USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 18
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Sixty-second Session.
This meeting was held in St. Jacob's Church, Lexing- ton County, South Carolina, commencing October 14, 1882.
The officers elected were Revs. S. Henkel, D. D., presi- dent ; J. Paul Stirewalt, secretary ; J. M. Smith, correspond- ing secretary ; and M. L. Little, treasurer.
The committee, appointed at the last session, to ordain D. A. Goodman, if found qualified, reported that they had ordained him ; and so too, in regard to the ordination of W. P. Cline. The names of Goodman and Cline were ordered to be enrolled in the clerical catalogue of Synod.
The consideration of the amendments proposed to the Constitution, was postponed to the next meeting of Synod.
The President having called, in his report, attention to the death of Rev. John S. Bennick, a committee was appointed to prepare suitable resolutions relative to that matter. At the proper time the following paper was pre- sented and adopted :
We, your committee, appointed to prepare suitable reso- lutions, have adopted the following :
WHEREAS, It hath pleased Almighty God, in his all- wise Providence, to remove our lamented brother, J. S. Bennick, from his work on earth to his reward in heaven ; be it
Resolved 1. That we bow in humble submission to the will of Him who doth all things well.
Resolved 2. In his death, the Church militant has lost a most efficient and faithful laborer.
Resolved 3. That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the face of the Minutes, and that one page be devoted to his memory.
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Resolved 4. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to his bereaved family.
St. Stephen's Church, Shenandoah County, Cedar Point Church, and Alma Fairview Church, Page County, Virginia, and Killian's, Catawba County, North Carolina, were re- ceived.
' Rev. P. Miller conveyed to Synod the fraternal greet- ings of the South Carolina Synod, and, at the request of the President, Rev. A. J. Fox replied in a few pertinent remarks.
Rev. A. L. Crouse offered the following :
Resolved, That we recommend "Grades in the Minis- try," a book by the late Rev. Jacob Stirewalt, to the careful study and impartial examination of our people, both clerical and lay.
Synod having been informed, that a committee of two ministers and one layman, was appointed to meet and confer with a similar committee from this Synod, in regard to such territory as may be in dispute between the two Synods, Revs. A. J. Fox, P. C. Henkel, and Mr. A. Costner, were ap- pointed to confer with a committee, appointed by the North Carolina Synod, in regard to such territory as may interlap between the two Synods.
The following resolutions were passed :
Resolved, That it be the duty of our ministers to obtain the number of baptized persons, infants and adults, as well as that of the communicant members, and report the result of their efforts to the next session of Synod, with a view to arranging our Parochial Report, so as to give the whole strength of our Synod, by adding a column for the insertion of such members.
Resolved, That until otherwise ordered, at the future meetings of this Synod, Sunday afternoons shall be devoted to Sunday-school work; and the pastors loci where synodical meetings are held are charged with the duty of making the necessary arrangements, to give interest and effect to these services.
Whereas, It is meet and right, that the dignity, sacred- -
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ness, and solemnity of the ministerial office be preserved and perpetuated, and in order that it may not be lowered and disparaged, be it
Resolved, That Synod recommend, that all applicants for examination and ordination, and for whom there are petitions to Synod from a congregation, or congregations, praying for such examination and ordination, and extend- ing a call or a request for pastoral services on the part of the subject of such petition or petitions, appear at some session of this Synod, prepared to submit to such examina- tion, and, if found qualified, to receive such ordination, and be it further
Resolved, That it is the sentiment of this Synod, that this recommendation should be acquiesced in, in all possi- ble cases, as the order of Synod in all ordinary cases.
Mr. J. P. Price, of Lexington County, South Carolina, was received as a student for the ministry. Appropriations were made for two beneficiaries.
The following paper was read before Synod and dis- cussed to a limited extent :
Whereas, The Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod has in time past held aloof from direct connection with other Lutheran bodies in this country, from reasons patent and well known to all persons acquainted with her history; and since said reasons have been dispelled by other bodies, plant- ing themselves on the same basis as ourselves; and
Whereas, In union and co-operative energy there is resistless strength; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, now in convention assembled, do adopt the Consti- tution of "The Evangelical Lutheran General Synod in North America," and do elect a delegation, proportioned according to Article II. of said Constitution, to represent this Synod in the next regular convention of said General Synod, to sit in the city of Charleston, in April proximo.
