SEVENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1960
Minutes, as well as Committee Reports, Indexes, and Statistics are in the 1960 Yearbook
The Seventy-seventh Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convened in Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, 1121-25 North Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa.
The Conference opened at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 10, with the singing of “The Church’s One Foundation.” W. F. Heffner led in prayer.
The Chairman of the Annual Conference, F. B. Hertzog, spoke on “The Spiritual Condition of the Church” as revealed in Revelation, chapters two and three.
A Prayer and Praise Period followed during which we invoked the blessing of God upon the deliberations of the Conference that we might do His bidding in all things. The brethren witnessed to personal victories, physically and spiritually, as they followed the Captain of our Salvation.
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, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Walter H. Frank, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, John 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, 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, J. B. Layne, E. J. Rutman, A. G. Woodring.
Probationers — James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., 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, T. LaMarn Manney
Hatfield, Daniel K. Ziegler
Mount Carmel, Roy E. Williams
Royersford, William R. Hunsberger
Spring City, R. S. Weidner
Graterford and Harleysville, S. A. Hackman
Nazareth and Catasauqua, A. W. Deppe
Lehighton, Edwin P. Yerger
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, George W. Krigor
Emmaus, Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
Easton, Allen F. LaRose
Fleetwood, Clayton E. Weber
Coopersburg, Harold A. Mann
Wallingford, Rufus Spedden
Allentown (Salem), Allan Palmer
Scranton, Carl H. Kellerman
Terre Hill, Robert W. Gehret
Philadelphia (Calvary), Henry, B. Wilkinson
Philadelphia (Emmanuel), Edward J. Dietzman
Blandon, John I. Mengel
Staten Island, N. Y., Elmer Rauscher
Zionsville, John L. Shelly
Resolved, That we accept the excuses of the absent delegates and when they arrive they shall be seated in the Conference Bar.
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)
TUESDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions in charge of T. D. Gehret.
7:30 p.m. Inspirational Service in charge of W. W. Hartman, Host
Pastor.
SPEAKER: C. E. Kirkwood, D. S.
WEDNESDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions in charge of Jansen E. Hartman.
THURSDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions in charge of P. T. Stengele.
FRIDAY: 9:00 a.m. Communion Meditation by C. E. Kirkwood.
Washing of the Saints’ Feet.
Observance of the Lord’s Supper.
(The Committee recommends the morning devotional periods be limited to 30 minutes, including singing, prayer and a brief meditation.)
W. W. Hartman, Willard E. Cassel,
Walter H. Frank,
Committee on Program.
Resolved, That the first seven pews throughout the Church shall constitute the Conference Bar.
The Committee appointed in the Annual Conference of 1959 presented a proposed agenda for this Annual Conference.
COMMITTEES
Committee on Communications: David E. Thomann, Richard H. Kline, Frank L. Herb, Jr.
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, Russell T. Allen, Donald B. Schaeffer, Harvey, J. Fritz, Jr., Richard H. Kline, James A. Beil, Robert F. Johnson, Bert N. Brosius, George E. Herb, T. Lamarn Manney, David F. Gardner, Edwin P. Yerger, Burton Deppe, Charles W. Weaber, Henry B. Wilkinson, Allen F. LaRose, Carl H. Kellerman, Edward W. Baker, George R. Fish, John I. Mengel, John L. Shelly, A. W. Deppe, Allan C. Palmer, Elmer Rauscher.
Committee on Traveling Elders: C. E. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog, W. B. Hottel.
Committee on Statistics: Willard E. Cassel, John E. Golla, Jansen E. Hartman, Donald T. Kirkwood, LeRoy S. Heller, John Dunn.
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, David E. Thomann, R. C. Reichenbach, A. L. Seifert.
Committee on Resolutions: John H. Riggall, A. L. Seifert, Carl C. Cassel, Earl M. Hosler.
Committee on Auditing: T. D. Gehret, Daniel K. Ziegler, James G. Koch, 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, William R. Hunsberger, George W. Krigor, Horace A. Kauffman, William E. Miller, A. Franklin Campbell.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: Frank L. Herb. Jr., Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
The Chair appointed a Timekeeper and Reporter.
Reporter: R. C. Reichenbach: Timekeeper: James A. Beil.
Resolved, That no member be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission of the Chairman, except W. W. Hartman and A. Franklin Campbell.
The following Church Extension ministers were present during the Conference: Alva C. Cassel, Raymond R. Dotts, Robert J. Entler, Reynold D. Gardner, Elwood L. Heiser, Ronald C. Mahurin, Robert E. McIntyre, Leon K. Overpeck, Richard R. Ruth, G. Howard Van Sandt, Norman R. Weiss, Daniel G. Ziegler.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet tonight at 6:30 to 9:00 o’clock.
Adjourned 2:30 p.m. with prayer by John H. Riggall.
Second Meeting
Monday Evening, October 10, 1960
The Second Meeting was opened at 6:30 p.m. with singing, “Sweetly Resting,” and prayer by J. B. Henry.
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 Church Extension, William A. Heffner: (See Reports)
Report of the President of Berean Bible School, Jansen E. Hartman: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Directors: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Church Extension: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Education: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports)
The Board of Foreign Missions recommends J. Barclay Harley and Robert N. Gordon to the Committee to Examine Candidates for Ordination.
Report of the Board of the Home: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined Robert N. Gordon and we are persuaded that he is a man of God who has already served the Lord very commendably on the foreign mission field.
We therefore recommend him for Annual Conference License.
P. T. Stengele, W. B. Hottel,
William A. Heffner, John H. Riggall,
W. W. Hartman,
Committee.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL CONFERENCE RECORDS
We have examined all Local Conference Records and have found them to be correct except for a few omissions and minor errors which were corrected by the Pastors concerned.
The following petitions were found:
Petition # 1
Shamokin, Pennsylvania: Resolved, That we petition Annual Conference to clarify the matter of who is permitted to vote in elections of the Youth Fellowship and of the Women’s Missionary Society.
Petition #2
Terre Hill, Pennsylvania: Whereas, The Annual Conference has introduced a new system of pulpit supply, therefore, Resolved, That we, the congregation of Berean Bible Fellowship Church, Terre Hill, petition the Annual Conference to reconsider the ruling concerning a nine year limit for Itinerants and remove it.
Petition #3
York, Pennsylvania: Resolved, That we petition Annual Conference to further clarify the duties of the Finance Committee of the Official Board.
E. W. Bean, W. B. Hottel, Russell T. Allan, Donald B. Schaeffer, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Richard H. Kline, James A. Beil, Robert F. Johnson, Bert N. Brosius, George E. Herb, T. Lamarn Manney, David F. Gardner, Edwin P. Yerger, Burton Deppe, Charles W. Weaber, Henry B. Wilkinson, Allen F. LaRose, Carl H. Kellerman, Edward W. Baker, George R. Fish, John I. Mengel, John L. Shelly, A. W. Deppe, Allan C. Palmer, Elmer Rauscher,
Committee.
Report of the Examiner of Applicants on Discipline: (See Reports)
Resolved, That the candidates who have passed the Examination on the Discipline be referred to the Committee to Examine Applicants for Annual Conference License.
Report of the Committee over the District Superintendents:
We wish to report that to the best of our knowledge and belief, the two District Superintendents have fulfilled their duties well and have served in a Spirit-filled and godly manner.
W. F. Heffner,
P. T. Stengele,
W. W. Hartman.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to study the petition from the Shamokin congregation and a report be made to this Conference.
The Chairman appointed: R. C. Reichenbach, LeRoy S. Heller, George E. Herb.
Resolved, That the petition of the Terre Hill congregation be denied.
Resolved, That the officers of the Government Committee prepare an interpretative statement in answer to the petition from York, Pennsylvania, to be presented to this Conference at a later date.
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Reports)
Adjourned, 9:00 p.m. with prayer by LeRoy S. Heller.
THIRD MEETING
Tuesday Morning, October 11, 1960
The Third Meeting was opened at 9:00 a.m. with singing, “And Can It t I Should Gain?” and Earl M. Hosler led in prayer.
T. D. Gehret addressed the Conference on “The Greatness of God in His Person, Possession, Passion, Purpose and Prize,” using Titus 2:11 to 14 as the basis of his remarks.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 3:00 o’clock.
Adjourned 9:40 a.m. with prayer by John Dunn.
FOURTH MEETING
Tuesday Afternoon, October 11, 1960
The Meeting was opened at 3:00 p.m. with the singing of the chorus of “To God Be the Glory” and E. W. Bean led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
H. D. Yarrington, of Middletown, Conn., who is engaged in a hospital ministry, briefly addressed the Conference asking for our prayer fellowship.
Walter H. Frank, who has recently been chosen to be Home Director of Greater Europe Mission, headquarters in Chicago, Ill., spoke to us a few words of farewell before leaving for his new assignment. A. L. Seifert led the Conference in prayer to God for the blessing of the Lord on his future ministry.
Resolved, That any exception to standing rules may be allowed by three-fourth (3/4) vote of the Annual Conference. The reason for such exception shall be fully spread on the minutes.
The following reports were read and approved:
Report of the Youth Fellowship General Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee an Candidates and Ordination:
Whereas, The Committee has examined George E. Herb, who has served his three year probationary period in the ministry within our Conference and has given evidence that he is called of God to the Christian Ministry:
Therefore, We recommend that he be ordained in the evening service, October 11, 1960.
Whereas, The Committee has examined J. Barclay Harley, who has served as a missionary in Venezuela, South America, under the Orinoco River Mission for the past three years, and
Whereas, Brother Harley has served under the surveillance of the Board of Foreign Missions of our church in a manner that indicates that he is called of God to the Christian ministry:
Therefore, We recommend that he be ordained in the evening service, October 11, 1960.
Robert N. Gordon was recommended to this committee by the Board of Foreign Missions for ordination.
