FORTIETH ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Annual Conference Proceedings
1923
FIRST MEETING.
THURSDAY FORENOON, OCTOBER 11, 1923.
The Fortieth annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in Ebenezer M.B. in C. Church, Main and Durham Streets, Bethlehem, Pa.
The first meeting was opened at 8 a.m., according to announcement, by singing “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine.”
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 this conference year,
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.
After singing “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” the Chairman, H.B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District, read a number of passages of Scripture, followed by a very needful and helpful message.
The names of the Presiding Elders, Pastors and Delegates of both Districts were then enrolled as follows:
MINISTERS.
Ordained – H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman, C.H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, E.N. Cassel, F.M. Hottel, J.G. Shireman, R.L. Woodring, J.C. Roth, H.K. Kratz, 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 and N.H. Wolf.
Probationers – F.B. Hertzog and P.T. Stengele.
DELEGATES.
H.L. Moyer, Bethlehem.
G.O. Billig, Allentown – Bethel.
John T. Kramer, Reading.
W.D. Evert, Philadelphia.
G. Louis Baumgartner, Allentown – Salem.
Allen M. Gehman, Emaus, Macungie and Zionsville.
H.L. Shelly, Coopersburg and Springtown.
H.V. Smith, Easton.
J.H. Bruch, Stroudsburg.
E.R. Hartman, Royersford and Spring City.
G.K. Himmelreich, Fleetwood, Blandon and Terre Hill.
H.H. Bergey, Quakertown and Hatfield.
C.D. Bean, Graterford and Harleysville.
D.S. Schoffstall, Mount Carmel.
Russel Fleisher, Shamokin.
Charles E. Eroh, Lehighton and Weissport.
Charles F. Lilly, Nazareth.
O.B. Bartholomew, Northampton and Walnutport.
C.B. Brosius, Sunbury.
Charles A. Wilcox, Scranton.
The Conference members thus number forty-two.
We are also remembering W.B. Musselman, of Cleveland, Ohio; E.T. Shick, of Allentown, Pa.; J.F. Barrall, of Shamokin, Pa; M.P. Zook and Mrs. M.P. Zook, of Chile; C.F. Snyder and Mrs. C.F. Snyder, of China; and H.W. Feldges and Mrs. H.W. Feldges, of Ecuador, who are engaged in Home and Foreign Missionary work along various lines.
Also the following, although not members of our Conference, yet are supported by us, namely:
Western China – Wm. Christie, W. N. Ruhl and Miss Anna Haupberg.
Central China – B.H. Alexander, M.E. Ekval and D.P. Olson.
Chile – Miss Anna LeFevre and Mrs. Nettle Meier.
Africa – E. Crist, Mrs. E.E. Crist, E.R. Hess, M.E. Barter, W.P. Darling and H.L. Pierson.
India – S.P. Hamilton, Mrs. S.P. Hamilton, E.R. Garner, Mrs. E.R. Garner, Samuel Kerr, Mrs. Samuel Kerr, C.A. Gustafson and Miss Eunice Wells.
Annam – Wm. C. Cadman, Mrs. Wm. C. Cadman, R.M. Jackson and H.A. Jackson.
Palestine – E.O. Jago and Miss Mary A. Butterfield – 34 in all.
Also our three native Pastors in Chile: Dionisio Oyarzun, Manuel Gomez and Innocenio 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 first four pews in the center and left hand sections of 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 Reporter and a Timekeeper.
He appointed H.K. Kratz as Reporter and O.S. Hillegass Timekeeper.
Resolved, That no member be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission by the Chair, except C.H. Brunner and H.L. Moyer, the Pastor and Delegate of the Bethlehem Congregation.
COMMITTEES.
The following committees were then appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Worship: C.H. Brunner and H.L. Moyer.
Committee on Communications: R.L. Woodring and J.C. Roth.
