Mennonite Brethren In Christ Church
General Conference Journal
1912
BETHLEHEM, PA.
OCTOBER, 23-31, 1912
Published by Order of General Conference
A. B. YODER, Wakarusa, Indiana, Editor
OFFICIAL RECORD
Chairman-Eld. S. Goudie, Stouffville, Ont.
Secretary- A. B. Yoder, Wakarusa, Indiana.
Executive Committee
Chairman- S. Goudie, Stouffville, Ont.
Secretary- O. B. Snyder, Port Huron, Mich.
Treasurer- A. D. Hoke, New Carlisle, Ohio.
B. F. Beery, Goshen, Ind.; N. W. Rich, Weeping Water, Neb.; H. B. Musselman, Bethlehem, Pa.; M. J. Carmichael, McMinnville, Oregon.
Editor-Eld, J. A. Huffman, Dayton, Ohio.
Publisher-Union Gospel Printing Company, (W. B. Musselman, Superintendent), Cleveland, Ohio.
Associate Editors-Eld. J. Hygema, Trenton, Iowa; Eld. J. N. Pannabecker, Elkton, Mich.; Eld. A. Barbazet, Filer, Idaho; I. Pike, Bethesda, Ont.; Eld. C. H. Brunner, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
FOREIGN MISSIONARIES AND ADDRESSES
Chile, S. A.
H. L. Weiss, Superintendent; Santiago, Chile.
Dawson, A. E.; Rio Bueno, Chile.
Dawson, Mrs, A. E.; Rio Bueno, Chile.
Feldges, H. W.; Osomo, Chile.
Feldges, Mrs. H. W.; Osomo, Chile.
Gunstadt, Niels; home on furlough.
Gunstadt, Mrs. Niels; home on furlough.
Gomez, Manuel; Lautaro, Chile.
Gomez, Mrs. Manuel; Lautaro, Chile,
Gomez, Innocencia; La Union, Chile.
Gomez, Mrs. Innocencia; La Union, Chile.
Weiss, H. L.; Santiago, Chile.
Weiss, Mrs. H. L.; Santiago, Chile.
Zook, M. P.; Argentine Republic.
Zook, Mrs. M. P.; Argentine Republic.
LeFever, Miss Anna; Santiago, Chile.
Bullen, Frederick; Los Leques, Venezuela.
China
Plymire, V. G.; home on furlough.
Snyder, C. F.; home on furlough.
Snyder, Mrs. C. F.; home on furlough.
Shantz, Wm.; Wuchang, China.
Rudy, Ella; Wuchow, China.
India
Matheson, Fanny; Lamlak, India.
Reeves, Ruby; Calcutta, India.
Africa
Banfield, A. W.; Shonga, North Nigeria, West Africa.
Banfield, Mrs. A. W.; Shonga, North Nigeria, W. Africa.
Homuth, C.; Jebba, North Nigeria, West Africa.
Homuth, Mrs. C.; Jebba, North Nigeria, West Africa.
Lang, Mrs. Florence; Patigi, North Nigeria, West-Africa.
Shirk, Ira; Shonga, North Nigeria, West Africa.
Turkey (Asia)
Barker, T. Ford; Everek, Turkey.
Barker, Mrs. T. Ford; Everek, Turkey.
Bowman, Anna R.; Hadjin, Turkey.
Bowman, Dorinda; Hadjin, Turkey.
Bredemus, Katie, Hadjin, Turkey.
Eby, D. C.; Hadjin, Turkey.
Eby, Mrs. D. C.; Hadjin, Turkey.
Lambert, Norah; Everek, Turkey.
Penner, Lena; Everek, Turkey.
Storms, D. J.; Everek, Turkey.
Storms, Mrs. D. J.; Everek, Turkey.
Tschumi, Ida; home on furlough.
Musselman, Rose L.; home on furlough.
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
Eighth General Conference of the
M. B. in C., Held in Bethlehem,
Pa., October 23,1912
First Meeting
In the absence of the chairman of the last General Conference, Eld. E. Anthony, of Brown City, Mich., Vice-chairman Eld. H. B. Musselman, Penna. Con., opened Conference by song and prayer, after which Conference proceeded to elect a chairman.
Resolved, That we take an informal ballot for chairman. Elds. E. N. Cassel and J. A. Huffman were appointed tellers.
By ballot, Eld. S. Goudie, of Canada Con., was elected as chairman. Eld. H. B. Musselman was elected vice-chairman by acclamation.
The following names were then presented by nomination for secretary: C. N. Good, A. B. Yoder, C. H. Brunner, J. A. Huffman. Eld. A. B. Yoder was elected as secretary.
Resolved, That seats to right and left, with the three front seats to right and left, also the basement for private sessions, constitute the bar.
The chairman, Eld, S. Goudie, read Rom. 12, and made some very helpful remarks, followed by a season of prayer invoking God’s leading during this Conference.
The following roll was formed:
PENNSYLVANIA CON. — H. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner, W. G. Gehman, E. N. Cassel, W. S. Hottel, Allen M. Gehman, H. H. Bergey.
ONTARIO CON.– S. Goudie, S. Cressman, C. N. Good, E. Sievenpiper, J. N. Kitching, J. B. Shantz, I. Pike.
MICHIGAN CON. –O. B. Snyder, R. M. Dodd. J. N. Pannabecker, A. Detwiler.
INDIANA AND OHIO CON.– C. K. Curtis, C. I. Huffman, J. A. Huffman, A. B. Yoder, B. F. Beery, A. D. Hoke.
NEBRASKA CON.– N. W. Rich, C. I. Scott,
PACIFIC CON.– M. J. Carmichael.
ALBERTA CON.– H. Goudie,
Editor- W. B. Musselman; absent.
RULES OF ORDER ADOPTED
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 meetings open at 8 o’clock, and close at 11:30. Afternoon meetings open at 1 o’clock, and close at 5 o’clock.
3. That all open votings be done by the 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 the Conference who show in activity, and we request the Chair to enforce these Rules of Order.
7. That ministers of other denominations attending any of the sessions shall be introduced to this Conference.
8. That we adopt T. B. Neely’s Parliamentary Practice to govern this Conference body.
Resolved, That the Chair nominate the following committees and the Conference elect them:
Committee to Examine General Conference Minutes; On Worship; On Statistics; On Annual Conference Minutes; On Resolutions; On Introductions; On Auditing; On Credentials; On Boundary.
The following members were then nominated by the Chair, and elected by the Conference:
Committee to Examine General Conference Minutes- H. B. Musselman, J. A. Huffman, M. J. Carmichael.
Committee on Worship – C. H. Brunner, W. S. Hottel, W. G. Gehman.
Committee on Statistics – J. N. Pannabecker, C. I. Scott,
Committee on Annual Conference Minutes – A. M. Gehman, A. D. Hoke, R. M. Dodd, E. Sievenpiper, C. I. Huffman.
Committee on Resolutions – W. G. Gehman, J. A. Huffman, S. Cressman.
Committee on Introductions – C. H. Brunner.
Committee on Auditing – W. S. Hottel, B. F. Beery.
Committee on Credentials – M. J Carmichael, N. W. Rich, H. B. Musselman.
Committee on Boundary – H. Goudie, N. W. Rich, M. J. Carmichael, S. Cressman, O. B. Snyder, J. A. Huffman, H. B. Musselman.
Resolved, That the time of adjournment be extended indefinitely.
Resolved, That J. N. Kitching act as timekeeper, and C. H. Brunner as reporter.
Adjourned with prayer.
Second Meeting
The session was opened by prayer, followed by roll call. The minutes of previous meeting were then read and approved.
