The doctors think it was not malignant. Mrs. Stiff has been a splendid patient and showed great courage when entering the operating room. She says she suffered very little pain and has continued to maintain a humorous attitude in her unpleasant surroundings. She is now convalescing and is expected home in a few days. Her daughter, Georgette, has been residing since her mother's illness with Mr. and Mrs. Henkel, 1040 Fairmount Ave.
ANNUAL COMMUNION OF THE ST. JAMES ALUMNI
Sunday, June 20th, about 125 members of the St. James Alumni approached Holy Communion at the 7:30 mass. Immediately after mass, breakfast was served by the following friends of the Alumni:
Miss Mary Ward, Miss Catherine Ward, Mrs. Dan Murphy, Mrs. Pat Usher, Miss Emma Ehle, Mrs. Florence Wiber, Mrs. B. Doering, Mrs. M. Cooper, Mrs. Ray Dolan, Mrs. Florence Nelson, Miss Ruth Carlson, Mrs. Ed Gittens. The breakfast was cooked by Mrs. Bauer.
A short business meeting took place after the breakfast and the following members have been elected to office:
ST. JAMES ALUMNI DRAMATIC CLUB
The regular monthly meeting of the St. James Alumni Dramatic Club will be held Thursday Evening, July 8th. Both the Entertainment Committee and the Refreshment Committee are planning to make this a real meeting and a good time is assured. Plans are underway for three one-act plays, which will be given the latter part of September, and the Director, Mr. Warren Carroll, will select the cast for these plays at the July meeting.
MICHAEL OATES GOES TO EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
At a meeting of the St. James Branch Holy Name Society, Monday, June 15th, the members spoke very enthusiastically of then president, Michael Oates, and gave him a check of $50 that he might attend the Eucharistic Congress, at Chicago.
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Mr. William Hawkins, past president volunteered to, give Mr. Oates a free ride to Chicago and back in his auto. They set out Saturday and returned a week later. They had a very delightful time.
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Charles Cunningham, 6654 Mitchell Ave., fell recently and scarred his elbow. The wound became infected and he was taken to St. John's Hospital, where he is now a patient.
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Mrs. Stiff came home from the hospital, June 28th.
ST. JAMES SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET
St. James Alumni held their annual banquet at the City Club, Sunday evening, June 27th. There were 132 members present and the class of 1926 were initiated into the society.
Mr. Raymond Usher, the outgoing president, acted as chairman and in his opening remarks dwelt upon the purpose and spirit of the organization. He stated that this was the 18th annual banquet given by the society and that the increasing success and continued life of the organization resulted from the grand spirit and high idealism imparted by Sisters Catherine and Louis when the Alumni was first organized. This, he said, was the only organization of its kind in St. Louis, as far as he knew there is no other parochial school that has one.
Arthur Pahl gave the address of welcome to the class of 1926, and said in part:
The Alumni Association of St. James School has planned this banquet to honor your admission into the ranks of this society.
Your long years of training in St. James School and your graduation certificate are sufficient proof to us of your eligibility and worth and are also a recommendation which the society regards as the brand of Christian character and high idealism.
The purpose of our organization is to perpetuate the idealism of St. James School in our lives and to keep united in fraternal charity the successive classes that shall year after year come from its portals.
Dear graduates of 1926, we greet you with open arms in the spirit of brotherhood and with gladness we welcome you into the ranks of St. James School Alumni.
To which George Epstein in behalf of the class replied in a well delivered speech which received a good deal of applause, as follows
We the class of 1926 have reached the goal of every child in St. James School. We are at last to be members of the Alumni. We are most happy in this consummation of our desire and wish to express our gratitude to the members of the Alumni for the good example always given us and for the encouragement afforded us by their efforts to make this evening one of welcome.
The purpose of our dearly beloved Alma Mater is to educate her children for the true and complete life of the perfect Christian. We appreciate the advantages afforded by her towards the accomplishment of this, her aim. And we her children like to believe that we have learned unforgettably something at least of the invaluable lessons she imparts. If our lives be, as we hope to make them, an illustration of her teaching they will be truly and immortally successful.
Other speakers were Maria Kelly and Dan Murphy. Maria's subject was "The History of the Alumni." She compared its growth to that of the sturdy oak from the acorn. There were only 18 members at the first banquet and year after year the members had gradually increased till now membership had reached the total of 387.
There were a few members in the society whose children are expected to graduate in the year 1927, and it was reasonable to hope that an organization which had gone into another generation would continue to flourish.
Mr. Dan Murphy said the society organized during the past year, a Dramatic Club with the intention of raising funds to place two memorial stained glass windows in the new church to the memory of Father Casey and Sisters Catherine and Louis. Later in the evening a check for $200 toward this fund was presented to Father O'Connor by Mr. Usher, outgoing president.
Mr. Murphy said the officers each year would be asked to raise the balance of the thousand dollars that are required for the windows and for the next attraction the club intended putting on three one act plays in the fall.
The newly elected president, John McAnnar, 1028 Graham St., addressed the meeting prior to the dance and in a spirited speech asked for the co-operation of the members for the coming year.
The banquet was regarded as one of the most successful yet given. The cream of the membership was present, and the dinner served by a catering company was elaborate and delicious.
TONY'S BROTHER DIES
Joseph Palumbo, brother to Antony and one of the twins born to Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Palumbo, 1347 Graham St., October, 1925, became ill June 18th, and died Monday, June 21st. Its remains were taken to church and buried in Calvary Cemetery on Tuesday.
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Rev. Ethelbert Harms, who was ordained at the Franciscan Monastery in June, is an uncle to Sister Mary Therese. He was guest at the rectory, Sunday night, June 27th, and said Mass in the Convent Chapel, at 6 A. M., Monday morning.
GIVE DIPLOMAS
An excellent program by the pupils of St. James Parochial School was presented at the airdome, on Saturday and Sunday nights, marking the close of the school year for 1925-26. The program as arranged included every pupil in the school, and various songs and sketches were rendered in a creditable manner. The program opened with a Mother Goose scene and the children from the kindergarten and first grades delighted the audience by the simplicity and the earnestness with which they performed the parts assigned to them. The other grades had a variety of uniforms and performed their parts equally well, especially on Sunday evening, when Miss Mathew's Orchestra, from the Conservatory of Music, Webster Groves, played for the children.
There were twenty-eight graduates, ten boys and eighteen girls. Cornelius Kavanaugh, one of the graduates was very ill and was not able to appear with the class, when Father O'Connor awarded diplomas. The commencement address was delivered by Rev. Thomas WaIIace, S. J. He stressed the value of Catholic education and urged that the Catholic parents continue to send their children to parochial schools. He also made a very complimentary reference to the Dominican sisters and stated that as an educator, he had been given an unusual opportunity of judging the character and efficiency of students who presented themselves at various academies directed by the Jesuit Order, and that children who came from schools conducted by The Dominican Sisters were exceptionally well disciplined and manifested those qualities that go to make well defined moral character. He said the people of St. James were fortunate, in the fact that they had the Dominican Order conducting the parochial school, and he congratulated the children for having successfully finished their course and wished them success in their onward march through life.
Diplomas were presented by Father O'Connor to:
Top row from left: 1. George Epstein, 2. Joseph Schmid, 3. Francis Dwyer, 4. Charles Heil, 5. Henry Stoverink, 6. Matt McLaughlin, 7. Frank Manestar, 8. Anthony Kollias, 9. Joe Gioia
Middle row: 1. Catherine Reese, 2. Iona Arnold, 3. Lucille Cenatiempo, 4. Ruth Kelly, 5. Dorothy Martineau, 6. Bertha Stoverink, 7.Virginia Pursley, 8. Lillian Bernsen, 9. Othea Lauterwasser
Front row: 1. Agnes Stanton, 2. Catherine O'Shaughnessy, 3. Laura Stumpf, 4. Margaret Regan, P.J. O'Connor, 5. Ruth Bovard, 6. Philomena Shaffrey, 7. Monica Moynihan, 8. Anna Purcell, 9. Frances Matreci.
