USA > Illinois > Fayette County > Vandalia > Minutes twenty-ninth annual convention Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1899 > Part 8
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In my humble judgment, one thing we yet lack for a well- rounded and symmetrical work. That is, an institution of learn- ing, where our youth may receive an education under positive Christian influence, and in a distinctively religious atmosphere. We need men and women in our congregations who are educated in the spirit and doctrine of our church, who have an intelligent comprehension of her doctrine, history, position, and influence. After the existence of almost a third of a century, is it not time that the Chicago Synod take some definite action looking toward the founding of an institution of learning? In this respect the Synod has done practically nothing. We hope, however, that the future will bring better results.
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This year's service of your president, has been one of consid- erable labor and many vexations. At the beginning of the year, there existed five vacancies, besides mission points to be supplied. During the year five more were created by resignations, making ten parishes to be supplied with pastors, besides the manning of the missions. These vacancies, however, have all been filled with the exception of three, and one of these is likely to be filled at an early day. A source of much annoyance to your president is the delay, and in some cases the refusal of the officials of a parish, to communicate and counsel with him, with a view of securing a pastor. This causes needless delay and in some cases has been the cause of failure in securing an available and acceptable man.
Resignations.
Rev. William Evans resigned the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, Chicago, Sep. 1, 1900.
Rev. J. M. G. Sappenfield resigned the Gila parish, February 17, 1901.
Rev. William A. Sadtler, Ph. D., resigned St. John's Evan- gelical Lutheran Church, Chicago, May 1, 1901, in order that he inight accept the call to the English professorship in the Theolog- ical Seminary of the Iowa Synod, Dubuque, Iowa.
Rev. A. J. Reichert resigned the Mulberry parish, May 1, 1901.
Rev. L. O. Pearch resigned the Corydon parish, June 1, 1901. Dismissals.
Rev. William Evans desired a letter of dismissal to the Con- gregational Church. Your president declined to issue such letter on the ground that it is not the custom of the Chicago Synod, nor of the Lutheran Church, to dismiss pastors to other denominations, and on the further ground that the Rev. Mr. Evans in his letter to the church council of the Holy Trinity Church announcing his resignation, stated that this resignation also meant his with- drawal from the Lutheran Church.
Rev. A. J. Reichert, having accepted a call to Red Wing, Minn., was at his own request dismissed to the English Evan- gelical Lutheran Synod of the Northwest. May 20, 1901.
Rev. A. T. Clay, having accepted a call to a professorship in the University of Pennsylvania, was at his own request, dis- missed to the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, May 25, 1901.
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Installations.
Rev. Hiram Peters, having accepted a call to the First Eng- lish Evangelical Lutheran Church, Decatur, Ill., was installed November 18, 1900. Rev. Drs R. F. Weidner and W. A. Sadtler, upon my authority, performed the act of installation.
Rev. D. L. Reese, having accepted a call to the Whitestown parish, was installed by your president, July 22, 1900.
Calls Accepted.
Rev. J. M. G. Sappenfield has been supplying the Claremont parish, and has received and accepted a call to said parish. Cer- tain arrangements now perfecting make it desirable that the in- ยท stallation be deferred to a later date.
Rev. W. L. Hunton, Ph. D., has accepted a call from Holy Trinity, Chicago, and will enter upon his labors September 1. In the meantime Students H. T. Weber and W. J. Seiberling sup- ply the pulpit.
Besides the calls already mentioned, the following students have received and accepted calls, and are candidates for ordina- tion: Mr. H. K. Lantz, Frankfort; Mr. W. H. Shepfer, Newberry; Mr. William Eckert, South Bend; Mr. M. E. Haberland, St. Luke's, Chicago; Mr. J. R. E. Hunt, St. John's, Chicago; Mr. G. F. Dittmar, Rochester charge.
Corner-Stone Laying.
On Sunday, October 21, 1900, the corner-stone of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church of Our Blessed Saviour, Alexandria, Ind., was laid by Rev. W. J. Finck, assisted by the pastor, Rev. C. L. V. Dozer. The building is of pressed brick, and when com- pleted will be without debt.
