EIGHTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1964
The Eighty-First Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convened in Grace Church, Wallingford, Pennsylvania.
The Conference opened at 10:00 A.M., October 12, with the singing of “My Saviour’s Love” directed by Roy E. Williams followed by Jansen E. Hartman.
District Superintendent and Chairman, T. D. Gehret read the portion of Scripture found in Deuteronomy 1:19-21 based on Israel’s experience at Kadesh Barnea. He challenged the conference body to a deeper trust in the provision of God and a willingness to trust God for the impossible.
The Lord’s Supper was observed by the Members of Conference directed by District Superintendents T.D. Gehret and A. L. Seifert.
The Chairman instructed the Secretary, N. H. Wolf, to appoint his assistants. He appointed Ernest B. Hartman, Assistant Secretary and Robert W. Smock, Recording Secretary.
Report of the Committee an Program
MONDAY 10:00 a.m. Song Leader – Roy Williams
OCTOBER 12 Speaker – Rev. T. D. Gehret, D.S.
The Lord’s Supper
TUESDAY 9:00 a.m. Song Leader – Byron C. Cassel
OCTOBER 13 Speaker – Dr. R. Wallace Journey, M.D.
“A Christian doctor looks at the ministry.”
WEDNESDAY 9:00 a.m. Song Leader – Glen Sheats
OCTOBER 14 Speaker – Mr. Leonard Paret, Real Estate
“A Christian business man looks at the
THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Song Leader – Daniel K. Ziegler
OCTOBER 15 Speaker – Mr. John C. Briscoe, Lawyer
“A Christian lawyer looks at the ministry.”
7:30 p.m. Conference Service open to the public
Rev. John H. Riggall presiding
Music: Pastor’s Male Quartet (Senior)
Speaker – Dr. Robert K. Rudolph
Professor of Theology, Reformed Episcopal Seminary,
Philadelphia
FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. Song Leader – William Hunsberger
OCTOBER 16 Speaker – Rev. A. L. Seifert, D.S.
“A Church administrator looks at the ministry,”
Note: Devotional period – 30 minutes Includes: Song, Prayer, Scripture Reading and Message
Organist – Robert W. Gehret
Recommendations:
That consideration be given to the possibility of providing lodging for the pastors and delegates at Annual Conference in motels rather than private homes.
Reason: This would enable more churches to entertain Annual Conference.
That a committee be appointed to study this matter and to report at the next Adjourned Session.
John H. Riggall
David E. Thomann
Donald T. Kirkwood,
Committee on Program
The report was adopted.
The following were enrolled as members of the Conference:
Ministers
Ordained–Russell T. Allen, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Alva C. Cassel, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Reynold D. Gardner, T. D. Gehret, John E. Golla, Ernest B. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., George E. Herb, F. B. Hertzog, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, Robert F. Johnson, 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, David E. Thomann, Norman R. Weiss, N. H. Wolf, Daniel G. Ziegler, W. F. Heffner, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, E. J. Rutman, P. T. Stengele, A. G. Woodring.
Probationers–John H. Herb, Ronald C. Mahurin, Leon K. Overpeck, David J. Watkins.
Delegates
Allentown District
Allentown (Bethel), Kermit K. Gehman, J. Erwin Fretz
Catasauqua, Arthur W. Deppe
Graterford, Edward A. Stortz
Hatfield, Daniel K. Ziegler
Harrisburg, Paul T. Rutman
Harleysville, Stanley A. Hackman
Lancaster, Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon, Charles W. Weaber
Lehighton, Willard Blocker
Mount Carmel, Roy E. Williams
Nazareth, Norman W. Granda
Paradise, Arthur Refford
Reading, Robert Breitegam
Royersford, William R. Hunsberger
Shamokin, T. Lamarn Manney
Sunbury, Allan F. Smith
Spring City, R. S. Weidner
York, Spalding Revere Sewers
Bethlehem District
Allentown (Salem), Allan C. Palmer
Bethlehem, Paul H. Cressman
Blandon, John I. Mengel
Coopersburg, Harold A. Mann
Denville, N.J., John Moran
Easton, Glenn W. Sheats
Emmaus, Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
Fleetwood, Norman L. Reed
Philadelphia (Calvary), Donald M. Sedgwick
Philadelphia (Emmanuel), Edward J. Dietzman
Maple Glen, H. Howard Weiss
Quakertown, Harold P. Shelly, Sr.
Scranton, Carl H. Kellerman
Staten Island, N.Y., Ralph D. Cole
Stroudsburg, George R. Fish
Terre Hill, Robert W. Gehret
Wallingford, Harold W. Greist
Zionsville, Charles G. Hersh
Resolved, That we accept the excuses of the brethren as submitted, and when they arrive, they shall be seated in the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That the alternate delegates be seated.
Resolved, That the first eight pews throughout the Church constitute the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That no one leave the Conference Bar without the permission of the Chair except John H. Riggall and Harold W. Greist.
Resolved, That we accept the Agenda.
Resolved, That Ronald C. Mahurin be excused from attending the morning and afternoon sessions on Tuesday in order to conduct a funeral service.
The new delegates were introduced to the Conference Body.
COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE: Paul I. Wentz, Roy E. Williams, Kermit K. Gehman, Paul H. Cressman, Robert W. Gehret.
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS: John E. Golla, Earl M. Hosler, W. W. Hartman, James A. Bell, W. B. Hottel.
COMMITTEE ON EXAMINATION OF LOCAL CONFERENCE RECORDS: E. W. Bean, Frank L. Herb, Richard H. Kline, Reynold Gardner, Stanley A. Hackman, William R. Hunsberger, Allan F. Smith, Norman L. Reed, A. W. Deppe, Paul T. Rutman, John I. Mengel, Charles W. Weaber, Edward J. Dietzman, Norman W. Granda.
COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS: C. E. Kirkwood, Carl C. Cassel, Harvey J. Fritz, David E. Thomann, Russell T. Allen.
COMMITTEE ON AUDITING: James G. Koch, Daniel K. Ziegler, Horace A. Kauffman, R. S. Weidner, Charles Hersh.
COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES: George E. Herb, Donald B. Schaeffer.
TIMEKEEPER: Bert N. Brosius.
REPORTER: R. C. Reichenbach.
COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS: (Appointed at Adjourned Session) Willard E. Cassel, John E. Golla, LeRoy S. Heller, John Dunn, Donald T. Kirkwood, Robert F. Johnson.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS
The Committee held four meetings during the Conference year. Each time we met, we were made aware of the solemn responsibility resting upon the Committee. There is an intense desire not only within the committee, but throughout the Church, to maintain the doctrinal purity of the Bible Fellowship Church.
The Faith and Order Questionnaires were sent to every minister desiring to hold Credentials with us. All of the Brethren signed and returned these questionnaires. It is with deep gratitude to our God we can report to you all of our men conform to the Holy Scriptures in doctrine and manner of life.
The Committee offers the following recommendations:
1. WHEREAS: Pastor Ronald C. Mahurin was ordained to the Christian ministry on September 22, 1959 after having prepared for the ministry, serving in a Pastorate and being examined by a Council of Pastor in Michigan; Therefore – Resolved: The Bible Fellowship Church recognize this ordination at the Annual Conference to be held in Wallingford, Pennsylvania in October of 1964.
2. WHEREAS: Pastor Robert Paul was ordained to the Christian Ministry on October 8, 1947 after having prepared for the ministry serving a Pastorate and being examined by a Council of Pastors in Darby, Pennsylvania; Therefore – Resolved: The Bible Fellowship Church recognize this Ordination at the Annual Conference to be held in Wallingford, Pennsylvania in October of 1964.
In response to the directive given to the Committee on Page 25 of the 1962 Year Book, the Committee is submitting to this Conference proposals for revision and additional legislation required to implement the carrying out of our duties.
W. B. Hottel, Chairman
C. E. Kirkwood, Secretary
T. D. Gehret
A. L. Seifert
Frank L. Herb, Jr.
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet this afternoon at 4 o’clock.
Adjourned, 11:40 A.M. with prayer by Bert N. Brosius.
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, October 12, 1964
The Meeting was opened at 4:00 P.M. with the singing of the chorus, “Blessed Assurance” and prayer by James G. Koch.
The Minutes were read and approved.
Report of the Youth Fellowship General Committee: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
The following tellers were appointed: E. W. Bean, David E. Thomann, R. C. Reichenbach, James G. Koch and John Dunn.
Resolved, That we adopt the second reading of the rules governing the Constitution of the Youth Fellowship General Committee adopted by the 1963 Annual Conference.
“The Youth Fellowship General Committee shall be composed of 1. The District Superintendents (ex officio)
2. Four ordained ministers and five laymen.
Classes shall be formed as follows:
1. Two ministers – one layman
2. One minister – two laymen
3. One minister – two laymen
Each class shall be elected in turn annually by ballot by the Annual Conference for a term of three years.”
