Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church
Held in Brown City, Michigan
October 28th, 1908.
General Conference Officials.
President. E. Anthony, Brown City, Mich.
Secretary Treasurer. A. B. Yoder, Elkhart, Ind.
Editor. C. H. Brunner, Reading. Pa.
Executive Committee.
S. Lambert, Greenville, Ohio, Chairman
E. Anthony, Brown City, Mich.
S. Goudie, Stouffville, Ont.
B. F. Beery, Goshen, Ind.
I. Pike, Bethesda, Ont.
The foregoing committee is also the Publishing Committee.
General Conference Proceedings.
The Seventh General Conference of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ convened at Brown City, Michigan, Oct. 28th, 1908.
FIRST SESSION.
Eld. S. Lambert, Chairman of the last General Conference opened the Conference by prayer, after which the following brethren were nominated from among the Presiding Elders of the different Conferences from which to elect the Chairman: E. Anthony, H. B. Musselman and A. B. Yoder were nominated.
Resolved, That the Chairman be elected by ballot.
P. Cober and W. G. Gehman were chosen as tellers.
Eld. E. Anthony was elected Chairman and afterward by motion was made unanimous.
Resolved, That nomination be made for Secretary.
W. G. Gehman, H. S. Hallman and C. N. Good were nominated.
By open vote each one was defeated.
A. B. Yoder, H. S. Hallman and I. Pike were then nominated.
A. B. Yoder was elected.
RESOLVED, That the four front seats to the left and the three front seats to the right constitute the bar.
The Chairman read a portion of Scripture and made some very appropriate remarks.
Whereas, The question was raised whether the Missionary Presiding Elders or Missionary Presidents have the right to a seat in this General Conference by virtue of their office, be it
RESOLVED, That this General Conference recognize them as Presiding Elders provided the membership of their Annual Conference warrants it and they were elected by ballot from among their unconditional members.
Adjourned by song and prayer.
SECOND SESSION.
The second session was opened by song and prayer led by C. H. Brunner.
Minutes of Previous session were read and received.
The following roll was formed:
PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE. H. B. Musselman P. E, W. G.
Gehman P.E., W. B. Musselman P.E., J. C. Roth, O. B. Bartholemew, C. H. Brunner. Allen M. Gehman, W. S. Hottel.
CANADA CONFERENCE. S. Goudie P. E., E. Sievenpiper P. E., J. N. Kitching P. E., P. Cober, C. N. Good, S. Cressman, J. B. Shantz, I. Pike, E. Dunnington, C. Raymer.
INDIANA AND OHIO CONFERENCE. A. B. Yoder P. E., I. P. Moore P. E., D. Brenneman, S. Lambert, B. F. Beery, A. D. Hoke.
MICHIGAN CONFERENCE. E. Anthony P. E., O. B. Snyder, A. Detweiler.
NEBRASKA CONFERENCE. N. W. Rich P. E., J. Hygema, H. J. Pontius.
H. S. Hallman, Editor.
The Secretary appointed I. Pike assistant.
Rules of Order.
1. Each member before speaking on any subject or upon presenting any motion or seconding the same shall first receive permission by rising to his feet and addressing the Chair and shall then be allowed to speak ten minutes on each subject and only once except by permission from the Chair.
2. The forenoon sessions open at 8 o’clock and close at 11.30; afternoon open at 1 o’clock and close at 5 o’clock.
3. That all open voting be done by raising of the Right hand.
4. That the Chairman nominate all Committees and Conference elect them.
5. That all ordained ministers present of our Society be received as advisory members and be privileged to speak five minutes on any subject and only once.
6. That we would encourage the Chairman to call on such members of this Conference who show inactivity and we request the Chair to enforce these rules of order.
7. That ministers from denominations attending any of the sessions shall be introduced to this Conference.
The Chair appointed the following Committees:
Committee to Examine General Conference Minutes: H. B. Musselman, I. P. Moore, H. J. Pontius.
Committee on Worship: O. B. Snyder, J. N. Kitching, A. Detweiler.
Committee on Statistics: J. C. Roth, C. N. Good.
Committee on Program: P. Cober, C. H. Brunner, S. Lambert.
Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes: A. M. Gehman, A. D. Hoke, J. Hygema, J. N. Kitching, O. B. Snyder.
Committee on Resolutions: H. S. Hallman, W. G. Gehman, I. P. Moore.
Committee on Introduction: O. B. Snyder.
RESOLVED, That no member of this Conference absent himself from the services held in this Mennonite Church on the Lord’s day.
Presiding Elders reported: H. B. Musselman, P. E. of the Bethlehem District of the Pennsylvania Conference: It is with pleasure that I report of the success of the work on my district. Ministry is united. God has been blessing the work. Our prayer meetings are largely attended; all members are on hand and take an active part. We had two Camp Meetings this year in my district. The attendance was very large. The Sunday Schools are good. We believe in the whole Bible and preach it fearlessly, seeking only God’s glory.
W. G. Gehman, P. E., Mt. Carmel District of the Pennsylvania Conference: I report my district with pleasure. I have charge of the Gospel Herald Society, which is composed of five charges and six missions. My district is largely missionary. Had one Camp Meeting during last year. We have successful tent meetings. Many of the young men engaged in the Gospel Herald Society will make good pastors. We are united and stand for a whole Bible.
W. B. Musselman, P. E. of the Gospel Workers Society of the Pennsylvania Conference: I am glad to be permitted to report to this Conference and will do so candidly. Our work started at Reading and has resulted in organization of the Gospel Workers Society. I was not aware of its outcome but the results were grand. Our workers come from various denominations but they are united in the work and are believers in a whole Bible. We aim to get people soundly converted and sanctified.
S. Goudie, P. E. East District of Canada Conference: My district has ten circuits and missions. Our work is largely in the Country. Since last General Conference we have lost one of our fathers, Eld. M. Bowman. Our finances have been good and the prospects for the future of our Conference are hopeful. Have had some good Camp Meetings with good results. There have been some conversions. Some of the older ministers have retired from the active service.
J. N. Kitching, Missionary President of the Canada Conference: We have ten Missions. Some are quite prosperous. The meetings are good. We have at present twenty workers in active service and a few that are not active. Some have gone forward to the foreign fields. The work looks very encouraging. Our workers are self-denying and are very zealous for the cause. The prospects for the future are bright.
