Their souls are with the saints we trust."

Before ending the story of which a faint outline has here been given, we
recall with affection and reverence some of the men whose outstanding
personality has not yet faded from our memory. Their labors prepared the
ground for the harvests which a younger generation is now permitted to
reap.

Stohlmann was the connecting link with the earlier periods. He was an
able preacher, a warm hearted pastor and a conscientious man.

Geissenhainer, the pastor of St. Paul's, which he organized in 1841
after having been an assistant of his father in St. Matthew's since
1826, was another connecting link with the past.

Held of St. John's was a pupil of Claus Harms. His eloquent sermons
attracted great congregations to Christopher Street.

After fourteen fruitful years in St. James' Church, Wedekind was called
to Christopher Street in November, 1878, to succeed Pastor Held. Here he
labored for twelve years, edifying the church and inspiring St. John's
to bcome one of our most efficient congregations. Under his direction at
least four young men of the congregation were led into the ministry. He
died April 8, 1897.

[illustration: "Augustus Charles Wedekind, D.D."]

Under a quiet exterior Krotel concealed a forceful personality. He was a
born leader and took a large part in the development of the General
Council. As editor of the Lutherischer Herold for three years and of The