FORTY-FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1927
FIRST MEETING
THURSDAY FORENOON, OCTOBER 13, 1927
The Forty-fourth Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in Ebenezer M. B. in C. Church, corner Main and Durham Streets, Bethlehem, PA.
The first meeting was opened at 8 o’clock, according to announcement, by singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” 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 “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” the Chairman, H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District, read a portion of the twelfth chapter of First Corinthians, followed by a very needful and helpful message.
The names of the member of the Conference were then enrolled, as follows:
MINISTERS
Ordained–H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel, E. N. Cassel, G. F. Yost, J. G. Shireman, A. G. Woodring, N. H. Wolf, P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog, J. C. Roth, T. D. Gehret, R. L. Woodring, R. W. Dickert, H. K. Kratz, W. F. Heffner, J. B. Layne, V. H. Reinhart, E. E. Kublic, R. Bergstresser, J. F. Barrall and O. S. Hillegass.
Probationers–Paul E. Baer and J. B. Henry.
DELEGATES
G. O. Billig, Allentown (Bethel),
M. L. Musselman, 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,
Edward T. Semmel, Northampton and Walnutport,
H. L. Shelly, Allentown (Salem) and Coopersburg
Clarence S. Renn, Shamokin,
H. V. Smith, Easton,
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury,
E. Godshall, Nazareth,
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg,
Mahlon S. Arner, Lehighton and Weissport,
Moses Snyder, Mt. Carmel,
Otto Schroeder, Scranton,
S. Geremia, Wissinoming.
We are also remembering W. B. Musselman, of Cleveland, Ohio, and his work, and the Gospel Herald Society, a number of whom were present at this conference. Also E. T. Schick, of Allentown, Pa.; J. F. Barrall, of Shamokin, Pa.; O. S. Hillegass, of Centre Valley, Pa. Also M. P. Zook and Mrs. M. P. Zook of Colombia; C. F. Snyder and Mrs. C. F. Snyder, of China; H. W. Feldges and Mrs. H. W. Feldges, on furlough; and N. M. Cressman and Mrs. N. M. Cressman, of French Indo-China, who are engaged in Home and Foreign Missionary work along various lines.
Also the following, although not members of our Conference, yet are being supported by our Conference:
Western China–W. N. Ruhl and Miss Anna Haupberg.
Chile–Miss Anna LeFevre and Mrs. Nettie Meier.
Africa–E. E. Crist, Mrs. E. E. Crist, E. R. Hess, M. E. Barter, W. P. Darling, H. L. Pierson, Harry Stam, Mrs. Marry Stam, Joseph Ummel and Paul Ummel.
India–E. R. Carner, Mrs. E. R. Carner, Samuel Kerr and Mrs. Samuel Kerr.
French Indo-China–Wm. C. Cadman, Mrs. Wm. C. Cadman, R. M. Jackson and H. A. Jackson.
Palestine–Miss Mary A. Butterfield.–31 in all.
Special thanksgiving has also been offered up in the morning 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 to the left of the Chair, constitute the Conference Bar. Also the basement for evening meetings.
The Secretary appointed his assistants, as follow: 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 the first article on Business Rules of the Conference be made to read:
Two sessions shall be held daily, as follows: From 9 a.m. to 12 m., and from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Resolved, That no members be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission by the Chair, except F. M. Hottel and M. L. Musselman, 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 M. L. Musselman.
Committee on Communications: R. L. Woodring and H. K. Kratz.
Committee on Statistics: E. N. Cassel, J. G. Shireman, J. B. Layne, W. F. Heffner. P. T. Stengele and T. D. Gehret.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: J. C. Roth, E. E. Kublic, H. K. Kratz, V. H. Reinhart, Mahlon S. Arner, C. B. Brosius, H. V. Smith, Clarence S. Renn, Edward T. Semmel, Otto Schroeder, R. W. Dickert, Moses Snyder, George R. Fish, S. Geremia 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, F. B. Hertzog and J. G. Shireman.
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, B. Bryan Musselman, E. N. Cassel, and W. G. Gehman.
Committee on Resolutions: W. G. Gehman, R. L. Woodring and J. B. Layne.
Committee on Auditing: G. F. Yost, H. L. Shelly, M. L. Musselman, T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele, W. D. Evert, R. R. Fox, E. Godshall, F. B. Hertzog, H. H. Bergey and H. N. Rishel.
