davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
Lies Battle

WE ARE constantly speaking
W of the struggle for life," and
calling life ga battle; but we do
not see that our very existence,
and the fact that we have battle
to fight, are due to the struggles
and triumphs of those who have
gone before us. We think that
some strange thing has happened
to us, and that our lot is an un-
usually hard one.
But such thoughts are altogeth-
er unworthy. Our fathers found
life as hard battle as we do, and
if they had not fought we should
not be alive to fight. Every stage
of human history is the outWork-
ing of the same destiny; and it is
in fulfilling ours, and entering well
into the struggle for life as ar
ranged for us, that we do our part
toward perpetuating the moral life
of humanity.
We are descendants, and some
body is. responsible for us. We are
progenitors, and we are RESPONSE
bic for somebody.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
A Quiz With Answers
Offering Information
on Various Subjects

1t is 2:3O, $50 or 1890 OF
the night or day.
6. Descendants of the Acadians,
banished from Nova Scotia by
the British.
7. Yes. The Constitution pro-
vides for the bringing of the i'm
peachment by a member of the
house with the senate sitting as a
court.
6. No.
9. Nahum II, "a: "The chariots
shall be with flaming torches i.
The chariots shall rage in the
streets, they shall jostle one
against another in the broad
ways: they shall seem like
torches, they shall run like the
lightnings.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
AROUND
THE HOUSE

Heat Brown Sugar.-If dark or
light brown sugar is too hard to
measure, heat it in the oven, then
measure it quickly while it is soft.
Store it in the refrigerator or
bread box, where it will remain
soft.
Prevent SOiled CurtainS.-Paint
patent clothes pins the color of
your decorations in different
rooms and use pair to pin back
curtains at night or during Show
ers. This keeps the curtains from
being soiled by the screens.
Sharp Kitchen TOOlS.-One of the
most effective aids to speeding up
cooking preparations, is to see
that pairing knives for fruits and
vegetables, and knives for trim
ming up meats and fowl, are kept
sharp. Dull knives not only waste
an unbelievable amount of time,
but they are disconcerting to
thoughtful planning.
An Appetizer.-Celery stuffed
with crabmeat salad can be used
for variety on an appetizer tray.
Burnt Aluminum.-If you burn
an aluminium saucepan when
cooking, boil an onion in it. The
burnt part will rise to the top like
scum and leave the saucepan
clean.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
ASK NE
ANOTHER

/. What is the difference be-
tween a bridge, a viaduct and an
aqueduct?
2. How many stars has the Pres
ident's flag?
3. What is the origin of the
round table?
4. What is a wash-bear?
5. When a ships clock strikes
five bells, what time is it?
g. Who are the cajuns?
7. Is it possible to impeach or
accuse any national officer?
8. Is it possible to stand at the
North pole and walk any other
direction than south?
9. What are the verses in the
Bible which seem to prophesy the
automobile?
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
AWAY BACK THEN

Mrs. Noah-There is one thing
you will have to watch out for.
Noah-What's that?
Mrs. Noah-That tickets for the
ark don't get into the hands of the
spectators.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
Work of Stonecutter

Most modern sculptors do not
produce their own marble statues
They merely make small models
in wax, clay or plaster and then
turn them over to a stonecutter
or carver for reproduction. Some
times the sculptor adds few fin
ishing touches, but these are not
necessary when the marble work
er is an expert.-Collier's.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25

can make many of the things yore
have been wanting for your home,
Book 2-Embroidery and Gifts, is
full of ideas for ways to use your
spare time in making useful
things. Books are Is cents each,
Enclose so cents for both books,
and leaflet illustrating 36 authentic
embroidery stitches will be includ-
ed FREE. Address, Mrs. Spears,
210 S. Desplaines ST., Chicago, III,
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
JUST CAN'T BE DONE

