FIFTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1938
FIRST MEETING
Thursday Forenoon, October 13, 1938
The Fifty-fifth Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in Ebenezer M. B. in C. Church, 1121-125 North Main Street, Bethlehem, 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 13, 1938. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was sung as the opening hymn.
This was followed by the reading of appropriate portions of Scripture and a very 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, H. W. Hartman and A. G. Woodring.
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. B. Hertzog, F. M. Hottel, T. D. Gehret, A. G. Woodring, J. B. Layne, H. K. Kratz, Paul E. Baer, J. C. Roth, N. H. Wolf, H. W. Hartman, J. B. Henry, R. H. Gehman, W. W. Hartman, A. M. Sprock, E. B. Hartman, E. E. Kublic, W. F. Heffner, E. H. Musselman, R. Bergstresser, E. T. Shick, N. M. Cressman, H. W. Feldges, C. F. Snyder, C. L. Miller, J. F. Barrall, W. B. Musselman and J. G. Shireman.
Probationers–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, Emmaus, 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, Shamokin.
John P. Deitrick, Mt. Carmel.
Oscar S. Schook, Stroudsburg.
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury.
Frank A. Borchers, Scranton.
George S. Messersmith, York.
Daniel K. Ziegler, Hatfield.
Edward L. Albright, Harrisburg.
Frank W. Hankins, Sr., Chester.
Both Presiding Elders, all the Pastors, all the Delegates, a number of the Gospel Heralds and others were present at the opening of the first meeting.
We are remembering at this time, the Gospel Worker Society and the Union Gospel Press, Cleveland, Ohio, 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, on furlough; N. M. Cressman and Mrs. N. M. Cressman, of French Indo-China, on furlough; 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 in the morning devotion for all our churches and missions in the homeland and the noble company of believers whom the Lord has given us. Special prayers also were made in their behalf.
Resolved, That the first five 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 W. F. Heffner as Timekeeper.
Resolved, That no members be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission by the Chair except P. T. Stengele and Paul H. Cressman, the Pastor and Delegate of the Bethlehem Congregation.
Committees
Committee on Worship: (Appointed at the last Annual Conference): H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret and F. B. Hertzog.
The following committees were then appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee an Communications: P. T. Stengele, C. H. Brunner, J. B. Layne 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, E. B. Hartman and A. M. Sprock.
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, E. W. Bean, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, George John, John F. Deitrick, Charles F. Lilly, Oscar S. Schook, M. M. Ziegler, Edward L. Albright, George S. Messersmith, Hank W. Hankins, Sr., Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., and Frank A. Borchers.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: Herbert V. Smith, H. H. Bergey, W. N. Schlonecker and G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries: J. B. Layne, T. D. Gehret, F. M. Hottel, H. K. Kratz and J. B. Henry.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: T. D. Gehret, E. N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman and F. M. Hottel.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: B. Bryan Musselman, P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog and C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Resolutions: W. G. Gehman, A. G. Woodring and Paul E. Baer.
Auditing Committee: G. F. Yost, Paul H. Cressman, Charles T. Knauer, Fred Geibel, C. H. Stickler, R. R. Fox, C. B. Brosius, Daniel K. Ziegler and E. E. Kublic.
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 September 29, 1938, 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 shall also give their oral reports.
Friday, 7:45 P. M.–Twenty-minute addresses by Pastors H. W. Hartman and A. G. Woodring.
Saturday, 7:45 P. M.–An address by N. M. Cressman, missionary to French Indo-China, limited to forty-five minutes.
Sunday, 9:45 A. M.–The Chairman of the Annual Conference, Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman shall preach the sermon.
2:00 P. M.–Sermon by Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman.
7:00 P. M.–Twenty-minute addresses by Pastors J. B. Layne, T. D. Gehret and B. Bryan Musselman.
The Sunday services shall be in charge of Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman.
H. B. Musselman,
T. D. Gehret,
P. T. Stengele,
F. B. Hertzog,
W. G. Gehman,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 10:30 o’clock with prayer by J. B. Layne and benediction by J. C. Roth.
SECOND MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 13, 1938
The Chairman opened the afternoon meeting at 3:20 o’clock with singing “Glory to His Name” and prayer by W. G. Gehman.
