New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-09-30
The LUTHERAN CHURCH.
THE REV. DR.. RE1MENSNYDERSJ JUDGMENT.
THE LUTHERAN CELEBRATION.

THE REV. DIR. RE1MENSNYDERS JUDGMENT.
THE LUTHERAN CELEBRATION.
Tho Rev. J. b. Reimensuyder. ID. D.. Of St. James
Lutheran Church, spoke with satisfaction of the
growth Of his denomination iL this city during the
last ten years 1t had advanced during the last
thirty years, he said, at gfoater rate oil per-
centage than any other Protestant denomination,
and this rate for tho longer period had been 400 per
cent q think" he continued, " that for ten years
the relative percentage has been mainta ned. Tho
Episcopalans have been next to US in this respect.
with percentage of 225, 40 that the Lutheran do
nomination is ahead of all, the Epscopalians.
in its rate OF Increase. This is partially due to
immigration. Our ministers, too, address congre-
cations in the German. Swedish. Danish and Nor
wegiau languages, reaching TINS congregations Of
these various nstlonalItes who immigrate largely.
Our church in Ibis city has been increasing In ITS
character too, because 1t belongs TO the ltursic
churches, and the tendency OF these is TO gatser
good class Of members. Luther. as YOU know, had
strong sympathy with beauty music. painting and
scupture so that the Lutheran ideal is the highest
probably OF that OF all denomina in the direc-
ton of art
ain extending our Church Wa have made no
special efforts N missionary direction III the tene-
ment house districts. for the reason that the ned ID
largely covered by regular churches. Our
German CDurcDeS Especially bhAt ni''
the membership embraces many OF the tenement
house element The spiritual growth OF our
denomination here has been quiet, orderly
and regular There are no special 1eaiufes
of that growth, special outlurrt OF ierFOr
or zeal. bat steady even aud continual develop
ment of II. Our ain rs to have spirit nal Church
and our gro this direction consider aForaDle
and encouraging AS to our methods. there ~ no
essential change IN them. TINS Is the ionr-
hundredtn wear since the birth OF Luther aad there
H. n view of this general revival OF church ierVcr
and an awakening of church selfconsciou .ness
among us, SO that now the church IS eAhiDitlDg
great zeal. n
Ter than in the past: The number attending divine
service Is about S large the membership In our
mission contributions there has been remarkaDle
increase IN the few years. both Tor foreign ana
home PURPOSES; but there has been HUE relative
change In the amunnts. With reference 10 de-
npminationai lines while we acknowledge tie thor
ongh Christianity OF other denominations ana ira
terniZe VITA them there is no more aiiliiatlOn now
than formerly. The Lutheran Churcn has so inuch
on its own shou ders that 1t has little time to look
outside The lines are no less rgdly drawn be-
tween denomina Ions. but Tie spirit of the times has
qulckened the sentiment of broths, ly feeing; inc
doctrIpal and confessional standards of the Luthe-
ran Cnurch particularly drawn thaC
they are adhered to AS strO1gly as ever; Ill
ract there is growing tendency for Lutherans 10
become more thoroughly united on doctrina' princl-
pies among themselves than ever.
am satisfied with the growth OF the Lutheran
Church and It's position. think That the tendency
of American piety, 40 it grows older and attalns
more conservatism and culture, is toward harmony
with the genius of LutheTanisin. which represent IS
more markedly than any other denomination inc
conservative spirit of Professionalism"