SIXTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1951
The Annual Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, Pennsylvania Conference, met for the Sixty-Eighth session in the Bethel Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, 526-530 N. Eighth Street, Allentown, Pa., on Tuesday, October 9th at 10:00 A. M. Conference was convened in session with the singing of the hymn, “He Hideth My Soul.” H. B. Musselman led in prayer. The Chairman, P. T. Stengele, brought a challenging message to the Conference body basing his remarks on I Cor. 1:1-19 and Nehemiah 6:1,2 and 10,11.
A Spirit of love and devotion was manifested in the fellowship of the washing of the saints’ feet, and the observance of the Lord’s Supper which followed.
The Secretary, T. D. Gehret, appointed the following assistants: Assistant Secretary, N. H. Wolf; Recording Secretaries, Walter H. Frank and Paul E. Baer.
The following were enrolled as members of the Conference:
Ministers
Ordained — P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, F. B. Hertzog, N. H. Wolf, C. Leslie Miller, C. E. Kirkwood, Jansen E. Hartman, E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne, Walter H. Frank, Herbert W. Hartman, Paul E. Baer, A. G. Woodring, F. M. Hottel, W. F. Heffner, G. F. Yost, W. W. Hartman, J. E. Golla, R. H. Gehman, E. W. Bean, John Dunn, Ernest B. Hartman, H. K. Kratz, Willard E. Cassel, Arthur M. Sprock, R. C. Reichenbach, E. E. Kublic, J. H. Riggall, W. B. Hottel, D. E. Thomann, E. J. Rutman, H. B. Musselman, J. B. Henry, E. T. Shick, H. W. Feldges, C. F. Snyder.
Probationers — W. A. Heffner, A. L. Seifert, H. D. Yarrington, Robert W. Smock, James G. Koch.
Delegates
Allentown District
P. Ward Musselman, Allentown (Bethel)
Bertram Ringler, Reading
Clayton Brosius, Sunbury
T. Lamarn Manney, Shamokin
David H. Fahs, York
S. A. Hackman, Graterford & Harleysville
E. Willard Maurer, Mount Carmel
R. R. Fox, Royersford and Spring City
A. W. Deppe, Nazareth and Northampton
Luther N. Kern, Lehighton and Walnutport
Daniel K. Ziegler, Hatfield
Paul T. Rutman, Harrisburg
Charles W. Weaber, Lebanon
George R. Fish, Stroudsburg
Bethlehem District
Paul H. Cressman, Bethlehem
Paul I. Wentz, Emmaus, Macungie and Zionsville
Herbert V. Smith, Easton
John B. Harley, Philadelphia
H. L. Shelly, Coopersburg, Allentown (Salem)
Clayton E. Weber, Fleetwood and Blandon
H. H. Bergey, Quakertown
R. Spedden, Chester
George W. Butler, Scranton
Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., Wissinoming
Theodore L. Bleich, Jersey City, N. J.
J. R. Weber, Terre Hill
E. J. Deitzman, West Philadelphia
William T. Wild, Staten Island, N. Y.
John Hendricks, Newark, N. J.
Several delegates were unable to be present at the opening of Conference but forwarded their excuses for their absence and it was moved that their excuses be accepted and that they be admitted to the bar upon their arrival.
Resolved, That the first seven pews to the front and left of the Chair constitute the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That the Home Mission Workers present during the Conference be advisory members. The following brethren were present during the Conference: James G. Koch, Robert W. Smock, Richard H. Kline, Lester Dingee, H. D. Yarrington, Laird F. Stengele.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Reporter and a Timekeeper. He appointed Herbert W. Hartman as Reporter and A. L. Seifert 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, C. Leslie Miller and P. Ward Musselman.
Report of the Committee to arrange a program for the services of Annual Conference.
Tuesday, October 9, 1951 — 10:00 A. M. Address by Chairman P. T. Stengele, followed by the practice of washing of the saints’ feet and the ordinance of Communion for members of the Annual Conference and Home Missionary Society.
Tuesday, 7:30 P. M. Meeting of the Annual Conference. Oral Reports of the Presiding Elders, Director of Home Missions and President of Berean Bible School, and Pastors. (Limited to 3 minutes).
Thursday, October 11, 1951. 7:30 P. M. Address by Presiding Elder T. D. Gehret. Service in charge of Presiding Elder P. T. Stengele.
C. Leslie Miller
Paul E. Baer
C. E. Kirkwood,
Committee
Resolved, That Paul E. Baer and R. R. Fox be excused from the session on Wednesday afternoon to attend a funeral.
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): C. Leslie Miller, C. E. Kirkwood, Paul E. Baer.
