5 - Parish Letter and Financial Statement: Saint Lawrence of Brindisi Church

5

Parish Letter and Financial Statement: Saint Lawrence of Brindisi Church

1 p.; printed

A letter from Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. offering a financial and spiritual overview of St. Lawrence of Brindisi Church in Watts, Los Angeles, for the year 1931. Despite the deepening economic hardships of the Great Depression and lower wages, Father Stephen thanks the parishioners and local businesses for their generous tithing, which allowed the parish to stay operational and make property improvements. However, the parish debt remains stalled at $37,600, with ongoing interest payments described as a heavy ‘millstone’. Father Stephen expresses hope to reduce this balance substantially in 1932, but notes that success depends on greater participation in church social activities and more consistent use of the duplex envelope system. On an educational note, he highlights slightly improved school attendance, emphasizes that tuition fees will be waived for families who cannot afford them, and encourages public school parents to ensure their children attend Catechism classes.

ISAD(G) 2nd edition