Mrs. De Gass-I was outspcken in
my sentiments at the club today.
Mr.. De Gass with look of aston
ishmenD-I can't believe it, my
Dear. Who outspoke you?
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
The Answers

l. A bridge is usually over wa
ter, viaduct usually over land,
such as a railroad bridge, but an
aqueduct is a conduit for carry
ing water.
2. There are four stars in the
Presidents flag.
3. Boswell traced it to a sailor
custom followed when they en-
tered into conspiracy SO as to
hide the identity of the first signer.
4. A raccoon.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
IN PICTURES ONLY

Usher-Sit down or go out You're
annoying the audience
Mr.. Gaysport-I'm looking for a
bookie. They will soon be at the
post and l wanta lay bet on the
poor widows horse, ridden by the
girl jockey.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
SpoilS the Fun

Mrs. De Style-l think a woman
should put her best efforts in dress
to please her husband.
Mr.. Facts-l can't see where
friend husband gets much JOY out
of it unless her father pays the bills
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
BAD 'Grammari'

"Over there" said the host, "are
my grandma's ashes"
Oh" commiserated the guest.
She's passed on, eh?"
NO" said the host" She's just
too lazy to look for an ash tray"
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
FLAVORING THE FEAST

Cannibal Cook-He amt done yit,
an de favor amt no good.
Chief-Jes' glib him little more
thyme.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
QVofE5 QViSB 8
ESSENTIAL LIBERTY

"THEY that can give up essential
l. liberty to obtain little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safe
ty.'-Benjamin Franklin.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
ATTACHMENT
BY
]. Mi!icr
Wott

Friend-I hear the deputy sheriff
is after Clara.
Police Chief-Yes. I believe he
has an attachment for her.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
OH, HORRORS!

Hubby-If you don't stop this eter-
nal pickering and nagging, I'll
Wifie-You'll do what?
Hubby-I'l smoke that box Of
cigars you gave me at Christmas.
The Coolidge examiner., 1939-05-25
READY FOR BATTLE

There's the man who introduced
ne to my wife"
"All right, I'll hold your bundles
for you"
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
Officials
Reply BOOedAt
ULabOr Seminar

A salvo of boos and catcalls
greeted an assertion that skilled
Negroes would have no difficulty
getting into any craft unions of st.
Paul, Tuesday, at the third Uni
versity of Minnesota Conference on
Current Problems in Northrop
Auditorium.
George w. Lawson, secretary
treasurer of the Minnesota State
Federation of Labor, made the
statement in response to a ques-
ton on why the A. F. of L. refused
to admit colored people into mem
bership in trade unions.
There was a wave of applause as
the question was put and Mr.. Law
son, who had just finished a speech
on the subject Labor Today" de-
clared that if the questioner could
give him names of eligible Negroes
they would be admitted.
ed. NOte-While a number Of A. F. of
L. internatiOnals exclude Negroes, others
will admit them. However, the policy Of
keeping colOred people out has been con-
slant source of argument at number OF
A. r. Of L. national eonyentiOns.)
Mr.. Lawson contended that for
twenty years the Federation has
fought problems in behalf of col
ored people.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
r. r. Workers
To Hold National
Conference in DC


New York, April IA. 1t was
stated at the International Head
quarters of the Brotherhood of
Sleeping Car Porters by A. Philip
Randolph, International Presi-
dent, that William Green, President
of the American Federation of La
Dor, has given tentative assurance
that he will address the conference
which will be held in Washington,
D. c., May 10 and 20, for the pur-
pose of discussing the problems of
Negro railroad workers and explor-
ing ways and means of effecting
some solution of them. President
Green expressed his interest in and
support of the conference.
Reports from different sections
of the country indicate a broad in
terest among Negro railroad work
ers of a large number of different
crafts and sections of the railroad
industry, in the conference, accord
ing to Mr.. Randolph.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
House Speaker Aids
in Blocking Effort
to Secure Justice
UNDEMOCRATIC METHODS BY OPPONENTS KEEP BILL FROM
SURE PASSAGE



