Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 45, Number 35, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 22 April 1926 — Page 2

PAGE TWO

Rev. and Mrs. L Stoffer Write a Review of Two Years Work on the India Mission Field

Tile following letter from Mr. ami M rs. Bryan L. Stoffer, missionaries located at Pasumalla, India, regard ing (heir first two years’ work or that field, will he of much interest to their many Nappanee friends- and acquaintances. Mrs. Stoffer will be remembered as Miss Frieda Price daughter of Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Price These most excellent young people are doing a great work on the foreign field. Many will remember of their departure as bride and groom just two short years ago and will be .pleased to know that they been blessed with good health which has enabled them to do aggressive work and accomplish so much good in this far away land:

Union Theological Seminary, Pasumalai, Feb. Ist, 1926 Dear Friends: It almost seems impossible but more than two years have passed since we arrived in India, Those two years have been most busy ones for us. They have been crowded, yes literally jammed, with new experiences. These contacts with many races and cultures have broadened our vision and deepened our interest In the many peoples of the world. When we first arrived in this land which has been the scene of many contending forces, especially in the religious experience"'”!)! men, every thing appeared strange; yet exceed ingly interesting. Almost all of our first year was spent in Kodaikanal, the beautiful hill-station of South India which is only eighty miles from Pasumalai. Here for ten months we gave all out time and energy to the study of Tamil which is the vernacular lan guage of the people of this section oi India. The surroundings were ideal for such study. Although many times the work seemed very much of a grind yet such concentration was necessary. These months also were a sort of transition period. The semitemperate climate was a great help in making a gradual adjustment to the intense heat of the plains at cer tain seasons of the year. The first few months in 1925 found us located in an- put-station called Batlagundu. Here we gained Our first real contacts with village life. This brief experience opened up to us many of the problems which the district missionary is constantly facing. On the surface the problem of making a scant livelihood appears to overshadow all others. India is as yet largely an agricultural nation. Her people are attached to the soil, yet that soil often refuses to yieldeven the physical necessities of life. Asa consequence physical suffering is often quite evident. But in the care-worn faces which meet one as he journeys among them there are evidences of a hunger of mind and heart which is much more difficult to analyze and understand. And even if you feel that you understand many times the barriers are such that they seem almost insurmountable. It is to these millions who are without a shepherd that our _ hearts go out in sympathy. They have resigned to their fate and when misfortunes comes they say, “ It. is God's will." Today due to the impact oT Christian missions and a growing sense of national consciousness, even the villages are seething with new ideas and thoughts which they only dimly understand.. It is to be hoped that they may be guided aright dur-

Dealer.—-and each shingle* is to the roof-on all four sides." .Customer. * That ought_to discourage even our nor’easters !" . _ > '. . . : 7 ---■ ...... J .............. ,L ' * ) RorrpfK Shingles Wfllt v\\ TTVVICIvvn '• ' >

Sold By GANGER’S TIN SHOP, Nappanee PHONE 4

ing the next quarter of a century. There will be great changes even in the village life. Since coming down from the hills in June of last year we have been located in Pasumalai. Most of you have probably heard very little about the work whiejh we have in -this missionary center. I shall briefly relate a few tffings about our institutions here. In the first place we have a well organized Trade School. Mr. Dickson, a trained engineer, is in charge of this work. At present about 35 boys are studying printing, blacksmithing, engine-driving, motor car cleaning and carpentry. These boys after finishing their courses go back to their ow-n villages to ply their trade. A few years ago it was extremely difficult to get the - boys to enter these trades. As you probably know manual labor has been frowned upon in the East. It was considered a disgrace to work with the hands. The past of India reveals the effect of this belief and custom. Today, however, things are changing. India is indeed on the march. Boys are anxious,lo enter these class es and prepare themselves-for-some useful trade. Those of us who work here rejoice greatly for we believe implicitly in the dignity of hand, labor as well as in the dignity of mental effort. This is a great gain for the econnmio side, of India’s life? The largest institution in our midst is the High and Training schools. In these schools we have about 900 students. Os these between 60 and 70 percent are Christians. Many ot the boys become Christians during their course. These students and teachers are sent out into the district schools to become the leaders of their respective communities. Each year we give diplomas to about 200 boys. To be able to supply the leaders for the village communities is a great privilege. Many times our teachers are the only Christians in the villages. The other institution here is the Union Theological Seminary. It stands out as the best known seminary in South India. It is in this institution that I Jiave been teaching during the past six months. It is my privilege to teach the men of college grade their courses in Theology and Church History. This is called the Licentiate in Theology course and is open to those who are high school graduates. A number of men have had several years in college which gives them an even stronger foundation for the work. They pursue this course of study for three years. These men generally become our pastors. There is also a 2-year course for teacher-catechists. These men have the equivalent of our 8-th grade education as necessary for entrance. After their training they go out to take charge of our village schools and congregations. They work under the pastors who generally have from five to ten and sometimes more schools and churches under their supervision. We require all of our' men to have experience in evangelistic work before. coming to the Seminary, Most of them are married while working in the villages. Some of their wives are untrained. Hence, the Seminary gives courses for th'e wives of the 1 students in order that they may be J able to , render a useful service in the communities to which they go.

A roof that’s locked tight as a safe! ■7 . . \ ■ Those second-story workers —Wind and Storm —haven’t a chance. We’ve got anew shingle here that will baffle ’em. It’s the new Barrett Wedgeldck Shingle —speciallydesigned jbr re-roofing. Come in, and let us show you how each shingle locks flat to the roof on all four sides. No wind, rain or snow can .get in. Easy to apply. Good-looking. / Fire-safe. And the cost ? Much bsiTthan you’d expect. / endorse

NAPPANEE ADVANOB-NBWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 1926

| While the mothPrs Study the children ’ are cared for in the nursery. With out this little building it would be practically impossible for them to at tend classes. As the institution is a union ope we have students from Jaffna Mission in Ceylon and from all parts of South India In n very large way we have been able to supply leaders for many Missions In South India. The Seminary also conducts institutes for the workers on the field. Hence that flame of spiritual life which we all feel is so valuable is kept brightly burning in the hearts of our fellow-workers who are labouring in the villages trying to encourage the most ignorant and spiritually feeble to seek the higher things of the Christlike life. Also, along this same line, through the help of American friends we hold a yearly Conference of Church leaders. This is one of the most valuable meetings of its kind I have ever attended. It reminds us of Lake Geneva and Northfleld. Here for four or five days the religious leaders of South India discuss the problems of Christian Church in India. This conference brings men together from widely different denominations to discuss in the spirit of Christ our common problems in winning India for Christ. In connection with these large conferences we usually render some Biblical drama in our large Arangasalal (open air theatre). These are written by one of the Seminary teachers and given under his supervision by the Seminary students. John the Baptist and Saul of Tarsus have been given in this way. It is an unusual sight to see 1,500 people sit in the sand for hours to listen to one of these presentations. This description I hope will give you some idea of the work which we are trying to do in Pasumalai. I shall write briefly about the political and religious situation in the country which is constantly changing. In the political realm the most significant thing is the gradual acceptance by leaders of the Nationalist group of responsible co-operation. The policy of non-co-operation has proved a failure and the new leaders feel that pnly as they enter the Councils and there stand for their nationalist principles will they be successful. It is not likely that Gandhi will again come into a position of personal leadership but his spirit is abroad in India and will continue to wield a most important influence. I expect to see a period of comparative quiet in India since the policy of responsible co-operation is winning favour. In the religious realm there is an increasing unrest within Hinduism. Gradually, the forces of liberalism and the pressure fcpm the. lower castes are undermining the rigid class lines and preparing a fruitful seed bed we believe for the acceptance of the Christlike life. The influence of Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement has been a great blessing to the Christian cause. The emphasis of these leaders upon ike Christlike life has done more to break class barriers than anything in recent years. Jesus Christ is almost universally honoured. This cannot be said, however, of Western institutionalism. But we are primarily interested In Christlikeness and not in institutions If the Indian people find in Jesus the realization of their spiritual search we are not worried about institutions The experiences of Stanley Jones and of Dr. Gilkey in the Barrows Lectures are only illustrative of the great change which is taking place in the hearts of India’s millions. We rejoice that we .are permitted to have a share in this most important service.

