Joseph G. Lemen (1848-1904)

LEMEN

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 16:05:25

Joseph Goff Lemen
(February 20, 1848 - October 26, 1904)

Manchester Democrat, Wednesday, Nov 02, 1904, Manchester, IA, Page: 4
Head of Christian Home is Dead
Council Bluffs, Ia., Oct. 28.-Rev. J. G. Lemen, founder and manager of the Christian Home in this city, is dead. In the home are 220 children and a number of aged people from all parts of the country. A $25,000 dormitory was given last year by a Chicago philanthropist.

Walnut Bureau, Walnut, Iowa, Friday, Oct 28, 1904, p.5
Death of Rev. Lemen
Rev. J. G. Lemen, founder and manager of the Christian Home at Council Bluffs died at his home in that city Wednesday morning. He had been sick for several days but was not considered dangerous until the evening before his death when a sinking spell came over him that left no hope of his recovery. The death of Rev. Lemen, however great a loss it is to the Christian Home and its friends, does not, nevertheless, seal the fate of that institution, which has come to be one of the largest in Council Bluffs. The home covers several blocks on North Seventh street and occupies a number of buildings, including the handsome dormitory and dining hall finished the past year at a cost of about $30,000, the donation of an unknown Chicago philanthropist. The entire value of the home property is estimated at not less than $150,000 and Rev. Lemen has it all so deeded as to insure its continuation for an orphanage either under control of his successors or the state. Every effort will be made to continure it in the plans laid out so extensively and completely by Rev. Lemen before his death and it is believed that there are those already connected with the Home thoroughly capable of conducting the orphanage as successfully as has Rev. Lemen. H. R. Lemon, a son of Rev. Lemen, has been associated with him in the work of several years as assistant manager and it is expected that upon him will be placed the responsibility of managing the Home in the future. Mr. Lemen has already shown marked ability in that work by his great assistance to his father and, with the aid of the Home band, which now numbers 30,000 people throughout the United States and foreign countries, it is expected that the work of the home will continue without any more serious break.

Walnut Bureau, Walnut, Iowa, Friday, Nov. 18, 1904, p.5
A Thanksgiving Offering
The Christian Home Orphanage of Council Bluffs, has been sadly afflicted in the death of its late manager, Rev. J. G. Lemen, the founder and manager for over twenty-one years, died Oct 26, 1904. The death of Rev. Lemen will be keenly felt in the work of the Orphanage, which now cares for 220 inmates, many of whom are helpless and sadly afflicted. The Home will be carried on by Rev. Lemen’s son, H R. Lemen, who has been associated with his father since the beginning of the work. The old staff of workers at the Home will remain the same as before, and the new manager believes that with the enthusiastic and prayerful co-operation of everyone whose heart beats in sympathy with suffering childhood, that the work will continue to grow and give home and shelter to many more afflicted little ones. The needs of the Home now are heavy, but, if the load were shared by all it would be very light for each one. We ask that every reader of this article mail to H. R. Lemen, Council Bluffs, a donation for the Thanksgiving offering, in keeping with the blessings God has given you during the past year, believing that you will be blest in so doing, and that you will have a more enjoyable Thanksgiving day yourself. Goods may also be given the Home by sending potatoes, turnigps, cabbage, groceries and canned fruits, meats, poultry, eggs, butter, dried fruits, dried vegetable, etc. Try going out among your friends and neighbors and see what you can send in for Thanksgiving dinner of the 220 orphans at the Home. Very few will refuse you anything and will also assist you with cash to pay the freight or express charges. Winter clothing of all kinds, for boys and girls, especially underclothing, stockings and bed clothing, which are always needed. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” Address all communications to H. R. Lemen, Christian Home, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Send list of doners and money by mail.