SIXTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1944
Minutes, as well as Committee Reports, Indexes, and Statistics are in the 1944 Yearbook
FIRST MEETING
Wednesday Morning, October 18, 1944
The Sixty-first Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, Pennsylvania Conference, convened in Ebenezer M. B. in C. Church, 1121-25 N. Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa., on Wednesday, October 18, 1944.
The Conference was called to order for the first meeting at 10:00 A. M. by the Chairman, Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman.
After singing “Glory To His Name”, E. N. Cassel led in prayer. The Chairman gave an instructive and inspirational message on “The Love of God”, basing his remarks on John 3:16, I John 3:16, II John verses 1 to 4 and III John verses 1 to 4, as well as various other portions of God’s Word.
This was followed by a season of earnest prayer during which the entire assembly united in thanksgiving and praise to God for His abundant mercies and blessings so freely bestowed upon us. Deeply conscious of the vexing and disturbing conditions prevailing throughout the world, we were constrained to cast ourselves upon the mercy and wisdom of God, beseeching Him to divinely sustain and enable us in order that the work of the Lord might be furthered and souls brought to a saving knowledge of the truth.
We were also concerned about the Foreign Missionary work and the faithful messengers of Christ who are giving forth the Word to those in darkened lands, remembering them in our prayers that their work under God might be blest to the salvation of many. We also remembered the Gospel Workers Society and the Union Gospel Press of Cleveland, Ohio, and also the faithful band of Gospel Herald brethren, a number of whom attended this Conference, praying for them that they would continually be upheld by the power of God.
Special prayer was also offered for the large number of our young men who are in various branches of the Service throughout the world. While they cannot meet with us in our regular services, yet we know their thoughts turn to us, depending upon our faithful and continued prayer in their behalf.
Our President and those in places of authority were the subjects of prayer that divine guidance and wisdom might be granted to them.
The Secretary, T. D. Gehret, appointed the following assistants: Assistant Secretary, N. H. Wolf; Recording Secretaries, W. H. Frank and J. B. Henry.
The following were enrolled as members of the Conference:
Ministers
Ordained– H. B. Musselman, B. Bryan Musselman, E. N. Cassel, T. D. Gehret, N. H. Wolf, W. H. Frank, J. B. Henry, C. H. Brunner, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, R. H. Gehman, J. E. Golla, E. B. Hartman, H. W. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, F. B. Hertzog, F. M. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, R. C. Reichenbach, E. J. Rutman, A. M. Sprock, P. T. Stengele, T. E. Turnbull, A. G. Woodring, G. F. Yost, C. F. Snyder, C. L. Miller, H. W. Feldges, E. T. Shick.
Probationers–Willard E. Cassel, D. E. Thomann, J. T. Anderson, John Dunn, J. E. Hartman, H. D. Yarrington, E. D. Rapp, W. A. Heffner.
Delegates
Allentown District
R. Paul Schaeffer, Allentown (Bethel)
Paul H. Cressman, Bethlehem
S. W. Heiser, Reading
Fred Geibel, Philadelphia
H. H. Bergey, Quakertown
Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., Wissinoming
R. R. Fox, Royersford and Spring City
A. W. Bean, Graterford and Harleysville
Paul I. Wentz, Emmaus, Macungie and Zionsville
Howard G. Adams, Fleetwood, Blandon and Terre Hill
H. L. Shelly, Coopersburg and Allentown (Salem)
J. D. Kreiss (Alternate), Walnutport, Lehighton and Weissport
A. W. Deppe, Nazareth and Northampton
Daniel K. Ziegler, Hatfield.
Easton District
Herbert V. Smith, Easton
Paul H. Miller, Shamokin
C. B. Brosius, Sunbury
George S. Messersmith, York
Earl W. Maurer, Mount Carmel
George W. Butler, Scranton
Warren W. Godshall, Jersey City, N. J.
R. Spedden, Chester
David Gardner, Harrisburg
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg
Charles W. Weaber, Lebanon
Herbert E. Cole, Staten Island,.N. Y.
Edward J. Weber, Newark, N. J.
Edward J. Dietzman, West Philadelphia
All the ministering brethren were present at the opening of the session, excepting C. F. Snyder, C. L. Miller, H. W. Feldges.
A few of the delegates could not be present at the opening meeting because of working conditions.
Resolved, That the first six 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 J. E. Golla 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 the Pastor and Delegate of the Bethlehem Congregation, P. T. Stengele and Paul H. Cressman.
