SIXTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1948
The Sixty-Fifth Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, Pennsylvania Conference, convened in Bethel Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, 526-30 North Eighth Street, Allentown, Penna., on Tuesday, October 12, 1948.
The Conference convened in session for the first meeting at 10:00 A. M. with the singing of the hymn, “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.” Pastor A. G. Woodring led in prayer.
The Chairman, P. T. Stengele, gave an exposition on several verses of the eleventh chapter of I Corinthians. Following this address the Conference members united in the observance of Saint’s feet-washing and the Lord’s Supper. This was a time of spiritual blessing and profit and brought joy to all participating.
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 — E. Baer, E. W. Bean, E. N. Cassel, F. B. Hertzog, P. T. Stengele, H. W. Hartman, T D. Gehret, W. H. Frank, W. F. Heffner, N. H. Wolf, F. M. Hottel, A. G. Woodring, J. B. Layne, W. W. Hartman, J. B. Henry, G. F. Yost, C. E. Kirkwood, E. B. Hartman, H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic, J. E. Golla, R. H. Gehman, E. J. Rutman, C. L. Miller, T. E. Turnbull, R. C. Reichenbach, A. M. Sprock, J. E. Hartman, Willard E. Cassel, D. E. Thomann, W. B. Hottel, C. H. Brunner, H. B. Musselman, H. W. Feldges, E. T. Shick, C. F. Snyder.
Probationers — J. H. Riggall, W. A. Heffner, H. D. Yarrington, John Dunn.
Delegates
Allentown District
P. Ward Musselman, Allentown (Bethel)
Claude A. Mengel, Reading
Bert E. Brosius, Sunbury
T. Lamarn Manney, Shamokin
Walter S. Bryan, York
John W. Boehmer, Mount Carmel
R. R. Fox, Royersford and Spring City
S. A. Hackman, Graterford and Harleysville
A. W. Deppe, Nazareth and Northampton
E. E. Bauer, Lehighton and Weissport
Daniel K. Ziegler, Hatfield
Horace A. Kauffman, Harrisburg
Charles W. Weaber, Lebanon
Luther N. Kern, Walnutport
Warren W. Godshall, Stroudsburg
Bethlehem District
E. O. Mann, Bethlehem
John B. Harley, Philadelphia
Herbert V. Smith, Easton
R. Spedden, Chester
H. H. Bergey, Quakertown
Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., Wissinoming
E. B. Wright, Jersey City, N. J. (Alternate)
G. L. Baumgartner, Coopersburg and Allentown (Salem)
Paul I. Wentz, Emmaus, Macungie and Zionsville
Howard G. Adams, Fleetwood and Blandon
George W. Butler, Scranton
E. J. Dietzman, West Philadelphia
Fred Wagner, Newark, N. J.
Herbert E. Cole, Staten Island, N. Y.
J. R. Weber, Terre Hill
Resolved, That the first seven pews to the front and to the right of the Chair constitute the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That the Gospel Heralds present during this Conference be advisory members. The following Gospel Heralds were present: John Dunn, W. A. Heffner, W. W. Keeley.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Reporter and a Timekeeper. He appointed Willard E. Cassel 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 Allentown Congregation, F. M. Hottel and P. Ward Musselman.
Report of the Committee to arrange a program for the services of Annual Conference:
Tuesday, 10:00 A. M. — Address by Chairman P. T. Stengele, followed by the Ordinances of Washing of the Saints’ Feet and Communion. For members of the Annual Conference and Gospel Heralds.
Tuesday, 7:30 P. M. — Oral Reports of the Pastors (limited to three minutes each). Oral Reports of the Presiding Elders including the Reports of the Gospel Herald Missions.
Wednesday, 7:45 P. M. — Conference Sermon by Presiding Elder P. T. Stengele.
Thursday, 7:45 P. M. — Sermon by Presiding Elder T. D. Gehret.
All services in charge of the Chairman of the Annual Conference.
F. M. Hottel, N. H. Wolf, E. N. Cassel,
Committee.
Resolved, That H. W. Hartman and G. L. Baumgartner be excused from part of the sessions of Wednesday to attend a funeral service.
Adjourned with prayer and benediction by E. E. Kublic.
SECOND MEETING
Tuesday Afternoon, October 12, 1948
The meeting opened with singing “Draw Me Nearer” and prayer by W. F. Heffner.
The roll was called.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders consist of the Presiding Elders and one member to be appointed by the Chair.
Committees
Committee on Worship: (Appointed at the last Annual Conference): F. M. Hottel, E. N. Cassel, N. H. Wolf.
