FORTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1924
FIRST MEETING.
THURSDAY FORENOON, SEPTEMBER 25, 1924
The Forty-first Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in Bethel M. B. in C. Church, 526-30 N. Eighth Street, Allentown, Pa.
The first meeting was opened at 8 a.m., according to announcement by singing “I Need Thee Every Hour.” 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 “We praise Thee, O God, for the Son of Thy Love,” the Chairman, H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District, read Psalm 103, 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, B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel, G. F. Yost, C. H. Brunner, J. C. Roth, A. G. Woodring, N. H. Wolf, E. N. Cassel, H. K. Kratz, R. L. Woodring. O. S. Hillegass, W. F. Heffner, J. G. Shireman, J. B. Layne, R. W. Dickert, E. E. Kublic, V. H. Reinhart, R. Bergstresser and P. T. Stengele.
Probationer: F. B. Hertzog.
DELEGATES
G. O. Billig, Allentown–Bethe1,
H. L. Moyer, Bethlehem,
Allen M. Gehman, Emaus, Macungie and Zionsville,
W. D. Evert, Philadelphia,
H. N. Rishel, Reading,
G. K. Himmelreich, Fleetwood, Blandon and Terre Hill,
R. R. Fox, Royersford and Spring City,
C. D. Bean, Graterford and Harleysville,
O. B. Bartholomew, Northampton and Walnutport,
H. L. Shelly, Coopersburg,
G. Louis Baumgartner, Allentown–Salem,
H. H. Bergey, Quakertown and Hatfield,
Ray L. Barrall, Shamokin,
H. V. Smith, Easton,
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury,
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg,
Charles E. Eroh, Lehighton and Weissport,
D. M. Camp, Mt. Carmel,
Charles A. Wilcox, Scranton,
E. Godshall, Nazareth.
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. T. 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 have been supported by our Conference during the year:
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. Nettie Meier.
Africa–E. 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. Carner, Mrs. E. R. Carner, 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. 0. Jago and Miss Mary A. Butterfield.–34 in all.
Also our three native Pastors in Chile: 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 first five pews of the three sections to the left of the Chair, constitute the Conference Bar. Also the basement for special meetings and the East balcony for private meetings.
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 Timekeeper. 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 Congregation.
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 Communications: R. L. Woodring and H. K. Kratz.
Committee on Finance: F. M. Hottel, H. L. Moyer, G. O. Billig and Allen M. Gehman.
Committee on Statistics: E. N. Cassel, J. G. Shireman, J. B. Layne and W. F. Heffner.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: J. C. Roth, E. E. Kublic, H. K. Kratz, V. H. Rinehart, Charles E. Eroh, C. B. Brosius, H. V. Smith, Ray L. Barrall, O. B. Bartholomew, H. N. Rishel, Charles A. Wilcox, F. B. Hertzog, D. M. Camp, George R. Fish and R. Bergstresser.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: R. W. Dickert and R. Bergstresser.
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, J. G. Shireman and O. S. Hillegass.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: B. Bryan Musselman, C. H. Brunner and F. M. Hottel.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, W. G. Gehman and B. Bryan Musselman.
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, P. T. Stengele, W. D. Evert, R. R. F ox, E. Godshall, G. Louis Baumgartner, H. H. Bergey 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.
Resolved, That we adjourn to the call of the Chair, not later than half past one this afternoon.
Adjourned with prayer by H. L. Moyer and benediction by the Chairman.
SECOND MEETING
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, SEPTEMBER 25, 1924
The Chair opened the afternoon meeting at 1:30 p.m. with singing “I am so Wondrously Saved,” and prayer by O. B. Bartholomew.
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 Camp Meeting Equipage: (See Reports.)
Report of the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Worship: J. B. Henry, P. S. Taylor and Paul E. Baer shall speak about fifteen minutes each this evening.
Committee:
G. O. Billig,
B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That we defer the balance of the Committee reports until this evening and proceed to hear the oral reports of the Pastors.
The Pastors now began to submit their oral reports.
The oral reports of the Pastors were concluded.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Lord has again spared all the pastors of both districts, so that all could report at this Conference the wonderful doings of the Lord on the various charges during the year, stating that many were saved through the preaching of His Word, considerable progress having been made on all lines, a number reporting the holding of very large and interesting open-air meetings and tabernacle meetings. The spirit of true devotion, loyalty and sacrifice among the laity being highly commended in all the reports, there,
Resolved, That we praise God for His wonderful leadings of the past, and further,
Resolved, That we unitedly pray the Lord to keep the Ministry wholly devoted and Spirit-filled in these days of apostasy, well united in Christ for still greater usefulness in God’s cause.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and extend the time indefinitely.
