M. Kuhns. After the devotional exercises an address by the president, Mr. William J. Dilthey, on "Great Epochs in American History," was delivered. In his reference to the Revolutionary period Mr. Dilthey made mention of a memorial window back of the altar in his former home church in Pennsylvania to the memory of Dr. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, who visited the congregation while its first house of worship was being built of logs cut from the surrounding forest. From Washington's and Lincoln's untiring devotion to duty, heroic deeds in great crises and recourse to prayer Mr. Dilthey drew lessons for Luther Leaguers. The next meeting of the League will take place March 16 at St. Paul's Church, at South Fifth and Rodney streets.

Rhinebeck District

A very successful social meeting of the Luther League of St. John's Church, Hudson, was held January 27 at the home of Mr. Leander Weaver, president of the League. Five new members have been added recently. The League holds a song service the first Sunday evening of each month, which is well attended by members of the Sunday school and congregation. The League had part in a bazaar recently held by the church which netted $405.

Albany District

The Luther League of the Church of the Redeemer, Albany, held a very interesting meeting on February 16. A debate on, "Resolved, That the Task of Maintaining the Union was Greater than that of Establishing It," was had. The speakers in the affirmative were Louis C. Smith, Fred. W. Schwartz and Rev. H. Douglass Spaeth, while Jacob H. Smith, Fred. W. Smith and John H. Strenge argued for the negative. There was a large audience composed of the members of the congregation and their friends. The meeting was called to order by President Strenge, and after the usual opening service and necessary transaction of business the vice-president, Miss Minnie D. Lehmann, took the chair, to preside over the debate, which she did in a dignified and impartial manner. The affirmative speakers brought out many good points involving the claims of State rights, the embarrassing financial condition of the North and the great question of slavery, the unfaithfulness of some members of President Lincoln's Cabinet and other officers also, in that America did not stand alone in the contest. The negative speakers answered many of these points by parallel instances in the Revolution, the weakness of the country in finance, its helplessness to enforce obedience, to raise revenue through its excise and duties, the jealousies of the States in regard to commerce and government, the disposition to local self government which blocked the wheels of Federal legislation, the want of the press, the difficulties of Washington in combining the 13 colonies into a firm and inseparable Union, and many others. The question was decided by vote of the League, which resulted in an overwhelming victory for the negative. At the next regular meeting. March 16, lectures will be given by the following on subjects selected by themselves: Mrs. Jacob H. Smith, Mrs. H. D. Spaeth and Mr. Bernard H. Brohm.

MÖLLER,

Buffalo District

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The Luther League of the Church of the Atonement held its February meeting at the home of Miss Jennie Holmlund. The attendance was the largest in some years, and the interest manifested indicated that 1903 may be a banner year. The League has provided a church paper for the last two years, which is edited by the pastor.

On Friday evening, February 20, it was the privilege of the Luther Leaguers of New Jersey to have with them as their guest the Rev. Luther M. Kuhns, the newly elected general secretary of the Luther League of America. The meeting was held in Holy Trinity Church, Jersey City, Rev. E. E. Neudewitz, pastor. The greetings of the Luther League of New Jersey were extended to Rev. Kuhns by the president, Rev. F. C. Krapf of Elizabeth, and by Rev. E. E. Neudewitz of Jersey City, chairman of the Executive Committee. Rev. Kuhns responded in an earnest, sincere manner. An informal reception was then held, affording those present an opportunity to personally meet and greet the secretary. The. Luther League of New Jersey is delighted with the choice for a general secretary, and wishes Rev. Kuhns godspeed. One of the features of the meeting was the presentation by Mr. E. F. Eilert of the Illustrated Report of the National Convention held in St. Paul-Minneapolis July last.

On Thursday evening. February 26, the Illustrated Report of the National Convention held at St. Paul-Minneapolis July last was presented in the meeting rooms of the Young People's Union of the German Lutheran Church of Elizabeth, N. J., by E. F. Eilert and by Messrs. N. Bunger and W. F. Naegele, who operated the lantern and slides. The lecture was very largely attended, the rooms being crowded to the doors, and much enjoyed by all present. The committee that arranged this report is to be congratulated on its success.

