USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 17
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He was always regular and punctual in his attendance at his appointments. The inclemency of the weather never prevented him from filling his engagements and complying with his obligations. It seems he was prompt in all the relations of life, and strong in his con- victions. He was true and faithful, zealous and energetic in the performance of his duties. He was a man of excellent native powers and abilities, firm and indomitable. As a minister, he was earnest and effective, and often, and especially when he spoke on his theme in which he most delighted, "Justification by Faith," he grew most eloquent and pathetic. He wielded a very decided and beneficial influ- ence in the community in which he labored. He contributed liberally of his temporal means towards the establishment of the theological seminary of the South Carolina Synod, first erected at Lexington Court House, South Carolina. As a man, he was generous, liberal, just, kind, and affectionate in all the departments of life. "He now rests from his labors, and his works do follow him."
Fifty-sixth Session.
Synod convened in St. John's Church, Lexington County, South Carolina, October 5, 1876.
The officers chosen were: Revs. S. Henkel, president ; J. M. Smith, recording secretary; J. R. Peterson, corre- sponding secretary; and A. J. Fox, treasurer.
Rev. J. C. Moser and H. A. Meetze were received as advisory members.
St. Matthew Church, King's Mountain, the church at Hickory, North Carolina, St. Thomas Church, South Caro- lina, and St. Mark's, Luray, Virginia, were received.
A committee of three, consisting of Revs. J. M. Smith, J. R. Peterson, and A. J. Fox, was appointed to examine
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A. L. Yount, and, if necessary, to ordain him. There was also a committee appointed to ordain J. W. Hausenfluck, if found qualified.
Rev. J. P. Smeltzer, D. D., of the South Carolina Synod, was received as a corresponding delegate from that synod.
The committee, appointed to prepare a paper relative to the death of Rev. Thomas Crouse, submitted the follow- ing, which was adopted by a rising vote :
Whereas, God, in his wise Providence, has called from his labors on earth, Rev. T. Crouse, a faithful minister of our Synod, to his rest and reward on high; therefore,
Resolved, That we recognize the hand of God herein, and humbly bow to his righteous ways, that we cherish his memory, and pray God for grace, that we may meekly sub- mit to his dispensation.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in "Our Church Paper," and a copy be sent to the family of the de- ceased.
The action of Synod in 1864, creating the license sys- tem, was rescinded, a committee of three was appointed to prepare and submit to the present convention of this Synod, a plan by which the requirements of our Constitution in regard to the candidates for the ministry in their period of probation, can be complied with.
This committee, not being able to submit a plan, for the want of time, Revs. A. J. Fox, J. R. Peterson, and S. Henkel, were appointed a committee to give this matter proper attention, and report at the next meeting.
The license system having been rescinded, Messrs. J. A. Cromer and E. L. Lybrand, who applied for license, were requested to labor, for the time being, under some regular pastor or pastors.
The committee appointed at the last session to prepare Regulations for Missionary Work, submitted the following :
ARTICLE I. There shall be elected, annually, by Synod, an Executive Committee of three, or five, or more members, as the nature and extent of the work may require, who shall
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hold office until their successors shall be appointed. Of this committee, the Committee on Vacancies shall be a member.
ARTICLE II. This Executive Committee shall have charge of the Missionary work between the conventions of Synod. They shall elect one of their number Treasurer, who shall hold and disburse the missionary moneys accord- ing to the directions of the committee. The Executive Committee may establish or discontinue missions, may employ or dismiss missionaries, and shall have the super- intendence and control of all missionary operations during their time of office.
ARTICLE III. This committee shall hold at least two meetings during the year. It shall keep a clear and correct account of all its transactions, and especially of all moneys received and disbursed, and report annually to Synod, and be prepared with vouchers to sustain the same, which re- port shall be recorded by the Secretary of Synod.
ARTICLE IV. All moneys collected from congregations or otherwise, and donations for the purpose of missions, shall be paid over to the Chairman of the Executive Com- mittee, for which he shall give his receipt.
ARTICLE V. Diligent and rigid inquiry shall be made as to the condition of every community, and the prospects of establishing a self-sustaining congregation or pastorate whenever application shall be made for aid, and where these are not favorable, no money shall be expended as a mere venture.
ARTICLE VI. Every pastor in connection with this Synod shall be required to take up collections in each of his congregations, annually, in the most judicious manner, for missions.