The following committees were then appointed by the Chair and approved by the Conference:
Committee on Communications: H. B. Musselman, Paul E. Baer, H. K. Kratz.
Committee on Finance: Paul I. Wentz, P. Ward Musselman, E. O. Mann, Claude A. Mengel.
Committee on Statistics: E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne, Paul E. Baer, C. E. Kirkwood, E. B. Hartman, A. M. Sprock, W. H. Frank, Willard E. Cassel, J. E. Golla, J. E. Hartman.
Committee on Examination of the Local Conference Records: F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Henry, W. F. Heffner, R. C. Reichenbach, E. W. Bean, D. E. Thomann, E. J. Rutman, W. B. Hottel, T. Lamarn Manney, Herbert E. Cole, John W. Boehmer, Bert E. Brosius, A. W. Deppe, Walter S. Bryan, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., Charles W. Weaber, S. A. Hackman, George W. Butler, Warren W. Godshall, Fred Wagner, J. R. Weber, E. B. Wright, J. H. Riggall.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, F. B. Hertzog.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists, 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, W. H. Frank, C. L. Miller.
Committee on Resolutions: H. W. Hartman, A. G. Woodring, D. E. Thomann.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Ordination: J. B. Layne, F. B. Hertzog, E. N. Cassel, Paul E. Baer, W. W. Hartman.
Committee on Auditing: F. M. Hottel, Herbert V. Smith, G. L. Baumgartner, T. E. Turnbull, John B. Harley, R. Spedden, H. H. Bergey, R. R. Fox, Daniel K. Ziegler, Horace A. Kauffman, E. E. Bauer, Luther N. Kern, E. J. Dietzman, Howard G. Adams.
Resolved, That we have an evening meeting and the minutes of the afternoon meeting shall be read at the Wednesday morning meeting.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed with singing “My Faith Looks Up to Thee.”
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on the Examination of Local Conference Records:
We, the Committee on the Examination of Local Conference Records, report that we have examined the Local Conference Records and found them in good condition. The few minor errors which we found were corrected by the Pastors concerned.
We have found the following in the Minute Book of the Walnutport Local Conference:
“A Petition to Annual Conference.”
Inasmuch as the General Conference has approved the change of Church Name, and
Whereas, All the several conferences have adopted the new name, United Missionary Church,
Resolved, That this Quarterly Conference petition the Annual Conference to give serious consideration to the change of church name to the United Missionary Church.”
F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Henry, W. F. Heffner, R. C. Reichenbach, E. W. Bean, W. B. Hottel, John W. Boehmer, A. W. Pope, Walter S. Bryan, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., Charles W. Weaber, D. E. Thomann;, T. Lamarn Manney, E. B. Wright, S. A. Hackman, George W. Butler, Warren W. Godshall, Fred Wagner, E. J. Rutman, Herbert E. Cole, J. H. Riggall.
Committee.
Adjourned with prayer by Claude A. Mengel and benediction by H. W. Hartman.
THIRD MEETING
Tuesday Evening, October 12, 1948
The meeting was opened at 7:30 P. M. with a song service in charge of Pastor Paul E. Baer. H. B. Musselman led in prayer.
The Committee on Worship had arranged that at this meeting the oral reports of the Ministers in charge of a work should be given, limited to three minutes each, and also the reports of the Presiding Elders. The reports submitted by the Pastors were encouraging and interesting. The Presiding Elders spoke for their respective districts and the Gospel Herald Missions under their supervision.
The large attendance from the various churches of the Conference spoke of real enthusiasm and concern for the work of the Lord.
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 9:50 P. M. with singing “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” and benediction by F. M. Hottel.
FOURTH MEETING
Wednesday Morning, October 13, 1948
The meeting opened with singing, “Friendship with Jesus” and was followed by a season of prayer. The Secretary, Presiding Elder T. D. Gehret read I Peter 4:7-11 and gave a helpful exhortation on “The Minister of Christ and the Lord’s Imminent Return.”
The roll was called and the minutes of the Tuesday afternoon and evening meeting were read and. approved.
J. R. Weber, Delegate from Terre Hill, Pa., stated his reason for not being present at the Tuesday meetings of this Annual Conference.
Resolved, That we accept the excuse of J. R. Weber and seat him in the Conference Bar.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Examiners: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports)
Report of the 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, W. F. Heffner, A. G. Woodring, R. H. Gehman,
Committee.
Report of the Gospel Herald Society: (See Reports)
Business was suspended at 10:40 A. M.
Business was resumed at 11:55 A. M.
