(S'^ MINUTES OV THE €baiL ITittk Siin0i tt Ministerium OF NORTH CAROLINA 185: n Wc^^^ c3^V MINUTES OF THE FIFTY-TIIIED ANNUAL MEETING OF TIIE (Bh\i ITittlj. §|)n0b & piimsttriitm ' OF NORTH CAROLINA, CONVENED AT ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, IREDELL COUNTY, ON THUPwSDAY, APEIL 30, 1857, WITH ^[INUTES OF THE SYNODICAL, MISSIONARY AND EDUCA- TIONAL SOCIETY, APPENDED. J. J. BRUNER, PRINTER. 1857. MINUTES Pursuant to adjournment, and in compliance with a Resolution passed at its last meeting, the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and Ministcrium of North Carolina, met in St. Paul's Church, Iredell County, on Thursday the 30th April, 1857. In tlie absence of the President, the Secretary, Rev. S. Scherer, preached the opening sermon, from Ezekiel, xxxiii : 7 — 9. After recess, Synod was called to order by the Secretary, now oflEiciating as President, and Rev. D. I. Dreher was requested to act as Secretary pro. tern. The clerical roll was called, and the absentees noted. CLEEICAL MEMBERS. Ordained Ministers. Rev. John D. Scheck,* "William Artz,t Samuel Rothrock, William G. Harter, Jacob Crim, Paul Kistler, Joseph A. Linn, J WilUam Gerhardt,t Simeon Scherer, Levi C. Groseclose, John Swicegoodjt John S. Heilig, Daniel I. Dreher, Rev. A. Grimes,t " B.C.Hall, '• Caleb Lentz, " William A. Julian, Post Office Address. Mount Pleasant, Cabarrus county, N. Holt's Store, Alamance county, " Rockville, Rowan county, " Concord, Cabarrus county, " Jerusalem, Davie county, " States ville, Iredell county, " Gold-Hill, Rowan county. " Mount Pleasant, Cabarrus county, " Shaw's Mills, Guilford county, " Salisbury, Rowan county, " Brummell's, Davidson county, " Mill Hill, Cabarrus county, " Concord, Cabarrus county, " C. LICENTIATES. Hay's Meadow, Wilkes county, Salisbury, Rowan county, Mount Pleasant, Cabarrus county Lexington, Davidson county. N. C. *Absent, but not excused. fAbsent, but excused. I Absent without excuse. 4 MINUTES OF The certificates of Lay-Delegates were now called for, and the following brethren were received as members of this present Synod. LAY-DELEGATES. Paul K Heilig, Esq., Rev. S. Rothrock's charge. Mr, Andrew Barringer, " Paul Kistler's " '' Solomon Eagle, " Joseph A. Linn's " " John C. Fink, " William Gerhardt's "' " Harper Summers, " Simeon Scherer's " W. A. Walton, Esq., " L. C. Groseclose's " Mr. Monroe Barger, " John S. Heilig's " " Joseph Cook, " D. I Dreher's " " D. W. Ramer, " B. C. Hall's " Henry Sink, ^' William A. JuUan's " Mr. Isaac Beaver was received as a Commissioner from the congregations of St. John's and Bethel, Stanly county. ^I. Barrier, Esq., Treasurer of Synod, ex-officio a member. The President being absent, his Annual Report was read by the former Secretary, Rev. S. Scherer, Vv'hich was received and laid on the table for fu- ture consideration. The constitutional term of office having expired, an election was held, wliich resulted as follows : Rev. LEVI C. GROSECLOSE, President. " DAIN'IEL L DREHER, Recording Secretary. '' JOHN S. HEILIG, Corresponding Secretary. M. BARRIER, Esq., Treasurer of Synod. On motion, the Minutes of last Synod were referred to a Committee, yet to be appointed, to report on unfinished business. Letters and papers designed for Synod, were called for ; and the President took charge of them so as to arrange and refer them to the respective Com- mittees. The Parochial Reports were now called for and handed in, for which, see table on next page. i ) B ENEVOLENT, © < Local, O t^ 00 ^ o CO o o : o o o o .00 to kO : 00 o in 00 • CJ o w : m 'H in CJ UO 1. Prayer Meetings, cioooooocicsoo^oooo-^ Bible Classes,. Scholars, o o f-i o o o o o >-H o o ^ o o o o o In OOOOOOOOOO^'^SOOOO'ft « o cc m — ' Tbachbrs, CO ■; C (Sunday Schools, o 00 o c^-^OO-^OC0 C< O CO -< ' ,AdmissiuN8, 0;^___ ^^ Dismissions, 3;i ^ W i'Restorations, .. Eh ijCoNFIRMATlONS, iCoMMUNICANTS,.. I ( Adults iBaptisms. < i Infaiits.^^.^^^. ICONGREGATIONS, CO H r-tOOOOf-iOOOOOOOOiC O 000 COOOOl «30 CO cooo cjoo ®i^ OOOCirtCOOCTOOCCOOOCOOO 00 OOr-^OOf^OOlMOOOOOOO— t OiOCOOOOCOOCiGOO-^'^OO.-iOO ;a .-1 CO —1 CO ^ oroooooi-oooc^-foooccn C: ■'5 O O I- O '-0 O If; CJ I- c o m o t^ 10 -H Ct CO CI •-< CI "^ OOCOOCOCiOClX— (OO oooiooeooocoi-oto'^ooocoo cj CO f-^ci <-i^ ^^ C^OdOCOrfOifJCl^Ci^OOClOrf '- ;<3 iisr; o ; ^. v: - S 2 =i X /-'S I^ :^ J S ^ 2 5 ^'^ ^^ -^ - -i ^ ^ " 5 "• 5 ~ " ^ '=^ r • ^^ -^ = = - 7: '^ :;i -< -^^ ^ v: ■"_ ^_ X ^_ -; . o , s CJ o •X) rr c* o "cr ** ci o CO ^-c On motion, a Committee was appointed to receive contributions intended for Synod, consisting of Rev. C. Lentz and Paul N. Heilig, Esq. The Treasurer of Synod now made his report, which was received. Synod adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at 8i o'clock, which was the hour agreed upon, for opening the Morning Sessions of each day. Closed with ])rayer by the President. At candle-lighting, Ptev. Jacob Crim preached from Mark, v : G. SECOND SESSIOX. Friday, May 1st, 8^ o'clock, A. M. Synod convened, and after spending the usual time in devotional exercises, Avas opened with prayer by Pwev. S. Rothrock. The roll was now called, and the Minutes of the former session were read and confirmed. The President then proceeded to appoint the following Stand- ing Committees. 1. On the President's Report — Revs. S. Rothrock, W. G. Ilarter, and Paul N. Heilig, Esq. 2. On Petitions and T ac«7ic«es-^Revs. Paul Kistler, Jacob Crim, and Mr. Andrew Barringer. 3. On Unfinished Business — Revs. J, S. Heilig, "W, A. Julian, and Mr. John C. Fink. 4. On Finance — Revs. S. Scherer, J. S. Heilig, and ^Mi-. Solomon Eagle. 5. On the State of Religion— Rexs. J. Crim, B. C. Hall, and ^^^ A. Wal- ton, Escp G. On Proceedings of Conf&rential Meetings — Revs. S. Scherer, AV. A. Ju- lian, and Mr. Harper Summers. 