SIXTY-THIRD ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1946
The Sixty-third Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, Pennsylvania Conference, convened in Beulah Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, Twelfth and Spruce Streets, Easton, Pa., on Wednesday, October 16, 1946.
According to announcement, the Conference convened in session for the first meeting at 10:00 A. M. at the call of the Chairman, Presiding Elder P. T. Stengele.
After the singing of the hymn “Blessed Assurance”, we were led in prayer by E. N. Cassel. The Chairman addressed the Conference on the theme of “The Mind of Christ”, using the following Scripture passages: Prov. 15:22, Phil. 2:1-5, Acts 15:22,28. The importance of being like minded in our work as the servants of the Lord was emphasized.
The Conference engaged in a season of special prayer of thanksgiving to God for all His mercies and kindness towards us throughout the year. Divine wisdom was sought for all the deliberations and problems facing the Conference.
The Secretary, T. D. Gehret, appointed the following assistants: Assistant Secretary, N. H. Wolf; Recording Secretaries, W. H. Frank and Paul E. Baer.
The following were enrolled as members of the Conference:
Ministers
Ordained– Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, W. H. Frank, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, J. E. Golla, E. B. Hartman, H. W. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, J. B. Henry, F. B. Hertzog, F. M. Hottel, C. F. Kirkwood, H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, B. Bryan Musselman, H. B. Musselman, R. C. Reichenbach, E. J. Rutman, P. T. Stengele, A. M. Sprock, T. E. Turnbull, N. H. Wolf, A. G. Woodring, G. F. Yost, C. L. Miller, H. W. Feldges, E. T. Shick, C. F. Snyder.
Probationers–Willard E. Cassel, D. E. Thomann, J. E. Hartman, Winferd Hottel, W. A. Heffner, E. D. Rapp, H. D. Yarrington, J. T. Anderson, John Dunn.
Delegates
Allentown District
Ralph R. Stengele, Allentown (Bethel)
Claude A. Mengel (Alternate), Reading
William Miller, Sunbury
Paul H. Miller, Shamokin
George S. Messersmith, York
John W. Boehmer, (Alternate), Mount Carmel
R. R. Fox, Royersford and Spring City
A. W. Bean, Graterford and Harleysville
A. W. Deppe, Nazareth and Northampton
Mahlon S. Arner, Walnutport, Lehighton and Weissport
Daniel K. Ziegler, Hatfield
Paul T. Rutman (Alternate), Harrisburg
Charles W. Weaber, Lebanon
Bethlehem District
E. O. Mann, Bethlehem
John B. Harley, Philadelphia
Herbert V. Smith, Easton
H. H. Bergey, Quakertown
R. Spedden, Chester
Thomas W. Campbell Sr., Wissinoming
Warren W. Godshall, Jersey City, N. J.
Paul I. Wentz, Emmaus, Macungie and Zionsville
H. L. Shelly, Coopersburg and Allentown (Salem)
Howard G. Adams, Fleetwood, Blandon and Terre Hill
George W. Butler, Scranton and Stroudsburg
W. E. Gehman, West Philadelphia
Edward J. Weber, Newark, N. J.
Herbert E. Cole, Staten Island, N. Y.
All the ministering brethren were present at the opening of the session, excepting H. W. Feldges and C. F. Snyder.
Resolved, That the first five pews to the front and to the right of the Chair constitute the Conference Bar.
Rev. Ray P. Pannabecker, Editor of the Gospel Banner, was present and was introduced to the Conference. In a short address he voiced his appreciation of the fellowship of the brethren and emphasized the fact that the cause of the Gospel of Christ calls for our very best.
Resolved, That we appreciate the presence of Rev. Ray P. Pannabecker from the Indiana Conference and accept him as an advisory member and invite him to sit in the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Reporter and a Timekeeper. He appointed J. E. Golla as Reporter and E. W. Bean 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 Easton congregation, W. W. Hartman and Herbert V. Smith.
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): P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, W. W. Hartman.
The following committees were then appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Communications: H. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner, Paul E. Baer.
Committee on Finance: Paul I. Wentz, H. L. Shelly, H. W. Hartman, Ralph R. Stengele, E. O. Mann.
