FORTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1931
FIRST MEETING
Thursday Forenoon, October 15, 1931
The Forty-eighth Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in Ebenezer M. B. in C. Church, 1121-1125 North Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa.
The first meeting was opened at 9 a.m., according to announcement, by singing “I Will Guide Thee With Mine Eye.” 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 “Walking, Yes I’m Walking in the Spirit of the Lord,” the Chairman, H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District, gave us a very helpful address from I Corinthians 13.
The names of the members of the Conference were then enrolled, as follows:
Ministers Enrolled
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, W. B. Musselman, H. W. Feldges, C. F. Snyder, N. M. Cressman, J. F. Barrall, O. S. Hillegass, E. T. Shick and R. W. Dickert.
Probationers–H. W. Hartman, E. George, E. B. Hartman, A. M. Sprock, C. L. Miller, R. H. Gehman, E. W. Bean, M. M. Myers, J. T. Anderson and W. W. Hartman.
Delegates Enrolled
Allentown District
G. 0. 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. D. Bean, Graterford and Harleysville.
A. W. Deppe, Northampton and Walnutport.
E. Godshall, Nazareth.
A. A. Schaeffer, Lehighton and Weissport.
Easton District
Herbert V. Smith, Easton.
Paul H. Miller (Alternate), Shamokin.
Mason Klinger, Mt. Carmel.
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg.
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury.
Frank A. Borchers, Scranton.
Edward J. Dietzman, Wissinoming and West 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 at this time W. B. Musselman, of Cleveland, Ohio, and his work, and the Gospel Herald Society, a number of whom were present at this Conference, E. T. Shick and O. S. Hillegass, both of Allentown, Pa.; H. W. Feldges, of Colombia, S. A.; C. F. Snyder and Mrs. C. F. Snyder, of China, and Miss Mary A. Miller, of the Belgian Congo. Also Mrs. H. W. Feldges, N. M. Cressman and Mrs. N. M. Cressman, on furlough.
Also the following, although not members of our Conference, yet are being supported by our Conference:
Chile–Miss Anna LeFevre and Mrs. Nettie 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. Carner, Mrs. E. R. Carner, Samuel Kerr and Mrs. Samuel Kerr.
China–C. F. Snyder and Mrs. C. F. Snyder.
French Indo-China–Wm. C. Cadman, Mrs. Wm. C. Cadman, R. M. Jackson and H. A. Jackson.
Palestine-Miss Mary A. Butterfield.
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 on the east side of the Auditorium constitute the Conference Bar.
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 Paul E. Baer 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: R. M. Hottel, W. G. Gehman and H. B. Musselman.
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 Annual Conference Records: E. E. Kublic and V. H. Reinhart.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: J. C. Roth, H. K. Kratz, E. H. Musselman, Paul H. Miller, E. E. Kublic, V. H. Reinhart, C. D. Bean, Herbert V. Smith, C. B. Brosius, A. W. Deppe, Frank A. Borchers, George R. Fish, Mason Klinger, P.T. Tarbert and Edward J. Dietzman.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: C. D. Bean, H. H. Bergey and G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries: W. F. Heffner, J. G. Shireman, 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, E. N. Cassel and C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Resolutions: W. G. Gehman, R. L. Woodring, T. D.. Gehret, J. C. Roth and F. B. Hertzog.
Committee on Auditing: G. F. Yost, Paul I. Wentz, Myron H. Gehret, J. B. Henry, W. D. Evert, R. R. Fox, Paul E. Baer, A. A. Schaeffer, E. Godshall, F. B. Hertzog and H. N. Rishel.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Worship:
We recommend that all the pastors submit their oral reports, limited to five minutes each, in regular Conference meeting, on Thursday evening. The following shall speak about thirty minutes
each:
Friday evening–N. H. Wolf and A. G. Woodring.
Saturday evening–E. N. Cassel and T. D. Gehret.
These services shall open at 7:45 o’clock.
At last year’s Conference it was resolved that at this Conference the Chairman, H. B. Musselman, shall preach the Conference Sermon on Sunday morning and W. G. Gehman shall preach in the afternoon.
C. H. Brunner and B. Bryan Musselman shall preach in the evening. The Sunday services shall open at 9:30 a.m., 2:15 and 7 p.m. The Chairman of the Annual Conference shall have charge of the Sunday Services.
