FIFTY-THIRD ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1936
Minutes, as well as Committee Reports, Indexes, and Statistics are in the 1936 Yearbook
FIRST MEETING
Thursday Forenoon, October 15, 1936
The Fifty-third Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in Bethel M. B. in C. Church, 526-530 North Eighth Street, Allentown, Pa.
The first meeting was opened by the Chairman, H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District, according to announcements at 9 A. M., Thursday, October 15, 1936. “My Jesus I Love Thee” was sung as the opening hymn. Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman led in the opening prayer.
This was followed by a very appropriate and helpful address by the Chairman, after which the Conference engaged in a season of earnest prayer for the blessing of God.
The Secretary, Pastor C. H. Brunner, appointed his assistants as follows: Assistant Secretary, B. Bryan Musselman; Recording Secretaries, N. H. Wolf, A. G. Woodring and H. L. Shelly.
The Secretary enrolled the names of the members of the Conference as follows:
Ministers
Ordained–H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, E. N. Cassel, P. T. Stengele, G. F. Yost, F. M. Hottel, F. B. Hertzog, A. G. Woodring, T. D. Gehret. J. C. Roth, J. G. Shireman, N. H. Wolf, H. K. Kratz, Paul E. Baer, W. F. Heffner, J. B. Layne, H. W. Hartman, J. B. Henry, C. L. Miller, E. E. Kublic, E. H. Musselman, R. H. Gehman, A. M. Sprock, W. B. Musselman, E. T. Shick, R. Bergstresser, J. F. Barrall, C. F. Snyder, H. W. Feldges and N. M. Cressman.
Probationers–W. W. Hartman, E. B. Hartman, E. W. Bean, E. George and J. T. Anderson.
Delegates
Allentown District
R. Paul Schaeffer, Allentown (Bethel).
Paul H. Cressman, Bethlehem.
Fred Geibel, Philadelphia (Salem).
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.
M. M. Ziegler, Graterford and Harleysville.
A. W. Deppe, Nazareth and Northampton.
C. H. Stickler, Lehighton, Weissport and Walnutport.
Thomas Campbell, Sr, Wissinoming and West Philadelphia.
Easton District
Herbert V. Smith, Easton.
Paul H. Miller, Shamokin.
David Camp, Mt. Carmel.
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg.
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury.
Frank A. Borchers, Scranton.
George S. Messersmith, York.
H. N. Dettra, Hatfield and Norristown,
C. L. Ream, Harrisburg.
Maurice Hartzell, Chester.
Both Presiding Elders, all the Pastors, all the Delegates and a number of the Gospel Heralds and 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, the Gospel Worker Society and the Union Gospel Press, as well as the Gospel Herald Society, a number of whom are present at this Conference. Also our Foreign Missionaries, 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 and Miss Mary A. Miller, of Africa; H. W. Feldges and Mrs. H. W. Feldges, of Colombia.
Also the following missionaries, although not members of our Conference, yet are being 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 and Mrs. William C. Cadman.
Special thanksgiving has also been offered up in the morning devotion for all our churches and missions in the homeland, 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 front and to the right of the Chair constitute the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Reporter and a Timekeeper.
He appointed H. M Kratz as Reporter and E. H. Musselman as Timekeeper.
Resolved, That no members be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission by the Chair, except B. Bryan Musselman and R. Paul Schaeffer, the Pastor and Delegate of the Allentown Congregation.
Committees
Committee on Worship: Appointed at the last Annual Conference: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, B. Bryan Musselman, P. T. Stengele and C. H. Brunner.
The following committees were then appointed by Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Communication: P. T. Stengele, F. M. Hottel and H. K. Katz.
Committee on Finance: C. H. Brunner, H. L. Shelly, R. Paul Schaeffer and R. H. Gehman.
