Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1950, Page 31

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Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference of North America. 1950 31

for the Academy site. Only $1,000 indebtedness remains. Arrange-
ments have been made by the Lutheran Association for Higher
Education to pay this amount within the present year. The build-
ing has been occupied by twenty-seven boys during the past
school year.

The Milwaukee Convention of 1946 resolved: “That the Synod-
ical Conference add a two-year normal course to the existing
courses at Alabama Lutheran Academy.” Accordingly, one year
was added in September, 1947. Two students received teacher
training certificates at the end of the first year. In the year
1948—49 two students were again enrolled, and one completed the
year’s work. During the past school year, seven students completed
the work for a one-year certificate. It is now apparent that there
is urgent need to continue this course through two years, and
the second year should be added in September, 1950. This makes
necessary the calling of a professor who is qualified to teach the
subjects required for teacher training. Without properly trained,
consecrated teachers the Christian day school program will fall
short of accomplishing its purpose. We trust, therefore, that the
resolution of 1946 can soon be carried out.

It will be readily understood that our building facilities are
inadequate for our present and future needs. The dining room
is being used also for a library. Although our 1872 books have
been cataloged, the use of the library by the students under these
crowded conditions has not been satisfactory. Furthermore, ac-
creditation of our school cannot be expected with this arrange-
ment. Instilling in the students, by the Gospel, the desire for
the lifelong reading of the kind of books and literature that help
make Christian character is one of the purposes of our school.
Adequate space for a library is, therefore, a necessity.

Furthermore, we are much crowded for classroom space.
Through the past year it has been necessary to conduct classes
in the chapel, in the school office, in the matron’s office, and ‘in
the dining room. This we rejoice to do in gratitude for the in-
creased number of boys and girls entrusted to our care; however,
it is surely God pleasing now to “enlarge the place of our tent...
lengthen the cords and strengthen the stakes,” Is. 54:2, Proper
steps are being taken by the Missionary Board to meet the need
for another building for library, classroom, and administration
purposes.

In order properly to govern and direct this institution, the
Missionary Board has wisely formed and established our Board
of Control.. The Rev. Wm. G. Kennell is chairman of this board,
which has interracial representation. The Rev. A. Dominick, for-'
merly an instructor in the Academy, is the secretary. The board
meets four times during the year for hearing reports and taking
action on vital matters that concern the control of the institution.
The board is directly responsible to the Missionary Board for its
existence and powers. -

Mission Expansion

We in Alabama desire to give thanks from the depths of our
hearts for the mission funds raised by the congregations of the
Synodical Conference and sent to us for the work of the Kingdom.
Without this help we could not have carried on, for we are very
much isolated here in the deep South. Our neighboring Lutheran