SEVENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1959
Minutes, as well as Committee Reports, Indexes, and Statistics are in the 1959 Yearbook
The Seventy-sixth Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convened in Bethel Church, 526-530 North Eighth Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania.
The Conference opened at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 12, with the singing of “Faith of Our Fathers” and prayer by J. B. Layne. The Chairman of the Annual Conference, F. B. Hertzog, spoke on “Motives for True Christian Ministry,” as found in Paul’s letters to the Corinthian Church.
The prayer and praise period which followed was a time of thanksgiving unto our God for His gracious leadings and abundant blessings bestowed upon the work committed to our trust. Realizing that the work of the Lord and the church is so important, we met at the throne of grace, praying for Divine wisdom, humility and whole-hearted seeking after the will of God in all the deliberations of the Conference. We invoked God’s richest blessings upon our people in the homeland and also in the Regions Beyond, claiming greater victories for His glory and the salvation of precious souls. The Communion service, in which the entire Conference participated, was a time of real fellowship and rejoicing, as we look forward to His imminent return.
The Secretary, N. H. Wolf, appointed the following assistants: Assistant Secretary, Ernest B. Hartman: Recording Secretary, Robert W. Smock.
The following were enrolled as members of the Conference:
Ministers
Ordained — Russell T. Allen, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Walter H. Frank, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, J. E. Golla, Ernest B. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, W. F. Heffner, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., F. B. Hertzog, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Richard H. Kline, James G. Koch, J. B. Layne, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, Donald B. Schaeffer, A. L. Seifert, Robert W. Smock, P. T. Stengele, David E. Thomann, N. H. Wolf, J. B. Henry, C. Leslie Miller, H. D. Yarrington. F. M. Hottel, E. E. Kublic, E. J. Rutman, A. G. Woodring.
Probationers — Carl C. Cassel, George E. Herb, Robert F. Johnson.
Delegates
Allentown District
Allentown (Bethel), Clarence L. Kauffman, R. Paul Schaeffer
Reading, Robert Breitegam
Sunbury, William E. Miller
York, Edward W. Baker
Shamokin, George A. John
Hatfield, Daniel K. Ziegler
Harrisburg, David F. Gardner
Mount Carmel, Roy E. Williams
Royersford and Spring City, R. S. Weidner
Graterford and Harleysville. S. A. Hackman
Nazareth and Northampton, A. W. Deppe
Lehighton, William P. Snyder
Walnutport, Burton Deppe
Lebanon, Charles W. Weaber
Lancaster, Horace A. Kauffman
Stroudsburg, George R. Fish
Bethlehem District
Bethlehem, A. Franklin Campbell
Philadelphia (Salem), Byron C. Cassel
Quakertown, E. R. Keiper
Easton, Allen F. LaRose
Emmaus, Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
Fleetwood, Clayton E. Weber
Coopersburg, Harold A. Mann
Chester, Rufus Spedden
Allentown (Salem), Merrill Achey
Scranton, Carl Kellerman
Terre Hill, Robert W. Gehret
Philadelphia (Calvary), Henry B. Wilkinson
Philadelphia (Emmanuel), Edward J. Dietzman
Blandon, Harold D. Schlagel
Staten Island, N. Y., Ralph D. Cole
Zionsville, John L. Shelly
Macungie, Timothy H. Gehman
Jersey City, N. J., E. B. Wright
Resolved, That we accept the excuses of the absent delegates and when they arrive they shall be seated in the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That the first seven rows of pews to the front and right of the chair constitute the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That all Home Mission Ministers present be recognized as advisory members. The following were present during the Conference: James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Alva C. Cassel, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Norman F. Gordon, Ronald C. Mahurin, Robert E. McIntyre, Leon K. Overpeck, Richard R. Ruth. G. Howard VanSandt, Daniel G. Ziegler, Reynold D. Gardner, Robert Entler, Norman R. Weiss.
Resolved, That no member be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission of the Chairman except Walter H. Frank, F. M. Hottel, Clarence L. Kauffman and R. Paul Schaeffer.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Timekeeper and Reporter.
He appointed James G. Koch, reporter and Robert F. Johnson, timekeeper.
REPORT OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM COMMITTEE
MONDAY: 1:00 p.m. Opening Address by the Chairman of the Annual
Conference — F. B. Hertzog, D. S.
Prayer and Praise Period (limited to 30 minutes)
Observance of the Lord’s Supper
TUESDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions — C. E. Kirkwood, D. S.
7:30 p.m. “WHAT’S NEXT IN CHURCH EXTENSION” —
Message by A. L. Seifert, Secretary of Home Mission
Board (limited to 30 minutes)
Introduction of New Home Mission Director
Prayer of Dedication by A. L. Seifert
Ordination Challenge by F. B. Hertzog, D. S.
(The Tuesday evening service is an inspirational meeting open to the public. It shall be in charge of the host pastor.)
WEDNESDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions — Earl M. Hosler
THURSDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions — Donald T. Kirkwood
FRIDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions — Ernest B. Hartman
(The Committee recommends that the morning devotional periods be limited to 30 minutes, including singing, prayer and a brief meditation.)
Walter H. Frank,
William A. Heffner,
Willard E. Cassel,
Committee.
The Committee appointed in 1958 to study Conference procedure presented a proposed agenda for this Conference.
COMMITTEES
Committee on Communications: William A. Heffner, Richard H. Kline, David E. Thomann.
Committee on Finance: Paul I. Wentz, Byron C. Cassel, S. A. Hackman, Roy E. Williams.
Committee on Examination of Local Conference Records: E. W. Bean, W. B. Hottel, W. F. Heffner, Russell T. Allen, Frank L. Herb, Jr., Donald B. Schaeffer, William E. Miller, George A. John, David F. Gardner, William P. Snyder, Burton Deppe, Charles W. Weaber, A. Franklin Campbell, Henry B. Wilkinson, Allen F. LaRose, Carl H. Kellerman, George E. Herb, Ralph D. Cole, Edward W. Baker, George R. Fish, Timothy H. Gehman, Harold D. Schlagel, John L. Shelly, E. B. Wright, A. W. Deppe, Robert F. Johnson, Richard H. Kline.
Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders: C. E. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog, Walter H. Frank.
Committee on Statistics: J. B. Layne, Willard E. Cassel, John E. Golla, Jansen E. Hartman, Donald T. Kirkwood, LeRoy S. Heller, John Dunn.
Committee on Examination of District Superintendents, Local Preachers, Evangelists, Missionaries: N. H. Wolf, Ernest B. Hartman, W. F. Heffner, R. H. Gehman, Earl M. Hosler.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: P. T. Stengele, William A. Heffner, W. W. Hartman, W. B. Hottel, John H. Riggall.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: C. E. Kirkwood, Jansen E. Hartman, T, D. Gehret, Walter H. Frank, David E. Thomann.
Committee on Resolutions: John H. Riggall, A. L. Seifert, Earl M. Hosler, R. C. Reichenbach, Carl C. Cassel.
Committee on Auditing: T. D. Gehret, Daniel K. Ziegler, R. Spedden, R. S. Weidner, Clayton E. Weber, Robert W. Gehret, Clarence L. Kauffman, R. Paul Schaeffer, Edward J. Dietzman, Harold A. Mann, Robert Breitegam, Merrill F. Achey, E. R. Keiper, Horace A. Kauffman.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: R. H. Gehman, Frank L. Herb. Jr.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet tonight from 6:30 to 9:00 o’clock.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m. with prayer by John H. Riggall.
SECOND MEETING
Monday Evening, October 12, 1959
The Second Meeting was opened at 6:30 p.m. with singing “He Keeps Me Singing” and prayer by R. C. Reichenbach.
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 Bethlehem District Superintendent, C. E. Kirkwood: (See Reports)
Report of the Allentown District Superintendent, F. B. Hertzog: (See Reports)
Report of the Director of Home Missions, Jansen E. Hartman: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Home Missions: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Education: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports)
Report of the President of Berean Bible School: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of the Trustees of the Home: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee on Local Conference Records:
We have examined all Local Conference Records and have found them in very good condition. A few omissions and minor errors were found which were corrected by the Pastors concerned.
The following petitions were found:
Petition #l
Jersey City, New Jersey: Resolved, That we the congregation of the Berean Bible Fellowship Church of Jersey City, New Jersey, petition the Annual Conference that our church be temporarily placed in the status of a Home Mission appointment under the jurisdiction of the Home Mission Board and Home Mission Director.
Petition #2
Macungie, Pennsylvania: Resolved, That we petition the Annual Conference that the Macungie congregation be considered a Home Mission appointment.
We recommend that the minutes of the congregational meeting at which the church officers are elected be included with the Local Conference minutes.
E. W. Bean, W. B. Hottel, W. F. Heffner, Russell T. Allen, Frank L. Herb, Jr., Donald B. Schaeffer, William E. Miller, George A. John, David F. Gardner, Burton Deppe, Charles W. Weaber, A. Franklin Campbell, Henry B. Wilkinson, Allen F. LaRose, Carl H. Kellerman, George C. Herb, Ralph D. Cole, Edward W. Baker, George R. Fish, Timothy H. Gehman, Harold D. Schlagel, John L. Shelly, E. B. Wright, A. W. Deppe, Robert F. Johnson, Richard H. Kline,
Committee.
Resolved, That the minutes of the congregational meeting at which the Church officers are elected be included with the Local Conference minutes.
Resolved, That the petitions recorded in the minute books of the Jersey City, N. J., and Macungie Churches be referred to the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee.
Resolved, That 2,000 copies of “Forward With Christ” be printed for distribution.
Resolved, That the following recommendations be adopted:
1. Proclamation of a day as Berean Bible School Day in the Sunday Schools and Churches for the purpose of promoting interest and support of the school. Checks for these contributions shall be sent and made payable to Berean Bible School, 1020 S. Hall Street, Allentown, Pa.
2. A special offering shall be received at the annual Youth Rallies at each Camp Meeting.
3. The laymen on the Board of Education shall constitute a committee to work with all our churches to promote the advantages of training at Berean Bible School and to formulate a plan to raise $25,000.00 needed to carry on the Berean Bible School program in the 1959-60 year. The District Superintendents shall be advisory members of the committee.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned 8:59 p.m. with prayer by James G. Koch.
THIRD MEETING
Tuesday Morning, October 13, 1959
The third meeting was opened at 9:00 a.m. with singing of “We’re Marching to Zion.” Willard E. Cassel led in prayer.
District Superintendent, C. E. Kirkwood read from I Corinthians 4 and spoke of the “Minister’s Conduct in the Light of the Judgment Seat of Christ.” The preachers’ quartet also sang, “With Eternity’s Values in View.”
