FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1925
FIRST MEETING.
THURSDAY FORENOON, OCTOBER 15, 1925
The Forty-second Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in Ebenezer M. B. in C. Church, corner of Main and Durham Streets, Bethlehem, 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 “He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought,” the Chairman, H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District, read the twelfth chapter of Romans, followed by a very needful and helpful message.
The names of the members of the Conference 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, P. T. Stengele and J. F. Barrall.
Probationer–F. B. Hertzog.
DELEGATES
G. O. Billig, Allentown–Bethel.
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.
H. L. Shelly, Coopersburg.
G. Louis Baumgartner, Allentown–Salem.
H. H. Bergey, Quakertown and Hatfield.
Paul H. Miller, Shamokin.
Charles W. Teel, Easton.
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury.
E. Godshall, Nazareth.
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg.
Charles E. Eroh, Lehighton and Weissport.
Moses Snyder, Mt. Carmel.
Charles W. Decker, Scranton.
We are also remembering W. B. Musselman, of Cleveland, Ohio, and his work; the Gospel Herald Society, a number of whom were present at this conference; also E. T. Shick of Allentown, 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 have been supported by our Conference during the past year.
Western China–Wm. Christie, W. N. Ruhl and Miss Anna Haupberg.
Central China–B. H. Alexander, M. E. Eckval and D. P. Olson.
Chile–Miss Anna LeFevre and Miss Nettie Meier.
Africa–E. E. Crist, Mrs. E. E. Crist, E. R. Hess, M. E. Barter, W. P. Darling, H. L. Pierson, Harry Stam, Mrs. Harry Stam, Joseph Ummel and Paul Ummel.
India–E. R. Garner, Mrs. E. R. Garner, Samuel Kerr, Mrs. Samuel Kerr and C. A. Gustafson.
Annam–Wm. C. Cadman, Mrs. Wm. G. Cadman, R. M. Jackson and H. A. Jackson.
Palestine–E. O. Jago and Miss Mary A. Butterfield.–35 in all.
Also three native Pastors in Chile: Dionisio Oyarzum, 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 four pews of the three sections on the east side of the auditorium, constitute the Conference Bar. Also the basement for evening 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 a Timekeeper.
He appointed H. K. Kratz as Reporter, and V. H. Reinhart as Timekeeper.
Resolved, That no member be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission by the Chair, except F. M. Hottel 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: F. M. Hottel and H. L. Moyer.
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. Reinhart, Charles E. Eroh, C. B. Brosius, Charles W. Teel, Paul H. Miller, O. B. Bartholomew, H. N. Rishel, Charles W. Decker, F. B. Hertzog, Moses Snyder, George R. Fish and R. Bergstresser.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: R. W. Dickert and R. Bergstresser.
Committee on Examination of Travelling 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. B. Layne, 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 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. Fox, E. Godshall, H. H. Bergey, G. Louis Baumgartner 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 O. B. Bartholomew and benediction by R. W. Dickers.
SECOND MEETING.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON, October 15, 1925
The Chair opened the afternoon meeting with singing “Yield Not to Temptation,” and prayer by C. B. Brosius.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the forenoon meeting were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on the 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 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,
Charles W. Teel,
Paul H. Miller,
O. B. Bartholomew,
H. N. Rishel,
Charles W. Decker,
F. B. Hertzog,
Moses Snyder,
George R. Fish,
R. Bergstresser.
The President of the Gospel Herald Society recommended C. G. Hartzell, Gospel Herald, as an applicant for Annual Conference License.
Resolved, That he be accepted as an Applicant and that he now give the nature of his call to the Ministry.
C. G. Hartzell now expressed the nature of his call to the satisfaction of the Conference.
Resolved, That he be referred to the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on the Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined the Applicant, C. G. Hartzell. We believe him to be a consecrated, humble, promising young man and pray that he will be made a great blessing to the Church. We therefore recommend that Annual Conference License be granted him.
Committee:
B. Bryan Musselman,
C. H. Brunner,
P. M. Hottel.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We beg leave to report that we have examined the Annual Conference Records of 1924 and found them correct.