On Sunday, November 18, 1900, the corner-stone of St. Luke's, Chicago, was laid with appropriate services by Rev. Dr. G. H. Gerberding, assisted by Rev. A. D. Crile.
Dedications.
A new departure has been entered upon by the Colburn parish, in the line of Christian education. After several confer- ences, the members decided to open a parish school. The neces- sary lot was purchased, a building placed thereon, and a teacher secured in the person of Prof. G. M. Moser. September 11, 1900, the school was formally opened. The building was dedicated by
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your president, after an appropriate sermon based on Prov. 9:10. The first year of the school has passed with results beyond the most sanguine expectations of its friends and patrons. For the ensuing year the school will be more thoroughly organized and equipped and better work will be done. We cherish the hope that other parishes will follow in this work.
On Sunday, October 28, the beautiful brick structure erected by Zion's congregation, East Germantown, was dedicated by your president. Rev. J. C. Kunzman preached the dedicatory sermon. This is the oldest Lutheran congregation in the state, and we re- joice in the evidences of its life and vigor.
On Sunday, January 13, 1901, St. Luke's, Chicago, was dedi- cated by Rev. A. D. Crile, Dr. Weidner preaching the dedicatory sermon. The church is a two-story brick structure, at the corner of Mariana and Francisco streets.
Congregations Organized.
Rev. L. G. Grey organized St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran ~ Church, Chadwick, Ill., in February last. They have a good church building and are now engaged in erecting a parsonage. Rev. Mr. Grey has been dismissed by the Synod of the Northwest to our Synod, and expects with his congregation to be received into this body.
On June 3, 1900, The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Blessed Saviour, Alexandria, Ind., was organized by the pastor, Rev: C. L. V. Dozer. It will apply for admission at this conven- tion.
The Chicago Seminary.
The Seminary recently closed its tenth year and sent forth sixteen graduates, six of whom have accepted calls within the bounds of our Synod. That this institution is becoming more and more an important factor in the development of our Synod can no longer be questioned. Without it our ministerial ranks could not be recruited nor the new fields constantly opening be occupied. It is therefore a cause for rejoicing to know that the Seminary authorities . are preparing for better and more thorough work. Three regular professors are now in charge, the third one, Rev. Prof. Elmer F. Krauss, having been called during the past year, and was installed Oct. 4, 1900, the installation services being held in Wicker Park Church. He occupies the chair of New Testament Greek and Exegesis.
And now, Brethren, let us stand fast in the profession of our
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faith without wavering, let us faithfully discharge the duties that devolve upon us, knowing that our work is not in vain.
Respectfully submitted,
M. L. WAGNER.
The report was received to be referred to the proper committee upon its appointment.
Partial Report of the Examination Committee.
We, your Committee, desire to state that Rev. Hiram Peters appeared before us, making application for membership in the Chicago Synod, presenting a letter of dismissal from the District Synod of Ohio, which letter is hereto attached, and as the Rev. Hiram Peters expressed himself in thorough sympathy with the Synod's Constitution and work, we recommend that he be received as a member of our Synod. THE COMMITTE.
The report was adopted and Rev. Mr. Peters signed the Constitution.
Election of Officers.
The President appointed lay delegates Anderson, Brewer, and Simon as tellers. The election resulted as follows:
President-Rev. M. L. Wagner, Vandalia, Illinois;
Secretary-Rev. William J. Finck, Anderson, Indiana:
Treasurer-Rev. Isaiah Whitman, Wallace. Fountain Co., Indiana.
The hours for opening and closing the sessions were fixed as follows: 8:00 to 11:00 for the morning; 2:00 to 5:00 for the afternoon; and 7:30 for beginning the even- ing session.
A schedule of services for afternoon and evening services was adopted as suggested by the President.
The President completed the Standing Committees and appointed the Regular Committes as follows:
Standing Committees.
Examination-Rev.J.Wesner, G.H.Gerberding, D.D., P.C.Wike, A.D.Crile. and A.C.Anda.
Foreign Missions-Rev. L.O.Pearch. C. L. V. Dozer, and Mr. H.S.K. Bartholomew.