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The Report of the Board of Examiners: (See Reports)
(It was adopted.)
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned 9:40 a.m. with prayer by Merrill Achey.
FOURTH MEETING
Tuesday Afternoon, October 13, 1959
The meeting was opened with the singing of “Precious Promise.” Frank L. Herb, Jr., led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
J. B. Henry, Associate General Secretary of the Africa Inland Mission, addressed the Conference. expressing his love and concern for the brethren, and referred to progress made in the work of the Mission to the furtherance of the Gospel.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Board of Directors: (See Reports)
Whereas, The Board of Directors recommends Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., James A. Beil and Roy A. Hertzog as applicants for Annual Conference License, Therefore,
Resolved, That they be referred to the Committee on Examination of Candidates for Annual Conference License.
Report of Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records:
We hereby certify that we have examined the Annual Conference Minutes of the 1958 sessions, and have found them correct with the exception of the following:
1. The name of James G. Koch was omitted from the list of preachers answering “yea” to the roll call on p. 33.
2. Expense item “refunds” should read $9.75 instead of $9.95 at the top of p. 41.
We hereby submit two copies duly certified.
We have read the reports of the Ministerial Convention and the Sunday School Convention, and believe them to be correct to the best of our knowledge.
R. H. Gehman,
Frank L. Herb, Jr.,
Committee.
Report of Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
We have examined all the Pastors through their respective delegates and are glad to report that we find our ministering brethren to be men of God, living lives of consistent Christian character before their people and committed to the preaching of the Gospel and the work of the ministry.
We therefore commend them for future service amongst us.
C. E. Kirkwood,
Walter H. Frank,
F. B. Hertzog,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Examination of District Superintendents, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries:
We beg leave to report that we have examined the District Superintendents, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries. and find them all satisfactory, and serving commendably where the Lord has placed them.
N. H. Wolf, R. H. Gehman,
Ernest B. Hartman, Earl M. Hosler,
W. F. Heffner,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Ordination:
We have met with Carl C. Cassel, and have examined him in relation to his call, pastoral work, personal life and doctrinal beliefs. We believe in his sincerity, and integrity, and his call to the Christian ministry.
We, therefore, recommend that he be ordained to the Christian ministry in this evening’s service.
Walter H. Frank, T. D. Gehret,
C. E. Kirkwood, David E. Thomann,
Jansen E. Hartman,
Committee.
Whereas, Pastor J. B. Layne, 438 Cypress Street, Lehighton, Pa., has attained the age of sixty-five years and has on July 9th, 1959, formally requested that he be retired from the active ministry due to physical circumstances, therefore,
Resolved, That his request be granted at the next Annual Conference and that he be paid the full amount of annuities in monthly installments according to the years of service rendered. (By Action of the Board of Directors, Sept. 17, 1959.)
Resolved, That we determine who are the preachers willing to minister this coming year according to the direction of the Conference and our Discipline.
The following ministering brethren responded “yea” to the roll call: Russell T. Allen, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Walter H. Frank, R. H. Gehman, T. D, Gehret, J. E. Golla, Ernest B. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, W. F. Heffner. LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., F. B. Hertzog, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Richard H. Kline, James G. Koch, J. B. Layne, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, Donald B. Schaeffer, A. L. Seifert, Robert W. Smock, P. T. Stengele, David E. Thomann, N. H. Wolf, F. M. Hottel, E. E. Kublic, Carl C. Cassel, George E. Herb, and Robert F. Johnson.
Report of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Reading Course Revision Committee:
After a discussion of the aims and development of the Reading Course and a review of our present procedures, together with material already presented to Annual Conference and returned for further study, the following procedure was suggested:
1. We recommend the election of a Committee on Examination of Candidates for the Ministry. This committee is to consist of five ordained ministers elected annually by the Conference.
2. We recommend the following procedure:
A. Preliminary
The following examinations are to be given by Home/Foreign Missions Board:
1. A uniform questionnaire
2. An oral examination
(After at least a six months period the following would take place):
B. A Faith and Order Examination (now termed The Discipline)
1. On the doctrine of the church
2. On the order of the church
These examinations are to be given by the Committee on the Examination of Candidates for the Ministry.
The examinations would consist of written tests, requested papers, oral exams, and the like.
C. The Committee on Examination of Candidates for the Ministers would eliminate the need of the Reading Course except in unusual cases. In such cases the Committee on Examination of Candidates for the Ministry would determine which books would be studied by the applicant. The books studied would be selected from among the following areas: Bible, Apologetics, Theology, Practical Theology, Church History, Christian Education, Hermeneutics and Homiletics.
F. B. Hertzog, Jansen E. Hartman,
C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood.
T. D. Gehret,
Committee.
Resolved, That we adopt the procedure recommended by the Committee on Revision of the Reading Course.
Report of the Menno Youth General Committee: (See Reports)
The following recommendations of the Menno Youth General Committee were adopted:
Resolved, That this committee be called the Youth Fellowship General Committee and that the Youth program of our church be called the Youth Fellowship of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Resolved, That regular spiritual Youth Meetings be planned and presented by and for the young people.
Report of the Committee on Camp Meeting Equipage:
We have labored faithfully under the direction of the District Superintendents during the year.
E. W. Bean, David E. Thomann,
W. W. Hartman, Donald B. Schaeffer,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Publication and Printing: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Annual Report of the Board of Trustees, Laymen’s Benevolent Society: (See Reports)
Report of Conference Treasurer: (See Reports)
Adjourned at 5:10 p.m. with prayer by Robert F. Johnson.
FIFTH MEETING
Wednesday Morning, October 14, 1959
The meeting was opened with singing, “Thy Word is Like a Garden Lord.” R. S. Weidner led in prayer and Carl C. Cassel sang, “God Calling Yet.”
Earl M. Hosler had charge of the devotional period, and spoke of Spiritual Maturity that should characterize the conduct of a Christian Minister according to I Cor. 3:2 and Gal. 2:20.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
The Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined Roy A. Hertzog, James A. Bell, and Harvey J. Fritz, Jr. After thoroughly questioning these brethren, we are persuaded that they are called of the Holy Spirit to the ministry of the Gospel.
We, therefore, recommend them for Annual Conference License.
P. T. Stengele,
William A. Heffner,
W. W. Hartman,
John H. Riggall,
W. B. Hottel,
Committee.
Report of the Sunday School Promotion Committee: (See Reports)
The following recommendations were adopted:
1. Resolved, That we accept the invitations to hold regional institutes at York, Fleetwood, Mt. Carmel, Chester, Easton and Allentown (Bethel). The General Committee shall assign a Committee to meet with the Pastors and General Superintendents of regional schools. General Superintendents may submit traveling expenses. Offerings are to be received at the institutes. Regions shall pay expenses with the General Committee rendering financial assistance when necessary.
The following is a regional listing:
ALLENTOWN (BETHEL), Allentown (Salem), Bethlehem, Coopersburg, Lehighton, Miller Heights, Nazareth, Northampton, Walnutport.
EASTON, Denville, N. J., Finesville, N. J., Jersey City, N. J., Scranton, Stroudsburg, Staten Island, N. Y., Trenton, N. J.
FLEETWOOD, Blandon, Emmaus, Graterford, Harleysville, Macungie, Quakertown, Reading, Royersford, Spring City, Terre Hill, Zionsville, Hatfield.
YORK, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Millersville, Paradise.
CHESTER, Philadelphia (Calvary), Philadelphia (Emmanuel), Philadelphia (Roxborough), Philadelphia (Salem).
MOUNT CARMEL, Binghamton, N. Y., Shamokin, Sunbury.
2. Resolved, That all Sunday Schools shall receive and submit their annual offering for Sunday School Promotion to this Committee before April 1, 1960.
3. Resolved, That the next Denominational Sunday School Convention shall be held on the third Saturday of May 1961 at a site to be chosen by the Committee.
Resolved, That we recess to the Call of the Chair.
Business was resumed.
The following reports were adopted:
The Report of the Committee of Victory Valley: (See Reports)
Resolved, That every Sunday School shall receive an offering for the Victory Valley Youth Camp by March 1st. This offering shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the Board of Directors.
Resolved, That the facilities at Victory Valley be available for limited use by groups from our churches. Any group using these facilities shall make reservations through the Secretary of the Board of Directors and shall also forward to him an offering for the use of the said facilities.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn and meet no later than 3:30 o’clock.
Adjourned 11:55 a.m. with prayer by R. H. Gehman.
SIXTH MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon, October 14, 1959
The meeting was opened at 3:28 p.m. with singing of “Where His Footprints Go, I Will Follow” and prayer by Rufus Spedden.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 6:30 p.m.
Adjourned at 3:31 p.m. with prayer by the Chairman.
SEVENTH MEETING
Wednesday Evening, October 14, 1959
The meeting was opened with the singing of, “Draw Me Nearer.” Russell T. Allen led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meetings were read and approved.
The following report was read and adopted:
The Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports)
Resolved, That the Membership on the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee to be limited to those Churches or Circuits and those Missions petitioning for membership on the Committee under our rules, that received at least $2,800.00 in Steward offering during the year.
Resolved, That all pastors on the coming Sunday fill the pulpits of their new assignments.
The following Reports were adopted:
Report of the Editor of the Gospel Herald, B.F.C. Edition;
With the help of the Lord, we have served another year as editor of our church paper. Several attempts have been made to improve our paper and to create new interest among our readers. This has been very difficult. The interest on part of our pastors have been feeble. We hope that their interest will improve. There have been times when not enough copy was available for one issue. We must depend upon the pastors for their support. The editor appreciated the help of Pastor A. L. Seifert and Harold P. Shelly, Jr., of Berean Bible School for their assistance during the year as well as Pastor R. C. Reichenbach for his interest in securing additional subscriptions.
David E. Thomann, Editor.
Report of the Circulation Manager of the B.F.C. Edition of the Gospel Herald:
Once again I regret to report that we are still decreasing in our number of subscribers to the B.F.C. Edition of the Gospel Herald. Last year at this time we had 690 subscribers. To date we have 641, a loss of 49.
I note that some of our Classes are doing very well, while in others there seems to be little interest. If we believe in seeing good literature in the homes of our people, then there should be a greater emphasis on our Church paper in all of our churches.
Please take notice that the Church plan will not be in operation this year. A new Club plan has taken its place. Your circulation manager will be most happy to explain details of its operation to you.
