SEVENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference Proceedings
1960
The Seventy-seventh Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convened in Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church, 1121-25 North Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa.
The Conference opened at 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 10, with the singing of "The Church's One Foundation." W. F. Heffner led in prayer.
The Chairman of the Annual Conference, F. B. Hertzog, spoke on "The Spiritual Condition of the Church" as revealed in Revelation, chapters two and three.
A Prayer and Praise Period followed during which we invoked the blessing of God upon the deliberations of the Conference that we might do His bidding in all things. The brethren witnessed to personal victories, physically and spiritually, as they followed the Captain of our Salvation.
The Secretary, N. H. Wolf, appointed the following assistants: Assistant Secretary, Ernest B. Hartman; Recording Secretary, Robert W. Smock.
The following were enrolled as members of the Conference:
Ministers
Ordained — Russell T. Allen, Paul E. Baer, E. W. Bean, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, Walter H. Frank, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, John E. Golla, Ernest B. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, W. F. Heffner, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., F. B. Hertzog, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Richard H. Kline, James G. Koch, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, Donald B. Schaeffer, A. L. Seifert, Robert W. Smock, P. T. Stengele, David E. Thomann, N. H. Wolf, J. B. Henry, C. Leslie Miller, H. D. Yarrington, F. M. Hottel, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, E. J. Rutman, A. G. Woodring.
Probationers — James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., George E. Herb, Robert F. Johnson.
Delegates
Allentown District
Allentown (Bethel), Clarence L. Kauffman, R. Paul Schaeffer
Reading, Robert Breitegam
Sunbury, William E. Miller
York, Edward W. Baker
Shamokin, T. LaMarn Manney
Hatfield, Daniel K. Ziegler
Mount Carmel, Roy E. Williams
Royersford, William R. Hunsberger
Spring City, R. S. Weidner
Graterford and Harleysville, S. A. Hackman
Nazareth and Catasauqua, A. W. Deppe
Lehighton, Edwin P. Yerger
Walnutport, Burton Deppe
Lebanon, Charles W. Weaber
Lancaster, Horace A. Kauffman
Stroudsburg, George R. Fish
Bethlehem District
Bethlehem, A. Franklin Campbell
Philadelphia (Salem), Byron C. Cassel
Quakertown, George W. Krigor
Emmaus, Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
Easton, Allen F. LaRose
Fleetwood, Clayton E. Weber
Coopersburg, Harold A. Mann
Wallingford, Rufus Spedden
Allentown (Salem), Allan Palmer
Scranton, Carl H. Kellerman
Terre Hill, Robert W. Gehret
Philadelphia (Calvary), Henry, B. Wilkinson
Philadelphia (Emmanuel), Edward J. Dietzman
Blandon, John I. Mengel
Staten Island, N. Y., Elmer Rauscher
Zionsville, John L. Shelly
Resolved, That we accept the excuses of the absent delegates and when they arrive they shall be seated in the Conference Bar.
REPORT OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM COMMITTEE
MONDAY: 1:00 p.m. Opening Address by the Chairman of the Annual
Conference — F. B. Hertzog, D. S.
Prayer and Praise Period (limited to 30 minutes)
TUESDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions in charge of T. D. Gehret.
7:30 p.m. Inspirational Service in charge of W. W. Hartman, Host
Pastor.
SPEAKER: C. E. Kirkwood, D. S.
WEDNESDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions in charge of Jansen E. Hartman.
THURSDAY: 9:00 a.m. Devotions in charge of P. T. Stengele.
FRIDAY: 9:00 a.m. Communion Meditation by C. E. Kirkwood.
Washing of the Saints' Feet.
Observance of the Lord's Supper.
(The Committee recommends the morning devotional periods be limited to 30 minutes, including singing, prayer and a brief meditation.)
W. W. Hartman, Willard E. Cassel,
Walter H. Frank,
Committee on Program.
Resolved, That the first seven pews throughout the Church shall constitute the Conference Bar.
The Committee appointed in the Annual Conference of 1959 presented a proposed agenda for this Annual Conference.
COMMITTEES
Committee on Communications: David E. Thomann, Richard H. Kline, Frank L. Herb, Jr.
Committee on Finance: Paul I. Wentz, Byron C. Cassel, S. A. Hackman, Roy E. Williams.
