USA > Ohio > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other states from the earliest beginnings to 1919 > Part 17
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For schools using the German language a uniform series of lessons is provided for all grades below the confirmation age.
Rev. J. Sheatsley, who has given much time and study to Sunday-school work is now editor of the entire English series.
Besides the regular class literature we have School Carols a good collection of hymns and songs for all grades of the school. The Sunday School Hymnal and Sonntags- schul-Harfe served us well for many years. As a paper for the home we have the excellent Lutheran Youth, popular ever since it made its first appearance in 1912. Dr. C. B. Gohdes has ably edited the paper since that time. For our German readers we have Kinderfreude, well edited by Rev. F. J. Schellhase.
Before the advent of Lutheran Youth the Child's Paper and Little Missionary rendered acceptable service for many years. Many fathers and mothers remember these
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EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, MARION, OHIO.
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welcome visitors of their childhood days. The old "Chip Basket," still being continued in Lutheran Youth, around which we boys and girls at home would gather, gave us occasion and encouragement to use our Bibles which was and still is an excellent spiritual exercise.
Besides all the excellent literature which our Synod is more than willing to place in all schools, we have the helpful Sunday-school conventions which have been held regularly for many years in some sections of Synod. There is instruction, uplift and encouragement in these meetings, and many teachers as well as pupils have been helped for a whole year, yes, for a lifetime, by a good convention. We hope every section of Synod will arrange for such conventions. We might call them, Lutheran Chautauquas.
The Parish School.
With us of the Joint Synod the parish school is as old as the Synod itself. In 1818 the fathers reported 54 such schools, there being nearly as many schools as congrega- tions. At that time the parish school was the only Christian training agency outside of the home, and in some cases it was the only educational means of any kind at hand. In many instances the Christian congregational or parish school was common school, parish school, catechetical class and sometimes, theological seminary, all combined. It had a great mission to fulfill and the lasting good ac- complished we cannot compute.
But in time, after the public school system became universal and also very popular, meeting the needs of a general education, the parish school began to lose in favor among many of our people. It was unfortunate that in many instances it was looked upon as a German language school. Perhaps in some cases too much prominence was given the German language but as far as we know none
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of our parish schools were simply German schools. There were other reasons which helped to make the maintenance of a parish school a difficult proposition. The importance of Christian training was not fully appreciated ; the added cost of maintaining the school seemed prohibitive to many ; the scattered condition of many parishes and other local causes helped to make it very difficult to establish and main- tain parochial schools.
Much noble effort has been put forth to save these schools. Many men and women among us have given of their best years to these nurseries of Christian virtues and morals. And their work has not been in vain, though the present outlook is not reassuring. Let us not lament, the good cause of the Church is not lost by any means. Let us use other agencies at hand and make the most of them. Let us develop our Sunday-schools to the highest point of efficiency. Let us strive to project them through the week, connecting them up with our catechetical instruction. And let us have an open eye for our public schools and at least see to it that Christianity be not there antagonized. Above all let us encourage Christian training in the home by precept and example. We shall be encouraged with the results and our good work will go on.
The Lutheran Church Year Book credits our Synod for 1918 with 184 parish teachers and 9,827 pupils and the entire Lutheran Church in this country with 4,684 teachers and 228,938 pupils. From these figures it becomes apparent at once that the parish school is still quite a factor in our Church and Synod.
General Organizations.
In point of time the Luther League, composed largely of our young people, was the first general organization of
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congregational forces in our Synod. The Luther League of the Young People's Societies of Joint Synod of Ohio - East was organized in St. John's Church, (Allegheny) Pittsburgh in November, 1894. Since that time the Luther League - East has had an unbroken existence and has done much to keep our young people at work in their own church.
Other League associations have been formed in other parts of Synod and are doing their work with fidelity and earnestness. Let the motto of the League: "For Christ and the Church" take hold of every energy among our young people in all parts of Synod. Opportunity is calling for you.