Committee on Statistics: E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne, C. E. Kirkwood, E. B. Hartman, A. M. Sprock, W. W. Hartman, Willard E. Cassel, J. E. Golla, J. E. Hartman.
Committee on Examination of Quarterly Conference Records: F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Henry, W. F. Heffner, R. C. Reichenbach, E. W. Bean, D. E. Thomann, E. J. Rutman, Paul H. Miller, Herbert E. Cole, John W. Boehmer, William Miller, A. W. Deppe, George S. Messersmith, Thomas Campbell, Sr., Charles W. Weaber, A. W. Bean, George Butler, Warren W. Godshall.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: E. E. Kublic, H. K. Kratz.
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, A. G. Woodring, W. F. Heffner, R. H. Gehman.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: J. B. Layne, F. B. Hertzog, E. N. Cassel, Paul E. Baer, F. M. Hottel.
Committee on Resolutions: H. W. Hartman, A. G. Woodring, D. E. Thomann.
Committee on Applicants for Ordination: F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Layne, E. N. Cassel, B. Bryan Musselman, Paul E. Baer.
Committee on Auditing: F. M. Hottel, Claude A. Mengel, T. E. Turnbull, R. Spedden, John B. Harley, R. R. Fox, Daniel K. Ziegler, Paul T. Rutman, Mahlon Arner, W. E. Gehman, Edward Weber.
Resolved, That the Gospel Heralds present during this Conference be advisory members. The following Gospel Heralds were present: E. D. Rapp, M. K. Ruth, W. A. Heffner, John G. Reitz,
H. D. Yarrington, Winferd B. Hottel, John H. Riggall, Robert W. Smock, John Dunn, William Keeley.
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 and the President of the Gospel Herald Society shall also give their oral reports.
Thursday, 7:30 P. M.–Presiding Elder P. T. Stengele, Chairman of the Annual Conference, shall preach the Conference sermon. Presiding Elder T. D. Gehret of the Bethlehem District shall have charge of this service.
P. T. Stengele,
T. D. Gehret,
W. W. Hartman,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 11:20 A. M. with prayer by F. M. Hottel and benediction by J. B. Layne.
SECOND MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon, October 16, 1946
The meeting was opened at 4:55 P. M. with singing “Trust and Obey” and prayer by A. G. Woodring.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and extend the time indefinitely.
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 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, Evangelists and Missionaries and found them all satisfactory to the best of our knowledge.
G. F. Yost,
A. G. Woodring,
W. F. Heffner,
R. H. Gehman,
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 good condition. A few errors were found which were corrected by the Pastors in our presence.
We have found the following in the Minute Book of the Hatfield Quarterly Conference:
“Resolved, That we petition the Annual Conference to grant Hatfield, Pa., Class the privilege of becoming a self-supporting station.”
We as a Committee recommend that the Minutes of each Quarterly Conference be properly signed by the Chairman and Secretary, instead of typewritten.
We further recommend that the secretaries always place in the Minutes the fact that the Presiding Elders spoke on the “Duties of Officers” and the “Duties of Members”.
F. B. Hertzog,William E. Miller,
J. B. Henry, A. W. Deppe,
E. W. Bean, G. S. Messersmith,
R. C. Reichenbach, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.,
W. F. Heffner,Charles W. Weaber,
D. E. Thomann,A. W. Bean,
E. J. Rutman, John W. Boehmer,
Herbert E. Cole,Warren W. Godshall,
Paul H. Miller,George W. Butler,
Committee.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
We the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders take pleasure in reporting that we have examined the Traveling Elders by questioning their various delegates and find them entirely satisfactory and worthy of commendation for their faithfulness as shepherds of the flock of God.
Herbert V. Smith,
H. H. Bergey,
Howard G. Adams,
Committee.
Committee on Finance: (See Reports)
Report of B. Bryan Musselman, President of the Gospel Herald Society: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we have an evening meeting and the minutes of the afternoon meeting shall be read at the Thursday morning meeting.
Adjourned at 5:40 P. M. with prayer by G. F. Yost and benediction by H. K. Kratz.
THIRD MEETING
Wednesday Evening, October 16, 1946
The meeting was opened with singing of “Resting, Sweetly Resting”, and prayer by J. B. Layne.
The roll was called.