Committee on Finance: F.M. Hottel, H.L. Moyer, G.O. Billig and Ellen M. Gehman.
Committee on Statistics (of Schedules) : E.N. Cassel, J.G. Shireman, H.K. Kratz and W.F. Heffner.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: J.C. Roth, E.E. Kublic, V.H. Reinhart, Charles E. Eroh, J.B. Layne, C.B. Brosius, H.V. Smith, D.S. Schoffstall, Charles F. Lilly, P.T. Stengele, O.B. Bartholomew, Charles A. Wilcox, Russel Fleisher, R. Bergstresser and F. B. Hertzog.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
R.W. Dickert and P.T. Stengele.
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:
W.F. Heffner, E.E. Kublic and O. S. Hillegass.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: E.N. Cassel, C.H. Brunner and B. Bryan Musselman.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: B. Bryan Musselman, F.M. Hottel and C.H. Brunner.
Committee on Resolutions: W.G. Gehman, R.L. Woodring and J.B. Layne.
Committee on Auditing: G.F. Yost, H.L. Shelly, H.L. Moyer, R.W. Dickert, H.H. Bergey, W.D. Evert, E.R. Hartman, C. Louis Baumgartner, J.H. Bruch, John T. Kramer and G.O. Billig.
Committee to Audit Schedules: W.G. Gehman and F.B. Hertzog.
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 not later than 3 o’clock.
Adjourned with prayer and benediction by the Chairman.
SECOND MEETING.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 11, 1923.
The Chair opened the afternoon meeting at 3 p.m. with singing, “Nearer My God to Thee,” and prayer by R.W. Dickert.
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 Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries:
We have examined the Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelist and Missionaries and found them all in a satisfactory condition.
W.F. Heffner,
E.E. Kublic,
O.S. Hillegass,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Communication:
We have received a communication from J.F. Barrall, of Shamokin, Pa., which we recommend to be read to this Conference.
R.L. Woodring,
J.C. Roth,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
We beg leave to report that we have examined all the Traveling Elders through the various delegates and found them all satisfactory, being actively engaged in their duties and very
much devoted to the Lord’s service.
H.H. Bergey,
C.D. Bean,
G.K. Himmelreich,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Worship:
T.D. Gehret shall speak this evening, followed by N.H. Cressman.
C.H. Brunner,
H.L. Moyer,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records:
We beg leave to report that we have examined all the Quarterly Conference Records. We found them in good condition, only a few slight errors which were corrected in the presence of the Pastors.
J.C. Roth,
J.B. Layne,
E.E. Kublic,
V.H. Reinhart,
F.B. Hertzog,
H.V. Smith,
Charles F. Lilly,
D.S. Schoffstall,
P.T. Stengele,
C.B. Brosius,
Russel Fleisher,
Charles E. Eroh,
Charles A. Wilcox,
R. Bergstresser,
O.B. Bartholomew,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We have examined the Annual Conference Records of 1922 and have found them all correct with the exception of a few slight errors which where corrected in the presence of the Secretary.
R.W. Dickert,
P.T. Stengele,
Committee.
The oral reports of the Pastors were concluded.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and extend the time indefinitely.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Lord, during this Conference year has spared all the Pastors of both Districts, all reporting to this Conference with much pleasure of the past year’s work on their different charges, stating that many were saved, healed, baptized and received into church fellowship, and that much progress was made among the Lord’s people, a number of them reporting large attendance in open-air meeting work, and also of tabernacle meetings held, that our people are loyal and sacrificing, and that the victories were many, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for His leadings of the past, and further,
Resolved, That we unceasingly pray the Lord to keep the Ministry Spirit-filled and united in these days of the falling away, also that they may be kept in Christ for much usefulness in the Lord’s Cause and progress even unto the coming of the Lord.
W.G. Gehman,
R.L. Woodring,
J.B. Layne,
Committee.
Report of H.B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District. (See Reports.)
Report of W.G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mount Carmel District. (See Reports.)