E. Sievenpiper, P. E. West District of the Canada Conference: I have just been elected to this office and am pleased to report the prospects. God is raising up young workers to fill the places God intends us to fill.
A. B. Yoder, P.E. Indiana and Ohio Conference reported good outlook for the future. I have fifteen circuits and have plenty to do. The ministry is united and promising. Most of them are men bid fair for the future. The Camp Meetings were good: many saved and sanctified.
I. P. Moore, Missionary P.E. the Indiana and Ohio Conference: Only young in this work and before last Conference was almost entirely unacquainted with the mission work. We have not so many missions and workers but what we have are loyal, self-sacrificing and united. We are expecting good results.
Rev. Smauss, of the Evangelical Church was introduced to the Conference.
H. J. Pontius, P. E. of the Pacific Missionary Conference: I am glad to report from the Pacific coast. We are only a small Conference with a membership of about three hundred. Our work is Missionary. We have nine circuits and two missions. Our people are loyal to the church. We expect to do our best to teach the principles of the Bible.
RESOLVED, That H. B. Musselman act as Vice Chairman.
E. Anthony, P. E. of the Michigan Conference. Our membership is 688. There has been a decrease of 20 members. In four years, some have died, one minister has been transferred to Canada Conference, two have gone as missionaries to Africa. The ministry is well united in doctrine and quite self-denying and largely on the unconditional list. We have been stirred up to see the necessity of enforcing discipline. We are minded to be true to God and the church. Our Camp Meetings have been good and a real blessing to the church and have been the means of many being saved and sanctified and quite a number healed. Our people have increased their contributions to the work over 58 per cent. Foreign missionary meetings have been good.
H. Goudie of the North West Canada Missionary Conference: He reported by letter. The work looks encouraging. We have six ordained men and some young workers and ministers. We are well satisfied with the church discipline as it stands. Quite a few have been saved, sanctified and united with the church.
H. S. Hallman, Editor: I have had a hard year owing to the resignation of assistant Editor.
RESOLVED, That this Conference resolve itself into a committee of the whole to examine Editor, receive the report of the Executive Board and consider the future publication of the Gospel Banner.
Chair appointed the following Auditing Committee: W. S. Hottel, B. F. Beery.
Rev. Townsend of the Baptist church was introduced.
RESOLVED, That we have a Question Box.
RESOLVED, That we have a committee to examine all questions put in box before submitting them to the committee on answering.
Committee appointed: The Chairman of the last Annual Conferences respectively.
Committee on Worship reported: Preaching by E. N. Cassel and C. F. Krauth.
Committee,
J. N. Kitching,
A. Detweiler,
O. B. Snyder.
Resolved, That we do not read and revise the discipline as a whole.
Resolution was tabled.
Eld. S. Lambert was appointed to act as temporary Chairman of committee of the whole, said Committee to meet at 8 p. m., in the Baptist church.
Adjourned by song and prayer.
MORNING SESSION.
This session was opened by song and prayer led by W. S. Hottel.
Roll was called.
Minutes of previous session were read and approved after a few corrections.
RESOLVED, That we adopt Cushing’s Manual on proceedings and Debates in Deliberative Assemblies.
Committee on General Conference Minutes reported:
Their report was received and after some deliberations it was
RESOLVED, That the report be re-committed to Committee.
RESOLVED, That a Committee of two from each Annual Conference be appointed to arrange uniform forms and schedule for the pastoral, oral, statistical, and financial reports.
The Chair appointed the following Committee: C. H. Brunner, H. B. Musselman, H. S. Hallman, P. Cober, D. Brenneman, I. P. Moore, H. Pontius, N. W. Rich, O. B. Snyder, E. Anthony.
RESOLVED, That we suspend business until call of the Chair to permit committees to get ready to report.
Conference was called to order by the Chair at 11a. m., and proceeded with business.
Rev. Kilpatrick of the M. E. Church was introduced to the Conference.
Committee on Annual Conference Minutes reported.
Report was tabled.
RESOLVED, That we recommend the various General and Annual Conferences to adopt Cushing’s Manual of Parliamentary practice.
Adjourned by song and prayer.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Session was opened by song and prayer led by C. Brunner.
Roll was called.
Minutes of previous session were read and received.
Resolved, That we take up the tabled report of Committee on Annual Conference Minutes.
Report of Committee on Annual Conference Minutes: We have examined the minutes of the Pennsylvania, Canada, Indiana and Ohio, Nebraska, Michigan and the Pacific Mission Conference and find them fairly well written and in good form. In the Pacific Mission Conference we noticed the using of women workers in the disposing of business in the Annual Conference. We further notice a resolution privileging sister workers to vote for the election of Presiding Elders; also notice that they met outside of the Conference Bar the third session of 1906; also omits the recording of the reading of minutes. In the Indiana and Ohio Conference Minutes we notice business between second and third sessions after adjournment in their last Annual Conference. The mention of roll call and closing of different sessions with prayer were omitted. The Michigan and Canada Conferences also omit in their minutes the closing with song and prayer. We found the following recommendations to this General Conference:
From the Pennsylvania Conference:
1. To add “except by two-third vote of the Annual Conference” to paragraph 11 on page 76 in the discipline.
2. That the Annual Conferences adopt a uniform “Pastor’s oral report Blanks.”
3. That the General Conference encourage the various Annual Conferences to send fraternal delegates to the different Annual Conferences deem it advisable in order that the Annual Conferences become more intimately acquainted with each other.
4. To revise first paragraph on page 67 in the discipline to read “once a week,” instead of ”once a year.”
5. to modify the first paragraph chapter five, page 83 of the discipline read “by two or more brethren. etc.
6. That the article On Life Insurances on page 43 section 14 in the discipline read ”believing that taking out life insurance policies is contrary to the Spirit and teaching of Christianity, no member shall be permitted to insure his life or that of someone else.”
From Indiana and Ohio Conference:
Resolutions:
I. That we ask the General Conference to modify paragraph 7 Page 65 of our discipline relative to the reception of ordained ministers from other denominations granting the respective Annual Conferences to use their own discretion.
