USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 12
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After the usual examination, Deacons James Fleenor and J. B. Emmert were ordained as pastors.
The Parochial Report shows 75 congregations, 5,049 communicants, 782 infants, 78 adults, and 16 slaves bap- tized, and 588 confirmed.
St. Peter's (Piny Woods) Church, Lexington District, South Carolina, was agreed upon as the place, and Saturday
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before the first Sunday in November, 1854, as the time for the next meeting.
The following Appendix to the Minutes of the Tennes- see Synod is of interest to the Church :
"As Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, for the last Synodical year, I have received the fol- lowing communications for the Synod, since the adjournment of its last session.
I. A letter from Rev. R. A. Fink, Secretary of the 'Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Virginia,' communicating certain resolutions of rescission, passed by that body, in reference to the Tennessee Synod, which I give entire, together with the preamble.
'Whereas, it is desirable for the good of our Lutheran Zion, and the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, that unity and fraternal love should characterize all our relations as Lutherans-therefore,
'Resolved, That the resolutions of this Synod, passed at its meeting in 1838 and 1839, in regard to the Tennessee Synod, and contained on the Minutes of our Synod, are hereby rescinded.
'Resolved, further, That, as far as possible, we will seek to cultivate fraternal relations with our brethren of the Tennessee Synod, and that a delegate be appointed to said . body to represent this Synod in its next annual convention in 1854.
' Resolved, That our Secretary be instructed to for- ward a copy of these resolutions to the said Tennessee Synod.'
2. A letter from Rev. Messrs. Theo. Brohm and A. Hoyer, who had been appointed delegates from 'The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States,' to the recent session of our Synod. As the letter is both interesting and encouraging, I give it in full.
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NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 6, 1853.
REVEREND AND DEAR BRETHREN :-
Animated by an ardent desire to cherish the unity in spirit with all true Lutherans wherever, the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States, at her last annual meeting at Cleveland, Ohio, had appointed the undersigned as delegates to attend your synodical meeting and to deliver her fraternal greet- ings. But after having learned the place where your Synod is to meet this year, we regret to be precluded, by the great distance, and other local difficulties, from the great pleasure of carrying out our commission, both honorable and agreea- ble to us, as a greater sacrifice of time would be required than we can properly answer for to our respective congre- gations.
In order to compensate this want of personal attend- ance, we take the liberty, with consent of our president, to address your reverend body by these few lines, assuring you of our fraternal love and sympathy, founded upon the con- viction, that it is one and the same faith which dwells in you and in us. We are highly rejoiced in this vast desert and wilderness, to meet a whole Lutheran Synod steadfastly holding to the precious Confessions of our beloved church, and zealously engaged in divulging the unaltered doctrines and principles of the Reformation among the English portion of Lutherans, by translating the standard writings of our Fathers, at the same time firmly resisting the allurements of those who say they are Lutherans, and are not.
Our synod extends, through our instrumentality, the hand of fraternity to you, not fearing to be refused, and ardently desires, however separated from you by different language and local interests, to co-operate with you, hand in hand, in rebuilding the walls of our dilapidated Zion.
We are authorized to beseech your venerable Synod, to delegate as many of your members as you may deem proper, to our synodical meeting, to be held next year at St. Louis,
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promising hereby a friendly and hospitable reception .- Should your Synod next year assemble at a place easier accessible, and more convenient to us, we, or they whom our synod may appoint, shall not fail to attend.
Praying that the Lord may vouchsafe to replenish your reverend body with the spirit of truth, wisdom, zeal, love, and peace, and bless your deliberations for the glorification . of His holy name, we remain, dear brethren, with sincere respect and love, your co-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord.
THEO. BROHM, A. HOVER, of Philadelphia.
3. A copy of the Minutes of the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States, for 1853. A. J. BROWN.
November 3, 1853."
Thirty-fourth Session.
Synod assembled in St. Peter's (Piny Woods) Church, Lexington District, South Carolina, on Saturday before the first Sunday in November, 1854.
The election for officers resulted in favor of Rev. A. J. Brown, president; Rev. J. R. Peterson, secretary ; and Rev. J. M. Wagner, treasurer.
The usual business received proper attention.
On regular application, Salem Church, Alexander County, North Carolina, and Emmanuel Church, Lexington District, South Carolina, were received.into Synod.