Committee:
R. W. Dickert,
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 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. B. Layne,
J. G. Shireman,
O. S. Hillegass.
Report of the Committee on Worship:
C. G. Hartzell, E. H. Musselman and N. M. Cressman shall preach fifteen minutes each this evening.
Committee:
F. M. Hottel,
H. L. Moyer.
The Pastors now began to submit their oral report.
After a number of the Pastors had reported it was
Resolved, That we postpone hearing the remaining oral reports and hear the reports of the Presiding Elders.
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.)
Resolved, That we continue with the oral reports of the Pastors.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
The oral reports of the Pastors were concluded.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Lord has spared all the pastors of our Conference, enabling all to be present and report of the many who were brought to the Lord through the preaching of His Word, while others were brought into closer fellowship with God, and the general progress made on all lines, high notes of praise being sounded for a laity so united and devoted to God, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for His remarkable leadings during the past year, and further,
Resolved, That we pray the Lord to protect and keep our ministry true to His Word, Spirit-filled and useful in promoting so noble a cause.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, Both of our Presiding Elders reported their part of the work of the Conference, expressing progress along spiritual and financial lines, the President of the Gospel Herald Society also reporting the activities of their work along the same lines, with new recruits and extended borders, and,
Whereas, Their reports were the words of highest praise for our people, the unselfish labors of the pastors and the continued support of our Home and Foreign Mission Work, therefore,
Resolved, That we, as a Conference, pledge our united support in every way for them in their labors and their frank and safe counsels as leaders of our Conference.
Committee:
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
Resolved, That we adjourn to meet this evening from 7:45 to 9:15 o’clock.
Adjourned at 5:20 with prayer by Paul H. Miller and the benediction by E. E. Kublic.
THIRD MEETING
THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 15, 1925
The evening meeting was opened at 7:45 o’clock with prayer by W. G. Gehman.
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 Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Annual Ministerial Convention: (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 Publication and Printing: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Examiners on the Reading Course: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on General Conference Expenses: (See Reports.)
Report of the Beneficiary Society: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: (See Reports.)
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports.)
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Home: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports.)
Report of the Executive Board: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage: (See Reports.)
Resolved, That the word “monthly” on page 10 in last year’s Year Book, section VI, in line (b) under B, shall be changed to “quarterly.”
Resolved, That the word “Eastern” be omitted in sections D and E on page 11.
Resolved, That the word “monthly” in the sixth last paragraph on page 9 of last year’s Year Book be changed to the word “quarterly.”
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet Friday morning at 9 o’clock.
Adjourned with prayer by E. N. Cassel and benediction by H. K. Kratz.
FOURTH MEETING.
FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 16, 1925
The meeting was opened with singing “Blessed Assurance Jesus Is Mine,” and prayer by R. Bergstresser.
The Chair read the Thirteenth Chapter of First 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 report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Worship:
We beg leave to report the following: Paul E. Baer, T. D. Gehret and N. H. Wolf shall preach this evening, twenty minutes each.
Committee:
F. M. Hottel,
H. L. Moyer.
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, O. S. Hillegass and J. F. Barrall.
Conditional–None.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed the 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 we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
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.
Upon his request, Brother O. S. Hillegass was permitted to leave the conference for today and tomorrow.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair no later than 4:30 o’clock this afternoon, permitting the Stationing Boundary and Appropriating Committee to sit.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 o’clock with prayer by George R. Fish and the benediction by G. F. Yost.
FIFTH MEETING
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 16, 1925
The afternoon meeting was opened at 1 o’clock with singing “Jesus Is Good to Me” and prayer by Charles W. Teel.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we grant E. Godshall, upon his request, the privilege of being absent on Saturday.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair not later than 8 o’clock tomorrow morning.
Adjourned at 1:40 o’clock with prayer by G. Louis Baumgartner and benediction by W. G. Gehman.
SIXTH MEETING
FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 16, 1925
The meeting was opened at 9:10 o’clock by singing, “He Keeps Me Singing.”
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 suspend the rules and adjourn to meet tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock.
Adjourned with prayer by G. F. Yost and the benediction by C. H. Brunner.
SEVENTH MEETING
SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 17, 1925
This meeting was opened with singing “Blest Be the Tie that Binds,” and prayer by W. F. Heffner.
The Chairman read a portion of Hebrews eleven and the first part of chapter twelve, followed with a short, helpful exhortation.
