TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, 1909
FIRST SESSION
Thursday Forenoon, October 14, 1909
The Twenty-sixth Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania, convened in Bethel Church, Gordon Street, Allentown, Pa., at 8 A. M., October 14, 1909.
The first session was opened by singing, and prayer by the Chairman, H. B. Musselman, P.E., after which he gave us a very timely and practical address from the ninety-first Psalm. This was followed by a season of earnest prayer for the guidance of the Holy Ghost and the blessing of God upon the Conference. The following members were enrolled:
ORDAINED MINISTERS:
Present: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, J. C. Roth, E. N. Cassel, Wm. Gehman, J. G. Shireman, R. L. Woodring, J. F. Barrall, E. T. Shick, W. S. Hottel, R. Bergstresser, C. H. Brunner, W. J. Fretz, O. S. Hillegass, E. E. Kublic, W. W. Zimmerman, P. J. Musselman, G.A. Campbell, L. B. Taylor, V. H. Reinhart.
Absent: W. B. Musselman, H. L. Weiss, of Chile, and C. F. Snyder, of China.
PROBATIONERS:
Present: F. M. Hottel, H. K. Kratz, V. H. Reinhart.
Absent: None
DELEGATES:
Present: H. H. Bergey, H. L. Musselman, H. L. Shelly, John Ziegler, O. C. Kistler, S. S. Geil, Allen M. Gehman, J. H. Baus, W. D. Evert, M. M. Ziegler, R. D. Dreisbach, J. N. Overdorf, J. M. Oplinger, F. M. Gehman, S. H. Lichtenthaler, H. E. Gackenbach, J. A. Kern, G. K. Himmelreich
Absent: None.
Resolved, That the seats to the right and left of the Chair, the first three pews throughout the church, and the basement for private sessions, constitute the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That the minutes of the last Annual Conference be not read. The Chair shall appoint a committee to examine them.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Reporter and a Timekeeper. He appointed W. J. Fretz and G. A. Campbell respectively.
The Secretary appointed his assistants as follows: Recording Secretary, C. W. Stine; Statistical Secretary, J. G. Shireman; Financial Secretary, J. F. Barrall.
The following committees were appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Worship: E. N. Cassel and H. L. Shelly.
Committee on Communications: R. L. Woodring, W. G. Gehman and W. S. Hottel.
Committee on Finance: J. F. Barrall, Allen M. Gehman and H. L. Shelly.
Committee on Statistics: J. G. Shireman and H. L. Musselman.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: J. C. Roth, E. N. Cassel, R. L. Woodring, W. W. Zimmerman, R. D. Dreisbach, H. E. Gackenbach, F. M. Gehman, M. M. Ziegler, F. M. Hottel, R. Bergstresser, E. E. Kublic and P. J. Musselman.
Committee on Examination of Travelling Elders: G. A. Campbell, William Gehman and L. B. Taylor.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries: E. T. Shick, J. C. Roth, O. S. Hillegass and G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee on Applicants for Annual Conference License: W. G. Gehman, T. C. Roth and C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Applicants for Ordination: J. C. Roth, C. H. Brunner and W. G. Gehman.
Committee on Resolutions: W. S. Hottel, W. G. Gehman and E. N. Cassel.
Auditing Committee: W. J. Fretz, E. T. Shick, W. S. Hottel, C. W. Stine, H. K. Kratz, H. H. Bergey, J. H. Baus, J. N. Overdorf, S. H. Lichtenthaler, W. D. Evert, J. M. Oplinger, John Ziegler, V. H. Reinhart, O. C. Kistler and S. S. Geil.
Committee to Audit Schedules: J. G. Shireman and J. F. Barrall.
Committee on Annual Conference Records: E. N. Cassel, J. C. Roth and R. L. Woodring.
Resolved, That the time allowed for the oral reports of each pastor be limited to ten minutes.
The pastors now began to submit their oral reports.
Sister Louise Horlacher, who so kindly opened her home to hold the first meetings we held in Allentown, was introduced to the Conference. She is one of the oldest members of our Conference and was much misunderstood for the work’s sake when it was started at this place.
Eld. S. Goudie, Presiding Elder of the Canada Conference, who was sent to this Conference as a Fraternal Delegate, was received as a member of this Conference.
Adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Prayer by S. Goudie.
SECOND SESSION
Thursday Afternoon, October 14, 1909
Opened by singing, and prayer by W. S. Hottel.
The roll was called, after which the minutes were read and approved.