Adjourned with prayer by E. E. Kublic.
FIFTH MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon, October 13, 1948
The meeting was opened with singing, “Come Thou Blessed Saviour” and prayer by R. R. Fox.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read arid adopted:
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing: (See Reports)
Report of the Chairman of the General Campmeeting Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Home Mission Fund: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee Over Campmeeting Equipage and Tabernacle outfits:
“We have worked under the direction of the Presiding Elders and Executive Board.”
F. B. Hertzog, G. F. Yost, E. W. Bean, J. B. Layne,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on the Examination of Traveling Elders:
“We have examined the Traveling Elders by questioning their various delegates and recommend that they be passed.”
P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog, T. D. Gehret,
Committee.
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: (See Reports)
Report 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 1947 and found them correct with the following exceptions: Where the name “Gospel Geralds” appears on page 21, it should read “Gospel Heralds”; and on page 35, where it reads “Religions Beyond”, it should appear “Regions Beyond”. We hereby submit two copies duly certified.”
H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic,
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, E. N. Cassel, F. B. Hertzog, P. T. Stengele, H. W. Hartman, T. D. Gehret, W. H. Frank, W. F. Heffner, N. H. Wolf, F. M. Hottel, A. G. Woodring, J. B. Layne, W. W. Hartman, J. B. Henry, G. F. Yost, C. E. Kirkwood, E. B. Hartman, H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic, J. E. Golla, R. H. Gehman, E. J. Rutman, C. L. Miller, T. E. Turnbull, R. C. Reichenbach, A. M. Sprock, J. E. Hartman, Willard E. Cassel, D. E. Thomann, W. B. Hottel, J. H. Riggall, H. B. Musselman.
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 and F. M. Hottel.
The following were elected Presiding Elders for the ensuing year: P. T. Stengele and T. D. Gehret.
Resolved, That the Annual Conference shall elect annually a Board of Home Missions consisting of five members including the two Presiding Elders. This Board shall serve as a nominating committee in nominating candidates for the directorship of Home Mission work and church extension and the conference shall elect him. The Director shall be elected annually. All the money contributed for the cause of Home Missions throughout the conference shall be paid into the Annual Conference Treasury. The Home Mission Board shall disburse the funds they receive subject to the direction of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
The following were elected by ballot: P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, W. H. Frank, C. L. Miller, A. G. Woodring.
Resolved, That P. T. Stengele be Presiding Elder over the Allentown District and that T. D. Gehret be Presiding Elder over the Bethlehem District.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders and a Delegate from each Station and Circuit constitute the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call, of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Ordination:
“We have examined J. H. Riggall, who has served three years as a probationer and believing in the sincerity of his calling of God into the Christian ministry, and that he is in accord with the teaching of the Scriptures and our church Discipline, we therefore recommend that he be ordained Thursday evening.
J. B. Layne, F. B. Hertzog, E. N. Cassel, Paul E. Baer, W. W. Hartman,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
“We have received no applicants for Annual Conference license.”
J. B. Layne, F. B. Hertzog, E. N. Cassel, W. H. Frank, C. L. Miller,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 4:58 P. M. with prayer and benediction by E. W. Bean.
SIXTH MEETING
Thursday Morning, October 14, 1948
The meeting was opened with singing “It Is Well With My Soul.” and prayer by H. W. Hartman.
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder Emeritus brought a very timely and encouraging address in the morning devotional period.
The roll was called.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
1. Whereas, The Lord has been gracious in again enabling our Presiding Elders, T. D. Gehret and P. T. Stengele to report spiritual victories won for Christ during the year on their Districts and in the Gospel Herald Society, and,
Whereas, Our leaders have assumed their responsibilities with sincerity, self denial and qualities of leadership which have proven an inspiration to our entire constituency, therefore,
Resolved, That we hereby express our sincere gratitude and renew our pledge to uphold them in daily prayer and to cooperate with them in every way possible to the Glory of God.
2. Whereas, The Lord has permitted all of our active Pastors to attend this Conference and submit oral and statistical reports giving evidence of God’s faithfulness in their various Churches, therefore,
Resolved, That we express our sincere gratitude by an even more earnest service for Christ throughout the coming year.
3. Whereas, H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder Emeritus, has been spared to attend this Conference and by his fellowship and prayers to be an inspiration to this body, therefore,
Resolved, That we pray that God’s sustaining grace may be manifest to him.