FINANCIAL
Balance in Treasury, October 1, 1958 $ 4.92
Received for subscriptions 1,905.92 $1,910.84
Expenditures:
To Union Gospel Press $1,705.61
To Board of Publication & Printing 140.00
Refunds 27.75
Secretarial Expenses 25.21
Total Expenses $1,898.57
Balance in Treasury, September 30, 1959 12.27 $1,910.84
Respectfully submitted,
R. C. Reichenbach.
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We, the Committee on Communications report that we have received word from the following Missionaries:
Olive Rawn of the Sudan,
Leonard and Nina Buck of the Union of South Africa,
The Austin Shelly Family and the Barclay Harley Family of Venezuela,
Rev. and Mrs. C. F. Snyder, retired Missionaries of California.
Olive Rawn is continuing her village work even though other activities have been curtailed because of government restrictions.
The Bucks have written concerning the wide influence of Christian Literature in South Africa.
Austin and Ruth Shelly are busily engaged in reaching adults and children in Sunday School work.
The Harleys request prayer as they work in the Orinoco Academy with 35 missionary children.
Brother and Sister Snyder report that God is using them in leading Prayer Meetings and preparing material for use in Foreign Missionary work. Therefore,
Resolved, That we continue to pray for, and support these Missionaries as they labor in the place where God has called them.
A telegram was received from C. Leslie Miller. He wishes for those assembled at this Annual Conference that the God of Grace will provide Wisdom and Guidance, and also, a greater vision and a more fruitful ministry. Therefore,
Resolved, That we commit our Brother to the Lord in his new field of labor with the Gospel Light Publications.
We have also received communication from A. G. Woodring by telephone. He has informed us that he has returned from the hospital after weeks of convalescence from surgery, and is enjoying better health. Therefore,
Resolved, That we thank our God for His faithfulness and pray that the Lord will continue to bless our Brother.
William A. Heffner, Richard H. Kline,
David E. Thomann,
Committee.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE ARTICLES OF FAITH
(Second Reading)
The following Articles are submitted at this time for the consideration of the Annual Conference. Please note the Articles are not numbered as the final order of the Articles will be determined after all of them have been considered. The Committee has not considered all the Articles of Faith.
Article
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
The Holy Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired,1 infallible Word of God,2 a divine revelation, the original writings of which were verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit.3 They are the supreme and final authority of faith and conduct.4
Inspiration is a special act of the Holy Spirit,3 by which He guided the writers of the Scriptures so that their words would convey the thoughts He wished conveyed, would bear a proper relationship to the thoughts of the other inspired books, and be kept free from error of fact, doctrine and judgment.5
The Holy Scriptures, the Word of God, written, are composed of all books of the Old Testament and the New Testament, namely:
Old Testament New Testament
Genesis Ecclesiastes Matthew I Timothy
Exodus Song of Solomon Mark II Timothy
Leviticus Isaiah Luke Titus
Numbers Jeremiah John Philemon
Deuteronomy Lamentations Acts Hebrews
Joshua Ezekiel Romans James
Judges Daniel I Corinthians I Peter
Ruth Hosea II Corinthians II Peter
I Samuel Joel Galatians I John
11 Samuel Amos Ephesians II John
I Kings Obadiah Philippians III John
II Kings Jonah Colossians Jude
I Chronicles Micah I Thessalonians Revelation
11 Chronicles Nahum II Thessalonians
Ezra Habakkuk
Nehemiah Zephaniah
Esther Haggai
Job Zechariah
Psalms Malachi
Proverbs
1 11 Timothy 3:15-17 … the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Psalms 119:89 Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever. John 10:35 … and the scripture cannot be broken.
3 II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. I Peter 1:10,11 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. I Corinthians 2:12,13 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
4 John 17:17… thy word is truth. Luke 24:27,44 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scripture the things concerning himself and he said unto them, these are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me. Revelation 22:18,19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
5 Matthew 5:17,18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Article
THE TRINITY
There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son1 and the Holy Spirit;2 and these three are one God,3 the same in substance, eternally equal in power and glory.
1 Matthew 3:16,17 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
2 Acts 5:3,4 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost … Thou has not lied unto men, but unto God.
3 Genesis 1:1,26 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…. Matthew 28:19 . . . baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. II Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus; Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.
Article
GOD THE FATHER
There is but one living and true God,1 imminent, transcendent, infinite in being and perfection, pure spirit,2 invisible, immutable,3 eternal, almighty, all wise,4 Most holy, most free, most loving, most gracious, most merciful, long suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin,5 the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, and withal most just and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.
1 Isaiah 45:5,6 I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the Lord, and there is none else.
2 John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
3 Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord I change not….
4 Romans 11:33,34 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?
5 Exodus 34:6,7 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the. iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
Article
GOD THE SON
Jesus Christ the Son of God, is the Word,1 the eternal and true God, who is of one substance and equal with the Father.2 He took upon Himself man’s nature with all the essential properties thereof, yet apart from sin: being conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,3 so that two perfect and distinct natures were joined in one person, which person is truly God and truly man, the only mediator between God and man.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the revelation of God to man.4 In the days of His humiliation5 He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, taught the will of God,5 was crucified and died: was buried and arose bodily from the dead the third day. The Lord Jesus offered Himself a sacrifice for sins,6 satisfied the justice of the Father, propitiated the wrath of God, reconciled God and man,7 and obtained an eternal inheritance.
The Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven from whence He came and was exalted taking His place at the right hand of the Father where He makes intercession in behalf of all who come to God through Him.8
1 John 1:1-3:14 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was not any thing made that was made. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
2 Colossians 1:15-20 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities. or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of the cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
3 Matthew 1:22-23 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
4 Hebrews 1:1-4 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who, being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
5 Philippians 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
6 Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
7 Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
8 Hebrews 4:14,15 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Article
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
The eternal1 Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son,2 is of the same substance and equal in power and glory with the Father and the Son. By Him the prophets were moved to speak the Word of God, and all writers of the Holy Scriptures were inspired to record infallibly the mind and will of God.3 He is the only efficient agent in the application of redemption. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness and of judgment,4 moves them to repentance and regenerates5 them by His grace, enabling them to embrace Jesus Christ by faith.
The Holy Spirit indwells all true believers, baptizing them into one body of which Christ is the head.6 He, the divine Comforter, Intercessor and Advocate, empowers the believer for service.7
1 Hebrews 9:14 ….. who through the eternal Spirit …..
2 John 14:16,26 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
3 II Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
4 John 16:7-11 ….. the Comforter ….. will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
5 John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 I Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
7 Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Article
CREATION
The triune God according to His sovereign will created out of nothing and out of things that He had made, by immediate and mediate action, the worlds and all that is therein.1 He is the Governor and Upholder of the creation by His wisdom and the word of His mighty power.2
1 Genesis 1:1,2 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (See also Genesis 1:3-2:3) Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
2 Colossians 1:16,17 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Article
SIN
Sin is any lack of conformity to the will of God,1 or transgression of the law of God.2 Sin separates man from God incurring His wrath and judgment; and it is manifested in the selfishness, rebellion and the total depravity of man’s conduct and behavior before God and man. Sin is the cause of the curse and defilement of the created universe.3
1 I John 5:17 All unrighteousness is sin…. James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not to him it is sin.
2 I John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
3 Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (See also Genesis 3:17,18)
Article
REPENTANCE
Repentance unto life is a voluntary act of man,1 accomplished by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Repentance consists of a knowledge of sin,2 a sense of guilt and corruption which results in the confession and forsaking of sin and a turning to God.
1 Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
2 John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness of judgment.
3 I Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
Article
REGENERATION
Regeneration, or the New Birth,1 is an instantaneous creative act of God through the agency of the Holy Spirit, whereby divine life is imparted to those dead in sin,2 making them members of the family of God.3
1 John 3:3,6,7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again. I Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.
2 Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the. washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
3 John 1: 11-13 He came unto his own and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
Article
JUSTIFICATION
Justification is the act of God’s grace whereby the sinner is declared righteous solely through faith1 in the redemptive work of Christ;2 by this action the righteousness of Christ is imputed,3 sin is pardoned and the sinner is restored to divine favor.4
1 Romans 5:1,2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Acts 13:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
2 Romans 8:33,34 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth, It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
3 Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. II Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
4 Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman, Jansen E. Hartman,
Willard E. Cassel, Secretary, A. L. Seifert,
F. B. Hertzog, Donald T. Kirkwood,
T. D. Gehret,
Committee.
Resolved, that we proceed with elections.
Board of Directors: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, T. D. Gehret, Jansen E. Hartman, Walter H. Frank, Donald T. Kirkwood, Paul I. Wentz, Byron C. Cassel, and Daniel K. Ziegler.
General Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions: T. D. Gehret.
Board of Foreign Missions: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, T. D. Gehret, Walter H. Frank, Willard E. Cassel, Kermit K. Gehman, Roy E. Williams, James R. Cressman, Robert Breitegam.
Board of Home Missions: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, William A. Heffner, Jansen E. Hartman, A. L. Seifert, Clayton E. Weber, S. A. Hackman.
Adjourned at 9:00 p.m. with prayer by Horace A. Kauffman.
EIGHTH MEETING
Thursday Morning, October 15, 1959
The Meeting was opened by singing. “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord.” W. F. Heffner led in prayer.
Donald T. Kirkwood brought a challenging message to the conference on “The Victory, Power, and Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ,” based on Matt, 16: 13 to 19. LeRoy S. Heller sang, “A Charge to Keep I Have.”
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
Report of the Committee on Statistics: (See Reports)
Resolved, That we include all other offerings in the Summary Report of the Committee on Statistics.
Jansen E. Hartman presented the proposed Berean Bible School Budget for the following year.
Resolved, That the chair appoint a Committee of 3 to work with Clyde Snyder relative to the painting of Church Signs.
He appointed the Committee on Publication and Printing.
Adjourned with prayer by Norman F. Gordon.
NINTH MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 15, 1959
The Meeting was opened with the singing of “Power in the Blood.” Harold A. Mann led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
Whereas, God has given us a growing concern for greater emphasis on establishment of Churches in our Home Mission Department, therefore,
Resolved, That we ask the Home Mission Board to investigate changes in our Home Mission program that will better enable us to train men and to establish churches. They shall submit to the next Annual Conference a proposed program to bring about the desired changes.
Resolved, That the sign presented by Clyde Snyder be adopted as the official sign for street advertisement of the Bible Fellowship Church, and further,
Resolved, That tempered hard board be used.
John H. Riggall, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Committee.
Resolved, That we continue with the election of officers.
Trustees of the Home: T. D. Gehret, Ernest B. Hartman, R. H. Gehman, Earl M. Hosler, Timothy H. Gehman, George W. Krigor.
Board of Education for Three Years: T. D. Gehret, Byron C. Cassel, Robert W. Gehret, Roy E. Williams.
