FIFTIETH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1933
FIRST MEETING
Wednesday Forenoon, October 18, 1933.
The Fiftieth Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in Beulah M. B. in C. Church, Twelfth and Spruce streets, Easton, Pa.
The first meeting was opened by the Chairman, H. B. Musselman, at 9 a.m., according to announcement, by singing “When the Love of Jesus Dwelleth in the Heart,” and prayer by Pastor J. B. Layne, after which the chairman gave us a most earnest, helpful and needful address, emphasizing the strenuous conditions of these last days and the great need of devoted, consecrated laborers, full of faith and courage. 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 blessings 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 “Let the Beauty of Jesus be Seen in Me,” the Chairman called for the enrollment of members.
The names of the members of the Conference were then enrolled by the Secretary, C. B. Brunner, 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, E. T. Shick, R. Bergstresser, J. F. Barrall, O. S. Hillegass, W. B. Musselman, C. F. Snyder, H. W. Feldges and N. M. Cressman.
Probationers–H. W. Hartman, E. George, E. B. Hartman, A. M. Sprock, C. L. Miller, R. H. Gehman, E. W. Bean, M. M. Myers, W. W. Hartman, J. T. Anderson and A. C. Wieand.
Delegates
Allentown District
G. Henry Hildebrand, Allentown (Bethel.)
Paul H. Cressman, Bethlehem.
Fred Geibel, Philadelphia.
S. W. Heiser, 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. K. Wismer, Graterford and Harleysville.
Burton Deppe, Northampton and Walnutport.
E. Godshall, Nazareth.
A. A. Schaeffer, Lehighton and Weissport.
Easton District
Herbert V. Smith, Easton.
R. M. Anderson, Shamokin.
Mason Klinger, Mt.Carmel.
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg.
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury.
Frank A. Borchers, Scranton.
Thomas Campbell, Sr., Wissinoming and West Philadelphia.
George S. Messersmith, 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; C. F. Snyder and Mrs. C. F. Snyder, of China; N. M. Cressman and Mrs. N. M. Cressman, of French Indo-China; Mrs. Fred Whale, formerly Miss Grace Feldges, of Africa; H. W. Feldges and Mrs. H. W. Feldges and Miss Mary A. Miller on furlough. Also the following, although not members of our Conference, yet have been supported by our Conference.
Africa–E. E. Crist, Mrs. E. E. Crist, E. R. Hess, Harry Stam, Mrs. Harry Stam, Joseph Ummel and Paul Ummel.
French Indo-China–William C. Cadman, Mrs. William C. Cadman, R. M. Jackson and H. A. Jackson.
Palestine–Miss Mary A. Butterfield, on furlough.
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 in the center and to the right of the Chair 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 J. C. Roth as Timekeeper.
Resolved, That no members be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission by the Chair, except T. D. Gehret and Herbert V. Smith, the Pastor and Delegate of the Easton congregation.
Committees
The following committees were then appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference.
Committee on Worship: W. G. Gehman, T. D. Gehret and H. B. Musselman.
Committee on Communications: R. L. Woodring and J. B. Layne.
Committee on Finance: F. M. Hottel, H. L. Shelly, G. Henry Hildebrand and C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Statistics: E. N. Cassel, Paul E. Baer, J. B. Layne, J. G. Shireman, P. T. Stengele and T. D. Gehret.
Committee on Examinations of Annual Conference Records: J. C. Roth and W. F. Heffner.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: F. B. Hertzog, H. K. Kratz, E. H. Musselman, C. L. Miller, Mason Klinger, E. E. Kublic, Burton Deppe, Frank A. Borchers, George R. Fish, Fred Geibel, George S. Messersmith, C. K. Wismer, Thomas Campbell, Sr., S. W. Heiser and R. M. Anderson.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: Herbert V. Smith, H. Bergey and G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries: P. T. Stengele, H. K. Kratz, J. C. Roth and W. F. Heffner.
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 and J. B. Henry.
