, 1872-11-13
To the Editor of the "St. CrOix Avis"

When | take into consideration the in
disputable fact, that, of all the Churches
in the island the Lutheran is the most at
fluent {; the most independent the farthest
removed from, and unquestionabIy above
the beggary excuse the expression, but
the i'll paid divines will nearly all veto the
assertion) of those of other denominations
and if o hurricane blew off its roof; all
earthquake shook down its walls or o fire
devastated the buiIding-caIamities which
I trust never will happen-they could
without the least pecuuiary Inconvenience;
loss of time; and, what is still better,
without any dependence on subscriptions,
loans or donations remedy the evil by catiS-
factoriIy adjusting the business. | say,
when I calmly consider all these clrcum-
stances, it appears perfectly Incompetent
sibIe to me, why so commonplace and trI-
vial a matter as the re-erection OF 81 bell
should be attended with such marked neg
lect and inexcusabIe procrastination.
The bell in question was taken down
several months ago in cons quence OF the
weakness and insecurity of the old belfry.
A new one was projected, which would
nave TAKEN CUul pa dClN0'y wv HHOICJ1
and less time to build. Funds were at the
time collected-yes, cOJIcced-for the pur-
pose, but to this moment there is not the
most indistinct sign of even it's commence
ment.
These questions naturally suggest them
selves when shall this thing be ? when
shall this Iongexpected and much-lndeed-
desired event be cOnsummAted ? How much
longer will the matter remain IN non =? will
our Rector and Church. ardens allow the
bell to continue in its present l0oCly posi-
ton among the "graves and worms, and
enitaphs' until some incenspd occupant OF
the former, and "subject" ofthe two latter,
annoyed by its perpetual Glamour, rise up
with lust indignation, and in the Words
if not with the same motive-ot that time
honored host of the parable, who on mud
ing a favored guest filling q similar depart
ment at his feast exclaim :-'Friend! get
thee up higher ?" Or do they expect to
witness the no less extraordinary pheno-
menon 10 shape of a miraculous disappear
ance of the present belfry, and an equally
wonderful appearance OF a new one III ITS
place. with bell and rope ingeniously adj
iusted and ready for use? Know We not
most revered and worthy Rector; most
honored and estimable Wardens, that the
days of miracles are past: and as it is alb
surd to look for produced effect where
there is in reality no existing operative, or
antecedentory cause, (fI may use snch a
word) so is it vain to expect a completion
where there is no sign of a commencement
Don't think me pharisaIoal Mr. Editor
when I tell you I like to 90 to church;
but the truth of the matter is, | am some
what afflicted with deafness; and rendered
thereby incapable of hearing the feeble
chimes of the bell in its present terreno
location, I am put to vast Inconvenience
ia attending service at a proper time.
Now, though the Rector and Wardens may
be possessed of Clocks, and Watches, and
the additional prerogative of clearing
sounds far far away; [ must beg to say
that | lack most l%amentably these neceS-
saries, and have therefore a triple reason
to wish my Church bell re-erected where
[ can hear it. Unjust, in fine, haze that
bell put up, or l don't know what indeed l
ever shall do.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours obdtly.