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Home Missions-Rev. A. C. Anda. G. H.Gerberding, D. D., G. P.Kabele, H. Peters, A.H. Arbaugh, and Messrs. C.T. A. Anderson, A. P.Johnson, and Lars Undem.
Education-Rev.J. Wesner, Isaiah Whitman, and Mr.J.J.Kuhn.
Benevolence-Rev.Z.M.Corbet, H.Peters, and Mr. Wm. Brewer.
Discipline-Rev. L. Hogshead, D.L. Reese, J.M.G.Sappenfield, P.C.Wike, and A. V.House.
Reception of Congregations-Rev.P.C. Wike, C.L. V. Dozer, and Mr. John V.Sap- penfield.
Parochial Reports and Apportionments-Rev.I. Whitman, D.L.Reese, H.B.Reed, and Messrs.J. D. Fritch, and Henry Bertsch.
Regular Committees.
Credentials-Rev.L. Hogshead, A. H. Arbaugh, and H.B. Reed.
President's Report-Rev.G.H.Gerberding, D. D., A.C.Anda, and Hiram Peters.
Treasurer's Report -- Messrs.C.T.A.Anderson, Michael Rudisill, and Nathaniel Wentzel.
On Protocol-Rev.P.W.H Frederick, and Z. M. Corbet.
On Absentees-Rev.A. D.Crile, D.L. Reese, and Mr.J.S.Simon.
On Conferences-Rev.C.L. V. Dozer, and H.B. Reed.
On Press-Lutheran, Dr.Gerberding; Young Lutheran, Committee on Young Lutheran; Local Press, Rev.C.L. V.Dozer.
Adjourned with prayer by the Rev. C. L. V. Dozer.
SECOND SESSION.
Thursday, May 30, 1901, 8 a. m.
The devotional services consisted of the full Matin Service. The roll was called and the minutes were read and approved.
Treasurer's Report.
RECEIPTS.
From W. J. Finck, former Treasurer $ 144 31
Offerings at Synod, Church Extension. 7 00
Offerings at Synod, Benevolence 25 35
Offerings at Synod, Education. 7 62
Offerings at Synod, Foreign Missions 10 00
Offerings at Synod, Home for the Aged. 11 52
Ministerial Relief 10 45
Works of Mercy 42 00
Church Extension, General Council. 77 11
Home Missions, General Council 79 13
Foreign Missions, Special. 69 43
Apportionment .. 1853 91 $2337 83
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DISBURSEMENTS.
Church Extension, General Council.
$ 84 11
Works of Mercy
78 87
Education.
350 00
Foreign Missions.
216 00
Home Missions, General Council
72 23
Synodical Expenses.
152 57
Synodical Home Missions.
1098 93
Cash on Hand.
285 12
$2337 83
Receipts in Detail. JUNE 7, 1900-MAY 29, 1901.
PARISH.
CONGREGATIONS.
DELI'Y.
APPO'T.
SPECI'L
TOTAL.
Phanuel
$
$ 23 00
$ 14 30
$ 37 30
Alamo.
Emmanuel
15 50
2 36
17 86
Philadelphia.
2 86
9 00
11 86
Alexandria
Our Saviour.
6 00
6 26
12 26
Anderson
Mt. Zion's ..
14 50
2 85
17 30
Chicago.
Holy Trinity
151 00
151 00
St. John's.
16 07
3 00
19 07
Wicker Park.
100 00
54 35
154 35
St. Mark's
36 50
36 50
St. James'
1 00
7 00
10 50
18 50
.6
St. Matthew's
2 00
15 90
17 90
6.
St. Peter's.
16 50
16 50
Claremont
St. James'
7 43
69 00
4 00
80 43
St. John's.
30 00
16 87
46 87
Colburn
Zion's
7 50
18 00
25 50
Corydon
Mt. Solomon
42 64
42 64
Crisman.
Hope ..
First English.
46 17
5 00
51 17
East Germantown
St. James'
16 50
5 45
21 95
St. John's
16 50
5 03
21 53
Fort Wayne.
Holy Trinity
320 00
320 00
Frankfort.
St. Paul's.
37 50
37 50
Gila
Union.
41 30
41 30
Goshen1
First English
88 00
88 00
St. John's.
