# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1983_S76 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 76 PARISH, YOUTH, AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES Special Projects The Institute’s total work is multifaceted. This is what makes it such a fascinating and interesting place. Here are some projects of special interest: A. Microfilm and Photoduplication The International Lutheran Laymen’s League has very uniquely supported the Institute's microfilm and photoduplica- tion acquisition program for almost 29 years. The Institute uses these funds to acquire microfilm, microfiche, and photo- copy resources which are no longer available in their original forms. Thus the great collections that have been accumulated on film and fiche, which have now grown to a total of 163,329 feet, supplement our manuscripts and printed resources. During the past biennium we added 7,237 feet of film. Indexes, both on cards and in printed form, are available on the entire collection, providing easy access to all the collections. The first Index and Bibliography was published in 1966 and the second in 1978. A third will be produced shortly, so that each report will consist of about 10 years of resource acquisitions. We are most grateful to the LLL for its continued support. B. Publications The Institute continues to produce four different types of publications, each geared to special users. The Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly, which has just begun its 56th volume, continues as the only journal published in the world devoted to the history of Lutheranism in America. Dr. Hilton C. Oswald continues to serve most capably as its editor since 1976. The historical information found in the back pages of the Quarterly alone constitute gem stones of enormous value. In addition, the Institute also publishes its mimeographed Historical Footnotes for its members and subscribers, convey- ing tidbits of Institute news, Lutheran history, and archives services. A third publication is the Regional Archivist, which offers practical helps to District and parish archivists. Since 1945 the Institute has also published its Archives and History—the papers and essays presented at the Institute’s biennial conferences on archives and history. The report of the last conference, the 16th (1981) will be available shortly. The 17th such Conference is planned for Nov. 9—11, 1983. These conferences constitute a most unique experience for many individuals who serve their parish or church organization as part-time archivists. C. Historic Properties The Institute has the great fortune to own and operate two valuable historic properties. The first is the Saxon Lutheran Memorial in Frohna, Mo., a pioneer farm site once owned by one of the original Saxon Lutheran immigrants. It also has the distinction of having served as a parish school and residence for a bachelor pastor. The log cabin home, ancient barn and other out-buildings are recorded on the National Register of Historic Places. The memorial is operated entirely through voluntary gifts and contributions. The cocurators, Dr. and Mrs. Martin F. Luebke, render outstanding work in publicizing the memorial and revitalizing its rolein the community. A series of ‘Fall Festivals,” which they have inaugurated, have developed a new appreciation for the arts and crafts practiced by the pioneers. The second historic property, known as the “Hill of Peace,” is located just outside of Perryville, Mo. It consists of a historic church building and parish hall of the former Peace Lutheran Church of Friedenberg. The original settlers at the Hill of Peace were Bavarians who immigrated there in the summer of 1838. The Hill of Peace was dedicated to the service of our Lord as an historic site in a moving service on May 31, 1981. Dr. Robert C. Sauer, First Vice-President of the Synod, delivered the festival sermon. Annual reunion services at the church have been initiated. Facilities are also available to groups looking for retreats, family reunions, tours, and camping. As additional funds become available, the five-acre tract and buildings will include more detailed interpretive displays describing the role of the rural church in America. D. Awards Our annual awards program seeks to encourage and recognize significant contributions by groups and individuals to the work of Lutheran history and archives in America on various levels. We have issued a series of awards of commenda- tion for monographs, journal articles, congregational histories, family histories, and historic preservation. In addition, the Institute also gives its highest award, the Distinguished Service Award to individuals whose contributions have been of the highest and most exemplary quality. In 1981 this award was granted posthumously to Dr. Roy A. Suelflow, missionary pioneer, college and seminary professor, and author. No more than two such awards may be granted per year, and the Institute did not confer any in 1982. Members of the Synod are invited to nominate individuals, congregations, and organizations for their work in Lutheran historical and archival activities. Categories in which awards can be granted are books and monographs, unique projects, special contributions to historic preservation, nonliterary contributions such as audiovisual and media productions, family history, genealogy, and popular literature—all contri- buting to a better understanding of our Lutheran history, heritage, and archives. Board of Governors and Staff The Handbook directs that the Board of Governors, consist- ing of 11 members of whom the Secretary of the Synod is one, serve as the governing board. Five members are appointed by the President of the Synod, and five are elected by the Insitute’s membership. The Institute has been extremely fortunate in having the following serve during the past biennium: Harry L. Smith, president; Harold A. Olsen, vice-president; Gerald F. Birkmann, secretary; and Joyce Sauer, treasurer. Other members of the board are Victor H. Hoemann, William A. Kramer, Alvin W. Mueller, Herbert Mueller, Robert W. Selle, Car] J. Stapf, and John C. Zimmermann. After 20 years of service the former president, Dr. Gerhardt Kramer, was not eligible to succeed himself in office. He had served the board with distinction, first as vice-president and the last twelve years as president. The board adopted a special resolution of gratitude for Dr. Kramer’s outstanding services. The Institute director, Dr. August R. Suelflow, completed 35 years of service to the Synod on Jan. 31 this year, and has popularly been acclaimed the “Dean of American Church Archivists.”” The Distinguished Service Award was granted him by the Lutheran Historical Conference, which cited him for years of service as leader in the field of Lutheran history and archives. The Institute engaged Rev. Kurt A. T. Bodling, a 1980 graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as its reference and research assistant in 1981. Although he officially began his services on June 1, he was installed on Nov. 12, 1981, by Rev. Walter Strickert, a Vice-President of the Missouri District. Dr. Robert C. Sauer, First Vice-President of the Synod, delivered the sermon. The Institute currently is involved in taking preliminary steps toward filling the position of archivist-librarian, which has been vacant since February 1981. Other staff members include an administrative secretary, two office secretaries, a financial secretary, a coordinator of reference services, a coordinator of collections services, and a receptionist. Fourteen part-time seminary students assist in specialized functions. The Institute also is most grateful for the assistance and help rendered in special programs through its committees on awards, education, ethnic work, studies and resources, parish records, promotion, and art and symbolism. Anniversaries Recommended for Observance It has been customary for the Institute, because of the responsibilities assigned to it, to recommend the observance of forthcoming anniversaries. Those of Synodwide interest for the next triennium—1984, 1985, 1986—are 1984 —600th anniversary of the death of John Wycliffe (Dec. 31, 1384)