The rules concerning probationers (Discipline page 58) Section 11, D. page 7, 1959 Yearbook, states, “Probationers that have passed the Reading Course and served their three years’ probation and have served as pastor of a congregation for at least one year, shall be examined orally by the Board of Examiners of the Reading Course, and the District Superintendents, as to
their knowledge of the doctrines, rules, forms and general practices and management of the church before being referred to the Committee on Ordination.
Under the provisions of the rule of exception, we recommend that an exception be made in the case of Robert N. Gordon who received Annual Conference License at this Conference, and consequently did not serve the required probationary period subsequent to receiving Annual Conference License as stipulated in the above regulation; and further, that he be ordained in the evening service of October 11, 1960.
The reasons for this action are as follows:
1. Robert N. Gordon has served for nine years as a missionary in Venezuela, South America under The Evangelical Alliance Mission. During this period, Brother Gordon has been supported by our church. The Board of Foreign Missions has reviewed his work and recommends him for ordination as a faithful minister of the gospel.
2. The type of pastoral and administrative work in which Robert N. Gordon was engaged could be considered in lieu of his spending one year as pastor of a congregation.
3. Heretofore, no provision was made for the licensing and the ordination of foreign missionaries. To have Robert N. Gordon comply with the requirements of the above regulation would mean that he could not return to the ministry to which God has called him for another three years.
4. To require Brother Gordon to wait until his next furlough to meet the above time requirements would seem to be an injustice and unnecessarily delay his ordination.
5. The regulation cited was not designed with the ordination of Foreign Missionaries in view.
6. The Committee on Candidates for Ordination has examined Brother Gordon and believe that he is called to the Christian Ministry and recommend him for ordination.
C. E. Kirkwood, R. C. Reichenbach,
A. L. Seifert, David E. Thomann,
Jansen E. Hartman,
Committee.
The above report was adopted by more than three-fourth (3/4) vote of the entire body.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE
(First Reading)
Report to Annual Conference, 1960
The Ministerial Candidate Committee met six times during the year. The problem of enlisting and choosing men for the ministries of the Bible Fellowship Church was discussed in the light of the formation of this committee, its objectives and its duties. This committee did not examine any candidates this year.
This committee makes the following recommendations to the Annual Conference:
1. The OBJECTIVE of the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall be: To provide the Bible Fellowship Church with a ministry that is called of God, true to the Word, filled with the Holy Spirit, dedicated wholeheartedly to Jesus Christ and thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2. The DUTIES of the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall be as follows:
(1) To receive applications from all those who offer themselves for service in the Bible Fellowship Church.
(2) To take under care the candidates and probationers while in training.
(3) To examine those who offer themselves for service in our Church determining as far as possible the sincerity and genuineness of their call to the ministry.
(4) To ascertain as far as possible whether the candidates and probationers have the Scriptural qualifications of a minister of the Word of God.
(5) To safeguard the doctrinal purity of the Church by exercising vigilance when examining prospective ministers concerning their beliefs and practices endeavoring to approve only those who are committed without reservation to the authority of the Scriptures and the doctrines and practices of our Church as the system of doctrine taught in Scripture.
(6) To license probationers for the Annual Conference prior to ordination.
(7) To recommend qualified probationers to the Credentials Committee for ordination examination.
3. The TERMS used to designate the classification of those under the care of this committee shall be applicant, candidate and probationer. An applicant is a man who offers himself to this committee for service in the Bible Fellowship Church. A candidate is a man whose application is accepted and who remains under the guidance of this committee. A probationer is a man who has been approved by this committee, has passed an examination on the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, and is working under the jurisdiction of the Church Extension or Foreign Mission Board.
4. The PROCEDURE to be followed by an individual. offering himself for service in the Bible Fellowship Church shall be as follows:
(1) The applicant would make known to the Chairman of the Ministerial Candidate Committee his desire to serve in the Bible Fellowship Church.
(2) The applicant will fill out and file with the committee an application received from the Chairman, which shall include the following: personal information; approval of his local conference; letters of recommendation from his pastor, a former employer, and a former instructor.
(3) The candidate will carry out a program of personal development and training developed in consultation with this committee.
(4) When this committee believes that he is prepared and when the candidate is ready to enter the work of the Bible Fellowship Church; upon approval of this committee, the candidate will be recommended to the Church Extension Board or Foreign Missions Board. Part of this approval is passing the Examination on the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church.
(5) During the time of work with the Church Extension Board or Foreign Missions Board, the probationer will be under the jurisdiction of this committee; and his work will be under the jurisdiction of the Board with whom he works.
(6) At the end of the probationary period, upon approval of this committee, the probationer will be recommended to the Credentials Committee and his probationary period will cease. To serve as a candidate and probationer does not guarantee being recommended for ordination examination.
Some of the changes from our present system inherent in these recommendations are outlined below:
1. This committee would become the first official point of contact for all applicants for service in the Bible Fellowship Church. At present the Church Extension Board and Foreign Missions Board are that point of contact.
2. This committee would inaugurate a program of guidance during the training of men who commit themselves to our care that they may be better prepared to serve. At present there is no similar guidance program in any official sense.
3. This committee would approve candidates for work under the Boards of Church Extension and Foreign Missions. At present the Church Extension and Foreign Missions Boards alone approve candidates.
4. This committee would be responsible to oversee candidates and probationers in all matters that pertain to the man himself, and it would name those ready for examination for ordination. The Boards of Church Extension and Foreign Missions would administer the work of all candidates and probationers. Evaluation of the work done under these Boards would guide this committee in making its final decision. At present the Church Extension Board and Foreign Missions Board in conjunction with the District Superintendents do this.
5. This committee would license for the Annual Conference all candidates and probationers whom it accepts for work under the Boards of Church Extension and Foreign Missions. Among other things this acceptance would require passing an examination on the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church. At present being listed as a Church Extension Minister or having Annual Conference License is our system.
6. Functioning according to this outline, this committee would not conflict with the Credentials Committee being proposed by the Government Committee, but would parallel its work prior to examination for ordination. The Credentials Committee would have oversight of the man from the time of his examination for ordination until he would terminate his service with the Bible Fellowship Church; the Ministerial Candidate Committee would have oversight of men prior to the examination for ordination.
This committee feels that these changes are necessary for the following reasons:
l. The Bible Fellowship Church needs a uniform standard for all those who serve in its home and foreign ministries; therefore there should be one group to guide, examine and approve prospective workers.
2. The varied possibilities that a candidate for the work of God faces and the specialized needs of laborers in the Bible Fellowship Church demand some system of supervision or guidance for men while they are in training.
3. There is a constantly growing need for young men to have evidence to present regarding their intention to serve in a particular denomination: this committee could furnish such information to draft boards facilitating deferment from military service for worthy young men.
4. Another growing need in God’s work today is the demand for proper recognition for foreign missionaries. If this committee would examine missionary candidates, it could provide the necessary recognition for them also.
5. Adoption of this system would mean that in the majority of cases the men serving under our Church Extension Board would be acquainted with our doctrines and practices by taking the Examination on the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church prior to serving on any field.
Donald T. Kirkwood, Chairman, William A. Heffner,
Carl C. Cassel, Secretary, P. T. Stengele,
Jansen E. Hartman,
Committee.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Report of Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
We have examined all the Pastors through their respective delegates and have found our ministering brethren to be true men of God who are preaching the Word and living consistent Christian lives.
We therefore commend them for future service amongst us.
C. E. Kirkwood,
F. B. Hertzog,
W. B. Hottel,
Committee.
Miss Olive Rawn, our Missionary to the Sudan, Africa, gave a few words of greeting to the Conference and closed the meeting with prayer.
Adjourned, 5:05 p.m.
FIFTH MEETING
Wednesday Morning, October 12, 1960
The meeting was opened with singing, “O Word of God Incarnate.” Robert N. Gordon led in prayer.
Jansen E. Hartman used the scripture text, Jer. 7:21-24 as the basis of a devotional address on true obedience to God and His Word in daily living and service.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Publication and Printing: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen’s Benevolent Society: (See Reports)
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports)
Report of the Sunday School Promotion Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Victory Valley Camp Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee to Examine Annual Conference Records:
We hereby certify that we have examined the Annual Conference Records of the 1959 session, and have found them correct with the exception of the following:
1. On page 25, “George C. Herb” should read “George E. Herb.”
2. On page 37, in the Article “God the Holy Spirit” a period should appear after “God” in line 5.
3. On page 39, “and” should appear before “of judgment” in the reference, John 16:8.
4. On page 56, the word, “unfilled” should read “unfulfilled” in the Article on the Millennium.
5. On page 56, in the reference, Isaiah 11:6-9, the word “cockatrice’s” should read “cockatrice’”.
6. On page 88, the heading “Ministers’ Retirement Fund,” Annual Conference 1959 should appear with Statement D.
The Committee recommends that:
1. On page 3, the words “Director Church Extension” be made to read, “Director of Church Extension”.
2. The dates under “licensed” be corrected after the names of “Church Extension Ministers”.
We hereby submit two copies duly certified.
Frank L. Herb, Chairman,
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
Resolved, That we determine who are the preachers willing to Minister the 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, E. W. Bean, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, John E. Golla, Ernest B. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, W. F. Heffner, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., George E. Herb, F. B. Hertzog, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Richard H. Kline, James G. Koch, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, Donald B. Schaeffer, A. L. Seifert, Robert W. Smock, P. T. Stengele, David E. Thomann, N. H. Wolf, E. E. Kublic, A. G. Woodring, James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Robert F. Johnson.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO REVISE AUDITING PROCEDURES
At Annual Conference 1959 it was recognized that a need existed for a simplified method of auditing Local Conference records in order to reduce the time spent on this phase of the work on the floor at Annual Conference. With that in mind the Conference elected a Committee to study methods of reducing this time. The Committee proposes the following:
I. The report of the Official Board to the Fourth Local Conference shall include the following:
a. Annual Report of the Membership Committee:
1. Members as of previous report
2. Received into Church Fellowship
3. Received by transfer from Bible Fellowship Churches
4. Total increase
5. Died
6. Withdrawn
7. Dropped
8. Transferred to other churches
9. Transferred to other Bible Fellowship Churches
10. Total decrease
11. Net increase or decrease
12. Total membership
b. Annual report of the Benevolence Committee:
1. Balance as of last report
2. Receipts
3. Disbursements
4. New Balance
II. The following accounts for the local Church year shall be closed as of the Fourth Local Conference:
Trustees
Building Fund Collectors
Ministers’ Retirement Fund
Sunday School
Youth Fellowship
Women’s Missionary Society
Men’s Fellowship
Membership Committee
Benevolence Committee
And any other organizations responsible to the Local Conference.