2. That we ask General Conference to make some provisions for local ministers who have passed their time of probation and have finished their Reading Course, but whose case is covered by paragraph 6 page 65 of discipline.
3. That we ask General Conference to modify section 13 page 43 relative to the use of musical instruments in our services.
4. That we ask General Conference to adopt in Reading Course a book on Homiletics to take the place of “Lessons in Holiness.”
5. That we ask General Conference to adopt a good Theology in our Reading Course to take the place of ”Sells Bible Study by Books.”
From Canada Conference:
Whereas there is a difference of opinion in this Conference, in the interpretation of article 5, page 15, also article 12, page 18,
Resolved, That we recommend the General Conference to give a more definite interpretation of said articles.
That we recommend the General Conference to consider the advisability of a Bishop.
Pacific Conference Recommendation:
1. That we request the General Conference to consider the matter of changing chapter 1, section 4, page 66 of our discipline so that recognition may be given our sister workers as members in the Annual Conference.
2. That we request General Conference to rearrange the Reading Course so that probationers be permitted to finish the entire book in one year rather than have subdivided throughout the three years’ course as some are divided.
3. That we request the General Conference to make this mission Conference an independent Annual Conference embracing all the territory in the United States west of the Rocky Mountains and adopting the name of “the Pacific Conference.”
4. Seeing as we do the great amount of evil caused by the liquor traffic and being fully convinced that it cannot be legalized without sin, and knowing that it is a great factor in our political life and can only be changed at the ballot-box,
Resolved, That we request the General Conference to change our discipline in paragraph 5, page 74 from its present reading to an urgent demand that all our ministers and members use their utmost influence in private and public and be at ballot-box to vote against this evil.
Michigan Conference:
1. That the General Conference be requested to add to our Reading Course a suitable Theology.
2. That the General Conference be requested to change the discipline on the election of Stewards and hereafter the Stewards be appointed by the Presiding Elder.
Canada Mission Conference:
1. That we be made an independent Conference.
2. That the General Conference form a boundary between this and Ontario Conference including Winnipeg in the North West Conference.
Nebraska Conference:
1. Resolved. That the Conference encourage the resolution of one of the other Annual Conferences to substitute Horsch’s Church History instead of Fisher’s.
2. That we request the General Conference to have one page of the “Gospel Banner” devoted to instruction for the young people.
3. That we request General Conference to elect an Associate Editor to answer questions sent to the Question Box, and that he have one column, at his disposal for the same.
4. Whereas the Nebraska and Pacific Conferences cover such a large territory and charges being far apart and Presiding Elders’ expenses heavy,
Resolved, That we request the General Conference to give them the privilege of holding semi-Annual Conferences instead of Quarterly Conferences.
5. Whereas original articles in any periodical increase its usefulness and attractiveness,
Resolved, That we petition the General Conference to elect at least one Associate Editor from each Annual Conference and urge them to write two or more articles monthly for the ”Gospel Banner.”
6. Whereas our Foreign Mission work is so scattered,
Resolved, That we petition the General Conference to consider the matter of uniting our forces as a General Conference.
7. Whereas there is a tendency to give wider application to the word “fornication” in section 17, page. 48 in discipline, than the Scripture warrant,
8. Resolved, That we request the General Conference to define the extent of the application of this word in the marriage relation.
9. Resolved, That we request the General Conference to arrange the Reading Course so that instead of taking portions of books each year the entire book be taken in one year.
Committee,
A. M. Gehman,
A. D. Hoke,
J. Hygema,
J. N. Kitching,
O. B. Snyder.
RESOLVED, That the report be considered in two divisions: viz.: minutes and requests.
RESOLVED, That we have a committee to whom any articles in discipline for revision that the General Conference may deem necessary might be referred for the proper arrangement or wording to present to Conference.
Committee appointed: O. B. Snyder, S. Lambert, W. G. Gehman.
Committee on Worship reports: M. J. Carmichael preached followed by T. F. Barker.
O. B. Snyder,
A. Detweiler,
J. N. Kitching.
The report of the Committee on the Annual Conference Minutes was taken up and further considered.
Resolved, That that part of the report of the Committee on Annual Conference Minutes which has been dealt with by Conference and does not concern Conference farther be accepted and that the remainder of the report be referred to Conference to be considered in due course.
RESOLVED, That the resolution, “Resolved, That we do not read and revise the discipline as a whole,” be taken off the table.
RESOLVED, That we take up the resolution submitted to this General Conference by several Annual Conferences in their order as they appear in the report of the Committee on Annual Conference Minutes.
Committee on Annual Conference Minutes reported the following recommendations to the General Conference:
From the Pennsylvania Conference:
RESOLVED, That the following words be added to Paragraph 11, page 76 of discipline, “unless he receives two-thirds of the votes of the Annual Conference from year to year.”
RESOLVED, That the recommendation, “that the General Conference encourage the various Annual Conferences to send fraternal delegates to the different Annual Conferences from time to time as the various Conferences may deem it advisable in order that the Annual Conferences become more intimately acquainted with each other, be referred to the Conference for future consideration.
RESOLVED, That paragraph I, page 67 in the discipline read, ”once a week,” instead of ”once a year.”
RESOLVED, That paragraph I, chapter 5, page 80 of the discipline read, “by two or more brethren.”
RESOLVED, That the article on Life Insurance on page 43, section 14 in the discipline read, ”Believing that taking out Life Insurance policies is contrary to the Spirit and teaching of Christianity, no member shall be permitted to insure his life or that of anyone else.” Jer. 49:1; I Tim. 4:8.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON WHOLE
RESOLVED, That the committee rise and report that the Committee rise and report that we have made progress, having finished part of our work and ask permission to sit again.
RESOLVED, That this Conference grant the Committee as a whole to sit to-night at 8p.m., in M. E. church of Brown City.
Adjourned by song and prayer.
FIFTH SESSION
This session was opened by song and prayer.
The roll was called.
Minutes were read and with a few corrections were received.