In regard to it the following action was taken :
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Whereas, A paper is before Synod, asking Synod to take into consideration the propriety of effecting some con- nection with the Southern Evangelical Lutheran General Synod; and
Whereas, This is a matter which requires careful and matured consideration, hence, in view of the late hour of this session of Synod, in which the said paper was offered, be it
Resolved, That this paper be deferred to our next annual session of Synod, for consideration.
A motion was made, and prevailed, to enroll all the churches in connection with this Synod.
During the past year, according to the Parochial Re- port, 38 adults and 675 infants were baptized, and 361 persons confirmed.
Synod adjourned to meet in the Chapel of Concordia College, Conover, North Carolina, October 13, 1883.
Obituary of Rev. John Silvanus Bennick .- Rev. Jolın Silvanus Bennick, after several days confinement to his bed, departed this life at 8 P. M., on March 22, 1882 ; aged 44 years, 5 months and 29 days.
He was born, a son of Philip J. and Susan (nee Henkel) Bennick, in Catawba County, North Carolina, and came to New Market, Shen- andoah County, Virginia, in the year 1859, where he entered the New Market Academy, and pursued a literary course with a view to the Gospel ministry.
In September, 1861, he entered the Confederate Army, in the infantry service, in which he continued till the surrender. As soon as he returned from the army, he resumed his literary branches, and en- tered on a theological course of study under the supervision of Rev. S. Henkel, D. D.
He entered the ministry of the Gospel in the year 1866, still, how- ever, pursuing his regular course of studies under the direction of his preceptor, until he was well indoctrinated. After the death of the late, lamented Rev. Jacob Stirewalt, he received a regular call to that charge, and continued to labor in it most successfully aud efficiently till June, 1880, when his health and strength partially failed. From this date, his charge being unwilling to accept his resignation, he continued to serve it, with occasional interruptious, however, till August, 1881. In September, 1881, he tendered his resignation, after which he performed few ministerial acts. He was most actively and energetically engaged
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in the work of the ministry for 15 years. Besides serving his large charge, he performed considerable missionary labor, often preaching on week days.
Three excellent church edifices of modern style were erected in his charge during his ministry, and one congregation organized, and an ordinary church erected for its occupancy. His ministerial acts, in regard to baptisins-infant and adult-confirmations, funerals, &c., were numerous. The number of marriage ceremonies performed was oue hundred and sixty-five.
He was a grandson of Rev. David Henkel, one of the founders of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Syuod, and a nephew of Revs. P. C. Henkel, D. D., aud S. Henkel, D. D.
He was naturally endowed with all the traits, qualities, and facul- ties so esseutial to the office of the ministry, and these with liberal attaiumeuts and indomitable energy, fidelity, and perseverauce, .gave him that snecess which so signally crowned his efforts.
On December 22, 1867, he entered into the holy estate of matri- mony with Miss Elizabeth Emma, only living daughter of the late Peter J. and Elizabeth Wise of Rockingham County, Virginia.
His funeral services were rendered in Emmanuel Evangelical Lu- theran Church, New Market, Va., and his body appropriately interred in the cemetery of said church, in the midst of a large and sympathiz- ing concourse of people from the town and country. The services were rendered and a suitable sermon preached by Rev. J. Paul Stire- walt, accompanied with appropriate remarks and prayer by Rev. J. A. Snyder.
Thus a faithful laborer in the vineyard of Christ has been removed from the church militant to the church triumphant, to enjoy that crown of life secured by the Savior for all the faithful.
Sixty-third Session.
This session of Synod convened in the Chapel of Con- cordia College, Conover, North Carolina, October 13, 1883.
The officers were Revs. J. R. Peterson, president ; A. L. Crouse, secretary; C. H. Bernheim, corresponding secre- tary; and J. N. Stirewalt, treasurer.
