his study, and the smaller one his bedroom. There were some old pictures depicting scenes from Luther's life, an iron pot and stand used for heating purposes, a wooden vessel made from the tree which commemorated the spot at Altenstein where Luther was taken captive and a picture of Frau Ursula Cotta. To our modern way of thinking, the room was dingy but here is Luther's study table at which he sat when he translated the New Testament. In the opinion of some, this is not the table, .but one that was brought from Moehra, the home of Luther's family, in 1817 The view from the Wartburg is magnificent. We could not remain long at this famous old castle, for the Landgrave was coming to spend a month in the Wartburg. As we descended from the fortress to return to Eisenach we saw three immense wagon loads of baggage belonging to the Landgrave beginning the ascent of the mountain.. Although four centuries have passed, still the THE COTTA HOUSE, Where Luther lived in Eisenach. and uninviting, but it must have seemed to a boy in Luther's circumstances like a paradise. In the marketplace is St. George's Church. It was here Luther preached on his way to Worms in 1521. This is the church which has the epitaph of John Hilten, who prophesied Luther's work. On his return from Worms Luther was captured by knights, who brought him into friendly captivity. He was taken to the Wartburg. Here he exchanged the gown for a coat of mail. Luther's imprisonment in the Wartburg was of great importance to the Reformation. It saved him from becoming a fanatic and from mingling subjective elements with the truth. In the Luther room is a spot showing where the ink splashed on the wall according to the well known story of the devil's visit to Luther and the throwing of the ink bottle. The room that is shown as the Luther room is open to some question, for we understand that another room in the Wartburg was really the room occupied by Luther, ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH, EISENACH, Where Luther preached. associations connected with this town and with the things themselves, make them precious, for they are reminiscences of Luther. The Pharisees were right in attaching high importance to a moral life, but they were wrong in supposing that their moral life rendered them meritorious in the eyes of God, and in forgetting that God desires first of all a new and clean heart.-Dr. Martin Luther. Eighteenth Convention at Chicago, September 6, 7 and 8, 1912 BY D. ASTENIUS. NE of the most successful State conven the eighteenth annual meeting, which was called to order at Chicago, Ill., in the beautiful Bethel Lutheran Church, which stands in one of the city's garden spots, corner of Dickens avenue and Humboldt boulevard, Friday morning, September 6, at 10 o'clock. The day was clear, but very warm. The enthusiasm of the delegates and the spirit manifested gave renewed hope to those who have the success of the State League work at heart. Rev. Tiller, of Bethel Lutheran Church, conducted the devotional services. Mr. David Astenius, president of the Luther League of Chicago; Rev. Tiller, pastor of the church, and Miss Hattie Miller, of Bethel Luther League, gave the addresses of welcome. J. Alex Nelson, president of the State League, responded. Mrs. Hinze sang "The Good Shepherd," after which Rev. Gustav Stearns, of Milwaukee, delivered the convention sermon, taking for his text the words of Paul: "By the grace of God, I am what I am." The offering was taken after Mr. Abrahamson sang "Judge Me, O God." Rev. Solberg, president of the State League from 1899 to 1902, responded to a call from President Nelson for a short talk on past history. The second session opened with an organ prelude. Rev. Hunt led the devotional service and Miss V. Gahlbeck sang a solo. The topic chosen for the convention was "Luther League Work and Workers," the afternoon being devoted to the sub-topic "The Tools." Mr. Hauberg read a paper on "The Bible." Rev. Luther Kuhns, the General Secretary, gave an informal talk on "The Topics." Business followed the discussion. Miss Minnie Stohr, the State Secretary, gave a review of her work during the year. Mr. Nelson then gave his report. The treasurer's report, having been printed, was passed out to the convention. It shows: Cash receipts, $221.66; expenditures, $196.32; balance on hand September 1, 1912, $25.34. Report of extension committee was given by Mr. Carlson. Practical work committee reported through Miss Stohr, after which the secretary read messages sent from the Vandalia Luther League and the Lanark Luther League. Miss J. ALEX. NELSON, President of the Luther League of Illinois. The program for the evening was as follows: Organ prelude, Miss Grace Harrisville; hymn, opening services conducted by Rev. L. Harrisville, pastor of the church, after which the choir sang an anthem. Rev. G. Keller Rubrecht, of Milwaukee, gave the address of the evening, his subject