THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1921
FIRST MEETING
THURSDAY FORENOON, OCTOBER 13, 1921
The Thirty-eighth Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in Bethel M. B. in C. Church, Gordon Street, above Eighth, Allentown, Pa.
The first meeting was opened at 8 a.m., according to announcement, by singing “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” This was followed by a season of prayer, during which the Lord touched our hearts. This was a time of thankfulness and praise to the Lord for His gracious help during the past year and prayer for His guidance during this conference session, and for the blessing of God upon the officers and members of the Conference as well as upon our beloved lay members of the various congregations at home who have stood by the Pastors and the Conference so nobly during the past year.
The Chairman, H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District, read the One Hundred and Thirty-third Psalm, followed by a very needful and helpful message.
The following members were then enrolled:
MINISTERS
Ordained: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, W. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner, W. S. Hottel, E. N. Cassel, F. M. Hottel, T. G. Shireman. B. Bryan Musselman, W. L. Woodring, J. C. Roth, H. K. Kratz, J. F. Barrall, O. S. Hillegass, G. F. Yost, R. Bergstresser, E. E. Kublic. V. H. Reinhart, R.W. Dickert, J. B. Layne, A. G. Woodring, W. F. Heffner, N. H. Wolf, E. T. Shick,
M. P. Zook, C. F. Snyder and H. W. Feldges.
All these were present from the first meeting except W. B. Musselman, W. S. Hottel, M. P. Zook, C. F. Snyder and H. W. Feldges.
DELEGATES
Harold L. Moyer, Bethlehem,
G. O. Billig, Allentown–Bethel,
John T. Kramer, Reading,
H. T. Benner, Philadelphia.
William Haag, Allentown–Salem,
Allen M. Gehman, Emaus, Macungie and Zionsville,
H. L. Shelly, Coopersburg and Spring City,
N. L. Swartz, Easton,
J. H. Bruch, Stroudsburg,
R. R. Fox, Royersford and Spring City,
G. K. Himmelreich, Fleetwood, Blandon and Terre Hill,
H. H. Bergey, Quakertown and Hatfield,
C. D. Bean, Graterford and Harleysville,
James Freeze, Mount Carmel,
H. F. Ebersole, Shamokin,
Charles E. Eroh, Lehighton and Weissport,
Charles F. Lilly, Nazareth and Plainfield,
O. B. Bartholomew, Northampton and Walnutport,
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury,
The Conference members thus number forty-seven.
We are also remembering our Foreign Missionaries who are members of our Conference laboring in the various countries
Chile–M. P. Zook, Mrs. M. P. Zook, H. W. Feldges and Mrs. H. W. Feldges.
China–C. F. Snyder and Mrs. C. F. Snyder.
Also the following, although not members of our Conference, yet are supported by us, namely:
China–Wm. Christie, W. N. Ruhl and Miss Anna Haupberg,
Chile–Miss Anna LeFevre and Mrs. Nettie Meier.
Africa–E. E. Crist, Mrs. E. E. Crist, E. R. Hess and M. E. Barter.
India–S. P. Hamilton, Mrs. S. P. Hamilton, E. R. Carner, Mrs. E. R. Carner, Samuel Kerr, Mrs. Samuel Kerr and Miss Eunice Wells.
Annam–Wm. C. Cadman, Mrs. Wm. C. Cadman, F. L. Dodds and R. M. Jackson.
Palestine–E. O. Jago and Miss Mary A. Butterfield–28 in all.
Also our four native Pastors in Chile: Ignacio Riveros, Dionisio Oyarzun, Manuel Gomez and Innocencio Gomez.
Special thanksgiving has also been offered up in this morning’s devotion for the noble company of believers whom the Lord has given us and special prayers were offered in their behalf.
Resolved, That the seats to the right and to the left of the Chair and the first three pews throughout the Church, and the basement for evening meetings, constitute the Conference Bar.
The Secretary appointed his assistants as follows: Assistant Secretary, B. Bryan Musselman; Recording Secretaries, A. G. Woodring and N. H. Wolf.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Timekeeper and a Reporter.
He appointed H. K. Kratz as Reporter and O. S. Hillegass as Timekeeper.
Resolved, That no member be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission by the Chair, except B. Bryan Musselman and G. O. Billig, the Pastor and Delegate of the Allentown Class.
