USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 8
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Rev. Ambrose Henkel submitted sufficient reasons for the delay in regard to the publication of the Church hymn- book.
Messrs. C. G. Reitzel and D. S. Schoolfield were ex- amined with respect to their qualifications.
Rev. A. Henkel was respectfully requested to complete the hymn-book as soon as practicable.
There being a great demand for books, and especially for English Catechisms, the Secretary was requested to write to Dr. Solomon Henkel, New Market, Virginia, rela- tive to that matter, calling for catechisms and other useful books.
Rev. Philip Henkel, who was requested to prepare a translation from the Christian Book of Concord, on the Person of Christ, and submit it to this meeting of Synod for examination and publication, having departed this life, the translation was made by the Secretary, assisted by Mr. J. R. Moser, as it appears in connection with the Minutes of this session.
In regard to publications, the Synod took the following action :
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Inasmuch as this body deem it highly important that the writings of the late Rev. David Henkel be printed and bound, so that they may be handed down to future genera- tions, be it resolved, that the Secretary be directed to corre- spond with Dr. Solomon Henkel relative to this matter, and report the result of his correspondence to the next meeting of Synod.
The following applicants, Messrs. Hancher, Reitzel, Schoolfield, and Parmer, having sustained their examina- tions, were ordained to the office of Deacon.
Philadelphia Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, was chosen as the place for the next meeting of Synod, and the second Sunday of September, 1836, as the time.
The Parochial Report shows that 1130 infants, 63 adults, and 41 slaves were baptized, and 515 persons confirmed.
After the close of the Synod, the Secretary received a letter directed to Synod, by Rev. John L. Markert, of Indiana, written by order of and in the name of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Synod of Indiana, in which he states, that the suffering condition of the Church in the West, pressed upon them from all directions, to adopt some plan to with- stand the enemy. For this purpose councils were held and propositions made, and the final result was the organization of a synod. A meeting was held in Johnson County, Indi- ana, on the third Sunday of August, 1835, and after proper consultation, the Constitution of the Tennessee Synod was received and adopted, and the organization effected. In that letter, they entreat their brethren of the Tennessee Synod not to consider this course as an intention to sepa- rate from them, but as a means of strengthening the same cause.
The ministers of the Tennessee Synod who effected that organization, were Revs. J. L. Markert, Christian Moretz, and Eusebius S. Henkel.
Sixteenth Session.
This session was held in Philadelphia Church, Lincoln
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County, North Carolina, beginning on the 12th and closing on the 16th of September, 1836.
On Saturday and Sunday previous appropriate services were conducted and suitable sermons preached, both in the German and English languages, and the Lord's Supper administered to 240 communicants.
Only about one-half of the ministers, with four appli- cants and twenty-seven lay-delegates, were present.
The applicants were Messrs. Henry Wetzel, from Wythe County, Virginia, Abel J. Brown, Jacob Killian, and Jonathan R. Moser, Lincoln County, North Carolina.
After the election of a president, Mr. J. R. Moser was appointed secretary. Very few of the absentees were ex- cused, and a resolution passed urging the ministers to be more faithful and regular in attending the meetings of Synod. Mr. George Wetzel, of Wythe County, Virginia, was admitted to a seat and vote in Synod. The Secretary of the previous session, appointed to correspond with Dr. Solomon Henkel relative to supplying the books desired by Synod for circulation, reported rather favorably. An agent to attend to this matter was appointed. The books mostly in demand just at that time were David Henkel on the Person and Incarnation of Christ, his Answer to Joseph Moore, and the English Catechism.
A letter having been received from Mr. Jonah Hottel, Esq., of Wythe County, Virginia, in which charges were preferred against Rev. Andrew Sechrist, and the latter having received no previous notice of such preferment, so as to enable him to prepare for defending himself against these charges, the matter was deferred, for investigation, till the next meeting, Mr. Sechrist agreeing to cease his ministerial work till the case shall have been adjusted. Notwithstanding this fraternal course on the part of the Synod, it seems, Mr. Sechrist absented himself from further attendance during this session of Synod, without leave. For this course of conduct he was censured by the Synod.
Mr. Solomon S. Miles, of Lancaster District, South
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Carolina, having appeared in the presence of Synod, and stated his intention of re-publishing Luther's Commentary on Galatians, in the English language, the Synod recom- mended the work and encouraged Mr. Miles in this enterprise.