Report of Committee on Worship
We beg leave to submit the following report:
S. Cressman shall preach tonight at 7:30, C. I. Huffman shall follow.
C. H. BRUNNER,
W. S. HOTTEL,
W. G. GEHMAN.
Committee.
Adjourned to call of Chair.
Third Meeting
Meeting was opened by roll call.
Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
Report of Committee on Resolutions
We beg leave to submit the following report:
Resolved, That we consider the word sessions, denoting meetings of the Conference, as unparliamentary, and will therefore use the word “meeting” to denote the different meetings of the Conference.
Resolved, That every member be requested to be present promptly at the beginning of each meeting of the session, and in case of the absence of a member at time of roll call, he shall be asked to give a reason of his absence.
W. G. GEHMAN,
J. A. HUFFMAN,
S. CRESSMAN,
Committee.
Resolved, That the work of the meeting be suspended until the call of the Chair.
After a short time the meeting was again called by the Chair and business again resumed.
Report of Committee on Credentials
We, the Committee on Credentials, beg leave to report the following:
PENNSYLVANIA CON. is entitled to 3 presiding elders, 3 preacher delegates, and 2 lay delegates.
H. B. Musselman and W. G. Gehman are the presiding elders; C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, and W. S. Hottel, are the preacher delegates; and Allen M. Gehman and H. H. Bergey the lay delegates.
ONTARIO CON. is entitled to 3 presiding elders, 3 preacher delegates, and 2 lay delegates.
S. Goudie and S. Cressman are the presiding elders; J. N. Kitching, C. N. Good, and E. Sievenpiper, are the preacher delegates; and I. Pike and J. B. Shantz are the lay delegates.
INDIANA AND OHIO CON. is entitled to 2 presiding elders, 2 preacher delegates, and 2 lay delegates.
C. K. Curtis and C. I. Huffman are the presiding elders; A. B. Yoder and J. A. Huffman are the preacher delegates; A. D. Hoke and B. F. Beery are the lay delegates.
MICHIGAN CON. is entitled to 2 presiding elders, 2 preacher delegates, and 1 lay delegate.
O. B. Snyder is the presiding elder, R. M. Dodd, J. N. Pannabecker are the preacher delegates; and A. Detweiler is the lay delegate.
NEBRASKA CON. is entitled to 1 presiding elder and 1 preacher delegate.
N. W. Rich is the presiding elder and C. I. Scott is the preacher delegate.
ALBERTA CON. is entitled to 1 presiding elder.
H. Goudie is the presiding elder.
PACIFIC CON. is entitled to 1 presiding elder.
M. J. Carmichael is the presiding elder.
We have examined the various annual conference minutes, and found that the above were all duly elected according to discipline.
We have also compared the above names with the enrollment of members at the Conference, and find all present.
We also find the editor of the Gospel Banner to be a member of this Conference according to discipline. He is, however, absent.
M. J. CARMICHAEL,
N. W. RICH,
H. B. MUSSELMAN,
Committee.
Resolved, That we reconsider the resolution relative to the appointment of committees.
Resolved, That the resolution relative to the appointment of committees be amended by striking out the Committee on Program.
Report of Committee on Resolutions
We beg leave to report as follows:
That no member of this Conference be permitted to absent himself from the services held in connection with the Conference on the Lord’s day, except by special permission from the General Conference.
W. G. GEHMAN,
J. A. HUFFMAN,
S. CRESSMAN,
Committee.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely. Adjourned at 5:30 with prayer.
Fourth Meeting
This meeting was opened with song, prayer, and the reading of John 15:1-16 by the chairman.
Roll was called. Minutes were read and approved.
Resolved, That the P. E., or one of the P. E.’s, if there be more than one of each respective Annual Conference District, read the Summary, Statistical, and Financial Report submitted by the chairman of the last Annual Conference in connection with his oral Presiding Elder’s Report.
Resolved, That the Chair nominate, and Conference elect two additional members to the Auditing Committee.
The following members were then added to the Auditing Committee: E. N. Cassel and C. N. Good.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions
Whereas, The chairman instructed the auditors as to their duties at this General Conference, and
Whereas, There has been a difference of understanding as to what shall constitute a full and complete Summary and Statistical Report as submitted by the chairman of the last Annual Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, That the Auditing Committee of this General Conference be asked to audit only the General Conference Statistical Report, and in the future, Presiding Elders be required to bring reports which show the annual totals as well as the quadrennial summary of their conference in convenient form, so that future General Conference Auditing Committees can audit the quadrennial summaries of the respective Annual Conferences as well as the General Conference Statistical Report.
W. G. GEHMAN,
S. CRESSMAN,
J. A. HUFFMAN,
Committee.
Reports of Presiding Elders
Eld. O. B. Snyder, P. E. of the Michigan Conference, reported:
The Conference is a Conference of one state.
We have a membership of about 800 members, and although we are in one state, it requires much traveling. The city missions are few. The ministry is united, and as a church, we are one. Prayer meetings are well attended. Sunday Schools are good. Camp meetings are growing.
Sixteen years ago we were made a Mission Conference, and twelve years ago, a separate Conference. We have three foreign missionaries-two in Turkey and one in Africa.
Eld. N. W. Rich, of the Nebraska Con., reported:
Our Conference covers parts of five states, and we have seventeen appointments. Spiritual work is good, never better, and there is unity in the Conference. Prayer meetings, Sunday Schools, and camp meetings are good. The members are helping financially. God is blessing the work.
Eld. M. J. Carmichael, of the Pacific Con., reported:
That their work is very extensive, that is, covering a large district. The ministry of the Conference is in line with the church and discipline. They are one in faith. As a Conference we suffered much during the first two years of the General Conference term, but have been regaining in the last two years. The members are liberal. The camp meetings are good. Our motto is: “Do Something.”
Eld. H. Goudie, of the Alberta Con., reported:
We are scattered over a long territory, and have many disadvantages. Traveling is very expensive. The members are whole-hearted and earnest. God meets with us in power.
Eld C. K. Curtis, of the Indiana District of the Indiana and Ohio Conference reported:
That the ministers in our district are all unconditional men, and are one in doctrine. Our work is moving along nicely. Our attendance is quite good. Our camp meetings were good.
We have seven circuits and one mission. We are encouraged to go on.
Eld. C. I. Huffman, of the Ohio District of the Indiana and Ohio Conference, reported:
The district contains eight circuits, or twenty-one appointments.
The ministry is consecrated and are representative men in the doctrines of the church. Camp meetings have been good during the four years. They have been a blessing to the District as a whole. Sunday Schools are encouraging and prayer meetings are well attended.
Three of our foreign missionaries have been called to their reward during the last four years. Three are still in the field. We are looking for prosperity in the years to come.
Elder W. G. Gehman of the Mt. Carmel District of the Pennsylvania Conference:
We represent the smaller district of our Conference, and with it the charge of the Gospel Herald Society.
The ministry is all united and with their regular pastoral work are engaged in colporteur work. Many have been saved during the four years. Members are submissive, teachable, and very sacrificing. Prayer meetings and communion services are well attended.
We held four camp-meetings on this District and they were marked by God’s presence in saving, sanctifying and healing. We held open-air services at each appointment and these were largely attended. Spiritually and financially we have been on the increase during this term.
Elder H. B. Musselman of the Bethlehem District of the Pennsylvania Conference reported.
We aim to be a people that are loyal to God and His Word as well as to discipline. We are one with all who make God’s Word their guide. Our ministry is one and for years have all been unconditional. We are a holiness conference and trust God for body, soul and spirit. Christ in us is our hope of glory. Open-air work is glorious, and our ministry is very busy. Two of our ministers departed this life during this Conference term – L. B. Taylor and George A. Campbell. We have nineteen foreign missionaries and fifty-three home missionaries in this Conference. I have thirteen mission stations and circuits, and plenty to do.
