USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 19
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Whereas, At its last session, a paper was laid before our Synod, asking it to take into consideration the propriety of effecting some connection with the Southern Evangelical Lutheran General Synod ; and
Whereas, The following action was taken by our Synod, relative to that request,
Resolved, That this paper be deferred to our next annual session of Synod for consideration ; and
Whereas, There is a desire, as well as an element at work, to establish a more general union among the Evan-
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gelical Lutheran Synods South, in the form of a General , Lutheran Southern Synodical Conference, based on the Confessions of the Church, as extant in the Christian Book of Concord; be it, therefore,
Resolved I. That in view of this aspect of things, we deem it inopportune to take any action at this time, in re- gard to that paper or request ;
Resolved 2. That it is the sentiment of this Synod, if there be sufficient internal union to justify external, organic union, that union in the form of a General Southern Lu- theran Synodical Conference, properly based on the Con- fessions of the Church, with only advisory power, and invested with the more general operations of the Church, is the safest, and most feasible, and churchly policy that can be inaugurated, under the present circumstances ;
Resolved 3. That with a view of accomplishing this desirable object, this Synod appoint a committee, consisting of three from Virginia, four from North Carolina, and two from South Carolina, whose duty it shall be, provided the move meet with sufficient encouragement in their judgment, to co-operate with other similar committees, or individuals, who may favor such move, in appointing a suitable time and place for the assembling of such a diet, and to repre- sent this Synod in such diet, to inaugurate such Southern Lutheran Synodical Conference, submitting the result of their efforts and actions to the different synods for their ap- proval or disapproval; and, if deemed proper, appoint an- other time and place for the consummation of such conference.
We would further submit, that we rejoice to be able to state, that this sentiment is indicated in resolutions passed by the late sessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Holston Synod, as set forth in its Minutes, transmitted to our Synod, as well as in resolutions passed at the recent sessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Virginia Synod, communicated to us in session assembled, in which a time and place are desig- nated for the holding of a diet or other conference for such purpose.
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Appropriations were made for six beneficiary students. The following candidates for the ministry were, after examination, ordained : D. J. Settlemyre, J. A. Rudisill, and D. A. Sox. Prof. Junius B. Fox being absent, a com- mittee was appointed to examine him, and, if found quali- fied, to ordain him.
The following were appointed as delegates to the pro- posed Diet: Rev. S. Henkel, D. D., Rev. A. L. Crouse, Maj. A. Koiner, from Virginia; Rev. P. C. Henkel, D. D., Rev. C. H. Bernheim, Rev. M. L. Little, A. Costner, Esq., from North Carolina; Rev. J. S. Koiner and H. A. Meetze, Esq., from South Carolina.
During this year, 588 infants and 36 adults were bap- tized, and 264 persons were confirmed.
Synod adjourned to meet in St. Mary's (Pine) Church, Shenandoah County, Virginia, September 27, 1884.
Sixty-fourth Session.
This meeting assembled in St. Mary's (Pine) Church, Shenandoah County, Virginia, September 27, 1884.
Its officers were Rev. C. H. Bernheim, president ; I. Conder, secretary; A. L. Crouse, corresponding secretary; and J. N. Stirewalt, treasurer.
Rev. J. I. Miller, of the Virginia Synod, and Prof. J. D. Dreher, Ph. D., of Roanoke College, Virginia, were in- vited to seats.
St. John's Church, Rockingham County, Virginia, was received.
By means of a letter, Rev. F. W. E. Peschau, corre- sponding delegate of the North Carolina Synod, conveyed the fraternal greetings of that synod to the members of this Synod.
The committee to draft and submit articles on the death of Rev. A. J. Fox, M. D., presented the following :
Whereas, Our Lord God has again wisely chastened us by the removal from our midst of Rev. Alfred J. Fox,
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and reminded us of his over-ruling providence in calling his servant from his labors here to his rest in heaven-
Resolved, That in the death of Father Fox, we recog- nize the loss of a noble and successful servant in the Master's earthly work; an earnest, zealous co-laborer, and a warm- hearted friend and brother.
Resolved, That we bow, humbly, to the call of Him who never errs and only wounds to heal.
