FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1942
FIRST MEETING
Thursday Morning, October 15, 1942
According to announcement, the Fifty-ninth Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of Pennsylvania convened in the Bethel M. B. in C. Church, 526-30 North Eighth Street, Allentown, Pa.
The Chairman, H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District, convened the Conference in session at 10:00 A. M., Thursday, October 15, 1942.
After singing “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” P. T. Stengele led in prayer. The Chairman addressed the Conference with remarks aptly suited to the occasion. This led the Conference to a time of prevailing prayer in which a number of Conference members engaged.
Whereas, C. H. Brunner has requested that he be relieved of the duties as Secretary, therefore,
Resolved, That he be excused and that the Assistant Secretary of the last Conference, B. Bryan Musselman, serve as Secretary in his place and be the Editor of the Year Book.
The Secretary, B. Bryan Musselman, appointed his assistants as follows: Assistant Secretary, H. W. Hartman; Recording Secretaries, N. H. Wolf and A. G. Woodring.
The Secretary enrolled the names of the Conference members as follows:
Ministers
Ordained–Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, W. G. Gehman, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, E. B. Hartman, H. W. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, J. B. Henry, F. B. Hertzog, F. M. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, H. B. Musselman, B. Bryan Musselman, R. C. Reichenbach, J. C. Roth, E. J. Rutman., A. M. Sprock, P. T. Stengele, N. H. Wolf, A. G. Woodring, G. F. Yost, C. F. Snyder, C. L. Miller, H. W. Feldges and E. T. Shick.
Probationers–J. T. Anderson, W. H. Frank, J. E. Golla, T. E. Turnbull, G. C. Watson and John Dunn.
Delegates
Allentown District
R. Paul Schaeffer, Allentown (Bethel).
Paul H. Cressman, Bethlehem.
Fred Geibel. Philadelphia.
Charles T. Knauer, Reading.
Paul I. Wentz, 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, Lehighton and Weissport.
Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., Wissinoming.
R. Spedden, Chester and West Philadelphia.
Daniel K. Ziegler, Hatfield.
Luther N. Kern, Walnutport.
Easton District
Herbert V. Smith, Easton.
George John, Shamokin.
J. W. Boehmer, Mount Carmel.
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg.
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury.
Robert W. Garrison, Scranton.
George S. Messersmith, York.
Paul T. Rutman, Harrisburg.
Charles W. Weaber, Lebanon.
Herbert E. Cole, Staten Island, N. Y.
Ralph A. Weiss, Jersey City, N. J.
E. J. Weber, Newark, N. J.
Every member of the Conference was present at the opening for the roll call with the exception of W. G. Gehman, E. J. Weber, C. F. Snyder, C. L. Miller and H. W. Feldges.
The members of Conference devoted some time to prayer with thanksgiving, recounting the blessings of the Lord during the year, God having shown forth His love and power in giving to us a loyal, obedient and self-sacrificing laity. The realization of the daily increasing responsibilities led us to ask God for His sufficiency and grace that we might be made efficient workers together in His great harvest field.
Sharing in our prayers were also the Foreign Mission Fields, including the missionaries, the native workers and their faithful Christian Church. We also remembered our co-workers in the Gospel Workers Society and the Union Gospel Press, Cleveland, Ohio, and also the Gospel Heralds, a number of whom were present.
A number of our young men have been drafted into the service of our country, and for them and their families tender remembrances were brought before God, asking of Him special blessings in their protection from all subtle temptations and sin, and also that their Christian testimony may be the means of leading others to believe in Jesus Christ to the saving of their souls.
For our President and all in authority, divine guidance was the expressed desire so that we may continue to live a peaceable life well pleasing unto our God.
Resolved, That the first six pews in the three tiers beginning from the northeast side of the Church 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 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 and B. Bryan Musselman.
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: Paul I. Wentz, H. L. Shelly, R. Paul Schaeffer, C. H. Brunner and R. H. Gehman.