The Committee on Examination of General Conference minutes beg leave to submit the following report:
On page 259 the word “forenoon” added to the heading “first session,” the words “a passage of Scripture, 1 Pet. I,” added to the original minutes in Chairman’s opening exercises. On page 260, first resolution the word General omitted from the word Conference. On page 269 forenoon session the word “named” added to the word “society” in report of delegation to Church Missionary Society. On Page 270, the words, “Nappanee, Ind.,” were omitted from the Auditors’ report. On page 271 in statement re H. S. Hallman and Banner Committee, the words ”Chairman of” omitted to signature of report. Auditor’s report not recorded in full and signature omitted. On page 274, in 2nd resolution Nos. , 6 and 9 added. In resolution 4 the words, “the word,” omitted before the word “effected,” also numbers “11” and ”13” added. In resolution 5 the word “line” omitted. On page 286 article on the Sabbath the word “the” omitted before “Sabbath” and before “Lord’s day.” On page 286 article one name of Committee added. On page 287 in resolution 3 the word “to” omitted and “such persons elected shall” added. On page 288, resolution 2 the word ”Gospel” omitted before “Banner.” On page 292 in resolution 3 the word Annual omitted before “Conference.” Resolution 6. the word “beginning,” added after the word “Michigan.” On page 293 in resolution 2 the word ”Quarterly,” omitted before the word “Conference.” On page 298 in first line after ”1st the words, ”the question” omitted . Page 300 the words “South America Miss Sarah Klahr”: added to list of Foreign missionaries. On page 302, the report of committee to arrange for Bro. Henderson’s moving expenses was added, ”the report was received.” On page 303, in appointment of the executive Committee the word “General” was omitted before ”Conference.”
Committee,
H. B. Musselman,
I. P. Moore,
H. J. Pontius.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
The Committee beg leave to report that we rise and report progress to this Conference and ask permission to sit again.
S. Goudie, Chairman.
RESOLVED, That this Conference meet at once in this room as a committee of the whole.
Conference was called to order by Chair at 10 a. m.
Report of Committee of the whole reported:
We beg leave to report that on motion of the Committee we rise and report progress to the Conference and request to sit again.
S. Goudie, Chairman.
Recommendations from Indiana and Ohio Conference:
Recommendation No. 1:
That we ask this General Conference to modify paragraph 7 on page 65 of our discipline relative to the reception of ordained ministers from other denominations granting each Annual Conference the privilege to use their discretion.
After deliberation it was resolved that we leave the aforesaid paragraph as it now stands in the discipline.
No. 2. We ask the General Conference to make some provisions for local ministers who have passed their time of probation and have finished their Reading Course, but whose case is covered by paragraph 6 page 65 of the discipline.
RESOLVED, That the following paragraph be inserted in the discipline on page 65 as paragraph 7 and that the present 7 be numbered 8.
Probationers who have passed their Reading Course and have not proven themselves capable of taking charge of a work in the judgment of their respective Annual Conferences, or such who do not desire to enter the itineracy after having been on probation for five years, shall be referred to their respective Quarterly Conferences.
N. W. Rich, P. E. of Iowa and Nebraska Conference gave his report: Our work at present looks a little discouraging on account of some of our minister going into secular work because they felt it their duty. Also some went west. The Foreign Mission work is prosperous. Thirty orphans are supported. The prospects for Home Mission work is not so encouraging. Rev. G. A. Pegram, State Agent and Lecturer of the National Christian Association on Secret Societies, was introduced to the Conference and made some interesting remarks.
Recommendation 3 from Indiana and Ohio Conference: That we ask General Conference to modify Section 13, page 43 relative to the use of musical instruments in our services.
RESOLVED, That we leave the above named section 13, page 43 in discipline as it is.
Whereas it has become imperative to hold a private session or sessions of this Conference,
RESOLVED, that we suspend the rules for the Conference Bar and that the Conference Bar for private sessions be the lecture room of the Baptist church.
Recommendation 4. That we ask General Conference to adopt in Reading Course a book on Homiletics to take the place of Lessons on Holiness.
RESOLVED, That we defer this article for further consideration.
No. 5. That we ask the General Conference to adopt a good Theology in Reading Course to take the place of ”Sell’s Bible Study by Books.”
Resolved, That recommendation No. 3 be deferred for future deliberations.
Canada Conference recommendations:
Whereas there is a difference of opinion in this Conference in the interpretation of article 5, page 15, and also article 12, page 18, therefore
RESOLVED, that we recommend the General Conference to give a more definite interpretation in said articles.
RESOLVED, That this recommendation be referred to the Conference in private session.
RESOLVED, That we extend the time of this session indefinitely.
RESOLVED, That all ordained ministers in the active work and probationers who have charge of a work be permitted to be advisory members at the private session during the time the questions of the interpretation of recommendation.
Committee on Worship reported for afternoon services: Preaching by D. Williams and Miss A. Bowman.
Committee,
A. Detweiler,
. O. B. Snyder,
J. N. Kitching
Adjourned by song and prayer.
Friday.
SIXTH SESSION.
This session was private and was held in the lecture room of the Baptist church.
The session was opened by song and prayer.
RESOLVED, That W. G. Gehman be elected as Secretary pro. tem.
The roll was called.
RESOLVED, That the minutes of previous session be read at the next session.
RESOLVED, That we consider the report of the Committee of the whole.
RESOLVED, That we receive the report of the Committee of the whole but do not grant them their request to sit again.
A volume of earnest prayer went up to the Lord for His guidance on account of important business before us.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
Committee of the whole met in the lecture room the Baptist church . at 8 o’clock p. m., Oct 25, 1908.
Opened by song and prayer by W. B. Musselman.
S. Goudie was elected Chairman and Isaac Pike Secretary.
H. S. Hallman reported as publisher: We have a list of 1944 paid subscribers divided as follows: United States 1170, Canada 774-1944. City Mission Banners. United States 102, Canada 250-352. Free list, Canada 53, United States 133-186. Foreign Missions 22; Exchanges 22-44. Total 2526. Total in 1904-2296, in 1906 -1948-1944, showing a decrease of 352 during the Conference term.
Machinery on hand belonging to the church: 1 monoline composing machine, 1 peerless printing press, 1 proof press, 1 folding machine, 1 hand paper cutter, 1 composing machine 1 safe, 1 type cabinet, 1 cupboard, 1 desk, 150 lbs. old type, 1 mailing Machine, 15 mailing gallies.