Resolved, That each Youth Fellowship remit an offering for the work of the Youth Fellowship General Committee, and that this offering be forwarded to the treasurer of the Youth Fellowship General Committee (Clyde W. Snyder) by April 1, 1965.
Report of the Committee on Publication and Printing: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Sunday School Promotion Committee: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That every Bible Fellowship Sunday School receive an offering for denominational Sunday School promotion. This offering should be mailed to the Financial Secretary of the Committee (James R. Cressman) before April 1, 1965.
Report of the Ministerial Convention: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Committee to Publish Fellowship News: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the month of January be designated as subscription month.
Resolved, That a donation of $50.00 each be given by the Board of Foreign Missions, the Sunday School Promotion Committee, the Church Extension Board, and the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School. Checks should be made payable to the Fellowship News and sent to the Secretary of the Committee (James R. Cressman) no later than February 1, 1965.
Oral reports were made by Editor, David E. Thomann and Circulation Manager, R. C. Reichenbach, of the “Fellowship News.”
Report of the Ministerial Candidate Committee:
The Ministerial Candidate Committee met ten times during the year to carry out its responsibilities. The committee had correspondence with a number of men throughout the year. Some of these were inquiries which did not develop any further; some were fruitful contacts which are still under care.
A probationer’s license was granted to Richard Gehman and Austin B. Sullivan, Jr. Four men were recommended for ordination examination; they were Raymond Dotts, Ronald C. Mahurin, Leon K. Overpeck, and Robert Paul.
The committee recommends recognition of the following men in their respective stages of development:
PROBATIONERS:
LeRoy J. Bicker, Wernersville, Pa 1962
T. James Bigley, East Africa 1962
Leonard Buck, Union of South Africa 1958
M. Leslie Campbell, Walnutport, Pa 1961
Raymond Dotts, Allentown, Pa 1960
Bruce Ellingson, Finesville, N.J 1963
Richard Gehman, Allentown, Pa 1964
John Herb, Stroudsburg, Pa 1962
Roy Hertzog, France 1959
Glenn Huratiak, Trenton, N.J. 1963
Donald Knauer, Macungie, Pa 1962
Ronald C. Mahurin, Denville, N.J. 1960
Robert McIntyre, Allentown, Pa 1958
Leon K. Overpeck, Paradise, Pa 1958
Robert Paul, Millersville, Pa 1962
Richard Ruth, Belvidere, N.J. 1960
Austin B. Sullivan, Jr., Binghamton, N.Y. 1964
David J. Watkins, Graterford, Pa 1962
Harold C. Weaber, Miller Heights, Pa 1963
CANDIDATES:
William A. Benedick, East Earl, Pa.
David Manney, Shamokin, Pa.
Keith E. Plows, Philadelphia, Pa.
Theodore R. Shelling, New York, N.Y.
Ronald Zuck, Nazareth, Pa.
APPLICANTS:
William Barton, Stroudsburg, Pa.
David Branning, Lookout Mt., Tennessee
Arthur Frable, Moscow, Pa.
Larry Gradwohl, Nazareth, Pa.
Garry Krick, Catawissa, Pa.
George Lee, Mt. Carmel, Pa.
Richard Lee, Mt. Carmel, Pa.
Robert Minnig, Lancaster, Pa.
Keith Montgomery, Allentown, Pa.
Donal Nilsson, Ft. Washington, Pa.
Harold Reynolds, State College, Pa.
Roger Reitz, Shamokin, Pa.
George Riggall, Wallingford, Pa.
Dean Stortz, Collegeville, Pa.
Richard Woelkers, Scranton, Pa.
Larry Yerger, Reading, Pa.
Committee:
Carl C. Cassel, Chairman
A. L. Seifert
William A. Heffner
Jansen E. Hartman
Earl M. Hosler, Secretary
The Report was adopted.
Leonard Buck, missionary on furlough from South Africa, brought greetings to the Conference Body.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet this evening at 6:30 o’clock.
Adjourned, 4:55 P.M. with prayer by Donald T. Kirkwood.
Third Meeting
Monday Evening, October 12, 1964
The Meeting was opened at 6:30 P.M. with the singing of “Come Thou Blessed Saviour” and Robert Breitegam led in prayer.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Report of the Allentown District Superintendent, T. D. Gehret: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Bethlehem District Superintendent, A. L. Seifert: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Church Extension Director, William A. Heffner: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the President of Berean Bible School, Jansen E. Hartman: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Board of Church Extension: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Report of the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That the laymen on the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School shall constitute a committee to work with all our churches for the purpose of promoting interest and support of the School and formulate a plan to raise $26,000.00 needed to carry on the Berean Bible School program in the 1964-65 year. The District Superintendents shall be advisory members of the committee.
Report of the Board of Directors of the Home: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Adjourned, 8:20 P.M. with prayer by John Dunn.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday Morning, October 13, 1964
The devotional period opened with Harold A. Mann leading in the singing of “Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart” followed by LeRoy S. Heller offering prayer. James G. Koch read the first nine verses of Psalm 34 after which Dr. R. Wallace Journey, M.D., a Christian layman and member of the Official Board of the host church spoke on the subject of “A Christian Doctor Looks at the Ministry”. His address emphasized the physical, mental and spiritual qualifications needed to be an effectual man of God in his home and church.
Resolved, That we recess to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 11:20 A.M.
Report of the Board of Directors: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Committee to Examine Local Conference Minutes:
We have examined the Local Conference Records and have found them correct except for a few omissions and minor errors which have been corrected by the Pastors concerned.
The following petitions were found in the Last Local Conference Minutes of the Maple Glen Bible Fellowship Church:
“WHEREAS, Maple Glen Bible Fellowship Church operates with a unified budget, and no longer has occasion to use a Sunday School Treasurer, Stewards or Building Fund Collectors, but desires to have an Official Board of sufficient size to operate efficiently, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we petition the Eighty-first Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, convening at Wallingford, Pa., on October 12, 1964 to provide relief so that churches having budgets will not be required to elect Sunday School Treasurers, Stewards or Building Fund Collectors; and to permit such churches to elect to the Official Board such members at large as will meet the work load of said churches.”
“WHEREAS, the form of government of the Bible Fellowship Church has been extensively modified over the past few years, but the matter of authority in church government has never been defined, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we petition the Eighty-first Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, convening at Wallingford, Pa., on October 12, 1964, to define the question of where authority lies in the matter of church government.”
Committee:
E. W. Bean Stanley A. Hackman Paul T. Rutman
Frank L. Herb William R. Hunsberger John I. Mengel
Richard H. Kline Allan F. Smith Charles W. Weaber
Reynold D. Gardner, Sr. Norman L. Reed Edward J. Dietzman
A. W. Deppe Norman W. Granda
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a committee of five to deal with the petitions submitted by the Maple Glen Bible Fellowship Church and report to this Conference.
He appointed, C. E. Kirkwood, John H. Riggall, R. C. Reichenbach, Daniel K. Ziegler and Horace A. Kauffman.
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Whereas, Pastor Ronald C. Mahurin was ordained to the Christian ministry on September 22, 1959 after having prepared for the Ministry, serving in a Pastorate and being examined by a Council of Pastors in Michigan; Therefore – Resolved, The Bible Fellowship Church recognize this ordination at the Annual Conference to be held in Wallingford, Pennsylvania in October of 1964.
Whereas, Pastor Robert Paul was ordained to the Christian Ministry on October 8, 1947 after having prepared for the ministry serving in a Pastorate and being examined by a Council of Pastors in Darby, Pennsylvania; Therefore – Resolved, The Bible Fellowship Church recognize this Ordination at the Annual Conference to be held in Wallingford, Pennsylvania in October of 1964.
Adjourned with prayer by Harold P. Shelly, Sr.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, October 13, 1964
The meeting was opened with an organ solo by Robert W. Gehret entitled, “If I Gained the World”.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
George E. Herb led in prayer.
Report of the Committee on Credentials:
(First Reading)
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.
*** We recommend duty #5 be revised as following:
5. It shall annually send a Faith and Order Questionnaire to all Pastors, Missionaries, approved teachers, Probationers whose names will be listed on the availability list and all others who desire to retain credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church. All those desiring to retain credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church must return the signed questionnaire by August 24.
The Faith and Order shall contain the following:
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 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 August 24.
6. No minister shall have his name placed on the Availability list who does not subscribe to our Faith and Order in its entirety.
The Availability list shall be sent to all Conference Delegates and those whose names appear on the list.
7. It shall deal with charges brought against any minister or cases for suspension presented by the District Superintendents.
Charges brought against any minister of the Bible Fellowship Church must be in writing and presented to the Credentials Committee. It shall request the accused individual to be present during the hearing of the case.
If these charges involve departure from any doctrine or practice of the Bible Fellowship Church, or any improper conduct, a thorough investigation shall be made.