Revs. A. L. Yount, of the Pittsburgh Synod, and M. J. Stirewalt, of the Indiana Synod, were received as advisory members.
The following candidates for the ministry, J. A. Rudi- sill, D. J. Settlemyre, D. A. Sox, Prof. J. F. Moser, and P. C. Wike, were invited to seats.
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Rev. H. M. Brown, of the North Carolina Synod, and Mr. W. S. Shepherd, student of the South Carolina Synod, were invited to seats.
The committee, appointed to meet a similar committee of the North Carolina Synod, to make some arrangements to prevent conflicts in church work, submitted the following report, which was adopted :
Your committee beg leave to submit the following : After some epistolary correspondence between the chairmen of the respective committees, in regard to the duty assigned them-the members of the committees from their respective synods, met in the town of Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina, in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in that place, on the 27th day of March, 1883. An organiza- tion was effected by electing Rev. A. J. Fox, M. D., Presi- dent, and Rev. L. A. Bikle, D. D., Secretary. The meeting was a very cordial one-the discussions fraternal and re- spectful, and the decisions prompt and unanimous.
The following paper was presented, carefully considered, and adopted by items, and then with great readiness and unanimity, it was adopted as a whole :
"We, the undersigned committees, appointed by the North Carolina and Tennessee Synods, at their sessions in 1882, respectfully submit the following as the conclusions and results of our deliberations at Hickory, North Carolina, on the 27th of March, 1883, relative to the important matter placed in our hands. The object of our meeting being to mature and to submit, for the consideration of and the adoption by said Synods in convention assembled, some expedient, judicious, equitable plan, or policy, to prevent- between these Synods in their efforts to extend the Redeem- er's Kingdom in the occupancy of places, the establishment of missions, the erection of church edifices, the organization of congregations, etc.,-conflicts calculated to disparage the efforts at and the prosperity of such places, establishments, erections, organizations, etc., as are already occupied and inaugurated by the one or the other of these Synods, and
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in process of existence, we submit the subjoined plan or policy as practicable and effective :
I. That inasmuch as the aforesaid Synods confess, and teach in accordance with the confessional basis of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as set forth in her Symbols, and so long as these Synods shall thus confess and teach, neither Synod, in its efforts to promote the Gospel and cause of Christ, shall occupy places, erect churches, estab- lish missions, organize congregations, etc., where such things have already been done or instituted by the other, in villages or towns whose inhabitants do not exceed 2,000 ; and, so too, in regard to churches and church work in the country or communities, as due respect should be paid to locations at a reasonable distance, in order to prevent con- flict of interest by the inauguration of such efforts too nearly contiguous.
2. That in towns or cities the number of whose inhab- itants shall exceed 2,000, or shall be large enough to sup- port two or more Lutheran Churches, it may be advantageous and proper for both Synods to operate without any view of conflict or infringement.
3. That when or where the one Synod has a member or members residing in a community, village, or town, already occupied by the other Synod, it shall be the duty of that Synod, having such member or members, to advise the same to unite with those of the Lutheran faith already engaged in the Redeemer's work in such town or village.
, 4. That in all proper efforts to promote the interests of the Church, friendly Christian relations between the two Synods shall be maintained and cherished, each respecting the rights of the other, as it becomes Christians to do in the dissemination of the Gospel, and in the promotion of the Church.
This paper was subscribed by each member of the re- spective committees, as follows : L. A. Bikle, S. Rothrock, D. R. Hoover, Committee of North Carolina Synod ; A. J.
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Fox, P. C. Henkel, Ambrose Costner, Committee of Ten- nessee Synod.
Inasmuch as the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of North Carolina has, in her late annual convention, adopted these articles of agreement, your committee most respectfully recommends their unanimous adoption by this Synod.
