National Lutheran Council. Executive Director (1930-1948 : Long)

Ralph H. Long (1882-1948) served as the NLC's third executive director from 1930 until his death in 1948. An ordained pastor, Long previously served as stewardship secretary for the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and Other States (1927-1930). The Lutheran World Convention (LWC) was founded in 1923 to unite international Lutheran relief efforts after World War I and promote Lutheran fellowship and cooperation throughout the world. With the advent of World War II, the American Section of LWC, composed of NLC members, directed its activities. Its successor, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) was established in 1947.

The NLC executive committee also served as the U.S.A. National Committee of the LWF.