USA > Indiana > Our church, a history of the synod of Northern Indiana of the Evangelical Lutheran Church > Part 3
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1859-Pittsburg, l'a. Revs. H. Wells, D. Smith, Mestr. James Pepple, Sammel Cornell.
1862- Lancaster, Pa .- Revs. R. F. Delo, HI. Wells, W. Waltman, S. P. Snyder, Messrs. J. S. Barnett, Samuel E-sick, D. Eicholtz, G. W. Waltman.
Ist. York, Pa - Revs. W. Waltman, H. Wells, G. W. Wilson, Messrs. M. Plank, P. Bishop, D. Koons.
Istin Ft. Wayne, And Ress. W. P. Ruthantl. R. F. Pelo, S. P. Snyder, H. Wells, Messrs. H. J. Rudisill, N. B. Freeman, M. Spang- ler, D. D. Knizely.
1868 Harrisburg, Pa .-- Revs. G. W. Wilson, W. Waltman, II. Wells, Mes-rs. D. S. Keil, D. Koons, M. Butler.
1869-Washington, D. C .- Revs. J. N. Barnett, R. F. Delo, J. Boon, Messrs. A. W. Morrison, W. Keil, J. H. Speakman.
1871-Dayton, Ohio .- Revs. G. W. Wilson, A. J. Cromer, B. F. Hills, Messrs. J. Smith, F. W. Keil, A. W. Morrison.
1873 -Canton, Ohio. - Revs. 1. Sprecher, J. L. Guard, HI. Wells, R. F. Delo, Messrs. D. S. Keil, James Worden, Peter Bishop, J. F. Eicholtz.
1875 -- Baltimore, Md .- Revs. E. W. Erick, L. Rice, S. P. Sny- der, A. J. Douglas, Messrs. D. W. Gangler, William Fox, John Bil- ger, A. W. Morrison.
1877 Carthage, III. -- Revs. S. Kelso, A. 11. Studebaker, F. Bid-
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
dle, J. L. Guard, Messrs. Jacob Ramp, W. F. Reiber, J. CIngston, Henry Delo.
1879-Wooster, Ohio .- Revs. J. B. Baltzley, D. D., J. L. Guard, 11. Wells, G. P. Ramp, J. G. Biddle, Mesers. J. Bilger, Owen Hurd; Philip Ray, J. Smith, J. Ramp.
1881-Altona, Pa .- Revs. J. B. Helwig, D. D., 11. Wells. 11. C. Grossman, B. F. Stultz, D. F. Kain, Messrs. A. J. Demick, A. W .. Morrison, Michael Reed, B. F. Thomas, William Fox.
1853-Springfield, Ohio .- Revs. D. H. Snowden, Ph. D., E. D. Smith, J. L. Guard, J. C. Jacoby, S. Kelso, Messrs. Philip Ray, C. D. Waidlich, A. Melntyre, Ira Grubb, Adam Gentzler.
1885 Harrisburg, Pa .- Revs. E. K. Baker, H. Wells, W. D. Trover, L. Rice, W. M. Smith, Messrs. Owen Hurd, J. F. Eicholtz, P. Bishop, W. F. Urich, J. Walborn.
1887 Omaha, Neb. Revs. I. Shaffer, O. W. Bowen, D. F. Kain, E. W. Erick, Messrs. Wm. Fox, W. F. Reiber, F. H. Whipper- man, A. W. Morri-on.
1859 - Alleghany, Pa .- - Revs, W. L. Tedrow, L. S. Keyser, C. J. Kiefer, C. H. Rockey, Messrs. Philip Ray, M. Ireland, W. J. Wil- letts, . Shaffer.
Iol Lebanon, Pa. Rev -. I. A. Gotwald, D. D., A. J. Douglas, D. F. Kain, J. A. West, Messrs Ira J. Grubb, A. Meyers, D. D. Kinsely, Adam Stout.