'In regard to a letter, signed by G. L. Hunt, M. L. Carpenter, D. C. Huffman, C. H. L. Schuette, making a formal request to meet in a free conference the members of this Synod, or as many as are willing to meet with them, in or near Conover, on or about the 16th proximo, leaving it to this Synod to fix the exact time and place of meeting, a committee of two was appointed to meet the undersigned individuals of said letter, and ascertain the direct aim and purpose of such proposed conference, and that said com- mittee report early to this Synod. This committee reported as follows :
We, the committee, appointed to convey the action of this Synod in regard to a certain paper, addressed to this Synod, signed by E. L. Hunt and others, requesting a free conference, submit, that we conveyed the said action of this Synod relative to this paper, and had a short interview with · them, and that they furnished us no definite response, but intimated that, as their meeting had adjourned, it was too late at this time for such conference.
The Lutheran Church at Newton, and that at Antioch, North Carolina, were received.
The Secretary was ordered to add a column to the Parochial Report, in which he shall place the number of souls, as far as reported, and that all our ministers be re- quested to report annually the whole number of souls belonging to their charges, that is, all entitled to commune, as well as all who are baptized-and not confirmed, in their respective charges.
The following report of the Committee on the Recep- tion of Concordia College was received, considered, and adopted :
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We, the committee, appointed by Synod to confer with the Trustees of Concordia College, and prepare an agree- ment which may serve as a basis upon which said school may become the recognized institution of Synod, present the following report :
A meeting of the Board of Trustees having been called, the following resolution was adopted :
Whereas, There seems to be a general desire to estab- lish proper relations between Concordia College and the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, and
Whereas, It is generally believed that such relations would inure to the interest of this school, as well as to the good of the Synod or Church, at a meeting held in said institution on October 15th, by the Board of Trustees, the Faculty, and others immediately interested, the following action was taken :
Resolved, That, with a view of establishing proper re- lations between Concordia College, situated at Conover, North Carolina, and the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, we, in meeting assembled, agree, I. that whenever a vacancy, or vacancies, occur, either by death, resignation, or removal, in the Board of Trustees or iu the Faculty, the said Synod shall have the right as well as the privilege to recommend a suitable person, or persons, to fill such vacan- cy, or vacancies; 2. that the Synod shall have the right to appoint a Board of Visitors, whose duty it shall be annually to visit said school, and make such report of the condition of the school to each session of the Synod, as may be deemed most advantageous; 3. that it shall be the duty of the President of the Faculty to make a report annually to Synod, relative to the moral and literary condition of the school, which report shall also be signed by the secretary of the faculty ; 4. that the President of the Board of Trustees shall also make an annual report to Synod, in regard to the financial condition of the school, whichi report shall likewise be signed by the secretary of the Board of the Trustees; 5. that this school sliall be continued and conducted as a church
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institution, under such rules and regulations, as may be in- stituted by the Board of Trustees, in accordance with the charter, and the Confessions of the Church as set forth in the Christian Book of Concord, each teacher, instructor, or professor, taking an obligation not to teach anything in said school that is contrary to said Confessions.
These stipulations or propositions shall be valid and in force, provided the said Synod shall acquiesce, and is disposed to lend said institution its fostering care and encouragement, as well as its influence and moral force ; provided, that if the Synod shall fail, after notice, to re- commend, in due time, a suitable person or persons to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the proper authorities of said institution, shall proceed to fill such vacancy or vacancies.
The following was offered and adopted :
Resolved, That we, as a Synod, accept the propositions made to us by the Board of Trustees of Concordia College, and that in consideration of the rights and privileges therein granted, we will lend to said institution our fostering care, influence, and moral support.
The Committee on Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws submitted a report, which was adopted. The Constitution as revised and amended, reads as follows :
Constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, (As Revised in 1883.)
ARTICLE I. The name of this Synod shall be THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN TENNESSEE SYNOD.
ARTICLE II. The Holy Scriptures, the inspired writings of the Old and New Testaments, shall be the only rule and standard of doctrine and church discipline.
As a true and faithful exhibition of the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures, in regard to matters of faith and prac- tice, this Synod receives the three Ancient Symbols: the Apostolic, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds; and the Unal- tered Augsburg Confession of Faith. It receives also the other Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church,
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viz .: The Apology, the Smalcald Articles, the Small and Large Catechisms of Luther, and the Formula of Concord -as true Scriptural developments of the doctrines taught in the Augsburg Confession.
