USA > Tennessee > History of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod > Part 9
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Applicants Messrs. J. Rhodes and J. W. Hull, having declined to submit to an examination with a view to ordi- nation to the office of Deacon, were continued under the care of the Synod.
Rev. Jacob Stirewalt, one of the committee to compile and publish a suitable liturgy, reported, that the work is
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now passing through the press, and will soon be ready for circulation. 1
The practicability and 'expediency of publishing a re- ligious periodical within the bounds of Synod, were con- sidered. The matter met with favor, but it was deferred for future consideration.
Revs. Miller, Brown, and Moser were appointed to select or prepare a suitable article to be printed in connection with the Minutes. A few remarks on the Instruction of Youth, together with Luther's Preface to his Large Catechism, were selected and prepared by the committee.
During this synodical year, as far as reported, 616 in- fants, 3 adults, and 20 slaves were baptized, and 240 con- firmed.
Synod adjourned to meet in Rader's Church, Rocking- ham County, Virginia, on the second Sunday of September, 1841.
During this decade, there were 12 applicants for the ministry, 17 ordinations, including those to the office of Dea- con, and 2 deaths of ministers, and 6,690 infants, 408 adults, and 250 slaves baptized, and 2,569 persons confirmed. Un- fortunately, the parochial reports are not full. Probably not more than three-fourths of the ministers presented reports.
THIRD DECADE.
Twenty-first Session.
This session of Synod convened in Rader's Church, Rockingham County, Virginia, September 13, 1841.
Saturday and Sunday previous were occupied, as usual on such occasions, with devotional services, preaching, and communion.
After the appointment of a president, Rev. A. J. Brown was elected secretary. The usual committees were ap- pointed. The petitions and papers designed for Synod, were received, and placed in the hands of the committees, whose reports received proper attention.
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With respect to a petition from Mill Creek Church, Hardy County, Virginia, now West Virginia, asking to be received in connection with the Synod, and to be supplied with the ministrations of the Gospel, the request of the petitioners was granted.
Relative to a petition from New Market, Virginia, and one from Koiner's Church, Virginia, the committee reported as follows :
"No. 21 is a petition from members of our church in New Market, Virginia, in which the petitioners request our Synod to give an expression of its sentiments in reference to 'New Measures;'-the union of all the different denomi- nations into one great body as recommended in the "Fra- ternal Appeal to the American Churches ;"-the celebration of the Centenary of Lutheranism, as recommended by the General Synod at its last session ;- also, that we do some- thing in reference to the denunciation of our Synod, by the General Synod in 1839, and its recent proceedings in refer- ence to our Synod ;- and that we again express our opinion of the General Synod.
No. 22 is a petition from Koiner's Church, Augusta County, Virginia, of nearly the same import."
In regard to this matter, the following action was taken : "The subject of 'New Measures' was now taken up, and, after considerable discussion, it was unanimously
Resolved, That we decidedly disapprove the new meas- ures which have been introduced into the Lutheran Church by modern enthusiasts, believing that they are contrary to the Word of God, the doctrine of the Augsburg Confession of Faith, the Symbolical Books of the Lutheran Church, and her usages in her purest and best ages, and calculated to sow the seed of discord among her members."
"The subject of a general union of all the different de- nominations into one great body, was then taken up, and. after considerable discussion, it was
Resolved, That inasmuch as the Church of Christ is a collection of all true believers, and is not now, nor never
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was divided, and as it is impossible for different and con- flicting doctrines all to be in accordance with the Word of God, and a Christian union of the different denominations to be effected without a unanimity of sentiments, and as professors greatly differ in their religious sentiments and modes of church government, the union of all the different denominations into one great body, is impracticable and inexpedient ; and if effected, instead of promoting, would prove detrimental to the true interest of the Redeemer's Kingdom, and endanger the civil and religious liberties of our happy country.
In reference to the General Synod and its proceedings towards our Synod, it was
Resolved, That whereas the General Synod has fre- quently denounced the Tennessee Synod as an anti-Lutheran and an anti-Christian body, both in its doctrines and prac- tices, and some of its members have recently made system- atic efforts to have our Synod recognized as an Evangelical Lutheran body, and have expressed a desire to bring it into connection and co-operation with the General Synod, and have been violently opposed in this by others of its mem- bers; be it therefore
I. Resolved, That with us it is a matter of but little importance whether that body recognizes our Synod as an Evangelical Lutheran Synod or not, inasmuch as our ortho- doxy and existence as a Lutheran body, in no wise, depend on its decisions.