In spite of last which pulled 1884,
bill designed racial selling
mobile liability insurance resisting committee
measure did not to vote in the House this
The effort which the bill
of St Cloud chairman of the Insurance Committee refused make
report on it, from S. A stOckwel of Minneapolis
Using rule which requires that request
which has been unreported for than fifteen legislative
be brought Mr. Stocwe got
special order.
This notion however, requires unanimous
for and the lone objection kept being
accepted On other occasions SOce attempted
motion accepted when Mr. Erickson House.
Lawrence Hail. speaker of the House, and also Cloud
have sent out for Mr. Erickson in order that objection could be
made.
Harrison Republican Minneapolis stated this week
that possible effort made behalf the bill oppos
ton Of the insurance interests was too strong
Supporters Of the bill auded the cooperation City
communities in helping to fight for the bills passage
Among the persons who active in were:
Jose Sherwood who interested Attorney General A.
qst having the bill drawn the request Of Clarence Mitchell
Jr Hammond Turner Attorney and President the
publican Club, who testified Committee O. c. Hail.
gathered judges show that Negroes
Disseminated against insurance companies alleged
Mrs Fannie shanks of the Hennepn County Republican
mee also contacted Mr. Erickson get
his opposition the b Mrs Josie Williams of the St. Paul N A. A.
p urged members of her organization to write letters members
of the House and also contacted persons herself
E. Hail. Republican leader Roy Dunn majority
leader in the House. in behalf of the BILL Samuel Ransom Worthy
Master Jurisdiction State of Minnesota who secured an
appointment behalf of BILL
Rev. Francis Ggan who contacted the
other members Of the legislature
Butler agent testified
before the House and Senate Committees
contacted members of the legislature appeared committee hear
Miss Myrtle Garden director of Halle House.
appeared at the hearing before the Senate Committee Charles
Washington Executive Secretary the Minneapolis Urban
appeared at hearings
Brown representing Asoca
of Minneapolis who testified before the Committee;
Bane coal dealer who testified behalf the BILL the
Gerald Hayden Clarence T. Nelson appeared
and c. E. Newman editor who contacted members the legislature
Among who formed lobby groups
bill
Paul-Ms Mitchell, Mrs Eva Neal Mrs.
Mabel Brown Mrs Alberta Allen, Mrs. Josie Williams Robert
Minor and Mr.. John M. Culver
Minneapolis DeVma Newman, Mrs. Nettie Shepard,
Helen Smith, Mrs Augusta Owens Mrs M and Dorothy
Wilson.
Among other testfyng before the
Committees Mrs St. Paul HOUSEWIFE Barnes
st. Paul coal dealer and Atty J. Louis Erwin
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
SOuthside Wants
To Do Something
For It's Youth

The need for coordination of the
present recreational and social pro-
for young people on the Min
neapolis southside and the POSSIBLE
tiles for the development of new
activities was discussed at a meet
ing at the Minnesota-Iowa Club
Monday, April II. AS basis for
the discussion Norman P. Light
and Curtis Chivers, group leaders,
reviewed the program they are di-
recting, pointing out the various
handicaps encountered.
1t was the consensus of opinion
of those present that one Of the
basic needs is that of a center
where supervised activities can be
conducted. It was also agreed,
however, that the development of
such center will depend upon the
amount of interest and cooperation
that the parents and citizens of the
community are willing to give to-
ward such project. Definite plans
for meeting the youth needs of the
community will be formulated at
the next meeting to be held Tues
day, May 2, 7:3O pm, Minnesota
Iowa Club. Every interested per-
son in the community is invited to
attend.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21

years he said he thought there had
been some exceptions but refused
to go into it further, as he did not
choose to commit himself.
Making Rumpus
Mr.. Crawford expressed surprise
that Negroes were making such a
"rumpus" about this departure, yet
he claims to have been a supervisor
Of Walgreen Stores in Chicago at
the time a complete change was
made in both policy and practice
and Negroes were employed in all
capacities of employment including
pharmacists and store managers.
This was brought about largely by
a "rumpus."
He Doesn't Discriminate
The district manager refused to
set aside porters' jobs for Negroes
because it would be discriminatory,
he said. It was then suggested that
Negroes be employed in other de-
partments. Mr.. Crawford refused
to comment and stated, again, that
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
Credjafawns Hold
Twelfth Annual
Parents Banquet

