TWENTY-NINTH
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, 1912
FIRST MEETING
THURSDAY FORENOON, OCTOBER 10, 1912.
The Twenty-ninth Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania, convened in Bethel Church, Eighth and Gordon Streets, Allentown, Pa., at 8 A. M., October 10, 1912.
The first meeting was opened by singing, “Jesus Lover of My Soul” which was followed by a season of prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the blessing of God upon this Conference session.
The Chairman, H. B. Musselman, then gave us a very earnest and practical address on portions of the 1st and 2nd chapters of Philippians.
The following members were enrolled:
MINISTERS.
Ordained: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, W. B. Musselman, Wm. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, W. S. Hottel, E. N. Cassel, F. M. Hottel, J. G. Shireman, J. F. Barrall, R. L. Woodring, J. C. Roth, E. T. Shick, W. J. Fretz, R. Bergstresser, H. K. Kratz, O. S. Hillegass, E. E. Kublic, P. J. Musselman, V. R. Reinhart, W. W. Zimmerman, G. A. Campbell, L. B. Taylor, H. L. Weiss, C. F. Snyder, A. E. Dawson.
Probationers: M. W. Ettinger, F. E. Frey, M. H. Kline.
DELEGATES.
H. L. Musselman, G. O. Billig, Herbert E. Gehman, William Schearer, S. H. Lichtenthaler, G. K. Himmelreich, William Haag, R. C. Bergstresser, A. A. Schaffer, S. S. Geil, H. G. Brunner, A. A. Wismer, H. H. Bergey, Allen M. Gehman, Thomas Fehnel, J. M. Oplinger. C. E. Neff, John G. Weiss, W. D. Evert.
All the ministers were present at the opening of the first meeting except W. B. Musselman of Cleveland, Ohio, also L. B. Taylor and G. A. Campbell, deceased.
We shall also remember our absent Foreign Missionaries, who are members of our church, H. L. Weiss, Sister R. L. Weiss, A. E. Dawson, Sister A. E. Dawson, M. P. Zook, Sister M. P. Zook, H. W. Feldges, Sister H. W. Feldges, Niels Gunstadt, Sister Niels Gunstadt, C. F. Snyder, Sister C. F. Snyder and V. G. Plymine.
All the delegates were also present in the opening of the first meeting.
Resolved, That the seats to the right and left of the Chair and the first four pews throughout the church and the basement for private meetings, constitute the Conference Bar.
The Secretary appointed his assistants as follows: Recording Secretary, H. A. Kauffman; Statistical Secretaries, F. M. Hottel and William Schearer; Financial Secretary, J. F. Barrall.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Reporter and a Timekeeper.
He appointed W. J. Fretz and E. E. Kublic respectively.
Resolved, That we consider the word sessions denoting meetings of the Conference as unparliamentary and will therefore use the word ”meeting” to denote the different meetings of the Conference.
Resolved, That no member shall be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without the permission of the Chair except W. S. Hottel and G. O. Billig.
The following committees were appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Worship: W. S. Hottel and G. O. Billig.
Committee on Communications: E. T. Shick and W. G. Gehman
Committee on Finance: J. F. Barrall, G. O. Billig and Allen M. Gehman.
Committee on Statistics: F. M. Hottel and H. L. Musselman.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: J. C. Roth and E. N. Cassel.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: R. L. Woodring, E. N. Cassel, M. W. Ettinger, M. H. Kline, W. W. Zimmerman, E. E. Kublic, P. J. Musselman, H. H. Bergey, Thomas Fehnel, R. C. Bergstresser and A. A. Schaffer.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: William Gehman, A. A. Wismer and G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries: J. G. Shireman, O. S. Hillegass and R. Bergstresser.
Committee on Applicants for Annual Conference License: C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel and W. J. Fretz.
Committee on Applicants for Ordination: E. N. Cassel, W. G. Gehman and C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Resolutions: W. G. Gehman, W. S. Hottel and R. L. Woodring.
Auditing Committee: W. J. Fretz, E. T. Shick, V. H. Reinhart, J. C. Roth, J. M. Oplinger, John G. Weiss, Herbert E. Gehman, H. G. Brunner, S. H. Lichtenthaler, W. D. Evert, William Schearer, William Haag, S. S. Geil and C. E. Neff.
Committee to Audit Schedules: H. K. Kratz and J. F. Barrall.
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.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned by prayer by J. M. Oplinger.
SECOND MEETING
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 10, 1912.
The meeting was opened by singing, “I will guide Thee with Mine eye” and prayer by R. L. Woodring.
The roll was called with all the Pastors and Delegates present.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home: (See Reports).
Report of the Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries: We have examined the Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries and found them all satisfactory.
Committee:
J. G. Shireman,
O. S. Hillegass,
R. Bergstresser.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: We beg leave to report that we have examined all the Quarterly Conference records and found them correct except no record of roll of officers in the first quarter in the Walnutport records. All of which we respectfully submit.