Committee on Auditing: G. F. Yost, J. B. Henry, Paul I. Wentz, Herbert V. Smith, C. B. Brosius, Paul H. Cressman, A. A. Schaeffer, R. R. Fox, G. Henry Hildebrand, H. H. Bergey and E. Godshall.
Resolved, That the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Minutes shall carefully compare the Annual Conference minutes with a copy of the Year Book and note any and all errors, make a copy of any and all corrections, omissions or additions. and certify in the following form,
We hereby certify that we have examined the Annual Conference minutes for the session of……………. and found them correct except the following corrections–Two copies of this certificate shall be made and signed and posted into the Conference Year Books, one held by the Chairman and one by the Secretary, which shall serve as the official records of the Annual Conference.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and have a meeting this evening and that the minutes of the afternoon meeting be read at tomorrow morning’s meeting.
Resolved, That the Oral Reports of the various Pastors be limited to four minutes and the Presiding Elders give oral reports limited to five minutes.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to three o’clock this afternoon.
Adjourned with prayer by Paul E. Baer and benediction by F. M. Hottel.
SECOND MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon, October 18, 1933.
The Chairman opened the afternoon meeting at 3 o’clock with singing “Leaning on Jesus,” and prayer by S. W. Heiser.
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 Quarterly Conference Records, beg leave to report that we have examined the Quarterly Conference Records and found them in an excellent condition. A few slight mistakes were found which we instructed the Pastors to correct.
F. B. Hertzog,
H. K. Kratz,
E. H. Musselman,
C. L. Miller,
Mason Klinger,
E. E. Kublic,
Burton Deppe,
Frank A. Borchers,
George R. Fish,
Fred Geibel,
George S. Messersmith,
C. K. Wismer,
Thomas Campbell, Sr.,
S. W. Heiser,
R. M. Anderson,
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.
P. T. Stengele,
H. K. Kratz,
J. C. Roth,
W. F. Heffner,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We certify that we have examined the Annual Conference Records of 1932 and found the following errors:
First, On page 30 reads “To organize for these Conventions,” in Year Book reads on Page 20, “Organize for these Sunday School Conventions.”
Second, In summary of Statistics reads, “Total Decrease 114,” in Year Book reads, “Total Decrease 116.”
Third, In minutes, Home Department members 1482, In Year Book. 1483.
J. C. Roth,
W. F. Heffner,
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.
Herbert V. Smith,
H. H. Bergey,
G. K. Himmelreich,
Committee.
Report of the Board of Examiners. (See Reports.)
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 Camp Meeting Equipage Committee. (See Reports.)
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 Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That the Secretary call the roll for Conditional and Unconditional Ministers. The following was the result:
Unconditional–H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel, J. G. Shireman, E. N. Cassel, J. C. Roth, G. F. Yost. R. L. Woodring, H. K. Kratz, A. G. Woodring, N. H. Wolf, W. F. Heffner, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog, T. D. Gehret, J. B. Henry, E. H. Musselman, Paul E. Baer and C. L. Miller.
Conditional–None.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed the tellers as follows: G. F. Yost, J. B. Layne and F. M. Hottel.
The following were elected Presiding Elders for the ensuing year: H. B. Musselman and W. G. Gehman. Vice Presiding Elders: B. Bryan Musselman and C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That H. B. Musselman shall be Presiding Elder over the District comprising the greater part of the Conference, and W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder over the District comprising the balance of the Conference and the Gospel Herald Society.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That we adjourn to meet tonight at 7:45 o’clock.
Adjourned at 6.00 with prayer by E. H. Musselman and benediction by J. G. Shireman.
THIRD MEETING
Wednesday Evening, October 18, 1933
The evening meeting was opened at 7:45 o’clock with singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and prayer by A. G. Woodring.
The roll was called.
The Pastors submitted their oral reports.
Presiding Elders H. B. Musselman and W. G. Gehman submitted their oral reports.
Adjourned at 9:25 o’clock with prayer and benediction by W. G. Gehman.