The following committee reports were read and accepted:
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries: We have examined the Presiding Elders, Local Preachers and Missionaries and have found them all satisfactory.
Committee:
E. T. Shick,
J. C. Roth,
O. S. Hillegass,
G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee to Examine Quarterly Conference Records: We have examined the Quarterly Conference Records and found them all correct, with the following exceptions (a) Philadelphia Records–No mention made of the passing of the officers in the first quarter; (b) Emaus and Macungie Records–No names of class leaders in the summary; Plainfield and Nazareth Records–No mention made of the election of a Secretary and of the Presiding Elder’s offerings for the whole year.
Committee:
J. C. Roth, F. M. Gehman,
E. N. Cassel, M. M. Ziegler,
R. L. Woodring, F. M. Hottel,
W. W. Zimmerman, R, Bergstresser,
R. D. Dreisbach, E. E. Kublic,
H. E. Gackenbach, P. J. Musselman.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Minutes: We have examined the minutes of the Conference of 1908 and found them correct.
Committee:
E. N. Cassel,
J. C. Roth,
R. L. Woodring,
Committee on Worship: H. A. Kauffman shall preach tonight, followed by C. A. Parson.
Committee:
E. N. Cassel,
H. L. Shelly.
Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage: We purchased three alcohol lamps, gasoline stove, some cooking utensils, a number of mantles, and numerous other small articles, at an expense of one hundred and six dollars and ninety-three cents. There are now missing a number of large stakes and other articles. In all other respects the Camp Meeting Equipage is in good condition.
Committee:
C. Roth,
E. N. Cassel,
F. M. Hottel.
Committee to Audit Schedules: We have audited the schedules and found them all correct, except Allentown, Zionsville, Emaus, Easton and Plainfield.
Committee:
J. F. Barrall,
J. G. Shireman.
Committee on Traveling Elders: Their report was read and referred back to the committee.
Auditing Committee: Their report was read and referred back to the committee.
Report of the Board of Examiners: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Finance. (See Reports.).
The Report of the Committee on Statistics was read and referred back to the committee.
Report of the Committee on Traveling Elders: We have examined the same and found them all satisfactory.
Committee:
G. A. Campbell,
Wm. Gehman,
L. B. Taylor.
.
The rest of the oral reports of the pastors were heard. Their reports were very encouraging. Quite a number were saved, baptized, and joined with us in Church fellowship. The offerings in general far exceeded those of former years.
Resolved, That we extend the time for ten minutes.
WHEREAS, H. K. Kratz, F. M. Hottel and V. H. Reinhart have passed the Reading Course satisfactorily; therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend them to the Committee on Ordination.
J. T. Anderson having passed the Examination on Discipline satisfactorily, expressed the nature of his call before the Conference, and was referred to the Committee on Applicants.
Resolved, That we have a private session to-night from 7 to 10 o’clock.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the next Annual Conference be elected Editor of the Conference Journal.
Resolved, That we hold a Ministerial Convention some time in the middle of the year for one day. The Presiding Elders and one whom they shall appoint, shall constitute a committee to arrange a programme and set the date. All ordained ministers or probationers having charge of a work shall be present. A hearty invitation shall also be extended to the ministers’ wives and families.
Adjourned with benediction by W. S. Hottel.
THIRD SESSION (SPECIAL)
Thursday Evening, October 14, 1909
This session was opened by prayer by E. E. Kublic. The roll was called, after which the minutes were read, corrected and approved.
The following Committee and Treasurer Reports were read and accepted:
Committee on Statistics: We, the Committee on Statistics, examined the schedules and found them all correct, with the exception of the following: Plainfield, Lehighton and Blandon schedule, total decrease of members omitted; Spring City and Royersford schedule, total increase of members omitted; Norristown schedule, total increase of members and total decrease of members omitted; Nazareth, a church valuation reported when they had none, and none reported for Plainfield.
Committee:
J. G. Shireman,
H. L. Musselman.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: We examined the applicant, J. T. Anderson, and recommend the Conference to receive him according to the discipline.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
J. C. Roth,
C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Ordination: We have examined H. K. Kratz, F. M. Hottel and V. H. Reinhart and recommend the Conference to ordain them on Sunday afternoon.
Committee:
J. C. Roth,
C. H. Brunner,
W. G. Gehman.
Committee on Resolutions: Whereas, J. T. Anderson, who had taken up the Reading Course; G. F. Yost, First Year Probationer; C. A. Parson, Second Year Probationer, have failed in their studies the past year and not having written at all at the last examination; therefore
Resolved, That we are deeply grieved at their unpreparedness in their studies, and further,
Resolved, That they shall in consequence of this be recognized as first and second year Probationers, respectively, and take up their studies of the previous year for the coming year.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
W. G. Gehman,
E. N. Cassel.
Auditing Committee: (See Reports.)