Committee on Communications: H. B. Musselman, J. H. Riggall, W. B. Hottel.
Committee on Finance: Paul I. Wentz, P. Ward Musselman, Paul H. Cressman, Bertram Ringler.
Committee on Examination of Local Conference Records: F. B. Hertzog, W. F. Heffner, J. B. Henry, R. H. Gehman, R. C. Reichenbach, E. W. Bean, D. E. Thomann, E. J. Rutman, W. B. Hottel, John Dunn, J. H. Riggall, W. A. Heffner, A. L. Seifert, T. Lamarn Manney, William T. Wild, Earl W. Maurer, Clayton Brosius, A. W. Deppe, David H. Fahs, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., Charles W. Weaber, S. A. Hackman, George R. Fish, John Hendricks, George W. Butler, J. R. Weber.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele, C. E. Kirkwood.
Committee on Statistics: E. N. Cassel, J. B. Layne, C. E. Kirkwood, Ernest B. Hartman, A. M. Sprock, Willard E. Cassel, J. E. Golla, Jansen E. Hartman.
Committee on Examination of Presiding Elders, Local Preachers, Evangelists, Missionaries: W. F. Heffner, N. H. Wolf, R. H. Gehman, E. W. Bean, G. F. Yost.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: F. B. Hertzog, A. G. Woodring, J. E. Golla, C. E. Kirkwood, N. H. Wolf.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Ordination: J. B. Layne, C. Leslie Miller, Walter H. Frank, W. W. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman.
Committee on Resolutions: Herbert W. Hartman, D. E. Thomann, R. C. Reichenbach.
Committee on Auditing: F. M. Hottel, H. L. Shelly, Herbert V. Smith John B. Harley, R. Spedden, H. H. Bergey, R. R. Fox, Daniel K. Ziegler, Paul T. Rutman, Luther N. Kern, E. J. Deitzman, Clayton E. Weber, Theodore L. Bleich.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic.
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 the rules to the call of the Chair not later than 4:00 P. M.
Business was suspended at 11:40 A. M.
SECOND MEETING
Tuesday Afternoon, October 9, 1951
The meeting was opened at 5:30 P. M. with singing, “Come Thou Blessed Saviour” and prayer by W. F. Heffner.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Rev. Maynard Shelly, Pastor of the First Mennonite Church of Allentown, Pa., was introduced to the Conference and gave a few words of greeting.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Examiners: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits:
We have worked under the direction of the Presiding Elders and the Board of Directors.
F. B. Hertzog, G. F. Yost,
E. W. Bean, C. Leslie Miller,
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, Evangelists and Missionaries and found them all satisfactory to the best of our knowledge.
W. F. Heffner, E. W. Bean,
N. H. Wolf, G. F. Yost,
R. H. Gehman,
Committee.
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: (See Reports)
Report of Jansen E. Hartman, Director of Home Missions: (See Reports)
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)
Report of the Board of Home Missions: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and Adjourn.
Adjourned with prayer and benediction by D. E. Thomann at 4:50 P. M.
THIRD MEETING
Tuesday Evening, October 9, 1951
The meeting opened at 7:30 P. M. with singing, “Wonderful Words of Life.” E. E. Kublic led in prayer.
This unique service of Conference was devoted to three minute oral reports by all the Pastors, the Presiding Elders and the Director of Home Missions and President of Berean Bible School.
The Church was well filled for this meeting and the congregation listened with rapt attention to the inspiring reports.
God’s blessing upon the work in its entirety was reflected in the reports of souls won and the healthy advance in all departments.
Adjourned at 10:00 P. M. with prayer and benediction by T. D. Gehret.
FOURTH MEETING
Wednesday Morning, October 10, 1951
The meeting was opened with singing, “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken” and prayer by C. Leslie Miller.
The Secretary, T. D. Gehret, read I Thessalonians 4:1-11, followed by an exhortation on “Serenity Needed for Effectual Service.”
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved.
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 the Examination of Local Conference Records:
We have examined the Local Conference Records and have found them in a good condition. There were a few minor errors found which were corrected by the Pastors concerned. We found the following in the Chester minutes: “Whereas, Donald T. Kirkwood who has held a Local Conference License for the past 18 months and who has served acceptably in his expressed desire to be used of the Lord in His work according to God’s will and plan, therefore,
Resolved that we recommend to the Annual conference that he be considered for Annual Conference License.