30 00
24 76
54 76
Lost Creek
39 00
20 18
59 18
/ Zion's.
14 00
6 46
20 46
Lafayette
Zion's.
J Zion's.
61 76
60 00
121 76
Mulberry
/ Fairhaven
40 98
40 98
J St. Peter's.
30 00
30 00
New berry
/ Mt. Zion's
27 00
27 00
Portland
Zion's ..
2 75
2 19
4 94
St. Paul's.
32 50
32 50
Rochester
/ St. John's.
13 00
13 00
South Bend.
Holy Trinity
' 4 00
4 00
St. Paul's ..
15 00
18 00
Syracuse
Emmanuel
27 00
27 00
( Syracuse
11 50
11 50
Vandalia
St. James'
42 00
42 00
Union.
1 95
9 50
11 45
Salem
55 00
55 00
Whitestown
St. Mark's
19 98
63 50
83 48
St. James'
20 36
1 56 00
76 39
.
St. John's
29 82
7 28
37 10
St. Luke's.
22 80
18 50
41 30
Decatur.
Zion's ...
10 00
34
10 34
Bethel.
Hicksville
3 00
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Of the forty-eight congregations in Synod, thirty-five have paid their apportionment in full or over paid. The following are delinquent to the amounts designated:
St. John's, Chicago.
.$ 17 33
St. Luke's, Chicago
2 00
Zion's, Colburn
4 70
Corydon, Mt. Solomon
7 36
Hope, Crisman 39 30
First English. Decatur
3 83
Zion's, East Germantown 96 38
St. Jacob's, East Germantown 30 92
Union, Gila. 167 65
Zion's, Mulberry
13 24
Fair Haven, Mulberry
11 52
St. John's, Rochester
91 88
Zion's, Portland
16 75
$502 84
ISAIAH WHITMAN, Treasurer.
Money received during this convention:
St. John's, Chicago, J. R. E. Hunt.
$17 33
The report was received and referred to the proper committee.
Report of Committee on President's Report
Your Committee on President's Report would most respectfully offer the following:
1. That we approve of the official acts of the President.
2. That our pastors again call the attention of their congre- gations to the two hospitals on our territory, and urge the sending of donations in the shape of produce, meats, dried and canned fruits, jellies, etc., and that they also keep before their churches the need of deaconesses for the Work of Mercy.
3. That all our congregations and Sunday schools take up an annual announced envelope offering for our Seminary, the en- velopes to be furnished free by the Seminary; also that the Luther Leagues and ladies' societies be urged to make annual contribu- tions to this work. All these contributions are to be sent through the Synodical treasurer.
4. In the matter of an educational institution, we recommend that our pastors keep it before their people and be on the look-out
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for men or women of means who might be helpful in the founding of such a school, and that the Committee on Educational Institu- tions be continued.
5. That all our congregations be again instructed that all prospective vacancies be reported to the President of Synod, and that his advice be sought in the securing of a pastor.
THE COMMITTEE.
The report was received and adopted item by item.
On the Special Committee on Educational Institu- tions the name of Rev. P. C. Wike was substituted for the name of Dr. Sadtler, and Dr. Gerberding was named as chairman.
The adoption of the By-Laws was under considera- tion when the hour for adjournment arrived.
Adjourned with prayer by the Rev. Hiram Peters.
THIRD SESSION.
Thursday, May 30, 1901, 2 p. m.
The devotional services were conducted by the Rev. C. A. Anda. The minutes were read and approved.
The consideration of the By-Laws was continued. The remaining articles were adopted and the By-Laws were adopted as a whole to go into effect at once.
(See Appendix.)
The adoption of the proposed plan for regulating beneficiary education was taken up and considered sec- tion by section. The consideration was pending when the hour of the special order of the schedule of services arrived devoting the time to the presentation of Foreign Missions. Rev. J. Telleen addressed the Synod, where- upon the roll was called and each pastor made a brief statement of the Foreign Mission interest manifested in his charge during the past year.
Adjourned with prayer by the Rev. J. Wesner.
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FOURTH SESSION.
Friday, May 31, 1901, 8 a. m.
The devotional services were conducted by the Rev. Loran O. Pearch. The roll was called and the minutes were read and approved.