Report of the Superintendent and Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home: (See Reports.)
Report of the Treasurer of the Executive Board: (See Reports.)
Report of the Treasurer of the Beneficiary Fund: (See Reports.)
Report of the Treasurer of the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Treasurer of the Mt. Carmel District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we elect an Executive Board, consisting of five unconditional men, to be elected annually, who shall have power to act as trustees with authority to purchase, hold, sell or otherwise dispose of personal property and real estate in behalf of the Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania. (Standing Rule.)
Resolved, That the Executive Board elected at this Conference shall be hereby duly authorized and empowered to formulate or elect a Board according to the requirements of the law in case the election of the present Executive Board is illegal.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a committee of four who under the direction of the Presiding Elders shall have charge of the Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elder, the pastor in charge, with the trustees of Terre Hill, Pa., have charge of the properties at that place.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions.
Resolved, That the election of a Superintendent of the Orphanage and Home be left to the Board of Trustees, instead of the Annual Conference.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
W. G. Gehman,
E. N. Cassel.
The Presiding Elders submitted their oral and financial reports.
A. W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District and President of the Gospel Herald Society. The ministry are earnest workers. They have a love for the work.
At our Easton Camp Meeting we had 75 tents. The attendance was remarkable. Many were saved, sanctified and baptized. We held tabernacle meetings at Easton and Nazareth, which resulted in much blessing. We have started building funds at a few places.
The Gospel Heralds are earnest, and conscientious, doing real pastoral as well as missionary work. We have missions at East Stroudsburg, Shamokin, Sunbury, Norristown, Hatfield and Lansdale. Also at Washington and Hackettstown, N. J. The tabernacle meetings at Hackettstown, N. J. and Lansdale were successful. We received 28 members into church fellowship, and 19 by transfer. Our offerings were much higher than last year. The open air services are grand. He also submitted his statistical and financial reports, which were accepted. (See Reports.)
B. W. B. Musselman, Missionary Presiding Elder, reported by letter as follows:
We have more converts and more manifest victories than ever. God never supplied so wonderfully financially as in the past year. In the month of Sept. we printed weekly as high as 16,600 copies of the Gospel Banner and Gospel Herald, besides over 4,000 copies of a 32 page monthly. Our literature sales exceeded everything previous. We opened a mission here at Cleveland this year and God gave us great victory. We have daily conversions throughout the Society on an average. We sincerely thank the Conference for past prayers and assistance and trust we may be made a still greater blessing in the future.
C. H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District: The brethren have been standing together unitedly. Each rejoices in the successes of others. The statistical and financial reports show that the pastors have been laboring very hard. A large number of our people are young people, who are happy, active, self sacrificing, plain and separated for God. The church that fails to get their own families saved might as well write “Ichabod” above their doors. We held large and successful tabernacle meetings at Lederachville, South Allentown and Royersford.
We had a Camp Meeting at Hellertown of 139 tents. The attendance far exceeded that of former years. We had 153 tents at Waldheim Camp Meeting, with large audiences and we trust much good was done. He also submitted his financial report which was accepted. (See Reports.)
The Report of the Committee on General Conference Accounts was read and accepted: (See Reports,)
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elder Districts remain as they are.
Resolved, That we resolve ourselves into a Committee of the Whole to consider the Home Mission work.
The Chair appointed C. H. Brunner as Chairman of the Committee of the Whole.
This Committee sat and finished its work, after which the Conference resumed its business in private session again.
The Report of the Committee of the Whole was read and accepted, as follows:
The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole begs leave to report that the Committee met and discussed the Home Mission work; and
Resolved, That we ask the Conference to accept the following resolution:
Resolved, That the President of the Gospel Herald Society shall purchase no lot or property for church purposes without first consulting the Executive Board and securing its consent.
C. H. Brunner, Chairman.
C. W. Stine, Secretary.
Resolved, That whenever any Presiding Elder desires any money from the Home Mission Treasurer, he shall inform the Secretary of the desired amount, who shall take note of the same and forward the request to the Treasurer, who shall forward the same to the Presiding Elder, up to the amount appropriated to him at the Annual Conference.
Adjourned, with benediction by the Chairman.
FOURTH SESSION
Friday Forenoon, October 15, 1909
This session was opened by singing “Take the Name of Jesus With You,” and prayer by R L. Woodring. The roll was called, after which the minutes of the previous session were read, corrected and approved.