2. Resolved, That we cannot recognize the General Synod as an Evangelical Lutheran body, inasmuch as it has departed from the primitive doctrines and usages of the Lutheran Church.
3. Resolved, That under existing circumstances we feel . no disposition to unite with the General Synod, and never can unite with it, unless it return to the primitive doctrines and usages of the Lutheran Church.
4. Resolved, That Rev. A. J. Brown be appointed to draw up our objections to the General Synod, and show
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from its own publications wherein that body has departed from the doctrines and usages of the Lutheran Church ; and submit his manuscript to our Synod at its next session for examination, and if approved, it be printed.
The celebration of the Centenary of Lutheranism in the United States, as recommended by the General Synod, at its last session, was then taken up, and, after a short discussion, it was unanimously
Resolved, That whereas the General Synod, at its last session, recommended the celebration of the Centenary of Lutheranism in the United States, and have not only called upon those Synods connected with it, but all other Lutheran Synods, to unite with and aid them in this celebration by their contributions to raise $150,000 to endow their literary and other institutions; and whereas our Synod has been asked to express its opinion in reference to this subject, be it
Resolved, That we decidedly disapprove the proposed centenary celebration, and will discountenance it by refusing to unite in it, and by withholding our contributions to raise the proposed sum."
In reference to the petitions, requesting the examina- tion and ordination of Messrs. J. Rhodes and J. W. Hull to the office of Deacon, it was resolved, that, in the absence of these persons, the request cannot be complied with at this time.
With regard to the petitions, requesting the examina- tion of Deacons C. G. Reitzel and H. Wetzel, relative to their qualifications for the office of Pastor, the request was granted, and the ordinations conferred.
On application, Mr. Denis D. Swaney, of New Market, Virginia, was received under the care of Synod, as a student of theology.
In reference to the action of Synod, during its previous session, concerning the establishment of a religious journal, the following action was taken :
"Resolved, That we have no doubt that the publication of a religious periodical, within the bounds of our Synod, if
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devoted principally to the publication of correct translations from the writings of Luther, and conducted by some one of our pastors, who would take upon himself the responsibility of the task, would be of lasting utility in the Church ; but, that the Synod does not feel willing to take upon itself the responsibility of such a publication. We have reason to be- lieve, that such a publication, as long as conducted accord- ing to the acknowledged Symbols of the Lutheran Church, would meet with general encouragement among our brethren ; but whether such a work could be sustained, could not well be ascertained before the next Synod ; therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend subscriptions to be taken up in our congregations, to ascertain what number of sub- scribers can be procured."
According to the Parochial Report, 461 infants and 15 adults were baptized, and 155 were confirmed.
Concerning the action of Synod at its session, taken re- lative to reports circulated about Rev. D. S. Schoolfield, the committee reported the following : "In reference to the case of the Rev. D. S. Schoolfield, we are happy to state, for the satisfaction of our brethren, that we have received a letter from the Rev. Wm. Hancher, in which he informs us, that the charges against Mr. Schoolfield were legally investigated by the congregation in which it was said they had occurred, and that he was honorably acquitted."
Synod adjourned to meet in Trinity Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, on the second Sunday of Septem- ber, 1842.
Twenty-second Session.
The twenty-second session of Synod was held in Trinity Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, commencing on the 12th and closing on the 16th of September, 1842.
Saturday and Sunday previous were occupied as usual on such occasions.
This meeting was well represented, there being present 13 ministers, 4 applicants, and 37 lay-delegates, representing
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42 congregations. After the appointment of a president, Rev. A. J. Brown was elected as secretary. The routine business was transacted in the regular manner.
St. John's Church, Augusta County, Virginia, on ap- plication, was received into Synod.