Today, I attended £ most inspiring service. Seven men were ordained ito the ministry of The South India United Church- Tills Is probably the largest group of ministers who’ have been ordained for many yearß. The ordination* took place In the old historic East Gate church of Madura. The phurch. was crowded with people and many were unable to gain entrance. Indian pastors, missionaries and members of the American Board all shared in the beautiful and impressive service. Dr. Strong gave the right hand of fellowship to the candidates and welcomed them into the great fellowship of ministers of the Christian Church throughout the world. Dr. Potter then gave the charge, exorting them to be diligent in the'calling to which they were called. At the conclusion of the service all those who participated in the service were garlanded according to Indian custom with very fragrant rose garlands. It was a dignified and impressive ceremony. - During the past year Mrs. Stoffer and I have continued, our study of the Tamil language. In June she passed her first examination and in November I completed my second and hence became a full fledged num ber of the mission. Asa result the mission at its January meeting decided that I should have more work to do and hence elected me principal of the Seminary for the coming year. This is rather a heavy responsibility for such anew comer to the mission but we hope we may be able to carry on the splendid wofk so well developed by Dr. Bannlnga who is now In America on furlough. This letter will arrive just a little late for a New Year's greeting but we wish for all of you a most happy and prosperous year. Very Sincerely Yours Mr. and Mrs Bryan L. Stoffer Roquefort Cheese Koquefort cheese, formerly made oniy from sheep's ntllk in eaves In southern France, is now made in American saintary dairies from cow's milk.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS FOR BIOS FOR STREET IMPROVEMENT Notice is hereby given that bids will be opened by the common council of the City of Napanee, Indiana, at 7:30 o’clock p-. m. on the 3d day of May, 1926, when the same will be opened, at the City Hall of said city and considered by said common council for the improvement of so much of East- Marion r -street as extends frurn the East property line of Noith Hartman street to west property line of North Summit street, by grading and paving, according to the several-sets of plans and specifications therefor, now on file in the city clerk’s office. All bids must be filed with the city clerk by 6 o’clock p. m. of said day. There will be paid out of the general fund of said city for such improvement the amount necessary to improve the street and alley intersections. All bidders must enclose with their respective bids a certified check for not less than 2 1-2 percent of the engineer’s estimate, of the cost of such improvement to insure the execution of their contract if their bid should be accepted, which will be returned to all unsuccessful bidders. ■The right is reserved to reject any and all bids.. The person awarded the contract for sain improvement-must enter inia a written contract therefor anu give a bond with surety to be Approved by the common council, said, uohd (p tie in an amount double the price lor which said contract is let, and conditioned for the faithful per--oi mance of the same. The engineer s estimate of the cost jf said improvement is in the sum of ,b, SaG.SO, Dated this 12 th day of April, 1926. Willard A. Pi ice, Mayor of the City of Nappanee. Attest: Ralph L. Arnott, City Clerk. 31-2

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BUILDING CONSTRUCTION HITTING RECORD PACE ' . C ~*JL. ■— HEAVY INCREASE ON CONTRACTS REPORTED. SLUMP IS DUE IN SUMMER ; Housing Shortage Practically Overcome, Says Royle—Trend of •* 4 Wages for Workers in These Trades Is Upward. New Yotk, April 22.—Building construction now is proceeding at a greater rate than ever before in this country. Since January 1, actual contracts let, have been over $150,000,000 heavier than in the corre sponding period of 1925, the previous banner building year. In addition, a iurge amount of building was carried over from 1925, and much stllbis incompletod. There is every reason to believe this remarkable activity will continue through May and June. These very facts, howe'ver, make it less likely that! such heavy programs will be planned in later months. • And -housing shortage' which exists in the larger centers of population is rapidly being obliterated. This is shown by the decline in rentals for houses and apartments reported b£ the National Association es Real Estate Boards. No city of 100,000’ inhabitants or more reported increases in residential rents but no city in the southeastern section reports a marked falling off in, rents, some cities show decided over build- | ing in some classes of structures. Standardized Lines Followed. But rents tor business and office property show a different trend. In many sections centrally located business edifices are bringing in more money from tenants. Marked improvement in the office building situation in Cleveland is reported, for example, by the largest mortgage company of that city. In four office buildings upon which it holds bonds, the space rented increased 26,701 square feet in the last few months. Wlth .added revenues of $53,000 a year. The movement for industrial building has been aided by the policy of turning industrial construction away from special purpose structures. Factories and other industrial buildings are being put_ up along standardized lines so that they are suitable for any one of a score of industries. With these factors in operation, indications are that merchandisers will have no need to worry as to the productive buying power supported by the building industry, which is one of the big factors of prosperity to-day. Employment will continue to be. heavy. The trepd of wages is unmistakably upward. Many eontrae-

