USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 6
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Relative to this, it was observed that as this Synod has 10 treasury, out of which to remunerate traveling ministers, the petitioners are expected to defray such expenses, as they have, to their praise, heretofore done. The laborer is worthy of his reward.
Letters were then read from Revs. C. Moretz and Andrew Sechrist, and Peter Heyl (Hoyle), Esq., delegates elect from congregations in Lincoln County, North Carolina, and Deacon Jacob Costner, rendering excuses for their ab- sence, &c. They were excused.
And also a letter from Mr. Carl Gock, of Pennsylvania, in which he expresses himself as dissatisfied with the General Synod, and states that he had reprinted the report of the committee, appointed during the second session of our Synod, to compile the objections to the constitution of the General Synod, and circulated 1, 200 copies, &c.
The petitions numbered 5, 6, and 7 received attention, and among other actions taken in relation to them, it was resolved, inasmuch as there are a number of persons who do not understand the difference between the doctrines held by the Tennessee Synod and those held by the North Caro-
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lina Synod, and to establish peace and harmony as far as possible, that a committee, consisting of Messrs. Casper Keinadt, Jacob Keinadt (Koiner), and Adam Leonard, be appointed, with the privilege of selecting a secretary. It shall be their duty to collect, from the writings of the two parties, the conflicting doctrines held by each, and place them opposite to each other, so that every one may see the difference; and if those who have deviated from the teach- ings of the Augsburg Confession and the Lutheran order shall publicly renounce, in print, such deviations, further steps for a re-union may be instituted.
Rev. Nehemiah Bonham, an English Lutheran preacher of Tazwell County, having appeared since the opening of this session, and expressed a desire to be received into Synod ; and presenting a petition from his congregations, in which they testify to the Christian walk and conduct of said Bonham, and ask to be received into Synod, besides other evidence of his good character, after examination he was received into Synod by the extension of the right hand of brotherly fellowship, and his congregations were also received.
Relative to petition number 9, it was resolved, that Ambrose Henkel be examined in regard to his qualifications for the office of Pastor, and, if he sustain the required exami- nation, that he be ordained to that office. The examination proved satisfactory, and he was ordained to that office, by Revs. Riemenschneider, Miller, and Easterly.
It was now resolved, that the next meeting of this Synod be held in St. John's Church, twenty miles northeast of Lincolnton, North Carolina, commencing on the first Sun- day in September, 1825.
A young man, Adam Miller, Jr., nephew of Rev. Adam Miller, was introduced to Synod as an applicant for the office of the Ministry. He was placed under the supervision of his uncle.
The following is the Parochial Report :
Rev. George Easterly baptized 72 infants, 8 adults,
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and 2 slaves, and confirmed 12; Rev. Daniel Moser, since 1820, 350 infants and I adult, and confirmed 121; Rev. Philip Henkel, 171 infants, 9 adults, and 7 slaves, and confirmed 17 ; Rev. Adam Miller, 118 infants and 22 adults, and confirmed 51 ; Rev. Christian Moretz, 23 infants ; Rev. Paul Henkel, 16 infants; Rev. Jacob Zink, no report ; Rev. Nehemiah Bonham, no report; Rev. G. H. Riemenschnei- der, since 1822, 68 infants and 2 adults, and confirmed 44 ; Rev. Ambrose Henkel, 42 infants ; Rev. David Henkel, 133 infants, 15 adults, and 9 slaves, and confirmed 60.
Synod then adjourned to meet at the time and place designated.
As Appendixes, follow the report of the committee to present in print the differences in doctrine between the two Synods, and a memorial addressed, by Rev. David Henkel, to the Synod of Maryland and Virginia.
Sixth Session.
Synod met in its sixth session, in St. John's Church, Lincoln County, now Catawba County, North Carolina, September 5, 1825.
On Saturday previous, two sermons were preached,- one by Rev. Christian Moretz, and the other by Rev. Am- brose Henkel. On Sunday, two discourses were delivered, and the Lord's Supper administered to 206 communicants. Ministers present-Revs. Philip Henkel, Geo. Easterly, N. Bonham, Ambrose Henkel, C. Moretz, D. Moser, and David Henkel, and Deacon J. Costner.
Applicant-Mr. Adam Miller, Jr.
