# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1969_S19 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) Pee = ay fi { | MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION Opening Service The opening service of the 48th regular convention of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod was held on Friday, July 11, 1969, beginning at 7:30 p. m., in the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Colo. Rev. Paul W. Streufert, D.D., delivered the sermon on the basis of Hebrews 11:8-10. Rev. Gerhard H. Mundinger, Ph. D., was the officiant; Rev. Waldemar E. Meyer, the lector. Mr. Paul Manz, LL. D., was the organist; Mr. Gerhard Schroth led the singers of the choirs of the Lutheran churches of Denver. After the close of the service Rev. Oliver R. Harms, D.D., President of the Synod, in accordance with its Handbook, gave a brief orientation talk chiefly to the delegates. Session 1 July 12, Morning Opening of Convention A presession Communion service began at 7:15 on Saturday morning, July 12, 1969, with Rev. W. Harry Krieger, D.D., as officiant, assisted by eight pastors. Rev. George W. Wittmer, D.D., was the leader for the opening devotion, at which President Harms gave the address on the basis of Rom. 1:16-17. Rev. August R. Suelflow, D. D., director of Concordia Historical Institute, turned over the gavel first used in 1911 at the synodical convention to the President for use in the opening and closing sessions of this con- vention. Rev. M. W. Lieske, chairman of the Registration Committee (15), reported that 456 voting pastors and 417 voting laymen had registered, a total of 873 voting members present, easily a quorum. Thereupon Presi- dent Harms declared the synodical convention opened in the name of the triune God. President’s Report President Harms now gave the President's Report. This report is printed in full in the ProcreprN¢s of this convention. In his report he paid tribute to the late Rev. Dr. John W. Behnken, Honorary President of the Synod, and the hearers bowed their heads in tribute to him. Dr. Harms called for a study leading to a reorganization _ of the administrative structure of the Synod. He paid special attention to the implementation of New York convention Resolution 3-23 re fellowship with The American Lutheran Church and the recommendation of the Council of Presidents to the present convention. He told about relations with other church bodies and the Lutheran Council in the United States of America. He committed the guidance of the convention to the Lord. A standing ovation greeted him at the close of the report. Greetings Dr. Gerhard H. Mundinger presented Mr. Walter Koch, who in turn presented the Honorable Governor of the State of Colorado, John A. Love. His Excellency addressed the convention briefly. Dr. Mundinger also presented the President of the Colorado District, Rev. Waldemar E. Meyer. Pastor Meyer welcomed the con- vention on behalf of the District and gave due recog- nition to the Convention Arrangements Committee. President Harms introduced Rev. Lawrence B. Meyer, D. D., former synodical Planning Counselor, Rev. Herman Harms, D.D., a former Vice-President of the Synod, and Rev. Walter C. Birkner, D.D., past Secre- tary of the Synod. Elections Dr. Harms gave the floor to the Committee on Elec- tions: A question of privilege led to the response that Robert’s Rules of Order would be the parliamentary rules for the convention. A motion carried that the program for today as printed in Today’s Business be adopted and followed as closely as possible. Rev. Arlen Bruns, chairman of the Committee on Elections (14), explained the procedures for the elec- tions. The nominating ballot for President of the Synod was held. Greetings During the balloting President W. Th. Janzow of Concordia Teachers College, Seward, Nebr., presented two young ladies who are students at the school: Miss Jane Briggemann, Miss Nebraska of 1969; Miss Lois Koth, Miss Iowa of 1969. They gave gifts to President - Harms. 19 Mr. Walter Koch presented Mr. Richard L. Shannon. As deputy and Acting Mayor of the City and County of Denver, he brought the greetings of the ill Mayor, Mr.. W. H. MecNichols Jr. Work Program Review Rev. C. A. Heckmann, chairman of the Work Pro- gram Review Committee (16), explained the functions of this committee. A meeting of the committee will be held Thursday evening. Every addition to the financial commitments should be considered in the light of the willingness to implement the commitments. Nominations Mr. Walter W. Kayser, chairman of the Board for Convention Nominations (13), presented the report of this board, Workbook, pp. 482-486. The following addi- tions and corrections were made: Board of Directors, add Gerhardt E. Nitz; Board for Missions, read W. A. Kamrath, not William Kamrath; Board for Young Peo- ple’s Work, delete Norman E. Walter, add Victor A. Bartelt; Board of Appeals, delete Armin W. Hesse, add Enno Gahl; Board of Control, Austin, delete Louis L. Pabor, add Elmo Miertschin; Board of Control, Bronx- ville, add George H. Mueller; Board of Control, Win- field, Eugene C. Straub, change of address; for the schools in South America delete the designations “Slate 1” and “Slate 2.”