|
|||
|
|
|
|
HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES |
Contents |
THIS ISSUE |
Lumpe Named Interim Director of CHI |
Mr. Larry Lumpe, Saint Louis, has been named interim director of Concordia Historical Institute, effective November 1, 2001. He replaces the Rev. Paul McCain, who has become interim president and chief executive officer of Concordia Publishing House.
Lumpe has been a member of the Institute’s Board of Governors for three years and serves as its vice-president. After retiring in 1980 from a 33-year career in banking in Missouri, he was a gift planner for the Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for nine years and then served for seven years as executive director of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League. Earlier he had served for sixteen years on the League’s Board of Governors, and most recently he has been a consultant to the League.
In accepting his new position, Lumpe said, “There is a tremendous need for Concordia Historical Institute’s services to the church. I look forward to serving in any way that I can to support the continuing development of the Institute’s museum program and of the archives and library functions of the Institute that serve as the foundation of its service to the church.”
Lumpe will serve until a permanent director for the Institute is found.
The Institute’s board will be meeting the end of November to interview candidates and issue a call to the position. The previous director, the Rev. Daniel Preus, was elected first vice-president of the Missouri Synod at its convention in July.
Award Winners Honored |
 |
| Present for the awards ceremony were: (front row, left to right) Dr. Louise Buenger Robbert, Mrs. Frances Bargfrede, Mrs. Joyce Kurth, Mrs. Phyllis Limback, Mrs. Beverly Bargfrede; (back row) Mr. Carl Middledorf, Mr. John Barber, Rev. Roland Cap Ehlke, Rev. Mark E. Braun and Rev. Mark C. Mattes. (Photo by Dave Kuenzel) |
Marking the 27th year, Concordia Historical Institute presented awards for unique contributions to Lutheran literature or personal service in the field of Lutheran archival and historical work.
The presentations took place during a banquet Nov. 8 in St. Louis.
Here are this year’s winners:
w
Mrs. Phyllis Limback, Mrs. Frances Bargfrede, Mrs. Joyce Kurth, Mrs. Beverly Bargfrede of Alma, Mo., for Celebrate God’s Blessings (Congregational History category), a well-researched and enjoyable history (1875–2000) of Trinity Lutheran Church, Alma, Mo. The book, which recounts the congregation’s beginnings in Germany and the members’ hard work in adjusting to America, acknowledges throughout that without God’s blessings, there would be no history to review and celebrate.w
Mr. John Barber with co-producer/writer Rev. Roland Cap Ehlke of Milwaukee, Wis., for Harvest of Joy Part 1 & 2 (Video and Non-Print Media category), a video history of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod that demonstrates story-telling excellence, credibility and talented cinematic craft. The video conveys a sense of joy in Christian outreach through its title, approach, music, thanksgiving and conclusions.w
Mr. Christoph Barnbrock of Germany, for “Kirchliche Verfassungsgebung im nordamerikanischen Kontext: Redaktionsgeschichtliche Beobachtungen zum ersten Verfassungsentwurf der Missouri-Synode (1846)” in Lutherische Theologie und Kirche, Juli 2000, 24. Jahrgang-3 (Journal Article category), a fascinating analysis of the sources from which the first draft of the Missouri Synod’s first constitution was drawn provides new insight to the various forces influencing the authors of Missouri’s original constitution and the issues they considered while writing it. This article should be carefully studied by those who wish to have a better understanding of the historical context within which the Missouri Synod was founded.w
Rev. Mark E. Braun of Milwaukee, Wis., for a “Those were Trying Years!” Recollections of the “split” in WELS Historical Institute Journal 18.1, April 2000 (Journal Article category), which through the recollections and observations of retired Wisconsin Synod pastors provides a more personal, nuanced record of the split between the Wisconsin and Missouri synods than could be provided by archives alone. The author demonstrates skill and scholarly integrity as he collects a generation’s memories before they are lost.w
Dr. Louise Buenger Robbert of St. Louis, Mo., for “A Clerical Family in Early Modern Germany: The Buengers” in Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly 73.1, Spring 2000 (Journal Article category), provides significant and documented European background to the subsequent Saxon immigration to Perry County, Mo., that contributed to the founding of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.w
Dr. Mark Granquist of Northfield, Minn., for “The Augustana Synod and the Episcopal Church” in Lutheran Quarterly 14.2, Summer 2000 (Journal Article category), a review of the 90-year history of relations between the Augustana Synod and the Episcopal Church to 1935 that is of timely and significant importance for the discussion of American Lutheran-Episcopal relationships today.w
Dr. James S. Hamre of Forest City, Iowa, for “Georg Sverdrup’s Expression of a Lutheran Restorationism in America” in Lutheran Quarterly 14.1, Spring 2000 (Journal Article category), a tightly written article that proves its premise and makes comprehensible an anti-Missouri Synod stance that flowed from Sverdrup’s experience with the Norwegian state-church struggle between clergy dominance and lay-led movements.w
