# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1938_S257
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Publication Matters 257

No.4. That the liturgical part of the hymn-book receive special
consideration throughout.

No.5. That the Committee, before publishing the new hymn-
book, issue an advance copy of the text, with the tunes indicated,
- and give due consideration to all criticisms and suggestions received
within three months after the advance copy has been mailed to all
pastors and teachers of Synod.

No.6. That the Committee thereupon be empowered to order
the publishing of the new hymn-book.

Action of Synod: These recommendations were adopted.

Catechism Matters

Report on the English Translation of Luther’s Small Catechism
(Memorial 604; cf. Unprinted Memorial 35)

Within the synods of the Synodical Conference there are at
present in use three or more English translations of Luther’s Small
Catechism. As it was deemed advisable to have a uniform trans-
lation, committees were appointed to revise the Small Catechism
with this end in view.

In May, 1937, a preliminary draft was submitted to the pastors
and teachers of the Synodical Conference for examination and
criticism. A large number of suggestions were sent in, which were
at first carefully considered by the respective subcommittees of the
cooperating synods. Then, in a later meeting of the joint committee,
held at Thiensville, Wis., on March 21 and 22, the entire matter was
once more thoroughly discussed.

It is impossible to give in a brief report all the reasons for
each suggested change; but the Committee hopes that the present
form will find general favor and acceptance.

Members of the Committee
Norwegian Synod: John Moldstad.
Wisconsin Synod: Arnold Koelpin, William Sauer, August Zich.
Missouri Synod: Albert H. Miller, E. A. W. Koehler.
(Here follow in the report, as found on pp. 195-203 of Reports and
Memorials, the Six Chief Parts of Luther’s Catechism in the form recom-
mended by this committee.)

On this report and on Unprinted Overture 35 Committee 13
submitted the following resolution:

Your Committee begs leave to direct the attention of the con-
vention to the fact that Synod has not authorized a new translation
of Dr. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism in conjunction with the
other synods of the Synodical Conference.

17