Report of W.G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Lord through His great love has again spared both of our Presiding Elders for our Conference, who reported the work in the Conference progressing along spiritual and financial lines, also the report of the President of the Gospel Herald Society, and,
Whereas, The reports contained the words of highest praise for a devoted laity, the cooperation of the Pastors, the continued whole-hearted support of Home and Foreign Mission work and intercessions of God’s people, therefore,
Resolved, That we show our appreciation by pledging our united prayers for them in their sacrifices, love and wise and safe counsels as leaders of our Conference in these days of com-
promise, and further,
Resolved, That we as a Ministry praise God for being privileged to stand by as one man in upholding such noble men while the Bride is being chosen for His glorious reign on earth.
R.L. Woodring,
J.B. Layne,
Committee.
Resolved, That we adjourn to meet this evening from 7:30 to 9:30 o’clock.
Adjourned at 5:30 with prayer by Charles E. Eroh and the benediction by J.B. Layne.
THIRD MEETING.
THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER. 11, 1923.
The meeting was opened with prayer by J. C. Roth.
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 Executive Board. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage. (See Reports.)
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing. (See Reports.)
Report of the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Mount Carmel District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of The Home. (See Reports.)
Report of the Annual Conference Treasurer. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Foreign ?? Missions. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Examiners on the Reading Course. (See Reports.)
Report of the Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports.)
Report of Beneficiary Society. (See Reports.)
Upon the statement of Presiding Elder W.G. Gehman, Pastor P.T. Stengele, having labored satisfactorily during the past year in Scranton, Pa., on the Mt. Carmel District, was
recommended to the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination.
The communication of J.F. Barrall was read and the matter was referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, J.F. Barrall, of Shamokin, Pa., sent a letter to this Conference, stating that he could not see his way clear to be present, yet expressing a love for the Lord’s work, therefore,
Resolved, That we accept his excuse and pray that the Lord may lead in his life to His own glory.
W.G. Gehman,
R.L. Woodring,
J.B. Layne,
Committee.
Adjourned at 10:30 o’clock with prayer by R. Bergstresser.
FOURTH MEETING.
FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 12, 1923.
The meeting was opened with singing “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine,” and prayer by Charles A. Wilcox.
The Chair read the Tenth Chapter of Second Corinthians with a few appropriate remarks.
The roll was called, all being present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Finance. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
There being no applicants for Annual Conference License we have nothing further to report.
E.N. Cassel,
C.H. Brunner,
B. Bryan Musselman,
Committee.
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.H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, F.M. Hottel, E.N. Cassel, J.C. Roth, G.F. Yost, R.W. Dickert, R.L. Woodring, H.K. Kratz, A.G. Woodring, N.H. Wolf, W.F. Heffner, E.E. Kublic, J.B. Layne, V.H. Reinhart, R. Bergstresser, P.T. Stengele, F.B.
Hertzog and O.S. Hillegass.
Conditional – None.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed tellers as follows: G.F. Yost, R.L. Woodring and J. B. Layne.
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.
The following Report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Worship:
N.H. Wolf shall preach this evening, followed by W.F. Heffner.
C.H. Brunner,
H.L. Moyer,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 9:10 a.m., with prayer by C.H. Brunner.
FIFTH MEETING.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 12, 1923.
The meeting was opened with singing “Down at the Cross Where My Saviour Died,” and prayer by Russel Fleisher.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Candidates for Ordination:
We have examined P.T. Stengele and believe that he has proved himself satisfactory to the Conference. We therefore recommend him to be ordained at this annual Conference.
B. Bryan Musselman,
F.M. Hottel,
C.H. Brunner,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend business until 3 o’clock.
Business was resumed at 3 o’clock.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee. (See Reports.)
Report of the Semi-annual Ministerial Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Annual Ministerial Convention. (See Reports.)
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 Elder and B. Bryan Musselman shall be Second Vice-Presiding Elder.
