Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-10-27
THE LUTHERAN SYNOD.
Closing Business Session Will
be Held To-day.
Yesterdays Morning Session Devoted to
bethlehem pastorato's Desire for sopa-
ration from tho Church in waynesboro
Tho Afternoon to Missions in tho
bounds of tho Synod.

Yesterday, the fourth day of the ses-
sions of the Lutheran Synod of Vir-
ginia, was one of much interest and of
great Importance to the church in this
state. The morning session began
with prayer by Rev. II. L. Scheele.
Rev. j. A. Morehead was excused
from further attendance upon the ses-
sion of the Synod.
The report of the Committee on Let
tiers and Petitions was further consid-
cred. Under this head came what was
probably the most important business
of the day, the matter before the Sy-
nod being a dissension in the Bethle-
hem passionate in Augusta county. This
subject of the respective needs and de-
mands of these two congregations.
which lie about four miles apart, had
also been considered at much length on
Thursday afternoon, and was under
discussion up to the time for adjourn
ment.
This pastorate is composed of two
charges. Bethlehem. in the county
which pays the largest salary to the
preacher. and Grace Church, in
Waynesboro. The Bethlehem congre-
cation wants the services of the minis
ter in charge of the pastorate in pro-
portion TO the amount Of salary II
pays, but would much prefer TO be n
separate paStorate and have u minis
ter of it's own. The passionate is now
without Il preacher. The last minister
IN charge was Rev. w. r. Brown, who
resigned several months ago on ac-
count of bad health.
The Jutherans of Wayncsboro, al
though few in number, have erected
and furnished handsome little
church, but under past and existing
arrangements, they have not been able
TO have their pastor present for morn
ing services, as the people of Waynes-
obro claimed him for that hour. The
result has been similar 20 that in the
other church IS so situated. and many
OF the young people of the Wayncsboro
congregation have drifted into the
churches of other denominations in
that city. This constant drain has be
come so serious. the Wayncsboro
Church claims, as TO threaten it's con-
tinued existence unless relief is afford
ed 1t. so that it will be able to hold
morning services like the other
churches of that city.
The Synod decided to commit the
whole matter to the President and tx
ccutive Committee. The President was
instructed TO visit the Bethlehem con-
gregation and urge the necessity of
the continuance of it's present relations
with Grace Church, Waynesboro, with
the understanding that both conErega-
tions have Just and wise proportion
of the pastors services. In case of fail
ure TO Keep the two congregations to-
gether. the President was authorized
10 separate the churches and direct the
Executive Committee of the Synod to
apply the sum of 5000 for the assist
ance of Grace Church in the payment
OF its minister. the apportionment to
be on the basis of the annual table.
The report of the committee to which
was referred the report Of the dele
gates to the United Synod was taken
UP and various items adopted. but fur
Their consideration was postponed until
the afternoon session. The morning
session closed with benediction by Rev.
c. y. Freed.