Elder S. Cressman of the East District of the Ontario Conference reported:
We have four circuits and six missions with seventeen church and six parsonages.
Upon entering this work I found it in good condition. Our ministers are all unconditional and self-sacrificing. The members are well-established and take great interest in the special meetings, such as business and communion services. Things are on a good basis and our ministry is encouraged and is taking advanced grounds. Our camp-meetings have been good and God worked in a marvelous way. We are encouraged in the work.
Adjourned with prayer to meet at call of chair.
Fifth Meeting.
This meeting was opened with song and prayer.
Roll was called and the minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
Report of Committee on Worship
We beg leave to report the following: N. W. Rich shall preach tonight at 7:30. C. K. Curtis shall follow.
C. H. BRUNNER,
W. S. HOTTEL,
W. G. GEHMAN,
Committee.
Report of the Boundary Committee
We beg to submit the following report, that the boundary lines remain as previous with the exception of Indiana and Michigan, and that Calhoun County, Michigan be added to the Michigan Conference.
HENRY GOUDIE,
N. W. RICH,
M. J. CARMICHAEL,
J. A. HUFFMAN,
S. CRESSMAN,
O. B. SNYDER,
H. B. MUSSELMAN,
Committee.
Elder S. Goudie, Presiding Elder of the West District of the Ontario Conference reported.
We have ten circuits and missions. During this term many were lead away by the “Tongues Movement” together with four ordained ministers and some sister workers. Prospects are better now. The ministry is united and all in active work stand together. Our ministry is unconditional and mostly young. Finances have increased during this term. We have many local workers in this District. The city mission work in this Conference is good and is under the supervision of Elder J. N. Kitching. There are twenty four workers, most of them in active work. We have eight missions and one Rescue Home. They are doing good work. We have quite an interest in the foreign field with thirteen missionaries in the field at present. We have had some very good camp-meetings with good after-effects.
Whereas, there seems to be some difference as to the meaning of “unconditional”-
Resolved, That the chair nominate and Conference elect a committee of three to explain the meaning of “unconditional.” Committee elected: O. B. Snyder, H. B. Musselman and C. I. Scott.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That report of the Committee on Resolutions relative to the reports and election of the Presiding Elders be tabled.
Whereas, The relation of Eld. W. B. Musselman, who was elected editor of the Gospel Banner by the Executive Committee, at a special meeting held in Cleveland, Ohio, August 18, 1909, and has not understood his relation to Conference owing to the peculiar circumstance into which this placed him, and after reading the letter sent to this Conference, it was
Resolved, That we consider him as the duly elected editor and by virtue of his office, is a member of this Conference, and furthermore, we instruct the chairman to send a telegram inviting his presence at the earliest time convenient.
Adjourned at 5:30 with prayer.
Sixth Meeting
The meeting was opened with song and prayer, followed by the reading of Ephesians 4:1-16 by the chairman. Roll was called and minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
Report of Committee on Annual Conference Minutes
We, the Committee on Annual Conference Minutes, report as follows:
Pennsylvania Conference Minutes in good shape.
Recommendations
1. Resolved, That this Annual Conference recommend the next General Conference to adopt “Parliamentary Practice,” by Rev. T. B. Neely, instead of Cushing’s “Parliamentary Practice.”
2. That General Conference adopt and insert in Sec. 12, on the duties of Presiding Elders, at the last Quarterly Conference of the year, the Presiding Elder with Quarterly Conference shall determine the value of church property on the various charges.
3. That Horsch’s History of Christianity be adopted instead of Fisher’s Church History.
Ontario Conference-Name of chairman omitted at ending of Conference of 1909; otherwise in good condition.
Recommendations
1. The following books on the reading course being out of print: The original copy of Nelson on Infidelity, Reformed Pastor, Fletcher’s Appeal, and Lessons in Holiness,
Resolved, That we recommend General Conference to substitute other books in their stead.
2. Resolved, That this Conference recommend that the General Conference reconsider the clause on “Life Insurance in the Discipline.”
3. Whereas, There is a difference of opinion in regard to the power of the Annual Conference taking up matters that a Quarterly Conference has either failed or neglected to take up; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we ask General Conference to decide in the matter.
4. Resolved, That we recommend General Conference, “That the Presiding Elders be elected for a term of four years instead of annually.”
Indiana and Ohio Conference – Minutes in good condition aside from the failing to record the reading and accepting of minutes in the Third and Sixth Meetings of the Conference of 1909.
Recommendations
1. Resolved, That the General Conference adopt books for the reading course to take the place of “Fletcher’s Appeal to Matter of Facts,” and “Reformed Pastor,” which are both out of print and cannot be purchased.
We also suggest, that “Making of the Sermon,” by Pattison, be substituted for “Reformed Pastor.”
2. That a higher average of percentage be required to pass the Reading Course.
3. Whereas, The last paragraph of Article 12, of Articles of Faith, in our discipline relating to the doctrine of Sanctification is interpreted contrary to the former paragraph of the articles, and as the foregoing paragraphs are sufficient, we hereby ask General Conference to drop the last paragraph of the above named article.
4. Resolved, That this conference express our appreciation of the efforts of Eld. J. A. Huffman to give to the church a series of Sunday School lesson helps called the “Bethel Series,” which are in harmony with the teaching of the church, and recommend that the above named series be used in all Sunday Schools in our Conference, and request General Conference to adopt the series to be used throughout the church.
Nebraska Conference-At the opening of Fifth Session of 1909, no record of reading and accepting minutes of previous sessions. No record of reading and accepting of minutes of any of the meetings of the Conference of 1911.
Recommendations
1. Resolved, That we ask General Conference to modify paragraph 8, page 71, of our Discipline, relative to the reception of ordained ministers from other denominations, granting the respective Annual Conferences to use their own discretion with reference to requiring them to take the Conference studies, but require a probationary period before they are admitted as full members of the Conference.
2. That we ask the General Conference to grant the respective Annual Conferences the privilege of deciding the question of using an organ in the church.
3. That we ask the General Conference to adopt a pastor’s statistical report to the Annual Conference similar to the accompanying outline.
4. That we ask General Conference to raise the percentage on Conference studies to 40 per cent. on each book, and 60 per cent. on an average to pass.
5. Whereas, Originality and variety of articles in any periodical increases its usefulness and attractiveness.
Resolved, That we ask General Conference to elect an editor from at least four Annual Conferences, who shall furnish material for one page of the “Gospel Banner” either weekly or monthly.
Pacific Conference-Minutes correct.
Recommendations
1. Resolved, That we express our thanks to General Conference for their kind consideration of our request to be made an independent Conference.
2. Resolved, That we, the Pacific Annual Conference, apologize to the General Conference for admitting a helper into the bar, as a member, at Everett, Wash.
3. Resolved, That we, as a Conference, express our appreciation to the General Conference for the continuance of the publication of the Gospel Banner, the past four years. We have appreciated it all over our Conference as a weekly visitor until there appeared articles in the same advocating certain doctrines, which we consider erroneous, dangerous, and unscriptural, and wish to make an urgent appeal to this General Conference to select an editor whose faith is in line with our discipline.
4. Resolved, That we request the General Conference to change the reading of our Discipline on page 51, Sec.,17, by inserting “or adultery” after the word “fornication.”
5. Resolved, That this Conference ask General Conference to change the reading of our Discipline on page 105; chapter 7, in last verse, to the “Executive Committee,” instead of a “Board of Trustees.”