Committee on Schedules: W. G. Gehman and F. B. Hertzog.
Resolved, That a telegram of greetings pledging our united prayers be sent to W. B. Musselman, Cleveland, Ohio, to be followed by a night letter from the Committee on Resolutions.
Resolved, That the Pastors be limited to ten minutes in submitting their oral reports.
Resolved, That the Pastors’ oral reports be made the order of business at 2 p.m. today.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 9:55 o’clock with prayer by R. L. Woodring and benediction by J. C. Roth.
SECOND MEETING
THURSDAY AFTERNOON OCTOBER 13, 1927
The Chair opened the afternoon meeting at 1:45 o’clock with singing “Praise His Holy Name” and prayer by Clarence S. Renn.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the forenoon meeting were read and approved.
The Pastors now began to submit their oral reports.
The oral reports of the Pastors were concluded.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely and hear the reports of the Presiding Elders and the President of the Gospel Herald Society.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elders of the Bethlehem District: (See Reports)
Report of W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elders of the Shamokin District: (See Reports.)
Report of W. G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
(a) Whereas, The Lord has again spared all the Pastors on both Districts during this Conference year, enabling all to be present at the opening session and reporting of the success through the preaching of God’s Word, many having been saved during the year, others definitely healed of physical diseases, while noticeable progress has been made on devotional lines among the laity throughout, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for all His past leadings, and further,
Resolved, That we unitedly pray God to keep our Ministry free from the latter day deceptions, so that further progress may be made in this so noble a cause as we see the day of the Lord approaching.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
(b) Whereas, The Lord has again spared both our Presiding Elders, enabling them to serve the Conference in this capacity, reporting the activities and progress especially along spiritual lines on their respective Districts, the President of the Gospel Herald Society also reports the work of said Society on similar lines, and
Whereas, Their reports contained words of highest praise relative to the laity, the Pastors, the Home and Foreign Missionary work, therefore,
Resolved, That we unitedly praise God for such faithful and untiring leaders, and further,
Resolved, That we pray God to further spare and use our leaders in the promotion of so great and noble a cause until He comes.
Committee:
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
Report of the Committee on Worship: H. W. Hartman, J. B. Henry and Paul E. Baer shall speak this evening for about twenty minutes each.
Committee:
F. M. Hottel,
M. L. Musselman.
Resolved, That we grant W. G. Gehman and P. T. Stengele their request to be excused for several hours tomorrow.
The Secretary appointed H. L. Shelly as an additional Recording Secretary.
Resolved, That we have an evening meeting, from 8:30 to 9:30 o’clock.
Adjourned at 5:20 o’clock with prayer by Otto Schroeder and benediction by E. E. Kublic.
THIRD MEETING
THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 13, 1927
The evening 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 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 Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Shamokin District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
Report of the Trustees of the Home: (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 Committee to Arrange for Sunday School Printed Matter: (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We beg leave to report that we examined the Annual Conference Records of 1926 and found them all correct.
Committee:
R. W. Dickert,
R. Bergstresser.
Report of the Committee on the Examination of Quarterly Conference Records:
We, the Committee on the Examination of Quarterly Conference Records, beg leave to report that we examined the Quarterly Conference Records and found them in good condition.
A few mistakes were found, which were corrected in the presence of the Pastors.
We suggest, that all pastors formulate their trustee report according to the form presented by the Conference.
Committee:
J. C. Roth,
E. E. Kublic,
H. K. Kratz,
V. H. Reinhart,
Mahlon S. Arner,
H. V. Smith,
C. B. Brosius,
Clarence S. Renn,
Edward T. Semmel,
R. W. Dickert,
Moses Snyder,
George R. Fish,
S. Geremia,
Otto Schroeder,
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 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 Preacher, Evangelists and Missionaries and found them all in satisfactory condition.
Committee:
W. F. Heffner,
F. B. Hertzog,
J. G. Shireman.
Resolved, That a special Sunday offering be lifted on each appointment in the month of November for the benefit of the Annual Conference Fund and mailed at once to the Secretary of the Annual Conference, making checks payable to Allen M. Gehman, Treasurer.
W. G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society, recommended the transfer of York, Pa., and West Philadelphia Missions from the Gospel Herald Society to the Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania.