H. S. Hallman Publisher.
Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Berlin, Sept. 14, 1908.
To the General Conference of the M. B. C. Church.
1. On March 16, 1905, received a petition from Michigan Conference to transfer Alligan County to the Indiana and Ohio Conference. This petition was granted May 8th, 1906.
2. On April 27th, 1905, received request from H. S. Hallman for permission to sell the old Cotterel press and the old No. 3 Gordon press and use the proceeds towards getting a new press under certain conditions herein attached.
To whom it may concern: We the Undersigned members of the Publishing Committee of the M. B. C. Church, hereby give H. S. Hallman permission to dispose of the old Cotterel press and the old Gordon press towards getting a new press if he can get $300 for the two presses; H. S. Hallman to allow the church whatever he gets for the old presses, but he must pay the difference for the new press himself. The committee or the church are not to be held responsible for the payment of the new press or any part of it.
Executive Committee.
P. Cober, Chairman,
I. Pike,
H. B. Musselman,
A. M. Gehman,
E. Anthony,
B. F. Beery.
S. Lambert,
A. A. Miller.
The conditions were accepted by H. S. Hallman and the request was granted.
3. On April 15th, 1907, received from H. S. Hallman a request to make some provisions for the extra expenses in mailing the “Gospel Banner” caused by the change in the postal laws between Canada and the United States. For which reason O. B. Henderson Assistant Editor, tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the Committee, and thereby H. S. Hallman is relieved from paying him $500 per annum in accordance with agreement entered into at last General Conference.
4. On or about Feb. 15th, 1908, a petition was received from the Indiana and Ohio Conference requesting that the Editor be instructed to discontinue the publication of articles either for or against the so called “Tongues Movement.” This petition was granted by the Committee and the Editor was accordingly instructed by the Chairman, whereupon the Editor refused to comply with the decision of the Committee and requested the Committee to reconsider their decision. The Committee, after reconsideration gave their final decision as before. Whereupon the Editor blamed the Committee for being unjust and going beyond their power as a Committee and refused to accept their final decision, and in addition, tendered his resignation unless he was permitted to publish articles concerning the question of Tongues according to his best judgment. The committee neither withdrew their decision nor accepted his resignation. Hoping that he would, after all, desist in publishing objectionable articles and also because the time of the General Conference was so near at hand, therefore the Committee took no further action.
On, or about Sept. 1, 1908 charges were preferred against the Editor which compelled the Chairman of the Executive Committee to call a Meeting which met on Sept. 14th, 1908 in Berlin, with the object of considering the charges. Owing to the way in which the charges were worded and made they were not sustained, but we are grieved with our Editor for persisting in refusing to comply with the request of the Committee, by avoiding to publish such articles in the Banner as tend to controversies and misunderstandings more than for unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. whereupon H. S. Hallman agreed to submit to the ruling of Committee until General Conference.
Expenses of Board Meeting:
First meeting $60.00
Second Meeting 72.00
Min. Book .75
Total $132.75
Committee,
P. Cober, Chairman,
I. Pike, Secretary,
B. F. Beery,
S. Lambert,
H. B. Musselman,
A. M. Gehman,
E. Anthony.
RESOLVED, That we accept the report.
RESOLVED, That the Committee rise and report progress, having finished part of their work, and beg leave of Conference to sit again.
On Oct. 29th, 1908 at 8 p. m., the Conference Committee of the whole met in the lecture room of the M. E. church for a second sitting.
Opened by song and prayer.
Roll was called.
Minutes read and approved.
H. S. Hallman, Editor of the Gospel Banner was examined.
RESOLVED, That he be passed.
Whereas, Eld. H. S. Hallman has agreed to settle the business with reference to the publishing of the Banner on the following conditions:
That all subscriptions up to Jan. 1st 1909 be payable to him and all subscriptions in advance of that date be payable to such party or parties as this Conference may appoint and that the ministers of the different Conferences act as agents to collect said amounts the same as heretofore. Therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we as a Conference accept his terms of settlement.
Bro. A. D. Hoke was granted a permit of absence.
H. S. Hallman was granted a permit of absence.
RESOLVED, That the Committee rise and report that we have made progress, having finished part of our work, and ask for permission to sit again.
Conference met in Conference bar as a committee of the whole.
RESOLVED, That the Committee rise and report progress and ask for permission to sit again.
Signed in behalf of Committee,
S. Goudie, Chairman,
I. Pike, Secretary.
RESOLVED, That we accept the report.
RESOLVED, That we take up for consideration the requests referred to the private session.
1st request from Canada referring to article 5, page 15 and article 12, page 18 of our discipline.
RESOLVED, That we extend the time of this session.
RESOLVED, That we adjourn by song and prayer to meet at the Baptist church at 8 a. m., Oct. 31, 1908.
Saturday
SEVENTH SESSION
Conference met in private session in the lecture room of the Baptist church at 8 o’clock a. m., Oct. 31, 1908.
Roll was called.
Minutes were read and received.
RESOLVED, That we defer the hearing of any committee reports until open Conference and take up the further deliberation on request No. 1 from the Canada Conference.
Whereas, the Canada Conference has appealed to this Conference for an interpretation of articles 5, page 15 and 12, page 18.
Whereas, the interpretation of these articles has been uniform with a few exceptions, therefore,
RESOLVED, That this uniform interpretation is the decision of this Conference.
RESOLVED, That the “Yeas” and “nays” on the above resolution be recorded in the minutes of this General Conference.
Yeas: H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, W. B. Musselman, J. C. Roth, O. B. Bartholemew, C. H. Brunner, A. M. Gehman, W. S. Hottel, S. Goudie, E. Sievenpiper, J. N. Kitching, P. Cober, C. N. Good, S. Cressman, J. B. Shantz, I. Pike, C. Raymer, A. B. Yoder, I. P. Moore, D. Brenneman, S. Lambert, B. F. Beery, A. D. Hoke, E. Anthony, O. B. Snyder, A. Detweiler, N. W. Rich, J. Hygema, H. J. Hygema, H. J. Pontius, H. S. Hallman.
Nays; E. Dunnington, absent.
RESOLVED, That we continue the publication of the Gospel Banner.