Delegates-Messrs. Adam Cloninger, Jacob Pleyler, An- drew Taylor, G. Burkhart, G. Nehs, G. Bible, A. Siegel, Peter Hey1, J. Efird, P. Allbright, G. Goodman, Jonathan Hertzel, Daniel Sechrist, J. Beck, Michael Rudisill, John Ramsauer, David Hahn, C. Kramm, Adam Lingel, John Moretz, H. Rudisill, Elias Bast, and the church council of St. John's.
Eight letters were received and read, assigning reasons
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for absence, asking to be excused, and petitioning for minis- terial services. The requests were granted.
Action was now taken relative to doctrinal questions which had been propounded, two years ago, to the Pennsyl- vania Synod, and which had not been as yet answered, nor any reason given for such delay.
In respect to this, Revs. Daniel Moser and Ambrose Henkel, and Messrs. John Ramsauer and Peter Heyl, were appointed a committee to renew the questions.
A memorial was presented, signed by nine persons, re- questing Synod to make another effort to effect a union with the ministers of the North Carolina Synod, but in such a manner as not to compromise the genuine Lutheran doc- trines.
In reference to this memorial, it was resolved, that, as the ministers of the North Carolina Synod failed to respond to our former proposal for negotiations with a view to adjust the differences, according to the standard of the Church, the same proposition and questions be repeated, and if their answers prove satisfactory, all necessary steps shall be taken to effect peace and harmony ; but if the answers should fail to be satisfactory, we further propose to them, that a time and place may be selected, and that each party appoint a speaker to present the disputed doctrines, in such a manner that the audience that may assemble at the time and place, may form their views relative to the differences, and that the arguments on both sides may be afterward published.
The committee, appointed to prepare a paper, containing certain questions to be submitted to the Pennsylvania Synod for its consideration and answers, submitted their report. The questions are similar to those prepared in 1823.
The Secretary was ordered to address a friendly letter to the Rev. Muhlenberg, a member of that Synod, to obtain counsel relative to the present condition of the Church.
Here two petitions from Tennessee follow, asking for the ordination of Mr. Adam Miller, Jr. He was examined and ordained.
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Eight petitions from North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, were received, asking for ministerial services. Arrangements were made to supply. them.
All the congregations in connection with Synod were advised more generally to introduce Luther's Catechism.
The time and place for the next meeting of Synod were the first Sunday in September, 1826, and Buehler's Church, near Papersville, Sullivan County, Tennessee. The paro- chial report is favorable.
The following is the Parochial Report :
Rev. George Easterly baptized 40 infants and 6 adults, and confirmed 12; Rev. Nehemiah Bonham, 32 infants and 12 adults; Rev. Ambrose Henkel, 60 infants and I adult ; Rev. Daniel Moser, 130 infants, 6 adults, and II slaves, and confirmed 39; Rev. Christian Moretz, 105 infants, 7 adults, and confirmed 20; Rev. Philip Henkel, 110 infants, 7 adults, and 4 slaves, and confirmed 45; Rev. David Henkel, 135 infants, 6 adults, and 4 slaves, and confirmed 41 ; Rev. Paul Henkel, 20 infants, 5 adults, and con- firmed 10.
Obituary of Rev. Paul Henkel .- Rev. Paul Henkel was a son of Jacob Henkel who was a son of Justus Henkel who was a son of Rev. Ger- hard Henkel who was a German Court preacher, and came to America about 1718, and located at Germantown, near Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania. Rev. Gerhard Henkel was a descendant of Count Heukel, of Poeltzig, who was instrumental in sending Rev. Muhlenberg to America. Count Henkel was a descendant of Johann Henkel, D. D., LL. D., born in Leutschau, Hungary, and was Father Confessor to Queeu Maria about 1530. He sympathized with Protestantism, and maintained friendly relations with Melanchthon, Erasnius, Spalatin, and others who were engaged in the Reformation of the sixteenth century.
