FORTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1929
FIRST MEETING
Thursday Forenoon, October 17, 1929
The Forty-sixth Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in Ebenezer M.B. in C. Church, 1121-23 N. Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa.
The first meeting was opened at 9 a.m., 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 “He Knows the Way,” the Chairman, H.B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District, gave us a very helpful address from First Corinthians 14:3-6; 16:14.
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, H.K. Kratz, W.F. Heffner, J.B. Layne, V.H. Reinhart, E.E. Kublic, J.B. Henry, E.H. Musselman, Paul E. Baer, R.W. Dickert, 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 – H.W. Hartman, E. George, E.B. Hartman, A.M. Sprock, C.L. Miller, R.H. Gehman, E.W. Bean, C.O. Reed, M.M. Myers and J.T. Anderson.
Delegates
Allentown District
G.O. Billig, Allentown (Bethel).
Myron H. Gehret, 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.I. Bean, Graterford and Harleysville.
Edward T. Semmel, Northampton and Walnutport.
E. Godshall, Nazareth.
Andrew F. Deibert, Lehighton and Weissport.
Easton District
Herbert V. Smith, Easton.
Clarence S. Renn, Shamokin.
Moses Snyder, Mt. Carmel.
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg.
C.B. Brosius, Sunbury.
Otto Schroeder, Scranton.
Edward J. Dietzman, Wissinoming and W. Philadelphia.
P.T. Tarbert, York.
Both Presiding Elders, all the Pastors, all the Delegates and a number of others were present at the opening of the first meeting.
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 and O.S. Hillegass, both of Allentown, Pa. Also H.W. Feldges, of Colombia, S.A.; M.P. Zook and Mrs. M.P. Zook, C.F. Snyder and Mrs. C.F. Snyder and Mrs. H.W. Feldges, on furlough; N.M. Cressman and Mrs. N.M. Cressman, of French Indo-China, and Miss Mary A. Miller, of 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.
Chile – Miss Anna LeFevre and Mrs. Nettle Meier.
Africa – E.E, Crist, Mrs. E.E. Crist, E.R. Hess, M.E. Barter, 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 – 29 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 two sections to the left of the Chair constitute the Conference Bar. Also the basement for evening meetings if so desired.
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.K. Kratz as Reporter and J.B. Henry as Timekeeper.
Resolved, That no member be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission by the Chair, except F.M. Hottel and Myron H. Gehret, 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: Myron H. Gehret and F.M. Hottel.
Committee on Communications: R.L. Woodring and H.K. Kratz.
Committee on Finance: F.M. Hottel, H.L. Shelly, G.O. Billig and C.H. Brunner.
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, H.K. Kratz, E.H. Musselman, E.E. Kublic, V.H. Reinhart, Andrew F. Deibert, Herbert V. Smith, Clarence S. Renn, C.B. Brosius, Edward T. Semmel, Otto Schroeder, Edward J. Dietzman, George R. Fish, Moses Snyder 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: C.H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman and F.M. Hottel.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: B. Bryan Musselman, C.H. Brunner and E.N. Cassel.
Committee on Resolutions: W.G. Gehman, R.L. Woodring and T.D. Gehret.
Committee on Auditing: G.F. Yost, Paul I. Wentz, Myron H. Gehret, J.B. Henry, W.D. Evert, R.R. Fox, Paul E. Baer, E. Godshall, F.B. Hertzog, H.H. Bergey, C.D. Bean and H.N. Rishel.
Committee on Schedules: W.G. Gehman and F.B. Hertzog.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn until three o’clock this afternoon.
Meeting adjourned at 10:50 o’clock with prayer by Paul I. Wentz and benediction by V.H. Reinhart.
SECOND MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 17, 1929
The Chairman opened the afternoon meeting at 3 o’clock with singing “I Will Guide Thee With Mine Eye” and prayer by E.E. Kublic.
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 fairly good condition.
A few mistakes were found which were corrected in the presence of the Pastors.
J.C. Roth,
H.K. Kratz,
E.H. Musselman,
E.E. Kublic,
V.H. Reinhart,
Andrew F. Deibert,
George R. Fish,
Moses Snyder,
Herbert V. Smith,
Clarence S. Renn,
C.B. Brosius,
Edward T. Semmel,
Otto Schroeder,
Edward J. Dietzman
P.T. Tarbert,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We beg leave to report that we have examined the Annual Conference Records of 1928 and found them correct with the exception of a few slight mistakes which were corrected in the presence of the Secretary.