The usual petitions received proper attention. The peti- tion for the examination and ordination of deacons S. C. Parmer and William Hancher to the office of Pastor, and applicants Abel J. Brown, Jacob Killian, and Jonathan R. Moser to the office of Deacon, were taken into consideration. These candidates for the ministry having sustained favora- ble examinations, were regularly ordained to the offices indicated in the petitions, except Mr. Parmer who was ab- sent, and consequently could not submit to the requirements necessary for ordination. Mr. H. Wetzel was continued as a student of theology.
It was resolved, that the Minutes be printed in German and English, and that a sermon of Luther's be appended. The agent was requested to send copies of the Minutes to the recent Indiana Synod. Only four ministers reporting, the Parochial Report shows 490 infants, 20 adults, and 14 slaves baptized, and 113 confirmed. The death of Rev. John N. Stirewalt being announced, it was resolved, that a suitable obituary notice be prepared and appended to the Minutes. But it appears that for the want of proper infor- mation relative to Mr. Stirewalt, the publication of the obituary was delayed till the next session.
Synod adjourned to meet in Koiner's Church, Augusta County, Virginia, on the second Sunday in September, 1837.
Seventeenth Session.
According to adjournment, Synod convened in Koiner's Church, Augusta County, Virginia, on Monday, the 11th of September. and continued its sessions to the 15th, 1837.
Saturday and Sunday were devoted to religious services, preaching. confession and absolution, and the dispensation of the Lord's Supper.
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On Monday, the Synod was organized, by the election of a president and Rev. J. R. Moser as secretary.
Rev. John J. Riemenschneider, a member of the Ohio Synod, being present, was received as an advisory member of Synod. Mr. Peter Wetzel was taken under the care of Synod as a student of theology. A part of the absentees were excused.
A letter having been received from Rev. Andrew Se- christ, assigning reasons for his absence, but making no refer- ence to the charges preferred against him, at the previous session, it was deemed proper to appoint a committee to take into consideration his case and report to Synod. The com- mittee consisted of Revs. William Hancher and D. S. School- field, and Mr. Jacob Stirewalt.
After due consideration, this committee submitted the following report : Whereas, at the last session of this Synod, serious charges were preferred against Rev. Andrew Se- christ, and whereas he was notified by Synod to appear at this meeting and defend himself against these charges, and whereas he has failed to appear in person, or to write any- thing in justification of his course, and whereas the charges are of such a nature as to disparage the ministerial office, we, your committee, recommend, that he be no longer re- garded as a minister in connection with this Synod. This report was received and adopted.
The petitions, numbering thirty-four, of the usual character, received proper attention. Among these, there was a petition from Probst Church, Pendleton County, Vir- ginia, now West Virginia, asking to be received by Synod, and recommending Mr. A. S. Link as a suitable person for the ministry ; and other petitions asking for the examina- tion and ordination of candidates for the ministry.
Rev. Ambrose Henkel, who had been appointed, by Synod, to compile and prepare matter for an English hymn- book, and submit the manuscript to Synod for examination, presented the copy. A committee, consisting of Revs. H. Goodman and Wm. Hancher, and Messrs. Wm. Wolford,
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E. Leineberger, and Peter Wetzel, were appointed for that purpose. After careful examination, the committee sub- mitted a favorable report, suggesting, that if any of the mem- bers of Synod desired to examine the work more thoroughly, they might do so, and report any desirable changes to the compiler. The report was adopted.
Relative-to a letter received from Rev. Adam Miller, Jr., in regard to the Augsburg Confession, it was resolved, that Dr. Solomon Henkel correspond with Rev. Miller with respect to that matter.
According to resolution, the proceedings of this meet- ing were to be printed both in German and English, and a copy sent to each of the ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran Indiana Synod.
Having sustained a favorable examination, deacons D. S. Schoolfield, Abel J. Brown, Jacob Killian, and Jonathan R. Moser were ordained as pastors, and applicants Henry Wetzel, A. S. Link, Jacob Stirewalt, and Alfred J. Fox as deacons.
During this session, as far as reported, 817 infants, 24 adults, and 13 slaves were baptized, and 291 were confirmed.
As the obituary notice of the death of Rev. John N. Stirewalt was not received in time to be inserted in the proceedings of the session of 1836, it was ordered to be printed in connection with the Minutes of this session.
