| Notes |
- Various newspaper articles re. Sylvester T. Ludwig - newspapers unknown.
SYLVESTER t. LUDWIG
When the Church of the Nazarene voted in 1944 to make the office of the general secretary a full-time job, it turned to Dr. S. t. Ludwig as its choice for that responsibility. It found in him a capable and well-prepared leader who served effectively in that capacity until the time of his death.
Dr. Ludwig was born on April 2 1903 in Moweaqua, Illinois, the son of Theodore and Minnie Ludwig, pastors of a German Methodist church. In 1912 he with his parents joined the Church of the Nazarene at the Pleasant Hill Church near Sylvia, Kansas.
He took his high school and college work in Nazarene schools, excelling as a student in each. Additional graduate work was taken in Northwestern University, Wichita University, and Kansas University.
After teaching one year in Northwest Nazarene College under the leadership of Dr. H. Orton Wiley, Dr. OLudwig returned to his high school alma mater in Hutchinson, Kansas. After one year's teaching he was elected president and served capably in that capacity an additional nine years. He later served for two years as president of Bethany Nazarene College, with which the school in Hutchinson had been merged.
In 1927 he was married to Clara Krey in the same church in which fifteen years earlier he had joined the Church of the Nazarene. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig: a son, who died in infancy; and two daughters, Martha Keys and Oletha Hart, who, along with their mother, survive him.
The general church first recognized his ability when it called him as the executive secretary of the Nazarene Young People's Sopciety in 1936. Great advancement maked the six years of his leadership in that office. After his two years as president of Bethany Nazarene College, the general church again laid its hand upon him for its general secretary.
"S. T." as he was popularly known, had admirable personal qualifications for his office. He knew the church well, having benn a member since 1912. He had been personally acquainted with all the general leaders since the organization began. He had served as pastor, teacher, administrator, and evangelist. He had attended every General Assembly since 1919 except 1923. He was an able speaker and had a flair for handling details--two qualities not often found in the same individual. Genial in disposition, he was loved and respected by everyone. He served not only as general secretary but also for all or part of the time as executive secretary of the Department of Home Missions and Evangelism, general transportation secretary, general stewardship secretary, director of Nazarene Information Service, along with varied committees and commissions.
Death which came on March 3, 1964, interrupted preparations for the Sixteenth General Assembly, into which he had put a full measure fo interest, enthusiasm and attention to the minutest details from a wealth of knowledge attained in four previous assemblies.
In his own denominational circles he embodied to his personal life and in his official position all that his church stands for
in a godly walk and vital piety." He did not restrict his interests and activities in the international church but was faithful to both district and local church obligations. He was indeed an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
His influence extended far beyond his own denomination. As General Secretary he represented the Church of the Nazarene in many fraternal relationships. At heart and in action he was never an isolationist. He was tolerant in the best meaning of the word and exemplified the spirit of true brotherhood. There was never any question concerning the image of the church that he created as he fraternized with those of other communities. His dignity, courtesy, fine sense of humor, his academic backgroun, and above all his unswerving loyality to his church, qualified him to an unusual degree for the responsible position he filled for so many years.
We say he has passed away, but his lfie goes on spreading his influence. That influence will extend to the shores of eternity, where his deeds will follow to be assessed and rewarded at the Great Day of Judgment.
Excerpts from the Memorial Message by Hugh C. Benner
The first Psalm portrays "The Blessed Man." It is an Old Testament picture of a New Testament saint, emphasizing six elements: outward righteousness, inner holiness, consistent achievement, spiritual vitality, true prosperity, and providential security. Surely Dr. S. T. Ludwig was in the category of "The Blessed Man."
I have given this in simple outline form, because I come today, not to preach a sermon in the usual sense of the term, but rather to recall, on the background of this pastor, a life lived in the will of God, and to give glory to Christ, whose redeeming grace made possible with a life in our midst. It was to glorify Christ that our brother lived, as was exemplified in his favorite song just sung, "Jesus is All the World to Me."
Our problem is not that of finding something to say, but to choose from the broad range of areas which might be considered appropriately. In the light of this problem I shall speak in summary rather than in some few details. And all that I shall include constitutes a priceless legacy to the loved ones and friends.
It is well that we be reminded of the wealth of excellent and admirable qualities which were combined in the character and personality of this good man:integrity, dependability, solicitude for others, courtesy, a sense of humor (in which he could "take" as well as "give"), loyalty, courage, respect for colleagues, discipline, thoroughness, devotion, accuracy, dignity and the investment of every assignment with serious meaning.