The business of the evening consisted of the oral reports of all the ministers in the active work limited to three minutes each, also the reports of both Presiding Elders and the President of the Gospel Herald Society.
The church was well filled with members and friends from the various charges of the Conference.
The reports were illuminating, inspiring and encouraging. The work along all lines has gone steadily forward and gives promise of greater things for the future.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of P. T. Stengele, Presiding Elder of the Allentown District: (See Reports)
Report of T. D. Gehret, Presiding Elder of the Bethlehem District: (See Reports)
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 P. M. with prayer by R. C. Reichenbach and benediction by H. W. Hartman.
FOURTH MEETING
Thursday Morning, October 17, 1946
The meeting was opened with singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, and prayer by Daniel K. Ziegler.
The Secretary, Presiding Elder T. D. Gehret, brought a devotional and heart searching message on II Timothy 2:1-7.
The roll was called.
The minutes of the Wednesday afternoon and evening meetings were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing: (See Reports)
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Reports)
Whereas, The congregation at Hatfield has through their Quarterly Conference expressed a desire that they be considered self-supporting and receive the status of a Station by this Conference, therefore
Resolved, That their request be granted and that their Delegate, Daniel K. Ziegler, be permitted to sit on the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
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: Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, W. H. Frank, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, J. E. Golla, 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, B. Bryan Musselman, H. B. Musselman, R. C. Reichenbach, E. J. Rutman, P. T. Stengele, A. M. Sprock, T. E. Turnbull, N. H. Wolf, A. G. Woodring, G. F. Yost, C. L. Miller, Willard E. Cassel, D. E. Thomann, J. E. Hartman.
Rev. W. Bruce Musselman, President of the Union Gospel Press of Cleveland, Ohio, being present was introduced to the Conference and expressed his appreciation of the gracious leadings of the Lord and the unity of His children and their concern for His cause.
Rev. P. J. Musselman from Indiana was present and brought a few words of greeting to the Conference.
Resolved, That two Presiding Elders be elected and that the informal ballot be used in nominating the candidates, the five highest be candidates, and elected according to the Discipline.
The Chair appointed the following as tellers: F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Layne, F. M. Hottel.
The following were elected Presiding Elders for the ensuing year: T. D. Gehret and P. T. Stengele.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Brother E. B. Hartman led us to the throne of grace in prayer.
Business was resumed.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 11:50 A. M. with prayer by E. E. Kublic and benediction by J. E. Golla.
FIFTH MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 17, 1946
The afternoon meeting opened with singing a number of stirring hymns and prayer by H. H. Bergey.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Reports of the Committee on the Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We hereby certify that we have examined the Annual Conference Minutes for the session of 1945 and found them correct with the following exception: The name of C. B. Brosius, Sunbury, Pa., was omitted on page 21 of the Year Book. We herewith submit two copies duly certified.
E. E. Kublic,
H. K. Kratz,
Committee.
Report of the Board of Examiners: (See Reports)
The Board of Examiners presented J. E. Hartman, D. E. Thomann and Willard E. Cassel as having satisfactorily passed the Reading Course and presented them as candidates for ordination.
Report of Committee on Applicants for Ordination:
We have carefully examined probationers D. E. Thomann, Willard E. Cassel and J. E. Hartman and we believe in the sincerity of their calling of God unto the Christian Ministry, and believe them to be in accord with the teaching of the Scriptures and the Church Discipline.
We, therefore, recommend that they be ordained during this evening’s service.
F. B. Hertzog,B. Bryan Musselman,
J. B. Layne, Paul E. Baer,
E. N. Cassel,
Committee.
Report of the Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits:
We have worked under the direction of the Presiding Elders and the Executive Board.
F. B. Hertzog,J. B. Layne,
T. D. Gehret, Paul E. Baer,
P. T. Stengele,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
The following was submitted to the Conference:
“Brethren Beloved. It has been a very pleasant privilege of mine for the past thirty-three years to be numbered with you as a Christian Minister. I have the inward assurance of my call of God and know that His hand has ordained me for His service. This is more deeply real to me than at any other time.
However, after much time spent in prayer and waiting upon God I am persuaded that the time has come when the most important decision of my life shall be made. Due to the fact that I have been unable to continue as an itinerant in the Conference because of other commitments, it is with sincere and deep regret that I hereby ask the Annual Conference of the M. B. in C. Church to accept my resignation from the active ministry and grant me my official credentials; the resignation to take effect at the close of the session with the signing of the minutes.