COMMITTEES
The following committees were then appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Worship: G. O. Billig and B. Bryan Musselman.
Committee on Communication: E. E. Kublic and R. L. Woodring.
Committee on Finance: J. F. Barrall, G. O. Billig and Allen M, Gehman.
Committee on Statistics (of Schedules): E. N. Cassel, H. K. Kratz, J. G. Shireman and R. W. Dickert.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: J. B. Layne and R. Bergstresser.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: J. C. Roth, N. H. Wolf, V. H. Reinhart, Charles E. Eroh, J. B. Layne, C. B. Brosius, N. L. Swartz, James Freeze, E. E. Kublic, John T. Kramer, O. B. Bartholomew and H. F. Ebersole.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: H. H. Bergey, C. D. Bean and G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries: G. F. Yost, R. W. Dickert and O. S. Hillegass.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel and C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel and W. G. Gehman.
Committee on Resolutions: W. G. Gehman, R. L. Woodring and H. K. Kratz.
Committee on Auditing: F. M. Hottel, Harold L. Moyer, H. L. Shelly, G. F. Yost, W. F. Heffner, H. H. Bergey, H. T. Benner, R. R. Fox, Wm. Haag, J. H. Bruch, Charles F. Lilly and R.
Bergstresser.
Committee to Audit Schedules: W. F. Heffner, W. G. Gehman and A. G. Woodring.
Resolved, That the Pastors be limited to ten minutes in submitting their oral reports.
The Pastors now began to submit their oral reports.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 11:25 with prayer by J. H. Bruch, and benediction by the Chairman.
SECOND MEETING
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 13, 1921
The Chair opened the afternoon meeting at 2:40 p.m. with singing, “Jesus, Lover of my Soul” and prayer by G. F. Yost.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the forenoon meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Worship:
The brethren T. D. Gehret, E. H. Musselman and N. M. Cressman shall preach this evening, about twenty minutes each.
Committee:
G. O. Billig,
B. Bryan Musselman.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Records:
We have examined the Annual Conference Records of 1920 and found them correct.
Committee:
J. B. Layne,
R. Bergstresser.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
We beg leave to report that we have examined all the Travelling Elders through the various delegates and found them all devoted to the Lord’s service and everything in an excellent condition.
Committee:
H. H. Bergey,
C. D. Bean,
G. K. Himmelreich.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records:
We beg leave to report that we have examined all the Quarterly Conference Records and, with the exception of a few slight errors which were corrected in the presence Pastors, we found them in an excellent condition.
Committee:
J. C. Roth,
N. H. Wolf,
V. H. Reinhart,
Charles E. Eroh,
J. R. Layne,
C. B. Brosius,
N. L. Swartz,
James Freeze,
E. E. Kublic,
John T. Kramer,
O. B. Bartholomew,
H. F. Ebersole.
The following Annual Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee to Apportion the Expenses of the Delegates to the General Conference: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing: (See Reports.)
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Reports.)
Report of the Hymnbook Committee: (See Reports.)
Report of the Executive Board: (See Reports. )
Report of’ the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home: (See Reports.)
Report of the Mt. Carmel District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Annual Ministerial Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Examiners on the Reading Course: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: (See Reports.)
Report of the Beneficiary Society: (See Reports.)
Report of the Annual Conference Treasurer: (See Reports.)
The oral reports of the Pastors were concluded.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Lord has so blessedly spared all the Pastors of our Annual Conference, who at this time gave to the Conference their ever increasingly interesting oral reports of the past year’s work on the different Charges, concerning the many victories won, of the many having been saved, healed, baptized and added to the Church; also of the progress made among the pilgrims, of various their sacrifices, and faithfulness in these days of apostasy, therefore,
Resolved, That we unitedly praise God for His leadings during the past, and further
Resolved, That we pray the God of all grace to keep the Ministry united and Spirit-filled for their increasing duties as true pastors over God’s flock, that they may be preserved in Him for spiritual progress and His kingdom upon earth.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
H. K. Kratz.
Report of H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District: (See Reports.)