H. B. Musselman,
W. G. Gehman,
F. M. Hottel,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 10:45 o’clock with prayer by P. T. Tarbert and the benediction by E. E. Kublic.
SECOND MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 15, 1931
The Chairman opened the afternoon meeting at 3 o’clock with singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and prayer by J. B. Henry.
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 Executive Board. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Home. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That the Presiding Elders submit their reports at this time and submit an oral report this evening.
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 Communications:
We have received a communication from J. F. Barrall, of Shamokin, Pa., and one from R. W. Dickert, Ovieda, Fla. We recommend both to be read before this Conference body.
R. L. Woodring,
H. K. Kratz,
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.
W. F. Heffner,
J. G. Shireman,
F. B. Hertzog,
J. B. Layne,
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, devotion and earnestness in preaching the Word, and fulfilling their various duties connected with the Lord’s service.
C. D. Bean,
H. H. Bergey,
G. K. Himmelreich,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We have examined the Annual Conference Records of 1930 and found them all correct.
E. E. Kublic,
V. H. Reinhart,
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 and E. T. Shick.
Conditional–None.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed the tellers, as follows: G. F. Yost, P. T. Stengele and F. B. Hertzog.
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 the minutes of this meeting be read at the opening of tomorrow morning’s meeting.
Adjourned with prayer by P. T. Stengele and benediction by R. L. Woodring.
THIRD MEETING
Thursday Evening, October 15, 1931
The evening meeting was opened at 7:45 o’clock with prayer by W. G. Gehman.
The roll was called.
The Pastors submitted their oral reports, followed by the Presiding Elders.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet tomorrow morning at 11 o’clock.
Adjourned at 9:45 o’clock with prayer and benediction by C. H. Brunner.
FOURTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 16, 1931
The meeting was opened at 11 o’clock with singing “How Beautiful to Walk in the Steps of the Saviour,” and prayer by H. L. Shelly.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Examiners. (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 Board of Publication and Printing. (See Reports.)
Report of the Conference Treasurer. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Finance. (See Reports.)
Report of the Camp Meeting Equipage Committee. (See Reports.)
Report of the Beneficiary Society. (See Reports.)
The President of the Gospel Herald Society presented the name of A. C. Wieand as an applicant for Annual Conference License.
Resolved, That he be referred to the Committee on the Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License.
Adjourned with prayer by E. Godshall and benediction by T. D. Gehret.
FIFTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 16, 1931
The meeting was opened with singing “Jesus Shall Lead Me,” and prayer by C. B. Brosius.
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 Allentown District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Easton District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Ministerial Convention. (See Reports.)
Report of the Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on the Examination of Quarterly Conference Records:
We, the Committee on Quarterly Conference Records, beg leave to report that we examined the Quarterly Conference Records and found most of them in excellent condition. A few slight mistakes were found, which we instructed the Pastors to correct.
J. C. Roth,
H. K. Kratz,
E. H. Musselman,
C. D. Bean,
Herbert V. Smith,
C. B. Brosius,
A. W. Deppe,
Edward J. Dietzman.
Committee.
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. The records were all found to be in an excellent condition. A few minor errors were corrected in the presence of the parties concerned.
G. F. Yost, W. D. Evert,
Paul I. Wentz, J. B. Henry,
R. R. Fox, Myron H. Gehret,
E. Godshall, F. B. Hertzog,
H. N. Rishel, A. A. Schaffer,
Paul E. Baer.
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We have received a communication from Rev. H. Bente, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Bethlehem, Pa., expressing his cordial Christian Greetings to the Ministering Brethren and the Chairman of this Conference. Being sick, Rev. Bente wishes to be remembered in prayer for his recovery.
R. L. Woodring,
H. K. Kratz,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We, the Committee on Applicants, wish to report that we have examined A. C. Wieand, an Applicant from the Gospel Herald Society for Annual Conference License, and recommend that Annual Conference License be granted to him.
C. H. Brunner,
B. Bryan Musselman,
F. M. Hottel,
Committee.
The Chair appointed the following Boards and Committees:
Board of Publication and Printing: B. Bryan Musselman, C. H. Brunner and E. N. Cassel.
Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits:
B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel, G. F. Yost and F. B. Hertzog.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Statistics. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on Resolutions.