Committee on Statistics: E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne, T. D. Gehret, Paul E. Baer, P. T. Stengele, C. E. Kirkwood, E. B. Hartman, A. M. Sprock.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: J. C. Roth 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, Robert W. Garrison, George R. Fish, M. M. Ziegler, Paul T. Rutman, George S. Messersmith, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., J. W. Boehmer, Herbert E. Cole, Charles W. Weaber, A. W. Deppe, R. Spedden, J. E. Golla, E. J. Weber and G. C. Watson.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: Herbert V. Smith, H. H. Bergey, Paul I. Wentz, G. K. Himmelreich.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries: J. B. Layne, H. K. Kratz, W. W. Hartman, F. M. Hottel, J. B. Henry.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel, N. H. Wolf.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: B. Bryan Musselman, F. B. Hertzog, E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne, C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Resolutions: T. D. Gehret, A. G. Woodring, Paul E. Baer.
Auditing Committee: G. F. Yost, Paul H. Cressman, Charles T. Knauer, Fred Geibel, A. A. Schaffer, C. B. Brosius, R. R. Fox, R. C. Reichenbach, Daniel K. Ziegler, T. E. Turnbull, Ralph A. Weiss, Luther N. Kern.
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 arranged the following program:
Thursday, 7:30 P. —-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.–Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman, Chairman of the Annual Conference, shall preach the Conference and Ordination sermon.
H. B. Musselman
B. Bryan Musselman,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 A. M. with prayer by J. B. Henry and benediction by G. F. Yost.
SECOND MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 15, 1942
The Chairman opened the afternoon meeting at 3:00 P. M. with singing “Trust and Obey,” and prayer by C. E. Kirkwood.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the morning meeting were read and approved after some minor corrections.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We have examined the Minutes of the 1941 Session of the Annual Conference and state that the two copies of the 1941 Year Book, herewith submitted, are true copies of the proceedings of the Annual Conference of 1941.
J. C. Roth,
E. E. Kublic,
Committee
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 a very good condition. A few slight errors were found which were corrected by the Pastors in our presence.
We have found the following resolutions:
(1) In the Wissinoming Quarterly Conference Minutes”
“Resolved, That we petition the Annual Conference to be held at Allentown, Pa., next October to make Wissinoming Mission a Station.”
(2) In the Chester and West Philadelphia Quarterly Conference minutes:
“Resolved, That we petition the Annual Conference which convenes in the Bethel M. B. in C. Church, Allentown, Pa., October 15, 1942, that Chester and West Philadelphia Classes be recognized as self-supporting.”
(3) In the Jersey City Quarterly Conference Minutes:
“Resolved, That we petition the Annual Conference to be held in Allentown, Pa., that the Jersey City, N. J., Mission be made a Station.”
F. B. Hertzog, Robert W. Garrison, Herbert E. Cole,
J. B. Henry, George R. Fish, Charles W. Weaber,
E. W. Bean, M. M. Zeigler, A. W. Deppe,
W. W. Hartman, Paul T. Rutman, R. Spedden,
W. F. Heffner, Thos. W. Campbell, Sr., J. E. Golla,
E. J. Rutman, J. W. Boehmer, G. C. Watson,
George John, George S. Messersmith.
Committee
Resolved, That the requests of Wissinoming, Chester and West Philadelphia, and Jersey City, contained in the report of the Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records be referred to the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating 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.
J. B. Layne,
H. K. Kratz,
W. W. Hartman,
F. M. Hottel,
J. B. Henry,
Committee
Report of the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
After hearing the excellent reports by the delegates concerning the faithfulness and devotion of their respective Pastors, we, the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders, report all of them entirely satisfactory and commendable for their faithfulness in the Lord’s service.
Herbert V. Smith, Paul I. Wentz,
H. H. Bergey, G. K. Himmelreich,
Committee.
Report of H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District: (See Reports).
Report of B. Bryan Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Easton District: (See Reports).
Report of B. Bryan Musselman, President of the Gospel Herald Society: (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Examiners on the Reading Course: (See Reports).
Whereas, The applicants for Annual Conference License, H. D. Yarrington and J. E. Hartman have creditably passed the examination on Discipline given by H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, therefore,
Resolved, That these two brethren be referred to the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
Resolved, That the rules be suspended and we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Resolved, That the Secretary call the roll for Conditional and Unconditional Ministers.
The following was the result:
Unconditional–Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, W. H. Frank, J. E. Golla, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret. E. B. Hartman, H. W. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, J. B. Henry, F. B. Hertzog, F. M. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic,
J. B. Layne, H. B. Musselman, B. Bryan Musselman, R. C. Reichenbach, J. C. Roth, E. J. Rutman, A. M. Sprock, P. T. Stengele, T. E. Turnbull, N. H. Wolf, A. G. Woodring, G. C. Watson, G. F. Yost, E. T. Shick.