FOURTH MEETING
Thursday Morning, October 19, 1933.
The meeting was opened with singing “Sweet are the Promises,” and prayer by E. N. Cassel.
The Chairman read 2 Corinthians, Chapter 4 and made some very helpful remarks.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the Wednesday afternoon and evening meetings were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Finance. (See Reports.)
Report of the Beneficiary Society. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing. (See Reports.)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions. (See Reports.)
Report of the Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports.)
Rev. W. S. Hottel, Bible Teacher and Evangelist of Detroit, Michigan, and Rev. Titus Hottel, Pastor of the 12th Street Baptist Church, Allentown, Pa,, were introduced to the Conference.
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 meet at 2 o’clock this afternoon.
Adjourned at 10:25 o’clock with prayer by W. S. Hottel and benediction by Titus Hottel.
FIFTH MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 19, 1933.
The meeting was opened at 2.00 o’clock with prayer by T. D. Gehret.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
The Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee reports progress and asks to sit again.
Resolved, That we suspend business until the call of the Chair not later than 4:45 o’clock.
Business was resumed at 4:05 o’clock.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We beg leave to report that we have had no applicants for Annual Conference License at this Conference.
C. H. Brunner,
B. Bryan Musselman,
F. M. Hottel,
Committee.
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we suspend business for 20 minutes.
Business was resumed at five o’clock.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and extend the time to 5.30 p. m.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Home. (See Reports.)
Report of the, Executive Board. (See Reports.)
Report of the Conference Treasurer. (See Reports.)
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of Officers, Boards and Committees.
The following were elected:
Chairman of the Next Annual Conference: H. B. Musselman.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Next Annual Conference: C. H. Brunner.
Adjourned at 5:30 o’clock with prayer by E. E. Kublic and benediction by G. F. Yost.
SIXTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 20, 1933.
The meeting was opened with prayer by G. F. Yost.
The Chairman read 1 Timothy 4, followed by some very instructive remarks.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Bethel Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, Allentown, Pa., on October 18, 1934, and also that the Conference include Sunday services.
An invitation was also received from the Bethlehem congregation to entertain the next Annual Conference.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions.
(1) Whereas, We have listened with great interest and profit to the reports of our Presiding Elders, also the report of the President of the Gospel Herald Society, in which glowing tribute was paid to the faithfulness and loyalty of the Pastors, as well as the laity on the various charges who have manifested deep interest and concern in the Lord’s work and have sacrificed greatly, and,
Whereas, Our Presiding Elders have toiled willingly and untiring, spending and being spent for the good of the work, therefore,
Resolved, That we herewith express our appreciation of their wise counsel, able leadership and thoughtful consideration of the various problems that have confronted them, and that we pray that they may be Divinely sustained and preserved until He come.
(2) Whereas, During the past year the Lord has again wonderfully preserved the lives of all of our Pastors, and,
Whereas, The Pastors have reported spiritual progress and victory, so that much definite work has been done for God, souls have been saved, others have been remarkably healed, therefore,
Resolved, That the Lord be praised for His marvelous readings, for His blessings so abundantly bestowed upon the ministry, and that by the grace of God we strive to prove worthy of the calling wherewith we have been called, and serve Him to the very best of our power and strength.
(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 hitherto supplied the needed strength, and who has sustained the Missionaries in these troublous times, 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 the “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 wholehearted interest and untiring labor, and further,
Resolved, That we donate $50 out of the Annual Conference Fund as a 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 Gospel literature are sent into many parts of the world, 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.
(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 Pastors 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 other publications.
(9) Resolved, That the Pastors hold the Home Missionary meetings under the direction of the respective Presiding Elders and that the subscriptions be taken some time between Conference and New Year. The pledges for Foreign Missions shall be taken 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 special 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 before 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 management of the Cafeteria of the Mizpah Grove Camp Meetings continue under the direction of the Executive Board.
(14) Whereas, The Pastor, T. D. Gehret, and the members of the Easton Congregation 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.