- Augustana Literary Society of Paterson decided at its last meeting. February 7, to apply to the State League of New Jersey for membership. The question had been on the table for a while, but the motion now was unanimous. Mr. Wm. Johnson was elected corresponding secretary. Fritz Julander is president.

The Young People's Society in Passaic has been invited to Augustana Literary Society's meeting, and will then furnish the programme for the evening. The Tabitha Society is doing well. Mrs. Aaron, wife of the pastor, is the president. The society is working on a memorial quilt for the tenth anniversary of the church.

HAGERSTOWN, MD.

Passaic Luther League has invited the State League to hold its next meeting here.

CONNECTICUT

The Luther League of the German Trinity Lutheran Church has formed a stock company for the purchase of a stereopticon outfit. The company is capitalized at $125, divided into 125 shares of $1 each. The League subscribed for 50 shares, and the others were readily sold to the members. It is expected to use the outfit for lectures in the church and also to rent it out to pastors who desire the use of it.

A Young People's Union was organized recently in the First English Lutheran Church of New Haven.

The Luther League of the Swedish Lutheran Church of New Haven reports the death of Miss Signe Isakson, 21 years old. Miss Isakson was an indefatigable worker in the society, having held office for several terms, and at the time of her death was secretary of the Luther League of Central Connecticut, which office she had held for two years. This loss is deeply felt not only by the church and society with which she was connected, but also by the Central Connecticut Luther League, especially at this time when the work of extending the League throughout the State is being brought to a success.

Philadelphia

PENNSYLVANIA

The formal induction of Rev. Luther M. Kuhns into the office of general secretary of the Luther League of America occurred at Philadelphia on Friday evening. February 13, in St. Paul's Church on North Twenty-second street, near Columbia avenue, Rev. C. J. Hirzel, pastor. The exercises were under the auspices of the Executive Committee of the Luther League of America, and were conducted by William C. Stoever, Esq., president of the Luther League of America. Addresses were delivered by E. Aug. Miller, Esq., Mr. E. F. Eilert, F. A. Hartranft, Esq., and Secretary Kuhns. The proceedings were characterized by the utmost simplicity, but by a quiet dignity befitting the occasion. The addresses were timely and pointed, definitely and clearly stating the position of the League with respect to many of the questions raised about the character of young people's societies and their standing in the Church. The congregation did not fill the large church, but was representative, and included members and friends of the League from other cities and towns in the eastern part of the State.

In the devotional exercises with which the proceedings began the Scripture lesson was read by Rev. H. Branson Richards of Philadelphia, and prayer was offered by Rev. J. F. Hartman, D.D., of Lafayette Hill, Pa. The greetings of St. Paul's Church were given by E. Aug. Miller, Esq. He said that the term Inaugura! had been applied to this meeting simultaneously by two men who are charged with some degree of responsibility in the National League's affairs, and he thought it an appropriate term; because "the Luther League has marked an epoch in its history by the election of a general secretary." He characterized the step as event of deep significance," with a direct and vital bearing upon the hope of the Church. The wish and prayer of every earnest and sympathetic worker, he said, is that the inspiration of this new leadership may bring an increase in religious knowledge, intelligent service and true piety on the part of every young member of the Lutheran Church. President Stoever, in

an

his response, said that Mr. Miller had "struck the keynote in his reference to the educational branch of the League's work. He disavowed any intention of making a speech, and promptly presented Mr. E. F. Eilert of New York, chairman of the Executive Committee of the Luther League of America.

Mr. Eilert gave a synopsis of the League's history, and said: "It was not the intention or expectation of the organizers to make the League what it is to-day, but as it developed it adjusted itself to the place in the Church that seemed open to it. With this development have come new duties and opportunities for effective work. Our hopes that these may be met are now to be realized in the co-operation of the general secretary. It is often remarked that the Lutheran Church seems charged with a peculiar responsibility at this time. There is no doubt that it is, and the energy to meet this responsibility must be furnished largely by the young people. That they be intelligent, earnest, devoted, is highly important."

