Includes bibliographical references (p. 411-445) and index.

American Lutheranism in 1872 -- Growing confessional unity -- United under Scripture and the confessions -- Early mission concerns -- The question of synodical structure -- Unity broken and preserved -- From six to four -- Mission work among America's Black population -- Moving into Nigeria -- An effort toward Lutheran unity -- Another effort toward Lutheran unity -- Living and working together in unity of faith -- Threatening clouds on the horizon -- More threatening clouds -- Unionism becomes the destructive issue -- Efforts to preserve the endangered conference -- A break and near break -- A final effort to save the Conference -- Concerned overseas brethren -- The dissolution.