7. On the Report of the President of the Board of Directors of TT'. C. M. Academy — Revs. W. G. Harter, S. Rothrock, and Mr. Joseph Cook. 8. On Minutes of Sister Synods — Revs. W. A. Julian, B. C. Hall, and Mr. John C. Fink. 9. On Letters — Revs. John S. Heilig, Paul Kistler, and ]Mr. Henry Sink. The Rev. ^Ir. Kenneday, of the Presbyterian Church, being present, was invited to a seat as an advisory member of Synod. The verbal petition of the Commissioner of St. John's and Bethel Churches, asking Synod to make some provision to have them supplied with preaching till they can make arrangements to procure a ^Minister, was continued for fu- ture action. The Report of the President of the Board of Directors was called for and read before the Synod, as it contained matter affording information respect- ing our Institution. Tlie Corresponding Delegate to the Western Virginia Synod, made his re- port as follows : Your Delegate would report, that he met \vith the brethren of "Western Virginia Synod in convention assembled, was cordially invited to a seat among them, and to a participation in all their deliberations. This Synod is actively and zealously engaged in the Master's work, and tliat work tliey are doing well, as any one acquainted with that part of the Church can clearly see. Would that we, as a Synod, had their energy and enterprise ! They ap- pointed Rev. J. A. Brown, Principal, and Rev. J. C. Repass, alternate, as Cor- responding Delegate to this Synod. That Synod will meet at St. John's Church, Wythe county, on Thursday l^efore the last Sunday in August. The expenses of your Delegate were $8,00. Respectfully submitted, L. C. GROSECLOSE. The Report was adopted, and the Treasurer requested to pay his expenses. The Report of the Corresponding Delegate to the Synod of South Carolina and adjacent States. The Delegate appointed to the S. C. Synod would report, that he met that body at the appointed time, though at a late stage of the session, and was kindly received. A Delegate to our Synod was appointed to be with us on this occasion, but it is to be regretted that he has not arrived. My traveling expenses amounts to ^10,70. Respectfully submitted, W. G. HARTER. This report was also adopted, and Treasurer authorised to pay the expenses of Delegate. The Treasurer reported on contributions to defray tlie expenses of Dele- gates to General Synod, as follows : Collections received for defraying the expenses of Delegates to General Synod. Fro}n Rev. John D. Scheclc's Churches: St. John's, $00,00 Bethel, 00,00 From Rev. S. Rothrock^s Churches: Organ, 21,10 Luther's Chapel, 8,00-29,10 From Rev. Jacob Crimes Churches: Bethel, 2,00 St. Matthew's. Jerusalem, 2,40 — 4.40 Fro}ti Rev. Raul Kistler^s Churches : St. Michael's, St. Paul's, 3;00 Newton, 3.00 $36;50 Amount brought forward from page 7, ----- - $"36,50 From J. A. Limi's Churches: St. Stephen's, 4,00 Luther's, 85 St. Matthew's, 1:,85 From Rev. S. Scherers: Frieden's, 2,45 St. Paul's, 1,7a Lau's, 2,75 Eicliland's, Coble's, 59—7,49 From Rev. L. C. Grosedose's Churches : SaUsbury, 5,60 Union, 5,40-11,00 From Rev. J. S. Heilig^s Churches : St. Enoch's, 5.00 Salem, 2^!oO— 7,00 From Rei'. D. I. Dreher^s Churches: St. James', 7,60—7,60 $74,44 All the above amounts have been paid into my hands, which I am ready- to pay over as Synod may direct. Respectfully submitted, MATTHIAS BARRIER Report received and adopted. Synod now took recess till 2 o'clock, P. M., to give room for divine service. Rev. B. C. Hall, preached from John, iii : 2. — " Thou art a teacher come from God." THIED SESSION— Afteexoon. Synod was opened with the usual exercises. The following resolution was then oflered : 1. Resolved, That the Treasurer pay the money collected to defray the ex- ]-tcnses of Delegates to General Synod, over to them; and that they report to uie next meeting of Synod. 2. Resolved, That in the estimation of this Synod, Bro. Scheck has proved delinquent, in not complying with its resolution requesting the Ministers composing said Synod, to lift collections, either at their fall or spring com- nmnions, or at such time as would best suit them, for the purpose of defray- ing the expenses of Delegates to General Synod. Whereas, Rev. J. Swice- good, has absented himself for two conseeifftrve meetings of Synod, -vritiK^iit sending in his reason for so doing — Tluerefore, 3. Resolved, That it be the duty of the President to write said brother on the subject of his delinquency, in not attending our Synodical meetings, and remind him of his constitutional duties in this respect. Synod adjourned till the appointed lioui* to-morrow morning. Prayer by Pro. Lcntz. FOURTH SESSION. Saturday Morning, 8^ o'clock, May 2nd. The members of Synod met, and after spending some time in singing and prayer, it was opened in duo form. The roll having been called, the Minutes wore read and adopted. The Committee on Petitions and Vacancies now reported, which was con- sidered by items, and adopted as a whole. The Committee to whom were referred the petitions and vacancies, beg leave to submit the following: No. 1. Is a petition from St. Paul's Church, Alamance county, asking Synod to hold its next Annual Sessions in that Church. Your Committee recom- mend the petition to the favorable decision of Synod. No. 2. Is a petition from the Davidson charge, desiring the services of Pro. Julian to be continued. Your Committee recommend that the request be granted. No. 3. Is a petition from Luther's Chapel, asking the labours of Rev. P. C. Hall to be continued to them. Your Committee recommend that their request thus far be granted. They also ask his ordination, which we refer to the Minis terium. No. 3. Is a communication from Pro. Harter, recommending the union of our Missionary Society with the Parent Society of the General Synod. We recommend this to the decision of the Synodical Missionary Society. Pespectfully submitted, PAUL KISTLER, JACOB CRIM, A. BARRINGEK. 4. Resolved, That it Ix; recommended to any ^linister or Ministers of Synod, who may find it convenient to do so, to visit and preach for the congi-egations of St. John's and Pethel, Stanly county, as often as may be mutually agreed upon, until the congregations may be able to make arrangements to be per- manently suppUed. The Committee on Finances reported, which was received and adopted. Your Committee on the reports of Treasurers of Synod, and of Puilding i'und of W. C. !M. Academy, would state that they have examined said re- ports and find them correct. They would recommend that the report of Treasurer of Building Fund appear on the face of the ^Minutes of Synod. Respectfully submitted, S. SCHERER, J. S. HEILIG. EEPOET OF TKEASUREPw OF SYXOD. The Evan. Luth. Synod of North Carolina, in account with M. Barrier. 