I shall continue to minister in the Word in another part of the vineyard of our Lord. It is so near to the time of our Lord’s return that I shall put forth my best effort to be at His disposal at all times.
I desire to thank all of you for your patience with me and for all that you have done for me. Each of us will face the record of dealings one with the other at His coming. I welcome that day and pray that it be soon. I hold no feeling of bitterness against any one.
I ask for your continued friendship and prayers. I wish you all well and a fruitful ministry. To any whom I may have wronged in any way I ask forgiveness as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
May you ever be a united ministry and loyally serve your Master. Till we meet at Jesus feet, God be with you all.”
B. Bryan Musselman.
Because of Brother Musselman’s sincere request it was
Resolved, That his request be granted and that the Chairman appoint a committee of three to prepare a resolution concerning this matter and also prepare the proper credentials duly signed by the Chairman and Secretary.
The Chair appointed the following: E. N. Cassel, N. H. Wolf and Paul E. Baer.
Resolved, That P. T. Stengele be Presiding Elder over the Allentown District and that T. D. Gehret be Presiding Elder over the Bethlehem District and that the Presiding Elders be in charge of the Gospel Herald Society under the mutual direction of the Executive Board.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and a Delegate from each Station and Circuit constitute the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 4:55 P. M. with prayer by Paul E. Baer and benediction by C. E. Kirkwood.
SIXTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 18, 1946
The meeting was opened with the singing of some of the old hymns of the Church and a season of prayer.
The devotions were in charge of E. N. Cassel who brought to us an expository address on “The More Excellent Way.” (I Cor. 13)
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
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 F. B. Hertzog, Paul E. Baer and A. G. Woodring.
The following Report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee appointed by the Chairman to formulate a resolution concerning B. Bryan Musselman:
Whereas, B. Bryan Musselman tendered his resignation as a minister of the Pennsylvania Conference, therefore,
Resolved, That we as a Conference express our appreciation for the years of service that he gave, and further,
Resolved, That we will continue to pray for him that God’s blessing may abide and that fields of service may open, and a friendly spirit may continue between him and the brethren of the Conference.
E. N. Cassel,
N. H. Wolf,
Paul E. Baer,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules as to the meeting and the opening of the next to the call of the Chair.
Adjourned 10:05 A. M. with prayer by A. M. Sprock and benediction by E. B. Hartman.
SEVENTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 17, 1946
The meeting was opened with singing “Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross” and prayer by Charles W. Weaber.
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 Communications:
We wish to report that we have received no communications.
H. B. Musselman,
C. H. Brunner,
Paul E. Baer,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We wish to report that no applicants were presented.
J. B. Layne,
F. B. Hertzog,
E. N. Cassel,
Paul E. Baer,
F. M. Hottel,
Committee.
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Executive Board: (See Reports)
Report of the Home: (See Reports)
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports)
Report of the Home Mission Fund: (See Reports)
Dr. Harry Stam, Missionary on furlough from Africa was present and briefly addressed the Conference.
The Chair appointed the following Committees:
Board of Publication and Printing: T. D. Gehret, N. H. Wolf, F. M. Hottel.
Committee over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: F. B. Hertzog, E. W. Bean, G. F. Yost, J. B. Layne.
ELECTIONS
Resolved, That we proceed to the election of Officers and Boards.
The following were elected:
Vice Presiding Elders: F. B. Hertzog and N. H. Wolf.
Chairman of the Next Annual Conference: P. T. Stengele.
Resolved, That the other Officers and Boards be nominated orally and be elected by ballot.
Secretary of the Next Annual Conference: T. D. Gehret.
Treasurer of the Next Annual Conference: Paul I. Wentz.
Committee over the Presiding Elders: F. M. Hottel, H. K. Kratz, J. B. Henry.
Executive Board: T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Layne, E. N. Cassel, N. H. Wolf, F. M. Hottel.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, H. G. Brunner; Secretary, C. E. Musselman; Treasurer, A. L. Wentz.
Board of Foreign Missions: T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele, N. H. Wolf, E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne, J. B. Henry, C. L. Miller.