On learning that the Virginia Synod liad rescinded the resolutions it had passed against this Synod in 1838 and 1839, it was resolved, that Synod rejoices to learn that the Virginia Synod has at length done our Synod the justice to rescind its former obnoxious resolutions; and that, in view of this fact, we will endeavor to cultivate a feeling of fraternal regard for the Virginia Synod.
Rev. Theodore Brohm, of the Synod of Missouri, Ohio,
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and other States, was introduced to Synod, and received as a corresponding member by this body. Rev. G. Dreher and Michael Rauch, of the Lutheran Church, were received as advisory members.
The Rev. Theodore Brohm, of the Missouri Synod, being present, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, the Rev. Theodore Brohm, of the city of New York, delegate of the Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other States, has appeared amongst us, and we are assured from personal interviews with him, as well as from other sources of information, that the Synod which he represents adheres strictly to the doctrines of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as exhibited in her confessional standards, and are zealously and actively engaged in promoting the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom ; be it, therefore,
Resolved 1. That we are highly gratified to see brother Brohm in our midst.
Resolved 2. That we fully and cheerfully reciprocate the kind and fraternal feelings expressed and manifested towards us by the Missouri Synod.
Resolved 3. That we will endeavor to cultivate a more intimate acquaintance and a closer union with the Missouri Synod. -
Resolved 4. That, for this purpose, Rev. Socrates Hen- kel be appointed a delegate from this body to the Eastern division of the Missouri Synod, to be held in Baltimore ; and that Rev. J. R. Moser be appointed our delegate to the Western division of said Synod, at its next session.
Mr. Julius L. Stirewalt having been ordained to the office of Deacon by Revs. A. Henkel and H. Wetzel, his name was ordered to be inserted in the clerical roll.
In answer to petitions from time to time addressed to this body, it was
Resolved 1. That a committee be appointed to devise a plan for the division of this Synod into district synods, and report to next meeting of Synod.
-
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Committee-Rev. Messrs. P. C. Henkel, J. R. Peterson, A. Henkel, H. Wetzel, A. J. Brown, and Wm. Hancher.
Resolved 2. That Rev. S. Henkel collect and preserve the archives of this Synod.
According to the Parochial Report, 722 infants, 27 adults, and 15 slaves were baptized, and 251 persons were confirmed during the year.
Synod adjourned to meet in Emmanuel's Church, New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia, on Friday before the third Sunday in September, 1855.
Thirty-fifth Session.
This convention met in Emmanuel's Church, New Market, Virginia, September 14, 1855.
Revs. A. J. Brown was elected president; J. Killian, secretary; and S. Henkel, treasurer.
Besides the usual transactions of this meeting, the following business deserves notice :
Rev. Spielmann, President of Capital University, Colum- bus, Ohio, the delegate appointed to this body by the Western District Synod of Ohio, was introduced to Synod, and invited to a seat and vote. Rev. J. P. Cline, of the Virginia Synod, was invited to a seat as an advisory member.
Rev. Martin Sondhaus, having presented an honorable dismission from the Pennsylvania Synod to this body, was received as a member.
The name of Rev. Joel Swartz, (now Rev. Joel Swartz, D. D.,) having been ordained by Rev. Socrates Henkel and Rev. D. M. Henkel, was ordered to be enrolled in the clerical catalogue.
On petition from the Lima charge, in Allen County, Ohio, Rev. Paul J. Stirewalt was ordained to the office of Pastor.
Phanuel's Church, Rockingham County, and Bethlehem Church, Augusta County, Virginia, were received into Synod.
For reasons regarded as sufficient, it was resolved, that
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the name of Rev. Joseph W. Hull be erased from the clerical catalogue, and that he be no longer regarded as a minister of this Synod.
In answer to petitions and letters in reference to dis- tricting this Synod, Dr. S. G. Henkel offered the following preamble and resolution, which were unanimously adopted :
Inasmuch as the committee, appointed last year, to re- port a plan for districting the Synod, failed to report, and as there are letters and petitions now before Synod, in refer- ence to this matter, and which require our notice, therefore, as the best answer we can return for the present, be it
Resolved, That, in order to meet the inconveniences which seem to present themselves for want of some annual meeting of our clergy, where young men may be examined and ordained, and also to give an opportunity to interchange views in reference to the wants of the church, and also to give occasion for united efforts in preaching-we would recommend that the members of this Synod, who reside near enough to each other for that purpose, hold some annual meeting, according to their own appointment, where they may transact such matters as would not seem to call for the united advice of Synod. This meeting might be termed a Special Conference.
