# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1878_S42
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

— 42 —

Synodical Printing House and Publishing House.

At the head of the business stands a Board [*Directorium*], consisting hitherto of 7 men, whom the synod has elected from the St. Louis congregation for 3 years, and who are obligated to meet once every month. They choose a chairman [*Präſes*] from their own number. The treasurer of the General Synod is, by virtue of his office, a member of the Board.

In the printing house building a large Adams press operates, by means of which the *Lutheraner* and the larger book work are printed. A somewhat smaller cylinder press is designated for *Lehre und Wehre*, the *Schulblatt*, and the printing of smaller books. Besides these, a lighter-running press, the so-called "Liberty Press," is also on hand for printing the covers of periodicals and of schoolbooks, as well as for smaller print jobs.

The two large presses turn out about 10,000 printed sheets daily. These, along with all the other machines in the building, are driven by steam, which at the same time also serves to heat the whole building.

In the printing shop, typesetting room, and bindery, 19 persons are now employed. The working day for the whole staff is ten hours. Printed in the last 3 years, among other things, were 73,650 hymnals, 241,225 schoolbooks, 8,080 prayer books, and 4,090 copies of Walther's *Postille* and *Brosamen*.

Resolved, that the Board meet at least once every month and fix a certain day for it once and for all, so that no special notice is required.

Resolved, that at the regular meetings of the Board the agent and the superintendent of the printing house, should such a one yet be appointed, also be present.

Resolved, that the Board be increased to 9 persons, and that the 2 new members be chosen from the teaching estate [i.e., clergy and teachers], respectively that they be pastors.

Resolved, that the remaining synodical districts — that is, the totality of the synodical districts excluding the Western District — be represented on the Board by at least two members drawn from the laity [*Hörerſchaft*, literally "the hearers," i.e. lay members of the congregations], respectively businessmen. These two members shall appear once a year, namely at the Board's general meeting. Their travel costs will in this case be reimbursed from the synodical treasury. These two members are, to be sure, not prevented from attending any other regular meeting of the remaining members of the Board, who have their home in St. Louis; but in such cases they must bear their own travel costs. An exception shall be permitted only when their presence is expressly requested by the other members of the Board.

Resolved, that the two out-of-town members be sent, regularly, by the secretary of the Board, a copy of the minutes of every monthly meeting.