FRANK A. HARTRANFT, Esq., Chairman. 1215 Stephen Girard Building, Philadelphia, Pa. J. MARTIN ROMMEL, JOHN F. DINKEY, GEORGE D. BOSCHEN, LOUIS VAN GILLUWE, Finance Committee.

Please address reply to chairman.

NEW YORK STATE

New York City

-The fifteenth anniversary celebration of the Luther League of New York City was held on Friday evening, April 24, at St. Mark's Church. The usual gathering of faithful ones were in attendance. Rev. G. C. F. Haas, D.D., pastor of St. Mark's Church, extended a hearty welcome to the League. He said that St. Mark's was one of the first to unite with the League, and he rejoiced that they are still in the ranks. He likened the celebration to a crystal wedding annniversary, and found several points of similarity. The societies were bound together these many years hand to hand, heart to heart, in pleasure and in tribulation. His explanation of the formation of the crystal and its reflecting qualities beautifully illustrated the development and progress of the League. President Runyon's response was also in the crystal vein. Mr. E. F. Eilert's address was on the League's "Retrospect." He said that reminiscences are pleasant when lined with roses and perfume; but that he must also speak of the thorns and thistles along our pathway. He referred to the beginning in 1887 in St. John's rooms, when a delegation from St. Peter's submitted the proposition to form a central association. This was accomplished April 19, 1888. He read the minutes of the first meeting and a list of the first delegates, and exhibited a copy of the first monthly journal (the present LUTHER LEAGUE REVIEW). The present form of the League was little realized as a development in those days. A knowledge of the Lutheran churches of the city was then very limited. He completed his retrospect with a list of the presidents of the League, viz.: 1888-1890, Andrew Busch: 1891-92, W. H. Steinkamp; 1893-94, J. Louis Schaefer; 1895-96, Fredk. H. Huber 1897-98, Geo. D. Broschen; 1899-1901, Fred. H. Wefer; 1902-03, I. S. Runyon. President Runyon in introducing the next speaker, mentioned the present. He said: "We now know each other, and are face to face with a comprehensive object. We are seeking to become intelligent Christians, and thus protect ourselves from foes, some of whom are among our own number-the wolves in sheep's clothing. We must be first indoctrinated, then intelligent

and industrious workers." Rev. Chas. L. Fry, of Philadelphia, literary secretary of the Luther League of America, spoke on the Introspect and Prospect " of the League. He said in part: · Our denomination gained its strength from the mighty value set upon the individual while others depended upon swaying the people in great masses. Formerly young people's societies laid chief stress upon their strength in counting the masses; but a decided change has taken place. They are now dealing with the individual, whose immediate needs are studied. This procedure is a downright revolution in this country among other denominations. Catechetical instruction with us has always been our strength. Others are learning that the intensive is the only basis for the extensive, dealing with those who do care-going back to first principles. Jesus began, not by seeking great multitudes; but he called Andrew and John and taught them, unfolding to them His great work, and they followed Him. Andrew brought Peter to Jesus; John wrote those wonderful books in the New Testament accredited to him. The great danger of the present day is to lower the standard of quality in order to catch the quantity. There may be present only two members from some of the Leagues. Do not be discouraged they may be an Andrew and a John. There are few men who care. The day is coming when we will devote ourselves to the few."

On Thursday evening, April 23, the Luther League of St. James' Church, Rev. Dr. J. B. Remensnyder, pastor, gave the newly confirmed members of the church a reception. All the class except one were present. There were several literary and musical numbers contributed by members of the League and refreshments were served.

The Luther League of the Church of the Atonement received the newly confirmed on April 23. President Velten greeted them and expressed the hope that quite a number would become members of the League.

In connection with the celebration a dinner was given at the Marlborough Hotel, Broadway and Thirty-sixth street, on Monday evening, April 27. About 100 covers were laid. There were representatives from the New Jersey State League and the Brooklyn District League. President of the League I. S. Runyon acted as toastmaster, and the speakers were Rev. John A. W. Haas, D.D., Rev. C. Armand Miller and Mr. Fred. H. Wefer. The spirit of genuine Christian fellowship prevailed, and a tone of seriousness befitting the occasion pervaded the humor that was allowed to contribute its share to the enjoyment of the guests.

Lancaster Central

On Thursday evening, April 16, 1903, the Luther League of Trinity Lutheran Church, of Lancaster, Pa., tendered the thirty-eight recently confirmed members a reception. Each new member was distinguished by a small yellow bow, the League Colors. An orchestra enlivened the evening with music. Refreshments were served and a social time was enjoyed. Upper Lehigh Valley Central

The eighteenth semi-annual convention of the Central Luther League of the Upper Lehigh Valley will be held in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Weissport, Rev. Edgar P. Xander, pastor, Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12 and 13, 1903.