The Men's Missionary Conference became a powerful agency right from the start. The first meeting was held in Christ Church, (Bexley) Columbus, February 21 and 22, 1910. Two hundred and fifty accredited delegates, pastors and laymen, attended the first sessions of this con- ference. This number was increased by about three hundred guests and visitors who were present at all or some of the sessions. It was an inspiring meeting and will never be forgotten by those who attended. We must quote a few of the timely words from the opening address by Dr. E. Pfeiffer :
"As we review the expansion in recent years of our synodi- cal work, educational, eleemosynary, and missionary, and as we observe the signs of the times, the increasing demands for a thoroughly equipped ministry and for an aroused laity to be en- listed and united in aggressive church work, coupled with the rising tide of missionary enthusiasm that is moving with resistless energy through our land and promising to become world-wide in its ex- tension and influence, we cannot escape the impression that OPPOR- TUNITY and RESPONSIBILITY loom upon the horizon of our vision in large and luminous letters that challenge to more than passing notice."
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These conferences have been held annually since that time and have helped to quicken the missionary efforts of our men. The "Wheeling Committee" found it easy to raise $10,000.00 to cover a debt in the Home Mission treasury. Local mission work was undertaken and carried on by laymen. There was a general taking hold.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, COLUMBUS, O.
In other sections of Synod, east and west, similar conferences were held and are still being arranged for, that the old missionary spirit of our Synod may not slumber nor sleep.
Women's Missionary Conference. Not to be outdone by the men, the women of our Synod soon followed the men in organizing conferences and, at least as far as organiza-
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tion is concerned, the ladies seem to have outdistanced the men. There is a strong central organization in central Ohio with affiliated organizations east and north. The ladies have made our institutions of mercy the special objects of their care. Richmond, Mars and even far-off San Antonio have received many good things from their hands.
We should be glad if the Northwest could begin to report more organized activity among the men, women and young people of that large and growing section of Synod. We must keep our forces together and at work or we will become dilatory and lazy in the Lord's vineyard.
Red Cross Work. While there is no organization among us as a Synod promoting this work, it should never- theless be noted somewhere in this history that in a great many of our congregations our ladies have been coming together day after day during the long months of the war making all kinds of Red Cross supplies. Some who could not attend the meetings and others in addition thereto have put in many hours of tedious toil in the home to help in the tremendous task of war relief. These last two years have been trying ones for our mothers. With sons in the army, the necessity of strict economy in the home and a day a week at the Red Cross, mother has had her hands full. But she is still brave and willing and true. God bless her.
The Quadri-Centennial of the Reformation. Even in the midst of the Great War when every effort and thought seemed to be directed towards the conflict, we of the Lutheran Church succeeded in rearing several monuments in commemoration of the great event begun in 1517. Our own Synod took no small part in a proper observance of the great movement. We set our financial goal at $250,000 for the "Church Building Fund." We had never before
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attempted anything like it by half; but we solemnly resolved, we prayed, we worked and instead of $250,000 the sum of $300,000 was subscribed, of which sum over two-thirds is already paid. The chief collector of the subscriptions, Rev. F. O. Schuh, says: "I never did any- thing I enjoyed more. We succeeded and surpassed our expectations because we all pulled together." It was in- deed a fine effort and no one among us will forget the Jubilee offering of 1917.
Inter-Synodical Organizations.
National Lutheran Commission for Soldiers' and Sailors' Welfare.
While this Commission is not, strictly speaking, a synodical work yet we have had a part in this great under- taking, almost from the beginning. From the very nature of the work, that of ministering to the Lutheran boys from the various synods in our country but stationed in the camps and cantonments, it became necessary to cooperate with the different synods of our Church. And this was done in a splendid manner. Revs. Oscar C. Mees and F. H. Meyer of New York City were appointed by President Schuette as our representatives on the Commission. An appeal for men and funds was made. Our Synod responded gladly to both appeals. From our ranks pastors have entered the chaplaincy of the army and the navy and a goodly number were commissioned as camp pastors.
