USA > Illinois > Fayette County > Vandalia > Minutes twenty-ninth annual convention Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1899 > Part 5
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was accepted. The result of the election was as follows: PRESIDENT, Rev. M. L. Wagner, Vandalia, Illinois;
SECRETARY, Rev. William J. Finck, Anderson, Indiana;
TREASURER, Rev. Isaiah Whitman, Wallace, Fountain Co., Ind.
The hours for opening and closing the sessions were fixed as follows :- 9:00 to 12:00. for the morning; 2:00 to 4:30 for the afternoon; sun time.
The Rev. J. C. Kunzmann addressed the Synod as the representative of the General Council Board of Home Missions. His address was followed by a discussion based on a set of resolutions offered by the Rev. A. D. Crile. The resolutions were pending when Synod ad- journed.
The President appointed the following Committee on President's Report: Rev. Dr. Wagenhals, Rev. Luther Hogshead, and Rev. Dr. Sadtler.
The session was closed with prayer by the Rev. A. J. Reichert.
SECOND SESSION.
Friday, June 8, 1900, 9:00 a. m.
The devotional services were conducted by the Rev. George P. Kabele. The roll was called and the minutes were read and approved.
It was resolved that the resolutions pending at the close of the last session and the report of the Home Mis- sion Committee be made the first order for the Saturday morning session.
Election of Trustees.
Upon motion the Secretary cast the ballot for the election of A. G. Webber, Esq., for three years, making the list of trustees as follows:
Mr. Nels Johnson, Chicago, term expires 1901.
Mr. Wm. K. Wesner, Newberry, Indiana, term expires 1902. A. G. Webber, Esq., Decatur, Illinois, term expire $ 1903.
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The President completed the Standing Committees and appointed the Regular Committees, as follows:
Standing Committees.
EXAMINATION-Dr. S. Wagenshals, Rev. J. Wesner, A. D. Crile, P. C. Wike, and I. Whitman.
FOREIGN MISSIONS-Dr. Sadtler, Rev. L. O. Peach, and Mr. Josiah Rothenberger.
HOME MISSIONS-Rev. A. C. Anda, Dr. Gerberding, A. J. Reichert, Dr. Sadtler, G. P. Kabele, and Mr. C. T. A. Anderson.
EDUCATION-Rev. J. Wesner, I. Whitman, and Mr. F. M. Umbaugh.
BENEVOLENCE-Rev. William Evans, Z. M. Corbet, and Mr. Allen Sellers.
DISCIPLINE-Rev. A. V. House, P. W. H. Frederick, Luther Hogshead, J. M. G. Sappenfield, and Mr. Oliver O. Yung.
RECEPTION OF CONGREGATIONS-Rev. C. L. V. Dozer, A. D. Crile, A. H. Arbaugh, and Mr. John B. Hupp.
PAROCHIAL REPORTS AND APPORTIONMENT-Rev. I. Whit- man, D. L. Reese, W. Evans, and Messrs. James A. Dunn, and Jacob E. Fine.
Regular Committees.
ON PRESIDENT'S REPORT-Dr. Wagenhals, Dr. Sadtler, and Rev. Luther Hogshead.
ON TREASURER'S REPORT-Messrs. C. T. A. Anderson, Chas. Laughner, and M. E. Haberland.
ON PROTOCOL AND MINUTES OF PREVIOUS CONVENTION- Rev. A. J. Reichert, Z. M. Corbet, and Mr. William Eckert.
ON ABSENTEES-Rev. A. C. Anda, Luther Hogshead, and Mr. J. Rodenbarger.
ON PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES-Rev. C. L. V. Dozer and A. C. Anda.
ON PRESS AND CHURCH PAPERS-For Lutheran, Dr. Ger- berding; for Young Lutheran, Committee on Young Lutheran.
The Rev. P. C. Wike was appointed on the Min- isterial Relief Committee in place of Rev. S. P. Fry- berger.
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Report of Committee on President's Report.
Your Committee on President's Report respectfully recom- mends:
1. That the official acts of the President be approved.
2. We commend to the earnest consideration of our larger charges the suggestion touching redistricting and division, with a view to securing more frequent services for each congregation.