III. The Local Conference accounts of the Stewards shall be from quarter to quarter, and the reports on the schedules from October 1 to September 30.
IV. Offerings for Home Missions and Foreign Missions shall be reported for the Conference year and shall be paid to the Conference Treasurer at Annual Conference.
Report of these offerings will be made only to the Finance Committee of Annual Conference and the latter will furnish information with respect to offerings for missions to the Statistical Committee of Annual Conference.
V. The figures included in the above reports I and II to the Fourth Local Conference are the ones to be reported to Annual Conference.
VI. The Pastor shall send by Certified Mail copies of the Summary Sheet, the Fourth Local Conference Minutes and the Pastor’s Summary Statistical Report (omitting reports of offerings for Home Missions and Foreign Missions) to the Statistical Committee, c/o Host Church of Annual Conference, by Monday of the week prior to Annual Conference week. These records may be submitted in person by Tuesday of the same week.
VII. The Delegate and Pastor shall certify the correctness of the Local Conference Minutes, the Local Conference Summary Report Sheet and the Pastor’s Summary Statistical Report, prior to the mailing thereof, and shall include a statement of Certification with the reports mailed.
They shall be responsible to ascertain that there is no duplication of receipts because of transfers of funds between accounts of the Church and various organizations.
VIII. The Statistical Committee shall be appointed by the Chairman at the Adjourned Session of Annual Conference. This Committee shall meet on the Thursday prior to Annual Conference.
IX. We recommend that the Committee on Publication and Printing assign form numbers to each of the approved report forms.
Daniel K. Ziegler, Chairman, Clarence L. Kauffman,
Byron C. Cassel, Roy E. Williams,
Willard E. Cassel,
Committee.
Report of the Editor of the Bible Fellowship Supplement of the Gospel Herald:
We have served for another Conference year as editor of the Bible Fellowship Church Supplement of the Gospel Herald. Those who have contributed to our church paper during the year have done well and their support is deeply appreciated.
We also appreciate the assistance of William A. Heffner and Harold P. Shelly, Jr. for submitting copy from Home Missions and the Berean Bible School.
The success of our church paper will be realized only if our pastors give it better support.David E. Thomann, Editor.
REPORT OF THE CIRCULATION MANAGER OF THE B. F. C. EDITION OF THE GOSPEL HERALD
As we began this Conference year the total number of subscribers to the B. F. C. Edition of the Gospel Herald was 641, well below the almost 800 that once subscribed to our Church paper. Due to the introduction of the Club Plan, we had hoped for a substantial increase. Ten clubs were organized through the year, but this has not been enough to stop the continual loss of subscribers. Fourteen of our Churches have 10 or less subscribers evidencing little interest in our present paper.
At the end of the fiscal year we have only 525 subscribers, a loss of 116 from last year. The seriousness of this should be apparent to all and deserves earnest consideration and action upon the part of all of us. May I express my thanks to those of you who have energetically presented the Gospel Herald to your people and have aided me in the task assigned to me.
FINANCIAL
Balance in Treasury, October 1, 1959 $ 12.27
Received for subscriptions $1,546.47 $1,558.74
Expenditures:
To Union Gospel Press $1,391.01
To Board of Publication and Printing 60.00
Refunds and Discounts 29.74
Expenses of Committee on Publications 48.96
Secretarial Expenses 13.80
Total Expenses $1,543.51
Balance in Treasury, September 30, 1960 15.23 $1,558.74
Respectfully submitted,
R. C. Reichenbach, Circulation Manager.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn, to meet at the Call of the Chair.
Adjourned 11:55 a.m. with prayer by Horace A. Kauffman.
SIXTH MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon, October 12, 1960
The Meeting was opened at 2:30 p.m. with singing “Heavenly Sunshine” and Allen C. Palmer led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The Additional Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined Elwood L. Heiser, Raymond R. Dotts, Richard R. Ruth, Ronald C. Mahurin, Robert J. Entler, Daniel G. Ziegler, and Norman R. Weiss.
After thoroughly questioning these brethren, we are persuaded that they are called of the Holy Spirit to the ministry of the Gospel.
Whereas, Elwood L. Heiser, an ordained minister in good standing in the Evangelical United Brethren Church has been recommended to this Committee,
Therefore, Be it resolved that Elwood Heiser be accepted as a probationer.
We recommend that all the above mentioned men be granted Annual Conference License.
P. T. Stengele, A. L. Seifert,
W. W. Hartman, W. B. Hottel,
John H. Riggall,
Committee,
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports)
Resolved, That Membership on the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee be limited to those Churches or Circuits and those Missions petitioning for Membership on the Committee under our rules, which received at least $3,000.00 in Steward offerings during the year.
Resolved, That the Chairman of the Annual Conference appoint a Committee of seven, including the two District Superintendents and five delegates to study the question of financial support of our ministering brethren. This committee shall also study the feasibility of purchasing a group insurance policy covering our Ministers for life insurance, including health and welfare benefits.
He appointed C. E. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog, Byron C. Cassel, Clarence L. Kauffman, Robert W. Gehret, Roy E. Williams and Daniel K. Ziegler.
Resolved, That Elwood L. Heiser, Daniel G. Ziegler and G. Howard Van Sandt be admitted to the Conference bar.
Resolved, That all pastors on the coming Sunday fill the pulpits of their new assignments. Report of the Committee to Study the Petition of the Shamokin Church:
We would encourage this Annual Conference to adopt a Constitution for the Youth Fellowship defining voting qualifications.
Further, we recommend that the Foreign Mission Board submit to the Adjourned Session of this Annual Conference for adoption, a Constitution for the Women’s Missionary Society, and that particular thought be given to voting qualifications.
R. C. Reichenbach,
LeRoy S. Heller,
George E. Herb,
Committee.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO STUDY ARTICLES OF FAITH(Second 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 and conduct.3
The unregenerate will be judged, condemned and banished to eternal damnation in the lake of fire.4
1John 5:22 — 2John 5:24 — 3Romans 8:1; II Corinthians 5:l0 — 4Revelation 20:11-15.
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 Spirit,7 and the impartation of eternal life.8
1John 3:16 — 2John 16:8 — 3Ephesians 2:8,9 — 4John 1:12 — 5Ephesians 1:7 — 6I Corinthians 1:30 — 7Romans 8:9b — 8I John 5:11,12.
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 Christ,3 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 discipline.10 The overseers of the Church are to be prayed for, obeyed and honored.11
1Colossians 1:18a — 2I Peter 1:18,19 — 3Romans 6:5,6 — 4I Corinthians 1:10 — 5I Corinthians 12:13 — 6I Corinthians 12:7,11 — 7 Matthew 28:19.20 — 8Ephesians 4:11,12 — 9I Peter 5:2,3,5 — 10Matthew 18:17 — 11Hebrews 13:7,17,24.
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 and continues throughout the individual’s life5 on earth and reaching its completion at the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ.6
1II Corinthians 3:18 — 21 Thessalonians 4:3 — 3John 17:17 — 41 Corinthians 6:11 — 5Ephesians 4:24,26,27 — 6I Thessalonians 5:23.
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
1Jeremiah 23:5-8 (See also Isaiah 9:6,7) — 2Revelation 20:1-3 — 3Isaiah 11:6-9 (See also Romans 8:19-23) — 4Isaiah 2:4: 35:1,2,7— 5Revelation 5:10 — 6Isaiah 11:9; 45:22,23.
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 obedience,5 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
1Daniel 4:17 — 2 Romans 13:1 — 31 Timothy 2:1,2 — 4I Peter 2:13,14 — 5Titus 3:1 — 6Acts 4:19; 5:29.
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 subtlety 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 depraved,5 and subject to the wrath of God.
1Genesis 1:27 — 2Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10 (See also Psalm 8:4-6) — 3Genesis 3:1-6 —4 Romans 5:12-18 — 5Romans 3:11-18 — 6Ephesians 2:3 (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, 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
1Isaiah 14:12-17; Jude 1:6 — 2Ephesians 2:2; II Corinthians 4:4 — 3I Thessalonians 3:5; Revelation 12:10b — 4Revelation 20:2,3 — 5Revelation 20:10.
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 are raised to be brought before the great White Throne for judgment.6
1John 11:25 — 2I Thessalonians 4:14-17 — 3Philippians 3:20,21; Job 19:25-27 — 4Daniel 12:2 — 5Revelation 20:5,6 — 6Revelation 20:13.
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman, Willard E. Cassel, Secretary, F. B. Hertzog, T. D. Gehret, Donald T. Kirkwood, Jansen E. Hartman, A. L. Seifert, Committee.
The report was unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That we proceed with elections.
Board of Directors: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, A. L. Seifert, Jansen E. Hartman, John H. Riggall, Daniel K. Ziegler, Byron C. Cassel and Paul I. Wentz. General Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions: T. D. Gehret.
Board of Foreign Missions: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, T. D. Gehret, Earl M. Hosler, Willard E. Cassel, James R. Cressman, Kermit K. Gehman, Roy E. Williams, Rufus Spedden.
We listened to greetings from our Missionaries: Mrs. Robert Ramp, Charles Mann, J. Barclay Harley and Robert N. Gordon, who have been attending this Conference. Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to meet at 6:30 p.m. Adjourned 4:55 p.m. with prayer by Donald B. Schaeffer.
SEVENTH MEETING
Wednesday Evening, October 12, 1960
The meeting was opened with the use of the hymn, “He Keeps Me Singing.” Bert N. Brosius led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting read and approved. Resolved, That we continue with the elections.
