Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1954, Page 113

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Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference of North America, 1954 1138

as missionary at large, who will strive to open up missions in cities
like Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Establishing Lutheran mis-
sions in these cities will entail quite a capital investment; how-
ever, we dare not hesitate much longer, since we have a Lutheran
nucleus in each city.

There are other promising fields open for the establishment
of missions in other States of the Union. In Georgia we have the
city of Savannah; in Illinois there are Negro communities where
missions should be established; in New York, particularly in the
city of New York with its teeming multitudes, new stations should
be established. It is true, Districts of the various constituent
Synods of the Conference that have taken over supervision are
making plans for bringing the Gospel to the Negro communities
in their own midst; however, many of these Districts will need
help, and the Synodical Conference has already received appeals
from such Districts for funds to expand the work.

Special Survey Committee

In 1952 the Missionary Board suggested to the Synodical Con-
ference “that a thorough study be made of the entire church and
school setup of the important Alabama Field.” In this special
survey the Board also included the Gulf Coast and Southern Field
in order to obtain a clearer picture of the Deep South and thus
enable the Board to apply the funds allocated more judiciously.
' A special committee made a thorough investigation of our setup
in the South and offered recommendations to the Missionary Board.
Contacts were made with pastoral conferences in the South, and
the suggestions offered were studied in detail. Changes were in-
augurated on the basis of the recommendations presented by the
committee. A number of churches were merged into one parish;
certain schools were discontinued, and new schools were opened;
new urban centers were selected for the establishment of con-
gregations.

Regional Mission Committee

A regional mission committee was organized during the past
biennium in the Alabama Field. This committee consists of white
and Negro pastors and laymen. The new committee will give care-
ful study to the present needs of the field, its present setup, and
its future development. The Missionary Board will establish such
a regional committee also for the Louisiana field. These regional
committees will work in close co-operation with the Missionary
Board and under its direction.

Colleges

It will not be necessary to elaborate on our two institutions
at Selma and Greensboro, since a detailed report is presented by
the chairman of the local Board of each college; however, we can-

and vital for the training of future ministers and Christian day
school teachers. Our enrollment, particularly at Greensboro, must
be increased if we are to be of service to the church at large. The