1857. Dr. Balance on hand from last Synod, - - - - $2 72^ Contributions " '' 77 52i Received since last Synod from St. Peter's, - - - 85 Whole amount, - - - -.- - $8110 Expenditures, - - -- - - - 76 80 Leaves a balance in hands of Treasurer, $4 30 Cr. Paid Ogborn, Cole and Albright, as per order of Secretary, for printing Minutes, - - - - - $60 00 Paid Rev. John S. Heilig, per order of Synod, - - 9 90 Paid " L. C. Groseclose " " '^ _ _ 6 90 Total, - - $76 80 Respectfully submitted, MATTHIAS BARRIER. REPORT OF TREASURER OF BUILDING FUND. The Treasurer presents the following as a statement of W. C. M. Academy : Amount due Col. W. A. Weddington, contractor, for building Academy, - - _ _ _ $7000 00 To the same, for building Professor's house, - - 1425 00 Whole amount for building, _ _ _ $8425 00 Sum paid Col. W. A. Weddington, - - - 7800 00 Amount yet due W. A- Weddington, - _ _ $G25 00 Monies borrowed by the Treasuer of Building Fund for W. C. M. Academy : From Seminary fund, $1084 00 1856. Dec. 30. From Rev. W. Gerhard t, - - - 800 00 " " " M. Barrier, Treasurer of Scholar- ship fund, . - - 700 00 $2584 00 Amount brought forward fi-om page 10, - - - - - $2584 00 Money borrowed from Miss Margaret Moose, - - 130 90 Sum borrowed, $2714 90 Amount remaining unpaid for building, and improvement on Academy lot : Sum yet due Col. W. A. Weddington, - - $625 00 H. W. Bangle, for inclosing Academy lot, - - - 55 00 Do. NaUs, &c., 9 42 $689 42 Sum total of notes and accounts against tlie W. C. M. Academy, $3404 32 Cash in hands of Treasuer, - - - $238 63 Good subscriptions, about, - - - 70 00 $308 63 Amount of indebtedness of W. C. M. Academy, - $3095 09 Respectfully submitted, JACOB LUDWICK, Treasurer of Building Fund. EEPOET OX CONFEEENTIAL MEETINGS, RECEIVED AXD ADOPTED. The committee on conferential proceedings report, that they have received the proceedings of the Western Conference district, only. Item 1st, embodies a resolution recommending to tliis Synod the employ- ment of a missionary for the field in Catawba County. We recommend tliis matter to the Missionary Society. Item 2nd contemplates a change as to several of the Pastorates belonging to said conference, refering the whole to Synod, and recommending that the several churches concerned send an expression of their wishes to Synod. Your committee would enquire whether this provision has been carried out. EespectfuUy submitted. S. SCHERER, W. A. JULIAN, HARPER SUMMERS. 5. Resolved^ That alterations be made in certain pastorates, as follows : That the congregations at Salisbury and Union hereafter constitute a pasto- rate ; and that the congregations at Bethel, Rowan County, and Jerusalem, and St. Iklatthews, in Davie County, constitute a pastorate ; the whole to be subject to alteration hereafter by Synod, should any change be necessary- Motion to adjourn till after preaching, was carried. The 11 o'clock sermon was preached by Eev, J, S. Heilig, from Psalm xxvii, 4. FIFTH SESSION. Synod re-assembled, and was opened with prayer, by Rev. S. Scherer, The committee on letters now made their report, which was adopted. Your committee on letters beg leave to submit the following : No. 1 is a communication from Rev. W. Artz, assigning his reasons for non- attendance upon the present meeting of Synod. Your committee, under all the circumstances, deem his reasons satisfactory, and recommend that he be excused. Xo. 2 is a letter from Professor Gerhardt, tendering his reasons for absence from this meeting of Synod. His reasons are considered vahd, and your com- mittee recommend that he be excused. No. 3 is a communication from Rev. J. D. Scheck, also asking to be ex- cused for absenting himself from the present session of Synod. His reasons being insufficient, your committee recommend that he be not excused. Respectfully submitted, J. S. HEILIG, P. KISTLER, H. SINK. The committee on the President's Report submitted the following report, which was considered by items and adopted. The committee appointed to examine the President's Report, respectfully present the following : 1. Your committee would recommend that, in conformity to the suggestion of the President, the letter from Rev. A. Grimes be read before Synod. 2. Your committee recommend that the action of the President, in signing the obhgations entered into by the holders of scholarships in W. C. M. Acad- emy, in a convention at Organ Church, on the 26th of December last, be sus- tained ; and that the $27 00 in his hands, received for scholarships let out, be, by him, paid to the Treasurer of endowment fund, to be applied by the Board of Directors to the best interest of the Institution. 3. Your committee recommend that an election be held to fill the vacan- cies in the Board of Directors of W. C. M. Academy. 4. Your committee recommend the " queries " in the President's Report to the special consideration of Synod. 5. In relation to the suggestion of the President, your committee coincide with him in the belief that the gospel teaches a separation from all secular Ijusiness in the ministry, and would recommend his suggestion to the prayer- I'ul consideration of our ministers and congregations. LUTHERAN SYNOD. ^O 6. Your cornmittoe reccmmeiid that the *President'3 Report be published with the minutes. Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL ROTHROCK, WM. G. IIARTER, DAN'L. N. HEILIG. G. Resolved, That a minister has no more right to be absent, without a valid excuse, from tlie meetings of the special conference to which he belongs, than from the annual meetings of Synod. 