Rev. A. J. Brown, who was appointed to prepare for publication the Objections to the General Synod of the United States, and submit his work to Synod for examina- tion, stated, that, on account of intervening circumstances, he had not been able to complete the work, but that he would be able soon so to do. He then subinitted the manu- script as far as he had finished it. A committee was ap- pointed to examine it. The report of the committee was quite favorable. Another committee was appointed to examine the other portion of the work as soon as it could be finished, and if the work be approved, it should be pub- lished.
Three applicants, Messrs. Polycarp C. Henkel, Jesse R. Peterson, and Jacob M. Shaver (Schaeffer), were received under the care of Synod.
Revs. J. R. Moser and C. G. Reitzel and Mr. P. C. Henkel were appointed to select and prepare a suitable article to be printed in connection with the Minutes. They selected an article on Good Works, from the Christian Book of Concord. It appears in connection with the Minutes.
Mr. Denis D. Swaney was ordained to the office of Deacon.
At a called session, held in St. Paul's Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, December 13, 1841, it seems, applicants John Rhodes and Joel W. Hull were ordained to the office of Deacon.
The death of Deacon John Rhodes having been a11- nounced, it was resolved, that Rev. A. Miller prepare a suitable obituary, and have it appended to the Minutes.
During this synodical year, 739 infants, 49 adults, and I slave were baptized, and 505 persons were confirmed. Synod adjourned to meet in St. James' Church, Green
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County, Tennessee, on the first Sunday in October, 1843.
Obituary of Rev. John Rhodes .- Departed this mortal life, on the 3d of September, 1842, the Rev. John Rhodes ; aged 22 years and 14 days."
This amiable and interesting young man was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod. He was ordained and set apart to the gospel ininistry, on the 13th day of December, 1841. He manifested great zeal in the cause of his divine Redeemer, and bade fair for great usefulness to society, as an "able minister of the New Testament." About three months previous to his death, he visited the churches under the pastoral care of Parson Dreher, in South Caro- lina; and, sometime during the month of August, he returned to his native State, (North Carolina, Lincoln County, ) to visit his affectionate mother and family, and to attend the ensuing session of the Evangel- ical Lutheran Tennessee Synod ; when and where, in all probability, he would have been promoted to the office of Pastor. He returned home in the enjoyment of excellent health, to enjoy (for a few days) the society of relatives and friends. But, alas! in the midst of those scenes of social enjoyment, so agreeable and interesting to kindred spirits, he was attacked with fever, which, in a short time, terminated his earthly existence. He bore his afflictions with much Christian fortitude and resignation to the will of his Heavenly Father. He said, "that if it was the will of God to take him into Eternity, he did not crave his life." A short time before his death, he called his mother and family to his bedside, where he united with them in prayer to God, to aid them in the trying moments of their separation. He then proceeded, though laboring under great bodily debility, to give them an expression of his faith, upon which he was about to leave this world ; he solemnly warned them to guard against false doctrine and teachers ; admonishing them to continue in the true doctrine, "as once delivered to the saints." He solemnly assured his affectionate mother, that she should be entitled to an interest in his prayer, to his last moments. He yielded up his soul to God, his Heavenly Father, without a murmur, about five minutes after 7 o'clock, A. M. In the person of the deceased, the mother has been deprived of a dutiful son ; the family of an affectionate brother; and society of an invaluable inember. The body of the deceased was deposited in a family grave- yard, near Vestal's Ford ; his funeral sermon was preached in Pliila- delphia Church, on the same day, by the writer of this notice, from Phil. 3, 20-21 : "For our conversation is in heaven ; from whence we also look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, ac- cording to the working, whereby he is able even to subdne all things unto himself."
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Twenty-third Session.
.This session convened in St. James' Church, Green County, Tennessee, on September 30, 1843.
Besides the regular routine business, the more import- ant transactions of Synod consisted in the reception of five applicants for the ministry,-Messrs. James M. Wagner, Henry Mumpower, Timothy Moser, John Conly, and Moses Roberts, and the ordination to the office of Deacon of Messrs. Jesse R. Peterson, P. C. Henkel, and I. M. Shaver.
The Parochial Report shows 444 infants, 29 adults, and 2 slaves baptized, and 190 confirmed, during the year; only six ministers, however, reported. Rev. A. J. Fox was elected secretary of this session.
It was resolved, that Synod adjourn to meet in Zion's Church, Catawba County, North Carolina, on the first Sunday of October, 1844.