6. Whereas, we have had considerable perplexity in our Conference over the meaning of the word “work” in Sec. 2, page 92, in our discipline,
Resolved, That we earnestly request the General Conference to change the wording of this section so that there will be no chance to differ on the spirit of the discipline.
Alberta Conference-Minutes in good form.
Recommendations
Whereas, we, as a Conference, know that the M. B. C. Ministry does not receive the financial support that is due them, and no substantial provision is made for them or their families in case of being disabled or removed by the hand of death; we recommend that the General Conference devise some means for a more satisfactory support.
Michigan Conference – Minutes in good condition.
Recommendations
Whereas, The books, “Reformed Pastor,” and “Fletcher’s Appeal,” are out of print,
Resolved, That the General Conference be requested to substitute other suitable books.
ALLEN M. GEHMAN,
C. I. HUFFMAN,
A. D. HOKE,
R. M. DODD,
E. SIEVENPIPER,
Committee.
Resolved, That we adopt this report and consider it under two divisions, viz: minutes and appeals.
Resolved, That we take up the appeal sent in by the several Conferences, as reported by Committee on Annual Conference Minutes in their regular order after the reports of the committees.
Report of Committee on Resolutions
We beg leave to report:
Resolved, That we recommend the various General and Annual Conferences to adopt “Parliamentary Practice,” by T. H. Neely, D. D.
Resolved, That all our ordained ministers and probationers having charge of a work be permitted as advisory members at the private meetings should any be called.
J. A. HUFFMAN,
S. CRESSMAN,
W. G. GEHMAN,
Committee.
Report of Committee on General Conference Minutes
We, the Committee on General Conference Minutes of last General Conference have examined them, and find them correct and in good shape with the following exceptions:
1. On page 309 of General Conference Journal, Committee of Resolutions should have been copied, Committee on Resolutions.
2. On page 319 in recommendations from Indiana and Ohio Conference the word “not” is omitted.
3. On page 328 in connection with report of Committee on General Conference Minutes, “Report accepted” was added to original minutes.
4. In statistical report on Sunday School conventions, in Michigan Conference, report should be copied $10.78 instead of $10.76.
5. On page 369 the total of Self-Denial Fund, which is $358.10, is omitted.
H. B. MUSSELMAN,
J. A. HUFFMAN,
M. J. CARMICHAEL,
Committee.
Report of Committee to formulate Resolutions as to what shall constitute an unconditional minister, begs leave to report:
No minister of any Annual Conference shall be recognized as an unconditional minister unless he is at the disposal of his Conference without limitation or reservation, willing to readily submit to any disposition of his Conference.
O. B. SNYDER,
H. B. MUSSELMAN,
C. I. SCOTT,
Committee.
Report of Committee on Resolutions
Whereas, The General Conference of 1908: “Resolved, That the fare of one delegate from each of the Conferences of Nebraska, Pacific, and Alberta be paid by the other four Conferences;” be it
Resolved, That General Conference hear the reports of the fares of the delegates from the Nebraska, Pacific, and Alberta Conferences, and that the amount be apportioned to the four other Annual Conferences according to membership by a committee of four, appointed by the Chair, from the four Conferences, to which the apportionments are to be made.
J. A. HUFFMAN,
W. G. GEHMAN,
S. CRESSMAN,
Committee.
Resolved, That we extend the time of this meeting indefinitely.
Committee to apportion the fares of the delegates of this Conference from the several Western Conferences:
H. B. MUSSELMAN,
O. B. SNYDER.
C. K. CURTIS,
S. CRESSMAN.
Adjourned at 11:55 with prayer,
Seventh Meeting
This meeting was opened with song and prayer, after which the roll was called and minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we reconsider the minutes of the previous meeting.
The minutes were considered and some corrections were made.
Resolved, That the report of the Committee on Resolutions relative to the reports and election of the presiding elders be lifted from the table.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions
Whereas, the presiding elders of the respective Annual Conferences have reported and the reports show quite a difference of conditions and circumstances existing with which they must cope in their respective Annual Conference Districts, the Western and Northwestern Conferences especially, covering so extensive a territory and the appointments scattered so far apart, necessitating so much expensive traveling, and the Eastern Conferences subjected to keen competition in denominational and consequently doctrinal lines, and other Conferences subjected to other peculiar trials, and
Whereas, notwithstanding these difficulties, the various Presiding Elders report good courage, and marked improvement on various lines; and the ministers of a few of the Conferences are all, or nearly all, unconditional, and other Conferences have also made progress in this line; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we, having listened with interest to their reports setting forth the various phases of their respective work, sympathize with them in their various trials, and pledge ourselves to uphold them with our ardent prayers, trusting the God of all Grace and Comfort to sustain and uphold them; and be it further
Resolved, That we pray that the Presiding Elders may not grow weary, but continue in their labor of love, preaching the whole counsel of God and pushing the battle to the gates, and to encourage further the increase of unconditional men until all of the ministers in the various Conferences shall be thus classed, and all the active ministers be exclusively engaged in the work of the Lord,
Resolved, That we recommend the Annual Conferences to favor for the presiding eldership, men who from year to year continue in the ministry as unconditional.
W. G. GEHMAN,
J. A. HUFFMAN,
S. CRESSMAN,
Committee.
Resolved, That we take up the recommendations from the several different Conferences in their relative order.
Recommendation No. 2, from the Pennsylvania Conference, that General Conference adopt and insert in Sec.12 on the duties of the Presiding Elders. “At the last Quarterly Conference of the year, the Presiding Elder with the Quarterly Conference shall determine the value of church property on various charges.”
Resolved, That this Conference accept this recommendation of change or addition to aforesaid clause.
Recommendation No. 3., Pennsylvania Conference, that Horsch’s History of Christianity be adopted instead of Fisher’s Church History.
Resolved, That this recommendation be accepted.
Recommendation No. 1, Ontario Conference, that the following books on the Reading Course being out of print: The original copy of “Nelson on Infidelity”, “Reform Pastor,” “Fletcher’s Appeal,” and “Lessons in Holiness.”
Resolved, That this recommendation be tabled.
Recommendation No. 2, from the Ontario Conference, to reconsider the clause on “Life Insurance in the Discipline.
Resolved, That the time be extended indefinitely.
Resolved, That appeal to reconsider, from the Ontario Conference, be granted.
Resolved, That the motion relative to a private meeting be reconsidered.
Resolved, That we have a private meeting at the call of the Chair.
Resolved, That Sec. 14 in Discipline on Life Insurance, be erased from the Discipline.
Resolved, That this resolution be tabled.
Report of Committee on Worship
We beg leave to report the following;
G. P. Yost shall preach tonight at 7:30, followed by C. F. Snyder.
C. H. BRUNNER,
W. S. HOTTEL,
W. G. GEHMAN,
Committee.
Adjourned at 5:10 with prayer.
Eighth Meeting
The private meeting was held in the basement of the church, and was opened with prayer, after which the roll was called. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Report of the Executive Committee Cleveland, Ohio, August 18, 1909.
Minutes of the meeting of the Executive Committee of the M. B. C. Church, held by request of the publisher at the above mentioned place and date. Members present, Eld. S. Lambert, Eld. E. Anthony, Eld. S. Goudie, B. F. Beery, and I. Pike.
Whereas, Eld. W. B. Musselman, publisher of the Gospel Banner, and Eld. C. H. Brunner, editor, have felt that they could no longer serve in their respective positions in consequence of some misunderstanding in regard to their rights and duties, which were not clearly defined by the last General Conference, and in consequence have tendered their resignations.
Resolved, That we accept their resignations, which shall take effect as soon as arrangements can be made and not later than January 1, 1910.
Second meeting of Executive Committee of the M. B. C. Church met at Cleveland, Ohio, November 14, 1911.
