# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1898_S46
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46 Proceedings of the seventeenth convention

chapel and school together, a spacious parsonage, built by the missionary and the Negroes themselves, a burial ground, and mission land which the Negroes cultivate in the interest of the mission.

Finally, if we cast one more glance at the station in Springfield, Ill., we may here too experience the truth of the parable of the "leaven." For three years the station has had no missionary of its own. The two missionaries it had were found unfaithful and unfit. But under the faithful and self-denying service of Prof. J. Herzer of the theological seminary there, with the help of friendly assistants, the mission work nevertheless goes on its way, slow indeed but thriving, and as soon as means permit, a missionary of its own is to be appointed here again.

We have deliberately not given a detailed statistical presentation in this report. Figures rush past the ear and have value only in comparison with earlier figures. A detailed statistical report, however, will be added to the printed report. Above all we were concerned to set before our eyes the faithful work of our dear missionaries and the rich blessing God has laid upon it, and thereby to awaken in the Honorable Synodical Conference [*Synodalconferenz*] heartfelt thanks to God and a newer, more burning zeal and diligence in prayer and richer gifts for this blessed work of God. May the Shepherd and Bishop of his church, our highly praised Savior Jesus Christ, let the word be fulfilled in ever richer measure in this mission work also: "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened."

In the name and by commission of the Commission for the Negro Mission.

C. J. Otto Hanser.

In addition, the treasurer's report was before the convention, which we append as an appendix. At the wish of the convention the Negro missionaries present also delivered eloquent addresses on their work and experiences. After a special committee had then brought in proposals for the Negro Mission, the Synodical Conference resolved as follows:

1. to make the most earnest attempt to pay off the mission's debt, in the amount of $8700, within the next two years;

2. to approve heartily the opening of the four new stations: Dry's Schoolhouse, Southern Pines and Winston in North Carolina, and Mansura in Louisiana;

3. to grant the following sums for the four new posts: Winston $420; Dry's Schoolhouse $200; Southern Pines $400; Mansura $600;

4. to grant the further sum of $30,000 for the current expenses of the next two years.