Resolved, That W.B. Musselman be recognized as Missionary Presiding Elder Ex-Officio.
Resolved, That the other officers be nominated and elected by ballot:
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 Elders: F.M. Hottel, G.F. Yost and H.K. Kratz.
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.
Board of Trustees of The Home (For two years): H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman, C.H. Brunner, E.N. Cassel, Allen M. Gehman and F.M. Hottel.
Editorial Staff on the “Eastern Gospel Banner”:
Editor – W.G. Gehman.
Associate Editors – C.H. Brunner, E.N. Cassel, E.E. Kublic, H.K. Kratz, B. Bryan Musselman, 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, G.F. Yost, R.W. Dickert and W.F. Heffner.
Board of Publication and Printing: C.H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman and A.G. Woodring.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a committee of five to devise a new method of keeping a Class Record as well as receipts for church pledges.
The Chair appointed: E.N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman, W.G. Gehman, J.C. Roth and C.H. Brunner.
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 these Sunday School Conventions.
The Chair appointed the following Chairmen to organize for these Sunday School Conventions:
Bethlehem District – B. Bryan Musselman.
Mt. Carmel District – J.G. Shireman.
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings on the Bethlehem District and one on the Mt. Carmel District.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Worship:
G.F. Yost shall preach on Saturday evening, followed by A.G. Woodring.
SUNDAY SERVICES.
The morning service shall open at 9:30 o’clock.
Presiding Elder H.B. Musselman, Chairman of the Annual Conference, shall preach the Conference Sermon at 9:45 o’clock.
W.G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mt. Carmel District, shall Preach the Ordination Sermon at 2 p.m.
The evening service shall open at 7 o’clock. F.M. Hottel shall preach, followed by B. Bryan Musselman.
All the services on Sunday shall be in charge of the Chairman of the Annual Conference.
C.H. Brunner,
H.L. Moyer,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
Resolved, That the Camp Meeting Divisions of the Districts remain the same as last year.
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, Stroudsburg and Scranton.
Resolved, That the two Camp Meetings of the Bethlehem District be held in Mizpah Grove, the Bethlehem Division from June 28 to July 6, and the Allentown Division from August 16-24. The Camp Meeting of the Mt. Carmel District shall be held in Edgewood Grove, Shamokin, Pa., from July 19-27.
The Camp Meeting Divisions reported the election of their officers as follows:
Bethlehem Division – Chairman, F.M. Hottel; Secretary, A.G. Woodring; Treasurer, J.C. Roth.
Allentown Division – Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, C.H. Brunner; Treasurer, E.N. Cassel.
Mount Carmel Division – Chairman, J.G. Shireman; Secretary, J.B. Layne; Treasurer, R.W. Dickert.
The following reports were read and adopted:
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.)
Adjourned at 5:20 with prayer by J.H. Bruch and benediction by R.W. Dickert.
SIXTH MEETING.
SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 13, 1923.
This meeting was opened with singing ”I Am On the Way,” and prayer by R.W. Dickert, 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 on Statistics (of Schedules). (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
The various Board and Committees reported the election of the following officers:
Executive Board: President, H.B. Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner.
Board of Foreign Missions: President, H.B. Musselman; Secretary, C.H. Brunner.
Committee over the Presiding Elders: Chairman, F.M. Hottel; Secretary, G.F. Yost.
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 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.
Beneficiary Society: President, W.G. Gehman; Secretary, F.M. Hottel; Treasurer, B. Bryan Musselman.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee to Audit Schedules:
We have examined the different Pastors’ Schedules and the Summary Schedules and declare them to be correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.
W.G. Gehman,
F.B. Hertzog,
Committee.
Report of the Committee to devise methods of keeping Class Records and Subscription Cards:
We recommend that the Chair appoint a Committee to take this matter under consideration throughout the Conference Year and report at the next Annual Conference.