E.E. Kublic,
V.H. Reinhart,
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 highly commended for their lives of noble sacrifice and devotion and earnestness in preaching the Word, and fulfilling their various duties connected with the Lord’s service.
H.H. Bergey,
C.D. Bean,
G.K. Himmelreich,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Worship:
E. George, R.H. Gehman and H.W. Hartman shall speak this evening, fifteen minutes each.
F.M. Hottel,
Myron H. Gehret,
Committee.
Resolved, That we have an evening meeting at 7:45 and not later than 9:30.
Resolved, That we hear the oral reports of the Pastors and that they be limited to eight minutes.
The pastors now began to submit their oral reports.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and make the order of business for the evening meeting the continuance of the oral reports of the pastors, the Presiding Elders and the President of the Gospel Herald Society.
Adjourned with prayer by C.B. Brosius and the benediction by R.L. Woodring.
THIRD MEETING
Thursday Evening, October 17, 1929
The evening meeting in the basement was opened with prayer by J.B. Henry.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The oral reports of the Pastors were continued.
Adjourned at 9:30 o’clock with prayer by P.T. Stengele and benediction by W.G. Gehman.
FOURTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 18, 1929
The meeting was opened with singing “I Need Thee Every Hour,” and prayer by H.K. Kratz.
The Chairman read from I Thessalonians two 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 Foreign Missions. (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 Conference Treasurer. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Finance. (See Reports.)
Report of the Beneficiary Society. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage. (See Reports.)
Report of the Allentown District Sunday School Convention ( See Reports.)
Report of the Easton District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
The oral reports of the Pastors were concluded.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Lord has preserved the lives of all the Pastors during this Conference year, so that all were enabled to attend the meetings of this Conference, reporting the blessings of the Lord upon the various charges and,
Whereas, The Lord has favored us with souls being saved, many being healed of their various physical infirmities, and many moving forward in the things of God, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise the Lord who has so graciously sustained and blessed hitherto, and further,
Resolved, That we pray God to keep our Ministry spiritual and whole-souled, so that many more souls may be saved and the work of the Lord continue to prosper.
W.G. Gehman,
R.L. Woodring,
T.D. Gehret,
Committee.
Rev. Levi H. Zerr, Pastor of the Fritz Memorial M.E. Church, was introduced to the Conference.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 2 o’clock.
Adjourned at 11:55 with prayer by R.L. Woodring and benediction by Rev. Levi H. Zerr.
FIFTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 18, 1929
The afternoon meeting was opened at two o’clock with singing “Where He Leads Me, I Will Follow,” and prayer by H.N. Rishel.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of H.B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District. (See Reports.)
Report of W.G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Easton 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 has again spared the lives of our Presiding Elders, permitting them to serve the Conference in this capacity, giving interesting and encouraging reports of the work along spiritual and financial lines, the President of the Gospel Herald Society also reporting concerning the spread of their work and the growing interest in the missions, and,
Whereas, Their respective reports in a glowing way described the leadings of the Lord throughout the Conference both among Pastors and laity, also the Home and Foreign Missionary work, therefore,
Resolved, That we give hearty thanks to God for such able leaders, who are devoted to the cause of the Lord, and further,
Resolved, That we pray God to sustain them with physical and spiritual strength and energy so that the work of the Lord may go steadily forward until the Lord come.
R.L. Woodring,
T.D. Gehret,
Committee.
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, Paul E. Baer, J.F. Barrall, E.T. Shick and O.S. Hillegass.
Conditional – None.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed the tellers, as follows: G.F. Yost, T.D. Gehret 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 business to 4:45 o’clock.
Business was resumed at 4:45 o’clock.
The Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee was read and approved. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
The following report was read and approved:
Report of the Committee on Worship:
We beg leave to report that H.K. Kratz and W.F. Heffner shall speak this evening, twenty minutes each.
F.M. Hottel,
Myron H. Gehret,
Committee.
Resolved, That the request of B. Bryan Musselman to be excused on account of his Radio program from attending the Sunday evening service be granted.
Adjourned at 5:10 with prayer by J.G. Shireman and the benediction by A.G. Woodring.
SIXTH MEETING
Saturday Morning, October 19, 1929
The meeting was opened with singing “O Happy Day” and prayer by H.L. Shelly.
The Chairman read several selections from the Psalms, followed by a most helpful address.
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 Board of Examiners. (See Reports.)
