USA > Indiana > Tippecanoe County > Lafayette > Minutes thirty-fifth annual convention Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1905 > Part 9
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In a communication dated February 13, 1907, the Rev. H. Peters informed me that he had resigned the pastorate of the Decatur Parish, to take effect April 1, 1907.
On the twentieth day of May, 1907 the Rev. C. R. Dunlap informed me that on May 14, he had resigned as pastor of Epiph- any Church, Chicago, his resignation to take effect May 31, 1907.
May 28, 1907, the Rev. A. R. Beck informed me that he had resigned as pastor of the St. James' Church, Chicago, his res- ignation to take effect the latter part of July.
Calls Accepted.
On January 11, 1907, the Rev. J. R. E. Hunt informed me that he had accepted a call to become pastor of the Church of the Redeemer, Austin, Chicago, and would begin work in that Parish the first Sunday in February.
In a letter dated January 13, 1907, the Rev. C. L. Warstler, of St. Paul, Minnesota, informed me that he had accepted the call extended to him to become pastor of the Whitestown (Ind.) Par-
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ish and that his pastorate of the latter place would begin ti first week in April.
Under date of February 13, 1907, the Rev. John Knauer i: formed me that he had received and accepted a call to becon pastor of the Church of Our Blessed Saviour, Alexandria, Inc and that he would begin the work the first of May.
On March 12, 1907, I was notified by the Rev. Thor. Sigmon that he had accepted a call to become pastor of St. John's Englis Evangelical Lutheran Church, Englewood, Chicago. He assume charge of the work the latter part of April.
In a letter dated March 13, 1907, the Rev. H. Peters, D. D wrote to me informing me of his acceptance of a call extende to him by St. Paul's Congregation, Frankfort, Ind. He wil assume charge June 1.
Under date of April 18, 1907, the Rev. Nathaniel Matthei: of Westfield, Wis., wrote to me that he had accepted a call e> tended to him by the Gila and Wheeler (Ill.) Parish, to be come pastor. He entered upon his work May 1, 1907.
In a communication dated May 29, from the secretary c the First English Lutheran Congregation at Goshen, Ind., I wa: informed that the Rev. L. J. Smith, of Roseville, Ohio, had ac cepted a call extended to him by this congregation. He tool charge May 26. 1907.
Mr. F. E. Stough, a graduate of our Lutheran Seminary in Chicago, informed me under date of May 6, 1907, that he had accepted a call to become pastor of the English Lutheran Church at Buckley, Ill., which he served during the past year.
In a letter dated May 9, 1907, the Rev. D. L. Reese, who has been supplying the Anderson, (Ind.) charge, informed me that he had received and accepted a unanimous call from this Parish to become its regular pastor. He assumed charge in this capac- ity Sunday, May 12.
Under date of May 14, 1907, Mr. C. R. Dennig, a graduate of the Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, informed me that he had accepted a call to become pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, South Bend, Ind. Mr. Dennig is already in charge of this work.
Mr. Henry Thompson, of the Lutheran Seminary in Chicago, on May 17, 1907. informed me that he had received and ac- cepted a call to become pastor of the Syracuse Lutheran Parisb, Syracuse, Ind. He desires to enter upon his duties the first part of June.
Supplies.
The Church of the Atonement, Chicago, has been acceptably supplied during the greater part of the past year by Student O. S. Yerger, of the Chicago Seminary. Rev. A. H. Arbaugh will have charge of this Mission after June 1.
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The Claremont (III.) charge has been served by the Rev. Peters, D. D., during the months of April and May, 1907.
The Syracuse Parish has been supplied during the month of y, 1907, by Student S. L. Booger, of the Seminary at Chicago, nois.
The Anderson (Ind.) charge was regularly supplied by the v. D. L. Reese until his acceptance of a call to become cular pastor of that Parish.
The Mission at Chicago Heights is at present supplied by ident Calvin S. Brewer. This point was cared for by Student ndel during the winter.
Vacant congregations in our Synod have, for the most part, en regularly supplied during the period of their vacancy, gely through the assistance of our Seminary at Chicago, Ill.
