St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-05-17
NORWEGIAN LUTHERANs.
A Union of Various Sects Discussed
by an Important Conference.
Special Correspondence.

Special Correspondence.
KENYON, Mimi, May 15.-This thriving
village is at present the scene of a very in
teresting and important conference.-the
of the different Norwegian Lutheran sects
of the state. They are assembled here to
accomplish purpose for which they have
been striving in vain for many years
that of a union of these various sects into
one church. The different divisions of the
Norwegian Lutheran church represented
here are the Norwegian synod, represented
by eight ministers and TWENTY-FIVE dele
gates, the Norwegian Danish conference by
thirteen ministers and nineteen delegates,
and the Augustana synod by two ministers
and one delegate and the discussions of
some of these learned divines promise to be
very interesting before they are ended. Of
the three divisions represented, the Nor
wegian synod ranks first among the Nor
wegian Lutheran church organizations in
this country, it having the largest number
of members. This division. which is the
root from which the others have sprung
out, some on account of petty difficulties.
was organized in 1858 by five clergymen and
a few lay delegates, and now number
213 ministers, SIT congregations and rs, 600
Numbers. This synod supports Norwe-
gian Lutheran college at DEBORAH, Ia.
with professors and $50 Students which
is the principal institution of learning
among the Norwegians in the Western
hemisphere. 1t also conducts theological
seminary at Madison, Wis: an orphan
asylum at Wittenberg, Wis; st. Olofs
college, Mortified, Mimi, and a seminary
at Wilmar, MINI. The Norwegian-Dani
conference is next in point of strength,
numbering 81 preachers, $40 congregations
onl 81 mn communicates This ol
was organized by some who separated from
the synod in 1870. This division has col
lege at Minneapolis. The Norwegian Au-
gustana synod was organized in 1860, and
consists OF 26 ministers. 80 congregations
and 5000 members. This sect has a col
lege at Canton, Oak, and a seminary at
Beloit, la.
These three divisions, all of whom are
firm believers in the doctrines of Martin
Luther, have differed about some points
that to outsiders seem of little moment in
reality. Yet they have caused dissensions
IN the church that has nearly caused it to
tremble to Its foundation. For several
years both sides have endeavored to over
come these difficulties in order to again
unite the church, but all in vain. So here
they meet again to try another time
to accomplish something towards a
closer union, if that is possible,
The conference was opened yesterday af-
ternoon by Rev. NJ. d. Bockman of the
Norwegian synod. Rev. John Olson of the
Norwegian-Danishc conference was elected
president pro tenn; and Rev. S. NJ. Krog-
ness secretary pro tenn. The following per-
manent officers of the conference were then
chosen: President. Prot. L. Larson, of the
Norwegian synod; vice president, Rev.
John Olson, of the Norwegian-D Danish con-
ference; secretary, Rev. S. NJ. Krogness.
of the Augustana synod. The time of
holding sessions was fixed at 9 to 10 a. m.
and to 4:30 p. m. AT the afternoon ses-
sion debate arose in regard to what
should be discussed at the meeting. Prof.
G. Soerdrup Of Minneapolis moved for
setting aside the afternoon sessions to treat
of cooperation in church matters and in
foreign missions, and of union theologi-
cal seminary. Prof. Oftedahl and Rev. J.
Sorenson spoke in favor of the motion,
which was opposed by Revs B. j.
lewis, j. Berg, A. Peterson.J. NJ Dahl and
81 Strand and Delegates T. Lajord and S.
Nummedal. The convention then adjourned
for the day without deciding. At the ses-
sions to-day not much of public interest
was done, but it is expected that the real
contest will commence Monday. The con-
ference will remain in session till next
Friday. Further developments will be
waited with great interest.