In funds we sent $96,221.01 to the treasurer of the Commission, a free-will offering from the Joint Synod. Only two synods in the Lutheran Church surpassed us in the per capita contribution. This was a noble service and our sons will not forget it.
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Lutheran Brotherhood of America.
Again, this is not a synodical organization, but again, our Synod approves of its work, especially in providing physical equipment for the comfort and convenience of our boys in the army service. At Ft. Wayne in August of this year, 1918, the Joint Synod "Resolved: That we heartily approve the work of the 'Lutheran Brotherhood' and recommend to all our congregations to give it their support to their full strength; and that we approve the membership campaign in our midst." This organization has fitted up a very comfortable and convenient room for the Students' Army Training Corps at Capital University. Our boys certainly appreciate this generosity.
The National Lutheran Council.
The organization of this inter-synodical Council took place at Chicago, September 6, 1918. All synods of the Church in this country with the exception of the Synodical Conference are represented in this body. President Schuette of our Synod was one of the moving spirits in the organization and is a member of the executive committee.
Perhaps no movement within the Lutheran Church in this generation, the "Merger" not excepted, will be of as far-reaching consequence and influence as this recently organized Council. At a meeting held in Columbus, December II, steps were taken to send a commission to the belligerent countries of Europe to ascertain of what assistance the American Lutheran Church can be to them. Other important measures with reference to the welfare of the Lutheran Church were passed and are already being carried out. Prof. H. G. Stub of the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America is president. Rev. Lauritz
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CENTENNIAL CONVENTION OF JOINT SYNOD, FT. WAYNE, IND., AUGUST, 1918.
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Larsen is secretary and Washington representative, while Hon. E. F. Eilert is treasurer.
The object and purposes of the Council are briefly set forth in the following paragraphs taken from the constitu- tion of the association :
1. To speak for the Lutheran Church and give publicity to its utterances on all matters which require an expression of the common conviction and sentiment of the Church.
2. To be the representative of the Lutheran Church in Amer- ica in its attitude toward or relations to organized bodies outside of itself.
3. To bring to the attention of the Church all such matters as require common utterance or action.
4. To further the work of recognized agencies of the Church that deal with problems arising out of war and other emergencies ; to co-ordinate, harmonize, and unify their activities; and, to create new agencies to meet circumstances which require common action.
5. To co-ordinate the activities of the Church and its agencies for the solution of new problems which affect the religious life and consciousness of the people, e. g., social, economic, and edu- cational conditions.
6. To foster true Christian loyalty to the State; and to labor for the maintenance of a right relation between Church and State as distinct, divine institutions.
7. To promote the gathering and publication of true and uniform statistical information concerning the Lutheran Church in America.
The General Presidency.
Since 1894 we have had the office of General President in our Synod. The necessity for this office had long been felt and had often received attention previous to that time. The minutes of Joint Synod report as follows on the discus- sion relative to the creation of this office in 1894: "A desire had often been expressed for a superintendent of missions, whose duty it should be, not only to supervise the mission work, but also to look up new fields ; also the desire
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was expressed to have a financial agent for our institutions. It was suggested, therefore, that the office of superintendent of missions, financial agent and president be merged into one, under the name of, General Presidency, the incumbent of which office could at least attend to the principal duties of these several offices. His duties need not simply be con- fined to those mentioned in the proposed changed constitu- tion, but can be greatly enlarged so as to include a general oversight over mission work and publication matters; to attend district and conference meetings for the purpose of giving information on any matter pertaining to synodical work."
"It was also emphasized that Synod would soon become a delegate body and that our pastors would become more and more estranged from each other, but that such an office would serve to bind the whole body closer together. The difficulty of securing a man with the necessary qualifications was generally recognized, for here we must not only consider a man's ability, but also his disposition, age, and competency in both languages. Fear was also expressed that the office of General President might lose its original intention and, ere we should know it, we would have a bishop in our midst."