Committee on Examination of Local Conference Records: E. W. Bean, W. B. Hottel, Russell T. Allen, Donald B. Schaeffer, Harvey, J. Fritz, Jr., Richard H. Kline, James A. Beil, Robert F. Johnson, Bert N. Brosius, George E. Herb, T. Lamarn Manney, David F. Gardner, Edwin P. Yerger, Burton Deppe, Charles W. Weaber, Henry B. Wilkinson, Allen F. LaRose, Carl H. Kellerman, Edward W. Baker, George R. Fish, John I. Mengel, John L. Shelly, A. W. Deppe, Allan C. Palmer, Elmer Rauscher.
Committee on Traveling Elders: C. E. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog, W. B. Hottel.
Committee on Statistics: Willard E. Cassel, John E. Golla, Jansen E. Hartman, Donald T. Kirkwood, LeRoy S. Heller, John Dunn.
Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License: P. T. Stengele, William A. Heffner, W. W. Hartman, W. B. Hottel, John H. Riggall.
Committee on Examination of Candidates for Ordination: C. E. Kirkwood, Jansen E. Hartman, David E. Thomann, R. C. Reichenbach, A. L. Seifert.
Committee on Resolutions: John H. Riggall, A. L. Seifert, Carl C. Cassel, Earl M. Hosler.
Committee on Auditing: T. D. Gehret, Daniel K. Ziegler, James G. Koch, R. Spedden, R. S. Weidner, Clayton E. Weber, Robert W. Gehret, Clarence L. Kauffman, R. Paul Schaeffer, Edward J. Dietzman, Harold A. Mann, Robert Breitegam, William R. Hunsberger, George W. Krigor, Horace A. Kauffman, William E. Miller, A. Franklin Campbell.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Records: Frank L. Herb. Jr., Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
The Chair appointed a Timekeeper and Reporter.
Reporter: R. C. Reichenbach: Timekeeper: James A. Beil.
Resolved, That no member be permitted to leave the Conference Bar without permission of the Chairman, except W. W. Hartman and A. Franklin Campbell.
The following Church Extension ministers were present during the Conference: Alva C. Cassel, Raymond R. Dotts, Robert J. Entler, Reynold D. Gardner, Elwood L. Heiser, Ronald C. Mahurin, Robert E. McIntyre, Leon K. Overpeck, Richard R. Ruth, G. Howard Van Sandt, Norman R. Weiss, Daniel G. Ziegler.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet tonight at 6:30 to 9:00 o'clock.
Adjourned 2:30 p.m. with prayer by John H. Riggall.
Second Meeting
Monday Evening, October 10, 1960
The Second Meeting was opened at 6:30 p.m. with singing, "Sweetly Resting," and prayer by J. B. Henry.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The following Reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Bethlehem District Superintendent, C. E. Kirkwood: (See Reports)
Report of the Allentown District Superintendent, F. B. Hertzog: (See Reports)
Report of the Director of Church Extension, William A. Heffner: (See Reports)
Report of the President of Berean Bible School, Jansen E. Hartman: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Directors: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Church Extension: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Education: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions: (See Reports)
The Board of Foreign Missions recommends J. Barclay Harley and Robert N. Gordon to the Committee to Examine Candidates for Ordination.
Report of the Board of the Home: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee on Finance: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined Robert N. Gordon and we are persuaded that he is a man of God who has already served the Lord very commendably on the foreign mission field.
We therefore recommend him for Annual Conference License.
P. T. Stengele, W. B. Hottel,
William A. Heffner, John H. Riggall,
W. W. Hartman,
Committee.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL CONFERENCE RECORDS
We have examined all Local Conference Records and have found them to be correct except for a few omissions and minor errors which were corrected by the Pastors concerned.
The following petitions were found:
Petition # 1
Shamokin, Pennsylvania: Resolved, That we petition Annual Conference to clarify the matter of who is permitted to vote in elections of the Youth Fellowship and of the Women's Missionary Society.
Petition #2
Terre Hill, Pennsylvania: Whereas, The Annual Conference has introduced a new system of pulpit supply, therefore, Resolved, That we, the congregation of Berean Bible Fellowship Church, Terre Hill, petition the Annual Conference to reconsider the ruling concerning a nine year limit for Itinerants and remove it.
