Printer Friendly VersionFull Transcript for the Short abstract from the reports of the synod of the Lutheran ministerium, held in the state North Carolina. In the Year of our Lord 1817.
Compiled by: Linn Baumgardt April 2011
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Short abstract from the reports of the synod of the Lutheran ministerium, held in the state North Carolina. In the Year of our Lord 1817.
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New-Market
Shenandoah County, Virginia
Printed in S. Henkel Print shop.
-1818.-
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Reports
On October 19th, which is the 3rd Sunday, preacher, candidates and assemblymen of the Lutheran community from North Carolina and bordering counties, assembled to the pilgrim church, in Rowan County.
On Saturday before there were sermons for the preparations of the Last Supper. Mr. Storch preached about Joh. 5, 48 and candidate Daniel Scherer about Luc. 15, 2, 1. Today the first mentioned preached about Mat. 6, 38, Mr. Philipp Zenkel about Joh. 15, 14 and candidate Joseph S. Bell , later in the English language.
After the last supper was held with only a few of the crowded number of listeners, the service was concluded.
Monday. The 20th, at 9o’clock,
Assembled the preachers and assemblymen in aforementioned church and synod was started by respected Mr. Praefes with singing “Lord Jesus Christ you turn to us” praying and cordial address.
Present Preachers were: The honorable Carl August Storch, Gottlieb Schober
Robert Johnson Miller, Jacob Scherer
Philipp Henkel.
Candidates:
Daniel Moser, David Henkel
Eatecheten:
Jacob Krieson, Daniel Walcher,
Martin Walther, Jacob Miller,
Joseph E. Bell, Daniel Scherer,
Michael McMadin
Assemblymen:
Mr. Kristler, Peter Lapp, Johannes Bed, Christian Helmstaetter – all from different congregations from Rowan County
Martin Herche – from Trebill County
Heinrich Holder
Johannes Noll – Stotes County
Heinrich Krant – Virginia
Reg
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Regarding the choice of officers, Mr. Storch as president and G. Schober as secretary were elected.
- The Secretary was given a report, which had been prepared in English language for the last synod, it entails reports of the reformation narrative, the spreading of our church, the orders of the same, the rules of our branch, as well as the augburgish confession and other stories of the Lutheran writings, regarding lessons and characters.
A committee consisting of R. Johnson Miler, Philipp Henkel and Joseph E. Bell was ordered to examine the same, and report about it.
- Regarding the report of last year’s protocols, one can refer to many connections, which are decided on in other reports, to give small Christian congregations gratis support. And since they help all over the place, it was decided, that all preachers were encouraged to do the same in their congregations and to report the same at the next synod, and the received money should be used and dispersed in that time for such good deeds which places present Christianity in the best light.
- All Preachers were asked again to create Sunday schools in their congregations with help of their principal.
- After the suggestion was made, it was decided, that, if a question cannot be decided on, it will be deferred to the next Synod . The preachers who mentioned the question and who cannot attend the next Synod, may send their decision which will be accounted vor during the decision making.
Following donations were given:
From 3 congregations in Stotes County $11 12 1/2
From Guilford County 7 15
From a few new congregations in Tennessee 22 45
From Botetourt and Montgomery County, Virg. 5 98
From David Henkel 1 00
47 70 ½
- The gentlemen Kistler and Johannes Noll were asked to check the treasurers bill – they report the next day that he had $ 182 and 32 ½ Cents and that the bill
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Bill is accurate. – G. Schober was elected as treasurer again.
- The honorable Mister Miller reported that, as ordered, he went to South Carolina, where he inaugurated a church and baptized some children – but otherwise nothing uplifting.
He made his request for compensation for his travels.
- Following Reports were handed in:
Baptized Children Adults confirmed buried
Gefr. Carl U. Storch 165 = 62 6
= R. T. Miller, 191 17 57 =
=Philipp Henkel, 83 9 50 =
=G. Schober, 48 one Sunday school = 9 =
=Jacob Scherer 87 four do. 1 59 17
=L. Markert, 27 = = =
Candi. Peter Schmucker, 127 11 90 =
=David Henkel, 169 20 88 15
=Daniel Moser 81 5 27 16
Catchet Daniel Scherer, 65 4 = =
=Jacob Krieson, 8 = = 8
=Jacob Miller, 9 = = =
- A letter from our colleague the honorable mister Marsert. From the state of Indiana, in which he reports about the dispersed location of the congregations and in which he excuses his absence, his report was listened to with interest, and he was gladly excused. – He is so far the only preacher of our church in the named state. The Germans come there form all areas and disperse everywhere for the good land. Until the land is paid off, a preacher does not have a lot to hope for, and has to earn his bread with the plough, and still, people want to be preached to and have the sacraments taken care off – in addition, the enemies of child baptism are strong and try, partially with success, to stop the same. – Here we wish to be in the position to pay good salary to such competent man. – But we have few understanding hearts among the thousands of our members, of which the Lord has blessed so many, that, if they wanted, they could soon get us in the position to open schools for the education of missionaries and to have those grow, such as the Presbyterian church does it, but it receives six thousand dollars voluntary donations , and uses those as well as other mission funds just for that purpose.