3. That the apportionments be made on the basis of fifty cents per communicant member.
4. As a safeguard for our congregations we heartily endorse the suggestion that vacant charges confer with the President of Synod before entertaining any application for temporary or per- manent supply .
5. The death of our brother, Rev. A. E. Gift, calls forth the sincere sympathy of the members of Synod for his bereaved family in their deep sorrow. We suggest that the Committee on Min- isterial Relief be instructed to solicit voluntary contributions im- mediately among ehe members of Synod to assist in defraying the funeral expenses, and that some member of Synod be appointed to prepare a suitable obituary for insertion in the minutes.
6. We would again most earnestly urge upon the members of our congregations the duty of keeping in touch with the church at large by taking a church paper. To this end we especially com- mend The Lutheran and the Synod's edition of The Young Lutheran. THE COMMITTEE.
The report was received and considered item by item. Item three was laid on the table until after hearing the report of the Mission Committee. The other items were adopted.
Report of Delegates to General Council.
The General Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church met in Wicker Park Church, Chicago, Sept. 28, to Oct. 4, 1899. Our Synod was represented by the President, together with Rev. M. L. Wagner, and Rev. H. A. W. Yung; with Lay-Dele- gates, F. Swingle, M. L. Deck, and A. P. Johnson.
With the exception of the unhappy misunderstanding between the Foreign Mission Board and some of its missionaries, this was one of the most hopeful, helpful and encouraging conventions
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ever held by that body. It is becoming more and more apparent that the General Council is the most potent and influential ex- ponent of the Lutheran Church in America. Its literature, its institutions, its methods and its men are making our Church known and appreciated among the serious thinking people all over our land.
The reports on Home Missions, Sunday School work, Dea- coness work and Publications were more than ever full of encour- agement and inspiration.
The following items were referred to the district Synods for action :
1. The apportionment to the congregations of the amount ex- pected from Synod for the General Council's work.
2. The observance of the Sunday nearest Reformation Day for special offerings in church and Sunday school for the Coun- cil's Home Mission work. See Minutes 1899, page 59.
3. That the various District Synods furnish detailed mis- sion statistics of synodical missions to the Secretary of the Gen- eral Council, page 65.
4. The theses on the Relation of the General Council to the Luther League, pages 145-147.
Your Committee recommends:
1. That a time be set for the consideration of these items.
2. That all our congregations and Sunday schools use only the books and literature of the General Council in their worship, instruction and for distribution. THE COMMITTEE.
The report was received and considered item by item. The discussion of the items referring to mission work was postponed to be taken up with the Report of the Home Mission Committee. The theses on the Luther League were immediately taken up for discussion. Their consideration was pending when the hour of ad- journment arrived.
Adjourned with prayer by Dr. Wagenhals.
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THIRD SESSION.
Friday, June 8, 1900, 2:00 p. m.
The devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. A. D. Crile. The minutes were read and approved. The discussion of the theses on the Luther League was continued, and after due consideration, they were ap- proved in the following form:
A. 1. Discipleship in Christ involves and demands conse- crated service. 2. The character of this service varies with the age, sex, capacities, and circumstances of those brought into the church. 3. Proper organizations for special purposes within the congregation may be useful, and if so, may be formed and favored. 4. Everything in such organizations that might be detrimental to the true, organic unity and solidarity of the congregation, is to be carefully avoided. 5. These organizations cannot add any new duties which are not involved and included in church mem- bership, but they are simply a human arrangement to render the service of the members more efficient, by co-operation, systemiza- tion, and mutual encouragement. 6. They must not be treated as ecclesiola in ecclesia, or as if membership in them were essential, or evinced a higher degree of spirituality, but simply as a human arrangement for increased efficiency. 7. Their doctrinal basis and the practical methods of carrying on their operations must be in harmony with those of the church. 8. They must be subordi- nate to and under the control of the congregation, or the church council which represents the congregation. 9. The above princi- ples apply to the associations known as Luther Leagues as well as to all other societies in the church.
