Annual Conference Proceedings.
FIRST SESSION
The Twenty-first Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of the Pennsylvania District convened in the Bethel Mennonite Brethren in Christ. Church, Allentown, Pa., at 8 a. m., Oct. 27, 1904.
The first session was opened by singing: and a very instructive and heart-searching address on “Unselfishness and Oneness in Christ,” Phil.2, 1-16, by the chairman, H. B. Musselman, P. E., followed by a season of earnest prayer for the blessing of Cod and the guidance of the Holy Ghost during this conference session.
The following members were enrolled:
ORDAINED MINISTERS PRESENT–H. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner, Geo. A. Campbell, R. D. Dreisbach, W. J. Fretz, L. Frank Haas, O. S. Hillegass, E. T. Shick .J. G. Shireman, W. Steinmetz, R. L. Woodring, L. B. Taylor, W. W. Zimmerman, W. S. Hottel, J. C. Roth, Wm. Gehman, W. G. Gehman, W. B. Musselman
ORDAINED MINISTERS ABSENT – A. M. Clauser, O. Bitting; H. L. Weiss, A. E. Dawson and Niels Gunstad, Foreign Missionaries, Chili.
PROBATIONERS PRESENT- R. Bergstresser, E. N. Cassel, E. W, Martin, E. E. Kublic., M. P. Zook, J. F. Barrall, H. F. Meltzer, T. E. Clewell, C. J. Edwards, L. Frank Haas.
PROBATIONERS ABSENT- H. W. Feldges.
DELEGATES PRESENT.- Allen M. Gehman, W. H. Brunner, A. A. Wismer, C. W. Haas, E. R. Hartman, O. B. Bartholomew, G. Ray Klinger, H. L. Musselman, H. H. Bergey C. J. Shelly, C. O. Wentz, F. M. Gehman, L. M. Sell, A. Deppe, Geo. E. Teel, S. H. Lichtenthaler.
Resolved, That both amen corners and the first three pews on both sides of the church constitute the Conference Bar.
The minutes of the previous Annual Conference were read and received with a slight correction.
The Secretary appointed his assistants as follows: W. S. Hottel, Recording Secretary; J. G. Shireman, Statistical Secretary; J. F. Barrall, Financial Secretary.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a reporter. R. D.Dreisbach was appointed
The following committees were appointed by the Chairman and confirmed by the Conference:
Committee on Worship.- J. C. Roth, C. J. Shelly.
Committee on Communications.- R. L. Woodring, Wm. Gehman, Geo. A. Campbell.
Committee on Finance.- J. F. Barrall, Allen M. Gehman, H. L. Musselman.
Committee on Statistics.- J. G. Shireman, C. J. Shelly.
.Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records- E. T. Shick, R. Bergstresser, C. W. Haas, Geo. A. Campbell, Wm. H. Brunner, R. D. Dreisbach.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders.- L. B. Taylor, Wm. Gehman, A. A. Wismer.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries.- J. C. Roth, W. Steinmetz, L. M. Sell.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference Licenses.- E. T. Shick, J. G;. Shireman, C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Ordination.- W. G. Gehman, R. L. Woodring, O. S. Hillegass.
Committee on Resolutions.- C. H. Brunner; E. N. Cassel, C. J. Edwards.
Auditing Committee .- W. J. Fretz, L. Frank Haas, E. N. Cassel, E. R. Hartman, S. H. Lichtenthaler, O. B. Bartholomew
Resolved, That we postpone the regular time to open the afternoon session till the call by the chair, to give the committees time to sit.
The remainder of this session was devoted to the oral reports of the pastors.
Adjourned by prayer by A. A. Wismer.
Second Session
Thursday Afternoon, Oct. 27, 1904.
Opened by singing and prayer R. L. Woodring.
The roll was called, after which the minutes were read and received
The following committee reports were read and received:
Committee on Communications.- We have read the letters from E. R. Heywood and from the Terre Hill Quarterly Conference, and recommend them to this conference: R. L Woodring, Geo. A. Campbell, Wm. Gehman, Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders.- We have examined the Traveling Elders and found them all favorable with the exception of E. T. Martin whom we regard as incapable for pastoral work according to the evidence furnished by his delegate.
A. M. Clauser being absent and having no report from him we could not examine him
We therefore refer E. W. Martin and A. M. Clauser to this conference for further consideration. L. B Taylor, A. A. Wismer, Wm. Gehman, Committee.
Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries -We examined the Presiding Elders, Local Preachers and Missionaries and found them all satisfactory. J. C. Roth, W. Steinmetz, L. M. Sell, Committee.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records.- We examined all Quarterly Conference records and found them correct with the exception of Nazareth and Plainfield, no excuses reported for absent officers for first and second quarters; Spring City, no account of secretary for the whole year; Reading, no election of secretary mentioned for the entire year and no revision of church record reported. E.T. Shick, R. D. Dreisbach, Wm. H. Brunner, Geo A. Campbell, C. W. Haas, R. Bergstresser, Committee.
Committee on Worship. – W. W. Zimmerman shall preach this evening, followed by Mrs. C. H. Brunner, J. C. Roth, C. J. Shelly, Committee.
Resolved, That the Committee on Worship have the privilege to select their speaker presently for Saturday evening.
They reported that Wm Gehman shall preach on Saturday evening
Resolved, That the Terre Hill letter, A. M. Clauser, E. R. Heywood and E. W. Martin be referred to the Committee of the whole to sit tonight at 7 o’clock.
Revs. H. P. Jones, Home Missionary of the Holiness Christian Church; and D. P. Longsdorf, of Catasauqua, Pa. and C. D Huber, of the U. E. Church, Allentown, Pa., were introduced to conference.
The oral reports of the pastors were continued.
The reports were interesting. With very few exceptions the reports showed an increase in members, finances and spiritually.
The Lord worked marvelously on nearly every charge in saving souls throughout the year some of them notable characters for wickedness. The success in open air work is grand. The missionary offerings were large.
Resolved, That the Missionary Presiding Elders and the Presiding Elder of the church give their oral reports.
H. B. Musselman, P. E., reported the work well united almost unexceptionally. Pastors are straight and love each other and are loyal to the P. E. God manifests his power in summer as well as in winter in saving souls even on small charges. The finances are marvelous and the members are growing. The camp meetings were largely attended and were spiritual and many saved.
Two parsonages were bought and another is nearly built.
Every preacher is willing to take any charge.
C. H. Brunner, M. P. E., of the: Gospel Herald Society reported the Missionaries well united and willing to die for each other.
In Philadelphia some of the best standbys moved away, a number are standing firmly. At Washington, N. J., the people love the truth. At Bangor a successful tent meeting and now meetings in the hall resulted in quite a number saved. Herald selling is grand. Many were saved and baptized in the different missions,
At Washington, N. J. and Stroudsburg, Pa., there are flourishing Sunday Schools.
W. B. Musselman, M.P.E. of the Gospel Worker Society reported the work moving along nicely. We had more converts this year than any previous year. Colportage work is grand The Gospel Worker Society Herald has a wide circulation. Open air meetings were held in 40 or 50 different towns, besides where we have our halls. The free-will offerings in open air are liberal.
We have thirteen more applicants for the work. The workers are well united.
The financial reports of the Presiding Elders were submitted and received. (See reports.)
The report of the Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions was submitted and received. (See report.)
Adjourned by prayer by C. J. Shelly.
Third Session
Friday Morning, Oct. 28, 1904.
Opened by singing and prayer by Wm. Gehman.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of previous session were read and received.
The following committee reports were submitted and received.
Committee of the Whole-
WHEREAS A. M. Clauser has been working independently within the limits of the Ohio and Indiana Conference, therefore
Resolved, That we deem it advisable to send him his letter of transfer.
WHEREAS, The Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders examined E. W. Martin through the delegate of the Coopersburg charge and found that he was incapable to do pastoral work, and
WHEREAS, This matter was referred to the committee which committee upon closer investigation ascertained through the aforesaid delegate that he was assured that what he said was decidedly the sentiment of the majority of the class, and
WHEREAS, E. W. Martin has likewise stated his convictions concerning his inability of doing pastoral work and kindly asks permission to resign from being a member of the Annual Conference, therefore,
Resolved, That we grant him his request and pray that God may bless him abundantly.
WHEREAS, The Terre Hill class has not sent a delegate to this conference but has sent an official notice that they desire no preacher sent them from this conference, stating that they would not accept or stand by any regular pastor, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend the conference to refer Terre Hill to the Stationing Committee to be supplied.
WHEREAS, E. R. Heywood has sent in his resignation from being a member of this conference and church after having left his charge at Girardville in an abrupt and inconsiderate way, without saying a word to the Presiding Elder, or sending in any Sunday School accounts, money, books, etc., before leaving, therefore
Resolved, That his name be dropped from our church records.
R. L. Woodring, Chairman, W. S. Hottel, Secretary.
Auditing Committee-
We examined the schedule, quarterly conference minute books, and all other accounts and found them all correct with the exception of schedules of Reading, South Allentown, Macungie, Gratersford and Nazareth. The schedule of Nazareth was so poorly arranged that the committee could scarcely audit the same. It was referred back and a new one made which was found correct. A mistake was also found in the Gratersford quarterly conference book in the total of the Presiding Elder’s collection, also two slight mistakes in the Hellertown camp meeting accounts. Mount Carmel quarterly conference accounts had no totals, consequently we could not audit the same. We recommend this conference to adopt a form for the summary accounts in quarterly conference minute books.
W. J. Fretz, L. Frank Haas, E. N. Cassel, O. B. Bartholomew, E. R. Hartman, S. H. Lichtenthaler, Committee.
The report of the Treasurer of the Conference Fund was submitted and received. (See report)
The report of the Treasurer of the Beneficiary Society was submitted and received. (See report)
The report of the Treasurer of the Board of Deacons was submitted and received, (See report)
The report of the Board of Trustees of the Norristown church was submitted and received.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elder, A. A. Wismer and Allen M. Gehman be re-elected as a Board of Trustees of the Norristown church.
The reports of the Treasurer of the Board of Foreign Missions and of the Home Mission fund, respectively, were submitted and received. (See reports)
Resolved that all collections received on a charge for the building or purchase of churches, parsonages, or other purposes on another charge shall be reported by the pastor where collected.
C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, C. J. Edwards, Committee.
Resolved That the Minutes be published only in the Conference Journal and that the secretary be privileged to curtail them as be sees fit and order a supplement printed to be sent to the subscribers of the “Banner” of the other conferences, to be paid for out of the conference fund.
Resolved, That the editor of the Conference Journal arrange a brief report of next Sunday’s services to be published in the Conference Journal.
Resolved, That the treasurer be authorized to loan money without interest, out of the conference funds, to the Missionary Presiding Elder of the Gospel Workers Society according to the judgment of the Treasurer; Presiding Elder and Missionary Presiding Elder of the Gospel Herald Society.
Resolved That whenever the Gospel Worker Society or the Gospel Herald Society turn one or more of their Missions over to the church, a committee consisting of the Presiding Elder, Treasurer and Missionary Presiding Elder of the society in question, shall appraise the personal property belonging to said Mission, in case the church chooses to buy the same, such property to be paid out of the Home Mission treasury.
Resolved that we elect an editor of the Conference Journal for next year. R. L. Woodring was elected.
As the Scriptures contain a number of instances where children of Godly parents were formally and publicly dedicated to the Lord, (I Sam. 22.28; Mark 10:13-16) we heartily encourage our people to dedicate their children to the Lord by prayer and laying on of the hands of Elders, who, shall then furnish proper certification. (Standing Rule)
Revs. A. J. Brunner and: J. H. Sterner, of Allentown, Pa., of the U. E. Church, and Wm. Gould, of Allentown, Pa, of the Free Methodist Church, were introduced to this conference
Resolved, That the chair appoint a committee of three to form resolutions as to what part of the trustee and other financial accounts be reported on the schedules for each Annual Conference year.
C. H. Brunner, L. Frank Haas and W. G. Gehman were appointed.
Resolved, that pastors pay for Conference Journals to the editor within one week after they receive them.
Resolved, that W. J. Fretz be elected Treasurer of the Conference Fund.
WHEREAS, It is not advisable for a camp meeting committee to figure too closely on the expenses, consequently at times there remains a balance therefore,
Resolved, That in case there is more collected at a camp meeting than is needed
to pay all expenses, the balance shall be paid to the treasurer of the Annual Conference who shall hold it as an equipment fund to be used to buy equipment for camp meeting such as tabernacles, lamps, etc., as may be needed from time to time according to the decision of the Presiding Elder and the camp meeting committee C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, C. J. Edwards, Committee.
Resolved, that we cheerfully accept the $34.75, the balance offered by the Wescoesville camp meeting committee for the Camp Meeting Equipment Fund.
Resolved, That the chair appoint a committee of three to investigate the camp meeting tents and fixtures, J. G. Shireman, E. N. Cassel, W. G. Gehman, Committee .
WHEREAS, we were greatly interested in reading the letters and reports of our Foreign Missionaries as they appeared from time to time in the Gospel Banner, and
WHEREAS, we were delighted with the encouraging report submitted by the Secretary of our Board of Foreign Missions gathered from these official reports, therefore
Resolved, That with grateful hearts we humbly acknowledge the grace of God bestowed upon this conference to entrust us with a general interest in so noble a cause, and sufficient means to support ten missionaries on the foreign field, and further
Resolved That we praise the Lord for preserving them all from sickness, accident and death during the past year, and therefore,
Resolved That we appreciate their noble and devoted service and will pledge ourselves to continue their support, praying the Lord to preserve their health, protect their lives and property, keep them from discouragements and erroneous doctrines, waiting for the coming of the Lord.
The Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board shall have this resolution printed and forwarded to each of the Foreign Missionaries, to be paid for out of the Foreign Mission treasury. C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel , C. J. Edwards, Committee.
Adjourned by prayer by A. J. Brunner
Fourth Session
Friday Afternoon, Oct. 28, 1904
Opened by singing and prayer by C. W. Haas. The roll was called after which the minutes of the previous session were read and received.
The report of the Financial Secretary was submitted and received. (See Report.)
The Beneficiary Society reported the election of the following officers: J. G. Shireman, Chairman; J C. Roth, Secretary; L. B. Taylor, Treasurer.
Resolved, That rule E, on page 7 in the Conference Journal, be omitted and the following inserted:
That the Quarterly Conference accounts of Stewards be from quarter to quarter and the reports on the schedules from October 1 to October 1.
In case a pastor is changed, his allowance shall end with the month of September.
Resolved, That the class leaders and stewards be elected shortly before and that their term of office begin immediately after the last quarterly conference.
The report of the Committee on Orphanage and Home was submitted and received.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a committee of three to get a form for summary accounts in the quarterly conference minute books.
The Chair appointed L. Frank Haas, C. H. Brunner and E. N. Cassel.
Resolved, That we adjourn for committees to meet until the call by the Chair.
After the intermission the following committee reports were submitted and received.
Committee on Statistics.-
We have examined the schedules and found South Allentown, Mt. Carmel, Reading, Macungie, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Girardville and Northampton incorrect and corrected them in the presence of the pastors. J. G. Shireman, C. J. Shelly, Committee.
Committee on Reading Course.- (See report of examination.)
At the first semi-annual examination of this year the committee decided that E. T. Shick and W. G. Gehman examine C. J. Edwards orally on Sell’s Bible Study by Books, and excuse him from being examined on Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation, Church History on account of his defective eyesight. W. G. Gehman, Principal. J. G. Shireman, E. T. Shick, J. C. Roth, Committee
Committee on Forms of the Annual Statistical Report.-
We hereby submit a form to be used for the annual summary statistics in the quarterly conference minute books.
Resolved that we recommend the conference to discard the old minute books and have the secretary provide uniform books for all the charges.
Resolved, That the secretary get 150 copies of the accompanying form printed on both sides, uniform in size with the minute books. C. H. Brunner, L. Frank Haas, E. N. Cassel, Committee.
Resolved, that the candidates for ordination, E. N. Cassel, R. Bergstresser, and J. F. Barrall, be referred to the Committee on Ordination.
The following ministers submitted themselves unconditionally to the Conference:
H. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner, Geo. A. Campbell, W. J. Fretz, L. Frank Haas, O. S. Hillegass, E. T. Shick, J. G. Shireman, W. Steinmetz, R. L. Woodring, W. W. Zimmerman, W. G. Gehman, W. S. Hottel, J. C. Roth, R. Bergstresser, E. N. Cassel, J. F. Barrall, T. E. Clewell, C. T. Edwards, M. P. Zook, H. F. Meltzer, E. E. Kublic.