Beard of Church Extension: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, William A. Heffner, Jansen E. Hartman, A. L. Seifert, Clayton E. Weber and S. A. Hackman.
Paul E. Baer gave a brief address, expressing his appreciation of the fellowship of the brethren..
Jansen E. Hartman presented the proposed Berean Bible School Budget for the following year.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE(Second Reading)
REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
(Second Reading)
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 fill 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.
Duties — 1. The Secretary shall appoint his assistants.
2. He shall accurately record the transactions of the Conference, preserve the records carefully and grant excerpts from them whenever required.
3. He shall be the Editor and publisher of the Year Book. The official minutes of the Annual Conference shall be published therein.
4. He shall send Year books to our Foreign Missionaries, to the Eastern and Western Clergy Bureaus and to any other agencies deemed advisable.
IV. — 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 Vicepresident 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 to this office 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, Board of the Home, and Sunday School Promotion Committee.
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 years.
Duties — l. 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. I. Wentz,
A. L. Seifert, James R. Cressman,
Committee.
The Report was unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That the term “Special Laws and Resolutions” found in front of the Year Book be changed to read “By-Laws.”
Resolved, That we elect a Vice District Superintendent to rill the unexpired term of Walter H. Frank.
A. L. Seifert was elected.
Trustees of the Home for Two Years: E. W. Bean, David E. Thomann, Paul I. Wentz, Harold A. Mann.
Committee to Examine Candidates for the Ministry: Donald T. Kirkwood, William A. Heffner, P. T. Stengele, Jansen E. Hartman, Carl C. Cassel.
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 and further,
Resolved, That the offering and Sunday School assessment for Publication and Printing be discontinued; that for Publication and Printing, each church be assessed on the basis of 40 cents per church member as reported at the Annual Conference; that this assessment be divided equally between Church and Sunday School treasuries; and that this assessment be remitted at the Adjourned Session of Annual Conference.
Resolved, That we print 2,000 copies of “Our Continuing Task.”
Committee over District Superintendents: P. T. Stengele, W. W. Hartman, and Frank L. Herb, Jr.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Board of Education for Three Years: Jansen E. Hartman, A. L. Wentz and Horace A. Kauffman.
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.
Adjourned 9:05 p.m. with prayer by Carl C. Cassel.
EIGHTH MEETING
Thursday Morning, October 13, 1960
The Meeting was opened with singing, “Thy Word Have I Hid In My Heart” and Ernest B. Hartman led in prayer.
A devotional message was brought by P. T. Stengele concerning our “Striving Together for the Faith of the Gospel” according to Phil. 1:27.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The elections were continued:
F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood.
Youth Fellowship General Committee: Carl C. Cassel, Daniel G. Ziegler, Russell T. Allen, LeRoy S. Heller, Warren Zuck, Harold Shelly, Jr., Clyde W. Snyder, and Donald Seigfried.
Sunday School Promotion Committee for Three Years: James G. Koch, R. Glenn Rohrbach and Harlan Wolf.
Victory Valley Camp Committee: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, Carl C. Cassel, David E. Thomann, Kermit K. Gehman, Clayton E. Weber, S. A. Hackman.
Conference Treasurer: Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
Whereas, We have elected some men to our Boards and Committees who are not members of the Annual Conference: therefore,
Resolved, That the Conference Secretary inform by mail, all such men of their election.
Adjourned with prayer by Robert W. Smock.
NINTH MEETING
Thursday Afternoon, October 13, 1960
The Meeting was opened with the singing of “God is Love, O How Great.” Daniel G. Ziegler led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we excuse William E. Miller after this evening’s session.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and extend the time.
Resolved, That a Committee of Seven Ministers including the two District Superintendents be elected to prepare a statement as to our belief concerning the scriptural teaching of the Washing of the Saints’ Feet and that Report be presented at the 1961 Annual Conference.
Resolved, That the Committee to Study Articles of Faith be requested to study the doctrines related to the Tribulation and report on this subject at the 1961 Annual Conference.
Resolved, That we adjourn to meet this evening at 6:30 p.m.
Adjourned 5:10 p.m. with prayer by George R. Fish.
TENTH MEETING
Thursday Evening, October 13, 1960
The Meeting was opened with singing, “Heavenly Sunshine” and prayer by R. Paul Schaeffer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The following Report was read and adopted:
Summary Report of the Committee on Statistics: (See Reports)
Resolved, That Charles Weaber and John I. Mengel be excused.
Resolved, That we elect a Committee of seven to study articles relative to Moral Standards of the Church.
The following were elected: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, Frank L. Herb, Russell T. Allen, Ernest B. Hartman, William Hunsberger and Daniel K. Ziegler.
Resolved, That we elect a Committee of seven Pastors to study Forms of the Church.
The following were elected:
James A. Beil, R. H. Gehman, Robert W. Smock, W. W. Hartman, Donald B. Schaeffer, Earl M. Hosler and John Dunn.
E. E. Kublic, who is attending his 60th Annual Conference, gave a stirring testimony of the goodness of the Lord and His keeping power.
Resolved, That we elect a committee of seven Ministers, including the two District Superintendents to Study Articles of Faith, including the doctrines of the Washing of the Saints’ feet and the relationship of the Rapture to The Tribulation.
The following were elected: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Jansen E. Hartman, Daniel G. Ziegler, P. T. Stengele, Robert W. Smock.
COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS
1. Whereas, the Bible Fellowship Church has had in the year just closed leadership in Christlikeness and administration in the persons of her District Superintendents F. B. Hertzog and C. E. Kirkwood; therefore,
Resolved, that we praise God for them and promise to support them in prayer and cooperation in the coming year.
2. Whereas, under the leadership of Jansen E. Hartman, Berean Bible School has made in its first decade significant progress as an educational institution and a contribution to the leadership of the Bible Fellowship Church; therefore,
Resolved, that we thank God for the gifts of leadership given to him and pledge him our support.
3. Whereas, God has demonstrated His faithfulness in enabling each of our Pastors to teach His Holy Word during the past year; therefore,
Resolved, that we cast ourselves upon Him again for the direction and the strength to walk worthy of our calling.
4. Whereas, William A. Heffner, Church Extension Director, has given himself unsparingly to the work of the Church and the interest of young men in our conference; therefore,
Resolved, that we give thanks to God and pray God’s blessing and protection upon him.
5. Whereas, God’s people in the membership of the Bible Fellowship Church have obeyed Him through another year in giving themselves for His work in our Churches; therefore,
Resolved, that we thank our Lord for these members of His body with whom we are united and pray His abundant blessing upon them.
6. Whereas, Pastor W. W. Hartman and the congregation of Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, Bethlehem, have provided fine meals and lodging for the 77th Annual Conference; therefore,
Resolved, that we thank them for their generous provision and further
Resolved, that the Secretary of the Annual Conference send Pastor Hartman a copy of this resolution to be read to the congregation.
7. Whereas, the Gehman Bible House, Easton, Pa. has served our churches and Sunday Schools with literature and supplies that are sound in doctrine: therefore,
Resolved, that we recognize the Gehman Bible House as the official agency for supplies for the Bible Fellowship Church.
8. Whereas, N. H. Wolf has served as Editor of the Year Book, Paul I. Wentz as Treasurer of the Annual Conference and T. D. Gehret as General Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board; therefore,
Resolved, that we give the Editor of the Year Book fifty (50.00) dollars and that seventy-five (75.00) dollars be given to the Conference Treasurer and Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions. The first two to be paid by the Committee on Publication and Printing and the last by the Board of Foreign Missions.
9. Whereas, David E. Thomann and R. C. Reichenbach have served acceptably in the offices of Editor and Circulation Manager of the Bible Fellowship Church Edition of the Gospel Herald: therefore,
Resolved, that a gift of one hundred (100.00) dollars be given to the Editor and a gift of twenty-five (25.00) dollars be given to the Circulation Manager. These gifts to be given by the Committee on Publication and Printing.
10. Whereas, The Union Gospel Press has manifested their interest in the Bible Fellowship Church by printing the Bible Fellowship Church Edition of the Gospel Herald; therefore,
Resolved, that we thank them for this service and pray God’s blessing upon them, and further,
Resolved, that the Secretary of Annual Conference send them a copy of this resolution.
11. Whereas, W. W. Heffner, after faithfully serving in the ministry of our Church for 44 years, 10 months and three days, has requested to be placed on the retirement list due to physical reasons; therefore,
Resolved, That we thank God for the faithful ministry of Brother Heffner and pledge our prayers on his behalf.
John H. Riggall, Carl C. Cassel,
A. L. Seifert, Earl M. Hosler,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Auditing:
We have examined the reports and accounts of the following:
District Superintendents’ Reports, Director of Church Extension, Conference Treasurer, Board of Directors, Board of Education, Board of Church Extension, Board of Foreign Missions, Berean Bible School, Sunday School Promotion Committee, Committee on Finance, Committee on Statistics, Local Conference Records, First and Second Division Camp Meeting, Camp Meeting Cafeteria Account, General Camp Meeting Committee, Ministers’ Retirement Fund, Laymen’s Benevolent Society, Beneficiary Fund, Victory Valley Camp, Youth Fellowship General Committee and Gospel Herald Subscriptions.
Some discrepancies were found and adjusted. We find the listed accounts to be in a satisfactory condition.
T. D. Gehret, Harold A. Mann,
Clayton E. Weber, Edw. J. Dietzman,
Horace A. Kauffman, Robert Breitegam,
R. S. Weidner, Rufus Spedden,
William E. Miller, James G. Koch,
William R. Hunsberger, George W. Krigor,
Clarence L. Kauffman, A. Franklin Campbell,
Robert W. Gehret, Daniel K. Ziegler,
R. Paul Schaeffer,
Committee.
Definitive Statement Relative to the Petition from York Church:
1. By the word “church” we mean all the departments of the Local Conference.
2. This Committee would serve in an advisory capacity, since all Official Board Committees are required to report to the Official Board relative to their activities. (See Supplemental Standing Rules, p. 2 Official Board).