1593- Canton, O. - Revs. W. L. Tedrow, E. W. Eriek, S. P. Fry- berger, B. F. Stultz, Messis. Franklin Hunt, Luther Troxel, W. II. Leggit, L. W. Treach.
THE SYNOD AND THE COLLEGE.
Higher christian education has always received special attention in this Synod. At its first convention, immediately after its organization, Rev. Jacob Wolf stated that he would soon open a seminary near Coesse, Indiana. It was designed to prepare young men for college and for the gospel ministry,
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THE SYNOD AND THE COLLEGE.
hoping thereby to serve the interests of the Lutheran church on this vast territory. Rev. Wolff was himself a graduate of an eastern college and a thorough scholar. He knew the worth of an educated ministry, and thus sought to weave the educational clement into the very foundations of the newly organized Synod. Arrangements had already been made for a suitable building and he offered $2,500.00 as a nucleus for an endowment fund. His propositions received the hearty approval of the Synod, and she pledged by formal action her sympathy and support. About one month later the institution known known as . Wartburg Seminary" was opened for instruction.
Prof. A. J. Douglas, a young man of commanding influence as a teacher, was placed in charge. During the first year of its existence, about seventy-five young men availed themselves of its privileges. It promised to be of great use- fulness to the church, but, unfortunately, the next year a number of circumstances combined to cause Prof. Douglas to withdraw. This was a severe blow. His personal popularity and recognized ability as an instructor, had drawn many of these young men hither. Under Rey. Wolff 's directions, the institution was continued with varying degrees of success until the year 1860, when it was thought that a more eligible location might be seenred. It was also deemed advisable to establish an institution on a broader basis. Synod appointed a committee to look for a location for the establishment of " a classical and theological institution " on its own territory, and to ascertain what inducements would be offered. Witten- berg College, at Springfield, Ohio, was at this time a young and rising institution. Her influence was being felt through-
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
out the church, not only in Ohio, but in the adjacent states as well. Fortunately, as if by the direction of divine provi- dence, that committee came to realize the necessity of the church combining her efforts and strength in the up-building of her educational institutions. Instead of reporting favor- ably for the establishment of such an institution on her own territory, the attention of Synod was directed to Wittenberg. Thoughtful and earnest discussion followed. Each side had its advocates. It was only a difference of opinion a- to loca- tion. The welfare of the church was the one object sought. The college and the theological seminary were a recognized necessity. Wise counsel prevailed. The following preamble and resolution were adopted :
WHEREAs, The Lutheran Church has always sought to have an educated ministry, and has since the Reformation been the foster-mother of science and learning; and
Whereas, For the realization of this desirable end, it is nee. esary to establish colleges of a high grade, and adequately endow such m-tututions; and as we find such an institution in Wittenberg college, which needs our sympathy and support; therefore
Resolved. That we, the Synod of Northern Indiana, do now in Synod convened, connect ourselves with Wittenberg College and elect our quota of Directors as part of the Board of that Institution.
It was the marriage ceremony of the Synod and the Col- lege, and it proved a happy union. " They twain " became one in sympathy and service for the master. With hearts and hands united through the unselfish love of the gospel, they together started upon a career of usefulness that could not otherwise have been attained. Each has served the other
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THE SYNOD AND THE COLLEGE.
faithfully and well for more than a quarter of a century, and through their combined efforts have become far more efficient in advancing the interests of the church.
