See also ULCA 61 Administrative History.
The directing pastor was the executive head of the motherhouse. He represented the authority of the Board of Deaconess Work (BDW) of the United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA). He administered the Word and Sacrament. He was responsible for teaching principles of the diaconate through articles and lectures and represented the motherhouse to the rest of the church and the world through writing and speaking. From 1929 to approximately 1940, the title and duties of superintendent/director of instruction was added to directing pastor. This meant the directing pastor was also responsible for the overall management of the training school. Prior to 1929 and after 1940 there was a separate superintendent of instruction. The directing pastor also served as part of the Direction/Executive Committee along with the president of the deaconess board, the directing sister, and three members of the deaconess board. In 1944, administration of the motherhouse was revised and the office of directing pastor was eliminated. The responsibility for administrative work transferred to the directing sister. Other duties performed by the directing pastor, such as administering the Word and Sacrament were handled by supply pastors. Directing pastors were: Rev. William H. Dunbar, 1895-1897; Rev. Franklin P. Manhart, 1897-1904; Rev. Charles E. Hay, 1904-1929; Rev. Foster U. Gift, 1929-1938; Rev. William A. Wade, 1938-1943.
From the description of Letterbook, Correspondence, and News Articles 1897-1936. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 61348922