Whereas, Working conditions due to the war make it difficult for many of our lay delegates to be present all the time, and
Whereas, Our delegates are men who have the best interests of the Conference as well as the home work at heart and will give all the time possible, therefore
Resolved, That they be permitted to be absent whenever necessary, and further
Resolved, That we seat any Alternate Delegate as the Delegate of the charge in the event that the Delegate cannot be present.
Committees
Committee on Worship: (Appointed at the last Annual Conference): H. B. Musselman, P. T. Stengele, B. Bryan Musselman.
The following committees were then appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Communications: P. T. Stengele, E. N. Cassel, C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Finance: Paul I. Wentz, H. L. Shelly, R. Paul Schaeffer, H. W. Hartman, A. G. Woodring.
Committee on Statistics: E. N. Cassel J. B. Layne, Paul E. Baer, W. W. Hartman, C. E. Kirkwood, E. B. Hartman, A. M. Sprock, Willard E. Cassel, P. T. Stengele.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: E. E. Kublic, H. K. Kratz.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: F. B. Hertzog, W. F. Heffner, E. W. Bean, J. E. Golla, D. E. Thomann, E. J. Rutman, Paul H. Miller, George W. Butler, George R. Fish, C. B. Brosius, A. W. Deppe, A. W. Bean, George S. Messersmith, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., Earl W. Maurer, Herbert E. Cole, Edward J. Weber, Charles W. Weaber.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: Herbert V. Smith, H. H. Bergey, Howard G. Adams.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries: G. F. Yost, J. B. Henry, R. H. Gehman, R. C. Reichenbach, H. W. Hartman.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: P. T. Stengele, J. B. Layne, F. B. Hertzog, T. D. Gehret, B. Bryan Musselman.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Ordination: F. B. Hertzog, E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne, T. D. Gehret, B. Bryan Musselman.
Committee on Resolutions: B. Bryan Musselman, A. G. Woodring, Paul E. Baer.
Auditing Committee: F. M. Hottel, Paul H. Cressman, S. W. Heiser, T. E. Turnbull, R. Spedden, R. C. Reichenbach, Fred Geibel, R. R. Fox, Daniel K. Ziegler, J. D. Kreiss, David Gardner, Warren Godshall, Edward J. Dietzman.
Miss Annie Yeo and Miss Luella Reinhart, missionaries to Nigeria, Africa, under the United Missionary Society were present and introduced to the Conference.
Rev. J. Harold Sherk, one of the Pastors of the Ontario Conference, was introduced to the Conference and gave a brief message of greeting.
Report of the Committee to arrange a program for the services of Annual Conference:
Wednesday, 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.
Thursday, 7:45 P. M.–Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman, Chairman of the Annual Conference shall preach the Conference sermon, and Presiding Elder B. Bryan Musselman of the Easton District shall follow with closing remarks.
H. B. Musselman,
P. T. Stengele,
B. Bryan Musselman,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 11:50 A. M. with prayer by E. J. Rutman.
SECOND MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon, October 18, 1944
The meeting was opened at 3:50 P. M. with singing “Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul” and prayer by S. W. Heiser.
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 Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We have examined the minutes of the 1943 session of the Annual Conference and state that the two copies of the 1943 Year Book, herewith submitted, are true copies of the proceedings of the Annual Conference of 1943.
E. E. Kublic,
H. K. Kratz,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
We beg leave to report that we have examined the Traveling Elders through their respective delegates and find them entirely satisfactory, earnestly engaged in the Lord’s service on their various fields of labor.
Herbert V. Smith,
H. H. Bergey,
Howard G. Adams,
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)
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to an undetermined time.
Resolved, That we have an evening meeting and the minutes of the afternoon meeting shall be read at the Thursday morning meeting.
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 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, in the Reading Quarterly Conference Minutes:
“Winferd B. Hottel was recommended for Annual Conference License.”
F. B. Hertzog, W. F. Heffner, George W. Butler, C. B. Brosius, D. E. Thomann, A. W. Deppe, Herbert E. Cole, Charles W. Weaber, A. W. Bean, Paul H. Miller, George S. Messersmith, E. W. Bean, Earl W. Maurer, E. J. Rutman, J. E. Golla,
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, Local Preachers, and Missionaries and found them all satisfactory.
G. F. Yost, R. C. Reichenbach,
J. B. Henry, H. W. Hartman,
R. H. Gehman,
Committee.