Mr. Hartranft at the beginning of his address referred to his paper, The Luther League-What It Is," published in the Luther League Handbook, as a precise statement of the thoughts he would like on this occasion to impress. He then stated the position of the League relative to a number of important questions, notably that it assumes no authority over the doctrinal position of any one, insists upon subscription to no creed except the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, and upon the use of no particular form of worship, asks the society seeking membership to adopt no particular form of constitution, plan of government or field for work. "We do, however," he said. "advise the use of historic Lutheran Church ideas. We reverence the name of Washington, why not honor Luther and our Church? When we want information, sometimes we do not go to the right source. The League supplies correct information, and our desire to be intelligent Lutherans should lead us to this reliable source." He then spoke of Secretary Kuhns as a competent authority on questions involving the principles and policies of the League.

In his introduction of Secretary Kuhns Presiden Stoever said that it seemed quite clear that the Lord had directed the minds of the committee and the mind of Mr. Kuhns. The inaugural address of Mr. Kuhns was then delivered. It contained clear, comprehensive statements of fundamental principles and working policy. The plea for the upholding of high standards was none the less strong because of the confession of need for human fellowship and sympathy. The declarations of truth about human weakness and need of salvation seemed only emphasized, not disputed, by almost poetic references to world's treasures of mountain peak and moonlit glen. In speaking the initial word," said Mr. Kuhns, "I have one request to make for myself. Remember that in this official position I am only a man. I need your sympathy and prayers." He then referred to recent experiences among people of different branches of the Lutheran Church as proofs of the existence of a genuine Christian fellowship founded upon our common faith. "Beside fellowship we need education. The Reading Course furnishes a splendid training for young Lutherans. No one can read the life of Immanuel Wichern without discovering no small part of General' Booth's inspiration. The deaconess' work is a Lutheran revival of apostolic work. We should reap the benefits of our history by the use of historic means. cation we need to add enthusiasm. must distinguish between the kind that awak

To eduBut we

ens dormant powers and that which is only fanaticism. Loyalty is another quality needed. This should begin with our own Church and work outward to the Church at large." Here the speaker introduced a vivid description of the view from Pike's Peak, and said: "We can see the universal Christian Church better by seeing it from the Pike's Peak of national Lutheranism."

After the benediction was pronounced by the pastor of St. Paul's Church an impromptu reception was held by Secretary Kuhns at the church, where many expressions of good wishes, warm sympathy and intention to co-operate were recorded. The event was mutually inspiring to the secretary and his co-workers. Bucks, Montgomery and Chester Central

The ninth annual convention of the B. M. C. Central Luther League was held on Monday, February 23, at Doylestown, with morning and afternoon sessions. Besides the reports from the various officers and committees there were very full and encouraging reports from the delegates to the last conventions of the State League and the Luther League of America. One new League, that of Doylestown, was added to the Central. The address of welcome was delivered by Mr. J. R. Freed of Doylestown, and the response by the president, I. G. Romich, Pottstown. William Price of Pottstown read a paper on "What Aid Can a Luther League Be to the Church?" Rev. F. K. Fretz of Quakertown delivered an address on the "Junior League," and Miss Emma Fretz of Doylestown read a paper on "Our Young People." The address of the evening was delivered by the Rev. E. P. Phatteicher, Ph.D., Norristown, and was a presentation of the origin of the Lutheran Church and her institutions which made her famous throughout the Christian world. The newly elected officers for the year are: Pres., Mr. U. S. G. Finkbiner, Royersford; first vicepres., Mr. H. N. Bickel, Norristown; sec. vicepres.. Mr. Wm. Krout, Perkasie; rec. sec.. Miss Anna K. Davidheiser; cor. sec., Miss Emily Zane, Lansdale: treas., Mr. A. B. Walp. Quakertown. The convention was considered by all a most successful one.