The parents, guardians, members
and friends of the Credjafawn So
cial Club celebrated the Twelfth
Annual Parents Banquet Satur-
day, April Is, at 8 pm. in the Eel
lowship Hall of Pilgrim Baptist
Church. Orchid and pale yellow
was the motif of decoration used
throughout. A delicious turkey
dinner, prepared by the girls of the
club, was served.
A special table was placed in the
center of Fellowship Hall about
which those parents and friends
gathered that had attended ban
quets for ten or more years. The
turkey at this table was carved by
Mr.. ]. r. Jones, in whose home the
Credjafawn Club was organized IL
years ago. Seated at this table
were Mines. Eunice Glass, Anna
Blair, J. C. Sayles, Josie Williams,
Julia Douglas, Inez johnson, Ar
thur Hedge, and P. Doyle, who have
attended at least 10 banquets; and
Mines. ]. R. Jones, Susie Luckie,
Rose Lawrence, Mary Combs and
Mr.. ]. R. Jones, who have attended
all of the Credjafawn Parent Ban
quets.
Regrets were sent by Mrs. E. B.
Johnson, who had to miss the affair
for the first time on account of ill
ness. The first Credjafawn Ban
quet was held at Pioneer Hall in
1928-80 persons were in attend
ance. Saturday evening, 200 per-
sons attended.
The program included "get &C
quainted" songs led by the Misses
Beatrice Vassar, Eva Lee, and
Rosamond Collier; blessing, Mr..
William Hood; welcome address,
Miss Benefit Cason; parents re-
spouse, Mr.. ]. R. Jones; piano Sc
lections, Miss Elizabeth Wheatley
(guest artist; remarks by club
president, Mr.. Huron ]. Shelton
Jr.; address on Credjafawn Credit
Union, Mr.. ]. R. Lawrence, Jr.
president of the union; and intro
duction of officers and club mem
bers.
The affair came to a close with
the singing of "Auld Lang Syne.
Mrs. Gerald C. Hargrave was a ca
pable toastmistress, and John l.
Banks, Jr., was chairman of ar
rangements.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
SOCIAL DISEASES, HALLE
FORUM TOPIC

DR.. M. W. Sullivan, director of
the State Health Department, will
be the speaker at an open forum
meeting at the Halle @. Brown
House, April %, at 8 PM, spon-
sored by the Forum Council.
DR.. Sullivan's talk will be &C
companied by a five-reel film on
venereal diseases.
The film will depict the causes
and results of such diseases as
syphilis and gonorrhea.
A part of the federal program
for prevention of venereal diseases,
this film has been shown in various
parts of the country with excellent
results.
Saturday nights program is the
opening of one of the health week
activities which are due to begin
next week in the Twin Cities.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
Audra McC ullOugh
Accepts Position
In New York

Mrs. Audra T. Mccullough, Bis
Columbus avenue, executive with
the Family Service of Minneapolis,
has accepted a similar position in
New York. With her attractive
daughter, Miss Phyllis Audra Nc
Cullough, she will leave about the
10th of May to take up the duties
of her new position. Mrs. McCul-
Tough has been with the Family
Service for the past IL years, start
ing in as case worker.
Her ability won her several pro-
motions, and in 1892 she was pro-
NOTED to district secretary. She is
a graduate of the University of
Minnesota, member of Eta chap
ter, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority,
and the Twin City branch of the
College Women's Club.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21