Rev. Mark C. Mattes of Des Moines, Iowa, for “N.F.S. Grundtvig’s Approach to Christian Community and Civic Responsibility” in Currents in Theology and Mission 27.1, February 2000 (Journal Article category), an article that is timely, interesting and applicable in the social and theological realms. This article makes historical writings accessible and renews their impact for today.w
Mr. Carl W. Middeldorf of Eastpointe, Mich., for Come Unto Me prepared for the 150th anniversary of St. Peter’s Lutheran School, Eastpointe, Mich., (Congregational History category). This history compresses a myriad of historical facts and events into concise, interesting short paragraphs that leave the reader with a vivid mental picture of the school’s past. It clearly and continually emphasizes that the school is founded upon Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.w
Rev. Lawrence Rast, Jr. of Fort Wayne, Ind., for “Pietism and Mission: Lutheran Millennialism in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries” in Concordia Theological Quarterly 64.4, October 2000 (Journal Article category), an article that relates the results of painstaking research in a clear, concise style. It concludes that the intrusion of pietism and millennialism offers “the wonderful opportunity…to proclaim clearly that ‘men cannot be justified before God by their own strength, merits, or works but are freely justified for Christ’s sake through faith’ and that ‘in order that we may obtain this faith, the ministry of teaching the Gospel and administering the sacraments was instituted.’”w
Rev. Armin W. Schuetze of Watertown, Wis., for The Synodical Conference: Ecumenical Endeavor (Major Publications category), a volume that finds its strength in the collection and careful consideration of the primary sources. This history is a fine example of the symbiotic relationship between historical and systematic theology, between objective historical inquiry and theological interpretation. While remaining true to the narrative, this fine work also tells the story with vigor and conviction.w
Rev. Hans Spalteholz, Dr. Matthew L. Becker and Dr. Dwaine Brandt of Portland, Ore., for God Opens Doors—A Centennial Celebration of the Northwest District of the LCMS (Major Publications category), written in an authoritative, informative and exciting style which conveys the spirit, challenges and successes of the Northwest District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Facts abound, concisely documented, and photos, visuals, graphs and recollections add to the overall blend. Here is a standard by which history books can be measured.Concordia Historical Institute’s Awards Committee considers a large field of applicants each year and may give awards to individuals, congregations, agencies or boards. An application for the 2002 awards can be found in this issue on page 7.
Memorial Gifts Honor Friends |
T
he following gifts were given in memory of friends or loved ones and will now be included in the Book of Memories, which can be viewed at CHI.V
Arthur Walther, given by Helen Mah;V
Carolyn Combs, given by Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Wehrman;V
Nelda H. Ellermann, given by the Auxiliary of Concordia Historical Institute in memoriam of their first auxiliary president.Concordia Historical Institute Welcomes New Staff |
T
he Institute has two new staff members and a returning seminary student ready to assist visitors and researchers. |
|
Christina Bender is CHI’s new receptionist (Photo: P. Russo) |
Christina Bender, a 22-year native of St. Louis, is CHI’s new receptionist. She replaces Laurie Ascher, who left CHI this summer to join her husband, a seminarian on his vicarage in Fredricksburg, Va.
Christina is also the wife of a seminarian. She and her husband, Jon, a second-year student, were married in May.
Christina earned her bachelor’s of science in secondary education degree from Concordia University, Seward. Previously, she interned at Concordia Publishing House as a writing/editing intern in the Vacation Bible School department, worked in the university’s publication office as a writer and spent three years as a resident assistance at Seward. Other job experiences include working for an inventory company, child-care facility and as a waitress.
Her hobbies include reading, bowling competitively and traveling.
 |
|
Krista Wiesenauer and Mark Birkholz are research assistants. (Photo: P. Russo) |
New to the reference department at CHI is Krista R. Wiesenauer, who moved to St. Louis from Taiwan where she and her husband, Stephen, were missionaries. She taught religion classes to grades 7 –12 at Concordia Middle School in Chia Yi, Taiwan. Her husband is a first-year seminarian. Krista also works part-time with international student ministry in the St. Louis area.
Also assisting in the reference department is Mark Birkholz, a second-year seminarian who began working for CHI last fall. Originally from Clinton Township, Mich., he came to the seminary from Concordia, River Forest. He has spent the past two summers serving as an intern at St. John Lutheran Church, Wheaton, Ill. His other job experience includes landscaping work.
He notes that since coming to CHI, “I have found it a great joy to learn more about our church’s history and to assist others with their research.”