Also in the class, but not in this photo is Cornelius Kavanaugh.
The Pastor's Medal for Christian Doctrine was awarded Anthony Kollias who, by the way, is not a Roman Catholic. His family are affiliated with the Orthodox Greek Church.
The Medals awarded by St. James Parochial School Alumni Association for Highest Average for boys, was given to George Epstein, and for girls to Ruth Bovard, for General Excellence, to Monica Moynihan.
Receipts from the entertainment are expected to exceed $400 and will be used for installing an automatic oil burner in the Convent.
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Miss Mary Wilson, 1046 Forest Ave., has been ill for several weeks. The doctors have difficulty diagnosing her case. She has been running a fever.
PARISHIONERS AT THE CONGRESS
Among those present at the Eucharistic Congress were noticed Mrs. Irene M. Mills and her friend Miss Celeste Lynch, 6682 Oakland Ave.; Marie Ryan and her Aunt Minnie, 6167 Crescent Ave.
Mrs. Anna Strathman, 5900 West Park Ave., who was accompanied by her son, Walter, and Mrs. John A. Bisso, 6317 West Park Ave. They visited St. Xavier’s Academy with Sister Mary DeSales, sister to Mrs. Strathman, and were given a very kindly greeting by Sister Paulina, daughter of Dr. John Simon, and Sister Centia.
Mrs. Louis Schollmeyer drove in her car to Chicago, and experienced no inconvenience as did William Hawkins and Michael Oates. Betty Kavanaugh also witnessed the big doings and was much impressed.
Father O'Connor, with a few of the parishioners, visited the technical school conducted by the Good Shepherd Sisters in Chicago, where he met Sister Michael, who, before joining the order, was Catherine White, daughter of William White, 1203 Kraft Ave. Sister Michael appears to be very well. She entertained her guests with many a pleasantry about her little colored pupils. She expects to be transferred in fall to the convent in St. Louis.
THE SISTERS WHO ARE GOING EAST
Sisters Patrice, Estelle, Raymunda and Mary Therese are spending their vacation in the East. Sister Gabriel, Sister Jeanette and Sister Celestine will continue in the Convent on Tamm Ave. Sister. Josileta was called back from New York last week, to be present at her father's funeral, Mr. Wm. Fruin, who was buried Monday, June 21st, from St. Edward's Church. Mr. Fruin was a close friend of Father O'Connor. He was the first St. Louisan to take him on a hunting trip and Father O'Connor assisted at the funeral and preached the panegyric.
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Rev. Edward Connolly, pastor of Monroe City, Mo., and Rev. Patrick Cronan, Minneapolis, Kansas, were guests at St. James Rectory during the Centennial celebration.
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Mr. Arthur E. Pahl, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Pahl, 1458 Tamm Ave, graduated on June 3rd, from the Christian Brothers' College and intends going to St. Louis University next year to study medicine.
DAVID P. LEAHY, PROMOTER OF THE TAMM AVENUE SUBDIVISION
Fortunately for St. James Parish, thirty acres of ground directly east and south of the parish rectory, known as the Evens & Howard property, will be put on the market by David P. Leahy, the well known realtor.
Mr. Leahy resides at 4561 McPherson Ave., and is a brother of Mrs. Phillip Smith, 6524 Berthold Ave., and to Stephen Leahy, 6514 Berthold Ave., both parishioners. Mr. Leahy is a self made man, and for the last thirty-five years has been the promoter of twenty subdivisions of city property, the most notable of which was West Walnut Manor, which consisted of thirty-five city blocks and extended over 250 acres. As this property was outside the city limits and distant from street cars, Mr. Leahy, to promote sales, built a railroad for his purchasers and conducted it for a number of years at a very low rate.