Report W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mount Carmel District: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee of the Gospel Herald Society: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, the Lord has again through His infinite love spared for the Conference both of our Presiding Elders, who at this time gave their reports, also the report of the President of the Gospel Herald Society, and
Whereas, Both reports were fraught with many touching remarks such as a devoted, loyal, self-sacrificing laity, with a united ministry, the warm reception into their many homes, their whole-hearted support and prayers, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our highest appreciation for their tender affections, labor of love, also for their frankness and heart to heart talks, their reliable leadership in these days of declension and compromise, and further
Resolved, That we as a Ministry unitedly pledge our prayers for God’s highest blessing upon them so that they may be spared to still further God’s cause upon earth in the completing of the Body of Christ for His Coming.
Committee:
R. L. Woodring,
H. K. Kratz.
The President of the Gospel Herald Society recommended to this body, T. D. Gehret, E. H. Musselman and N. M. Cressman of the Gospel Herald Society as Applicants for Annual Conference License.
These brethren now gave their experience and the nature of their call before the Conference, after which it was
Resolved, That these three brethren be referred to the Committee on the Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License.
Adjourned at 5:45 o’clock with prayer by H. F. Ebersole and benediction by C. H. Brunner.
THIRD MEETING
FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 14, 1921
The Chairman opened the morning meeting with singing “Precious Name,” after which he read the Third Chapter of Paul’s First Letter to Timothy, verses one to twelve, followed with prayer by E. N. Cassel.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Reports of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we suspend business to meet at 9:30 a.m.
Business was resumed at 9:30 a.m.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Worship:
G. F. Yost, R. W. Dickert and R. Bergstresser shall preach tonight for about twenty minutes each.
Committee:
G. O. Billig,
B. Bryan Musselman.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined the applicants, E. H. Musselman, T. D Gehret and N. M. Cressman, and recommend that they be received on three years’ probation.
Respectfully submitted,
Committee:
B. Bryan Musselman,
F. M. Hottel,
C. H. Brunner.
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We have received a communication from W. S. Hottel, Chicago, Illinois, which we recommend to be read to this Conference, and also the Presiding Elder’s reply to the same.
Committee:
R. L. Woodring,
E. E. Kublic.
Whereas, W. S. Hottel has asked to have his name dropped from our Church enrollment as a Minister expressing a desire to join with another people, thereby enabling him to labor to a still better advantage in his presently engaged work, therefore it was
Resolved, That his request be complied with, and his name dropped from the enrollment of the Church. It was further
Resolved, That we shall continue to pray for the brother that his sphere of usefulness in what he believes to be for his best advantage, be blessed of God both with pen and word.
We shall also continue to cherish the Lord’s will in this matter, and trust that our interests may be more and more mutual for God’s highest honor and glory in whatever way He my direct.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Adjourned at 11:35 with prayer by R. Bergstresser and benediction by B. Bryan Musselman.
FOURTH MEETING
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 14, 1921
The meeting was opened by singing ”Blessed Assurance,” and prayer by John T. Kramer.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries:
We beg leave to report that we have examined the Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries, and found them all satisfactory and devoted to the Lord and His work.
Committee:
G. F. Yost,
R. W. Dickert,
O. S. Hillegass.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination:
The probationers W. R. Stengele and P. T. Stengele have passed the Reading Course with credit. There appears to be nothing against their character nor as to their ability as workers in the Gospel Herald Society: but in so far as they have not had the privilege to labor in the Annual Conference as Pastors in order to prove their ability to the Annual Conference, we therefore recommend that the consideration of their ordination be deferred until they shall have had opportunity to approve themselves.
Committee:
C.H. Brunner,
E. N. Cassel,
W. G. Gehman,
Resolved, That we proceed to the election of Presiding Elders.
Resolved, That the Secretary call the roll for conditional and unconditional Ministers. The following was the result:
Unconditional: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, C. E. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, F. M. Hottel, J. G. Shireman, R. L. Woodring, B. Bryan Musselman, H. K. Kratz, J. F. Barrall, J. C. Roth, O. S. Hillegass, G. F. Yost, R. Bergstresser, E. E. Kublic, V. H Reinhart, R. W. Dickert, A. G. Woodring, J. B. Layne. W. F. Heffner, N. H. Wolf, and E. T. Shick.
Absent: W.B. Musselman, C. F. Snyder, H. W. Feldges, and M. P. Zook.
Conditional: None.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed tellers as follows: W. F. Heffner, J. B. Layne and G. F. Yost.
The following were elected Presiding Elders for the ensuing year: H. B. Musselman and W. G. Gehman.
