# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1947_S52
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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52 SEMINARIES AND COLLEGES

The Historical Development of the Mission Department

Already in 1938 Synod resolved to establish a Department of
Missions at our Seminary. This resolution could not immediately
be carried out. At the convention in Fort Wayne, 1941, the matter
was again brought to the attention of the synodical body. Soon
thereafter a small beginning was made with the assistance of
the Board of Foreign Missions. In 1944 this matter was again
discussed at the Saginaw convention, and the Mission School was
definitely placed under the care of the Board of Control of the
Seminary. In order to meet the present-day conditions, Synod at
the convention resolved to expand the Mission Department of the
Graduate School of Concordia Seminary and to extend the courses
given. Pertinent resolutions were passed to make the necessary
funds available.

During the past triennium our former missionary to China,
the Rev. E. C, Zimmermann, was appointed full-time instructor of
this Department. Part-time services were rendered by members
of the faculty of the Seminary, by Doctor Frederick Brand, Director
and General Secretary, by the Rev. O. H. Schmidt, Executive Secre-
tary of the Board of Foreign Missions, and by a number of mis-
sionaries on furlough.

The courses offered include the following subjects:

I. Theological Subjects

a. For Men
Courses offered in all departments of the Graduate School
b. For Women ,
Introduction to the Old and New Testament Christian
Doctrine
An Introduction to American Denominationalism

Il. Comparative Religions

A study of the most important religions of the countries to
which our missionaries are called, with respect to their origin,
history, and chief tenets.

Ill. History

The historical, cultural, political, and geographical background
of the people in the foreign fields among whom we are working.
The history of missions of such countries.

IV. Missionary Methods

Missionary Methods in the Foreign Fields
Religious Education

Business Administration

First Aid, Hygiene, Sanitation