Conditional:- R. D. Dreisbach, L. B. Taylor, Wm. Gehman, O. Bitting, H. L. Weiss, A. E. Dawson and Niels Gunstad, Foreign Missionaries, Chili.
The time for the election of a Presiding Elder having come, the Chair appointed J. F. Barrall and L. B. Taylor as tellers.
H. B. Musselman was elected Presiding Elder for the ensuing year.
Resolved, that the Secretary cast the ballot to elect W B. Musselman and C. H. Brunner as Missionary Presiding Elders, ex officio.
Other officers elected –
Vice Presiding Elder- W. G. Gehman.
The following were elected by acclamation:
Secretary- W. G. Gehman.
Treasurer- Allen M Gehman.
Standing Committee over Presiding Elder- Geo. A. Campbell, J. G. Shireman, E. T. Shick
Resolved, that extend this session until 5.30 p. m.
Foreign Missionary Board.- H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, Allen M. Gehman, E. T. Shick.
Board of Deacons – C. J. Shelly, A A. Wismer and H. G. Musselman.
The election of the Reading Course Committee was laid on the table.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elder, President of the Gospel Herald Society, President of the Gospel Worker Society, the delegates of the circuits and stations, constitute the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee, and begin its session tonight at 7:30 o’clock.
Resolved, That H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, preach the Conference sermon on Sunday morning, W. G. Gehman the ordination sermon on Sunday afternoon and C. H. Brunner, M. P. E., preach Sunday evening.
The Presiding Elder shall have charge of the Ordination services.
Resolved, That no preacher be permitted to leave Sunday morning except Wm. Gehman. All preachers shall be present Sunday afternoon.
Resolved, That the Chair be one of the committee of three to decide which, if any, of the preachers shall preach on Sunday night in the respective churches. The chair shall appoint the remaining two.
J. C. Roth and Geo. A. Campbell were appointed.
The Committee on Worship reported that E. N. Cassel preach tonight. J. C. Roth, C. J. Shelly, Committee.
Adjourned by prayer by W. Steinmetz.
Fifth Session
Saturday Morning, Oct. 29, 1904
Opened by singing and prayer by S. H. Lichtenthaler.
T he roll was called after which the minutes of the previous session were read and received.
The following committee reports were submitted and received:
Committee on Ordination.- We have examined E. N. Cassel, R. Bergstresser and J. F. Barrall as candidates for ordination and recommend them to this conference to be ordained Sunday afternoon. W. G. Gehman, R. L. Woodring, O, S, Hillegas, Committee.
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.- H. B. Musselman Presiding Elder.
I.- APPOINTMENTS.
(a) Stations
Allentown- J. C. Roth.
Zionsville- E. N. Cassel.
(b) Circuits
Quakertown and Coopersburg – W. S. Hottel.
Bethlehem and Springtown–W. G. Gehman.
Phillipsburg, N. J., and Erwinna–C. J. Edwards.
South Allentown and Emaus- L. Frank Haas.
Reading and Athol – E. T. Shick.
Spring City and Royersford- J. G. Shireman.
Gratersford and Harleysville – O. S. Hillegass.
Mount Carmel and Girardville- R. L. Woodring.
(c) Missions.
Hatfield and Souderton- R. Bergstresser.
Nazareth and Plainfield- T. E. Clewell.
Northampton and Cementon- W. Steinmetz.
Walnutport and Tripoli- Geo. A. Campbell.
Lehighton and Weissport – J. F. Barrall.
Macungie, Herford and Alburtis- W. J. Fretz.
Fleetwood, Blandon, Terre× Hill and Remps – W. W. Zimmerman.
(d) TABERNACLES. To be supplied.
(e) LOCAL PREACHERS.
L. B. Taylor – Quakertown and Coopersburg Quarterly Conference.
O. Bitting- So. Allentown and Emaus Quarterly Conference.
Wm. Gehman- Zionsville Quarterly Conference.
.R. D. Dreisbach – Lehighton and Weissport Quarterly Conference.