The following reports were then read and accepted:
Report of the Committee to have the essay, “Present Day Dangers Confronting the Church,” printed. We had 5,000 copies of the essay, “Present Day Dangers Confronting the Church,” printed in booklet form at a cost of $45.00, a number of which have been sold and distributed, which have proved a great blessing.
Committee:
E. N. Cassel,
J. C. Roth,
W. G. Gehman.
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports.)
Report of the Executive Board: (See Reports.)
Report of the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home: (See Reports.)
Report of the Treasurer of the Home Mission Fund: (See Reports.)
Report of the Treasurer of the Annual Conference Fund: (See Reports.)
Report of the Treasurer of the Camp Meeting Equipage Fund: (See Reports.)
Report of the Treasurer of the Board of Deacons: (See Reports.)
Report of the Treasurer of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports.)
It was resolved that Eld. S. Goudie, one of the Presiding Elders of the Canada Conference, address the Conference at this time. He, however, requested to make his address near the end of the Conference Session, which was granted.
Resolved, That we have no Board of Deacons in the future, but their work be handed over to the Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home Fund.
ELECTION
Resolved, That we proceed to the election of officers.
The roll was called for unconditional and conditional men, with the following result:
Unconditional: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, J. C. Roth, E. N. Cassel, C. H. Brunner, W. J. Fretz, J. G. Shireman, W. S. Hottel, J. F. Barrall, E. T. Shick, R. L. Woodring, C. W. Stine, C. S. Hillegass, F. M. Hottel, W. W. Zimmerman, E. E. Kublic, H. K. Kratz, P. J. Musselman,
R. Bergstresser, V. H. Reinhart, Wm. Gehman, G. A. Campbell, L. B. Taylor, W. B. Musselman. Conditional: None.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint tellers. He appointed J. F. Barrall and J. G. Shireman.
Resolved, That all officers be nominated and elected by ballot.
The following officers were elected: Presiding Elders. H. B. Musselman and W. G. Gehman were nominated.
Resolved, That the Secretary cast the ballot for their election.
H. B. Musselman shall be Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District and W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District.
H. B. Musselman was nominated as Chairman of the next Annual Conference.
Resolved, That the Secretary cast the ballot for his election.
C. H. Brunner was nominated as Secretary of the next Annual Conference.
Resolved, That the Recording Secretary cast the ballot for his election.
W. B. Musselman was nominated for Missionary Presiding Elder.
Resolved, That the Secretary cast the ballot for his election.
Allen W. Gehman was nominated as Treasurer of the Annual Conference.
Resolved, That the Secretary cast the ballot for his election.
Vice Presiding Elders: J. C. Roth and C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That J. C. Roth be Vice Presiding Elder on the Bethlehem District, and C. H. Brunner on the Mt. Carmel District.
Committee Over the Presiding Elders: E. N. Cassel, W. S. Hottel and J. G. Shireman.
Board of Foreign Missions: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, J. C. Roth, C. H. Brunner and Allen M. Gehman.
Board of Examiners: J. C. Roth, W. S. Hottel and E. N. Cassel.
Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home: H. B. Musselman. W. G. Gehman, E. N. Cassel, C. H. Brunner, Allen M. Gehman, and H. L. Musselman were nominated.
Resolved, That the Recording Secretary cast the ballot for their election.
Executive Board: H. B. Musselman, J. C. Roth, E. N. Cassel, W. G. Gehman and C. H. Brunner were nominated.
Resolved, That the Recording Secretary cast the ballot for their election.
Officers for the next Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention: J. C. Roth was nominated for Chairman.
Resolved, That the Secretary cast the ballot for his election. C. W. Stine was elected Secretary.
The Chair appointed the following Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: J. C. Roth, E. N. Cassel, F. M. Hottel and Allen M. Gehman.
Resolved, That all expenses in connection with tabernacle outfits shall be paid for out of the Home Mission Fund. Expenses in connection with Camp Meeting Equipage shall be paid out of the Camp Meeting Equipage Fund. Appropriations for the above shall be left to the Appropriating Committee.
Committee on Printing: We have printed 23 order books for the Board of Foreign Missions, Board of Deacons, Executive Board and Beneficiary Society at a cost of $7.50. Fares of Committee, $0.97; total, $8.47.
Committee:
C. H. Brunner,
J. C. Roth,
W. G. Gehman.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a committee of three as a Board of Publication and Printing. The Treasurer of this committee shall be Treasurer of the Conference Fund. The Chair appointed J. C. Roth, E. N. Cassel and C. H. Brunner.