F. B. Hertzog, E. W. Bean, D. E. Thomann, W. A. Heffner, J. H. Riggall, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr., S. A. Hackman, George R. Fish, R. H. Gehman, W. F. Heffner, J. B. Henry, R.C. Reichenbach, A. L. Seifert, E. J. Rutman, John Dunn, W. B. Hottel, E. Willard Maurer, John A. Hendricks, Charles W. Weaber, William T. Wild, A. W. Deppe, T. Lamarn Manney,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We hereby certify that we have examined the Annual Conference Minutes for the session of 1950 and found them correct. We herewith submit two copies duly certified.
H. K. Kratz,
E. E. Kublic,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on the Examination of Traveling Elders:
We have examined the Traveling Elders through their respective delegates. It is with pleasure we inform the conference that all of our Pastors are men of God whose lives adorn the Gospel of Christ. Having found them all satisfactory we recommend that they be passed.
T. D. Gehret,
C. E. Kirkwood,
P. T. Stengele,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on the Examination of Applicants for Ordination:
We have examined Probationer W. A. Heffner and have found that he has satisfactorily met all the requirements of the Discipline and having served one year in the active pastorate, we therefore recommend that he be ordained at the next public service of his annual conference.
J. B. Layne, W. W. Hartman,
C. Leslie Miller, Jansen E. Hartman,
Walter H. Frank,
Committee.
Report of the Menno Youth General Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Publication and Printing: (See Reports)
Whereas the Chester Congregation recommends Donald T. Kirkwood to this conference for Annual Conference License, Therefore,
Resolved, That he be referred to the Committee on Applicants for Annual Conference License.
Resolved. That the Chair appoint a committee of five, including the Presiding Elders, as a Committee on Credentials.
He appointed C. Leslie Miller, C. E. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the Call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 11:55 A. M. with prayer by John B. Harley and benediction by Ernest B. Hartman.
FIFTH MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon, October 10, 1951
The meeting was opened with singing “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” and prayer by John Dunn.
The Roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of Committee on Credentials:
Resolved, That the name of J. B. Henry be placed on the roll of Foreign Missionaries with a notation that he is Associate General Secretary of the Africa Inland Mission.
Resolved, That “Captiton 2” on the Roll and Directory of Ministers be changed to read “Super-Annuated Ministers.”
Resolved, That the name of E. T. Shick be listed as an inactive minister.
T. D. Gehret, C. Leslie Miller,
C. E. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog,
P. T. Stengele,
Committee.
Resolved, That those desiring to become itinerant ministers in our Conference shall spend a period of time in practical work in our Home Missionary Society.
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 to the roll call “Yea”: Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, E. N. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Walter H. Frank, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, J. E. Golla, Ernest B. Hartman, Herbert W. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, F. B. Hertzog, F. M. Hottel, W. B. Hottel, H. K. Kratz, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, C. Leslie Miller, C. E. Kirkwood, J. H. Riggall, E. J. Rutman, R. C. Reichenbach, P. T. Stengele, Arthur M. Sprock, D. E. Thomann, N. H. Wolf, A. G. Woodring, G. F. Yost, H. B. Musselman, W. A. Heffner, A. L. Seifert.
Resolved, That two Presiding Elders be elected and that the informal ballot be used in nominating the candidates, the five highest to be candidates and elected according to the Discipline.
The Chair appointed the following as tellers: F. B. Hertzog, Herbert W. Hartman, A. G. Woodring, C. Leslie Miller.
The following were elected Presiding Elders for the ensuing year:
T. D. Gehret — P. T. Stengele.
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 elect a Home Mission Director.
Jansen E. Hartman was elected Director of the Home Missionary Society.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to meet this evening at 7:00 o’clock.
Adjourned at 2:45 P. M. with prayer by E. E. Kublic.
SIXTH MEETING
Wednesday Evening, October 10, 1951
The meeting was opened with singing, “My Jesus I Love Thee” and prayer by Paul H. Cressman.
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 Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined the applicant Donald T. Kirkwood and believe him to be a godly and consecrated young man who has manifested a desire to work among us, and therefore we recommend that he be granted Annual Conference License.
F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood,
A. G. Woodring, N. H. Wolf,
J. E. Golla,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports)
Report of The Home: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Directors: (See Reports)
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Education: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we have a few words of oral report to the conference from the President of the Berean Bible School, Jansen E. Hartman.
Resolved, That whenever a conference appointment whose Pastor’s support through Steward receipts is less than $2,000 per year it shall be recognized as a mission, effective Annual Conference 1952.
Resolved, That we recommend to the next annual conference the following changes:
1. That the annuities be increased from eighteen to twenty one dollars.
2. That annuities shall in no case exceed eight hundred and forty dollars per year.
3. Widows annuities shall be compiled at the rate of ten and one half dollars for each year that she was the wife of a minister who was in the active service, giving his whole time to ministry in the Church, but in no case to exceed four hundred and twenty dollars in one year.