over WCCO on Tuesday, April IL.
Miss Adelaide Sykes and her tap
dancers will appear in rainbow cos
tunes on Saturday evening.
To ImpersOnate Great Figures
The individuals who will imper-
senate some of the leaders in Ne
gro history are: Lafayette Shell
ton, George Washington Carver;
W. S. Butler, James Weldon john
son; I. R. Hagan, Booker T. Wash
ington; Mrs. Mabel Lewis, Marion
Anderson; Mrs. Jean Waters, Mrs.
Mary Mcleod Bethune.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets are going fast, but there
are a few more available. Don't
miss this affair.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21

Lee W. Harris, Jr., st. Paul,
who will be presented in joint re-
cital with June Hawkins of Mime
apolis, is one of the most promising
young singers in the country.
Mr.. Harris attends the MacPhail
School of Music. His teacher is
James L. Manly. Mr.. Harris has
given recitals in Kansas City, Mo-;
LaCenter, Minnesota; Hope Luther
an Church, Minneapolis; Miss
Woods kindergarten School, Min
neapolis, and at a Saltwater, MINI.
church, and others.
The recital is being sponsored by
the Twin City College Women's
Club. Net proceeds will be used
to establish a scholarship fund for
worthy local students.
The patron tickets are fifty
cents; general admission, thirty
five cents. Tickets may be Sc
cured from Miss Anne Horris, 1921
18th Ave. S., Drexel 1852, Mime
apolis; Miss Benefit Cason, 1885
Thomas St., Midway 5492, st. Paul,
and Miss Beneta Edwards, 244 w.
Central, Elkhurst 1857, st. Paul.
The College Women will initiate
a scholarship fund to aid worthy
Negro students with the recital
proceeds.
Some of the patrons and patron
esses for the Lee HARRISBURG Haw-
kins recital are Messrs. and Mines.
James Slemmons, Theodore Allen,
John Culver, Jay P. Williams, Clar-
ence M. Mitchell, Jr., Cecil E. New
man, W. D. Brown, Paul Shelby
Curry, L. w. Harris, Leo Bohanon,
M. o. Cannon, Harold Combs, Err
roll Fassett, Charles Noble, Percy
Hughes, Clarence Hughes, w.
Squire Neal, Theodore Woodland,
C. w. Glenn, Louis Cason, Burie
Carmichael, Jr., Talmadge Carey,
Fred J. Murphy, o. L. Alexander,
]. B. Levy, Bruce Lucas, Hiram
Gibbs, Tom Carroll, Eugene Shep-
herd, Milton Shanks, Lloyd Shanks,
Joe Tresvan, Earl Kyle, C. W.
Washington, Martin Brown.
Mines. Jean Waters, Mary C. Nc
Farland, Mildred Shull, Beulah
Johnson, Marvin Keene, William
Cratic, Sr.
The Misses M. Odelle Harris,
Anne Horris, L. o. Smith, Harriet
Florez, Cleo Young, Beneta Ed
wards, Bernetti Cason.
Messrs. Lazaar Sneed, Edward
Doty, M. A. Boiling, A. J. Lewis,
Raymond Cannon, Nathaniel Evans,
Tela Burt, Louis Mason.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
Associated Negro
Credit Union to
Sponsor Forum

In an effort to stimulate interest
and better acquaint Twin Citians
with their Credit Union and its
value to the community, The As
ISOLATED Negro Credit Union will
sponsor a Forum meeting at the
Phyllis Wheatley House in Mime
apolis Sunday, May z, at p.m m.
V. S. Peterson, managing di-
rector of the League of Credit
Unions of Minnesota, will speak. A
history of the Associated Negro
Credit Union, with which far too
too few Negroes are acquainted,
will be given.
It is felt that this meeting should
interest every Negro in the Twin
Cities because the Credit Union
provides a nucleus for an immedi-
ate change in the economic status
of the Negro in Minnesota.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21

