# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1911_S256
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

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the respective boards of control at Addison and Seward should also each include one teacher currently active in the practical teaching office.

In the name of the Teachers' Conference of the Central Illinois District, respectfully,

The Committee:
J. M. Gößwein.
R. Schoknecht.
Springfield, Ill., February 14, 1911.          F. Diesing.

Amendment of the Present Election Procedure and Oversight
of the Synod's Educational Institutions.

To the Honorable Delegate Synod of the Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States, assembled at St. Louis, Mo., from May 10 to 20, 1911.

Venerable fathers and brothers!

The undersigned conference takes the liberty of submitting to you the following concerning our educational institutions:

Up to now there exists in the Synod an electoral college charged with electing all the teachers for our educational institutions. This electoral college has rendered excellent service. We believe, however, that it can no longer suffice for present circumstances. For our institutions have multiplied considerably and are located in the most varied parts of the country, and it is therefore impossible for the individual members of the electoral college to inform themselves adequately about the particular needs and circumstances of the individual institutions. Moreover, every election causes the Synod considerable expense and requires long and burdensome travel for most members of the board.

If, then, the election of our institutions' teachers could take place just as well, and more advantageously for the institutions, in a way that is cheaper for the Synod and less burdensome for the board, that would certainly be desirable.

As for the oversight of the institutions' teachers, this is furthermore quite deficient. Our "Synodical Handbook" requires that the board of control exercise oversight as to whether instruction is given in accordance with the Word of God and the Lutheran Confession, and whether the teachers faithfully discharge their office and lead a Christian life. To exercise this oversight, at least one member of the board of control is to attend several of the teachers' class hours in the course of each year. (Synodical Handbook, p. 69.) Such oversight is evidently insufficient. The board in question should satisfy itself adequately as to whether the teachers are fit for their office at all (for not every capable pastor and teacher is, for that reason, also a capable professor) and are particularly suited for the subjects assigned to them. To meet the demands of our institutions, we must