FORTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1928
FIRST MEETING
Thursday Forenoon, October 11, 1928
The Forty-fifth 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 9 a.m., according to announcement, by singing “I’ll Live for Him Who Died for Me.” 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 “Hallelujah, Thine the Glory,” the Chairman, H.B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District, gave us a very helpful address from the twelfth chapter of Romans.
The names of the members 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, E.T. Shick, R. Bergstresser, J.F. Barrall, O.S. Hillegass, W.B. Musselman, M.P. Zook, C.F. Snyder and H.W. Feldges.
Probationers -J.B. Henry, E.H. Musselman, Paul E. Baer, H.W. Hartman, E. George and E.B. Hartman.
Delegates
Bethlehem District
G.O. Billig, Allentown (Bethel).
M.L. Musselman, Bethlehem.
W.D. Evert, Philadelphia.
H.N. Rishel, Reading.
Paul I. Wentz, Emaus, Macungie and Zionsville.
H.L. Shelly, Coopersburg and Allentown (Salem).
R.R. Fox, Royersford and Spring City.
G.K. Himmelreich, Fleetwood, Blandon and Terre Hill.
H.H. Bergey, Quakertown and Hatfield.
C.D. Bean, Graterford and Harleysville.
Edward T. Semmel, Northampton and Walnutport.
E. Godshall, Nazareth.
Charles E. Eroh, Lehighton and Weissport.
Shamokin District
Herbert V. Smith, Easton.
Clarence S. Renn, Shamokin.
Charles L. Hornberger, Mt. Carmel.
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg.
C.B. Brosius, Sunbury.
Otto Schroeder, Scranton.
Edward J. Dietzman, Wissinoming and W. Philadelphia.
P.T. Tarbert, York.
We are 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. Shick, of Allentown, Pa.;
O.S. Hillegass, of Allentown, Pa. Also M.P. Zook and Mrs. M.P. Zook, C.F. Snyder and Mrs. C.F. Snyder, H.W. Feldges and Mrs. H.W. Feldges, on furlough; N.M. Cressman and Mrs. N.M. Cressman, of French Indo-China, and Miss Mary A. Miller, who left August 4, for the Belgian Congo, 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. Nettle 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 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 -32 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 right of the Chair constitute the Conference Bar. Also the basement for evening meetings.
The Secretary appointed his assistants, as follows: Assistant Secretary, B. Bryan Musselman; Recording Secretaries, N.H. Wolf, H.L. Shelly and A.G. Woodring.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Reporter and a Timekeeper.
He appointed H.G. Kratz as Reporter and E. H. Musselman as Timekeeper.
Resolved, That no members 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 J.B. Layne.
Committee on Finance: F.M. Hottel, H.L. Shelly, G.O. Billig, C.H. Brunner and Allen M. Gehman.
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, Charles E. Eroh, C.B. Brosius, Herbert V. Smith, Clarence S. Renn, Edward T. Semmel, Otto Schroeder, Edward J. Dietzman, E.H. Musselman, George R. Fish, Charles L. Hornberger and P.T. Tarbert.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: E.E. Kublic and V.H. Reinhart.
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: J.G. Shireman, W.F. Heffner, F.B. Hertzog and J.B. Layne.
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 T.D. Gehret.
Committee on Auditing: G.F. Yost, M.L. Musselman, J.B. Henry, P.T. Stengele, W.D. Evert, R.R. Fox, E. Godshall, F.M. Hottel, Paul I. Wentz, F.B. Hertzog, H.H. Bergey and H.N. Rishel.
Committee on Schedules: W.G. Gehman and F.B. Hertzog.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair. R.L. Woodring led in prayer. Benediction by V.H. Reinhart.
Adjourned at 10:45 o’clock.
SECOND MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 11, 1928
The Chair opened the afternoon meeting at 3:10 o’clock with singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and prayer by F.M. Hottel.
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 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 an excellent condition. A few mistakes were found which were corrected in the presence of the Pastors.
J.C. Roth,
H.K. Kratz,
E.E. Kublic,
C.B. Brosius
Otto Schroeder,
Edward J. Dietzman,
George R. Fish,
Herbert V. Smith,
P.T. Tarbert,
Edward T. Semmel,
Clarence S. Renn,
V.H. Reinhart,
Charles E. Eroh,
E.H. Musselman,
Charles L. Hornberger,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
We beg leave to report that we have examined all the Traveling Elders through the various Delegates and found them all satisfactory, being earnestly engaged in preaching the Word, and in fulfilling their various duties connected with the Lord’s service.
