# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1941_S212
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

912 Reports and Action on Various Mission-Fields

It seems at this time that we shall be able to use the buildings
staffed by the United Service Organizations. If this proves to be
a satisfactory arrangement much money will be saved.

We have had to rent larger office space in Chicago. “At this
time there are in the office, in addition to the Executive Secretary,
ten persons, and a few others who do part-time work.

The vacancy on the Commission caused by the death of Pastor
Mensing has been filled by the appointment of Pastor O. E. Sohn
of Flint, Mich. Two laymen have also been appointed members of
the Commission, namely, Mr. Theo. Schlake and Mr. O. C. Rentner,
both from Chicago.

Reports indicate that the special collection for Army and Navy
work has been given wide-spread support. 81 per cent. of our
congregations ordered material; 430,000 copies of the special Service
number of the Lutheran Witness were printed; 650,000 collection
envelopes were ordered. The members of Synod may rest assured
that this money will be spent with a keen sense of stewardship.

The Commission has not been able thus far to make any
arrangement with the brethren of the Wisconsin Synod whereby
they would cooperate with us. It seems as if the officials of that
Synod can do nothing in this matter until they meet in con-
vention in August.

As a matter of record we are herewith bringing to your
attention our “Articles of Agreement” with the National Lutheran
Council. In National Lutheran Council circles an importance has
been attached to this agreement which is not warranted. The
agreement has been made in recognition of the positions, rights,
and doctrinal differences of each of the parties to the agreement.
With this agreement we hope to avoid duplication of effort and
waste of funds. These “Articles of Agreement” were published
in the Lutheran Witness, dated May 13, 1941, and read thus:

A. That it be the general policy that only one Lutheran Center
be built wherever necessary.

B. That the administrative committee of the Service Men’s
Division of the National Lutheran Council and the Army and
Navy Commission of the Missouri Synod determine in consultation
with each other, in the vicinity of which camp the one or the other
group will build and maintain a Lutheran Center, in order to
avoid duplication.

C. That in all cases where the one group establishes a Center,
the other group will contribute an agreed sum toward the main-
tenance of the Center.

D. That the Army and Navy Commission of the Missouri Synod
and the Service Men’s Division of the National Lutheran Council
instruct directors and staff members in charge ‘of Lutheran