Installation.
The Rev. J. R. E. Hunt was regularly installed pastor of the hurch of the Redeemer, Austin, Chicago, at the Sunday morning ervice, March 10, 1907, by the Rev. A. D. Crile.
Applications for Membership.
The Rev. V. J. Becker, who has accepted a call from the Nappanee (Ind.) Parish, has presented a letter of honorable dis- nissal from the Synod of Northern Indiana, (General Synod), nd makes application for membership in this Synod.
The Rev. C. L. Warstler, having accepted a call to the Whitestown Parish, presents a letter of honorable dismissal from the Synod of the Northwest, and makes application for member- ship in the Chicago Synod.
These letters of dismissal, together with applications for menibership in the Chicago Synod, are in the hands of the Com- mittee on Examination.
The Evangelical English Lutheran Church of the Reforma- tion, of Buckley, Ill., has made application for reception into our Synod. The application will be placed in the hands of the proper committee.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Chicago Heights, Ill., has regularly applied for admission into our Synod. The application will be placed in the hands of the Com- mittee on Reception of Congregations.
Applications for Ordination.
Charles R. Dennig, who has accepted a call extended to him by the Church of the Holy Trinity, South Bend, Ind., has made application for ordination at this Convention of the Synod.
Henry N. Thompson, who has accepted a call from the Syra-
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cuse (Ind.) Parish, also makes application for ordination at this Convention of the Synod.
F. E. Stough, having accepted a call extended to him to become pastor of the English Lutheran Church at Buckley, Ill., in like manner makes application for ordination at this Con- vention of the Synod.
Prof. M. L. Stirewalt, having accepted a call extended to him by the Home Mission Committee of the Chicago Synod to act as its Traveling Missionary in the Southern Conference, also applies for ordination at this Convention of Synod.
Their applications have been placed in the hands of the Chairman of the Committee on Examination.
Dismissals.
In a letter dated March 13, 1907, the Rev. Luther Hogshead applied for a letter of dismissal to the District Synod of Ohio, on the ground that he had accepted a call to St. Matthew's Eng- lish Lutheran Church, of Toledo, Ohio., which church is a member of the District Synod of Ohio. A letter of dismissal was granted him March 16, 1907.
In a letter dated May 23, the Rev. Charles R. Dunlap applied for a letter of dismissal to the Pittsburg Synod (G. S.) on the ground that he had accepted a call extended to him by the Mes- siah Lutheran Church of Homestead, Pa., a member of that Synod. A letter was granted him on May 24, 1907.
Corner Stone Laying.
The Corner Stone of St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, N. Francisco and Marianna Aves., Chicago, the Rev. M. E. Hab- erland, Pastor, was laid Sunday afternoon, April 28, 1907, by the pastor loci, assisted by several visiting brethren.
Dedications.
On Sunday, January 27, 1907, the new English Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, Elgin, Ill., the Rev. Paul W. Roth, Pastor, was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies by the Act- ing President of the Synod. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. D. Luther Roth, D. D., of Pittsburg, Pa. The church is a handsome brick structure, 72x90 feet, Gothic in style and erected at a cost of $25.000.
On Sunday, December 2, 1906, a marble baptismal fount was dedicated by the Acting President of Synod in the First English Lutheran Church at Mishawaka, Ind., the Rev. L. W. Steckel, Pastor.
On Sunday, May 26, the new St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church in which we meet today was dedicated by the Pastor, Rev. M. E. Haberland. The dedicatory sermon was preached by
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the Rev. J. C. Kuntzman, D. D., Superintendent of English Home Missions of the General Council.
The new building of the Colburn Academy, at Mulberry, Ind., was dedicated Sunday, February 10, 1907, by Rev. G. H. Gerber- ding, D. D., assisted by several visiting brethren. The building is a handsome three-story brick structure, 50x75 feet, and was erected at a cost of $15,000.
Parsonages.