B. The Luther League based upon the Augsburg Confession, professes to be such an organization "of the church, by the church, for the church," as set forth in the "Model Constitution."
1. The first object, according to Art. II, Sec. 1, is: "To quicken in its members a clearer consciousness of Christian faith." The means by which this object is to be attained are: (a) "By encouraging them to a systematic study of God's Word, and the faithful use of the ministrations of the church;" and "by engag- ing them in public religious exercises suited to their standing and estate." (b) "By directing them in thoughtful investigation
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of the history, doctrines, and usages of the Lutheran Church, thereby fostering a spirit of intelligent loyalty towards her and her institutions."
2. According to Sec. 2, a further object is: "To promote among them practical Christian life." The means towards this end are: (a) "By enlisting their active interest in the various de- partments of congregational work." (b) "Ry securing their co- operation in carrying out the recommendations of Conference, Synod, and general body." (c) "By effecting social relations becoming those who are of the same household of faith."
3. Thus the League desires to aid in training an intelligent, devout, loyal, liberal, and active membership of the church, in the church, for the church. From such a membership she hopes to get the workers and helpers for every part of the congregation's activity. From such a membership she also hopes to furnish a sufficient and an efficient band of volunteer candidates for the Ministry of the Word and for the ministry of mercy. With such a membership she hopes to wield an influence on public sentiment and public morals in every community where she is planted.
C. While the General Council has, indeed, no direct rela- tionship with such organizations, but is related to them only through the Synods which are connected with it (see Principles of Government, Sec. 10; Constitution of G. C., Art. I, Sec. 1; and Art. I, Sec. +, paragraph 3,) yet it is befitting that this body ex- press its approval of the general scope of the Luther League, and its pleasure in witnessing the renewed interest it has aroused, especially among our young people, in the work and welfare of the church, and in the study of its literature, as recommended in the League's Reading Courses.
The second recommendation of the report was adopted.
The following preamble and resolution were pre- sented and adopted.
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Synod that every General Council Sunday School should have, if practicable, weekly Sun- day School papers; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we memorialize the General Council to publish such a weekly paper, if possible, and to do so at a moderate price; and that it be adapted to the Intermediate Department of the Sunday School.
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Treasurer's Report.
Cash on hand at last report. $595 65
Collection at Synod, Benevolence.
16 35
Collection at Synod, Education
15 25
Collection at Synod, Home Missions
11 65
Collection at Synod, Foreign Missions
20 05
Ministerial Relief.
9 13
Jewish Missions.
47
Works of Mercy
19 00
Chicago Seminary
4 00
Reformation
73 44
On Apportionment.
491 68 $1256 67
DISBURSEMENTS.
Ministerial Relief.
$ 50 00
Works of Mercy
19 00
Chicago Seminary
4 00
Reformation
73 44
Synodical Expense.
162 78
Education.
300 00
Foreign Missions
121 05
Home Missions
526 40 $1256 67
Respectfully submitted, D. J. MILLER, Treasurer.
Report of Treasurer, Pro Tem. RECEIPTS.
Received from D. J. Miller, (Reformation Fund) . . $ 73 44
Received on Apportionment. 817 78
Received for Special Objects. 106 64 $997 86
DISBURSEMENTS.
Synodical Expenses $ 20 25
Synodical Home Missions. 238 05
General Council Home Missions: 411 25
Foreign Missions. 149 95
Church Extension 34 05
Balance 144 31 $997 86
The Two Reports Combined.
INCOME. .
Balance May 25, 1899 $ 595 65
Offerings at Synod. 63 30
On Apportionment. 1392 03
For Special Objects. 103 11 $2181 09
EXPENDITURES.
Synodical Expenses
$ 183 03
Synodical Home Missions
674 70
General Council Home Missions.
501 00
-
Foreign Missions
271 00
Church Extension
34 05
Ministerial Relief
50 00
Education.
300 00
Works of Mercy
19 00
Chicago Seminary
4 00
Balance.
144 31 $2181 09
Receipts in Detail. MAY 25, 1899-JUNE 7, 1900.
