The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-09-09
TEACHER QUESTION
UNDER DISCUSSION
Synod Finally Approves PROPOSE
ton to Issue Dipimas in Train
ing Course.
INTENDED AS PREMIUM
Lutheran Body is United, How
ever Regarding Selection of
Sunday-SchooI Books.

When the Southern United Synod.
in twelfth biennial convention here.
reconvened Friday morning in the
First English Lutheran church. the
body resumed discussion of the Ques-
ton whether certificates should be
issued to graduates in the teacher
training course in connection with
Sunday school work.
Recommendation that the issuance
of such certificates should be author
lied by the synod was made In a
special committee report Thursday.
The question precipitated discussion
which developed much opposition,
many of the delegates declaring as
their belief that the synod would be
going far out OF its way In attempting
to handle such matters. Advocates
of the measure explained that the de-
tails would be cared tor by special
committee, under the plan proposed.
and the synod itself would have prac-
tically no burden placed upon 1t. 1t
was also explained that the certifi-
Gates were merely intended as a re-
ward or premium In order to stimu-
late teachers to attain the highest de-
gree of efficiency possible In pursuing
Sunday school work
Pleads for fair trial.
Other denominations have tried the
scheme with much success" declared
Chairman McConaghy OF the Sunday
school committee "and | think we
should at least give IL fair trial.
The question seemed to be far from
q state of solution when the body ad-
journed at l r. M. Thursday
The delegates appeared to be
united, however, on a proposition
/ from the same committee to the eff
feet that suitable list Of text books
should be agreed upon for uniform
Use.
Following further discussion Friday
morning, the synod voted TO adopt the
report of the Sunday school commit
tee including the recommendation for
the issuance of teacher certificates.
Employ Deaeonssses.
Another matter of interest that re-
ceived attention at the fourth days
session of the synod was the question
of deaconesses and their employment
in connection with the furtherance of
church work. Rev C. E. Weltner of
Columbia. S. c., spoke at some length
in this work and asked the endorse
ment Of the synod relative TO the In
struction of deaconesses which he Is
pursuing In Columbia. He wanted
particularly to know to what extent
the synod would furnish work for
young women taking such course
under him. Mr.. Charles II. Stiegiizt.
assistant secretary of the synod,
speaking on the subject. said that a
deaconess had been working with
great success in connection with his
church in Atlanta. Ga, and he be-
leved the synod would do well to
authorize the extension of such work
as far as possible. The matter finally
went over for further consideration at
| the Friday afternoon session which
convened at p. NJ.
Foreign Mission Report.
The report of the foreign mission
board proved TO be easily the most
important matter that came before
the synod Friday morning.
Among other items, this report con-
tanned the following Recommended
! tons
That the sum of $4,000 annually
he apportioned among the different
( synods as the declared minimum
amount imperatively needed during
the ensuing biennium to meet the cur
rent expenses of the mission, apart
from the building which should or
may be erected,
That the Epiphany season be recog-
nized as foreign mission festival In all
our congregation. and that April
Japan LAY DC ocslA AS Tie sea
sen for special offerings for the Japan
mission In all our Sunday schools.
Ask for $4,000.
That the United Synod recognizes
in the Mission League valuable
agency to supplement the small APP
portionment, commends 1t as promot-
ing Individual interest and larger Civ
ing, and endorses especially that fea-
ture which contemplates an "Emer-
gency Fund" available for meeting un-
expected drafts upon the Mission
treasury. so liable to occur IN the
foreign work.
That the United Synod extends
most cordial welcome to Rev. Arthur
j. Stirewalt, as its missionary now on
visit to our churches. and more es-
pecially In the capacity OF messenger
from the conference in Japan; and
! that our people he urged TO respond
promptly and Literally to the call
which comes from Japan for an add
tional $4,000 in order to place the
Mission School in kumamoto upon a
present and adequate working basis.
Five Stations In Japan.
The report dealt at some length
with mission work being conducted
in Japan under direction OF the
United Synod. II showed that the
members enrolled during the life of
the missions up to January /, 1910,
Numbered ga al FIVE stations.
Rev. A. ~. Stirewalt. missionary to
Japan. who Is in attendance upon