LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1983, Page 76

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76 PARISH, YOUTH, AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES

Special Projects

The Institute’s total work is multifaceted. This is what
makes it such a fascinating and interesting place. Here are
some projects of special interest:

A. Microfilm and Photoduplication

The International Lutheran Laymen’s League has very
uniquely supported the Institute's microfilm and photoduplica-
tion acquisition program for almost 29 years. The Institute
uses these funds to acquire microfilm, microfiche, and photo-
copy resources which are no longer available in their original
forms. Thus the great collections that have been accumulated
on film and fiche, which have now grown to a total of 163,329
feet, supplement our manuscripts and printed resources.
During the past biennium we added 7,237 feet of film. Indexes,
both on cards and in printed form, are available on the entire
collection, providing easy access to all the collections. The first
Index and Bibliography was published in 1966 and the second
in 1978. A third will be produced shortly, so that each report
will consist of about 10 years of resource acquisitions. We are
most grateful to the LLL for its continued support.

B. Publications

The Institute continues to produce four different types of
publications, each geared to special users. The Concordia
Historical Institute Quarterly, which has just begun its 56th
volume, continues as the only journal published in the world
devoted to the history of Lutheranism in America. Dr. Hilton C.
Oswald continues to serve most capably as its editor since
1976. The historical information found in the back pages of the
Quarterly alone constitute gem stones of enormous value.

In addition, the Institute also publishes its mimeographed
Historical Footnotes for its members and subscribers, convey-
ing tidbits of Institute news, Lutheran history, and archives
services. A third publication is the Regional Archivist, which
offers practical helps to District and parish archivists. Since
1945 the Institute has also published its Archives and
History—the papers and essays presented at the Institute’s
biennial conferences on archives and history. The report of the
last conference, the 16th (1981) will be available shortly. The
17th such Conference is planned for Nov. 9—11, 1983. These
conferences constitute a most unique experience for many
individuals who serve their parish or church organization as
part-time archivists.

C. Historic Properties

The Institute has the great fortune to own and operate two
valuable historic properties. The first is the Saxon Lutheran
Memorial in Frohna, Mo., a pioneer farm site once owned by
one of the original Saxon Lutheran immigrants. It also has the
distinction of having served as a parish school and residence
for a bachelor pastor. The log cabin home, ancient barn and
other out-buildings are recorded on the National Register of
Historic Places. The memorial is operated entirely through
voluntary gifts and contributions. The cocurators, Dr. and Mrs.
Martin F. Luebke, render outstanding work in publicizing the
memorial and revitalizing its rolein the community. A series of
‘Fall Festivals,” which they have inaugurated, have developed
a new appreciation for the arts and crafts practiced by the
pioneers.

The second historic property, known as the “Hill of Peace,”
is located just outside of Perryville, Mo. It consists of a historic
church building and parish hall of the former Peace Lutheran
Church of Friedenberg. The original settlers at the Hill of
Peace were Bavarians who immigrated there in the summer of
1838. The Hill of Peace was dedicated to the service of our Lord
as an historic site in a moving service on May 31, 1981. Dr.
Robert C. Sauer, First Vice-President of the Synod, delivered
the festival sermon. Annual reunion services at the church
have been initiated. Facilities are also available to groups
looking for retreats, family reunions, tours, and camping. As
additional funds become available, the five-acre tract and
buildings will include more detailed interpretive displays
describing the role of the rural church in America.

D. Awards

Our annual awards program seeks to encourage and
recognize significant contributions by groups and individuals
to the work of Lutheran history and archives in America on
various levels. We have issued a series of awards of commenda-
tion for monographs, journal articles, congregational histories,
family histories, and historic preservation. In addition, the
Institute also gives its highest award, the Distinguished
Service Award to individuals whose contributions have been of
the highest and most exemplary quality. In 1981 this award
was granted posthumously to Dr. Roy A. Suelflow, missionary
pioneer, college and seminary professor, and author. No more
than two such awards may be granted per year, and the
Institute did not confer any in 1982.

Members of the Synod are invited to nominate individuals,
congregations, and organizations for their work in Lutheran
historical and archival activities. Categories in which awards
can be granted are books and monographs, unique projects,
special contributions to historic preservation, nonliterary
contributions such as audiovisual and media productions,
family history, genealogy, and popular literature—all contri-
buting to a better understanding of our Lutheran history,
heritage, and archives.

Board of Governors and Staff

The Handbook directs that the Board of Governors, consist-
ing of 11 members of whom the Secretary of the Synod is one,
serve as the governing board. Five members are appointed by
the President of the Synod, and five are elected by the Insitute’s
membership. The Institute has been extremely fortunate in
having the following serve during the past biennium: Harry L.
Smith, president; Harold A. Olsen, vice-president; Gerald F.
Birkmann, secretary; and Joyce Sauer, treasurer. Other
members of the board are Victor H. Hoemann, William A.
Kramer, Alvin W. Mueller, Herbert Mueller, Robert W. Selle,
Car] J. Stapf, and John C. Zimmermann.

After 20 years of service the former president, Dr. Gerhardt
Kramer, was not eligible to succeed himself in office. He had
served the board with distinction, first as vice-president and
the last twelve years as president. The board adopted a special
resolution of gratitude for Dr. Kramer’s outstanding services.

The Institute director, Dr. August R. Suelflow, completed 35
years of service to the Synod on Jan. 31 this year, and has
popularly been acclaimed the “Dean of American Church
Archivists.”” The Distinguished Service Award was granted
him by the Lutheran Historical Conference, which cited him
for years of service as leader in the field of Lutheran history
and archives.

The Institute engaged Rev. Kurt A. T. Bodling, a 1980
graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, as its reference and
research assistant in 1981. Although he officially began his
services on June 1, he was installed on Nov. 12, 1981, by Rev.
Walter Strickert, a Vice-President of the Missouri District. Dr.
Robert C. Sauer, First Vice-President of the Synod, delivered
the sermon.

The Institute currently is involved in taking preliminary
steps toward filling the position of archivist-librarian, which
has been vacant since February 1981. Other staff members
include an administrative secretary, two office secretaries, a
financial secretary, a coordinator of reference services, a
coordinator of collections services, and a receptionist. Fourteen
part-time seminary students assist in specialized functions.

The Institute also is most grateful for the assistance and
help rendered in special programs through its committees on
awards, education, ethnic work, studies and resources, parish
records, promotion, and art and symbolism.

Anniversaries Recommended for Observance

It has been customary for the Institute, because of the
responsibilities assigned to it, to recommend the observance of
forthcoming anniversaries. Those of Synodwide interest for
the next triennium—1984, 1985, 1986—are

1984

—600th anniversary of the death of John Wycliffe (Dec. 31,
1384)