# The Lutheran Pioneer_St. Louis_1923_S58 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) " the city. ‘we owe'to the Holy Spirit. 58 Luther Conference. Luther Conference convened in Trinity Chapel, New Orleans, May 9—13, inclusive. The Rev. W. Tervalon, of Mansura, La., failed to answer to the roll-call owing to the illness of many members of his congregation. Trinity Chapel is situated in the lower part of Prof. A. Wiley, now teacher in the Beth- lehem School; was pastor at Trinity until ill-health forced him to resign his charge. The Rey. E. H. Wildgrube, of St. Paul’s Chapel, is in charge of Trinity at present. Wednesday night the initial service was held. The Rev. C. P. Thompson, of Napoleonville, La., delivered a very interesting mission-sermon on Trinity Chapel, New Orleans. Where Luther Conference met this year. John 20, 21: “As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.” It was truly an edifying sermon. Thursday morning, Prof. H. Meibohm, our chairman, exhorted the members of the conference not to be deceived by what may be termed “our success” in the Lord’s vineyard, nor to despair be- cause of what may seem “lack of success.” What- ever success we may boast of, the speaker showed, He will bless our humble efforts in His own time and in His own way. ‘I'he speaker’s remarks were based on Eph. 5, 18. Dt. H. Nau, of Luther College, next read a very instructive paper on “Predestination.” ‘The dis- cussion of this paper consumed a part of the three morning sessions of conference. ‘This splendid essay drew out much discussion and was well _ received. Thursday afternoon was devoted exclusively to business pertaining to Iuther College and our _ Parochial schools. ‘To increase the efficiency of + - \ The Lutheran Pioneer. Luther College, it is planned to drop the seventh grade from the college program, which procedure would automatically add the seventh grade to our parochial schools. length. Thursday night the Rev. G. M. Kramer, of Beth- lehem Chapel, led the discussion on “Christian Burial.” ‘There was not a dull paragraph in this paper. Of the many valuable suggestions offered on this subject, the essayist stressed especially the folly of Christians in going to unnecessary and un- reasonable expense at the death of their loved ones. The intermingling of grief with extravagance was shown to be very unwise, to say the least. This essay, concluded Friday night, was decidedly in- teresting and was well received. Friday afternoon a diseussion was entered upon which was of great importance to our lady teachers. The activity of our lady teachers is, generally, en- Their work speaks for itself. Hence, This plan was discussed at couraging. . whatever encouragement can be given these workers * in the Lord’s vineyard should not be denied them. We want efficiency — efficient workers — and schools that are second to none. It is from our schools that our congregations are largely fed. Whatever prog- ress, therefore, is made in our Christian schools is also progress in the upbuilding of the kingdom of Christ here upon earth. This, primarily, is the end and aim of the Christian school. Should we hes- itate, then, in using any legitimate means of keep- ing alive the interest of our workers, in this blessed cause? God forbid! God furthermore grant that we never forget the fact that the greatest compen- sation a Christian can receive for his humble efforts in the Lord’s service here upon earth lies in the _ honor of being permitted to do the Lord’s work. Friday night questions put by the laity were drawn from our “Question Box.” Came again — the lodge-question! “Should a Christian join a lodge, or secret socicty?” Conference chose Prof. H. Meibohm to answer this question and to show | that the lodge is a Christless association. ‘This was ably and easily done. A Christian should blush with shame to enter any organization that slams its doors in the face of Jesus Christ. Sunday night, May 13, conference came to a close with a stirring sermon on John 1, 35—43 by the Rev. W. Beck, of Mount Zion Chapel. His theme was, “How Souls are Won for Christ.” ‘This was the featuro service of conference, and the Rev. Beck did justice to the occasion. A very large audience listened attentively to the able sermon.