Committee:
R. L. Woodring E. N. Cassel,
M. W. Ettinger, M. H. Kline,
W. W. Zimmerman, E. E. Kublic,
P. J. Musselman, H. H. Bergey,
Thomas Fehnel, R. C. Bergstresser,
A. A. Schaffer.
Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage: (See Reports).
Committee on Statistics: We have examined the schedules and found them all correct except: Macungie, no record of church valuation; Harleysville, no record of members; Walnutport, no mention of increase of church property.
Committee:
F. M. Hottel,
H. L. Musselman.
Committee on Worship: G. F. Yost shall preach tonight, followed by H. A. Kauffman. H. A. Kauffman shall have charge of the services.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
G. O. Billig.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: We have examined all through their delegates and found them all satisfactory.
Committee:
William Gehman,
G. K. Himmelreich,
A. A. Wismer.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: We beg leave to submit the following report: We have examined the Records of the Twenty-eighth Annual Conference and found them correct, all of which we respectfully submit.
Committee;
J. C. Roth,
E. N. Cassel.
Treasurer of Home Missions: (See Reports.)
Report of the Benevolent Society: (See Reports.)
Report of the Beneficiary Society: (See Reports.)
Report of the Executive Board: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Examiners: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
WHEREAS, We have learned through the Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, and the reports in the “Gospel Banner” during the past year, how the Lord again spared our
Missionaries, and graciously sustained them amid all physical and spiritual dangers, blessing their labors to the salvation of souls and the upbuilding of the believers, and
WHEREAS, They have continued faithfully in the work entrusted unto them by the Lord, therefore,
Resolved, That we enjoy their reports sent in through the various channels from time to time, and
Resolved, That we unitedly praise God for the rich blessings bestowed in the past, both upon the Missionaries personally as well as upon their work, and further,
Resolved, That we as a Conference unitedly continue to uphold them, both by our means and prayers, that in the coming year they may realize yet more and more the presence, blessing and power of God, and that their labors may be crowned with success and that they may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
W. S. Hottel,
R. L. Woodring.
Report of the Committee on Finances: (See Reports.)
Report of the Sunday School Conventions: (See Reports.)
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Reports.)
Report of the Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention: (See Reports. )
The pastors’ oral reports were continued.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Annual Ministerial Convention shall submit a report of the Annual Ministerial Convention compiled by the Committee on Publication of said Convention for publication in the Journal.
Resolved, That we have a private meeting in the basement of the church at 7:30 this evening.
Adjourned by prayer by E. E. Kublic.
THIRD MEETING (Private)
THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 10, 1912.
This meeting was opened by prayer by E. T. Shick.
The roll was called with all the Pastors and Delegates present.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved with corrections.
The following report was submitted:
Report of the Committee appointed by the last Annual Conference to formulate forms, blanks and records for the use of the Benevolent Society:
We have prepared the forms for the following and submitted them to the Board of Publication and Printing: Application Blanks, Certificates of Membership, Pastors’ Account Books, Secretary’s Account Book, Treasurer’s Account Book, Death Notices (Pastor’s), Death Notices (Secretary’s), Order Books, and Rules and Regulations.
After investigating the matter relative to the Contributions and Donations we compiled new tables together with revised Rules and Regulations, a copy of which we submit herewith.
Committee:
E. N. Cassel,
C. H. Brunner,
W. G. Gehman,
H. B. Musselman.
This report was discussed and a motion to adopt the report together with the Rules and Regulations was carried upon which the yeas and nays were called for with the following result:
Yeas: W. G. Gehman, W. B. Musselman, Wm. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, W. S. Hottel, E. N. Cassel, F. M. Hottel, J. G. Shireman, J. F. Barrall, R. L. Woodring, J. C. Roth, E. T. Shick, W. J. Fretz, R. Bergstresser, H. K. Kratz, O. S. Hillegass, E. E. Kublic, P. J. Musselman, V. H. Reinhart, W. W. Zimmerman, M. W. Ettinger, M. H. Kline, H. B. Musselman, H. L. Musselman, G. O. Billig, Herbert E. Gehman, William Schearer, S. H. Lichtenthaler, G. K. Himmelreich, Wm. Haag, R. C. Bergstresser, S. S. Geil, H. G. Brunner, A. A. Wismer, H. H. Bergey, Allen M. Gehman, Thomas Fehnel, J. M. Oplinger, C. E. Neff, John G. Weiss, W. D. Evert, A. A. Schaffer.
Nays: None.
Resolved, That the Rules and Regulations be spread on the minutes but not in the Journal.
WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home have so efficiently and successfully managed the affairs of the Home and Farm during the past year, and,
WHEREAS, We, as a Conference, highly appreciate their services of sacrifice and labor, therefore,
Resolved, That we pledge our prayers and good faith, that God may continue to use the said Board in continuing this most excellent and blessed work.
The following report submitted by the Committee on Resolutions was read and adopted:
(1) WHEREAS, M. H. Kline was unable to write on the Reading Course this fall due to a laceration of the right wrist, therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend the Conference to excuse him, providing he take the fall examination as soon after Conference as he is able at a time specified by the Board of Examiners. In case, however, he fail in one or more branches, he shall take the Second Year’s Course over again this coming year.
