The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-06-05
FREE LUTHERANS
Annual Conference In Session at Au-
~ @. dubon, Mimi. 1$

Audubon, Mimi, June 5.--The annual large
crowds and the revival of old friendship and
fellowship were the characteristic features at
tending the opening of the sixth annual con-
ference; Of the Lutheran Free church at this
place yesterday. The matter of entertaining
hundreds of visitors occupies the attention
Of not only the town but the surrounding
country we'll = ,-.ta
The opening sermon was preached by Rev.
O.. J., Edwards of Northwood,- N. D., where
upon President Harho declared the meeting
opened. The conference then adjourned to
80 p. M. The afternoon session was devoted
to hearing reports from officers and boards of
the Free church. Rev. S. E. Sorenson of
Hoffman, Mimi, conducted devotional, exer-
cises The. president appointed as committee
on credentials Rev. eMessrs. S. E. Kjelaas of
Thorson SD, e. O. Larson, Lemond, Mimi,
and J. T.. Johnson Shell Lake, MINI. The
presidents annual report was lengthy docu-
ment, giving a general review Of the activi-
ties OF the church during the year and plead
ing eloquently for a more generous support
Professor j. H.. -Blegen. secretary of tho
Lutheran boad Of missions, and Professor G.
Sverdrup,. secretary of the same board, read
their reports. The total receipts of the board
through the year were $4,000, all In contri-
buttons. The mission field of the board is
located in the interior of Madagascar and is
proving quite. a drain. both of life and mis-
| sionary funds on account. Of the unpropitious
climate. TWse families. OF. the missionary force
have been compelled to ask for indefinite
| leave of absence,y oAes more viii undoubtedly
be forced ito returncte this, country, and a
recent stelesra aanItuunces othei death of Mlla
Larson, al deaceness in7charge Of the home for
| foundlings atssAugsburg station in. the same
| field. Under the stress Of these somewhat
! formidable reverses Secretary Sverdrup of the
| board made a strong plea for patience and
| perseverance in supporting the mission It 10
| proposed to send two, deaconesses and one
missionary this summer. :!
| Permanent organization Of the conference
was effected by the reelection of Rev. E. P.
| Harbo of Minneapolis for the presidency, and
| Professor Wilhelm Peterson OF Augsburg
seminary secretary. Professor Hendrick-
son, the former secretary, retires under the
rules of the Free church, which do not allow
more than two terms Of service in succession
The matter, Of a new liturgy for Free con-
gregations, more in spirit with the new con-
ditions Of the Norwegian Lutheran church
In this country, was next taken up. A draft
| Of a new liturgy and ritual was laid before
| the meeting by Professor Sverdrup of Augs-
burg seminary. The draft contains some
rather important changes introducing, for in
stance, responsive<readings, and on the whole
making worship more congregational, in q
literal sense: ! 7ls :, ~ - es-;z-.
The attendance is quite large. Ministers are
present from all parts Of Minnesota. Wis.
consin, North and South Dakota, Michigan
One, Rev E. A. Hage,, has come all the way
from Bella Coota, B. c.; also one from New
Vnr 49,