7. Eesohed, That the 2d, 3d, and 4th, queries in the President's Re- port, be stricken out Tlie committee on the state of Religion made their report, which was re- ceived and adopted. Your committee on the state of Religion beg leave to report : That a number of the brethren having failed to furnish the committee with reports from their charges^ our report must necessarily be imperfect. During the last year the state of religion has been much better than it has for some" years past; most of the brethren have been favored with out-pour- incrs of the spirit in then- charges, and many precious revivals have been wit- ne°S3ed since the last meeting of Synod. And though we have no means of determining the number, yet it is quite probable that there have been some three hundred immortal souls converted to God during that space of time. And we may say with Israel of old, when the Lord tiirned again their cap- tivity : ''The Lord hath done enseal things for lis, whereof ice are glad ; for he hath visited and redeemed his people; he hath turned their mourning into danc- ing, and their heaviness into songs of praise ; he hath given them heauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for the spirit of heaviness.'' Nor is this cheering only to the churches, but it is greatly encouraging to the " watchmen on the walls of Zion,'' who have long sown in tears, but uow are privileged to reap in joy, and indulge the hope that Zion shall still see days of prosperity. There is another item of interest contained in some of the re- ports. Your committee is happy to state that, in some portions ^f the church, our people are becoming more awake to a sense of duty. In Bro. Heilig's charge they have erected a comfortable parsonage for the accommodation of their Pastor. And in Bro. Scherer's report it is stated, that two of his congregations have purchased property to the amount of $500, for the same laudable purpose. Respectfully submitted, JACOB GRIM, W. A. WALTON, B. C. HALL. The committee on the Report of the President of the Board of Directors of W. C. M. Academy, presented their report, which was adopted * See Appendix, (A.) 14 MINUTES OF The committee appointed to examine the Report of the President of Direc- tors of W. C. M. Academy, beg leave to state that they have attended to this duty. We learn with pleasure, that the Institution is in a prosperous condi- tion. Although the number of students is not so large as during last year, yet the interests of the school require the services of an additional Teacher. Such an assistant had been employed, but in consequence of his sickness, he asked and obtained permission to return home. The number of students in attendance at the close of the winter session was 46. The Professor has the undivided confidence of the entire Board, and it is confidently expected that there will be a large increase of students the ensu- ing session. We learn from this report that the entire cost of building has not been all paid. But the belief is expressed that, by the united and efficient action of all our ministers and congregations, the debt can be paid, and this school can be made as good as any of the kind in the State. Presents of books have been received from Rev. Dr. Stark, of Phila- delphia, and P. A. Seaford, Esq. The Board propose to raise Ten Thousand Dollars, as an additional endow- ment fund, thus making the whole amount Twenty Thousand Dollars, that two Teachers may be employed ; and have engaged the Rev. C. Lentz, as their agent, to collect funds for this purpose. An earnest appeal is made to the churches and friends in North Carolina, to raise the above amount proposed, by one hundred dollar donations. " Are tliere not one hundred Lutherans in the bounds of Synod, who would give one hundred dollars each, as a donation ? This Synod is called upon to take this subject (viz., of additional donations,) into consideration, and give an expression of opinion as to the best method to be adopted to render this school permanent and useful. All of which is respectfully submitted. W. G. HARTER, S. ROTHROCK, JOSEPH COOK. 8. Resolved, That Rev. C. Lentz, the agent of the Board of Directors of W. C. M. Academy, to soUcit donations in aid of said Institution, be recommend- ed to the confidence and Hberahty of the members of the Evangelical Luili- eran Church. Repoit of the committee on unfinished business being made — considered by items — was adopted, except item 2nd, which was stricken out. Committee on unfinished business would present the following : 1. The attention of Synod is directed to the second resolution found on page 4th of last year's minutes, containing a suggestion, by Dr. Bittle, in rela- tion to the establishment of a Theo. Seminary, which was recommended, at your last meeting, to the future consideration of this body. 2. Page 14, item 2, relating to a committee, continued from the last meet- ing, whose duty it was made 'Uo have bound a file of the minutes of our Synod, as far back as he would be able to coUect them, and deposit the same in tlie archives." The above are tlie only items of unfinished business found by your committee. Respectfully submitted, J. S. HEILIG, W. A. JULIAN, J. C. FINK. 9. Resolved, That the subject referred to in item first of committee on un- finished business, be indefinitely postponed. 10. Resolved, That the committee, referred to in the second item adop- ted, be continued, and that Revs. J. S. Heilig and D. I. Drcher be added to the number of that committee. The committee on minutes of sLster Synods reported, which was adopted. Your committee, appointed to report on several minutes of sister Synods, beg leave to submit the following : 1st The minutes of the 109th Annual Session of the Evan. Luth. Synod of Pennsylvania : This body convened in Lancaster, Pa., in the Church of the Holy Trinity, May 22nd, 1856. It is a large and influential body, numbenng 74 ministers, and 35,548 communicants. The officers are. Rev. B. Keller, President; Rev. J. Voglebach, Secretary; and Rev. C. W. Schaeflfer, Treasurer. 2nd. Minutes of the tenth Annual Session of the Synod of the South-west, convened at Providence Church, Tennessee, Oct. 4, 1856, numbering 11 min- isters. Officers— Rev. Daniel Jenkins, President, Rev. Jonathan Krimminger, Secretary, and Rev. J. Short, Treasurer. 3rd. is a number of minutes of different Synods, for the year 1844, bound and presented to this Synod by the Lutheran Book Company, in April, 1856. Respectfully submitted, W. A. JULIAN, B. C. HALL, J. C. FINK. The documents referred to in the above report, were ordered to be placed among the archives of Synod, 11. Resolved, That Luther's Chapel, and St. Paul's, in Rowan County, con- stitute a pastorate, subject to alteration hereafter by Synod, should any change be necessary. 12. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Central Conference, in not sending up to Synod the proceedings of its meetings, is hereby declared deUnquent in the performance of duty in tliis particular. Synod now adjourned to meet on Monday morning, 8 1-2 o'clock. At candle-hght, the President preached from Amos, vi, 1. 16 LUTHEKAX SY^'OD. LOED'S DAY'S SEE¥ICES.— May 3. Although the weather was very inclement, a large number of persons as- sembled at the church. At 11 o'clock, A. M., Rev. S. Rothrock delivered a discourse from 1 Tim., vi 6 : '• Bui godliness with contentment is great gain'' The Bread and -Wine were consecrated by the President, after which a number of believers celebrated the dying love of Jesus Christ. In the afternoon, 2 o'clock, Rev, W. G. Harter preached from Isaiah, Ix., 1. Thus ended the solemn services of this holy day, as we trust, in the edifica- tion and spiritual good of the people. SIXTH SESSIOX. Monday Morning, 8^ o'clock, May 4th. Synod convened, and after spending some time in devotional exercises, was opened with prayer by Rev. Crim. The roll was called, and the minutes of Saturday were read and confirmed. W. A. Walton, Esq., was excused from attendance on furtlier sessions of Synod Whereas the church, for some time past, has been agitated by a discussion through the columns of the Lutheran Observer, involving a question of vital importance to the interest of the Evangehcal Lutheran Church in this coun- try ; and whereas this question may come up at the next meeting of the Gen- eral Synod, we deem it due to ourselves to declare that we adhere to the " General Synod's basis." Therefore, be it 13. Resolved^ That our Delegates are hereby instructed to maintain this position on the floor of the General Synod, Tlie Rev. J^Ir. Erwin, of the Presbyterian Church, being present, was invi- ted to a seat as an advisory member of Synod, 14. Resolved, That it meets the approbation of this Synod, for the Agent of the Home Missionary Society of the E. L. Church, to operate within its bounds. Whereas, Mr. T, Newton Kurtz, has kindly made a depository of Lu- theran publications in Salisbury, at the Book Store of Mr. J. H. Enniss ; — Therefore, 15. Resolved, That this Synod recommend said depository to the favorable notice of our people, hoping that they will supply themselves with our publi- cations. Jlev. W. G. Harter was excused from attendance on future sessions of pre- sent Synod. Synod now adjourned to meet this afternoon, immediately after tlie ad- journment of the Missionary Society. The Missionary sermon was preached by the Secretary, from Mark, xvi, 15. SEVENTH SESSION. Monday Afternoon, 4i o'clock. Synod was called to. order, and was opened with prayer by the Rev. W. G. Harter. Mr, Andrew Barringer was excused from further attendance on Synod. The Committee on Synodical Contributions, presented the following: From Rev. S. Rothrock's Charge : Organ Church, $12,00 St. Peter's, 1,50—13,50 i'rom Rev. J. Crim's Charge : St. Matthew's, 1,00 Jerusalem^ 1,00 Bethel, 1,00—3,00 From Rev. Paul Kis(ler''s Charge : St. Michael's, 2,50 St. Paul's, 6,10 Newton, 1,00—9,60 From Rev. J. A. LinrCs Charge : St. Stephen's, 3,00—3,00 St. Matthew's, Luther's, From Rev. W. GerhardCs Charge : Mt. Carmel, 4,25^,25 From Rev. L. C. Groseclose's Charge : Salisbury, 4,67^ — 4,67^ Union, Fro77i Rev. S. Scherers Charge : St. Paul's, 3,15 Laus, 2,33 Coble's, 59 Frieden's, 3,00—9,07 From Rev. J. Swicegood's Charge : Hopewell, 1,00—1,00 From Rev. J. S. Ileilig'a Charge : St. Enoch's, 3,50 Salem, 1,50—5.00 From Rev. D. I. Dreher's Charge : St. James', 6,00—0,00 $59,09i 18 LUTHEKAN SYNOD. Amount brought forward from page 17, - - - - - $59,09i From Rev. B. C. HalVs Charge : Luther's Chapel, 3,00 St. Paul's, 2,00—5,00 From Rev. W. A. Julian's Charge : Zion's, 1.67 Beck's, 1,4G Pilgrim's, 1,00 Sandy Creek, 2,40—6,53 Amount, $70,62^ The foregoing is a statement of the contributions received by your Com- mittee. In the absence of the Treasurer we are unable to report in full as to the duties assigned us. Respectfully submitted, C. LENTZ, P. N. HEILIG. A motion now prevailed to enter into an election for. four Directors in W. C. M. Academy, to serve for a period of three years, and for one Director to serve tlie unexpired term of Rev. W. G. Harter, resigned. The following were elected for the term of three years, viz: Revs. L. C. Groseclose and D, I. Dreher, and Messrs. Daniel Barrier and P. A. Seaford. And Rev. Jacob Crim was elected to serve the unexpired term. An election was now held for delegate to the S. C. Synod, which resulted in the selection of Rev. Jacob Crim. Synod now went into an election for the next place of meeting, which re- sulted in the choice of St. Paul's, Alamance County. 16. Resolved, That one thousand copies of Minutes of Synod be printed ; that two copies be sent to each Synod that we are in regular correspondence with, and one to every other Synod in the United States. 17. Resolved, That an abstract of the proceedings of the Education and Missionary Society be printed with the Minutes of Synod. 18. Resolved, That the thanks of this Synod be presented to the congrega- tion of St. Paul's Church for the hospitable manner in which we have been entertained, and that the Pastor read this resolution from the pulpit at his earliest convenience. 19. Resolved, That when this Synod adjourn, that it stand adjourned, to meet in St. Paul's Church, Alamance County, on Thursday before the first Sabbath in May, 1858, at 10 o'clock, A. M. A motion was now carried to adjourn, to meet at the time and place ap- pointed. DANIEL I. DEEHER, . Recording Secretary of Synod. MINUTES OP THE MINISTERIUM. Friday, May 1st, 3 o'clock, P. M. After tho close of the Synodical sessions for tlie day, the Ministerium met, and was opened with prayer by the President. The Sermons and Journals of Eevs. Hall, Lentz and Juhan, were referred to tlie following Committees : 1. Sermon and Journal of Rev. W. A. Julian, to Revs. W. G. Hart^r and J. Crim. 2. The Sei-mon and Journal of Rev. B. C. Hall, to Revs. S. Scherer and P. Kistler. 