Northeastern Central

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The twenty-first semi-annual convention of the Northeastern Central Luther League met in Christ Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre, April 21. There were three sessions, and about seventy-five delegates were present. The officers elected were as follows: Pres., P. Walter Banker, Wilkes-Barre; vice-pres., William Langdon, Scranton; rec. sec., Miss Grace Gerlock, Scranton; cor. sec., Miss Anna Creter, Wilkes-Barre; treas., Miss Josephine Rohrwasser, Scranton. Rev. A. L. Ramer, of Scranton, and P. W. Banker, of Wilkes-Barre, were elected as delegates to the State convention, which will be held at Reading in the fall. There were four interesting topics discussed during the day. First, "Methods of Work for Local Leaguers,' on which a paper was read by George Hutter, League of St. John's, Wilkes-Barre. Second, Memorizing Scripture," paper by John Greiner, League of Zion's Church, Scranton. Third, The Multitudes: How to Reach Them," address by Rev. J. A. Bender, Pittston. Fourth, The League as a Working Factor in the Mission Work of the Church," paper by F. W. Faux, League of St. James, Hobbie. Considerable discussion followed each topic. At the evening session Rev. H. A. Kunkle, of Scranton, gave an address, entitled "The Lord's Day and Its Observance. Rev. A. L. Ramer, Ph.D., Scranton, delivered an address on "The Catechumens: How to Interest Them in the League." The services closed with the Luther League Rally Hymn.

amisburg, Rev. Dr. Peschau, pastor, recently raised a nice sum for Rajamundry Mission in India.

-A reception was given to the newly confirmed of Calvary Lutheran Church, Chillicothe, Rev. George H. Schnur, pastor, under the auspices of the Luther League, on Monday evening, April 13, which date also marked the third anniversary of the organization of the church.

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A new Central Luther League was organized in St. Paul's Church, Lima, Rev. F. P. Bossart, pastor, on April 16. The call for this preliminary convention was sent out in March by the League of St. Paul's congregation, and in response eighteen delegates, representing six Leagues, met and organized the Lima Central Luther League." The officers chosen are as follows: Pres., Rev. F. P. Bossart, Lima; vicepres., Rev. J. H. Culler, D. D., Wapakoneta; sec., Mr. Reimund, Findlay; treas., Miss Ferguson, Van Wert. At the evening session Hon. I. S. Molter, of Lima, delivered a spirited address on "Twentieth Century Lutheranism;" Rev. I. D. Worman, of Van Wert, spoke_enthusiastically about "The Coming State Convention," which is to be held in his city; and Rev. W. G. Dressler, of Findlay, delivered the closing address upon the vital theme Work of the Luther League In and For the Congregation."

-Rev. Herman Boezing, pastor of St. Matthew's congregation, Toledo, was presented with a student's lamp that is distinctively a work of art by the Luther League on the occasion of his birthday. The Ladies' Aid Society gave him a silk robe, and many individual friends remembered him.

Tours to the Pacific Coast

For the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, at Los Angeles, Cal., May 21 to June 2, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company will run three personally-conducted tours to Los Angeles and the Pacific Coast. These tours will leave New York and Philadelphia May 12 and 13. Tour No. 1, covering twenty-four days, $134.50 from New York; $132.75 from Philadelphia. Tour No. 2, covering forty-three days, including Yellowstone Park, $253 from New York and $251.25 from Philadelphia. Tour No. 3, covering thirty days, including Grand Canyon of Arizona, $159 from New York and $156.75 from Philadelphia. Proportionate rates from other points. Arrangements may be made to return independently on Tours No. 1 and No. 3.

Special Pullman trains will be used, and the services of a tourist agent, chaperon, baggage master and official stenographer will be provided on each

train.

For itinerary giving rates and full information apply to Tourist Agent, 263 Fifth avenue, New York City, or Geo. W. Boyd, Assistant General Passenger Agent, Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, Pa.