The Committee on Credentials recommended the re- ception of John Dreiman as delegate of the Newberry charge. The recommendation was adopted and the name was added to the roll. The privileges of the floor were granted to the candidates for ordination present.
The pending business was deferred until the hearing and adoption of the report of the Home Mission Com- mittee.
Report of Committee on Treasurer's Report.
We, your Committee, to whom was referred the report of the treasurer, beg leave to report that we have carefully compared the items of the report with the cash book accounts and vouchers, and find the report correct. THE COMMITTEE.
The report was received and adopted.
The report of the Home Mission Committee was re- ceived and considered item by item. It was under discus- sion when the hour of adjournment arrived.
Adjourned with prayer by Rev. A. V. House.
FIFTH SESSION.
Friday, May 31, 1901, 2 p. m.
The devotional services were conducted by the Rev. Hiram Peters. The minutes were read and approved. The consideration of the report of the Home Mis- sion Committee, pending at the close of last session, was continued and the report adopted as here recorded.
Report of Committee on Home Missions.
Your Committee would respectfully report as follows: The Committee has had two meetings since the last convention
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of Synod, besides the meetings held during this convention. The business transacted at these meetings, and the work done during the past year, are summarized in this report.
The Missions.
The Board of Home Missions of the General Council aids three missions on our territory, namely : St. John's, Chicago; St. John's, Anderson, Ind., and the First English, Decatur, I11.
During the past year the Synod has extended aid to nine mis- sions, namely: St. James', St. Luke's, St. Matthew's, and St. Peter's, Chicago, I11 .; Our Blessed Saviour, Alexandria, Ind .; Zion's, Portland, Ind .; Hope, Crisman, Ind .; Zion's, Lafayette, Ind., and Waukegan, Ill. Other mission points receiving no aid are Holy Trinity, South Bend, Ind., and St. John's, Nappanee, Ind., the former of which, however, applies for synodical aid for this synodical year.
ST. JAMES', Chicago, Rev. P. W. H. Frederick, missionary. This mission has a communicant membership of nineteen; received since last convention of Synod, eight; losses, seven. It has a flourishing Sunday School of 120 scholars and eight teachers. The income of the school was $25.28, and of the congregation $125.25. During the past year this mission has shown signs of prosperity, if not of rapid growth. The pastor, because of his duties in the Seminary, has not had all the time he desired for this work. Accordingly, Student Shepfer has assisted him.
The congregation is now hopeful of the future. They have of late unanimously decided upon a lot 29/2x125 feet, on the corner of Drake avenue and Mariana street. This lot can be obtained for $750.00. All who know the situation consider it a desirable purchase. The pastor will spend a number of weeks to collect funds to pay for the lot, and if possible, also for a church build- ing. During the absence of the pastor, Student Paul Gerberding will be in charge, whose salary will be paid by the pastor. This mission asks for $125.00 for the five summer months.
ST. LUKE'S, Chicago, Student M. E. Haberland, Missionary. This mission was very fortunate in securing as a gift from Mr. Hair, a desirable lot worth $2,000, on the condition that it build thereon a church worth $3,000, $1,000 of which were to be raised in actual cash before the delivery of the deed. By September 1, the $1,000 were secured and the deed to the lot was at once trans- ferred without condition. An adjoining lot worth $900 was also
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purchased from Mr. Hair for $400. A loan was negotiated and work on the building of a neat brick chapel begun at once. It was dedicated on January 13. The building and furnishings cost $3,800. Its property is considered worth $7,000, with an indebted- ness of $3,500, $1,000 of which consist of a floating debt, which must be met by the first of the year.
Its present communicant membership is nineteen. It has an active Sunday School with an average attendance of about ninety- five. Its Ladies' Aid Society subscribed $200 for the building. During the winter the missionary was assisted by students of the Seminary. The missionary has received a unanimous call from the congregation to become its permanent pastor.
The outlook for the work is very bright and promising, but at the present time the congregation is unable to do anything toward supporting the pastor, owing to the floating indebtedness which must be removed. Last year $120 per year for three years were voted by Synod to this mission for interest on its debt. It has ap- ~ plied for $300 additional for the support of its pastor for the ensu- ing year.