ARTICLE VII. These regulations shall be subject to amendment at any meeting of Synod after giving one day's . notice of the proposed amendment, and with the concur- rence of two-thirds of the members present.
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Your committee, in submitting the above plan, would call the attention of the Synod to the importance of concen- trated effort. It is a lesson learned after a dear experience by other bodies, and they are now centering their labors upon a few places until they make them self-supporting. It is found to be far better to make large appropriations to one point and assist in building a church than to scatter a small fund among many.
With respect to the Southern General Synod's sugges- tion, that this Synod reconsider its actions declining to unite with that synod, the following action was taken :
Resolved, That under existing circumstances, we regard it inexpedient to take any steps either toward uniting with or in any way committing ourselves to any one of the General Lutheran Bodies in this country.
The following preamble and resolution were passed :
Whereas, Prof. Ben. Hyde Benton, President of Poly- technic Institute, at New Market, Virginia, has kindly tendered to this Synod three free scholarships in that Insti- tute, one for the congregation of this Synod in South Caro- lina, and two for our Churches in North Carolina, upon condition that the candidates are over 14 years of age, and come with a recommendation from one of the ministers of this Synod,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate this kind offer and most cheerfully accept it, and tender our most sincere thanks to the kind donor.
The baptisms reported were 544 infants and 56 adults, and 325 confirmations.
Synod adjourned to meet in Coble's Church, Guilford County, North Carolina, November 8, 1877.
Obituary of Rev. Thomas Crouse .- Rev. Thomas Crouse died April II, IS76, at 12.30 P. M. He was born in Davidson County, North Carolina, June 6, 1822.
His paternal ancestors came from Germany to Pennsylvania, thence to Forsyth County, North Carolina, where Andrew Crouse, the father of the deceased, was born. He married a Miss Daniels, whose
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parents came from Ireland. They afterwards settled in Davidson County, North Carolina, where the subject of this sketch was born. He was baptized in infancy, in Beck's Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he afterwards received religious instruction, and was confirmed.
He received his literary education at Prof. Dusenberry's school, Lexington, North Carolina, and his theological training under the direction of tutors. He entered the ministry in connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, in 1845, and continued in its work until his death, having been engaged in the Master's service about 31 years.
Soon after he began his work, he moved to Randolph County, North Carolina, where he married Barbara Fox, a descendant, through her maternal line, from one of the Electors of Saxony. She died in about eight years, leaving four children. He afterwards married M. C. Fox, youngest sister of Rev. A. J. Fox, M. D., by whom one son was given him.
As a theologian, he was a sound and firm defender of the doctrines and customs of the old type of Lutheranism. As a preacher, he was attractive, because of his earnestness of manner, clearness of thought, force of style, and persuasive voice.
He labored in Guilford and Alamance, and organized Melanch- thon, the only Lutheran Church in Randolph County.
In 1873, he moved to Davidson County, and rebuilt Beck's, the church of his youth, of which, with three other congregations, he was pastor until his death. His last sermon was preached in Beck's Church, ten days before he died.
Surveying his work, we are convinced that he was a "workman that need not be ashamed," and that he has many jewels in his crown.
Fifty-seventh Session.
Synod assembled in Coble's Church, Guilford County, North Carolina, November 8, 1877.
The election for officers resulted in favor of Revs. S. Henkel, D. D., president ; J. Paul Stirewalt, recording secretary; M. L. Little, corresponding secretary ; and D. Efird, treasurer.
Rev. P. C. Henkel, having been called back from Missouri to Conover, North Carolina, to lead in the perma- nent establishment of a school of a high grade, at the latter place, was unanimously received into Synod.
Rev. C. H. Bernheim, corresponding delegate from the North Carolina Synod, was received.
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On Sunday, the new church erected to take the place of the old Coble Church, was dedicated, Rev. S. Henkel, D. D., preaching the sermon, and Rev. P. C. Henkel lead- ing in the dedicatory services.
It was moved, that when Synod adjourn, it adjourn to meet in St. Matthew Church, Shenandoah County, Virginia, on Thursday before the first Sunday in September, 1878.
Rev. C. H. Bernheim, corresponding delegate of the North Carolina Synod, conveyed to this Synod in a few pertinent remarks, the fraternal greetings and kindly feel- ings of the North Carolina Synod, and was appropriately replied to by Rev. S. Henkel, D: D.
