FIFTY-FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1937
FIRST MEETING
Thursday Forenoon, October 14, 1937
The Fifty-fourth 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, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District, according to announcements at 9 A. M., Thursday, October 14, 1937. “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” was sung as the opening hymn.
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. W. Hartman.
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, N. H. Wolf, H. K. Kratz, Paul E. Baer W. F. Heffner, J. B. Layne, H. W. Hartman, J. B. Henry, E. B. Hartman, E. H. Musselman, E. E. Kublic, R. H. Gehman, A. M. Sprock, J. G. Shireman, W. B. Musselman, E. T. Shick, R. Bergstresser, J. F. Barrall, C. P. Snyder, H. W. Feldges, N. M. Cressman and C. L. Miller.
Probationers–W. W. 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).
Charles T. Knauer, Reading.
W. N. Schlonecker, 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.
Charles F. Lilly, Nazareth and Northampton.
C. H. Stickler, Lehighton, Weissport and Walnutport.
Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., Wissinoming and West Philadelphia.
Easton District
Herbert V. Smith, Easton.
George John, (Alt.), Shamokin.
John Deitrick, Mt. Carmel.
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg.
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury.
Frank A. Borchers (Alt.), Scranton.
George S. Messersmith, York.
Daniel K. Ziegler, Hatfield.
Edward L. Albright, Harrisburg.
Maurice Hartzell, Chester.
Both Presiding Elders, all the Pastors, all the Delegates and a number of 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. P. Snyder and Mrs. C. P. Snyder, of China; N. M. Cressman and Mrs. N. M. Cressman, of French Indo-China; Mrs. Fred Whale, Miss Mary A. Miller, C. L. Miller and Mrs. C. L. 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 other churches and missions in the home-land, 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.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Reporter and a Timekeeper.
He appointed H. K. 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 T. D. Gehret and Herbert V. Smith, the Pastor and Delegate of the Easton Congregation.
Committees
Committee on Worship: Appointed at the last Annual Conference:
H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele and C. H. Brunner.
The following committees were then appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Communications: P. T. Stengele, C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel and W. G. Gehman.
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 E, 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 E. E. Kublic.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: F. B. . Hertzog, J. B. Henry, George John, E. H. Musselman, A. M Sprock, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, John F. Deitrick, Charles F. Lilly, George R. Fish, M. M. Ziegler, Edward L. Albright, George S. Messersmith, Maurice H. Hartzell, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., and Frank A. Borchers.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: Herbert V. Smith, H. H. Bergey and G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, 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, E. N. Cassel and T. D. Gehret.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: B. Bryan Musselman, P. T. Stengele, F. M. Hottel and F. B. Hertzog.
Committee on Resolutions: W. G. Gehman, A. G. Woodring and Paul E. Baer.
Auditing Committee: G. F. Yost, Paul H. Cressman, W. N. Schlonecker, Charles T. Knauer, Fred Geibel, C. H. Stickler, R. R. Fox, C. B. Brosius, E. E. Kublic and Daniel K. Ziegler.
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 10, 1937, and arranged 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, E. N. Cassel, W. P. Heffner and J. B. Layne.
Saturday, 7:45 P. M.–Thirty-minute address by Pastor H. K. Kratz.
Sunday, 9:45 A. M.–Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman, Chairman of the Annual Conference, shall preach the Conference sermon.
2:15 P. M.–Sermon by Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman, of the Easton District.
7:15 P. M.–Thirty-minute addresses by Pastors P. T. Stengele and B. Bryan Musselman.
The Sunday services shall be in charge of Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman.
H. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner,
T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele,
W. G. Gehman,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 11 o’clock with prayer by J. G. Shireman and benediction by E. E. Kublic.
SECOND MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 14, 1937
The Chairman opened the afternoon meeting at 3:30 o’clock with singing, “Where He Leads I’ll Follow,” and prayer by E. H. Musselman.
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 Ministerial Convention. (See Reports).
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 Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee. (See Reports).
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).
Report of the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
After examining all the traveling elders through the various delegates, we the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders take pleasure in reporting that we find them highly satisfactory and commendable for their lives of sacrifice and whole-hearted devotion to the Lord’s work.