Report of the Ministerial Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Auditing:
We, the Committee on Auditing, have examined the following 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 the Report of the Committee on Finance.
All of the records were found in an excellent condition. The minor errors found were corrected in the presence of the parties concerned.
G.F. Yost,
Paul I. Wentz,
E. Godshall,
Myron H. Gehret,
W.D. Evert,
F.B. Hertzog,
H.H. Bergey,
H.N. Rishel,
J.B. Henry,
Paul E. Baer,
C.D. Bean,
R.R. Fox,
Committee.
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.
J.G. Shireman,
W.F. Heffner,
F.B. Hertzog,
J.B. Layne,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Statistics. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Worship:
We beg leave to report that G.F. Yost, T.D. Gehret and B. Bryan Musselman shall speak Saturday evening, about 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 evening service shall be opened at seven o’clock with a short song service.
The Brethren R.L. Woodring, E.N. Cassel 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.
F.M. Hottel,
Myron H. Gehret,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Ordination:
We beg leave to report that there are no candidates for Ordination to be considered.
B. Bryan Musselman,
C.H. Brunner,
E.N. Cassel,
Committee
Report of the Committee on Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We beg leave to report that no applicants were referred to us for consideration.
C.H. Brunner,
B. Bryan Musselman,
F.M. Hottel,
Committee
Whereas, The Brethren C.F. Snyder and M.P. Zook, who have been laboring for many years as Foreign Missionaries under the Christian and Missionary Alliance, have been in the homeland on an extended furlough, and,
Whereas, They are at present serving appointments in the Iowa and Nebraska Conference; therefore,
Resolved, That we remember the fellowship that we enjoyed together in the past and further,
Resolved, That we pray the Lord to make them a great blessing in their new field of labor to the salvation of many souls and the building up of the Church of Jesus Christ, and further,
Resolved, That we deem it advisable and for the best advantage for their present work and for all concerned to transfer their names and the names of their families to the said Conference.
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to Rev. C.I. Scott, Presiding Elder of the Iowa and Nebraska Conference, signed by the Chairman and Secretary.
Whereas, It is one of our standing rules for each Pastor to hold a special service at each appointment, on which occasion the Annual Offering for the poor shall be lifted, and,
Whereas, The Home for our aged is in need of funds, and,
Whereas, The offering for the poor has been very low from year to year, therefore,
Resolved. That our Pastors shall lay a special stress upon this offering, designating it as an offering for The Home.
The Chair appointed the following Boards and Committees:
Board of Publication and Printing: E.N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman and C.H. Brunner.
Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: B. Bryan Musselman, F.M. Hottel, G.F. Yost, F.B. Hertzog and J.B. Layne.
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of Officers, Boards and Committees.
The following were elected: First Vice-Presiding Elder, B. Bryan Musselman; Second Vice-Presiding Elder, C.H. Brunner.
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.
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): H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman, E.N. Cassel, C.H. Brunner, Allen M. Gehman and H.M. Hottel.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, Allen M. Gehman; Secretary, G.O. Billig; Treasurer, H.G. Brunner.
The Allentown, Bethel, Class herewith invites the Annual Conference to Allentown for the 1930 Meeting.
G.O. Billig,
B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That we accept the invitation of the Allentown, Bethel, Class and meet in Bethel M.B. in C. Church, 526-530 N. Eighth St., October 16, 1930, at 9 a.m.
Resolved, That we hold a Sunday School Convention in each Presiding Elder’s District, and the Presiding Elders, Pastors and Delegates of their respective Districts 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 we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned with prayer by Edward T. Semmel and the benediction by E.E. Kublic.
SEVENTH MEETING
Saturday Afternoon, October 19, 1929
The meeting was opened at 3:15 with singing “Blessed Assurance” and prayer by F.B. Hertzog.
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 and the Summary Schedules 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 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.)
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Allentown Division of the Allentown District Camp Meeting. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Bethlehem Division of the Allentown District Camp Meeting. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Easton District Camp Meeting. (See Reports.)
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 at length concerning the work being done and,
Whereas, The Lord has graciously overruled in the preservation of the lives of all the Missionaries, having enabled them to continue in the spread of the Gospel and the winning of souls, so that much effectual work for God has been done, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise the Lord, who has so faithfully led the Missionaries in this so noble a cause, supplying hitherto strength and grace for service, and further,
Resolved, That we pray God to continue to bless and prosper them in the future.
(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 this literature the very best possible, both doctrinally and spiritually, and,
Whereas, They print much Gospel literature which is scattered abroad, therefore,
Resolved, That we give hearty 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 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 the Lord’s work.
