LETTERS: SEYERS HAD BIG ROLE IN BLACK PARISH

To the editor:

In the Sept. 4 paper I was pleased to read a well-written, front-page article which chronicled the founding of Holy Family Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau in 1940. The article gave the church's founder well-deserved praise.

However, two other people very much a part of the planning and building of the church were my parents, Joseph and Pauline Seyer. They did much more than run an electrical extension cord from their house to the church. They permanently donated their entire garden plot, perhaps a third of an acre, as the site of the church. Their house was also the site of several vacation Bible school sessions for the children. At a time when attitudes toward blacks were often quite negative, they stuck their necks out and received quite a bit of flak from their acquaintances. Their answer was that their action was the Christian thing to do.

Not only did they support Father Darling in organizing the parish and in encouraging subsequent pastors, but they actually held the title to the church building. When it was closed, they sold the building to the New Bethel Baptist Church congregation and donated the money to the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.

Perhaps the book will detail this information. If it does, I apologize. However, I want it to be known that my parents did much more than plug in an extension cord next door.

The REV. JAMES A SEYER

Cape Girardeau

To the editor:

Well, here we go again. Recently Joe Vernier of the Lake Facts Committee had a very lengthy letter published in several local newspapers. In his letter, Mr. Vermier extols the virtues of water. I will not argue the point with him. Water is an essential ingredient to living.

The problem lies in the selling of the lake as a source of water for the area. Let's get this straight one more time. The lake was proposed as a recreational reservoir in its original form. Over $100,000 of taxpayer money was spent for a feasibility study to attempt to prove this point. Water supply and flood control were given scant attention in the feasibility study. Recreation was the main focus.

It seems every few weeks the Lake Facts Committee comes up with some new spit on how to sell this absurd idea to the public. They remind me of a drowning man grasping for a straw. Last year their consulting engineer stated that hydro-electric power could be obtained from this project. I am still searching for the feasibility study for this one.

If we give them a few more weeks, they will come up with some nonsense about how the lake could be frozen over so we could have ice fishing.

Why don't we just come clean and call a spade a spade. This is nothing more than a land development project designed to enrich a few people. If the Lake Facts Committee and the Lake Landowners Association are really dedicated and sincere about seeing this project through, then I challenge them to donate their property free of charge for the good of the people.

JAMES C. ROCHE, President

Cape Girardeau-Bollinger Counties Landowners Association/Citizens Against the Lake

Jackson

To the editor:

We would like to remind all College High School classmates for the year 1960-64 that Reunion '97 will be held Sept. 27 at Black Forest Village. Come out early in the afternoon for games and fun followed by a barbecue and entertainment by "Showtime."

For more information, call Sue Roussel at 335-5845 or send regrets/remittance to Sharon Schneider, 790 County Road 214, Gordonville, Mo. 63752.

I Remember

I remember the days with laughter and a sign

When I think of the years at our College High.

I remember the teachers like Jones, Ownbey and Uhls,

Findley, McCoy and Hines teaching us lessons and rules.

I remember Mrs. Seibel and Mr. Gilbert as well,

And being sent to the office and sitting a spell.

I remember the halls where we visited and talked,

And the wide stairways where out the windows we gawked.

I remember with a sadness the classmates who have died.

They've gone on before us and now in Heaven abide.

And I remember the friendships that have lasted through time,

And all of the reunions that have really been prime.

I remember College High, and though it exists no more,

The memories in our minds we can always explore.

You too can remember and share good times with all

If you'll come to the reunion that we're having this fall.

SUE ROUSSEL

Cape Girardeau