The following reports were read and adopted:
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, God through His great love and His tenderest care has again preserved both of our Presiding Elders another year, who also have reported the progress of the Conference along spiritual and financial lines, the President of the Gospel Herald Society also reporting all the missions active along spiritual and financial lines with a loyal and larger band of Gospel Heralds than ever before, and
Whereas, These reports contained the highest praise for God’s people throughout the Conference, the untiring labors of the Pastors, the ever increasing support of Home and Foreign Mission Work, therefore,
Resolved, That we pledge our prayers and support for them in their labors, devotion and wholesome counsels as leaders of our Conference, and further,
Resolved, That we as a Ministry praise God for being counted worthy to stand by such noble and unselfish leaders.
Committee;
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
Resolved, That we adjourn to meet this evening from 7:45 to 9:30 o’clock.
Adjourned at 5:20 with prayer by George R. Fish and the benediction by C. H. Brunner.
THIRD MEETING
THURSDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 25, 1924
The meeting was opened with prayer by H. K. Kratz.
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 have examined the Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries and found them all in a satisfactory condition.
Committee:
W. F. Heffner,
J. G. Shireman,
O. S. Hillegass.
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 a good condition with only a few slight errors, which were corrected in the presence of the Pastors.
Committee:
J. C. Roth,
E. E. Kublic,
H. K. Kratz,
V. H. Reinhart,
Charles E. Eroh,
C. B. Brosius,
H. V. Smith,
Ray L. Barrall,
O. B. Bartholomew,
H. N. Rishel,
Charles A. Wilcox,
F. B. Hertzog,
D. M. Camp,
George R. Fish,
R. Bergstresser.
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 earnestly engaged in preaching the Word and in fulfilling their various duties connected with the Lord’s service.
Committee:
H. H. Bergey,
C. D. Bean,
G. K. Himmelreich.
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We have received a communication from J. F. Barrall, of Shamokin, Pa., which we recommend to be read to this Conference.
Committee:
R. L. Woodring,
H. K. Kratz.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We have examined the Annual Conference Records of 1923 and found them all correct with the exception of a slight omission which was inserted by the Secretary.
Committee:
R. W. Dickert,
R. Bergstresser.
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 Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Annual Ministerial Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Home: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we refer the matter relative to the Benevolent Society to the Executive Board.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports.)
Report of the Beneficiary Society: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports.)
Report of the Executive Board: (See Reports.)
The letter from J. F. Barrall was read to the Conference and referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
Adjourned with prayer and the benediction by J. C. Roth.
FOURTH MEETING
FRIDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 26, 1924
The meeting was opened with singing “Precious Promise God hath given,” and prayer by Allen M. Gehman.
The Chair read the Twelfth Chapter of Romans 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 Resolutions:
Whereas, J. F. Barrall, of Shamokin, Pa., sent a letter to this Conference in which he stated that he could not be present on account of sickness in his family, and expressing his love for the Lord’s work stronger than ever before, therefore,
Resolved, That we accept his excuse and pray that the Lord may lead in his own life and family.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
Report of the Board of Examiners: (See Reports.)
The President of the Gospel Herald Society recommended J. B. Henry, P. S. Taylor and Paul E. Baer, Gospel Heralds, as applicants for Annual Conference License.
Resolved, That they be accepted and recommended to the Committee on Examinations of Applicants for Annual Conference License.
Resolved, That we ask them to give the nature of their call to the Ministry.
J. B. Henry, P. S. Taylor and Paul E. Baer now expressed the nature of their call to the satisfaction of the members of the Conference.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of’ the Committee on Worship:
F. B. Hertzog, A. G. Woodring and P. T. Stengele shall speak this evening for twenty minutes each.
Committee:
G. O. Billig,
B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned.
Business was resumed.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on the Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference Licenses:
We have examined the Applicants, P. S. Taylor, Paul E. Baer and J. B. Henry. We believe them to be consecrated, humble, promising young men and pray that they will be made a great blessing to the Church. We therefore recommend that Annual Conference License be granted them.
Committee:
B. Bryan Musselman,
C. H. Brunner,
F. M. Hottel.
Resolved, That we excuse the brethren J. B. Henry, P. S. Taylor and Paul E Baer from further attendance at this Conference.