If the charge is of sufficient magnitude in the judgment of the Credential Committee, the accused minister may be temporarily suspended by the Committee and his name withheld from the Availability list for Pulpit Supply.
A report of this action, with appropriate recommendations for disposition of the case shall be made to the Annual Conference.
The accused party shall have the right of appeal to the Annual Conference. If appeal is made to the Annual Conference by the accused individual, his name shall remain on the Availability list until the Annual Conference has passed judgment in the case.
8. It shall submit a report to the Annual Conference.
Committee:
W. B. Hottel, Chairman, A. L. Seifert,
C. E. Kirkwood, Secretary, Frank L. Herb.
T. D. Gehret,
The Report was adopted.
Whereas, there are a few Pastors who had certain reservations regarding three of our present articles of faith, inasmuch as these exceptions are not in the area of the Deity of Christ, or the Inspiration of the Scriptures, these men shall be permitted to continue with us since they were members of the Bible Fellowship Church at the time of adoption of our present Faith and Order. If any new exceptions are listed by these men, they shall be dealt with by the Committee on Credentials.
Whereas, the reports of the Committee on Credentials and the Committee on Ministerial Candidates indicate a problem in our understanding of ordination, therefore,
Resolved, that the Committee on Credentials and the Committee on Ministerial Candidates study together ordination and submit a report of their understanding to the next Annual Conference.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet this evening at 6:30 o’clock.
Adjourned 4:55 p.m. with prayer by David J. Watkins.
Sixth Meeting
Tuesday Evening, October 13, 1964
The meeting was opened at 6:30 P.M. with the reading and adoption of the minutes of the previous meeting. Paul T. Rutman then led in prayer.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors: T. D. Gehret, A. L. Seifert, C. E. Kirkwood, John H. Riggall, Jansen E. Hartman, Frank L. Herb, Jr., Daniel K. Ziegler, Byron C. Cassel and Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
Report of the Archivist:
“Remove not the ancient landmarks” Proverbs 22:28a
As the Bible Fellowship Church moves forward it must not forget its humble pietistic origin and the evangelical fervor of its early leaders, men who fearlessly denounced sin and proclaimed the Savior. Unlike the development of most large denominations, the whole Bible Fellowship Church has grown out of one rural congregation which had a vision to reach the lost all around it. The written story of how one small Evangelische Mennoniten Gemeinschaft of about twenty-five members expanded into the more than forty congregations of the Bible Fellowship Church is long overdue.
To facilitate the study of our heritage, printed documents and other source materials are being collected in the archives of the Bible Fellowship Church located in a room of the Berean Bible School library. A fireproof file has been made available by the School for the storage of the archival materials. Included in this collection is a complete set of Fellowship News; a set of Annual Conference yearbooks, complete from 1896 to 1960 with the exception of the years 1897, 1904, 1905, 1906. (The Archivist will be most grateful to anyone who will contribute these missing journals.) During the past year we have received valuable handwritten annual conference minutes, some in Deutsch (1859-1889) and some in English (1881-1885) which were not known to exist. The discovery of these records, preserved in good condition, is indeed gratifying and they should provide invaluable insight into the silent years of our early history.
Also included in the present collection are the following items: typed and handwritten minutes of ministerial conventions, copies of the Menno Youth Spotlight, many issues of the Proceedings of the General Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ, some editions of Doctrine and Discipline, some copies of the Gospel Herald and The Gospel Banner, a few old pictures, minutes of various conference organizations, some local conference minutes including the minutes of the former church at East Hereford, single articles received from old Gospel Banners, and bits of correspondence by former leaders which should also assist in the understanding of our history. It is our hope that this collection of documents from our past will continue to grow and be useful in the study of our heritage.
Harold P. Shelly, Archivist
Byron C. Cassel
Paul H. Cressman
Daniel G. Ziegler
Historical Committee
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Stewardship Committee:
(Second Reading)
A Stewardship Committee submitted a report to Annual Conference in 1962. That report is published in full at pages 30-41 of the 1962 Yearbook. It dealt with:
I. A Biblical Basis for Church Finance.
II. Problems Existing in Bible Fellowship Church.
III. Alternatives in our Denominational Financial Management.
IV. Looking for a Solution.
We refer to this report with the suggestion that each one turn to it and review again the points set forth therein. There has been no rebuttal to the claims made therein as to the Scriptural basis for church finance. There has been no substantial mitigation of the financial problems of the Bible Fellowship Church. Being more forthright with respect to the financial management of our church, particularly at the denominational level, is becoming to each one who takes a position of total commitment to Christ and His cause through the Bible Fellowship Church.
This can best be illustrated by a specific example. Each year since it came into existence, at the direction of this conference, the President of Berean Bible School presents to this body a proposed budget. At no time has there been any voice raised at Annual Conference with respect to the budget presented. But Conference adjourns and we return each to his own work. We may declare that a given Sunday is Berean Sunday. We receive an offering. But a plate by the door after the close of a missionary meeting will many times receive a larger sum of money for one evening’s meeting than that same group will give to support Berean Bible School for one year. Is it becoming to make oneself aware of the need of our school, of our church extension work, for foreign missions, for administration , for every need and then work openly with all of the brethren to the meeting of these needs? All this is implied in budgeting.
Are the activities of our denomination God directed? If they are, they must be essential to His plan. If God directed and essential, then they are worthy of being included in our local financial program to a degree that the total work can go forward.
At Annual Conference 1963, the Committee on Stewardship submitted a recommendation, published in the 1963 Yearbook, starting at page 42 under a heading II. A “Meeting the Denominational Needs for Administration.” Following the submission of this report, the Conference resolved to adopt recommendation II. A. We now renew this recommendation. The text of it follows:
II. Meeting the Denominational Needs
A. For Administration
1. At Annual Conference, the Board of Directors of the church shall present to the Conference a proposed budget covering the administrative expenses for the year that will begin 12 months later, embracing the following needs:
a. Printing and Publication
b. Conference Entertainment Expense
c. Beneficiary Fund
d. District Superintendents’ Support
e. Parsonages for District Superintendents
f. Ministers’ Retirement Fund
g. Moving Fund
h. Fares and meals of the following boards and committees while on church business:
(1) Board of Directors
(2) Government Committee
(3) Credentials Committee
(4) Ministerial Candidate Committee
(5) Statistical and Agenda Committee
(6) Any ad hoc committee created by Annual Conference
I. Other expenses of Board of Directors, such as:
(1) Attorney Fees
(2) Workmen’s Compensation Insurance
(3) Safe Deposit Box Rental
(4) Stationery, Printing, Postage, Telephone
(5) Office Machinery rentals and repairs
2. The Board of Directors elected at Annual Conference shall appoint of its members a sub-committee to supervise the establishment and administration of the budget under the direction of the Board. Each official board, through its delegate, shall forward to the secretary of this sub-committee, not later than January 15 following Annual Conference, his church’s pledge of the amount it will contribute toward the proposed budget. The Board of Directors at its February meeting will receive the budget sub-committee’s report of the amount pledged toward this need of the church. The Board will distribute to each delegate a report of the total amount subscribed and the delegate shall make this report known to the official board of his church at its next meeting.
3. Should the budget have been undersubscribed, opportunity to increase its subscription will be available to any local church up to the day of the adjourned session of Annual Conference. If the proposed total has not been subscribed, the Board of Directors will recommend to the adjourned session adjustments in the proposed expenditures that will bring it into balance with the total pledge of offerings toward this need.
4. After adjourned session has balanced the budget and approved it, the budget shall be effective for the year starting with adjournment of the next Annual Conference. Pledges made to meet this need should be considered as binding as any other vow made before the Lord. Payment of the pledge by each local church shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the Board of Directors. Checks shall be made payable to the “Bible Fellowship Church.” Payments may be made annually in advance or one-twelfth of the pledge may be paid on the last day of each month starting October 31.
III. Meeting the Local Needs
We recommend that our local congregations be urged to establish systems that will encourage God’s people to bring their tithes and offerings to the Lord each week, including their giving to missions. Thereupon, we recommend that each local congregation establish annual budgets. By the use of coded weekly envelopes and adequate record keeping, such a program will also meet the requirements of Internal Revenue Service for annual receipts.
Daniel K. Ziegler, Chairman
Donald B. Schaeffer
James G. Koch
LeRoy S. Heller
Byron C. Cassel
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That we excuse W. B. Hottel and Daniel G. Ziegler from attending sessions on Thursday in order to conduct funeral services.
Report of the Committee to Study the Problem of Secret Societies:
The Committee met four times during the past conference year to study the problem of Secret Oath-Bound Societies.
Since Freemasonry is the oldest and largest secret order, and since most other secret societies are patterned after that society, and since the literature of Freemasonry is vast and more accessible than the materials of other societies, we have drawn mainly, from the literature of that society. We have made a special effort to quote directly from their own publications as will be seen by our references. It must be said, however, that while the literature of Freemasonry is vast and accessible — that literature is, for the most part, pro-Masonic. The Secret Rituals as such have been kept as secret as it is humanly possible to keep such things, and books critical of the Society are almost impossible to obtain in public libraries.
