# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1911_S36
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

36 Proceedings of the 28th General or

say to you (Numb. 10, 29): 'Come thou with us, and we will do
thee good.'"

P. H. P. Eckhardt, President of the English District, replied to this
welcome on behalf of the English brethren with the following words:

Mr. President and Brethren of the Venerable German Synod of Mis-
souri, Ohio, and other States: —

The honor has been conferred on me to represent the English
Synod of Missouri, acting as its first spokesman on this momentous
and significant occasion. It is an honor of which I am not worthy.
In the name of our body I heartily thank the preceding speaker for
his kind words and hearty welcome extended to us in behalf of your
venerable body. We feel certain that we are finding a cordial re-
ception and welcome among you.

Our final vote on this union proposition was not unanimous.
A few votes were recorded in the negative. But these were cast by
delegates who felt that they must refer the matter back to their
congregations. And such were their final declarations that we have
every reason to hope and trust that not one of our congregations will
be lost to us.

Mr. President, I have the honor and pleasure to formally an-
nounce the final decision of our Synod as being favorable to Dis-
trict Union. And we have come here in a body to ratify, in this
general meeting, the common resolutions of both bodies.

Such has been the spirit that has manifested itself in our de-
liberations and yours that we are convinced it was none other than
the Holy Spirit of God who ruled and led both bodies. Therefore we
see in this result the hand of God pointing out to us the way in
which we should go. And this fact is also our hope for the future.

It is significant that this union is being consummated in this
city of St. Louis, Mo. For it was in this place that our fathers
wrote the early chapters of your venerable German Synod's history.
It was in this city, twenty-three years ago, that our English Synod
was organized and its opening chapter written. It is in this same
place that this new chapter is now being written telling of the union
of the two Missouri bodies. May our God in heaven close this chapter
with an approving "Amen." And we add to it the old motto of Mis-
souri: "Soli Deo Gloria!"

It is befitting that we are able to make the consummation of this
union a part of our Walther Centennial celebration. The most of
the pastors in both bodies have received their theological training
either under the sainted Dr. Walther or under his pupils, in the same
Alma Mater. We all are enjoying the fruits of his labors. We all
are contending for the same sound Lutheranism for which he so un-
flinchingly stood. It is befitting that we all should unite into one
body at this time and under the shadow of this Alma Mater.