Board of Education for Two Years: John Stengele.
Resolved, That we print 1200 Year Books to be sold at $1.00 per copy. Checks shall be made payable and forwarded to N. H. Wolf, Secretary. The deficit shall be paid out of the Committee of Publication and Printing Fund.
REPORT OF GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE-1959
(Second Reading)
Only ordained ministers and probationers having charge of a work, who are willing to minister under the direction of the Annual Conference and according to the Discipline shall be eligible to be elected or appointed to Conference Offices, Boards or Committees.
Election of Conference Boards and Officers (continued)
Vice-District Superintendents
Vice-District Superintendent(s) shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office of District Superintendent, the Board of Directors shall designate which of the Vice-District Superintendents shall fill the unexpired term.
Committee Over the District Superintendents
The Committee Over the District Superintendents shall consist of three ordained ministers elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference.
President of Berean Bible School
The President of Berean Bible School shall be elected annually by ballot by the Board of Education from among the ordained ministers. His election shall be submitted to the Adjourned session of the Annual Conference for ratification.
Chairman of Annual Conference
The Chairman of the Annual Conference shall be a District Superintendent elect and shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session.
Vice-Chairman of Annual Conference
The Vice-Chairman of the Annual Conference shall be a District Superintendent elect and shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session.
Secretary of Annual Conference
The Secretary of the Annual Conference shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session from among the ordained ministers. The Secretary shall appoint his assistants.
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office, the Board of Directors shall appoint a treasurer to fill the unexpired term.
The Victory Valley Committee
The Victory Valley Committee shall be composed of the District Superintendents, two ordained ministers and three laymen and shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference.
Youth Fellowship General Committee
The Youth Fellowship General Committee shall be composed of two pastors and two laymen from each District. The District Superintendents shall be ex-officio members of this Committee. The Pastors shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference and the laymen appointed annually by the District Superintendents.
Beneficiary Society
The Beneficiary Society shall elect a President, Secretary and Treasurer at its annual meeting.
Layman’s Benevolent Society
The Annual Conference shall elect annually by ballot three laymen to serve as a Board of Trustees of the Layman’s Benevolent Society, designating the President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Board.
COMMITTEES TO BE APPOINTED
Committee on Publication and Printing
The Committee on Publication and Printing shall consist of three ordained ministers appointed annually by the Chairman of the Annual Conference.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE MEMBERS
Members of the Annual Conference shall be as follows:
1. All ordained ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church laboring under the direction of the Annual Conference.
2. All probationers who have charge of a conference appointment under the direction of the Annual Conference.
3. All retired ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church.
4. Lay delegate(s) from each church or circuit as provided by the Discipline.
Advisory members of the Annual Conference shall be as follows:
1. Ordained ministers of the Bible Fellowship Church who retain their membership in one of our local churches, and who are engaged in Christian service not directly responsible to our Annual Conference.
2. Home Missionary Pastors.
3. Missionaries who hold membership in one of our local churches and are under the supervision of the Foreign Mission Board of the Bible Fellowship Church.
Participation in proceedings of the Annual Conference shall be as follows:
1. Only members of the Annual Conference shall be eligible to vote.
2. Advisory members shall not be permitted to participate in Conference discussions except by request of the Chairman.
PULPIT SUPPLY
Local Conference Action:
1. On the last Sunday of September the delegate of each church or circuit shall conduct a congregational meeting after the morning worship. A poll shall be taken without public discussion as to pastoral relations. The First Delegate shall preside. When a Pastor has served in the pastorate for nine consecutive years or when, for any other reason, he will not be available for further consideration, no congregational poll shall be taken.
The poll shall contain the following:
a. Do you desire to retain your pastor? Yes or No
b. Reasons for the above expression
c. Signature
(This poll is to give direction to the Official Board and must be signed to be considered.)
2. The Official Board, excluding the Pastor, shall deal with the matter of Pulpit Supply. The First Delegate shall be chairman. Two-thirds of the membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
3. In the case of circuits, the combined Official Boards of all churches shall deal with the matter of Pulpit Supply.
4. The Official Board shall within three (3) days (Tuesday) prepare a preference list by ballot using parliamentary procedure containing its first and second choice for pastor. These choices shall be made from a list of Bible Fellowship ministers and probationers having charge of a work. It shall be furnished by the District Superintendents.
a. The First Delegate shall immediately inform the pastor in writing of the order of the preference list. Preference list shall not be made public.
b. The First Delegate shall inform the District Superintendent by telephone of the order of the preference list by Tuesday following the congregational poll. Preference list and polls shall be sent immediately by certified mail.
5. Failure to comply with the above time limits shall result in the matter of Pulpit Supply being dealt with by the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee as set forth hereafter under Annual Conference Action.
Annual Conference Action:
1. The District Superintendent shall inform each pastor of the church(es) having listed his name first or second on its preference list. This information is to be conveyed by telephone on the Wednesday following the congregational poll and confirmed immediately by certified mail.
2. The Pastor shall consider his first choice(s) and make his decision. He shall convey this information to the District Superintendent by Saturday of the same week. Confirmation shall follow immediately by certified mail.
3. By Monday of the following week, the District Superintendent shall inform the delegate of the acceptance of the call of the church involving a first choice.
4. He shall also on the same day inform the remaining pastors of available church(es) involving second choice.
5. The Pastor shall consider his second choice(s) and make his decision. He shall convey this information to the District Superintendent by Thursday of the same week. Confirmation shall follow immediately by certified mail.
6. On Friday of this same week the District Superintendent shall inform the delegate of the acceptance of the call of the church involving a second choice.
7. On Friday of this same week the District Superintendent shall inform the delegates of churches, not having received their first or second choices, of the available men. The Official Board shall meet before Monday of the following week and prepare a preference list, using parliamentary procedure, designating their first and second choices. These choices shall be dealt with by the Stationing, Boundary, and Appropriating Committee at Annual Conference.
8. Failure to comply with the above time limits shall result in the forfeiture of the choice under consideration.
9. The Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee shall deal with the matter of Pulpit Supply of stations, circuits and missions who have not yet received a pastor. Stations and circuits shall be given priority. No choices shall be granted without the District Superintendent having consulted with the Pastor involved. Delegates from mission churches shall be on call for consultation relative to Pulpit Supply.
10. The Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee shall compile and present a list of all appointments and appropriations subject to the approval of the Annual Conference.
11. No pastor shall serve any church longer than nine consecutive years.
12. The delegate shall announce a pastor’s acceptance of the call of the church.
FIRST READING
The following was approved by the Board of Directors (September 17, 1959) to be presented to the 1959 Annual Conference.
The following is a suggested format to bring together the materials which shall eventually become our Constitution.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
I.
Business Rules for Annual Conference sessions, see page 5, 1958 Year Book.
II.
Members of Annual Conference (Passed Second Reading, 1959).
III.
Officers of the Annual Conference
Chairman of the Annual Conference
Election — The Chairman of the Annual Conference shall be a District Superintendent elect and shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session.
Duties — 1. He shall be the moderator of all sessions of the Annual Conference, directing the sessions according to the Constitution of the Church.
2. (His presiding at the ordination services is held in abeyance until the entire problem of Ministerial Candidates is completed.)
Vice-Chairman of the Annual Conference
Election — The Vice-Chairman of the Annual Conference shall be a District Superintendent elect and shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session.
Duties — 1. He shall occupy the Chair and take over the duties of the Chairman whenever the latter is unable to fulfill the office.
Secretary of the Annual Conference
Election — The Secretary of the Annual Conference shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session, from among the ordained ministers. The Secretary shall appoint his assistants.
Duties — 1. He shall accurately record the transactions of the Conference, preserve the records carefully and grant excerpts from them whenever required.
2. He shall be the Editor and publisher of the Year Book. The official minutes of the Annual Conference shall be published therein.
3. He shall send Year Books to our Foreign Missionaries, to the Eastern and Western Clergy Bureaus and to any other agencies deemed advisable.
Denominational Officers
President
Election — The President shall be elected annually by and from the members of the Board of Directors.
Duties — 1. He shall be moderator of all the meetings of the Board of Directors.
2. He shall be responsible to oversee the transaction of all matters delegated to the Board.
Vice-President
Election — The Vice-President shall be elected annually by and from the members of the Board of Directors.
Duties — 1. He shall be moderator of all meetings of the Board of Directors when the President is unable to be present. He shall serve in the capacity of the President in the event the President is unable to fill his office.
Treasurer
Election — The Treasurer shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office, the Board of Directors shall appoint a treasurer to fill the unexpired term.
Duties — 1. He shall receive and deposit in the bank(s) selected by the Board of Directors, all monies under the control of the Bible Fellowship Church.
2. He shall countersign all checks.
3. He shall present a written report to the Annual Conference.
District Superintendent(s)
Election — 1. District Superintendent(s) shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session, from among the active ordained ministers.
2. The tenure of office shall begin after the incumbent has submitted his report to the next annual Conference. The District Superintendent elect shall deal with the matters relative to pulpit supply.
3. In the event of a vacancy in the office of District Superintendent, the Board of Directors shall determine which of the Vice-District Superintendents shall fill the vacancy.
4. No District Superintendent shall be reelected after having served five (5) years unless he receives two-thirds of the votes of the Annual Conference. After having served as District Superintendent, and leaving the office, he shall be ineligible for election for a period of three years.
5. No man shall serve as District Superintendent for longer than nine (9) consecutive years.
Duties — 1. (Frequency of visits (possibly 4 including 2 local conferences) and the support was considered and retained for further study.)
2. He shall review the duties of the officers accountable to the Local Conference and emphasize the duties of members toward their pastor once each year on each charge.
3. He shall meet with the Official Board at least once each year to review the progress of the work.
4. He is accountable to the Annual Conference for the performance of his official duties and shall submit annually a written report of his district.
5. He shall help the churches and pastors with ideas and methods for promoting the spreading of the Gospel.
6. By virtue of his office, he shall be a member of the following: Board of Directors, Board of Foreign Missions, Board of Church Extension, Board of Education, Committee of Victory Valley, and Board of the Home.
Vice-District Superintendent(s)
Election — Vice-District Superintendent(s) shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session from among the active ordained ministers.
Duties — He shall fill the unexpired term of the District Superintendent should a vacancy occur in the office.
Church Extension Director
Election — 1. A Church Extension Director shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session from among the active ordained ministers.
2. No man shall serve in the office of Church Extension Director for more than nine (9) consecutive year.
Duties — 1. He shall be the administrative officer of the Board of Church Extension and shall execute the policies formulated by the Board.