Rev. D. M. Henkel asked for a letter of honorable dis- mission, which was granted.
Dr. S. G. Henkel submitted the following proposition for the consideration of this body :
Inasmuch as the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod has been instrumental in bringing before the Lu- theran Church in the United States her fundamental doc- trines, by the translation of her Symbols into the English language, would it not, in order that her doctrines be brought before the Church more fully, be advisable that Luther's Church Postil be translated into the English language?
If it meet the approbation of Synod, I propose, as soon
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as practicable, to procure a correct translation of that work, and to publish it in two octavo volumes.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report on Dr. S. G. Henkel's proposition to this body-"to publish as soon as practicable a correct English translation of Dr. Luther's Church Postil."
The President appointed Revs. H. Wetzel, C. Spiel- mann, H. Goodman, and M. Sondhaus, said committee.
The committee, Revs. H. Wetzel, H. Goodmani, M. Sonhaus, and C. Spielmann, appointed to report on Dr. S. G. Henkel's proposition to publish a correct English translation of Luther's Church Postil, submitted the following :
We, the committee appointed to report on the proposi- tion of Dr. S. G. Henkel, as to publishing Dr. Luther's Church Postil in the English language, respectfully submit the following :
Being fully convinced of the great value and excellence of Luther's Church Postil, and its importance to our minis- ters and congregations, and being influenced by a desire that this great work be made accessible also to our English ministers and church members, be it
Resolved 1. That we learn with joy that Dr. S. G. Hen- kel contemplates publishing Luther's Church Postil in the English language.
Resolved 2. That we will do all that we can to encourage and assist Dr. Henkel in this enterprise.
This report was received and adopted.
Dr. S. G. Henkel now addressed the Synod on the necessity and importance of giving an expression in regard to ministerial support. Whereupon, the following com- mittee was appointed to report in reference to this subject.
Committee-Dr. S. G. Henkel, John Leonard, and I. L. Wagner.
The committee, appointed to report on the subject of Ministerial Support, submitted the following :
Inasmuch as the ministers of the Tennessee Synod have heretofore received from their congregations a very inade-
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quate support, so much so, that many of them have been compelled to resort to some other employment in order to be sustained, thereby, to a great extent, destroying their usefulness in the ministry, we respectfully submit the fol- lowing resolution for adoption :
Resolved, That we remind our church members, both as individuals and congregations, of the teaching of the Word of God that the laborer is worthy of his hire, and that we appeal to them as to Christians, and with a view to their own best interests and the interests of their congregations, and the perpetuity of the preaching of. the Gospel among them, that they see to it that their pastors be not thus neg- lected, and left to struggle amidst pecuniary embarrass- ments. We would also assure them, unless they use more diligence in this matter, the time will come when they will be deprived of the services of the faithful minister of the truth, and they will be visited only by wolves in sheep's clothing.
On motion, the above preamble and resolution were unanimously adopted.
For this year, the report shows the baptisms of 513 infants, 46 adults, and 10 slaves, and the confirmation of 244 persons.
Synod adjourned to meet in Melanchthon Church, Ran- dolph County, North Carolina, on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in October, 1856.
Thirty-sixth- Session.
This meeting convened in Melanchthon Church, Ran- dolph County, North Carolina, October 25, 1856.
The officers elected were: Revs. J. K. Hancher, presi- dent; T. Moser, secretary; and J. M. Wagner, treasurer.
Mr. Eli E. Smyre and Mr. Augustus R. Bennick were received as students of theology.
Notice was then given, that, under certain conditions, petitions would be addressed to the next meeting of this body, for a dismission of the ministers and churches of our
-
.
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Synod in North and South Carolina, from the Tennessee Synod, with a view to the formation of a new synod.
After considerable discussion, on motion, the subject of said notice was postponed until some future period of this session.
On petitions, Bible's Church or Chapel, Tennessee, Friendship Church, Watauga County, North Carolina, and Zion Church, Hardy County, Virginia (now West Virginia), were received.
Deacons Christian Moretz and A. Fleenor were ordained to the pastoral office, and applicant John M. Smith to that of Deacon.