It must not be thought, however, that because the membership of the lodge is sworn to secrecy, its rituals are therefore unobtainable. Men have at times, for one reason or another, felt compelled to publish them. The Committee has been fortunate to have access to one such copy. The full title of this volume is, “Richardson’s Monitor of Free-Masonry; Being A Practical Guide To The Ceremonies In All The Degrees Conferred In Masonic Lodges, Chapters, Encampments, Etc., Explaining the Signs, Tokens and Grips, And Giving All The Words, Sacred Words, Oaths, and Hieroglyphics Used By Masons.” It was written by Jabez Richardson, A.M. and published by Ezra A. Cook, Publisher, Inc. of Chicago, Ill. in 1950. We will quote the oaths used in this paper from that handbook. In the author’s preface to the Monitor, Mr. Richardson writes, “And as I have always looked upon our secret ceremonies and oaths as but the relics of a past age, and continued merely to preserve the ostensible antiquity of the institution rather than to bind our conscience, I do not hesitate to make them public.” “. . . To suppose these oaths to mean anything now is simply absurd. Mankind outside a Masonic Lodge does not care a straw what takes place within the secret conclave, except as a matter of curiosity. It is partly to gratify this spirit of inquisitiveness that I have written this book, and partly to give information to Free Masons themselves….. by having an authentic detail of proceedings to read over at their leisure, they may become Masons in reality.”
Our purpose in quoting this material is to indicate the reasoning by which Mr. Richardson felt at liberty to publish what he had sworn to keep secret on pain of death, and his reasons for so doing. He wrote as a friend, rather than an enemy. The content when compared with other sources is found to be in substantial agreement with them.
We do not deny that Masonry supports numerous praiseworthy works of charity and mercy which outwardly serve man well. Nor do we deny that some of its teachings are noble, in some respects. We do insist, however, that underlying the whole system of teaching is a false gospel that endangers the souls of men.
It would be impossible in our limited space and time to set forth the materials, necessary in research, relative to the history, or the various interpretations of Freemasonry. We simply set forth several considerations that we feel are sufficient to support our conviction of the incompatibility of membership in the Church and a Secret Oath-Bound Society at the same time.
I. To take such oaths as are required to become a member of such Societies is direct disobedience to the Word of God.
Jesus said: “But I say unto you, Swear not at all . . . . But let your communications be, Yea, Yea; Nay, Nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” (Matt. 5:34-37). James wrote: “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” (James 5:12). Whatever one may think of the Biblical teaching on Oaths and Vows in general, it is evident that the unchristian oaths of the Secret Societies are in violation of the above Scripture. No man has the right to bind himself to do anything forbidden in the Word of God, or what would hinder any duty therein required. That some of the oaths in question are of such character will be evident from the ones quoted in this paper.
If a man will say, as does Jabez Richardson, that he does not consider the oaths binding on the conscience, another problem, just as serious presents itself. He is guilty of taking God’s name in vain in every degree he takes. Exodus 20:7 says: “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord Thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His Name in vain”.
II. The Secrecy demanded is not in keeping with the spirit of Christianity. While we recognize the propriety of secrecy in certain areas of private life and international relations, we are firmly convinced that secrecy of the character required of Secret Oath-Bound Societies is not in keeping with the openness to investigation that is characteristic of Christianity.
Jesus said, “I spoke openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.” (John 18:20)
It has been truly said, “The very spirit of fair play suggests that there is something inherently suspect in secret societies, which attempt to keep their doctrines and tenets out of free public discussion.”
(A Christian View of Freemasonry; Concordia; 1957, p. 23)
III. The Allegiance demanded is such as belongs to God only.
This is evident in the oath taken by a Fellow Craft Mason: “To all of which, I do most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, without any hesitation, mental reservation, or self-evasion of mind in me whatever, binding myself under no less penalty than to have my left breast torn open, my heart and vitals taken from thence, thrown over my left shoulder, and carried to the valley of Jehosaphat, there to become a prey to the wild beasts of the field, and the vultures of the air, should I wilfully violate, or transgress any part of this, my solemn oath or obligation, of a Fellow Craft Mason. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same.” (Richardson, Op. Cit., P. 22)
In the Book of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania; Sherman and Co., 1889; the following Ode, sang at installation of officers to a newly formed lodge is recorded as follows:
“Hail, Masonry divine!
Glory of ages, shine,
Long may’st thou reign;
Where’er thy Lodges stand
May they have great command,
And always grace the land,
Thou art divine!”
In these quotations Freemasonry so deifies itself that men are to place their very lives at its disposal.
IV. Membership in such a society constitutes an unequal yoke with unbelievers.
The Scriptures exhort the believer to give full allegiance to Christ His head. (I Cor. 11:3). He is not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. (II Cor. 6:14-18). The lodge yoke is so binding that it presumes to supersede the duty of a man to his wife, family, his church, to fellow Christians, or his pastor. That the members of such societies are, for the most part, unsaved men must be clear to any wide awake Christian, and therefore such a relationship is in direct violation to the Word of God.
V. Some oaths taken would require the obstruction of Justice if taken seriously.
This is clear from this oath:
“I furthermore promise and swear, that I will employ a companion Royal Arch Mason, in preference to any other person of equal qualifications. “I furthermore promise and swear, that I will assist a companion Royal Arch Mason when I see him engaged in any difficulty, and will espouse his cause whether he be right or wrong.
“I furthermore promise and swear, that I will keep all secrets of a companion Royal Arch Mason (when communicated to me as such, or I knowing them to be such.) without exceptions.” (Richardson, Op. Cit. P. 72)
Notice the words, “whether he be right or wrong”, “without exceptions”. It is never right to swear beforehand and in ignorance to maintain secrecy concerning events which might prove to be morally and ethically wrong. J. Oswald Sanders rightly says, “Such oaths are ethically unjustifiable and judicially culpable.”
VI. Some Oaths taken are unthinkably repulsive to the Christian Conscience.
Note these examples:
From Entered Apprentice Oath: “To all which I do most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, without the least equivocation, mental reservation, or self evasion of mind in me whatever; binding myself under no less penalty than to have my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the roots, and my body buried in the rough sands of the sea at low water marks . . . etc.” (Richardson, Op. Cit, P. 10)
From the Most Excellent Master’s Degree: binding myself under no less penalty than to have my breast torn open, and my heart and vitals taken from thence, and exposed to rot on the dung-hill (Ibid. P. 63)
From the Royal Arch Degree Oath: binding myself under no less penalty, than to have my skull smote off, and my brains exposed to the scorching rays of the meridian sun……. (Ibid., p. 72)
In the initiation of the Order of Knights Templars:
In this initiation the candidate must drink wine from a human skull, symbolic of the “bitter, cup of death”. Before he drinks this cup he must repeat these words:
“This pure wine, I take from this cup, in testimony of my belief of the mortality of the body and the immortality of the soul; and as the sins of the whole world were laid upon the head of our Saviour, so may the sins of the person whose skull this once was, be heaped upon my head, in addition to my own; and may they appear in judgment against me, both here and hereafter, should I violate or transgress any obligation in Masonry……..(Ibid., PP. 123-4)
It is to be noted that is some of the orders such as the Order of the Knights Templar, and the Order of the Cross, there is much use made of the New Testament and much mention made of a Saviour, but not without the kind of repulsiveness evident in this last quotation.
VII. These Societies wrest the Scriptures and misapply them throughout their literature.
The following are only a few examples of this practice:
In the Fellow Craft Degree Ritual we have this exchange:
“Master-Brother, in your present situation, what do you most desire? Candidate-More light.
Master-Brethren, form on the square, stretch forth your hands, and assist in bringing this new-made brother to more light. (pause)
And God said, Let there be light, and there was light.” (Ibid., p. 22).
In the Royal Arch Degree Initiation the “Principal Sojourner says,
“We are willing to go, but we have no pass-word whereby to make ourselves known . . . What shall we say?” In answer the “Captain of the Host” reads from Exodus 3:13, 14 including the words, “God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: … I AM hath sent you.” Then the “Captain of the Host” says, “We are directed to use the words ‘I AM THAT I AM’ as a pass-word.” (Ibid., p. 75)
In the HISTORICAL DEGREES the following appears:
“Senior Warden to Candidate–Do you know why our ancients have beards?
Candidate–I do not, but you do.