Salem Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, was agreed upon as the place for the next meeting of Synod, and the second Sunday in September, 1838, as the time.
Obituary of Rev. John N. Stirewalt .-- It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we record the death of our worthy and beloved co-laborer, Rev. John N. Stirewalt, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Ten- nessee Synod. He departed this life, August 13, 1836, in Rowan County, North Carolina ; aged 34 years and 6 days. He died of lung disease, with which he was afflicted a number of years.
The Lord, in whose hands stand the death and life of man, saw fit to remove this useful laborer in his Vineyard froui tiuie into eternity.
At an early age, he was instructed, by his parents, in the rudi- ments of the Christian religion, and after he had completed liis literary
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and classical course of study, he entered the ministry, in the year 1827, and was ordained to the office of Pastor, August 10, 1829, during the Synod held in Salem Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina.
He was an earnest and zealous teacher of the principles of religion, fearlessly proclaiming the everlasting Gospel eight years and ten months, with great joy and zeal. During this period he dispensed the bread of life ; and, notwithstanding his sickness, he made known the saving Gospel of the crucified Savior, with efficiency, to many who had been deprived of it, both in his native State and in adjoining States.
In view of his fidelity to the end of his days, we trust, in yonder, glorious day, he is crowned with an unchangeable crown, and clothed with immortality. During his sickness he frequently admonished his friends and visitors to continue steadfast in the doctrines he had taught them, aud shortly before his departure he said: I hope that God the Father, through Christ, may be merciful to me and all others, saying I hope and trust to die in the same faith I taught others, exclaiming, God help us all. Amien.
After the cold hand of death had closed his eyes, his body was placed in the silent grave at Sewitzen Church, Rowan County, North Carolina, to await the resurrection morning. Rev. Daniel Moser rendered the funeral services, and preached a sermon from Phil. I, 21-23.
As the deceased had intended to move to Virginia, his family, consisting of his wife and four children, soon after his death took their departure, and located on a farm which he had previously pur- chased, adjoining the corporate limits of the town of New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia .- JONATHAN R. MOSER, Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod.
Eighteenth Session.
In pursuance of previous appointment, Synod assem- bled in Salem Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, September 8, 1838.
Saturday and Sunday were spent in worship, preaching, and communion services.
About two-thirds of the ministers, with thirty-three lay-delegates and two applicants, Mr. Peter Wetzel and Mr. Banks McRee, were present.
After the election of a president, Rev. Abel J. Brown was appointed secretary.
After the usual routine business relative to petitions,
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returning thanks for services rendered, asking for services and ordinations, making suggestions, &c., had received proper attention, deacons Alfred J. Fox and Jacob Stirewalt were examined with respect to their qualifications for the ministry, and proving themselves worthy and qualified to bear that office, they were solemnly ordained as pastors.
The Secretary submitted the following preamble and résolutions :
"Whereas, repeated, unfair measures have recently been taken by the Synod of South Carolina, for the purpose of bringing into disrepute the Evangelical Lutheran Ten- nessee Synod ; and more especially by the remarks contained in a sermon delivered during her last session by Rev. John Bachman, D. D .; which was published by her sanction and under her immediate patronage; which sermon (if its perni- cious influence be not counteracted) is well calculated to make a wrong and an unfavorable impression on the minds of persons otherwise honestly disposed, and to render our Synod, her doctrines, and her ministers the objects of con- tempt, of ridicule, and of incessant and unmitigating persecution ; and believing as we do, that we stand on the primitive basis of the Lutheran Church, and that the doc- trines of the glorious and ever memorable Reformation, effected through the special instrumentality of the illustrious Saxon Reformer, Dr. Martin Luther, and his immortal co- adjutors, are perfectly compatible with the Word of God, which we acknowledge to be the only infallible rule of faith and practice ; be it therefore resolved,
I. That we consider the proceedings of the South Carolina Synod toward us as uncourteous, ungenerous, un- fair, and uncharitable ;
2. That we regard the allegations contained in Dr. Bachman's serinon as being without the least shadow of foundation or slightest approximation to truth, and nothing but base calumny, and calculated to disparage our Synod."
Resolved, that the foregoing preamble and resolutions be adopted.
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On motion, it was unanimously resolved, that the Secretary and Rev. A. Miller, Jr., be requested to write and publish a vindication of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennes- see Synod, in reply to Dr. Bachman's sermon.