In the year 1925, he laid out a, subdivision near Watson and Arsenal St., which is now considered one of the beauty spots of the city of St. Louis. The grading of this property cost $180,000, and was put on the market with streets and sidewalks made and all sewers built.
Mr. Leahy developed a tract in Brooklyn, N. Y., known as South Ozone Park, Jamaica, in the year 1918, which gained him a great deal of notoriety, though incidentally he lost on the transaction over a quarter million dollars. When he came west to his old home town, he was stony broke, and not over popular with many people who had advanced money to him. Mr. Leahy began all over again with courage and determination, the traditional honesty of the Leahy family had to be upheld and Mr. Leahy set about making another fortune with the chief aim of satisfying his creditors. It is understood, that Mr. Leahy has never failed to keep a promise and he has been known to carry debts for over six months, rather than foreclose on those who were unable to meet their payments on property purchased from him.
In 1922, when Mr. Leahy was on a pleasure trip to New York, the people of South Ozone Park, and their parish priest invited him to a banquet. They wanted to honor him because of the prosperity that had come to them through his efforts. They christened him "The Father of South Ozone Park," and presented him with a loving cup, and in an address they stated that Mr. Leahy had shown them the way to prosperity. He made it possible for them to purchase their own home on easy terms and taught them the lesson of economy. Most of them had become comparatively wealthy and in their gratitude to the man that had helped them, they gathered round him and manifested an emotionalism and affection that is unusual in real estate dealings.
Mr. Leahy was encouraged to purchase Evens & Howard's property by Father O'Connor . He intends grading it to street-level at a great cost, making macadam streets in the entire subdivision, putting in walks and sewers. Lots will be sold on easy terms and Father O'Connor is very hopeful and that many of the former parishioners, who were unable to find suitable real estate for a home in the parish, will return, and that all the parishioners will get behind the sale of this property and invite their friends to settle in the parish.
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Gladys Leahy, daughter of Stephen Leahy, 6514 Berthold Ave., graduated from St. Elizabeth's Academy, June 12th, where she studied during the past seven years. She led her class in domestic economy and finds great pleasure in exhibiting her skill to her daddy, for whom she intends being chief cook and housekeeper for the next few years.
MARRIAGE
Patrick McHugh, 6738 Glades Ave., was married June 23rd, at St: Aloysius Church, to Miss Marie Malone, of that parish. The wedding was a pretty affair and the ceremony in the church was most impressive. Adeline Steingrubey, Catherine Roddy and Isabell Coble were maids of honor. Loretto Schinsky, flower girl, and Eugene Burington, ring bearer. The groomsmen were Peter McHugh, Vincent Malone and Carl Fieselman. The parish priests were present at the breakfast, which was given at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Malone, of Garner Ave.
A reception was held at 7:30 that evening, at St. Aloysius Hall, and a large and enthusiastic gathering congratulated the young couple and presented them with wedding gifts.
RECEIVES THREE SACRAMENTS IN ONE WEEK
Miss Rita D. Neisz, 6112 Adeline Ave., was baptized and received into the church on June 16th. Next morning she received Holy Communion and on Saturday evening, June 19th, she was married in St. James Church to Leo Henry Hassel.
Other converts received during the month were: Augustine Beinicke, 2163 Clifton Ave.; Mrs. Geraldine Marks, 1434 Hampton Ave., and Mrs. Dempsey of Dale Ave.
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Mrs. Mary Bisso, 2226 McCausland Ave., who is 63 years old, became suddenly ill Sunday, June 20th, and was taken to St. Mary's Hospital. The doctors found her suffering from acute gall and bladder trouble, and as she was in intense pain, it was necessary to operate on her at once. For two or three days her condition was critical and her family remained at her bedside the greater part of the time. She is now out of danger and hopes to be home in a week or two.
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The picnic at Creve Coeur Lake, given to the children of St. James Parochial School, would have been a decided success were it not that Mrs. Dennis Harris, 1033 Fairmount Ave., when getting off the car on the return trip was jostled and thrown against a seat and taken home in a state of nervous collapse.
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