'Expedition at the Institute Unearths Treasures |
Editor’s Note:
Rev. Paul McCain wrote this column before leaving the position of interim director of CHI. It reflects the many discoveries he and others have made when getting to know the Institute’s treasures.“It
’s like being on an archeological expedition!”That’s how I describe working at Concordia Historical Institute when someone asks me. Unexpected treasures are to be found at every turn. For example, a letter from 1523, written by Martin Luther’s pastor, John Bugenhagen, to Christians in the Baltic, or a first edition of Luther’s 1521 treatise, “On the Freedom of a Christian Man.” In the museum are beautiful 16th century woodcuts by Albrecht Dürer, and the Bible commentary that J. S. Bach owned (on loan for an exhibit from the Concordia Seminary library), complete with his signature and careful notes in the margins. But this is only the beginning of what is available at CHI.
As I look through the papers of our Synod’s faithful pastors, teachers, other church workers and lay leaders, as I view the many artifacts we have here, I can’t help but recall the wonderful truth that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses.” I can almost hear them cheering you and me on, urging us to move forward in the great mission task of proclaiming the salvation of the world in Christ, by which the Spirit of God is rescuing lost souls, saving them from eternal doom and bringing them from death to life.
We dare never forget our past. To do so would be a tragedy beyond description. That is why it is so important that you, and other faithful friends of CHI, continue your regular and generous support of the work of CHI. Our task is to remember, cherish and preserve the record of God’s dealings with us through the history of the church. Unlike human memories that can become dim and lost, the precious papers and artifacts here at Concordia Historical Institute are kept safely so that future generations will not forget the blessings of God to His people.
May our Lord continue to shower on you the blessings that He gives so richly through our Lord and Savior Jesus, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Rev. Paul T. McCain
Institute Featured on Cover of 2002 Annual |
C
oncordia Historical Institute is featured on the cover of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod’s 2002 Annual, in time for CHI’s 75th anniversary.Corinne Lattimer, senior marketing manager for books and Bibles at Concordia Publishing House, said about 15,000 copies of the directory will be distributed sometime in mid-December to LCMS congregations. The cover of the new directory will feature a number of photos that symbolize what CHI is all about.
Ms. Lattimer said CHI staff approached CPH about the possibility of being featured on the cover for the 2002 annual, after seeing the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League’s 60th anniversary on the cover of the last annual.
“We thought it was a great opportunity to give (CHI) this exposure since so many in the Missouri Synod don’t know that Concordia Historical Institute exists,” she said.
Meet Volunteer Joann Palmer |
 |
|
Volunteer Joann Palmer
helps with accessioning. |
J
oann Palmer is a lifelong Lutheran who had never heard of Concordia Historical Institute until the day she toured it while attending a Lutherhostel at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, last fall.These days, she’s a regular volunteer at CHI.
“It was exciting to go into the archives and know there was so much history in one place,” she recalled. “Now that I volunteer, I take time to see the exhibits and I have brought out-of-town guests to see them too.”
Joann works in the accessioning department, assisting accessioner Bonnie Schmidt in her duties. Much of her time is spent shelving and stamping books and expanding her computer skills as she creates a computer inventory of Missouri Synod college and seminary catalogs. It’s a good learning experience, she says.
“I look forward to coming to CHI each week,” she said. “Everyone is very pleasant. Bonnie (Schmidt) is a wonderful teacher so I am learning as well as helping.”
Joann is a substitute teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Wentzville, Mo. She also enjoys providing childcare for her granddaughter Peyton one day a week.
Sound like fun? If you’d like information about volunteering at CHI, call (314) 505-7900.
Board Elects New Officers |
T
he Concordia Historical Institute Board of Governors elected new officers during its October meeting.Elected were Rev. Larry Rast Jr., president; Larry Lumpe, vice-president; Barbara Cook, secretary; and Al Moeller, treasurer.
The Board of Governors is set to meet next in St. Louis on Nov. 30 when its members will interview candidates for the position of director of Concordia Historical Institute.
Christmas Luncheon to Highlight Religious Art of Venice |
T
he public is invited to attend the Christmas Luncheon program for the Auxiliary of Concordia Historical Institute on Dec. 12 when Dr. Louise Buenger Robbert presents a slide presentation on the religious art treasures of Venice.The luncheon will take place at noon Dec. 12 at Wartburg Hall, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Cost is $15 per person.
Dr. Robbert earned her bachelor’s degree from Carleton College, Northfield, Minn., a master of arts from the University of Cincinnati, a bachelor of education degree from the University of Cincinnati and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
She has held academic positions at Smith College, Mass., Hunter College of the City of New York, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, and University of Missouri, St. Louis, where she last served as a professor of history. Medieval Venice has been the subject of her research.
To reserve your seat, please send a check (payable to the auxiliary of Concordia Historical Institute, $15 per person) to Bernice Malec, 23 Woodcrest Dr., St. Louis MO 63124.
For additional information, please call (314) 505-7900.
First President of Auxiliary Nelda Ellermann Dies |
N
elda Heitner Ellermann, who served as the first president of the Auxiliary of Concordia Historical Institute, died Sept. 22, 2001. She was 89 and a resident of Chesterfield, Mo.Mrs. Ellermann and then-Institute director Dr. Aug. R. Suelflow were instrumental in taking the initial steps to form the auxiliary, an organization which would assist the Institute.
“It was in spring of 1953 that several of us met in Mrs. Ellermann’s home to discuss the formation of an auxiliary organization,” recalled Mrs. Gladys Suelflow in an article she authored in 1995 for the Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly.
Mrs. Ellermann was the auxiliary’s first president when it was organized Dec., 1, 1953 and served several four-year terms as president.
A supporter of other Lutheran entities, she was also the grand-daughter of Louis H. Waltke, who provided the first funding for the CHI building.
CHI 2002 Awards Program Nomination Form |
Each year, Concordia Historical Institute honors individuals and groups who have rendered significant service to the mission of preserving our Lutheran history and heritage during the previous year. The CHI Awards Committee will be meeting in the coming months to consider publications that appeared and activities that were carried out in 2001 that meet these qualifications. The committee will also consider nominations for the Distinguished Service Award for people who have made outstanding contributions to Lutheran history and archives. (No more than two Distinguished Service Awards will be given per year.) To place an individual or group in nomination for any of the categories, please complete this nomination form and return it, along with two copies of the entry, to CHI by April 15, 2002.
Name of Nominee:
Address:
Title of Work (article, book, project, etc.):
Nominated by:
Address:
Phone number:
Documentation submitted with the nomination will become part of the Institute’s collection unless other arrangements are made. The more documentation submitted, the more helpful it is for the Awards Committee.
Awards Categories for Publications/Contributions completed or published in 2001 (check one):
Congregational History
Historic Preservation Program
Family History & Genealogy
Major Publications (Popular or Scholarly)
Journal Articles & Publications
Audiovisual Media, Non-Print & Oral History Resources
Youth
Outstanding Personal Contributions
Description for Nomination of Volunteers, Restoration Projects or other Unpublished Nominee: On a separate piece of paper, summarize the program for which nomination is being made. Describe in detail the program and the person’s special contribution to it, giving appropriate names and dates. Include a discussion of supporting documentation in your description, if necessary. Documentation may include photos, news clippings, brochures, testimonials, scrapbooks, slides, tapes, etc.
Mail or deliver this nomination form and supporting documentation to
Concordia Historical Institute
801 DeMun Ave.
St. Louis MO 63105
NO LATER THAN APRIL 15, 2002.
The Archivist's Corner |
Archivist Advice: Preserving Newspapers |
Q:
How can I preserve an important edition of a newspaper?
Newspaper preservation is a challenge because newsprint is an inherently unstable paper.
Formulated to be inexpensive and expendable, newsprint is manufactured with large percentages of unpurified wood pulp which contains impurities that remain in the paper after processing. These impurities, when exposed to light, high humidity and atmospheric pollutants, promote discoloration and acidic reactions in the paper. Acidity causes the paper fibers to weaken and break, and is the major culprit in causing the paper to become brittle.
When newspapers are valued as artifacts, preservation requires a stable environment: 60-70 degrees F.; 40-50% relative humidity (RH); protection from light; and storage in non-damaging materials. Newspapers should be stored flat, protected within a rigid box or folder. Special newspaper size boxes and enclosures are available from conservation suppliers. Added protection may be provided by interleaving the newsprint with thin sheets of alkaline buffered tissue, also available from conservation suppliers. Never laminate or use pressure sensitive mending tape on papers you want to preserve. If papers need to be relaxed or tears repaired, seek conservation services from a qualified professional.
When newspapers or clippings are valued most for the information they contain, and not as artifacts, copying the information onto a more permanent quality paper should be undertaken. Photocopies will far outlive newsprint when stored under normal conditions.
Information courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Washington, D.C.
"Historical Footnotes" newsletter is published quarterly by Concordia Historical Institute, 801 DeMun Ave., St. Louis MO 63105. The Institute is a not-for-profit organization, serving as the Department of History and Archives for The Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod.
Editor-in-Chief: Rev. Marvin A. Huggins
Writer and Layout Editor: Chris Boshoven
The following back issues are available on-line:
Home | Publications | CHI Quarterly | Historical Footnotes | Service Bulletins
Copyright © 2000-2002 Concordia Historical Institute