Senior Warden–They are those who came here, after passing through great tribulation, and having washed their robes IN THEIR OWN BLOOD: will you purchase such robes at so great price. (Blood is removed from arm of candidate after which)
Senior Warden–See, my brethren, a man who has spilled his blood to acquire a knowledge of our mysteries and shrunk not from the trial.” (Ibid., p. 168; caps ours)
This type of distortion is even more evident in reading the concept of the teaching of Scripture evident in various philosophies of Freemasonry. A good example is the following:
“With Jesus, Religion does not consist of a few acts of prayer, worship, and alms; it is not one thing, but the spirit in which we are to do everything, if it be only give a cup of cold water to a brother man. Many kinds of life have to be lived, and no one kind has a right to be called religious, to the exclusion of others……… Every task is sacred which offers opportunity for growth and service; all things are holy which draw men together in fellowship and promote justice and beauty in the earth.” (The Religion of Masonry by Joseph Fort Newton; p. 25)
Here is another example:
“By a sure and clear insight, our wise and gentle Masonry, in searching the noisy and confused quarry of human thought and faith, found a precious stone — too often rejected by builders hitherto — and made it the head of the corner; the truth of a righteous God who asks of man that he do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Eternal.” (Ibid., p. 71).
VIII. The attitude of Masonry to the Bible and Revelation is impossible for an evangelical Christian to share.
Most Masons, in this country, would deny this. To prove their point they would point to the fact that the Bible is considered a great light, and symbol of light in Masonry. They would point to the fact that it is often quoted in its literature and Ritual. The true picture, however, is well presented in the following quotations:
“The Church has no monopoly of Religion, nor did the Bible create it. Instead it was Religion that created the Bible and the Church, and if they were destroyed it would create them anew.” (Ibid. p. 21, 22).
“Like everything else in Masonry, the Bible, so rich in symbolism, is itself a symbol — that is, a part taken for the whole. It is a symbol of the Book of truth, the Scroll of faith, the Record of the Will of God as man has learned it in all lands and all ages — the perpetual revelation of Himself which God has made, and is making, to mankind. Thus, by the very honor which Masonry pays to the Bible, it teaches us to revere every Book of Faith in which man has found light and help and hope. In a Lodge consisting of Jews the Old Testament alone may be placed upon the Altar, and in a Lodge in the land of Mohammed the Koran may be used, according to the law of the mother Grand Lodge.
“But whether it be the Gospel of the Christian, the Book of the Law of the Hebrew, the Koran of the Moslem, or the Vedas of the Hindu, it everywhere Masonically symbolizes the will of God revealed to man, expressing such faith and vision as he has found in the fellowship of the seekers and servants of God.” (Ibid. p. 93, 94)
IX. Masonry is a religion offering a way of salvation without Jesus Christ. Many people claim that the Lodge is just as good as the Church, and is doing the same kind of work. They think that Masonry is a Christian institution, believing and practicing from the Word of God.
This is not only untrue, but the Official publications of Freemasonry will prove these ideas to be false.
That Masonry is religious, no one will deny. They talk about God, have public prayer, chaplains, priests and Worshipful Masters. They often quote from the Bible and it is a part of the furniture of the lodge, but the religion of Masonry is not Christian.
This will be seen in the following quotations:
“The religion of Masonry is not sectarian. It admits men of every creed within its hospitable bosom, rejecting none and approving none for his peculiar faith. It is not Judaism, though there is nothing in it to offend the Jew; it is not Christianity, but there is nothing in it repugnant to the faith of a Christian. Its religion is that general one of nature and primitive revelation handed down to us from some ancient and patriarchal priesthood – in which all men may agree and none may differ.” (Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Dr. Albert G. Mackey; P. 619).
“Masonry is not a religion but Religion – not a church but a worship, in which men of all religions may unite …. It is not the rival of any religion but the friend of all, laying emphasis upon these truths which underlie all religions and are the basis and consecration of each.” (New-ton, Op. Cit., p. 11, 12).
Notice that these Masonic authorities say that the religion of Masonry is not sectarian, not Christian.
What then is the religion of Masonry? Dr. Mackey says, “Its religion is that general one of nature, and primitive revelation.” It finds truth in all religions and does not permit any religion to claim a monopoly on salvation. In this same vein Dr. Mackey says:
“A Mason is obliged, by his tenure, to obey the moral law; and if he rightly understands the art, he will never be a stupid atheist nor an irreligious libertine. But though in ancient times Masons were charged in every country to be of the religion of that country or nation, whatever it was, it is now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that religion in which all men agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves, that is, to be good men and true, or men of honor and honesty, by whatever denominations or persuasions they may be distinguished, whereby Masonry becomes the center of union and the means of conciliating true friendship among persons that must have remained at a perpetual distance.” (Manual of the Lodge, under the title Charges of a Freemason, P. 215; it also appears as a charge to Masons in the Constitution of Free-Masons; reproduced by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; 1906, p. 48).
Masonry has no place for salvation through the Atoning work of Christ. They talk about “Deity” but the Son of God would be offensive to the Jew, the Hindu, or the Muslim. He is not welcome, for He divides men. Yet without Christ they offer salvation. What great claims they make:
“What hath thy lore of life to let it live?
What is the vital spark, hid in thy vow?
The millions learned, as thy clear paths they trod,
The secret of the strength thou hast to give:
‘I am a way of common men to God.”‘
(Carl Claudy in Newton, Op. Cit., p. 57).
Masonry is a religion, but a religion of morality and works, and adheres only to the code of Masonry.
That this is true is clear even in the prayers and charges found throughout their constitutions. Take a few examples from the “Book of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, Op. Cit.)
In an opening prayer: bless us in all our undertakings, that all our doings may tend to Thy glory and the salvation of our souls.” (p. 93)
In another prayer: teach us so to govern us here in our living and working, that we may come to His bliss which never shall have an end.” (P. 109).
In a charge at initiation: “The World’s great Architect is our Supreme Grand Master, and the unerring rule He has given us, is that by which we work; religious disputes are never suffered within the lodge; for, as Masons, we worship God as our consciences require, and thus we are united as in one sacred bend.” (p. 100, 101).
All of this a contradiction to the gospel which says there is no salvation apart from Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12; John 14:6). That no man can be saved by works, (Eph. 2:8, 9; Rom. 3:20, 28; Gal. 3:10, 11), but only through faith in the Christ who died for sinners. (Rom. 5:1, 8; 3:21-28).
How applicable are the words of J. Gresham Machen. He wrote:
“The primitive Church … was radically intolerant, In being radically intolerant, as in being radically doctrinal, it placed itself squarely in opposition to the spirit of the age . . . It demanded a completely exclusive devotion. A man could not be a worshiper of the God of the Christians and at the same time be a worshiper of other gods; he could not accept the salvation offered by Christ and at the same time admit that for other people there might be some other way of salvation; he could not agree to refrain from proselytizing among men of other faiths, but came forward, no matter what it might cost, with a universal appeal.” (What Is Christianity, p. 279, 280).
By way of application he says further:
“But when I say that a true Christian Church is radically intolerant, I mean simply that the Church must maintain the high exclusiveness and universality of its message. It presents the gospel of Jesus Christ not merely as one way of salvation, but as the only way. It cannot make common cause with other faith. It cannot agree not to proselytize. Its appeal is universal, and admits of no exceptions. All are lost in sin; none may be saved except by the way set forth in the gospel. Therein lies the offense of the Christian religion, but therein lies its glory and its power. A Christianity tolerant of other religions is just no Christianity at all.” (Ibid., p. 284).
In the light of all this we are certain that it is an undisputable fact that if the teachings of Masonry were followed to their logical conclusions it would mean first the subordination of the Church to itself — and therefore its destruction. How in the light of all this can one honestly subscribe allegiance to both at the same time. “No man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24).
In view of this study the Committee recommends:
1. That the article “Secret Oath-Bound Societies” as it passed first reading be accepted as the rule of our Church on this question. (conf. 1962 Year Book; p. 54).
2. That the Annual Conference form a Committee to formulate a questionnaire for candidates for Membership in the Bible Fellowship Church in keeping with our Church Standards. Such a questionnaire should contain a question relative to Lodge membership.
Committee:
John H. Riggal, Chairman
Frank L. Herb, Jr., Secretary
Earl M. Hosler
A. L. Seifert
William A. Heffner
The Report was adopted.
Article
(Second Reading)
SECRET OATH-BOUND SOCIETIES
We believe it to be highly inconsistent and anti-scriptural for Christians to be members of secret oath-bound societies for the following reasons:
The Scriptural admonition toward oaths.1
It violates the Divine directive against secrecy.2
Being a member of such orders violates the command of Scripture not to be yoked together with unbelievers,3 or to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.4
Of supreme importance is the fact that being a member of a secret oathbound society violates our allegiance to Christ.5 We cannot serve God and mammon.6
Therefore, no person who is a member in our church, or who anticipates such membership, shall be a member of a secret oath-bound society.
1Matthew 5:34-37; James 5:12; 2John 18:20; 3II Corinthians 6:14; 4Ephesians 5:11, 12;
5 Matthew 10:37; 6Matthew 6:24
Resolved, that the Committee on Church Forms formulate a questionnaire for candidates for Membership in the Bible Fellowship Church in keeping with our Church Standards. Such a questionnaire should contain a question relative to Lodge membership.