Resolved, That our sympathies are extended to the bereaved widow and family, and that, while we mourn with them, we cherish upon the altar of his memory fond recol- lections of his virtues.
Resolved, That this feeble tribute be placed upon a separate page of our Minutes, one copy sent to the widow of our brother, and one be published in Our Church Paper.
After a satisfactory examination, Rev. H. Wetzel and Rev. Prof. J. I. Miller, D. D., were received and enrolled as members of this Synod.
Having sustained the required examination, Messrs. David I. Offman, of New Market, Virginia, and John Q. Lippard, of North Carolina, were received as students with a view to the ministry.
There having been a call at the previous session for the publication of the Christian Book of Concord in its third edition, Henkel & Co., New Market, Virginia, were ap- pointed to give that matter proper attention.
D. D. Seitz, President of the Board of Trustees of Con- cordia College, and Rev. P. C. Henkel, D. D., President of the Faculty of said College, presented favorable reports relative to that institution.
Mr. L. L. Lohr, of Gaston County, North Carolina, was recognized as a student of theology.
The High School at Dallas, Gaston County, North Carolina, Rev. Prof. M. L. Little, principal, was recognized as a church institution and favorably commended.
The following persons, in addition to those already in office, were elected Trustees of Conover College: Rev. A.
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L. Crouse and Hon. A. Koiner, of Virginia; Rev. R. A. Yoder, of North Carolina; Maj. H. A. Meetze and Mr. D. H. Wheeler, of South Carolina.
Appropriations were made for seven beneficiaries.
The time and place for the proposed Church Diet was agreed upon, by those concerned. The time was November 12, 1884, and the place, Salisbury, North Carolina.
According to the Parochial Report, 650 infants and 41 adults were baptized, and 381 persons confirmed.
Synod adjourned to meet in St. Peter's (Meetze's), Lexington County, South Carolina, October 31, 1885.
Obituary of Rev. A. J. Fox, M. D .- Died on the 10th day of June, 1884, at his home in Lincoln County, North Carolina, after an illness of one week, Rev. A. J. Fox, M. D .; aged 66 years, 9 months, and 4 days. On the day following, his remains were buried at Salem Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, Rev. R. A. Yoder rendering the funeral services, assisted by Rev. J. M. Smith. Notwithstanding the inclem- ent weather and in the midst of harvest, there was a very large con- gregation present, to pay a last tribute of respect to an aged and venerable minister of the Gospel. Rev. R. A. Yoder addressed the congregation, basing his remarks on Numbers 23, 10: "Let me die the death of the righteous !"
The Rev. Dr. A. J. Fox was married to Lydia Bost in the year 1842. He leaves a widow and II children, 7 sons and 4 daughters.
He entered the Lutheran ministry in 1837, and labored constantly in that work until within a few days of his death; extending over a period of 47 years. He labored during this whole period in connec- tion with the Evangelical Lutheran Teunessee Synod ; while his work was confiued within the limits of the Tennessee Synod, his influence was felt in the whole Lutheran Church of this country, as he was frequently corresponding delegate to other Lutheran bodies. He always held positions of honor and trust in his Synod, and was for many years one of her leading spirits. He gave direction and counsel in all her interests, and was an able advocate and defender of the pure doctrines of the Church of the Reformation.
He was a man of extraordinary energy and physical strength. He served as many as eight or nine congregatious at the same time, in addition to his professional duties as physician, and the cares and duties of a large household.
Two of his sons are in the Lutheran ministry-one Rev. L. A. Fox, D. D., is an eminent scholar, and an able professor in Roanoke
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College, Salem, Virginia. The other, Rev. J. B. Fox, is laboring in connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Holston Synod, in East Tennessee. Two of his sons are following the medical profession with eminent success. One, Dr. A. C. Fox, lives in Waynesboro, Virginia ; the other, Dr. Frank Fox, is at the old homestead and was practicing in connection with his father. Of his remaining sons, oue is a farmer, and the other two are boys at home with their mother.
'Of his four daughters, three are the wives who grace the homes of some of our best citizens, and one a widow.
An eminently successful career has closed with his life, and by his death, the State and community have lost a valuable citizen; the Church and Synod, an able, active, and energetic minister; and the family, a kind father and dear husband.