(2) WHEREAS, F. E. Frey failed to appear at the fall examination, and,
WHEREAS, He left the work of the ministry during the year without handing in a resignation, therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend the Conference to drop his name from the roll of Probationers, and further
Resolved, That we recommend the Conference to refer him back to Quarterly License.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
W. S. Hottel,
R. L. Woodring.
Resolved, That we now continue the meeting within the regular Conference Bar.
Resolved, That we now hear the oral report of W. B. Musselman, Editor and Publisher of the Gospel Banner. His report was very clear, interesting and satisfactory to the Conference.
Adjourned by prayer by E. T. Shick.
FOURTH MEETING
FRIDAY FORENOON, OCTOBER 11, 1912.
This meeting was opened by singing ”I will follow Jesus” and prayer by V. H. Reinhart.
The roll was called with all the pastors and delegates present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a committee of three to draw up a report of this Annual Conference and resolutions for the ”Gospel Banner.” This Committee shall have the privilege to forward them to the “Gospel Banner” before reporting to the Conference.
The Chair appointed C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel and W. G. Gehman as the above Committee.
The oral reports of the Pastors were continued.
The reports of the pastors have been very encouraging. The Lord has been greatly blessing the work throughout the Conference. All the pastors reported good courage. Victories have been
won on the smaller charges in the face of severe tests as well as on the larger fields.
The Classes are loyal and stand by and love their Pastors.
The offerings far exceed those of last year.
W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District, now gave his oral and financial report.
He also gave his oral and financial and statistical report as President of the Gospel Herald Society. (See Reports).
These reports were adopted.
W. B. Musselman, Missionary Presiding Elder, gave us a very interesting oral report relative to the work of the Gospel Worker Society as also the work of the publishing of the “Banner,” “Herald,” “Messenger,” tracts, etc., which we highly appreciated.
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District, submitted his oral and financial reports, which were highly encouraging and gratifying throughout. The work is moving forward all through the Conference. (See Reports).
This report was adopted.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of five to readjust the valuation of Church properties.
He appointed E. N. Cassel, C. H. Brunner, Allen M. Gehman, E. T. Shick and H. B. Musselman.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
The following resolution was read and adopted:
WHEREAS, W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District and President of the Gospel Herald Society, reported the pastors on his District all loyal and desirous to be used of the Lord; a real spiritual and beneficial camp meeting having been held in Mizpah Grove with 75 tents occupied, where souls were saved and believers strengthened and confirmed in the faith;
and the attendance throughout on his District is real large, and,
WHEREAS, he also reported for the Gospel Herald Society, that the Gospel Heralds’ are a loyal body of men; a missionary camp meeting held at Shamokin, Pa., which was a grand success, with many saved and 21 baptized, 58 tents being occupied and a number of real successful tabernacle meetings held at various places, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for the many blessings bestowed, the victories won, in the salvation of souls, the edifying of the believers, the spread of the truth and the work having been accomplished for the Lord; and further,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate the self-sacrifice, labor and devotion manifested by W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder and President of the Gospel Herald Society and the “Gospel Heralds.”
W. S. Hottel.
R. L. Woodring.
The report of the Committee on Resolutions was read and adopted as follows:
(1) WHEREAS, W. B. Musselman, Missionary Presiding Elder and President of the Gospel Worker Society of Cleveland, Ohio, reported that they are especially establishing themselves in the Home, training many new workers lately arrived; and that they are kept busy day and night in printing and spreading good literature, such as tracts, spiritual books, the “Gospel Herald,” the “Gospel Messenger,” and other good religious papers, therefore,
Resolved, That we are highly favored with his presence, fellowship, wise council, and hearty co-operation with us in Conference matters, and,
Resolved, That we pray God to bless him abundantly, both physically and spiritually, and to use him for many more years to come in His service and for His glory, and further,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate the spirit of self-sacrifice, incessant labor, sincere devotion to their nobly entrusted work along every line of the Gospel Worker Society, and further,
Resolved, That we heartily praise God far the blessings bestowed, for the way they were upheld, both physically and spiritually, and for the bountiful manner in which their needs were
supplied, and further,
Resolved, That we unitedly uphold them by our prayers and offerings, as well as by doing our best to get new subscribers for the “Gospel Herald,” and to further advance the spread of the
“Gospel Messenger” as well.
(2), WHEREAS, H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District, reported that two campmeetings were held in Mizpah Grove where 154 and 165 tents were occupied respectively; both these campmeetings were a real success along every line; two tabernacle meetings having been held at Reading and Ledrachville which were a real blessing; the offerings on the entire District were large and in no Treasury was there a deficit, but rather a nice balance; the ministry being well united and loyal as well as unity prevailing among the two Districts, and
further he reported that the work in general has made forward strides and is united like it never was before, therefore,
Resolved, That we unite in praising God for the bountiful blessings bestowed by the Lord, for the glorious victories won, for the blessed unity prevailing among the ministry as well as in general, and further,
Resolved, That we sincerely appreciate the conscientiousness, self-sacrifice, patience, honest-frankness and untiring labors of our worthy Presiding Elder.