E.N. Cassel,
B. Bryan Musselman,
W.G. Gehman,
J.C. Roth,
C.H. Brunner,
Committee.
The Chair appointed the following committee: E.N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman, W.G. Gehman, J.C. Roth and C.H. Brunner.
MINISTERIAL CONVENTIONS.
Resolved, That we hold a Ministerial Convention sometime during the middle of the year, for one day.
Resolved, That the next Semi-Annual 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 N.H. Wolf as the third man on this Committee and announced as the date, April 10, 1924.
All ordained Ministers and probationers having charge of a work shall be present. A hearty invitation shall be 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 Bethel M.B. in C. Church, 526-30 North Eighth Street, Allentown, Pa., at 8 a.m., September 25, 1924.
The following officers were then elected:
Annual Ministerial Convention:
Chairman, C.H. Brunner.
Secretary, R.W. Dickert.
Committee on Program: H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman and B. Bryan Musselman.
Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention:
Chairman, F.M. Hottel.
Secretary, R.L. Woodring.
Committee on Program (previously appointed): H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman and N.H. Wolf.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
The Board of Examiners announced the division of studies for 1924. (See Reports.)
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 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 to 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 Pastor 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 the Church property at Hereford be in charge of the Board of Trustees of Macungie, Pa., and that the Church property at Springtown, Pa., be under the control of the
Board of Trustees of Coopersburg, Pa.
Resolved, That all contributions received by the Laymen’s Benevolent Society shall be paid by checks or money-order, made payable to H. B. Brunner, 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 Annual Conference as convenient and no later than December 1, 1923.
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 950 copies of our Year Book for 1923.
Resolved, That we ask the Board of Foreign Missions to print 2000 copies of the Annual Report of the Board of Foreign Missions.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by the Chair to compile a report of the Conference and the Sunday Services for the “Eastern Gospel Banner.”
The Chair appointed the following committee: R.L. Woodring, E.N. Cassel and J.C. Roth.
Resolved, That the Executive Board shall act as they deem advisable in the matter of the “Eastern Gospel Banner.”
Upon request of the brethren, C.B. Brosius, Charles F. Lilly, O.B. Bartholomew, G. Louis Baumgartner, John T. Kramer and J.H. Bruch to be excused from attendance of this Conference after Sunday evening, was granted on condition that they sign the proceedings before they leave.
The following report was read and adopted:
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, The Home, Camp Meeting Equipage Committee, Executive Board, Camp Meetings, Sunday School Conventions, Annual Conference Fund, Benevolent Society, Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Presiding Elders, Gospel Herald Society, Board of Publication and Printing and Report of the Committee on Finance.
The books and accounts were found in a satisfactory condition, with the exception of several errors, which were corrected in the presence of those directly interested.
We, therefore, certify that the foregoing reflects a true statement of the condition of affairs of the Conference, to the best of our knowledge and belief.
G.F. Yost,
H.L. Shelly,
H.H. Bergey,
W.D. Evert,
E.R. Hartman,
G. Louis Baumgartner,
J.H. Bruch,
G.O. Billig,
John T. Kramer,
R.W. Dickert,
H.L. Moyer,
Committee.
Adjourned with prayer by Charles F. Lilly and benediction by J.G. Shireman.
SEVENTH MEETING.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 13, 1923.
This meeting was opened by singing “We’re Marching to Zion,” and prayer by R.W. Dickert.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
(a) Whereas, C.H. Brunner, Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board, who is in constant correspondence with our Foreign Missionaries on the various fields, has reported in detail about the work of the Lord, and,
Whereas, The Lord spared the lives of all our Missionaries, giving them many souls, preserving their health and strength, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for His leadings in the past, and pray God to continue to bless our Missionaries so that they may be further used by God in gathering many more into the fold.
