# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1979_S52
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

52 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

“to remind congregations” between the words “presi-
dents” and “to” on line 64 (7B 157) was under considera-
tion. After brief discussion the delegates declined the
amendment and adopted Res. 9-07 (7B 157) as presented
by the committee.This resolution asked District Presi-
dents to see to it that church workers, in their first
placement, were provided with fair living conditions
and remuneration. By the adoption of Res. 9-08 (7B 158)
the delegates agreed to add the 75th anniversary of the
Texas District to the list of significant anniversaries to
be observed during the next biennium. By a rising vote
they also accepted Res. 9-09 (TB 158), thanking God for
lay people who have actively supported, protected, and
promoted the orthodox teachings of our church down
through the years. The report of the Commission of
Adjudication, which showed that the commission had
reviewed and disposed of all disputes and controversies
brought before it, was received with the adoption of Res.
9-10 (TB 158). This completed the work of the Floor
Committee on Special and Sundry Matters.

Registration and Credentials

The final report of the Floor Committee on Registra-
tions and Credentials was presented to the convention.
The report after audit showed a total registration of
1,727 persons in the following categories: voting pas-
tors, 558; voting laymen, 558; advisory pastors, 64;
advisory teachers, 140; official representatives, 312; ad
hoc committees, 6; youth, 43; special invited guests, 32;
convention committee, 8; Today’s Business, 6.

Point of Privilege

Responding to a point of privilege which was grant-
ed, a delegate made the motion to commend President
Preus for the manner in which the convention had been
handled. The delegates expressed their agreement with
a standing ovation.

Announcements

President Preus called on Dr. Norman Sell, Trea-
surer of the Synod, for several important announce
ments. In his brief report, Dr. Sell informed the dele-
gates that a number of conversations had been held
with Mr. Fred Rutz, a member of one of the congrega-
tions of the Synod, who had questioned the Synod’s
financial reports. The Treasurer stated that all matters
of concern had been dealt with and that he had been
authorized to state that the pending lawsuit instituted
by Mr. Rutz would be dropped. He also reported that a
contract had been entered into on a deferred-payment
basis for the sale of 16.58 acres of the Springfield
campus. A written report on this matter would be
prepared soon and would be presented to the Synod. Dr.
Sell expressed his particular thanks to Walter C ampbell
and Harold Olsen, who had been very helpful in work-
ing out the details of the contract. Of the Springfield

campus, 10 lots, 23 houses, a small church, a parking lot,
and land on which the Central Illinois District Office is
located, are still in the possession of the Synod.

Points of Privilege

A delegate asked that the hymn which had been
prepared on the theme of the convention to the setting of
“How Great Thou Art” be included in the new hymnal.
This request is to be referred to the Commission on
Worship. Responding to another point of privilege
which had been granted, a delegate called the attention
of the convention to Overture 5-25 (CW 161), which had
been declined as a substitute resolution earlier in the
convention. The overture called for the granting of the
vote to lay ministers. After brief discussion of the
motion for reconsideration, the delegates adopted a
resolution remanding the matter to the new Task Force
for further study.

Installation of Officers

Members of boards and commissions who had been
elected during the convention and who were present
were installed into office by President Preus.

Convention Closing

In his closing remarks President Preus stated that
not only does God open doors, He has opened them. He
reviewed the actions of the convention and expressed
his thanks to God and to all of the people who were
involved in preparations for the convention and in the
work during it which had made the convention a
success. He expressed his special thanks to the delegates
and his pleasure in having had the privilege of chairing
the present convention. The delegates were commended
to God as they returned to their homes and were
dismissed with the benediction. The convention was
then brought to a close, as it had been begun, in the
name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Walter Rosin, Assistant Secretary

The final gavel