On motion, by Rev. C. G. Reitzel, the following pre- amble and resolution were adopted :
Whereas, the destitutions of our beloved Lutheran Zion are alarmingly great, and whereas, from the North and South, East and West, the Macedonian cry is annually coming to us, "Come over and help us," and break the bread of life to us and our children. And whereas, we believe that it is the Christian's duty to make provision for his destitute and perishing brethren, be it, therefore,
Resolved, That this body earnestly recommend the coll- gregations connected with this Synod, to establish congre- gational treasuries, for the purpose of aiding domestic missionaries, and young men of hopeful piety and promising talents, who are laboring to qualify themselves for the work of the Gospel Ministry in the Lutheran Church, and as a means of encouragement and comfort to our destitute breth- ren, report the result of such efforts, annually, to Synod.
In answer to petitions praying for a division of this body, be it
Resolved, That it be made the duty of the ministers of this body, to take the vote of their respective congregations, with a view to ascertain their wishes upon this subject, and report the result to the next session of Synod; our brethren present from Virginia concurring, and willing to form a
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separate organization in their State, provided the vote should result in favor of such organization.
The following brethren were appointed delegates to sister synods :
Rev. M. Sondhaus, to Joint Synod of Ohio; Rev. J. Stirewalt, Northern District Synod of Ohio; Rev. J. M. Wagner, Western District Synod of Ohio; Rev. J. R. Moser, Missouri Synod; Rev. J. Killian, Pennsylvania Synod; Rev. H. Wetzel, Eastern District Synod of Missouri. .
Synod adjourned to meet in Solomon's Church, Green County, Tennessee, September 26, 1857.
During this year, as reported, there were 741 infants, 57 adults, and 24 slaves baptized, and 752 confirmed.
Thirty-seventh Session.
Synod assembled in Solomon's Church, Green County, Tennessee, September 26, 1857.
Revs. A. J. Fox was elected president ; J. M. Wagner, secretary; and H. Goodman, treasurer.
In regard to a division of the Synod, it was resolved, that, under existing circumstances, it is deemed inexpedient at this time.
Messrs. M. J. Stirewalt, Dr. H. H. Maxwell, J. C. Barb, and J. Cloninger made application to be received under the care of Synod as students of theology. Rev. H. Wetzel then offered the following preamble and resolutions, which were adopted :
Whereas, it has been customary in this Synod, when applied to, to receive under her care, as students of theology, young men ; and whereas, we wish to make this as benefi- cial to them and as safe to ourselves as possible, therefore,
Resolved, That young men making application to be received under the care of this Synod, as students of theolo- gy, be examined as to the motives by which they are prompted in seeking their way into the ministry; and the extent to which they are willing to qualify themselves for this high and holy calling.
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Resolved, That, if any young man of good report, suit- able talents, and a willingness to qualify himself suitably for the ministry, make application as above, but has not the means to qualify himself, we then exert ourselves to secure to him the needed assistance.
Resolved, That the examination be conducted by a committee of three ministers and four laymen, and that they report to Synod. Whereupon the following committee was appointed, viz .: A. J. Brown, H. Wetzel, A. J. Fox, and Messrs. Jacob Keicher, John Moser, Jacob Stephens, and Ambrose Costner.
We, the committee, who were to hold a Colloquium with Messrs. Maxwell, Cloninger, Barb, and Stirewalt who made application to be taken under the care of Synod as students of theology, have attended to that duty; and would report that we were pleased with the young gentlemen, and recommend that they be received as students of theology. We were gratified to learn that Messrs. Barb and Stirewalt have made respectable progress in literature, the latter having made, in addition to the Sciences and Mathematics, considerable progress in the languages; and that they be advised to prosecute their literary studies still further. We recommend that Mr. Maxwell prosecute his theological studies under the care of some of our older ministers.
Report received and adopted. It was then
Resolved, That Messrs. Stirewalt, Barb, Maxwell, and Cloninger, be received under the care of Synod as students of theology.
The Committee on Minutes reported that the Northern General Synod, at its session in 1857, rescinded the resolu- tion it passed at its session in 1839, against this Synod.
The following committee was appointed to revise the Liturgy of Synod : Revs. S. Henkel, J. Killian, A. Henkel, A. J. Brown, J. M. Wagner, J. K. Hancher, J. R. Peterson, and Dr. S. G. Henkel. Upon motion, the President, Rev. A. J. Fox, was added to the committee.
