The Construction of University Lutheran Chapel

What was the Intention of the Donors and of the District? Part 1 - Actions of the District Conventions

Below is a summary chart. The full text of these items is found on the pages following. Year 1940 Item To call a campus pastor, to put plans made at the 1939 convention to build a chapel on hold and rent until the Wisconsin Synod has taken definite action To call a campus pastor, to instruct him to start a congregation, to instruct the BOD to work on erecting a chapel. To purchase property upon which to build a chapel and student center, and to use money from the Peace Offering to do so. Significance Already before 1940 there were plans to build a chapel for the U of M students and to call a pastor to serve them. A distant local congregation (3 and a half miles away) cannot serve the U of M campus very well. Shows the Districts desire to have both a congregation and a chapel for that congregation at the U of M. Designated funds to be used for the initial property purchase. The fact that a portion of the proposed action was not taken shows continued support to establish a congregation in connection to the proposed chapel construction. Designated funds to be used for property purchase. Special collections to be taken to raise more money for the chapel project. Designated funds to be used for construction. Shows the intention of the District is to use the chapel only for its intended purpose of providing a home to ULC and her campus ministry. (The congregation, which was begun at the same time the chapel was built and at the encouragement of the District, is finally admitted as a full fledged congregation of the synod.)

1943

1945

1946

To purchase additional land using money from the Peace Offering, and to grand the BOD authority to pursue fund raising for the project. To conduct a District-wide solicitation of funds for the chapel and student center. To build separate District offices rather than renovate part of the student center to provide permanent District offices. (ULC is also admitted to the synod.)

1948

1955

These convention actions show that the intention of the MN District and its donors was to establish a permanent congregation and campus chapel & student center at the University of Minnesota. Since the inception of the congregation and construction of the chapel, University Lutheran Chapel has been faithfully carrying out the work of campus ministry at the U of M. Why cripple that work now by selling the chapel and student center thereby forcing the congregation from the U of M campus?

1940 MN District Convention:

1943 MN District Convention:

1945 MN District Convention:

1946 MN District Convention:

1948 MN District Convention:

1955 MN District Convention: