As Linda Reiser sounds the gavel to open the 31st biennial LWML convention in Tampa this June, she will follow in the footsteps of 14 past presidents, each uniquely suited for the period in which she served.

The first president, Clara Louise Elizabeth Senniger Schmitt (1942-47) was a master of organization. One of the few young women to graduate from the only high school in St. Louis in 1895, she was co-owner of the family business, mother of three, and mistress of a household that sometimes included pet snakes, pigeons, champion Great Danes, birds, dogs, horses, an opossum and a wolf! For years she encouraged Lutheran women across the U.S. to develop district mission organizations and then a national League. As the first LWML president, she mailed the Lutheran Woman's Quarterly, membership applications and society membership certificates from her home, as well as 2,000 handbooks and almost 50,000 mite boxes. Not surprisingly, she suffered a breakdown near the end of her term, requiring hospitalization and a long period of rest. Her legacy to the League was a solid organizational foundation.

The second president, Sadie Fulk Roehrs (1947-53), insisted that the sole purpose and focus of the LWML must be MISSIONS! A convert to Lutheranism, she presided during a period when people flocked to mission festivals, foreign mission work expanded dramatically, and most Christian children at one time or another dreamed of becoming a missionary. As the League's first historian, she compiled the LWML's first Facts and Figures booklet, presenting the statistics as a drama. It featured Mrs. Woodknow, Mrs. Lovall and Mrs. Gotell, who described the League's story as "a real thriller!" Board members enjoyed Sadie's speeches so much that they had them mimeographed! During her term, the LWML experienced the largest growth in its history (from 87,000 to 194,000 members), solidified its focus on missions, pledged to cooperate with all synod efforts to promote evangelism, and became international in membership when the first Canadian society joined in 1948.

A dynamic woman of principle and determination, Lillian Preisinger (1953-59) faced some tough decisions during her presidency. The most difficult was cancellation of the 1955 New Orleans convention because hotel segregation rules restricted where black delegates could stay. Lillian also faced controversy when the League established a Day of Prayer with a suggested order of service. Some pastors and members believed this was not the province of the League. When the LWML created its own Leadership Training Program, the president also had to deal with skeptics. Because Lillian knew how to overcome obstacles, her LWML legacy includes leadership training, an annual Day of Prayer, creation of a Christian Growth Committee and equal opportunity for women of all races.

Gracious, tactful, humble Emma Hoppe (1959-63) had the charisma, wisdom and wit to soothe any troubled waters remaining from the difficult decisions of the preceding period. A high school valedictorian, a teacher and an experienced parliamentarian, she is remembered for establishment of the Mission Service Committee and for achieving recognition of the LWML as the official women's organization of the LCMS.

Presiding during a time of turmoil in the U.S. (race riots and John F. Kennedy's assassination), Eula Hankel (1963-67) promoted Bible study. During her term, the League began publishing an annual Bible study and many societies started small group studies led by members.

The first LWML president from the far west (Washington state), the first whose husband was not a Lutheran (he was Christian Scientist) and the first to have children at home during her term, Evelyn Hartman (1967-71) had a passion for winning "lost souls" and was delighted when the LCMS approved woman suffrage in 1969. With the commissioning of two "Bridgebuilders to Japan," the League expanded its interest in the role of Christian women in other countries. Evelyn demonstrated that one could serve despite health problems. When she could not attend meetings, other officers substituted and gained experience that prepared them for future leadership roles.

Just 46 years old when she was elected president, Florence Montz (1971-75) is the youngest woman to head the LWML. Serving during the walkout of professors and students at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and the subsequent founding of the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches, she worked hard to maintain peace in a situation that could have torn the League apart. During her term, the League established sister relationships with Lutheran women in overseas churches, and Florence was the first president to travel to an overseas sister auxiliary convention (Brazil in 1975).

During the term of Helen Morris (1975-79), the LWML officially became the International Lutheran Women's Missionary League. A family life seminar, "Strengthening the Christian Woman to Live in Today's World," drew 12,000 participants. Ties were also strengthened with overseas sisters, Leaguers were encouraged to work for peace in the world, evangelism was emphasized at conventions and convention ingatherings were begun.

Helen Gienapp (1979-83) brought to the presidency not only business knowledge but also experience as the League's first Christian Leadership Training Coordinator. Utilizing her business insights, Helen modernized procedures, encouraged districts and societies to do the same and initiated a "Program of Work" booklet, a complete listing of ILWML programs and officers. The ILWML office purchased its first computer, and resources were created for recruiting members.

A community activist and parliamentary expert, Alberta Barnes (1983-87) emphasized orderly meetings, a deepened understanding of other cultures and development of a program to link Leaguers weekly in prayer. She presided at the largest convention in ILWML history (8,023 attendees at Ames, Iowa, in 1985), and the League began sponsoring women's luncheons at Synodical convocations and conventions.

It was a festive time as the League celebrated its 50th anniversary during the term of Betty Duda (1987-91). But it was also a time of transition to meet modern needs of women and attract younger members. To accomplish that, six critical targets were established (young women, LCMS congregations, women in the workplace, synod leadership, pastors and all members) and efforts were begun to create greater awareness of LWML among each.

"Actively seek opportunities to share my faith in Jesus Christ." Ida Mall (1991-95) lived that mission statement through her magnetic witnessing to everyone she met during her presidency. The focus of her term was membership expansion, and she worked to encourage diversity, good communication and efficient organization. Leaders joked that her term would be known as "The Form Years." Canadian Leaguers launched their own sister LWML following the 1993 ILWML convention in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Encouraging servant leadership, Gloria Edwards (1995-99) stressed "less meeting, more meaning" as she urged societies to "give up being ruled by tradition...and give change a chance to meet modern needs." The League adopted an additional name, "Lutheran Women in Mission," restructured its bylaws, added many new products, began a "Bridging Cultures" effort and formed a "dream team" to envision formats for the future.

Throughout her term, Virginia Von Seggern (1999-2003) emphasized "Mission, Mites and Mentoring." An LWML Endowment fund was established to ensure future financial stability, and operational costs were reduced. Because the U.S. is the most ethnically diverse country on earth, new multi-cultural outreach programs were started. Leaguers used new LWML products to share Christ's love in the aftermath of 9/11 and with service personnel in Iraq. From its first $15,000 deaf mission allocation in 1945, the League's mission grant contributions grew to the largest amount given in LWML history during the 2001-03 biennium-$1,478,056. As the gavel sounds in Tampa, delegates will adopt new goals and gain Christian inspiration for greater mission service under President Reiser's TEAM vision-"Together Everyone Accomplishes More." LWML history demonstrates the wisdom of that concept!

Marlys Taege Moberg, Milwaukee, WI, is the author of "Women in League with the Lord," an updated history of the LWML that includes the accomplishments of Christian women from Biblical days to modern times.