The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1918, Page 68

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The Lutheran Pioneer.

He made a short talk on the work in the camp, and
impressed upon us the importance of instructing our
boys who go to the different camps to look up the
respective camp pastors.

Prof. Berg again received permission to address
the Conference, and among other things he informed
us that our efficient treasurer, Mr. Ewald Schuett-
ner, on account of his many other duties, found it
necessary to resign from this office. Conference
resolved to thank Mr. Schuetiner for his past
‘services.

Pastor Lutz, in charge of a Lutheran congre-
gation in Charlotte, made some encouraging remarks
concerning the work of the Lutheran Church among
the Negroes. We were glad to hear this, coming
from one who knows the Negro’s needs, and who had
occasion to observe our work.

At this time Prof. Berg, who had organized the
first Colored Lutheran congregation in Little Rock,
Ark., forty. years ago, reminded us that our Negro
Mission is now forty years old, and also related some
interesting things about the members and the con-
gregation at Little Rock. Conference passed a num-
ber of resolutions in view of the fact that God has
permitted us to enjoy His blessings in our work.
These are the resolutions:

“Since we can look back upon a period of forty
years of Lutheran mission-work -among the people
of our race, be it therefore

“Resolved, first, that we with grateful hearts
review the great blessings God has bestowed upon

us, and thank Him for the great Christian courage

and fortitude with which He has endowed our
laborers; =
- “Secondly, That we fervently pray the Lord of

‘the Church for further guidance and blessing, and,

especially, for a greater number of workers in the
harvest; ' -

“Thirdly, That we herewith express our grateful
appreciation to the vast number of liberal Christians
who in the past have made this work possible;

“Fourthly, ‘That we extend our heartfelt thanks

‘to the several Mission Boards, past and present, who

have unselfishly given of their time and labor that
the affairs of this work might be advantageously

prosecuted. .
“Rev. CO. Strout.

“Rev. J. McDavip.
“Rey. W. G. ScHwEHN.”

Conference paused for a moment to congratulate

_. Prof. Berg on the occasion of his fortieth anniversary
‘in the ministry, and passed some fitting resolutions.

Prof. Berg responded as well as he could, being,

i.

moved greatly, for he had hoped that this occasion ~

would go by unnoticed, and urged Conference to
give God all praise for having permitted him to
labor in His kingdom for these many years. Con-
ference passed the following resolutions:

“Since the Ven. Prof. IF. Berg, the president of
our Immanuel College at Greensboro, is permitted
to look back on a blessed ministry of forty. years in
the Lord’s vineyard, and has been and is now again
engaged in our Colored Lutheran Church, and we
feel that we cannot permit this extraordinary occa-
sion to pass by totally unnoticed, be it therefore

“Resolved, first, That we thank Almighty God
for thus bountifully blessing this His faithful
servant.

“Secondly, ‘That we invoke the Lord’s further
bestowal of grace upon him and his work, and that
He may grant him continued years of activity.

“Thirdly, That we congratulate him upon all
these unusual favors at the hand of God.

“Fourthly, That a copy of these resolutions be
given to Prof, Berg and spread upon the records of
Immanuel Conference.

“Rey. W. G. SCHWEHN.
“Rev. C. STOLL.
“Rev. J. MoDavip.”

Sunday, the last day of Conference, was graced
with three well-attended services. In the morning
Pastor Schwehn, of Concord, based his sermon on
the first portion of the Gospel-lesson for the Tenth

Sunday after Trinity, taking as his subject, “Wasted /

Spiritual Opportunities.” Pastor McDavid preached
the confessional sermon, after which Holy Com-
munion was celebrated. About 150 guests partook
of this blessed Supper to their faith’s strengthening.

In the afternoon Conference celebrated Prof.
Berg’s fortieth anniversary. It was a complete sur-
prise to the venerable brother. Pastor McDavid
occupied the pulpit and based his remarks on
Deut. 8, 2. ;

After this service a resolution was passed that

Conference would in the course of the next year .

placesrinornia

raise.$1,000 as a memorial fund. In this service }

the fund was started with $100. In the night ser- d
vice the Rey. Frank Alston. preached a very in-.
structive sermon on the introduction to the Lord’s -

Prayer. Thereupon Mr. J. Doswell, delegate from

our congregation in Meherrin, Va., thanked St —
Paul’s congregation in the name of Conference for ~

the hospitality and kindness showered upon the
visiting pastors and delegates.