Res. 4-10 — To Celebrate Concordia Historical Institute Centenary and Renew the Synod’s Commitment to Treasure and Trumpet Its Redeemed History

WHEREAS, Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) will observe its centenary anniversary on April 28, 2027, under the theme: “Treasuring & Trumpeting Our Lutheran History—for All the Saints”; and

WHEREAS, Though officially incorporated as a Missouri State nonprofit in 1927, the institute’s origins reach back to the organizational documents drafted in 1839 by the Saxons under Martin Stephan before they immigrated to Missouri —31 plans that included provision for a church archivist. This same conviction regarding the importance of preserving historical materials found expression in the founding Constitution of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in 1847, when the office of Synod “Chronicler” was established; and

WHEREAS, After the death of the first generation of Synod leaders and the subsequent scattering and loss of important historical materials related to the Synod’s early years, a renewed commitment to preserving and proclaiming the redeeming work of Christ in the Synod’s history took shape. Various local efforts to safeguard historical materials continued until 343 charter members signed the constitution of the Concordia Historical Society ( Die Konkordia -Historische Gesellschaft), crafted by Concordia Seminary (CSL) professor and administrator Ludwig Fuerbringer on Nov. 4, 1910. This society became the institutional model for CHI, which the Synod in convention recognized and commended in 1929 and later designated as the official LCMS “Department of Archives and History” at the 1965 Synod convention (Res. 14-41 11, Proceedings, 188); and

WHEREAS, Over the past 99 years, CHI has actively curated and published “Ebenezers” (i.e., memorials, 1 Sam. 7:12) of its history through its journal, the Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly, the longest -running Lutheran historical journal in North America, first published in April 1928 and comprehensively revised and expanded in 2014; and

WHEREAS, Since the construction of the CHI building on the campus of CSL in 1952, books, manuscripts, photographs, paintings, artifacts, and commemorative coins and medals have been displayed to commemorate Christ’s gracious work among the people and congregations of the Synod. Today, CHI manages a permanent museum exhibit chronicling the history of the Synod at the LCMS International Center in Kirkwood, Mo. It also provides regularly rotating exhibits in the CHI Exhibition Hall on the CSL campus —and more recently, publishes printed exhibit catalogs and posts digital exhibits online; and

WHEREAS, The CHI staff responds daily to inquiries regarding the people, places, and events spanning the 179- year history of the Synod, providing the Synod with increased access to its archival materials and new publications that instill and deepen interest in Lutheran history; and

WHEREAS, The institute continues to serve as the “corporate memory” of the Synod, steadfastly reminding the Synod of its responsibility to learn with joy from the Lord’s redeeming hand in preserving and nurturing His people —especially in times of crisis —over these many years. CHI continues to offer archival services to districts, congregations, Synod entities, and leaders who bear fiduciary responsibility not only to maintain records but also to secure them for posterity;

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod give thanks to God for the historical treasures entrusted to it over the past century and make fuller use of the historical resources offered through CHI, to her great benefit and blessing; and be it further

Resolved, That members, congregations, districts, as well as Synod departments and entities be encouraged to uphold the institute through prayer and financial support by becoming annual members of CHI and sustaining their financial contributions and estate gifts (with those of sufficient means becoming annual members of CHI’s Director’s Circle or Vault Society), so that the work and proper staffing of the institute may be sustained and continue; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod renew its commitment to retrieve, organize, preserve, and share her rich history for the benefit of both church and community; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention earnestly remind congregational, district, and Synod leaders of their fiduciary responsibilities to maintain and secure records that document our shared history—especially in those unfortunate circumstances when a congregation or educational institution closes; and be it further

Resolved, That those with historical materials of various kinds (often in fragile and deteriorating condition) be encouraged to share them with the church and community and make them available to be copied or deposited with CHI for preservation and safekeeping; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod take Martin Luther’s warning to heart, asking the Lord for a greater appreciation of her redeemed history and the historical treasures entrusted to her care, that our joy and thanksgiving for Christ’s work among us might increase.