This meeting was called by publisher and chairman.
This meeting was called owing to difficulties concerning doctrine, failure of associate editors in their duties, and apparent failure of the Executive Committee to come to the help of the publishers.
Report of the Treasurer of the Executive Committee
Resources, October 1, 1908:
Monoline Machine, etc. $800.00
From Former Treasurer 57.00
Interest 29.91
Total Resources $886.91
Liabilities:
To H. S. Hallman $ 60.00
Ex. Com. meeting 65.97
Ex. Com. Meeting 72.10
Minute Book .75
To John Troxel 16.08 $214.90
Balance of Resources $672.01
There were no expenditures in connection with the meeting of the Executive Committee or the publishing of the Banner during this General Conference term.
Agreement between the Executive Committee and W. B. Musselman.
The Union Gospel Printing Co. (W. B. Musselman), proposes to publish (including the editing), the Gospel Banner and assume all the finances and the financial obligation, at $1.25 per annum ($1.00 when paid in advance), said “Banner” to be in nothing inferior to the issues of the immediate past.
Publisher’s privileges.
The publishers shall have the right to appoint one or more editors, assistant editors, or department editors, subject to the approval of the Publishing Committee. Editors thus appointed are subject to the publishers.
The publishers shall have the privilege of using the space of the last page, the space remaining besides Quarterly Conference Announcements on the next to the last page, and occasionally small spaces in “publishers’ corner” to advertise any of their publications, and other publications on sale.
Dated August 18, 1909, Cleveland, Ohio.
Union Gospel Printing Co., W. B. Musselman, Supt.
S. LAMBERT, Chairman,
I. PIKE, Sec’y and Treas.,
B. F. BEERY,
E. ANTHONY,
S. GOUDIE,
Executive Board.
Resolved, That the resolution relative to the erasure of Sec. 14 in the discipline be lifted from the table.
Resolved, That Sec. XIV of the General Rules in the Discipline be erased and the following inserted:
“Believing the holding of Life Insurance is not in harmony with the spirit and teaching of the scriptures, we will not receive any one into the ministry under Quarterly or Annual Conference License, neither permit any one to hold the office of deacon, S. S. Supt., class leader, steward, or trustee, who has his own or some one else’s life insured. Matt. 6:19-21-25; Eph. 4:28.
Adjourned with prayer at 12:15 a. m.
Ninth Meeting
This meeting was opened by song and prayer, followed by reading of John 17:1-19 by the chairman.
The roll was then called. The minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we have a Committee of Three to whom any articles in Discipline for revision that the General Conference may deem necessary, might be referred for the proper arrangements or wording to present to Conference.
J. A. HUFFMAN,
E. N. CASSEL,
E. SIEVENPIPER,
Committee.
Resolved, That the selection of appropriate scriptures for the article on Life Insurance be referred to this committee.
Committee on Worship
We beg leave to report the following:
O. B. Snyder shall preach tonight at 7:30, followed by N. Rich.
SUNDAY SERVICES-The services in the morning shall open at 9:30 a. m. S. Goudie shall preach at 9:45 a.m.
J. A. Huffman shall preach at 2 p.m.
M. J. Carmichael shall preach at 7:00 p. m., followed by J. N. Kitching.
All the services on Sunday shall be held in the High School Auditorium and in charge of H. B. Musselman.
C. H. BRUNNER,
W. S. HOTTEL,
W. G. GEHMAN,
Committee.
Resolved, That all appeals not relating to the Gospel Banner be laid on the table.
Resolved, That the editor, W. B. Musselman, be asked to report.
He reported as follows:
As far as the “Banner” is concerned, everything has been said through the Banner that we wish to say. We took in good faith, the work in connection with the publishing of the Gospel Banner, believing we could assume and print it, provided a certain man would pose as editor. Our plans were to make it a success, but perhaps not expecting it to be satisfactory to all. Have endeavored to make it a paper of such interest that people would read it. Not everything I wrote for the Banner suited me in all things.
In the last three years every correspondence to the office was Christian like. The mechanical work was all, or practically all, done by the workers in the Union Gospel Printing Company. The subscription has increased from 1903 to 2598 during this Conference term, and the paid up from 710 to 1831 in this term.
Recommendation No. 5, from the Nebraska Conference that, “Whereas, originality and variety of articles in any periodical increase its usefulness and attractiveness,
Resolved, That we ask General Conference to elect an editor from at least four Annual Conferences, who shall furnish material for one page of the ‘Gospel Banner,’ either weekly or monthly.”
Resolved, That the time be extended indefinitely.
Resolved, That the consideration of the report of the editor and the appeals relative to the publishing of the Gospel Banner be made the order of the day for Tuesday at 9 a. m.
Whereas, Eld. W. B. Musselman has requested a leave of absence from Conference until Tuesday,
Resolved, That we grant his request.
Adjourned at 11:50 with prayer.
Tenth Meeting
This meeting was opened by song and prayer. The roll was called. Minutes of previous meeting were read and accepted.
Report of Committee to apportion traveling expenses of delegates from the Pacific, Alberta, and Nebraska Conferences submit the following: Indiana and Ohio Conference, $79.20; Ontario Conference, $77.80; Pennsylvania Conference, $77.12; Michigan Conference, $38.44.
H. B. MUSSELMAN,
O. B. SNYDER,
C. K. CURTIS,
S. CRESSMAN,
Committee.
Resolved, That this sum be paid to the secretary of this Conference, who shall settle with the Presiding Elders of the respective Conferences.
Recommendation No. 3, from the Ontario Conference, that, “Whereas, There is a difference of opinion in regards to the power of the Annual Conference taking up matters that a Quarterly Conference has either failed or neglected to take up, therefore,
Resolved, “That we ask General Conference to decide in the matter” was then taken up.
Having considered appeal No. 3 of the Ontario Conference, be it
Resolved, That we, as a General Conference, decide that an Annual Conference has a perfect right to deal with cases relative to ministers, which have for any reasonable cause, been overlooked or not dealt with at Quarterly Conference.
Recommendation No. 4, Ontario Conference, that, “We recommend General Conference that the Presiding Elders be elected for a term of four years instead of annually,” was then considered.
Resolved, That we leave the Discipline relative to the Presiding Elders’ term as it now is.
Resolved, That Par. 11, page 83, on duties of Presiding Elders be inserted after paragraph 1, page 68, under election of officers, and the following be added, “That we recommend the Annual Conferences to favor, for the presiding eldership, men who from year to year continue in the ministry as unconditional.”
Resolved, That a liberal offering be now taken for the Secretary. Offering $14.98. Thanks.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint as a Committee on Reading Course, one representative from each Conference, to whom shall be referred all questions relative to the Reading Course not previously decided.
Committee appointed:
W. G. Gehman, M. J. Carmichael, C. I. Scott, H. Goudie, J. N. Pannabecker, S. Cressman, J. A. Huffman.
Recommendation No. 1, of Indiana and Ohio Conference, “That the General Conference adopt books for the Reading Course to take the place of ‘Fletcher’s Appeal to Matter of Facts,’ and ‘Reformed Pastor,’ which are out of print, and cannot be purchased. We also suggest that ‘Making of the Sermon,’ by Pattison, be substituted for ‘Reformed Pastor.”
Resolved, This appeal be referred to Committee on Reading Course.
Resolved, That appeal No. 1 from the Ontario Conference be lifted from table.
Resolved, That the appeal be referred to Committee on Reading Course.
Recommendation No. 2, of Indiana and Ohio Conference, “That a higher average of percentage be required to pass the Reading Course,” was considered.
Resolved, That this appeal be referred to the Committee on Reading Course.
