LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1969, Page 23

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION 23

asked the Commission on Theology and Church Rela-
tions to develop and expand the Exchange Study Pro-
gram (TB 73, 2-11).

Stewardship and Finance; Retirement and Benefits

Rev. Ellis Nieting presented the report of Commit-
tee 12. The Synod accepted the report of the Treasurer
and expressed appreciation for the work of the staff
of the Treasurer’s office and especially for the work of
Dr. Milton Carpenter (TB 82—83, 12-02). It accepted
financial exhibits and schedules and expressed thanks
for the Uniform Accounting System (TB 83, 12-03).

Rev. A. Lorenz Grumm, Executive Secretary of
Stewardship, was presented to the convention. He ad-
dressed the convention briefly. Thereupon the Synod
accepted the report of the Board of Stewardship, Mis-
sion Education, and Promotion with gratitude for the
work of the staff (TB 84, 12-04).

The recommendation of the committee to launch
a “Soul-Saving-Seventies” effort was debated at some
length. The phrase ‘“Soul-Saving-Seventies” was
changed to “Soul-Winning-Seventies” with the consent
of the committee. Resolution 12-05 (TB 84-85) was
recommitted.

Higher Education

Dr. E. C. Weber, chairman of Committee 6, gave
the report of the committee. The Synod commended
the staff of the Board for Higher Education (TB 98,
6-01). It expressed its appreciation for donors of special
gifts to Concordia College, Portland (TB 98, 6-02),
Concordia College, St.Paul (TB 99, 6-03), and Con-
cordia Teachers College, Seward, Nebr. (TB 99, 6-04).

A resolution to convey discretionary authority to
consolidate colleges to several boards of the Synod (TB
100, 6-05) brought about considerable discussion, and
time ran out before action was taken.

Question of Privilege

A delegate on a question of privilege made a motion
that open campaigning be allowed and that public
information be given about candidates. A motion to
extend the time of this session was lost.

Announcements

Secretary Mueller announced that Mayor Lindsay
of New York had sent a greeting and an invitation to
the Synod to hold a future convention in New York.
Greetings were also received from the Girl Scouts of
America.

Closing
Dr. W. Harry Krieger held the closing devotion,
basing his message on Acts 20:32.

Session 4

. July 14, Morning
Opening

The presession choral Eucharist was held with Rev.
H. F. Lindemann as officiant; he was assisted by seven
fellow clergymen. The opening devotion at 8:30 a.m.

was led by the Rev. Dr. Theo. F. Nickel. He based his
message on Jeremiah 15:16 with the theme “Joy in the
Word.”

The convention was called to order by President
Harms. The minutes for the second and third sessions
were approved.

Essay

Dr. Harms introduced the Rev. Prof. Richard Caem-
merer, the essayist for the convention. Dr. Caemmerer
said that the Word that builds the church is Jesus
Christ. The Word is inspired; it is the Word of God,
God’s own action through Christ Jesus. He made the
world through it. The Word became flesh. The church
must learn what the Bible has to say about Jesus, for
it makes men wise unto salvation. As the people of
God who are witnesses of the Word, it affirms that Jesus
is God’s Word to the world.

Elections and Procedures

Chairman Bruns of the Committee on Elections re-
ported that 906 votes were cast on the nominating ballot
for First Vice-President of the Synod; 30 of these were
void. The 876 ballots were divided among 62 nominees.
The first five men were Victor L. Behnken, Theo. F.
Nickel, Paul Streufert, E. C. Weber, Roland Wieder-
aenders.

In reply to a question the chairman of the committee
stated that the Board for Higher Education and its
advisory members were invited to the meeting of the
electoral college for Boards of Control.

In reply to another question the chairman stated that
biographical sketches of the vice-presidential candidates
could not be given.

Dr. Harms introduced Dr. E. J. Friedrich.

The time assigned to Committee 12 on the agenda
will have to be made up some other time.

The chairman stated that the motion made at the
end of Session 3 under a question of personal privilege
is ruled out of order and that this matter is presented
to Committee 4.

On a question of privilege it was moved and then
resolved that the program of each session be adopted
by the assembly.

Dr. J. A. O. Preus

The President-elect, the Rev. Dr. J. A. O. Preus, was
presented by President Harms for a statement. Dr. Preus
stated that he believes that God has called him to the
office of President of the Synod and that he has no
choice but to accept and asked God to give him
strength to carry out his responsibilities.

Young People’s Work

Rev. H. F. Neunaber presented the report of Com-
mittee 8. He introduced Mr. Ben Eggers, Executive Sec-
retary of the Board for Young People’s Work, Rev. Mar-
tin Steyer, and Mr. Dean Dammann.

Six young people, District representatives, then made
individual presentations of the report of young people’s
work. They were: Margaret Fuchssteiner, Northern