Committee on Statistics: E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne, P. T. Stengele, Paul F. Baer, T. D. Gehret, H. W. Hartman and E.B. Hartman.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: J. C. Roth, W. F. Heffner and F. E. Kublic.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Henry, C. L. Miller, David Camp, A. W. Deppe, Frank A. Borchers, George R. Fish, George S. Messersmith, Thomas Campbell, Sr., Paul H. Miller, W. F. Heffner, Maurice Hartzell, A. M. Sprock, C. L. Ream, M. M. Ziegler and H. N. Dettra.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: Herbert V. Smith, H. H. Bergey and G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preacher, Evangelists and Missionaries: J. B. Layne, F. M. Hottel, H. K. Kratz and J. B. Henry.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel and T. D. Gehret.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: B. Bryan Musselman, E. N. Cassel and P. T. Stengele.
Committee on Resolutions: W. G. Gehman, T. D. Gehret and F. B. Hertzog.
Committee on Auditing: G. F. Yost, Paul I. Wentz, Herbert V. Smith, E. H. Musselman, C. B. Brosius, Paul H. Cressman, R. R. Fox, C. H. Stickler, Fred Geibel, S. W. Heiser and H. H. Bergey.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and have a meeting this evening to hear the oral reports of the Presiding Elders and the Pastors. The Pastors’ Reports shall be limited to four minutes each. The minutes of the afternoon meeting shall be read at the opening of the Friday morning meeting.
Program of Services
The Committee on Worship met on October 9, 1936 and made the following program:
Thursday 7:45 P. M.–The Pastors shall submit their oral reports limited to four minutes each. The Presiding Elders also shall give their oral reports.
Friday 7:45 P. M.–Twenty-minute addresses by Pastors R. H. Gehman, J. B. Layne and Paul E. Baer.
Saturday 7:45 P. M.–Addresses by T. D. Gehret and P. T. Stengele.
Sunday 9:30 A. M.–Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman, Chairman of the Annual Conference, shall preach the Conference sermon.
2.00 P. M.–Sermon by Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman of the Easton District.
7.30 P. M.–Address by Pastor C. H. Brunner
The Chairman of the Annual Conference shall have charge of the Sunday services.
H. B. Musselman,
W. G. Gehman,
B. Bryan Musselman,
P. T. Stengele,
C. H. Brunner,
Committee.
Resolved, That we adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 11:15 with prayer by E. H. Musselman and benediction by J. C. Roth.
SECOND MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 15, 1936
The Chairman opened the afternoon meeting at 3.25 o’clock with singing “Follow, Follow, I Will Follow Jesus,” and prayer by C. L. Miller.
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 Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Examiners. (See Reports).
Report of the Allentown District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports).
Report of the Ministerial Convention. (See Reports).
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee. (See Reports).
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We certify that the minutes of 1935 have been examined and found correct.
J. C. Roth, E. E. Kublic,
W. F. Heffner,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
All the Traveling Elders having been examined through their delegates, we, the committee on examination of Traveling Elders, are pleased to report that we find them entirely satisfactory, and highly commendable for their lives of devotion and sacrifice in the work of the Lord.
Herbert V. Smith, G. K. Himmelreich,
H. H. Bergey,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on 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 errors were found which we instructed the Pastors to correct.
We also found that the Quarterly Conference of Sunbury passed the following resolution: Resolved, That we make an appeal to the Annual Conference to be held in Allentown, Pa., October next to make Sunbury self-supporting, that is, put it on the list as a Station.
F. B. Hertzog, George S. Messersmith,
J. B. Henry, Thomas W, Campbell, Sr.,
C. L. Miller, Paul H. Miller,
David Camp, W. F. Heffner,
A. W. Deppe, Maurice Hartzell,
Frank A. Borchers, C. L. Ream,
George R. Fish, M. M. Ziegler,
A. M. Sprock, H. N. Dettra,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Evangelists, Missionaries and Local Preachers:
We beg leave to report that we have examined the Presiding Elders, Evangelists and Missionaries and found them all in a satisfactory condition, also the local Preachers and found no charges against them.
J. B. Layne, J. B. Henry,
F. M. Hottel, H. K. Kratz,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Finance. (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).
