# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1941_S123
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

Report of Board for Higher Education 121

this course will be more attractive than the regular Preparatory
School-St. Louis Seminary arrangement. Such a condition would
raise a serious problem.

d) In any consideration of this problem it is necessary for
Synod to remember that our Preparatory School-St. Louis Sem-
inary system of ministerial training can supply sufficient candidates
for our present needs. In other words, the basic and original
purpose of Springfield no longer exists.

e) It becomes necessary for us to call-the attention of Synod
to the fact that under the arrangement requested by the Spring-
field authorities Synod would have two theological seminaries
on the same academic level. It is our considered opinion that this
is not necessary for Snyod’s educational needs. Until now the
two institutions have been complementary. The implications of
this fundamental change in the relation of the two schools should
be thoroughly considered by Synod. ;

f) Careful investigation has revealed the fact that the type of
students now being admitted to Concordia Seminary, Springfield,
is academically equipped to enter the upper classes at our pre-
paratory schools. In the future, as in the immediate past, high-
school graduates can well be accommodated at our preparatory
schools with a year or two of remedial work. The differences
between the work offered at Springfield and in the upper classes
of our preparatory schools are rapidly disappearing. By the force
of educational change Springfield no longer occupies a unique posi-
tion in our educational system.

On the basis of these considerations your Board for Higher
Education respectfully requests Synod to consider the entire
situation earnestly. The following questions require thorough
consideration:

1. Does Synod favor a change in the purpose and character
of the Springfield Seminary?

2. Does Synod desire the ultimate introduction of a senior
college at Springfield?

3. Does Synod desire a second theological Seminary paralleling
or even exceeding the length and scope of the course at Concordia
Seminary, St. Louis?

4. Does Synod wish to introduce into its system a new type
of institution for ministerial training which will present definite
academic and financial problems?

5. Does Synod wish to encourage a type of institution in
‘Springfield which may in time prove more attractive to prospective
ministerial students than the present Preparatory School-St. Louis
Seminary arrangement?

6. In view of the implications of the entire situation as well