3. The Sermon and Journal of Rev. C. Lentz, to S. Rothrock and J. S. Heilig. On motion, the Ministerium adjourned, subject to the call of the President SECOND SESSION. Saturday, May 2, 4 o'clock, P. M. Ministerium was opened with prayer by Rev. P. Kistler. The Minutes of tlie former session were read and coulirmed. REPORT, No. 1. The Committee to examine the Sermon and Journal of Bro. C. Lentz, would respectl'ully report as follows : 20 MINUTES OF 1. Brother Lentz has had no regular charge during the past year ; from his journal, however, your Committee learn, that he preached frequently in vari- ous places, and labored with commendable zeal and industry for the advance- ment of the Redeemer's Kingdom and the salvation of immortal souls. 2. This sermon is scriptural in doctrine, natural and systematic in its ar- rangement, and afibrds promising evidences of future usefulness as a minister of the Gospel of Christ. RspectfuUy submited, S. ROTHROCK, J. S. HEILIG. REPORT, No. 2. The Committee to whom was referred the Sermon and Journal of Bro. Hall, beg leave to report that they have attended to that duty. And it ap- pears from his Journal, that said brother has been laboring in the Master's vineyard, during the past year, with ordinary and somewhat commendable zeal. His Manuscript, containing nothing more than an amplified skeleton, is neatly gotten up. The penmanship, orthography, grammatical construction, logical arrange- ment, and general discussion of his theme, all evince commendable care and reflection. Your Committee recommend that his Journal and Manuscript be read be- fore tlie Ministerium. Respectfully submitted, S. SCHERER, P. KISTLER. REPORT, No. 3. Your Committee appointed to examine and report on the Sermon and Jour- nal of Rev. W. A. JuMan, would submit the following : We are pleased to say that the sermon is good, and excepting some ortho- graphical errors, is creditable to its author. His Journal has been neatly kept. He has simply given us the texts without showing us the manner he head- ed his subjects. We would have been pleased with one or two skeletons, that we might have formed a more satisfactory opinion of his knowledge of sermonizing. Respectfully submitted, W. G. HARTER, JACOB CRIM. On motion, its was 1. Resolved, That the Licentiates be examined at the next meeting of the Ministerium. Adjourned with prayer by Bro. Rothrock. TIIIED SESSION. Monday Evenikg, 8 o'clock, May 4. The Ministerium met in the house of Mr, Henry Lentz, and was opened with prayer by tlie President. Minutes of the second session were read and adopted. On motion, a Committee was appointed to examine the candidates for licensure. In compUance with the above motion. Revs. S. Rothrock and S. Schen'r were appointed, and by request, the Officers of Ministerium were added to said Committee. Some time having been spent in the examination of applicants for licensure, the following was offered : 2. Resolved, That the examination of the Licentiates be sustained, and that tlieir license be renewed. Ministerium adjourned with prayer by Rev. S. Rothrock. DANIEL I. DIIEHER, Recording Secretary of Ministerium. APPENDIX (A.) PRESIDENT'S REPORT. Deaii Brethren : Grace to you, and peace, from God, our Father, and tlie Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Inasmuch as circumstances, which shall be made known to you at the proper time, deny me the pleasure and privilege of meeting you in synodical convention this year, 1 am under the necessity of submitting to you my Eeport through the hands of another person. God, in his kind providence, has again permitted you to as- semble, lie has graciously spared us, without permitting death to mark any of us as his victims, though many of our friends and neighbors have gone to their final account. And while this should awaken in us emotions of gratitude to our Heavenly Father, may it stimulate us to renewed zeal and energy in our several callings, and for all those benevolent causes which have for their object, either directly or indirect- ly, the amelioration of mankind, and the gk)ry of God ; 80 tliat we may not " grow weary in well-doing,'' but "work while it is day, for the night cometh in which no man can work." In obedience to the requirements of the constitution, I shall now lay before you a report of my official acts during the past synodical year. On tlie 9tli of June, I received from Rev. W. A. Julian a •certificate of regular standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church ; whereupon, in accordance with a resolution of the Ministerium, at its last convention, the officers of the Synod gave him license. 1 Avould state, in this connection, that Bro. Julian, soon after the meeting of Synod at St. Enoch's, moved to Mt. Pleasant and entered the Institution, intending to spend several years there, with a view to qualify himself better for the ministry. Being disappointed, however, in his expected means of support, he was compelled, about the mid- dle of last session, to relinquish his laudable purpose, and to make arrangements for entering the field of labor. Query — should not Synod have made some provision for this brother? On the 2nd Sabbath in June, according to a resolution of the Ministerium, the officers of Sj^nod ordained Rev. D. I. Dreher in his Church at Concord. The president preached tlie ordination sermon, from Gal. vi, 14:. The exercises were characterised by deep solemnity. Ma}^ this brother, who has already endeared himself to his people, labor with much suc- cess. On the 6th of August, I wrote to Rev. A Grimes, as direc- ted by Synod, with a view of eliciting information as to the amount of labor he still performs, the state of his congrega- tion, &c. I received an answer on the 6th of October, and another communication on the 16tli of February. Brother Grimes states that his health is feeble, and urges this as the reason of his absence from Synod. He still preaches two Sabbaths in the month to a small congregation, having, how- ever, but five communicants ; though i^ appears that he ex- ])ects to organise a small class of catechismens, from tlie fact that he desired a few catechisms. lie wishes to continue a member of Synod the remaining days of his life. I would suggest that his last letter be read before Synod. ^ On the 21st of October, Rev. L. C. Groseclose personally informed me that he liad resigned the Davidson pastorate, and accepted a call from the Salisbury and Union churches, and that he had already assumed the duties of that charge. We have been much gratified to learn that