Recommendation No. 3, from the Indiana and Ohio Conference, “That we ask General Conference to drop the last paragraph in Article 12, of Articles of Faith,” was considered.
Resolved, That “Only thus shall he be a vessel sanctified, made meet for the Master’s use,” shall be the last paragraph of above article.
Recommendation No. 4, Indiana and Ohio Conference, “That this General Conference adopt the ‘Bethel Series of Sunday School Lessons’ to be used throughout the church.”
Resolved, That this appeal be a part of the orders of the day on Tuesday in connection with and following the report of editor and appeals relative to the publishing of the Gospel Banner.
Recommendation No.1, from Nebraska Conference, “That we ask General Conference to modify paragraph 8, page 71, of our Discipline relative to the reception of ordained ministers from other denominations, granting the respective Annual Conferences to use their own discretion with reference to requiring them to take the Conference studies, but require a probationary period before they are admitted as full members of the Conference” was considered.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Adjourned at 5:10 with prayer.
Eleventh Meeting
This meeting was opened with song, prayer, and the reading of 1 Cor. 13, by the chairman. Roll was called. Minutes read and received. Conference then proceeded with unfinished business in further considering appeal No. 1 Nebraska Conference.
Resolved, That the following take the place of paragraph 8 in section 3 in chapter 4:
If ministers, having been ordained by other denominations, desire to join our society, they shall be admitted in the same manner as other applicants, according to paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
They shall pass a thorough examination on our church discipline by the Presiding Elder, and also a special examination on the Bible by the Committee on the Reading Course before they are admitted into the Annual Conference. They shall be required to read the books of our Reading Course before or during the first year after they are admitted. Under the above conditions such may be admitted on a three-years’ term of probation.
Committee on Statistics reported. After hearing this report it was resolved to refer the report of Statistical Committee to Committee on Auditing.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Report of the Committee on Resolutions
Resolved, That we adopt the following and insert it in the Discipline as Sec. 1 B, Chapter III: Since the scriptures contain a number of instances where children of Godly parents were formally and publicly dedicated to the Lord, (1 Sam. 1-28; Mark 10:13-16), 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 furnish proper certificates. (This shall be section 2 in chapter 3 in case a new Discipline be published.
J. A. HUFFMAN,
W. G. GEHMAN,
S. CRESSMAN,
Committee.
Resolved, That the selecting of scripture for the section on “Dedication of Children,” be referred to Committee on Proper Arrangement and Wording of Articles in Discipline.
Adjourned at 11:40 with prayer.
Twelfth Meeting
This meeting was opened with song and prayer. Roll was called. Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
We, the undersigned, do hereby acknowledge having received from the Secretary the amount set opposite our names as the fare to this conference as per the ruling of the
General Conference of 1908.
N. W. Rich, $56.56; M. J. Carmichael, $126.00; H. Goudie, $90.00.
Signatures,
H. GOUDIE,
N. W. RICH,
M. J. CARMICHAEL.
The Committee of Wording and Arrangement of Discipline reports as follows:
We advise that the following scripture references be added to the section on Life Insurance in the Discipline: 2 Cor. 6:17-18; 1 Thess. 5:22; Psa. 37:1-3, 24-25; Matt. 6: 25-34; Mark 10:29, 30; Psa. 22:4, 5; 31:19; 118:8; Rom. 12:2; I John 2:15-17; Jer. 17:5; Coll. 3:1-3; Phil. 3: 20; Jer. 49:11; Jas. 1:27.
That the following references be appended to the article on the Dedication of children: 1 Sam. 1:28; Mark 10:13-16; Matt. 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17; 2:22-24; Lev. 12:2-6.
J. A. HUFFMAN,
E. SIEVENPIPER,
E. N. CASSEL,
Committee.
Report of Committee to Consider Appeals Relative to Reading Course
We beg leave to submit the following report:
Relative to appeal No. 2, from Indiana and Ohio Conference, and No. 4, from Nebraska Conference,
We recommend, That probationers be required to make 25 per cent on the marks given on each book in the Reading Course, and an average of 50 per cent. on the whole in order to pass.
Relative to appeals No. 1, from Ontario Conference, and No. 1 from Indiana and Ohio Conference, and No, 1 from Michigan Conference,
We recommend, That these books referred to remain in the Reading Course for another General Conference term. That “History of Christianity,” by Jno. Horsch (entire book) be placed in the first year’s studies.
That the “Divine Art of Preaching,” by A. T. Pearson, be placed in the second year’s studies.
W. G. GEHMAN,
C. I. SCOTT,
J. N. PANNABECKER,
J. A. HUFFMAN,
M. J. CARMICHAEL,
H. GOUDIE,
S. CRESSMAN,
Committee.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Resolved, That this General Conference recommend that each Annual Conference be asked to elect at their first Conference following this General Conference, one member each, who shall constitute a committee that shall take under consideration the revision of the Reading Course and submit its report through the “Gospel Banner” at least one year previous to next General Conference.
Resolved, That we have a private meeting at call of the Chair.
Adjourned at 5:15 with prayer.
Thirteenth Meeting
This meeting was called by the Chair at 7:35 p. m., and was opened by prayer. The roll was called.
The minutes were then read and approved.
Recommendation No. 2, of the Nebraska Conference, “That we ask the General Conference to grant the respective Annual Conferences the privilege of deciding the question of using an organ in the church,” was considered.
Resolved, That we leave Section 13 in Chapter II under,. “General Rules of Our Society,” as it now is.
Yea H. B. Musselman. W. G. Gehman, C. H. Brunner, E. N. Cassel, W. S. Hottel, Allen M. Gehman, H. H. Bergey, S. Cressman, C. N. Good, E. Sievenpiper, J. N. Kitching, J. B. Shantz, I. Pike, O. B. Snyder, R. M. Dodd, J. N. Pannabecker, A. Detwiler, C. K. Curtis, C. I. Huffman, J. A. Huffman, A. B. Yoder, B. F. Beery, A. D. Hoke, M. J. Carmichael, H. Goudie, S. Goudie-26.
Nay N. W. Rich, C. I. Scott-2.
Absent W. B. Musselman-1.
Adjourned at 11:35 with prayer.
Fourteenth Meeting
This meeting was opened by song, prayer, and the reading of Col. 2:1-12, by the chairman.
Roll was called. The minutes of the previous meeting were then read and approved.
Committee on Resolutions reported:
In the Discipline in Chapter IV, Section X under “Duties of Probationers,” the first sentence shall read thus: “They shall be unconditional, and labor according to the direction of the Annual Conference.
W. G. GEHMAN,
J. A. HUFFMAN,
S. CRESSMAN,
Committee.
Resolved, That the rules be suspended and take up appeal No. 6, from the Pacific Conference, “That we earnestly request the General Conference to change the wording of Section 2, Chapter 5 in the Discipline so there will be no chance to differ on the spirit of the discipline.
Resolved, That we reconsider the resolution concerning the “Order of the Day.”
Resolved, That the “Orders of the Day be resumed at 10:00 a. m.
Relative to request No. 6, from the Pacific Conference, “That Chapter 5, Section 11 be made to read as follows: Resolved, That all ordained ministers except such who are mentioned in Chapter 4, Section 11, and all probationers who have charge of work assigned to them by Annual Conference or by presiding elder and one lay delegate from each charge, elected by ballot, at the last Quarterly Conference in the Conference year.”
Resolved, That Chapter 4, Section 3, Paragraph 6 be substituted by the following. “No probationer is to be ordained until the church is fully satisfied that he is capable of taking charge of a work, is fully in line with our doctrine, submits himself unconditionally to the Conference, and intends to continue in the itinerancy.”