Resolved, That paragraph “one” under “Annuities” (See 1950 Year Book, page 13) read as follows:
First — If a minister of the Pennsylvania Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Pennsylvania has arrived at the age of sixty-five years and is in the judgment of the Board of Directors incapacitated from further serving a charge, he shall be placed on the Retirement List and dating from the time that he has received Annual Conference License, shall receive an Annuity in monthly installments of twenty-one dollars for each year of active service.
Also in the second paragraph, “twenty-one” shall be substituted for “eighteen”, and omit “the itinerancy.”
Also in the third paragraph, “eight hundred and forty” be substituted for “seven hundred twenty”.
Also in the fifth paragraph, omit the words “in the itinerancy”.
Also in the sixth paragraph, “$10.50″ shall be substituted for $9.00″ and “four hundred twenty” for “three hundred sixty”.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a committee to discuss the change of meeting of the annual conference from October to another period of the year. He appointed T. D. Gehret, E. N. Cassel, F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Layne, C. E. Kirkwood, N. H. Wolf and P. T. Stengele.
Resolved, That J. E. Golla be excused from Thursday afternoon’s meeting to attend a funeral service.
Adjourned at 8:45 P. M. with prayer and benediction by E. W. Bean.
SEVENTH MEETING
Thursday Morning, October 11, 1951
The meeting was opened with singing, “Love Lifted Me” and prayer by A. G. Woodring.
Presiding Elder Emeritus, H. B. Musselman, brought a message of encouragement to the Conference body on “The Beauty of Christ as Revealed in His People.”
The roll was called.
Resolved, That we suspend business to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to the call of the Chair not later than 2:00 P. M.
Adjourned with prayer and benediction by G. F. Yost.
EIGHTH MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 11, 1951
The meeting was opened with prayer by J. B. Henry.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved.
Resolved, That we recognize Brother J. Harold Sherk as an advisory member of the Conference and ask him to be seated in the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That we recess to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 3:40 P. M.
The following Report was read and adopted:
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports)
Robert W. Smock and H. D. Yarrington, having received Conference appointments, were invited into the Conference Bar.
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 Paul E. Baer, H. W. Hartman and Walter H. Frank.
Resolved, That we proceed to the election of Officers and Boards:
The following were elected:
Board of Education: (for three years) Jansen E Hartman, A. L. Wentz, H. A. Kauffman.
Resolved, That the duties of the Board of Education as found on page 30 of the 1950 Year Book be inserted in the “Special Laws and Regulation” section of the Year Book following the regulations governing the Home.
Resolved, That funds be raised for the Berean Bible School in the following ways:
1. Proclamation of March 23, or within one month from this date, as Berean Bible School Day in the Sunday Schools and Churches at which time offerings shall be received in the Schools and Churches for the purpose of promoting the School. These contributions shall be sent to A. L. Wentz, Treasurer, 221 N. 5th St., Emmaus, Pa., promptly upon receipt of the same.
2. A special offering shall be received at the Annual Menno Youth Rallies held at each Camp Meeting.
Resolved, That the Director of Home Missions be recognized as a traveling elder and be a member of the Board of Home Missions.
Resolved, That Walter H. Frank be excused from the Friday afternoon meeting to officiate at a funeral service.
J. B. Henry, who is the Associate General Secretary of the Africa Inland Mission, gave a few words of greeting to the Conference Body.
ELECTIONS
The following were elected:
Vice Presiding Elders: F. B. Hertzog and C. E. Kirkwood.
Resolved, That in case of a vacancy in the office of Presiding Elder, the Board of Directors shall determine which of the Vice Presiding Elders shall fill the vacancy.
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: Paul E. Baer, Herbert W. Hartman, Walter H. Frank.
Board of Directors: T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele, F. B. Hertzog, N. H. Wolf, C. E. Kirkwood, Jansen E. Hartman, C. Leslie Miller.
Board of Foreign Missions: P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, F. B. Hertzog, J. E. Golla, C. Leslie Miller, Walter H. Frank, J. B. Henry.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions be elected by ballot from among the members of the Foreign Missionary Board.
Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions: J. E. Golla.
Resolved that at we suspend the Rules and extend the time.
Adjourned at 5:15 P. M. with prayer and benediction by W. B. Hottel.
NINTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 12, 1951
The meeting was opened with singing, “What a Fellowship”, the reading in unison of Philippians 2:1-16 and prayer by E. N. Cassel.
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 have received letters from Rev. and Mrs. C. F. Snyder and Rev. H. W. Feldges, our retired missionaries now living in California. They have expressed themselves as being thankful to God for His blessing upon their lives, and the kind consideration shown to them by our conference. Even though their age limits their activities, they carry the work of the Lord on their hearts by giving themselves to an ever increasing ministry of prayer. We thank God for them and their fellowship in the Gospel.