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New Jerusalem Church, Davidson County, North Caro- lina, was taken into connection with this Synod.
The rules and regulations, prepared by Rev. H. Wetzel, were appended to the Minutes of this session of Synod. It was
Resolved, That the President of Synod furnish Rev. Joel Swartz with a letter of honorable dismission from this Synod, with a view of joining one of the District Synods of Ohio.
The following brethren were appointed delegates to sister synods: Rev. H. Goodman, to the Eastern District Synod of Ohio; Rev. J. Stirewalt, Joint Synod of Ohio; Rev. J. K. Hancher, Western District Synod of Ohio; Rev. A. J. Brown, Pennsylvania Synod; Rev. J. R. Moser, Missouri Synod.
Deacons J. E. Seneker and J. A. Seneker were ordained to the office of Pastor.
The Parochial Report shows 677 infant baptisms, 41 adult, and 21 slave, and 219 confirmed.
Synod adjourned to meet in Zion's Church, Lexington District, South Carolina, on Friday before the third Sunday in October, 1858.
Thirty-eighth Session.
This convention met in Zion's Church, Lexington District, South Carolina,. October 15, 1858.
In the clerical catalogue of this meeting appear the names of Rev. George Schmucker and Rev. John H. Hunton. It seems the latter was ordained during a meeting of the Special Virginia Conference of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, and the former was received into said Conference at the same time, and their names ordered to be enrolled in the clerical catalogue of the Synod.
The election of officers 'resulted in favor of Rev. J. Killian, president ; Rev. P. C. Henkel, secretary; and Rev. J. M. Wagner. treasurer.
Rev. Samuel Rothrock, of the North Carolina Synod, and Revs. Prof. W. Berley and N. Aldrich, of the South
ยท
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Carolina Synod, were received as advisory members, and Rev. Godfrey Dreher.
Whereas, there are petitions before this Synod praying for a revision of the constitution of this Synod, and whereas objections have been laid to this instrument before this meeting, be it therefore
Resolved, That a convention, to be composed of all the clerical members of this body, with a lay-delegate from each congregation, be convened at Mt. Moriah Church, Rowan County, North Carolina, on Friday previous to the second Sunday in February, 1859, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of amending or revising our present Synodical Constitution ; and, that if said con- vention can agree upon such revision or amendment, that then their action be carried by the different ministers to their respective churches, and that the same be placed be- fore them; and that said congregations send up their views thereupon to this session of Synod, to be held in the year 1859, for her action on the same.
The committee, appointed at the previous session on the revision of the Liturgy, having been relieved, Revs. A. Henkel, H. Wetzel, and S. Henkel were appointed to revise said Liturgy :
The following ministers were appointed delegates to sister synods : Rev. J. Killian, to the Joint Synod of Ohio ; Rev. H. Wetzel, to the Eastern District Synod of Missouri ; . Rev. J. R. Moser, to the Western District Synod of Missouri; Rev. H. Goodman, to the Eastern District Synod of Ohio. Rev. H. Wetzel was appointed to preach the opening sermon at the next session of our Synod, on the subject of Pastoral Duty. Rev. P. C. Henkel was appointed his alternate.
There were, according to the report, 640 infants, 56 adults, and 29 slaves baptized, and 453 persons confirmed.
Deacon John M. Smith was ordained Pastor, and M. J. Stirewalt, Deacon.
Rev. J. L. Stirewalt was granted a letter of honorable dismissal.
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Synod adjourned to meet in Bethlehem Church, Au- gusta County, Virginia, on Saturday before the second Sunday in September, 1859.
Thirty-ninth Session.
Saturday, September 10, 1859, Synod assembled in Bethlehem Church, Augusta County, Virginia.
Rev. A. Efird was elected president; Rev. S. Henkel, secretary ; and Rev. J. Stirewalt, treasurer.
Rev. C. Beard, of the Virginia Synod, was invited to a seat as an advisory member.
With respect to the revision of the Constitution, the following action was taken .:
Whereas, the revision of the Constitution of this Synod, a matter of no little importance to the future prosperity of the congregations, in its connection, should receive mature consideration; and, whereas, it appears from letters ad- dressed to this meeting of Synod, that the arrangement of the revision proposed by the convention appointed at the last session of Synod, is not satisfactory, be it, therefore,
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