(15) Whereas, The daily papers, the “Easton Express” and the “Bethlehem Globe-Times,” 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 T. D. Gehret.
W. G. Gehman,
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Henry,
Committee.
Resolved, That each class lift an offering for the next Annual Conference expenses, the amount to be based on the basis of 10 cents per member. These amounts shall be recorded in the first empty space of both Financial and Statistical Schedules.
Resolved, That we proceed with the election of Officers, Boards and Committees. The following were elected:
Resolved, That W. B. Musselman be recognized as Missionary Presiding Elder, Ex-Officio.
Resolved, That the officers be nominated and elected by ballot.
Committee over the Presiding Elders: F. M. Hottel, G. F. Yost and P. T. Stengele.
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 P. 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.
Whereas, Pastor J. G. Shireman has requested to be relieved from membership on the Board of Trustees of The Home on account of his physical condition, therefore
Resolved, That his request be granted. F. B. Hertzog was elected to fill the vacancy.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, Allen M. Gehman; Secretary, G. O. Billig; Treasurer, H. G. Brunner.
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, and forwarded to him at Zionsville, Pa., who in turn shall forward the items of receipts to the Secretary, G. O. Billig, 941 Liberty street, Allentown, Pa.
The following were appointed by the chairman:
Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, F. M. Hottel; F. B. Hertzog and P. T. Stengele.
Board of Publication and Printing: President, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel.
Committee of Three to Compile a Report of the Conference and the Evening Services for the “Gospel Banner:” E. N. Cassel, A. G. Woodring and T. D. Gehret.
Resolved, That we hold a Sunday School Convention in each Presiding Elder’s District. The Presiding Elders, Pastors and Delegates of their respective districts shall constitute a committee to organize for these Sunday School Conventions.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Chairman in each district to organize for these Sunday School Conventions.
He appointed the following:
Allentown District–C. H. Brunner.
Easton District–T. D. Gehret.
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 meet at 2 o’clock.
Adjourned with prayer by C. K. Wismer and benediction by J. C. Roth.
SEVENTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 20, 1933.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Fred Geibel.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Statistics: (See Reports.)
Report of the Committee on 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 a good condition. A few minor errors were corrected in the presence of the parties concerned.
G. F. Yost, A. A. Schaeffer,
Paul I. Wentz, R. R. Fox,
J. B. Henry, G. Henry Hildebrand,
Herbert V. Smith, H. H. Bergey,
C. B. Brosius, E. Godshall,
Paul H. Cressman.
Committee.
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.)
Report of the Committee on Ordination:
We beg leave to report that we have met Brother C. L. Miller who has filled a Conference appointment as pastor at Mount Carmel during the past year satisfactorily, have examined him and recommend him to this Conference for ordination.
We have also met Brother W. W. Hartman who has passed the Reading Course satisfactorily and believe him to be sincere, devoted and faithful, but owing to the fact that he has not had the opportunity to show himself approved to the Conference, therefore, we recommend that his ordination be deferred for the present.
B. Bryan Musselman,
E. N. Cassel,
C. H. Brunner,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We have received a Communication from J. P. Barrall, Local Preacher of Shamokin Quarterly Conference, stating that his courage to serve the Lord is as good as ever, but on account of business conditions could not attend.
R. L. Woodring,
J. B. Layne,
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.)
The various Boards and Committees reported the election of the following officers:
Committee over the Presiding Elders–Chairman, F. M. Hottel; Secretary, P. T. Stengele.
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, Paul I. Wentz.
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, P. M. Hottel.
Beneficiary Society–President, W. G. Gehman; Secretary, F. M. Hottel; Treasurer, B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That Brother C. L. Miller be ordained during this evening service. The Chairman, H. B. Musselman, shall have charge of the ordination service.
Resolved, That the matter of a Hymn Book be left to the Executive Board.
Resolved, That we hold the Annual Ministerial Convention at Bethlehem, Pa., on April 19, 1934. All ordained Ministers and Probationers having charge of a work shall be members of this Convention.