Twenty-fourth Session.
Pursuant to previous arrangement, Synod met in Zion's Church, Catawba County, North Carolina, on Saturday, the 5th day of October, 1844. After the appointment of a president, Rev. A. J. Fox was elected secretary.
During this session, the name of Deacon S. C. Palmer was, for sufficient reason, stricken from the clerical roll.
On petition, St. Paul's Church, Page County, Zion's Church, and St. Jacob's Church, Shenandoah County, and St. Jacob's Church, Rockingham County, Virginia, were received into connection with Synod. Messrs. James K. Hancher, Thomas Crouse, and Jacob D. Emmett were taken under the care of Synod.
Revs. A. Henkel and J. Stirewalt were appointed to prepare a paper on the Duties of Church Officers, and sub- mit it to the next session of Synod.
Applicants T. Moser and James M. Wagner were or- dained to the office of Deacon.
Rev. Adam Miller, Sr., having departed this life, Revs. G. Easterly and A. J. Fox were appointed to prepare a
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suitable obituary notice on him and append it to the Minutes.
The Parochial Report, several of the ministers re- porting for two years, presents the baptism of 1135 infants, 99 adults, and 14 slaves, and 441 confirmations.
Synod adjourned to meet in Zion's Church, Shenan- doah County, Virginia, on Saturday before the first Sunday in October, 1845.
Obituary of Rev. Adam Miller, Sr .- Departed this mortal life, Rev. Adam Miller, Sr., our venerable, esteemed, and most worthy brother, and fellow-laborer in the vineyard of our benign Redeemer, Jesus Christ, on the 6th day of July, A. D., 1844; aged 84 years, 2 months, and IS days.
Mr. Miller was born in York County, Pennsylvania, on the 18th day of April, 1760, of Christian parents, who, in his infancy, dedicated him to the Lord, by observing his own appointed means, the ordinance of Holy Baptism. He was brought up and instructed in the nature and observance of this sacred vow, made by his parents, until matured by age and discretion ; and upon being convinced, by the solemn and divine truths of the everlasting Gospel, he publicly confessed his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by being confirmed, according to the custom of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, a member of the same, in which he continued to occupy a respectable station, as a private member, until the 53d year of his age, having previously migrated to Sullivan County, Tennessee. That part of the country being quite destitute of ministers, who were members of the Lutheran Church, the calls for ministers were many. These things, with the very many pressing solicitations of his friends and brethren in the church, so wrought upon his philanthropic mind, that he was ultimately induced to em- bark in the ministry of the Gospel. He delivered his first sermon in the year 1813, and was ordained to the office of Pastor of the Evangel- ical Lutheran Church in the year 1820, by the members composing the first regular session of the Tennessee Synod, convened at Solomon's Church, Green County, Tennessee, in which capacity he continued successfully to act until his death.
He served in the gospel ministry about thirty years, during which time lie labored much, preached a great many sermons, and broke tlie bread of life to many immortal souls. And, indeed, his labors every- where appeared to be owned, blessed, and crowned with abundant success, by the great Head of the Church. He preached his last ser- mon in the Poor Valley Church, Washington County, Virginia, from Luke, 4th chapter and 18th verse, six days before he breathed liis last.
Notwithstanding the simplicity of his style, and the plainness of his manner of delivering his sermons, he, as far as acquainted, was
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universally distinguished and admired for his candor, zeal, faithful- ness, and untiring diligence in the performance of the duty assigned him by his Divine Master. In a word, his character, as a minister, may truly be said to have been highly exemplary and interesting. As a husband, he was kind and endearing ; as a father, he was gentle and indulgent ; and as a citizen and member of society, he was affable aud iuoffensive. Hence, it may truly be said, that, by his death, the church has been deprived of a useful minister ; his relatives of a valu- able friend ; and society of a worthy aud exemplary member. Never- theless, we would feel a disposition to bow with due deference to every eveut directed by heaven, and say, Thy will be done, O Lord !