being "What the League Demands of the Leaguer." Mrs. Louise Moe Peterson sang "O Lamb of God." Prayer and benediction was pronounced by Rev. W. C. Davis. Saturday morning the delegates again assembled at Bethel Church, opening with an organ prelude. Rev. Thor Sigmond led the devotional service. Miss Millie Hendricksen read a paper by Mrs. C. B. Newcomer, of Carthage, Ill., on the subject "How to Prepare and Plan the Subject." The paper stated: After you have lived with your subject for some days and have studied it, you will find that you have more information than you can present in one evening; then decide what phase of the subject you will choose. It is a great mistake some leaders make to try to tell all and leave nothing for others who wish to take part. Therefore, conserve your lines of presentation and do not ramble on and on, touching everything which may possibly be mentioned. After the meeting is well under way the presentation will not be difficult. Teachers, business men, housekeepers-all know the value of detailed planning. "Well begun is half done. Two things, therefore, remember: Pray and study, but always place prayer before study. The topic for the morning session was "The Worker." Mr. C. Edward Carlson, of Moline, read a paper on "The Leader." Among some of the forceful things he said were: The leader's position is a responsible one and no one should enter it without serious thought and prayer. ful consideration. One had better remain out of it entirely than to enter it lightly, and perhaps be the cause of doubts and misgivings concerning holy things entering into the heart of anyone. On the other hand, the opportunities, the advantages that leadership gives are great, and great is the reward of the faithful ones. The paper entitled "The Workers," by Mrs. Bode, was read by Miss Minnie Stohr, who also read her own paper. Miss Stohr's subject was "The Silent Member." In part we give it here: A very important part of our constituency is the silent member. It is not my purpose to dwell here upon that form of silence in a member which is born of diffidence or newness in the work. Such silence will always disappear under tactful treatment, when the person has become familiarized with the surroundings and with the routine of the meetings. What I wish to treat is that deeper silence which is born of temperament and which is almost always a life-long characteristic of the person who possesses it. That silence of the deep places of the earth: that silence of which the poet says: "God has sealed His own with silence." It will pay us to get close to the silent ones; to learn from them the depth of the riches of God's love which is theirs, and the dignity and nobility of silent loyalty. Miss G. Huebner sang "The Holy City." Letters of greeting from Alexis and Carthage, Ill., were read. The credentials committee presented its report. Action was taken on the amendments to the constitution, which, with some modifications, were adopted. Constitution and amendments were read to the convention. General Secretary Kuhns read a letter of greeting from Mr. William C. Stoever, president of Luther League of America. An invitation was then read for the convention to meet next year at Morris, Ill. The invitation was accepted. An organ prelude opened the fifth session of the League. Rev. W. C. Davis conducted the opening service. Mr. Astenius read a paper on "The Member's Responsibility to His League and Church": We must feel the responsibility of our calling, no matter what it be when we have been called to service. Perhaps many of us fail because we do not take enough interest in our membership. When the League work was new to us we entered into it with spirit, but somewhere, we do not know just where, our interest began to wane. There may be some among you here today who may be occasional or spasmodic workers. Your work on the firing line is like the desultory firing of a retreating army. The ginger is gone from you, and without it your work looks wilted alongside of that of the worker who never fails to recognize his duty. Mr. Anderson read a paper on "Efficient Luther League Work." Mr. Anderson said: I believe that devotional services should be the climax of all Luther League work, but a social evening each month adds much toward the success of the organization. To sum up the situation, have your League carefully organized and see that all are given something to do. Let the subject for discussion be practical. Devotional meetings should be held each Arrange the program for these meetings at least three months in advance. week. Rev. Carl Christensen, president of the State League in 1903, was present and, at the request of the president, responded with a few remarks. Mrs. J. G. Mully sang a solo. The resolutions committee reported through Rev. David Davy. Following were elected as officers for the ensuing year: President, J. Alex Nelson; executive secretary, Miss