The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-08-14


western Luthern Synod began this
morning at 9 o'clock, tho open devo-
tional services being conducted by Mr..
NJ. c. Sibold. Tho presence of Mr.. L.
IL. Aull, Of tho Lutheran Visitor, was
recognized, and he was invited to a seat
as an advisory member of synod.
The report of the committee on the
presidents report was received and tho
recommendation contained in it-that
tho synod now proceed to tho election of
delegates to the United Synod (Which
meets in Staunton next ycar)-was re-
ferrcd to the proper head of business.
Tho presidents report says:
"DEAR BRETnREN-N Nearly fifty voors
have passed away since several minis
tiers and lay delegates mot in tho old
church near tho one in which we arc
now assembled for tho purpose of taking
tho initiatory steps looking to tho for
nation OF this synod. In May, 1912, tho
first regular meeting was held in lions
Church, Floyd county, Va. There were
six clerical and five lay delegates pres
ent, OF these all have left the church
militant and gone, we trust, to unite
with tho General Assembly and church
OF tho first born which arc written in
Heaven except one, l refer to Rev. s.
Blondy, OF Burles Garden, Va, whose
presence we are glad to record on this
joyous occasion.
They met under the most discourage
ing circumstances. They were remote
from any sister synod from whom they
might receive counsel and encourage.
ment. Their congregations were weak
and few in number. They had no funds
to assist them in carrying out any plans
they might adopt for tho extension of
the kingdom of Christ. They were not
accustomed to giving and unacquaintcd
In great measure with tho claims
which tho church had upon their liberal
ity. They often hesitated and were
slow in giving to even tho fow objects
of bene6cenco which were presented.
Not unfrcquently were they charged
with the folly Of being premature in
their movements. And, indeed, there
were many just grounds to fear that tho
Undertaking might provo failure in
tho end.
Then wo had only six ministers on
our clerical roll, with Nom bcrship of
less than SO0 One year ago the parachal
report shows thirty-four ministers with
nearly 1000 members. y number of
institutions for the education of our
sons and daughters havo been cstab-
llShed within our bounds. Oar mission
airy operations have been greatly en-.
largcd through the liberality of our
people and thousands OF dollars arc
now given whore only fcw years since
put little was done i'll the way of general
bencvolencoh
IN cta
gion were heard, after which parochial
reports were offered. Rev. w. f. Hub
bard made 4 report from tho mission
committee.
An earncst,intoresting and admirable
sermon was preached by DR.. IIcnkcl
from the text found in st. John, third
chapter and sixteenth verse, God so
loved the world, &c"
After another sumptuous lunch in tho
grove and a short hour of recreation the
synod went into session upon the call of
tho president and took up the considera-
ton of the mission report. Tho report
OF tho mission committee was con-
sidered. Complete reports of their work
we're offered by the missionaries labor
ing at liluefield, Graham, Vinton. Botc-
tourt county, Radford, Shiloh AMI Hills
vile lmpressing tho synod with tho
- uitu IiCH Oh tucSc
fields.
Rev. Mr. Bushnell. of Roanoke, and
Rev. j. A. Morehcad, of Vinton, took an
active part in the talk upon mission
work, and made some very earnest, elo-
quent and touching remarks on this
SUBJECT urging tho great Importance OF
the work Rev. George II. Gray, of
Hilisville. is witty speaker, and
amused the synod by his glowing ac.
account of the lIillsvillc Church and
congregation.
The following extracts arc taken from
tho report of the mission committee:
Rev Prof. j. B. Grccvcr has continued
to minister to our work at Graham and
Jeifersonvillc without cost to the synod
Tho elegant new church at Jefferson
VILE viii soon be ready for dedication
The liberal gift OF Professor Grcevcr, by
which no conveys to the Lutheran
Church the grounds and buildings be-
longing to tho Wartlobury Seminary,
must have a very beneficial influence
upon the progress OF the church.
AT Pulaski tho woman's memorial,
under the pastoral care OF Rev. j. s.
Schcrcr continues to mako rapid and
substantial progress.
I'm September your committee Sc
lected Rev. John L. Bushnell as synodi-
cal missionary, and he at once entered
upon his duties. He was very active in
the discharge of his duties.
Tho following committee was ap.
pointed TO nominate officers Of the
church extension society. Rcvs. j. j.
Schcrcr, c. ~. a. Yoncc and j. w. But
Ter.
The election of delegates to the next
meeting Of United synod resulted as