జనరల్ సైనాడ్ గుంటూరుపై పట్టు సాధించింది

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CHAPTER

HOW THE GENERAL SYNOD GAINED CONTROL THE GUNTUR

MISSION

WHILE Heyer was establishing the Mission the Pennsyl- vania Ministerium Guntur, affairs America were rapidly drifting toward its possession and control the General Synod. On the eve his departure from America, Heyer had offered report regularly the General Synod's missionary society and consider himself partly its employ, provided it annually contributed $200 toward his salary. un- doubtedly made this offer with the consent the executive committee the missionary society the Pennsylvania Ministerium and not without some hope that, even though had declined the General Synod's missionary, its mis- sionary society would co-operate with that the Minister- ium. There was sufficient reason for this hope, for the same meeting the General Synod's Society, which Heyer sent his resignation, amendment was offered strike out that article the constitution which bound the society '""the most perfect harmony and co-operation with the Ameri- can Board Commissioners for Foreign Missions. " Before the next biennial meeting the General Synod and its mis- sionary society, 1843, the letters Heyer, published "The Lutheran Observer, " well the 'Kirchenzeitung, " reporting his successful beginning Guntur, had materially strengthened the position those the General Synod who desired co-operation with the Pennsylvania Ministerium foreign mission work. ! The proposed amendment its con- In official letter from the Rev. J. G. Morris, D. D. , corresponding secretary the General Synod's missionary society, the society the Penn- sylvania Ministerium was informed its annual meeting May, 1842, that the former society felt inclined co-operate with the latter but regretted that its constitution forbade and hoped that the barrier would removed. the meeting the society the Ministerium Philadelphia, 1843, plan co- 59

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60 AMERICAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN MISSIONS INDIA

stitution was adopted the General Synod's society its meeting May 25, 1843. The barrier this co-operation hav- ing been removed, the society once elected missionary to labor conjunction with Heyer Guntur. Walter Gunn, the missionary elected, was born June 27, 1815, Carlisle, Schoharie County, N. Y. The manner in which was led enter the holy ministry and become foreign missionary has been described follows: "The starting point our (the General Synod's) foreign mission was Cobleskill, Schoharie County, N. Y. , the year 1837. At the house Colonel Schaeffer, about half mile east of the old brick church, then occupied the sessions the operation with the General Synod's society, prepared the Rev. H. N. Pohl- man the latter society and proposed joint committee the respective executive committees, was adopted. embraced the following articles agreement: "The Evangelical Lutheran Foreign Missionary Society, deeming im- portant that the efforts the friends foreign missions the Lutheran Church this country should more fully concentrated, proposes form connection with the Missionary Society the Pennsylvania Synod upon the following general principles: "1. Each society shall, for the present, remain separate and distinct under its own peculiar organization, care being taken, however, promote their several spheres action the utmost harmony and love. "2, Each society shall have the nomination and appointment its own missionaries and shall provide for their embarkation, settlement and support; each taking upon itself the whole management all the agencies for collecting foals for this purpose. Both societies shall occupy the same field labor the heathen world and 2 tone differences opinion there may home, shall endeavor, far consistent with the imperfection human nature, have but one interest and one aim the foreign field. "4. The missionaries each society shall labor together and under the direction the several executive committees, mutually adopt such plans for the furtherance the Gospel and the upbuilding the Redeemer's Kingdom by the establishment schools, catechetical lectures and preaching and the dis- tribution Bibles and tracts, shall seem advisable, and shall report jointly the secretaries both societies. "5s. This joint mission shall hereafter known the American Lutheran Mission. "6. There shall interchange one more commissioners each yearly meeting the several societies for mutual consultation, prayer and effort relation the interest the joint mission. ' Unique, amicable, yet clearly impracticable, this plan never went into effect. The General 'Synod' society ratified the agreement May 16, 1845, its meeting Philadelphia, but before could put practical test that society had gained complete control the Guntur Mission. 1 The missionary's salary was fixed $600 year. 2 the Rev. J. Z. Senderling, corresponding secretary the General Synod's missionary society and pastor Johnstown, N. Y.

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TELUGU WOMAN GRINDING GRAIN

The top stone revolves the lower and larger one, and the grain ground between them.

