# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S1300
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

i
{
4

822 , MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

After careful consideration of a number of candidates, the board
elected Professor Oswald C. J. Hoffmann, Bronxville, N.Y., as
Executive Secretary and Director of Public Relations. His appoint.
ment was confirmed by Synod’s Board of Directors.

Headquarters for the new department were opened in New
York City on September 1, 1948, at 1819 Broadway, Columbus
Circle. The Washington office for Governmental relations opened
a month later at 736 Jackson Place, N. W., in close proximity to
the White House. Miss Olinda Roettger became the Washington
secretary.

District Public Relations Departments

It became apparent immediately that an effective public rela-
tions program required the development of an organization which
would eventually reach the grass roots level, that is to say, the con-
gregations of Synod and the communities which they serve.

The first steps in this direction were taken by the Districts of
Synod with the establishment of District Departments of Public
Relations for all 32 Districts in the United States and Canada, In
response to requests from Synod’s department, these District de-
partments, with few exceptions, have established public relations
representation for all the circuits or areas within the Districts, to
carry out effectively the directive given in 1947. Both a recognition
of need and a sense of loyalty to Synod prompted the Districts to
co-operate so generously. It is safe to say that, largely because of
the work performed voluntarily by District public relations men,
the voice of the Missouri Synod has been heard by more people
outside our Church during the past year and a half than in any
comparable period in our 100-year history.

Press

The New York office has been the center for the distribution
of Missouri Synod news to the press of the nation. The wire
services, Associated Press, United Press, and International News
Service, have co-operated excellently in nation-wide coverage,
notably of statements by President J. W. Behnken on various sub-
jects, including Federal aid to education and euthanasia: Radio
commentators and reporters have shown their willingness to re-
port Missouri Synod news carried by the wire services. Particular
notice is due Religious News Service, which has carried Missouri
Synod news and viewpoints extensively and has reported them with
considerable understanding.

District Public Relations Departments have contributed mate-
rially to more adequate coverage through local daily and weekly
press and local radio outlets. -

A number of the nation’s magazines have printed articles con-
cerning the Missouri Synod, among them Time, N ewsweek, Coronet,