USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
While we still regard the action of our misguided brethren, Revs. Wetzel, Seneker, and Schmucker, as irreg- ular and schismatic, yet, as we can see no advantages that can accrue to our Synod by the retention of their names in our clerical roll, we recommend that their names be stricken from our list of pastors.
The committee, appointed to prepare resolutions on the death of Rev. Jacob Killian, submitted the following, which were unanimously adopted by a rising vote:
Whereas, It hath pleased the Almighty Disposer of all events, in the righteous dispensation of an all-wise provi- dence, to call the Rev. Jacob Killian, a member of this Synod, from his labors on earth to his reward in heaven, be it, therefore,
Resolved I. That in this painful dispensation, we recog- nize the hand of our Heavenly Father, who doth all things well; and bow with filial resignation to his chastening hand.
2. That we deeply lament the loss of a devoted friend, an earnest and efficient laborer in the work of the ministry, and of one manifesting the liveliest interest in the prosper- ity of our beloved Zion.
3. That we will ever cherish his memory, endeavor to imitate his many virtues, and emulate his bright examples, in an untiring devotion to the welfare and prosperity of the church, which he so much loved.
4. That we sincerely condole with the family of our deceased brother, in their sad bereavement and deep affliction.
5. That the Secretary of Synod forward a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased.
190
HISTORY OF THE EVANGELICAL
According to the Parochial Report, 504 infants and 38 adults were baptized, and 271 confirmed.
Rader's Church, Rockingham County, Virginia, was agreed on as the place for the next meeting of Synod, and Saturday before the first Sunday of September, 1872, as the time.
Obituary of Rev. William Hancher .- We make up the following in regard to this venerable minister, from an address delivered by Rev. A. J. Brown, D. D., before the Evangelical Lutheran Holston Synod of Tennessee :
Rev. William Hauchier, born iu Frederick County, Virginia, Sep- temiber 7, 17SS, venerable alike for his years aud his long and success- ful work in the ministry, is entitled to special mention and honor on this memorable occasion. He was ordained to the full work of the ministry iu 1836, aud died in 1870, at the advanced age. of four score and two years, minus ouly two days. From the time he entered the ministry, till disabled by disease, embracing a period of uearly forty years, he labored constantly aud assiduously in this calling. He occu- pied during this time, for much of it almost alone, an extensive, and an important and fertile field in the territory of the Holston Synod, and faithfully and successfully did he cultivate and develop its re- sources. His labors were coufined principally to Sullivan County. He was for years the pastor of the principal churches now composing the charges of his son, brother J. K. Hancher, his grand-son, Rev. William G. Wolford, and Rev. A. J. Brown. It was at an important and critical time in the history of the Lutherau Church in this country. It was in the midst of her transition state from German to the English language. At the time of liis ordination, father Hancher was perhaps the only minister in the Tenuessee Syuod who could speak the English language only. Under the difficult circumstances by which he was surrounded, when so much valuable material was lost to the Lutheran Church in many other sections of country, he uot only retained iu the church iu the field of his operations the old members, but also brought into it most of their children, and many others whose proclivities were by educatiou and early associations anything else rather than Lutheran. To his labors are we largely indebted for the firm hold of Lutherauism in Sullivan County, and for its prosperity iu after years.
Father Hancher was a man for wlion uature had done inuch, and liad he enjoyed in early life the advantages of thorough, mental culture, he might have attained distinction in auy of tlie great depart- inents of human activity and interest. But such was not the case. His youth, his early manhood, and much of his riper years, were speut
191
LUTHERAN TENNESSEE SYNOD.
in manual labor. We speak of him now particularly as a minister of the Gospel. Much as we may regret his want of education, it may have been the best for the church at that particular juncture in its history While it is important, if not absolutely necessary, for the minister to be in . advance of his people generally in education and general intelligence, it is not best that he should be too far in advance of them in these respects. For if so, they will fail to appreciate his labors and to be benefited to the fullest extent by them. But I am wandering from the subject, and will return.
For his work father Hancher had many fine, and some rare natural endowments. He was a ready speaker, and had a soft, mellow voice of sufficient volume and compass to address with ease to himself large audiences in the open air, and there was in his mental organism a deep, pathetic vein, which was clearly seen in his preaching, and sel- dom failed to be deeply felt by his hearers. We have witnessed moving scenes under the influence of his preaching.
