A Survey of American German Lutheran Orders of Service (ca. 1850 - ca. 1925)

Abstract

Douglas M. Carter presents a comparative study of fourteen American German Lutheran orders of service spanning 1850 to 1925, focusing on their historical development, liturgical structure, and theological fidelity. The essay explores hymnals and agendas from various synods—including Pennsylvania, Buffalo, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin—highlighting their use of confession, absolution, the Ordinary, and sacramental rites. Carter traces the evolution from minimal congregational participation and rote memorization to printed liturgies with increased lay involvement, culminating in the influence of the Common Service of 1888. He argues that while The Lutheran Hymnal brought decades of unity, earlier worship practices were diverse yet rooted in shared Lutheran heritage. The study concludes by encouraging modern congregations to embrace liturgical variety while honoring historical unity and doctrinal integrity. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)