Rev. A. L. Yount, having left the bounds of this Synod, having received a call from a congregation at Murphysboro, Illinois, was requested to return to Synod the amount he had received from it as a beneficiary, not having labored in the bounds of the Synod anything like the length of time the regulations of the Beneficiary Society of Synod required from its beneficiaries. This he did; that is, refunded it in due time.
On motion, the President appointed a committee of three to prepare rules and regulations for the government of beneficiaries, to report at the next meeting of Synod. Committee-Revs. A. J. Fox, J. M. Smith, and Mr. M. L. Cline.
The reports show that during this year 585 infants and 56 adults were baptized, and 471 persons were confirmed.
Synod adjourned to meet at the time and place already indicated.
Fifty-eighth Session.
This meeting convened in St. Matthew Church, Shen- andoah County, Virginia, August 29, 1878.
The officers of this convention were Revs. P. C. Henkel, president; L. A. Fox, recording secretary; A. J. Fox, cor- responding secretary; and J. Paul Stirewalt, treasurer.
The congregation at Conover, Catawba County, North Carolina, was received.
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A committee of three was appointed to prepare a plan for missionary work. A committee was appointed to ex- amine Mr. A. R. Yoder.
Rev. V. R. Stickley, corresponding delegate of the North Carolina Synod, was received.
. Rev. A. J. Fox, M. D., read the Regulations for the Government of Synod in the work of Beneficiary Education. It is too long for insertion here. It may be found in Min- utes of 1878.
The committee, appointed to prepare resolutions on the death of Rev. Henry Goodman, presented the following, which was adopted, the Synod rising :
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in his wise Providence, to remove Rev. Henry Goodman from his labors on earth to his reward in heaven,
Resolved I. That in the death of Father Goodman, the Church has lost an earnest, faithful, and zealous laborer in his Master's vineyard ; .
Resolved 2. That we bow in humble submission to him who doth all things well ;
Resolved 3. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to "Our Church Paper" for publication ;
Resolved 4. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the relatives of the deceased family.
Rev. Thomas Miller having asked for an honorable dismission to the Virginia Synod, it was granted.
Rev. V. Stickley conveyed to this Synod the fraternal greetings of the North Carolina Synod, and was replied to in a few pertinent remarks by Rev. P. C. Henkel.
Messrs. Eli Lot Lybrand and James Albert Cromer, Columbia, South Carolina, and Jacob Killian Efird were ordained. A committee was appointed to prepare an obitu- ary on Rev. H. Goodman.
The reports show that 438 infants and 103 adults were baptized, and 178 persons confirmned.
Synod adjourned to meet in St. James Church, Summit,
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Lexington County, South Carolina, Thursday before the third Sunday in November, 1879.
Obituary of Rev. Henry Goodman .- The subject of this notice was the son of Michael and Elizabeth Goodinan (Guthmann), born April 9th, 1798, was baptized in infancy, and in the year 1819, entered into full commuuiou with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, by the imposition of hands and prayer, by Rev. Dauiel Scherer, at St. John's Church, Cabarrus Couuty, North Carolina.
He was licensed to preach by Revs. Daniel Moser and David - Henkel, on the 29th of November, 1830, and preached his first serinou ou the 19th of December, following, at his uncle's, George Goodulan, in Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
He was ordained by Revs. Philip Henkel, Adam Miller, and Daniel Moser, iu Buehler's Church, Sullivan County, Tennessee, September 13th, 1832.
During the whole of his ministry, as also before entering the ministry, he labored faithfully in defence of the pure Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; often, especially in the early strug- gles of the Evangelical Lutheran Teunessee Synod for the pure faith of the Church of the Reformation, sacrificing much time as well as other means, to forward the work in this great crisis.
He preached his last sermon on the 4th Sunday of November, 1877, in Sharou Church, Iredell County, North Carolina, from I John 5, 7, 8.
The subject of the above notice died at his late residence in Iredell County, North Carolina, on the morning of the 26th of January, 1878; aged 79 years, 9 months, and 17 days ; his consort having been called to her reward October 17th, 1876; aged 74 years, 8 months, aud 22 days.