(f) ANNUAL CONFERENCE LICENSED MISSIONARIES
E. E. Kublic, H. F. Meltzer and M. P. Zook.
(g) QUARTERLY CONFERENCE LICENSED MISSIONARIES
C. W. Haas, W. W. Dill, J. H. Moyer, H, M. Gehman, Alfred Deppe, C. W. Stine, H. K. Kratz, E. W. Martin.
II. – APPROPRIATIONS
Hatfield and Souderton $12.50 per month
Nazareth and Plainfield 6.00 “
Northampton and Cementon 8.00 “
Walnutport and Tripoli 6.00 “
Lehighton and Weissport 7.00 “
Macungie, Hereford and Alburtis 5.00 “
Fleetwood, Blandon, Terre Hill and Remps 7.00 “
The Hatfield, Walnutport and Blandon Missions shall be paid $12.00 each toward the moving expenses of their pastors.
III.- GENERAL MISSIONARY DISTRICTS.
(a)GOSPEL HERALD SOCIETY.
C. H. Brunner, Missionary Presiding Elder, in charge.
(b) GOSPEL WORKER SOCIETY
W. B. Musselman, Missionary Presiding Elder, in charge.
IV.- FOREIGN MISSIONARIES
Chili, South America- H. L. Weiss, Mr. H. L. Weiss, H. W. Feldges, A. E. Dawson, Mrs. A. E. Dawson, David Mancilla, Niels Gunstad and Maria Gunstad.
Thibet- C. F. Snyder.
Hadjin, Turkey- Miss Rose Lambert.
We recommend that C. H. Brunner shall take the Home Missionary subscriptions during the ensuing year, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend that 60 per cent of the money collected the coming year be donated to the Gospel Herald Society on condition that C. H. Brunner with some of his workers hold at least two services at each regular church appointment and pay their own fares.
H. B. Musselman, Chairman C. H. Brunner, Secretary, Allen M. Gehman, C. W. Haas, L. M. Sell, E. R. Hartman, C. J. Shelly, S. H. Lichtenthaler, A. A. Wismer, Wm. H. Brunner, G. Ray Klinger, F. M. Gehman, H. L. Musselman, H. H. Bergey, Committee.
Resolved, That the subscriptions for the home mission work be taken between New Year and the camp meeting season.
Resolved, That we privilege W. B. Musselman to authorize our preachers as agents for the Gospel Worker Society Herald, and collect the subscriptions for the same. C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, C. J. Edwards, Committee.
Resolved, That we hold two Sunday School Conventions and that the Chair appoint a committee of five who shall divide the districts and appoint the time and place of the conventions respectively.
He appointed J. C. Roth, E. T. Shick, R. L. Woodring, W. G. Gehman and L. Frank Haas.
The election of the Reading Course Committee having been laid on the table was now taken up and J. C. Roth, E.T. Shick and E. N. Cassel were elected.
Resolved: That the Reading Course Committee examine C. J. Edwards on Bible and Sell’s Bible Study by Books according to the discipline and that they excuse him from all other branches, on account of his weak eyes.
Resolved: That H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, be Chairman of the next Annual Conference.
Resolved, That the time and place for holding the semi-annual examination for probationers be left to the discretion of the Reading Course Committee.
Resolved, That we recommend each pastor to make a special effort to swell the Beneficiary Fund to assist the worthy widows of the deceased Pastors. (Standing Rule.)
Resolved, That this conference grant the secretary the privilege to curtail the minutes, providing he does not change the meaning.
Resolved, That we recommend our ministers not to officiate at Sunday funerals, and use their influence strongly against the same. (Standing Rule.)
Resolved, That we print 275 Conference Journals to sell at 25 cents a copy, and insert the photos of David Mancilla, of Chili, and C. F. Snyder of China.
Resolved, That the secretary send Conference Journals to our Foreign Missionaries to be paid for out of the Foreign Mission treasury.
Resolved, That H. B. Musselman, L. B Taylor, Wm. Gehman, J. G. Shireman and W. G. Gehman be re-elected a Committee on Orphanage and Home.
Adjourned by prayer by O. Bitting to meet in private session at 12:30 p. m.
Sixth Session
Saturday Afternoon, Oct. 29, 1904
(Private Session.)
Opened by singing and prayer by E. W:. Martin
The roll was called after which the minutes of the previous session were read and received.
The report of the committee on the division of the Reading Course was submitted
and received. (See Report)
The report of the Treasurers of the Sunday School conventions was submitted and received. (See Report.)
Resolved, That the Treasurers of the Sunday School Conventions buy uniform account books to record the collections and expenses in detail and submit the books for the annual conference to audit.
