FIFTEENTH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE
November, 1866
Proceedings of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
In accordance with the ruling of the last Conference, members of the Conference and some brethren and sisters from other churches came together in the Evangelical Mennonite Meeting House near Mt. Joy, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, (known as Hassler’s Meeting House) for the 15th Semi-Annual session. As was planned in advance, on Saturday evening, November 3, 1866, a worship service was held. Brother Jonas Musselman preached with blessing about Psalm 37:37, “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.”
On Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. an hour of testimony was held where the presence of God’s spirit was felt. Then Brother William Gehman preached in spirit and power on I Peter 2:5, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
The meeting on Sunday afternoon was dedicated to missions. Brother William N. Shelly preached with blessing on Mark 15:16, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature,” and so on. Brother Hershey followed with a short but moving message about the necessity of mission work. He mentioned, among other things, that in the northwestern part of this state, there are settlers, mostly Europeans, who have not heard the Word of God for two years. Some did not know anything about salvation in Christ; many were unbelievers and atheists who persecute the servants of the Gospel. But then there are also many who hunger and thirst after the Bread and Water of Life. He revealed to the congregation how God in His wise providence did guide so that he found houses and hearts open for the divine seed of His Word. He intends to keep on doing this work in power and grace for the well-being and the salvation of immortal souls, as God will lead. He asked that all God’s children should pray for him, in case he should fall. Brother Henning admonished and closed with prayer. A voluntary collection for missions took place which brought $14.95. In the evening, as was planned, the practice17 was held and the big meeting house did not have enough room for all who attended. Brother Christian Peffly gave a soul searching address. After the practice Brother Joseph L. Romig followed with earnest admonition and Brother Kauffman closed with prayer. This has been an especially blessed time for God’s children.
First Meeting
Monday, November S, 1866 – Morning
On Monday forenoon, the conference sermon was preached by Brethren D. Henning and William Gehman with much information to the general satisfaction of all God’s children about John 10:27-28, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” Brother Eichelberger closed with prayer.
Second Meeting
Monday, November 5, 1866 – Afternoon
The afternoon meeting was opened by the Chairman of the last Conference, Brother Willi am G eh m an, with the reading of the first part of I Corinthians 2, singing, prayer and a suitable message to the members of the Conference as well as to all present.
Preachers present: David Henning, William Gehman, William N. Shelly, E. Hershey, H. Diehl, A. Strawn, Jonas Musselman, A. Kauffman, Joseph L. Romig, Samuel M. Musselman.
Absent: Jacob Gottschall.
Deacons present: David Gehm an.
Absent: Joseph Schneider, Charles Gehman, Aaron Unangst.
Then the meeting continued as follows:
1. William N. Shelly was chosen to be the Chairman and David Gehman As Secretary.
2. The moral and official conduct of the servants was examined and in brotherly love ended.
3. As advisory members for this Conference the following brethren were accepted: Brother Samuel M. Musselman (who is presently a preacher on probation of our society), George Eichelberger, John Mayer, Ludwig Peters, and Christian Peffly.
4. There was discussion concerning missions and the travel plan. Brother Strawn expressed himself. He feels it to be his duty to travel and work more for missions than he has in the past. Then Brother Hershey presented his six months’ travel plan as follows:
Publicly speaking and admonishing 64 times
Families visited 470
Miles traveled 1600
Received through love offerings $68.00
Earned through manual labor 52.00
Horses exchanged (balance in our favor) 65.00
Total income $185.00
Expenditures 180.46
Conference balance $4.54
RESOLVED: (unanimously) That Brother Hershey travel and do his work for the next six months in Potter County, Pennsylvania and vicinity and that we provide him with means and pray for him. He shall receive $40.00 now from the treasurer of the mission.
RESOLVED: That the treasurer of our Mission Society shall pay $20.00 to the American Tract Society for Testaments to be distributed among the African people.
RESOLVED: That once every four weeks for the next six months one or two preachers should travel through the counties Bucks, Lancaster, Dauphin, Snyder, Juniata and Perry to preach the Gospel at such places as were served earlier by Brother Hershey and also to look for new places.
RESOLVED : That all preachers and local officers, as well as all members of our Denomination and Society should be called upon to show more active interest in mission work because the harvest is great but faithful workers are only a few.
RESOLVED: That the next Conference shall be held in the Haycock Meeting House, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, starting on the first Tuesday in June, 1867, and that a sermon on missions shall also be given.
RESOLVED: That the Conference express hearty thanks to the brothers and sisters of this community for their generous hospitality provided for us.
RESOLVED: That the minutes shall be published in the Christlichen Volks-Blatt.
Third Meeting
Monday, November 5, 1866 – Evening
On Monday evening, Brother Diehl preached to a full house. Brother S. M. Musselman admonished. At 9:30 p.m. after a season of deep prayer the Conference was adjourned.
The Lord’s nearness was felt and tears of brotherly love were flowing. It seemed that everyone would start his work with joy. To God be honor and glory. He shall enliven His work, and be with His lowly servants and increase the number of his faithful followers! Amen.
William N. Shelly, Chairman
David Gehman, Secretary
17 i. e. feetwashing.