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 Committee on Finance. (See Reports).
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting 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 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 have found them in an excellent condition. A few slight errors were found which were corrected by the Pastors in our presence.
We also found the following appeal in the Minutes of the Scranton Quarterly Conference:
Resolved, That we petition the Annual Conference, meeting in Bethlehem this year, to make Scranton Mission a Station.
F. B. Hertzog,
J. B. Henry,
George John,
E. W. Bean,
W. W. Hartman,
W. F. Heffner,
John F. Deitrick,
Charles P. Lilly,
Oscar S. Schook,
M. M. Ziegler,
Edward L. Albright,
G. S. Messersmith,
Frank W. Hankins, Sr.,
Thomas Campbell, Sr.,
Frank A. Borchers,
Committee.
Resolved, That we grant the request of the Scranton Class to be made a Station.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We hereby certify that we have examined the Annual Conference Minutes for the Session of October 14, 1937, to October 17, 1937, and found them correct.
J. C. Roth, E. E. Kublic,
W. F. Heffner,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on the Examination of Traveling Elders:
We, the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders, after examining all the Traveling Elders through the various delegates, take pleasure in reporting that we find them entirely satisfactory, being a devoted band of workers, living lives of self-sacrifice and whole-heartedly engaged in the Lord’s service.
Herbert V. Smith, W. N. Schlonecker,
H. H. Bergey, G. K. Himmelreich,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries:
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,
T. D. Gehret, F. M. Hottel,
H. K. Kratz,
Committee.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
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, N. H. Wolf, H. K. Kratz, Paul E. 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, E. W. Bean and E. T. Shick.
Conditional–None.
The Chair appointed the tellers as follows: F. B. Hertzog, 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.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and open the meeting tomorrow morning at 10:30 o’clock.
Adjourned at 5:15 o’clock, with prayer by E. H. Musselman and the benediction by Paul E. Baer.
THIRD MEETING
Thursday Evening, October 13, 1938
The evening meeting was opened at 7:45 o’clock with singing “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” and prayer by B. Bryan Musselman.
The roll was called.
The Pastors submitted their oral reports.
Presiding Elders H. B. Musselman and W. G. Gehman submitted their oral reports.
A large and representative audience from both Districts filled the Conference Church, manifesting their interest and loyalty in the work of the Lord as carried on for God through the various Pastors and Presiding Elders.
Adjourned with prayer and benediction by H. B. Musselman.
FOURTH MEETING
Friday Morning October 14, 1938
The meeting was opened at 10.30 o’clock with prayer by C. B. Brosius.
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 sit again.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 10:50 A. M., with prayer by G. F. Yost and benediction by H. W. Hartman.
FIFTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 14, 1938
The meeting was opened at 2:20 P. M. with singing “Nearer My God to Thee” and prayer by F. M. Hottel.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee. (See Reports).
Whereas, Lebanon and Staten Island have been organized and received as regular appointments in the Conference, and
Whereas, The Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee has stationed E. J. Rutman and G. C. Watson to these appointments, respectively, therefore
Resolved, That E. J. Rutman and G. C. Watson be seated in the Conference Bar.
Whereas, By mutual agreement, E. H. Musselman has taken an appointment under the Gospel Worker Society, and
Whereas, He has attended this Conference session, and gave a very interesting address before the members of the Conference, therefore
Resolved, That we pray God’s richest blessing upon him and his endeavors under God and that many souls may be led to a life deepened by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and that many others may be brought to know Christ as their Saviour.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 4.05.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time of adjournment to 5:30.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing. (See Reports).
Report of the Executive Board. (See Reports).
Report of the Camp Meeting Equipage Committee. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Trustees of The Home. (See Reports).
Report of the Conference Treasurer. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports).
Report of the 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 which we found were readily corrected in the presence of those concerned.
G. F. Yost, E. E. Kublic,
Paul H. Cressman, C. B. Brosius,
Charles T. Knauer, R. R. Fox,
Fred Geibel, Daniel K. Ziegler,
C. H. Stickler,
Committee.
