FIFTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1939
Minutes, as well as Committee Reports, Indexes, and Statistics are in the 1939 Yearbook
FIRST MEETING
Thursday Morning, October 19, 1939
The Fifty-sixth 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 9:00 a. m., Thursday, October 19, 1939. “There is a Fountain Filled With Blood,” verses 1 and 2, was sung as the opening hymn. Pastor
T. D. Gehret led in prayer.
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 thanksgiving and earnest prayer.
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, T. D. Gehret, F. M. Hottel, J. B. Layne, A. G. Woodring, 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. E. Kublic, E. B. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, E. W. Bean, R. Bergstresser, E. T. Shick, J. F. Barrall, C. F. Snyder, H. W. Feldges, C. L. Miller, N. M. Cressman and E. H. Musselman.
Probationers–J. T. Anderson, C. E. Kirkwood. T. E. Turnbull, R. C. Reichenbach, G. C. Watson and E. J. Rutman.
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.
A. W. Deppe, Nazareth and Northampton.
A. A. Schaffer, Alt., Lehighton, Weissport and Walnutport.
Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., Wissinoming and West Philadelphia.
Easton District
Herbert V. Smith, Easton.
George John, Shamokin.
J. W. Boehmer, Mt. Carmel.
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg.
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury.
H. H. Dietrich, Jr., Scranton.
George S. Messersmith, York.
Daniel K. Ziegler, Hatfield.
David Gardner, Harrisburg.
Frank W. Hankins, Sr., Chester.
Harry J. Sheffy, Lebanon.
Herbert E. Cole, Staten Island, N. Y.
Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman of the Allentown District, all the Pastors, all the Delegates, a number of the Gospel Heralds and others were present at the opening of the first meeting.
W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Easton District, was absent on account of illness.
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; 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, now on furlough.
We also include the following missionaries although not members of our Church, yet are being supported by our Conference: E. E. Crist, Mrs. E. E. Crist, E. R. Hess, Harry Stam, Mrs. Harry Stam, Joseph Ummel and Paul Ummel, of Africa; William C. Cadman and Mrs. William C. Cadman, of French Indo-China.
Special thanksgiving has been offered in the morning devotions for all our churches and missions in the homeland and the noble company of believers whom the Lord has given us. Special prayers were also 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 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, T. D. Gehret 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 and J. B. Layne.
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, A. M. Sprock 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, E. W. Bean, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, E. J. Rutman, George John, H. H. Dietrick, Jr., A. D. Deppe, George R. Fish, M. M. Ziegler, David Gardner, George. S. Messersmith, Frank W. Hankins Sr., Thomas W. Campbell Sr., J. W. Boehmer, Herbert E. Cole and Harry J. Sheffy.
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, H. K. Kratz, F. M. Hottel and J. B. Henry.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele, B. Bryan Musselman and F. M. Hottel.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: B. Bryan Musselman, E. N. Cassel, F. B. Hertzog and J. B. Layne.
Committee on Resolutions: F. B. Hertzog, A. G. Woodring and Paul E. Baer.
Auditing Committee: G. F. Yost, Paul H. Cressman, Charles T. Knauer, Fred Geibel, R. R. Fox, A. A. Schaffer, C. B. Brosius, Daniel K. Ziegler, G. C. Watson 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 three 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 7, 1939, and arranged the following program:
Thursday, 7:30 P. M.–The Pastors shall submit their oral reports limited to three minutes each. The Presiding Elders shall also give their oral reports.
Friday, 7:45 P. M.–Thirty-minute addresses by Pastors P. T. Stengele and J. B. Layne.
Saturday, 7:45 P. M.–Twenty-minute addresses by Pastors A. G. Woodring and Paul E. Baer.
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.–Thirty-minute addresses by Pastors C. H. Brunner and T. D. Gehret.
The Sunday services shall be in charge of Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman.
H. B. Musselman, T. D. Gehret,
W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner,
B. Bryan Musselman,
Committee
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 10:30 o’clock with prayer by N. H. Wolf and benediction by G. F. Yost.