Father Hancher was not a systematic sermonizer. While he attached great importance to soundness in doctrine, and gave promi- nence in his preaching to the distinctive doctrines of the Lutheran Church, his preaching was mostly practical and hortatory, and looked to the immediate conversion of sinners. His themes were generally such as treat of the deep innate depravity of the human heart, of re- pentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the glories and felicities of heaven, the shortness and uncertainty of human life, and the importance and wisdom of making immediate and speedy preparation for death and judgment. He preached as a dying man to dying men, deeply impressed with the importance of his mission and the tremendous responsibility which it involves. And he was success- ful in bringing many souls to Christ, which shall adorn his crown when the Master comes to make up his jewels.
During his life he received many evidences of the esteem and love of his brethren, and when he died, he died deeply lamented. Like a ripe sheaf, he has been gathered home into the heavenly garner, full of years and of honors.
Obituary of Rev. Jacob Killian .- Rev. Jacob Killian was born of a well-known, influential, Christian family, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, June 8, 1818. He was dedicated to God in infancy, and, at a more mature age, he entered into full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
After securing a respectable education, lie commenced the study of theology, with a view to the ministry. May II, 1836, he entered the ministry, in connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee
192
HISTORY OF THE EVANGELICAL
Synod. In the year 1837, he located near Waynesboro, Augusta County, Virginia, where he took charge of Koiner's Church, and other congregations in that section, and lived and labored there, till he was called from time into eternity. He entered into the estate of holy matrimony with Miss Julia A. Koiner, daughter of George Koiner, Esq., of near Fishersville, Augusta County, Virginia.
He was a large, portly man of commendable bearing and extensive influence, commanding general respect and esteem. He was possessed of fine native talents and excellent oratorical powers. He was an in- fluential speaker, and frequently grew quite eloquent in the delivery of his sermons. His voice was clear, strong, and forcible. He was a faithful and zealous laborer in the vineyard of his Lord and Master, true and faithful to the doctrines and usages of the Church, and strictly conservative. He made a good impression wherever he went. He was well acquainted with the history and doctrines of the Church, and always inculcated them in the best and most impressive manner.
He was a good, reliable citizen, a kind neighbor, and an affection- ate husband and a loving father.
After spending a useful, successful, Christian life, in the Church, the Family, and the State, he departed this life, July 5, 1871; aged 53 years and 28 days, and entered his rest in the upper Sanctuary, leaving four children, -- three sons and one daughter, with numerous relatives and friends to lament their irreparable loss. He was buried at Bethle- hem Church, near his residence, Revs. J. I. Miller, D. D., and I. Conder officiating, in the presence of an unusually large and sympa- thetic concourse of relatives and friends.
"At length released from many woes, How sweetly dost thou sleep; How calm and peaceful thy repose, While Christ thy soul doth keep."
Fifty-second Session.
Synod assembled in Rader's Church, Rockingham County, Virginia, on Saturday before the first Sunday in September. 1872.
The election for officers resulted in favor of Revs. A. J. Fox, president ; L. A. Fox, recording secretary; S. Henkel, corresponding secretary; and J. S. Bennick, treasurer.
Revs. J. A. Snyder and Prof. J. I. Miller, of the Vir- ginia Synod, and J. P. Stirewalt and J. S. Koiner, theo- logical students, were received as advisory members.
193
LUTHERAN TENNESSEE SYNOD.
A committee was appointed to prepare a fuller paro- chial table.
The Staunton, Virginia, Female Seminary, Rev. Prof. J. I. Miller, president, was recommended.
The committee of correspondence with members of the Evangelical Lutheran Holston Synod in regard to a union of that synod with this Synod, submitted the following :
We have had some correspondence with the president of that synod, and from his letters learn that the synod is likely to sever her connection with the Southern General Synod at her next convention, and that she is favorably ,disposed towards a union with this Synod, with the ultimate design of uniting with the General Council.
The committee recommended, that a delegate be ap- pointed to attend the next meeting of the Holston Synod, and, if possible, make arrangements for the union of these two synods in a joint synod.
With a view of securing a higher degree of attainment on the part of those who intend to enter the ministry in connection with this Synod, both in regard to literature and theology, a committee was appointed to prepare a course of studies for theological students, who do not take a regular course in a theological seminary.
