FIFTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1940
Minutes, as well as Committee Reports, Indexes, and Statistics are in the 1940 Yearbook
FIRST MEETING
Thursday Morning, October 17, 1940
The Fifty-seventh 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 Chairman, H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District, opened the first meeting as announced at 9:00 A. M., Thursday, October 17, 1940.
After singing “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?,” Pastor E. N. Cassel led in prayer. The Chairman gave us a very timely message on thoughts from the fourth Chapter of Ephesians. This was followed by a season of thanksgiving and 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, E. J. Rutman and W. H. Frank.
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.
J. D. Kreiss, Nazareth, Northampton and Walnutport.
A. A. Schaeffer, Lehighton and Weissport.
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.
H. N. Dettra, Hatfield.
David Gardner, Harrisburg.
Frank W. Hankins, Sr., Chester.
Charles W. Weaber, Lebanon.
Herbert E. Cole, Staten Island, N. Y.
Every member of Conference was present at the roll call of the first meeting.
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.
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.
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 member 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 and T. D. Gehret.
The following committees were then appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Communications: P. T. Stengele, C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman 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. Dietrich, 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, Charles W. Weaber and H. N. Dettra.
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, H. K. Kratz, T. D. Gehret, 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, C. H. Brunner 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: W. G. Gehman, 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. Schaeffer, C. B. Brosius, J. D. Kreiss, G. C. Watson and E. E. Kublic.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and have a meeting this evening. The minutes of the afternoon meeting shall be read at the opening of the Friday morning meeting.
Program of Services
The Committee on Worship appointed by the last Annual Conference, met on September 27, 1940, 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 also shall give their oral reports.
Friday, 7:45 P. M.–Thirty-minute addresses by Pastors W. W. Hartman and P. T. Stengele.
Saturday, 7:45 P. M.–Twenty-minute addresses by Pastors N. H. Wolf and A. M. Sprock.
Sunday, 9:45 A. M.–Sermon by Presiding Elder R. B. Musselman, Chairman of the Annual Conference.
2:15 P. M.–Sermon by Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman.
7:15 P. M.–Thirty-minute addresses by Pastors E. N. Cassel and B. Bryan Musselman.
H. B. Musselman, T. D. Gehret,
W. G. Gehman,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 10:45 o’clock with prayer by A. G. Woodring and benediction by E. E. Kublic.
Second Meeting
Thursday Afternoon, October 17, 1940
The Chairman opened the afternoon meeting at 3:20 o’clock with singing, “I Will Follow Jesus,” and prayer by A. M. Sprock.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the morning meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Examiners. (See Reports).
Report of the Committee on Finance. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society. (See Reports).
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee. (See Reports).
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 noble band of workers, living consistent, consecrated lives of devotion and self-sacrifice, wholeheartedly engaged in the service of the Lord.
Herbert V. Smith, W. N. Schlonecker,
H. H. Bergey, G. K. Himmelreich,
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 19-22, 1939, and found them correct.
J. C. Roth, E. E. Kublic,
W. F. Heffner,
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, Missionaries and Local Preachers and found them all satisfactory.
No report having been received from E. H. Musselman at either Quarterly Conference or Annual Conference, we therefore recommend that his name be dropped from the roll of ministers.
J. B. Layne, F.M. Hottel,
H. K. Kratz, J. B. Henry,
T. D. Gehret,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend business. Business was resumed at 5:00 o’clock.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District. (See Reports).
Report of W. G. Gehman, Presiding Elder of the Easton District. (See Reports).
Report of W. G. Gehman, President of the Gospel Herald Society. (See Reports).
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
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 and R. C. Reichenbach.
Conditional–None.
The Chair appointed the following tellers: 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 Executive Board recommends that the Gospel Herald Mission at Jersey City, N. J., recently organized with forty-nine members, be accepted as a Mennonite Brethren in Christ Mission and a pastor be stationed there.
Adjourned at 5:45 o’clock with prayer by P. T. Stengele and benediction by W. W. Hartman.
Third Meeting
Thursday Evening, October 17, 1940
The evening meeting was opened at 7:45 o’clock with singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and prayer by Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman.
The roll was called.
The Pastors submitted their oral reports, followed by the oral reports of the Presiding Elders.