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HOW GENERAL SYNOD GAINED CONTROL GUNTUR 61

Hartwick Synod, four ladies conferred with each other respect- ing the importance doing something for Gad and His Church. One them was the lady the house, elderly sister said church; the other three were wives clergy- men, members the synod. proposition was offered one the latter, saying, 'Let something that will cheer the hearts our ministers during these troublous times. ' Two prayers were offered the throne grace, not without many tears, when the subject educating young men with the view labor among the heathen, was discussed. The young man subsequently selected and destined for the foreign field was Walter Gunu, pious and active member Dr. Lintner's church Schoharie, N. Y. This was the first actual move toward the founding our foreign mission. " After having studied for while Schenectady, N. Y. , and Hartwick Seminary, Gunn entered the Theological Seminary Gettysburg, Pa. , from which was graduated in 1843. was licensed the Hartwick synod and then appointed the General Synod's first foreign missionary. Sometime during the summer 1843 was united mar- riage Lorena Pults, member the Lutheran church Ghent, N. Y. During the months intervening between his appointment and his departure from America, Gunn devoted himself deputation work, delivering mission addresses and gathering offerings for the India Mission. delivered fifty-six mission addresses forty-four different places Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland, arousing considerable interest the foreign mission work the General Synod, but also meeting some opposition and little indifference. 'The report was scattered one community, " wrote Gunn, ''that wife and I were going India set store and sell the things that were furnished outfit. " 'Others supposed that could have other object view than out and travel and see the country; and others, again, declared positively that they knew should never far, many thousand miles away, among the heathen, concluding that money con- tributed for our support was thrown away. "

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62 AMERICAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN MISSIONS INDIA

At the public service held connection with the meeting of the East Pennsylvania Synod October, 1843, the Rev. Walter Gunn was solemnly commissioned foreign mis- sionary, the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Kurtz, chairman the execu- tive committee the General Synod's missionary society, de- livering the charge and the Rev. Dr. J. G. Morris, correspond- ing secretary, reading the instructions the committee its missionary. his response Gunn, among other things, said: "If 1t our duty the heathen land, yours to uphold there. You give your money, give more: we give our lives. " his case these words were literally fulfilled. November 18, 1843, the Rev. Walter Gunn and wife sailed from Boston the "Charles, " sailing vessel bound for Cal- cutta. The journey, circuitous and expensive one, lasted exactly seven months, all but the last short stage from Masuli- patam Guntur being sea. After brief stay Maul- main, Burma, they proceeded Calcutta, where seven days were spent the midst fearful outbreak cholera. Although the plague was not permitted harm them, they found the heat very trying. From Calcutta Madras and again from Madras Masulipatam, sailing uncomfortable coasting vessels, they endured little discomfort. reach- ing Masulipatam they found awaiting them palankeen and bearers, and bullock-cart for their baggage, sent Mr. Stokes. ? ' Joy filled the heart the pioneer grasped the hand of his first colaborer and welcomed him Guntur, June 18, 1844. Heyer rejoiced not only because '"' Timothy" had been sent him, but also because the second missionary was the visible evidence the active co-operation the General Synod with the Pennsylvania Ministerium the Guntur Mission, for which had devoutly prayed God and had earnestly pleaded with the Lutheran Church America. ! Gunn reported that 28,000 died the plague two months. 2 Gunn had written Heyer from Calcutta, received answer Madras and from that city had notified Heyer his intended arrival Masulipatam. At every stage the early history the mission note evidences Mr. Stokes' liberal interest.

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For week, until they were able rent and occupy bungalow, the Rev. Mr. Gunn and his wife were the guests Mr. Stokes, concerning whose Christian character and good works Mr. Gunn had occasion frequently speak laud- atory terms. They found Guntur more pleasant place residence than they had anticipated after their experiences Calcutta and Madras. ! Gunn immediately applied himself the study Telugu, meanwhile teaching English class dozen Hindu boys, conducting Bible study class, attended English residents, and occasionally preaching the English services Sunday. Soon after their arrival Mrs. Gunn began teach English and needle-work small class Hindu girls. November 6th Gunn made his first attempt through interpreter deliver sermon purely heathen audience about sixty persons who had gathered around him one the streets of Guntur. described his experience the following words: "Some this strange audience was entirely naked, most the others wore only strip cloth about their loins and another about their heads. few had additional covering thrown over their shoulders. Several women stood off short distance with their large chatties (water-pots) on their heads and listened what had say. address was short, for perceived from the movements the people that there was disposition among them become turbulent; and passed through the group and went quietly home, thankful that had had opportunity spreading few the truths God's Word before the minds the benighted. They seemed offended the idea being saved through the merits another. Poor, deluded men, though immersed in guilt, they hope saved through their numerous wash- ings, fastings and pilgrimages; and the doctrine which strikes at the root their system salvation works rejected them with scorn. " About February 1, 1845, Gunn took charge small 1 Gunn described Guntur city about 16,000 inhabitants, among whom were about 3000 Mohammedans, situated fertile plain, thirty miles direct line from the sea, whence cool breezes reached during a portion each day.