Minnie Stohr; recording secretary, Miss Mabel Holmes; treasurer, Mr. Henry Hanson; member of executive committee, three years, C. C. Martin. The executive committee read their report. Prof. Theodor Reimestad, the well known Norwegian Chautauqua singer, favored the convention with a solo, "The Great White Throng," by Grieg. Rev. Meyer closed the session with prayer and benediction. The delegates then departed to Humboldt Park, where they united with Chicago Luther Leaguers in a most enjoyable picnic. all the Lutheran Sunday morning in churches the pastors preached especially prepared sermons to the young people. In the afternoon Bethel Church was crowded to the doors despite the sweltering weather, at the grand rally which closed the convention. Rev. Luther M. Kuhns gave the address of the day, his topic being "Men of Enterprise in an Awakening Church." Prof. Reimestad was again present, and sang very sweetly the beautiful "Till Fridens Hem." The closing remarks of the convention were delivered by President Nelson. Rev. A. C. Anda pronounced the benediction, and the convention of 1912 came to a close. Albany and Vicinity-The Capital District R BY PAUL B. MATTICE. OME was set on seven hills, Albany is located on many. Governor Thomas Dongan gave Albany its charter in 1682. It became the State capital in 1797 and is the fifth largest city in the State. Within a 100mile radius of the City Hall dwell 1,350,000 persons today. This is known as the capital district. It is famed country. It claims such world-renowned figures as Hudson, Champlain, Anneke Jans, Sir William Johnson, Philip Livingston (signer of the Declaration of Independence), the Schuylers and the Van Rensselaers. In the Colonial and Revolutionary periods Albany was a center of military activity. The Albany Bar has been famed for its great names. Chancellors Kent and Walworth, Martin Van Buren, the Peckhams, David B. Hill, Amasa J. Parker and Samuel Hand were the legal leaders of the country in their day. The third law school in the United States was organized in Albany. William McKinley, Justice David J. Brewer, Chief Judge Alton B. Parker were trained there. Benjamin F. Butler practised law at one time in Albany. Albany, was the financial backer of Captain Kidd, of piratical fame. Philip Sheridan, the great cavalry leader of the Civil War, was born in Albany. Scholars, statesmen, soldiers, authors and publicists, whose names and accomplishments are known to every child in school, have contributed to the overflowing treasury of achievement. Besides having the most costly and ornate building of any State in the Union, Albany also boasts of the most beautiful and expensive educational and departmental building in the world. The largest collar industry in the United States thrives in Troy. The first of the noted hotels of Albany was the Tontine, built in 1800. DeWitt Clinton, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Jerome Bonaparte and the celebrated Frenchman, Moreau, stopped at this hostelry. Congress Hall was next in importance; it was erected in 1815. Thurlow Weed and William H. Seward schemed law and politics under its roof. General Lafayette was given a dinner and a reception there in 1825 by the city. Stanwix Hall, the headquarters of the Luther League convention, was built in 1832 by Herman and Peter Ganzevoort and named in honor of the fort their father, Gen. Peter Ganzevoort, had commanded in the Revolution. mansion is one of the most noted of Colonial The Schuyler residences. Alexander Hamilton was married and General Burgoyne held a prisoner of war within its portals. The first bank of Albany was organized in 1792. The total clearances of the banks of Albany for 1911 was $314,737,890. Troy has seventeen banks, Schenectady six; Cohoes, Hudson, Glens Falls and Saratoga are well supplied; all are in the capital district. banking center, Albany stands third in New York State: As a Albany's first newspaper, the Gazette, made its appearance in 1771. Robert Livingston, of The most famous summer resort in the world is Saratoga Springs. One of the few Government arsenals is located at Watervliet. The third largest mail depot and one of the biggest coal marts in the United States are located in Albany. One of the two bell foundries in the United States is a part of the industrial life of this district. Schenectady is distinguished for the largest manufactory of electrical apparatus and one of the largest locomotive plants. Albany is the only place in the United States where an official study and Almeasurement of the stars is conducted. bany has the oldest and largest bailing press factory in the world, and the largest factory in the world devoted to the manufacture of car heating apparatus, axle grease, aniline dyes, gas meters and photographic supplies. Agriculture is the chief pursuit of this district. The soil is almost as productive as the bottom lands of the Nile. Transportation