Reading Central

-The Luther League of St. John's Church, Hamburg, Rev. Harry C. Kline, pastor, recently elected the following officers: Pres., John H. Wertley; vice-presidents, Prof. W. A. B. Ketner. Mrs. William G. Seidel; sec., Miss Mary M. Miller: treas., Mrs. J. N. Shomo; mus. director, Abr. Savage; pianists, Misses Rosie Livingood, Callie Buchman. The League divides its work among nine committees. Weekly devotional meetings are maintained.

- A Luther League was recently organized in the Lutheran mission at Shillington. Upper Lehigh Valley Central

- On January 26 the senior Luther League Rev. of St. John's Church, Mauch Chunk, W. M. Rehrig, pastor, celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its organization. The League was organized by Prof. W. Wackernagel, now professor of German of Muhof lenberg College, under the name "Martin Luther Verein," with 35 members. For many years its exercises were conducted in the German language, but the English has been used for many years. The name was changed in 1892. Many of the charter members are now represented by their sons and daughters. On the anniversary occasion the church was beautifully decorated with evergreens and Luther League colors. The programme was principally

Luther League Supplies

Luther League Topics.

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musical choruses and quartettes under the musical director of the League. Rev. H. F. J. Seneker of Wilkes-Barre made a fine address on "Work." Revs. G. G. Kunkle and W. L. C. Lauer also made addresses. The League has always contributed liberally to the support and improvements of the church and especially the mission work of the Conference. In 1897 a Junior League was organized with 26 members. It now numbers 75, and the senior League 124. The musical director of the senior League is also training the juniors in the art of music. The senior League uses the Luther League Topics and Hymnal. Besides the annual excursion of the Upper Lehigh Valley Central, the League holds an annual excursion and reunion at Glen Onoko.

Lancaster Central

-The Luther League of Trinity Church, Lancaster, heard a lecture on India February 6. While given as a travel talk it furnished information and inspired interest in mission work in the far East.

Williamsport Central

-The last meeting of the Williamsport District League was held at Milton in Dr. J. M. Reimensnyder's church, October 9, 1902. By an oversight no report was published in the church papers. At that meeting Rev. J. M. Anspach, D.D., and others delivered able addresses. Delegates were elected to attend the State Convention and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Pres., Rev. J. W. Lake, D.D., Montgomery; sec., W. H. Garman, Jersey Shore; treas., Rev. J. H. McGann, Lewisburg; statistical sec., D. W. Shallenberger, Montgomery. Executive Committee: Rev. Dr. Lake, Rev. J. H. McGann, Rev. F. W. Gift and Rev. Dr. Reimensnyder. The next meeting will be held in Dr. Anspach's church, Williamsport, time to be decided later.

Clinton Centre and Union Central

- Recently the C. E. Society connected with the Lutheran church at Bellefonte, Rev. H. C. Holloway, pastor, was reorganized as a Luther League. The new League begins with more than 40 members, and there is a decided increase in interest.

Somerset Central

The young people's society of the Lutheran church at Friedens, Rev. H. D. Hoover, pastor. rendered a special programme at prayer service Saturday evening, February 21. The subject was "Cleveland." There were three special features. It was leaderless." There were no announcements, each one performing his or her part as indicated on a printed programme in the hands of each one present. The service was enlivened by messages from great men of the church A special offering was made for the Lutheran mission in Cleveland, amounting to $4.63. The organization is growing in numbers and power.

Northwestern Central

-The Luther League of St. John's parish, Erie, Revs. G. A. and C. T. Benze, pastors, comprising two Senior Leagues (St. John's and St. Stephen's), the Helpers and the Junior Leagues, held anniversary services the third Sunday after Epiphany. The reports showed that the Senior Leagues contain 472 members and contributed $668.82 for the work of the church. Ninetyfour new members were received during the year. The Junior Leagues report 210 members who have contributed $200. Pittsburgh Central