Resolved, That the Committee on Orphanage and Home be invested with power to select and buy a place according to their own judgment, having power to appoint one of their number to collect the necessary funds to purchase the same.
The report of the Presiding Elder relative to the expenses of the general conference delegates was submitted and received.
The report of the Executive Committee was submitted and received.
Resolved, That Wm. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, W. G. Gehman, H. B. Musselman and Geo. A. Campbell be continued an Executive Committee.
WHEREAS, The matter of absent ones of the extra Ministerial Convention was referred to the Annual Conference, to deal with them as they see fit, therefore
Resolved, That after due consideration they be forgiven.
The session adjourned for committees to sit to meet again at the call of the Chair.
After an intermission the Chairman called the Conference to order after which the following committees reported:
Committee on the Division of Sunday School Convention Districts.-
1. SCHUYLKILL VALLEY DISTRICT- Spring City, Royersford, Gratersford, Reading, Macungie, Fleetwood. Blandon, Terre Hill, Remps, Hatfield, Coopersburg, Quakertown and Zionsville.
2. LEHIGH VALLEY DISTRICT- Allentown, South Allentown, Mount Carmel, Bethlehem, Springtown, Walnutport, Northampton, Lehighton, Weissport, Nazareth, Plainfield and Phillipsburg, N. J.
Resolved, That these conventions be held at Reading and Allentown, respectively, on Decoration Day, May 30, 1905.
The following committees elected the following officers:
Executive Committee- Wm. Gehman, Chairman; W. G. Gehman, Secretary; Geo. A. Campbell, Treasurer.
Foreign Mission Board- H. B. Musselman, Chairman; W. G. Gehman, Secretary; Allen M. Gehman, Treasurer.
Orphanage and Home Committee- L. B. Taylor, Chairman; W. G. Gehman, Secretary; Wm Gehman, Treasurer.
Committee on Trustee Accounts-
Resolved, That the accounts of the Board of Trustees reported on the Annual Conference Schedule shall close with the last quarterly conference of the conference year. – W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, L. Frank Haas, Committee.
Resolved, That we hold a Ministerial Convention sometime in the middle of the year, for one day, the Presiding Elder and two that he shall appoint shall constitute a committee to arrange a program and set the date. All ordained ministers or probationers having charge of a work shall be present, also a hearty invitation to be extended to the minister’s wives and families.
Resolved, That this convention be held at Allentown, Pa.
The Chairman appointed J. C. Roth and E. N. Cassel on programme.
R. Bergstresser, and W. S. Hottel were elected as Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
Resolved, That the delegate see that the pastor’s moving expenses be paid.
Resolved, That we drop the name of H. W. Feldges from the list of probationers and add it to the list of Foreign Missionaries.
Resolved, That we donate $20.00 out of the conference fund to the Editor of the Conference Journal.
Resolved that the Sunday School Districts resolve themselves into separate bodies to elect their officers.
They reported as follows:
1. SCHUYLKILL DISTRICT- Chairman, E. T. Shick; Secretary, J. G. Shireman; Treasurer, E. N. Cassel. H. B. Musselman, O. S. Hillegass, Committee.
Resolved, That, we hold two sessions – one in the forenoon and one in the afternoon. The committee on program also to arrange for special service in the evening. No pastor shall be permitted to leave.
Resolved, That we extend a hearty invitation to the Missionary Presiding Elders to be present at this convention.
2. LEHIGH VALLEY DISTRICT – CHAIRMAN, Geo. A. Campbell; Secretary, C. J. Shelly; Treasurer, J. F. Barrall. R. L. Woodring, J. C. Roth, W. G. Gehman, Committee.
Resolved, That we hold two sessions – one in the forenoon and one in the afternoon. The committee on program also to arrange for the special evening service. All pastors to remain for the same.
Resolved, That we extend a hearty invitation to the Presiding Elder and the two Missionary Presiding Elders.
A liberal collection was lifted for the labor and expenses of the secretary, amounting to $9.08. Thanks.
Adjourned by prayer by Geo. A. Campbell.
Services, Sunday, October 30, 1904
At 10 o’clock Sunday morning, H. B. Musselman preached the Conference Sermon, basing his remarks on 2 Tim. 4-1, 5; and Luke 4-18, 19, 20. One could indeed say we never heard it in this fashion. The words were spoken in power, God’ s presence melting and united the hearts of His people.