After the election of directors, the Synod took immediate action requiring all her beneficiaries in the future to be alu- cated at Wittenberg. Previously. she had supported several young men in that institution, but this action was designed to cover all cases. To it she has strictly adhered. No young man receives aid who does not attend her college. She pledged herself to use all honorable means to promote its welfare, and this she regard- essential both to the prosperity of the college and the interests of the young men whom she would prepare for her ministry. Never has she refused to bear her share of the burden in building up the college. Dr. Spreche's appeal for a college library she printed and scal- tered broadcast through her churches, making a special effort to seeare meant for the same. In 1868, when special efort was made to raise funds for the endowment of the college, she invited and urged upon the financial secretary to visit her churches, pledging him all the sympathy and assistance that both pastor and people could give. When similar effort was made in 1873, for the endowment of the theological depart- ment, she again welcomed the college agent and compensated hi- labors with her best gifts. In 1876, she gave a bond to the college for the sum of three thousand dollars, promising to pay & per cent. interest until it was redeemed. Four years later, the entire amount was paid by individual notes and monies collected. In the magnificent material development which the college has enjoyed since 1884, under the presi- dency of Dr. S. A. Ort, the Synod has some humble part.
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
She has welcomed the president and professors to her churches, has listened with deep interests to their appeals on the floor of Synod, and pastor and people have unitedly labored and sacrificed with them, to meet all necessary demands. By her prayers and her gifts, by voice and pen, has she sought to promote the interests of Wittenberg. The Synod is loyal to her institution. She is proud of its honored president, proud of its efficient professors, proud of the distinction which the institution has gained among the colleges of the land, and to it she stands pledged by the strongest vous. All over this vast territory as if by one voice there come from pastor and people, youth and age, the words of the familiar hymn, applied to their college:
"For her my tears shall fall, For her my prayers ascend, To her my cares and toils be given 'Till toils and cares shall end."
The college is under the control of a Board of Directors, elected from the East Ohio, Miami, Wittenberg, Olive Branch and Northern Indiana Synods. That Board also elects two directors from Clarke county, Ohio, in which the institution is located. Recently, action was taken giving the Alunni of the institution a representation in the Board, allowing them the privilege of two directors. To the territory of these five Synods the college must look very largely for her students and for the means to carry on her work. She asks that the churches make an annual contribution of fire cents per mem- ber, to meet the current expenses. She has a productive endowment of about one hundred thousand dollars, and this together with the income from the tuition, is all that she at
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1
REV. EZRA KELLER, D. D. (FOUNDER AND FIRST PRESIDENT'., REV. S. A. ORT, D. D. (FOURTH AND PRISINI PRESIDI.NI.)
REV. SAMUEL SPRECHER, D. D. SECOND PRESIDENT.' REV. J. B. HELWIG, D. D., ( THIRD PRESIDESE.
WITTENBERG COLLEGE.
.
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THIES SYNOD AND THE COLLEGE.
present commands. It is inadequate to meet her needs. She is somewhat crippled in her work because of this. Her endowment should be doubled without delay. Her friends should come forward and meet this need -- and men of wealth should regard that need as a blessed opportunity of rendering acceptable service to their Lord.
In 1861, when the Synod passed resolutions connecting itself with Wittenberg College, the following Directors were elected: Revs. Il. Wells, S. P. Snyder, W. Waltman, Messis. Dr. Dicholtz, Moses Plank, S. Cornell. On account of the expense of travel, it was ordered that one of their number should be chosen to represent the Directors and the Synod at the meetings of the College Board, unless some special emergency required a full meeting. This practice was continued for some years. The subsequent elections were: 1863, Rev. W. Waltman, S. Cornell; 1864, Rev. R. F. Delo, 11. J. Rudisill; 1865, Rev. J. N. Barnett, D. D. Kinsley; 1566, Rev. 11. Wells, D. S. Keil; 1867, Rev. . J. W. Hender- son, N. Smith; 1868, Rev. R. F. Delo, Jos. Seaman; 1869, Revs. J. N. Barnett, D. Smith, Mr. HI. Eicholtz; 1870, Rev. B. F. Hills, D. S. Keil; 1872, Rev. H. Wells, Dr. J. S. Bar- nett; 1873, Rev. L. Rice, P. Griner; 1874, Revs. R. F. Delo; W. C. Barnett, Messrs. J. Clugston, J. Weiler; 1876, Rev. H. Wells, Theodore Rumbangh; 1877, Rev. A. J. Douglas, D. Showalter; 1878, J. B. Baltzley, E. W. Erick, Messrs. C. H. Winton, S. Nusbaum; 1889, Rev. J. N. Barnett; 1880, Rev. J. L. Gnard, S. Cornell; 1881, Rev. L. Rice, Owen Hurd; 1882, Rev. D. F. Kain, S. R. Robinson; 1883, Rev. E. D. Smith, Philip Ray; 1884, Revs. J. L. Guard, W. M. Smith, Mr. James Clugston; 1885, Revs. J. C. Jacoby, W.