Herbert V. Smith, G. K. Himmelreich,
H. H. Bergey,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Evangelists 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, H. K. Kratz,
F. M. Hottel, J. B. Henry,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We, the undersigned, hereby certify that the proceedings, as published in the Year Book 1936, with corrections as noted in this copy, are a true copy of the original proceedings of the Fifty-third Session of the Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pennsylvania in session October 15, 1936, to October 19, 1936.
J. C. Roth,
W. F. Heffner,
E. E. Kublic,
Committee.
Resolved, That the Secretary shall 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 F. Baer, W. F. Heffner, J. B. Layne, H. W. Hartman, J. B. Henry, W. W. Hartman, E. E. Kublic, E. H. Musselman, R. H., Gehman, A. M. Sprock, E. B. Hartman, and E. T. Shick.
Conditional–None.
Resolved, That we suspend, the rules, and extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed the tellers as follows: G. F. Yost, J. B. Layne, and A. G. Woodring.
The following were elected Presiding Elders for the ensuing year:
H. B. Musselman and W. G. Gehman.
Resolved, That H. B. Musselman shall be Presiding Elder over the District comprising the greater part of the 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.
The following report was read and adopted:
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 the following appeals:
York Quarterly Conference–Resolved, That we petition the Annual Conference to be held at Easton, Pa., next October, to make York Mission a Station.
Mt.Carmel Quarterly Conference–Resolved, That we make an appeal to the Annual Conference to be held in Easton, Pa., October next, to make Mt. Carmel self-supporting, that is, put it on the list as a station.
We recommend that the Conference print Summary Report Sheets for the Quarterly Conference Minute books.
F. B. Hertzog, Charles F. Lilly,
J. B. Henry, George R. Fish,
George John, M. M. Ziegler,
E. H. Musselman, Edward, L. Albright,
A. M. Sprock, George S. Messersmith,
W. W. Hartman, Maurice H. Hartzell,
W. F. Heffner, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.,
John F. Deitrick, Frank A. Borchers,
Committee.
Resolved, That we grant the requests of York and Mt. Carmel Quarterly Conferences to be recognized as Stations instead of Missions.
Adjourned at 5:20 o’clock with prayer by W. W. Hartman and benediction by E. E. Kublic.
THIRD MEETING
Thursday, Evening, October 14, 1937
The evening meeting was opened at 7:45 o’clock with singing “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” and prayer by P. T. Stengele.
The roll was called.
The Pastors submitted their oral reports.
Presiding Elders H. B. Musselman and W. G. Gehman submitted their oral reports.
The Conference Church was filled with interested listeners who gathered from the Districts represented to encourage the hearts of their Pastors and Presiding Elders as they gave their oral reports.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet tomorrow morning at 10:30, instead of 9 o’clock.
Adjourned with prayer by W. G. Gehman and benediction by E. N. Cassel.
FOURTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 15, 1937
The meeting was opened at 10:30 o’clock with prayer by H. L. Shelly.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the Thursday afternoon and evening meetings were read and approved.
The Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee reported progress and asked to, be permitted to sit again.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was suspended at 10:35 o’clock.
Business was resumed at 11:55 A. M.
Adjourned with prayer by A. G. Woodring and benediction by E. B. Hartman.
FIFTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 15, 1937
The meeting was opened with singing “Jesus Is Good to Me,” and prayer by Daniel K. Ziegler.
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 Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee. (See Reports).
Report of Committee on Resolutions:
(1) Whereas: We were privileged to listen to the Reports of the Presiding Elders and learn of the blessings of God upon the work, both spiritually and financially, and
Whereas: The President of the Gospel Herald Society has given us an interesting account of the activities of this noble group of young Christian men, engaged in soul-winning and other missionary enterprise, and
Whereas: Both our Leaders have given us of their best in talent, service and spiritual counsel, therefore,
Resolved: That we remember them unceasingly in our prayers, and urge our classes to do likewise, thus expressing our appreciation of their leadership.
(2) Whereas: All of our Pastors have been spared during the year, and have been privileged to attend this Conference, submitting their written an oral reports, and,
Whereas: Much progress has been cited along various lines by the Pastors, and many interesting facts given, therefore,
Resolved: That we praise God, who hath enabled us to work for Him, for the many favors bestowed upon us throughout the Conference.