The Rochester (Ind.) Parish, Rev. G. F. Dittmar, Pastor, nas purchased a residence for the use of the pastor of that charge. A small debt rests upon it, but arrangements are being made whereby the incumbrance will very soon be removed. May other parishes follow this example!
Vacancies.
The Claremont (III.) Parish, the Decatur (III.) Parish and the Epiphany Parish, Chicago, are vacant at the present time. May the Great Head of the Church soon send pastors fitted to do successful work at these points. St. James, Chicago, will be made vacant by the resignation of the Rev. A. R. Beck. It is hoped that a successor may be secured before the removal of Mr. Beck.
Division of the Whitestown Parish.
This matter was last year referred to the Committee on Re- ception of Congregations, which recommended: "That the Pres- Ident visit this Parish in person, or send a representative, who shall endeavor to bring about such division as shall be agreeable to the majority of all concerned."
Owing to the removal of the President, this matter to the best of our knowledge, has not received attention. The neces- sity for division is, however, still as urgent as ever.
The Chicago Seminary.
Again this year, our Synodical Roll will be enlarged by the addition of the names of four graduates from this institution. The Chicago Synod profits more constantly and largely from the existence of this school, than any other Synod. This fact should lead us to support this institution much more gener- ously than we are doing. We are assured by one who is in a position to know, that while the benefit which we receive is pro- portionately larger than that of any other of our General Council Synods. our support during the past year has been proportionately less than of any other. This condition should be remedied.
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The Lutheran.
There is great need for the wider circulation of this excel- lent weekly paper in the homes of our parishoners. The man- agement is making every effort to furnish for us a high-grade denominational paper, and are succeeding to such a degree as to merit greater support.
A plan is proposed whereby one or more editions annually, would pay particular attention to the congregational, institu- tional and Synodical interests of our body, and prove mutually, helpful to the paper and our Synod. The plan is submitted to Synod for consideration.
Woman's Missionary Society.
The committee appointed last year met in the fall of 1906 at the home of President Hogshead, and formulated a proposed constitution. It was planned by the committee to hold a meet- ing of delegates for organization in connection with this meet- ing of Synod. For various reasons this was rendered unadvis- able, in fact, impossible. Synod should express its further will in regard to the work of this committee.
Recommendations. .
We recommend:
1. That effort be continued to secure a satisfactory division of the Whitestown Parish.
2. That a concerted effort be made to increase the circula- tion of The Lutheran in our Synod.
3. That the effort be made to increase the support of the educational institutions of our Church situated in our ter- ritory, viz., the Theological Seminary at Chicago, and the Col- burn Academy at Mulberry. Ind.
4. That suitable stationery be provided for the official cor- respondence of Synod.
5. That the Treasurer of Synod be authorized to submit quarterly statements to the congregations.
Respectfully submitted,
H. B. REED, Acting President.
The report was received and referred to the Com- mittee on President's Report.
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Election of Officers.
The President appointed Rev. G. F. Dittmar, Rev. E. P. Conrad and Mr. P. J. Brock as tellers.
The election resulted as follows:
President-The Rev. H. B. Reed, Chicago, III. Secretary-The Rev. W. J. Seiberling, Mulberry, Ind.
Treasurer-The Rev. Isaiah Whitman, Hillisboro, Ind.
Report of Examining Committee.
Your committee has complied with the special directions of the Constitution in the case of each of the following named or- dained ministers:
I. Rev. V. J. Becker, called as pastor of the Nappanee Par- ish, presents a regular dismissal from the Synod of Northern Indiana and an application for admission into this body. He has read our Constitution and declares himself in accord with it. We recommend his reception.
II. Rev. N. Mattheis, at present pastor of the Gila Parish, comes with a regular certificate of dismissal from the Wisconsin District of the Ev. Lutheran Synod of Iowa and other states. He desires inembership in this body and declares himself in harmony with our Constitution. We recommend that he be received.
III. Rev. C. L. Warstler presents a letter of good and regu- lar standing in the Ev. Lutheran Synod of the North-West, with a letter of transfer to this body, and desires membership as the pastor of the Whitestown Parish. We recommend that he be received.