4. Whereas, C. H. Brunner, former Presiding Elder and Pastor, who has given many years of service in the interest of the Conference and the work of the Lord, has been hospitalized f or the past eight weeks as the result of a physical breakdown, therefore,
Resolved, That we pray that the Lord’s presence, mercies and peace be ministered to him abundantly.
5. Whereas, The Lord has given us the support of a devoted and self-sacrificing laity, making possible the excellent reports submitted by their Pastors, therefore,
Resolved, That we endeavor 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.
6. Whereas, T. D. Gehret, Secretary of the Annual Conference, Editor of the Year Book and Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, has compiled much valuable data from the correspondence of our Missionaries, assembling the materials in such a manner as to give us an informative “Year Book” and “Regions Beyond”, therefore,
Resolved, That we, in appreciation of his excellent work, donate to him the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) to be paid by the Foreign Mission Board.
7. Whereas, Paul I. Wentz has rendered excellent service as Conference Treasurer, therefore,
Resolved, That as a token of our appreciation and esteem we give him the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) to be paid out of the Conference Fund.
8. Whereas, The Christian Life series of Sunday School literature published by our co-laborers in the Gospel, the Union Gospel Press, continues to be doctrinally sound, enjoying world-wide esteem, therefore,
Resolved, That we pray God’s continued blessing upon them in their stupendous task of meeting a universal need, and further,
Resolved, That we as a Conference recognize Mrs. E. T. Gehman as the agent appointed by the Union Gospel Press and patronize the said Mrs. Gehman in the purchase of our Sunday School literature and supplies whenever possible.
9. Whereas, Pastor F. M. Hottel and the members of the Bethel Congregation in Allentown have so bountifully provided for the entertainment of the Conference members and friends having served all meals in the church basement, therefore,
Resolved, That we tender them a rising vote of thanks in an evening service and sincerely pray that God will give them a fruitful ministry in this great city.
H. W. Hartman, D. E. Thomann, A. G. Woodring,
Committee.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Home Mission Board:
“The Board of Home Missions, acting as a nominating committee for a Director of Church Extension Work, submits the following names as candidates: W. H. Frank, C. E. Kirkwood, C. L. Miller.”
P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, C. L. Miller, W. H. Frank, A. G. Woodring,
Committee.
Adjourned with prayer by E. B. Hartman.
SEVENTH MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 14, 1948
The meeting was opened with singing “My Faith Looks Up To Thee”, and was followed by a season of prayer.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the Director of Home Missions shall under all circumstances function in cooperation with the Presiding Elders, and in all matters of importance act only by approval of the Board.
C. E. Kirkwood, was elected Director of Home Missions.
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 N. H. Wolf, H. W. Hartman and Paul E. Baer.
Resolved, That the Board of Home Missions determine the amount of compensation to be given to the Director.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet tomorrow morning.
Adjourned at 2:20 P. M. with prayer by H. K. Kratz.
EIGHTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 15, 1948
The meeting was opened with singing, “God Leads Us Along.”
The chairman read I Thessalonians 5:14-24, and H. K. Kratz led in prayer.
The roll was called.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 1:00 P. M.
Adjourned with prayer by J. H. Riggall.
NINTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 15, 1948
The meeting was opened at 1:00 P. M. with singing “Down at the Cross” and prayer by W. W. Hartman.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 3:50 P. M.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Home: (See Reports)
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports)
Report of the Executive Board: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we revise the Business Rules of the Conference.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and have an evening meeting beginning at 6:00 P. M.
Adjourned with the benediction by G. F. Yost.
TENTH MEETING
Friday Evening, October 15, 1948
The meeting was opened at 6:00 with prayer by J. H. Riggall.
The roll was called.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we continue with the revision of the “Business Rules of the Conference”.
Strike out the word “Quarterly” and substitute the word “Local” wherever it occurs.
Strike out “Executive Board” and substitute “Board of Direc-ference adjourned” and substitute “at which the Conference is to tors” wherever used. [original text contains errors]
Page 5 item 2, 1st and 2nd lines — strike out “to which the Con-convene”. [original text contains errors]
Page 7 between item C and D insert the following new rule, Probationers that have passed the Reading Course and served their three years probation and have served as pastor of a congregation for at least one year, shall be examined orally by the Board of Examiners of the Reading Course, and the Presiding Elders, as to their knowledge of the doctrines, rules, forms and general practices and management of the church, before being referred to the Committee on Ordination. The Board of Examiners shall evaluate the branches of study taken by the probationers in schools and give credit accordingly against the prescribed Reading Course. However all Probationers shall be required to take a written examination on “The Law of Liberty” and “Jesus Is Coming”.