Second Meeting
Thursday Afternoon, October 19, 1939
The Chairman opened the afternoon meeting at 3:20 o’clock with singing, “My Jesus I Love Thee” and prayer by J. C. Roth.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the morning meeting were read and approved.
Report of the Ministerial Convention. (See Reports).
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Examiners. (See Reports).
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, Missionaries and Local Preachers and found them all satisfactory with no charges against them.
J. B. Layne, F. M. Hottel,
T. D. Gehret, J. B. Henry,
H. K. Kratz,
Committee
Report of the Committee on the Examination of Traveling Elders:
We, the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders, having examined all the Traveling Elders through the various delegates, take pleasure in reporting that we find them a self-sacrificing and entirely satisfactory band of workers, living lives of devotion and whole-heartedly engaged in the service of the Lord.
Herbert V. Smith, W. N. Schlonecker,
H. H. Bergey, G. K. Himmelreich,
Committee
W. H. Frank, having satisfactorily passed the examination on the Discipline, was presented for Annual Conference License by Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We, the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License, have examined W. H. Frank, and recommend him to this Conference for Annual Conference License.
T. D. Gehret, B. Bryan Musselman,
P. T. Stengele, F. M. Hottel,
Committee
Report of the Committee on Communications: We have received a letter from W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Easton District, which we recommend to be read to this Conference.
P. T. Stengele, J. B. Layne,
C. H. Brunner,
Committee
This letter was read and referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
Whereas, Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman is unable, on account of illness, to be present on Sunday afternoon to speak as announced by Conference, therefore,
Resolved, That C. H. Brunner shall speak Sunday afternoon at 2:00 P. M. in place of Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District. (See Reports).
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
Resolved, That W. G. Gehman be permitted to vote by proxy in the roll call of Conditional and Unconditional Ministers, this proxy to be vested in Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman as instructed by W. G. Gehman.
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. B. Hertzog, T. D Gehret, F. M. Hottel, J. B. Layne, A. G. Woodring, 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. E. Kublic, E. B. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, E. W. Bean, E. J. Rutman, G. C. Watson.
Conditional–None.
Absent–R. Bergstresser, J. F. Barrall, C. F. Snyder, H. W. Feldges, C. L. Miller, N. M. Cressman and E. H. Musselman.
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 President of 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 Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Finance. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing. (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).
Adjourned at 5:45 o’clock with prayer by P. T. Stengele and benediction by F. M. Hottel.
Third Meeting
Thursday Evening, October 19, 1939
The evening meeting was opened at 7:30 o’clock with singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and prayer by Paul E. Baer.
The roll was called.
The Pastors submitted their oral reports, followed by the oral report of Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman who, in the absence of Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman, reported for both Districts.
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 at 9:20 o’clock with prayer and benediction by Paul E. Baer.
Fourth Meeting
Friday Morning, October 20, 1939
The meeting was opened with singing “Nearer My God to Thee” and prayer by Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.
The Chairman read II Corinthians 5:14-21 and made a few appropriate remarks.
The roll was called, after which the minutes of the Thursday afternoon and evening meetings were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records:
We, the Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records, beg leave to report that we have examined the Quarterly Conference Records and have found them in excellent condition. A few slight errors were found which were corrected by the Pastors in our presence.
F. B. Hertzog,
J. B. Henry,
E. W. Bean,
W. W. Hartman,
W. F. Heffner,
E. J. Rutman,
George John,
H. H. Dietrich Jr..
A. W. Deppe,
George R. Fish,
M. M. Ziegler,
David Gardner,
George S. Messersmith,
Frank W. Hankins, Sr.
Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.,
J. W. Boehmer,
Herbert E. Cole,
Harry J. Sheffy,
Committee
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 13-16, 1938, and found them correct.
J. C. Roth, E. E. Kublic,
W. F. Heffner,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend business.
Business was resumed at 12:00 o’clock.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
The following reports was read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee. (See Reports).
Adjourned at 12:15 P. M,, with prayer by G. F. Yost and benediction by F. M. Hottel.
