# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S757
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

‘CONVENTION MINUTES 157

CONVENTION MINUTES

Session 1

June 17, P.M.

The Forty-second Convention of The Lutheran Church —
ouri Synod was opened with a deeply moving service in the
ic Hall of Houston, Tex. In his sermon on Ps. 67:1 Dr. W. F.
tsinn pointed out that the grace which pardons, the goodness
ch blesses, and the light of God’s countenance which encourages
lone can qualify us to publish the name of the Lord and His
ving health among nations. In fervent prayer the needs of the
Kurch and the Christians throughout the world were presented
the Throne of Grace.

The first business session was opened with the liturgy by
x. M. F. Kretzmann and the presidential address of Dr. J. W.
lehnken. Dr. Behnken urged the convention to take its cue for
Kingdom work from the building of the second Temple at Jeru-
‘salem and from the early Christian Church, and while legitimately
using human agencies to build the Kingdom, to rely not on human
‘might nor on human power, but solely on the Spirit of God.

; After the report was made that there were registered 600
.voting members out of a possible 676 and 281 advisory delegates,
‘the convention was declared formally organized for business.

Prof. Paul Bente was appointed as Assistant Secretary. The mes-
sage of welcome of the Hon. Roy Hofheinz, mayor of Houston, was
read by the Rev. R. Wiederaenders, President of the Texas District,
‘who then added the official welcome of the Texas District. The
response to the welcomes was made by the Rev..C. Fickenscher,
President of the California and Nevada District. A welcome. was
extended to the many guests, who were asked to register. The
greetings from the Slovak Synod were presented by the Rev.
R. Daniel, speaking for the President of the Slovak Synod; those
from the Norwegian Synod, by its President, the Rev. C..M. Gul-
lerud; those from our sister Synod of Australia, by the Rev. E. W.
Wiebusch, who represented the President of that body. Telegraphic
greetings were sent by our Church in India. Followed the Presi-
dent’s report, acknowledging outstanding services and reporting
changes on boards and other important events. Time of sessions

was fixed from 8:30 to 11:45 A.M. and from 1:30 to 5:00 P. M., -

with a recess from 3 to 3:15. Dr. L. F. Blankenbuehler and Prof.
O. E. Sohn were instructed to prepare convention reports for the
Lutheran Witness and the Lutheraner respectively.

Synod resolved that no members of our church body are to