Rev. Paul Henkel was born on the Yadkin River, Rowau County, North Carolina, December 15, 1754. Whilst he was a youth, his pa- rents, with their family, moved to Western.Virginia. About the year · 1776, Paul Henkel determined to prepare hiniself for the Gospel Miu- istry, placing himself under the instruction of Rev. Kruch, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Fredericktowu, Maryland. After having takeu a course in the Geriau, Latin, and Greek languages, and other studies necessary to the ministerial office, he applied to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania and adjaceut States,-
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the only Lutheran Synod then in existence in this country. He was examined and licensed to preach. Having received a call from con- gregations in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, at and near New Market, Shenandoah County, he accepted, and located at New Mar- ket, Virginia, and extended his labors into other sections, as Augusta, Madison, Pendleton, Wythe, &c., where he laid the foundations of a large number of congregations. On the 6th of June, 1792, lie was solemnly set apart to the office of Pastor, in the city of Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania. His ordination was performed by Rev. John Frederick Schmidt, pastor of a church in that city. He afterward located iu Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia, and labored in that section about three years. He then returned to New Market, Virginia, and resumed his labors among his former congregatious. In1 1Soo, he received a call to cougregations in Rowan (his native County), North Carolina. He accepted it, but even there, as in Virginia, he did not confine liis labors simply to those congregations, but extended them to other places in the surrounding counties. But finding that section unhealthy, on account of chills and fever, he returned iu 1805 to New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia, and became an independent missionary. Not depending for a support on any special missionary fund, but on the promises of his Master and the good will of those to whom he ministered, he made several tours through Western Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, gathering the scattered members of the Church, administering to them the Word and Sacra- inents, instructing and confirming the youth, and, as far as practicable, organizing new congregations. During the War of 1812-1815, he took up his residence at Point Pleasant, Mason County, Virginia, and organized several congregations in that section, but at the close of the war, he returned to his old residence at New Market, Virginia, and resumed his missionary labors.
In 1803, whilst he resided in North Carolina, he, witlı several other ministers, formerly belonging to the Pennsylvania Synod, organ- ized the North Carolina Synod. In October, 1812, while he resided at Point Pleasant, about ten of the brethren of the Pennsylvania Synod held their first special conference west of the Alleghany Mountains, iu Washington County, Pennsylvania. To this conference he was invited, but for certain reasons was unable to attend. But at the con- ference which was held the next year at Clear Creek, Fairfield County, Ohio, he was present, and was recognized as one of their body, although he still belonged to the Synod of North Carolina. In 1818, he took part in the organization of the Ohio Syuod, and in 1820, in that of the Tennessee Synod.
In 1809, he published a small work in the German lauguage, on Christian Baptisin and the Lord's Supper. This work was afterwards
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translated into the English. In 1810, he published a German hymn- book for the benefit of the Church, containing two hundred and forty- six hymns. In 1816, he published another hymn-book in the English language, which was afterwards enlarged and improved, and contains four hundred and seventy-six hymns,-a portion of which are adapted to the Gospels and Epistles of the Ecclesiastical Year. A considerable number of these hymns, both German and English, were composed by him. In 1814, he published his German Catechism, and not long after- wards his English Catechismn, for the especial benefit of the young, not changing the substance of Luther's Catechism. To these Catechisms he appended an explanation of all the Fast and Festival Days observed in the Church. Soon after this, his little work, written in rhyme, e11- titled Zeitvertreib (Pastime) made its appearance, to the amusement of some, and the annoyance of others,-it was a satirical rebuke to fanaticism and superstition, vice and folly.
He was well proportioned, large and erect, standing about six feet, with well developed physical organs, full of energy and perseverance. His miud was well balanced. His attainments were liberal. As a citizeu, he was kind, affectionate, and forbearing. As a neighbor, he was universally esteemed and beloved. As a preacher, he had few su- periors in his day. He was animated and often eloquent. His soul was in his Master's cause. Few ministers performed more arduous, faithful, efficient labor than he did. In all the relations of life, he was true, faithful, pious, reliable, and upright.
On the 20th of November, 1776, he entered into the holy estate of matrimony with Miss Elizabeth Negley, who, with her father's family, had emigrated from New Jersey to Virginia. They became the pareuts of nine children, -six sons and three daughters. The oldest son enter- ed the medical profession, and the other five, the ministerial, becoming Lutheran ministers.
He preached his first sermon in Pendleton County, Virginia, now West Virginia, in the year 1781, on Phil. 2, 5, and his last one, in New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia, Oct. 9, 1825, on Luke 2, 34.
After faithfully serving his generation for many years, it pleased the great Head of the Church to call him from his labors here to his reward in the Church triumphant. He died of paralysis, on the 17th day of November, IS25 ; aged 70 years, 11 months, and 11 days, and was buried at New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia ; Rev. Geo. . H. Riemenschneider officiating. The sermon was based on Phil. 1, 21.