(3) WHEREAS, The “Gospel Messenger,” which is published by the Gospel Worker Society, is beautifully illustrated, helpfully classified into the different departments, each containing very appropriate reading matter, making it a very good Sunday School and general Missionary paper, and,
WHEREAS, It is offered at a very low price in quantities, and,
WHEREAS, Many of our Sunday Schools have introduced them for free distribution and have heard many encouraging reports of such who read them, therefore,
Resolved, That we again recommend this valuable and interesting paper to all the various Sunday Schools and pray that speedily every Sunday School shall have introduced it for free distribution to Sunday School scholars, old and young, and visitors.
Committee:
W. A. Gehman,
W. S. Hottel,
R. L. Woodring.
Adjourned to the call of the Chair by prayer by C. H. Brunner.
FIFTH MEETING
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 1, 1912.
The meeting was opened by singing, “I’ll live for Him who died for me” and prayer by R. L. Woodring.
The roll was called with all the pastors and delegates present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Committee on Valuation of Church Properties: We have valued the several properties as follows:
Athol, nothing; Coopersburg, $5,000.00; Emaus, $3,000.00; Weissport, $1,200;00; Norristown, $1,500.00; Mt. Carmel, $8,000.00; Walnutport, $2,200.00. The others we valued at the amount specified on the schedules.
Committee:
E. N. Cassel,
C. H. Brunner,
Allen M. Gehman,
E. T. Shick,
H. B. Musselman.
Committee to Audit Schedules: We have audited the Schedules and found them all correct with the exception of East Stroudsburg, South Allentown and Weissport.
Committee:
R. K. Kratz,
J. F. Barrall.
Committee on Resolutions:
WHEREAS, It has pleased God in whose power are life and death to remove from our midst during the past year Elders L. B. Taylor, of Coopersburg, Pa., and G. A. Campbell, of Quakertown, Pa., therefore,
Resolved, That we as a Conference confess that we have lost in them, earnest Christians and faithful co-laborers, and believe that our loss was their gain.
Elder L. B. Taylor, was born at Passer, Bucks Co., Pa., on October 8, 1834, and died on October 24, 1911; aged 77 years and 16 days.
He was ordained to the Ministry in 1897; he served the following charges and missions: Zionsville and Hereford, Allentown and Emaus, Gratersford and Harleysville, Coopersburg and Springtown.
He was always a great inspiration at Conventions and Camp Meetings, taking a special interest in the young people.
Elder G. A. Campbell was born in Springfield Township, Bucks Co., Pa., on July 25, 1845, and died on November 7, 1911; aged 66 years, 3 months and 13 days.
He was ordained to the Ministry in 1890 and served the following charges and missions: Quakertown and Hatfield, Western Pennsylvania, Reading, Siegfried, Gratersford and Harleysville, Terre Bill and Remps, Walnutport and Tripoli.
He was very active in the Ministry and very useful in working among the unsaved.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
W. S. Hottel,
R. L. Woodring.
Committee on Ordination: The names of G. F. Yost and J. T. Anderson have been handed to us as candidates for Ordination. We have learned that they have passed the Reading Course satisfactorily and that they have proven themselves efficient and loyal workers in the Gospel Herald Society with good moral character. They did not have the privilege, however, to prove their ability as pastors in the church according to the discipline and as they desire to have their ordination postponed, therefore,
Resolved, That their desire be granted. We also pray God’s blessing upon their future lives and labors.
Committee:
E. N. Cassel,
W. G. Gehman,
C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Worship: W. J. Fretz shall preach at 7:30 tonight, to be followed by J. G. Shireman.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
G. O. Billig.
Resolved, That we have two Presiding Elders and that one Presiding Elder shall have part of the church and the other have the rest of the church and the Gospel Herald Society.
Resolved, That we proceed to the election of officers.
The roll was called for unconditional and conditional ministers with the following result:
Unconditional: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, W. B. Musselman, William Gehman, C. H. Brunner, W. S. Hottel, E. N. Cassel, F. M. Hottel, J. G. Shireman, J. F. Barrall, R. L. Woodring, J. C. Roth, E. T. Shick, W. J. Fretz, R. Bergstresser, H. K. Kratz, O. S. Hillegass, E. E. Kublic, P. J. Musselman, V. R. Reinhart, W. W. Zimmerman, M. W. Ettinger, M. H. Kline.
Conditional: None.
The chair appointed J. F. Barrall and R. L. Woodring as tellers.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
Presiding Elders: H. B. Musselman and W. G. Gehman.
Vice Presiding Elders: C. H. Brunner and E. N. Cassel.
Missionary Presiding Elder: W. B. Musselman.
Chairman of the next Annual Conference: H. B. Musselman.
Secretary: C. H. Brunner.
Treasurer: Allen M. Gehman.
Committee over the Presiding Elders: W. S. Hottel, R. L. Woodring and J. G. Shireman.
Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home: W. S. Hottel, J. G. Shireman, E. T. Shick, R. L. Woodring, A. A. Wismer, O. Baer
Executive Board: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel and J. G. Shireman.
Board of Foreign Missions: H. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner, Allen M. Gehman, W. G. Gehman, E. N. Cassel.
Board of Examiners: E. N. Cassel, W. S. Hottel, E. T. Shick.
Board of Publication and Printing (appointed by the Chair). T. C. Roth, R L. Woodring, C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Campmeeting Equipage (appointed by the Chair): E. N. Cassel, F. M. Hottel, Allen M. Gehman, J. F. Barrall.
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 program 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.
These officers were elected for the Convention: Chairman, F. M. Hottel; Secretary, R. L. Woodring.
Resolved, That we have another Ministerial Convention on the day prior to and at the same place of the next Annual Conference.
These officers were elected for the Convention: Chairman, J. G. Shireman; Secretary, W. J. Fretz.
Committee on Program: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Conference be Editor of the Conference Journal and that we donate him $10.00 out of the Conference Fund.
Resolved, That H. B. Musselman shall be Presiding Elder over the district comprising part of the church and W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder over the district comprising the balance of the church and the Gospel Herald Society.
Resolved, That C. H. Brunner shall be Vice-Presiding Elder under H. B. Musselman and E. N. Cassel shall be Vice-Presiding Elder under W. G. Gehman.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and the delegates from the Stations and Circuits constitute the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
The report of the Committee on Worship was read and adopted as follows:
H. B. Musselman shall preach the Conference sermon at 9:45 A. M., Sunday; the services to open at 9:30 A. M.
C. H. Brunner shall preach at 2:00 P. M. and W. C. Gehman shall preach in the evening. The evening services to open at 7:15 P. M. We ask the Chairman to use the Bethlehem Male Quartet as he sees fit; the Chairman shall have charge of the services.
The Sunday services shall all be held in the Auditorium of the Y. M. C. A. on Centre Square.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
G. O. Billig,
Resolved, That we reconsider the appointment of the committee to draw up a report of this Annual Conference and Resolutions for the Gospel Banner.
Resolved, That the names of W. G. Gehman and C. H. Brunner be taken off this committee and that E. N. Cassel and two others appointed by the Chair shall constitute this committee.
The Chair appointed W. S. Hottel and R. T. Woodring to complete this committee.
Resolved, That the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee shall sit between this meeting and the opening of the next meeting and that we suspend the rules and open the
next meeting at the call of the Chair.
Adjourned by prayer by A. A. Wismer.
SIXTH MEETING
SATURDAY FORENOON, OCTOBER 12, 1912.
This meeting was opened by singing “I’ll go Where You Want Me to go,” and prayer by Herbert E. Gehman.
The roll was called with all the Pastors and Delegates present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved with corrections.
The following committee reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Auditing Committee: This report was referred back for a more complete report.
Report of the Committee on Worship: Resolved, That we have an Open-air Service on Centre Square at 6:45 this evening, all members of the Conference to be present with the exception of those who preach tonight and tomorrow, unless otherwise excused by the Conference.
E. E. Kublic shall preach tonight at 7:45.
Committee:
W. S. Hottel,
G. O. Billig.
The following Boards and Committees reported the election of officers:
Executive Board: President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner; Treasurer, W. G. Gehman.
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.
Board of Examiners: President, E. N. Cassel; Secretary, W. S. Hottel.
Board of Publication and Printing: President, J. C. Roth; Secretary, R. L. Woodring; Treasurer, C. H. Brunner.
Committee of Campmeeting Equipage: Chairman, E. N. Cassel; Secretary, F. M. Hottel; Treasurer, J. F. Barrall.
Committee over Presiding Elders: Chairman, W. S. Hottel; Secretary, R. L. Woodring.
Beneficiary Society: President, W. G. Gehman; Secretary, F. M. Hottel; Treasurer, J. F. Barrall.
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee was read and adopted. (See Reports).
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That the Conference members of each Presiding Elder District constitute a committee to organize for their respective Sunday School Conventions.
The following Board of Trustees of the Benevolent Society was elected: President, Allen M. Gehman; Secretary, G. O. Billig; Treasurer, H. G. Brunner.
The Chair appointed J. C. Roth, W. S. Hottel and R. L. Woodring as a committee to draw up a resolution relative to our venerable Father Gehman.
Adjourned to the call of the Chair by prayer by A. A. Wismer.
SEVENTH MEETING
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 12, 1912.
This meeting was opened by singing “I Need Thee Every Hour” and prayer by J. G. Shireman.
The roll was called with all the Pastors and all the delegates
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The Report of the Auditors was read and re-committed.