Resolved, that the Report of the Study Committee on the Problem of Divorce be referred back to the Committee.
Resolved, that the Study Committee on the Problem of Divorce present a more exhaustive study to be presented at the next Annual Conference.
Adjourned at 9:00 P.M. with prayer by Roy E. Williams.
Seventh Meeting
Wednesday, October 14, 1964
The meeting was opened with the singing of “Fill All My Vision” led by Glenn Sheats followed by James A. Beil offering prayer. Scripture reading by David J. Watkins was from Psalm 103:1-14. Mr. Leonard Paret, a Christian realtor, spoke on the subject, “A Christian Businessman Looks at the Ministry”. In closing, he used Colossians 3:23, 24 as a basis of his remarks encouraging God’s servants to minister the Word to all at all times.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, that the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee of Annual Conference give consideration to providing financial assistance for the conduction of Ministerial Convention.
Paul I. Wentz, Sr. was elected Conference Treasurer.
Resolved, that we suspend the rules and recess to the call of the chair.
Business was resumed at 6:30 P.M.
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That there be the proclamation of a day as Berean Bible School Day in the Sunday Schools and Churches for the purpose of promoting interest and support for the School. At this time churches which are not operating on a unified budget shall receive offerings toward the financial needs of Berean. Churches on a unified budget should provide for their proportionate share of the need at the time of the preparation of their local budgets. Checks for offerings and budgeted contributions shall be made payable and sent to the Berean Bible School, 1020 S. Hall St., Allentown, Penna. – 18103.
Resolved, that we request the Board of Directors to appropriate $400.00 for the Ministerial Convention in the preparation of its budget to be presented at the next Annual Conference.
Report of the Committee on Communications:
Communications were received from the following: Barclay Harley, Walter H. Frank, Paul E. Baer, W. F. Heffner, E. J. Rutman, J. B. Layne, F. B. Hertzog, Ronald and Doris Hoyle and C. Leslie Miller.
Appreciation is expressed for their interest and intercession for this Annual Conference.
We sincerely desire that these servants of Christ may experience His rich blessings.
John E. Golla, James A. Beil,
Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel.
W. W. Hartman,
Committee
The report was adopted.
Report of the Committee on Statistics: (See Reports)
The report was adopted.
Resolved, that a Committee on Statistics be appointed at this Conference and be authorized to make necessary revisions on the Form PS-1 and to have them printed.
The Chair appointed: Willard E. Cassel, John E. Golla, LeRoy S. Heller, Donald T. Kirkwood, John Dunn.
Report of the Board of Mizpah Grove: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, that Section E, page 13 of the 1963 Year Book be removed and the following added to the duties of the Board of Mizpah Grove: (pg. 30).
“15. To determine time and place of Camp Meetings.” (First Reading)
Report of the Board of Victory Valley: (See Reports)
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, that the dates of the Victory Valley Camps in 1965 shall be as follows:
July 3-10 Girls 8-11 years old, Grades 2-6
July 10-17 Girls 8-11 years old, Grades 2-6
July 17-24 Boys 8-11 years old, Grades 2-6
July 24-31 Boys 8-11 years old, Grades 2-6
July 31-Aug. 7 Junior High boys and girls
Aug. 7-14 Junior High boys and girls
Aug. 14-21 Senior High boys and girls
Resolved, That each Church make a contribution to Victory Valley Camp. The anticipated budget of the Camp indicates need for contributions of $3,000.00 by the churches. Checks shall be made payable to Victory Valley Camp and be sent to the Secretary of the Board (LeRoy S. Heller) before March 1, 1965.
Resolved, That the facilities of the Victory Valley Camp be available for limited use by groups from Bible Fellowship Churches and other interested Christian organizations. Arrangements for such use shall be made through and offerings sent to the Secretary of the Board (LeRoy S. Heller).
Resolved, That the camp fees remain at twenty five ($25.00) per camper.
The following were elected:
General Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions: Willard E. Cassel.
Board of Foreign Missions: T. D. Gehret, A. L. Seifert, Willard E. Cassel, C. E. Kirkwood, Earl M. Hosler, Kermit K. Gehman, James R. Cressman, Harold W. Greist, Roy E. Williams.
Board of Church Extension: T. D. Gehret, A. L. Seifert, William A. Heffner, Jansen E. Hartman, Frank L. Herb, Clayton E. Weber, Stanley Hackman.
Board of Directors of the Home: T. D. Gehret, F. B. Hertzog, E. W. Bean, Paul H. Cressman.
Board of Directors of Victory Valley Camp: T. D. Gehret, A. L. Seifert, Carl C. Cassel, LeRoy S. Heller, Kermit K. Gehman, Clayton E. Weber, Paul I. Wentz, Jr.
Adjourned, 9:00 P. M. with prayer by W. W. Hartman.
Eighth Meeting
Thursday Morning, October 15, 1964
The devotional period was opened by Song Leader, Daniel K. Ziegler, with the hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy” and C. E. Kirkwood offered the invocation. E. W. Bean chose Philippians 4:8-13 for the Scripture reading. Mr. John C. Briscoe, corporation attorney, discussed, as guest layman speaker for the day, the subject, “A Christian Lawyer Looks at the Ministry.” His helpful remarks covered many portions of Scripture that set forth the basis of a successful ministry today.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Report of the Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Minutes:
We hereby certify that we have examined the Annual Conference Minutes of the 1963 session, and have found them to be correct with the exception of the following:
1. On page 7, last paragraph, “Director” should read “Directors”.
2. On page 12, 1st paragraph, 2nd line, remove word “case” which is repeated.
3. On page 20, 2nd line from bottom, “article” should read “articles”.
4. On page 43, under D “Suggested Form of Budget Covering” #2. Conference Entertainment Expense 648.00 should read 648.40.
5. On page 46, omit comma between “General Camp Meeting and Committee”.
6. On page 56, fourth paragraph, line 2 “the test” should read “the text”.
7. On page 65, #3 under “To the Parents” last word should spell “will” rather than “wil”.
8. On page 69, paragraph 2, Scripture reference should read 1 Tim. 4:12 rather than Tim. 4:12.
9. On page 74, the following names listed in the Yearbook do not appear on the original minutes:
David J. Watkins
Leon K. Overpeck
Ronald C. Mahurin
We hereby submit two copies duly certified.
Recommendation:
We recommend that the chairman appoint the Committee on the Examination of Annual Conference Minutes at this Annual Conference and that this committee examine the Annual Conference minutes prior to the next Annual Conference.
George E. Herb, Chairman
Donald B. Schaeffer, Secretary
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, that the Chairman appoint a Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Minutes at this Annual Conference and that this committee examine Conference Minutes prior to the next Annual Conference.
He appointed: George E. Herb and Donald B. Schaeffer.
The following were elected:
Board of Mizpah Grove: (Two Years) Bert N. Brosius, David E. Thomann, A. L. Wentz, Robert W. Gehret.
Resolved, that we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned, 11:55 A.M. with prayer by Carl C. Cassel.
Ninth Meeting
Thursday Afternoon, October 15, 1964
The meeting was opened with “My Lord Knows the Way Through the Wilderness” and prayer by Leon K. Overpeck.
Resolved, that we relocate our present Berean Bible School and Mizpah Grove.
Miss Olive Rawn was invited by the Chairman to extend oral greetings to the Conference.
Resolved, that we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 4:15 P.M. with prayer by John F. Moran.
Tenth Meeting
Friday Morning, October 16, 1964
William R. Hunsberger opened the devotional exercises with the singing of “All the Way My Saviour Leads Me”. T. LaMarn Manney led in prayer and Norman L. Reed read the first 9 verses of the first chapter of Joshua. The speaker of the morning, District Superintendent A. L. Seifert, discussed the subject, “A Church Administrator Looks at the Ministry”. His helpful remarks were centered on matters pertaining to the meeting of spiritual needs of those inside and outside the church.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Report of the Board of Church Extension:
The Board made the following assignments:
Belvidere, N.J.-John Herb
Binghamton, N.Y.-Austin B. Sullivan, Jr.
Finesville, N.J.-Bruce A. Ellingson
Macungie-Donald R. Knauer
Miller Heights-Herald C. Weaber
Millersville-Robert Paul
Sinking Springs-LeRoy J. Bicker
Trenton, N.J.-Keith E. Plows (supply)
Walnutport-M. Leslie Campbell
On Leave of Absence: Richard R. Ruth
Frank L. Herb, Jr., Secretary
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Committee to Study Church Government:
The Committee to Study Church Government which was elected at the Adjourned Session of the 1963 Conference has begun its work and has met on three occasions. Due to the magnitude of the task, we are not prepared to present the requested paper on an alternate form of Church Government to this Annual Conference.
John H. Riggall, Chairman James A. Beil
Richard H. Kline, Secretary Frank L. Herb, Jr.