However, when the matter of creating the office of the General Presidency came to a vote, it was carried by a great majority. At the same session of Synod Prof. C. H. L. Schuette, then President of Capital University, was elected to this position. Since that time the course of this office has been largely the biography of this one man. In this history we have thought it best not to attempt extensive biographies of those still living and laboring in Synod, nor does it seem wise to make an exception in this case, but certainly, in passing, a word will not be out of place.
Dr. Schuette, as he is familiarly known among us, has
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served as General President of Joint Synod for now nearly a quarter of a century. He has traveled tens of thousands of miles, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from
PROF. C. H. L. SCHUETTE, D. D., General President of Joint Synod.
the Gulf away up into Canada, by day and by night, in summer and winter, in heat and cold. And his purpose has always been the fulfillment of the duties of his difficult
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office. Unselfishly he has gone in and out among us, calm in judgment, serious in purpose, liberal in his gifts. He has helped to maintain, to a marked degree, the unity of the spirit in our midst. We have no parties and no pope. He has secured hundreds of thousands of dollars for the various treasuries of Synod. The General Pres- idency has made good. And as we enter our second century we would make it the prayer of Synod, that the good Lord would continue to strengthen and bless our General President.
Ohio and Iowa.
Just as we are about to finish the writing of this history this cheering news comes to us from the convention of our Joint Synod at Fort Wayne, Ind,: "We are one with Iowa." Synod has taken the following action : "Resolved, that Joint Synod declare that such fraternal relations now exist between us and the Iowa Synod, as necessarily imply the mutual recognition of the existence of pulpit and altar fellowship." By a further unanimous motion, "the frater- nal exchange of delegates with the Iowa Synod was provided for."
This union has been long in the making, may it there- fore be the more firmly established.
Already in August of 1883 brethren of both Synods came together for an informal doctrinal discussion at Rich- mond, Ind. In 1886 Joint Synod resolved to invite the Iowa Synod to a discussion of our doctrinal positions with the view of attaining a mutual recognition of each other as brethren. For some reason this invitation was not well received by Iowa and not until years later was there a disposition in both Synods to come to a clearer understand- ing of the doctrinal positions of each other.
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The basis of union was the Toledo Theses adopted by representatives of both Synods at Toledo, O., Feb. 13-15, 1907, and later ratified by both Synods. The fol- lowing are the theses :
I. THESIS. THE CHURCH.
The Church, in the proper sense of the term, is the communion of true believers as it is begotten through the means of grace and as by their use it edifies itself. From this it follows :
(a) According to its real essence the Church is, and remains invisible on this earth.
(b) Common participation in the means of grace is the neces- sary form of the Church's appearance and the infallible mark of its existence; and in so far the Church is visible.
II: THESIS. THE OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY.
(a) The rights and duties of the spiritual priesthood com- prehend not only the general command and call that believers reduce to practice their fellowship in the Gospel and their right and title to the means of grace, and accordingly teach and admonish one another in every manner, but also that without special call, they preach the Word to heathens and unbelievers, and in case of neces- sity, administer the sacrament of baptism; and then also, that they establish the office of the ministry, inasmuch as this office has been originally and immediately given by Christ to the whole Church.
(b) The office of the ministry rests upon a special command of the Lord, valid throughout all time, and consists in the right and power conferred by special call, to administer the means of grace publicly and by commission of the congregation.
(c) The call (to the pastorate) is a right of the congrega- tion within whose bounds the minister is to discharge the office. Ordination is a public and solemn confirmation of the call; and is but an apostolic churchly custom or order.
III. THESIS. ATTITUDE TO THE CONFESSIONS.
(a) .A binding subscription to the Confessions (of the Church). pertains only to the doctrines of the faith therein set forth, and to these all without any exception.
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(b) Whereas the doctrine of Sunday as taught in the Con- fessions is a doctrine revealed in God's Word, it is not to be ex- cluded from the body of obligatory dogmas.