PARISH.
CONGREGATION.
DELI'Y.
APPO'T.
SPECI'L
TOTAL.
Phanuel
$ 20 90
$ 32 90
Alamo.
Emanuel
18 50
Philadelphia
9 40
Anderson
Mt. Zion's ..
10 80
10 80
Chicago
.6
St. John's.
19 38
19 38
יר
Wicker Park
107 51
11 00
118 51
..
St. Mark's
32 80
32 80
St. James'
66
St. Matthew's
8 00
10 00 °
10 00
Claremont.
St. James'
29 73
23 07
52 80
St. John's.
23 35
26 40
49 75
Colburn
Zion's
14 6.
14 25
28 92
Cory don
Mt. Solomon
35 00
35 00
Crisman.
Hope.
2 60
37 70
12 76
50 46
East Germantown
St. James'
14 00
2 03
16 03
St. John's .
12 40
+ 05
16 45
Fort Wayne
Holy Trinity
251 60
251 60
St. Paul's.
28 40
28 40
Gila.
Union.
20 00
20 00
First English
70 00
70 00
St. John's.
23 53
6 00
34 53
Hicksville
Lost Creek
36 15
5 05
41 20
20
2 05
13 25
Mulberry
/ Fairhaven.
40)
40 00
New berry
St. Peter's.
13
21 :
21 50
Portland.
4 52
St. Paul's.
8 87
8 97
Rochester
St. John's.
5 84
5 84
St. Paul's.
9 33
24 00
Syracuse
Emanuel
14 18
28 60
/ Syracuse
8 80
Vandalia
St. James'
33
33 35
[ Union.
2 61
2 61
Salem ..
42 26
42 26
Whitestown
St. Mark's
44 48
St. James'
29 91
20 91
j St. John's
20 00
20 00
Holy Trinity
103 00
103 00
8 00
66
St. Peter's.
22 80
22 80
Decatur
First English Zion's .. .
14 40
14 40
Goshen
/ Zion's.
Zion's.
00
126 17
3 70
Mt. Zion's Zion's.
1
2 60
Frankfort.
{ Bethel.
$ 12 00 18 50 9 40
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Of the above forty-four congregations, twenty-four are paid in full or over paid and the following are delinquent to the amounts stated:
Whitestown, Union
$ 7 72
Salem.
80
St. Mark's 79 92
St. James' 81 53
Syracuse, Emanuel. 7 98
Alamo, Emanuel. 29 17
Philadelphia 11 45
Colburn, Bethel.
7 75
E. Germantown, Zion's.
89 88
St. James'
30 92
Rochester, St. Paul's.
73 98
St. John's.
78 88
Newberry, St. Peter's
13 10
Gila, Union.
132 45
Claremont, St. James'
29 73
Crisman, Hope
20 40
Chicago, St. Mark's.
13 20
St. James'
3 00
St. Matthew's
8 00
Portland, Zion's 5 48
$805 34
Recommendations.
1. It is recommended that the request of the Church Council of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, that Synod cancel its delinquency, be granted.
2. It is recommended that owing to the sickness and death of Rev. A. E. Gift, the delinquencies of St. Paul's and St. John's, Rochester, be cancelled.
3. It is recommended that owing to the vacancy of the New- berry charge, the delinquency of St. Peter's be cancelled.
4. It is recommended that on account of the long vacancy in the Alamo charge, the delinquency of the Emanuel Church be cancelled. WILLIAM J. FINCK, Treasurer pro. tem.
The reports were received and considered.
The financial parts were referred to the Auditing Committee; the pastors and lay delegates of delinquent
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parishes were called- upon to explain their respective deficiencies; and all parts relating to the delinquencies with the recommendations were referred to the Appor- tionment Committee.
At 3:45 Rev. C. L. V. Dozer presented a paper upon the subject, "The Theory and Practice of True Worship."
Adjourned with prayer by the Rev. S. H. Swingle.
FOURTH SESSION.
Saturday, June 9, 1900, 9 a. m.
The devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Paul W. H. Frederick. The roll was called and the min- utes were read and approved.
Report of the Home Mission Committee.
Your Mission Committee would respectfully submit the fol- lowing :
Three meetings of the Committee have been held during the year, at which such provisions were made for the missions as the exigencies required and the means allowed. Regular bi-monthly reports were received from the missions, except in the case of St. James', Chicago, and Hope, Crisman, Ind., which failed to report through a misunderstanding. By means of these reports the Mis- sionary Director could easily note the condition of the Missions, and offer such suggestions as seemed helpful.
The newly appointed Committee met at 1 p. m., June 8, 1900, and organized with the following officers: Chairman, Dr. W. A. Sadtler; Secretary, Rev. G. P. Kabele; Treasurer, Mr. C. T. A. Anderson; Missionary Director, Rev. A. J. Reichert.
The Missions.
ST. PETER'S, Chicago, Rev. H. B. Reed, pastor. The reports show that this congregation is making steady progress in the face of many difficulties. We glean the following items of interest from the missionary's annual report: Communicant members, 55, re- ceived during the year 22, losses 2. The Sunday School is in a very gratifying condition, having 209 pupils and 17 teachers with
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an income of $104 15. There is also an efficient Ladies' Aid Society which is quite helpful in many ways.
This congregation owns a church and lot valued at a con- servative estimate at $5,000. The basement of the church is in an unfinished condition, but the male members have volunteered to finish it. donating their time. A debt of $2,000 rests on the proper- ty, $1,500 secured by a mortgage held by the State Bank of Chi- cago, and $500 held by the Church Extension Society. Both these debts are due in 1902. The congregation expects to provide for a large part of this debt during the year. During this season the streets which bound the property will be pavcd, costing the con- gregation $592.05. The current expenses for the year, including salary, were $744.66. In view of the street assessments, and the cost of material for finishing the basement, the mission respect- fully asks for an appropriation of $300 for the ensuing year.
HOPE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, Crisman, Ind., Rev. J. P. Miller, pastor-elect. This field has hardly had a fair chance to prove itself, because of circumstances over which neither the congregation nor the committee had any control. It was sup- plied by students until Jan. 1, when Rev. J. P. Miller accepted a call from the committee and entered upon his work. But certain conditions were imposed by Rev. Mr. Miller. namely, that he be permitted to spend this summer in North Carolina, where he was under obligations to his former parish. During his absence, Student Geo. F. Dittmar is supplying the field acceptably.
We have no complete report from this place. The congrega- tion numbers about fifty, with a good Sunday School. The debt on the church has been reduced $130, leaving about $200 yet to be met. In consequence of a letter from Rev. Mr. Miller in which he states there is some doubt as to his return to the Crisman field, the committee decided to communicate with him and to in- vestigate the field more fully.
ALEXANDRIA, IND. Rev. C. L. V. Dozer has been laboring here in connection with Portland, and the prospects are such as to justify a continuation of the work. There are about twenty-five members. Since his marriage, Rev. Mr. Dozer resides in Alex- andria, and his residence here will be an advantage to the work. Since May 1, the Sunday School has been increasing in attend- ance and interest, and the work will be more vigorously prose- cuted than heretofore. Rev. Mr. Dozer reports that there is more
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than work enough for one man in Alexandria, and the committee realizes that his present field is too large for one man, yet it can- not now see its way clear to separate Alexandria from Portland.
ZION'S, Portland, Ind., Rev. C. L. V. Dozer, pastor. This congregation has held its own. Under the present arrangement the pastor can give only half his time to this field, and the results cannot be what could be expected under different conditions. Services are held bi-weekly. During the year there were two accessions, and a class of catechumens is being prepared for con- firmation. The total receipts of the congregation for the year were $437.49, and of the Sunday School $15.72. The debt on the church has been reduced to $230. The membership numbers 35, and the Sunday School 33. The congregation pays $120 per year towards the pastor's support.