Resolved, That we excuse F. B. Hertzog from the Saturday meeting, to officiate at a funeral.
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, J. G. Shireman, 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.
Rev. G. W. Hangen, Pastor of Ebenezer Evangelical Church, was introduced to the Conference.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair no later than 4 o’clock this afternoon, permitting the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee to sit.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Rev. G. W. Hangen, Pastor of Ebenezer Evangelical Church, and the benediction by C. H. Brunner.
FIFTH MEETING
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, SEPTEMBER 26, 1924
The meeting was opened at 4 o’clock with prayer by H. N. Rishel.
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 Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of Officers, Boards and Committees.
Resolved, That the first ballot be cast for the First Vice-Presiding Elder, and the second ballot for the Second Vice-Presiding Elder. The following were elected:
First Vice-Presiding Elder: C. H. Brunner.
Second Vice-Presiding Elder: B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That W. B. Musselman be recognized as Missionary Presiding Elder Ex-Officio.
Resolved, That the other officers be nominated and elected by ballot. The following were elected:
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 F. M. Hottel.
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): J. G. Shireman, F. M. Hottel, R. L. Woodring, B. Bryan Musselman, A. A. Wismer and H. G. Brunner.
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 and W. F. Heffner.
Board of Publication and Printing: C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman and A. G. Woodring.
Resolved, That we elect the Delegates to the General Conference.
The following were elected:
Ministerial Delegates–B. Bryan Musselman, C. H. Brunner, F. M. Hottel and E. N. Cassel.
Alternate Delegates–J. C. Roth and G. F. Yost.
Resolved, That J. C. Roth be first Alternate Delegate and G. F. Yost second Alternate Delegate.
Lay Delegates–G. O. Billig, Allen M. Gehman, H. L. Moyer and H. H. Bergey.
Alternate Lay Delegates–H. L. Shelly and P. Ward Musselman.
Resolved, That P. Ward Musselman be first Alternate Lay Delegate and H. L. Shelly second Alternate Delegate.
Reference Committee relative to Compulsory Military Training–Chairman, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner; W. G. Gehman, E. N. Cassel and J. C. Roth.
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.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Chairman in each District to organize for these Sunday School Conventions.
He appointed the following:
Bethlehem District–B. Bryan Musselman.
Mount Carmel District–J. G. Shireman.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Worship:
The brethren G. F. Yost and J. C. Roth shall speak for thirty minutes each on Saturday evening.
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 Mount Carmel District, shall preach at 2 p.m.
The evening service shall open at 7 o’clock. F. M. Hottel and R. L. Woodring shall speak for thirty minutes each.
All the services on Sunday shall be in charge of the Chairman of the Annual Conference.
Committee:
G. O. Billig,
B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings on the Bethlehem District and one on the Mount Carmel District.
Adjourned at 6 o’clock with prayer by J. G. Shireman and the benediction by the Chairman.
SIXTH MEETING.
SATURDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 27, 1924
This meeting was opened with singing, “How Beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour,” and prayer by J. C. Roth, after which the Chairman read the First Psalm.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The various Boards 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, H. K. Kratz.
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.
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 27 to July 5, and the Allentown Division from August
15-23. The Camp Meeting of the Mt. Carmel District shall be held in Edgewood Grove, Shamokin, Pa., from July 18-26.
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 District-Chairman, J. G. Shireman; Secretary, J. B. Layne; Treasurer, R. W. Dickert.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee of Finance: (See Reports.)
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.)
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, The Gospel Worker Society, of Cleveland, Ohio, counts no labor and sacrifice too great in their service for our Lord in preaching the Gospel and winning souls for Christ and
publishing tons upon tons of Gospel literature which is scattered abroad, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our heartiest thanks to God for His leadings and heartily pledge our prayers and support otherwise and continue to pray God’s choicest blessings upon them that their courage, health and strength fail not and that our fellowship in the Word and Work of the Lord may increase more and more until the Lord’s return.
(e) Whereas, The Pastor, B. Bryan Musselman, and the members of the Allentown (Bethel) 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 usefulness in God’s Cause.
Committee:
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
A telegram from W. B. Musselman, of Cleveland, Ohio, President of the Gospel Worker Society, was read before the Conference and referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules, and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 11:25 o’clock.
Adjourned with prayer by R. R. Fox, and the benediction by J. G. Shireman.