IOWA

The Sioux City Journal published in its issue of April 26 the following: "At a mass meeting at St. Peter's Norwegian Lutheran Church last evening 800 representatives of the Luther Leagues of all the Lutheran churches in Sioux City and vicinity voted to organize a Central Luther League in Sioux City, into which all the Luther Leagues within a radius of forty miles will be united. The impetus for this new organization came largely from Rev. Luther M. Kuhns, of Omaha, general secretary of the Luther League of America, who made a stirring address on the work of the League, and urged the members of the local organizations to band together for mutual aid and co-operation in their work among the young people of this vicinity. Martin C. Johnson, president of the Luther League of the St. Peter's Norwegian Lutheran Church, who presided, and John Neilson, of the Swedish Augustana League, secretary, were authorized to call a meeting to complete the organization of the Central League at some time in the near future. The

Work of Young Lutherans" was the subject of a talk by Rev. J. F. Sponseller, of the Lutheran Church at South Sioux City. Rev. Luther M. Kuhns, the general secretary of the Luther League of America, made a strong address upon the success of the League all over the country, and paid a tribute to its value to young people of the Lutheran churches. Great enthusiasm was displayed by the large number of people in attendance at the meeting, and its leaders were greatly pleased."

The Herald, Council Bluffs, published the following in its issue of April 15: Rev. Luther M. Kuhns, formerly pastor of the Grace Lutheran Church in Omaha, but now general secretary of the Luther League in America, will speak in the interests of the League on Wednesday at 8 o'clock p. m., in St. John's English Lutheran Church, corner of Willow avenue and Seventh street. The Luther League is formed by the union of all young people's societies of whatever name in nearly all the general branches of the Lutheran Church in Ainerica. The Swedish, Danish and English Lutheran churches of the city will unite in the services Wednesday evening. Rev. Kuhns is a forcible speaker and is full of enthusiasm in his work. Good music will be furnished for the occasion."

- On April 16 the Twin City Luther League held a rally meeting at Memorial Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Rev. A. J. D. Haupt, pastor. Rev. Dr. P. M. Wahlstrom, president of Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, was the speaker of the occasion. A similar rally was held April 24 in Bethlehem Norwegian Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Prof. J. M. Kildahl, of St. Olaf's College, Northfield, delivered an address on the subject, "What Has the Church a Right to Expect of the Young People?" The tenth convention of the Twin City Central will be held May 4 in St. James' Lutheran Church, St. Paul.

Red River Valley Central

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-The ninth semi-annual convention of the Red River Valley Central Luther League was held in St. Mark's English Lutheran Church, Fargo, N. Dak., March 11 and 12. The first session opened Wednesday morning with devotional service, conducted by Prof. W. P. Rognlie. In the absence of the pastor, Rev. J. A. Zeedel, who was prevented from being present on account of sickness, a short address of welcome was given by Prof. E. D. Busby. This was followed by responses from the following delegates: Rev. J. A. Ofstedahl, Rev. J. M. O. Ness, Prof. W. P. Rognlie, Miss Josephine Amundson, Mr. O. N. Brevig, Mr. Henry Rustod, and the president, Rev. Prof. R. Bogstad. The committee on credentials reported thirty-four delegates in attendance. The following were elected as officers: Pres,. Rev. Prof. R. Bogstad, Concordia College, Moorehead, Minn.; rec. sec., Miss Josephine Amundson, Crookston, Minn.; cor. sec., Prof. E. D. Busby, Concordia College; treas., Mr. J. O. Hertsgaard, Kindred, N. Dak. "Lutheran Education" was the general subject for discussion at the various sessions, and was presented under the following sub-divisions: 1, "In the Home," Mrs. R. Bogstad, Moorhead, Minn; 2, "In the Sunday School," Mr. J. F. Paul, Gross, Fargo, N. Dak.; 3, In the Parochial School," Prof. K. Lokensgaard, Madison, Minn.; 4, In the Academy and College," Rev. Oluf Glasoe, Knox, N. Dak.; 5, "In the Seminary," Rev. A. Ofstedahl, Fertile, Minn. The convention closed Thursday evening with an inspiring lecture by Rev. A. J. Haupt on "The Lutheran Church of To-day and of To-morrow." All the sessions were well attended, especially by the young people, of whom Concordia College furnished a great number. The papers and discussions were listened to, not only with close attention and interest but with great profit. Anthems and songs were furnished by the choir of Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead; the choir of St. Mark's English Lutheran Church, Fargo, and appropriate solos by Mr. J. F. Paul, Gross. The convention was one of the most interesting and profitable in the history of the League.

SOUTH DAKOTA

The sixth annual convention of the South Dakota Luther League will be held at Dell Rapids, S. D., May 12-14. "Truth, Trust, Tact, Essential Elements to League Work," has been chosen as the keynote of the convention. Rev. Luther M. Kuhns, General Secretary of the National League, will be present and will deliver an address. All Lutheran Young People's Societies in South Dakota are invited to send delegates to this convention. Lutheran pastors and professors when present are considered ex-officio members. A large attendance is desired, and we pray that the meetings may be helpful and edifying. C. K. SOLBERG, president; O. A. ANDERSON, Secretary.