Resolved, That H. B. Musselman shall be Presiding Elder over the District comprising the greater 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 the two Presiding Elders and a delegate from each station and circuit constitute the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend business to meet at the call of the Chair, no later than 4:30 p.m., and that the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee sit at this time
Business was resumed at 4:30 p.m.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Worship:
N. H. Wolf and W. F. Heffner shall preach on Saturday evening for about thirty minutes each. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SUNDAY
Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman shall preach the Conference Sermon on Sunday morning at 9:30 o`clock.
Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman shall preach at 2:00 o’clock.
At 7:00 in the evening C. H. Brunner shall preach.
All the services shall be held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall and shall be in the charge of Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman, Chairman of the Conference.
Committee:
G. O. Billig,
B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of officers, Boards and Committees. The following were elected:
Vice-Presiding Elders: C. H. Brunner and B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That C. H. Brunner shall be First Vice-Presiding Elders and B. Bryan Musselman shall be Second Vice-Presiding Elder.
Resolved, That the other officers be nominated and elected by ballot:
Missionary Presiding Elder: W. B. Musselman.
Chairman of the Next Annual Conference: H. B. Musselman.
Secretary of the Next Annual Conference: C. H. Brunner.
Treasurer of the Annual Conference: Allen M. Gehman.
Committee Over the Presiding Elder: E. N. Cassel, F. M. Hottel and J. G. Shireman.
Executive Board: H. B. Musselman: W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel and B. Bryan Musselman.
Board of Examiners: E. N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman and H. K. Kratz.
Board of Foreign Missions: H. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner, W. G. Gehman, B. Bryan Musselman and F. M. Hottel.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home (For Two Years): H. B. Musselman, W. T. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, E. N Cassel, Allen M. Gehman and H. M. Hottel.
Editorial Staff on the “Eastern Gospel Banner”:
Editor: C. E. Brunner.
Associate Editors: E. N. Cassel. E. E. Kublic, H. K. Kratz, B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel, J. C. Roth and R. L. Woodring.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, Allen M. Gehman; Secretary, G. O. Billig , Treasurer, H. G. Brunner.
The Chair now appointed the following Standing Committees:
Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage: F. M. Hottel, J. C. Roth, B. Bryan Musselman and G. F. Yost.
Board of Publication and Printing: C. H. Brunner, A. G. Woodring and R. W. Dickert.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of five, including himself, as a Reference Committee Relative to Compulsory Military Training. The Chair appointed the following: W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, J. C. Roth and H. B. Musselman.
Resolved, That we eliminate the Hymn Book Committee.
Resolved, That the Executive Board have charge of the Rose of Sharon Hymn Book.
Adjourned with prayer by R. L. Woodring and benediction by F. M. Hottel.
FIFTH MEETING
SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 15, 1921
This meeting was opened by singing “Nearer, My God, to Thee” and prayer by O. S. Hillegass, after which the Chairman read the Fifteenth Chapter of Exodus.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we hold a Sunday School Convention in each Presiding Elder’s District.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elders, Pastors and Delegates of each District constitute a Committee to organize for the Sunday School Conventions.
The Chair appointed the following Chairmen to organize for the Sunday School Conventions:
Bethlehem District: C. H. Brunner.
Mt. Carmel District: J. F. Barrall.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 9:30 o’clock.
Rev. B. E. Boner, of the Evangelical Association, was introduced to the Conference.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Communication:
We have received a communication from W. B. Musselman, of Cleveland, Ohio, which we recommend to be read to this Conference.
Committee
R. L. Woodring,
E. E. Kublic.
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Mt. Carmel District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
MINISTERIAL CONVENTIONS
Resolved, That we hold a Ministerial Convention sometime in the middle of the year for one day.
Resolved, That the next Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention convene in the M. B. in C. Church, Royersford, Pa.
The Presiding Elders, and one whom they shall appoint shall constitute a Committee to arrange a program and set the date.
The Presiding Elders appointed H. K. Kratz as the third man on this Committee, and set the date April 13, 1922.
All ordained ministers or probationers having charge of a work shall be present. A hearty invitation shall he extended to the Ministers’ wives and families.
