On motion of the Corresponding Secretary, Rev. G, A. Lintner, of Schoharie,

Resolved, That Article II. of the Constitution of the Domestic Missionary Society of the Lutheran Church in the State of New-York, be amended so as to read as follows:-The objects of this Association shall be to propagate the gospel among the destitute-to organize new Churches-assist feeble Congregations-and educate pious and indigent young men for the gospel ministry.

On motion of the Rev. Doct. E. L. Hazelinis, of Hartwick, Otsego co. seconded by H. I. Frey, Esq. of Palatine, Montgomery county,

Resolved, 'That it be recommended to the Board of Directors to appoint a Missionary and General Agent of the Society, as soon as a suitable person can be found to engage in this business.

Addresses were delivered by the following gentlemen:-Rev. Doct. Hazelius, Rev. J. D. Lawyer, Rev. G. B. Miller, Rev. G. A. Lintner.

OFFICERS

OF THE

Domestic Missionary Society,

OF THE

LUTHERAN CHURCHI IN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK, For the ensuing year.

Hon. WILLIAM C. BOUCK, President. Rev. E. L. HAZELIUS, D. D. 1st V. President,

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F. C. SCHEFFER, 2d Vice-President, HENRY I. FREY, Esq. 3d V. Pres't, HENRY F. COX, Esq. 4th V. Pres't. Rev. H. MELLER, 5th Vice-President.

Rev. GEO. A. LINTNER, Corresponding Secretary. GEO. B. MILLER, Recording Secretary. JOHN D. LAWYER, Treasurer.

t

LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE STATE OF NEW-YORK.

THE Board of Directors of the "Domestic Missionary Society of the Lutheran Church in the State of New-York," in presenting their first Annual Report, are called to mourn a melancholy dispensation of Providence, which has deprived them of the talents and services of one of their number. The Rev. John Peter Geortner, was an active friend and zealous promoter of the missionary cause. During his short ministerial career, he rendered important services to the church, and had his life been spared, he might have continued to adorn his profession, by his talents and virtues; but he has gone down to the grave in the midst of his days and of his usefulness--he has fallen in our ranks, at a time, when his services in the cause were deemed most necessary and indispensable. His early death is a public loss to the church-It teaches us, that human strength is weakness; that in our efforts to advance the interests of the Redeemer's Kingdom, we can place no dependance on an arm of flesh, and that God alone is able to preserve and sustain us.

The Board regret, that they cannot furnish the Society with a more interesting account of their proceedings. The unanimity which prevailed in the convention by which the Society was first organised, tho expressions of approbation, and promises of cordial co-operation and support, which it received from various sources, created hopes and expectations that have not been fully realised. But, although, the objects of the Society have not been as generally encouraged, and successfully prosecuted as was at first anticipated; the Board acknowledge with devout gratitude to Almighty God, that in devoting themselves to this

work, they have not laboured altogether in vain, and haying firmly fixed their trust in Him, who has graciously vouchsafed his blessing on their past endeavours, they do not despair of future success. Other institutions celebrated for the glory of their moral achievements, have commenced their operations under circumstances less encouraging; their example affords us every inducement to unwearied perseverance in the cause, with the hope, that in due time we also shall reap, if we faint not.

Immediately after the organization of the Society, the Board entered upon the performance of the duties of their trust. They were sensible of the importance of the work committed to their hands, and determined to spare no exertions in the cause. Their resources, when compared to the magnitude of their undertaking were but small; but they resolved with the help of God to prosecute his work, humbly trusting that he would provide the means necessary for its accomplishment.

It has been the chief object of the Board, during the past year, to prepare for future operations: it was their design, to engage as early as possible, a suitable person, to act as Missionary and General Agent of the society, with instructions to preach the Gospel in destitute places, explain the objects of this association, form Auxiliaries, solicit donations and increase the funds of the Society: But after repeated applications for this purpose, the Board have not yet been able to procure a person of suitable qualifications to engage in this enterprize; they regret, that they have hitherto been prevented from accomplishing this design, because, under the present circumstances of the society, the exertions of an active and enterprizing Agent are considered indispensable.— The contributions and donations received into the Treasury are wholly inadequate to the purposes for which we have associated. It cannot be expected, that we should engage in extensive operations, until the funds of the Society are increased. The board, therefore, deem it indespensably necessary, that an Agent should be appointed to visit churches and individuals in our connexion, preach the Gospel, endeavour to rouse the attention of our people to the Missionary cause, explain the objects of this association-exhibit our claims to their support, form Auxiliary Societies and receive contributions from all who feel disposed to aid us in the prosecution of this work. By these means, the attention of our people might be more generally directed to the objects of the Society, and its interests essentially promoted.