2. He shall be responsible for the dispensing of funds allotted to him by the Board of Church Extension.
3. He shall exercise supervision of the men laboring under the Board of Church Extension.
4. He shall be responsible to promote the program of Church Extension in the Churches throughout the denomination.
5. He shall promote an aggressive program of evangelism and church extension.
6. He shall be responsible to the Board of Church Extension and shall submit a quarterly written report to the Board.
7. He shall under all circumstances function in cooperation with the District Superintendents, and in all matters of importance act only by the approval of the Board of Church Extension.
8. He shall submit a written report to the Annual Conference summarizing the activities of the Church Extension Department.
V.
Standing Boards and Committees
Board of Directors
Election — The Board of Directors shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference. It shall consist of the District Superintendents, four ordained ministers and three laymen.
Board of Foreign Missions
Election — The Board of Foreign Missions shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference. It shall consist of the District Superintendents, General Secretary, two ordained ministers and four laymen.
Board of Church Extension
Election — The Board of Church Extension shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference. It shall consist of the District Superintendents, Church Extension Director, two ordained ministers and two laymen.
Duties — 1. The Board of Church Extension shall have the authority to establish and aid in the organization of new congregations.
2. The purchase of real estate or erection of buildings for Church Extension purposes shall be approved by the Board of Church Extension. This action shall be referred to the Board of Directors for final approval and consummation of legal transactions.
3. It shall seek to encourage and stimulate Church Extension activities by the local churches.
4. It shall have charge of the distribution of all money received.
5. It shall have the authority to assign Church Extension ministers to churches under its jurisdiction or to other fields of service.
6. It shall require the churches under its jurisdiction to adhere to the Constitution of the Bible Fellowship Church.
7. It shall recommend applicants to the Committee on Annual Conference License.
8. It shall select the man or men from the Church Extension Department necessary to complete the Pastoral Supply Availability List.
9. It shall make recommendations to Annual Conference as to the advisability of admitting Church Extension Churches into the Annual Conference.
10. The Board shall make a written report of its activities to Annual Conference.
David E. Thomann, Chairman, John H. Riggall,
Willard E. Cassel, Secretary, J. E. Golla,
William A. Heffner, Rufus Spedden,
R. C. Reichenbach, A. L. Wentz,
A. L. Seifert, James R. Cressman,
Committee.
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time.
Adjourned at 5:02 p.m. with prayer by the Secretary, N. H. Wolf.
TENTH MEETING
Thursday Evening, October 15, 1959
The Meeting was opened at 6:30 p.m. with the singing of “My Saviour’s Love.” H. D. Yarrington led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS
1. Whereas, we the members of the 76th Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church have been greatly blessed of God with godly and able leadership in the persons of our District Superintendents, F. B. Hertzog and C. E. Kirkwood, who have untiringly served in their offices in a commendable and gracious manner, therefore,
Resolved, That we thank our Lord for them and pledge them our prayerful co-operation and support during the coming year.
2. Whereas, Jansen E. Hartman has been enabled by the Holy Spirit to serve effectively in the capacity of Berean Bible School President, having faithfully fulfilled his responsibilities, therefore,
Resolved, That we thank God for His bountiful blessings upon him and pledge our daily prayerful support.
3. Whereas, God has been gracious in sustaining all of our Pastors thus enabling them to proclaim faithfully the whole counsel of God, therefore,
Resolved, That we yield ourselves anew to the Lord of the Harvest.
4. Whereas, God has given to us many loyal people who comprise the constituency of our churches, therefore,
Resolved, That we thank our Lord for them and joyfully unite with them in God’s great work of calling out a people for His Name.
5. Whereas, God has enabled our retired ministers, E. E. Kublic, F. M. Hottel and E. J. Rutman to be present at this Annual Conference, and,
Whereas, They have been faithfully serving the Lord, therefore,
Resolved, That we thank God for them and pray that His rich blessing continue upon them.
6. Whereas, a communication has been received from A. G. Woodring, stating that he is physically unable to be present, therefore,
Resolved, That we pray God will bless him with the joy of His presence and restore physical strength to his body.
7. Whereas, Pastor Walter H. Frank and the members of the Bethel Bible Fellowship Church, Allentown, have provided abundantly for the temporal needs of the members of this Conference, therefore
Resolved, That we thank them heartily for their generous provision, and
Resolved, That the Secretary provide Pastor Frank with a copy of this resolution to be read to the congregation.
8. Whereas, The Gehman Bible House, Easton, Pa. has continued to distribute church and Sunday School supplies which are sound in doctrine, therefore,
Resolved, That we recognize the Gehman Bible House as the official agency for these supplies in our denomination.
9. Whereas, N. H. Wolf has served as Editor of the Year Book, Paul I. Wentz as Treasurer of our denomination and T. D. Gehret as General Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board, therefore,
Resolved, That we give each of them a gift of fifty ($50.00) dollars, the first two given from the fund of the Committee on Publication and Printing and the last from the Foreign Mission Fund.
10. Whereas, H. D. Yarrington and J. B. Henry have attended the sessions of this Conference, therefore.
Resolved, That we thank God for their sustained interest in our denomination and pray God’s guidance and grace upon them for the coming year.
11. Whereas, David E. Thomann and R. C. Reichenbach have served acceptably in their offices of Editor and Circulation Manager of the Bible Fellowship Church Edition of the Gospel Herald, therefore,
Resolved, That from the fund of the Committee on Publications and Printing we give to the Editor one hundred ($100.00) dollars and the Circulation Manager twenty-five ($25.00) dollars.
12. Whereas, The Union Gospel Press has manifested their interest in us by the printing and publishing of the Bible Fellowship Church edition of the Gospel Herald, therefore,
Resolved, That we thank God for their commendable service and pray God’s blessing upon them, and further,
Resolved, That the Secretary of Annual Conference send a copy of this resolution to them.
13. Whereas, God has bestowed spiritual and material blessings upon the Berean Bible School. therefore,
Resolved, That we praise God for His constant faithfulness and pray for His continued blessings upon the school.
14. Whereas, J. B. Layne, after faithfully serving in the ministry of our Church for 43 years, has requested to be placed on the list of retired ministers due to physical reasons, therefore,
Resolved, That we give thanks to God for the faithful ministry of brother Layne and pledge our prayers on his behalf.
15. Whereas, God has been pleased in the last nine years to shower His manifest blessings upon the ministry and leadership of Jansen E. Hartman as the Director of Home Missions, and
Whereas, Jansen E. Hartman has rendered whole-hearted and devoted service to the cause of Church extension, giving himself unsparingly to the work of the Church and the interest of the young men in our ministry.
Resolved, That we give thanks to God and pray that the Lord will reward him richly for his labor of love.
John H. Riggall, Earl M Hosler,
A. L. Seifert, R. C. Reichenbach,
Carl C. Cassel,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Auditing:
We have examined the reports and accounts of the following:
Local Conference Records, District Superintendents’ Reports, Camp Meetings, General Camp Meeting Committee, Conference Treasurer, Committee on Finance, Committee on Statistics, Ministers’ Retirement Fund, Laymen’s Benevolent Society, Board of Foreign Missions, Board of Education, Gospel Herald Subscriptions, Beneficiary Fund, Victory Valley, Cafeteria Account Mizpah Grove, Menno Youth General Committee, Sunday School Promotion Committee, Committee on Publication and Printing, Board of Directors, Board of Home Missions, Board of Trustees of the Home, Home Mission Director.
A number of errors were found and corrected. We find the above stated accounts to be in a satisfactory condition. We strongly recommend that all local conference records be carefully audited at the local level before being submitted to Conference.
T. D. Gehret, Daniel K. Ziegler, R. Spedden, R. S. Weidner, Clayton E. Weber, Robert W. Gehret, Clarence L. Kauffman, Earl M. Hosler, R. C. Reichenbach, R. Paul Schaeffer, Edward J. Dietzman, Horace A. Kauffman, Harold A. Mann, Robert Breitegam, Merrill F. Achey, E. R. Keiper,
Committee.
Resolved, That a Committee of five be elected to review the Annual Conference auditing procedures and the tabulation of statistical records with the purpose of reducing the time required for these functions at Annual Conference.
The Committee shall present its findings and recommendations to the Adjourned Session of the 1959 Annual Conference.
The following were elected:
Committee to Review Annual Conference Auditing Procedures, Etc.: Daniel K. Ziegler, Roy E. Williams, Byron C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, Clarence L. Kauffman.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for the Ministry: Donald T. Kirkwood, William A. Heffner, Jansen E. Hartman, P. T. Stengele, Carl C. Cassel.
Committee Over the District Superintendents: W. F. Heffner, P. T. Stengele, W. W. Hartman.
Laymen’s Benevolent Society: Arthur W. Deppe, President; Allen S. Weiss, Secretary; A. L. Wentz, Treasurer.
Resolved, That all contributions received for 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, 1906 Hilltop Terrace, Bethlehem, Pa.
General Youth Committee: Carl C. Cassel, LeRoy Heller, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Frank L. Herb, Jr., Warren Zuck, Glenn Sheats, Daniel G. Ziegler, Donald Siegfried.
Sunday School Promotion Committee for Three Years: W. B. Hottel, Norman L. Reed, Horace A. Kauffman.
Victory Valley Youth Camp: Walter H. Frank, Carl C. Cassel, S. A. Hackman, Clayton E. Weber, Kermit K. Gehman.
Resolved, That we grant the requests of the brethren to be absent from tomorrow’s Conference Meetings.
Resolved, That the Committee on Resolutions draw up a resolution pertaining to the sending of petitions to the proper Civil Authorities relating to our stand on the reading of the Bible in our public schools.
Adjourned at 9:05 p.m, with prayer by our recording Secretary, Robert W. Smock.
ELEVENTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 16, 1959
The Meeting was opened by singing, “Amazing Grace.” T. D. Gehret led in prayer. Daniel K. Ziegler sang, “Fill All My Vision.”