The committee, S. Henkel, A. J. Fox, and A. Costner, submitted, among other things, in their report, the following :
After a careful and conscientious examination of differ- ent hymn-books and liturgies now in use, (among them the Book of Worship-a work of decided merit) we would, under the circumstances and in view of the highest consid- erations, recommend to congregations in need of hymn- books or books containing the service of the Church, "The Church Book for the use of Evangelical Lutheran Congre- gations. By authority of the General Council of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church in America." This book we regard as a work of the highest merit, strictly churchly in all its features.
The principles on which this was constituted were not
194
HISTORY OF THE EVANGELICAL
the taste of any individual or committee, but the consensus of the Lutheran Church in its purest periods, in all countries. Great care and labor have been bestowed on this work, in order to attain the highest degree of perfection. We are assured on the highest authority, that it is in its final shape as far as it goes-the forms for Baptism, &c., (Actes Minis- teriales) remain to be added. The work will not be changed -the forms will simply be appended to later editions. The work is equally as cheap as thie Church Hymn-Book. If any of our ministers should need a book containing the Actes Ministeriales before the later editions of the Church Book are published, we refer them to the "Book of Fornis by Rev. J. A. Seiss, D. D.," published about fourteen years ago, and to the old Liturgy of the Pennsylvania Synod.
The President having recommended in his report the propriety of reviving the ancient custom of installation, it was.
Resolved, That it be the duty of the President, with the consent of the pastor-elect and the congregation, to ap- point a committee of installation, in all succeeding changes in the pastoral relations in our Synod, to perform this ceremony.
The Committee on the Revision of the Constitution of Beneficiary Association, was discharged, and another, con- sisting of Rev. S. Henkel and Mr. A. M. Bowman, was ap- pointed in place of the former.
The corresponding delegate to the North Carolina Synod, presented, among other things, in his report, the following :
The only thing done in which this Synod is directly interested, was in regard to the contemplated union of this Synod with that in a joint body. The subject elicited much discussion, was fully ventilated, and was disposed of by the adoption of resolutions referring the matter to the next convention of the Synod for further action. These resolu- tions were ordered to be forwarded by the Corresponding Secretary to the President of this Synod.
V
195
LUTHERAN TENNESSEE SYNOD.
In regard to this, Synod took the following action :
Resolved I. That we heartily endorse the sentiment of the North Carolina Synod, expressed in these resolutions, viz .: "That a union of the two Synods in a Joint Synod is both practicable and desirable."
2. That we entirely approve the action of the North Carolina Synod in reference to this union.
3. That this Synod is ready to meet the North Carolina Synod in a joint convention at any time and place, and on any basis of lay representation that may be agreed upon by the Presidents of the Synods interested.
The following report was adopted :
The committee, consisting of Revs. S. Henkel and I. Conder, appointed to reply to the communications of Revs. P. C. Henkel and J. R. Moser, of Missouri, to this Synod, submitted the following :
Whereas, We learn from the communications of these brethren, that the prospects for building up the Church in the West are favorable, and that these brethren, in connec- tion with others, have taken preliminary steps for the organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod in the State of Missouri; be it, therefore,
Resolved 1. That we hail with pleasure this information.
2. That their efforts put forth for the organization of a Synod, meet our approbation.
3. That, in order to aid them in publishing the pro- ceedings of their conference, and their proposed constitu- tion in connection with their discussion of "Doctrinal Theses selected from the Symbols of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, showing the principal distinction between the Lutheran Church and other ecclesiastical Communions," we request our ministers at once to bring the matter before their respective congregations and secure subscriptions to said work, which your committee presumes will cost fifteen cents per copy, and send the amount to Rev. P. C. Henkel or Rev. J. R. Moser.
196
HISTORY OF THE EVANGELICAL
Appropriations were made for the benefit of four bene- ficiary students. Messrs. M. L. Little and W. C. Holler were received as applicants for the ministry.
During this synodical year, 392 infants and 43 adults were baptized, and 284 confirmed.
Synod adjourned to meet in Zion Church, Lexington County, South Carolina, on the third Sunday in October, 1873.
Fifty-third Session.
Synod met in Zion Church, Lexington County, South Carolina, October 16, 1873.
Rev. J. M. Smith was elected president ; Rev. J. R. Peterson, recording secretary; Rev. L. A. Fox, corresponding secretary; and Rev. J. N. Stirewalt, treasurer.