(b) Whereas, C.H. Brunner, the Editor of our Annual Year Book and Secretary of the Annual Conference, has with his many duties secured many valuable facts of interest and arranged matter for the press throughout the entire year, therefore,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate his untiring labors, and further,
Resolved, That we donate him $35.00 out of the Annual Conference Fund as a slight token of appreciation for his services thus rendered.
(c) Whereas, W.G. Gehman, Editor of the “Eastern Gospel Banner,” has cheerfully devoted much valuable time and talent, without any remuneration for the past year, making this paper
one of the cleanest of all Church papers on spiritual, doctrinal and dispensational lines, and,
Whereas, Brother Gehman has again been re-elected Editor for the coming year, therefore,
Resolved, That we pray God’s choicest blessings upon him in editing this valuable paper, and that we send him as many reports from our various fields as possible.
(d) Whereas, The Union Gospel Publishing Co., of Cleveland, Ohio, has published the “Eastern Gospel Banner” for many years for the benefit of the Pennsylvania Conference, also publishing the Christian Life Series of Sunday School Literature, which has won its way into many Sunday Schools throughout the States, Canada and Foreign Countries, and,
Whereas, They consider no sacrifice too great in making these Quarterlies the nicest mechanically and the best spiritually, doctrinally and dispensationally of any Sunday School Literature we know of, which are used throughout our Conference, and
Whereas, There is always existing a very close relationship between our Conference and the Union Gospel Publishing Company and the Gospel Worker Society, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our heartiest thanks to God for His leadings, and also pray God to preserve this Society in health, strength and true devotion, and that our fellowship in the Word and Work of the Lord may still increase more and more until the Lord’s return.
(e) Whereas, The Pastor, C.H. Brunner, and the members of the Bethlehem Class have so abundantly provided for the entertainment of the Annual Conference members and friends of the work, all meals being served in the basement of the Church, therefore,
Resolved, That we recognize their devotedness to the Lord, His servants and His work, and further,
Resolved, That we tender them a rising vote of thanks and unitedly pray God’s blessing upon them for future usefulness in God’s Cause.
R L. Woodring,
J.B. Layne,
Committee.
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.
The above Committee reported the election of H.B. Musselman as Chairman and C.H. Brunner as Secretary.
Adjourned with prayer by H.L. Moyer and benediction by H.B. Musselman.
EIGHTH MEETING.
MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 15, 1923.
The meeting was opened with singing ”A Charge to Keep I Have,” and prayer by W.G. Gehman, after which the Chairman read a part of the Second Chapter of Philippians.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee to Compile a Report of the Conference and Sunday Services for the “Eastern Gospel Banner.” (See Reports.)
The Home.
The Manager’s wife and child on the lawn.
Resolved, That we recommend the Annual Conference to interpret the meaning of the item of “Offering for Tabernacle, Missionary or Evangelistic Work on Pastor’s Schedule” as follows:
“That all offerings or collections made for services held outside of the regular appointments of a real evangelistic character shall be included in this item.”
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.
R.L. Woodring,
J.C. Roth,
Committee.
Adjourned at 11:15 a.m., with 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,
F.M. Hottel,
E.N. Cassel,
J.C. Roth,
G.F. Yost,
R.W. Dickert,
J.C. Shireman,
R.L. Woodring,
H.K. Kratz,
W.F. Heffner,
E.E. Kublic,
J.B. Layne,
V.H. Reinhart,
R. Bergstresser,
P.T. Stengele,
F.B. Hertzog,
O.S. Hillegass,
H.L. Moyer,
G.O. Billig,
W.D. Evert,
C.D. Bean,
G.K. Himmelreich,
John T. Kramer,
Russell Fleisher,
H.L. Shelly,
E.R. Hartman,
O.B. Bartholomew,
Charles E. Eroh,
H.H. Bergey,
H.V. Smith,
J.H. Bruch,
C.B. Brosius,
D.S. Schoffstall,
Charles A. Wilcox,
Charles F. Lilly,
G. Louis Baumgartner.