R. C. Reichenbach Earl M. Hosler
Robert W. Smock
The Report was adopted.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors of Berean Bible School: (Three Years) Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., W. B. Hottel, Daniel K. Ziegler, John Stengele.
Historical Committee: (Three Years) Paul H. Cressman.
Resolved, that the Youth Fellowship General Committee be composed of —
1. The District Superintendents (Ex officio)
2. Four ordained Ministers and five Laymen.
Classes shall be formed as follows:
1. Two Ministers-One Layman
2. One Minister-Two Laymen
3. One Minister-Two Laymen
Youth Fellowship General Committee: (Three Years) Daniel G. Ziegler, Ronald C. Mahurin, Clyde W. Snyder (Two Years) Donald B. Schaeffer, Harold P. Shelly, Jr., Carl Rischel (One Year) LeRoy S. Heller, Michael L. Fiorelli, LeRoy O. Herb.
Committee on Credentials: T. D. Gehret, A. L. Seifert, C. E. Kirkwood, John H. Riggall, W. B. Hottel.
Committee on Ministerial Candidates: Jansen E. Hartman, William A. Heffner, George E. Herb, Carl C. Cassel, John E. Golla.
Resolved, that consideration be given to the possibility of providing lodging for the pastors and delegates at Annual Conference in motels rather than private homes.
Resolved, that the Chairman appoint a committee including himself to study this matter and report to the adjourned session.
He appointed: John H. Riggall, David E. Thomann, Daniel K. Ziegler, Norman L. Reed, T. D. Gehret.
Resolved, that we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 11:40 A.M. with prayer by Earl M. Hosler.
Eleventh Meeting
Friday Afternoon, October 16, 1964
The meeting was opened by singing, “Every Day With Jesus Is Sweeter than the Day Before” and Willard E. Cassel led in prayer.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, that the Board of Directors be authorized to negotiate with Mr. Adams for the purchase of the property at Fogelsville as outlined by Mr. Hahn of Wolf and Hahn and further,
Resolved, that the Board of Directors be authorized to provide a plan of financing.
Report of the Committee on Auditing:
The Committee on Auditing has examined the financial statements submitted and has found them to be in satisfactory condition.
The accounts of Berean Bible School were audited by W. N. Serfass and Co. Some other accounts were examined by individuals prior to Annual Conference in compliance with the resolution of last year’s Annual Conference.
The Committee recommends the adoption of the following:
1. That each board and committee shall have its records audited by an auditor(s) chosen by the board or committee prior to preparing its report for conference and that the name of the auditor(s) be included in the report to conference.
2. That each board and committee that receives funds establish a cut off date for the receipt of such funds in order that records can be properly prepared for the presentation to Annual Conference.
Horace A. Kauffman
R. S. Weidner
Charles G. Hersh
Daniel K. Ziegler
James G. Koch
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions:
PART I
We recommend the adoption of the following:
1. RESOLVED, that the Adjourned Session of the 81st Annual Conference be held at Grace B. F. C. Wallingford, Pa., on Saturday, April 3, 1965, at 9 a.m.
2. RESOLVED, that all mid-season offerings including the offerings for the Home for the Aging and Publication & Printing Committee shall be paid at the Adjourned Session, and further,
RESOLVED, that this be placed as item S. in the By-Laws.
3. RESOLVED, that the Conference Secretary inform in writing all men who are elected to Boards & Committees who are not present at Annual Conference and further,
RESOLVED, that this be placed as item T. in the By-Laws.
4. RESOLVED, that the auditing procedure for the Statistical Committee shall be that outline on pages 32-33 of the 1960 Yearbook as follows The Auditing procedure for reporting to the Statistical Committee shall be as follows:
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, % 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.
and further,
RESOLVED, ‘that this be placed as item U. in the By-Laws.
5. RESOLVED, that each church make a contribution to the Moving Fund of 75c per member reported at this Annual Conference.
6. RESOLVED, that each church make a contribution to the Publication and Printing Fund of 40c per member reported at this Annual Conference.
7. RESOLVED, that we print 1200 Yearbooks to be sold for $1.00 each.
8. RESOLVED, that the Annuities paid to retired ministers be raised from $24.00 for each year of active service to $28.00 for each year of active service payable in monthly installments. Annuities to widows of ministers shall be compiled at the rate of $14.00 for each year instead of the current rate of $12.00. (Second Reading)
9. RESOLVED, that the 4th Local Conference be scheduled after the date established for the taking of the Pastoral Poll, all business pertaining to pulpit supply shall be conducted by the Official Board elect. (Second Reading)
PART II
1. WHEREAS, we the members of the 8lst Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church, have realized the blessing of the Lord upon our District Superintendents, T. D. Gehret and A. L. Seifert, who have given themselves to the ministry of this Fellowship, therefore,
RESOLVED, that we give thanks to our Lord for them and we pledge our prayerful support and cooperation through this coming year.
2. WHEREAS, Jansen E. Hartman, President of Berean Bible School has dedicated himself to the ministry of Christian Education, therefore,
RESOLVED, that we thank the Lord for His anointing upon him and we pledge our continued support on his behalf.
3. WHEREAS, William A. Heffner, Church Extension Director has faithfully served in this department, and has diligently given himself to the expansion of the Lord’s work, therefore,
RESOLVED, that God’s continued blessing and protection be upon him and that we give him our prayerful support.
4. WHEREAS, Almighty God has given the Bible Fellowship Church faithful, humble, and devoted Pastors who desire to further the ministry of Christ until He comes, therefore,
RESOLVED, that we reaffirm ourselves to be totally surrendered to our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
5. WHEREAS, Pastor John H. Riggall and the members and friends of the Grace Bible Fellowship Church of Wallingford have so adequately supplied the physical needs of the members of this conference, therefore,
RESOLVED, that we heartily thank them for their generous provision, further,
RESOLVED, that the secretary provide Pastor John H. Riggall with a copy of this resolution to be read to the congregation.
6. WHEREAS, N. H. Wolf served as Editor of the yearbook, and Paul I. Wentz as treasurer of Annual Conference, therefore,
RESOLVED, That we give the Editor of the yearbook and Paul I. Wentz treasurer of Annual Conference $75.00 each to be paid from the Publication and Printing Committee.
7. WHEREAS, David E. Thomann and R. C. Reichenbach have served faithfully as Editor and Business Manager and have diligently accomplished the task which has been placed upon them, therefore,
RESOLVED, that we give thanks unto the Lord for these men and that we continue to pray for them.
8. WHEREAS, P. T. Stengele has been able to attend part of the Conference and
WHEREAS, communications have been received from E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, W. F. Heffner, E. J. Rutman, A. G. Goodring and Paul E. Baer showing their interest as retired brethren, therefore,
RESOLVED, that we give thanks for these faithful brethren and pray for the Lord’s richest blessing upon them.
9. WHEREAS, Pastor F. B. Hertzog was unable to attend this Annual Conference due to physical illness, therefore,
RESOLVED, that we pray God’s anointing and blessing upon his life.
10. WHEREAS, Missionaries Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Buck, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Schoffstall, Miss Sylvia Miller and Miss Olive Rawn were able to attend parts of the Annual Conference, therefore,
RESOLVED, that we pray God’s richest blessing upon these faithful servants of the Lord.
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
Carl C. Cassel, Secretary Russell T. Allen
David E. Thomann
Committee
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, that each board and committee shall have its records audited by an auditor(s) chosen by the board or committee prior to preparing its report for conference and that the name of the auditor(s) be included in the report to conference.
Resolved, that each board and committee that receives funds establish a cut off date for the receipt of such funds in order that records can be properly prepared for presentation to Annual Conference.
The following were elected:
Editor of Fellowship News: David E. Thomann
Business Manager of Fellowship News: R. C. Reichenbach
Committee to Publish Fellowship News: Robert W. Smock, Robert W. Gehret, James R. Cressman
Sunday School Promotion: Robert W. Smock, Robert Lee, James R. Cressman
In answer to the petitions from the Maple Glen Bible Fellowship Church and the Coopersburg Church (1963) the following is presented from the Committee appointed by the Chairman:
Petition # I
The Official Board shall be composed of the following Officers of the Church:
Building Fund Collector(s), Class Leader(s), Deacons, Delegate(s) to Annual Conference, General Sunday School Superintendent, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Treasurer of the Sunday School, Pastor, Steward(s) and Trustees.
When the number of members of the Official Board is not sufficient to permit the Board to operate efficiently, they shall recommend to the Local Conference the number of male members required.
When a Church no longer has need of some of the above Officers, they shall be permitted to elect at large the necessary number of male members needed to operate efficiently.
In such cases the Official Board is to recommend to the Local Conference the number required.
Petition #2
Whereas the adjourned session of the 1963 Annual Conference elected a committee to present a Biblical Basis for an Alternate form of Church Government; and, because in the pursuance of its work, the committee is studying this problem, therefore, be it resolved,
That the committee assigned to present a Biblical Basis for an Alternate form of Church Government be given petition number #2.