facilities are the best and most diversified; State roads, auto bus lines, steamship lines affording the finest accommodations known for water travel, and six of the leading railway systems of the country enter Albany. More than 380 passenger trains enter daily. The tri-city section contains 53 hospitals, 144 schools, 228 churches, 942 societies, clubs and lodges, and about 600 acres of parks. This is a strategic point in a military sense; it is central in reference to transportation. Musical, educational and social interests are second only to New York. The completion of the 1,000-ton barge canal, the prospect of the United States Government deepening the Hudson, is but a meager promise of what the future holds in store for a district that has grown from the blockhouse of Rensselaerwyck to a community of 1,350,000 progressive and industrious people. A BY WILLIAM B. JONES, LBANY today is not only one of the most beautiful cities in America, but also ranks in commercial and financial importance with cities many times its size. Albany is a city of homes. This is not only apparent from the appearance of the houses, but also from statistics of the United States census, in which Albany is credited with a larger percentage of house owners than any city of its size in the country. With railway facilities unsurpassed and at the terminus of the Erie and Champlain canals, Albany now ranks third in wealth among the municipalities of the Empire State. The water supply for domestic and sanitary uses is unexcelled by any city of its size. Albany has one of the largest filtration plants in the country. There are in Albany 18 parks, covering over 306 acres. The principal one is Washington Park, which extends over 90 acres, and has nearly four miles of driveway and six miles of walk. This park is noted as being one of the most beautiful in the country. Albany has 85 churches. The city has five hospitals. The Albany Hospital is one of the finest equipped hospital buildings in the world, constructed on the pavilion plan, covering 16 acres of ground, and has over 200,000 square feet of floor space. Few cities have such facilities for research as has Albany. The magnificent State Library just being housed in the new State Education Building, with its almost innumerable volumes, will be at the convenience of the people at all times. There are also twelve other libraries in the city. Albany is the center of six trunk lines of steam railroads with 380 passenger and over 350 freight trains each day; here also converge the river lines with passenger steamers during the summer season, making sixty-six trips in and out of the city each day. Albany has an extensive system of street railways that covers nearly every section of the city, and new lines are constantly being built. The city is also the center of a network of suburban lines. These roads pass through fifty-two cities and villages, directly connecting them with Albany. Albany presents a thousand attractions to the student, patriot, statesman, wage earner, and greatest of all, to that most practical of philanthropists, the enterprising capitalist seeking safe investments in real estate or in the establishment of productive industries. The time is not far distant when the present population of Albany and environs will have become doubled in number, and when of the United States it shall be what it now is of the great Empire State, the most attractive city for the display of industrial and commercial enterprise. Lutheran Churches of Albany and Vicinity IN BY GILES V. B. SCHUMANN. N view of the approaching celebration in Albany a short sketch of some of the Lutheran churches in and about the city may not be amiss. There are in all nine Lutheran churches, divided as follows: Four to the General Council, two to the General Synod and three to the Missouri Synod. We are sorry that we cannot give a sketch of each. We start with St. John's. Her history dates back to 1854. Misunderstandings in St. Paul's (Missouri) led to thirty-two souls separating themselves with the determination to organize a new congregation. In 1857 the little band agreed to apply to New York Ministerium for admission. On May 4 of that year the Rev. Gottlieb Fachtmann was called as pastor, who conducted services in an old building that was used as a city mission. The complete organization took place on June 2, 1857. Pastor Fachtmann, however, soon returned to Germany and the young congregation, upon the advice of the Ministerium, sought help in the services of Pastor Christian Hennicke, who was pastor in the south section of the city. The congregation felt the need of separate existence, and in October, 1858, was incorporated and immediately sought to procure a church home. The cornerstone was laid on January 25, 1859. Because the congregation refused to unite with the Buffalo Synod, of which Pastor Hennicke was a member, he refused to serve it any further, so the |