Fifth Meeting
Friday Afternoon, October 20, 1939
The meeting was opened with singing “Nearer My God to Thee” and prayer by W. F. Heffner.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 3:30 P. M.
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 Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports).
Report of the Conference Treasurer. (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 we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
1. Whereas, We have again been privileged to listen to the reports of our esteemed Presiding Elders and learn of the blessing of God upon the work, both spiritually and financially,
Whereas, The President of the Gospel Herald Society informed us of the noble work being done by this group of consecrated young men, and
Whereas, Both our Leaders have toiled willingly and untiringly and have given much needed counsel and spiritual advice, therefore
Resolved, That we highly appreciate their work and labor of love and pray God to bless them abundantly unto the day of His glorious appearing.
2. Whereas, W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Easton District was not physically able to be present at this Conference and forwarded a communication expressing his regrets as follows:
“Dear Brother Musselman, Chairman, and members of the Annual Conference, in Conference assembled, Greetings:
“It hath pleased the Lord to have me cease from the greater activity for the time being. The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus shall bring me forth again in God’s own time and order. In the meanwhile, may that great gain be mine which is the result of Godliness with contentment. I shall not be present bodily but my spirit shall be with you prayerfully that God may direct the Conference deliberations and anything else connected with the Conference according to His highest aim and purpose. I thank you for your prayers in, the past and now and hereafter for my speedy recovery, if it be His will that I may resume the race, keep the faith, and finish my course with joy.”
Whereas, W. G. Gehman has been such a great blessing by his many counsels and activities with a deep passion for the cause of Christ for more than two score years, and
Whereas, We have missed much of his Godly influence, prayerful example and congenial presence during the Conference sessions, therefore
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to earnestly pray for his speedy recovery to health and full service in leadership as heretofore.
3. Whereas, All our Pastors have been spared during the year and have cited much progress along various lines in their spicy oral reports, therefore
Resolved, That we praise God who hath enabled us to work for Him in His great harvest field and that by the grace of God we strive to prove worthy of our calling and serve to the best of our ability.
4. Whereas, The various charges of our Conference have been blessed with a group of believers who are faithful and self-sacrificing, therefore
Resolved, That we appreciate their many kindnesses and wholehearted service and pray God to richly reward them and continue to make them a great blessing.
5. 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 faithful work and that we donate the sum of fifty dollars to be paid out of the Annual Conference Fund.
6. 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 and used in many countries, therefore
Resolved, That we praise the Lord for their noble work and continue to pray in their behalf.
7. 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.
8. Resolved, That the management of the Cafeteria of the Mizpah Grove Camp Meetings continue under the direction of the Executive Board.
9. Resolved, That the church property at Hereford be in charge of the Board of Trustees of Macungie, Pa.
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 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 1.
12. 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.
13. Resolved, That each appointment lift an offering for the next Annual Conference expenses, the amount to be computed on a basis of ten cents per member reported at the previous Annual Conference.
14. Whereas, The Pastor, B. Bryan Musselman, and members of the Allentown 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 tender them a rising vote of thanks and unitedly pray God’s blessing upon them for usefulness in the Lord’s work.
F. B. Hertzog, Paul E. Baer,
A. G. Woodring,
Committee
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We have received a letter from E. H. Musselman and one from N. M. Cressman and recommend that they be read before this Conference.
P. T. Stengele,
C. H. Brunner,
J. B. Layne,
Committee
The letters were read to the Conference and referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
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 of the next Annual Conference: C. H. Brunner.
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, B. Bryan Musselman, J. B. Layne and T. D. Gehret.
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.
Adjourned at 5:55 P. M. with prayer by W. N. Schlonecker and benediction by E. E. Kublic.
Sixth Meeting
Saturday Morning, October 21, 1939
The meeting was opened with singing “Sweeter As the Years Roll By” and prayer by G. C. Watson.
The roll was called.