We really only have very small power –
- The
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The candidates Peter Schmucker and Catechet Rothe were excused for their absence.
The day was concluded with singing and prayer.
At 12 o’clock catechist Daniel Walcher preached.
Tuesday the 21st of October
One came together at nine o’clock again. And after the song “with your merciful hand, you God guide us,” and prayer the business continued.
- First, Mister Storch reported that in his congregation a man named Menger married the daughter of his wife’s first man, after her death. – Before his wife died, he had been a full member of our church. He and his step daughter lead a normal life otherwise, but were denied to participate in the Last Supper since they have been living as husband as wife: they now wish to become part of the church again. The Synod was asked to make a decision, - and the decision: that as long the mentioned husband and wife stay in the present connection, they do not belong to our church – because, even though it happened unknowingly, it is absolutely against Gods word. And the preacher or our church may not allow them to join the Last Supper.
- After request, it was allowed that marriages of our church-children would they happen on a Sunday, would be publicly in the church. And, if people that do not go to our church ask to be married, it is free for the preacher to decide how and where.
- No one can stay a preacher of our church, who knowingly marries a young couple, which happens against the parents will and with kidnapping of the bride. – Except if the laws of the state require him to do so.
- The question: Should the Rule and Law of our church, which says that our candidates are allowed to hold the sacraments, stay intact or not. It was decided after some discussion: that the rule and old law should be kept. – How everybody voted, will be printed due to the request of Mister Philipp Henkel: For keeping it, Mister Storch, Philipp Henkel, G. Schober, Jacob Scherer and Paulus Henkel, (last one in absence, see 4) Against R.T.Miller
Following
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Following petitions were read:
No.1 From Botetourt County, Virg, in which was asked, that the present Martin Walther (who had once before received authority from the Pennsylvanian ministerial catechist) would be sent to them as preacher.
Decided, that the Catechist would receive authority until the next Synod, if the President of the Pennsylvanian ministerium had nothing against it. And that he would start is duty in the previously named and Montgomery County. – Mister Jacob Scherer will go there once and hold the last supper.
No.2 from Pendleton County, Virg. Asking for a preacher
Decided, that Daniel Scherer will serve them, if he passes the examination and the congregations supply him sufficiently.
No 3. From Bedford County, Tennessee, asking for visitation-
Decided. That candidate Daniel Henkel, if he can go on the journey, will go and also to Cape Girardian. On the Missisippi River and for their request, the before mentioned will go serve the congregations with the sacraments and will report about everything at the next Synod. Mister R.J. Miller will meanwhile visit and preach at before the mentioned’ congregations.
No4. A letter from Mister Reck, from Winchester, in which he warns not to inducted a so called Bacty. – This was embraced with thanks and the secretary will report it.
No 5,6,7. From three new congregations in Tennessee: Union, Hope Well, and Lich-Creek, which asked to be ordinated as preacher the catechist Joseph E. Bell. Decided, that the congregations were approved and that Joseph E. Bell, should he pass the exam, will receive candidate authority and will serve the congregations.
And since he is asked for and spent a lot of his time to study and teach others, he received 22 dollars and 25 cents from our fund to support him. The treasurer will credit the amount.
- A letter from the honorable Mister Bachman, preacher in Charleston S.C, was read, from which was to see, that he was pleased to pull on the same string with us, and that he wished to start a geminarium for the education of preachers, that his congregation would gladly support it with missionaries and that he regrets that he cannot be among us due to the season. Everything was listened to. And since the time of our assembly will be changed, we now expect
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Expect to have the honor to get to know him better and the honorable minsterio.
- After request from the congregation in Abbots Creek, to send them a preacher, catechist Daniel Welcher was recommended and promised that the Last Supper would be held once a year by the neighboring preachers.
- Johannes Wagner a, as he said, ordniated Lutheran preacher appeared and asked for induction into our ministerium. It was recommended to him to bring written proof of his Ordination, and meanwhile (if it is so) act as preacher, but do nothing under our name, because we do not know of a recommendation.
- Since the behavior of Mister J.W. Meyer was brought before us. It was decided, that he would fully released from our ministerio, from which he has received candidate authority for one year and which is now over and that he is therefore not regarded as preacher of our church anymore. – And that if a congregation does take him as preacher it through that act leaves our church.
