Collection › LCMS Convention Proceedings (St. Louis, Missouri) › 1935 · 36th Convention, Cleveland › Page 288
LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1935, Page 288

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

Ev. Luth. Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and Other States. 1935. 288

707 applications were in force, and we distributed $305,505; in 1934
the applications numbered 767, but only $207,285 were disbursed, an
increase of applications of 8.5 per cent. over against a decrease in
distribution of 32 per cent. As a result we had to cut the allowances,
which never were “sufficient,” by 40 per cent., doubtless the severest
cut within Synod. Although many touching appeals came to us, our
veterans and widows submitted to this deplorable necessity with
Christian resignation. For details we refer to the report in the
Statistical Year-book.

Another difficulty arose, and still arises, from the unemployed
pastor and teacher who lost his call and income without fault of his
through the economic depression. Synod in 1932 decided that these
men should be referred to the Board of Relief, but it seems that
this problem presents unusual difficulties and should again receive
Synod’s attention.

The large family of our dependents is still growing. We received
eighty new applications every year and canceled about sixty-five.
Since the death of a pastor in Argentina we have beneficiaries in all
Districts and make our payments in United States and Canadian
dollars, marks, pounds, milreis, and pesos. Since our former treasurer,
Mr. C. H. Dehning, has discontinued his banking business, Mr. Seuel
was kind enough to function as our temporary treasurer. ©

We wish to take this opportunity to thank all pastors and mem-
bers of our congregations for the courtesies extended to our benefi-
ciaries living in their midst and to renew the urgent request in view
of the small gratuity which we are able to grant to assist them in
their necessities wherever possible.

Our District chairman and the solicitors of many pastoral and
teachers’ conferences have again cooperated with us in collecting
from the active men the annual voluntary contributions to our cause, |
although in certain sections a greater interest in this work is to be
desired.

We also received a number of annuity gifts, in the total amount
of $3,700. We regret that we are not better equipped to develop this
promising field.

Three years ago Synod adopted a recommendation to use the
Memorial Wreath for the benefit of the Support Fund in accord with
the original idea of the custom. May we again call the attention of
our friends to this request? We still offer appropriate cards gratis.

Respectfully submitted,
Tue Boarp or Support.
F. Geru. Kuennert. THEO. Dorrina.
C. H. Deunina. O. Kots, Sr.
Watrer J. Meyer.