The Report of the Committee on Resolutions was read and adopted as follows:
WHEREAS, The Fleetwood, Blandon and Terre Hill Charge, which for years was a mission and received Conference appropriations, and
WHEREAS, Their Pastor in conjunction with their delegate expressed a desire that the charge be self-supporting, therefore,
Resolved, That we consider this move on the! part of the Pastor and delegate very commendable and trust that some others may also be enabled to follow in these steps in the near future.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
W. S. Hottel,
R. L. Woodring.
Brother G. K. Himmelreich requested leave of absence until Sunday morning which was granted.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
The Chair called the Conference to order and business continued as follows:
The following committee reports were read and adopted:
Committee on Organization of Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Committee on Organization of Mt. Carmel District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we hold our next Annual Conference at Reading, Pa., on the second Thursday of October, 1913.
Adjourned by prayer by W. G. Gehman.
EIGHTH MEETING
MONDAY FORENOON, OCTOBER 14, 1912.
This meeting was opened by singing and prayer by William Gehman.
The roll was called with all the pastors and delegates present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Auditing Committee: We beg leave to submit the following report. We have audited the following accounts, Quarterly Conference Records, Orphanage, Equipment Fund, Executive Board, Camp Meetings, Sunday School Convention, Annual Conference Fund, Benevolent Society, Foreign and Home Mission, Presiding Elders, Gospel Herald Society, Board of Publication and Committee on Finance.
And have found all correct with the following exceptions: Quarterly Conference Records, Mt. Carmel in summary of stewards report, first quarter not forwarded correctly to summary
report, the total amount of the rear in summary is $54.70 and should be $79.55.
Orphanage and Home bill dated, Sept. 26, 1911 of 10c., not entered and bill dated Nov. 1, 1911, on page 132 recorded $13.56 and should be $18.56. Amount of $6.22 on page 143 entered that should not have been. May 9, page 160, in income $11.87 recorded and should be $1.87. July 8, page 165, an item of $25.00 not recorded. Aug. 19, page 169, $3.12 entered and should be $3.42.
WHEREAS, There were the above errors found in the accounts of the Orphanage and Home, the Auditors had access to the accounts of the Managing Board and have found all accounts correct. The cause of the errors were made by the Secretary of the Orphanage Board in copying the accounts into the Records.
Nazareth and Plainfield in Plainfield Sunday School report, in the first quarter, balance in treasury from last year recorded 19c. and should be 29c.
Secretary’s Book of the Mt. Carmel District Campmeeting, on page 159 the total is $31.60 and should be $31.55, on page 160 the total is $26.64 and should be $29.79, on page 164 the miscellaneous receipts are $60.00 and should be $3.57.
In the report of the Committee on Finance an error in the sum total of the Bethlehem District of $1.00 and Mt; Carmel District of $4.00, which we had the Financial Secretary to correct.
Committee:
W. J. Fretz, E. T. Shick,
V. H. Reinhart, J. C. Roth,
J. M. Oplinger, John G. Weiss,
Herbert E. Gehman, H. G. Brunner,
S. H. Lichtenthaler, W. D. Evert,
William Schearer, William Haag,
S. S. Geil, C. E. Neff.
Committee to Formulate Resolutions for Publication in the “Gospel Banner”: The Twenty-ninth Session of the Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania, convened in the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church at Allentown, Pa., October 10, 1912, at 8 A. M.
All the Ministers and delegates were present, the reports of the Pastors and Presiding Elders showed a marked increase in interest along; spiritual lines, many were saved, baptized and added to the Church. The net increase in membership having been 75 during the year.
There was also a splendid increase in the various offerings, especially in the Missionary Offerings; the total offerings for the year being for Home Missions, $5803.21; for Foreign Missions in the Church and Sunday School, $6047.22, the grand total of all the offerings amounting to $63,124.77.
H. B. Musselman was re-elected Presiding Elder, of the Bethlehem District and W. G. Gehman of the Mt. Carmel District and also President of the Gospel Herald Society. C. H. Brunner and E. N. Cassel were elected Vice-Presiding Elders. All the Pastors were re-assigned to their former charges.
The Conference supports 19 Foreign Missionaries; there also are 51 members of the church actively engaged in the various Home Missionary Societies.
The Conference throughout was harmonious, the deliberations being with freedom, open-hearted frankness, yet all in the spirit of true love. As a whole we believe this to have been the best Conference we ever had. The ministry never was better united and the work throughout never in a better spiritual state.
Father William Gehman, who is now past 85 years of age, was never more interested in the work of the church than at present. He was well at home among us and real alert to all the deliberations of the Conference.
SUNDAY SERVICES.
The morning services were opened at 9:30 by the Presiding Elder, W. G. Gehman. At 9:45 the Chairman of the Annual Conference, Presiding Elder, H. B. Musselman, preached the Conference sermon from Col. 4:17 and 2 Sam. 23:3. The sermon was one of great blessing and power; it was heart-searching, inspiring, edifying, as well as a clear and distinct presentation of
the duties of the Christian Ministry.
At 2 P. M., Elder C. H. Brunner preached from 1 Peter 4:17; this sermon was one of marked dispensational distinctions, real inspiring and encouraging and undoubtedly one of much blessing.
The evening service opened at 7:15 P. M. W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District, preached from Colossians 1:28, 29. This sermon was full of practical and very helpful thoughts both to the ministry and laity.