The following named brethren have been duly examined, acquitted themselves with great credit, and are recommended for ordination :.
I. Mr. C. A. Dennig, a recent graduate of the Chicago Theo. Sem., and called as Pastor of Holy Trinity Church, South Bend, Ind., requests that he be ordained and admitted into this Synod.
II. Mr. Henry M. Thompson, having received a call from the Syracuse Parish, desires to be ordained and admitted to mem- bership.
III. Mr. F. E. Stough, also a graduate of our Chicago Theo. Sem., has been called as Pastor of the Ev. Luth. Church of the Reformation at Buckley, Ill., and applies for ordination and membership.
IV. Prof. Martin L. Stirewalt, of the Colburn Academy, a graduate of our Seminary and called by the Home Mission Committee as a missionary of Synod to labor under the direc-
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tion of the Mission Committee in the Southern Conference, de- sires to be ordained and enrolled as a member.
Your Committee recommend that Synod grant the request of these brothers for ordination; that the service next Sunday morning, (June 2) be reserved for this solemn act, and that Rev. Paul W. Roth be appointed to preach the ordination sermon.
We further recommend that, after being ordained and signing the Constitution, they be enrolled as members of the Chicago Synod .. Respectfully submitted,
THE COMMITTEE.
The report was considered by items and adopted as a whole.
After the adoption of the report of the Examining Committee, the brethren coming to us from other Synods and the applicants for ordination were introduced to Synod by the Rev. S. Wagenhals. D. D., Chairman of the Examining Committee, and were welcomed by President Reed. . Those received from other Synods then signed the Synodical Constitution and their names were added to the "Roll of Ministers."
At this time Synod was addressed by the Rev. J. C. Kuntzmann, D. D., Supt. of English Home Missions of the General Council.
The hours for opening and closing the daily sessions were fixed as follows: Morning Session, 9 to 12. After- noon Session, 2:00 to 5:00. Evening service S o'clock.
. The Rev. Wm. C. Miller, of Detroit, Mich., read his paper on "What the Church is; What it is not." The discussion was opened by the Rev. J. R. E. Hunt, of Aus- tin, Ill.
. The program arranged for this convention was adopted by Synod.
The President then appointed the
Regular Committees:
Credentials of Lay Delegates-Rev. L. W. Steckel, Rev. John Knauer, Rev. G. F. Dittmar.
President's Report-Rev. P. C. Wike, Rev. H. J. Mathias, Mr. M. L. Deck. On Protocol and Minutes-Rev. P. J. Gerberding, Rev. R. C. Kaufmann.
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On Absentees-Rev. P. J. Gerberding, Rev. J. V. Sappenfield, f. G. M. Moser.
The Press-The Lutheran-Rev. Prof. G. H. Gerberding, D. Local Press-Rev. J. R. E. Hunt.
On Conferences-Rev. L. W. Steckel, Rev. A. M. Sappenfield. Auditing Committee-Mr. A. W. Ackerman, Mr. F. Sache, :. P. J. Brock.
The President also completed the
Standing Committees:
Examination-Rev. S. Wagenhals, D. D., Rev. G. H. Gerber- ng, D. D., Rev. H. Peters, D. D., Rev. J. R. E. Hunt, Rev. 1. J. Seiberling.
Home Missions-Rev. H. Peters, D. D., Rev. A. D. Crile, Rev. W. Roth, Rev. P. C. Wike, Mr. A. Ackerman, Dr. N. T. juales, Mr. Geo. W. Wehmeyer, Mr. C. T. A. Anderson.
Foreign Missions-Rev. S. D. Myers, Rev. E. Parker Conrad, [r. N. P. Altland.
Education-Rev. J. R. E. Hunt,. Rev. I. Whitman, Mr. H. S. <. Bartholomew.
Benevolence-Rev. Geo. F. Dittmar, Rev. J. V. Sappenfield, Mr. Charles Adam.