Petition #3
York, Pennsylvania: Resolved, That we petition Annual Conference to further clarify the duties of the Finance Committee of the Official Board.
E. W. Bean, W. B. Hottel, Russell T. Allan, Donald B. Schaeffer, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Richard H. Kline, James A. Beil, Robert F. Johnson, Bert N. Brosius, George E. Herb, T. Lamarn Manney, David F. Gardner, Edwin P. Yerger, Burton Deppe, Charles W. Weaber, Henry B. Wilkinson, Allen F. LaRose, Carl H. Kellerman, Edward W. Baker, George R. Fish, John I. Mengel, John L. Shelly, A. W. Deppe, Allan C. Palmer, Elmer Rauscher,
Committee.
Report of the Examiner of Applicants on Discipline: (See Reports)
Resolved, That the candidates who have passed the Examination on the Discipline be referred to the Committee to Examine Applicants for Annual Conference License.
Report of the Committee over the District Superintendents:
We wish to report that to the best of our knowledge and belief, the two District Superintendents have fulfilled their duties well and have served in a Spirit-filled and godly manner.
W. F. Heffner,
P. T. Stengele,
W. W. Hartman.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to study the petition from the Shamokin congregation and a report be made to this Conference.
The Chairman appointed: R. C. Reichenbach, LeRoy S. Heller, George E. Herb.
Resolved, That the petition of the Terre Hill congregation be denied.
Resolved, That the officers of the Government Committee prepare an interpretative statement in answer to the petition from York, Pennsylvania, to be presented to this Conference at a later date.
Report of the Chairman of the General Camp Meeting Committee: (See Reports)
Adjourned, 9:00 p.m. with prayer by LeRoy S. Heller.
THIRD MEETING
Tuesday Morning, October 11, 1960
The Third Meeting was opened at 9:00 a.m. with singing, "And Can It t I Should Gain?" and Earl M. Hosler led in prayer.
T. D. Gehret addressed the Conference on "The Greatness of God in His Person, Possession, Passion, Purpose and Prize," using Titus 2:11 to 14 as the basis of his remarks.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 3:00 o'clock.
Adjourned 9:40 a.m. with prayer by John Dunn.
FOURTH MEETING
Tuesday Afternoon, October 11, 1960
The Meeting was opened at 3:00 p.m. with the singing of the chorus of "To God Be the Glory" and E. W. Bean led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
H. D. Yarrington, of Middletown, Conn., who is engaged in a hospital ministry, briefly addressed the Conference asking for our prayer fellowship.
Walter H. Frank, who has recently been chosen to be Home Director of Greater Europe Mission, headquarters in Chicago, Ill., spoke to us a few words of farewell before leaving for his new assignment. A. L. Seifert led the Conference in prayer to God for the blessing of the Lord on his future ministry.
Resolved, That any exception to standing rules may be allowed by three-fourth (3/4) vote of the Annual Conference. The reason for such exception shall be fully spread on the minutes.
The following reports were read and approved:
Report of the Youth Fellowship General Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee an Candidates and Ordination:
Whereas, The Committee has examined George E. Herb, who has served his three year probationary period in the ministry within our Conference and has given evidence that he is called of God to the Christian Ministry:
Therefore, We recommend that he be ordained in the evening service, October 11, 1960.
Whereas, The Committee has examined J. Barclay Harley, who has served as a missionary in Venezuela, South America, under the Orinoco River Mission for the past three years, and
Whereas, Brother Harley has served under the surveillance of the Board of Foreign Missions of our church in a manner that indicates that he is called of God to the Christian ministry:
Therefore, We recommend that he be ordained in the evening service, October 11, 1960.
Robert N. Gordon was recommended to this committee by the Board of Foreign Missions for ordination.
The rules concerning probationers (Discipline page 58) Section 11, D. page 7, 1959 Yearbook, states, "Probationers that have passed the Reading Course and served their three years' probation and have served as pastor of a congregation for at least one year, shall be examined orally by the Board of Examiners of the Reading Course, and the District Superintendents, as to
their knowledge of the doctrines, rules, forms and general practices and management of the church before being referred to the Committee on Ordination.