Report of the Committee to Examine Applicants for Ordination:
We beg leave to report that we have examined E. W. Bean who, having passed the Reading Course satisfactorily and served his Gospel Herald Society assignment with credit and believing him called of God and loyal, devoted to His service, we recommend that he be ordained to the Christian ministry on Sunday afternoon.
B. Bryan Musselman, C. H. Brunner,
P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
1. Whereas: This Conference Body was again honored to listen to the interesting reports of our esteemed Presiding Elders as they portrayed the Lord’s doings on their Districts through the loyalty of the Pastors and the cooperation of the laity, and,
Whereas: We have heard the report of the President of the Gospel Herald Society, showing the noble work accomplished by this group of consecrated young men who are real home missionary workers, and,
Whereas: Our leaders have set us a good example in whole-hearted service and are being spent for the good of the work, therefore,
Resolved: That we hereby express our appreciation of their wise counsel and that we continue to pray that God will ever guide and sustain them.
2. Whereas: The Lord has remarkably preserved all our active Pastors during the year so that there has been noticeable progress made throughout the Conference, spiritually, numerically and financially, therefore,
Resolved: That we recognize God’s favor and praise Him who has so gloriously blessed and enabled us to work in His vineyard.
3. Whereas: The Lord has given us such a noble company of believers throughout the Conference who have stood by in the work of the Lord in such a consecrated and faithful manner, therefore,
Resolved: That we highly appreciate their labor of love and sacrificial spirit, and pray God to bless them abundantly and preserve them until He comes again.
4. Whereas: God in His wisdom has permitted two of our former Brethren in the ministry to fall asleep in Jesus during this Conference year, Brother W. B. Musselman of Cleveland, Ohio, and Brother J. G. Shireman of Easton, Pa., and,
Whereas: We feel the loss of their service of love and fellowship in the Gospel, therefore,
Resolved: That we humbly bow to the will of our Heavenly Father and pray God’s blessings upon their families. Their memoriam will appear in the Year Book.
5. Whereas: C. H. Brunner, Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, also Secretary of the Annual Conference, has kept in touch with the various missionaries supported by our Conference and devoted much time in securing valuable information and facts of interest and thus being enabled to give us an attractive “Year Book” and “Regions Beyond,” therefore,
Resolved: That we donate the sum of fifty dollars out of the Annual Conference Fund as a token of appreciation for his services thus rendered.
6. Whereas: E. H. Musselman has by mutual agreement associated himself with the Gospel Worker Society and is stationed at Youngstown, Ohio, therefore,
Resolved: That we pray God’s blessings upon him and his work in the future.
7. Whereas: The Union Gospel Press of Cleveland, Ohio, has for many years been publishing the Christian Life series of Sunday School literature which is of the highest quality and is used internationally, therefore,
Resolved: That we give hearty thanks to God and pledge our support and prayers.
8. Resolved: That W. G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society, be recognized as the agent appointed by the Union Gospel Press to handle their Sunday School supplies and all other publications.
9. Resolved: That the management of the cafeteria of the Mizpah Grove Camp Meetings continue under the direction of the Executive Board.
10. Resolved: That the Board of Trustees of Macungie, Pa., be in charge of the church property at Hereford.
11. 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.
12. Resolved: That the Pastors hold the Home Missionary meetings under the direction of the respective Presiding Elders, and that the subscriptions be taken sometime between New Year and April lst.
13. 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.
14. Resolved: That each appointment lift an offering for the next Annual Conference expenses, the amount to be computed on a basis of ten rents per member reported at the previous Annual Conference.
15. Whereas: The Pastor, P. T. Stengele, and the members of the Bethlehem Congregation have so kindly and generously 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 hospitality and that we tender them a rising vote of thanks and pray God to make them a great blessing in their locality.
W. G. Gehman,
A. G. Woodring,
Paul E. Baer,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We beg leave to report that we have received a letter from J. F. 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.
P. T. Stengele, C. H. Brunner,
W. G. Gehman, J. B. Layne,
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 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 F. B. Hertzog.
Executive Board: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, E. N. Cassel, C. H. Brunner and B. Bryan Musselman. To these were added the names of J. B. Layne and T. D. Gehret. (See minutes of Saturday morning).