Page 8 item J. — Item J. remains the same as in the Year Book but is amended by adding: The Board of Trustees, under the supervision of the pastor, shall have charge of the temporal economy of the church, subject to the Local Conference.
Page 8, item K. — Strike out “local congregation” and substitute “Local Conference”. Add this amendment — “In no case shall any congregation be permitted to mortgage church property for current expenses”.
Page 8, item M. — a new item made a standing rule in 1947 see page 38 Year Book. “Any charges brought against a Pastor or Presiding Elder must be in writing and properly signed by the party or parties bringing the charges”.
Page 8, article 4, paragraph 4, strike out whole paragraph and add substitute — He shall deposit all the various funds in banks and trust companies approved by the Board of Directors, in the name of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pennsylvania —————————————– Treasurer. The various Boards shall draw on the Treasurer for the funds needed, using form of voucher check furnished by the Annual Conference. They shall not draw beyond the amount of their respective funds except by permission of the Board of Directors.
Page 9, paragraph 1 — Strike out “as well as the total in the Treasury”. and amend by adding “And furnish each member of the Board of Directors annually with a statement itemizing the various securities held and the monies on deposit in banks and trust companies”.
Page 9 add a new paragraph 2nd from the top of page as follows: “The Treasurer shall be placed under bond to conform with the rules and by-laws of the corporation”.
Page 9 under Executive Board — Strike out paragraph 1 and substitute the following: “The Annual Conference shall elect a Board of Directors annually consisting of seven ordained ministers who are members of the Annual Conference and willing to minister under the direction of our Conference, the discipline, and the by-laws of the corporation”, which Board shall then organize by electing the following officers: a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Add new paragraph between paragraph 1 and 2 —
“The Board of Directors shall transact all the business of the corporation which was previously taken care of by the Executive Board for the Annual Conference”.
Strike out paragraph 2 and substitute the following:
“The Board of Directors shall have charge of all the property belonging to the corporation including property now held by the Executive Board in trust for the Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pa., except where there is a regularly organized class or church that has a local Board of Trustees and where the Annual Conference has otherwise provided for, by electing a separate Board of Trustees”.
Strike out paragraph 3 and substitute the following:
“The Board of Directors shall determine how and where the money of the corporation shall be deposited, and also have the right to place it on certificate of deposit, or savings deposit, or make other good, safe and substantial investments”.
Strike out paragraph 4 and substitute the following:
“The Board of Directors shall not buy or sell property except by the approval of all the members of the Board, or by Annual Conference Resolution”.
Paragraph 5 remains the same as in the Year Book.
Strike out paragraph 6 and substitute the following:
“The Board of Directors shall have the right to borrow money and issue mortgages or make loans against any property of the Corporation by the approval of all the members of the Board, or by
Annual Conference Resolution. The Board shall also authorize the satisfaction and cancellation of any mortgage or notes fully paid.
Paragraph 10 remains the same as in the Year Book.
Page 10 strike out first full paragraph and substitute the following:
“It shall purchase all tabernacle and living tents, also the lumber for camp meeting purposes and all new furniture and such articles as may be needed”.
Page 10, paragraph 8 in line 4:
Strike out the word “may” and substitute the word “are”.
Page 11 strike out item B and substitute the following:
“Each pastor shall hold a Foreign Missionary Service at each appointment annually soon after Annual Conference and speak on Foreign Missions. At this service a subscription for Foreign Missions shall be taken to be collected before February 1.
Page 11 — Bring foot-note up to take the place of item C.
“The members of our Church shall be respectfully recommended to forward their funds for the Foreign Missionaries through the Foreign Missionary Board and not to the missionaries directly, which would lessen or cause to neglect their contributions in the direct channel provided by Conference for the support pledged to our respective missionaries”.
Page 11, item D — The same as item C in the Year Book.
Page 11, item E is Resolution number 3 on page 39 and reads as follows:
“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 may have a Home Missionary offering addition”.
Under the Home
Page 11 paragraph 3 the same as in the Year Book but amended by adding — “If approved by all the members of the Board, or by Annual Conference Resolution”.
Page 11 paragraph 4 the same as in the Year Book but amended by adding — “If approved by all the members of the Board, or by Annual Conference Resolution”.
Page 11 paragraph 5 the same as in the Year Book and amended by adding — “If approved by all the members of the Board, or by Annual Conference Resolution”.
Page 11 strike out paragraph 7 and substitute the following, “Contributions for the Home may be made to the Manager or to any of the Pastors, who shall acknowledge the receipt of the same”.
Page 12 the same as in the Year Book.