Adjourned, with benediction by W. G. Gehman.
FIFTH SESSION
Friday Afternoon, October 15, 1909
This session opened by singing, and prayer by O. C. Kistler. The roll was called and the minutes were read and approved.
The following reports were then read and accepted:
Committee on Resolutions: Whereas, The Board of Deacons has been discontinued by this Conference; therefore,
Resolved, That in case there are any poor in any class that need help beyond that given them by their respective classes, the Deacon on that charge shall make known the nature of the need to the President of the Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home, who shall bring the matter before the Board. In case there is a poor member on a charge where there is no Deacon, the pastor shall make the need known in place of the Deacon. In either case the Board shall assist as they deem it advisable.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
E. N. Cassel,
W. G. Gehman.
Committee on Worship: We recommend that W. S. Hottel preach to-night, J. C. Roth preach Saturday night, H. B. Musselman preach the Conference sermon on Sunday morning. S. Goudie preach the Ordination Sermon on Sunday afternoon; and W. B. Musselman preach Sunday night. In case W. B. Musselman should not arrive, W. G. Gehman shall preach Sunday night.
We further recommend that we have a rousing Open Air Meeting on the Square, on Saturday evening at seven o’clock, and that all the members shall be present at the Open Air Meeting and at all services on Sunday, unless they are excused by a committee of three appointed by the Chairman, including himself.
Committee:
E. N. Cassel,
H. L. Shelly.
Auditing Committee: (See Reports.)
Resolved, That Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman, held all the Home Missionary meetings throughout the Conference and take the subscriptions with the assistance of the respective pastors.
Resolved, That the pastor of the Philadelphia Mission be privileged to go through the Conference and take collections or subscriptions in connection with the pastors for the Philadelphia Mission.
Rev. F. D. Geary, pastor of the Gospel Chapel, was introduced to the Conference,
The various Boards and Committees reported the election of officers, which were accepted as follows:
Committee over the Presiding Elders: Chairman, E. N. Cassel; Secretary, W. S. Hottel.
Board of Examiners: President J. C. Roth; Secretary, W. S. Hottel; Treasurer, E. N. Cassel.
Board of Foreign Missions: President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner; Treasurer, Allen M. Gehman.
Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home: President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, W. S. Hottel; Treasurer, C. H. Brunner.
Executive Board: President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner; Treasurer, J. C. Roth.
Board of Publication and Printing: President, J. C. Roth; Secretary, C. H. Brunner; Treasurer, E. N. Cassel.
Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: Chairman, J. C. Roth; Secretary, E. N. Cassel; Treasurer, Allen M. Gehman.
Beneficiary Society: President, J. C. Roth; Secretary, W. S. Hottel; Treasurer; J. F. Barrall.
Resolved, That we donate $100 to the Quakertown Church, out of the Home Mission Fund on condition that the Quakertown class will raise the other $100 during the coming year.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District examine the applicants for Annual Conference License on the discipline.
Resolved, That all bills of Camp Meeting expenses be submitted to the Secretary of the Committee in an itemized form giving date of all expenses. The Secretary shall have the bill O.K.’d by the Chairman of the Committee and issue an order on the Treasurer, who shall pay such orders when properly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Committee.
The Secretary shall enter the bills in his book as they are submitted and also enter all money as it is received, giving date, and name of party from whom such money is received, making the Camp Meeting Committee creditor for all money received and debtor for all money paid out. He shall also compile a summary of receipts and expenses at the end of the record of all expenses for the year.
The Treasurer shall make himself debtor in his book for all the various amounts of money as they are received and creditor for all money paid out giving date and name of party or parties from whom money is received, and date and name of party or parties, and number of order to whom money is paid.
Resolved, That the Secretary ask the publishers of the “Gospel Herald” and “Gospel Banner” to send each pastor a copy of the mailing list of the subscribers on his charge.
Resolved, That we print 500 Conference Journals to be sold at 25 cents each. Any expenses in connection with the printing of the Journals not covered by the receipts for the same, shall be paid out of the Annual Conference Fund, or any balance from the sale of them shall be paid into said fund.
Resolved, That we donate $10.00 to the editor of the Conference Journal.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and the delegates from the stations and circuits constitute the Stationing Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
Resolved, That we have two Sunday School Conventions, and that the members of the Conference Districts resolve themselves into two respective committees to organize.
Adjourned, with benediction by L. B. Taylor.