Board of Examiners: E. N. Cassel, H. K. Kratz and Paul E. Baer.
Board of Trustees of the Home (for two years): F. M. Hottel, G. F. Yost, F. B. Hertzog, Paul I. Wentz, Herbert E. Gehman, H. W. Hartman.
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 Resolutions:
1. Whereas, We have listened with intense interest to the reports of our Presiding Elders, T. D. Gehret and P. T. Stengele, and have again been reminded of God’s faithfulness reflected in the victories won for Christ in their Districts, and
Whereas, Our leaders have undertaken their tasks with diligence and have manifested qualities of leadership that have been an inspiration to old and young throughout the year, therefore,
Resolved, That we thank God for them and pray His blessing upon them as they continue to labor for His glory.
2. Whereas, The Lord has spared all of our pastors and enabled them to submit reports demonstrating the marvelous working of God’s Spirit in our midst throughout the year, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our gratitude by even more earnest service for Him throughout the coming year.
3. Whereas, We have listened to an encouraging report by the President of the Gospel Herald Society, B. Bryan Musselman, therefore,
Resolved, That we uphold our Brother in our prayers and dedicate ourselves to a program for a substantial extension of our Home Missionary activities.
4. Whereas, Our laity has by superb self-denial made possible the excellent reports submitted by their Pastors, therefore,
Resolved, That we seek to show our appreciation of so noble a constituency by seeking to help them in every possible way, so that we together may adorn the Gospel in all things.
5. Whereas, T. D. Gehret, Secretary of the Annual Conference, Editor of the Year Book and Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, has secured much valuable information from our Missionaries through correspondence, arranging all materials in such a manner as to give us a splendid “Year Book”, and “Regions Beyond”, therefore,
Resolved, That we appreciate his excellent work and that we donate to him the sum of fifty dollars, ($50.00) to be paid by the Foreign Missionary Board.
6. Whereas, Paul I. Wentz has most commendably served as Conference Treasurer, bearing all expenses incident thereto, therefore,
Resolved, That we donate to him the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) out of the Conference Fund, as a token of our appreciation for services rendered.
7. Whereas, We were honored by a splendid address from Ray P. Pannabecker, present Editor of the Gospel Banner, the official organ of our Church, who has been largely responsible for the very fine improvement of said paper, therefore,
Resolved, That we give him our loyal support and help make known to our people the intrinsic value of this fine paper and seek to substantially increase the subscription list throughout our Conference.
8. Whereas, W. Bruce Musselman, President of the Union Gospel Press of Cleveland, Ohio, brought a few words of greetings, expressing appreciation of fellowship with us in the spread of the Gospel, and
Whereas, The Christian Life series of Sunday School literature published by the Union Gospel Press continues to be doctrinally sound and appreciated internationally, therefore,
Resolved, That we praise the Lord and continue to pray God’s blessing upon them in their labor of love for Christ.
9. Resolved, That as a Conference we 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.
10. Resolved, That the Church property at Hereford be in charge of the Board of Trustees at Macungie.
11. Whereas, Pastor W. W. Hartman and members of the Easton congregation have so kindly and generously provided for the entertainment of the Conference members and friends in these days of many shortages, 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 them in the future, and further
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be given the Pastor that it may be read to the cooperating members and friends on Sunday.
H. W. Hartman, D. E. Thomann,
A. G. Woodring,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Statistics: (See Reports)
Report of the Auditing Committee:
We, the Auditing Committee, have examined the accounts of the following: Presiding Elders’ Reports, Benevolent Society (both Secretary and Treasurer), Board of Publication and Printing, Quarterly Conference Records, The Home, The Executive Board, President of Gospel Herald Society, Foreign Missions, Home Missions, Conference Treasurer, Ministers’ Retirement Fund, Committee on Finance, Sunday School Convention, Camp Meeting Accounts (Bethlehem District, Allentown District, and Chairman of General Camp Meeting Committee), and Statistical Report.
The accounts were presented in a creditable and business-like manner; the several errors discovered were corrected to the satisfaction of those concerned.
F. M. Hottel, T. E. Turnbull, R. R. Fox, John B. Harley, Edward Weber, Claude A. Mengel,
Mahlon S. Arner, Daniel Ziegler, Paul T. Rutman, R, Spedden, W. E. Gehman,
Committee.