- After suggestion, the following decision was made:
Since the Mister Schaeffer and Maund in Baltimore, passed a community choir book which was written for the loving connection between our and the reformed church, to preachers of our church. According to the enclosed enactment of the Lutheran and Reformed Synod and the honorable preacher of both churches in Baltimore, they were recommended in all congregations. Therefore we send our thanks to aforementioned gentlemen and we are happy to agree to the usages of the books in all public churches and congregations. And we merciful ask the God of Love and Unity, that he will happily feel the same in heaven.
Then Mister Storch and Miller were ordered which were expecting examinations.
And then the day with singing and praying concluded.
Wednesday, the 22dn October
Assembled again at 9 o’clock and after the usual beginning with singing and prayer
- Was
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19.)Was decided, that Candidate Daniel Moser would be inaugurated as deacon for his congregations in the city church of Linolton, on the next Sunday Trinitatis. The gentlemen preachers Philipp Henkel, R.J. Miller und the honorable president Mister Storch, or the two first names will report this. R.B. Maybe the opportunity for a special conference is approaching.
20.)Since the question was asked how our Synod should be named from now on, was decided, that it should be named:
The Evangelical Lutheran German and English Synod, in North Carolina and bordering states.
21)Since it was asked to change the season during which the Synod would be held due to this season being prone to illnesses, it was decided: that with all assemblymen’s consensus, from now on, the synod would be held on the first Sunday trinitas and the first one will be, on that Sunday, in the year 1819.
22.)It was also decided, that all candidates and deacons will be required to take one or multiple exams testing their industry in theology at every synod, and depending on the content of those, they will receive (if we choose to) additional examinations. Whoever neglects to do so cannot expect to be promoted and only regarding their degree of industry will we consider a promotion, with possible exceptions in extraordinary cases.
23.)Since we thought about the necessity to get to know our congregations better and the situation of our preachers, we decided that as often as possible, an old preacher would be ordered to visit all congregations, find out the condition of each, and report it to the Synod. It would be more fruitful if our President of the Synod could do this, but due to his poor health this cannot be expected of him. Therefore, preacher Paulus Henkel was asked to take care of this over the next year, if it is possible for him. The secretary will send him a report of this request if he deems it necessary. Our congregations will be encouraged to compensate him for his travels.
24.) Since Andreas Henkel did not turn in his new authority, it was decided that his father, when he finds it appropriate, may renew it in the name of the Synod until the next assembly.
24.) The same will Mister Philipp Henkel do for is friend and old candidate Jacob Zink in Tennessee, but in the necessary case, but may revoke it if he find it necessary until the next synod, to which he is
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formally invited, and asked to excuse himself for his absence.
The same will happen to all the candidates who absent.
26.) R. J. Miller will, on his visiting-travels to South Carolina, will ask all of those belonging to the minsterio about their silence and absence. He has the assignment, to renew the position for those who have a good excuse until the next synod; but to dismiss those from their duty, who do not follow our rules and constitution. He will invite those to apologize.
27.)Due to Mister Millers suggestion, it was deiced that the liturgy, which is used in New-York in our English speaking congregations, should be included as one of our symbolic books, and will be recommended to be used by the congregations.
28)Also, we recommend that during service in the English language, the English songbook, written by Preacher Paulus Henkel and printed in New Market, will be used.
29)In the future however, no book may be used for public use during service in our churches unless the synod has authorized it, and that authorization has to be printed in the book.
30.) The committee which had been asked to examine the secretaries report (see 1.), reported that they had done so and that the content was highly satisfying and that they recommend that it be printed and bound on our costs because they hope that the report will have a positive influence on our congregations and help others understand what the Lutheran church really is. This report was accepted in consensus and the treasurer was asked to order the printing and binding of 1500 of those reports . Since our money will not suffice he should lend it on interest. Then the books will be sold, and the profit will be added to our money savings – after having paid the debt, it will only be used to support the empire of Jesus.
31.)The preachers that were ordered to examine those that were waiting for a promotion reported that Mister Joseph E Bell passed it very well and that there was great hope for Mister Daniel Scherer, and that both candidates should be promoted and given the additional authority. This was approved and done immediately, and Philipp Henkel was asked
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to officially give Herrn Bell his authority publicly in front of the congregation.
32.) The Candidates Peter Schmucker and David Henkel had their authority renewed until the next synod.
33.) The following received catechetic authority until the next synod: Michael Rickert, Jacob Krison, Jacob Miller, Philipp Roth, Daniel Walcher and Michael McMadin.
Martin Walther also received his (see petition No.2)
Gfr. Schober will be asked to visit the Sandhill Church and the Dutchman-creek when he has time.
Mister David Henkel and Daniel Walcher will go to Wills County after this Fall, teach children, confirm them and hold the last supper.
Candidate David Henkel mentioned that it was impossible for him to visit the congregations on the Crooked Creek regularly and asked for help-but it appeared no one could help.
34.)Mister Philipp Henkel reported that in Green County in the state of Tennessee, a small Germanium was opened under his and Mister Bells supervisions and that they taught theology, geek, Latin, German and English there and that Mister Candidate Joseph E. Bell is now the main teacher. We were enthusiastic to support the small school in the hopeful anticipation that from this small start, with God’s help, will develop into a large successful establishment. That way many industrious teachers and missionaries could be educated there, and could be send anywhere in the world to preach about the glorious evangelism and the love of Jesus. And they would be well educated so that they could talk to anybody who wants to know their reasoning. – Future members will also be well educated and will be thankful to those who supported them now and ever. And those that enjoy the new belief will say:
“Oh God! How happy must luck be,
To be the savior of a soul.”
Let
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Let us, oh Brothers, start working happily for the love to Jesus and his baptized souls, and let us use the fortune he gave us (as is being done throughout all Christian religions) to spread our saviors empire through our world. – For that reason, we will collect next month in our congregations, however much everybody finds suitable to help the big cause. And the donations of the Christians will be taken thankfully , and every preacher will collect them and give them to our treasurer, who will have a register of all donators and their names will appear, if they do not mind, in our yearly reports, the synod will then talk about earnings and expenditures, and hopefully spread the word through print.
35.)Since business was now taken care of, in the afternoon, a public assembly was held at 3pm in which Preacher Schober talked about the 300 year history of the evangelical Lutheran church, the condition of Christ’s church before the reformation of Luther, the beginning and the continuing of the same, and the glorious freedom it received through Doctor Luther’s actions. He also talked about that he wished that the Lord help us to reach the right lessons and enjoy the holy sacraments, so that no one ever has to tell us as it is written: “ Oh if you were cold and warm.”
After this assembly the synod was concluded with singing, prayers, and the blessing of the Lord.
In which congregations the next synod in Rowan County will be held will be announced in time.
G. Schober, Sec.
Following preachers connected with our church:
The honorable Carl Carl August Storch, Praefes, from Rowan County
a Paul Henkel = = Point Pleasant
R. Johnson Miller, = = Burk County
Philipp Henkel, = = Tennessee
a Ludwig Markert, = = Indiana
Gottlieb Schober, Secretary = = Stokes C.
Jacob Scherer, = = Guilford C.
N.B. b J.P. Franklow, = = Sued Carolina
B Gottfried Dreher, = = do.
Daniel Moser will also be ordinated next Trinitas, = Lincoln.
The
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Die following Candidates:
Die gentlemen David Henkel = from Lincoln County
Joseph E. Bell = = Tennessee
b Jacob Zink, = = do.
Urban Miller, = = do.
a Peter Schmucker, = = Virginia
Daniel Scherer = = do.
a Andreas Henkel, = = Ohio
N.B b Michael Rauch, Rost Mitze = do.
Catechists:
Jacob Krieston = from Guilford C.
a Philipp Roth, = = do.
Jacob Miller, = = Stokes C.
Daniel Walcher = = Rowan C.
b Johannes Dreher = = S.C.
Martin Walther = =Virg.
The absence of those assigned the letter a was excused, those with b was not.
PS: Two weeks after the Synod the secretary received a letter from Mister Candidate Andreas Henkel that was dated September 15th and in which he mentions the impossibility for him to go on the journey to the synod and he also reported that in this year, he baptized 168 children, 2 adults, and confirmed 62 children, that he had buried 10 and started 6 German schools. – The Lord send him help from Zion to help this vast amount of work, and blessed be his hands.
G.S. Sec
Nov.18.1817
Initials
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Content
English History and Reform 1 u. 30
Use connections to give out religious documents 2
Day Schools 3
Absent preachers may write a letter to vote 4
How much money we have 5
Report of South Carolina 6
How many baptized and confirmed 7
Message from Mister Markert, Indiana 8
Absent gentlemen excused 9
Decision because of unlawful marriage 10
Wedding on Sundays in church 11
Who can be one of our preachers with exceptions 12
Old rules of our church decided on, petitions chosen 13
Letter from Charleston, S.C. 14
Preacher for Abbots Creek 15
Johannes Wagner not accepted 16
J.W. Meyer was released from his duties,
report to the president 17
Community song book recommended 18
Daniel Moser’s Ordination 19
Name of our Synod 21
Candidate responsibilities 22
Visit congregations 23
Regarding Andreas Henkel 24
Regarding Jacob Zink and more 25
Mister Miller Report to S.C. 26
New York Liturgy in English 27
English songbook recommended 28
In the future no book without authorization 29
Candidates examined 31
Renewed authorities 32,33
Geminarium in Tennessee with Petition for support 34
Closing 35
PS: Since our rules and constitutions are as much as possible summarized in one document in English, and it was recently approximated, we will refer to it. It was already send away as this was written. Another time they can be summarized in the same manner in German.
FINIS