H. B. Musselman, W. B. Hottel,
J. H. Riggall,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions
1. Whereas, We who are convened as members of the Sixty-Eighth Annual Conference have been providentially permitted to listen to the encouraging reports of our Presiding Elders, T. D. Gehret, and P. T. Stengele, and
Whereas, These reports reflect qualities of godly leadership which is so vital to success in any endeavor for Christ in these days, therefore,
Resolved: That we in true consecration to our Lord give them our unanimous support throughout the coming year.
2. Whereas, Our Home Mission Director, Jansen E. Hartman, has submitted to this body a splendid oral and statistical report of the blessing of God and moving of the Holy Spirit upon the efforts of the various brethren in our City Missions, and
Whereas, The said Jansen E. Hartman has been signally sustained and used of God in the Presidential administration of the Berean Bible School which now has an enrollment of 38 promising students, therefore,
Resolved: That we rejoice together in these manifestations of God’s faithfulness and give him our prayerful and financial support.
3. Whereas, The faithfulness of our God has again been manifest in the preservation of all our Pastors, and
Whereas, These Pastors have been divinely enabled to report many evidences of progress in the work both spiritually and numerically, therefore,
Resolved, That we in gratitude to our Lord pledge our support of them in every way for the glory of God.
4. Whereas, our hearts have been cheered many times by the devotion and Christian sacrifice of a great host of members and friends of all our Churches, therefore,
Resolved: That we hereby thank God for them and renew our pledge to join hearts and hands in fulfilling the great commission committed to us.
5. Whereas, Two of the older members of our Conference, Presiding Elder Emeritus, H. B. Musselman, and H. K. Kratz, have evidenced a continued interest and love of the work by their presence at this Conference, therefore,
Resolved: That we pray that God will spare them and continue to use them in the ministry of intercession without which we can never hope for success.
6. Whereas, Pastors E. N. Cassel, G. F. Yost, and E. E. Kublic have come to the Retirement age, and
Whereas, They have faithfully declared the whole counsel of God in a ministry made rich by the good hand of the Lord upon them from the time of their ordination, and,
Whereas, These brethren have by godly example, and a zealous passion for souls been instrumental in leading many to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and blessed the lives of countless others, therefore,
Resolved: That we hereby express our appreciation of their fellowship in the Gospel and pray that the eventide of their lives shall be crowned with the blessing of God in every way.
7. Whereas, J. B. Henry, now Associate General Secretary of the Africa Inland Mission, by his attendance at this Conference obviously considers it a pleasure to fellowship with us, therefore,
Resolved: That we hereby assure him that the feeling is mutual and that we wish him God’s best as we labour on for the same Lord.
8. Whereas, The Secretary of our Annual Conference, T. D. Gehret, has faithfully and creditably served as Editor of our Year Book, therefore,
Resolved: That we express our appreciation of his excellent work by donating to him the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) from the Conference Fund.
9. Whereas, The Secretary of our Board of Foreign Missions, J. E. Golla, has made possible by correspondence with our Missionaries an interesting and informative report for our Year Book, therefore,
Resolved: That we give him twenty five dollars ($25.00) from the Board of Foreign Missions in token of our appreciation for services rendered.
10. Whereas, Paul I. Wentz has again most commendably served as Conference Treasurer, personally assuming all expenses incident thereto, therefore,
Resolved: That in grateful appreciation we give him the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) to be paid out of the Conference Fund.
11. Whereas, The Christian Life Series of Sunday School Literature, published by the Union Gospel Press, continues to be Scripturally sound and is in the minds of many the best available today, therefore,
Resolved: That we pray that God will continue to give the needed strength and wisdom to those in responsible position and other workers who make possible the great work, and further,
Resolved: That as a Conference we recognize Mrs. E. T. Gehman as the agent for these Sunday School Supplies and other publications.
12. Whereas, The members of the Allentown Congregation with their genial and hospitable Pastor, C. Leslie Miller, have sumptuously provided for the physical entertainment of the Conference members, having served all meals in their newly decorated Sunday School rooms, therefore,
Resolved: That we express our sincere appreciation by tendering them a rising vote of thanks in the Thursday evening meeting.
13. Whereas, F. B. Hertzog again assumed the management of the Mizpah Grove Cafeteria, by request and under the supervision of the Board of Directors, to the satisfaction of the said Board and patrons, therefore,
Resolved: That we hereby express our sincere appreciation of his untiring and self-sacrificial efforts in the face of multiplied and complex responsibilities incident thereto, and happily recommend him for similar service in the future.