Conditional–None.
The Chair appointed the following as 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 B. Bryan Musselman.
Resolved, That H. B. Musselman be Presiding Elder of the Allentown District and B. Bryan Musselman Presiding Elder of the Easton District 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.
Adjourned at 6:50 P. M. with prayer by H. L. Shelly and benediction by F. B. Hertzog.
THIRD MEETING
Thursday Evening, October 15, 1942
The Thursday evening service was opened at 7:30 o’clock by the Secretary, B. Bryan Musselman, with the singing of the old hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” After T. D. Gehret led in prayer, the congregation joined in singing the chorus, “Yesterday, Today, Forever.” This was followed by the Roll Call.
Then all of the Pastors submitted three-minute Oral Reports, followed by the reports of the Presiding Elders.
A large and interested audience representing many of our Churches was in attendance. Many hearts mingled in praise for the Lord’s gracious goodness during the year. Spiritual and financial progress was made in spite of the pressure of the times.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P. M. with prayer and benediction by P. T. Stengel.
FOURTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 16, 1942
The meeting was opened with singing “Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me” and prayer by W. W. Hartman.
The Secretary, B. Bryan Musselman, read I Peter 1 and gave a very helpful exhortation.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the Thursday afternoon and evening meetings were read and approved.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a Committee to formulate a Memorial for the Year Book for Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman.
The Chair appointed E. N. Cassel, T. D. Gehret and B. Bryan Musselman.
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports).
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair to permit the Executive Board to meet for a short time.
The Conference recessed at 10:10 A. M.
Business was resumed at 10:55 A. M.
The Executive Board recommended that, in view of the years of faithful service in the Gospel Herald Society and as a Pastor in the Conference, J. E. Golla be recommended to the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination.
The Presiding Elders recommended T. E. Turnbull and W. H. Frank as Candidates for Ordination.
Resolved, That J. E. Golla, T. E. Turnbull and W. H. Frank be referred to the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination.
Resolved, That W. Bruce Musselman of the Union Gospel Press, Cleveland, Ohio, be presented to the Conference and admitted to the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 o’clock with prayer by A. G. Woodring and benediction by J. B. Henry.
FIFTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 16, 1942
The meeting was opened at 3:10 P. M. with prayer by E. E. Kublic.
The roll was called after which this 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 Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined Applicants H. D. Yarrington and J. E. Hartman and recommend that they be granted Annual Conference License on three years probation according to the Discipline.
P. T. Stengele, F. M. Hottel,
T. D. Gehret, N. H. Wolf,
B. Bryan, Musselman,
Committee.
Resolved, that we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was suspended at 3:35 P. M.
Business was resumed at 4:50 P. M.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Ordination:
We have examined Probationers T. E. Turnbull, W. H. Frank and J. E. Golla, who have passed the Reading Course with credit and have served a satisfactory period of probation. We have found them devoted to the work of the Lord and 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 this Friday evening.
B. Bryan Musselman, J. B. Layne,
F. B. Hertzog, C. H. Brunner,
E. N. Cassel,
Committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 P. M. with prayer by E. J. Rutman and benediction by C. H. Brunner.
SIXTH MEETING
Saturday Morning, October 17, 1942
The meeting was opened with singing “How Beautiful to Walk in the Steps of the Saviour” and prayer by G. F. Yost. The Chairman read I Corinthians 13, emphasizing the importance of Christian love.
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 Executive Board: (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Home: (See Reports).
Report of the Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: (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 Publication and Printing: (See Reports).
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports).
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports).
Report of the Committee on Auditing:
We, the Auditing Committee, have examined the accounts of the following: Presiding Elders’ Reports, Benevolent Society, 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 creditable manner and the several minor errors found were promptly corrected in the presence of those concerned.
G. F. Yost, A. A. Schaffer, Daniel K. Ziegler,
Paul H. Cressman, C. B. Brosius, T. E. Turnbull,
Charles T. Knauer, R. R. Fox, R. A. Weiss,
Fred Geibel, R. C. Reichenbach, Luther N. Kern,
Committee.