The following course of study, for private students in theology, was recommended : Horne's Introduction, Hut- ter's Compend, Book of Concord, Krauth's Conservative Reformation, Knapp's Christian Theology, Mann's Schmidt's Christian Ethics, Kurtz's Sacred History, Kurtz's Church History, Ripley's Sacred Rhetoric, Vinet's Homiletics, Vinet's Pastoral Theology. Instruction must be given in Exegesis, Catechetics, Liturgics, and Ecclesiastical Polity.
It is presumed that every minister who undertakes to give instructions, will be able to point out and guard his students against such things in any of the books given above that is un-Lutheran. The most objectionable one has important features not found elsewhere.
Special attention is to be given to the study of the New Testament in Greek, and when the minister is able to teach Hebrew, to the study of the Old Testament in Hebrew.
St. James Church, Summit, South Carolina, was received.
The Virginia Conference of the Synod was requested to examine, and, if found qualified, to ordain J. Paul Stirewalt.
M. L. Little and J. C. Moser, after examination, were
197
LUTHERAN TENNESSEE SYNOD.
licensed as ministers. Mr. W. P. Cline and Mr. D. L. Crouse were received as theological students.
Arrangements were made to establish a regular synod- ical fund. Heretofore, there was no such fund in this Synod. The amounts necessary for printing Minutes, traveling expenses, &c., were raised by voluntary contribu- tions from individuals and congregations, nearly every con- gregation having a treasury.
The following action was taken relative to Our Church Paper:
Resolved, That we hail with much pleasure the appear- ance of Our Church Paper, a religious journal, published at New Market, Virginia. The respectability of its appear- ance, the ability with which it is conducted, and the sound- ness of the doctrines and practices which it inculcates, are just what we think they ought to be, and we therefore regard it our duty, as far as possible, to encourage its circulation among the people of our congregations, and that we exert our- selves to introduce it into every family of our connection.
The Constitution and By-Laws of Synod were ordered to be appended to the Minutes of this session.
Messrs. J. F. Moser and A. B. Efird were received as beneficiaries, with a view to the ministry. Appropriations were made for four beneficiaries. Corresponding delegates were appointed to different synods.
The following action, taken by the North Carolina Synod, relative to union: "That all action in regard to union with all other ecclesiastical bodies be postponed for five years,"-seems to have put that matter to rest for that period at least.
According to the report, there were 599 infants and 34 adults baptized, and 447 confirmed.
+
Synod adjourned to meet in Pilgrim's Church, David- son County, North Carolina, Thursday before the first Sunday in October, 1874.
-
198
HISTORY OF THE EVANGELICAL
Fifty-fourth Session.
This meeting was held in Pilgrim's Church, Davidson County, North Carolina, beginning October 1, 1874.
The officers elected were : Rev. L. A. Fox, president ; Rev. A. L. Crouse, recording secretary; Rev. J. M. Smith, corresponding secretary; and Maj. A. Koiner, treasurer.
Rev. W. Kimball, corresponding delegate from the North Carolina Synod, was received.
Letters of honorable dismission were granted Revs. P. C. Henkel and J. R. Moser to the Missouri Conference of the Lutheran Church.
Crouse's Mission, Alabama, Morning Star, Page County, and St. Jacob's Church, Shenandoah County, Virginia, were received.
For sufficient reasons, the name of Christian Moretz, Jr., was erased from the clerical catalogue of Synod ..
Rev. C. H. Bernheim, of the North Carolina Synod, was received as an advisory member. C
During its meeting in 1874, the Holston Synod resolved to unite with the General Council of the Lutheran Church in America.
The Synod being notified of the fact, that the said General Council appointed a committee to co-operate with similar committees from other general bodies, and from synods not in connection with any general body, in arrang- ing for a general colloquium of all Lutherans in America, who accept unqualifiedly the Augsburg Confession, the following action was taken :
Resolved, That we cordially approve this move of the General Council.
During this year, there were 384 confirmed, and 39 adults and 497 infants baptized.
Synod adjourned to meet in Mt. Calvary Church, Page County, Virginia, Thursday before the first Sunday in Sep- tember, 1875-
1
199
LUTHERAN TENNESSEE SYNOD.
Fifty-fifth Session.