Resolved, That we accept the transfer of the above Missions.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Resolved, That the following night letter be sent to the Union Gospel Press, signed by the Chairman and Secretary:
Bethlehem, Pa., October 13, 1927.
Union Gospel Press
Cleveland, Ohio.
Annual Conference in session sends greetings. God has greatly blessed the work during the year. In the opening meeting special prayer was made for God’s blessing upon your Society and for the speedy recovery of your beloved President. May God bless him and you all physically and spiritually.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
A motion to purchase the Grove between Shamokin and Sunbury, now owned by Jacob Renn, for camp meeting purposes was laid on the table.
Adjourned at 10:25 o’clock with prayer by R. B. Woodring and benediction by H. K. Kratz.
FOURTH MEETING
FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 14, 1927
The meeting was opened with singing “Blessed Assurance” and prayer by R. W. Dickert.
The Chairman read the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, followed by some very helpful remarks.
The roll was called, all being present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 9:55 o’clock.
W. G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society, presented the names of H. W. Hartman, E. B. Hartman and E. George as applicants for Annual Conference License.
Resolved, That we have the Applicants address the Conference, giving the nature of their call.
Resolved, That we accept these Applicants and refer them to the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Examiners on the Reading Course: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage: (See Reports.)
Report of the Beneficiary Society: (See Reports.)
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, P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog and T. D. Gehret.
Conditional–R. Bergstresser.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed the tellers, as follows: G. F. Yost, P. T. Stengele 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.
Resolved, That we recommend the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee to appropriate $1,000 toward the purchase of another Camp Grove.
The Chair appointed T. D. Gehret as Teller instead of P. T. Stengele.
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of Officers, Board and Committees.
The following were elected: Vice-Presiding Elders: B. Bryan Musselman and C. H. Brunner.
Resolved That B. Bryan Musselman shall be First Vice-Presiding Elder and C. H. Brunner 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. 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 Next 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.
Whereas, R. L. Woodring has requested to be relieved from membership on the Board of Trustees of the Home, therefore,
Resolved, That his request be granted.
G. F. Yost was elected in his stead.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: Presiding, 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, G. F. Yost.
Board of Publication and Printing: C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman and A. G. Woodring.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Worship:
The brethren E. H. Musselman, A. G. woodring and F. B. Hertzog shall speak on Friday evening for twenty minutes each.
On Saturday evening, J. B. Layne, N. H. Wolf and E. N. Cassel shall speak for twenty minutes each.
SUNDAY SERVICES
The Sunday morning service shall open with a short song service at 9:30 o’clock, after which the Chairman, Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman, shall preach the Conference Sermon.
At 2:15 p.m., after a short service of song, Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman shall preach.
The evening service shall open at 7 o’clock with a stirring service of song. B. Bryan Musselman shall speak.
All the services throughout the day shall be directed by and in charge of the Chairman, Presiding Elder, H. B. Musselman.
Committee:
F. M. Hottel,
M. L. Musselman.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair no later than 4 o’clock with prayer by E. E. Kublic and benediction by V. H. Reinhart.
FIFTH MEETING
FRIDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 14, 1927
The afternoon meeting was opened at 3:45 o’clock with singing “Glory, Glory Hallelujah!” and prayer by W. F. Heffner.
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 Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we hold a Sunday School Convention in each Presiding Elder’s District.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elders, Pastor and Delegates 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.
Shamokin District–J. G. Shireman.
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings on the Bethlehem District and one on the Shamokin District.
Resolved, That the Camp Meeting Divisions of the Districts remain the same as last year with the addition of York, Pa., and West Philadelphia to the Shamokin 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.
Shamokin District–Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Sunbury, Easton, Stroudsburg, Scranton, Wissinoming, West Philadelphia and York, Pa.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination:
We have examined Paul E. Baer and J. B. Henry and believe they are consecrated and devoted to the service of the Lord and, according to our judgment and belief, they are promising young men. Owing to the fact that they have not had opportunity to labor in the Conference we recommend that their ordination be deferred.
Committee:
C. H. Brunner,
B. Bryan Musselman,
E. N. Cassel,
W. G. Gehman.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We, the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference license, beg leave to report that we have examined the brethren H. W. Hartman, E. B. Hartman and E. George. We found them satisfactory to the best of our judgment and belief and recommend that Annual Conference License be granted them.