Herbert W. Hartman,
D. E. Thomann,
R. C. Reichenbach.
Resolved, That the Cafeteria at the Camp Meeting be under the management of the Board of Directors.
Resolved, That we continue the election of Boards.
Resolved, That the Home Mission Board consist of seven members including the Presiding Elders and the Director of Home Missions.
The following were elected: C. E. Kirkwood, C. Leslie Miller, F. B. Hertzog, Walter H. Frank.
Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: President, Arthur W. Deppe; Secretary, Allen S. Weiss; Treasurer, A. L. Wentz.
Board of Trustees of the Home: (For two years) T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele, W. W. Hartman, E. N. Cassel, Timothy H. Gehman, E. O. Mann.
Board of Examiners: Paul E. Baer, C. E. Kirkwood, R. H. Gehman.
Resolved, That two Laymen and one Pastor from each District be elected to the General Menno Youth Committee.
The following were elected:
W. A. Heffner, J. E. Golla, Henry C. Waltke, William W. Matz, Phillip Nuss, Daniel G. Ziegler.
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 Allen S. Weiss, Secretary, 731 Liberty Street, Allentown, Pa.
Resolved, That we proceed to the election of Delegates to General Conference.
The following were elected: Ministerial Delegates, Presiding Elders, P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret; Ministers: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, N. H. Wolf, C. Leslie Miller, Jansen E. Hartman, Walter H. Frank, J. E. Golla, Paul E. Baer.
First Alternate Delegate: Herbert W. Hartman; Second Alternate, W. W. Hartman; Third Alternate, E. W. Bean.
Lay Member Delegates: Paul I. Wentz, Daniel K. Ziegler, Paul H. Cressman, R. Paul Schaeffer, A. W. Deppe, R. R. Fox and R. Spedden.
First Alternate Delegate: H. L. Shelly.
Second Alternate Delegate: Clayton Weber.
Third Alternate Delegate: Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.
The Chair appointed the following Committees:
Board of Publication and Printing: N. H. Wolf, Herbert W. Hartman, C. Leslie Miller.
Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: F. B. Hertzog, E. W. Bean, J. H. Riggall.
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 N. H. Wolf.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time to adjourn at 12:15 P. M.
Resolved, That we have three Camp Meetings next summer comprising the same churches in Mizpah Grove, Allentown. First Division, June 28 to July 6; Second Division, July 12 to 20; Third Division, July 26 to August 3.
Resolved, That the Presiding Elders assume the responsibility of the Second Division Camp Meeting alternately each consecutive year.
Adjourned at 12:15 P. M. with prayer and benediction by John Dunn.
NINTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 12, 1951
The meeting was opened with singing, “Come, Thou Blessed Saviour,” and prayer by F. M. Hottel.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we print 1,200 Year Books, to be sold at forty 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.
Resolved, That we ask each congregation to give 25 cents per member according to the membership reported at the 1951 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 known as a moving fund.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Ministerial Convention. (See Reports)
Report of the Sunday School Convention (Allentown District): (See Reports)
Report of the Sunday School Convention. (Bethlehem District): (See Reports)
Report of the committee to organize the Allentown District Sunday School Convention:
The Allentown District Sunday School Convention shall be held at Mizpah Grove, July 4, 1952.
The Officers of the Convention: Chairman, A. G. Woodring; Secretary, W. A. Heffner; Treasurer, Paul E. Baer.
Committee on Program: P. T. Stengele, Paul E. Baer, C. Leslie Miller, A. G. Woodring, W. F. Heffner.
We invite the Director and the Sunday Schools of the Home Missionary Society to be present.
An offering from each Sunday School on the District shall be brought to the Convention.
We invite the Presiding Elder and Pastors of the Bethlehem District to attend the Convention.
P. T. Stengele, Chairman,
Paul E. Baer, Secretary.
Report of the Committee to Organize the Bethlehem District Sunday School Convention:
The Convention shall be held at Fleetwood, Pa., on Saturday, May 24, 1952.
The following were elected as officers of the Convention: Chairman, Herbert W. Hartman; Secretary, John Dunn; Treasurer, D. E. Thomann.
Committee on Program: T. D. Gehret, Herbert W. Hartman, C. E. Kirkwood, Walter H. Frank, J. E. Golla.
Each Superintendent shall receive a liberal offering to defray the expenses of the Convention.
A hearty invitation is extended to the Allentown District and the Home Missionary Society to attend the Convention.
N. H. Wolf, Chairman,
R. C. Reichenbach, Secretary.
Report of the Committee to Organize for the First Division Camp Meeting:
This Division comprises Allentown (Bethel), Reading, York, Sunbury, Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Hatfield, Harrisburg, Lebanon.
