EIGHTH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE
June, 1863
Proceedings of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
First Meeting
Tuesday, June 2, 1863 – Morning
In accordance with a ruling of the last November Conference, the member of this Conference came together in the Meeting House in Upper Milford Township. Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, Tuesday, June 2, 1863, in order to hold their semi-annual session. In the forenoon an open worship service was held. Brother Christian Peffly preached about II Timothy 4:2: “Preach the Word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove… ” Brother David Henning admonished and closed the meeting with Singing and prayer.
Second Meeting
Tuesday, June 2, 1863 – Afternoon
At the beginning of the afternoon meeting the Chairman of the last Conference, Brother E. Hershey, read the First Psalm. It was followed by singing, prayer, and a short message to the members. After that the meeting continued as follows:
1. Brother Eusebius Hershey was again appointed Chairman and Brother David Gehman to be Recording Secretary.
2. Under the proposal of the Chairman and the consent of the members, the Brethren C. Peffly and J. Y. Schultz were accepted as advisory members for this Conference.
3. The conduct and work of the preachers were examined and in brotherly love brought to a close.
4. Then there was a long discussion with very earnest and warm feelings concerning traveling.
The Chairman laid upon the hearts of every servant the urgent need at the present time for more traveling preachers, and that God would expect more from our small society since we have a reason to believe that souls are being lost, which otherwise could be saved with the help of God and more willing itinerant preachers.
Brother Hershey gave a warm invitation to the brethren, suggesting if anyone present felt himself compelled by God’s Spirit to do God’s work as a traveling preacher (because it is not man’s work) he should make himself known. Brother Abraham W. Stauffer expressed himself in this respect and said in an open testimony that, “since he believes God is calling him to preach the Gospel, he feels that it is also his duty to travel to preach.” His offer was accepted with thanks by the Conference and
RESOLVED: That Wm. N. Shelly, Wm. Gehman and D. Gehman shall be a committee to give advice and counsel to Brother A. Stauffer and others who might be added to this kind of work for the Lord, and the committee shall report at the next session.
5. The General Association and school matters of the Mennonite Society12 were discussed, whereupon E. Hershey and D. Gehman were named to be delegates for the General United Conference in Sommerfield, Illinois, on October 19 of this year.
The afternoon meeting was then closed in prayer by Brother Diehl.
Third Meeting
Tuesday, June 3, 1863 – Evening
In the evening, Brother D. Henning spoke on Matthew 18:3. Brother J. Schultz admonished and Brother J. Gottschall closed with prayer.
Fourth Meeting
Wednesday, June 3, 1863 – Morning
The meeting began with singing and prayer led by the Chairman. Not present — the Brethren Strawn, Diehl and Gottschall.
6. At the request of the Conference, Brother Hershey gave a short report about his mission work in Pennsylvania, New York State, Ohio and Canada since the last Conference. He was thanking God for the m any blessings he had experienced and he expressed his appreciation toward the brethren and sisters for the m any signs of love they have shown for him. Thereafter the Conference joined in praising God for such blessings. It was agreed that Brother Hershey, with God’s help, should continue in this work.
7. Because every so often different views in regard to our confession of faith and our religious practices are expressed, we vow that we will hold on to the teachings of Christ, the views of the Apostles and Menno13 and shall conduct our church services like the brethren in Canada under Brother Hoch’s district.
8. The present conditions in the land were considered and after some discussion the following was at last decided upon: We should adhere to the law. We shall do our duty in regard to the authorities, praying for them in sincerity, pay our taxes, and live under their protection a quiet and peaceful life in all Godliness, respectability, and honesty. (l Timothy 2:1214, Romans 13:5-8).
9. RESOLVED: That the next Conference shall be held in the Flatlander Meeting House in Haycock Township, Bucks County, on the first Tuesday in November, 1863, at 10:00 a.m., and that in the future on the evening before the Conference an open church service shall be held and during the Conference session, at an appropriate time, the practice of feet-washing shall be held.
Eusebius Hershey, Chairman
David Gehman, Recording Secretary
12 German- Gemeinschaft
13 Menno Simons implied, but only Menno used in the text.
14 Probably 1 Timothy 2:2 was intended.