Resolved, That an assessment of fifty cents per member according to the membership as reported at the 1946 Conference, be made towards the moving expenses of the Pastors. This amount shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the Executive Board on or before May 15th. Checks will be made payable to the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pennsylvania. Money received from this source shall be placed in a fund to be known as a moving fund.
The various Boards reported their organization as follows:
Executive Board: P. T. Stengele, President; E. N. Cassel, Secretary.
Board of Trustees of the Home: T. D. Gehret, President; E. N. Cassel, Secretary; F. B. Hertzog, Assistant Secretary.
Board of Foreign Missions: P. T. Stengele, President; T. D. Gehret, Secretary; J. B. Henry, Assistant Secretary.
Board of Examiners: E. N. Cassel, President; Paul E. Baer, Secretary.
Board of Publication and Printing: T. D. Gehret, President; Secretary, N. H. Wolf.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Ebenezer Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, 1121-25 N. Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa., on Wednesday, October 15, 1947, at 2:00 P. M. and continue over Sunday.
Resolved, That the following form a Committee on Program for the next Annual Conference: N. H. Wolf, E. N. Cassel, F. M. Hottel.
Resolved, That we print 1100 Year Books 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 the standing rule on page 13, first full paragraph, “three hundred dollars”, shall be made to read “five hundred dollars”.
Resolved, That when any congregation contemplates an expenditure involving an amount in excess of $500.00, except in cases of emergency, the same shall be submitted to the local congregation for approval.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Ministerial Convention: (See Reports)
Report of the Beneficiary Society: The Beneficiary Society met, transacted routine business, and elected the following officers: Chairman, F. B. Hertzog; Secretary, F. M. Hottel; Treasurer, A. G. Woodring.
Report of the Sunday School Convention (Allentown District): (See Reports)
Report of the Sunday School Convention (Bethlehem District): (See Reports)
Resolved, That any charges brought against a Pastor or Presiding Elder must be in writing and properly signed by the party or parties bringing the charges.
Resolved, That we go on record as favoring a time limit for Pastors and Presiding Elders, and that we petition General Conference to permit us to determine the tenure of service.
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 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 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 the filling of the pulpits of the newly assigned pastors on Sunday, October 20th, be arranged for by the respective Presiding Elders and the newly assigned Pastors.
Resolved, That we have two Camp Meetings next summer and that they be held in Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa. The Allentown District Camp Meeting shall be held from July 19th to 27th. The Bethlehem District Camp Meeting shall be held from August 2nd to August 10th. Campers will be limited to one Camp Meeting.
Resolved, That we have a literature stand at our Camp Meetings.
Resolved, That the rental of tents for each Camp Meeting District be $4.25. Floors to be put in by the campers.
Resolved, That H. W. Hartman and Paul E. Baer, together with the secretaries of the two Camp Meetings be a committee on publicity.
Resolved, That we have two Sunday School Conventions, one on each District.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint Chairmen to organize for the Sunday School Convention. He appointed Paul E. Baer and J. B. Henry.
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Allentown District Sunday School Convention:
Resolved, That we have a Sunday School Convention to be held at Shamokin, Pa., on Memorial Day, May 30, 1947.
The following officers were elected: Chairman, J. B. Layne; Secretary, J. E. Hartman; Treasurer, F. M. Hottel. Committee on Program: C. E. Kirkwood, J. B. Layne, P. T. Stengele.
Resolved, That the Gospel Heralds under the supervision of the Presiding Elder of the District be represented at this convention by their Superintendents.
Resolved, That each Sunday School receive an offering for the Convention.
Paul E. Baer, Chairman,
A. G. Woodring, Secretary.
Report of the Committee to organize for the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention:
Resolved, That we have a Sunday School Convention to be held at Staten Island, N. Y., on May 30, 1947.
The following officers were elected: H. W. Hartman, Chairman; R. H. Gehman, Secretary; F. B. Hertzog, Treasurer. Committee on Program: R. C. Reichenbach, T. D. Hertzog, J. B. Henry.
Resolved, That the Gospel Heralds under the supervision of the Presiding Elder of this District be represented at this convention by their Superintendents.