Report of Presiding Elder H. B. Musselman on Examination of Candidates for the Ministry:
I have examined the following applicant on the Discipline,
Winferd B. Hottel-100%.
I therefore recommend him to the Committee on Applicants for Annual Conference License.
H. B. Musselman, Examiner.
Resolved, That we determine “Who are the preachers who are willing to minister this year, according to the direction of the Conference and our Discipline, and what is their number?”
The following ministering brethren responded “Yea” to the roll call: H. B. Musselman, B. Bryan Musselman, E. N. Cassel, T. D. Gehret, N. H. Wolf, W. H. Frank, J. B. Henry, C. H. Brunner, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, R. H. Gehman, J. E. Golla, E. B. Hartman, H. W. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, F. B. Hertzog, F. M. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, R. C. Reichenbach, E. J. Rutman, A. M. Sprock, P. T. Stengele, T. E. Turnbull, A. G. Woodring, G. F. Yost, D. E. Thomann, Willard E. Cassel.
Resolved, That we elect two Presiding Elders.
The Chair appointed the following as tellers: F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Layne and H. W. Hartman.
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 be 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.
Resolved, That we adjourn.
Adjourned at 5:20 P. M. with prayer and benediction by R. H. Gehman.
THIRD MEETING
Wednesday Evening, October 18, 1944
The meeting was opened with the song, “He Keeps Me Singing”, after which Pastor H. W. Hartman led in prayer.
The Roll was called.
The business of the evening consisted of the oral reports of all the Pastors, followed by the reports of the Presiding Elders, also the report of the President of the Gospel Herald Society.
The meeting was well attended with members and friends from the various charges of both Districts being present.
The reports were most encouraging and clearly manifested the blessing of God upon the work.
Our hearts were made to rejoice as we realized the progress that had been made. Souls have been saved, believers edified, a number were remarkably healed, and the finances show a marked increase over previous years.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 P. M. with prayer and benediction by F. B. Hertzog.
FOURTH MEETING
Thursday Morning, October 19, 1944
The meeting was opened with singing “Crown of Life” and prayer by J. D. Kreiss.
Presiding Elder B. Bryan Musselman directed our thoughts to Philippians 4:8, and led us to see the importance of right thinking in relation to others and of loving our brethren in the Lord.
The roll was called after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Whereas, We have been informed that George C. Watson has sown dissension among the members of the Camden congregation, causing a number to withdraw from the denomination, therefore
Resolved, That George C. Watson be dismissed from the roll of probationers and the church, and further, that we commit him to the grace of God.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we recess to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined applicant Winferd B. Hottel and we recommend that he be granted Annual Conference License on three years probation according to the Discipline.
P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret,
J. B. Layne, B. Bryan Musselman,
F. B. Hertzog,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair not later than 4:30 P. M.
Adjourned with prayer by F. M. Hottel.
FIFTH MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 19, 1944
The meeting opened at 4:30 P. M. at the call of the Chair.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to an undetermined time.
Business was resumed at 7:00 P. M.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we adjourn.
Adjourned at 7:20 P. M. with prayer by F. B. Hertzog.
SIXTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 20, 1944
The meeting opened with singing “Prayer is the Key for the Bended Knee”, and prayer by C. H. Brunner.
E. N. Cassel gave a practical exhortation basing his remarks on II Peter 1:1-11.
The Roll was called after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the item “Subscriptions and Literature Sold” be dropped from the report on the Pastor’s Schedules.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits:
We worked under the direction of the Presiding Elders and the Executive Board.
B. Bryan Musselman, T. D. Gehret,
F. B. Hertzog, Paul E. Baer,
P. T. Stengele,
Committee.
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee on Statistics: (See Reports)
Report of the Ministerial Convention:. (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: (See Reports)
Report of the Sunday School Workers’ Conference: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we recess for thirty minutes.
Business was resumed.
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. E. Golla.
Resolved, That we proceed to the election of Officers and Boards.
The following were elected:
Vice Presiding Elders: E. N. Cassel and T. D. Gehret.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and meet this afternoon at the call of the Chair.
Adjourned with prayer by T. E. Turnbull.
SEVENTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 20, 1944
The meeting was opened at 12:45 P. M. with singing “Walking In the Spirit of the Lord” and prayer by Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.
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 Conference Treasurer: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We have received Communications from C. F. Snyder, Mrs. C. F. Snyder and H. W. Feldges, members of our Conference and retired missionaries.
For excerpts of these letters see Report of the Board of Foreign Missions.