H.H. Bergey,
C.D. Bean,
G.K. Himmelreich,
Committee.
Resolved, That the Pastors be limited to ten minutes in submitting their oral reports.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and have a meeting tonight in the Conference Bar at 7:30 o’clock.
The pastors now began to submit their oral reports.
Adjourned at 5 p.m. with prayer by Paul I. Wentz and the benediction by J.C. Roth.
THIRD MEETING
Thursday Evening, October 11, 1928
The evening meeting was opened with singing “Rescue the Perishing” and prayer by H.H. Bergey.
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 Conference Treasurer. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing.
The oral reports of the Pastors were concluded.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions: (See Reports.)
Whereas, Another very fruitful year has passed with all the pastors on both districts spared and present at this Conference, reporting the Lord’s work on the various charges and,
Whereas, Considerable progress has been made, many being saved and added to the Church, remarkable cases of physical healing being reported, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for His wonderful leading during the past year among such a loyal and devoted laity, and further,
Resolved, That we sincerely pray the Lord to keep our ministry wholly devoted, spirit-filled and well united, especially so, in these days of spiritual declension, until He come.
W.G. Gehman,
R.L. Woodring,
T.D. Gehret,
Committee.
Resolved, That we 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 Elder of the Bethlehem District. (See Reports.)
Report of W.G. Gehman, Presiding Elder 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:
Whereas, The Lord through His infinite love has again preserved both of our Presiding Elders, who have given such interesting and encouraging reports of the work of the past year to this Conference along spiritual and financial lines, the President of the Gospel Herald Society also reporting all Missions nicely progressing, with one new Mission opened, and,
Whereas, These reports in a special way describe God’s providential leadings throughout the Conference both among the pastors and the laity and in the Home and the Foreign Missionary work, therefore,
Resolved, That we sincerely pledge our prayers and support for them in every way, and further,
Resolved. That we pray God to spare and further use our leaders in the propagating of God’s most noble cause.
R.L. Woodring,
T.D. Gehret,
Committee.
Adjourned at 9:30 o’clock with prayer and benediction by C.H. Brunner.
FOURTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 12, 1928
The meeting was opened with singing “I Am So Wondrously Saved from Sin” and prayer by C.B. Brosius.
The Chairman read from I Corinthians 9 and gave us a very needful and helpful address.
The roll was called, after which 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 Trustees of the Home. (See Reports.)
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions. (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 1927 and found them correct with the exception of a slight error which was corrected in the presence of the Secretary.
E.E. Kublic,
V.H. Reinhart,
Committee.
Report of the Committee 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.
J.G. Shireman,
W.F. Heffner,
F.B. Hertzog,
J.B. Layne,
Committee.
Rev. Walter Schaffer, Pastor of the Holiness Christian Church at Weatherly, Pa., was introduced to the Conference.
W.G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society, presented the names of A.M. Sprock, E.W. Bean, R.H. Gehman, C.L. Miller and C.O. Reed as Applicants for Annual Conference License.
Resolved, That these brethren be referred to the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Shamokin District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Ministerial Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Examiners. (Sec Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Finance. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 11 o’clock with prayer by J.B. Layne and benediction by R.L. Woodring.
FIFTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 12, 1928
The afternoon meeting was opened at 2:20 o’clock with singing “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine,” and prayer by E.E. Kublic.
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 Camp Meeting Equipage. (See Reports.)
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 A.M. Sprock, E.W. Bean, R.H. Gehman, C.L. Miller
and C.O. Reed and recommend them to this Conference for Annual Conference License.
B. Bryan Musselman,
C.H. Brunner,
F.M. Hottel,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Ordination:
We, the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Ordination, beg leave to report that we have considered the Applicants J.B. Henry and E.H. Musselman, who have been laboring for a year as
pastors, and recommend that they be ordained on Sunday afternoon.
C.H. Brunner,
B. Bryan Musselman,
E.N. Cassel,
W.G. Gehman,
Committee.
Rev. David Wilson, General Evangelist of the Pilgrim Holiness Association, was introduced to the Conference.
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.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, T.D. Gehret, J.B. Henry, E.H. Musselman, J.F. Barrall and E.T. Shick.