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, E. N. Cassel, P. T. Stengele, G. F. Yost, F. M. Hottel, F. B. Hertzog, A. G. Woodring, T. D. Gehret, J. C. Roth, J. G. Shireman, N. H. Wolf, H. K. Kratz, Paul E. Baer, W. F. Heffner, J. B. Layne, H. W. Hartman, J. B. Henry, C. L. Miller, E. E. Kublic, E. H. Musselman, R. H. Gehman, A. M. Sprock and E. T. Shick.
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.
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 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 tomorrow morning at 10.30 instead of 9 o’clock.
Adjourned with prayer by T. D. Gehret and benediction by J. B. Henry.
THIRD MEETING
Thursday Evening, October 15, 1936
The evening meeting was opened at 7:45 o’clock with singing “Down at the Cross,” and prayer by A. M. Sprock.
The roll was called.
The Pastors submitted their oral reports after which the offering was lifted.
Presiding Elders H. D. Musselman and W. G. Gehman submitted their oral reports.
A very large audience gathered to hear these reports which showed the interest the laity has in the labors and testimonies of their Pastors and Presiding Elders.
Adjourned at 9:55 o’clock with prayer and benediction by E. N. Cassel.
FOURTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 16, 1936
The Meeting was opened at 10:30 o’clock with singing, “Nearer My God To Thee” and prayer by R. H. Gehman.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the Thursday afternoon and evening meetings were read and approved.
Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman gave us a very illuminating address during the devotional period.
Business was suspended at 11:40, and resumed at 11:55.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee. (See Reports).
Resolved, That we have a Conference photo taken. Those who desire photos of the Conference group shall order them of B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules to adjourn to the Call of the Chair not later than 2 o’clock.
Adjourned at 12:15 with prayer by P. T. Stengele and benediction by F. B. Hertzog.
FIFTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 16, 1936
The meeting was opened at 2 o’clock with singing “Blessed Assurance” and prayer by Paul I. Wentz.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Executive Board. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Trustees of The Home. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions. (See Reports).
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
(1) Whereas: The Presiding Elders have submitted their reports of the work on their districts, and have made special mention of the progress along spiritual and financial lines, and,
Whereas: We have heard the interesting report of the President of the Gospel Herald Society, showing the noble work being done by this band of consecrated young men, in the winning of souls, also in colportage and other missionary activities, and
Whereas: Our leaders have rendered whole-hearted, sincere and faithful service, and given much needed counsel and spiritual advice, therefore,
Resolved: That we do hereby express our appreciation of their leadership and that we continue to pray that God will ever guide and sustain them.
(2) Whereas: In the divine providence and mercy of God, all of our Pastors have been spared so that without an exception all were present and reported at this Conference, and,
Whereas: There has been noticeable progress and advance made both numerically and spiritually, therefore,
Resolved: That we recognize God’s favor upon us and praise Him who has so gloriously led hitherto and enabled us to work for Him in His great harvest field.
(3) Whereas: The Lord has given us such a noble company of believers, who in the various charges of the Conference, have stood by the work of the Lord in such a loyal, faithful and consecrated manner, therefore,
Resolved: That we highly appreciate their work and labor of love, their sacrificial spirit, their many prayers offered in our behalf, and further,
Resolved: That we pray God to bless them abundantly and preserve them in Christ Jesus, even unto the day of His glorious appearing.
(4) Whereas: C. H. Brunner, our Conference Secretary has devoted much time to corresponding with the various foreign missionaries which our Conference supports, and has thus secured a great amount of valuable information, so that the Year Book, and the Regions Beyond, have been made interesting and informing, therefore,
Resolved: That we appreciate his faithful work and that we donate the sum of fifty dollars to him to be paid out of the Annual Conference Fund, as a token of appreciation for his valuable services.
(5) Whereas: Sister Anneda Heffner, wife of Pastor W. F. Heffner of Harrisburg, Pa., fell asleep in Jesus on September 16, 1936 and was laid to rest at Fleetwood, Pa., on September 19, 1936 therefore,
Resolved: That we humbly bow to the will of our Heavenly Father, realizing that He doeth all things well, and though we miss her presence in our midst, yet we know that our loss is her eternal gain, and further,
Resolved: That we hereby express our sincere sympathy to Brother Heffner, our fellow minister in the Gospel, and to the children, and that we assure them of our continued prayers so that they may be comforted by the God of all grace and may continue faithful until Jesus comes.