Resolved, That we have another Ministerial Convention on the day prior to the next Annual Conference, and at the same place.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in the M. B. in C Church, Eleventh and Ontario Streets, Philadelphia, Pa., at 8 a.m. October 12, 1922.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on the Statistics of the Schedules: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Auditing:
We, the undersigned auditors, beg leave to report that we have examined the following financial accounts:
Quarterly Conference Records, Orphanage and Home, Camp Meeting Equipage Committee, Executive Board, Camp Meetings, Sunday School Conventions, Annual Conference Fund, Benevolent Society, Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Hymn Book Committee, Presiding Elders, Gospel Herald Society, Board of Publication and Printing and the report of the Committee on Finance.
We have found the books and accounts in a very good condition, with the exception of several slight errors which were corrected in the presence of the Pastors.
We therefore certify that the foregoing reflect a true statement of the affairs of the Conference to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Committee:
F. M. Hottel,
Harold L. Moyer,
Wm. Haag,
W. F. Heffner,
Charles F. Lilly,
H. T. Benner,
.J. H. Bruch,
R. R. Fox,.
H. L. Shelly,
R. Bergstresser,
H. H. Bergey,
G. F. Yost.
The various Boards and Committees reported the election of the following officers:
Executive Board: President, H. B. Musselman: Secretary; Secretary C. H. Brunner.
Board of Foreign Missions: President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner.
Committee over the Presiding Elders: Chairman, E. N. Cassel; Secretary, F. M. Hottel.
Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, J. C. Roth.
Board of Publication and Printing: President, C. H Brunner; Secretary, A. G. Woodring.
Board of Trustees of the Orphanage and Home: President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, R. L. Woodring; Assistant Secretary, J. G. Shireman.
Board of Examiners: President, E. N. Cassel; Secretary, B. Bryan Musselman.
Reference Committee Relative to Compulsory Military Training: Chairman, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner
The following officers were elected:
Annual Ministerial Convention: Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary A. G. Woodring.
Committee on Program: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and F. M. Hottel.
Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention: Chairman, E. N. Cassel; Secretary N. H. Wolf.
Committee on Program appointed previously: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and H. K. Kratz.
CAMP MEETINGS
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings on the Bethlehem District and one on the Mt. Carmel District.
Resolved, That the Divisions of the Districts remain the same as last year.
Resolved, That the two Camp Meetings of the Bethlehem District be held in Mizpah Grove, the Bethlehem Division from July 1 to 9, and the Allentown Division from August 19 to 27. The Camp Meeting of the Mt. Carmel District shall be held in Edgewood Grove, Shamokin, PA., from July 22 to 30.
The Divisions shall comprise the congregations as follows:
Bethlehem Division: Bethlehem, Reading, Fleetwood, Blandon, Terre Hill, Royersford, Spring City, Quakertown, Nazareth, Walnutport and Northampton.
Allentown Division: Allentown (Bethel), Allentown (Salem), Philadelphia, Emaus, Macungie, Zionsville, Coopersburg, Graterford and Harleysville.
Mt. Carmel District: Shamokin, Mt. Carmel, Sunbury, Lehighton, Easton and Stroudsburg.
After a short recess the Camp Meeting Divisions report the election of their officers as follows:
Bethlehem Division: Chairman, C. H. Brunner; Secretary, A. G. Woodring; Treasurer, H. K. Kratz.
Allentown Division: Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, F. M. Hottel; Treasurer, E. N. Cassel.
Mt. Carmel Division: Chairman, J. F. Barrall; Secretary, J. B. Layne; Treasurer, N. H. Wolf.
A few of the brethren, upon request, were excused from attendance at the Monday morning meeting.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 1:30 o’clock.
Adjourned at 12:10 p.m. with prayer by J. C. Shireman and benediction by C. H. Brunner.
SIXTH MEETING
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 15, 1921
The meeting was opened at 1:30 by singing. “Hallelujah, This is My Song,” and prayer by William Haag.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following Committee reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee to Audit Schedules:
We have audited the different Pastors’ Schedules and the Summary Schedules and hereby certify them to declare the true statement of the affairs of the Conference to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Committee:
W. F. Heffner.
W. G. Gehman.
A. G. Woodring.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
(a) Whereas, C. H. Brunner, Secretary of the Foreign Missionary Board, who is in constant touch through correspondence with our Foreign Missionaries on the various Mission fields, has reported how the Lord has most signally blessed the labors of our devoted Missionaries in the spreading of the Gospel and winning many souls unto the Lord and
Whereas, The Lord spared the lives of all of our Missionaries, preserving their health and strength, therefore,
Resolved, That we unitedly praise God for His leadings in the past, and pray God to continue to bless our Missionaries spiritually and physically for future usefulness.