Conditional – R. Bergstresser and O.S. Hillegass.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed the tellers, as follows: G.F. Yost, J.G. Shireman and R.L. Woodring.
The following were elected Presiding Elders for the ensuing year:
H.B. Musselman and W.G. Gehman.
Resolved, That H.B. Musselman shall be Presiding Elder over the District comprising the greater part of the Church, and W.G. Gehman, Presiding Elder over the District comprising the balance of the Church and the Gospel Herald Society.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and a delegate from each station and circuit constitute the Stationing Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to 8:30 this evening.
Adjourned at 2:50 o’clock with prayer by T.D. Gehret and benediction by C.H. Brunner.
SIXTH MEETING
Friday Evening, October 12, 1928
The meeting was opened at 8:30 o’clock with singing “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine” and prayer by H.K. Kratz.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the afternoon meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Statistics. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Worship:
G.F. Yost and E.N. Cassel shall preach Saturday evening, twenty minutes each.
Sunday Services
The morning service shall open at 9:30 o’clock. Promptly at 9:45, Presiding Elder H.B. MUSSELMAN, Chairman of the Annual Conference, shall preach the Conference Sermon.
At 2:15, Presiding Elder W.G. Gehman shall preach the Ordination Sermon.
The evening service will be a Radio service, opening at seven o’clock with an inspirational song service.
The Brethren F.M. Hottel, R.L. Woodring and C.H. Brunner shall speak for twenty minutes each.
The Sunday services shall be in charge of the Chairman of the Annual Conference, Presiding Elder H.B. Musselman.
G.O. Billig,
B. Bryan Musselman,
Committee.
Adjourned at 8:50 o’clock with prayer and benediction by W.G. Gehman.
SEVENTH MEETING
Saturday Morning, October 13, 1928
The meeting was opened with singing “Blessed Be the Tie that Binds” and prayer by V.H. Reinhart.
The Chairman read I Peter 4:7, 8, followed by a most earnest and needful address to the Conference.
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 Auditing:
We, the Committee on Auditing, have examined the following financial accounts: Presiding Elder’s Reports, Benevolent Society, Camp Meetings, Sunday School Conventions, Board of Publication and Printing, Quarterly Conference Records, The Home, Beneficiary Society, 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 presence of the parties interested.
G.F. Yost,
M.L. Musselman,
Paul I. Wentz,
F.M. Hottel,
E. Godshall,
R.R. Fox,
F.B. Hertzog,
H.H. Bergey,
P.T. Stengele,
W.D. Evert,
J.B. Henry,
H.R. Risel,
Committee.
Report of the Beneficiary Society. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We have received a communication from R.W. Dickert, former pastor of Sunbury, which we recommend to be read to this Conference.
R.L. Woodring,
J.B. Layne,
Committee.
The communication was read to the Annual Conference.
Resolved, That the communication be referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Sunday School Forms and Supplies. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Secure a Suitable Hymn Book for Sunday School Purposes. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we instruct the Board of Publication and Printing to print new uniform Sunday School Supplies.
The Chair appointed the following Boards and Committees:
Board of Publication and Printing: E.N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman, F.M. Hottel and C.H. Brunner.
Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: B. Bryan Musselman, F.M. Hottel, G.F. Yost and F.B. Hertzog.
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of Officers, Boards and Committees.
The following were elected: First Vice-Presiding Elder, B. Bryan Musselman, and Second Vice-Presiding Elder, C.H. Brunner.
Resolved, That W.B. Musselman be recognized as Missionary Presiding Elder Ex-Officio.
Resolved, That we as a Conference recognize Presiding Elder W.G. Gehman as appointed agent to handle Sunday School Supplies and the Gospel Herald for the Union Gospel Press and urge all our Pastors to press the Gospel Herald and all other publications of the Union Gospel Press among our people.
Resolved, That we send a night letter of greeting and convey the information of the above to W.B. Musselman, signed by the Chairman.
Resolved, That the other officers be nominated and elected by ballot. The following were elected:
Chairman of the Next Annual Conference: H.B. Musselman.
Resolved, That we elect a Conference Secretary-Treasurer. C.H. Brunner was elected Secretary-Treasurer.
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): J.G. Shireman, F.M. Hottel, G.F. Yost, B. Bryan Musselman, A.A. Wismer and H.G. Brunner.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, Allen M. Gehman; Secretary, G.O. Billig; Treasurer, H.G. Brunner.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 1 o’clock.