Under the provisions of the rule of exception, we recommend that an exception be made in the case of Robert N. Gordon who received Annual Conference License at this Conference, and consequently did not serve the required probationary period subsequent to receiving Annual Conference License as stipulated in the above regulation; and further, that he be ordained in the evening service of October 11, 1960.
The reasons for this action are as follows:
1. Robert N. Gordon has served for nine years as a missionary in Venezuela, South America under The Evangelical Alliance Mission. During this period, Brother Gordon has been supported by our church. The Board of Foreign Missions has reviewed his work and recommends him for ordination as a faithful minister of the gospel.
2. The type of pastoral and administrative work in which Robert N. Gordon was engaged could be considered in lieu of his spending one year as pastor of a congregation.
3. Heretofore, no provision was made for the licensing and the ordination of foreign missionaries. To have Robert N. Gordon comply with the requirements of the above regulation would mean that he could not return to the ministry to which God has called him for another three years.
4. To require Brother Gordon to wait until his next furlough to meet the above time requirements would seem to be an injustice and unnecessarily delay his ordination.
5. The regulation cited was not designed with the ordination of Foreign Missionaries in view.
6. The Committee on Candidates for Ordination has examined Brother Gordon and believe that he is called to the Christian Ministry and recommend him for ordination.
C. E. Kirkwood, R. C. Reichenbach,
A. L. Seifert, David E. Thomann,
Jansen E. Hartman,
Committee.
The above report was adopted by more than three-fourth (3/4) vote of the entire body.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE COMMITTEE
(First Reading)
Report to Annual Conference, 1960
The Ministerial Candidate Committee met six times during the year. The problem of enlisting and choosing men for the ministries of the Bible Fellowship Church was discussed in the light of the formation of this committee, its objectives and its duties. This committee did not examine any candidates this year.
This committee makes the following recommendations to the Annual Conference:
1. The OBJECTIVE of the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall be: To provide the Bible Fellowship Church with a ministry that is called of God, true to the Word, filled with the Holy Spirit, dedicated wholeheartedly to Jesus Christ and thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2. The DUTIES of the Ministerial Candidate Committee shall be as follows:
(1) To receive applications from all those who offer themselves for service in the Bible Fellowship Church.
(2) To take under care the candidates and probationers while in training.
(3) To examine those who offer themselves for service in our Church determining as far as possible the sincerity and genuineness of their call to the ministry.
(4) To ascertain as far as possible whether the candidates and probationers have the Scriptural qualifications of a minister of the Word of God.
(5) To safeguard the doctrinal purity of the Church by exercising vigilance when examining prospective ministers concerning their beliefs and practices endeavoring to approve only those who are committed without reservation to the authority of the Scriptures and the doctrines and practices of our Church as the system of doctrine taught in Scripture.
(6) To license probationers for the Annual Conference prior to ordination.
(7) To recommend qualified probationers to the Credentials Committee for ordination examination.
3. The TERMS used to designate the classification of those under the care of this committee shall be applicant, candidate and probationer. An applicant is a man who offers himself to this committee for service in the Bible Fellowship Church. A candidate is a man whose application is accepted and who remains under the guidance of this committee. A probationer is a man who has been approved by this committee, has passed an examination on the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church, and is working under the jurisdiction of the Church Extension or Foreign Mission Board.
4. The PROCEDURE to be followed by an individual. offering himself for service in the Bible Fellowship Church shall be as follows:
(1) The applicant would make known to the Chairman of the Ministerial Candidate Committee his desire to serve in the Bible Fellowship Church.
(2) The applicant will fill out and file with the committee an application received from the Chairman, which shall include the following: personal information; approval of his local conference; letters of recommendation from his pastor, a former employer, and a former instructor.
(3) The candidate will carry out a program of personal development and training developed in consultation with this committee.
(4) When this committee believes that he is prepared and when the candidate is ready to enter the work of the Bible Fellowship Church; upon approval of this committee, the candidate will be recommended to the Church Extension Board or Foreign Missions Board. Part of this approval is passing the Examination on the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church.
(5) During the time of work with the Church Extension Board or Foreign Missions Board, the probationer will be under the jurisdiction of this committee; and his work will be under the jurisdiction of the Board with whom he works.