Again, we shall remember Dr. Ludwig for the wide range of his interests. He was deeply devoted to his home and loved ones, and took great pride in his chldren and grandchildren. He loved the Church of the Nazarene and gave it full and effective service, not only in the broader ranges, but in his local church. We shall miss his frequent and fervent "Amen" in Kansas City First Church. Dr. Ludwig was a churchman in the highest sense of the term.
Among his many interest, young people, and especially their preparation for life, were a deep concern. In recent days testimonies have been heard as to his willingness to give time to young folk and their problems. Our whole educational program has benefited greatly from his numerous activities in that area.
In considering this message I have thought of Dr. Ludwig in terms of Bible characters, for a good and godly man is found to be kindred to all other good and godly men. Like Joseph he was "discreet and wise", and like Samuel he grew "in favour both with the Lord, and also with men." Of him, as was said of Daniel, we can testify, "An excellent spirit . . . . and understanding. . . . . were found" in him. As was recorded of Barnabas, "he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith."
But of all such men, I feel that the characterizations of Tychicus, a companion of Paul, apply to Dr. Ludwig. Paul wrote that Tschicus was "a beloved borother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord." He seems to have been the one on whom the Early Church depended for information and various special assignments. Apparently he was a kind of general church secretary. How liek our Dr. Ludwig: Truly he was a beloved brother, faithful in ministry and always sharing responsibility as a fellow servant.
Dr. S. T. Ludwig will be missed greatly. Mrs. Ludwig and the daughters will miss him, and we assure them of our continuing prayers. His colaborers will miss him and there will be an empty place at Headquarters. Earth is poorer today, but heaven is richer. And for our brother, the final reality for which he lived has dawned. He now enjoys the eternal fruitage of holiness. Also I read of heaven, "His servants wshall serve him," and knowing Dr. Ludwig, probably he already has received his first heavenly assignment.
Today we see only the reverse side of God's woven fabric of existence. But one day, we shall all see the finished pattern in all its beauty and perfection and know for ever that "death is swallowed up in victory."
As Dr. Ludwig Desired
HE DIED "in the Horness" by Nazarene Information Service
Dr. S. T. Ludwig, who served nearly twenty years as general secretary of the Church of the Nazarene, was the first general church official, outside of eight general superintendents, to die in office.
Busy with extra work in connection with the upcoming Sixteenth General Assembly in Portland, Oregon, June 18 to 26, it is appropriate to say that Dr. Ludwig died "in the harness," a metaphor he would have liked, since he always was close to the soil.
Dr. Ludwig had made several trips to Portland during the last year. His last one was February 6 to 20, from which he returned very tired and ill. He had kept a series of committee appointments in Portland, to check on arrangements, and also had improved on the opportunity to make an air trip alone to Vancouver, where he visited an aged uncle over a weekend at nearby Abbotsford, in British Columbis, Canada.
Of the eleven men, not including the six incombents who have served in the office of general superintendent, eight died in office.
The first was Dr. Phiness F. Bresee, the founder and guiding spirit of the Church of the Nazarene, who was re-elected the last time at the age of seventy-seven, but who died shortly thereafter.
The other seven general superintendents who died in office were: Dr. R. T. Williams, Sr., who lingered for five months after a stroke; Dr. W. C. Wilson, who died six months after his election; Dr. J. B. Chapman, who was stricken a few hours after a church conference; and Dr. J. W. Goodwin, Dr. J. G. Morrison, Dr. H. V. Miller, and Dr. Orval J. Nease, all of whom passed away quite suddenly.
Dr. Ludwig's predecessor in the office of general secretary, Dr. E. J. Fleming, who also served the church in that capacity for about twenty years, died ten years ago, on December 18, 1951.
TELEGRAMS
SCORES of telegrams and cablegrams were received from around the world from missionaries, laymen, pastors, evangelists, educators, superintendents, and respresentatives of interdenominational groups with which Dr. Ludwig worked. Protestant stewardship interest were represented in person at the memorial service by Dr. T. K. Thompson of New York City.
General Superintendents D. I. Vanderpool and V. H. Lewis were unable to be present at the funeral service, but wired and cabled as follows:
Words cannot express our feeling of sorrow and loss at the passing of Dr. Ludwig. He made a heroic effort to get well. We had so hoped that he would be in the General Assembly at Portland, but this seems in the providence of God. You have our deepest sympathy and earnest prayers in this time of your great sorrow. - Dr. and Mrs. D. I. Vanderpool.
A great church leader has gone to his reward. We extend sympathy to Mrs. Ludwig and family. We are praying for you these days - V. H. Lewis, Cleve James, and India missionaries.
THE MEMORIAL SERVICE
FUNERAL SERVICES were held for Dr. Ludwig at the First Church of the Nazarene, Kansas City, 2:0 p.m., March 6, and at the graveside in Greenlawn Cemetery in Kansas City.
