constitute separate denominations. In 1892 the Michigan Synod united with the Wisconsin and Minnesota synods of the Synodical Conference, and a new general body was thus formed. In 1893 the Joint Synod of Ohio and the German Synod of Iowa agreed upon terms of pulpit and altar fellowship, without becoming organically united.

5. THE JOINT SYNOD OF OHIO AND OTHER STATES.

This body was organized in 1818. It occupied an independent attitude until 1867, when it assisted in constituting the General Council, but only to withdraw in the following year, because it was not fully satisfied with the position of the council concerning the question of pulpit and altar fellowship with other denominations. It has ever been conservative and strictly confessional in character, and it was for nine years connected with the Synodical Conference, from which it withdrew in 1881 because it could not accept the views of the majority concerning the doctrine of predestination. Since then it has occupied an independent position. Its constituency is for the most part German, but in about a third of its congregations both German and English are used. Like other large Lutheran synods, it is divided into a number of districts.

While its chief strength is in the State of Ohio, it has many communicants in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. It embraces twenty-three States and the District of Columbia, New York constituting the most easterly and northerly portion of its territory, Texas the most southerly, and Oregon the most westerly. It has 421 organizations, 443 edifices, valued at $1,639,087, and 69,505 communicants. Only ten of its organizations hold services in other than church edifices. The average value

of its edifices is $3700, and their average seating capacity Only 10 halls, with a seating capacity of 785, are

337. occupied.

This synod was organized in 1845 by the Rev. J. A. A. Grabau, who came from Germany, where he had suffered for his opposition to the union of the Reformed and Lutheran religions. The synod has announced views concerning the ministerial office which other Lutherans have considered as hierarchical. It insists that ordination, unless by ordained ministers, is not valid; that ministers created

by congregations have no divine authority to pronounce

absolution or to consecrate the elements of bread and wine; that congregations may not pronounce excommunication; that obedience is due to ministers; and that the synod is the supreme tribunal in the church.

The synod has congregations in six States, with 25 church edifices, valued at $84,410, and 4242 communicants. The average value of its edifices is $3376, and their average seating capacity 232. Two halls, with a seating capacity of 275, are occupied.

This is a body of Norwegian Lutherans organized in the period 1846-50 by immigrants from Norway. It took its name from Hauge, a leader of a strong spiritual movement in that country. Its followers lay much stress upon conversion and are noted for their earnestness. The laymen participate in prayer and exhortation in public assemblies, contrary to the practice of some other bodies of a more churchly character. This synod has always occupied an independent attitude.

It has 175 organizations, divided among eleven States,

but with two thirds of its strength in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, and 100 church edifices having an average seating capacity of 306 and an average value of $2149; 75 halls, with a seating capacity of 4436, are occupied.

This body was organized by Norwegian immigrants a few years later than Hauge's Synod. Like the latter, it has always maintained an independent position, except for the short period when it was connected with the Synodical Conference. A few years ago a controversy over the doctrine of predestination caused a division in its ministry and congregations, resulting in the formation of what was known as the Anti-Missouri Brotherhood. The synod accepted the views of the Missouri Synod, which its type of Lutheranism resembles, while the brotherhood rejected these views as Calvinistic.

The synod is divided into three districts. Its territory

embraces twenty-two States, stretching from ocean to ocean and from the Lakes to the Gulf. Two thirds of its communicants, however, are in the States of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The average value of its church edifices is $2929, and their average seating capacity is 287. It occupies 182 halls, which have a seating capacity of 12,115.

This is a German body organized in 1860. It helped to organize the General Council, and was connected with it until 1888, when it withdrew because the position of