ST. JAMES', Chicago, Rev. Prof. P. W. H. Frederick, pastor. This congregation has shown encouraging progress during the year. It now numbers twenty members, thirteen having been added during the year. Losses, five. It has no property, but worships in a hall. Student H. T. Weber has assisted Prof. Frederick during the Seminary year, but during the summer season Pastor Frederick will have sole charge. All expenses have been paid, including a debt of $60, a legacy from last year. The Sunday School numbers 109 pupils, with nine teachers. The General Council Graded Sunday School Lessons are used. The income of the Sunday School was $96.41, and of the congregation S144.80. The committee, at the time it called Prof. Frederick to become the pastor of St. James', promised him a salary of $25 per month for the months of May to September, inclusive. During the Seminary year Prof. Frederick is supported by the Seminary Board. The committee has earnestly requested the pastor of St. James' to take steps towards securing a church home for the con- gregation.
ST. LUKE'S, Chicago. St. Luke's English Evangelical Lutheran Church, Logan Square, Chicago, was organized June 1, 1900, Dr. Sadtler acting as chairman.
It had its beginnings through the organization of a Sunday School in April, 1899, this being under the care and direction of St. Peter's. Mr. Lars Undum, of St. Peter's, had charge of the school and bore most of its financial burden.
In the beginning of October the Mission Committee directed
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Student J. V. Sappenfield to assist in the work. In the begin- ning of November, at the request of Rev. H. B. Reed, pastor of St. Peter's, and Mr. Undum, M. E. Haberland took charge of the school.
On the 8th of April, evening services were begun, the attend- ance being very encouraging. June 1, 1900, an organization was effected, eight men and one woman being present.
Mr. J. S. Hair had in the meantime given to Mr. Haberland an option on a lot located at the corner of Francisco and Mariana streets.
The lot is considered worth $2,000, which Mr. Hair offered to the congregation as a gift, on the condition that the congregation erect a house of worship to cost not less than $3,000, ready for use by the end of September, 1900. The congregation is at this time endeavoring to make a loan of $2,000. So as to enable it to meet this condition, the congregation respectfully requests that the Synod take upon itself the responsibility of paying the interest on $2,000 at 6 per cent. for five years. This still leaves the congre- gation 51,000 to raise besides its current expenses.
ST. MATTHEW'S, Chicago, Rev. G. P. Kabele, pastor. This congregation is chiefly the fruit of the labors of Student M. E. Haberland. Services were commenced on Dec. 12, 1897, and on March 20, 1898, an organization was effected with ten members. On April 10, the congregation called Student G. P. Kabele to be- come its pastor, to begin his labors May 1. Steps were immedi- ately taken to secure a church home. A neat chapel was erected and dedicated on Sept. 18, 1898.
During the first year of his labors the pastor gave his ser- vices without a salary, being boarded free of charge by a num- ber of the members. During the following year he received a salary of $20.00 per month, which the congregation is still paying him.
The property is valued at $2,400, while there is an indebted- ness of $350, exclusive of the lot. The present communicant mem- . bership is fifty-three.
In the past this congregation has nobly struggled without synodical aid.
ZION's, Lafayette, Ind., was organized January 6, 1900, with twenty members. This work has been carried on by the pastor of the Mulberry parish, assisted by Rev. D. L. Reese, Rev. P. C.
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Wike, and students of the Chicago Seminary. Mr. H. K. Lantz has charge of the work for the summer. The average attendance at divine service is thirty-five. At Sunday school about the same. The congregation pays the rent of the hall in which they worship and all incidental expenses.
HOLY TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, of South Bend, Ind., was organized on Tuesday evening, Jan. 8, 1900. by the Rev. A .C. Anda, of Goshen, Ind., with seventeen charter members. Rev. Mr. Anda will for some time remain the provisional pastor, and William Eckert, of the Chicago Seminary, has been secured to take care of the work during the summer. As a result of Mr. Eckert's efficient work the attendance has gradually in- creased, both at the regular and Sunday school services, and he is now instructing a catechetical class of twelve. The mission does not ask any assistance from the Mission Committee, but de- sires to continue the work on a self-supporting basis, and while the progress cannot be expected to be too rapid, vet the future outlook is exceedingly encouraging.
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