Discipline-Rev. A. C. Anda, Rev. P. J. Gerberding, Rev. J. H. Wannemacher, Rev. H. J. Mathias, Rev. W. C. Miller.
Reception of Congregations-Rev. L. W. Steckel, Rev. E. D. S. Boyer, Mr. B. F. Wert.
Parochial Reports and Appointments-Rev. A. H. Arbaugh, Rev. P. C. Wike, Rev. D. L. Reese, Mr. James Dunn, Mr. Luther Booher.
Special Committee.
History of Synod and Historical Monographs-Rev. Z. M. Corbe, Rev. W. C. Miller, Rev. R. C. Kaufmann.
Synod adjourned at 5:07, being led in prayer by Rev. H. J. Mathias.
Second Session.
St. Luke's Church, Chicago, Ill .. May 30th, 1907, 9 A. M.
The Matin Service was conducted by the Rev. G. F. Dittmar.
The roll was called and the minutes of the first ses- sion were read and adopted.
2G
Report of the Home Mission Committee.
Another year has passed since we unitedly planned for the growth of our mission work. This work will never be finished. The Church ever has and always must persuade people to be disciples of the blessed Christ. This is the Church's first duty.
To accomplish this work today schools and synods are nec- essary. Schools to prepare the men and synods to send them to preach. The history of the mission work of our Synod, extend- ing over a period of twenty years, will demonstrate how neces- sary it is to have these two agencies working in harmony.
The material and equipment for making a very large church is before us. Institutions and organizations and people to be claimed as followers-we may do much or little as our interest in the cause prompts us.
We are making progress in our work, for which we should not forget to be thankful, yet the greater part lies beyond un- touched by any effort on our part.
The Mission Committee is glad to report progress, in the main, during the year. The six vacancies are filled; five with reg- ular ordained men and one with a second year theological student.
Some missions have reported an actual loss in members, but for effectual work every one shows splendid vigor and offers a good report.
Mt. Solomon, Corydon, Ind., under the care of Rev. A. M. Sappenfield, has made substantial progress and has made its bow and thanks the Synod for past help and passes over into the self-supporting list.
Holy Trinity, South Bend, Ind., under the rapid advance- ment since the present pastor, Student C. A. Dennig, has been on the field, has come with its report of good cheer, thanking Synod for the help of past years and saying: "We have decided not to ask for any more help from Synod."
We look for much help from Holy Trinity as one of the full grown members of our family.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mishawaka, Ind. Amount of aid needed for coming year? None.
"On behalf of the congregation, I wish to thank the Synod for their aid and courtesies extended to us during the past five years. Fraternally yours,
N. F. BIRK."
Well done. Another adult in the family. Much has been accomplished in a short time and we feel assured that the good work will go on. Rev. Lloyd W. Steckel, the good pastor, has done well. This congregation has a substantial, beautiful church building and a very good parsonage.
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Three less Missions, how many more shall we begin? Synod gave the committee option in regard to beginning work in an organized way in Chicago Heights.
Representatives of the board made several visits to the field. They found a building bought in the name of a Lutheran con- gregation, yet no kind of church organization. The Home Mis- sion Committee had taken no definite action. After considerable consideration the committee decided that because of the work already begun and the seeming need of an English Lutheran con- gregation In that growing suburb, that an organization should be made."
This was done under the style and name of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Chicago Heights, Ill. We de- sire that it be known as the Chicago Heights Parish. The mis- slon should soon be permanently located in a more suitable place. The committee has called Student Calvin S. Brewer to cover the field. This is the only new place for Synod to work. that the committee has had power to establish.
· Attention has been called to Hawthorne and Gary, both II- linois, as probable fields. We are not prepared to make any specific recommendations.
. . It seems to your committee that in view of the fact that our missions, St. Peter, St. Matthew, Atonement, St. James, Chicago, Chicago Heights, III., and Lafayette. Ind., are all in urgent need of church homes. Our next duty is to help them in secur- ing loans and paying the interest in part or in whole for such time as they may need such help or until the Church Extension shall have money for them.
