# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1848_S62
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 62 —

Synod Seal.

It was moved, and resolved by the synod, that two synod seals be
procured, and among the emblems proposed for this purpose by the
relevant committee, the synod chose the following as best suited to its
purpose: "Christ as the Vine, John 15."

Additions to the Constitution.

Since some preachers had neglected to consult their congregations about
the additions to the constitution resolved on the previous year and
published on pages 6 and 7 of the synodical report, or at least to send the
synod their congregations' consenting or rejecting declaration on those
additions, the secretary was instructed to call on the preachers concerned,
in writing, to send him that declaration within 6 weeks. (The secretary
wrote to them immediately, but received no answer within the time set.)

The delegate from St. Louis, F. W. Barthel, moved the following resolution
to prevent similar omissions in future, which was adopted by the synod:

"The declarations on the amendments and additions to the constitution
resolved by the synod are to be sent in writing to the Präses by all
voting-eligible congregations, either before the beginning of the next
synodical convention, or delivered to him in the same manner at its
opening. Any congregation that fails to submit such a declaration shall be
considered as assenting."

In addition to what is stated in this synodical report regarding the
deletion of the clause in the constitution, Chapter V, § 14: "Where private
confession already exists, it shall be retained" — the following synodical
resolution must also this year be submitted to the congregations for
acceptance or rejection:

"If the conditions of membership set out in Chapter II, §§ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
are acted against by congregations affiliated with the synod or by their
preachers, then, after prior fruitless admonition, nothing other than
exclusion can follow, whereby the excluded party then forfeits all share in
the property of the synod, its educational institutions, etc. The same
applies also to those who separate themselves from the synod for
whatever reason."

Support of the Educational Institutions.

Not only has the congregation at St. Louis shown itself very willing to
open up significant resources for the institution there, but the delegate
from Baltimore, F. Bühler, also made the synod the kind offer of donating
two building lots in Dayton, O., for the benefit of its educational
institutions, for which the synod expressed to him its heartfelt thanks.

For the further support of both seminaries, the synod resolved to have its
preachers organize a collection in the congregations, so that everyone
might have the opportunity to contribute according to his means.