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Dieffenbach, Mr. A. W. Morrison; 1886, Revs. J. J. Pureet, A. J. Douglas; W. 1. Tedrow, Mr. J. W. Adair; 1887, Revs. W. Dieffenbach, W. L. Tedrow, Hon. W. J. Willets; 1888, Revs. D. F. Kain, L. C. Routzahn, Bro. Joseph Leesh; 1889, Rev. W. L. Tedrow, George Stout; 1890, Rev. C. H. Rockey, Hon. J. W. Adair; 1891, Rev. W. Dieffenbach, W. JJ. Wil- lets; 1892, Rev. D. F. Kain, A. W. Morrison; 1893, Revs. W. L. Tedrow, C. J. Kiefer, D. A. Kuhn. Messrs. John W. Gentzler, J. II. Keil.
THE SYNOD AND BENEFICIARY EDUCATION.
An educated ministry is a recognized necessity. For this purpose the church establishes her colleges and seminaries and aims to endow and properly equip them for their work. But this is not sufficient. Few young men have the means at hand to meet the necessary expenses for a course of instrue- tion at one of these higher schools of learning.
If the church is to have a thoroughly equipped ministry, she must, therefore, aid worthy applicants in securing a proper edu- ention. This subject has been one of prime importance to this Synod. The large field to be occupied, the inadequate supply of men, and the multitude of places and people pleading for the church of their fathers, have combined in their appeal for this work. They have brought it before her with tremendous force. No duty has been more keenly felt, and none has received more serious attention. The framers of the Consti- Intion said: "It shall be the duty of every member of this Synod to seek out and try to influence pious young men to prepare for the ministry and to collect all the funds they can
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THE SYNOD AND BENEFICIARY EDUCATION.
for beneficiary education" ( Art. XV, Sec. 2). Vacant congre- gations were also urged to give special attention to this subject, both in securing men and means to educate them. Promis- ence was given to the cause by provision for an annual public meeting during the convention of Synod, at which time an address should be delivered by a speaker previously appointed. Pledges were then asked. There being no apportionment sys- tem then in vogue this was deemed the wisest measure. It bore some fruit. Pastors experienced some difficulty in hav- ing the churches redeem pledges made for them, and very often these faithful ministers of the word were necessitated to redeem them from their own meager support. To obviate this difficulty, the lay delegates were made responsible for bringing this subject before their respective congregations and were required to assist the pastor in raising the funds. An educational work was going on, and the churches began to recognize the necessity. Pastors presented the subject from their pulpits and young men were personally sought and. entreated to give their lives to preaching the gospel, God blessed these faithful efforts. He has laid his hand upon scores of young men in this Synod, and to-day they Al hon -. orable positions in the church. A large number of our con- gregations have furnished men for this blessed work, but there are some that have existed the larger part of half a century, and yet have not given one son to the ministry of the word. In them the cry should be constantly heard until there comes the response from some talented youth, " Here am I, send me." The highest honor any church can have is to point to her representatives in the pulpit. The first man to be voted an appropriation by this body was J. M. Seidel. 3
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
This was during the second convention,, and the next year another young man received the same encouragement, but neither accepted. The Synod has usually had several repre- sentatives at College. Two or three have been on her funds most of these years. Now she is supporting seven, and from her territory there are more than twenty young men and women now at Wittenberg college. The first convention pledged only twenty-six dollars, the thirty-ninth, nearly nine hundred dollars. The work has become more systematized and better results are realized. The apportionment has been increased from time to time, and at present is fifteen cents per member. From the estate of Rev. Wolff, which was originally offered to endow Wartburg Seminary, the Synod received a tract of land of eighty-eight aeres, which has been sold for two thousand dollars. An annual interest of 6 per cent. is realized from this amount for this fund. During the past few years special contributions have been given for this cause, the largest being made by Prof. L. A. Gotwald, D. D., Hon. W. J. Willets and Philip Kay, Esq. This is indicative of better things. Like an over widening stream may this cause be traced through the history of this Synod, and with the ever quiekening love of the church for Christ, and the desire to honor him with her substance, we shall yet behold larger things along this line.