General Secretary Kuhns has been here

and we feel already that he has done us good. We are experiencing a new sensation, having had as it were a bishop's visitation; having been urged to new activities and generously praised for past humble achievements. Our secretary is magnetic, interesting, optimistic, inspiring. It does us a real benefit to know he is looking after us, watching us. He will trust us to do the best we can, but will expect to see results. The meeting held in his honor in the First Church was a success. The audience was not immense but satisfactory. Dr. Geissinger, pastor, conducted the services and introduced the speaker. His remarks were happy and characteristic. He said: "I congratulate the Luther League of America that it now has a real live General Secretary. We depend much on circulating mediums. In the body the circulating medium is the blood, but only as it circulates does it perform its functions and accomplish its work. In commercial affairs the medium is money, but unless it circulates it is useless. In spiritual matters this medium is faith, and my conception of the highest duty of our General Secretary is to see that this circulating medium circulates. And we have every reason to believe that he sees his vast opportunities and will seize them." The secretary's address was a masterly. clear, attractive presentation of the aims and claims of the Luther League movement; emphasizing its broad ecumenical basis, its strong doctrinal position, its persistent educational and practical animus. We could see, as a late speaker, Rev. Sanford N. Carpenter, expressed it, that the League has a place and is in its place." Rev. W. H. Fehr spoke very briefly along the same lines. evidently impressed by the spirit contagion of the hour. Rev. Alonzo J. Turkle, pastor of Trinity Church, Allegheny, also made a brief talk. As a personal friend of long intimacy he warmly praised our secretary and vouched for his energy, sincerity and ability. In those few minutes we felt our acquaintances ripening and our confidence confirmed. We now await our secretary's next visit with eager expectancy-have a partial promise that he will be back in June or July. H. W. B.

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-The purchase of the entire Luther League Reading Course was recently authorized by the Senior Luther League of Grace Lutheran Church, Allegheny, Rev. G. I. Lenker, pastor. According to the president's annual report, the interest and attendance of the regular meetings is growing, additional members have been added from the Junior League, and the outlook for future work and growth promising. The Luther League topics are used, and the Reading Course is intended for reference in their study.

MARYLAND

Prominent representatives of the Luther League visited Baltimore, and held a meeting on February 16. The weather was extremely unpleasant, yet at least 100 of the young people and many of the Lutheran pastors were present to greet the visitors and enjoy the addresses. Rev. Wm. S. Freas, D.D., was in charge of the meeting. Mr. E. F. Eilert, editor of the LUTHER LEAGUE REVIEW; Wm. C. Stoever, president of the Luther League of America; F. A. Hartranft, a member of the Executive Committee, and Rev. Luther M. Kuhns, the newly elected general secretary of the League, were the speakers. The addresses received close attention, and led to a number of questions being asked concerning the work of the League. The announcement that Christian Endeavor societies of young people connected with Lutheran churches could unite with the

League, without a change of name or method of work, also continue fellowship with other organizations of same nature, was received with favor. The proposition to organize a Central Luther League in this city resulted in the adoption of a resolution instructing a committee to present the matter to the various societies, and the calling of another meeting for further consideration.-The Lutheran Observer.

OHIO

-On Friday evening, February 27, the young Lutherans of Columbus, Ohio, and vicinity enjoyed the opportunity of greeting and hearing the new general secretary, Rev. Luther M. Kuhns. All day it rained; in the evening it came down in torrents driven by the wind, but nevertheless the attendance was quite encouraging, and all present felt amply repaid for having braved the storm. Rev. Geo. H. Schnier, one of the literature secretaries and editor of the Topics, was also present and delivered an address. Mr. W. H. Wean, president of the Columbus District, presided, and introduced the speakers. Several out of town Leagues and three Synods were represented in the congregation. The full vesper service was used, the ministers conducting it all being attired in clerical robes. The choir, under the competent direction of the organist, Mr. W. A. Knoderer, rendered an anthem. The general secretary will give a more extended account of this meeting. Northeastern District