1. Whereas, We have listened to the reports of our Presiding Elders, also the report of the President of the Gospel Herald Society, in which they expressed their appreciation of the faithfulness of the Pastors, as well as the noble company of believers throughout the various charges who have shown an excellent spirit of loyalty and sacrifice, and,
Whereas, Our Presiding Elders have worked willingly and wholeheartedly for the advancement of the work on all lines, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise our Heavenly Father for their zeal and exemplary lives, and pray that they may continue in the future to be made a great blessing to all.
2. Whereas, Through the providence of God the lives of all the Pastors have been spared, and divine strength given for the demands of the work, and,
Whereas, The Pastors all reported that noticeable spiritual progress had been made, so that a number of souls were saved, many healed of various infirmities, others stepping out more fully upon God’s Word, therefore,
Resolved, That we desire to hereby express our heartfelt praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father, who has so graciously upheld them all and enabled them to labor in His harvest field and trust that they shall, by the Spirit’s power, prove to be diligent in service and true to their calling.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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, Through this medium, tons of sound Gospel literature is sent into many parts of the world, therefore,
Resolved, That we give hearty thanks to God for His readings 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.
6. 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 the errors and deceptions of Satan, 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.
7. Resolved, That the Church property at Hereford be in charge of the Board of Trustees of Macungie, Pa.
8. 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.
9. 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 April 1.
10. 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 especial stress upon this offering, designating it as an offering for The Home and that this offering shall be lifted at a Special Service on or near Thanksgiving Day.
11. Resolved; That W. G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society, shall have charge of the general sale of the Church Hymnal.
12. Resolved, That we ask the Sunday Schools to remit 25 cents for each Officer and Teacher reported on this year’s schedule, to be added to the Conference Fund for Printing of Supplies. This amount to be paid to the Conference Treasurer before next New Year.
13. Resolved, That the Executive Board, under legal advice, formulate a form of deed for church property that may be acceptable to trust officers and that the Board be privileged to permit congregations to use this form of deed, to submit to the next Annual Conference for consideration.
14. Resolved, That the management of the Cafeteria at the Mizpah Grove Camp Meetings continue under the direction of the Executive Board.
15. Resolved, That H. B. Musselman shall preach the Conference Sermon on Sunday of the next Annual Conference at the morning meeting. W. G. Gehman shall preach in the afternoon. The two Presiding Elders and the Pastor of the Conference Church shall arrange and publish the program for all the evening meetings.
16. 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.
17. 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 cooperated 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.
18. Whereas, Robert E. Peiffle, Mayor of the City of Bethlehem and Superintendent of Police Frederic T. Trafford and his assistants, have so willingly and cheerfully granted the request in providing traffic officers during the week and on Sunday, and,
Whereas, These officers have given efficient service, therefore,
Resolved, That we as a Conference express our hearty appreciation for the services rendered, and pray God’s blessing upon the said 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 this Conference, be forwarded by the Pastor, F. M. Hottel, to this Department.
W. G. Gehman,
T. D. Gehret,
R. L. Woodring
J. C. Roth,
F. B. Hertzog,
Committee.
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of Officers, Boards and Committees.
The following were elected: B. Bryan Musselman and C. H. Brunner as Vice Presiding Elders.
Resolved, That B. Bryan Musselman be First Vice Presiding Elder and C. H. Brunner be Second Vice Presiding Elder.
Resolved, That W. B. Musselman be recognized as Missionary Presiding Elder, Ex-Officio.
A very hearty welcome is extended to the Annual Conference to consider Allentown Bethel as the meeting place, for its Annual Session in 1932.
G. O. Billig,
B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That this invitation be accepted and that the Conference convene in the Allentown Bethel Church, October 6, 1932, at 9 a.m.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of three to compile a report of the Conference and the Sunday Services for the “Gospel Banner.” He appointed E. N. Cassel, A. G. Woodring and T. D. Gehret.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
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 Conference: C. H. Brunner.
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, H. K. Kratz and T. D. Gehret.
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. N. Rishel.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, Allen M. Gehman; Secretary, G. O. Billig; Treasurer, H. G. Brunner.
Resolved, That we hold a Sunday School Convention in each Presiding Elders’ District. The Presiding Elders, Pastors and Delegates of their respective Districts shall 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.
Adjourned with prayer by R. L. Woodring and benediction by J. B. Henry.