Place — Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa. Date — June 28-July 6, 1952.
Officers: Chairman, C. Leslie Miller; Secretary, A. G. Woodring; Treasurer, F. M. Hottel.
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,
A. G. Woodring, 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, Stroudsburg, and the Home Missionary Society.
Place — Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa. Date — July 12-20, 1952.
Officers: Chairman, C. E. Kirkwood; Secretary, Paul E. Baer; Treasurer, W. H. Frank.
The Presiding Elder shall invite the Preachers and shall secure the extra help if they and the committee deem it advisable.
T. D. Gehret, Chairman,
J. H. Riggall, 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 26-August 3, 1952.
Officers: Chairman, N. H. Wolf; Secretary, Herbert W. Hartman; Treasurer, J. E. Golla.
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, and Home Missionary Society to attend the Camp Meeting.
T. D. Gehret, Chairman,
D. E. Thomann, Secretary.
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.
Resolved, That Women’s Missionary Societies that have been or shall be organized in our churches be recognized by and report to the Local Conference.
Resolved, That at the last session of each Local Conference the members present vote by ballot as to whether they desire a change or not of their Pastor. The ballots shall be tabulated by the Presiding Elder and the Delegate to the Annual Conference before the session adjourns, and the ballots shall be held by the Presiding Elder. The results of this vote shall be kept in confidence by the Presiding Elder and the Delegate.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed by the Chair to deal with military problems.
The Chair appointed T. D. Gehret, C. E. Kirkwood, P. T. Stengele.
Resolved, That Fifty Dollars ($50.00) be donated to the Mennonite Central Committee out of the Civilian Public Service Fund.
Resolved, That with the approval of the Presiding Elders, the Local congregations be granted permission to observe the practice of the Washing of the Saints’ Feet at a quarterly class meeting rather than at the Local Conference.
Resolved, That the standing rule in our Year Book, page 16, under “Special Offerings, to be paid at the Annual Conference for Annual Conference Expenses,” be increased from ten cents to fifteen cents per member.
Resolved, That the Home Mission Board be authorized to deal with the question relating to the Missions in the Home Missionary Society as to their being further incorporated in the work of the Conference as unorganized works.
Adjourned at 5:00 P. M., with prayer and benediction by R. H. Gehman.
TENTH MEETING
Friday Evening, October 12, 1951
The meeting was opened with singing, “Jesus, Thou Art Coming Soon” and prayer by Arthur M. Sprock.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Statistics: (See Reports)
The various boards reported their organization as follows:
Board of Trustees of the Home: T. D. Gehret, President; F. B. Hertzog, Secretary; Herbert W. Hartman; Assistant Secretary; Paul I. Wentz, Treasurer.
Board of Foreign Missions: T. D. Gehret, President; J. E. Golla, Secretary.
Board of Home Missions: P. T. Stengele, President; C. E. Kirkwood, Secretary.
Board of Publication and Printing: N. H. Wolf, President; Herbert W. Hartman, Secretary.
Board of Examiners: C. E. Kirkwood, President; Paul E. Baer, Secretary.
Committee Over Camp Meeting Equipage and Tabernacle Outfits: F. B. Hertzog, Chairman; E. W. Bean, Secretary.
Board of Directors: P. T. Stengele, President; T. D. Gehret, Vice President; F. B. Hertzog, Secretary.
H. W. Hartman and W. A. Heffner were appointed to audit the Quadrennial schedule.
Resolved, That upon the approval of his Presiding Elder a pastor may independently officiate at the observance of the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.
Resolved, That all needs for support of missionary work not controlled within the borders of our Home Missionary Board be handled by the Foreign Missionary Board.
That we petition the General Conference to permit us to elect Presiding Elders for a three year term instead of annually, but in no case shall he serve longer than nine years.
Resolved, That we go on record as being opposed to having a General Superintendent.
Resolved, That we have a meeting of ministers on Friday, November 30, 1951 at Allentown, Pa., at 9:30 A. M.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a committee of five to plan for the program of this day.
The Chair appointed C. Leslie Miller, Walter H. Frank, C. E. Kirkwood, P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret.
Report of the Committee on Auditing:
We, the Auditing Committee, have examined the accounts of the following: Presiding Elder’s Reports, Board of Directors, Home Missionary Report, Benevolent Society, (both Secretary and Treasurer), Board of Publication and Printing, Local Conference Records, The Home, Home Missions, Foreign Missions, Sunday School Conventions, Camp Meeting Accounts (1st, 2nd and 3rd divisions), General Camp Meeting Committee, Conference Treasurer, Finance Committee, Statistical Report, Menno Youth Treasurer Report, Ministers’ Retirement Fund. These account’s were presented in a creditable and business-like manner. The several errors discovered were corrected to the satisfaction of those concerned.