"Inasmuch as this body has been informed that the Synod of Virginia, during her last session, entered a reso- lution in the Minutes of her proceedings, stating that she did 'not recognize the members of the Tennessee Conference as Evangelical Lutheran ministers,' be it
Resolved, that the Secretary correspond with the presi- dent of the Virginia Synod, to ascertain what are the reasons why she does not recognize the members of our Synod as Evangelical Lutheran ininisters."
The Synod recommended the Treatise on the Person and Incarnation of Christ, written by Rev. David Henkel, and informed the brethren that the Church hymn-book, . prepared by Rev. Ambrose Henkel, by order of Synod, is now published, and may be obtained any time by applying to the publisher, Dr. Solomon Henkel, New Market, Shen- andoah County, Virginia.
Revs. Ambrose Henkel, Jacob Killian, and Jacob Stire- walt were requested to prepare a liturgy for the use of the Church, and lay it before Synod at its next session for examination.
The number of baptisms and confirmations, as far as reported, is 480 infants, 7 adults, 42 slaves, and 93 con- firmed.
Synod adjourned to meet in Emmanuel's Church, Sullivan County, Tennessee, on the second Sunday of September, 1839.
After the close of Synod, the Secretary received a letter from Rev. Ephraim R. Conrad, a member of the Indiana Synod, calling attention to the condition of the Church in Missouri, the State in which he resided, and praying Synod to send to their assistance Rev. J. R. Moser, or Rev. A. J. Brown, or some other minister of our Synod. The Secretary recommended special attention to be given to that request.
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Nineteenth Session.
Pursuant to resolution of the last session, Synod con- vened in Emmanuel Church, Sullivan County, Tennessee, September, 1839. Saturday and Sunday were devoted to the services usual on such occasions.
After the appointment of a president, Rev. A. J. Brown was elected secretary. The usual committees were ap- pointed. The ordinary business received proper attention.
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In regard to Rev. Adam S. Link, it was resolved, that inasmuch as he has failed to write to Synod, absented him- self from it, and united with the Ohio Synod, he be no longer regarded as a member of this Synod, and that his name be dropped from the clerical roll.
Rev. Christian Moretz, a member of the Indiana Synod, being present, was invited to a seat in the Synod, with all the rights and privileges of a member. He responded in a most happy and affectionate manner, giving a brief state- ment of what was being done in the Synod he represented, for the cause of the Church, and asking the blessing of God on the labors of the brethren of the Tennessee Synod, of which he had been a member, and from which he so much regret- ted that duty required him to take his leave.
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With respect to the appointment of a committee, at the previous session, consisting of Revs. A. J. Brown and A. Miller, Jr., to write a reply to statements which appeared in a sermon delivered by Rev. Dr. Bachman, of Charleston, South Carolina, in opposition to this Synod, and have it printed, it appeared that the committee had complied with the request, and that a large number of copies of the work had been circulated. The Synod approved of the manner in which the charges were refuted, and tendered its thanks to the committee for their prompt and able defence of Synod against the declarations made in that sermon.
Rev. A. J. Brown, having been appointed, at the pre- vious session, to write to the Virginia Synod, to show cause why it could not recognize the members of the Tennessee
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Synod as Evangelical Lutherans, stated, that he had written a kind, brotherly, Christian letter to the President of that Synod, Rev. J. B. Davis, asking the reasons why his Synod could not recognize the members of the Tennessee Synod as Evangelical Lutherans, but had received no reply, for reasons he knew not. In view of this fact, he asked, that a copy of the letter he wrote be appended to the Minutes, so that the unprejudiced public might have all the necessary light in regard to the matter. His request was granted.
Rev. Jacob Killian then presented a copy of the pro- ceedings of the last meeting of that Synod to this Synod, which shows the action of that Synod towards this Synod, in justification of its previous resolution, and the reasons why the President of the former did not reply to the Secre- tary of the latter.
A committee of four, Revs. Hancher, Killian, Wetzel, and Brown, were appointed to prepare a reply to this action of the Virginia Synod, and submit it to Synod. At the proper time the reply, which was clear, forcible, and con- vincing, was submitted and adopted.