By his "works of faith and labors of love," he "being dead yet speaketh." The souls whom he has been instrumental in saving, the churches which he has helped to build, the brethren whom he has counseled, the voice of pen and pulpit, all speak :
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright ; for the end of that man is peace."
He has been called to his reward, and is now in the fellowship of angels and saints, around the throne of God.
He "fought a good fight," he "kept the faith," and now he wears the victor's crown.
Sixty-fifth Session.
This meeting was held in St. Peter's (Meetze's) Church, Lexington County, South Carolina, commencing October 31, 1885.
The officers were Revs. J. M. Smith, president; R. A. Voder, secretary; A .. L. Crouse, corresponding secretary; and J. K. Efird, treasurer.
The proposed Diet having met at the time and place indicated, and adopted a basis for a more general union among the Evangelical Lutheran Synods in the South, as well as a constitution, the Synod adopted these documents, and appointed the following delegates to represent it in the next Diet : Revs. S. Henkel, D. D., A. L. Crouse, P. C. Henkel, D. D., C. H. Bernheim, M. L. Little, and E. L. Lybrand; and Messrs. A. Koiner, A. Costner, and W. A.
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Meetze. Alternates-Revs. J. P. Stirewalt, J. S. Koiner, and J. K. Efird ; and Messrs. Philip Killian, W. A. Mauney, and C. M. Efird.
A committee was appointed to ordain Mr. R. H. Cline.
The College Chapel congregation, Gaston County, North Carolina, was received.
The Secretary was ordered to make a complete roll of the congregations and preaching places in connection with Synod, and have it published in the Minutes.
The committee, Rev. A. L. Crouse, on monument for Rev. Ambrose Henkel, reported that the monument had been erected and paid for, out of funds collected in the Valley of Virginia for that purpose.
The President of the Board of Trustees of Concordia College, the President of the Faculty, and the Visiting Committee, submitted very favorable and encouraging re- ports in regard to that institution.
Rev. P. C. Henkel, D. D., President of Concordia College, Conover, North Carolina, having tendered his resignation relative to that office, the following resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That in the acceptance of the resignation of Rev: P. C. Henkel, as President of Concordia College, by this Synod, it does so with regret, and only under a sense of duty which is due under statements and representations made by him; and, in parting with him, the Synod desires to express its most hearty thanks for the sacrifices which he has made gratuitously for the institution, and prays God's richest blessings upon him.
Appropriations were made for six beneficiaries.
The report shows that during the year 741 infants and 63 adults were baptized, and 655 persons confirmed.
Synod adjourned to meet in College Chapel, Dallas, Gaston County, North Carolina, November 6, 1886.
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Sixty-sixth Session.
This session was held in College Chapel, Dallas, North Carolina, commencing November 6, 1886.
The officers were Revs. R. A. Yoder, president ; J. Paul Stirewalt, secretary; A. L. Crouse, corresponding secretary; and J. K. Efird, treasurer.
The committee, appointed to ordain Robert H. Cline, reported that they had attended to that duty.
Rev. J. P. Smeltzer, D. D., having presented an honor- able dismission from the South Carolina Synod, and sus- tained a satisfactory examination, was received as a member of this Synod, and his name ordered to be enrolled in the clerical catalogue.
The following recommendation of the President in his report, was sustained : That "Sunday-schools be organized in all our congregations, and that sound Lutheran literature be used." In regard to this recommendation, it was sug- gested that where no such schools already exist, they be established, and that only the Holy Scriptures and sound Lutheran literature be used.
His recommendation, "that our people be advised to build no more union houses of worship," was adopted.
Rev. L. A. Fox, .D. D., was granted an honorable dis- mission to the Southwestern Virginia Synod.
Holly Grove Church, Davidson County, Pisgah Church, Alexander County, North Carolina, Bethel Church, Rock- ingham County, Mount Calvary Church, Shenandoah County, Virginia, and Zion congregation, Jacksonville, Alabama, were received into connection with Synod.