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: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Worship:
We beg leave to report the following: H. K. Kratz and E. N. Cassel shall speak on Saturday evening thirty minutes each.
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 the Ordination Sermon at 2 P.M.
The evening service shall open at 7 P.M. R. L. Woodring, C. H. Brunner and B. Bryan Musselman shall speak for fifteen minutes each.
All the services on Sunday shall be in charge of the Chairman of the Annual Conference.
Committee:
F. M. Hottel,
H. L. Moyer.
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 of God in gathering many more into the fold.
(b) Whereas, C. H. Brunner, the Editor of our Annual Year Book Secretary of the Annual Conference, has with his many duties and Secretary of the Annual Conference secured may 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, The Union Gospel Press, of Cleveland, Ohio, has published 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 labor 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, They print and publish 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.
(d) Whereas, The Pastor, F. M. Hottel, 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 usefulness in God’s Cause.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
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 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, E. N. Cassel, C. H. Brunner, Allen M. Gehman and H. M. Hottel.
Board of Trustees of the Laymens’ 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, B. Bryan Musselman and G. F. Yost.
Board of Publication and Printing: C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman and A. G. Woodring.
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–C. H. Brunner.
Mount Carmel District–J. G. Shireman.
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings on the Bethlehem District and one on the Mount Carmel District.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That the Camp Meeting Divisions of the Districts remain the same as last year, with the addition of Lehighton and Weissport to the Bethlehem Division and Wissinoming to the Mount Carmel District.
The Divisions shall comprise the congregations as follows:
Bethlehem Division–Bethlehem, Reading, Fleetwood, Blandon, Terre-Hill, Royersford, Spring City, Quakertown, Nazareth, Walnutport, Northampton, Lehighton and Weissport.
Allentown Division–Allentown (Bethel), Allentown (Salem), Philadelphia, Emaus, Macungie, Zionsville, Coopersburg, Graterford and Harleysville.
Mount Carmel District–Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Sunbury, Easton, Stroudsburg, Scranton and Wissinoming.
Resolved, That the two Camp Meetings of the Bethlehem District be held in Mizpah Grove, the Bethlehem Division from July 3-11, and the Allentown Division from August 21-29. The Camp Meeting of the Mount Carmel District shall be held in Edgewood Grove, Shamokin, Pa., from July 24 to August 1.
The Camp Meeting Divisions reported the election of their officers as follows:
Bethlehem Division-Chairman, F. M Hottel; Secretary, A. G. Woodring; Treasurer, E. N. Cassel.
Allentown Division–Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner; Treasurer, G. F. Yost.
Mount Carmel District–Chairman, J. G. Shireman; Secretary, P. T. Stengele; 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 Mount Carmel District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Adjourned at 11:40 o’clock with prayer by J. F. Barrall and benediction by V. H. Reinhart.
EIGHTH MEETING
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 17, 1925
This meeting was opened with singing “Blessed Be the Name” and prayer by R. L. Woodring.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Ordination: We have examined the Candidates F. B. Hertzog and T. D. Gehret and find that they have successfully passed the Reading Course and are men of good Christian character, loyalty and obedience. We therefore recommend that they be ordained on Sunday afternoon.
Committee:
C. H. Brunner,
E. N. Cassel,
B. Bryan Musselman.
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, Executive Board, Camp Meetings, Sunday School Convention, Annual Conference Fund, Benevolent Society, Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Presiding Elders, Gospel Herald Society, Board of Publication and Printing, Reports of the Committee on Finance, and Committee on General Conference Expenses.
The books and accounts were found in fairly good condition. The few errors were brought to the attention of those interested and corrected. Suggestions were made in some instances to simplify the auditing and for promoting uniformity in our records, so far as possible.
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,
R. W. Dickert,
P. T. Stengele,
W. D. Evert,
R. R. Fox,
E. Godshall,
H. H. Bergey,
G. Louis Baumgartner,
G. O. Billig.
The various Boards and Committees reported the election of the following officers:
Executive Board–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, F. M. Hottel.
Board of Publication and Printing–President, B. Bryan Musselman; 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 W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Mount 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 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.
Resolved, That all contributions received by the Laymens’ Benevolent Society shall be paid by check 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 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 Book for 1925.