Ernest B. Hartman used Isaiah 53:1 as the basis of a devotional message on the Ministry of Isaiah as an incentive to faithful service.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
Adjourned with prayer by Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
TWELFTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 16, 1959
The Meeting was opened with singing, “Coming Again” and George E. Herb led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The following Report was adopted:
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY ARTICLES OF FAITH
(First Reading)
Article
THE JUDGMENTS
The Scriptures enumerate several judgments which differ as to time, place, subjects and results. All judgment has been committed to the Son by the Father.1
Through the death of Christ on the cross, the believer’s sins have been judged and he has passed from death into life.2 In no case do the redeemed come again into judgment concerning their eternal destiny. Each saint, however, will be required to give an account before the judgment seat of Christ regarding his works.3
The unregenerate will be judged, condemned and banished to eternal damnation in the lake of fire.4
1 John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.
2 John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
3 Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. II Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
4 Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Article
SALVATION
In the gospel salvation is offered to all men1 and is received by grace through faith and the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit,2 apart from works or human merit.3 Salvation centers in a person, Jesus Christ, and receiving Him4 includes the remission of sins on the ground of His shed blood,5 the imputation of His perfect righteousness,6 the reception of the Holy Spirit7 and the impartation of eternal life.8
1John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2 John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
3 Ephesians 2:8, 9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
4 John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
5 Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
6 I Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
7 Romans 8:9b … Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
8 I John 5:11, 12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Article
THE CHURCH
The Church is the body of which Christ is the Head.1 All those redeemed by His blood2 and born of His Spirit are members of that body and are in mystical union and communion with Christ3 and fellow believers.4 The Church is universal and local, visible and invisible. The visible Church consists of all those professing faith in Christ. The invisible Church is composed of all those born of the Spirit.5
The purpose of the Church is to edify the saints6 and to evangelize the world.7
The Head of the Church administers the affairs of His body through overseers chosen by Himself and selected by the people.8
A properly constituted local Church must include the ministry of God’s Word, the observance of the ordinances, the oversight by officers,9 and the exercise of disciplines.10 The overseers of the Church are to be prayed for, obeyed and honored.11
1 Colossians 1:18a And he is the head of the body, the church: …
2 1 Peter 1:18,19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
3 Romans 6:5, 6 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
41 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
5 I Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free: and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
6 I Corinthians 12:7,11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
7 Matthew 28:19, 20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world. Amen.
8 Ephesians 4:11, 12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
9 I Peter 5:2, 3, 5 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder, Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
10 Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
11Hebrews 13:7,17,24 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. .
Article
SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit in the believer1 which purifies the life2 and conforms the whole man to the image of Christ as the Word of God is believed and obeyed.3 It begins at regeneration4 continues throughout the individual’s life5 on earth and reaches its completion at the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ.6
1 II Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 I Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
3 John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth
4 I Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
5 Ephesians 4:24, 26, 27 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath; Neither give place to the devil.
6 I Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
THIRTEENTH MEETING
(Adjourned Session)
Saturday Morning, April 11, 1959
The meeting was opened with the singing of “The Son of God Goes Forth to War,” after which the Chairman, District Superintendent F. B. Hertzog, led in the responsive reading of the Epistle of Jude.
His remarks were centered on the ability of God to keep us from falling in spite of the present day apostasy. W. W. Hartman and Walter H. Frank led in prayer, invoking God’s direction in the decisions of the day, after which all joined in singing, “Faith of Our Fathers.”
The roll was called by the Secretary.
The Committee to Study Church Name reported the results of the conference-wide ballot taken on the name, “Bible Fellowship Church.”
Results of ballot taken on name, “Bible Fellowship Church”:
Do Not
Church Approve Approve
Allentown (Bethel) 189 44
Reading 79 55
Sunbury 58 14
York 63 15
Shamokin 23 29
Hatfield 65 6
Harrisburg 35 14
Mt. Carmel 18 1
Royersford 36 3
Spring City 35 5
Graterford 14 5
Harleysville 28 4
Nazareth 27 3
Northampton 18 11
Lehighton 10 7
Walnutport 11 9
Lebanon 24 9
Lancaster 27 1
Stroudsburg 22 5
Bethlehem 84 70
Philadelphia (Salem) 60 10
Quakertown 83 11
Easton 38 28
Coopersburg 36 23
Chester 65 5
Allentown (Salem) 24 11
Emmaus 37 34
Macungie 8 8
Zionsville 14 22
Fleetwood 45 12
Blandon 29 11
Scranton 35 1
Terre Hill 57 2
Philadelphia (Calvary) 32 5
Philadelphia (Emmanuel) 28 0
Staten Island 17 2
Jersey City 12 2
Binghamton 9 8
Denville 11 0
Finesville 15 0
Miller Heights 5 0
Millersville 10 0
Paradise 14 1
Roxborough 15 1
Trenton 15 0
Totals 1580 507
Resolved, That we vote on the church name. The result was:
Approved — 56
Do not approve — 6
Resolved, That the Board of Directors be and are hereby authorized to take necessary legal steps to have the name of our denomination changed to “Bible Fellowship Church,” including change of our Charter.
Resolved, That we elect a full time Home Mission Director.
Resolved, That a District Superintendent be elected for the Allentown District, and the informal ballot be used in nominating the candidates, the three highest to be candidates and elected according to the Discipline.
F. B. Hertzog was elected.
Resolved, That a District Superintendent be elected for the Bethlehem District, and the informal ballot be used in nominating the candidates, the three highest to be candidates and elected according to the Discipline.
C. E. Kirkwood was elected.
Resolved, That two Vice District Superintendents be elected and that the informal ballot be used in nominating the candidates, the five highest to be candidates and elected according to Discipline.
T. D. Gehret and Walter H. Frank were elected.
Resolved, That the time limit for Pastors, District Superintendents, and the Home Mission Director shall be nine years, and
That when an Elder has served in the office of District Superintendent or Director of Home Missions for a period of five of more successive years, and leaves the office he shall not be eligible for re-elections for a period of three years. (Second reading).
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That we have a nominating ballot for the office of Director of Home Missions. The five (5) receiving the highest number of votes shall be interviewed by a Committee of five (5) appointed by the Chairman regarding their availability. The two (2) District Superintendents shall be members of this Committee.
Resolved, That we adjourn, and suspend the rules to meet at the call of the Chair.
Adjourned with prayer by George E. Herb.
FOURTEENTH MEETING
Saturday Afternoon, April 11, 1959
The meeting was opened with the singing of “Grace Greater Than Our Sins.” John Dunn led in prayer.
The Secretary called the roll and the Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we proceed to elect a Home Mission Director. The Chair appointed C. E. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog, W. B. Hottel, John H. Riggall and Clayton Weber to interview the nominees for this office.
William A. Heffner was elected.
The following report was read and adopted.
REVISIONS TO STANDING RULES RELATIVE TO PULPIT SUPPLY
(First Reading)
Local Conference Action:
1. On the last Sunday of September the delegate of each church or circuit shall conduct a congregational meeting after the morning worship. A poll shall be taken without public discussion as to pastoral relations. The First Delegate shall preside. Whenever a Pastor has served in the pastorate for nine consecutive years or for any other reason will not be available for further consideration, no congregational poll shall be taken.
The poll shall contain the following:
a. Do you desire to retain your pastor? Yes or No
b. Reason for the above expression
c. Signature
(This poll is to give direction to the Official Board and must be signed to be considered.)
2. The Official Board, excluding the Pastor, shall deal with the matter of Pulpit Supply. The First Delegate shall be chairman. Two-thirds of the membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum.*
3. In the case of circuits, the combined Official Boards of all churches shall deal with the matter of Pulpit Supply.*
4. The Official Board shall within three (3) days (Tuesday) prepare a preference list by ballot using parliamentary procedure containing its first and second choice for pastor. These choices shall be made from a list of Mennonite Brethren in Christ ministers and probationers having charge of a work. It shall be furnished by the District Superintendents.
a. The First Delegate shall immediately inform the pastor in writing of the order of the preference list. Preference list shall not be made public.
b. The First Delegate shall inform the District Superintendent by telephone of the order of the preference list by Tuesday following the congregational poll. Preference list and polls shall be sent immediately by certified mail.
5. Failure to comply with the above time limits shall result in the matter of Pulpit Supply being dealt with by the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee as set forth, hereafter under Annual Conference Action.*
Annual Conference Action:
1. The District Superintendent shall inform each pastor of the church(es) having listed his name first or second on its preference list. This information is to be conveyed by telephone on the Wednesday following the congregational poll and confirmed immediately by certified mail.
2. The Pastor shall consider his first choice(s) and make his decision. He shall convey this information to the District Superintendent by Saturday of the same week. Confirmation to follow immediately by certified mail.
3. By Monday of the following week, the District Superintendent shall inform the delegate of the acceptance of the call of the church involving a first choice.
4. He shall also on the same day inform the remaining pastors of available church(es) involving second choice.
5. The Pastor shall consider his second choice(s) and make his decision. He shall convey this information to the District Superintendent by Thursday of the same week. Confirmation to follow immediately by certified mail.
6. On Friday of this same week the District Superintendent shall inform the delegate of the acceptance of the call of the church involving a second choice.
7. On Friday of this same week the District Superintendent shall inform the delegates of churches, not having received their first or second choices, of the available men. The Official Board shall meet before Monday of the following week and prepare a preference list, using parliamentary procedure, designating their first and second choices. These choices shall be dealt with by the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee at Annual Conference.
8. Failure to comply with the above time limits shall result in the forfeiture of the choice under consideration.*
9. The Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee shall deal with the matter of Pulpit Supply of stations, circuits and missions who have not yet received a pastor. Stations and circuits shall be given priority. No choices shall be granted without the District Superintendent having consulted with the Pastor involved. Delegates from mission churches shall be on call for consultation relative to Pulpit Supply.
10. The Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee shall compile and present a list of all appointments and appropriations subject to the approval of the Annual Conference.*
11. No pastor shall serve any church longer than nine consecutive years.*
12. The delegate shall announce a pastor’s acceptance of the call of the church.
*Signifies no change
David E. Thomann, Chairman, R. C. Reichenbach,
Willard E. Cassel, Secretary, William A. Heffner,
John H. Riggall, James R. Cressman,
John E. Golla, A. L. Wentz,
A. L. Seifert, Rufus Spedden,
Gov’t Committee.
Resolved, That the costs of moving pastors be borne by the Conference as heretofore.
Resolved, That two copies of Reports of all Standing Committees and Boards be mimeographed and sent to the Pastors one week previous to Annual Conference. Questions may be asked and corrections made before inclusion into the Annual Conference Minutes. Reports are not to be read publicly, unless called for from the Conference floor.
Resolved, That the club plan suggested by the Circulation Manager of the “Gospel Herald, M. B. C. Edition” be adopted.
Resolved, That standing rule “N” on page 19 of the 1958 Year Book, be amended to read, “The retirement age of District Superintendents and Pastors is established at 72 years.”
Resolved, That the Board of Foreign Missions and the Board of Home Missions study the wording and format of the pledge cards now in use by our Churches. A suggested card is to be submitted to the 1959 Annual Conference.
Adjourned at 4 p. m., with prayer by J. B. Henry.