(3) Whereas: The Lord has blessed each Pastor with such a consecrated group of believers in the various charges, who have stood by faithfully and by their sacrificial lives have meant so much in the success of the work, therefore,
Resolved: That we hereby express our appreciation of their many kindnesses shown and their prayers offered at the throne of God in our behalf, and further,
Resolved: That we pray earnestly for God’s blessings upon each home, each parent and the many noble sons and daughters God has given us in each class, and that He might preserve them unto His Heavenly Coming.
(4) Whereas: Our Conference Secretary, C. H. Brunner, has again devoted much time in gathering the most valuable information possible by corresponding with our missionaries in the Foreign Fields, and arranging the reading material and cuts in such a manner as to give us a very interesting and attractive “Year Book” and “Regions Beyond,” therefore,
Resolved: That we appreciate his untiring efforts and that we donate to him the sum of fifty dollars to be paid out of the Annual Conference Fund, as our token of appreciation for his services thus rendered.
(5) Whereas: The Christian Life series of Sunday School literature has been published by the Union Gospel Press of Cleveland, Ohio, being of the highest quality, both spiritually and doctrinally, therefore,
Resolved: That we praise the Lord for their noble work and continue to pray in their behalf, and further,
Resolved: That we endeavor to spread this literature wherever opportunity is afforded.
(6) 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.
(7) Resolved: That the management of the Cafeteria of the Mizpah Grove Camp Meetings continue under the direction of the Executive Board.
(8) Resolved: That the Church Property at Hereford be in charge of the Board of Trustees of Macungie, Pa.
(9) 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.
(10) 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 lst.
(11) Resolved: That we ask the Sunday Schools to remit twenty-five cents 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 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 space for the Benevolent Society on the Financial Schedule.
(13) Whereas: 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 devotion to the Lord and His servants, and further,
Resolved: That we tender them a rising vote of thanks and unitedly pray God’s blessings upon them for usefulness in the Lord’s work.
W. G. Gehman, A. G. Woodring,
Paul E. Baer,
Committee.
Resolved: That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was suspended at 2:10 o’clock.
Business was resumed at 4:30 o’clock.
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 Board of Foreign Missions. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports).
Report of the Camp Meeting Equipage Committee. (See Reports).
Report of the Conference Treasurer. (See Reports).
Report of the Committee on Statistics. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing. (See Reports).
Report of the Committee to Examine Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined Probationers G. C. Watson, R. C. Reichenbach, C. E. Kirkwood, T. E. Turnbull and E. J. Rutman, and recommend that they be granted Annual Conference License on three years probation according to the Discipline.
We further recommend that the Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee be amended, adding the names of these brethren to the report.
C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel,
B. Bryan Musselman, T. D. Gehret,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination:
We the Committee on Ordination beg leave to report that we have examined W. W. Hartman, who, having passed the Reading Course satisfactorily, and served with credit his present assignment as pastor and believing him called of God and loyal, devoted to His service, we recommend that he be ordained to the Christian ministry on Sunday af ternoon.
B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel,
P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We beg leave to report that we have received two letters, one of them from Brother J. P. Barrall, of Shamokin, stating that he is still serving the Lord and regrets that on account of his work he is not able to be present.
The other letter was read and will receive consideration later on.
P. T. Stengele, E. N. Cassel,
C. H. Brunner, W. G. Gehman,
Committee.
Elections
Resolved, That we continue the election of officers and Boards.
The following were elected:
Vice Presiding Elders: C. H. Brunner and B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That the other officers and boards be nominated and elected by ballot.
The following were elected:
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. P. 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): H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, E. N. Cassel, C. H. Brunner, Allen M. Gehman and Timothy H. Gehman.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, Allen M. Gehman; Secretary, C. E. Musselman; Treasurer, H. G. Brunner.
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, 113l North Eighteenth Street, Allentown, Pa.
Board of Publication and Printing: President, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, T. D. Gehret; C. H. Brunner. (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).
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of three to compile a report of the Conference and Sunday Services for the “Gospel Banner” and “Year Book.”
He appointed F. B. Hertzog, Paul E. Baer and N. H. Wolf.
Adjourned at 6 o’clock with prayer by R. H. Gehman and benediction by J. B. Layne.