RESOLVED, That we extend the time of this session.
RESOLVED, That we defer the matter of the publication of the Gospel Banner to open Conference.
Adjournment by song and prayer.
EIGHTH SESSION
Session was opened by song and prayer.
The roll was called.
Minutes were read and received.
Committee to arrange forms and schedules, etc., beg leave to report:
We recommend the following forms:
No. 1. Pastor’s Statistical – Report 3000
No. 2. A B C, Statistical Sec’y’s Report, of each 300
No. 3. Pastor’s Financial Report 3000
No. 4. Report of Financial Secretary 300
No. 5. Pastor’s Oral Report 3000
No. 6. Summary Report 3000
No. 7. Report of Sunday School Supt 10000
No. 8. Sunday School Convention report 2000
No. 9. Certificates of Dedication 5000
No. 20. Presiding Elder Certificates, 25 in book 200
No. 21. Ordination Certificates, 25 in book 200
No. 22. Probationers License, 50 in book 1000
No. 23. Certificate of admission, 50 in a book 1000
No. 24. Letters of Transfer, 25 in book 2000
1. We recommend that Nos. 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 be bound in book form.
2. That No. 9, Dedication Certificates be lithographed.
3. That H. S. Hallman and C. H. Brunner see to the printing and apportioning of expenses accordingto membership and the dividing of the different forms for several Conferences and report to the Secretary of each Annual Conference, the amounts to, be paid no later than thirty (30) days after the forms are received.
Committee,
C. H. Brunner,
H. B. Musselman,
H. S. Hallman,
P. Cober,
D. Brenneman,
I. P. Moore,
H. J. Pontius,
N. W. Rich,
O. B. Snyder,
E. Anthony.
RESOLVED, That request No. 2. from Canada, ”That we recommend the General Conference to consider the advisability of a Bishop,” and request No.3 from Pennsylvania Conference, ”That the General Conference encourage the various Annual Conferences to send fraternal delegates to the different conferences from time to time as the various Conferences deem it advisable in order that the Annual Conferences become more intimately acquainted with each other, be considered together.
After considering the advisability of a Bishop it was decided to continue without.
RESOLVED, That resolution No. 3 from Pennsylvania Conference be accepted.
RESOLVED, That “we recommend that the Annual Conference of various mission Conferences presided over by the Chairman of their respective Annual Conference” be added to paragraph 18, page 91 of discipline.
Request from Pacific Conference No. 1. That we request the General Conference to consider the matter of changes chap. 4, section 4, page 65 of our discipline so that recognition may be given our sister workers as members in the Annual Conference.
RESOLVED, That we leave chap. 4, section 4, page 65 in the discipline, as it now stands.
Report of Committee on Worship:
Saturday evening: Preaching by C. F. Krauth and W. O. Mendel. Sunday services at M. B. C. Church. 8.30 a. m. Feet washing and testimony; services in charge of A. B. Yoder. 10.30 Preaching by E. Anthony followed by S. Lambert. 2 p. m. Missionary meeting addressed by A. W. Banfield. 2.45, A missionary address by T. Ford Barker, 7 p. m., song service and testimony.
C. H. Brunner. 8 p. m., preaching by N. W. Rich and H. B. Musselman. Evening: Baptist church,C. F. Krauth and T. F. Barker. Methodist, M. E. church. Wm. Graybiel, D. S. Schultz.
Report was accepted.
RESOLVED, That the following word “term” in line 1 page 92 of our discipline be added this sentence, ”The delegates from the ministry shall be unconditional ordained men.
Request No. 2, “That we request General Conference to arrange the Reading Course so that probationers be permitted to finish the entire book in one year rather than have it subdivided throughout the three years’ course as some are now.”
Request was deferred to future deliberation.
RESOLVED, That we have a boundary Committee consisting of five members. Committee: S. Goudie, H. J. Pontius, I. P. Moore, H. B. Musselman, N. W. Rich.
RESOLVED, That request No. 3, “That this General Conference make this mission Conference an independent Conference embracing all the territory in the United States west of the Rocky Mountain, and adopting the name of Pacific Conference.”
RESOLVED, That the above request be referred on Committee on boundaries.
Request No. 4. Seeing as we do the great amount of evil caused by the liquor traffic and being fully convinced that it cannot be legalized without sin, and knowing that it is a great factor in our political life and can only be changed at the ballot box, therefore be it
Resolved, that we request the General Conference to change our discipline, page 74, paragraph 5 from its present reading to an urgent demand that all our ministers and members use their utmost influence in private and public and be there to vote at the ballot box against this evil.
RESOLVED, That paragraph 5, page 74 remain unchanged.
Request from Michigan Conference:
RESOLVED, That request No. I: “That the General Conference add to our Reading Course a suitable theology,” be deferred for future consideration.
RESOLVED, That we have a private session in the lecture room of the Baptist church from 7 p. m. to 10. p.m.
RESOLVED, That we extend the time of this session.
RESOLVED, That the words “or Presiding Elder” be inserted after the word “charge” in chap. 4, paragraph 5, page 63 of our discipline.
Adjourned by song and prayer.
NINTH SESSION.
Conference met in private session in the lecture room of the Baptist church at 7 p. m.
The roll was called.
Minutes of previous session were read and received.
Committee on Statistics reported:
RESOLVED, That their report be referred to the Auditing Committee. (See report).
Canada North West Mission Conference:
No. 1 request this General Conference to be made an independent Conference, making the east boundary line of Manitoba as the eastern boundary line of this Conference.
RESOLVED, That this request be referred to the Committee on Boundaries.
Requests from Nebraska Conference:
Request No. 1 and 6 were referred for future deliberation.
Request Nos. 2, 3, and 5 were tabled.
RESOLVED, That we grant the Nebraska and Pacific Conferences the privilege to hold Semi-Annual Meetings instead of Quarterly.
No. 8 request was deferred to Committee on Reading Course.
Whereas, the Nebraska Conference has requested the extent of the meaning of the word “fornication” in section 17, page 48, therefore
RESOLVED, That we deem that the Bible gives the extent of the meaning of the word sufficiently clear as stated in the Discipline.
Committee on Reading Course: A. B. Yoder, H. J. Pontius, O. B. Snyder, C. H. Brunner, P. Cober.