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: (See Reports).
Resolved, That we postpone the remainder of the reports and proceed to the election of Officers and Boards.
The following were elected:
Vice Presiding Elders: E. N. Cassel and T. D. Gehret.
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: T. D. Gehret.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Treasurer of the Next Annual Conference: Paul I. Wentz.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 12:05 P. M. with prayer by J. E. Golla and benediction by W. H. Frank.
SEVENTH MEETING
Saturday Afternoon, October 17, 1942
The meeting was opened at 12:40 o’clock with prayer by R. H. Gehman.
The roll was called after which the minutes of this previous meeting were read and approved.
The election of Officers and Boards was continued.
Committee Over the Presiding Elders: P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Layne.
Executive Board: H. B. Musselman, E. N. Cassel, C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, J. B. Layne, T. D. Gehret and P. T. Stengele.
Board of Foreign Missions: H. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, P. T. Stengele and E. N. Cassel.
Board of Examiners: E. N. Cassel, T. D. Gehret, 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.
Resolved, That P. T. Stengele fulfil the unexpired term of W. G. Gehman on the Board of Trustees of The Home.
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; Treasurer, Paul I. Wentz.
Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits (Appointed by the Chairman): President, B. Bryan Musselman; Secretary, F. B. Hertzog; P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret and Paul E. Baer.
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.
He appointed the following:
Allentown District–P. T. Stengele.
Easton District–T. D. Gehret.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Reports).
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We beg leave to report that we have received no communications.
P.T. Stengele, J. B. Layne,
C. H. Brunner,
Committee.
Report of the Reference Committee on War and Military Service: (See Reports).
Report of the Committee to Formulate, a Memorial for the Year Book for Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman. (This report appears in this issue under the heading “In Memoriam”).
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
1. Whereas, We have listened to the reports of H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District, and B. Bryan Musselman who filled the vacancy created by the death of Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman, serving the Easton District and the Gospel Herald Society, which
portrayed the spiritual advancement and progress of the work, and
Whereas, They have faithfully pursued their various duties, being unsparing and untiring in their efforts to promote the work of the Lord, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our appreciation and, thankfulness for their zeal and devotion to the Lord’s work, and that we pray the rich blessing of God to attend them.
2. Whereas, All the Pastors of the Conference have been kept on their pastorates during the year and have given their interesting reports of the goodness of the Lord in saving some and keeping His flock, therefore,
Resolved, That we thank God for His marvellous doings and that we further endeavor to be more effectual in His work and the ministry of the Word.
3. Whereas, The Lord has given us during the year numbers of devoted and faithful members who have again supported spiritually and morally in a most commendable manner, therefore,
Resolved, That we appreciate their loyalty and support in every sacrifice for the cause of their love and pray that our God may abundantly reward them in this life and the life to come.
4. Whereas, In the providence and fore-thought of God, Presiding Elder W. G. Gehman fell asleep in Jesus at his late home in Easton, November 16, 1941, and,
Whereas, We recognize his earnestness and devotion to the Church of his love, having served as Pastor of a few charges for eight years and as Presiding Elder of the Easton District for nearly four decades and as President of the Gospel Herald Society a similar period of time, and was also a member of various Boards of the Church, and
Whereas, His contribution of helpful and sound advice for the best of the Conference has been unstinted and fraught with desires for the advance of Christ’s cause, therefore,
Resolved, That we bow humbly to the will of Him with Whom we have to do and pray that his sacrificial life may be an impetus to us as a Conference.
5. Whereas, C. H. Brunner, Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, has again with the able assistance of H. W. Hartman secured much valuable information from the Missionaries through correspondence, arranging the reading material and cuts in such a manner as to give us an informative and attractive “Regions Beyond,” and
Whereas, The Secretary and Assistant Secretary have generously contributed their efforts in compiling the “Year Book,” therefore,
Resolved, That we appreciate their splendid work and that we donate to them the sum of twenty dollars each to be paid by the Board of Foreign Missions.
6. Whereas, The Christian Life series of Sunday School literature, published by the Union Gospel Press of Cleveland, Ohio, continues to be doctrinally and spiritually sound, and,
Whereas, W. Bruce Musselman from the Gospel Workers’ Society and the Union Gospel Press of Cleveland, Ohio, was present during the sessions of Conference and officially represented that ever expanding and growing work, and,
Whereas, We were privileged to listen to a very encouraging and factual message at the Friday evening service, therefore,
Resolved, That we appreciate his visit, and that we thank God for their work of faith and pray for their advancement to God’s glory.