The Bethlehem Male Quartette, a Mixed Quartette, as well as a Female Quartette of Allentown, sang a number of real spiritual and inspiring selections at these services.
The Auditorium of the Y. M. C. A. had been rented by the pastor of Allentown for this occasion which afforded splendid accommodation for those in attendance.
The attendance was large all day, many gathering together from the various charges and missions. Throughout these services have proved a real blessing to the work.
WHEREAS, The “Gospel Banner” is printed on nice paper, with a clear type and arranged in very appropriate departments, with the very best of reading matter, and,
WHEREAS, it has been edited and published by the present Publishers at a sacrifice of valuable time and money, therefore
Resolved, That we appreciate the untiring sacrifice of the Publishers to make the “Gospel Banner” one of the best, if not the best church paper extant, and that we pledge our support by prayer and by way of furnishing original articles occasionally and continuing to be prompt in collecting subscriptions and forwarding the same promptly to the Publishers office, and further,
Resolved, That we, as a Conference, have no criticisms to make relative to the manner of Editing and Publishing of the ”Gospel Banner,” but are heartily in accord with what the Editor wrote and published from time to time, considering it all as purely scriptural. Furthermore
Resolved, That we heartily commend the stand taken relative to publishing articles that ventilate beliefs and get honest, people to recognize and gather the truth, which, though crushed to earth, will rise again.
COMMITTEE:
E. N. Cassel,
W. S. Hottel,
W. L. Woodring.
Report of the Committee appointed to formulate Resolutions relative to Father William Gehman.
WHEREAS, Brother William Gehman, known among us as Father Gehman, who is now past 85 years of age, has been present at each Annual Conference held by the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania, having been chairman at 25 Conferences, and,
WHEREAS, He has manifested a deep interest in the work of the Conference which is evident by his presence at the meetings of Conference by his interest shown in the deliberations, even though they are all in the English language, and many of the meetings quite lengthy; by his regular attendance at the services in his home church, irrespective of the conditions of the weather; as well as by his most encouraging sermons preached at Campmeetings and on other occasions and by his faithfulness and loyalty to his pastor, therefore,
Resolved, That we unitedly praise God for having spared him for so many years in such good health, physical and mental vigor, as well as preserving him with a whole-hearted glow and love for the work of the Lord, and further,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate his presence at Conference and hearty co-operation with us in all the deliberations as well as his interest shown throughout in every phase of the work, and further,
Resolved, That we pray God to abundantly bless him physically and spiritually to make him a greater blessing yet for the work in the future and to give him much joy and happiness the remaining days of his sojourn here.
Committee:
J. C. Roth,
W. S. Hottel,
R. L. Woodring.
Report of the Committees on Resolutions:
WHEREAS, The Chairman of our Annual Conference has so ably and efficiently directed its deliberations, making all his decisions with the utmost fairness and impartiality, therefore,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate his executive ability and faithful services as well as his conscientiousness and honesty in all his decisions.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
W. S. Hottel,
R. L. Woodring.
Resolved, That the next Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention be held at Nazareth, Pa., on April 3, 1913.
The Committee on Program was appointed as follows: R. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, P. J. Musselman.
Report of the Board of Examiners was read and adopted. (See Reports).
Resolved, That in case the General Conference changes any part of this Reading Course, the Board of Examiners shall be authorized to arrange the studies and inform the Probationers
of the same.
A liberal offering was now taken up for the labor and expense of the Secretary, amounting to $16.45. (Thanks).
WHEREAS, The amount of $669.75 which was collected and reported last year for Church Building on the Nazareth Charge and by the oversight of the Pastor, which he himself detected, was reported again this year, therefore
Resolved, That we permit the Financial Secretary to change the schedule by subtraction of the above amount.
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 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 the money is received and date and name of party or parties and number of order to whom money is paid.
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.
Resolved, That all expenses in connection with tabernacle outfits and expenses in connection with Camp Meeting Equipage shall be paid out of the Camp Meeting Equipage Fund.
Resolved, That the Secretary ask the Publishers of the ”Gospel Herald” and ” Gospel Banner” to furnish each pastor with a copy of the mailing list of the subscribers on his charge through the Presiding Elders.
Resolved, That we print 600 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.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
WHEREAS, The Secretary of the Y. M. C. A., Mr. Elvedge, has favored us with the use of their spacious Auditorium for our Sunday Services, as well as having large signs painted and placed conspicuously on Hamilton St., announcing the services, therefore,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate the favor conferred by him as well as his interest taken in our work, and further,
Resolved, That a copy of these Resolutions be sent to him by this Conference signed by the Chairman and Secretary.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
W. S. Hottel,
R. L. Woodring,
Resolved, That the Church at Norristown be in charge of the Board of Trustees of Philadelphia and the Church property at Erwinna be in charge of the Board of Trustees of Easton, Pa., and that the Church property at Hereford be under the control of the Board of Trustees of Macungie.
Resolved, That in case a Church will be built during the year, a photograph of the same shall be taken and a cut inserted in the Conference Journal of next year.
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.
