November 4, 2025
HEADS BOW, PENITENT STEALS.
New "Mourner" Asks for Prayer,
Grabs Offering and Runs.
The Gospel Mission on Fourth street opposite police headquarters had conducted a successful service last night. The offering had been taken and the presiding elder had called all repentant sinners forward to testify. One young man, in particular, was vehement in his protestations of conversion to a better life.
"Brothers, I was a drunkard -- yes, at one time I was a thief, but all that is changed now, and I desire your prayers for my complete redemption."
The congregation bowed their heads in prayer and while they were so occupied the hand of the professed penitent slowly moved across the wooden table until it reached a pocket book which contained the nightly offering of the score of faithful.
In a flash it had gone, and with a laugh the man ran down the aisle and out into the street.
The police department was notified by Mrs. I. Hanson, 1406 Grand avenue, the owner of the pocket book. It contained about $5.
Labels: churches, con artist, crime, Fourth street, Grand avenue