In speaking of the Rev. Paul Henkel, Jolın G. Morris, D. D., LL. D., says, in his work, "Fifty Years in the Ministry," he "was, in early life and for many years, a laborious missionary among the scat- tered Auglo-German population in the South. He may indeed be con- sidered as one of the pioneers of the church in that region, which was
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in those days truly desolate. His narrative, which was printed, has all the interest of romance, and if he had performned the same self-denying labors in the service of any other church he would have received a greater earthly reward."
Seventh Session.
According to appointment, Synod met in Buehler's Church, Sullivan County, Tennessee, September 8, 1826. The ministers, with the usual delegates, were present. The absentees were excused. It was resolved, that, at the next meeting of Synod, both the German and the English lan- guages may be used in the proceedings of Synod. The parochial report shows progress. Rev. David Henkel was elected secretary, his office to continue through the synod- ical year. It seems, that heretofore that office terminated with the session of Synod. The name of Rev. Andrew Sechrist was, for good and sufficient reasons, dropped from the clerical roll.
The Synod having made several attempts to meet with ministers of the North Carolina Synod in consultation, discussion, or debate, and all having failed, it authorized Revs. Adam Miller, Daniel Moser, and David Henkel to' proclaim or announce a public meeting, to be held at or near Organ Church, Rowan County, North Carolina, com- mencing on the 4th day of November proximo, to take into consideration and discuss the points of doctrine about which there were differences, and invite ministers of the North Carolina Synod to be present and participate, with a view to adjust the conflicts and restore harmony.
At this meeting, it was resolved, that Luther's Small Catechism be translated and printed in an English dress, and that Rev. Ambrose Henkel make arrangements to have the matter receive proper attention.
Seventeen petitions from the following States, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, and Ohio, numerously signed, requesting ministerial services, were received .- Arrangements were made to supply the wants of the peti- tioners.
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Several letters from Pennsylvania were read, requesting Rev. David Henkel to visit that State and preach and vindi- cate the distinctive doctrines of the Lutheran Church. He was advised to go, and he finally agreed so to do.
Mr. Samuel C .. Parmer, of Tennessee, applied to be received under the care of Synod, with a view to the minis- try. He was received, and placed under the care of Rev. Adam Miller.
Adam Miller, Jr., was examined and ordained as pastor, and David Forester as deacon, and a committee was ap- pointed to ordain J. N. Stirewalt as a deacon some time during the synodical year.
It was resolved, that Synod meet in its next session in Zion's Church, Sullivan County, Tennessee, twenty miles west of Abingdon, Virginia, on the first Sunday in Septem- ber, 1827.
As the Divinity of Christ was called into question, both from the pulpit and in print, Rev. David Henkel was requested to write a book on that subject. He consented to do so. This gave rise to his work against the Unitarians.
The following is the Parochial Report :
Rev. Ambrose Henkel baptized 54 infants, I adult, and 2 slaves, and confirmed 10; Rev. Nehemiah Bonham, 40 infants, 10 adults, and 5 slaves; Rev. Christian Moretz, 83 infants, I adult, and 4 slaves, and confirmed 14; Rev. Adam Miller, Jr., 53 infants, I adult, and I slave; Rev. Adam Miller, Sr., 216 infants and 10 adults, and confirmed 138; Rev. Daniel Moser, 104 infants, I adult, and 7 slaves; Rev. George Easterly, 52 infants, 2 adults, and 2 slaves, and confirmed 6; Rev. David Henkel, 205 infants, 14 adults, and 7 slaves, and confirmed 83 ; Rev. Philip Henkel, 100 infants, 5 adults, and confirmed 30.
Eighth Session.
Synod met, according to previous appointment, in Zion's Church, Sullivan County, Tennessee, September 3, 1827. The ministers were all present except Revs. H.
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Riemenschneider, Philip Henkel, Adam Miller, Sr., N. Bonham, J. Zink, and Deacon Costner. These were excused.
Rev. David Henkel was appointed secretary for the synodical year. Both the German and English languages, according to previous resolution, were permitted to be used during the sessions of Synod.