(6) Whereas: The Union Gospel Press of Cleveland, Ohio, has published the Christian Life series of Sunday School literature, publications which are of high quality and standard, both spiritually and doctrinally, therefore,
Resolved: That we praise the Lord for their noble work and continue to pray that the blessing of God may rest upon them, and further,
Resolved: That we do all that we can to spread this literature wherever opportunity is afforded.
(7) Resolved: That the church property at Hereford be in charge of the Board of Trustees of Macungie, Penna.
(8) Resolved: That as a Conference we 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 New Year and April 1st.
(10) Resolved: That we ask our Pastors to hold a special service on or before Thanksgiving Day. On this occasion they shall urge a special offering for the Home.
(11) Resolved: That we ask the Sunday Schools to remit 25 for each Officer and Teacher reported on this year’s schedule to be added to the Conference Fund for the printing of supplies. This amount shall be paid to the Conference Treasurer at the Ministerial Convention.
(12) Resolved: That the management of the Cafeteria of the Mizpah Grove Camp Meeting continue under the direction of the Executive Board.
(13) Whereas: The Pastor, B. Bryan Musselman, and the members of the Allentown (Bethel) 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.
(14) Resolved: That each appointment lift an offering for the next Annual Conference expenses, the amount to be on a basis of ten cents per member computed on the membership list reported at the previous Annual Conference. These amounts shall be recorded in the first empty space following the space for the Benevolent Society on both Financial and Statistical Schedules.
W. G. Gehman, F. B. Hertzog,
T. D. Gehret,
Committee.
Elections
Resolved, That we continue the election of Officers and Board.
Resolved, That the officers be nominated and elected by ballot.
The following were elected:
Vice Presiding Elders: C. H. Brunner and B. Bryan Musselman.
Chairman of the Next Annual Conference: H. B. Musselman.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Next Annual Conference: C.H. Brunner.
Committee Over the Presiding Elders: P. T. Stengele, J. B. Layne and G. F. Yost.
Resolved, That W. B. Musselman be recognized as Missionary Presiding Elder, Ex-Officio.
Executive Board: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, E. N. Cassel, C. H. Brunner and B. Bryan Musselman.
Board of Foreign Missions: H. B. Musselman, C, H. Brunner, W. G. Gehman, B. Bryan Musselman and P. T. Stengele.
Board of Examiners: E. N. Cassel, T. D. Gehret and H. K. Kratz.
Board of Trustees of The Home (For two years): B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel, G. F. Yost, F. B. Hertzog, A. A. Wismer and Paul I. Wentz.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, Allen M. Gehman; Secretary, C. E, Musselman; Treasurer, H. G. Brunner.
Board of Publication and Printing: President, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, C. H. Brunner; E. N. Cassel. (Appointed by the Chairman).
Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, F. B. Hertzog; P. T. Stengele. (Appointed by the Chairman).
He appointed F. B. Hertzog, A. G. Woodring and N. H. Wolf.
General Conference Delegates
Resolved, That the Executive Board act as a nominating committee to nominate candidates for delegates to the next General Conference.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the Call of the Chair.
Business was suspended at 4:40 o’clock, and resumed at 6:00 o’clock.
The Executive Board announced their nominees as Candidates for Delegates to the General Conference from which the following were elected:
Ministers: E. N. Cassel, C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, F. B. Hertzog, P. T. Stengele and T. D. Gehret.
Alternate: J. B. Layne, N. H. Wolf and A. G. Woodring.
Laymen: Jacob Moyer, Paul H. Cressman, C. W. Teel, Paul 1. Wentz, E. R. Hartman and C. B. Brosius.
Alternate: C. E. Musselman, Fred Geibel and G. Louis Baumgardner.
Resolved, That we pay the expenses of the delegates to the General Conference out of the Annual Conference Fund.
