# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S780
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

780 CONVENTION MINUTES

six years; Messrs. Edwin Pape, 296 votes, for six years, Alfreg
Schreiner, 294 votes, for three years, O. L, Viets, 273 votes, for
three years.

Concordia, Bronxville: the Rev. Herman Meier, 229 votes, for
six years; Messrs. Charles Nehrig, 332 votes, for six years, Freq
Schuermann, 310 votes, for three years, L. W. H. Rabe, 289 Votes,
for three years.

A correction was entered into the report of elections for Board
of Support and Pensions: the name Elmer Roth was substituted
for E. A. Groth.

Dr. O. A. Geiseman informed the Convention that the Acting
Ambassador of West Germany had reported the fact that the gov-
ernment of West Germany has awarded to President J. W. Behnken
das Grosse Kreuz in recognition of the service which under his
leadership The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod had rendered
to the war-stricken people of Europe, especially of Germany. Our
Church was first among Protestant bodies to provide financial aid,
to meet with the church leaders of Germany, to make available
books for the rehabilitation of Germany’s religious life, to plead
with President H. S. Truman for permission to initiate a program
of sending packages to people in need. Dr. Geiseman pointed out
that our chaplains played a large part in pointing the way for this
humanitarian service and referred to the deep feeling of gratitude
found among the German people. In conclusion he extended con-
gratulations to Dr. Behnken, beseeching the mercies of God to
continue to help our President in furnishing leadership. Dr. Behn-
ken acknowledged the honor and good wishes with a pledge of
further service to God and mankind.

The Rev. A. F. Krentz, reporting on Deaconess training, voiced
two. pleas: 1) to send many girls of the highest type; 2) in view
of the desperate need of a new dormitory on the Valparaiso campus
to support the collection of $250,000 authorized by the Board of
Directors. ,

It was reported that Mr. R. St inmeyer had been elected to
two boards. ,

Adjournment with the table prayer spoken in unison.

Session 12
June 24, P.M.

The opening devotions of the twelfth session were conducted
by Dr. F. A. Hertwig, Second Vice-President of Synod. The cause
of the Armed Services Commission was presented to the Conven-
tion, showing that need for this work will in all probability con-
tinue at least until 1975 since our best youth will be called out in