In the church service, Pastor C. William Ellwanger gave the invocation adn General Superintendent Samuel Young read the scripture and spsoke of Dr. Ludwig's life and work. The pastoral prayer was offered by General Superintendent G. B. Williamson, and Dr. Roy H. Cantrell, chairman of the Department of Education read telegrams and communications.
General Superintendent Hugh C. Benner brought the message emphasizing the Christian integrity and the graces of the Spirit manifest in Dr. Ludwig's life and character. General Superintendent Hardy C. Powers spoke briefly and prayed the prayer of benediction.
Music was provided by Ray and Gary Moore, vocalists, and Mrs. Eleanor Whitsett at the organ. Dr. Ludwig's headquarters colleagues served as active and honorary pallbearers.
At the graveside service Dr. Powers read the scripture with commital by Rev. C. William Ellwanger and prayer by Dr. Young.
At the request of the family numerous individuals and groups contributed to a memorial educational fund to be set up to the memory of Dr. Ludwig rather than presenting floral pieces or in addition thereto.
DR. S. T. LUDWIG DIES
THE NAZARENE CHURCH LEADER WAS 60
General Secretary had been Active on Many Fronts for Denomination
Dr. S. T. Ludwig, general secretary of the Church of the Nazarene since 1944, died at 1:45 o'clock yesterday afternoon at St. Luke's hospital, where he had been a patient since February 23. He was 60 years old.
The cause of death was a uremic disorder with complications. He had recovered from a similar illness last April.
The home was at 6609 Walrond Avenue.
Dr. Ludwig became ill while on a 2-week trip to Portland, Ore., in February. He had been planning the 16th General Nazarene assembly there in June.
Headed a College
Dr. Ludwig was president of Bethany Nazarene colleg, Bethany, Oklahoma in 1943-44, when he became general secretery. He was re-elected to four consecutive terms, the last time in Kansas City in June 1960.
He also was president of the former Bresee College in Hutchinson, Kansas from 1927-1936.
Dr. Ludwig was born April 2, 1903, near Taylorville, Illinois. He was the son of Rev. and Mrs. Theodore Ludwig. His father at one time was superintendent of the Nebraska district of the Nazarene church three years. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig were evangelists in the church for 30 years.
Dr. Ludwig finished high school in Hutchinson, Kansas, and was graduated in 1925 from Olivet Nazarene college, then located at Olivet, Illinois. He later earned a bachelor of science degree from Northwestern university, Evanston, Illinois, and an M.A. degree from Wichita university. He also took two years of graduate work at the University of Kansas.
World Youth Delegate
Dr. Ludwig was elected secretary of the general young people's society, from 1936 to 1942. In 1939, he was the Nazarene delegate to the world youth conference in Amsterdam.
In addition to being general secretary, he was secretary of stewardship, 16 years ending in 1960, and also was the secretary of the department of education.
He had been a part-time member of the Nazarene seminary faculty since 1947. He was ordained an elder in the church in 1930.
In addition to his wife he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Samuel R. Keys, Summit, N. J., and Mrs. Gary W. Hart, New Haven, Connecticut, and three grandchidlren.
Services will be held at 2 o'clock Friday in the First Nazarene church, 6401 Rockhill road; burial in Greenlawn cemetery.
The family suggests donations be made as a memorial fund that would be used for Nazarene education.
DR. S. T. LUDWIG
Dr. S. T. Ludwig of Kansas City, general secretary of the Church of the Nazarene since 1944, died Wednesday afternoon, March 4. Dr. Ludwig became ill on a trip to Portland, Oregon, in February and he was hospitalized in Kansas City on Feb. 23 because of a urenic disorder. He had recovered from a similar illness last April
Dr. Ludwig was president of Bethany Nazarene college in Oklahoma 1942-1944; he was president of Bresee college in Kansas 1927-1936.
A native of Taylorville, Dr. Ludwig was born April 2, 1903, the son of Rev. and Mrs. Theodore Ludwig. Rev. and Mrs. Ludwig were evangelists for 30 years and lived in Nashville after their retirement.
Dr. Ludwig graduated in 1925 from Olivet Nazarene College and later earned a bachelor of science degree at Northwestern University. He received his M. A. degree from Wichita University. He was ordained an elder in the church in 1930.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters and three grandchildren. Services were held Friday afternoon in the First Nazarene church in Kansas City and burial was in Greenlawn cemetery there.
Dr. Ludwig's last visit to Nashville was the first of February, when he officiated at the funeral of his aunt, Miss Elisabeth Brink.
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1903 - 1964 (60 years)