SIXTH MEETING
Saturday Morning, October 17, 1931
The meeting was opened with singing “I’m on the Way,” and prayer by R. L. Woodring.
The Chairman read several selections from the Psalms.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination:
We beg leave to report that we have interviewed E. W. Bean, A. M. Sprock and R. H. Gehman, who have completed their three years’ Reading Course creditably and have labored acceptably in the Gospel Herald Society for a number of years. We believe them to be sincere, conscientious and promising young men of good character but owing to the fact that they have not had the opportunity to labor in the Church, we recommend that their ordination be deferred for the present.
B. Bryan Musselman,
E. N. Cassel,
C. H. Brunner,
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.)
Resolved, That we suspend business to the Call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 11:50 o’clock.
The various Boards and Committees reported the election of the following officers:
Committee over the Presiding Elders–Chairman, F. M. Hottel; Secretary, H. K. Kratz.
Executive Board–President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, E. N. Cassel.
Board of Foreign Missions–President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner.
Board of Examiners–President, E. N. Cassel; Secretary, H. K. Kratz.
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.
Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits–Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, F. M. Hottel.
Beneficiary Society–President, W. G. Gehman, Secretary, F. M. Hottel; Treasurer, B. Bryan Musselman.
Adjourned with prayer by H. N. Rishel and benediction by V. H. Reinhart.
SEVENTH MEETING
Saturday Afternoon, October 17, 1931
The meeting was opened with singing “My Jesus I Love Thee” and prayer by Herbert V. Smith.
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:
1. 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.
2. Whereas, We have listened to the reading of a communication from J. F. Barrall, of Shamokin, Pa., in which he requested that he be excused from being present on account of his work, also stating that his relationship to the Conference is the same as always, therefore,
Resolved, That we are sorry that he could not be with us and that we pray God’s richest blessing upon him for the future.
3. Whereas, We have listened to the reading of a letter from R. W. Dickert, of Ovieda, Florida, in which he states that he is now officially connected with the Southern Baptist Ministry, and requesting that their church letters be sent to them; therefore,
Resolved, That we grant his request and that we pray God’s blessing upon them in their present sphere of labor, that they may continue faithfully in the work and service of the Lord until He come,
W. G. Gehman,
T. D. Gehret,
R. L. Woodring,
J. C. Roth,
F. B. Hertzog,
Committee.
Resolved, That we hold the Annual Ministerial Convention at Easton, Pa., on April 14, 1932. 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, Paul E. Baer.
Committee on Program: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and P.T. Stengele.
Resolved, That we print 800 copies of our Year Book for 1931.
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 ask the Board of Foreign Missions to print 2400 copies of the Annual Report of the Board of Foreign Missions.
The following reports were read and adopted:
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 Camp Meeting of the Allentown District. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Bethlehem Division Camp Meeting of the Allentown District. (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Easton District Camp Meeting. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That the Committee to Compile a Report of the Conference and the Sunday Services for the “Gospel Banner,” submit their report to the Conference Secretary to be published in the Year Book as well as in the “Gospel Banner.”
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed by the Chair, including himself, to consider by what way and means our young people may be engaged and exercised in more spiritual activity.
The Chair appointed B. Bryan Musselman, E. N. Cassel, W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner and H. B. Musselman.
The minutes of the afternoon meeting were read and approved.
Adjourned at 4:50 o’clock-with prayer by 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,
A. G. Woodring, Recording Secretary,
N. H. Wolf, Recording Secretary.
H. L. Shelly, Recording Secretary,
F. M. Hottel, W. D. Evert,
E. N. Cassel, H. N. Rishel,
G. F. Yost, Paul I. Wentz,
J. G. Shireman, Paul H. Miller
F. B. Hertzog, G. K. Himmelreich,
P. T. Stengele, R. R. Fox,
J. C. Roth, Herbert V. Smith,
T. D. Gehret, A. A. Schaffer,
R. L. Woodring, C. B. Brosius,
H. K. Kratz, E. Godshall,
W. F. Heffner, A. W. Deppe,
J. B. Layne, C. D. Bean,
V. H. Reinhart, P. T. Tarbert,
E. E. Kublic, George R. Fish,
Paul E. Baer, Mason Klinger,
J. B. Henry, Frank A. Borchers,
E. H. Musselman, Edw. J. Dietzman,
G. O. Billig, H. H. Bergey.
Myron H. Gehret.