Elmer Christian Zimmermann Papers

Collection

Identifier: Collection ID-0890

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The main collection and one supplement contain materials regarding the Synodical Conference Mission Board, the Chinese Term Question, and other mission concerns as well as correspondence with foreign missionaries.

Dates

Creation: 1926 - 1959

Biographical / Historical

Elmer Christian (E. C.) Zimmermann was born on October 5, 1896 in Fort Russel (Bethalto), Illinois. He was the son of a public school teacher. He attended seminary at Springfield, Illinois and graduated in 1928. While in seminary, he served as a student-pastor for the following congregations:

Salem Lutheran in Salem, Illinois from September 1925 until June 1926
A mission congregation in Olney, Illinois also from September 1925 until June 1926
A mission congregation in Waynedale (Fort Wayne) Indiana from June 1926 until August 1927
Salem Lutheran in Salem, Illinois from September 1927 until August 1928

He was married on August 26, 1928 and he was ordained on September 2, 1928 at Trinity Lutheran Church (Alton, Illinois).

Upon ordination, Zimmermann received a mission call to Shasi, China. He served in this capacity until August 1942 when he accepted a call to serve as Instructor in Missions at Concordia Seminary (Saint Louis, Missouri). During his first year as professor he completed additional academic work leading to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity Degrees in 1943. He remained at Concordia Seminary until 1955. During this time (1948) he earned a Master of Arts Degree from Washington University (Saint Louis, Missouri).

He accepted a call to serve Immanuel Lutheran Church (Adair, Iowa) in 1955 and served until 1972 at which time he retired from active parish ministry.

Zimmermann's publications included the following

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (A Chinese Prayer Book, 1935)
Christmas, Reformation, and Easter program books
Chinese translation of the first half of The Augsburg Confession
Various articles in The Lutheran Witness, Der Lutheraner, The Walther League Messenger, and The Chinese Lutheran Witness, among others.

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet (Three 5" document boxes; One oversize folder;)

Language of Materials

English

Chinese

Additional Description

Physical Location

3.25.2.3 (Oversize) OZ#06

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Main collection was not stamped with accessioning information. The supplement (box 3) was donated by Elmer C. Zimmermann (accession #: ECZ April 1977).