Committee:
B. Bryan Musselman,
C. H. Brunner,
F. M. Hottel.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 4:45 o’clock.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
The Camp Meeting Divisions reported the election of their officers and dates as follows:
Bethlehem Division–Chairman, F. M. Hottel; Secretary, A. G. Woodring; Treasurer, E. N. Cassel. Place–Mizpah Grove. Date–June 30 to July 8, 1928.
Allentown Division–Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner; Treasurer, G. F. Yost. Place–Mizpah Grove. Date–August 18 to 26, 1928.
Shamokin District–Chairman, J. G. Shireman; Secretary, P. T. Stengele; Treasurer, R. W. Dickert. Place–To be announced later. Date–July 21 to 29, 1928.
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 Shamokin District Sunday School Convention: (See Reports.)
The various Boards and Committees reported the election of the following officers:
Executive Board–President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, E. N. Cassel.
Board of Foreign Missions–President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner.
Board of Trustees of the Home–President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, E. N. Cassel; Assistant Secretary, J. G. Shireman.
Board of Publication and Printing–President, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, A. G. Woodring.
Board of Examiners–President, E. N. Cassel; Secretary, B. Bryan Musselman.
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.
Upon request, Delegate E. Godshall was excused from Conference for tomorrow. Also G. F. Yost and Allen M. Gehman for tomorrow afternoon.
SIXTH MEETING
SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 15, 1927
The meeting was opened with singing “Nearer My God to Thee” and prayer by J. C. Roth.
The Chairman read several portions of Scripture from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, followed by a very important address.
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 Statistics: (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we have no Ministerial Convention prior to the next Annual Conference.
Resolved, That the Pastors hold the Home Missionary meetings under the direction of the respective Presiding Elders and take the subscriptions some time between New Year and the Camp Meetings.
Rev. A. E. Meek, Pastor of Zion A. M. E. Church of Bethlehem, was introduced to the Conference.
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 all 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 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 $50.00 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 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 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 new proceeds and further,
Resolved, That whatever literature is sold, the amount of the price of which has already entered 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 Laymen’s 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 we extend the time indefinitely.
Adjourned at 12:05 o’clock with prayer by R. Bergstresser and benediction by J. G. Shireman.
SEVENTH MEETING
SATURDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 15, 1927
The meeting was opened with singing “Where He Leads Me I will Follow” and prayer by S. Geremia.
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 Communications:
We have received no communications, therefore we have nothing to report.
Committee:
R. L. Woodring,
H. K. Kratz.
Report of the Committee to Audit Schedules:
We have examined the Pastor’s Schedules and Summary Schedules and believe them to be correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
F. B. Hertzog.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Bethel M. B. in C. Church, 526-30 North Eighth Street, Allentown, Pa., at 9 a.m. October 11, 1928.
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 1927.
Resolved, That we ask the Board of Foreign Missions to print 2100 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 C. H. Brunner, J. G. Shireman and J. C. Roth.
MINISTERIAL CONVENTION
Resolved, That we have the Annual Ministerial Convention at Reading, Pa., on April 19, 1928.
All ordained Ministers and probationers having charge of a work shall be members of this Convention.
The following officers were then elected:
Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, A. G. Woodring.
Committee on Program, H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and E. N. Cassel.
Resolved, That the Committee on Sunday School Supplies be continued. The Committee consists of E. N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel, J. C. Roth and C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That the Lay Delegates who find it necessary be privileged to be absent from further attendance of Conference after the meeting on Saturday.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee to Secure a Suitable Hymn Book for Sunday School Purposes:
We have taken no action in regard to this matter.
Committee:
C. H. Brunner,
B. Bryan Musselman,
F. M. Hottel.
Resolved, That the Committee, consisting of C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman and F. M. Hottel, appointed to the last Annual Conference, be continued to investigate the advisability of compiling or selecting such a book under the direction of the Executive Board.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 4:55 o’clock with prayer by J. G. Shireman and benediction by the Chairman.
EIGHTH MEETING
MONDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 17, 1927
The meeting was opened with singing “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” and prayer by R. L. Woodring. The Chairman read part of the first chapter of the Book of Joshua and made some very helpful remarks.