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 “Gospel Banner.” He appointed E. N. Cassel, A. G. Woodring and J. G. Shireman.
MINISTERIAL CONVENTIONS
Resolved, That we hold a Ministerial Convention sometime during the middle of the year, at Reading, 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 E. N. Cassel as the third man on this committee, and announced April 14, 1926, 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 the Annual Ministerial Convention on the day prior to the next Annual Conference and at the same place.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Bethel M. B. in C. Church, 526-530 North Eighth Street, Allentown, Pa., at 8 A.M., October 14, 1926.
The following officers were then elected:
Annual Ministerial Convention—
Chairman, C. H. Brunner; Secretary, J. C. Roth.
Committee on Program–H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and B. Bryan Musselman.
Semi-Annual Ministerial Convention—
Chairman, F. M. Hottel; Secretary, A. G. Woodring.
Committee on Program (previously appointed), H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and E. N. Cassel.
Resolved, That the Lay Delegates who deem it necessary be privileged to be absent from further attendance of Conference after the meeting on Saturday.
The meeting adjourned at 3:30 P.M., with prayer by J. B. Layne and the benediction by V. H. Reinhart.
NINTH MEETING
MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 19, 1925
This meeting was opened by singing, “I Am So Glad That Jesus Loves Me”, and prayer by W. G. Gehman. The Chair 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 Committee to Audit Schedules:
We have audited the different Pastors’ schedules and summary schedules and declare them to be correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
F. B. Hertzog.
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We have received no communications, therefore we have nothing to report.
Committee:
R. L. Woodring,
H. K. Kratz.
Report of the Committee to Compile a Report of the Conference and the Sunday Services for the “Gospel Banner:” (See Reports.)
Report of Committee to Formulate Methods for Class Records and Subscriptions:
We have secured cabinets and index cards for membership records as well as for subscription accounts and hope to have them in full operation by the end of this Conference Year.
Committee:
E. N. Cassel,
B. Bryan Musselman,
F. M. Hottel,
J. C. Roth,
C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That the Committee on Class Membership Records and Church Subscriptions, be continued as a reference committee to get the system into proper operation, and further,
Resolved, That the same committee devise and furnish a system of records for the Sunday Schools before New Year, the Sunday Schools to pay for the supplies, and the Committee to function as a Reference Committee so that there may be uniformity throughout the Sunday Schools as much as possible.
Resolved, That the election of the Officers of the Sunday Schools be held at a regular church service shortly after Conference and no later than November 15. (Standing Rule October 19, 1925.)
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Executive Board:
We have considered the matter of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society and the incorporation of the Annual Conference but have come to no definite conclusion and ask to be privileged to further consider these matters.
Board:
H. B. Musselman,
C. H. Brunner,
W. G. Gehman,
E. N. Cassel,
B. Bryan Musselman.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The daily papers, “The Bethlehem Globe” and “The Allentown Morning Call,” have given us such splendid service in publishing the proceedings of the Ministerial Convention and of the Conference, giving prominence in their valued columns, and
Whereas, Their reporters and correspondents have so courteously co-operated with our Conference Reporter, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our appreciation of their services, and pray God’s blessing and favor upon them, and further,
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Conference and be forwarded to “The Bethlehem Globe” and “The Morning Call” office, respectively.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
Resolved, That the Executive Board be authorized to make an agreeable reduction in price of the “Rose of Sharon” Hymnal to the various Trustee Boards of our Churches for hymn books to be used in general church services.
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,
G. F. Yost,
J. C. Roth,
J. G. Shireman,
R. L. Woodring,
H. K. Kratz,
R. W. Dickert,
W. F. Heffner,
E. E. Kublic,
J. B. Layne,
V. H. Reinhart,
F. B. Hertzog,
P. T. Stengele,
R. Bergstresser,
O. S. Hillegass,
T. D. Gehret,
T. F. Barrall,
W. D. Evert,
G. O. Billig,
H. L. Moyer,
C. D. Bean,
Paul H. Miller,
R. R. Fox,
Charles W. Teel,
Moses Snyder,
G. K. Himmelreich,
George R. Fish,
Charles E. Eroh,
H. N. Rishel,
H. H. Bergey,
C. B. Brosius,
O. B. Bartholomew
Charles W. Decker,
H. L. Shelly,
E. Godshall.