Article
MILLENNIUM
The Millennium is that aspect of the Kingdom of God that will be ushered in when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth to rule in righteousness. The unfilled Messianic prophecies will then be completed.1 During this period Satan will be bound restricting his deceitful activities.2 The created universe will undergo a transformation3 with universal prosperity and peace prevailing on earth.4 The saints will reign with Christ5 and the earth shall be full of the knowledge and glory of the Lord.6
1 Jeremiah 23:5-8 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called. THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries wither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land. (See also Isaiah 9:6, 7)
2 Revelation 20:1-3 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
3 Isaiah 11:6-9 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (See also Romans 8:19-23)
4 Isaiah 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares. and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Isaiah 35:1, 2,7 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellence of our God. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
5 Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
6 Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 45:22, 23 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return. That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
Article
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
God ordained and instituted civil government1 for the welfare of society, to promote and to protect the good and to restrain and punish the evil.2 It is the duty of Christians to pray3 for those that are in authority, to render due loyalty,4 respect and obedience5 to them, and to pay taxes and customs demanded of them. Where demands of civil law militate against the supreme and higher law of God, Christians should obey God rather than man.6
1 Daniel 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
2 Romans 13:1-3 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
3 I Timothy 2:1, 2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
4 I Peter 2:13, 14 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
5 Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.
6 Acts 4:19, 5:29 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Article
MAN
God, by a special instantaneous act, created man in His image1—holy, righteous and possessing true knowledge2—by forming him out of the dust of the earth and breathing into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.
Our first parents did not remain in the glorious and happy state of their original creation; but, through the subtilty and deception of the devil,3 disobeyed and transgressed the command of God the creator, incurring upon themselves and their posterity the sentence of spiritual and physical death. The guilt and consequences of Adam’s sin are imputed to the whole human race so that all men are guilty,4 inherently corrupt, totally depraved5 and subjects of the wrath of God.
1 Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
2 Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man. which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (See also Psalm 8:4-6)
3 Genesis 3:1-6 Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea hath God said. Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, we may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ye shall not eat of it. neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
4 Romans 5:12-18 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, figure of him that was to come. But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
5 Romans 3:11-18 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes.
6 Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh, and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others. (See also Romans 1:18)
Article
SATAN
Satan is a created angelic being who fell from his first estate.1 He is the god of this age ruling by the permissive will of God.2 He exercises authority over the unsaved and tempts the believer to sin and continually accuses the brethren before the throne of God.3
He has been defeated by the finished work of Christ on Calvary. During the millennium he will be confined to the abyss4 to be released at the end of this period to lead the armies of evil against God. He will be finally judged and doomed to the lake of fire.5
1 Isaiah 14:12-17 How art thou fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
2 Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the Power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. II Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
3 I Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. Revelation 12:10 … for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
4 Revelation 20:2,3 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
5 Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Article
RESURRECTION
The bodily resurrection of Christ is the basis for the resurrection of man.1 At the return of the Lord the bodies of the righteous dead will be raised and the living believers will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.2 Believers will at the resurrection receive spiritual and immortal bodies like unto Christ’s own glorious body.3
The event of the resurrection is divided into two stages, separated by a period of a thousand years and differing both in respect to their subjects and their issues.4 The first resurrection includes only the righteous dead.5 The second resurrection is universal and occurs at the close of the millennium when all the unregenerate dead arc raised to be brought before the great White Throne for judgment.6
1 John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection. and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
2 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel. and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
3 Philippians 3:20, 21 For our conversation is in heaven: from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his own glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Job 19:25-27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
4 Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. John 5:28, 29 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth: they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
5 Revelation 20:5,6 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: On such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
6 Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to his works.
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman, Donald T. Kirkwood,
Willard E. Cassel, Secretary, Jansen E. Hartman,
F. B. Hertzog, A. L. Seifert,
T. D. Gehret,
Committee.
Resolved, That the Articles of Incorporation for Berean Bible School be approved and that the Board of Education be authorized to act in incorporating of the School.
The following were elected:
Editor of B.F.C. Edition of the Gospel Herald: David E. Thomann, Assistant Editors appointed by the Editor: Harold P. Shelly, Jr., and William A. Heffner.
Circulation Manager of the B.F.C. Edition of the Gospel Herald: R. C. Reichenbach.
Resolved, That we elect a Committee of seven Ministers and three laymen outside of the Board of Directors, to study and formulate proposals for the revision of our Church Government. All work of this Committee is to be approved through the Board of Directors before being presented to the next Annual Conference.
Committee: Willard E. Cassel, A. L. Seifert, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, David E. Thomann, William A. Heffner, Carl C. Cassel, A. L. Wentz, R. Spedden, Harold A. Mann.
Resolved, That the Committee on “Articles of Faith” continue with the same personnel during the coming year.
Committee: C. E. Kirkwood, Willard E. Cassel, F, B. Hertzog, T. D. Gehret, Jansen E. Hartman, A. L. Seifert, Donald T. Kirkwood.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a Committee on Publication and Printing.
He appointed John H. Riggall, John Dunn and Willard E. Cassel.
Resolved, That the chair appoint a Committee of two to compile a report of the Conference for the Gospel Herald Supplement. He appointed John Dunn and Carl C. Cassel.
Resolved, That we receive a contribution of 50c a member for the Moving Fund.
Resolved, That the adjourned session of Annual Conference be held Saturday, April 2, 1960 at 9:00 a.m. in Bethel Bible Fellowship Church, Allentown, Pa.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in the Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, 1121-25 North Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa., October 10. 1960 at 1:00 p.m.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a committee of 3 on Program. He appointed W. W. Hartman, Walter H. Frank, Willard E. Cassel.
Resolved, That we have a Ministerial Convention to be held Thursday, May 5, 1960, at Philadelphia (Salem) Bible Fellowship Church.
Officers for the Ministerial Convention: C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman; Russell T. Allen, Secretary.
Committee on Program: John H. Riggall, A. L. Seifert, Donald T. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog, T. D. Gehret, C. E. Kirkwood.
Resolved, That all mid-season offerings be paid at the Adjourned Session of Annual Conference.
Resolved, That we hold two Camp Meetings in Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa., the first to be held by the Allentown District, July 2 to July 10, 1960 and the second to be held by the Bethlehem District, July 16 to 24, 1960.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Bible Fellowship Church at its Seventy-sixth Annual Conference in Allentown, Pa. is aware of the recent opposition to the reading of the Holy Scriptures in our public schools, and,
Whereas, the Holy Scriptures have from the earliest days of our nation strengthened the spiritual, moral and social life of the citizens of our land, therefore,
Resolved, That we beseech our representatives in government carefully and courageously to consider this vital issue and enact legislation that will permit the continuation of the reading of the Holy Scriptures in our public schools, and, further,
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent by the Secretary of this Annual Conference to our state legislators, and further,
Resolved, That we encourage each of our local churches to send a similar resolution to their respective legislators.
(It was adopted)
A. L. Seifert, R. C. Reichenbach,
John H. Riggall, Carl C. Cassel,
Committee.
Report of the Committee to Organize the Allentown District Camp Meeting: The Churches of the Allentown District and the Missions located at Millersville, Paradise, Binghamton, N. Y., Denville and Jersey City, N. J. shall comprise this Camp Meeting to be held in Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa., July 2nd to July 10th, 1960. The officers are: Walter H. Frank, Chairman; N. H. Wolf, Secretary; P. T. Stengele, Treasurer.
The District Superintendent shall secure extra help if he and the Committee deem it advisable,
F. B. Hertzog, Chairman,
R. C. Reichenbach, Secretary.
Report of the Committee to Organize the Bethlehem District Camp Meeting:
The Churches of the Bethlehem District and the Missions located at Trenton, N. J., Finesville, N. J., Roxborough, Miller Heights and Macungie shall comprise this Camp Meeting to be held in Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa., July 16th to 24th, 1960.
Officers: T. D. Gehret, Chairman; David E. Thomann, Secretary; Donald T. Kirkwood, Treasurer.
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman,
Russell T. Allen, Secretary.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint an Agenda Committee of three.
He appointed C. E. Kirkwood, T. D. Gehret and Willard E. Cassel.
Resolved, That we request the Board of Directors to study the areas and responsibilities of the various Conference Boards and that they seek to formulate a master plan that would better utilize our resources and to make plans to care for the future needs of the work as a whole.
Resolved, That Paradise, Millersville, Binghamton, N. Y., Denville, N. J., and Jersey City, N. J. be included in the First District Camp Meeting and that Finesville, N. J., Roxborough, Trenton, N. J., Miller Heights and Macungie be included in the Second District Camp Meeting.
Resolved, That one ($1.00) dollar registration fee per tent accompany each order, not refundable and be turned over by the Registrar to each respective Camp Meeting Committee.
Resolved, That the rental of tents shall be eight ($8.00) dollars each per Camp Meeting in addition to the registration fee to be paid to the Pastors before the Camp Meeting. The Pastors shall pay rents to the Officers of the respective Committee no later than Tuesday of Camp involved, together with list of names and number of tents.
Resolved, That all tent orders be properly filled in and signed by the person placing the order to be sent to Donald B. Schaeffer, Registrar, no later than June 1.
The various Boards reported their organization as follows:
Board of Foreign Missions: Walter H. Frank, Chairman; T. D. Gehret, Secretary.
Board of Home Missions: C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman; A. L. Seifert, Secretary.
Board of Directors: F. B. Hertzog, Chairman and President; C. E. Kirkwood, Vice-President; Paul I. Wentz, Sr., Treasurer; Jansen E. Hartman, Secretary.
Board of Trustees of the Home: T. D. Gehret, Chairman; E. W. Bean, Secretary; David E. Thomann, Assistant Secretary; Paul I. Wentz, Treasurer.
Board of Publication and Printing: John H. Riggall, Chairman; John Dunn, Secretary.
Victory Valley Camp Committee: C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman; Carl C. Cassel, Secretary; Walter H. Frank, Treasurer.
Committee on Auditing Procedures: Daniel K. Ziegler, Chairman; Roy E. Williams, Secretary.
Sunday School Promotion Committee: James G. Koch, Chairman; Norman Reed, Assistant Chairman; Harlan Wolf, Recording Secretary; James R. Cressman, Financial Secretary.
Youth Fellowship General Committee: Carl C. Cassel, Chairman; LeRoy S. Heller, Secretary; Warren Zuck, Treasurer.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for the Ministry: Donald T. Kirkwood, Chairman; Carl C. Cassel, Secretary.
Beneficiary Society: N. H. Wolf, President; R. C. Reichenbach, Secretary; John H. Riggall, Treasurer.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules.
Adjourned at 5:10 p.m. with prayer by District Superintendent, C. E. Kirkwood.