A selection entitled “Were You There When They Crucified MY Lord?” was rendered by the Male Quartet of the Easton Church.
A large representative audience from both Districts attended the service. Their interest and loyalty was reflected in the reports of the various Pastors and Presiding Elders.
Adjourned at 9:45 o’clock with prayer and benediction by G. F. Yost.
Fourth Meeting
Friday Morning, October 18, 1940
The meeting was opened with singing “How Beautiful to Walk in the Steps of the Saviour” and prayer by P. T. Stengele.
Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman read II Corinthians 6:1-7 and gave a helpful exhortation.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the Thursday afternoon and evening meetings were read and approved.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 10:40 o’clock with prayer by R. H. Gehman and benediction by A. G. Woodring.
Fifth Meeting
Friday Afternoon, October 18, 1940
The meeting was opened at 2:35 o’clock with prayer by C. B. Brosius.
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 the Allentown District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports).
Report of the Easton District Sunday School Convention. (See Reports).
Report of the Ministerial Convention. (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions. (See Reports).
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.
The Committee recommends that all Pastors place the names of their appointments on the back edge of each Quarterly Conference Minute Book.
F. B. Hertzog,
J. B. Henry,
E. W. Bean.
W. W. Hartman,
W. F. Heffner,
E. J. Rutman,
George John,
H. H. Detrick, Jr.,
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,
Charles W. Weaber,
H. N. Dettra,
Committee.
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing. (See Reports).
Probationer C. E. Kirkwood, having been stationed by this Annual Conference, was received into the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That we suspend business.
Business was resumed at 4:40 o’clock.
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 Conference Treasurer. (See Reports).
Report of the Committee on Statistics. (See Reports).
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That in next year’s Schedule Pastors report Red Cross and Relief Work on the proper space on Pastor’s Schedule.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits. (See Reports).
Elections
Resolved, That we continue the election of Officers and Boards.
The following were elected:
Vice Presiding Elders: B. Bryan Musselman and C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That the other Officers and Boards be nominated orally 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, F. B. Hertzog and J. B. Layne.
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.
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.
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.
Adjourned at 5:45 o’clock with prayer by E. W. Bean and benediction by Paul E. Baer.
Sixth Meeting
Saturday Morning, October 19, 1940
The meeting was opened with singing “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” and prayer by J. D. Kreiss.
The Chairman read appropriate portions of the Word and gave us a helpful and inspiring exhortation.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on 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, J. D. Kreiss,
Paul H. Cressman, G. C. Watson,
Fred Geibel, C. B. Brosius,
Charles T. Knauer, R. R. Fox,
A. A. Schaeffer, E. E. Kublic,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We, the Committee on Communications, beg leave to report that we have received no communications.
P. T. Stengele, B. Bryan Musselman,
C. H. Brunner, J. B. Layne,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Ordination:
We have examined Probationers E. J. Rutman and C. E. Kirkwood, who have passed the Reading Course with credit and served three years of probation. We have found them to be devoted to the work of the Lord, sound in the doctrines of the Scriptures. We believe that they are called of God to the work of the Ministry.
We, therefore, recommend that they be ordained on Sunday afternoon.
We have also interviewed probationers G. C. Watson and R. C. Reichenbach, who prefer to have more time in which to receive practical experience in church management. We have with them mutually agreed that their ordination be deferred.
B. Bryan Musselman, F. B. Hertzog,
E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
The committee begs leave to report that there are no applicants for Annual Conference License.
T. D. Gehret, C. H. Brunner,
P. T. Stengele, F. M. Hottel,
B. Bryan Musselman,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
1. Whereas, This Conference body has listened with great interest and profit to the reports of our esteemed Presiding Elders as they paid glowing tribute to the Lord’s doings on their districts through the loyalty of the Pastors and co-operation of the laity, and
Whereas, We have heard the report of the President of the Gospel Herald Society, showing noble work accomplished by this group of consecrated young men who are home missionary workers, and
Whereas, our Leaders have toiled willingly and untiringly, giving their best for the good of the work, therefore
Resolved, That we herewith express our appreciation for their wise counsel, able leadership and thoughtful consideration in the various problems that have confronted them, and that we pray that they may be divinely sustained and preserved until He come.