The committee, which had been appointed at the pre- vious session, to prepare a liturgy for the use of the Church, submitted the manuscript copy for examination. A com- mittee, consisting of Revs. A. Miller, Jr., H. Goodman, and G. Easterly, Messrs. A. W. Abernathy, D. Siegle, and G. Burkhart, were appointed to examine the manuscript. After a careful examination, they submitted a very favorable re- port, approving the work. The report was received.
The death of Rev. Daniel Moser being announced, the Synod passed the following resolutions :
I. That we deeply sympathize with the family in their sad and irreparable loss of an affectionate husband and a kind father.
2. That Rev. Adam Miller prepare a brief obituary notice of the life and labors of the said Moser, and publish it in connection with the Minutes of this Synod.
The number of baptisms and confirmations this synod-
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ical year, according to the report, which is not full, is 672 infants, 74 adults, 25 slaves, and 348 confirmed.
The time and place agreed upon for the next meeting, were Pilgrims' Church, Davidson County, North Carolina, and the second Sunday of September, 1840.
Obituary of Rev. Daniel Moser .- On the 11th day of July, 1839, our worthy and highly esteemed friend and co-laborer in the vineyard of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Rev. Daniel Moser departed this life, in Lincoln, now Catawba, Connty, North Carolina ; aged 49 years, 2 months, and 3 days.
On the Sth day of May, 1790, he was born of Christian parents, in Orange County, North Carolina, and, in his infancy, was baptized by Rev. Henry Barnhardt. On the 3d day of October, 1808, he was con- firmed, by Revs. John L. Markert and Philip Henkel to the Evangel- ical Lutheran Church, in Lauen Church, Guilford County, North Caro- lina. He entered the ministry in the year 1812, and was ordained to the office of Pastor in the year 1820, during the Synod which met, in that year, in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Lincolnton, North Carolina.
In this office, he maintained honor, dignity, and firmness, adher- ing closely to the Gospel of our Divine Redeemer, and gave diligence. in serving God, and leading an upright life and irreproachable conduct, in his labors, rightly dividing the word of truth.
As a preacher, it may be said with truth, that he was firm in the faith, and worthy of his vocation ; as a husband, he was kind and affec- tionate ; as a father, pleasant and instructive ; as a citizen, he was friendly and liberal ; and, in a word, his whole life was irreproachable, as far as it is possible for that of man to be. Well may it be said, that in his death the community, in which he lived, was deprived of one of its best members, and sustained an irreparable loss. Yet we must bow to the will of our heavenly Father, and exclaim : He is the Lord ; he doth what seemeth good in his sight.
Brother Moser labored in the gospel ministry about twenty-seven years. During this period he preached 1,943 sermons, baptized 2,450 persons, and confirmed 821. He preached his last sermon in St. Peter's Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, on the 30th day of June, 1839, on Matt. 28, 20: "Teaching them to observe all things whatso- ever I have commanded you," &c.
His last sickness was paralysis. He was found about a mile and a-half from his residence, sitting at the road. His right side was eu- tirely paralyzed. When he was found he was speechless, and remained so till his end, which took place on the seventh day of the attack. Consequently, he was deprived of the power to speak to his relatives
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and neighbors, which they so much regretted. Yet, we have reason to believe that, in view of his well grounded hope, he was fully assured of his gracious acceptance. His earthly remains were interred in the grave-yard at St. John's Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina. His funeral services were rendered and a sermon was preached on the occasion by the writer of this notice, from 2 Tim. 4, 7, 8: "I have fought a good fight," &c. Rev. A. J. Brown then followed with im- pressive and pertinent remarks, suited to the sad and solemn occasion. In conclusion we add, "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."-ADAM MILLER.
Twentieth Session. .
This session was held in Pilgrims' Church, Davidson County, North Carolina, from Monday the 14th to Wednes- day the 16th of September, 1840:
During this session thirty-one petitions, of the usual import, were submitted to Synod, and received proper attention.
Among these is a petition from a number of Lutherans of South Carolina, in which they state, that they formerly belonged to the South Carolina Synod, but as that Synod had deviated from the doctrines and usages of the Church, and introduced innovations, run into fanaticism, &c .; and that, from what they had heard and read, they were satis- fied that the Tennessee Synod adhered to the true doctrines and usages of the Church; hence, as their pastor, Rev. Godfrey Dreher, had more labor to perform than he could endure, they entreated Synod to send some suitable minis- ter to assist him in his arduous labors. Synod resolved that Rev. A. J. Brown visit these petitioners.
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