ARTICLE III. This Synod is an association of congre- gations. Its conventions shall be composed of regularly ordained ministers in their connection, and their lay- delegates.
Each one of these congregations shall have the right to appoint one such delegate, who shall have equal rights and privileges with the ministers transacting the business of Synod.
Every minister desiring to be received into connection with this Synod, shall, on his reception, be required to sub- scribe this Constitution.
No minister, in connection with this Synod, shall be allowed to teach any thing, nor shall Synod transact any business contrary to the confessional basis as set forth in Article II.
ARTICLE IV. The business of this Synod shall be to employ the proper means for the promulgation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to impart its advice in matters of Christian faith and life, to detect and expose erroneous doctrines and false teachers, to recommend orthodox liturgies, hymn- books, catechisms, parochial and Sunday-school books, to engage in missionary work, domestic and foreign, to aid indigent young men in preparing for the work of the minis- try, and to investigate charges of false doctrines, wrong practices, and immoralities of life, preferred against any of its ministers, and, finding them guilty, to suspend or expel from Synod such as are deemed unworthy to bear the office, and advise their pastorates to sever their official relations with them.
Upon application to examine candidates for the minis- try, this Synod shall make the necessary provisions to attend to such application, and, after due approval, appoint one or
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more pastors to consecrate such candidate to the office of the ministry, by the laying on of hands and prayer.
Synod shall require a probationary period of not less than one year, during which time all candidates for the ministerial office shall be taken on trial.
Upon application, this Synod may receive congrega- tions in its connection, provided they subscribe this Con- stitution.
ARTICLE V. The officers of this Synod shall be a President, Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treas- urer. A majority of all votes cast will be required to con- stitute an election to any office. The duties of these officers shall be such as usually devolve upon the same in other public bodies, or as may be made obligatory upon them from time to time by Synod. They shall be elected by ballot, at the regular session, annually, and hold their offices until their successors are elected.
ARTICLE VI. Synod shall meet from time to time upon its own adjournments. Extra sessions may be called by the President, when requested for good and sufficient reasons, to do so, by two ministers and two lay-men in its connection.
ARTICLE VII. Synod may at any regular meeting, by a concurrence of two-thirds of all the members present, make such regulations and by-laws as may be deemed necessary, not inconsistent with this Constitution.
ARTICLE VIII. If anything contained in these articles should hereafter be deemed contrary to the Confessional Basis of this Synod, oppressive, or inexpedient, it may be altered or amended. But nothing contained in this Consti- tution shall be altered or amended unless a proposition for alteration or amendment shall have been laid before one of the sessions of Synod, in writing, and agreed to by two- thirds of all the members voting. The proposition thus agreed to, shall then be laid, in due form, by the Synod in its Minutes before the congregations in its connection, for ratification or rejection by them; and the ministers or vest- ries of these congregations shall, at some suitable time,
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before the next succeeding session of Synod, take the vote of these congregations, on the Constitution as amended, allowing the members to vote for its ratification or rejection and send a statement of the vote to that session of Synod. If, then, it shall be ascertained by Synod that a majority of these congregations have voted in favor of ratification, the amendment shall become and be declared by Synod on the face of its Minutes a valid part of said Constitution, and the parts thereof repugnant to such alteration, void.
Relative to districting the Synod, joint union, and union with the General Synod South, the following action was taken :
Whereas, The Committee on Letters and Petitions recommend, that the three State Conferences, composing the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, be resolved into three synods, confined by State lines; second, that the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, in order to perpet- uate her history, &c., be denominated the Joint Tennessee Synod, and meet in triennial conventions on middle ground, composed of the above-named three district synods, and such other synods as may desire to unite with us, for the purpose of transacting and having the superintendence of the general church work of said joint synod; we, your committee, respectfully recommend, that this matter be referred to these Conferences for consideration, indicating their wishes.
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