LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1973, Page 19

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MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

Opening Service

The opening service of the 50th regular convention
of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod was held on
Friday, July 6, 1973, at 7:30 p.m., in the Rivergate, New
Orleans, La. Rev. Guido Merkens, Fourth Vice-Presi-
dent of the Synod delivered the sermon on the basis
of Psalm 100. Also officiating were Rev. John Eliermann
and Rev. H. William Lieske. Anthems were sung by the
choir of the Selma, Ala., institution.

Session 1
July 7, Morning
Opening

The opening devotion of the 50th synodical con-
vention was held at the Rivergate in New Orleans, La.,
July 7 at 8 a.m. The presidential address was based
on Jer.1:4ff. Dr. Preus reflected on the origin, mis-
sion, and destiny of The Lutheran Church — Missouri
Synod and urged the delegates of the convention to
move forward in faith, unity, and love for each other
centered around the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

After calling on the chairman of the Credentials
Committee who reported 484 voting pastoral delegates
present and 456 voting lay delegates for a total of 940
as of the previous evening, Dr. Preus declared a quorum
present for conducting business.

Gerhardt Kramer, a native and former citizen of New
Orleans, representing the Concordia Historical Institute,
presented a historic gavel to the President of the
Synod to be used in this convention. This gavel was
used by former presidents Pfotenhauer, Behnken,
Harms, and by Dr. Preus at the convention in Milwau-
kee. The gavel is made from a beam from the log
cabin in Perry County and contains carvings which rep-
resent the history and position of the Synod.

Using this gavel Dr. Preus declared the 50th con-
vention in session in the name of the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit.

Welcome

President John Ellermann of the Southern District
was introduced to the convention to welcome the dele-

The Selma choir

19

gates on behalf of the District. In his remarks he re-
ferred to the Southern District as one of the two fastest
growing Districts of the Synod, and expressed the hope
that the convention would present a positive Christian
witness to the Southland through the actions of loving,
reconciling, and forgiving of each other as brothers.
He also took the opportunity to introduce the Conven-
tion Arrangements Committee to the delegates. Mr.
Harry Barr responded to these words of welcome on
behalf of the delegates thanking the Southern District
for its hospitality.
Presentation

Prior to the beginning of his report the President
introduced Pastor and Mrs. David Jeske of Blue Hill,
Nebr., who presented the Synod’s seal made in needle-
point from a kit designed by Mrs. Jeske for the 125th
anniversary of the Synod.

President’s Report

In his report to the delegates Dr. Preus stated that
if an immigrant who had arrived in this country in 1839
were to see the growth and development of the Synod
today he would find it difficult to believe. The only ap-
propriate response which can be made to this blessing
from God is the theme of this convention, “Ever, Only,
All for Thee.” It is important to see the Synod pano-
ramically, and it is the duty of the President to help the
delegates achieve this view.

Viewing the total Synod Dr. Preus noted seven ma-

jor aspects which describe it and its work for the future.

a. The Synod is a body committed to evangelism
and missions. While missions are growing at a
rate of 10% annually the Synod in 1972 for the
first time joined other mainline churches in sus-
taining a total membership loss. The work of
evangelism must be increased with top priority
being given to this aspect of the church’s life.

b. The Synod is a body dedicated to Christian edu-
cation. This aspect of its work needs to be kept
alive and upgraded, a fact which will require dif-
ficult decisions on the part of the Board for Higher
Education as it seeks better utilization of available
manpower.

c. The Synod is a body active in social ministry.
Progress has been made in combating racism and
in continued compassionate concern for people.
Many moral and ethical questions will be con-
fronting the delegates during the convention.

d. The church is a body involved in responsible ecu-
menism. Conversations have continued with the
ALC, LCA, LCUSA, with more dialog being car-
ried on today than ever before. There is increased
involvement not only on a denominational but
also on a local level. The Synod, however, must
articulate its stance toward other church bodies.

e. The Synod is a body which has been generous
with its financial support. Dr. Preus indicated