3. If a budget for the Local Church is desired, this committee would prepare a suggested budget for approval by the Official Board. Final vote would be by vote of the Local Conference.
A. L. Seifert, Willard E. Cassel, Committee.
Adjourned 8:55 p.m. with prayer by the Chairman.
ELEVENTH MEETING
Friday Morning, October 14, 1960
The Meeting was opened with singing, “Arise, My Soul, Arise” and T. D. Gehret led in prayer.
C. E. Kirkwood gave a Communion Meditation from Hebrews 9:13,14 on the Purity of the Cross, bringing Pardon and total Cleansing of Conscience.
The Washing of the Saints’ Feet and the Lord’s Supper were observed with reverence and humility.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The following report was adopted:
Report of the Committee on Communications:
We, the Committee on Communications, report that we have received word from the following:
Superannuated Ministers:
J. B. Layne
F. M. Hottel
Minister on Leave of Absence:
Paul E. Baer
Missionaries:
Leona and Nina Buck
Austin and Ruth Shelly
Rev. and Mrs. C. F. Snyder
Ordained Minister Working Under Other Organizations:
C. Leslie Miller
J. B. Layne has written and states that he regrets that he is unable to be present due to physical reasons.
F. M. Hottel conveyed his communication through District Superintendent F. B. Hertzog. He reflected that this is the first Annual Conference he missed in 54 years.
Paul E. Baer has written and indicates he is unable to be present because of his work.
Leonard and Nina Buck have communicated and report the Lord’s blessing in their work in spite of some governmental limitations.
The Shellys have sent their greeting from Venezuela.
Both Brother and Sister Snyder have sent written messages telling of their Christian activity and joy in the Lord.
Rev. C. Leslie Miller states that he was planning to be with us but because of unexpected developments he had to change these plans.
Each one have wished the Conference the blessing of God.
Resolved, that we continue to hold J. B. Layne, F. M. Hottel and Paul E. Baer before the Lord that His grace may be sufficient for their every need.
Resolved, that we continue to intercede for and support these missionaries as they labor on the field of God’s choice.
Resolved, that we pray God’s richest blessing upon our brother Miller as he labors in the ministry of Christian Literature.
David E. Thomann, Richard H. Kline,
Frank L. Herb, Jr.,
Committee.
Resolved, that we suspend the rules and extend the time indefinitely.
Adjourned 12:03 p.m. with prayer by David Gardner.
TWELFTH MEETING
Friday Afternoon, October 14, 1960
The Meeting was opened with the singing, “Where His Footprints Go I Will Follow” and Edwin P. Yerger 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 PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
The Adjourned Session of the 76th Annual Conference adopted the following resolution: “That the Chairman of the Annual Conference appoint a committee of five to study the possibilities and problems involved in our denomination producing its own publications. This committee shall report at the Annual Conference, October, 1960.” We humbly and sincerely offer for your study and prayerful consideration the following facts, conclusions and recommendations. We pray that God may give wisdom to decide the course that we shall follow in this matter.
The Committee met on several occasions and was unanimous in submitting this report.
The Objectives For A Denominational Publication
Believing that it is not enough just to state that we want our own Church Paper or to proceed along a certain path just because we have not done anything else in years gone by, we endeavored to consider the objective and basic need of having a denominational paper. The following objectives were delineated by the members of the Committee:
1. That news of our denomination’s activities could be presented to all of our constituency.
2. That specific articles promoting our denominational program could be put before the members and friends of our church.
3. That our people might be informed and instructed of our doctrinal position.
4. That our members and those who worship with us might be strengthened spiritually.
5. That we might have an organ for disseminating information that is produced solely by and for the Bible Fellowship Church.
Reasons Why The Present Set-Up Does Not Achieve The Above Objectives
The Committee endeavored critically to survey the present set-up of publications sponsored or supported by the Bible Fellowship Church: the B.F.C. Edition of the Gospel Herald, the Spotlight and the Sunday School News. The following problems that are presented deal with the official publication of the denomination, namely, the B.F.C. Edition of the Gospel Herald.
1. There is a considerable delay in getting news of our Church activities into print and to our people by means of the Gospel Herald. The minimum time for getting anything printed is five weeks, but generally it is much longer.
2. There are many subscribers who claim that they read only the insert and that the price is too costly for just the four pages that the Church publishes.
3. There has been a continual and serious drop in number of subscribers, portraying the lack of interest that exists in our churches.
4. Many of our pastors are not responding in submitting material for publication. There is a feeling that lack of interest in the Gospel Herald has caused some to give little support in this area. The Committee realizes that this could also be true of a strictly denominational paper, but with a publication that receives the approval of our pastors, this situation would be corrected.
5. The Committee has found that we do not truly edit the B.F.C. insert in the Gospel Herald. Material submitted by our Editor has been edited, and some even refused for publication by Union Gospel Press.
The Committee also feels that three separate publications are not the answer to our denominational need, but a single organ will promote all phases of our program. Three separate publications are more costly, demand more time, reach only certain segments of our people, do not provide the unity that should exist in the Church.
Ways To Solve The Problem
Believing that the Committee should investigate the possibility of the Church producing its own paper, three areas of investigation were considered. First: purchasing equipment and producing the paper ourselves. Secondly: contracting with a printing firm to produce the paper for us. Thirdly: operating on a basis of mutual production, work to be set up by our own men and only the printing to be done by a printing firm. The Committee decided that only two plans were feasible. We submit both plans.
Plan A
Plan A would involve a contract with the Dorney Printing Co. of East Texas, Pa. This company is set up to produce the entire paper for us with the least effort upon the part of our men. They have devised a simplified method to aid the editor in preparing his material, and such aids are provided without cost. Upon submission of copy the paper would be printed by them within five working days; thus, news of our church could be very quickly brought before our people. The cost of the printing is as follows: $64 for an 8 page paper and $182 for a 20 page paper. This would be in lots of 1000 copies. Each photograph would cost an additional $1.00. We submit the following estimated cost of producing monthly our own 8 page paper of 1000 copies; size of paper and type will be the same as this report.
Printing $ 768.00
Mailing 25.00
Circulation Manager’s expenses 75.00
Additional cost of pictures 60.00
Working Capital for Editor 100.00
Honorariums:
Editor 100.00
Circulation Manager 25.00
Total $1,153.00
The Committee believes that an annual subscription price of $1.25 per subscription could make the publication self-supporting. As this paper would have its own Youth Department, Foreign and Church Extension Departments, Sunday School Department, we would suggest that contributions be made by these and other branches of our Church in order to make the subscription price of $1.25 per subscription possible.
The Committee would further point out that the above estimation is based on a monthly publication and that there would be some additional expense to begin such a publication. For example a mailing permit would cost us an initial fee of $25.00, subscription blanks would have to be printed and an addressograph machine purchased.
Plan B
Plan B would involve purchasing our own equipment and producing a Church paper completely apart from outside aid, except for the photographic process needed to make the offset plates. The Committee met with the representatives of the Addressograph-Multigraph Co. and observed a demonstration of the machines available for our use. Two models were shown and operated, Model #750 and Model #80. Model #750 would be the only, practical model for our use if this plan would be adopted. The cost would be as follows: $1,595.00 for a new machine. A reconditioned machine would cost $1,050.00.
To operate such a plan and produce a paper, more than the cost of the machine must be taken into account. The cost of plates, paper, ink must all be noted. Further, available manpower must be considered. On the positive side, other denominational reports and brochures could be printed.
Committee Recommendations
The Committee submits the following recommendations:
1. That the Bible Fellowship Church publish its own Church paper.
2. That we adopt PLAN A as specified in this report.
3. That the Annual Conference elect a Committee on Church Publication to direct and manage the Church paper. This Committee shall be elected annually and be composed of three pastors and two laymen; the Editor and Circulation Manager shall be members by virtue of their office.
Carl C. Cassel, Chairman, John Dunn,
R. C. Reichenbach, Secretary, James R. Cressman,
David E. Thomann,
Committee.
Resolved, That the Bible Fellowship Church publish its own church paper and, further,
Resolved, That we adopt Plan A as specified in the Publication Committee report and, further,
Resolved, That the Annual Conference elect a Committee on Church Publication to direct and manage the Church paper. This committee shall be elected annually and be composed of three Pastors and two Laymen; the Editor and Circulation Manager shall be Members by virtue of their office.
Resolved, That the Publication Committee be authorized to establish a subscription rate for our Church paper not to exceed $1.50, further,
Resolved, That each church be encouraged to secure at least one subscription for every four members of every local church.
Resolved, That the Publication Committee draw up and present to the Adjourned Session of Conference a statement of the prerogatives and duties of the Editor of our paper.
The following were elected:
Editor of Church Paper: David E. Thomann.
Circulation Manager of Church Paper: R. C. Reichenbach.
Committee on Publication: David E. Thomann, R. C. Reichenbach, Robert W. Smock, James R. Cressman, Robert W. Gehret.
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.
The following were elected: Willard E. Cassel, George E. Herb, William A. Heffner, Donald T. Kirkwood, James G. Koch, R. C. Reichenbach, Carl C. Cassel, A. L. Wentz, Rufus Spedden and Harold Mann.
Resolved, That the Sunday School of every Bible Fellowship Church receive an offering for Victory Valley Camp before March 1, 1961. This offering is to be forwarded to the Secretary of the Board of Directors.
Resolved, That the facilities of Victory Valley be available for limited use by groups from Bible Fellowship Churches. Arrangements for such use of the facilities should be made through the Chairman of the Victory Valley Committee and an offering for this use sent to the Secretary of the Board of Directors.
Resolved, That the dates for the camps in 1961 shall be as follows:
July 8-15-Girls 8-12 years old
15-22-Girls 8-12 years old 22-29-Junior high boys and girls
29-Aug. 5-Junior high boys and girls
Aug. 5-12-Senior high boys and girls
12-19-Boys 8-12 years old
19-26-Boys 8-12 years old
Resolved, That all the Sunday Schools receive and submit their Annual offering to the Sunday School Promotion Committee before April 1, 1961, further,
Resolved, That we hold a denominational Sunday School Convention on Saturday, May 20, 1961 in the Faith Bible Fellowship Church, York, Pa.