REPORT OF BOUNDARY COMMITTEE. We beg to submit the following report:
PENNSYLVANIA CONFERENCE: All territory in the United States east of the western boundary line of Pennsylvania except Westmoreland and Blair counties.
INDIANA AND OHIO CONFERENCE: Westmoreland and Blair Counties of Pennsylvania, and all territory west of Pennsylvania and east of the Mississippi River except what is now known as the Michigan Conference.
ONTARIO CONFERENCE: All territory in the Dominion of Canada east of the eastern boundary of the province of Saskatchewan.
MICHIGAN CONFERENCE: All of Michigan with the exception of the counties of Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, Berrien and Allegan.
NEBRASKA CONFERENCE: All territory in the United States west of the Mississippi River and east of the Rocky Mountains.
PACIFIC CONFERENCE: All territory in the United States west of the Rocky Mountains.
ALBERTA CONFERENCE: West of the eastern boundary of the province of Saskatchewan.
Committee
S. Goudie,
I. P. Moore,
H. J. Pontius,
H. B. Musselman,
N. W. Rich.
RESOLVED: That part 1, section 13, page 77 read “The Executive Committee shall consist of three ordained ministers, members of the General Conference and two lay delegates to be elected, etc.
RESOLVED: That the members of the Executive Committee be nominated and elected by ballot.
Committee elected: E. Anthony, S. Lambert, S. Goudie, B. F. Beery, and I. Pike.
Adjourned with song and prayer.
Monday.
TENTH SESSION
This session opened by song and prayer.
Roll was called.
Minutes of previous session were read and approved.
RESOLVED: That H. S. Hallman serve as editor in connection with the publishing of the Gospel Banner as had been understood in the report of the Committee of the whole until Jan. 2nd, 1909.
RESOLVED; That H. S. Hallman send the list of Gospel Banner subscriptions to the pastors as soon as possible after the General Conference and the pastors do their utmost in collecting it as soon as possible.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON WORSHIP.
We beg leave to give the following report of Sunday services:
The divine services on Sunday in the M. B. C. Church were a great blessing to the Conference and also to the very large number of people who attended. The Conference sermon was preached by the Chairman from Jude 3, after which S. Lambert from Ohio gave an exhortation. The instructions were searching, stirring, and spiritual. The ordinances were observed. The afternoon services were in the nature of missionary addresses by A. W. Banfield from Shonga, Nigeria, Africa, and T. F. Barker from Hadjin, Turkey (Asia Minor). In the evening N. W. Rich of Weeping Water, Nebraska, preached a forcible sermon from John 17:16-17 followed by a very practical exhortation from H. B. Musselman from Pennsylvania. Wm. Graybiel of Bliss, Michigan and D. Shultz had charge of the services in the M. E. church, while C. F. Krauth of Berlin, Ontario, preached in the Baptist church followed by T. F. Barker. These services were largely attended and were owned of God.
Committee,
O. B. Snyder,
J. N. Kitching,
A. Detweiler.
RESOLVED, That following the first full paragraph on page 92 of discipline the following paragraph be inserted, “No Missionary Presiding Elder, City Mission President or Presiding Elder of A Mission Conference shall hereafter be a member of a General Conference by virtue of his office.
RESOLVED, that we add after the word ”bring,” in par. 12, page 76, of our discipline these words, ”or carried to be brought.”
RESOLVED, That we add to paragraph 18, page 91 of discipline after the added resolution the following “Minutes of Mission Conference shall not be submitted, to the General Conference but shall be examined by their respective Annual Conferences. Mission Conferences shall also submit respectively a summary statistical and financial report to their respective Annual Conferences of the General Conference term, or a part of it, and their respective Annual Conferences shall incorporate it in their report to General Conference and shall also submit such appeals from Mission Conferences as they deem advisable.
RESOLVED, That the Secretaries of the Annual Conferences and the General Conference write out an abridged report of their respective Conferences to be published in the Gospel Banner instead of inserting the minutes in full and said report not to occupy more than one page.
RESOLVED, That we create a treasury for the Executive Committee.
RESOLVED, That the Executive Committee be privileged to sell the present property, presses, etc., at their discretion, the money to be placed in the treasury of the Executive Committee.
RESOLVED, That the expenses of the Executive be paid out of the treasury of the Executive committee.
RESOLVED, That we publish no new discipline but print a supplement of the corrections and amendments.
Adjourned with prayer.
ELEVENTH SESSION.
Session opened by song and prayer.
Roll was called.
Minutes were read and received.
AUDITING COMMITTEE REPORT.
The Auditing Committee reports: We have examined the report of the Committee on Statistics and found a few mistakes which were corrected.
Committee,
W. S. Hottel,
B. F. Beery.
CONDITIONS UPON WHICH W. B. MUSSELMAN HAS CONSENTED TO ASSUME ALL THE FINANCES OF PUBLISHING THE GOSPEL BANNER FROM JAN. 2nd, 1909
FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS.
First: The Gospel Banner shall be published as a sixteen page weekly, same size pages and type as heretofore, also rising as good quality of paper as heretofore, excepting the notices and the announcements of the church which may be in smaller type.
Second: The Editor shall be elected from the Pennsylvania Conference, agreeable to Pennsylvania delegates, as well as the General Conference, said Editor to render his services free of charge.
Third: The Gospel Banner shall be published at one dollar and a quarter per year, or one dollar in advance per year.
Fourth: The publisher, W. B. Musselman shall be privileged to use the last page to advertize his books, Bibles, mottoes, wall-calendars, etc. He shall also be permitted to insert special notices concerning the above on the Editorial page as heretofore, Also special advertisements of literature, etc., on the second last page providing the space allows.
In case after one year’s trial, the Executive Committee should in any way be dissatisfied with the editing and publishing of the Gospel Banner, the above Executive Committee may secure another editor and Publisher.
Sixth: in case there be a change in the Editing and Publishing for the above or any other reasons the subscription list shall be handed over on the same conditions as received.
RESOLVED, That this offer be accepted.