7. Resolved, That as a Conference we recognize Mrs. E. T. Gehman, manager of the G. H. S. Bible House, 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.
9. Whereas, Pastor B. Bryan Musselman and the members of the Allentown Congregation have so kindly provided for the entertainment of the Conference members and friends, having served all the meals in the Church basement, therefore,
Resolved, That we tender them a rising vote of thanks and pray that the blessings of the Lord will attend there in the future.
T. D. Gehret,
A. G. Woodring,
Paul E. Baer,
Committee.
Resolved, That the Reference Committee on War and Military Affairs be continued, to include H. B. Musselman, E. N. Cassel. T. D. Gehret, C. H. Brunner and F. B. Hertzog.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Statistics: (See Reports).
Whereas, The War conditions have caused an emergency, therefore,
Resolved, That as a Conference we favor that the meeting of the next General Conference be deferred for two years or the duration.
Resolved, That we hold this next Annual Ministerial Convention in the Grace M. B. in C. Church, Chester, Pa., on Thursday, April 15, 1943. All ordained Ministers and Probationers having charge of a work shall be members of this Convention.
The following officers were elected for this Convention: Chairman, F. B. Hertzog; Secretary, A. G. Woodring.
Committee on Program: H. B. Musselman, B. Bryan Musselman and J.B. Henry.
Resolved, That fifty dollars ($50.00) from the Annual Conference Fund be donated to the Chester congregation toward the expense of this Convention.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair. Business was suspended at 3:00 P. M.
Business was resumed at 5:00 P. M.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was suspended at 5:01 P. M.
Business was resumed at 6:40 P. M.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of three to compile a report of the Conference for the “Gospel Banner” and the “Year Book.”
He appointed T. D. Gehret, A. G. Woodring and J. B. Henry.
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).
Resolved, That the advisability of holding Camp Meetings shall be left to the discretion of the Executive Board.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Beulah Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, Twelfth and Spruce Streets, Easton, Pa., on Thursday, October 14, 1943, at 10:00 A. M.
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 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.
The Board of Examiners requests the Annual Conference to ask the Executive Board to formulate a plan whereby due credit may be given for work done in approved Bible Schools, Colleges and Theological Seminaries by such as may desire to enter our active work.
Resolved, That we print 1100 copies of the Year Book to be sold at twenty-five cents per copy. The deficit shall be paid out of the Conference Fund. All checks shall be made payable to H. W. Hartman, and sent to 25 South Third Street, Quakertown, Pa.
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. When one officer is to be elected the three highest shall be used as candidates. When 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.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 P. M. with prayer and benediction by P. T. Stengele.
Signed:
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, Chairman,
B. Bryan Musselman, Presiding Elder, Secretary,
Paul I. Wentz, Treasurer,
E. N. Cassel, Vice Presiding Elder,
T. D. Gehret, Vice Presiding Elder,
H. W. Hartman, Assistant Secretary,
N. H. Wolf, Recording Secretary,
A. G. Woodring, Recording Secretary,
Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, C. H. Brunner, W. H. Frank, J. E. Golla, R.H. Gehman, E.B. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, J. B. Henry, F. B. Hertzog, F. M. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, H K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, R. C. Reichenbach, J. C. Roth, E. J. Rutman, A. M. Sprock,
P. T. Stengele, T. E. Turnbull, G. C. Watson, G. F. Yost, George John, Daniel K. Ziegler, R. R. Fox, Luther N. Kern, M. M. Ziegler, Herbert V. Smith, Thos. W. Campbell, Sr., H. H. Bergey, J. W. Boehmer, Paul T. Rutman, R. Spedden, H. L. Shelly, Chas. T. Knauer, R. A. Weiss, A. W. Deppe, George R. Fish, George S. Messersmith, R. Paul Schaeffer, Herbert E. Cole, A. A. Schaffer, Charles W. Weaber, Robert W. Garrison, Paul H. Cressman, Thos. W. Campbell, Sr., C. B. Brosius, H. H. Bergey, G. K. Himmelreich, J. W. Boehmer, Fred Geibel.