Resolved, That in the event that the list of Alternate Lay Delegates to the General Conference should be exhausted, that the Executive Board be permitted at their discretion to select others to take their places.
Resolved, That all contributions received for the Laymen’s Benevolent Society shall be paid by check or money order, made payable to H. G. Brunner, Treasurer, and forwarded to C. E. Musselman, Secretary, 1131 North Eighteenth Street, Allentown, Penna.
Whereas, Brother E. B. Hartman has served in the Gospel Herald Society for a number of years and has previously passed the Reading Course acceptably, and,
Whereas, He has been assigned to an appointment by the Stationing Committee at this Conference, therefore,
Resolved, That he be referred to the Committee on Ordination.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of three to compile a report of the Conference and Sunday Services for the “Gospel Banner” and the “Year Book.”
Adjourned at 7:00 o’clock with prayer by E. E. Kublic and benediction by E. N. Cassel.
SIXTH MEETING
Saturday Morning, October 17, 1936
The meeting was opened with singing “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” and prayer by H. N. Dettra, followed by a very helpful exhortation by the Chairman.
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 Publication and Printing. (See Reports).
Report of the Camp Meeting Equipage Committee: (See Reports),
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We have received a communication from J. F. Barrall, local Preacher of the Shamokin Quarterly Conference in which he reports that he has good courage and is in the hands of the Lord. He wishes God’s blessing upon the Conference. However, on account of business he could not be present.
P. T. Stengele, H. K. Kratz,
F. M. Hottel,
Committee.
Report of the Conference Treasurer. (See Reports).
Resolved, That a committee of five, including the two Presiding Elders, be appointed by the Chairman to arrange and publish a program for all the services of the next Annual Conference.
The following were appointed: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele and C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That we hold the next Annual Ministerial Convention in Bethel M. B. in C. Church, 427 Elm Street, Emaus, Penna., on April 15, 1937. All ordained ministers and probationers having charge of a work shall be members of this Convention.
Officers: The following officers were elected for this Convention: Chairman, W. G. Gehman; Secretary, J. B. Henry.
Committee on Program: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That we hold a Sunday School Convention on each 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 Conventions. He appointed the following:
Allentown District: P. T. Stengele.
Easton District: T. D. Gehret.
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings on the Allentown District and one on the Easton District.
Resolved, That we print 900 copies of the Year Book for 1936. The price of the Year Book shall be twenty-five cents per copy. In case of a deficit, this shall be paid out of the Conference Fund.
Resolved, That we print 1,000 copies of the Annual Report of the President of the Gospel Herald Society for distribution among those not having Year Books.
Resolved, That we ask the Board of Foreign Missions to print 1,000 copies of the Annual Report of the Board of Foreign Missions.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Auditing: We 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 effort to present all of these records in satisfactory form is self-evident and the few minor errors found were easily corrected in the presence of those concerned.
G. F. Yost,
Paul 1. Wentz,
Herbert V. Smith,
E. H. Musselman,
C. B. Brosius,
Paul H. Cressman,
C. H. Stickler,
Fred Geibel,
S. W. Heiser,
R. R. Fox,
H. H. Bergey,
Committee.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Beulah Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, corner 12th and Spruce streets, Easton, Pa., Thursday, October 14, 1937 at 9 o’clock a. m. and continue over Sunday.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 11:05 a. m. with prayer by W. G. Gehman.
SEVENTH MEETING
Saturday Afternoon, October 17, 1936
The meeting was opened with prayer by H. W. Hartman.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the minutes and the reports be typewritten for the General Conference with the exception of the extracts from letters of the Foreign Missionaries in the Annual Report, and the Report of the Committee on Statistics.
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 Examiners–President, E. N. Cassel; Secretary, T. D. Gehret.
Committee Over the Presiding Elders–Chairman, G. F. Yost; Secretary, J. B. Layne.
Board of Publication and Printing–President, B. Bryan Musselman, Secretary, C. H. Brunner.
Board of Trustees of the Home–President, H. B. Musselman; Secretary, E. N. Cassel; Assistant Secretary, Paul I. Wentz.
Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits–Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, F. B. Hertzog.
Beneficiary Society–President, W. G. Gehman; Secretary, F. M. Hottel; Treasurer, B. Bryan Musselman.
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 we change section D on page 10 under Special Offerings to read Beneficiary Fund-Annual, and eliminate the first article on page 48 under Ministers’ Retirement Fund.
Resolved, That in Article E, page 11, under Miscellaneous, the words “sent at once to the Secretary” to be changed to “brought to the Ministerial Convention.”
The following resolution was adopted relative to a
Ministers’ Retirement Fund.
This shall be a permanent Fund for the benefit of retired ministers of the Pennsylvania Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ.
The object of this Fund shall be to provide and pay annuities to itinerant ministers of the Pennsylvania Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ, who, by reason of age are no longer qualified to continue in active service. Also to provide and pay annuities to the widows of such itinerate ministers according to the rules hereinafter stated.
These Funds shall be sustained by–First–An offering taken by each Class Leader in his prayer meeting once a quarter and paid to the Presiding Elder of the District at the quarterly conference. The Presiding Elders shall pay to the Treasurer of the Executive Board the amounts received for this purpose, at the Annual Ministerial Convention and at the Annual Conference.
Second–Each Pastor shall pay into this Fund from his Steward’s receipts and from his Home Missionary Appropriations and each Presiding Elder from his offerings at the Quarterly Conferences as follows: One per cent, of the first thousand dollars or fraction thereof, l l/2 per cent. of the second thousand dollars and above. Three Hundred Dollars shall be deducted from the Presiding Elder’s income to offset the Parsonage rent. Payments shall be made at the Annual Ministerial Convention and at the Annual Conference.
Third–This Fund will also welcome gifts, bequests and devises from any sources.
Fourth–This Retirement Fund shall be deposited with the Treasurer of the Annual Conference as a separate account and be under the management and control of the Executive Board of the Annual Conference.
ANNUITIES
First–If a minister of the Pennsylvania Conference has arrived at the age of sixty-five years and is in the judgment of the Executive Board incapacitated from further serving a charge he shall be placed on the Retirement List and from that day shall receive an Annuity in monthly installments of ten dollars for each year of active service in the itinerancy of the Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania.
Second–A minister having arrived at the age of seventy years may at his own request be placed on the Retirement List and receive an Annuity of ten dollars for each year of active service in the itinerancy of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania.
Third–Services rendered after the age of seventy years shall in no case increase the Annuity. Annuities shall in no case exceed five hundred dollars per year. If, however, the money in the Retirement Fund at any time should not warrant the payment of the Annuities in full the Executive Board shall determine the amount of the monthly installments pro rata.
Fourth–No minister shall be entitled to the full amount of the Annuities unless he and the congregations that he served shall have paid in full as stipulated in paragraphs one, two and three for the period of five years. No exceptions to this rule may be made except by the decision of the Executive Board.
Fifth–In case a minister is located by the Annual Conference he ceases to be a member of the Retirement Fund. In this case one half of the dues he had paid into the Fund shall be refunded to him and he thereby forfeits all further claims upon the Fund. Ministers who have given thirty years or more of service in the itinerancy and desire to change their occupation and be placed on the Local Preachers List shall become an annuitant at the age of seventy years, and receive an annuity for the years in actual service.
Sixth–Widows of deceased ministers who had complied with the provisions of the fund shall receive annuities beginning at the time of the death of the husband provided that the said widow shall have attained the age of sixty-five years or at the time that she shall attain the age of sixty-five years, and continue until the time of her death, or remarriage or her severance from church membership of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ church. Widows of ministers who were retired and receiving annuities at the time of marriage shall in no case receive any annuity. Widows’ annuities shall be compiled at the rate of five dollars for each year that she was the wife of a minister who was in active service, giving his whole time to ministry in the church.