The Synod is careful in the use of these funds. She requires annual reports from the faculty as to the deportment and progress of her beneficiaries. No one unworthy of the ministry will be supported. Written contracts are also given to refund the money received by every beneficiary if the Lutheran ministry is abandoned. Some mistakes have been
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1827780
THE SYNOD AND BENEFICIARY EDUCATION.
made and some money lost, but this is exceptional. During the thirty-ninth annual convention a committee was appointed to report at the next meeting of Synod a set of rules for the distribution of these funds and the government of benefici- aries. The great care that is taken and the caution used in receiving applicants on this fund, must increase the confidence of the church and bring to her treasury larger gifts. While she demands on the one hand an efficient ministry, on the other she will provide the means necessary to make it so. " Men, and money to educate them," is her unceasing ery. The synodieal apportionment for this cause is now fifteen cents per member and aggregates about $700.00. This amount is supplemented by special contributions which increase the sum to about one thousand dollars.
Prof. L. A. Gotwald, Rev. J. M. Francis and Rev. W. L. Tedrow constituted the committee to prepare a set of rules for the government of the beneficiaries and the control of beneficiary funds. The chairman of the committee, at great labor, investigated the subject as pertains to various denomin- ations and at the fortieth annual meeting of the Synod submitted the following:
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BOARD OF BENEFICIARY EDUCATION OF THE SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA. 1.
This Board shall be known by the name of the Board of Beneficiary Education of the Synod of Northern Indiana; and shall consist of three (3) ministers and two (2) laymen, elected by the Synod for the term of three (3) years, and re-eligible, at the pleasure of the Synod, at the expiration of said term.
II.
The Board shall meet for business at the time and place of holding the annual meetings of Synod; and, when necessary,
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during the interim, at the call of the chairman of the Board, at sneb time and place as he may select. The necessary expenses of such meetings shall be paid by the Synod.
ITT.
This Board shall receive from the Treasurer of the Synod all the Beneficiary Education funds as soon as possible after his reception of any such funds, and shall appropriate the same to its Beneficiaries in the manner and sums hereinafter indicated, the Chairman of the Board acting as its Treasurer, and as the disburser of its funds.
IV.
This Board shall have full jurisdiction in the management of the Beneficiary Education work of the Synod, such as the selection of its Beneficiaries; the determination of the number to be taken upon its Funds; the amount of aid to be given to each Beneficiary; the Institution of Learning at which he is to study: the character and length of his course of education; the decision of his continuance or discontinuance upon Synod- ical Funds; and all other matters pertaining to the Beneficiar- ies under their care.
V.
All applications for Beneficiary Aid must be made to the Board in person; and no others shall receive Beneficiary Aid besides those adopted and continued as Beneficiaries by this Board.
VI.
The Board, in receiving applicants for aid, when unable to give aid to all who apply, shall ordinarily give the prefer- once in this respect to such as are in the advanced classes in the College, or who are already in the Theological Seminary.
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THE SYNOD AND BENEFICIARY EDUCATION.
