Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-14
Pathetic Passing of Patriarch
of New York Mission.
DEAD HAND HELD HIS MITE
Faithful Attendant at Services for
the Past Thirty Years.
NEVER MISSED A MEETING
Eyes Closed for Last Sleep When
Congregation Took Up Second
Stanza Of Song.

NEW YORK, May 14.-There was a
goodly conversation the other night in
Jerry McAuleys Mission at 1O4 West Sod
street. and Peter Weber. patriarch OF the
mission. obviously was gratifed. If one
thing more than another pleased aged
Peter it was to see faces old to the Ten
derloin. but new to the mission. light up
with hope. which he found thirty years
ago when he was converted under Jerry
McAuley's teaching.
Peter was laborer then at small wage.
and a laborer he remained. shouldering
the burden of poverty no less bravely as
the years weighted his shoulders. He be-
lieved that each should give according to
his ability when the plate was passed In
the mission. His contribution was a dime
each day in the old days when he earned
$1.5O day. His wage was reduced and
he grieved over the necessity of contrib
uting only a nickel each night. Lately
work has been slack for the old man. and
Supt. Bellou observed that his contribu-
ton was cent. Whatever the amount,
Peter gave it every night.
Seats Himself YEARLY.
He looked his seventy-three years when
he entered the mission last night. Supt.
Bellou greeted him at the door. He
said the days heat had affected him.
but he determined not to break the rec
ord of thirty years by missing the service.
He nodded to a few old friends. surveyed
the new faces with satisfaction and
dropped YEARLY into the seat near the
platform which he had occupied for more
than a quarter of a century. The opening
of the service had beeen delayed at times
to await old Peters arrival. The regulars
said 1t would seem cherries without his
presence and the ring of his voice in the
hymns
Supt. Bellou paused at Peters side be-
fore opening the service to inquire again
about his health. The old man smiled
cheerily, declaring all he needed was the
comfort of prayer and song. The services
started with the singing of Jesus. Savior.
Pilot Me-" Peter cleared his throat and
took up the melody. Soon there was q
quaver Of voice which those nearest
Peter said later was unusual for him. He
steadied himself and concluded the first
verse:
Unknown waves around me roll,
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee,
Jesus. Savior. pilot me.
His eyes closed as the congre cation took
up the second verse; and over his face an
expression of peace settled.
The Last Sleep.
Those who observed the old man be-
lieved that he was enjoying to the full
the expression Of religious fervor. He
did not arouse himself when the hymn
was ended. and supt. Bellou tiptoed
down the aisle and placed his hand on
his shoulder. There was no response.
Mr.. Bellou lifted his head but the eyes
were closed In their last sleep. A penny
dropped from the old mans hand and
cIattered on the floor 1t was the mite
he had provided for the collection plate.
Word was sent to his home at No. 219
West 18th street. where he lived with his
two sons. His wife left his home several
years ago. for some reason unknown. 1t
was found at his home that there was
not enough money to pay for funeral
and the police took the body to the
morgue. Unless some one comes forward
and provides the necessary funds the old
man will be buried in potter's field.
During his attendance at the mission
he had contributed a little more than
$500. Supt. Ballou says.