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Northwest District (LCMS) F. M. L. Nitz Papers

 Collection
Identifier: NWD.16

Scope and Contents

The bulk of the papers are correspondence, at first in German and then later in English. Some of the German letters include translations, probably by his son, Carl Nitz. Some of the letters are to his colleagues regarding ministry issues, some are to and from his family members about family matters, and some are regarding his duties as District President. Also included are a few essays and sermons, carbon copies of articles he prepared for publication in district publications, and biographical materials.

Dates

  • 1903 - 1948

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in German and English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is available for research by appointment.

Conditions Governing Use

The Northwest District Archives is the owner of the materials in the F.M.L. Nitz Collection and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from the Northwest District Archives before any reproduction use. Copyright resides with the creator of the documents or their heirs. The status of copyright is governed by the Copyright Law of the U. S. (Title 17, U.S.C.). In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners.

Biographical note

Friedrich Max Leopold Nitz was born in Pomerania on 15 November 1879, the son of Friedrich and Augusta (Langjanke) Nitz. At the age of five his family emigrated to America and lived in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1903. On August 5, 1903, he married Caroline Heitmueller. His first pastorate was Peace Lutheran Church, North Bellingham, Washington. His second and only other pastorate was Trinity Lutheran Church, Bellingham, from 1908-1948. He was elected President of the Northwest District, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, in June of 1936. Prior to becoming District President, he served in a variety of capacities: Circuit Visitor, chair of the Church Extension Fund, The Mission Board, and as Vice President.

While District President, F.M.L. Nitz died on 25 January 1948, of a heart attack, an hour before Sunday services were scheduled to begin. The Rev. Carl H. Bensene filled out his remaining term of office as District President.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Abstract

The papers of F.M.L. Nitz contain mostly correspondence but also essays and sermons before and during the time he was President of the Northwest District of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in three series: Series I: Correspondence, arranged chronologically. Series II: Documents. Series III. Biographical materials.

Title
Guide to the F. M. L. Nitz Papers An Inventory at the Northwest District (LCMS) Archives
Status
Completed
Author
Nolan R. Bremer
Date
2011
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding Aid is written in English.
Sponsor
Encoding of finding aid supported by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission

Repository Details

Part of the Northwest District (Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod) Archives Repository

Contact:
Northwest District Archives
Concordia University
2811 NE Holman St.
Portland Oregon 97211-6099 USA