Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and Other States. Board of Home Missions.

At the 1884 convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and Other States (JSO) a matter concerning the collection of funds for home mission efforts was brought before the delegates. It was decided the necessity existed for a central fund in which all home mission monies would be collected and subsequently disbursed. The 1884 convention passed a resolution to create a general treasury for home mission funds and the General Commission on Home Missions to oversee this fund. The first task of this commission was to ascertain the extent of each district's financial obligations and the mission work within each district. It then assumed financial obligations related to clergy salary and support for certain congregations. The commission extended clergy calls for new congregations and also assisted congregations with capital projects, through its administration of the Church Building Fund.

In 1922, mission work began in Brazil. Circumstances that resulted in work starting in Brazil involved a call extended to the Rev. Thomas Peterson from two congregations of the Synod of Catharina, Parana and Other States in Brazil.

At the 1924 JSO convention, the Eastern District, believing there was not enough contact between BHM administration and mission fields, requested a reorganization of the administrative aspects of the work of the BHM. Funds would continue to be directed into the General Treasury, but the board itself would comprise the district presidents and it would determine a percentage of the mission funds that each mission field would receive. The board would elect a Field Secretary to a term of four years. This position would be one of promoting home mission work and creating an interest in home missions by publicizing the work through articles, speaking engagements and congregational visits.

From the description of Reports, Correspondence, Subject Files 1921-1926. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library). WorldCat record id: 51766816