The funds of the Society, as it will appear from the Treasurer's Report, are appropriated to two principal objects, which although closely connected in their interests, are kept seperate and distinct in the transactions of the Board; the employment of Missionaries to preach the Gospel in destitute places, and the education of theological students for the ministry of our Church. The object last mentioned, is not stated in the Constitution, because it was not anticipated by the convention, which formed the plan of our proceedings: The Board,therefore,

would suggest the propriety of amending the Constitution at this anniversary meeting; so as to set forth the education of Theological Students for the Ministry of our Church, as a principal object, to which the Society's attention is here after to be directed.

The whole amount of Contributions received by the Society for the Missionary fund is $328 32; of this sum, $116 52 were contributed by Auxiliary Societies; $161 52 were received as donations from individuals, and $43 25 collected in Congregations and Churches. The amount of donations and subscriptions received by the Treasurer for the education fund is $200; making the whole amount of the society's receipts since it was organised $528 32. The sum appropriated for missionary purposes is $70 25. The particular purposes for which this sum was expended, will appear in the Treasurer's accounts. The reason, why no greater amount has been approprited from the Missionary fund, is the scarcity of missionaries to engage in the services of the Society. Only the occasional services of two individuals could hitherto be procured by the Board; consequently, a considerable balance of the Missionary fund remains unappropriated in the Treasuary, to be applied to the objects of the Society. Of the amount contributed for the education fund $150 have been appropriated, as a loan from the society, for the support of a Theological student at Hartwick Seminary, who in conformity to a requsition of the Board, has given his note for the sum received, payable at a certain period, when he may be in a situation to refund the amount thus appropriated. The Board rejoice in the opportunity thus afforded them, of aiding an interesting and promising young man, in his pious endeavours to qualify himself for the work of the ministry. It would afford them still greater satisfaction, if means could be provided to increase the number of Students in our Theological Seminary. The education of indigent young men, possessing suitable qualifications for the Gospel Ministry, is an object, which under the present circumstances of our Church, cannot be too earnestly recommended to the attention of our people. We have at present within the limits of our Synod 67 regularly organized churches, and only 22 officiating Ministers, which is more than three churches to one minister. In consequence of this deficiency in the number of Ministers, nearly one third of the Churches are left vacant, in a few instances the services of Ministers are confined to single Congregations, but in most cases, two or three Congregations are associated under one minister; when by proper exertions, each might support a seperate Clergyman. From this statement, it will appear, that the local interests of the churches require the attention of at least, double the number of ministers, that are now stationed among the different Congregations within the bounds of this Society. Besides this, we want a number of qualified Missionaries, to preach the Gospel among the destitute, organize new Congregations, and promote the objects of this Association. These considerations sufficiently shew the necessity of providing for the ed

ucation of more Theological Students, who are ready to devote themselves to the service of God, and the interests of his Church: for it is only by these means, by raising up Missionaries, and increasing the number of well educated Ministers, that the urgent necessities and increasing wants of our suffering Church can be supplied.

Since the Society has gone into active operation, the following Societies have been formed and acknowledged by the Board, as Auxiliaries to the Parent Institution, viz:—

"Domestic Missionary Society of St. Paul's Church, Schoharie," formed May 31, 1828.

Young Men's Domestic Missionary Society, of Hartwick Seminary,” formed June 12, 1828. “ Hartwick Auxiliary Missionary Society," formed June -9 1828. Domestic Missionary Society of Zion's Church, German Valley, Morris Co. N. Jersey, formed June 14th, 1828.

"Young Men's Missionary Society of Stone-Arabia," formed July 19, 1828.

Domestic Auxiliary Missionary Society of Zion's Church, Cobleskill, formed August 16, 1828.

Missionary Society of St. James' Church, New-York, December 9,

1828.

Domestic Missionary Society of St. Paul's Church, Johnstown, formed Dec. 25, 1828.

Auxiliary Missionary Society of Zion's Church, New-Germantown, N. J. December 25, 1828.

The Missionary Society of the United Congregations of Sharon, Feb. 2, 1829.

These Societies have all been organized upon the plan originally proposed by the parent Society, except the Missionary Society of St. James' Church, New-York; which combines some local objects with the main design of co-operating with the Parent Institution. The Board acknowledge with gratitude, the patronage and support, derived from Auxiliary associations, who have contributed to the funds of the Society. Their early and decided approbation of the objects of this institution, has strengthened our hands, and encouraged our hearts in this work of faith and labour of love. But, although, a number of our Congregations have already entered into the measures proposed by the Parent Society, and established Auxiliaries; still, there are extensive and wealthy portions of our Church in this state, where no exertions have hitherto been made, to promote the objects and increase the funds of the Society. The Board are unwilling to believe, that this proceeds from indifference to the cause. They feel persuaded, that in many places, where our people seem to take no interest in the Missionary cause, their attention might by proper exertion be awakened to the importance of this object. With this view, they directed the Corresponding Secretary to address Circulars to the Ministers and Congre