Resolved, That the Thirteenth Annual Youth Retreat be held at Victory Valley Camp on September 1, 2, and 3, 1961.
Resolved, That the Committee on Publication and Printing assign form numbers to each of the approved report forms.
Resolved, That October 31, 1960 be set aside as a day when the ministering brethren will be called together to discuss the future of our Camp Meetings, and further,
Resolved, That the Meeting be held at Shamokin at 12:00 noon.
Resolved, That the following recommendations be adopted:
1. Proclamation of a day as Berean Bible School Day in the Sunday Schools and Churches at which time offerings shall be received for the purpose of promoting interest and support of the school. Checks for these contributions shall be sent and made payable to the Berean Bible School, 1020 South 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 $27,500.00 needed to carry on the Berean Bible School program in the 1960-61 year. The District Superintendents shall be advisory members of the committee.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE-1960
(Second Reading)
The Second Reading of the material passed at the Annual Conference, 1959 will be read from the Year Book, 1959, pp. 45-49.
(First Reading)
We recommend the formation of a Credentials Committee as a substitute for the following:
a. Committee to Examine Traveling Elders.
b. Committee to Examine Candidates for Ordination.
c. Committee to Examine District Superintendents, Local Preachers, Evangelists and Missionaries.
d. Committee Over the District Superintendents. (Please note that the present Committee Over the District Superintendents is composed of three members — this would be the three members of the Credentials Committee exclusive of the District Superintendents.)
e. Yeas and Nays Roll Call.
This Committee shall be a standing committee that shall function throughput the year. (The Committee for Examination of Candidates for the Ministry would have jurisdiction over the Candidate until he is ready for ordination. The Credentials Committee would have the jurisdiction over all men who are ordained by the Bible Fellowship Church.)
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
Election — The Credentials Committee shall be composed of the District Superintendents and three ordained ministers elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference.
Duties —
1. The Credentials Committee shall examine all candidates for ordination. This examination shall take place at least one month prior to Annual Conference.
2. It shall recommend candidates for ordination to the Annual Conference. It shall recommend the place and time for the ordination service.
3. It shall have the oversight of all men who hold credentials with the Annual Conference.
4. It shall receive annually a report from the District Superintendents relative to the pastors on their Districts.
5. It shall annually send to all ministers a Faith and Order Questionnaire containing the following:
Faith and Order Questionnaire
a. Are you willing to subscribe to the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church? Yes or No
b. If you are unwilling to subscribe to the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, state specifically your reason(s).
c. Will you endeavor to follow the Rules of Order of the Bible Fellowship Church? Yes or No
d. Are you willing to serve a church(es) as stationed by the Annual Conference through Pulpit Supply? Yes or No
e. This questionnaire is to be signed and returned to the Credentials Committee by September 1.
(SEAL)
6. It shall compile the Availability List for Pulpit Supply on the basis of the District Superintendents’ Reports and the Faith and Order Questionnaire.
7. It shall deal with charges brought against any minister or cases of suspension presented by the District Superintendents.
a. It shall request the accused individual to be present during the hearing of the case.
b. It shall have the power to suspend.
Any individual suspended shall have the right of appeal to the Annual Conference.
8. It shall receive charges brought against any minister which are presented in writing and properly signed by the party or parties bringing the charges.
9. It shall submit a report to the Annual Conference.
The above material was approved Thursday, September 15, 1960 by the Board of Directors for presentation to the Annual Conference, 1960.
A. L. Seifert, Chairman, Carl C. Cassel,
Willard E. Cassel, Secretary, A. L. Wentz,
John H. Riggall, Harold A. Mann,
R. C. Reichenbach, David E. Thomann,
William A. Heffner, Rufus Spedden,
Government Committee.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a Committee on Publication and Printing.
He appointed: John H. Riggall, John Dunn and Willard E. Cassel.
Resolved, That we excuse S. A. Hackman and Arthur W. Deppe.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules to meet tonight at 6:00 o’clock.
Adjourned with prayer by Elmer Rauscher.
THIRTEENTH MEETING
Friday Evening, October 14, 1960
The Meeting wag opened with the singing of “Draw Me Nearer” and T. Lamarn Manney led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the Committee on Government supply copies of the Supplemental By-Laws (Supplemental Standing Rules) to the pastors for use by Delegates and Official Boards. The quantities required shall be submitted by each pastor to the Secretary of the Committee on Government who shall be reimbursed for the cost of the quantities ordered; this cost to be approximately 35c per copy.
Resolved, That the Board of the Home furnish a brochure containing publicity concerning facilities and care available at our new Home at Nazareth, Pa., including a statement regarding entrance requirements.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO STUDY ARTICLES OF FAITH
(First Reading)
Article
FREE AGENCY
In his original creation man was endowed with freedom to will1 and to do good or evil. But by the fall of Adam man forfeited his freedom of the will.
Man has not lost his free moral agency in that he retains the freedom to act in accordance with his fallen sinful nature.2
Apart from God’s infinite grace man cannot will or do anything necessary to his salvation.3 God causes man to will and to do His Will.4
1Ephesians 2:1-3 — 2Romans 3:10-12 — 3Romans 9:16 — 4James 1: 18.
Article
THE ETERNAL STATE
There are two final eternal destinies for man, heaven for the righteous and penitent, and hell for the unrighteous and impenitent.1 At the great white throne judgment, all the enemies of God will be consigned to the place of eternal conscious punishment from which there is no escape.2 The new heavens and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness shall be created3 as the final state in which the righteous shall dwell forever in the presence of God.4
1Matthew 25:46 — 2Revelation 20:11-15 — 3II Peter 3:10-13 — 4 Revelation 21:3.
Article
ORDINANCES
BAPTISM — Water baptism,1 the immersion of the believer is a visible testimony to the work of regenerations and a mark of identification and union with Christ.2 It has no saving or cleansing power, but is the answer of a good conscience before God, hence, should only be administered to those who have, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, realized the forgiveness of sins and have the assurance of acceptance with God.
1Acts 8:36-2 Acts 2:41— 2Matthew 28:19,20; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:11,12.
THE LORD’S SUPPER — The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of the New Testament,1 wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ, His death is proclaimed.2 They that worthily partake feed upon Him to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace,3 have their union and communion with Him confirmed, testify and renew their thankfulness and commitment to God4 and their mutual love and fellowship each with the other as members of the same mystical body.5
The Scriptures direct that each one examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup “until He come.”6
1Luke 22:19,20 — 2I Corinthians 11:26 — 3John 6:55,56 — 41 Corinthians 10:21— 5I Corinthians 10:17 — 61 Corinthians 11:26.
Article
DIVINE HEALING
It is the believer’s privilege to seek the will of the Lord in matters of physical healing. This healing whether by natural, medical or supernatural means must come from the Omnipotent God who created the human body. The believer may implore the Lord for physical restoration according to the Scriptures,1 and if the healing is for the highest glory of God, His miraculous power will be displayed.2
1James 5:14-16 — 2John 11:4.
Article
ELECTION
Election is a free act of the sovereign God in which from eternity,1 and for reasons known only to Himself2 and apart from any goodness in man,3 He graciously chose from among the fallen mankind a people unto salvation,3 that they might be conformed to Christ’s image.4 Those so chosen He redeemed5 by His Son and seals by His Spirit.6
1Ephesians 1:4,11 — 2Matthew 11:27 (ASV) — 3II Timothy 1:9 — 4Ephesians 4:13 — 5II Thessalonians 2:13 — 6Ephesians 1: 13.
Article
PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS
Salvation is the work of God from its commencement to its consummation.1 Those regenerated by the Word of God through the work of the Holy Spirit become partakers of the divine nature.2 They are preserved by the power of God3 so that they shall never totally or finally fall away,4 but shall persevere unto the end.5
1Romans 8:29,30 — 2 II Peter 1:4— 3Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:5 — 4John 10:27-29; I Corinthians 1:8; I John 2:19 — 5II Thessalonians 3:3,4.
Article
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST
The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the personal, visible, bodily return of our Lord to this earth1 to conform believers to His image and to establish the millennial kingdom. In connection with Christ’s return there will he the resurrection of the righteous dead,2 the rapture of the saints,3 the salvation of Israel4 and the inauguration of the millennia reign.5 Following the millennium there will be the resurrection and judgment of the unrighteous. The righteous will be eternally glorified with Him, the unrighteous will be eternally punished.
It is the believer’s source of encouragement and comfort, inspiring him to active service for Christ, and is a motive for purification and holy living.6
1John 14:2,3; Acts 1:11— 2I John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52 — 3I Thessalonians 4:13-18 — 4 Romans 11:25b,26a — 6Revelation 20:6 — 6I John 3:3.
WE RECOMMEND:
1. The election of a Committee of seven to study articles relative to MORAL STANDARDS OF THE CHURCH to include subjects such as: Marriage-Divorce, Lord’s Day, Secret Societies, etc. The articles so designated to be included and comprise a portion of the completed “Faith and Order” of our denomination.
2. The election of a Committee of seven to study FORMS OF THE CHURCH such as Weddings, Funerals, Baptism, Dedication of Children, Ordination of Elders. etc.
PLEASE NOTE — The Articles of Faith will be printed in the Minutes of the Annual Conference with only the scripture references being given, not being written out aq in this report. This is being done to save cost of printing.
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman, Donald T. Kirkwood,
Willard E. Cassel, Secretary, Jansen E. Hartman,
F. B. Hertzog, A. L. Seifert,
T. D. Gehret,
Committee.
Special Report of the Committee on Publication:
We recommend that:
1. The Chairman of this Annual Conference communicate to the Union Gospel Press our decision to terminate the insert for the Bible Fellowship Church edition with the January 15, 1961 issue, and further that he express to them our appreciation for their kind consideration of us during the past years.
2. We begin our publication on or about February 1, 1961 and that the first issue be distributed free. February be designated as “Subscription Month.”
