# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1944_S489
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Report. of Board for,Higher Education 489

ations in all levels of America’s educational system resulting
ithe. impact of the war. Profound changes are in the making.
well-be that after the war American education will universally
t: junior college training as an entirely adequate basis for pro-
al studies. Would it not be the course of wisdom to con:
our own organization of junior colleges at least until such
will see a clarification of the current confusion? Meanwhile
time would be lost irreparably. The intervening years could
profitably be employed in bringing our schools to the highest
of efficiency. If Synod found -it desirable, the transition into
w pattern would become much easier than it would be today.

,

Table 20
The Growth of Junior Colleges
Number of
Year . Junior Colleges ' Enrollment
1917 . 132 4,000
1922 207 .

N

‘E. The Transition Year at St. Louis

tthe moment the year of liberal arts studies at St. Louis is
mittedly somewhat unique in theological education. At the same
provides unusual opportunities for greatly increased effective-
in the training of pastors. While these opportunities may not
been fully realized since the additional year has but recently
introduced, it is to be hoped that the next five years will witness
thorough study on the basis of actual trial of the important advan-
-that might be gained. It. must be given a fair trial ‘under
ptimum conditions. So, for instance, the students of the’ pretheo-
cal year in St. Louis could be quartered in separate dormitories
gether with tutors or housemasters. Far more intensive student
dance and personnel work would become possible. This year could,
reality, contribute extensively to conditioning of students in atti-
ides and in other ways. This entire development is already being
atched with great interest by other theological schools, ‘just as they
e recognized the unique effectiveness of the intern year at our
eminaries.

-At the end of the first year on the campus of the theological semi-
ary further selection of students could be made.on the basis of
t fitness for the work of the pastorate. In consequence of these
procedures,’ the actual theological training at the seminary should

gain considerably in tone and purposefulness, and in genuine -
effectiveness. °

Casting of .our ministerial training into this ‘mold naturally has
me disadvantages and difficulties. Pioneering always does. So,