File:1927 - 08 -01 Alfred letter to St. John's, Cedar Mills, MN (1).jpg

<references/> source: Clara Hinderer Baur collection

271 Ellis St., Detroit, MI\Detroit, Mich. August 1st, 1927

To the Ev.Luth.St.Johannes Congregation

at Cedar Mills, Meeker County, Minnesota.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

You will already have waited for a sign of life from me. (Would probably already have written if anything good could have been reported. Fact is that I was bedridden almost the whole time, was only few days out of bed and eventually had to give up all my travel plans)<ref>Was headed out to WA with Clara Hinderer and Ralph Baur to visit relatives of his wife</ref>.

It was also my intention when I left you to compose at regular intervals a letter that could then be read out in church, because I know what real interest you take in me and my well-being. It was your love for me that moved you to give me vacation so that I would return healthy if possible, or at least strengthened, into your midst.

I would surely have written sooner if something of a more encouraging nature could have been reported. Fact is however that I was bedridden practically the whole time since I left you and was only granted few days out of bed and in the end had to give up my travel plans, Even prior to leaving Cedar Mills on 4 July I could only keep myself upright by exerting all my strength but hoped that the vacation would bring back strength and health. However I only got to Watertown, S. Dakota and collapsed completely there.

I had to stay in bed for two weeks and suffered unspeakable agony and pain. During the missions festival that was celebrated in Watertown Preacher (?) Bergemann who served there, informed me of a doctor in Detroit Michigan. I immediately wrote to this doctor.

The answer from this doctor reached me at my brother-in-law Eugen Hinderer in Tappin, N. Dakota. ( ). However my condition worsened from day to day. In Tappin I was again made aware of that same doctor in Detroit, Michigan. I saw this then as a sign of God and decided to look up this doctor.

My (nurse? relative?) took me to the station. I arrived in Detroit on 28 July more dead than alive. Since I am here, I am only allowed to take in apple juice and bone soup in preparation for the actual treatment. The treatment consists of injections of a medication into the arm. This doctor invented this medication himself. Every injection costs $300.00.

Besides that one may only eat certain (creamed foods?). Whether healing will follow only time will show. Will, if I can, come home because I have been homesick for you. When that will be I can unfortunately not say yet. Include me, all of you, in the meantime in your prayers, as I include you daily in my prayers.

With heartfelt greetings

In love

your Pastor

<references/>

source: Clara Hinderer collection.

Translation by https://www.wikitree.com/g2g/user/Barber-4100 and her friend.

Hi, The translation from German has been completed, and I've picked up flowers for my friend. This is very sad AND heartfelt. Regards, Janine

August 1, 1927 Letter from Alfred Baur to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cedar Mills

I believe this was probably the rough draft of the letter Alfred sent to his congregation at St. John’s. It is written in German. I find that Alfred writes in German when he is really trying to express himself. It is almost as if he thinks better in German than English.

I also have to believe this was one of the most difficult letters Alfred wrote. A pastor develops a special love for his members. This letter was probably his final acknowledgment of the reality of his situation.

He offers actions which the congregation can take. I will pick out words that I can and attempt to come up with some meaning.

Written from the Walther League Hospice where he was in Sept, 3, 1927. Detroit, MI,

It is addressed to his Lieben Brothers and Sisters. It can be noted that “lieben,” which in German means “To Love” is often used in a more intimate and solemn way than a conventional way of expressing love.

Words I recognize: War is used a number of times. Watertown, SD is referenced. Detroit, MI is referenced. Pastor Eugene Hinderer of Tappin, ND is referenced. Dollar figure of $300 referenced.

Signed Pastor