SIXTH MEETING
Saturday Morning, October 16, 1937
The meeting was opened with singing, “Nearer My God to Thee,” prayer by F. B. Hertzog, and singing, “Anywhere with Jesus I Can Safely Go.”
Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman read the Scripture lesson and gave a very helpful exhortation.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Ebenezer Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, 1121-25 North Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa., Thursday, October 13, 1938, at 9 o’clock, A. M., and continue over Sunday.
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, P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret and F. B. Hertzog.
After some very interesting discussions of various Conference matters, the meeting adjourned with prayer by W. N. Schlonecker and benediction by W. G. Gehman.
SEVENTH MEETING
Saturday Afternoon, October 16, 1937
The meeting was opened with prayer by E. E. Kublic.
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 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, The Executive Board, Foreign and Home Missions, Gospel Herald Society, Conference Treasurer, Committee on Finance, and Ministers’ Retirement Fund.
All of these accounts were presented in a satisfactory manner and the few minor errors were readily corrected in the presence of those concerned.
G. F. Yost, C. H. Stickler,
Paul H. Cressman, R. R. Fox,
W. N. Schlonecker, C. B. Brosius,
Charles T. Knauer, E. E. Kublic,
Fred Geibel, Daniel K. Ziegler,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, C. L. Miller, who was re-appointed as Pastor of Mt. Carmel Church last Conference, having faithfully and successfully ministered to that congregation for more than four years, and,
Whereas, He applied to the Foreign Missionary Board as an applicant for foreign service and was accepted as our representative, and
Whereas, He left the American shores March 13, 1937, for Belgium to spend several months to study the French language and then sailed for Africa to serve under the Unevangelized Tribes Mission, therefore
Resolved, That we pray God’s blessings upon him, his wife and daughter, Marion, assuring them of our prayers to make them efficient laborers in the field of their calling.
W. G. Gehman, Paul E. Baer,
A. G. Woodring,
Committee.
Resolved, That Article VI in General Rules be substituted by a more explanatory article. (See Article VI in General Rules).
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. 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.
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 itinerant 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.
Resolved, That the words “and benefit” on page 7, line three, in the General Rules be eliminated.
Resolved, That we hold the next Annual Ministerial Convention in Grace M. B. in C. Church, Tenth, near Oley Streets, Reading, Pa., on April 21, 1938. 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, E. N. Cassel; Secretary, F. B. Hertzog.
Committee on Program: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, and F. M. Hottel.
Resolved, That $100 be donated to the Reading Class toward the expenses of this convention, the amount to be drawn out of the Conference Fund.
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: E. N. Cassel.
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 875 copies of the Year Book for 1937. 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.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and suspend business to the Call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
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).
Report of the Beneficiary Fund. (See Reports).
The various Boards and Standing Committees reported to the Secretary the election of their officers. (See official Record).
Resolved, That the mattel of Ministers’ children joining the Laymen’s Benevolent Society be referred to a Committee composed of the Executive Board and the Officers of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society.
Adjourned at 6:00 o’clock with prayer and benediction by H. B. Musselman.
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. W. Hartman, Recording Secretary,
E. N. Cassel,
P. T. Stengele,
G. F. Yost,
F. M. Hottel,
F. B. Hertzog,
J. B. Layne,
T. D. Gehret,
H. K. Kratz,
J. C. Roth,
Paul E. Baer,
R. H. Gehman,
J. B. Henry,
E. H. Musselman,
W. F. Heffner,
A. M. Sprock,
E. E. Kublic,
E. B. Hartman,
W. W. Hartman,
J. G. Shireman,
John P. Deitrick,
Maurice H. Hartzell,
W. N. Schlonecker,
R. Paul Schaeffer,
R. R. Fox,
Paul H. Cressman,
Fred Geibel,
Charles T. Knauer,
H. L. Shelly,
G. K. Himmelreich,
Herbert V. Smith,
George S. Messersmith,
Charles F. Lilly,
C. H. Stickler,
George John,
C. B. Brosius,
H. H. Bergey,
Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.,
M. M. Ziegler,
Daniel K. Ziegler,
Edward L. Albright,
Frank A. Borchers,
George R. Fish,
Committee.