TITLES AND DEEDS
The title to Church property where the Church is incorporated shall be conveyed directly to the Corporation. In cases where the Church is not incorporated the conveyance shall be made to a Board of Trustees duly elected according to the Rules of the Annual Conference (setting forth their names) their successors and assigns. Whether the title is conveyed to a Corporation or to a Board of Trustees said title shall contain a trust clause in the following words:
In trust for the use and benefit of the ministry and membership of the……………….. Church of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pennsylvania at…………………….. ; subject to the doctrines, laws, usages, and ministerial appointments of the Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pennsylvania as from time to time established, made, and declared by the lawful authorities of the said Church and if the said property shall be sold or encumbered the proceeds of the sale or encumbrance shall be applied for the use of the aforesaid, subject, however, to the provision of the law of the Church relating to abandoned church properties and of that forbidding the mortgaging of real estate for current expenses.
The title to Parsonages shall be conveyed in like manner as the Churches and shall contain the following clause of trust:
In trust, that said premises shall be kept, maintained, and disposed of as a place of residence for the use and occupancy of the preachers of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pennsylvania who may from time to time be duly appointed in said place according to the rules and usages of the said church, and if sold the proceeds to be used according to the rules of said church. If the congregation controlling this property shall be disbanded the property shall be controlled and disposed of according to the rules of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pennsylvania.
Resolved, That we change the name in the Conference Treasurer’s report of Board of Publication and Printing Article (d) Page 104 to Annual Conference Fund.
Resolved, That we suspend business.
Business was resumed.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License.
We have not received any applicants for Annual Conference License.
C. H. Brunner, F. M. Hottel,
B. Bryan Musselman, T. D. Gehret,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination:
We have examined Probationer E. B. Hartman and have ascertained that he has passed the Reading Course with credit and has had charge of a Gospel Herald Society Mission for a number of years and has showed himself consecrated, devoted and an obedient worker, adhering to the teachings of the Scriptures and believe him sound in faith, we
Therefore recommend that he be ordained on Sunday afternoon.
B. Bryan Musselman, P. T. Stengele,
E. N. Cassel,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Statistics. (See Reports).
Resolved, That the Pastors nominate Candidates for Class Leaders, Stewards, and Building Fund Collectors, and the Class elect them.
The Pastor with these elected officers and the Trustees shall nominate candidates for Sunday School Superintendents.
The Pastors, Class Leaders, Stewards, Building Fund Collectors and Sunday School Superintendents, shall nominate candidates for the other elected Sunday School officers, also the Trustees, Delegates and Alternate Delegate. Two or more shall be nominated for each office except in the matter of the Trustees, when five shall be nominated.
Resolved, That we suspend business.
Business was resumed.
Resolved, That T. D. Gehret, F. B. Hertzog and P. T. Stengele be a Committee to examine the minutes of this Annual Conference.
Resolved, That we make an appeal to the General Conference to substitute “The Law of Liberty in the Spiritual Life,” by Rev. Evan H. Hopkins in the place of the book “Lessons in Holiness” in the Reading Course.
Adjourned at 7:00 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, Vice Presiding Elder,
B. Bryan Musselman, Assistant Secretary, Vice Presiding Elder,
N. H. Wolf, Recording Secretary,
A. G. Woodring, Recording Secretary,
H. L. Shelly, Recording Secretary,
E. N. Cassel, R. R. Fox,
P. T. Stengele, Paul H. Cressman,
G. F. Yost, Fred Geibel,
F. M. Hottel, S. W. Heiser,
F. B. Hertzog, Herbert V. Smith,
T. D. Gehret, G. K. Himmelreich,
J. B. Layne, George S. Messersmith,
J. C. Roth, C. H. Stickler,
E. K. Kratz, A. W. Deppe,
Paul E. Baer, Paul H. Miller,
H. W. Hartman, C. B. Brosius,
R. H. Gehman, H. H. Bergey,
W. F. Heffner, M. M. Ziegler,
J. B. Henry, C. L. Ream,
C. L. Miller, Thomas Campbell, Sr,
A. M. Sprock, David Camp,
E. H. Musselman, Frank A. Borchers,
E. E. Kublic, H. N. Dettra,
E. B. Hartman, George R. Fish,
Paul L Wentz, Maurice Hartzell.