F. M. Hottel, Edw. J. Dietzman, Luther N. Kern,
Herbert V. Smith, H. L. Shelly, Clayton E. Webber,
R. Spedden, John B. Harley, Theodore L. Bleich,
R. R. Fox, H. H. Bergey,
Paul T. Rutman, Daniel K. Ziegler,
Committee.
Report of the Beneficiary Society:
The Society met, transacted routine business, and elected the following officers: President, F. B. Hertzog; Secretary, F. M. Hottel; Treasurer, A. G. Woodring.
Resolved, That we have a Ministerial Convention to be held at Sunbury, Pa., on Thursday, April 17, 1952.
The following officers were elected: Chairman, W. F. Heffner; Secretary, R. H. Gehman. Committee on Program: P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, J. B. Layne, W. F. Heffner.
Resolved, That $75.00 be donated from the Annual Conference Fund to the Sunbury Congregation.
Resolved, That traveling expenses on official business be 5 cents per mile and l-1/2 cents per mile for each additional passenger.
Resolved, That we establish a time limit of nine years duration for our Pastors and Presiding Elders and that the plan be retroactive.
Resolved, That this become a standing rule.
Resolved, That no Elder having served in the office of Presiding Elder for nine successive years shall be eligible for re-election for a period of three years.
Resolved, That the Retirement Age of Pastors be established at 72 years.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in the Ebenezer Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, 1121-25 N. Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa., on Tuesday, October 14, 1952 at 10:00 A. M.
Resolved, That the following form a Committee on Program for the next Annual Conference: N. H. Wolf, C. Leslie Miller, F. B. Hertzog.
Resolved, That the price of tents shall be $6.00 each per Camp Meeting, and the tent rents be paid to the Pastors before the Camp Meeting. The Pastors shall pay 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 tents.
Resolved, That we have a literature stand at our Camp Meetings.
Resolved, That all tent orders be sent to Herbert 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 Workers in our Home Missionary Society who are full members shall be recognized as having the status of Local Conference Licensed Workers and shall be listed in the Directory of Ministers.
Resolved, That each church receive a special Sunday offering before January 1, 1.952 to defray expenses of the General Conference, and that the same be forwarded immediately to Herbert W. Hartman, checks to be made payable to Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church of Penna.
Resolved, That we go on record as not being in favor of a change in our church name.
Resolved, That each traveling elder shall be given an opportunity either before or during the Annual Conference of expressing freely to his Presiding Elder his personal desires concerning his location.
Adjourned at 9:40 P. M. with prayer by E. N. Cassel and benediction by F. B. Hertzog.
Signed:
P. T. Stengele, Presiding Elder, Chairman,
T. D. Gehret, Presiding Elder, Secretary,
Paul I. Wentz, Treasurer,
Jansen E. Hartman, Director of Home Missions,
F. B. Hertzog, Vice Presiding Elder,
C. E. Kirkwood, Vice Presiding Elder,
N. H. Wolf, Assistant Secretary,
Walter H. Frank, Recording Secretary,
Paul E. Baer, Recording Secretary,
H. B. Musselman, Presiding Elder Emeritus,
E. N. Cassel, Arthur M. Sprock, Paul T. Rutman,
F. M. Hottel, D. E. Thomann, Paul H. Cressman,
A. G. Woodring, R. H. Gehman, R. R. Fox,
G. F. Yost, E. E. Kublic, S. A. Hackman,
J. B. Layne, Robert W. Smock, P. Ward Musselman,
W. W. Hartman, Herbert W. Hartman, H. L. Shelly,
W. F. Heffner, C. Leslie Miller, Clayton E. Weber,
E. B. Hartman, J. H. Riggall, Herbert V. Smith,
E. W. Bean, J. B. Henry, Thomas W. Campbell, Sr.,
A. L. Seifert, Arthur W. Deppe, Luther N. Kern,
H. D. Yarrington, George W. Butler, Sr., Daniel K. Ziegler,
R. C. Reichenbach, Clayton Brosius, John Hendricks,
E. J. Rutman, George R. Fish, David H. Fahs,
John Dunn, Charles W. Weaber, Theodore L. Bleich,
H. K. Kratz, E. Willard Maurer, John B. Harley,
Willard E. Cassel, H. H. Bergey, William T. Wild,
W. A. Heffner, E. J. Dietzman, Bertram Ringler,
W. B. Hottel, R. Spedden, J. R. Weber.
J. E. Golla, T. Lamarn Manney,