Lutheran Historical Conference Newsletter

Vol. 40, No. 1 … February 2002 … ISSN 0460-0274

Coming Events

Although America’s early history supported the joining of Lutheran and Reformed congregations, union churches, under the same church roof, in recent history many of these long-standing denominational relationships of shared sacred space have been discontinued. York County, Pennsylvania, alone listed fifty-six union congregations before World War II, but only two remain in 2002. The Lutheran Historical Society will explore “Union Churches: Historical Perspectives” during its annual spring meeting, Saturday, 20 April 2002, at Gettysburg Seminary. Dr. Charles H. Glatfelter, professor emeritus in the Gettysburg College history department and author of Pastors and People: Germans, Lutherans and Reformed Churches in the Pennsylvania Field, will discuss the historical reasons for the formation and contributions of union churches. Speaking from administrative and pastoral perspectives, Bishop Guy S. Edmiston, retired bishop o the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Lower Susquehanna Synod, and the Rev. William R. Swisher Jr., retired area conference minister of the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ, will recall and reflect on their leadership experiences with union congregations. A short business meeting will take place over the lunch hour. Meeting planners anticipate widespread interest in this program from both the Lutheran and United Church of Christ traditions. For further information, contact LHS, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

The Augustana Heritage Association holds its third biennial gathering at Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, 21–23 June 2002. The organization developed in 1998 following what was to be a one-time gathering. At the 2000 meeting the association was formally organized. The 2002 meeting will feature small group interest sessions on such topics as renowned artist Birger Sandzén, genealogy, women and Swedish cultural pursuits, wood carving, music and more. The famous Bethany Oratorio Society will present excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah,” tours of local historic sites will be given, and there will be a major presentation on Augustana global missions and “Sunday School” sessions on Kansas’ Smoky Valley history and on Swedish church roots. Lodging at the college is $17 per night, or local hotels also are available. The registration fee is $160, inclusive of meals. For further information contact AHA Gathering Registrar, Bethany College, 421 N. First St., Lindsborg, KS 67456; 785-227-3380, ext. 8185 or 8132.

The ELCA Region 9 Archives Congregational Heritage Workshop takes place in a new location and time. This year’s event is 28–30 July 2002 at Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia. For further information contact ELCA Region 9, James R. Crumley Jr. Archives, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, 4201 N. Main St., Columbia, SC 29203; 803-786-5150, ext. 234; e-mail: archives@ltss.edu

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