IV. THESIS. OPEN QUESTION.
(a) All doctrines revealed clearly and plainly in the Word of God are, by virtue of the divine authority of said Word dogmatically fixed as true and binding upon the conscience, whether they have been symbolically settled as such or not.
(b) There is within the Church of God no authority what- ever of departing from any truths clearly revealed by the Scriptures, be their contents considered fundamental or non-fundamental, im- portant or apparently unimportant.
(c) Full agreement in all articles of faith constitutes the irre- missible condition of church-fellowship. Persistent error in an article of faith must under all circumstances lead to separation.
(d) Perfect agreement in all non-fundamental doctrines, though not attainable on earth, is nevertheless, an end desirable and one we should labor to attain.
(e) Those who knowingly, obdurately and persistently con- tradict the divine Word in any of its utterances whatsoever, thereby overthrow the organic foundation (of the faith), and are there- fore to be excluded from church-fellowship.
V. THESIS. CHILIASM.
(a) Any Chiliasm which conceives the kingdom of Christ to be something external, earthly and after the manner of the king- doms of the world, and which teaches a resurrection of all believers before the day of judgment shall come, is a doctrine directly con- trary to the analogy of faith, and is to be rejected as such.
(b) The belief of some, to-wit, that the reign of Christ and His saints referred to in Rev. 20, is an event belonging to the future, as also that the resurrection there spoken of is to be understood as a bodily resurrection of some believers to life everlasting, is an opinion which, though not incompatible with the analogy of faith, cannot be strictly proven from the Scripture no more than the spiritual interpretation of said passages can be shown to be the true one.
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VI. THESIS. PREDESTINATION AND CONVERSION.
(a) The error of Missouri on predestination we find to con- sist in this, that thereby the universal gracious will of God and His decree of election are so separated as to exclude one another, and that thus two contradictory wills are affirmed of God. This error renders unsafe the foundation upon which our salvation is based, and stamps as fundamentally wrong other statements which might otherwise admit of an acceptable interpretation.
(b) Concerning conversion, drawn into controversy in con- nection with the doctrine of predestination, we confess that, viewed as the placing or planting of a new spiritual life, conversion does not depend to any extent whatsoever on any co-operation, self- determination or good conduct on the part of man, nor consist therein, but that it is wholly and solely the work of the Holy Ghost, working the same by His gracious power in the means of grace. On the other hand, however, we deny that the Holy Ghost works conversion according to a mere pleasure of His elective will, or despite the most wilful resistance, for example, in the case of the elect; but we hold that by such stubborn resistance both conversion and eternal election are hindered.
We pray that the union between Ohio and Iowa may be a long and happy one, and that our working hand in hand may redound to the glory of Jesus' Name and to the upbuilding of His Church upon earth.
CHAPTER X.
AT THE PORTALS OF OUR SECOND CENTURY.
The last one hundred years have witnessed wonderful transformations in our country. Speaking generally, it would seem that no century in all the world's history dare claim by half the material progress the last one hundred years have made. The development of our great West has no parallel in the annals of men. So vast and wonderful has been the progress that men accustomed to gauge resources and commerce have greatly underestimated the advancement made. The great nations of the earth at this present moment stand in astonishment at the tremendous resources of America. And most of our material wealth has been piled up within the memory of many now living among us.
A century ago our Synod was organized in the woods. Out of the forests on horseback came the stalwart men who formed the nucleus of our synodical body at Somerset in 1818. The sturdy frontiersman had just begun to fell the forests of the great Mississippi valley in order that he and his own, as well as the oncoming millions, might find sustenance and a home in the great basin. Farther west the great prairies like the swelling of the ocean stretched away beyond the vision of man. Great herds of bison roamed unscared by the ruthless rancher. Only here and there for thousands of miles could be seen a little smoke curling skyward as evidence of an Indian village with its primitive industries. Now from a thousand cities in the same great valley rise pillars of fire and clouds of smoke
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