# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1986_S54
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 53

“1969” instead of “1959.” A delegate suggested that in fu-
ture conventions long resolutions should contain clear ra-
tionale and background information to be of assistance as
the delegates make decisions. The chairman informed the
delegates that evaluation forms will be sent to all voting
delegates following the convention, for their feedback and
suggestions for improvement in future conventions. A del-
egate suggested the possibility of evening sessions being
held on alternating nights in future conventions.

The convention adopted a resolution commending Mr.
Marvin Siebels, convention manager, and all those re-
sponsible for the manner of random seating for delegates
at the 56th regular convention of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod. The resolution also encouraged consid-
eration of this type of seating for future conventions.

The convention adopted a resolution to adjourn, follow-
ing presentation of a final registration report and the clos-
ing devotion.

Final Registration Report

Chairman A. Barry presented the following final reg-
istration report: 582 voting pastors, 578 voting laypersons,
37 advisory pastoral delegates, 105 advisory teacher del-

Leff to right: President Ralph A.

Bohimann with synodical vice-presidents August T. Mennicke, George F. Wollenburg,

egates, 236 other advisory representatives, 25 youth rep-
resentatives, and 33 others, for a total registered
attendance of 1,596.

Closing of the Convention

Chaplain Herbert Mueller led the convention in a
prayer for the sick, the grieving, and the youth gathering
in Washington, D.C. next week. The order of worship was
in the Worship Guide, page 44. Dr. Ralph Bohlmann based
his closing message on Revelation 3, in which John’s words
to the little church in Philadelphia are recorded. God has
given us an open door, all over the world. Like the little
church in Philadelphia in John’s time, we too have but little
strength. However, God gives us much strength. God tells
us we have kept His Word and confessed His Name. We
are to keep doing that. He will bless us with His Spirit.

Using the historic gavel which he had used to open the
convention, President Ralph Bohlmann officially closed the
56th regular convention of The Lutheran Church—Mis-
souri Synod in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit.

Orville C. Walz, Assistant Secretary

and Guido A. Merkens

Election Results
Nominating Nominating
President Ballot Election Ballot Ballot Election Ballot
x Ralph A. Bohlmann ...........---- 1387 576 Wilbert J. Sohns ..........-----+-> 76 25
Robert C. Sauer ............--25055 604 447 Richard T. Hinz ..........-------+° 67
Walter A. Maier ............------5 193 Declined Guido Merkens .........-----+++++ 37
George F. Wollenburg ........-.--- 155 61 Karl L. Barth ...........-00--e eee 25
Robert D. Preus .........--++0+00-+ 108 20 L. Lloyd Behnken ........---+-++++- 24
Charles S. Mueller ...........----- 78 Declined Paul Spitz ...........e cree eres 24