- The fifth annual convention of the District Luther League of Northeastern Ohio met in Trinity Lutheran Church, Canton, February 21. Ten societies of the district were represented by 29 delegates, and there were present quite a number of visitors, so that in all there were in attendance about 100. Among the visitors were Dr. S. A. Ort, Dr. Geisinger and Rev. Steck. The following subjects were ably discussed: "The Luther League of the Twentieth Century-Its Dangers, Its Possibilities, Its Certainties," "How Can the Devotional Spirit of the League be Best Developed?" "How Can the League Help Its Members?" The most prominent feature of the afternoon session was the address by Dr. S. A. Ort of Springfield on 66 The Christian Vocation." His address was so full of beautiful thought, so full of tender sympathy, so full of heartfelt love, that all who heard it were filled with a new fervor and more earnest zeal to do what they could to further the kingdom of Christ. In the evening Dr. Geisinger of Pittsburgh addressed the convention on "Christian Co-operation." After speaking of co-operation in the material world he emphasized the necessity of the same practice in the Christian life. The address was greatly appreciated, and brought before the convention the Christian's duty in this respect. The convention was so full of good things that all visitors and delegates went back to their societies eager for work. M. W. Lutz of Canton was elected president.

-At its February meeting the League of Zion's Church, Marietta. was addressed by Rev. G. W. Sandt of Philadelphia, on the subject, Lutherans and Lutherans."

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ILLINOIS

Fox River Valley League

- The Fox River Valley District Luther League of Illinois held the first convention of the year in the Swedish Lutheran Church, Aurora, January 29. In the afternoon the annual business session was held. Interesting reports were read from the various societies in the district, showing more interest in the work and

35

more love for the church. Two of the Norwegian societies are supporting a native teacher in Madagascar. A society from Batavia, consisting of 91 members, joined the district at this meeting, making the number of local societies seven, with a membership of more than 400. The following officers were elected for the coming year: Pres., Rev. Alfred Ostrom, Aurora; vice-pres., Arthur Lindgren, Aurora; rec. sec., Hannah Anderson, Geneva; cor. sec., May C. Mellander, Elgin; fin. sec., Anna Bjorseth, Aurora; treas., Fritz Anderson, St. Charles.

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A very well attended and enthusiastic session was held in the evening. The speaker, Rev. P. Peterson of Galesburg, used as his subject the well-known quotation from the time of the Reformation, Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise." He gave a very interesting and instructive address, laying special stress upon the Word, creed and future of the church. Inspiring statistics were given concerning the Lutheran Church in America.

Rev. William Eckman of the Norwegian church, Elgin, who in the near future leaves for Europe, spoke touching words of counsel in bidding farewell to the members of the district. The music of the evening was given by the choir of the church, by Miss Agnes Rorbeck and Miss Anna Bjorseth. A pleasant social time was indulged in after the programme, when an opportunity was afforded to shake hands with the fellow Luther Leaguers of the district.

-The Executive Committee of the Twin City Central Luther League held a reception on New Year's afternoon from 2 to 5 o'clock at the United Church Seminary in St. Anthony's Park to all the Lutheran young people of the Twin Cities. Invitations were sent to every Lutheran congregation and about 400 were in attendance. The halls and rooms were tastefully decorated with the Luther League colors. Addresses were delivered by Rev. N. J. Lohre of Minneapolis and Prof. E. G. Lund of the seminary, and literary and musical numbers were contributed. Afterward refreshments were served in the diningroom, where all the young people had a very good opportunity to get acquainted with the Leaguers. Many of the young people's societies not connected with the Luther League were represented by delegations of from ten to fifteen each. President Nels Jensen, Mr. M. S. Kindseth, Miss Ida Pusch and Miss Jennie R. Caines constituted the committee on arrangements and are to be congratulated upon their success.

-The Twin City Central Luther Leogue is about to issue a directory of all the Lutheran churches in the Twin Cities for the benefit of the Lutheran students who come to the cities to study, in order that they may be directed to a church of their own Synod.

-The Young People's Society of the Swedish Lutheran congregation at Little Falls donated last year $200 to the building fund of the new church. It is still working and proposes to raise some more money for the same purpose.