SEVENTH MEETING.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, SEPTEMBER 27, 1924
The meeting was opened by singing “I’ve yielded to God and I’m saved every hour,” and prayer by W. D. Evert.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a committee of three to apportion to the respective pastorates our part of General Conference expenses, which amount the Pastors shall collect at
once, upon information, and forward to the person the committee designates.
The Chairman appointed the following: B. Bryan Musselman, C. H. Brunner and E. N. Cassel.
The following reports were 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.
In several instances suggestions were made in the keeping of these records from the standpoint of uniformity and for convenience in auditing.
We certify that the above reflects a true statement of the condition of the affairs of the Conference to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Committee:
G. F. Yost,
H. L. Shelly,
H. L. Moyer,
E. Godshall,
G. Louis Baumgartner,
R. R. Fox,
H. H. Bergey,
W. D. Evert,
R. W. Dickert,
P. T. Stengele,
C. O. Billig.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination:
We beg leave to report that we have examined the brethren, N. M. Cressman and E. H. Musselman, who have successfully passed their three years’ Reading Course. We find them young
men of good Christian character, loyalty and obedience. However, as they did not have opportunity to approve themselves as pastors in the Conference, we recommend that their ordination be deferred for the present.
Committee:
C. H. Brunner,
E. N. Cassel,
W. G. Gehman,
B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That the Lay Delegates who deem it necessary be privileged to be absent from further attendance of Conference after the meeting on Saturday.
Resolved, That the Offering for the Beneficiary Fund shall be lifted sometime before the Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention and a check to the amount be made out to B. Bryan Musselman, Treasurer, and sent at once to the Secretary, F. M. Hottel (Standing Rule.).
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.
MINISTERIAL CONVENTIONS
Resolved, That we hold a Ministerial Convention sometime during the middle of the year, for one day.
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. 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 Annual Conference as convenient and no later than December 1, 1924.
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 1000 copies of our Year Rook for 1924.
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”. He appointed J. C. Roth, C. H. Brunner and J. G. Shireman.
Resolved, That the next Semi-Annual Convention convene in Salem M. B. in C. Church, Philadelphia, 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 C. H. Brunner as the third man on this Committee, and announced April 9, 1925, as the date of the Convention.
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 Ebenezer M. B. in C. Church, Main and Durham Streets, Bethlehem, Pa., at 8 a.m., October 15, 1925.
The following officers were then elected:
Annual Ministerial Convention:
Chairman: G. F. Yost. Secretary, F. B. Hertzog,
Committee on Program, H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and F. M. Hottel.
Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention:
Chairman, J. G. Shireman,
Secretary, P. T. Stengele.
Committee on Program (previously appointed), H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and C. H. Brunner.
The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m., with prayer by C. D. Bean and the benediction by C. H. Brunner.
EIGHTH MEETING
MONDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 29, 1924
The meeting was opened with prayer by H. H. Bergey, after which the Chairman read Psalm 121.
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 Treasurer of the Beneficiary Society: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Statistics: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Compile a Report of the Conference and the Sunday Services for the “Eastern Gospel Banner:” (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Audit Schedules:
We have examined the different Pastors’ Schedules, the Summary Schedules and the Quadrennial Schedule for the General Conference and declare them to be correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
F. B. Hertzog.
Resolved, That we ask the Executive Board to investigate the advisability of having our Conference incorporated and report to the next Annual Conference in a detailed report.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of five to formulate a plan to record the Class Membership and also subscriptions of the Church and get necessary equipment for the same in the near future.
The Chair appointed the following: E. N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel, J. C. Roth and C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That the Conference ask Pastor B. Bryan Musselman to see the Chief of Police personally and convey to him the appreciation of the Conference for his services rendered and courtesies extended during our Conference session.
Adjourned with prayer by W. G. Gehman, and the 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,
J. G. Shireman,
R. L. Woodring,
R. W. Dickert,
H. K. Kratz,
W. F. Heffner,
E. E. Kublic,
J. B. Layne,
V. H. Reinhart,
F. B. Hertzog,
P. T. Stengele,
R. Bergstresser,
O. S. Hillegass,
H. L. Moyer,
G. O. Billig,
W. D. Evert,
C. D. Bean,
H. N. Rishel,
Ray L. Barrall,
H. L. Shelly,
C. B. Brosius,
G. K. Himmelreich,
O. B. Bartholomew,
R. R. Fox,
H. H. Bergey,
George R. Fish,
H. V. Smith,
Charles E. Eroh,
E. Godshall,
Charles A. Wilcox,
D. M. Camp,
G. Louis Baumgartner.