Page 13 in the last paragraph and the last line add the word “Church”.
Resolved, That the Board of Directors be empowered to complete the revision of the General Rules of the Corporation and present them for approval to the next annual conference.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of Committee on Statistics: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee on Communications:
“We are pleased to report that we received communications from Rev. and Mrs. C. F. Snyder and Rev. H. W. Feldges, retired missionaries, who continue in interest and fellowship of the Conference. We are thankful to our Lord that He used them in witnessing and will bless them as they abide in His will.
H. B. Musselman, H. K. Kratz, Paul E. Baer,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Auditing
We, the Auditing Committee, have examined the accounts of the following: Presiding Elders and Gospel Herald Society Reports; Benevolent Society, both Secretary and Treasurer; Board of Publication and Printing, Local Conference Records; the Home; the Executive Board; Foreign Missions; Home Missions; Conference Treasurer; Ministers’ Retirement Fund., Committee on Finance; Sunday School Conventions; Camp Meeting Accounts, first, second and third division and the account of the General Camp Meeting Committee; and Statistical Report. These 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, Herbert V. Smith, G. L. Baumgartner, T. E. Turnbull, John B. Harley, R. Spedden, H. H. Bergey, R. R. Fox, Daniel K. Ziegler, Horace A. Kauffman, E. E. Bauer, Luther N. Kern, Edward J. Dietzman, Howard G. Adams,
Committee.
Resolved, That we ask each congregation to give 25 cents per member according to the membership reported at the 1948 Conference, toward the moving expenses of the Pastors. This amount shall be brought to Ministerial Convention. Checks shall 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 Chair appointed the following Committees:
Board of Publication and Printing: T. D. Gehret, N. H, Wolf, C. L. Miller.
Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: F. B. Hertzog, E. W. Bean, G. F. Yost.
ELECTIONS
Resolved, That we proceed to the election of Officers and Boards.
The following were elected:
Vice Presiding Elders: F. B. Hertzog and A. G. Woodring.
Resolved, That the remaining Officers and Boards be nominated orally and be elected by ballot.
Chairman of Next Annual Conference: P. T. Stengele.
Secretary of Next Annual Conference: T. D. Gehret.
Treasurer of Next Annual Conference: Paul I. Wentz.
Committee Over the Presiding Elders: F. M. Hottel, H. K. Kratz, J. B. Henry.
Resolved, That the Director of Home Missions be recognized as a traveling elder.
Board of Directors: T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Layne, E. N. Cassel, N. H. Wolf, F. M. Hottel.
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 Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, H. G. Brunner; Secretary, C. E. Musselman; Treasurer, A. L. Wentz.
Board of Trustees of the Home: (For two years) F. B. Hertzog, G. F. Yost, H. W. Hartman, F. M. Hottel, Paul I. Wentz, Herbert E. Gehman.
Board of Examiners: E. N. Cassel, Paul E. Baer, H. K. Kratz.
Adjourned at 9:05 P. M. with prayer by C. E. Kirkwood.
ELEVENTH MEETING
Saturday Morning Meeting, October 16, 1948
The meeting was opened with singing “My Jesus I Love Thee” and prayer by E. W. Bean.
Pastor J. B. Layne read I Corinthians chapter thirteen during the devotional period of the meeting.
The roll was called.
Whereas, The Sunbury delegate was not present until the Saturday morning session of Conference, and,
Whereas, He stated the reason for his absence to the satisfaction of Conference, therefore,
Resolved, That we accept his excuse for being absent and seat him in the Conference Bar.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted.
Report of the Sunday School Convention (Bethlehem District: (See Reports)
Report of the Sunday School Convention (Allentown District): (See Reports)
Report of the Ministerial Convention: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we have three Camp Meetings next summer, to be held in Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa., July 2-10; July 16-24; July 30-August 7.
Resolved, That the Camp Meetings constitute the following Churches:
First Division (July 2-10) Harrisburg, York, Allentown, Shamokin, Hatfield, Lebanon, Sunbury, Mount Carmel, Reading.
Second Division (July 16-24) Spring City-Royersford, Lehighton, Walnutport, Philadelphia (Salem), Philadelphia (Wissinoming), Fleetwood-Blandon, Terre-Hill, Stroudsburg, Nazareth-Northampton, Graterford-Harleysville, Quakertown.
Third Division (July 30-August 7) Bethlehem, West Philadelphia, Newark, Chester, Allentown (Salem)-Coopersburg, Easton, Emmaus-Macungie-Zionsville, Scranton, Staten-Island, Jersey City.