SIXTH SESSION
Saturday Forenoon, October 16, 1909
This session was opened by singing, and prayer by R. Bergstresser. The roll was called, after which the minutes of the previous session were read and approved.
The Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee was read and accepted. (Set Reports,)
The Chair appointed R. Bergstresser, J. C. Roth and H. B. Musselman, as a Committee to whom members of Conference may apply for permission to leave on Saturday night and Sunday.
Resolved, That the Conference resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, to consider the proposed Rules and Regulations of the Orphanage and Home.
The Chair appointed C. H. Brunner as Chairman of this Committee.
This Committee sat and finished its work, after which Conference resumed its business in regular session.
The Report of the Committee of the Whole was read and accepted, as follows:
Resolved, That W. G. Gehman read the proposed Rules and Regulations of the Orphanage and Home.
These proposed rules were read and discussed by a few, by way of explanation of the work and purpose of the Home. Action on them was deferred indefinitely.
C. H. Brunner, Chairman.
C. W. Stine, Secretary.
Whereas, The Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home have so wisely and ably managed the affairs of the Home and Farm, in improving, equipping and furnishing the same with useful and proper facilities to successfully carry on the Lord’s work to the glory of God; therefore,
Resolved, That we as a Conference, highly appreciate the services of the said Board, and congratulate them on the noble work done, and pray that God may continue to use them to further the good work begun.
Resolved, That C. H. Brunner be added to the Committee on Resolutions to formulate resolutions relative to our Foreign Missionaries.
Adjourned to the call of the Chair with benediction by E. T. Shick.
SEVENTH SESSION
Saturday Afternoon, October 16, 1909
This session was opened with singing, and prayer by H. E. Gackenbach. The roll was called, after which the minutes of the previous session were read and approved.
The following reports were read and accepted:
Committee on Resolutions: (a) Resolved, That the Board of Publication and Printing secure Foreign Mission Sunday School Receipt Cards and labels for barrels, to be used in the various Sunday Schools throughout the Conference, to be paid for out of the Foreign Missionary treasury.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
E. N. Cassel,
W. G. Gehman.
(b) Whereas, We have learned through the Gospel Banner and Report of the Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions how the Lord has so wonderfully spared the lives of all our Missionaries in Chile, China and Turkey, even in sickness and in the midst of great danger, etc.; and,
Whereas, God has blessed their labors to the salvation of many souls and the upbuilding of the work of the Lord in general, in those benighted lands; therefore,
Resolved, That we appreciate the reports of our beloved co-workers in those dark lands, received through the Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions; that we praise God from whom all blessings flow for the physical, temporal and spiritual blessings hitherto bestowed; that we continue to support them with our means, and uphold them with our prayers, that the coming year may be one of greater blessing and power in sowing the seed, as well as reaping grain, and establishing believers, and that both they and their converts may be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
E. N. Cassel,
W. G. Gehman,
C. H. Brunner.
Committee to Organize Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention: Chairman, W. J. Fretz; Secretary, R. L. Woodring; Treasurer, J. F. Barrall.
Committee on Programme: Chairman, H. B. Musselman; Secretary; J. C. Roth; C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That we have two sessions, one in the forenoon, and one in the afternoon, with special services in the evening. The Committee shall arrange for the evening services. No pastor shall leave without the consent of the Committee.
Resolved, That this Convention be held at Coopersburg on Ascension Day, 1910.
Resolved, That we extend a hearty invitation to the Presiding Elder, W. G. Gehman, of the Mt. Carmel District and the Missionary Presiding Elder, W. B. Musselman. Also the Pastors of the Mt. Carmel District.
J. C. Roth, Chairman,
W. S. Hottel, Secretary.
Committee to Organize Mt. Carmel District Sunday School Convention: Chairman, E. T. Shick; Secretary, H. A. Kauffman; Treasurer, V. H. Reinhart.
Committee on Programme: W. G. Gehman, E. T. Shick; J. G. Shireman.
Resolved, That this Convention be held at Mt. Carmel on Ascension Day, 1910.
Resolved, That we hold two sessions, one in the forenoon and one in the afternoon. The Committee on Programme shall arrange for special services in the evening. No minister shall be permitted to leave.
Resolved, That we extend a hearty invitation through the Secretary, to the Missionary Presiding Elder, W. B. Musselman; Presiding Elder, H. B. Musselman, of Bethlehem District, and other ministers of the Bethlehem District, to be present at this convention.
J. G. Shireman, Chairman,
P. J. Musselman, Secretary.
Rev. C. K. Fehr, of the Evangelical Association, was introduced to the Conference.
