# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1853_S262
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 262 —

Mission to the Heathen.

The mission station Sibiwaing has, after Pastor Auch worked there for
years in vain, been entirely given up by him. Only the German Lutheran
congregation forming there continued to be served with Word and
Sacrament. About a year ago, some Indians also asked for the reopening
of a school, a request that was granted at once. About 25 German
children and a few Indian children attend the school, which Missionary
Röder conducts; he also represents Pastor Auch in the pastoral duties of
the German congregation. The Indians of that region are said to be
considering moving away from Sibiwaing.

At Sheboyank, heathenism has been overcome. Since the sudden death of
Missionary Mayer two and a half years ago, Missionary Auch took over
this station, assisted by Mr. Röder.

The station Bethanien (House of Poverty), founded by Missionary
Baierlein, is, after a weak beginning and great struggles with
heathenism and Methodism, by God's grace in a hopeful state, and
heathenism there has been broken. In recent years the missionary built a
small log church together with a mission house under one roof, and the
little bell ringing from the small tower steeple now calls the
congregation to worship. A graveyard has also been laid out. The whole
inventory, movable and immovable, is worth about 1,100 dollars.

The congregation numbers more than 60 souls, some of whom may well soon
be admitted to Holy Communion. The one American family living here has
joined the Lutheran congregation. The Sunday services and the daily
evening prayer hours are attended with great love and Christian
earnestness, and gifts of charity given in secret likewise show that
their faith is not a dead faith. These Indians have laid aside all their
heathen customs, built houses, begun farming, and thus give full grounds
for the fairest hopes.

Since Pastor Baierlein had promised this congregation not to leave it
until his successor had arrived, but could not keep this promise, the
President of the Mission Commission felt moved to move there with his
family and represent Mr. Baierlein in the meantime. Missionary Baierlein
was also advanced $100 for his journey, which he will repay as soon as
he arrives in Leipzig. For improvement of the inventory he received
$124.25.

With the interpreter James Gruet it was contracted that he give 5 hours
of instruction weekly, interpret at all worship services, and accompany
the missionary one day a week on house visits, for which he receives
$13.00 monthly. Other services, travel, and the like are paid at 75
cents per day and 12 cents per hour. This contract runs until April 7,
1854.

To secure the mission against encroachments that might force the
Indians to emigrate, the Mission Commission recommends the purchase of
about 400 acres of land, and asks the Synod to advance the money needed
for it.

In general, then, the power of heathenism has been significantly broken
at the various stations, though unfortunately least at the...