Resolved, That the price of tents shall be $5.00 each per Camp Meeting, and the tent rents be paid to the Pastors before the Camp Meeting. The Pastors shall pay the tent rents to the officers of the respective Committees not later than Tuesday of the Camp Meeting together with a list of the names and number of the tents.
Resolved, That we have a literature stand at our Camp Meetings.
Resolved, That the three Secretaries of the Camp Meeting Committees be a Committee on Publicity for the Camp Meetings of 1949.
Resolved, That all tent orders be sent to H. W. Hartman not later than June 1st for the First Division, June 15 for the Second and Third Division Camp Meetings using the order blanks to be provided, and further
Resolved, That the forms be filled out properly and signed by the person placing the order.
Resolved, That we have two Sunday School Conventions, one on each District.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint Chairmen to organize for the Sunday School Conventions. He appointed Paul E. Baer and J. B. Henry.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the Call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 11:58 A. M.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to meet at 1:00 P. M.
Adjourned with prayer by A. M. Sprock.
TWELFTH MEETING
Saturday Afternoon, October 16, 1948
The meeting was opened with singing “Where He Leads Me I Will Follow” and prayer by Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.
The roll was called.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The various boards reported their organizations as follows:
Board of Directors: P. T. Stengele, President: T. D. Gehret, Vice-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.
Board of Home Missions: P. T. Stengele, President; T. D. Gehret, 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.
Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: F. B. Hertzog, Chairman; E. W. Bean, Secretary.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee to organize for the Allentown District Sunday School Convention:
This Sunday School Convention shall be held at Lehighton, May 30, 1949.
The Officers of the Convention: Chairman, W. F. Heffner; Secretary, R. H. Gehman; Treasurer, F. M. Hottel.
Committee on Program: P. T. Stengele, E. W. Bean, E. N. Cassel, C. L. Miller, A. G. Woodring.
We invite the Director and the Sunday Schools of the Home Missionary Division to be members of the Convention.
An offering from each Sunday School on the District shall be brought to this Convention.
Paul E. Baer, Chairman,
J. E. Hartman, Secretary.
Report of the Committee to organize for the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention:
This Convention shall be held at 418-424 Elm Street, Emmaus, Pa., on May 30th, 1949.
The following officers were elected: Chairman, W. H. Frank; Secretary, R. C. Reichenbach; Treasurer, J. E. Golla.
Committee on Program: T. D. Gehret, F. B. Hertzog, N. H. Wolf and W. W. Hartman. ‘
We invite the Director and the Sunday Schools of the Home Missionary Division to be members of the Convention.
An offering from each Sunday School on the District shall be brought to this Convention.
J. B. Henry, Chairman,
W. W. Hartman, Secretary.
Report of the Committee to Organize for the First Division Camp Meeting:
The Division comprises Allentown (Bethel), Reading, York, Sunbury, Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Hatfield, Harrisburg, and Lebanon.
Place — Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa. Date — July 2-10, 1949.
Officers: Chairman, C. L. Miller; Secretary, A. G. Woodring; Treasurer, F. M. Hottel.
The Presiding Elder together with the officers of the committee shall 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 is extended to the Director of Home Missions to arrange for a representation to be present at the Camp Meeting.
P. T. Stengele, Chairman,
J. E. Hartman, Secretary.
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Second Division Camp Meeting:
This Division comprises Philadelphia (Salem), Spring City, Royersford, Fleetwood, Blandon, Terre Hill, Philadelphia (Wissinoming), Lehighton, Walnutport, Quakertown, Northampton, Nazareth, Graterford, Harleysville and Stroudsburg.
Place — Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa. Date — July 16-24.
Officers: Chairman, W. H. Frank; Secretary, Paul E. Baer; Treasurer, G. F. Yost.
The Presiding Elders together with the Officers of the Committee shall make all the arrangements.
The Presiding Elders shall invite the Preachers and shall secure the extra help if they and the committee deem. it advisable. An invitation is extended to the Director of Home Missions to arrange for a representation to be present at the Camp Meeting.
T. D. Gehret, Chairman,
Paul E. Baer, Secretary.
Report of the Committee to Organize for the Third Division Camp Meeting:
This Division comprises: Bethlehem, Emmaus, Macungie, Zionsville, Easton, Allentown (Salem), Coopersburg, Scranton, Chester, West Philadelphia, Jersey City, N. J., Newark, N. J., and Staten Island, N. Y.
Place — Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa. Date — July 30 to Aug. 7.
Officers: Chairman, N. H. Wolf; Secretary, H. W. Hartman; Treasurer, F. B. Hertzog.
