{Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Canada

Rev. J. Reble, President

104 Hughson St. Hamilton, Ont.

Rev. J. Maurer, D. D., Vice-President

49 Irvin St. Kitchener, Ont.

Rev. H. Schorten, German Secretary

170 Albert Street, Waterloo Ont.

Rev. A. A. Zinck, D. D. English Secretary

Waterloo, Ont.

Rev. E. Holm, Treasurer

Conostogo, Ont.}

Waterloo, Ont.,

Dec. 31, 1927.

Dear Mother:

On this last day of the year I will try to wind up the old year aright by writing you a few lines, especially as I will be away to-morrow and will not be able to write you on the first day of 1928. I am preaching in Brantford to-morrow. It is only a small mission and the pay is poor – only $8 for the two services, of which $2 goes for expenses – but the congregation must be served; and I am quite willing to contribute what I can in that direction. Our holidays, which have been quite pleasant are drawing to a close. We open up again on the 3rd for the long stretch to Easter. I have spent a considerable part of my vacation in reviewing my Hebrew and refreshing my knowledge of that ancient language. I want to do my exegetical work on the O.T. after the Christmas vacation. It is the only subject I have left to finish my S.T.D. course at Chicago. If I can find time to work it out during the winter and to write my thesis I will receive the degree next spring. The weather just now is dark and dull. We had several days of soft weather that spoiled the skating and tobogganing for a time. It is a little colder to-day and the trees and the ground are covered with a coating of ice; but it is still

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not good for sports. Enclosed I am sending you a few snaps, the significance of which is explained on the back of each card. These snaps were taken by Carolus. The other day I saw an automobile drive across the lake in the park on the ice. It made it with the greatest ease and with no indication of danger. I received Pearl’s letter the other day and we appreciated it most highly. Her things and also Mabel’s arrived on Christmas eve in good time for our home tree service. Thanks to the two of them. I was particularly delighted to receive your photo. The work is not as fine, of course, as your Washington picture and the expression is not as good; but it shows that you are holding your own remarkably well and that you do not look nearly as old as you are. It gives me a comfortable feeling that you are likely to be spared to us for quite a few years yet; for which I devoutly thank the Lord. Mrs. Moser, Mrs. Hirtle’s mother, under went an operation for cancer of the stomach about 7 weeks ago. She just came back home from the hospital on Friday last. She still keeps her bed and I don’t think she will ever get up out of it as she can retain no nourishment and is gradually getting weaker. We were over there last night; but the nurse did not allow any one to see her. We, however, saw the twins for the first time since we saw them in the hospital directly after they were born. They are big babies, very healthy and very good. The children all received lots of presents and were quite happy over them. Robert made good use of his 11 ft. toboggan on the slide in the park. Marion was over at Kitchener several times

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skating in the park. I received a pair of fine skates and acting shoes which I tried out a time or two in our own park; and received besides a little box of cigars, which are all gone already. We received innumerable cards and greeting – in fact I didn’t know I had so many friends. The one that surprized me most was a beautiful Christmas card from the Rev. Dr. H. K. G. Doermann, who is now in Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. Bonnie received quite a number of presents; but she can tell about them herself when she writes, which she will do if she ever finds time. She is quite busy and so at particularly this season. Ruth and Catharine are playing with their dolls now and seem to be quite happy with them. Little Florence got some toys which she also enjoyed. She is asleep just now, but is as lively as any of the rest when she is awake. She looks after me quite closely, blows out my matches, brings me my shoes, and brushes the ashes off my clothes when she sees any on them. I think she will make a good housekeeper; for it she ever sees any water on the floor she makes for a towel and wipes it up. My Christmas service on Monday night at Bridgeport was quite a success and seemed to be enjoyed by all. I came in for a box of candy and nuts in addition to my regular fee of $5. I also received a two or three pound bologna sausage. But I must close. Wishing you all a blessed and happy New Year. I am Most Sincerely yours,

[signed] Carroll H. Little.