Forty-seven early houses of worship from all areas of the state. Nearly three hundred stunning color photographs capture the simple elegance of these sanctuaries and their surrounding grounds and cemeteries.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916 edition. Excerpt: ... the American take the place of German consistency of action. But in spite of such a difference, the prospects for the union of American Lutherans are brighter to-day than ever before. All agree in recognizing the Bible as the sole source, rule and standard of faith, accept the Augsburg Confession in its historical sense, and are convinced that the Lutheran Church stands for the most perfect form of religion which has been revealed to us by history. We may mention as a symptom of reapproachment the moderate tone being observed in doctrinal discussions, and also the respectful treatment mutually accorded by the organs of opposing synods. 36. Review of the Extension of the Lutheran Church in America. The Lutheran Church began as a tiny plant. It had small beginnings in two localities: New York and Pennsylvania. Later we notice scattered settlements along the Atlantic Coast as far south as Georgia. Since immigration was largely directed to Pennsylvania, this state has ever recorded the strongest growth of Lutheran churches. In the beginning of the nineteenth century the stream of immigration, crossing the mountains, flowed toward the West, and resulted in strong Lutheran settlements, especially in Indiana and Ohio, where the descendants of Eastern Lutherans (New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia) established themselves. The great immigration of the nineteenth century flooded the country with German settlers. These filled the Eastern church, which had been losing ground by the anglicization of its members, formed new congregations and eventually covered the whole West. Finally the stream of immigration -- then largely composed of people who had settled in the United States -- was directed toward New England. Thus in course of time we find a...

In a clear, nontechnical way, this noted Reformation historian tells the story of how the nascent reforming and confessional movement sparked and led by Martin Luther survived its first battles with religious and political authorities to become institutionalized in its religious practices and teachings. Gritsch then traces the emergence of genuine consensus at the end of the sixteenth century, followed by the age of Lutheran Orthodoxy, the great Pietist reaction, Lutheranisms growing diversification during the Industrial Revolution, its North American expansion, and its increasingly global and ecumenical ventures in the last century.