this brother has, tlms fur, labored with signal success, particularly in the Salis- bury congregation, which has received new life and energy under his efficient ministrations. The Lord bless his future labors, and grant him " many souls for his hire." On the 23rd of October, Ilev. ^V. G. llarter personally ten- dered his resignation as a member of the Board of Directors of W. C. M. Academy, having accepted an appointment as agent for the Home Missionary Society of the General Synod. And on the 27th of March, I received a letter from Jjro. Jlar- ter, desiring me to render to Synod his excuse for his non- attendance this year, urging the great distance as the reason. Synod will be gratified to learn that Bro. llarter is laboring assiduously, and with success. On the 1st of December, I received a letter from Rev. B. C. Hall, informing me that he had resigned his Union con- gregation ; and, on the 10th of March, the same brother in- formed me that he had taken charge of Luther Chapel until the meeting of Synod. The proceedings of conference will show the reason of the change made. On the 2nd of March, I received a communication from the Itcv. Ernst Hoffman, of Poughkeepsie, New York, wish- ing to know whether he could be supplied with a (xerman congregation within the bounds of our Synod. I informed him that we had no such congregation in connection with our Synod, and directed him to the Pennsylvania Synod. On tlie Gth of March, Pev. AV. A. Julian informed me, by note, that he had accepted a call from the Davidson charge. May the Great Head of the Church make this young brother useful in his vineyard. On the 27th of March, I received a letter from Eev, J. Crim, complaining of difficulties in his cliarge. Learning incidentally that the Conference at Concord had referred the matter to Synod, I deemed it unnecessary to write to Bro. Crim. On the 26th of December, a convention of the scholarship- holders of ^Y. C. M. Academy was held at Organ Church, to consult about tlie best interest of the Institution, and, if possible, to fall upon a plan to increase the endowment fund. Among other plans, it was proposed that, in view of the very lovv^ rate of scholarships, each holder of a scholar- sliip, having it in use, should annually pay six dollars in addition to the interest, and that this should accrue to the Institution, making the obligation binding as soon as forty of the whole number would sign their names. As the repre- sentative of Synod, holding three scholarships, I signed the obligation. It will be for Synod to justify or condemn the act. I would also state here, that I have received, during the year, $27,00 for scholarships let out. Synod will please to say what disposition is to be made of it. As far as I know, conferential meetings were held, gen- erally, throughout the bounds of Synod, and all business transacted by them, claiming the attention of Synod, will, no doubt, be submitted to tliis body. According to a resolution of Synod, it was made my duty to take charrre of the Mt. Carmel cono:re£ration, and I will liere state, that the congregation desires the arrangement to continue. It will be your duty to elect the usnal number of Directors for W. C. M. Academy, and also one in the room of Eev. W. G. Ilarter, resigned. The President of the Board of Directors will, doubtless, in his report, bring to your notice our Institution at Mt. Plea- Bant. But I cannot help availing myself of this opportunity, through the medium of my report, to enlist your sympathies, your energies, and your liberal contributions in its behalf. It is now more tlian two years since you called me to preside over this infant Institution. Ever since, it has been the sub- ject of my prayers, and the object of my concentrated ener- gies. I liave labored single-handed,— I have toiled inces- santly to establish it ;— to give it character and prominence abroad ; and I trust that my labors have not been altogether in vain. But after all, what can your Principal accomplish without your co-operation? You hnvo ])hmtcd the Institu- tion, you must nurse it, you must rear it, else it cannot llour- i8h,--cannot prosper. Are you interested in it? Are you united in sentiment and eftbrt? Brethren, it is needless for me to tell you your duty in reference to this matter. You know what is necessary. You know your duty. If you love the Churcli,— if you regard the intelligence and moral- ity of the community, you must use your influence in its favor. It is the Institution of the Church, and the Church must sustain it, or itself languish and die. The Church and her Institutions are inseparably connected, and derive life and strength one from the other. They reciprocally tend to each other's advancement, and the inefficiency of the one must cripple tlie energies of the other. Let Synod and the Church sustain tlie Institution and it will sustain and dignify the Synod, while the benefits resulting will dif- diffuse themselves over the whole Church. We have, in- deed, had opposition to contend with, and pirncipally from our own Lutheran household ; but we have, thank God, thus far succeeded. But we need the sympathies and liberal sup- port of the Churcli. I call upon you, then, as you value the Church,— as you value the cause of Christ, sustain your In- stitution-hold it up before your people— secure it many lib- eral friends, and you will perform a noble deed, and secure a lasting blessing to posterity. Query — Is it right for a minister of this Synod to absent himself habitually from the meetings of conference, without sending an excuse? SUGGESTIONS. It is a well-known fact, that some of our brethren, in con- nection with their pastorates, have plantations to manage, which necessarily must, in a great measure, divert their attention from their pastoral duties.. In times past this may have been necessary, but it is not now. Without deeming it necessary to quote any particular passage of scripture, it is enough to say, that the spirit of God's word entirely conflicts with this practice, and nothing is more plain than that the Gospel teaches a separation from secular business in the min- istry. And indeed, experience proves that any occupation in connection with the ministerial oliice, is a great hindrance to the prosperity