The committee, appointed at the previous session, to call a public meeting for the purpose of discussing the points of doctrine, on which there were differences, and invite ministers of the North Carolina Synod to participate with equal rights, reported, stating, that the meeting was appoint- ed and regular notice given, but none of the North Carolina Synod ministers attended.
By those assembled, the committee were requested to make another similar appointment for the same purpose .- Afterwards the committee were again solicited to do the same thing, try another assembly, in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Hence, another meeting was called to assemble, for the same purpose, in St. Paul's Church, in the aforesaid County, on the day after the rising of the North Carolina Synod, which was held in that Church ; so that it might be convenient for the ministers of that Synod to be present. -- The committee reported the result of this meeting to Synod, -which was, that none of the ministers of the North Caro- lina Synod attended the meeting. Revs. Daniel Moser and David Henkel appeared, and after the latter made an address, it was thought there was no use in pursuing the matter any further at that time, as there was no one to discuss with .- The report was received and ordered to be spread on the Minutes. The committee, after the failure of this meeting at St. Paul's, requested Rev. David Henkel to prepare a paper, showing the propriety and reasons for such a meet- ing and such discussion, under the circumstances. He did so, and it was ordered to be printed in the Minutes of this session. See Minutes of 1827.
As the questions, submitted to the Pennsylvania Synod
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and the address to the Rev. Muhlenberg, have not been an- swered, it was resolved, with a view of obtaining the senti- ment of several synods, as well as of individual ministers, in regard to the differences, that Rev. David Henkel pre- pare a pastoral address, showing the position of this Synod in respect to true, genuine Lutheran doctrine, requesting synods and individual ministers to manifest their approval or disapproval of its position. Rev. David Henkel was re- quested to prepare this pastoral address for publication, other ministers giving such aid as deemed proper. He agreed to prepare this address as soon as time would admit. This address was to be published in both the German and English.
For the distribution of publications and good books, special agents were appointed, who were to be aided by the ministers, &c.
Rev. Ambrose Henkel, who was appointed at the last session of Synod to procure an accurate translation of Lu- ther's Small Catechism, submitted the manuscript transla- tion to Synod. It was received, and after the Synod spent a day in examining it, and finding it satisfactory, he was requested to have it published, with the preliminary obser- vations. This was probably the first full, direct translation of said work ever published in this country in the English.
Rev. David Henkel, who was appointed at the previous session to write a work on the Person and Incarnation of Christ, reported that he had not as yet completed it, owing to a press of other engagements.
At the request of some of the lay-delegates, Rev. David Henkel was asked to make an English translation of the entire Augsburg Confession of Faith. He agreed to under- take the task, provided sufficient time be allowed.
As the constitution of Synod, at its organization, stands among the proceedings of Synod, unseparated from theni, as it were, and as there is no definite distinction between the articles that are unalterable and those which are, a committee was appointed to remodel and improve it. This was done, and after a careful examination, it was ordered
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to be printed in connection with the Minutes of this session.
A resolution was passed requiring ministers to give a very careful and thorough course of catechetical instruction in the doctrines and practices of the Church, to the young and inexperienced, before admitting them to the ancient rite of confirmation, as there was a growing negligence in that direction.
Another resolution was passed admonishing parents to send their children more regularly to such instructions, and to be more liberal in remunerating ministers for their serv- ices, especially those who are able to do so.
It was also resolved, that those having a view to enter- ing the ministry, should take a respectable course in literary training, and be examined in regard to such attainments, as well as to their theological acquirements, before entering the ministry ; and where opportunities present, they were ad- vised to study the Greek and Hebrew languages, as well as the German and English.
There being petitions for the ordination of Mr. John N. Stirewalt, a committee was appointed to ordain him at some future time during the year. On the 13th day of October, 1827, he was ordained. A petition, requesting Mr. Abraham Miller of Tennessee, to be taken under the care of Synod, with a view to the ministry, being presented, the request was granted.
Then follows a long list of petitions from three different States, praying for ministerial services. Their requests were granted as far as possible.
Synod adjourned to meet in St. Paul's Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, September 8, 1828. No parochial report appears for this session.
Ninth Session.
Synod convened in its ninth convention, in St. Paul's Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, September 8, 1828, and continued till the 13th.
The ministers were all present, except Revs. Riemen-
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schneider, Zink, Adam Miller, Sr., and Moretz, and Deacon J. N. Stirewalt. These having rendered sufficient reasons for their absence, were excused.
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