At 2:00 p. in. W. G. Gehman preached the ordination sermon, choosing his words from 1 Tim. 4-14, and 1 Cor. 9-14.
J. F. Barrall, E. N. Cassel and R. Bergstresser were ordained. The message had no uncertain sound at this time and was very instructive.
At 7:30 p.m. C. H. Brunner delivered a very practical address from Eph. 1-7, 14; 4-30, and Heb. 2-14, 15. This was a day of feasting for God’s people, the church being filled to the door during each service. The labors of our worthy leaders are highly appreciated, and as a result the work stands more united than ever.
Seventh Session, Monday Morning, Oct. 31, 1904.
Opened by singing and prayer by G. Ray Klinger.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the previous session were read and received.
Resolved, That H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and Allen M. Gehman and their successors in office shall constitute a Board of Trustees for the Mennonite Brethren in Christ. Orphanage and Home.
Resolved, That the next Annua1 Conference convene at Bethlehem, Pa., at 8 a. m. the second Thursday in October,1905.
Resolved, That H. B. Musselman and C. H. Brunner constitute a committee to arrange a form of certificate for the Reading Course Committee, to fill out for those who have passed the Reading Course satisfactorily.
Resolved, That the following be added to paragraph K, page 7, Standing Rules:
The Committee on Program shall meet six weeks before the convention to arrange a programme:
Each Sunday School shall be represented by the Superintendent and one delegate from the laity.
The superintendents, delegates and essayists shall have their fares paid.
Each superintendent shall take up a liberal collection to defray the expenses of the convention. C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, C. J. Edwards, Committee.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elder, the pastor in charge with the three trustees of Terre Hill, PA., have charge of the parsonage at that place.
Resolved, That the Secretary apportion the amount apportioned this Conference by General Conference for O. B. Henderson’s moving expenses, according to membership, for the pastors to collect.
Resolved, That the Secretary apportion the General Conference Journals according to membership, the pastors to pay for them to him within one week. after they receive them.
Resolved, That we urge our pastors to secure as many subscribers to the Gospel Banner as possible.
The report of the Committee on Form of Certificate for Probationers who have passed the Reading Course was submitted and received.
Resolved, That we privilege the Gospel Workers to canvass our districts and get all the subscribers they can for the Gospel Worker Society Herald.
WHEREAS, we highly appreciated the oral report given by W. B. Musselman, M. P. E., concerning the work of the Gospel Worker Society, therefore
Resolved, That we, as a Conference, admitting the noble work done and the spirit of true self-denial manifested, feel deeply interested in this Missionary Society and pledge ourselves to recognize and uphold the same with our prayers as well as other wise C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, C. J. Edwards, Committee.
A rising vote of thanks was tendered the brethren and sisters of Allentown class for their
kindness and hospitable entertainment the conference received during this session.
Resolved, That one copy of the Conference sermon be secured and sent to the Presiding Elder for revision, and afterward be handed to a committee of three who shall decide whether or not it shall be published.
Resolved, That the Secretary be one of the committee and that he appoint the other two.
He appointed J. C. Roth and E. N. Cassel.
The minutes were then read and received with corrections.
Adjourned by prayer by W. B. Musselman:
ATTEST: H. B. Musselman, Chairman,
W. G. Gehman, Secretary
Signed: C. H. Brunner, M. P. E., W. B. Musselman, M. P. E., W. S. Hottel. E. T, Shick, J. C. Roth, R. D. Dreisbach, R.Bergstresser, J. G. Shireman, J. F. Barrall, W. J. Fretz, H. H. Bergey, C. J. Edwards, L. B. Taylor, S. H. Lichtenthaler, A. A. Wismer, O. S. Hillegass, L. Frank Haas, S. M. Sell, A. M. Gehman, C. W. Haas, A. Deppe, G. Ray Klinger, C. J. Shelly, Geo. E. Teel, W. W. Zimmerman, O. B.Bartholomew, Wm. H. Brunner, C. O. Wentz, Wm. Gehman, F. M. Gehman, W. Steinmetz, Theo. Clewell, H. L. Musselman, Geo. A. Campbell, E. N. Cassel, E. W. Martin, E. R. Hartman, R. L. Woodring.