Yeas: E. Anthony, O. B. Snyder, A. Detweiler, A. B. Yoder, S. Lambert, I. P. Moore, D. Brenneman, B. F. Beery, A. D. Hoke, H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, J. C. Roth, O. B. Bartholemew, C. H. Brunner, A. M. Gehman, W. S. Hottel, S. Goudie, E. Sievenpiper, P. Cober, J. N. Kitching, C. N. Good, S. Cressman, J. B. Shantz, I. Pike, C. Raymer, N. W. Rich, H. J.
Pontius, J. Hygema.
Nays: Absent: W. B. Musselman, E. Dunnington, H. S. Hallman.
RESOLVED, That Conference nominate candidates for Editor. A. B. Yoder, O. B. Snyder and C. H. Brunner.
C. H. Brunner was elected
An offering of $19.83was taken for Secretary. Thanks.
Whereas, Eld. H. S. Hallman has been our Editor for twenty (20) years and assumed quite a responsibility in the matter of publishing the Gospel Banner and, whereas he has been successful in liquidating all debts in connection with the publishing of the Gospel Banner, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we as a Conference express our hearty thanks for his services rendered.
RESOLVED, That we lift from the table resolutions 3 and 5 from the Nebraska Conference.
RESOLVED, That we have no question column in the Gospel Banner.
RESOLVED, That we have four Associate Editors and that they be elected by ballot.
Nominees: O. B. Snyder, J. A. Huffman, H. S. Hallman, S. Goudie, A. B. Yoder, N. W. Rich, J. Hygema, S. Lambert, and I. P. Moore.
Elected: O. B. Snyder, N. W. Rich, A. B. Yoder, S. Goudie.
RESOLVED, That paragraph 3, page 80 be made to read Presiding Elder or pastor in charge.
RESOLVED, That we have 1000 journals printed containing the minutes of the General Conference and divided among the Annual Conferences as follows: Pennsylvania 325, Canada 325, Michigan 100 Indiana and Ohio 150, Nebraska 100.
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of the General Conference prepare the matter for the supplement and forward it to the publisher of the same.
RESOLVED, That Eld. H. S. Hallman publish the General Conference Journal inserting the cut of the General Conference members.
RESOLVED, That we publish 1000 copies of the supplement to the discipline and that H. S. Hallman apportion them according to membership, the cost of printing the supplement and the Journal together to be divided for each Conference in proportion to the number of journals received. The Journals and supplements to be sent to the Secretary of the respective Conferences and paid for within 30 days after receiving them.
RESOLVED, That any changes made in our discipline go into effect immediately, except where especially provided for otherwise.
RESOLVED, That the next General Conference be held at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, opening 9 a. m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1912.
Committee on Reading Course reported and after a long discussion it was rejected.
RESOLVED, That the Reading Course be left as it is, leaving it optional with the Annual Conferences as to the use of ”Field’s Theology,” or “Sell’s Bible Study Books.”
RESOLVED, That the past expenses of the Executive Committee of $132.75 be paid out of the Executive Committee Treasury.
Whereas, we as a General Conference do not see our way clear to concentrate our forces in Foreign Mission work, therefore
RESOLVED, That we continue to work as we have in the past, and put forth every effort we can to concentrate the work in the individual Conferences.
Whereas, the pastors and the official Boards of the Baptist and Methodist Episcopal churches respectively have so kindly and freely granted to us the use of their respective churches for Committee meetings and private sessions, furnishing us light and heat free of charge making it as comfortable for us as possible, therefore
RESOLVED, That this General Conference extend by rising a vote of thanks, and ask God to bless them, and furthermore that the Secretary of this Conference send a copy of this resolution to the pastor of each of these churches properly signed by Chairman and Secretary of this Conference.
Whereas, the class and other friends of Brown City and vicinity have so royally provided for and so hospitably entertained the members and visitors at this Conference, therefore
RESOLVED, That this Conference tender a vote of hearty thanks by rising and praying God’s blessing upon them.
RESOLVED, That the fare of our delegate from each of the Conferences of Nebraska, Pacific and Alberta be paid by the other four Conferences.
RESOLVED, That H. S. Hallman shall get a record of the names and addresses of the Foreign Missionaries of the various Conferences and insert the record in the Conference Journal, also a record of officers, Editors, and all standing committees.
RESOLVED, That H. S. Hallman send a Conference Journal to each Foreign Missionary or Foreign Missionary family free of charge.
RESOLVED, That each member of this Conference sign his name to the General Conference minutes at the close of this session.
RESOLVED, That this Conference pay $60 towards Eld. H. J. Pontius fare to General Conference and that said amount be collected by Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, Canada and Pennsylvania Conferences, in proportion to their membership, money to be paid to the Secretary of this Conference.
Apportionment:
Canada $20.00
Pennsylvania 16.50
Ind. and Ohio 15.00
Michigan 8.50
Amount was received by Secretary and paid over by Secretary.
Received amount above stated.
Signed H. J. Pontius.
RESOLVED, That H. S. Hallman, S. Goudie and P. Cober draw up a resolution with reference to the decease of our late respected and much beloved Bro. M. Bowman and that such resolution be added to the proceedings of this Conference , and published in the Journal and that the Chairman of this Committee present a copy of it to Sister M. Bowman.
Whereas the Scriptures contain a number of instances where children of Godly parents were formally and publicly dedicated to the Lord (1 Sam. 22:28; Mark 10:13-16), therefore be it
RESOLVED, That we heartily encourage our people to dedicate their children to the Lord by prayer and the laying on of the hands of the Elders who shall then furnish proper certificates.
RESOLVED, That by a rising vote we extend our hearty thanks to our worthy Chairman for his faithfulness and fairness in all his rulings.
Members: E. Anthony, O. B. Snyder, A Detweiler, A. B. Yoder, S. Lambert, I. P. Moore, D. Brenneman, B. F. Beery, A. D. Hoke, H. B. Musselman, W. G. Gehman, J. C. Roth, O. B. Bartholemew, C. H. Brunner, A. M. Gehman, W. S. Hottel, S. Goudie, E. Sievenpiper, P. Cober, J. N. Kitching, C. N. Good, S. Cressman, Jacob B. Shantz, I. Pike, C. Raymer, N. W. Rich, H. J. Pontius, J. Hygema, H. S. Hallman.
E. Anthony, Chairman.
A. B. Yoder, Secretary.