ST. MATTHEW'S, Chicago, Rev. Geo. P. Kabele, missionary. This mission is making steady progress. During the past year the indebtedness has been reduced $117, and twenty-four communi- cant members received; losses, seven; present communicant mem- bership, seventy. The Sunday School has 130 scholars and eleven teachers with an income during the past year of $98.98. An inter- esting Ladies' Aid Society, a Young Ladies' Auxiliary, and a Luther League are maintained, and a neat parish paper publish- ed, which is of great benefit to the church. The total expenditures of the congregation for the year were $629.62. It property, includ- ing the lot, is valued at $2,400. Its indebtedness is $233, exclud- ing the price of the lot which the congregation has not yet been able to purchase.
At its April meeting the congregation unanimously increased the pastor's salary from $20 to $25 per month and resolved that the Home Mission Committee of Synod be respectfully requested to supplement this with $200 for the synodical year. The outlook for the next year is very encouraging. Chicago's building boom is manifest on every hand in the community. The chapel, however, sadly needs calcimine within and paint without. A vestibule and a new carpet were placed in the church the past year.
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ST. PETER'S, Chicago, Rev. H. B. Reed, missionary. En- couraging progress has been made by St. Peter's during the past year in every way. Activity has characterized the work in the congregation and societies. During the year twenty communicant members were received, losses four; present membership sixty-six. The Sunday School has grown very materially, now numbering 250 members, with seventeen officers and teachers. The Luther League and Ladies' Aid have done exceptionally good wook. A Men's Guild was recently organized.
The financial showing is very gratifying. Aside from the $300 granted by Synod, the sum of $935.31 has been received through the congregation and the various societies. $134 of this came through the Sunday School.
The basement of the church which is to be used for Sunday School rooms, is nearing completion. Progress here has been somewhat slow, as the congregation has decided to incur no further debt in its completion. As soon as this is finished the church will be dedicated.
An extra expense was laid upon the congregation during the past year by the laying of a cement sidewalk in front of the proper- ty by the city. The congregation looks hopefully forward to a year of happy progress. This mission petitions Synod for $300 for this year.
HOPE, Crisman, Ind. This field was cared for during the summer by Student Dittmar. Efforts were made to have it united to a neighboring Swedish parish of the Augustana Synod, but on finding this arrangement would be unsatisfactory, it was taken in charge by the joint Synod of Ohio, which has been caring for it since last Christmas.
ZION'S, Lafayette, Ind. During the past winter this mission has been supplied every two weeks by students from the Seminary. Student J. V. Sappenfield'has been secured to carry on the work for the summer. It has a membership of twenty-two at present. There was no missionary on the field during the winter, and the little flock has become somewhat discouraged as a consequence, but it is hoped that this will be overcome during the summer.
OUR BLESSED SAVIOUR, Alexandria, Ind., Rev. C. L. V. Dozer, missionary. This mission has a confirmed membership of thirty- one, accessions during the year, twelve; losses, two. It has a Sunday School of thirty-five, with an income of $13.30. Total ex-
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penditures of the mission, $118.86. The prospects here are im- proving and there is a growing interest and participation in the work. By autumn, at farthest, it hopes to meet in its own beauti- ful and commodious house of worship now about ready to be roofed, which will give an impetus to the work.
ZION'S, Portland, Ind., Rev. C. L. V. Dozer, missionary. We have not at hand a complete report from this field. It has a com- municant membership of about twenty-five, and a Sunday School of about twenty scholars and six teachers and officers. The total expenditures of this mission have been about $85.47. Its property is worth about $2,500.
HOLY TRINITY, South Bend, Ind., Student Wm. Eckert, mis- sionary. This mission has a communicant membership of thirty- three, accessions during the past year 18, losses 1. It has a Sun- day School of fifty-five scholars and eight teachers and officers, with an income of about $55. The total expenditures of the church were $425. In April the congregation unanimously called Student Wm. Eckert to become its pastor, and has promised him a salary of $300, and request that this be supplemented with $200 by Synod. The question of securing a lot has been discussed and a committee appointed to select a suitable location. The outlook is very en- couraging and there are now a few applications for membership.
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