The Chairman read II Corinthians 4:8-18 and gave a helpful exhortation.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, We have received communications from E. H. Musselman and N. M. Cressman expressing their continued love and fellowship toward the brethren of the Conference, therefore
Resolved, That we earnestly pray God’s blessings upon them, their families and the work to which God has called them.
F. B. Hertzog, Paul E. Baer,
A. G. Woodring,
Committee
Resolved, That we continue the election of Officers and Boards.
The following were elected:
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, 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.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Beulah Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, Twelfth and Spruce Streets, Easton, Pa., Thursday, October 17, 1940 at 9:00 A. M., and continue over Sunday.
Resolved, That the Chairman of the next Annual Conference preach the Conference Sermon on Sunday morning and Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman shall preach in the afternoon.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and the Pastor of the Easton congregation constitute a Committee to arrange a program of services for the next Annual Conference and send a copy to each of the Pastors.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and meet at 1:00 P. M.
Adjourned with prayer by Charles T. Knauer and benediction by J. B. Layne.
Seventh Meeting
Saturday Afternoon, October 21, 1939
The meeting was opened with singing “Follow, Follow, I Will Follow Jesus” and prayer by M. M. Ziegler.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on 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, Conference Treasurer, Committee on Finance and Ministers’ Retirement Fund.
All 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,
Paul H. Cressman,
Fred Geibel,
C. B. Brosius,
A. A. Schaffer,
R. R. Fox,
Charles T. Knauer,
E. E. Kublic,
G. C. Watson,
Daniel K. Ziegler.
Committee.
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 Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman represent the Easton District in the absence of Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman and also preside at the meeting of the Beneficiary Society.
Resolved, That we hold the next Annual Ministerial Convention in the M. B. in C. Church, Royersford, Pa., on April 18, 1940. 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, T. D. Gehret; Secretary, F. B. Hertzog.
Committee on Program: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and E. N. Cassel.
Resolved, That Fifty Dollars ($50.00) from the Annual Conference Fund be donated to the Royersford Congregation toward the expenses of this Convention.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a Committee of three to compile a statement of our attitude and belief relative to war and military service and present this statement to the Executive Board for printing and distribution among our members.
He appointed the following: T. D. Gehret, C. H. Brunner and E. N. Cassel.
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 Bethlehem Division Camp Meeting of the Allentown District. (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 Easton District Camp Meeting. (See Reports).
Report of the Beneficiary Society. (See Reports).
Report of the Committee on Statistics. (See Reports).
Report of the Committee to Examine Applicants for Ordination:
No candidates have been presented for Ordination; therefore, we have nothing to report.
B. Bryan Musselman,
E. N. Cassel,
F. B. Hertzog,
J. B. Layne,
Committee.
The various Boards and Standing Committees reported to the Secretary the election of their officers. (See Official Record).
Resolved, That we print 875 copies of the Year Book for 1939. 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 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 whenever a congregation has a membership of 300 or more, they shall be permitted to increase the membership of the Board of Trustees from three to five.
Adjourned at 4:30 P. M. with prayer by, J. B. Layne and benediction by the Chairman, 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. B. Hartman, A. W. Deppe,
P. T. Stengele, W. F. Heffner, George John,
G. F. Yost, E. W. Bean, A. A. Schaffer,
F. B. Hertzog, E. J. Rutman, C. B. Brosius,
T. D. Gehret, G. C. Watson, H. H. Bergey,
F. M. Hottel, W. N. Schlonecker, T. W. Campbell, Sr.,
J. B. Layne, R. Paul Schaeffer, M. M. Ziegler,
H. K. Kratz, R. R. Fox, J. W. Boehmer,
Paul E. Baer, Paul H. Cressman, H. H. Dietrich, Jr.,
J. C. Roth, Fred Geibel, George R. Fish,
J. B. Henry, H. L. Shelly, Frank W. Hankins, Sr.,
R. H. Gehman, Herbert V. Smith, David Gardner,
W. W. Hartman, Chas. T. Knauer, Daniel K. Ziegler,
A. M. Sprock, George S Messersmith, Harry J. Sheffy,
E. E. Kublic, G. K. Himmelreich, Herbert E. Cole.