VIL.
The Board shall demand from all applicants for aid, a written statement bearing upon the following facts, and shall grant aid only to such applicants as give full satisfaction with regard to these facts:
( 1) Evidences of his conversion, piety, and thoroughly Christian character.
(2) Evidences of, at least, fair mental endowments, and of the possession of natural gifts qualifying him, if educated, for the ministry.
(3) Reasons why he thinks himself called to the Ministry and thus seeks to enter it.
(4) His age, education, circumstances; and whether he wishes to take a full course of study or only a partial course.
(5) His true financial condition, whether he is absolutely indigent or whether he is able in part to support himself; and, if in part able to support himself, to what amount he is thus able.
(6) How long he has been a member of the Lutheran Church; whether he has a knowledge of Luther's Catechism; and, as far as he understands them, whether he is in cordial sympathy with Lutheran doctrine, polity, and Church life.
(7) Whether it is his firm purpose, before God, when he has finished his education, to enter the Gospel Ministry in the Lutheran Church.
(8) Whether he has a sound physical constitution, and habitually enjoys good health.
VIII.
The Board shall further require from every applicant for aid, a written endorsement of his application from:
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
( 1) His Pastor, and the Superintendent of the Sunday school to which he belongs;
(2) The instructors of the school or college which he last attended;
(3) Some physician of known standing.
These endorsements must be in shape of testimonials as to his moral worth, religions character, scholarship, and health; and these, together with the applicant's own written statement, must be filed by the Board for future reference.
IX.
The purpose of Beneficiary Education being only to aid, and not entirely to support young men in studying for the Ministry, the Board is herewith enjoined to give annually to each Beneficiary the smallest stin necessary, and, in no case, to appropriate to any one an annual smu exceeding $150; and it is herewith further enjoined that whatever sum be thus promised to any Beneficiary by the Board be paid him promptly in three installments of equal sums, one at the beginning of each of the three terms of the school year; and at the payment of such sums, the Board shall require its Bene- ficiaries, out of their appropriations, first of all to pay the two items of tuition and boarding.
X.
Appropriations may, at any time, be discontinued by the Board, in the case of prolonged ill health which will probably result fatally, or, at least, unfit its beneficiaries for the work of the Ministry; in case the Beneficiary is improvident, and contracts debts without reasonable prospects of paying them; in case be enters the marriage relation before the completion
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THE SYNOD AND BENEFICIARY EDUCATION.
of his educational course; and in case he receives assistance from other Boards, or sources of help of any kind, to such an extent as to cease to need help from the Board of this Synod.
XI.
The Board shall require of each applicant who may receive aid from the Funds of the Synod, a promissory note upon the following conditions; namely :
( 1) This note shall be drawn payable to the Treasurer of the Board of Beneficiary Education of the Synod of Northern Indiana, without interest so long as the applicant continues his studies at the institution to which he has been assigned by the Board, or, having entered the Ministry of the Lutheran Church, so long as he continues a Lutheran Minister in con- nection with the General Synod; and this note, if he thus con- tinnes in the Entheran Ministry in connection with the Gen- eral Synod, shall be paid, without interest, whenever, in the providence of God, the giver of it is able to do so.
(2) Should the Beneficiary, however, not continue his studies under the direction of the Board, and should he not enter the Lutheran Ministry, or, having entered it, not con- tinue therein, then shall immediate payment of said note he demanded, with six per cent. per annum interest from the date of obligation; and the Board shall, at once, take, or cause to be taken, all lawful and honorable means to collect the sums thus due.
XII.
The Board shall receive and carefully consider the char- acter bills of all the Beneficiaries of the Synod; and, besides the regular reports of their standing, given at the close of each term to all students, the Board shall request the Faculty of the
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SYNOD OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
Institution which each Beneficiary has been attending to send it, at the close of cach scholastic year, confidential answers to the following questions furnished them upon a printed sheet:
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