Resolved, That the request of E. Godshall and Paul I. Wentz to be excused from the meetings of the day be granted them.
Adjourned with prayer by W.D. Evert and benediction by J.C. Roth.
EIGHTH MEETING
Saturday Afternoon, October 13, 1928
The meeting was opened with singing “In the Cross, In the Cross, Be My Glory Ever!” and prayer by N.H. Wolf.
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 to Audit Schedules:
We have examined the Pastors’ Schedules, the Summary Schedule and the Quadrennial Schedule and find them in a neat and clean condition, and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.
W.G. Gehman,
F.B. Hertzog,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Ordination:
We, the Committee on Ordination recommend that Paul E. Baer, who has been stationed by the Stationing Committee, be ordained on Sunday afternoon.
C.H. Brunner,
B. Bryan Musselman,
E.N. Cassel
W.G. Gehman,
Committee.
Resolved, That we hold a Sunday School Convention in each Presiding Elder’s District.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elders, Pastors and Delegates constitute a committee to organize for these Conventions.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Chairman in each District to organize for these Sunday School Conventions.
He appointed the following:
Allentown District – C.H. Brunner.
Easton District -J.G. Shireman.
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings on the Allentown District and one on the Easton District.
Resolved, That the Camp Meeting Divisions 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.
Easton District – Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Sunbury, Easton, Stroudsburg, Scranton, Wissinoming, West Philadelphia and York, Pa.
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.
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 terror and Satan’s deceptive seduction, 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 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 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 the price of the Annual Year Book be fifty cents and in case of a deficit this shall be provided for out of the Conference Fund.
Resolved, That we print 950 copies of our Year Book for 1928.
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 J.C. Roth, T.D. Gehret and J.G. Shireman.
Resolved. That the Lay Delegates who find it necessary, be privileged to be absent from further attendance of Conference after the meeting on Saturday.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Ebenezer M.B. in C. Church, Main and Durham Streets, Bethlehem, Pa., at 9 a.m., October 10, 1929.
Ministerial Convention
Resolved, That the Annual Ministerial Convention be held at Easton, Pa., on April 8, 1929. All ordained Ministers and probationers having charge of a work shall be members of this Convention.
The following officers were then elected for this Convention:
Chairman, W.G. Gehman; Secretary, F.B. Hertzog. Committee on Program, H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman and P.T. Stengele.
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of Delegates to the General Conference.
The following delegates were elected:
Ministers – B. Bryan Musselman, C.H. Brunner, E.N. Cassel, G.F. Yost and F.M. Hottel.
Ministers, Alternate – First
Alternate, T.D. Gehret.
Alternate, J.G. Shireman; Second
Laymen Delegates- G.O. Billig, H.H. Bergey, M.L. Musselman, H.L. Shelly and Allen M. Gehman.
Laymen Alternate – First Alternate, C.D. Bean; Second Alternate, P. Ward Musselman.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 3:10 o’clock with prayer by Clarence S. Renn and benediction by P.T. Stengele.
NINTH MEETING
Monday Morning, October 15, 1928
This meeting was opened with singing “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” and prayer by J.C. Roth.
The Chairman read a portion of the fifth chapter of First Thessalonians, followed by some 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:
(A) Whereas, C.H. Brunner, Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board, who has been in constant touch with our representatives on the various Mission fields, and has reported in detail concerning the work being done, and,
Whereas, The lives of all our Missionaries were preserved, the Lord having given health, and strength for their work, so that many souls were won, and the seed of the Word faithfully sown, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for all His leading in the past and pray God to continue to bless our Missionaries, so that the work may continue to the salvation of many precious souls.
(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 whole-hearted interest and untiring labor, 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
world, 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 much 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 express our heartiest thanks to God for His Word and Work of the Lord may increase more and more until the Lord’s return.
(D) Whereas, The Pastor, B. Bryan Musselman, and the members of the Allentown 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 appreciate 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.
(E) Whereas, The daily papers, the “Allentown Morning Call” and the “Chronicle and News,” have given us such splendid service in chronicling the proceedings of the Annual Conference, and,
Whereas, Their 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 by Pastor B. Bryan Musselman to the “Allentown Morning Call” and the “Chronicle and News” office, respectively.