Appeal No. 3, from Nebraska Conference, “That we ask General Conference to adopt a pastor’s statistical report.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee of Seven on Revision of Forms, Schedules, etc., and that appeal No. 3, from the Nebraska Conference, be referred to this committee.
Committee appointed: C. H. Brunner, C. I. Huffman, J. N. Pannabecker, H. Goudie, C. I. Scott, E. Sievenpiper, M. J. Carmichael.
Resolution No. 1, Pacific Conference, “Resolved, That we express our thanks to the General Conference for their kind consideration of our request to be made an independent Conference.
Resolved, That this resolution be recorded in the minutes.
Resolution No. 2, Pacific Conference, “That we, the Pacific Annual Conference apologize to the General Conference for admitting a helper into the bar, as a member at Everett, Washington.”
Whereas, The explanation relative to the apology was satisfactory.
Resolved, That we accept the apology.
Appeal No. 3. from Pacific conference, became a part of the “Orders of the Day.”
Resolution No. 4, Pacific Conference, “That we request the General Conference to change the reading of our Discipline on page 51, section 17, by inserting, “or adultery” after the word “Fornication.”
Resolved, That this appeal be laid on the table.
The Orders of the Day were taken up at 10:00 a. m.
Resolved, That the time be extended indefinitely.
Adjourned at 11:45 by prayer.
Fifteenth Meeting
This meeting was opened by song and prayer. Roll was called. Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the editor be passed.
Report of Committee on Resolutions
Relative to appeal No. 3, from the Pacific Conference, Resolved, That we, as a General Conference, express our appreciation of the frankness of the Pacific Conference, and since the apparent difference in point of doctrines referred to is evidently due in part at least to misunderstandings and various terminologies, we recommend that there be leniency and charity between Conferences in all things, and that we declare our unity in Christ Jesus.
J. A. HUFFMAN,
S. CRESSMAN,
W. G. GEHMAN,
Committee.
Whereas, The Union Gospel Printing Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, W. B. Musselman, Superintendent, has assumed the entire responsibility of the publication of the Gospel Banner, and
Whereas, The Gospel Banner has been accordingly printed regularly, attractively, and in first-class manner during the quadrennium, and at the same time incurring no expense whatever to the General Conference, be it
Resolved, That this Conference express hearty appreciation of the efforts and success of the Union Gospel Printing Company, W. B. Musselman, Superintendent, in thus so faithfully and accurately carrying out the contract, and extend to W. B. Musselman a hearty vote of thanks, and express our regrets because of our seeming indifference concerning the Gospel Banner at times during the last four years.
Resolved, That we continue the Gospel Banner as a 16 page weekly.
Resolved, That we elect an editor.
Resolved, That the candidates be nominated by ballot.
Result of first ballot: J. A. Huffman, W. B. Musselman, C. H. Brunner, C. I. Scott, H. S. Hallman, S. Goudie, A. B. Yoder, E. N. Cassel, M. J. Carmichael.
Second ballot: J. A. Huffman, C. I. Scott, S. Goudie, W. B. Musselman, H. S. Hallman, A. B. Yoder.
Afterward, the election was made unanimous for J. A. Huffman.
Resolved, That we elect the Executive Committee.
Resolved, That the time be extended indefinitely.
Executive Committee: Eld. N. W. Rich, Weeping Water, Nebraska; Eld. O. B. Snyder, Port Huron, Mich.; Eld. S. Goudie, Stouffville, Ont.; B. F. Beery, Goshen, Ind.; A. D. Hoke, New Carlisle, Ohio; Eld. W. B. Musselman, Cleveland, Ohio (alternate for N. W. Rich).
Report of Committee on Worship
H. Goudie shall preach at 7:30 tonight, followed by C. N. Good.
C. H. BRUNNER,
W. S. HOTTEL,
W. G. GEHMAN,
Committee.
Eld. S. Goudie, Stouffville, Ont., was elected as chairman of the Executive Committee.
Adjourned at 5:50 with prayer.
Sixteenth Meeting
This meeting was opened by song, prayer, and reading Eph. 5:1-16 by the chairman. The roll was called. The minutes were read and approved.
The Executive Committee reported plans for the publication of Gospel Banner.
Report was rejected.
Resolved, That the time of adjournment be extended.
Adjourned at 11:35 with prayer.
Seventeenth Meeting
Meeting was opened with song and prayer. Roll was called. Minutes of previous meeting were read, and after some corrections, approved.
Adjourned to meet at call of Chair.
Eighteenth Meeting
Meeting was opened with song and prayer. Roll was called. Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That the time be extended indefinitely.
Whereas, Eld. J. A. Huffman requested leave of absence, be it
Resolved, That we grant his request.
Eld. N. W. Rich and M. J. Carmichael were appointed as a committee to report the services held on the Lord’s day.
Adjourned at 6 p. m. with prayer.
Nineteenth Meeting
Meeting opened by song and prayer. Roll was called. Minutes of last meeting were read and approved.
We, the Executive Committee, beg leave to report:
We recommend, That the offer of The Union Gospel Printing Company, Cleveland, Ohio, W. B. Musselman, Superintendent, to publish the “Gospel Banner” for four years as a 16-page paper (50 issues yearly) be accepted.
That the “Gospel Banner” be published at $1.50 per annum, or $1.25 in advance. That The Union Gospel Printing Company be paid all subscription money, and that the Presiding Elders assist in collecting the subscription money by sending the lists to the various ministers. That the ministers be allowed 10 per cent. commission on all subscriptions, new and old. That the Executive Committee meet at least annually. That the support of the editor be left to the Executive Committee, to be made satisfactory to both publisher and editor. That the Union Gospel Printing Company assume all expenses in connection with the publishing of the Gospel Banner, including mailing, etc., as heretofore. The above upon condition that the Executive Committee assumes all responsibilities concerning any troubles or difficulties that may arise throughout the church exempting the publisher, and that The Union Gospel Printing Company deliver, upon thirty days’ notice, the Gospel Banner if requested to do so for any reason including mailing list, and everything pertaining to The Gospel Banner. That in the event The Union Gospel Printing Company, for any reason decides to discontinue the publishing of the Gospel Banner, the Executive Committee will be given 90 days’ notice.
That the publisher be allowed one page as a publisher’s page, to be used at the publisher’s discretion. That the publisher be allowed the back page of the Gospel Banner, and the remaining part of page 15 which is left after announcements are made.
S. GOUDIE, Chairman
O. B. SNYDER, Secretary.
Resolved, That the chairman and secretary of the General Conference write an article of explanation relative to the changes in Banner prices, etc.
Resolved, That we elect, by open vote, five associate editors, one from each Annual Conference excepting the Indiana and Ohio, and Alberta Conferences.
The following were elected: J. Hygema, Trenton, Iowa; J. N. Pannabecker, Elkton, Mich.; A. W. Barbazet, Filer, Idaho; C. H. Brunner, Bethlehem, Pa.; I. Pike, Bethesda, Ont.
Resolved, That Chapter 4, Section 14, Paragraph 5, after the word “by,” insert “Presiding Elders, Publishers, and.”
Resolved, That Chapter 4, Section 13, Paragraph 1, after the word “of,” the word “five” be inserted instead of the word “three.”
Resolved, That two additional members be elected to the Executive Committee.
H. B. Musselman, Bethlehem, Pa.; M. J. Carmichael, McMinnville, Ore, were elected.
Appeal No. 4, Indiana and Ohio Conference, “That the General Conference adopt the “Bethel Series of Sunday School Lessons” throughout the church.
Resolved, That this matter be left to the discretion of each Conference.