The Presiding Elder together with the officers of the Committee shall make all the arrangements.
The Presiding Elders shall invite the preachers and shall secure the extra help if he and the committee deem it advisable.
An invitation is extended to the Director of Home Missions to arrange for a representation to be present at the Camp Meeting.
T. D. Gehret, Chairman,
A. M. Sprock, Secretary.
Resolved, That we have a Ministerial Convention to be held at York, Pa., on Thursday, April 21, 1949.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders, F. B. Hertzog and W. F. Heffner be a Committee on Program.
The following officers were elected for this Convention: Chairman, F. B. Hertzog; Secretary, J. E. Golla.
Resolved, That Fifty Dollars ($50.00) from the Annual Conference Fund be donated to the York Congregation towards the expense of the Convention.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in Beulah Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, 12th & Spruce Streets, Easton, Pa., on Tuesday, October 11, 1949 at 10:00 A. M.
Resolved, That the following form a Committee on Program for the next Annual Conference: W. W. Hartman, N. H. Wolf, E. N. Cassel, F. B. Hertzog, C. L. Miller.
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 we make the following changes of the “Business Rules of the Conference on Annuities”:
In the first and second paragraphs $15.00 be changed to $18.00. In the third paragraph $600.00 be changed to $720.00.
In the sixth paragraph $7.50 be changed to $9.00 and $300.00 be changed to $360.00.
Resolved, That we print 1150 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 750 copies of the Annual Report of the Board of Foreign Missions.
Whereas, Careful and serious consideration has been given to the request to consider at this Conference session the change of church name to that of the United Missionary Church, and after free and open discussion on this matter, it was,
Resolved, That we do not favor the change of Church name at this time but continue to hold our present name, Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pennsylvania.
Resolved, That we suspend business to call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 4:05 P. M.
The following report was read and adopted:
Report of the Beneficiary Society:
The Society met, transacted routine business and elected the following officers: F. B. Hertzog, Chairman; F. M. Hottel, Secretary; A. G. Woodring, Treasurer.
Resolved, That we go on record as favoring a time limit for Pastors and Presiding Elders.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a Committee of five including the Presiding Elders to study the problems of education. He appointed C. E. Kirkwood, J. E. Hartman, W. H. Frank, T. D. Gehret and P. T. Stengele.
Resolved, That we proceed to the election of a General Young People’s Society Committee.
The following were elected: P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, J. E. Hartman, J. E. Golla, Daniel K. Ziegler, Ernest Hertzog and Horace A. Kauffman.
Resolved, That a Committee of four be appointed by the Chairman to formulate a historical sketch concerning the origin and doctrines of our Church. He appointed T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele, E. N. Cassel and H. B. Musselman.
Resolved, That the two Presiding Elders shall share the responsibilities of the second camp meeting.
Adjourned at 5:00 P. M. with prayer by T. D. Gehret and benediction by P. T. Stengele.
Signed:
P. T. Stengele, Presiding Elder, Chairman,
T. D. Gehret, Presiding Elder, Secretary,
Paul I. Wentz, Treasurer.
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder Emeritus,
F. B. Hertzog, Vice Presiding Elder,
N. H. Wolf, Vice Presiding Elder, Assistant Secretary,
W. H. Frank, Recording Secretary,
Paul E. Baer, Recording Secretary,
E. W. Bean, E. N. Cassel, F. B. Hertzog, H. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, F. M. Hottel, A.G. Woodring, J. B. Layne, W. W. Hartman, J. B. Henry, G. F. Yost, C. E. Kirkwood, E. B. Hartman, H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic, J. E. Golla, R. H. Gehman, E. J. Rutman, C. L. Miller, T. E. Turnbull, R. C. Reichenbach, A. M. Sprock, J. E. Hartman, Willard E. Cassel, D. E. Thomann, W. B. Hottel,
J. H. Riggall, P. Ward Musselman, Claude A. Mengel, Bert E. Brosius, T. LaMarn Manney, Walter S. Bryan, John W. Boehmer, R. R. Fox, S. A. Hackman, A. W. Deppe, E. E. Bauer, Daniel K. Ziegler, Horace A. Kauffman, Charles W. Weaber, Luther N. Kern, Warren W. Godshall, E.O. Mann,
John B. Harley, Herbert V. Smith, R. Spedden, H. H. Bergey, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., E. B. Wright (Alternate), G. L. Baumgartner, Howard G. Adams, George W. Butler, E. J. Dietzman, Fred Wagner, Herbert E. Cole, J. R. Weber.