Valentine Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1900-1930, 1907-11-28
A Happy Thanksgiving

The good people of the church had
decided that something must be done, and
at once. The treasurer, a young man
who had recently come to the village, had
made a financial statement that October
Sunday morning, upon which certain per-
sons felt very much scandalized. Such a
thing had never been lone before-not
even thought Of; then it revealed the fact
that the Rev. Wesley Norwood had re-
ceived but $J1.1J for six months of faith
full service.
Il don't believe in bringing up such
matters in the religious services of the
church. growled Brother Cook. who al
ways protested that it was a waste OF
money TO pay the minister so much sal
airy.
L quite agree with YOU responded
Mr.. Barnes. He was not a member of
the church, but attended because it was
a respectable thing to do-gave you stand
ing. ii these things must come up ev-
cry Sunday, l shall attend church else
where
Notwithstanding this, it was generally
agreed that it was a shame, and some
thing must be done. But when things had
gone in a haphazard way so long it was
no easy matter to face right about. At
ter several weeks OF elaboration, the nee
essary something seemed as far from &C
complishment as ever.
It's too bad that they do not collect
the pastors salary" remarked Mrs Hun
ter at the Ladies' Aid meeting. Who she
meant by they" was not entirely clear,
inasmuch as she was one of the officers.
IF no one else will do anything, we
must r~ejoined Mrs. Allen; the various
members nodded approval.
1t was soon planned. The pastor had
received S51.T5; they would pay him
$9S.25-make it even S150-and have
enough left in the treasury for incidental
matters. On Thursday evening of next
week, which was Thanksgiving, they
would invite themselves to the parsonage
and have 4 good time while making the
pastor happy. 1t would be easy to pre-
pare something extra while getting ready
for Thanksgiving. 1t was to be a grand
secret; not a soul but members of the
society should know a word of it.
At the close of the business meeting
of the Young Peoples League, the presi-
dent made a close scrutiny to assure him
self that all present were members; he
then proposed that, as they would not
do anything the League take up the
matter.
Il understand that we have nearly
sixty dollars in the treasury; we could
pay the pastor S4S.J0-bring the salary
up to S10O-and have enough left to pay
all bills and begin the new year out of
debt. If we do this l suggest that we
observe the utmost secrecy and make it
q complete surprise" All readily agreed
TO the plan and pledged the proper reti-
eence in the matter.
-Four Of the most faithful met after
prayer meeting to discuss the situation,
and decided that they must at once col
lect S24S.25, the balance necessary to paw
the six months salary due. This they
proceeded to do so quietly that no one
surmised a general canvass was being
made. Before Sunday the entire amount
was secured.
Friday, after school, the Junior Leag-
uers met and decided that inasmuch as
the gE9Wn-up folks would not help in the
matter, they would do what they could:
so they voted to pay over every bit there
was in the treasury. Upon counting
S23.25 was found to be the correct
amount.
"Oh, girls" cried Lottie Newman, as
she made some figures in the treasurer's
book, 1T will make just even So and l
hope we can get enough to make it a hun
bred"
After the choir had run over the Sun
day hymns. someone proposed that they
pay the proceeds of the last concert Oh
the salary. The sum of 5000; after re-
ferring to the margin of his anthem book.
the chOrister reported that it would make
So all told. On Thanksgiving morning
they would call at the parsonage and sur
prise the pastor with a check for this
amount. Perhaps it would somewhat
atone for the sin of whispering during
the sermon.
Thanksgiving day was a trying time for
the NorwoodS. The baby was sick the
night before and kept them awake: and
when they did get to rest, they oversight.
What with rushing to get breakfast over
and make ready for the service at church,
prayers were shortened and the chapter
omitted altogether.
"Oh. Wesley, | am so tired. Every
thing has gone wrong to-day" said Mrs.
Norwood that afternoon. The children
never were so naughty before. What will
people sew about Robbie fighting? The