Resolved, That in the middle of the General Conference term, all the members of the Executive Committee meet at the Publishing House, and at the other two Annual Meetings, namely: one and three years from this General Conference respectively, the members from the Pennsylvania, Ontario, Michigan, and Ohio and Indiana Conferences meet at the same place; be it further
Resolved, That the expenses of these meeting be apportioned annually to the several Conferences according to their membership as reported in the Conference Journal of 1912, by their respective Presiding Elders, and collected at their discretion.
Resolved, That the secretary be editor of a Conference Journal.
Resolved, That by a rising vote we extend our hearty thanks to our worthy chairman for his faithfulness and fairness in all his rulings.
Journals were apportioned as follows: Indiana and Ohio, 150; Pacific, 50; Nebraska, 50; Michigan, 150; Ontario, 250; Pennsylvania, 325; Alberta, 25.
Resolved, That A. B. Yoder and J. A. Huffman arrange the matter for a supplement, apportion same as journal, the cost of printing the supplement and 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 together with the bill, same to be paid within 10 days.
Resolved, That all changes in Discipline go into effect at once, except where especially provided for otherwise.
Resolved, That the Annual Conferences continue to concentrate their respective forces in foreign missions, as heretofore.
Whereas, the Bethlehem Board of Education has favored this General Conference with the privilege of holding the Sunday services in their commodious High School Auditorium, therefore be it
Resolved, That we tender them a hearty vote of thanks for the use of the same, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the said Board of Education.
Report of Committee on Revision of Forms and Schedules
We beg leave to report as follows:
Relative to appeal No. 3, from the Nebraska Conference.
Inasmuch as there seems to be a sufficient quantity of forms on hand, we recommend that no changes be made, nor forms printed at the present time.
C. H. BRUNNER,
C. I. SCOTT,
E. SIEVENPIPER,
J. N. PANNABECKER,
C. I. HUFFMAN,
M. J. CARMICHAEL,
Committee.
Report of Committee on Auditing
We beg leave to report the following:
We have adjusted the irregularities in the statistics, both in membership and the increase of church property. We have also re-classified a few items on the schedules.
The total increase of church property is $69,578.69.
The total present valuation of church property is $227,159.00.
The difference in the valuation of church property in the Pennsylvania quadrennial report, between 1908 and 1912, is due to a mistake somewhere in the 1908 report, either in the General Conference Journal, or in the report itself. The present valuation as well as the increase as reported at this Conference is correct.
The net increase of members is 284 in place of 573.
We have audited the report of the Committee on Statistics, and found the sum total to be $504, 575.10 instead of $503,178.33.
According to the report of the Committee on Statistics, the Indiana and Ohio Conference is entitled to one more delegate at this Conference. (For statistical report see end of journal.)
W. S. Hottel
B. F. Beery
E. N. Cassel,
C. N. Good,
Committee.
Resolved, That the secretary shall get a record of the names and addresses of all 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 the next General Conference be held at Berlin, Ont., beginning on the second (2nd) Wednesday in October, 1916, at 9 a. m.
Whereas, The pastor and class of Bethlehem have so royally provided for, and so hospitably entertained the members and visitors of the Conference, therefore be it
Resolved, That the Conference tender them a hearty vote of thanks, and that this vote be expressed by rising, and that we pray that God may abundantly reward and bless them.
Resolved, That each member of Conference sign his name to the General Conference minutes at close of this Conference.
Report of Sunday Services
The General Conference services held in the High School Auditorium on the Lord’s day were especially owned and blessed of God.
Eld. S. Goudie, Presiding Elder of the Ontario Conference (also chairman of the General Conference) preached an impressive sermon at 10:00 a. m.
Eld. J. A. Huffman, Dayton, Ohio, at 2 p. m. clearly defined the Christian privileges of faith, and at 7:30 p. m., Eld. M. J. Carmichael, of McMinnville, Ore., preached on “Judgment and Reward.” He was followed by Eld. J. N. Kitching, Blair, Ont.
The attendance was large, and the attention was excellent. The hearty welcome extended to all the Conference delegates, by the ministers and members of the Pennsylvania Conference, will not soon be forgotten. The singing by the young people simply charmed the whole delegation; their willingness to sing and the effect of their singing was grand.
The Father, Son, and Spirit were honored, and a spirit of brotherly love prevailed, which we hope shall continue till Jesus comes.
Eld. H. B. Musselman had charge of services.
M. J. CARMICHAEL,
N. W. RICH,
Committee.
Adjourned at 12:30 a. m. with prayer.
Twentieth Meeting
Meeting was opened with song, prayer, and reading Eph. 6:10-20 by the chairman. Roll was called. Minutes were read and approved.
Resolved, That the portion of the Gospel Banner, from pages one to nine inclusive, be edited by the editor of the Gospel Banner, and matter for that portion, such as articles original or selected from various sources, be sent to J. A. Huffman, Dayton, Ohio; and that pages ten to sixteen be edited by the publisher, and matter for that portion such as reports and announcements be sent direct to The Union Gospel Printing Co., W. B. Musselman, Supt., Cleveland, Ohio.
Resolved, That appeal No. 4, Pacific Conference, be lifted from the table.
Resolved, That in Chapter 2, Section 17, the words “or adultery” be inserted after the word “fornication.”
Recommendation No. 3, Pacific Conference, That this Conference ask General Conference to change the reading of the Discipline, page 105, Chapter 5, to the “Executive Committee” instead of “Board of Trustees.”
Resolved, That the words, “or Executive Board,” according to state laws, be inserted after the word “Trustees.”
Recommendation No. 1, Alberta Conference, That the General Conference devise some means for a more satisfactory support of the families of disabled ministers.
Resolved, That this matter be at the discretion of each Annual Conference.
Resolved, That we, as a General Conference, recommend the various Annual Conferences to subscribe for the Gospel Banner for their foreign missionaries as well as the worthy poor of their respective Annual Conferences.
Resolved, That a picture of the General Conference be inserted in the Conference Journal.
Resolved, that we donate $10.00 to the Editor of the General Conference Journal together with all other expenses that may accrue in the publishing, mailing, etc. of journal, same to be apportioned as a part of cost of journal to the several Conferences in proportion to the number of journals assigned to each Conference.
Resolved, That the cut of the Editor be inserted in the Journal and Banner.
Resolved, That in Chapter 5, Section 3, Paragraph 2, the word “publisher” be inserted in place of the words “agent of bookroom,” and that the word “Editors” be “Editor.”
Whereas, The Gospel Banner has greatly improved during the last four years by way of new subscriptions, appearance, and reading matter, etc., at a great sacrifice to the publisher, W. B. Musselman, be it
Resolved, That we express our appreciation of his untiring and faithful labors, and pray the Lord to continue to richly bless his efforts in the future.
Adjourned to meet in Berlin, Ont., the second Wednesday in October, 1916.
S. GOUDIE, Chairman
A. B. YODER, Secretary.
Signatures:
C. N. GOOD.
H. GOUDIE.
J. N. KITCHING.
R. M. DODD.
J. N. PANNABECKER
E. N. CASSEL.
C. I. SCOTT.
B. F. BEERY.
ALLEN M. GEHMAN.
H. H. BERGEY.
AMOS DETWEILER.
JACOB B. SHANTZ.
A. D. HOKE.
I. PIKE.
S. GOUDIE.
O. B. SNYDER.
C. K. CURTIS.
H. B. MUSSELMAN.
W. G. GEHMAN.
S. CRESSMAN.
W. S. HOTTEL.
E. SIEVENPIPER.
A. B. YODER.
C. I. HUFFMAN.
W. B. MUSSELMAN.
M. J. CARMICHAEL.
C. H. BRUNNER.
N. W. RICH.
J. A. HUFFMAN.