We recommend that paragraph #2 under the heading “Official Board” of our Faith and Order be deleted.
Par. #2 reads as follows:
“When the number of the members of the Official Board is less than 9, the Local Conference may elect up to three male members at large. In no case shall the number exceed 9 members by this procedure.”
C. E. Kirkwood R. C. Reichenbach
John H. Riggall Horace A. Kauffman
Daniel K. Ziegler
The Report was adopted.
Whereas, there are churches who have adopted a unified budget and in so doing have abolished the office of Steward, Parsonage Fund Collector and Treasurer of the Sunday School, and,
Whereas, this Annual Conference has adopted legislation to provide relief for such situations, therefore,
Resolved, that under the rule of exceptions these churches be allowed to act according to the legislation passed at this Annual Conference.
The Chair appointed the following:
Committee on Publication and Printing: John H. Riggall, John Dunn, Robert W. Smock.
Committee on Agenda for Next Annual Conference: Willard E. Cassel, LeRoy S. Heller, David E. Thomann.
Resolved, that at the Adjourned Session of the Eighty-first Annual Conference, a Nominating Committee of four ordained ministers and three laymen be elected to present nominees for the elections at the 82nd Annual Conference.
Resolved, that we adjourn.
Adjourned, 4:20 P.M. with prayer by the Chairman, T. D. Gehret and benediction by Vice Chairman, A. L. Seifert.
Signed:
T. D. Gehret, District Superintendent, Chairman,
A. L. Seifert, District Superintendent, Vice Chairman,
John H. Riggall, Vice District Superintendent,
Earl M. Hosler, Vice District Superintendent,
N. H. Wolf, Secretary,
Paul I. Wentz, Treasurer,
William A. Heffner, Director of Church Extension,
Jansen E. Hartman, President of Berean Bible School,
Ernest B. Hartman, Assistant Secretary,
Robert W. Smock, Recording Secretary
Russell T. Allen, E. W. Bean, James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Alva C. Cassel, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Reynold D. Gardner, John E. Golla, W. W. Hartman, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., George E. Herb, F. B. Hertzog, W. B. Hottel, Robert F. Johnson, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Richard H. Kline, James G. Koch, R. C. Reichenbach, Donald B. Schaeffer, David E. Thomann, Norman R. Weiss, Daniel G. Ziegler, Ronald C. Mahurin, Leon K. Overpeck, David J. Watkins, Glenn R. Huratiak, Robert Paul, Kermit K. Gehman, J. Erwin Fretz, Arthur W. Deppe, Edward A. Stortz, Daniel K. Ziegler, Paul T. Rutman,
Stanley A. Hackman, Horace A. Kauffman, Charles W. Weaber, Willard Blocker, Roy E. Williams, Norman W. Granda, Arthur Refford, Robert Breitegam, William R. Hunsberger, T. Lamarn Manney,
Allan F. Smith, R. S. Weidner, Spalding Revere Sewers, Allan C. Palmer, Paul H. Cressman, John I. Mengel, Harold A. Mann, John F. Moran, Glenn W. Sheats, Norman L. Reed, Donald M. Sedgwick, Edward J. Dietzman, H. Howard Weiss, Harold P. Shelly, Sr., Carl H. Kellerman,
Ralph D. Cole, George R. Fish, Robert W. Gehret, Harold W. Griest, Charles G. Hersh.
ADJOURNED SESSION OF THE 81ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
of the
BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
Twelfth Meeting
Saturday Morning, April 3, 1965
The meeting was opened at 9:00 A.M. with the singing of the hymn, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and Russell T. Allen led in prayer. Chairman T. D. Gehret portrayed a verbal picture of the five great exhibits in connection with the Resurrection of Christ as described in I Corinthians 15:1-10.
Resolved, That we accept the excuses of the delegates unable to attend.
Resolved, That John Deily, Arthur Frable and Sterling Baer be recognized as delegates from their respective churches and be seated in the Conference Bar.
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 the candidates and elected according to the FAITH AND ORDER.
T. D. Gehret was elected.
Resolved, That a District Superintendent for the Bethlehem District be elected and the informal ballot be used in nominating the candidates; the three highest to be the candidates and elected according to the FAITH AND ORDER.
A. L. Seifert 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 the candidates.
J. H. Riggall and C. E. Kirkwood were elected.
Resolved, That we elect a Director of Church Extension according to the FAITH AND ORDER.
William A. Heffner was elected.
T. D. Gehret was elected Chairman, A. L. Seifert, Vice Chairman and N. H. Wolf, Secretary of the next Annual Conference.
Resolved, That the Chairman and Secretary of the next Annual Conference with the Committee on Publication and Printing be empowered to determine by what method and by what printer the Yearbook shall be produced.
Report of the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School, I submit the result of the election for President of the Berean Bible School.
At our regular Board Meeting held on Saturday, February 13, 1965, Rev. Jansen E. Hartman was elected for the school year June 30, 1965 to June 30, 1966.
Respectfully submitted,
W. B. Hottel, Secretary.
The Report was received and the action of the Board was ratified.
Report of the Committee to Provide Lodging for Pastors and Delegates at Annual Conference:
Whereas, This committee has been instructed by Annual Conference to give consideration to the possibility of providing lodging for the Pastors and Delegates attending Conference in motels rather than private homes,
Therefore, This committee offers the following recommendations to the 1965 Adjourned Session of Annual Conference:
1. Resolved, that we look with favor to holding the 1965 Annual Conference at York, Pa.
2. Resolved, that the secretary of this committee contact the pastors regarding the possibility of the Pastor and Delegate paying for their own lodging in the event that the 1965 Annual Conference be held at York, Pa.
T. D. Gehret, Chairman
David E. Thomann, Secretary
John H. Riggall
Daniel K. Ziegler
Norman L. Reed
Committee
The Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the next Annual Conference convene in the Faith Bible Fellowship Church, York, Pa., October 11, 1965, at 10:00 a.m.
Resolved, That the Adjourned Session of Annual Conference be held in the Grace Bible Fellowship Church, Reading, Pa. on April 2, 1966 at 9:00 a.m.
Committee on Program, appointed by the Chairman: Russell T. Allen, R. C. Reichenbach, Norman R. Weiss.
Resolved, That the Committee to Study Annual Conference Lodging continue their study and report to the next Annual Conference.
The Secretary of the Board of Directors gave an oral report of the developments pertaining to the new property.
Resolved, That each of the following Boards: Board of Directors, Board of Mizpah Grove, Board of Directors of Berean Bible School be instructed to elect three different men from each Board to serve with the District Superintendents as a Committee to plan the development of the Fogelsville tract.
Resolved, That the Board of Directors make every effort to purchase the three lots of land including improvements thereon, adjoining our property fronting on Route 100.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to meet at 2:00 p.m. Adjourned, 12:40 p.m. with prayer by F. B. Hertzog.
Thirteenth Meeting
Saturday Afternoon, April 3, 1965
The meeting was opened at 2:00 p.m. with the singing of “My Saviour’s Love” and prayer by Carl C. Cassel.
Sterling Baker, an accepted missionary of the Bible Fellowship Church assigned to service with the Africa Inland Mission in Kenya, Africa, addressed the Conference briefly.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following were elected:
Nominating Committee for Elections of 1965 Annual Conference: C. E. Kirkwood, John H. Riggall, Frank L. Herb, Jr., David E. Thomann, Daniel K. Ziegler, Horace A. Kauffman, Robert W. Gehret.
Report of the Allentown District to Organize Camp Meeting Committee:
The churches of the Allentown District and the Church Extension Churches located in Millersville, Sinking Springs, Walnutport and Binghamton shall comprise this camp meeting to be held in Mizpah Grove, Allentown, July 3-11, 1965.
Officers: F. B. Hertzog, Chairman; N. H. Wolf, Recording Secretary; James G. Koch, Financial Secretary.
The Report was adopted.
Report of the Bethlehem District to Organize Camp Meeting Committee:
The churches of the Bethlehem District and the Church Extension Churches located at Belvidere, Finesville, Miller Heights and Macungie shall comprise this Camp Meeting to be held in Mizpah Grove, Allentown July 17-25, 1965.
Officers: Frank L. Herb, Jr., Chairman; Willard E. Cassel, Recording Secretary; Donald T. Kirkwood, Financial Secretary.
Resolved, That we request the Board of Mizpah Grove to refrain from recommending nominees for officers of Camp Meeting.
The report was adopted.
Resolved, That all financial reports submitted by the Pastors to Annual Conference be rounded off to the nearest dollar. Amounts up to and including 50 cents are to be dropped and amounts 51 cents thru 99 cents be increased to the next dollar.
Resolved, That we adjourn.
Adjourned 4:35 p.m,. with prayer by C. E. Kirkwood.