The following officers were elected for this Convention: Chairman, C. H. Brunner; Secretary, J. B. Layne.
Committee on Program: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and P. T. Stengele.
Resolved, That Gospel Heralds who desire to take the Reading Course may, with the concurrence of the President of the Gospel Herald Society, be permitted to take the Reading Course without entering the Annual Conference. Upon the satisfactory completion of their course the Board of Examiners shall give them a certificate which may serve as credit whenever they are admitted into the Conference.
Resolved, That we recommend that the Board of Examiners specify the length of time the Probationers shall take to answer the questions according to their best judgment.
Resolved, That whenever the President of the Gospel Herald Society desires to present a Gospel Herald, as an applicant for Annual Conference License or turn over a Gospel Herald Mission as a church appointment he shall have the endorsement of the Executive Board.
Resolved, That these resolutions be made Standing Rules.
Resolved, That the Committee to compile a Report of the Conference and the Evening Meetings 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 we print 1000 copies of our Year Book for 1933.
Resolved, That the price of the Annual Year Book be twenty-five cents and in case of a deficit this shall be provided for out of the Conference Fund.
Resolved, That we have 1200 copies of the Report of the Gospel Herald Society printed for distribution among those not having Year Books.
Resolved, That we ask the Board of Foreign Missions to print 1800 copies of the Annual Report of the Board of Foreign Missions.
Resolved, That the Pastors shall meet the officers of the Beneficiary Society at the Ministerial Convention and present their check for the offering for the Beneficiary Fund.
Resolved, That a Committee of five, including the two Presiding Elders, be appointed who shall arrange and publish a program for all the services for the next Annual Conference.
The following were appointed: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, B. Bryan Musselman, C. H. Brunner and the Allentown Delegate.
Resolved, That we revise Article Number 3 in the By-laws of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society by striking out the words “Presiding Elders” and substituting the words “Executive Board.”
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That whenever an election is held, except where otherwise provided for by our Discipline, the informal ballot shall be used to nominate the candidates and where one candidate is to be elected the three highest shall be used as candidates. Where three candidates are required the five highest shall be considered. A majority in every instance shall be necessary for an election. After the first ballot has been cast if there be no election the candidate receiving the least number of votes shall be eliminated.
Whereas, The question relative to the advisability of using musical instruments in connection with our religious services has been brought up occasionally during the past, and,
Whereas, Our Discipline has referred this question to the decision of the respective Annual Conferences, therefore,
Resolved, That we as a Conference declare ourselves as not being antagonistic to the use of musical instruments in connection with our religious Worship. This question shall be left to the discretion of the various individual congregations to be decided by a two-thirds vote of Quarterly Conference.
The minutes of the afternoon meeting were read and approved.
Adjourned at 6 p. m. with prayer by W. G. Gehman and benediction by E. N. Cassel.
Signed,
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, Chairman.
W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder.
C. H. Brunner, Secretary-Treasurer, Vice Presiding Elder.
B. Bryan Musselman, Assistant Secretary, Vice Presiding Elder.
A. G. Woodring, Recording Secretary.
H. L. Shelly, Recording Secretary.
N. H. Wolf, Recording Secretary.
E. N. Cassel. R. R. Fox,
F. M. Hottel, Paul H. Cressman,
P. T. Stengele, S. W. Heiser,
G. F. Yost, Paul I. Wentz,
F. B. Hertzog, G. K. Himmelreich,
T. D. Gehret, Herbert V. Smith,
J. G. Shireman, R. M. Anderson,
R. L. Woodring, C. B. Brosius,
H. K. Kratz, E. Godshall,
J. C. Roth, Burton Deppe,
W. F. Heffner, A. A. Schaffer,
J. B. Layne, C. K. Wismer,
Paul E. Baer, George S. Messersmith,
J. B. Henry, Frank A. Borchers,
E. H. Musselman, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.,
E. E. Kublic, H. H. Bergey,
C. L. Miller, George R. Fish,
Fred Geibel, Mason Klinger.
G. Henry Hildebrand.