His perishable remains were deposited in the cemetery at St. Martin's Church, Iredell County, North Carolina, on the next day after his departure from this life; and notwithstanding the day was very rainy, a large concourse of people assembled to take a last view and to sympathize with the mauy relatives wliose faces were bathed in tears, but in hopeful resignation to the will of Him who had taken His faithful servant home.
After the burial service ended, the many relatives and friends of the deceased repaired to the church to hear the funeral sermon, by Rev. P. C. Henkel, based ou 2 Tim. 4, 7, 8.
Fifty-ninth Session.
This convention met in St. James Church, Summit, Lexington County, South Carolina, November 13, 1879.
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In the election for officers, the following were chosen : Revs. J. R. Peterson, president; M. L. Little, recording secretary; J. M. Smith, corresponding secretary; S. Henkel, treasurer ; and T. Moser, treasurer of beneficiary fund.
St. Michael's Church, Cleburne County, Alabama, and St. Andrew's Church, Richland County, South Carolina, were received.
Rev. J. Hawkins, corresponding delegate of the South Carolina Synod, was received, and Rev. A. D. L. Moser, of the same synod, was invited to a seat.
On motion, a committee was appointed to report some plan by which the Synod's Mission Work may be trans- ferred to the Conferences. Committee-Revs. J. C. Moser, E. L. Lybrand, and P. Killian, Esq.
On their report, the Mission Work of the Synod was transferred to the Conferences in connection with the Synod.
Messrs. Thomas E. Armentrout, McGaheysville, Vir- ginia, and D. A. Sox, Reeder's Store, Lexington County, South Carolina, were received as beneficiary students; and appropriations were made for their benefit.
The retiring president having recommended the pro- priety of Synod giving an expression in regard to the "Four . Points," as they are called, the committee on said report, Revs. S. Henkel, J. M. Smith, and A. Costner, Esq., sub- mitted the following relative to these matters, which was adopted :
Whereas, This Synod is invested only with advisory power ; and
Whereas, The general policy of this Synod has not been to encourage such doctrines, worship, or fellowship, be it
Resolved I. That this Synod, as we have, so far as we know, no minister now in affiliation with such societies, we advise all who may be looking to the office of the ministry in connection with this Synod, not to associate or hold fellowship with any societies that practice a deistic worship or service, to the disparagement of the adoration due Jesus
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Christ, or that comes in conflict with the orthodox worship of the church, or that set up a plan of salvation coming in conflict with that set forth in Divine Revelation, through the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Mediator between God and man ; as it is the sentiment of this Synod that such could not be received.
2. That we regard these matters as subjects for inves- tigation and instruction, and our ministers are advised to give such information as they may deem proper, when it is desired.
With respect to altar and pulpit fellowship, it is the sentiment of this Synod, that our ministers and people ad- here to the practice set forth in the Confessions of the Church, using all necessary precaution, prudence, and judiciousness in the exercise of such privileges, lest the sacredness of the altar and pulpit be violated, or the con- sciences of any be oppressed, and reference should always be had to the preparation designated in the Augsburg Con- fession, Article eleven, and in Luther's Catechism, where it is said, "Let a man examine himself," etc., and "He only is truly worthy and well prepared, who has faith in these words," etc.
In regard to Chiliasm, we would simply say, it is clearly rejected in the 17th Article of the Augsburg Con- fession.
IV. Relative to the allusion in the President's report, to certain articles in the Constitution of Synod, we would simply remark, that organic laws should be seldom changed, and as no proposition has been made, in accordance with the 8th Article of said constitution, for any change or alter- ation, no action is required on the part of the Synod.
V. With respect to the matter of revising and publish- ing our Church Hymn-Book, we deem the action taken by our Synod last year, all that we could recommend.
This paper is usually designated the Summit Rule.
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Sixtieth Session.
This meeting of Synod was held in St. Peter's Church, Catawba County, North Carolina, commencing November II, 1880.
The officers, elected for the ensuing year, were Rev. S. Henkel, D. D., president; Rev. J. C. Moser, recording secretary ; Rev. J. R. Peterson, corresponding secretary; and Rev. J. M. Smith, treasurer.
Candidates W. P. Cline, D. J. Settlemyre, W. A. Smith, J. A. Rudisill, and J. B. Fox, were invited to seats as ad- visory members.
Appropriations were made for beneficiaries.
Rev. C. H. Bernheim, of the North Carolina Synod, was received as an advisory member.
