Christian Cyclopedia

(Ev. Luth. Ch. in [or of] Am.; also called Elling Syn.; Ellingian Syn.; Ellingianerne). Organized 1846 at Jefferson Prairie, Wisconsin, by E. Eielsen* and others. The constitution, written by Eielsen and adopted April 13–14, made proof of conversion a condition of membership. In 1875–76 changes in emphasis led to revision of the constitution and change of name to Hauge's Norw. Ev. Luth. Syn. in Am. In 1876 a separation occurred, Eielsen and his followers reorganizing under the old constitution and name. The syn. faded as a syn. in the 1960s; a few congs. continued at least into the 1980s. See also Evangelical Lutheran Church, The, 5–6, 12; Hauge Synod.