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Telugu school East Guntur, where also preached times with the help interpreter. While thus was getting acquainted with the work the Mission, Heyer con- tinued labor with his usual vigor and with little success. The day the consecration the first mission-house, built the lot that had been leased from the government, was mem- orable one Heyer's first term mission service. June 30, 1844, eleven o'clock the morning about 200 persons assembled the new brick building for the conse- cration service. Heyer and Gunu delivered appropriate ad- dresses and Valett preached the consecration sermon. The entire cost construction, about $800, was contributed the South Carolina Synod's Missionary Society, which had not only permitted the use the $500, originally intended for a printing-press, for this purpose, but also added what was necessary finish the building. The Guntur schools, enroll- ing boys and 25 girls, were moved into the mission house which Sunday was used for church purposes, and Heyer occupied part the building his dwelling. Considerable surprise was expressed other missions the flourishing condition the Guntur girls' school. ! Heyer had started this school November, 1842, with fifteen girls taught young Hindu under his supervision. year afterward its supporter, Mrs. Walker Guntur, died, and the question its continuation became matter grave concern Heyer. Then, directed special Providence, letter reached Heyer December 2, 1843, containing $60, which had been sent from America nine months previously. had been written Miss S. M. Stoever, the secretary the missionary society the infant department the Sunday School St. Matthew's Church Philadelphia, the Rev. T. Stork pastor, and con- tained offer support the girls' school. his letter grateful acknowledgment Heyer described the school one which had enrollment twenty-one girls, from four 1 successful Hindu girls' school was unique institution before the year 1840. The sacred books (Shastras) forbid the education women, and they themselves consider disgrace educated. Only temple (nautch) girls are educated. Despite the efforts Protestant Christianity this still the prevailing condition among Hindus.

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twelve years age, four whom were children native Christian parents, three Romanists, two Mohammedans and the rest Hindus. Some the pupils who had been entirely ignorant when the school was begun, had learned read; all of them were attending divine worship Sunday and had committed number Christian hymns. honor its patron America this first girls' school was called St. Mat- thew's Evangelical Lutheran School. July, 1844, was placed charge Mrs. Gunn. The boys' schools Guntur coutinued prosper during the years 1844 and 1845, Heyer reporting average attend- ance 100; but during this period the school Prattipadu and one the vicinity Guntur were discontinued. ! The American Bible and Tract Societies, 1843, con- tributed Bibles the value $200, and thereafter con- tinued supply the missionaries with Bibles and tracts they were needed. The Madras Auxiliary Society likewise furnished considerable number Testaments and tracts, free cost, the mission. ? Toward the close the year 1844, five Lutheran mission- aries lived Guntur. Besides Heyer and Gunn, there were Valett the North German Missionary Society, who had not yet decided mission field, and two missionaries the Dresden (Leipsic) Society, the Revs. Ochs and Schwartz, who had been sent from Tranquebar select Telugu field near Guntur. The presence many Lutheran missionaries at one point the Telugu country revived the thought printing establishment. July, 1844, Mr. Stokes offered set apart Rs. 500 for this purpose condition that like sum should raised America. appeal was published America; but before sufficient sum could raised the Dresden missionaries had returned Tranquebar without establishing Telugu mission, and Heyer had started his ! The money contributed St. John's Church Philadelphia was used for the support Telugu school Guntur after the one Prattipadu was discontinued. 2 Heyer's and Gunn's letters show that they were very liberal the free distribution Bibles, Testaments and tracts. Experience has taught mis- sionaries prudence rather than liberality this direction. 5

