The Monett times., 1922-05-05
MISSOURI SYNOD Is YEARS OLD
National Lutheran Body Celebrates
Diamond Jubilee With Special
Services Throughout Country. a..

states, commonly called the Missouri
Synod, will be seventy-five years old.
This event will be duly observed by
Lutherans throughout the country, as
the above name Synod is represented
in practically every state of the
Union with branches in Canada, South
America and other foreign countries.
Special jubilee services are to be held
in all the churches and joint mass
meetings in the larger cities. 1t is
hoped that large sum of money will
be raised as a thank offering to be ap-
piled to the building of churches and
chapels in Europe and China, where
energetic mission work rs being car
ried on.
In 1S47 mere handful of men met
in Chicago for the purpose of bring
ing the conservative Lutheran church
es in the Central States into closer
affiliation. Twelve congregations
were represented by their pastors and
lay delegates, and these, together
with a few other pastors who joined
as advisory members, organized what
was destined to become the largest
individual Lutheran Synod now extent
numbering at present about $500
congregations, with nearly 5000 pas
tors, over 650000 COMMUNICATE mem
bers, and a baptized membership Of
more than 100000. The value of the
church property owned by members
congregations is approximately $780,
00O 900, and the various educational
institutions Of synod represent an adj
ditional investment of $4,000, 900.
The conservative doctrinal position
of the original twelve congregations
has been maintained throughout all
these years. Synod stands four
square upon the Scriptures 'as the in
fallble word Of God, the only source
of articles of faith and sole rule Of
conduct. Accordingly questions of
doctrine and practice are decided, not
by considerations of eXpediency, but
by the clear words of the Bible. Many
people are rather amazed that synod
has had such a remarkable growth,
notwithstanding this conservative po-
sition, while its friends and members
find in this very position the secret
of its growth.
Intense missionary activity unques-l
tionably is largely responsible for the
continued numerical progress of the
organization. At the present time $50
pastors are engaged in this work,
serving 1850 missions. Foreign mis-
sions are conducted in India and Chi
ma, England, Brazil, Argentine, France
Germany and other countries.
Another factor contributing to the
growth of synod is its parochial school
system. These schools are conducted
in every way along the lines Of our
public schools, in many instances ar
ticulating with these, only in addition
to the secular curriculum they give
the children a thorough religious
training. In some of the larger cities
Lutheran high schools are also main
tanned. Twelve colleges and collegiate
institutes with student body Of near
ly 2,100 afford opportunities for high
er education. In two seminaries over
500 young men are preparing them
selves for the ministry. Concordia
Seminary at st. Louis, operated by
synod, is probably the largest institu-
ton of it's kind in America, among
the Protestant bodies at any rate.
Extensive Charity Work.
The Missouri Synod has always laid
special emphasis on the cardinal doc
trine of the Scriptures that man is
saved by grace alone through faith.
At the same time, however, it always
stresses the point that saving faith
most naturally will be active in corre-
spending works of charity after the
manner Of the Master. Accordingly
provision is made for the care of the
sick and the helpless and the needy.
Fifteen hospitals and two sanitaria
are located in large centers of popu-
lation, having property value of $4,
0S7000 and giving treatment to some
$4,000 patients annually, much Of
which is charity pure and simple.
Nine orphanages, valued at $3.50, 900,
shelter $50 children. Thirteen home
finding societies gather up some 200
waits year and place them in Chris
tian homes for adoption. Two train !
ing schools Nfor neglected children, a
school for deaf-mutes, home and
school for epileptics, are other insti-
tutions of mercy conducted for the
benefit of poor and afflicted children.
Nine homes for the aged provide hos
pitable shelter for nearly 400 helpless
old people, and five hospices or homes
chiefly for working girls, are conduct
Hf