# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1956_S777
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

CONVENTION MINUTES 777

CONVENTION MINUTES

Session 1
June 20, P.M.
Nore. — TB refers to Today’s Business, the daily convention report

The forty-third convention of The Lutheran Church — Mis-
souri Synod was opened with divine services in which Rev. Arnold
Grumm, the Second Vice-President, on the basis of 2 Thess. 2:
13-17 issued a stirring call to stand fast in the divine truth and
to assume the challenge God has set before us with the courage
that flows from a faith in Christ. The future belongs to Jesus and
to us if we continue in His Word.

The first regular session was begun with the President’s ad-
dress based on Hebrews 10, verses 19-25. Dr. Behnken reminded
the convention of the unmerited grace bestowed on our Synod in
that God entrusted to us the great truths of “only Scripture,” “only
grace,” and “only by faith.” The reconciliaton in Christ, whose
incarnation and atonement form the new and living way by which
we appear in the intimate presence of God, should embolden us
to make use of this privilege and incite us to hold fast the profes-
sion of faith, confessing all truths of Scripture. He pointed briefly
to the sad fact that after many years our Synod stands accused
of causing divisions and offenses contrary to Scriptural doctrine.
If substantiated, these accusations should cause us to repent; if
not substantiated from Scripture, they should be withdrawn. We
must know, have, and hold fast the divine truths. Possession of this
truth must cause us to provoke one another to love and good
works, inciting congregations and individuals who are listless, for
we have a Synod in order better to be qualified to carry out the
assignment given to us and to train ambassadors for Christ in order
to be the light of the world. All this so much the more as we see
' the Day approaching.

_ The registration committee reported the presence of 591 voting
delegates, a quorum, and of 336 visitors and advisory members.
Hereupon the convention was formally opened in the name of the
Triune God.

Synod resolved that all statements for the press must be
cleared through the press room. The appointment of the Assistant
Secretary was accepted. Addresses of welcome were received from
Rev. Hugo A. Gamber, president of the Minnesota District, the
Hon. Orville Freeman, Governor of the State of Minnesota, the
Hon. Joseph Dillon, the Mayor of St. Paul, the Hon. Eric Hoyer,
the Mayor of Minneapolis. Dr. Oliver Harms, in the name of the