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, Paul I. Wentz and Herbert E. 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 checks or money order, made payable to H. G. Brunner, Treasurer, and forwarded to C. E. Musselman, Secretary, 1131 North Eighteenth Street, Allentown, Pa.
Board of Publication and Printing: (Appointed by the Chairman), President, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, T. D. Gehret; C. H. Brunner.
Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: (Appointed by the Chairman): Chairman, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, F. B. Hertzog; P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret and Paul E. Baer.
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, A. G. Woodring and Paul E. Baer.
Adjourned at 5:40 o’clock with prayer by T. D. Gehret and benediction by H. K. Kratz.
SIXTH MEETING
Saturday Morning, October 15, 1938
The meeting was opened with singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and prayer by Daniel K. Ziegler.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman read the Scripture lesson and gave a very helpful exhortation.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Statistics. (See Reports).
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Bethel Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, 526-30 North Eighth Street, Allentown, Pa., Thursday, October 19, 1939, at 9 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, B. Bryan Musselman, T. D. Gehret and C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That the first paragraph on page six of the Standing Rules under Executive Board be changed by striking out the word “five” and substituting the word “seven.”
Resolved, That we elect two additional members to the Executive Board.
J. B. Layne and T. D. Gehret were elected.
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: J. B. Layne.
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings on the Allentown District and one on the Easton District.
Resolved, That we hold the next Annual Ministerial Convention in the M. B. in C. Church, Shamokin, Pa., on April 20, 1939. 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, P. T. Stengele; Secretary, A. M. Sprock.
Committee on Program: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and Paul E. Baer.
Resolved, That $100 from the Annual Conference Fund be donated to the Shamokin Class toward the expenses of this Convention.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 2 o’clock.
Adjourned with prayer by W. W. Hartman and benediction by J. C. Roth.
SEVENTH MEETING
Saturday Afternoon, October 15, 1938
The meeting was opened at 2 o’clock with prayer by W. N. Schlonecker.
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 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 Society. (See Reports).
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
The various Boards and Standing Committees reported to the Secretary the election of their officers. (See Official Record).
Resolved, That the matter 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.
Resolved, That the resolution concerning the Ministers, Retirement Fund and Annuities recorded on Page 29 of the Year Book for 1937 be, made a standing rule.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
No applicants having been presented to this Conference, we therefore have nothing to report.
T. D. Gehret,
E. N. Cassel,
B. Bryan Musselman,
F. M. Hottel,
Committee.
Resolved, That we change Standing Rule “P” under “Special Services,” by striking out the words “and one delegate from the laity,” and in the following sentence the word “Delegates.”
Resolved, That whenever an election is held for officers accountable to the Quarterly Conference (except where otherwise provided for by our Discipline), the informal ballot shall be used to nominate the candidates. Where one officer is to be elected the three highest shall be used as candidates. Where three officers 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.
Resolved, That we print 850 copies of the Year Book for 1938. The price of the Year Book shall be twenty-five cents per copy. In case 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 the Pastors pledge themselves to make an effort to increase the Subscription List of “The Gospel Banner” during the year.,
Adjourned at 5:00 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.
H. W. Hartman, Recording Secretary,
A. G. Woodring, Recording Secretary,
E. N. Cassel, E. E. Kublic, G. K. Himmelreich,
P. T. Stengele, E. B. Hartman, Herbert V. Smith,
G. P. Yost, W. P. Heffner, George S. Messersmith,
F. B. Hertzog, E. W. Bean, Charles P. Lilly,
F. M. Hottel, E. J. Rutman, George John,
T. D. Gehret, G. C. Watson, C. H. Stickler,
J. B. Layne, Frank W. Hankins, Sr., C. B. Brosius,
H. K. Kratz, W. N. Schlonecker, H. H. Bergey,
Paul E. Baer, R. Paul Schaeffer, T. W. Campbell, Sr.,
J. C. Roth, R. R. Fox, M. M. Ziegler,
J. B. Henry, Paul H. Cressman, John P. Deitrick,
R. H. Gehman, Fred Geibel, Frank A. Borchers,
W. W. Hartman, H. L. Shelly, Oscar S. Schook,
A. M. Sprock, Chas. T. Knauer, Edward L. Albright,
Daniel K. Ziegler.