Amendments to the Constitution having been proposed on the day previous, a committee of four was appointed to take into consideration the proposed amendments.
After this committee reported, and several of the amendments had been considered, the matter was postponed until the next meeting of Synod.
Rev. C. H. Bernheim, of the North Carolina Synod, having presented a letter of honorable dismission from that synod to this Synod, was unanimously received as a mem- ber of Synod.
The following action was taken with respect to the reception of Concordia High School, located at Conover, Catawba County, North Carolina :
Whereas, The trustees of Concordia High School, Conover, North Carolina, have made a proposition to Synod to take this Institution under her care and supervision, and
Whereas, It is the desire and wish of this Synod to have an institution of learning in her connection, therefore,
Resolved, That a committee of three, on the part of Synod, be appointed to confer with the trustees of said school, and prepare an agreement which may serve as a basis upon which said school may become the recognized
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institution of Synod, and that this committee be required to report to the next session of Synod.
Resolved, further, That we hereby recommend Concor- dia High School to the members of our Church, and to the public generally, as a school of meritorious character.
The President appointed the following persons on this committee : Revs. J. C. Moser, J. R. Peterson, and C. H. Bernheim. On motion, A. Costner, Esq., and Mr. C. T. Sigman were added to this committee.
The Missionary Work of the Synod having been trans- ferred to the Conferences of the Synod, the regulations of the Synod relative to such work, were repealed.
During this synodical year, 641 infants and 27 adults were baptized, and 227 persons confirmed.
The time fixed for the next meeting was Saturday be- fore the second Sunday in September, 1881, and the place, Emmanuel Church, New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia.
During this decade, there were 12 applicants for the ministry, and 6 beneficiaries received, 12 ordained, 4 re- ceived on letters, 3 dismissed to other synods, the names of 4 dropped, I church dismissed, 2 ministers licensed, I min- ister died, 13 churches were received, 5,432 infants and 497 adults baptized, and 3,378 confirmed. The reports in re- gard to baptisms and confirmations were not generally full.
SEVENTH DECADE. Sixty-first Session.
This session of Synod convened in Emmanuel Church, New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia, September 10, 1881.
The officers elected were Revs. A. J. Fox, M. D., presi- dent ; L. A. Fox, D. D., secretary; J. M. Smith, corre- sponding secretary; and S. Henkel, D. D., treasurer.
Rev. J. A. Snyder, of the Virginia Synod, and Rev. H. Wetzel, were received as advisory members.
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A committee was appointed, on motion, to inquire into the expediency of placing monuments at the graves of Rev. Ambrose Henkel, at New Market, Virginia, and Rev. Philip Henkel, at Richland Church, Randolph County, North Carolina. Committee-Revs. A. J. Fox and S. Henkel.
Prof. J. S. Koiner was invited to a seat within the bar of Synod.
The committee on reception of Concordia High School not being prepared to report, the committee, consisting of Revs. J. C. Moser, S. Henkel, D. D., C. H. Bernheim, and Messrs. A. Costner and C. T. Sigman, was continued.
Appropriations were made for two beneficiary students.
The consideration of the proposed amendments to the constitution, was postponed till the next convention.
Prof. J. S. Koiner, after sustaining a regular examina- tion, was ordained.
The committee, appointed to report on the recommen- dation of the Committee on the President's Report, in regard to awaking a greater interest in Beneficiary Education, submitted the following :
That a committee of one be appointed in each confer- ence, whose duty it shall be to call, by correspondence or otherwise, attention to the duties relative to this important matter, urging the congregations, through the ministers, or in any other way, to consider the propriety of aiding with their substance this much needed work, by contributing liberally; or to devise some systematic plan for raising means for such purpose, putting them in remembrance of these duties and privileges.
Relative to the colored people, or freedmen, the fol- lowing action was taken :
Resolved, That the ministers of this Synod make all efforts in their power to educate religiously the colored peo- ple, by preaching, lecturing, and catechisation, with a view sooner or later of getting men of their own color to look after the spiritual interests of their race in connection with the Lutheran Church.
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During this year, the Parochial Report shows 494 in- fant and 32 adult baptisms, and 168 confirmations.
. Synod adjourned to meet in St. Jacob's Church, Lex- ington County, South Carolina, Saturday before the third Sunday in October, 1882.
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