of the church. If a ininister has a farm, it is very natural for his members to say, " he has himself a source of income ; we need not pay so much ;" and the minis- ter thus receiving a meagre support, will be compelled to give more attention to his farm. Thus his study is neglected, his pastoral fleld is not visited, his pulpit performances suf- fer, and his congregations cannot prosper. He who would preach acceptably, and build up the church, must spend the greater portion of his time in his study and among his j^eople. He who does not endeavor to have the dew of God's grace distilled upon his services by prayerful study — he who does not endeavor to water his spiritual plants by going through the field with the gentle sprinkling of religious conversation, will soon see a spiritual dearth, and a barren and unfruitful waste. Then let the minister rid himself of his incumbrance, and give his whole time and attention to his people ; and let his people build him a parsonage, and support him in such a manner that he will be raised above the necessity of follow- ing another occupation in connection with the ministry, and, in less than ten years, if both do their duty, tliat which is now a wilderness, will be a garden. Tlie church will prosper — her Institutions will flourish, and all her benevolent causes will be advanced. I would state, in justice, that some of the brethren have lately disposed of their incumbrances, and are willing to throw themselves upon the liberality of the people, and I know oth- ers whose sincere desire is to " go and do likewise ;" and we trust that their people will soon hold out sufficient induce- ment for them to give themselves " wholly to the work of the ministry." I would suggest, therefore, that this subject be brought be- fore our people, with a view to remedy the evil as soon as possible. And now, may your present convention be one of peace and harmony, and may the blessing of God attend all your deliberations. The Grace of God be with you. Amen. WILLIAM GEKHAEDT. Mt. Pleasant, K". C., April 14th, 1857. i APPENDIX (B.) PROCEEDINGS -^ OF THE MISSIONARY AND EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE EVAN. lutheea:n" synod of north caeolina. According to adjournment at its last meeting, the Mission- ary and Educational Society of the Evan. Luth. Synod of Nortii Carolina, assembled in St. Paul's Church, Iredell County, May 4th, 1857, at 11 o'clock, A. M. A missionary sermon was preached by Rev. D. I. Dreher, from Mark, xvi, 15. In the absence of the President, the Yice President, Rev. D. I. Dreher, explained the object of the Society. A collection was taken, and the amount of §36,50 was ob- tained. Recess was then given, after which the Society opened with singing, and prayer by Rev. S. Scherer. The names of a considerable number of persons were en- rolled as members for one year. Officers were then elected as follows : Rev. J. CRIM, President, " D. I. DREHER, Yice President, " C. LENTZ, Secretary, Mr. D. ISENHOUR, Treasurer. The following contributions were presented to the society : I2ev. L. C. Groseclose's Charge: Salisbury, - . . - $6 50 Rev. B. C. UaWs Charge : Luther's Chapel, - - - . 5 00 11 50 Amount brought forward, - - . - . . Eev. J. C rim's Charge : St. Matthew's, $1 15 Bethel, 3 50 Jerusalem, 1 40 Rev. P. Klstler''s Charge : St. Michael's, 4 78 Newton, 4 50 $11^0 $6 05 $9 28 Eev. D. I. Drehcr's Charge : St. James', (Concord,) - - - 4 00 Whole amount, $30 83 Amount obtained by collection, - - - 36 50 Total, - - $G7 33 On motion, a committee of two were appointed to take charge of the funds, pay over to the Treasurer, and take his bond. Committee — Eev. J. S. Ileilig, and Mr. Joseph Cook. The President made the following appointments : Executive Committee — Kevs. L. C. Groseclose, S. Eothrock, D. I. Dreher, B. C. Hall, J. S. Ileilig. Board of Directors—Rev. P. Kistlcr, Wm. G. Ilarter, S. Scherer, W. A. Julian, Messrs. P. N. Ileilig, J. Cook, A. Barringer, Daniel Eoseman, S. J. Lentz, D. AV. Earner, D. Ilarkey, J. Smithdeal. A resolution from the Western Conference, recommending the formation of a missionary field in Catawba County, vras brought to notice of the Society ; and the following resolution was adopted : 1. Resolved, That in the event the church in Catawba raise $150, the Ex. Com. of this Society arc instructed to ])rocurc the services of a suitable man, if practicable, at its earliest convenience, and pay him §150 of the Society's funds. The committee, Avhose duty it was, by the action of last year, to draft Constitutions for the Missionary and Educational OZ TO MINTJTES. Soc^ties, separately, reported the result of their labors. Bv inotibn, it was laid on the table. Tlie following resolution was adopted : 2. Resolved^ That to enable us to be more efficient as a Society, each minister belonging to this Synod be requested to lift a collection in each of his congregations during the en- suing year. The Treasuer's Report was read and received. By mo- tion, it was referred to the committee on finance. Rev. L. C. Groseclose was appointed to preach the mission- ary sermon, at the next annual meeting, and Rev. S. Scherer his alternate. The committee on the Treasurer's Report presented the following : The committee appointed to examine the Treasurer's Re- port have attended to their duty, and find it correct. TREASURER'S REPORT. D. M. Isenhour^ Treasurer^ in accowmt with the Ilissionaiy and Educational Society of the Evan. Lutheran Synod of North Carolina. ^otes on hand, including interest, Cash " " .... Loaned D. M. Blackwelder, per order Ex. Com. $161 64 63 50 $226 50 13 00 Balance in hand, §176 13 Beneficiary notes, - - - $489 73. I Respectfully submitted, D. ISE^^HOUR, Treasurer. It was Besolved^ That an abstract of the proceedings of this Society be published with the minutes of Synod. On motion, the Society then adjourned to meet on Monday at 11 o'clock, at the time and place of the next meeting of Synod. Closed wdth appropriate religious exercises, CALEB LENTZ, Secretary. X >-^. "..--sSl w *" '^^iffll 1 1 OFFICERS OF THE rjdDif iBi (G^i^®MMA mnm), Rev. LEVI C. GROSECLOSE, President. " DANIEL I. DREHER. Recordinc? Secretary. " JOHN S. HEILIG, Corresponding Seci-etaiV. Al. BARRIER, Esq., Treasurer. § "m [mm