“ ’ Rah! ’Rah!” Collegians Planning to Invade Europe To Call Upon England , Holland , Belgium and France

England, Holland, Belgium and France are the popular countries for collegiate tours during the summer of 1926. and the St. Lawrence route seems to be the popular short route for many students. The idea of being able to cross the ocean and get back home again at the price usually paid for one way, seems to be the necessarry inducement to college people, and, according to the Art Crafts Guild, Chicago, which is organizing these tours in connection with the Canadian Pacific, bookings are much ahead of last year. No one _ should attempt to see Europe without a background of England. The experienced travellers arranging the collegiate taurs realize this, and plan a week visiting Oxford, the great intellectual centre. Stoke Poges and other bitsof rural England, and London. London, so full of interest historically and with many n6oks and crannies filled with the ghosts of famous literary personages! France comes next to England in popularity with college folks. Some there are who become so

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tors anticipate still further wage advances arfter mid-year. Plasterers Ask More. ~ Plasterers In Chicago have votedto demand a Wage of $1.75 an hour and a five-day w r eek. In the metropolitan area about "New York, plasterers are getting sl6 a day and builders fear a demand will be made for S2O. Wreckers here have received a boost of 12 cents an hour, while bricklayers have been advanced to sl4 a day, a gain of $2, So far, the strike of union carpenters in San Francisco has_not been sucessful in abolisming the open shop conditions which have obtained there for five years. Employers assert that less than 300 of 9,000 carpenters employed quit work. This was the first attempt since 1923 by a building trades union e to combat by a walkout the so-called “American plan" established in 1921. This present strike was not over wages hut was directed against the open shop.

thrilled with Jife in Paris that a second trip across the ocean would be incomplete without at least a wee in the gay boulevards and art galleries of France’s capitol. But there are others to whom the somewhat superficial atmosphere of the chic Paris is less attractive than the wooden shoes and quaint caps and flaxen braids of the Hollandaise. Very few in America have not some keen personal interest in the battle areas of France and Belgium, and so most of the collqgiate tours embrace an extensive motor trip through Belleau Wood, Chateau Thierry, Soissons. Senlis, and Rheims. The idea of the collegiate vours

Tlie present high labor costs havenot served to check building since cost of financing has been low and the drop in material prices has acted *3B "S' counter —tralance. -One —static tician estimates total costs now about one per cent—less—than—in. April, 1925. But even if volume of -construction were to drop tiff to some degree, the loss would be compensated so far as buying power was concerned by the higher level of wages.

Visit Our Laundry We are eager to have you visit our laundry and see for yourself, the thorough ness with which we do your work. City Laundry Phone 72

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is rapidly becoming an accepted thing. At first, to travel third class did not appeal even to the enthusiastic graduate unable to ao travel without a substantial reduce tion in even the second elass fares. But, realizing the increasing numbers of professional people willing to travel at reduced ■ rates, the steamship companies inaugurated the tourist third rate, put rugs on bare stateroom floors, revised the menus to suit American tastes instead of foreign, and the result was that students and professors last year hobnobbed with eac other below decks. This year eytr increasing numbers will follow tn example set by the venturesom ones of last year.