# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1857_S359
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 359 —

...the matter was discussed and settled. A notice with a prospectus
appeared in "Der Lutheraner" and in the public papers of Fort Wayne,
and the institution was opened on November 16.

Concordia College in St. Louis; Increase of the Teaching Staff;
Addition to the Constitution; College Building.

It is likewise known from our synodical proceedings of 1853 and 1854
(see the 7th synodical report [Synodal-Bericht], p. 266, and the 8th
synodical report, p. 286) that the Synod had for years already
intended to increase the teaching staff at this institution. In
particular, this meant appointing a second professor of theology, for
which post the Synod wished to secure a capable and suitable man. On
the recommendation of Professors Walther and Biewend, as well as of
Rector Gönner, the Synod had, however, resolved at its 1854 convention
to leave this position open for the time being, and for now to call a
second teacher to the gymnasium who could meanwhile also fill the gaps
at the seminary; and Pastor G. Schick had accordingly later been
appointed conrector at the college.

Dr. Sihler now laid before the Synod, at this year's convention, a
petition from the Fort Wayne Pastoral District Conference
[Pastoral-Districts-Conferenz], in which the petitioners earnestly
urge that a second professor of theology now be appointed at
Concordia College. (cf. Appendix H.)

The Synod again recognized the importance and necessity of this matter
and resolved that the electoral college [Wahlcollegium] should, still
during the time of the convention, see to calling such a second
professor of theology to Concordia College.

The general president further drew the Synod's attention to what he
had already mentioned in his official report: that Dr. G. Seyffarth
had declared himself willing to take on a professorship of theology
at Concordia College; and also that, while Rector Gönner had had
charge of the revision of the Altenburg Bible, Mr. Saxer had been
provisionally appointed as a gymnasium teacher. He now put the
question to the Synod whether it confirmed the call of the two
professors named. —

Dr. Seyffarth added to this report the declaration that he was ready
to serve the Church here with his time and strength without making any
claim to a salary, since he had the means to do so without one.

The Synod gladly gave its consent to this call and to Dr. Seyffarth's
offer; it thanked God that he had brought to it, in the person of Dr.
Seyffarth, so valuable a man, and had made him willing to work among
us for the kingdom of God with his gifts.

The Synod also confirmed the call of Mr. Saxer as gymnasium teacher at
the college, and resolved that he be given the title of "subrector."

Professor Biewend laid before the Synod the following petition, in
which certain further provisions were proposed as an addition to the
constitution of Concordia College, and these were approved by the
Synod. (cf. Appendix I.)