We have also received a communication from Ray P. Pannabecker, Editor of the Gospel Banner and recommend that this letter be read to the conference by the Secretary.
P. T. Stengele,
E. N. Cassel,
C. H. Brunner,
Committee.
The letter from our Brother Ray Pannabecker was read before the Conference, and it was
Resolved, That this letter be referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Auditing Committee:
We, the Auditing Committee, have examined the accounts of the following: Presiding Elder’s Reports, Benevolent Society, Sunday School Convention, Board of Publication and Printing, Quarterly Conference Records, The Home, The Executive Board, Foreign and Home Missions, Conference Treasurer, Ministers’ Retirement Fund and Committee on Finance.
All accounts were presented in a creditable and business like manner, the several minor errors discovered were corrected to the satisfaction of those concerned.
F. M. Hottel, Paul H. Cressman, T. E. Turnbull, S. W. Heiser, R. Spedden, R. C. Reichenbach, Fred Geibel, R. R. Fox, Daniel K. Ziegler, J. D. Kreiss, David Gardner, Warren W. Godshall, Edward J. Dietzman,
Committee.
Report of the Reference Committee on War and Military Service: (See Reports)
Elections
Resolved, That the other Officers and Boards be nominated orally and be 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.
Treasurer of the Next Annual Conference: Paul I. Wentz.
Committee over the Presiding Elders: P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Layne.
Executive Board: H. B. Musselman, E. N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman, J. B. Layne, T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele and F. B. Hertzog.
Board of Foreign Missions: H. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner, B. Bryan Musselman, P. T. Stengele, E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne, J. B. Henry.
Board of Trustees of the Home (for two years): B. Bryan Musselman, F. M. Hottel, G. F. Yost, F. B. Hertzog, Paul I. Wentz, Herbert E. Gehman.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, H. G. Brunner; Secretary, C. E. Musselman; Treasurer, A. L. Wentz.
Board of Examiners: E. N. Cassel, T. D. Gehret and H. K. Kratz.
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.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
1. Whereas, This Conference body has listened to the reports of H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District, and B. Bryan Musselman, Presiding Elder of the Easton District and
President of the Gospel Herald Society, in which was revealed the presence of God in blessing the labor of our hands in a spiritual. ind financial manner, and
Whereas, They have so faithfully performed their duties, and have set before us high standards in Christian service, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our sincere appreciation in unfeigned love and loyalty and pray God to abundantly bless their future ministry.
2. Whereas, All the Pastors have been spared during the year and we were privileged to hear each one give his oral report, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for calling us to labor in His vineyard and strive to prove faithful to the work committed to our trust.
3. Whereas, The Lord has given us such a noble company of consecrated believers, who are faithful and self-sacrificing, therefore,
Resolved, That we do hereby express our gratitude for their whole-hearted service and pray the Lord to abundantly reward them for service ministered in His name.
4. Whereas, T. D. Gehret, Secretary of the Annual Conference and Editor of the Year Book, has so ably performed his secretarial duties and made possible the publishing of an attractive and informative Year Book, therefore,
Resolved, That we donate the sum of fifty dollars out of the Annual Conference Fund, as a token of appreciation.
5. Whereas, C. H. Brunner, Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, has gathered much valuable information from the missionaries for the Year Book and Regions Beyond, therefore,
Resolved, That we appreciate his splendid work and donate the sum of $20.00 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, is of the highest quality to be had, and very helpful, therefore,
Resolved, That we give hearty thanks to God and pledge our prayers in their behalf.
7. Resolved, That we as a Conference recognize Mrs. E. T. Gehman, Manager of the G. H. S. Bible House at Easton, as the agent appointed by the Union Gospel Press, to handle the Sunday School supplies and all other publications.
8. Whereas, Rev. J. Harold Sherk, of the Ontario Conference addressed this body, expressing his love and fellowship of the brethren between the Conferences, and
Whereas, Our brother revealed his call for relief work in India, therefore,
Resolved, That we appreciate his devoted life to Christ and pray God’s blessing upon him.
9. Whereas, We listened to a letter forwarded to the Conference by Pastor Ray P. Pannabecker, of Detroit, Mich., Editor of the Gospel Banner, in which he extends greetings and a desire for greater cooperation in writing original material for our church paper, therefore,
Resolved, That we highly appreciate his interest in publishing such an attractive and timely church organ, and further
Resolved, That we pray for his success as Editor and pledge ourselves to contribute more helpful articles in the future.