Resolved, That an offering shall be lifted by each class on the District and brought to the Convention.
J. B. Henry, Chairman,
W. H. Frank, Secretary.
Resolved, That we have a Ministerial Convention to be held at Reading, Pa., on Thursday, April 17, 1947.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and the Pastor be a committee on program.
The following officers were elected for this Convention: Chairman, T. D. Gehret; Secretary, W. F. Heffner.
Resolved, That fifty dollars ($50.00) from the Annual Conference Fund be donated to the Reading Congregation towards the expense of the Convention.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Allentown District Camp Meeting:
This District comprises: Allentown (Bethel), Reading, Sunbury, Shamokin, York, Mt. Carmel, Graterford, Harleysville, Nazareth, Northampton, Royersford, Spring City, Walnutport, Lehighton, Stroudsburg, Harrisburg, Hatfield and Lebanon.
Place-Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa. Date-July 19th to 27th.
Officers: Chairman, F. M. Hottel; Secretary, A. G. Woodring; Treasurer, J. B. Layne.
Resolved: That the Presiding Elders together with the Officers of the Committee make all the arrangements.
The Presiding Elder shall invite the Preachers and shall secure the extra help if he and the Committee deem it advisable. An invitation shall be extended to the Gospel Herald Brethren to attend through their Superintendent.
P. T. Stengele, Chairman,
A. G. Woodring, Secretary.
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Bethlehem District Camp Meeting:
This District comprises Bethlehem, Philadelphia, Easton, Quakertown, Chester, Wissinoming, Coopersburg, Allentown (Salem), Emmaus, Macungie, Zionsville, Fleetwood, Blandon, Terre Hill, Scranton, West Philadelphia, Pa.; Jersey City and Newark, N. J.; Staten Island, N. Y.
Place-Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa.; Date-August 2nd to August 10th.
Officers: Chairman, N. H. Wolf; Secretary, J. B. Henry; Treasurer, G. F. Yost.
Resolved: That the Presiding Elder together with the officers of the Committee make all the arrangements.
The Presiding Elder shall invite the Preachers and shall secure the extra help if he and the Committee deem it advisable.
An invitation shall be extended to the Gospel Herald Brethren to attend.
T. D. Gehret, Chairman,
J. B. Henry, Secretary.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a Committee of five, including the Presiding Elders, to read the minutes before publication. He appointed P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, N. H. Wolf, W. H. Frank, W. W. Hartman.
Adjourned at 1:30 A. M. with prayer by Chairman P. T. Stengele and benediction by E. N. Cassel.
Signed:
P. T. Stengele, Presiding Elder, Chairman,
T. D. Gehret, Presiding Elder, Secretary,
B. Bryan Musselman, President Gospel Herald Society,
Paul I. Wentz, Treasurer,
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder Emeritus,
F. B. Hertzog, Vice Presiding Elder,
J. B. Layne, Vice Presiding Elder,
N. H. Wolf, Assistant Secretary,
W. H. Frank, Recording Secretary,
Paul E. Baer, Recording Secretary,
E. W. Bean, Claude A. Mengel,
C. H. Brunner, William Miller,
E. N. Cassel, Paul H. Miller,
R. H. Gehman, George S. Messersmith,
J. E. Golla, John W. Boehmer,
E. B. Hartman, R. R. Fox,
H. W. Hartman, A. W. Bean,
W. W. Hartman, A. W. Deppe,
W. F. Heffner, Mahlon S. Arner,
J. B. Henry, Daniel K. Ziegler,
F. M. Hottel, Edward J. Weber,
C. E. Kirkwood, Paul T. Rutman,
H. K. Kratz, Charles W. Weaber,
E. E. Kublic, E. O. Mann,
R. C. Reichenbach, John B. Harley,
E. J. Rutman, Herbert V. Smith,
A. M. Sprock, H. H. Bergey,
T. E. Turnbull, R. Spedden,
A. G. Woodring, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.
G. F. Yost, Warren W. Godshall,
C. L. Miller, H. L. Shelly,
Willard E. Cassel, Howard G. Adams,
D. E. Thomann, W. E. Gehman,
Winferd B. Hottel, Herbert E. Cole,
J. E. Hartman, George W. Butler.
Ralph R. Stengele,