The following is the report of the delegates to the Church Diet, held in Roanoke, Virginia :
"A second church Diet having been convened at Roan- oke, Virginia, June 24, 1886, in accordance with the action of the Diet, held in Salisbury, North Carolina, November 12-13, 1884, and the Evangelical Lutheran Synods con- cerned having adopted the Basis for a more general union
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of these Synods and the congregations of which they are composed, and the Constitution designed for the government of such more general union, as set forth and agreed upon by the Diet which met in Salisbury, and the necessary pre- liminary regulations having been made, we, the undersigned delegates to said Diet, held at Roanoke, cast the vote of tlie Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod, which we had the honor to represent, in accordance with her instructions, in favor of the establishment of the more general, organic union contemplated, and the action of the other synods concerned being favorable to such union, it was effected, on the Basis and Constitution indicated, under the name and title of the United Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the South. Thus with the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod and the Holston Synod, the Southern General Synod was merged into one general body.
We have reason to thank the Great Head of the Church, that the true Confessions have been thus again formally recognized and acknowledged. The Scriptural premises have, in this way, been laid down and agreed to, and by prudence, brotherly love, and the influences of the Holy Spirit, the conclusions must be, ultimately, inevitable. But it will require patience and much judicious work, to attain that higher and more churchly plain in regard to doctrine and practice.
After its organization, important business was trans- acted by the United Synod,-some of which will require the attention of our Synod; as, foreign missions, important home missionary work, &c. We trust Synod will take such action in regard to these, as she may deem proper.
S. HENKEL,
A. KOINER,
A. L. CROUSE,
E. L. LYBRAND,
C. M. EFIRD,
C. H. BERNHEIM."
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In regard to this report, the following resolutions were offered :
"I. That it be adopted.
2. That, in adopting it, as the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod rejects all ecclesiastical union and co- operation which is not based on the pure Lutheran teaching and faith ; as, the Exchange of Pulpits, Promiscuous Com- munion or Altar Fellowship, Secret Society Worship, and Chiliasm, we, the ministers and lay-delegates, in Synod assembled, do hereby recommend or advise the Committee, or the Chairman of the Committee, appointed by the United Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the South to prepare by-laws for its government, in drafting such by-laws so to formulate them as to require every teacher or professor who may be appointed as a teacher or professor in any Theological Seminary that she may establish or put into operation, to take an obligation not to teach, practice, or inculcate anything that comes in conflict with these princi- ples, or the doctrines of the Church.
3. That we trust the said United Synod will feel the importance of acquiescing in this precautionary request, with a view to the good of the Church; especially as this is desired only in work, for which each synod will be held responsible in its united efforts, and which it should be able to defend and maintain according to the pure doctrines and practices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as over against sectarian innovations and corruptions, leaving each synod in connection with the United Synod, in its individ- ual, synodical transactions, so to shape its course, as ulti- mately to attain that higher plain in doctrine and practice, so characteristic of the true Church."
The above report and resolutions were received and adopted by a rising vote.
The following Regulations in regard to the Work of the United Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the South, were submitted to the said United Synod, at its meeting in Savannah, Georgia, November 24-29, 1887, in
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connection with By-Laws and Rules of Order, and ordered to be printed in the Minutes, and postponed' till the next meeting of the United Synod, held in Wilmington, North Carolina, November, 1889, for consideration :
"I. Every important Home Missionary work or enter- prise, undertaken by this Synod, shall be under its control and supervision, and the property of such enterprise shall be conveyed to trustees selected or designated by Synod, to be held for the use, benefit, and occupancy of the Evangel- ical Lutheran congregation worshiping at that place, and adhering to the Confessional Basis of said Synod, until the congregation is regularly transferred to an Evangelical Lutheran Synod in connection with this Body.
II. It shall not be the policy of this Synod to commence Missionary work at any place, unless the friends of the Church, residing at such point, are willing to do a reasona- ble part towards building up and supporting the contem- plated congregation and the erection of a suitable church edifice.
III. Every minister, teacher, professor, or missionary. in any institution or enterprise under the supervision or control of this United Synod, before entering on the per- formance of the duties of his office, shall make an affirma- tion that he will inculcate nothing that is in conflict with the Doctrinal Basis of this United Synod as defined in its Constitution, but that all his religious teachings shall be in conformity with the same; and that he will not foster nor encourage intercommunion, or altar fellowship with non-Lutherans, or unionistic services, or any secret society of a doubtful or deistic character."