(E) Whereas, The daily papers, the “Bethlehem Globe Times” and the “Allentown Morning Call,” have given us such splendid service in publishing 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 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 F.M. Hottel to the respective newspaper offices.
W.G. Gehman,
R.L. Woodring,
T.D. Gehret,
Committee.
Resolved, That the Annual Ministerial Convention be held at Sunbury, Pa., on April 17, 1930. 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, E.N. Cassel; Secretary, J.B. Layne.
Committee on Program: H.B. Musselman, W.G. Gehman and T.D. Gehret.
Resolved, That we as a Conference recognize W.G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society, as the agent appointed by the Union Gospel Press to handle their Sunday School Supplies and all their other publications.
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.
Resolved, That the Lay Delegates who find it necessary be privileged to be absent from further attendance of Conference after the meeting Saturday.
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, T.D. Gehret and G.F. Yost.
Resolved, That we send a night letter of greeting to W.B. Musselman, signed by the Chairman and the Secretary, praying God’s blessing upon himself, the Gospel Worker Society, and the work and influence of the Union Gospel Press.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 4.05 o’clock with prayer by J.C. Roth and benediction by J.G. Shireman.
EIGHTH MEETING
Monday Morning, October 21, 1929
This meeting was opened with singing “I’ll Live for Him” and prayer by T.D. Gehret.
The Chairman read part of the twelfth chapter of Romans.
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.
R.L. Woodring,
H.K. Kratz,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Mayor, the Honorable James M. Yeakle, through the Chief of Police, H.M. Halteman, of the Department of Public Safety of the City of Bethlehem, Pa., has so freely granted the request to provide traffic officers on Sunday, and,
Whereas, These officers gave us the best consideration and most courteous and efficient service, therefore,
Resolved, That we as a Conference express our appreciation for a response so ready and cheerful, and service so satisfactory, 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 the Secretary of the Conference and be forwarded by the Pastor, F.M. Hottel, to this Department.
W.G. Gehman,
R.L. Woodring,
T.D. Gehret,
Committee.
Report of the Committee to Compile a Report of the Conference and the Sunday Services for the “Gospel Banner.” (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, C.H. Brunner.
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.
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 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 St., 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 1929.
Resolved, That we ask the Board of Foreign Missions to print 2700 copies of the Annual Report of the Board of Foreign Missions.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and each Pastor send a photo of themselves to the Secretary, C.H. Brunner, by Friday, October 25, 1929.
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, to submit to the next Annual Conference for consideration.
Resolved, That the management of the Cafeteria at the Mizpah Grove Camp Meetings continue under the direction of the Executive Board.
Resolved, That we suspend business.
Business was resumed at 11:55 o’clock.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned with prayer by R.R. Fox and benediction by W.G. Gehman.
NINTH MEETING
Monday Afternoon, October 21, 1929
The meeting was opened at 2:50 o’clock with prayer by W.G. Gehman.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we favor a change by way of an increase in benefits in the Laymen’s Benevolent Society and that we refer this matter to the Executive Board, who, with the officers of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society, shall work out a plan and submit same at a very early date to each Pastor to follow in collecting this year’s dues.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and the Pastor of the Conference Church comprise a Committee to formulate a program for the evening meetings at the next Annual Conference up to and including Saturday evening.
Adjourned at 5:15 o’clock with prayer by the Chairman, H.B. Musselman, and benediction by W.G. Gehman.
Signed,
H.B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, Chairman,
W.G. Gehman, Presiding Elder.
C.H. Brunner, Secretary-Treasurer; Second Vice-Presiding Elder,
B. Bryan Musselman, Assistant Secretary, First Vice-Presiding Elder,
N.H. Wolf, Recording Secretary,
H.L. Shelly, Recording Secretary,
A.G. Woodring, 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,
G.O. Billig,
Myron H. Gehret,
C.D. Bean,
W.D. Evert,
H.N. Rishel,
Clarence S. Renn,
Paul I. Wentz,
H.H. Bergey,
R.R. Fox,
Edward J. Dietzman,
Herbert V. Smith,
Otto Schroeder,
Andrew F. Diebert,
Moses Snyder,
G.K. Himmelreich,
Edward T. Semmel,
O.S. Hillegass,
J.F. Barrall,
C.B. Brosius,
P.T. Tarbert,
George R. Fish,
E.T. Shick,
E. Godshall.