Resolved, That the Secretary send Conference Journals to our Foreign Missionaries and also to the Railroad Companies.
Resolved, That the Board of Publication and Printing, with the Chairman of the Annual Conference, get new dedication certificates during the year.
Resolved, That the collections for Camp Meetings shall be reported by the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee and be recorded by themselves on the Summary Statistical Report. (Standing Rule.)
Resolved, That the next Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention meet at Royersford, Pa. The Committee reported the date of this Convention, April 14, 1910.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Reading on the second Thursday in October, 1910, at 8 A. M.
Report of the Board of Examiners on the Reading Course: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Communications: We have received communications from W. B. Musselman, stating that he was in hopes of meeting the brethren in Conference at least one day, but that his conditions and circumstances are such that it is impossible for him to be present, and begs us to excuse him for his absence.
We also received a report from him which we recommend to be read to this Annual Conference, and to be inserted in the regular order of the Presiding Elders’ reports in the minutes.
Committee:
R. L. Woodring,
W. S. Hottel,
W. G. Gehman.
Committee on Resolutions: (a) Whereas, W. B. Musselman, Missionary Presiding Elder, was not able to be present at this Conference; therefore,
Resolved, That we are sorry to miss his presence, fellowship and wise counsel at the sessions of this Conference; and further,
Resolved, That we pray that God may continue to bless him physically and spiritually and grant him many years of useful service in His work.
(b) Whereas, W. B. Musselman sent us an inspiring report of the work of the Gospel Workers’ Society; and,
Whereas, The Lord has so wonderfully blessed the work of the Society, both financially and spiritually, in saving souls and selling literature, so much so that the victories realized at the present time by the Society are more numerous and marked than ever before; therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for the rich blessings bestowed in the past, and that we highly appreciate the work done by the Society, as well as the deep devotion and spirit of self-denial manifested, and that we unitedly uphold them with our prayers and offerings, as well as in doing our best to get as many new subscribers for the “Gospel Herald” as possible.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
W. G. Gehman,
E. N. Cassel.
Eld. S. Goudie, Fraternal Delegate from the Canada Conference, now addressed the Conference, after which the following was accepted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions: Whereas, The Ontario Conference of the Dominion of Canada, has sent Eld. S. Goudie, Chairman of their last Annual Conference and Presiding Elder of their East District, as Fraternal Delegate to this Conference; and,
Whereas, he has been with us from the opening of this Conference and intends to remain with us to the close; and
Whereas, He has given us a very interesting address on the condition of their work, how marvelously the Lord has been leading, so that their last year was the most blessed that they had for many years, having had a larger increase in membership than for years, though their work has not been without its testings, but the Lord has been giving them glorious victories; and,
Whereas, The relationship between the Pennsylvania and the Canada Conference has always been most friendly, and the Canadian brethren have proven a great blessing and inspiration to our Conference in the past; therefore,
Resolved, That we rejoice to have our fellowship stirred up anew and strengthened by the presence of Eld. S. Goudie, whose edifying address, as well as his wise counsel, were greatly appreciated; and further,
Resolved, That we pray that God’s richest blessings may rest upon him and his Conference in the future even more than in the past.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
H. B. Musselman,
E. N. Cassel,
C. H. Brunner;
W. G. Gehman.
A liberal offering was now lifted for the labor and expense of the Secretary, amounting to $14.30. (Thanks.)
Resolved, That we excuse Bro. R. D. Dreisbach to-morrow evening upon his request, on condition that he leave his signature here for the minutes.
Adjourned, with benediction by Wm. Gehman.
SERVICES
Sunday, October 17, 1909
The weather was delightful and the people commenced to gather early from the various charges.
At 9.45 A. M. the Chairman, H. B. Musselman, preached the Conference sermon, setting forth the great importance of the calling of the ministry, the importance of his message, and
the fruit of his labors.
At 2.00 P. M. Eld. S. Goudie, Fraternal Delegate from Canada, preached the Ordination sermon, showing very clearly the necessity of being positive of a divine call and the solemnity of the Ordination vow. The brethren, V. H. Reinhart, F. M. Hottel and H. K. Kratz, were ordained by the laying on of hands and the Lord set his seal of approval upon the solemn ceremony.
At 7:30 P. M. Eld. W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District, preached an instructive sermon on “The Death of Christ,” and what it must mean, both to the ministry and the laity.
The singing during the day was excellent and inspiring. The addresses were powerful, searching and elevating. The services were interspersed by fervent Amens, Hallelujahs, etc. The offerings during the day for the expenses of the Conference amounted to $101. The church was crowded to the doors and the glory of the Lord filled the house and hearts of His people.