Signed,
F. B. Hertzog, District Superintendent, Chairman,
C. E. Kirkwood, District Superintendent, Vice Chairman
N. H. Wolf, Secretary,
Paul I. Wentz, Treasurer,
Jansen E. Hartman, Director of Home Missions,
Ernest B. Hartman, Assistant Secretary,
Robert W. Smock, Recording Secretary,
Russell T. Allen, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Walter H. Frank, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, J. E. Golla, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, W. F. Heffner, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, Donald T. Kirkwood, Richard H. Kline,
James G. Koch, J. B. Layne, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, Donald B. Schaeffer, A. L. Seifert,
P. T. Stengele, David E. Thomann, H. D. Yarrington, F. M. Hottel, E. E. Kublic, E. J. Rutman, Carl C. Cassel, George E. Herb, Robert F. Johnson, James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.,
Norman F. Gordon, Clarence L. Kauffman, R. Paul Schaeffer, Robert Breitegam, William E. Miller, Edward W. Baker, George A. John, Daniel K. Ziegler, David F. Gardner, Roy E. Williams, R.S. Weidner, S. A. Hackman, A. W. Deppe, William P. Snyder, Burton Deppe, Charles W. Weaber, Horace A. Kauffman, George R. Fish, A. Franklin Campbell, Byron C. Cassel, E. R. Keiper, Allen F. LaRose, Clayton E. Weber, Harold A. Mann, Rufus Spedden, Merrill Achey, Carl Kellerman,
Robert W. Gehret, Henry B. Wilkinson, Harold D. Schlagel, Edw. J. Dietzman, Ralph D. Cole, John L. Shelly, Timothy H. Gehman, E. B. Wright.
SEVENTY -FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
THIRTEENTH MEETING
(Adjourned Session)
Saturday Morning, April 11, 1959
The meeting was opened with the singing of “The Son of God Goes Forth to War,” after which the Chairman, District Superintendent F. B. Hertzog, led in the responsive reading of the Epistle of Jude.
His remarks were centered on the ability of God to keep us from falling in spite of the present day apostasy. W. W. Hartman and Walter H. Frank led in prayer, invoking God’s direction in the decisions of the day, after which all joined in singing, “Faith of Our Fathers.”
The roll was called by the Secretary.
The Committee to Study Church Name reported the results of the conference-wide ballot taken on the name, “Bible Fellowship Church.”
Results of ballot taken on name, “Bible Fellowship Church”:
| Church | Approve | Do Not Approve |
| Allentown (Bethel) | 189 | 44 |
| Reading | 79 | 55 |
| Sunbury | 58 | 14 |
| York | 63 | 15 |
| Shamokin | 23 | 29 |
| Hatfield | 65 | 6 |
| Harrisburg | 35 | 14 |
| Mt. Carmel | 18 | 1 |
| Royersford | 36 | 3 |
| Spring City | 35 | 5 |
| Graterford | 14 | 5 |
| Harleysville | 28 | 4 |
| Nazareth | 27 | 3 |
| Northampton | 18 | 11 |
| Lehighton | 10 | 7 |
| Walnutport | 11 | 9 |
| Lebanon | 24 | 9 |
| Lancaster | 27 | 1 |
| Stroudsburg | 22 | 5 |
| Bethlehem | 84 | 70 |
| Philadelphia (Salem) | 60 | 10 |
| Quakertown | 83 | 11 |
| Easton | 38 | 28 |
| Coopersburg | 36 | 23 |
| Chester | 65 | 5 |
| Allentown (Salem) | 24 | 11 |
| Emmaus | 37 | 34 |
| Macungie | 8 | 8 |
| Zionsville | 14 | 22 |
| Fleetwood | 45 | 12 |
| Blandon | 29 | 11 |
| Scranton | 35 | 1 |
| Terre Hill | 57 | 2 |
| Philadelphia (Calvary) | 32 | 5 |
| Philadelphia (Emmanuel) | 28 | 0 |
| Staten Island | 17 | 2 |
| Jersey City | 12 | 2 |
| Binghamton | 9 | 8 |
| Denville | 11 | 0 |
| Finesville | 15 | 0 |
| Miller Heights | 5 | 0 |
| Millersville | 10 | 0 |
| Paradise | 14 | 1 |
| Roxborough | 15 | 1 |
| Trenton | 15 | 0 |
| Totals | 1580 | 507 |
Resolved, That we vote on the church name.
The result was:
Approved – 56
Do not approve – 6
Resolved, That the Board of Directors be and are hereby authorized to take necessary legal steps to have the name of our denomination changed to “Bible Fellowship Church,” including change of our Charter .
Resolved, That we elect a full time Home Mission Director .
Resolved, That a District Superintendent be elected for the Allentown District, and the informal ballot be used in nominating the candidates, the three highest to be candidates and elected according to the Discipline.
F. B. Hertzog was elected.
Resolved, That a District Superintendent be elected for the Bethlehem District, and the informal ballot be used in nominating the candidates, the three highest to be candidates and elected according to the Discipline.
C. E. Kirkwood was elected.
Resolved, That two Vice District Superintendents be elected and that the informal ballot be used in nominating the candidates, the five highest to be candidates and elected according to Discipline.
T. D. Gehret and Walter H. Frank were elected.
Resolved, That the time limit for Pastors, District Superintendents, and the Home Mission Director shall be nine years, and
That when an Elder has served in the office of District Superintendent or Director of Home Missions for a period of five of more successive years, and leaves the office he shall not be eligible for re-elections for a period of three years. (Second reading).
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That we have a nominating ballot for the office of Director of Home Missions. The five (5) receiving the highest number of votes shall be interviewed by a Committee of five (5) appointed by the Chairman regarding their availability. The two ( 2) District Superintendents shall be members of this Committee.
Resolved, That we adjourn, and suspend the rules to meet at the call of the Chair.
Adjourned with prayer by George E. Herb.
FOURTEENTH MEETING
Saturday Afternoon, April 11, 1959
The meeting was opened with the singing of “Grace Greater Than Our Sins.” John Dunn led in prayer.
The Secretary called the roll and the Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we proceed to elect a Home Mission Director. The Chair appointed C. E. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog, W. B. Hottel, John H. Riggall and Clayton Weber to interview the nominees for this office.
William A. Heffner was elected.
The following report was read and adopted.
REVISIONS TO STANDING RULES RELATIVE TO PULPIT SUPPLY
(First Reading)
Local Conference Action:
1. On the last Sunday of September the delegate of each church or circuit shall conduct a congregational meeting after the morning worship. A poll shall be taken without public discussion as to pastoral relations. The First Delegate shall preside. Whenever a Pastor has served in the pastorate for nine consecutive years or for any other reason will not be available for further consideration, no congregational poll shall be taken.
The poll shall contain the following:
a. Do you desire to retain your pastor? Yes or No
b. Reasons for the above expression
c. Signature
(This poll is to give direction to the Official Board and must be signed to be considered.)
2. The Official Board, excluding the Pastor, shall deal with the matter of Pulpit Supply. The First Delegate shall be chairman. Two-thirds of the membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum.*
3. In the case of circuits, the combined Official Boards of all churches shall deal with the matter of Pulpit Supply.*
4. The Official Board shall within three (3) days (Tuesday) prepare a preference list by ballot using parliamentary procedure containing its first and second choice for pastor. These choices shall be made from a list of Mennonite Brethren in Christ ministers and probationers having charge of a work. It shall be furnished by the District Superintendents.
a. The First Delegate shall immediately inform the pastor in writing of the order of the preference list. Preference list shall not be made public.
b. The First Delegate shall inform the District Superintendent by telephone of the order of the preference list by Tuesday following the congregational poll. Preference list and polls shall be sent immediately by certified mail.
5. Failure to comply with the above time limits shall result in the matter of Pulpit Supply being dealt with by the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee as set forth hereafter under Annual Conference Action.*
Annual Conference Action:
1. The District Superintendent shall intorm each pastor of the church(es) having listed his name first or second on its preference list. This information is to be conveyed by telephone on the Wednesday following the congregational poll and confirmed immediately by certified mail.
2. The Pastor shall consider his first choice(s) and make his decision. He shall convey this information to the District Superintendent by Saturday of the same week. Confirmation to follow immediately by certified mail.
3. By Monday of the following week, the District Superintendent shall inform the delegate of the acceptance of the call of the church involving a first choice.
4. He shall also on the same day inform the remaining pastors of available church(es) involving second choice.
5. The Pastor shall consider his second choice(s) and make his decision. He shall convey this information to the District Superintendent by Thursday of the same week. Confirmation to follow immediately by certified mail.
6. On Friday of this same week the District Superintendent shall inform the delegate of the acceptance of the call of the church involving a second choice.
7. On Friday of this same week the District Superintendent shall inform the delegates of churches, not having received their first or second choices, of the available men. The Official Board shall meet before Monday of the following week and prepare a preference list, using parliamentary procedure, designating their first and second choices. These choices shall be dealt with by the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee at Annual Conference.
8. Failure to comply with the above time limits shall result in the forfeiture of the choice under consideration.*
9. The Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee shall deal with the matter of Pulpit Supply of stations, circuits and missions who have not yet received a pastor. Stations and circuits shall be given priority. No choices shall be granted without the District Superintendent having consulted with the Pastor involved. Delegates from mission churches shall be on call for consultation relative to Pulpit Supply.
10. The Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee shall compile and present a list of all appointments and appropriations subject to the approval of the Annual Conference.*
11. No pastor shall serve any church longer than nine consecutive years.*
12. The delegate shall announce a pastor’s acceptance of the call of the church.
[* Signifies no change.]
David E. Thomann, Chairman, R. C. Reichenbach,
Willard E. Cassel, Secretary, William A. Heffner,
John H. Riggall, James R. Cressman,
John E. Golla, A. L. Wentz,
A. L. Seifert, Rufus Spedden,
Gov’t Committee.
Resolved, That the costs of moving pastors be borne by the Conference as heretofore.
Resolved, That two copies of Reports of all Standing Committees and Boards be mimeographed and sent to the Pastors one week previous to Annual Conference. Questions may be asked and corrections made before inclusion into the Annual Conference Minutes. Reports are not to be read publicly, unless called for from the Conference floor.
Resolved, That the club plan suggested by the Circulation Manager of the “Gospel Herald, M. B. C. Edition” be adopted.
Resolved, That standing rule “N” on page 19 of the 1958 Year Book, be amended to read, “The retirement age of District Superintendents and Pastors is established at 72 years.”
Resolved, That the Board of Foreign Missions and the Board of Home Missions study the wording and format of the pledge cards now in use by our Churches. A suggested card is to be submitted to the 1959 Annual Conference.
Adjourned at 4 p. m., with prayer by J. B. Henry.