3. The Committee be granted the privilege of studying the matter relative to the name of our church publication and further shall decide on a name after consultation with the District Superintendents.
4. The Board of Publication and Printing assist this committee with a loan of $300 for working capital.
Robert W. Smock, Chairman, David E. Thomann,
Robert W. Gehret, Secretary, James R. Cressman,
R. C. Reichenbach,
Committee.
Resolved, That the adjourned session of Annual Conference be held Saturday, April 8, 1961 at 9:00 a.m. in Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, Bethlehem, Pa.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in the Bethel Bible Fellowship Church, Allentown, Pa., Monday, October 9, 1961 at 9:00 a.m.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a committee of three on Program He appointed A. L. Seifert, Earl M. Hosler, D. E. Thomann.
Resolved, That we have a Ministerial Convention to be held Monday, and Tuesday, May 1-2, 1961 at Victory Valley.
Officers for the Ministerial Convention: John E. Golla, Chairman; John Dunn, Secretary.
Committee on Program: Russell T. Allen, John E. Golla, John Dunn, Earl M. Hosler, P. T. Stengele, C. E. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog.
Resolved, That all mid-season offerings be paid at the Adjourned Session of Annual Conference.
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 we hold two Camp Meetings in Mizpah Grove, Allentown, Pa., the first to be held by the Bethlehem District, July 1 to July 9, 1961 and the second to be held by, the Allentown District, July 15 to 23, 1961.
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 1 to July 9, 1961.
Officers: T. D. Gehret, Chairman; D. E. Thomann, Secretary; Donald T. Kirkwood, Treasurer.
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman,
Robert F. Johnson, Secretary.
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, 15 to 23, 1961.
Officers: A. L. Seifert, Chairman; N. H. Wolf, Secretary; P. T. Stengele, Treasurer;
F. B. Hertzog, Chairman; Bert N. Brosius, Secretary.
The various Boards reported their organization as follows:
Board of Foreign Missions: C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman; T. D. Gehret, General Secretary.
Board of Directors: F. B. Hertzog, President; C. E. Kirkwood, Vice President: Paul I. Wentz. Sr., Treasurer; Jansen E. Hartman, Secretary.
Board of Church Extension: C. E. Kirkwood. Chairman; A. L. Seifert, Secretary.
Board 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: Carl C. Cassel, Chairman; David E. Thomann, Secretary; S. A. Hackman, Treasurer.
Sunday School Promotion Committee: Rev. James G. Koch, Chairman; Norman L. Reed, Assistant Chairman; Harlan Wolf, Secretary; James R. Cressman, Financial Secretary.
Youth Fellowship General Committee: Carl C. Cassel, Chairman; LeRoy S. Heller, Secretary; Warren Zuck, Treasurer.
Ministerial Candidate Committee: Donald T. Kirkwood, Chairman; Carl C. Cassel. Secretary.
Committee Over the District Superintendents: W. W. Hartman, Chairman; Frank L. Herb, Jr., Secretary.
Publication Committee: Robert W. Smock, Chairman; Robert W. Gehret, Secretary; James R. Cressman, Treasurer.
Committee on Church Forms: John Dunn, Chairman; Earl M. Hosler, Secretary.
Beneficiary Society: N. H. Wolf. President; R. C. Reichenbach, Secretary; John H. Riggall, Treasurer.
Committee on Articles of Faith: C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman: Daniel G. Ziegler, Secretary.
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 Pastor 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 a list of names and number of tents.
Resolved, That all tent orders be properly filled in and signed by the person placing the order and be sent to Donald B. Schaeffer, Registrar, no later than June 1.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint an Agenda Committee of three.
He appointed:John E. Golla, Willard E. Cassel and John Dunn.
Adjourned 8:25 p.m. with prayer by C. E. Kirkwood.
Signed,
F. B. Hertzog, District Superintendent, Chairman,
C. E. Kirkwood, District Superintendent, Vice Chairman,
N. H. Wolf, Secretary,
Paul I. Wentz, Sr., Treasurer,
William A. Heffner, Director of Church Extension,
Ernest B. Hartman, Assistant Secretary,
Robert W. Smock, Recording Secretary,
Russell T. Allen, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, J. E. Golla, Jansen E. Hartman, W.W. Hartman, 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, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, Donald B. Schaeffer, A. L. Seifert, P. T. Stengele, David E. Thomann, J. B. Henry, H. D. Yarrington, E. E. Kublic, E. J. Rutman, A. G. Woodring, James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., George E. Herb, Robert F. Johnson,
Reynold G. Gardner, Elwood L. Heiser, Daniel G. Ziegler, Clarence L. Kauffman, R. Paul Schaeffer,
Robert Breitegam, William E. Miller, Edward W. Baker, T. LaMarn Manney, Daniel K. Ziegler, David F. Gardner, Edw. J. Dietzman, John I. Mengel, Roy E. Williams, William R. Hunsberger, R. S. Weidner, S. A. Hackman, A. W. Deppe, Edwin P. Yerger, Burton Deppe, Charles W. Weaber,
Horace A. Kauffman, George R. Fish, A. Franklin Campbell, Byron C. Cassel, George W. Krigor, Paul I. Wentz, Sr., Allen F. LaRose, Clayton E. Weber, Harold A. Mann, Rufus Spedden, Allen C. Palmer, Carl H. Kellerman, Robert W. Gehret, Henry B. Wilkinson, Elmer Rauscher, John L. Shelly,
ADJOURNED SESSION OF THE 77TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
of the
BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
FOURTEENTH MEETING
Saturday Morning, April 8, 1961
The Meeting was opened with the singing of “The King of Love”. W. W. Hartman led in prayer, after which the Chairman, District Superintendent F. B. Hertzog read the first 21 verses of the 4th chapter of Acts, and spoke of the progress of the early Church, compared to the present day Church.
The Roll was called by the Secretary.
Resolved, That the Absentees be excused, and that Paul Rutman be seated as the alternate delegate of the Harrisburg congregation.
Resolved, That we open the Minutes.
Resolved, That a statement be inserted in the Year book that the Report of the Committee to Revise Auditing Procedures (Page 31-33) was adopted.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
(First Reading)
WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING:
Duty #1 under the District Superintendents shall read as follows: The District Superintendents shall visit each appointment quarterly. Two of these visits shall be for complete Sundays. He shall be Chairman of the two Local Conferences.
WHEREAS, there will be less visits of the District Superintendents with less opportunity to receive offerings for their support, therefore,
WE RECOMMEND that the District Superintendents be salaried.
WE RECOMMEND the following changes in our Standing Rules so that they will conform to the above changes in our Church Government:
Supplemental Standing Rules, Local Conference, Section I p. 1 shall read as follows: Each Congregation shall hold at least two Local Conferences each Conference year.
Supplemental Standing Rules, Local Conference, Section III #3, p. 1 shall read as follows: The election of all Church Officers shall be held shortly before the Second Local Conference at congregational meeting (s) which has been announced at three services, and their term of office shall begin immediately after said Local Conference.
Supplemental Standing Rules, Local Conference, Section III #4 p. 1 shall read as follows: The following Delegates shall be elected at the time of the election of all Church Officers. They shall serve in the order listed.
The Supplemental Standing Rules, Pulpit Supply, Local Conference Action, #4 (last sentence) shall be changed to read — It shall be furnished by the Credentials Committee.
WE RECOMMEND the following addition to Supplemental Standing Rules, Local Conference, Section III, p. 1. The following to be #4; present #4 to be #5:
4. The following shall be the procedure in case of death, resignation or removal of an Officer.
a. The Official Board shall review and act upon the resignation or removal of any Local Conference Officer.
b. The Official Board shall determine the time of a congregational election to fill the unexpired term of the Local Conference Officer due to death, resignation or removal.
A. L. Seifert, Chairman William A. Heffner David E. Thomann
Willard E. Cassel, Secretary Carl C. Cassel Rufus Spedden
John H. Riggall A. L. Wentz
R. C. Reichenbach Harold A. Mann Government Committee
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the problem of establishing the amount of and the method of obtaining the District Superintendent’s salary be referred to the Committee now studying pastor’s income and insurance. (District Superintendents excluded.)
Resolved, That a District Superintendent for the Allentown District be elected 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.
T. D. Gehret and A. L. Seifert were elected.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Adjourned 12:10 p.m. with prayer by W. F. Heffner.
Fifteenth Meeting
Saturday Afternoon, April 8, 1961
The meeting was opened with the singing of “Look and Live” and Bert N. Brosius led in prayer.
The roll was called and the minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we elect a Director of Church Extension. Nominees are to be provided according to our By-Laws.
William A. Heffner was elected.
F. B. Hertzog was elected Chairman and C. E. Kirkwood, Vice-Chairman of the next Annual Conference.
N. H. Wolf was elected Secretary.
Report of the Board of Education
On behalf of the Board of Education, I submit the result of the election for President of the Berean Bible School.
At our Board Meeting on Saturday, February 18, 1961, Rev. Jansen E. Hartman was elected for the School year June 15, 1961 to June 15, 1962.
Respectfully submitted, W. B. Hottel, Secretary
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That we ratify the election of Jansen E. Hartman as President of Berean Bible School.
SPECIAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CHURCH PUBLICATION
Duties of the Editor of the Fellowship News:
1. He shall work under the supervision of the Committee on Church Publication.
2. He shall have the supervision of the church paper.
3. He shall write or select articles which are in harmony with our discipline.
4. He shall delete any copy that is in direct opposition to our discipline.
5. He shall be responsible for the printing and final working of the paper,
Robert W. Smock David E. Thomann James R. Cressman
Robert W. Gehret R. C. Reichenbach Committee
The report was adopted.
CONSTITUTION OF THE YOUTH FELLOWSHIP ORGANIZATION
(First Reading)
Article 1 — Name
Each Young People’s Society of the Bible Fellowship Church shall be called “Youth Fellowship”.