EIGHTH SESSION
Monday Forenoon, October 18, 1909
This session opened with prayer by F. M. Hottel. The roll was called, after which the minutes of the previous session were read and approved with corrections.
The following reports were read and accepted.
Committee on Resolutions: (a) Resolved, That the money in the Treasury of the Poor Fund be paid into the Treasury of the Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home.
(b) Resolved, That we continue to lift an offering for the Poor as heretofore, to be paid into the Treasury of the Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home.
Resolved, That the clause “to be paid into the Treasury of the Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home” be inserted in Standing Rule F, on Page 6, in the Journal, after the words “shall be received,” also that the clause “to the Treasurer of the Poor Fund” be erased and the clause “to the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home” be substituted.
(C) Whereas, Allen M. Gehman has served this Conference faithfully in the capacity of Treasurer for a number of years, which caused him to give us much of his valuable time, and incurring considerable expenses in the line of postage, etc.; therefore,
Resolved, That this Conference donate him $25, to be paid out of the Conference Fund.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
E. N. Cassel,
W. G. Gehman.
Whereas, This Conference donated to Allen M. Gehman, $25.00; and,
Whereas, Bro. Allen M. Gehman, Treasurer of the Conference, has refused to accept this offer, on the ground that he has done all cheerfully as unto the Lord; therefore,
Resolved, That this Conference give him a rising vote of thanks.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
E. N. Cassel,
W. G. Gehman.
Auditing Committee: (See Reports.)
Resolved, That H. B. Musselman be sent as a Fraternal Delegate to the Indiana and Ohio Conference and that his expenses be paid out of the Conference Fund. This year we will lift two collections for the Conference Fund, the first collection to be paid in as soon as taken.
W. S. Hottel is appointed as one of the Committee to arrange the programme for the Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention.
Resolved, That the Conference Committee Report tablets be paid out of the Conference Fund.
At this time the Chairman gave a very earnest and strong address to the ministry, which was very instructive and full of timely warnings, which we trust will be very fruitful throughout the Conference year.
Resolved, That the time limit for the payment, of the subscriptions for the Philadelphia property shall be three months or less. The money collected in this way shall be sent to the Treasurer of the Executive Board, through the Secretary. The expenses of J. G. Shireman, in taking these subscriptions, shall be paid out of the Home Missionary money appropriated to the Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District and President of the Gospel Herald Society.
Resolved, That the Home Missionary offerings be lifted between New Year and the Camp Meetings.
Resolved, That the Executive Board be authorized to purchase land or property for Camp Meeting purposes.
Bro. S. Goudie gave us another very acceptable address at this time.
Resolved, That this Annual Conference recommend the next General Conference to adopt “Parliamentary Practice” by Rev. T. B. Neely, D. D., instead of “Cushing’s Parliamentary Practice.”
Rev. J. S. Heisler, pastor of Seibert United Evangelical Church, was introduced to the Conference.
The Report of the Auditing Committee was read and accepted. (See Reports.)
Whereas, The beloved pilgrims of the Allentown class have so kindly entertained us and so royally supplied our temporal needs during the sessions of this Conference; therefore,
Resolved, That we tender them a hearty vote of thanks by rising, as a token of appreciation for their kindness shown.
Adjourned by prayer by S. Goudie and singing “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”
H. B. Musselman, P.. E., Chairman,
C. H. Brunner, Secretary,
Allen M. Gehman, Treasurer,
W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder,
J. C. Roth, Vice Presiding Elder;
C. W. Stine, Recording Secretary
J. G. Shireman, Statistical Secretary,
J. F. Barrall, Financial Secretary,
G. A. Campbell,
E. E. Kublic,
E. N. Cassel,
R. L. Woodring,
W. W. Zimmerman,
F. M. Hottel,
P. J. Musselman,
L. B. Taylor,
H. L. Musselman,
R. D. Dreisbach,
M. M. Ziegler,
J. H. Baus,
W. D. Evert,
John Ziegler,
O. C. Kistler,
H. L. Shelly,
J. N. Overdorf,
W. J. Fretz,
O. S. Hillegass,
W. S. Hottel,
R. Bergstresser,
E. T. Shick,
V. H. Reinhart,
Wm. Gehman,
H. K. Kratz,
H. H. Bergey,
J. A. Kern,
S. H. Lichtenthaler,
J. M. Oplinger,
G. K; Himmelreich,
S. S. Geil,
H. E. Gackenbach,
F. M. Gehman.