(b) Whereas, C. H. Brunner, the Editor of our Annual Year Book and Secretary of the Annual Conference, has a vast amount of labor in securing facts of value and interest and arranging matter for the press devoting much of his valuable time throughout the entire year, therefore,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate his untiring labors in the discharge of his manifold duties and further,
Resolved, That we donate him $35.00 out of the Annual Conference Fund as a slight token of appreciation of his services thus rendered.
(c) Whereas, C. H. Brunner, Editor of the “Eastern Gospel Banner,” has so efficiently edited this church paper during the last year, cheerfully devoting his time and talent, making this paper one of` the cleanest on spiritual, doctrinal and dispensational lines of all church papers, therefore,
Resolved, That we pray God’s choicest blessings upon him, that he may be specially preserved in God, enabling him to continue his service in this sphere.
(d) Whereas, W. B. Musselman, Missionary Presiding Elder and President of the Gospel Worker Society, in his telegram and letter to this Conference expressed himself as being still in the
service of the Lord, and still unconditionally the Lord’s and our servant in his sphere of labor, publishing the “Eastern Gospel Banner” and these other publications of interest to our Conference, though the trials and tests are not a few, through which the Lord has led, therefore,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate his spirit of humility, sacrifice and devotion, and further,
Resolved, That we pray the God of all grace to preserve his life, health and usefulness unto the Coming of the Lord.
(e) Whereas, The Union Gospel Printing Co., of Cleveland, Ohio, has published the “Eastern Gospel Banner” for a number of years for the benefit of the Pennsylvania Conference, and
Whereas, They are publishing also the Christian Life Series of Sunday School Literature which has won its way into many Sunday Schools in practically every State of the Union and into sections of Canada and Foreign Countries, and
Whereas, They spare no sacrifice of time, energy and money to make them the nicest mechanically and the best practically, spiritually, doctrinally and dispensationally of any Sunday School Literature we know of, and
Whereas, Our Sunday Schools are using these Quarterlies and papers to much profit and interest, and
Whereas, There never before existed a closer relationship between our Conference and the Union Gospel Printing Company and the Gospel Worker Society than now, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our heartfelt thanks to God for His leadings on this line, praying God to preserve this Society in health, strength and the joy of the Lord, and that our fellowship in the Word and work of the Lord may still increase, and further,
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to stand by them in prayer and offerings and that we as Pastors pray and labor to the end that some of our young people may be found worthy of the Lord to enter this sphere of work in the Lord’s vineyard.
(f) Whereas, The Pastor, B. Bryan Musselman, and the members of the Allentown Congregation have so abundantly provided for the entertainment of the Annual Conference members and friends of the work, all the meals being served in the basement of the church and the hall, therefore,
Resolved, That we recognize their devotedness to the Lord, His Servants and His work and therefore further,
Resolved, That we tender them a rising vote of thanks and unitedly pray God’s highest blessing upon them.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
H. K. Kratz.
Resolved, That W. G. Gehman, the Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District, hold all the Home Missionary meeting throughout the Conference, between New Year and the Camp Meetings, and take the subscriptions with the assistance of the respective Pastors.
Resolved, That W. G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society, shall have charge of the general sale of the ”Rose of Sharon” Hymnal.
Whereas, We realize the value and importance of spreading good, wholesome, sound literature in these last days when false doctrines are being widely circulated through the pulpit, stage and printed page, and thereby the untaught in the truth are being ensnared by error and Satan’s deceptive seductions, therefore,
Resolved, That we urge all our Pastors to spread as much Gospel literature as possible and thereby help spread the truth, and further,
Resolved, That whenever Pastors sell literature for which they receive the retail price, the same shall be reported on the schedule accordingly. When they sell through their members on their charge, allowing them a certain commission, the Pastors shall report only the net proceeds, and further,
Resolved, That whatever literature is sold, the amount of the price of which has already entered into the accounts. such as the ”Christian Life Missionary,” etc., the same shall not be reported by the Pastor on the Schedule, and further,
Resolved, That we recommend that no Pastor shall make it a practice to do any wholesale literature business by employing agents.