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 Resolutions:
Whereas, The daily papers, the “Globe-Times” 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 cooperated with our Conference Reporter, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our appreciation of their service and pray God’s blessing and favor upon then, and further,
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of this Conference and be forwarded by Pastor F. M. Hottel to the “Globe-Times” and the “Allentown Morning Call” office, respectively.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
Report of the Committee to Compile a Report of the Conference and the Sunday Services for the “Gospel Banner”: (See Reports.)
Report of the Announcement of the Board of Examiners: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Auditing:
We, the Committee on Auditing, have examined the following Financial Accounts: Presiding Elders’ Reports, Benevolent Society, Camp Meetings, Sunday School Conventions, Board of Publication and Printing, Quarterly Conference Records, The Home, Executive Board, Foreign and Home Missions, Gospel Herald Society, Conference Treasurer and Report of the Committee on Finance.
All of these records were found to be in a satisfactory condition. All of the errors found have been corrected in the present of the parties interested.
Committee:
G. F. Yost,
H. L. Shelly,
E. Godshall,
T. D. Gehret,
P. T. Stengele,
W. D. Evert,
R. R. Fox,
H. N. Rishel,
F. B. Hertzog,
H. H. Bergey,
M. L. Musselman.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned with prayer by R. L. Woodring and benediction by J. B. Layne.
NINTH MEETING
MONDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 17, 1927
This meeting was opened at 1:10 o’clock with singing “Still There’s More to Follow” and prayer by W. F. Heffner.
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:
Whereas, The Mayor, James M. Yeakle, through the Chief of Police, H. M. Halteman, of the Department of Public Safety of the City of Bethlehem, Pa., have so freely granted the request to provide traffic officers on Sunday, and
Whereas, These officers gave us their best considerations, and satisfactory services during the day, therefore,
Resolved, That we as a Conference express our appreciation for so ready and cheerful response of service , and pray God’s blessing upon this Department in their noble service for the safety of mankind, and further,
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Conference and be forwarded by the Pastor, F. M. Hottel, to this Department.
Committee:
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne.
Whereas, A motion has been made to purchase a grove for Camp Meeting purposes situated between Paxinos and Sunbury, now owned by Jacob Renn, for the sum of $8500, as contained in the option. After due consideration it was therefore,
Resolved, That this matter be referred to the Executive Board to act on as it deems advisable.
Resolved, That the dedication cards containing the information of dedication be filed on the charge and they shall contain the name of the Pastor dedicating the child.
Resolved, That each Pastor, excepting the Pastor of the Allentown (Bethel) Class, lift an offering at each appointment some time during the year, amounting to 30 cents per member, according to the number reported at Conference in 1927, as a General Conference Fund, the offerings be brought to the next Annual Conference and the Annual Conference pay this amount to the Allentown Congregation, to help finance the entertainment of the next General Conference.
Resolved, That the uniform loose-leaf Quarterly Conference record books be used.
Adjourned at 4:10 o’clock with prayer by the Chairman and benediction by W. G. Gehman.
Signed,
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, Chairman,
W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder,
C. H. Brunner, Secretary, Second Vice-Presiding Elder,
B. Bryan Musselman, Assistant Secretary, First Vice-Presiding Elder,
N. H. Wolf, Recording Secretary,
A. G. Woodring, Recording Secretary,
H. L. Shelly, Recording Secretary,
Allen M. Gehman, Treasurer,
F. M. Hottel,
E. N. Cassel,
G. F. Yost,
J. G. Shireman,
P. T. Stengele,
F. B. Hertzog,
J. C. Roth,
T. D. Gehret,
R. L. Woodring,
R. W. Dickert,
H. K. Kratz,
W. F. Heffner,
J. B. Layne,
V. H. Reinhart,
E. E. Kublic,
R. Bergstresser,
J. B. Henry,
E. H. Musselman,
M. L. Musselman,
G. O. Billig,
H. V. Smith,
C. D. Bean,
H. H. Bergey,
G. K. Himmelreich,
Mahlon S. Arner,
Edward T. Semmel,
S. Geremia,
Otto Schroeder,
W. D. Evert,
R. R. Fox,
H. N. Rishel,
Moses Snyder,
C. B. Brosius,
George R. Fish,
E. Godshall
Clarence S. Renn.