Martin Hall, famous exile from
Nazi Germany, will speak in Min
neapohs next Monday evening at
the Pla-mor Ballroom, 9Th st. and
4th Ave. So, at 500 o'clock.
His topic for next Monday eve
ning's discussion is ITO Keep
America Out of War, Stop Hitler
Now!" He speaks under the aus
pices of the Minneapolis Committee
to Protest Nazi Persecution of
Jews and Catholics which spon-
sored city-wide meeting with
Congressman T. v. Smith of Ili-
nois as main speaker some time
ago.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
MOSES GARDNER ARRESTED
FOR SLUGGING

Moses Gardner, Sc, POI North St.
Adams street, was arrested and
held in Jail Saturday, April Is, for
smuggling his nephew, Warren Gard
ner, %, 423 Rondo street, with a
blackjack. Warren suffered head
and face wounds and was treated
at Ancker Hospital.
According to reports, the two
started an argument at the Friday
Mite Dance and kept it up until the
wee hours of Saturday morning,
when the argument eliminated in
a fight in the middle of the street
in the 900 block of St. Anthony
avenue.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21

he did not intend to commit him
self.
AS compromise Mr.. Crawford
offered to transfer the white porter
from the store at Sixth street and
Nicollet (Which has a large Negro
patronage) to white district and
transfer a colored porter to the
Sixth street store.
C. w. Washington of the Mime
apolis Urban League and Brutus
Cassius, Urban League board men,
Der and active in the Twin City
labor unions, also interviewed Mr..
Crawford later last week. They did
not believe, they said, that much
cooperation could be expected nor
were their arguments given much
consideration.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
Leach to Speak
At St. Peter
Church April e

The 55th Anniversary Celebra-
ton and drive of st. Peter A. M. E.
Church will come to a close with
a three day program beginning
Friday night, April 18th, at the
church at 8 o'clock. Mayor George
E. Leach will be the principal
speaker. Rev. H. W. Bolts, pastor
of Zion Baptist Church, and Samuel
Ransom, Grand Master of the Min
nesota Masons, will bring greet
ings. Mrs. M. o. Cannon will give
a sketch of the early history of the
church. Music will be furnished
by the choir of Zion Baptist Church
and the Quartet of Minnehaha
Temple of the Daughter Elks. Mr..
VIM. Modem will present Mayor
Leach.
Bishop ]. A. Gregg, presiding
bishop, will preach the anniversary
sermon Sunday, April ~, at the
morning services. Special music
at these services will be furnished
by the so voice choir under the di-
rection of Mrs. A. L. Stewart.
At the evening services, pastors
of all the A. M. E. Churches of the
Twin Cities, the Reverends G. l..
Hayden, E. A. London and H. Red
dick will be present with their
choirs. A special feature will be
the appearance of the Twin City
A. M. E. Chorus in a group of
Negro spirituals under the direc-
ton of Mrs. Mabel McGavock
Lewis.
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
REQUEST FOR SEATS
UNUSUAL HALL SAYS
IT CAN'T BE DONE

When seven women wanted to
get passes to sit on the first
floor of the House, Monday,
clerks were about to comply,
but when Speaker Lawrence
Hall was informed by a stenog-
rapher that the women were
Negroes their request was de-
MED.
Representative S. A. Stock
well, who requested the seats,
then insisted that the women be
given reserved seats on the
front row of the balcony. Denial
of the request was explained by
Mr.. Hall on the grounds that "it
was very unusual"
St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1939-04-21
Rev. Clancy In
Hospital After
Auto Accident

Rev. F. CLANCY, So, pastor of the
Church of God in Christ of Milwau-
kee, was injured seriously when his
automobile overturned on Highway
No. IL, near Hudson, Wis. He is
at a Hudson hospital.
Rev. CLANCY is we'll known in
the Twin Cities, having pastored
the Northside Minneapolis Church
of God in Christ for several years.