Resolved, That we lift no offering for the Secretary of the respective Sunday School Conventions, and Annual and Semi-Annual Ministerial Conventions, but give him a donation of two dollars on each occasion, out of the treasury of the Sunday School Convention and out of the collections for expenses for the Ministerial Conventions respectively. This shall be made a standing rule. The Chairman of these respective Conventions shall see that the above is duly paid.
Resolved, That the Church property at Hereford be in charge of the Board of Trustees of Macungie, Pa., and that the Church property at Plainfield, Pa., be under the control of the Board of Trustees of Nazareth, Pa.
Resolved, That all contributions received by the Laymen’s Benevolent Society shall be paid by checks or money-order, made payable to H. G. Brunner, Treasurer, Zionsville, Pa., and forwarded to the Secretary, G. O. Billig, 941 Liberty Street, Allentown, Pa.
Resolved, That we recommend each Pastor to furnish his respective Presiding Elder with a complete list of subscribers to the “Eastern Gospel Banner,” “Gospel Herald,” and “’Christian Life Missionary,” on his charge as soon after the Annual Conference as convenient and no later than December 1, 1921.
Resolved, That the price of the Annual Year Book be fifty cents and in case of a deficit this shall be provided for out of the Conference Fund.
Resolved, That we print 925 copies of our Year Book for 1921.
Resolved, That we ask the Board of Foreign Missions to print 1500 copies of’ the Annua1 Report of the Board of Foreign Missions.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by Chair to compile a report of the Conference and the Sunday Services for the “Eastern Gospel Banner.”
The Chair appointed the following Committee: E. N. Cassel, R. L. Woodring and J. B. Layne.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and the Editor of the “Eastern Gospel Banner” act as they deem advisable in matter of the “Eastern Gospel Banner.”
Rev. G. W. Hangen, Pastor of Seibert United Evangelical Church, of the city, was introduced to the Conference.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 8 o’clock, Monday morning.
Adjourned with prayer by Rev. G. W. Hangen and the benediction by C. H. Brunner.
SEVENTH MEETING.
MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 17, 1921
The meeting was opened by singing “Blessed Assurance” and prayer by W. F. Heffner, after which the Chairman read the Fifth Chapter of First Peter.
The roll was called and the Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee to Compile a Report of the Conference and Sunday Service for the ”Eastern Gospel Banner.” (See Reports.)
The Board of Examiners announced the division of studies for 1922: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The I. O. O. F. have so kindly granted us the use of their commodious hall for the Sunday Services, and the basement where the meals were furnished, and the use of cooking utensils and dishes, which made it very convenient for the Pastor of the Allentown Congregation and his members to entertain our large attendance on Sunday, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our heartfelt appreciation for their kindness thus shown us and also particularly the courtesy of their Janitor, Mr. George Balliet, and further,
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be conveyed to the management by Pastor B. Bryan Musselman, properly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Annual Conference.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
H. K. Kratz.
The minutes were read and approved.
Adjourned by singing “Bleat Be the Tie That Binds,” and prayer and benediction by the Chairman.
Signed.
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, Chairman.
W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder.
C. H. Brunner, Secretary, First Vice Presiding Elder.
B. Bryan Musselman, Assistant Secretary, Second Vice Presiding Elder.
A. G. Woodring, Recording Secretary,
N. H. Wolf, Recording Secretary,
Allen M. Gehman, Treasurer,
E. N. Cassel,
F. M. Hottel,
J. C. Roth,
R. W. Dickert,
H. K. Kratz,
R. L. Woodring,
J. F. Barrall,
J. G. Shireman,
G. F. Yost,
E. E. Kublic,
J. B. Layne,
W. F. Heffner,
V. H. Reinhart,
R. Bergstresser,
O. S. Hillegass,
E. T. Schick,
Harold L. Moyer,
G. O. Billig,
C. D. Bean,
H. T. Benner,
John T. Kramer,
R. R. Fox,
H. L. Shelly,
H. F. Ebersole.
Charles F. Lilly,
G. K. Himmelreich,
J. H. Bruch,
N. L. Swartz,
O. B. Bartholomew,
Charles E. Eroh,
H. H. Bergey,
C. B. Brosius,
James Freeze,
William Haag.