The housing of our congregations is the serious matter Immediately at hand and emphasizes the urgent need of Church Extension money. Would we not do well to rather help what we have Into needed homes and begin new missions only in the most urgent places?
Recommendations.
1. We recommend appropriations to the various missions as indicated In the column "Aid Asked" in the accompanying . table.
II. Regarding the St. Matthew's Parish, we recommend that Synod pay the interest on $3,000.00 for three years or until the Church Extension Society may make a loan, and that this help be extended on condition that within a year this congrega- tion bulld a place of worship upon its new lot, costing at least $4,000.00.
JIL. We recommend that if the St. Peter's congregation will move its old building and carry its funded debt, Synod pay the Interest for three years on a sum not exceeding $5,000.00 neces- sary to build the basement of a new church, and that from that time the congregation shall become self-sustaining.
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IV. That Synod pay the interest upon a sum not to exceed $5,000.00 for a period of three years, or until loan can be secured from Church Extension Society. The above money shall be used only for purposes of a new building.
V. That the General Council endeavor to secure under its control the Church Extension Society and that it and the Home Mission Society be merged into one lody.
VI. That the Mission Committee be and is hereby authorized to transfer the Synod's mission work to the General Council Mis- sion Board, if the plan of unification of missions becomes oper- ative before the next regular meeting of Synod.
VII. That the Synod appropriate $3,000 to be at the disposal of the Mission Committee for Home Missions and Church Exten- Respectfully submitted sion work this synodical year.
THE COMMITTEE.
STATISTICAL SUMMARY
Souls
Communic'ts
Gain
S. S.
Property
Debt
Income
Benevolence
Aid ('06.'07)
Aid asked
St. Matthews,
Chicago
250;
OS
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125 $ 4700 $ 1500 $ 1298.898.
: 200 $ 200
St. James,
Chicago :
206
70
10
161
3500
600!
750.750.
300
450
Atonement,
Chicago !
124
50'
20
600
30€
450
Our Savior,
Alexandria, Ind.
62
29
23
37
15000
325; 7.4'
300
300
Holy Trinity,
100
75
4
75
5500
1000
905 120.
4CC
400
Ascension,
65
19
47
350
150
275
3.
25€
300
Nappanee, Ind .: Wheeler, Ills. Mt. Solomon
35
19
4700 130C
280
100
100
150
Corydon, Ind.
204
140
20 - 500
760 254.
100
First Church
Mishawaka, Ind.
112
GO
85 17800
728. GO.
15:
Holy Trinity
South Bend, Ind.
18
100
25
120
3500
300
1304 87.
100
St. Peter's
Chicago, Il1.
500: 170
- 10!
5500!
1500!
1050 110.
100
10)
Syracuse, Ind.
...
200
-
---
--.
Chic. Heights, Ill. Nappanee Parish
109
115
37=
470 133.
100
The above data was submitted on or before May 1st. Acces- sions between May 1st and meeting of Synod are not reported For latest reports see parochial report .- Committee.
The report was considered by item and adopted.
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-
LaFayette, Ind.
-
Annual Report of the . Treasurer of the Home Mission Committee of the Chicago Synod.
June G, 1906 to May 29, 1907.
RECEIPTS.
Balance cash on hand as per last report. 683.43
Rec'd from Treasurer of Synod, Rev. I. Whitman 2306.32
Rec'd from Special Collections 4.00
Rec'd from loan from Daniel Rex, due Aug. 14, 1907 500.CO
Total
$3493.75
EXPENDITURES.
To St. Peter's, Chicago
$100.00
To St. Matthew's, Chicago 200.00
To St. James, Chicago $07.83
To Atonement, Chicago 270.00
360.00
To Alexandria, Ind.
134.50
To Mishawaka, Ind.
150.00
To South Bend. Ind.
58.31
To LaFayette, Ind
400.00
To Wheeler, III.
150.00
To Nappanee, Ind.
83.32
To Corydon, Ind. 100.00
To Traveling Ex., Postage, and Int. on Loan 74.00
Total Expenses
$2387.96
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