At the session of the United Synod, in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1889, the By-Laws, Rules of Order, and Regulations in regard to Work, were again postponed till its next meeting.
The Committee on Church Institutions reported as follows :
"We, your committee, would respectfully report, that
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we have had but one paper placed in our hands, from which we gather, that Concordia College, Conover, North Caro- lina, is in a flourishing condition, having had a larger enrollment of pupils than at any previous session.
Further, we, your committee, recommend :
I. That the Board of Trustees be the only authority, with the sanction of Synod, to elect or employ any of its professors or teachers that are in anywise connected with the said College.
2. That, as the Board of Trustees have the only authority, with the sanction of Synod, to elect teachers, or trustees for said institution, they elect two more members, who reside at or near Conover, North Carolina, to be added to the Board of Trustees, so that, in any case of emergency, a quorum may be had for the transaction of business.
3. That the advertisement of Concordia College be printed upon the last page of the cover of our Minutes."
The following resolution on Home and Foreign Mis- sionary operations, was offered :
Whereas, In view of the connection which this Synod now sustains to the United Synod of the Evangelical Lu- theran Church in the South, it will be her duty properly to aid in promoting the important home missionary operations, as well as the foreign, under the supervision of said United Synod, be it
Resolved, That our ministers be required to bring this. matter before their respective congregations, and that the said congregations are advised to co-operate with their pastors in devising ways and means to raise not less than Io cents per each communicant, by establishing congrega- tional treasuries, or woman's societies, or whatever mode they may think the better for raising such amounts, and that the amounts be raised as soon as possible and sent to the Treasurer of our Synod, and the result be reported to the next meeting of our Synod.
The committee on the publication of the Book of Con- cord was continued till the next convention of Synod.
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The committee on resolutions on Mr. Armentrout, submitted the following :
We, the committee appointed to prepare suitable reso- lutions, submit the following :
Whereas, It hath pleased God, in whose hands are the issues of life and death, to remove our lamented brother, T. E. Armentrout, from his labors on earth to his rest in heaven ; be it
Resolved I. That in the death of our brother we recog- nize the hand of God, and bow with resigned submission to His will.
Resolved 2. In his death, the Church Militant has lost a devoted member, an efficient teacher, and one who gave good promise of future usefulness in the Gospel Ministry, for which he had prepared himself, and in which he labored more or less for a year or two, as a candidate, with efficiency.
Resolved 3. That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the face of the Minutes.
Resolved 4. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the sad family of which he was a member.
After a satisfactory examination, Mr. P. C. Wike was ordained.
Appropriations were made for beneficiaries.
According to the Parochial Report, 51 adults and 690 infants were baptized, 474 persons were confirmed, and I ordained as pastor.
Synod adjourned to meet in Bethlehem Church, Au- gusta County, Virginia, August 31, 1887.
Obituary of Mr. Thomas E. Armentrout .- It is sad to part with our loved ones, and especially with those who are faithful servants of the Church, but, the rider upon the pale horse is 110 respecter of per- sons. He calls alike upon the noble and ignoble, and commits his solemn deed. He lias made his visit in the person of Mr. Thomas E. Armentrout, who departed this life of malarial fever, after an illness of several weeks ; aged 31 years, 9 months, and 11 days.
Mr. Armentrout two years ago went to Missouri, and remained there some two inonthis, after whichi lie went to Florida, and returned home to his father's the next spring, his healthi being somewhat im-
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proved. He was advised to go South again ; he accordingly went to North Carolina. Shortly after his arrival there, he commenced teach- ing a school which was secured for him through the kindness of Rev. W. A. Lutz. He obligated himself to teach one month, and if his health would admit, at the end of said month, he proposed to continue the school through the winter season. As his health seemed to be sufficient for the task, he continued, and finished a five mouths' term.
After takiug a rest of one or two months, he was requested by his patrons to teach a summer school of two months at the same place, which he consented to do, and having continued it within two weeks of its close, he was taken with malarial fever, accompanied with chills, but was not coufined to his bed until the ISth of Septeuiber, when he became very sick, and his hopes of recovery doubtful. He gradually grew worse until the evening of the 24th at 6.40 P. M., when his soul took its final departure into the presence of God, to receive its final reward.
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