Article 2 — Objectives
The Objectives of the Youth Fellowship shall be:
1. To lead young people to a personal knowledge of Christ.
2. To develop Christian character and leadership.
3. To stimulate the study of the Bible and adherence to the distinctive teaching of the Bible Fellowship Church.
4. To promote practical Christianity and loyalty to the program of the local church.
5. To provide for spiritually profitable fellowship.
Article 3 — Officers
The Officers of the Youth Fellowship shall be President, Vice-President. Secretary, Treasurer, and Sponsor, and any other officers which the group shall deem necessary. The elected officers and the sponsor(s) shall constitute the Executive Committee, the Pastor shall be the ex-officio member.
Article 4 — Duties of the Officers
Executive Committee — The Executive Committee shall formulate the program of the Youth Fellowship in accordance with the objectives defined in Article 2.
President — The duties of the President shall be:
1. To bear the responsibility of the Youth Fellowship with the guidance of the Sponsor.
2. To preside at the Executive Committee, Business and other meetings. He shall have the Vice-President take charge of at least one business meeting every three months.
3. To report to the Local Conference.
4. To represent his Youth Fellowship in Regional planning.
Vice-President — The duties of the Vice-President shall be:
1. To preside in the absence of the President or when the President so directs.
2. To be responsible for Visitation and Promotion.
3. To assume all duties of the President in case of his absence, incapacitation, or resignation for the duration of the term of Office.
Secretary — The duties of the Secretary shall be:
1. To record all minutes of the Executive Committee, Business and other meetings.
2. To keep a membership roll and to record the attendance of the meetings.
3. To supply the President with a statistical report for Local Conference.
4. To carry on all Correspondence.
Treasurer — The duties of the Treasurer shall be:
1. To receive and disburse funds at the direction of the Executive Committee.
2. To keep a financial record to be audited by the Local Conference.
3. To supply the President with a financial report for the Local Conference.
Sponsor (s) — The duties of the Sponsor (s) shall be:
1. To oversee and direct the entire program through the elected officers.
2. To be responsible to the Christian Education Committee and Pastor. Plans and Programs shall be discussed with the Pastor or whomever he directs.
3. To offer guidance and counsel to the members of the Youth Fellowship.
Article 5 — Membership
The Membership shall consist of those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (and who are members of the Bible Fellowship Church). All who desire to be members of the Youth Fellowship shall sign the Covenant. Membership shall be renewed annually. New members shall be received upon application to and recommendation by the Executive Committee. Other young people who show interest may be Associate members until they are ready to make the commitments involved in full membership. Only full members shall vote in business matters. Membership may be departmentalized as follows;
Junior High — 7th – 9th Grades
Senior High — 10th – 12th Grades
Young Adult — Post High School to age 35
In Churches where all the departments are not possible, any parts of the total program may be used.
Article 6 — Election of Officers
The Sponsor (s) shall be adult and appointed by the Christian Education Committee upon the nomination by the Pastor. The Pastor may be the Sponsor.
The other Officers shall be elected annually by the membership and from the membership of the Youth Fellowship. Only members of the Bible Fellowship Church shall be eligible.
Elections shall be held in September. Terms of Office shall begin October 1.
A nominating committee may be used.
Article 7 — Covenant
The Covenant shall be signed before a member joins and each September following as long as the individual desires to retain membership in the Youth Fellowship. The Covenant is as follows:
In humble dependence upon the Lord who has redeemed me by His blood, I covenant by His grace to be faithful to my Lord in all things and at all times, to seek to know the New Testament standard of experience and to support my Youth Fellowship by faithful attendance and participation, striving to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Article 8 — By-Laws
By-Laws, not in conflict with the provisions of this Constitution may be adopted by the Youth Fellowship in a regular meeting for this purpose. By-Laws are subject to the approval of the Local Conference of the Church.
Article 9 — Regional Gatherings
Youth Fellowship Regions, for the purpose of regional activities, shall be established by the Youth Fellowship General Committee. The Pastors and/or sponsors and presidents of the various Youth Fellowships in the region, shall constitute the regional committee, and shall organize annually
as they see fit to carry on regional activities. Names and addresses of regional officers shall be forwarded to the secretary of the Youth Fellowship General Committee by the regional secretary. In the case of a new committee forming, a temporary chairman shall be appointed by the Youth Fellowship General Committee. Decisions as to frequency of activities and finance shall be left to the discretion of the regional committee, with guidance from the Youth Fellowship General Committee.
The Constitution was adopted.
Resolved, That the Constitution of the Youth Fellowship be a part of the By-Laws of Annual Conference.
REPORT OF THE YOUTH FELLOWSHIP GENERAL COMMITTEE
The Youth Fellowship General Committee recommends that we have two retreats in September 1961. The first, on September 1-3 for post-high school and college age young people; the second on September 8-11 for senior and junior high school young people. Both of these would be held at Victory Valley Camp; both would begin with Friday evening meal and close with Sunday noon meal. At our sessions in October this Conference approved the first date; this recommendation is to add one more weekend retreat.
We feel that this change of arrangements would be an advantage because:
1. Last year’s group was too large for the present facilities of Victory Valley Camp. About $75.00 was spent to provide sufficient beds.
2. The growth of interest and registrations tor our retreat in the last four years indicates demand for more space this year.
3. As a Conference we do not now have a specific program for our post-high school and college age young people; this would provide us a contact with them just before many of them return to college.
4. There were reports of older young people who did not attend last year’s retreat because of the large majority of junior high age young people who intended to come.
5. Having two retreats would enable us to have more room for the younger folks on the second weekend.
6. Having two retreats would enable the committee to gear the program to each specific age level.
Carl C. Cassel. chairman Daniel G. Zeigler Clyde Snyder
LeRoy S. Heller, secretary Harold P. Shelly Donald Seigfried,
Russell T. Allen Warren Zuck, Jr. Committee.
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That two copies of Reports of all Standing Boards and Committees 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.
The Committee on Statistics was appointed by the Chairman as follows: Willard E. Cassel, John E. Golla, Donald T. Kirkwood, LeRoy S. Heller, John Dunn.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
CONSTITUTION OF WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY
(First Reading)
The following is offered by the Board of Foreign Missions for presentation to the Adjourned Session, Saturday, April 8, 1961.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY
SOCIETY OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
ARTICLE I
Name
The name of this organization shall be the ——————————
Women’s Missionary Society of -——————————, ————
ARTICLE II
Purpose
The purpose of this Missionary Society shall be to:
A. Give diligence to intercessory prayer in behalf of missions.
B. Encourage sacrificial giving.
C. Support missionary projects both home and foreign.
D. Correspond with missionaries.
E. Assist missionary candidates.
F. Promote spiritual growth among the members of the society.
ARTICLE III
Membership
The membership shall be open to Christian women of like faith, who are interested in missionary work and desire to share in this fellowship. No one shall serve as an officer who is not a member of the Bible Fellowship Church.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
Section 1. The officers of this Missionary Society shall be a President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer and the Pastor. A Corresponding Secretary may be appointed by the Officers.
Section 2. The officers shall be elected annually by ballot.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall be constituted of the Officers. The Pastor shall be Chairman.
Section 4. A vacancy occurring in any office shall be filled by an appointment by the Pastor.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE 1
The Society shall meet regularly as arranged by the Executive Committee. The regular meetings shall include a period of prayer, Scripture reading, prayer requests, missionary letters and news, announcements, a free-will offering, reading of the minutes and reports.
ARTICLE II
Duties of the Officers
Section 1. The President shall have the oversight and leadership of the Society. She shall endeavor to maintain a high spiritual standard with a strong emphasis on prayer at every meeting. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society and shall perform such duties as pertain to the office. She shall be a member of all committees. She shall also present a condensed report of the activities of the Society to each Local Conference on forms provided.
Section 2. The Vice-president shall cooperate with the President in the plans and responsibilities of the work and shall assume the duties of the President in her absence.
Section 3. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Society and Executive Committee. She shall keep a correct list of the members and attendance. She shall preserve all records and letters of value to the Society. It shall be her duty to notify committees appointed, to see that the activities are announced and to notify all members of the meetings.
Section 4. The Corresponding Secretary is the connecting link between the Society and the missionary. She shall promote correspondence between the members and the missionaries.
Section 5. The Treasurer shall receive all funds of the Society and disburse same by check according to the instructions of the Executive Committee. All checks are to be signed by the President and Treasurer.
Any expenditure in excess of $———— must be approved by the Society. An accurate record shall be kept of all receipts and expenditures. The account of the Treasurer shall be audited at each Local Conference.
Section 6. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to uphold the Constitution, By-Laws and policies laid down by the Society. The Executive Committee shall have a meeting at least four times a year to promote the work of the Society.
ARTICLE III
Committees
Section 1. It will be advantageous for each Society to give consideration to the appointment of the following Committees:
Committee on Program
Committee on Projects
Committee on Membership
And such other Committees as deemed necessary.
The desired Committees shall be appointed by the Executive Committee.
Section 2. It shall be the duty of the Committee on Program to arrange an interesting missionary program for the Society meetings. Free-will offerings shall be received at each meeting to be used for missionary purposes.
It shall be the duty of the Committee on Projects to plan various projects such as sewing, quilting and providing other needs, supplies and equipment for missionaries and missionary candidates.
It shall be the duty of the Committee on Membership to endeavor to increase the attendance at the monthly meetings, inviting all women of the church to become members of the Society. They shall be sure to contact new members and thereby promote the growth of the Society.
ARTICLE IV
Nominations and Elections
Elections shall be held annually during the month of September prior to the Regional Rally and term of office begin immediately. The ballot shall be used to nominate and elect the candidates. On a nominating ballot, the three highest shall be considered as candidates. After the first ballot has been cast, if there is no election, the candidate receiving the least number of votes shall be eliminated. A majority in every case shall be necessary for an election.
Voting shall be limited to those women who are members of the Bible Fellowship Church.
ARTICLE V
Miscellaneous Articles
Section 1. Time limits for officers may be determined by the local Societies.
The Constitution was adopted.
Resolved, That this Constitution become a part of our By-Laws, and shall be considered so at this session.
Adjourned 5:30 p.m. with prayer by William A. Heffner.