# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1959_S64
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

64 CONVENTION MINUTES

CONVENTION MINUTES

Opening Service
June 17, Morning

The 44th convention of The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod was opened with a Communion service conducted by the
host congregation, St. Paulus of San Francisco. The pastor, Arthur
C. Nitz, served as celebrant, assisted by various clergymen of the
area. Dr. Clemens Hoopmann of Australia delivered the confes-
sional address on 1 John 1:8, 9. Dr. Oliver Harms, Fourth Vice-
President of the Synod, preached the convention sermon on
Ps. 96:3: “Declare His Glory.” He reminded the worshipers that
God Himself gives the command, the promise of blessing, the moti-
vation in the giving of His Son, and the means to “declare His
glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.” God help
us if we hold back instead of cheerfully accepting the challenge
of our day.

Session 1

June 17, Afternoon

Opening Devotion

President J. W. Behnken in the opening devotion called atten-
tion to two lessons which the convention should learn from Is. 54:
1,2. We must lengthen the cords by an aggressive missionary out-
reach to our world, and we must strengthen the stakes by driving
them ever deeper into the inspired Scriptures. Pastor C. F. Baase,
President of the Alberta-British Columbia District, served as
liturgist.

Organization

The Registration Committee reported 575 voting members and
367 advisory members and guests present. A quorum having been
established, President Behnken declared the convention in session.
Pastor Herbert Mueller of Dundee, Ill., was appointed assistant
secretary.

Opening Ceremonies

President Arthur Nitz of the California and Nevada District
introduced His Honor, Mayor Christopher, who welcomed the dele-
gates and guests to the city. President H. J. Rippe of the Atlantic
District replied. After Dr. Behnken had read a telegram from
President Eisenhower, the assembly stood for the singing of “God
Bless Our Native Land.” The chairman welcomed visitors who had
come from overseas and reported ‘on official greetings received from
various groups.

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