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return voyage the United States. The enterprise was, therefore, again abandoned. The second annual report the Guntur Mission written by Heyer, September 16, 1844, showed commendable prog- ress. Besides three children, one whom was Luther, the infant son Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gunn, Heyer had bap- tized seven Hindus adult age, after having carefully in- structed them. The number communicants was twelve, four whom were converts. The other baptized converts were not admitted the Lord's Supper, because, Heyer puts it, "we not deem advisable administer the Lord's Supper immediately all who have been baptized. " Two marriages were solemnized. The number funerals con- ducted was four, one for adult Hindu Christian and three for children, two whom had died unbaptized. Four schools, one English and three Telugu, with enrollment over 100 pupils, were being conducted the Guntur mission house. Of the three Telugu schools, the one for girls then enrolled 25 pupils. The daily instruction each school was begun and ended with devotional and catechetical exercises. Concern- ing the English school, apparently Heyer's pride, wrote some length April, 1845, describing school three grades, the first which, consisting fourteen pupils, be- sides arithmetic, geography and grammar, Biblical History was being taught. the fourteen pupils, three were Moham- medans, one Rajput, nine Sudras and one pariah, strange and uncommon mingling castes for those days. Besides the Guntur schools, two others were maintained the vicinity the city. For one these, situated mile from Guntur village bordering Old Guntur, school- house costing Rs. 200 was built and opened April 7, 1845. Sunday, May 18, 1845, eleven persons, seven whom were adults, were baptized; and early July the same year young man from Devalapilli, 18 miles north Guntur, was baptized, thus raising the number baptisms since the begin- ning eighteen adults and six children. This was probably the total number baptisms Heyer, there being record of additional ones during his last months India. Although

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this number not large, not strange that Heyer did not baptize more. must remembered that was beginning a foreign mission, and many foreign mission has begun with fewer conversions during its first two years. Further- more, Heyer had time learn scarcely more than the rudi- ments Telugu, that seldom, ever, preached the vernacular. preach through interpreter fail make that direct and personal impression one's hearers, which essential successful missionary work. Heyer's chief strength lay the conduct and control schools, which achieved acknowledged success. ! The support which Heyer received from the Church America continued meagre and inadequate. From the treasurer the Missionary Society the Pennsylvania Min- isterium, the Rev. J. C. Baker, D. D. , received his salary, $600 year, and two three hundred dollars year ad- dition for school work. ? From friends Guntur received $1164 (Rs. 2910) September 16, 1844. From sources in America outside the Pennsylvania Miunisterium oc- casionally received small sums money. His total income from all sources for all purposes varied between $1000 and $1500 year for the first five years the Mission. It must admitted, however, that despite its meagre in- come for foreign missions, the Missionary Society the Pennsylvania Ministerium spent the larger portion its funds for the Guntur Mission. The following exhibit the society's finances:

DURING THE SYNODICAL YEAR

1841-42। 1842-43। 1843-44। 1844-45। 1845-46 Income from all sources. . . . . . $1613.13 {$1499.61 ($1854.65 $1577.05 [$1910.06 Expenditures for all purposes. . । 1457.15। 1164.43। 1612.05। 1048.50। 1105.09 Receipts for Foreign Missions 25.00 73.50] 580.30। 275.48। 314.25 Expended for Guntur Mission। 705.40। 800.00। ¢o0o.00। 00.00% Qo0.00 Tn letter dated November 16, 1844, Gunn wrote: "Brother Heyer ac- knowledged all around have admirable faculty managing schools and advancing the scholars their studies. " 21In 1843 Heyer acknowledged the receipt $800, and 1844, $900 from the Rev. Dr. Baker. # Approximate sum.