His last illness appears to have been a violeut attack of the Scarlet Fever. His sufferings were truly great, though he bore them with great fortitude and submission, until the 5th day after his attack ; when, feeling that he was fast sinking, he requested the 7Ist Psalm to be read in his hearing, which having been done, he declared the cou- tents to be his own sentiments, and then added, "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength fails me." He theu requested the 573d hymn in the Lutheran Church Hymn-book to be sung. Ou the next day the violence of the disease grew too power- ful for his age and weak frame, and he closed his eyes in the sleep of death. His perishable remains were committed to the narrow confines of the grave, in a family graveyard, near the place where he expired. His funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. A. J. Brown, from Hebrews, the 11th chapter and 4th verse, at Poor Valley Church, and was followed by the Rev. William Hancher, with appropriate and interesting remarks.
We add, in conclusion, that we trust that while his perishable body reclines in the cold mansions of the dead, his disembodied and uever-dying spirit is reaping the rich reward of all his earthly toils, in the world of never-ending bliss and glory.
Twenty-fifth Session.
This convention of Synod assembled in Zion's Church, Shenandoah County, Virginia, October 6th, and continued till the 9th, 1845.
It was organized by electing a president and Rev. H. Wetzel as secretary.
Synod learned, with regret, of the death of applicant John Conly.
Inasmuch as Rev. Daniel S. Schoolfield had failed to appear before Synod in person, to justify his course of pro-
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cedure, as well as to write, to explain the causes of his conduct, as requested, it was resolved, that his name be erased from the clerical roll of Synod, and he be no longer recognized as a member of it.
Revs. A. Henkel and J. Stirewalt, who were appointed at the previous session to prepare a paper on the Duties of Church Officers, reported that they had not as yet completed that work, but would continue their efforts.
"On motion of Dr. S. G. Henkel, seconded by the Secretary, it was
Resolved, That two copies of the Minutes of the present session of Synod be sent to each of the Old School Evangel- ical Lutheran Synods in the United States, not connected with the General Synod, as a token of respect.
Inasmuch as we have no newspaper published under our auspices, and as the Lutheran Standard, of Ohio, and the Lutherische Kirchenzeitung, of Pennsylvania, are pub- lished by Old School Lutheran Synods, and have taken a stand against 'new measures,' a motion was made by Dr. S. G. Henkel, that we recommend said papers to our church members, and that a copy of our Minutes be sent to each of the editors of said papers.
After some discussion, the above motion was laid over until tomorrow morning, and Synod closed with singing and prayer."
"Synod met, and was opened with singing and prayer.
Dr. Henkel's motion was now again called up. After some further discussion on the subject, it was
Resolved, That inasmuch as this body is not sufficiently acquainted with the Lutheran Standard and Kirchenzeitung, we defer an expression until the next session of Synod.
The committee, Ambrose Henkel, Jacob Killian, Jacob Stirewalt, J. K. Hancher, Samuel G. Henkel, and Marcus H. Rudisill, on Documents No. 4, reported as follows :
I. Whereas a charge of a serious nature is alleged against the Rev. Adam Miller, and as this Synod is not a judiciary, but an advisory body, and simply claims the
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right of imparting her useful advice, and employing the proper means for the purpose of promulgating the Gospel of Jesus Christ ; and inasmuch as a majority of his elders have held a meeting, and have investigated the charge alleged against him ; and said meeting of elders, after an investigation of the charge, unanimously declared him inno- cent ; and they see no cause why he should not resume his official labors ; and as a respectable number of the members of his congregations concur with the decision of the elders ; however, as there still seems to be a dissatisfaction existing in the matter, it is
Resolved, That the Revs. H. Goodman and J. Killian be appointed to take the voice of his congregations in a clear and distinct manner, as soon as possible, and if the voice of the congregations wish him to continue his official duties, that we, in that case, concur with them, provided they honorably acquit him.
2. And whereas a charge has also been alleged against the Rev. J. W. Hull, we, in reference to this matter, would recommend the following, viz .: That inasmuch as Mr. Hull has been acquitted by his elders, and as there yet seems to be some dissatisfaction in his congregations, and Mr. Hull manifests a desire to have a reconsideration, we would therefore recommend his congregations to re-examine the matter, and see if things cannot be amicably adjusted, and that the Rev. J. Killian attend to this matter; and, in case the congregations succeed in deciding the matter, that we concur with them.
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