10. Resolved, That the church property at Hereford be in charge of the Board of Trustees at Macungie.
11. Whereas, Pastor P. T. Stengele and members of the Bethlehem congregation have so kindly and generously Provided for the entertainment of the Annual Conference members and friends of the work, having served all meals in the church basement, therefore,
Resolved, That we appreciate their hospitality and that we tender them a rising vote of thanks and pray that the blessings of the Lord be upon them as they continue in His work.
B. Bryan Musselman,
A. G. Woodring,
Paul E. Baer,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination:
We wish to report that no candidates for ordination have been presented.
F. B. Hertzog, T. D. Gehret,
E. N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman,
J. B. Layne,
Committee.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in the Bethel Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, 526-30 N. 8th Street, Allentown, Pa., on Wednesday, October 17, 1945 at 10:00 A. M.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and the Assistant Pastor of the Allentown 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 hold a Ministerial Convention in the Beth-Car M. B. in C. Church, 243 Taylor Street, West Brighton, Staten Island, Thursday, April 19, 1945.
The following were elected as Officers for this Convention: Chairman, P. T. Stengele; Secretary, C. E. Kirkwood.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and the Pastor of the host church constitute a committee for this Convention.
Resolved, That all contributions received for the Laymen’s Benevolent Society shall be paid by check or money order, made payable to A. L. Wentz, Treasurer, and forwarded to C. E. Musselman, Secretary, 1131 North Eighteenth Street, Allentown, Pa.
Resolved, That under “Special Laws and Resolutions” on page 7, the first paragraph be changed to read, “He shall deposit all the various funds in the name of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pennsylvania.”
On page 8, under “Foreign Missions”, the number of members of the board shall be increased from five to seven.
Resolved, That whenever a Pastor and Superintendent of the Sunday School desire, they may be permitted to designate one of the Semi-Annual Missionary Offerings for Home Missions in the place of Foreign Missions, or they may have a Home Missionary offering in addition.
Resolved, That we strongly urge the Executive Board to do all within their power in the planning for Camp Meetings and Sunday School Convention.
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.
Resolved, That we print 1150 copies of the Year Book to be sold at twenty-five cents per copy. Checks shall be made payable to T. D. Gehret, Secretary. The deficit shall be paid out of the Conference Fund.
Resolved, That we ask the Board of Foreign Missions to authorize the Conference Secretary to print 1000 copies of the Annual Report of the Board of Foreign Missions.
Resolved, That we authorize the Executive Board to unite with the Officers of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society to work out a plan whereby the amount of money invested in church property shall become a workable Church Extension Fund.
Resolved, That we recess to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 4:55 P. M.
Resolved, That we adjourn and have a session this evening at the call of the Chair.
Adjourned with prayer by R. H. Gehman.
EIGHTH MEETING
Friday Evening, October 20, 1944
The meeting was opened at 6:45 P. M. with singing “Blest be the Tie That Binds” and prayer by W. W. Hartman.
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 Beneficiary Society: (See Reports)
Adjourned at 7:20 P. M. with prayer and benediction by the Chairman, H. B. Musselman.
Signed:
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder, Chairman
B. Bryan Musselman, Presiding Elder
T. D. Gehret, Secretary, Vice Presiding Elder
Paul I. Wentz, Treasurer
E. N. Cassel, Vice Presiding Elder
N. H. Wolf, Assistant Secretary
W. H. Frank, Recording Secretary
J. B. Henry, Recording Secretary
C. H. Brunner, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, R. H. Gehman, J. E. Golla, E. B. Hartman,
H. W. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, F. B. Hertzog, F. M. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood,
H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, R. C. Reichenbach, E. J. Rutman, A. M. Sprock, P. T. Stengele, T. E. Turnbull, A. G. Woodring, G. F. Yost, D. E. Thomann, Willard E. Cassel, R. Paul Schaeffer, Paul H. Cressman, S. W. Heiser, Fred Geibel, H. H. Bergey, R. R. Fox, A. W. Bean, Howard G. Adams, H. L. Shelly, Thos. W. Campbell, Sr. George R. Fish, J. D. Kreiss, A. W. Deppe, Daniel K. Ziegler, Herbert V. Smith, Paul H. Miller, C. B. Brosius, George S. Messersmith, Earl W. Maurer, George W. Butler, Warren W. Godshall, R. Spedden, David Gardner, Charles W. Weaber, Herbert E. Cole, Edward J. Weber, Edward J. Dietzman.