Resolved, That money received for “Mizpah Grove” during the year shall be paid to the Executive Board as received, in the usual way.
Resolved, That W. G. Gehman, the Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District, hold all the Home Missionary meetings throughout the Conference, between New Year and the Camp Meetings, and take the subscription with the assistance of the respective pastors.
Resolved, That all the receipts from the sale of Church Property where there is no class, shall be turned over to the Executive Board.
WHEREAS, The Pastor and members of the Allentown class, together with the business people and the many friends of this Class, so royally received the Conference members and so cheerfully provided things for the body in such bountiful measures, and,
WHEREAS, They have so hospitably entertained us during this entire Conference, therefore,
Resolved, That we show our heartfelt appreciation for their kindness manifested by a rising vote of thanks.
Committee on Communications reported as follows: We beg leave to report that we have nothing to report.
Committee:
E. T. Shick,
W. G. Gehman.
Resolved, That we nominate candidates for the election of Delegates to the General Conference.
The following were elected:
C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, W. S. Hottel, Allen M. Gehman and H. H. Bergey.
Alternate Delegates: J. G. Shireman and G. O. Billig.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned by prayer by E. N. Cassel.
NINTH MEETING
MONDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 14, 1912.
This meeting was opened by singing and prayer by W. W. Zimmerman.
The roll was called with all the pastors and delegates present.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions: Appeals to General Conference.
(1). That the General Conference adopt and insert in Section 12 on “The Duties of the Presiding Elders;” at the last Quarterly Conference of the year, the Presiding Elder with the Quarterly Conference shall determine the value of Church properties on the various charges.
(2). That Horsch’s History of Christianity be adopted instead of Fischer’s Church History.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
W. S. Hottel,
R. L. Woodring.
The Committee on Resolutions submitted a report which was amended and adopted as follows:
WHEREAS, The General Conference is to convene in Bethlehem, Pa., on October 23, 1912, and,
WHEREAS, The previous General Conference decided that the fare of one delegate from each of the Nebraska, Pacific and Alberta Conferences be paid by the other four conferences, therefore,
Resolved, That each Pastor collect on his charge on the first Sunday after the Annual Conference, no less than the following apportionments and forward the amount to the Chairman of the Annual Conference no later than October 21, 1912, and further,
Resolved, That after the fares of our delegates and our portion of the fares of the delegates of the other Conferences be paid, the balance shall be paid over to the Pastor of the Bethlehem charge to be applied toward their expenses in entertaining the Conference.
Apportionment of Collections:
Allentown — $31.50
Reading and Athol — 17.50
Philadelphia — 14.00
Zionsville — 10.00
Emaus and Macungie — 9.00
Northampton — 4.75
Gratersford and Harleysville — 5.75
Lehighton and Weissport — 7.00
Easton — 3.50
East Stroudsburg — 3.00
Bethlehem — 10.00
Coopersburg and Springtown — 15.00
Spring City and Royersford — 13.50
South Allentown — 12.25
Quakertown and Hatfield — 6.50
Fleetwood, Blandon and
Terre Hill — 9.00
Mt. Carmel — 4.50
Nazareth and Plainfield — 4.75
Walnutport — 1.50
Total — $ 204.50
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
W. S. Hottel,
R. L. Woodring.
Resolved, That the Board of Publication and Printing shall get new missionary barrels. The Superintendents shall pay for the barrels they get.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of three to examine and audit the annual Conference Records per copy before the General Conference.
The Chairman appointed J. G. Shireman, J. F. Barrall and R. L. Woodring.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of three to compile the Quadrennial Report.
He appointed F. M. Hottel Statistical Secretary, W. S. Hottel and E. N. Cassel.
This report shall be audited by the Committee to examine the Annual Conference Records.
The minutes of this meeting were read and approved.
Adjourned by prayer by the Chairman.
(Signed),
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, Chairman.
W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder.
C. H. Brunner, Secretary and Vice-Presiding Elder.
Allen M. Gehman, Treasurer.
E. N. Cassel, Vice-Presiding Elder.
H. A. Kauffman, Recording Secretary.
F. M. Hottel, Statistical Secretary.
William Schearer, Statistical Secretary.
J. F. Barrall, Financial Secretary.
W. S. Hottel,
J. C. Roth,
R. L. Woodring,
W. J. Fretz,
W. W. Zimmerman,
G. K. Himmelreich,
William Gehman,
H. H. Bergey,
H. G. Brunner,
A. A. Wismer,
O. S. Hillegass,
R. Bergstresser,
Wm. Haag,
J. M. Oplinger,
John G. Weiss,
W. D. Evert,
E. T. Shick,
V. H. Reinhart,
E. E. Kublic,
J. G. Shireman,
P. J. Musselman,
G. O. Billig,
R..C. Bergstresser,
Thomas Fehnel,
S. S. Geil,
S. R. Lichtenthaler,
H. K. Kratz,
M. H. Kline,
H. L. Musselman,
Herbert E. Gehman,
M. W. Ettinger,
A. A. Schaffer,
C. E. Neff.