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68 AMERICAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN MISSIONS INDIA

While Heyer India was growing discouraged because of the insufficient support from America, some the mem- bers the Missionary Society felt that too large proportion of its funds was being devoted the foreign mission. an editorial the "Lutherische Kirchenzeitung, " May 1, 1845, forcible expression this feeling was published. "Brother Heyer, " wrote the editor, 'left this country November, 1841, and, therefore, will have been absent four years next November. His travelling expenses and outfit money amounted $6oo. was six months route for India, during which time was paid salary $300. His return passage would cost not less than $600, even though his salary were discontinued during the period his voyage. The total amount his travelling expenses four years, therefore, would $1500. The amount expended the mission work during this time more than $4000, making grand total $5500 for the foreign mission which Brother Heyer now wishes forsake without giving single reason which, our opinion, makes his return necessary. Nothing but sickness can should compel his return. Brother Heyer, however, has always enjoyed good health, Brother Gunn's last letter also states. are, therefore, the decided opinion that the missionary society should not grant the request intends carry the mission. '" Apart from the effect which refusal the request may have the conduct Brother Heyer, the existing state affairs leads raise the question, whether the missionary society should continue spend two-thirds its income for its foreign mission and the other one-third for home mis- sions this time, while, through the natural increase our population and through immigration, the number our brethren the faith increasing inconceivable extent, and, literally, hundreds thousands are living here without any church connection whatever, even though they may desire the preaching the Word; and many the congrega- tions now existing are unable, because their poverty, pay their pastors and must satisfied with divine service once every eight twelve weeks. Seeing that many our

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pastors this country are obliged live great want, and considerable number our congregations are burdened with debts resting their church buildings or, yet, have church buildings, could not the $5500 have been used better advantage for home missions and would not this money have produced better results here than India; and is right have allowed much money diverted for the benefit strangers, whilst our own church America has been bleeding all points? our humble judgment this buying the honor having foreign mission too great price, and believe that our foreign mission should be abandoned. Others may another opinion, and are ready otherwise convinced, wherefore are willing to give them hearing these columns. would please to hear expression the contrary opinion before the meet- ing the missionary society, order that its members might weigh the arguments and, after due deliberation, come final decision. have not written our judgment hastily. Indeed, said the same thing the meeting the synod in Harrisburg; nor have since had reason change our mind. Nevertheless, embrace this opportunity call for a discussion the whole matter. " The first intimation Heyer gave his desire return America was written letter dated July 6, 1844, not quite two years after had begun the Guntur Mission. The Ex- ecutive Committee referred the matter the Missionary Society its meeting Reading, May 17-21, 1845, which declined authorize Heyer's return; but Heyer almost every letter continued refer his contemplated departure from India some time 1846. The Executive Committee, however, finally decided yield the missionary's persistent request; and the Missionary Society its meeting Orwigs- burg, June 8-10, 1846, resolved pay the expenses his return voyage, but discontinue his salary soon left Guntur. Before had received the written permission the Executive Committee, Heyer left Guntur, December 22, 1845, landing New York early August, 1846. His precipitous and unexpected return America was due combination

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of causes. the first place, was disheartened because the lack support for the mission work from America. In the second place, was homesick. Furthermore, his restless spirit demanded another change scene and occupa- tion. wished, also, come back and stir the Church home more vigorous effort for its foreign mission; and when he believed that Gunn had made sufficient progress Telugu to assume the supervision the Mission, came home. It was most unfortunate mistake. The Executive Committee was right when maintained that had adequate reason for leaving the Mission Guntur, which needed him and which gave promise growth under his supervision. Had he remained his post duty, despite every discouragement and every longing get back America, the Guntur Mission might not have been lost the Ministerium Pennsylvania, at least not soon after its establishment. After the Executive Committee the Missionary Society of the Ministerium had finally decided permit Heyer return America, made overtures The Foreign Mis- sionary Society the General Synod, whose missionary, the Rev. Walter Gunn, was remain charge the Guntur Mission, transfer entirely that society. The proposal was accepted and then ratified the Missionary Society the Ministerium its meeting 1846. The Executive Committee The Foreign Missionary Society the General Synod reporting the transfer the Guntur Mission that society, its meeting New York, May 16, 1848, said, among other things: "We feel con- strained pay passing tribute the Missionary Society the Pennsylvania Synod for their devoted zeal and activity the mission work. that society owe the successful establishment the Mission Guntur. them belongs the proud distinction having sent the first Lutheran mis- sionary from the United States; and right and proper was that the oldest Lutheran synod this country, the mother of all, should have taken the lead this noble enterprise. It was strict unison with the spirit which characterized the founders that venerable body leaving their fatherland

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HOW GENERAL SYNOD GAINED

to establish branch our Lutheran ness America. was providential, the man sent, those who sent him, country which commenced his

CONTROL GUNTUR 7I

Zion the then wilder- whether consider the time the section labors. "