(F) Whereas, The Police Department of the City of Allentown, Pa., through the courtesy of the Chief, M.H. Bernhard, and Captain Miller, have so cheerfully granted the request to provide traffic officers on Sunday, and,
Whereas, Officers Fronheiser and Heath, who were delegated for the task, have given most courteous and efficient services, therefore,
Resolved, That we as a Conference express our hearty appreciation for the services thus rendered, and pray God’s blessing upon this Department in their noble work for the safety of the public, and further,
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution, signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Conference, be forwarded by the Pastor, B. Bryan Musselman, to this Department.
(G) Whereas, R.W. Dickert has expressed himself as led of the Lord to accept the offer of R.E. Neighbor to assist him in his work, and upon his request was granted a release after October 1, and,
Whereas, He desires to continue his membership in the Conference and his and family’s membership in the Church, therefore,
Resolved, That we grant him his request and pray God’s blessing upon him and his family.
W.G. Gehman,
R.L. Woodring,
T.D. Gehret,
Committee.
Resolved, That the membership records of R.W. Dickert and family be held by the Annual Conference Secretary.
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 Publication and Printing – President, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, F.M. Hottel.
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.
Resolved, That the Executive Board under legal advice formulate a form of deed for Church property that may be acceptable to trust officers, that the Board be privileged to permit congregations to use this form of deed, if necessary, during this Conference Year and
present the new form of deed to the next Annual Conference for consideration.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, Our Church organ, “The Gospel Banner,” published at Elkhart, Indiana and so ably edited by A.B. Yoder, of the Indiana and Ohio Conference, and,
Whereas, We consider “The Gospel Banner” one of the cleanest and most reliable papers published, both in doctrinal and practical truths, therefore,
Resolved, That we urge the spreading of the “Banner” among all our members and friends, and further,
Resolved, That we recommend that each pastor having charge of a regular appointment write short articles for the same at least four times a year, and send short reports of their respective work, regularly.
W.G. Gehman,
R.L. Woodring,
T.D. Gehret,
Committee.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 12:10 with prayer by G.F. Yost and benediction by R.L. Woodring.
TENTH MEETING
Monday Afternoon, October 15, 1928
The meeting was opened at 3:50 o’clock with singing “Home, Sweet Home” and prayer by Paul E. Baer.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Announcement of Studies by the Board of Examiners. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Compile a Report of the Conference and the Sunday Services for the “Gospel Banner.” (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Allentown District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Easton District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Tie 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 29 to July 7, 1929.
Allentown Division – Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, C.H. Brunner; Treasurer, G.F. Yost.
Place – Mizpah Grove. Date – August 17 to 25, 1929.
Easton District – Chairman, J.G. Shireman; Secretary, P.T. Stengele; Treasurer, T.D. Gehret.
Place – Edgewood Grove, Shamokin, Pa. Date -July 20 to 28, 1929.
Resolved, That the Board of Publication and Printing print official stationery.
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed by the Chair to audit the Quadrennial Report.
The Chair appointed W.G. Gehman and P.T. Stengele.
Adjourned at 4:50 with prayer by the Chairman, H.B. Musselman.
After singing “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” the benediction was pronounced by the Secretary, C.H. Brunner.
Signed.
H.B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, Chairman,
W.G. Gehman, Presiding Elder,
C.H. Brunner, Secretary-Treasurer; Second Elder, Vice-Presiding
B. Bryan Musselman, Assistant Secretary, First Vice-Presiding Elder,
N.H. Wolf, Recording Secretary,
A.G. Woodring, Recording Secretary,
H.L. Shelly. Recording Secretary,
F.M. Hottel,
E.N. Cassel,
G.F. Yost,
J.G. Shireman,
F.B. Hertzog,
P.T. Stengele,
J.C. Roth,
T.D. Gehret,
R.L. Woodring,
H.K. Kratz,
W.F. Heffner,
J.B. Layne,
V.H. Reinhart,
E.E. Kublic,
J.B. Henry,
E.H. Musselman,
Paul E. Baer,
J.F. Barrall,
G.O. Billig,
M.L. Musselman,
W.D. Evert,
H.N. Rishel,
Paul I. Wentz,
Clarence S. Renn,
G.K. Himmelreich,
R.R. Fox,
Herbert V. Smith,
Charles E. Eroh,
Otto Schroeder,
E. Godshall,
C.B. Brosius,
Edward T. Semmel,
C.D. Bean,
H.H. Bergey,
George R. Fish,
Charles L. Hornberger,
Edward j. Dietzman,
P.T. Tarbert,
Allen M. Gehman.