Synod assembled in Mt. Calvary Church, Page County, Virginia, September, 1875.
Its officers were Rev. J. R. Peterson, president ; Rev. I. Conder, recording secretary; Rev. J. N. Stirewalt, corre- sponding secretary; and Rev. S. Henkel, treasurer.
Rev. C. H. Bernheim, corresponding delegate of the North Carolina Synod, was received.
Mr. J. W. Hausenfluck was received as -an' applicant for the ministry, and, at his request, placed under the direc- tion of Rev. S. Henkel.
Rev. J. M. Smith, in a letter, informed Synod that the congregations in Catawba County, North Carolina, had de- cided to establish a high school of a strictly Lutheran character. Synod approved of that move and heartily com- inended the enterprise.
Relative to the death of Rev. Godfrey Dreher, of Lex- ington County, South Carolina, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted by a rising vote :
Whereas, God, in his all-wise Providence, has been pleased to call from time to eternity Rev. Godfrey Dreher, pastor of Lutheran congregations, Lexington County, South Carolina, hereby
Resolved, That we express our high appreciation of his services and success; that we bow in humble submission to the will of him that doth all things well, cherish the memory of Rev. Dreher, and pray the Master to send in his stead faithful and worthy ministers of the New Testament.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be published in Our Church Paper.
On motion, the congregation in Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, was received.
A committee was appointed to prepare a constitution and regulations for Home Missionary operations, and report to the next meeting.
On motion, Rev. S. Henkel was required to secure all
-
.
200
HISTORY OF THE EVANGELICAL
the minutes and pamphlets of the different sessions of our Synod, and have them bound, and also to collect such other material as may be of interest to the Church.
Appropriations were made for the benefit of two bene- ficiaries.
There were 484 infant and 48 adult baptisms, and 359 confirmations, reported at this convention.
Synod adjourned to meet in St. John's Church, Lex- ington County, South Carolina, on Thursday before the second Sunday in October, 1876.
Obituary of Rev. Godfrey Dreher .- Rev. Godfrey Dreher departed this life at the residence of his son-in-law, Rev. Daniel Efird, at Pine Ridge, Lexington County, South Carolina, July 28, 1875; aged 85 years, 7 months, and 24 days. Funeral services were rendered and a sermon preached at the said residence, by Rev. H. W. Kuhns, from I Thess. 4, 14, in the presence of a very large, sympathizing congrega- tion. His earthly remains were then conveyed, in solemn procession, to St. Michael's Church, twelve miles distant, where another sermon was preached by the same minister from Psalm 71, 9, at the request of a large assembly, which had gathered there, to pay the last tribute of respect to departed worth. His body was then placed in the grave, to await the final resurrection, in rear of the pulpit of St. Michael's, between the graves of Revs. Wingard and D. Dreher, the place which he had selected and which had been reserved for that purpose,-a pulpit which he had filled with so much acceptance.
He entered the active services of the ministry in connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of North Carolina, in the year 1811, and confined his labors chiefly to ministerial services in Lexington County, South Carolina, in a community generally known as "Dutch Fork," where he labored with acceptance and success. He was one of the first ministers who preached in the English language in that community. He was present at the conference which met in St. Michael's Church, Lexington County, South Carolina, in 1824, where and when the Evangelical Lutheran South Carolina Synod was organ- ized, and elected as president of that synod. At that time the paro- chial reports show that he had six churches in his charge. From that time till 1835, he was elected treasurer of synod, successively each year. In that year, the constitution of the synod was so changed as to require a layman to fill that office. About the year 1834, some difficulties and differences arose in the synod which were not satisfac- torily adjusted. In 1837, he met a committee appointed by the presi- dent of the synod, to ineet at Lexington Court House, South Carolina,
1
.
201
LUTHERAN TENNESSEE SYNOD.
to adjust the differences. After some consultation, he was, at his request, permitted to withdraw from the synod in an amicable manner. Eight congregations went with him. These congregations he faith- fully and zealously served, aided occasionally by visiting ministers and such other assistance as he could command, till 1851, preaching as many as two sermons on three of the Sundays in each month, although his congregations were situated a very considerable distance from his place of residence, and from five to eight miles distant from each other. From 1851 to 1854, he was permanently assisted by Rev. Daniel Efird. In 1854, he received an attack of paralysis. This ended his ministerial career.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.