2. Whereas, The Lord has remarkably preserved 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 us as we worked in His vineyard.
3. Whereas, The Lord has given us such a noble company of believers throughout the Conference who have stood by the work of the Lord in such a consecrated and devoted manner, therefore
Resolved, That we highly appreciate their labor of love and sacrificial spirit, and pray God to bless them abundantly and make them fruitful unto every good work.
4. Whereas, God in His wisdom has permitted two of our local preachers, R. Bergstresser and J. P. Barrall, to fall asleep in Jesus during this Conference year, and
Whereas, We feel the loss of their services 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. Memorials of these brethren 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 Missionaries supported by our Conference and devoted much time in securing valuable facts of interest and arranged matter for the press, making possible the publishing of our “Year Book” and the “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 rendered.
6. 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 highest quality and is used internationally, therefore
Resolved, That we give hearty thanks to God and pledge our support and prayers.
7. 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.
8. Resolved, That the church property at Hereford be in charge of the Board of Trustees of Macungie, Pa.
9. Whereas, The Pastor, T. D. Gehret, and the members of the Easton 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 community.
W. G. Gehman, Paul E. Baer,
A. G. Woodring,
Committee.
Resolved, That a Committee of five, including the two Presiding Elders, be nominated by the Chairman and elected by the Conference to serve as a Reference Committee in all matter pertaining to military service.
The following were elected: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, E. N. Cassel, T. D. Gehret and C. H. Brunner.
Resolved, That we hold a Sunday School Convention on each District. The Presiding Elders, Pastors and Delegates of their respective Districts shall constitute a Committee to organize for these Sunday School Conventions.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Chairman in each District to organize for these Sunday School Conventions. They appointed the following:
Allentown District–Bryan Musselman.
Easton District–T. D. Gehret.
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings next Summer 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, Wissinoming, Philadelphia, Pa., on April 17, 1941. All ordained Ministers and Probationers having charge of a work shall be members of this Convention.
Officers: The following officers were elected for this Convention: Chairman, W. G. Gehman; Secretary, W. W. Hartman.
Committee on Program: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman and J. B. Henry.
Resolved, That Fifty Dollars ($50.00) from the Annual Conference Fund be donated to the Wissinoming Congregation toward the expense of this Convention.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Ebenezer Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, 1125-27 N. Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa., on Thursday, October 16, 1941, at 10:00 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 Bethlehem congregation constitute a committee to arrange a program of services for the next Annual Conference and send a copy to each of the Pastors.
Adjourned with prayer by H. K. Kratz and benediction by F. M. Hottel.
Seventh Meeting
Saturday Afternoon, October 19, 1940
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.
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.
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, C. H. Brunner and Paul E. Baer.
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).
The various Boards and Standing Committees reported to the Secretary the election of their officers. (See Official Record).
Resolved, That we print 860 copies of the Year Book to be sold at twenty-five cents per copy. In case of a deficit, this shall be paid out of the Conference Fund.
Resolved, That we print 1000 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 1000 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.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
Adjourned at 5:00 p. m. with prayer by P. T. Stengele 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, W. F. Heffner, J. D. Kreiss,
P. T. Stengele, F. W. Bean, George John,
G. F. Yost, E. J. Rutman, C. B. Brosius,
F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, A. A. Schaeffer,
T. D. Gehret, R. C. Reichenbach, H. H. Bergey,
F. M. Hottel, G. C. Watson, Thos. W. Campbell, Sr.,
J. B. Layne, W. N. Schlonecker, M. M. Ziegler,
H. K. Kratz, R. Paul Schaeffer, J. W. Boehmer,
Paul E. Baer, R. R. Fox, H. H. Dietrich, Jr.
J. C. Roth, Paul H. Cressman, George R. Fish,
J. B. Henry, Fred Geibel, Frank W. Hankins, Sr.,
R. H. Gehman, H. L. Shelly, David Gardner,
W. W. Hartman, Herbert V. Smith, H. N. Dettra,
A. M. Sprock, Chas. T. Knauer, Charles W. Weaber,
E. E. Kublic, George S. Messersmith, Herbert E. Cole.
E. B. Hartman, G. K. Himmelreich,