(6) At the end of the probationary period, upon approval of this committee, the probationer will be recommended to the Credentials Committee and his probationary period will cease. To serve as a candidate and probationer does not guarantee being recommended for ordination examination.
Some of the changes from our present system inherent in these recommendations are outlined below:
1. This committee would become the first official point of contact for all applicants for service in the Bible Fellowship Church. At present the Church Extension Board and Foreign Missions Board are that point of contact.
2. This committee would inaugurate a program of guidance during the training of men who commit themselves to our care that they may be better prepared to serve. At present there is no similar guidance program in any official sense.
3. This committee would approve candidates for work under the Boards of Church Extension and Foreign Missions. At present the Church Extension and Foreign Missions Boards alone approve candidates.
4. This committee would be responsible to oversee candidates and probationers in all matters that pertain to the man himself, and it would name those ready for examination for ordination. The Boards of Church Extension and Foreign Missions would administer the work of all candidates and probationers. Evaluation of the work done under these Boards would guide this committee in making its final decision. At present the Church Extension Board and Foreign Missions Board in conjunction with the District Superintendents do this.
5. This committee would license for the Annual Conference all candidates and probationers whom it accepts for work under the Boards of Church Extension and Foreign Missions. Among other things this acceptance would require passing an examination on the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church. At present being listed as a Church Extension Minister or having Annual Conference License is our system.
6. Functioning according to this outline, this committee would not conflict with the Credentials Committee being proposed by the Government Committee, but would parallel its work prior to examination for ordination. The Credentials Committee would have oversight of the man from the time of his examination for ordination until he would terminate his service with the Bible Fellowship Church; the Ministerial Candidate Committee would have oversight of men prior to the examination for ordination.
This committee feels that these changes are necessary for the following reasons:
l. The Bible Fellowship Church needs a uniform standard for all those who serve in its home and foreign ministries; therefore there should be one group to guide, examine and approve prospective workers.
2. The varied possibilities that a candidate for the work of God faces and the specialized needs of laborers in the Bible Fellowship Church demand some system of supervision or guidance for men while they are in training.
3. There is a constantly growing need for young men to have evidence to present regarding their intention to serve in a particular denomination: this committee could furnish such information to draft boards facilitating deferment from military service for worthy young men.
4. Another growing need in God's work today is the demand for proper recognition for foreign missionaries. If this committee would examine missionary candidates, it could provide the necessary recognition for them also.
5. Adoption of this system would mean that in the majority of cases the men serving under our Church Extension Board would be acquainted with our doctrines and practices by taking the Examination on the Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church prior to serving on any field.
Donald T. Kirkwood, Chairman, William A. Heffner,
Carl C. Cassel, Secretary, P. T. Stengele,
Jansen E. Hartman,
Committee.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely.
Report of Committee on Examination of Traveling Elders:
We have examined all the Pastors through their respective delegates and have found our ministering brethren to be true men of God who are preaching the Word and living consistent Christian lives.
We therefore commend them for future service amongst us.
C. E. Kirkwood,
F. B. Hertzog,
W. B. Hottel,
Committee.
Miss Olive Rawn, our Missionary to the Sudan, Africa, gave a few words of greeting to the Conference and closed the meeting with prayer.
Adjourned, 5:05 p.m.
FIFTH MEETING
Wednesday Morning, October 12, 1960
The meeting was opened with singing, "O Word of God Incarnate." Robert N. Gordon led in prayer.
Jansen E. Hartman used the scripture text, Jer. 7:21-24 as the basis of a devotional address on true obedience to God and His Word in daily living and service.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The following reports were read and adopted:
Report of the Committee on Publication and Printing: (See Reports)
Report of the Board of Trustees of the Laymen's Benevolent Society: (See Reports)
Report of the Conference Treasurer: (See Reports)
Report of the Sunday School Promotion Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Victory Valley Camp Committee: (See Reports)
Report of the Committee to Examine Annual Conference Records:
We hereby certify that we have examined the Annual Conference Records of the 1959 session, and have found them correct with the exception of the following:
1. On page 25, "George C. Herb" should read "George E. Herb."
2. On page 37, in the Article "God the Holy Spirit" a period should appear after "God" in line 5.
3. On page 39, "and" should appear before "of judgment" in the reference, John 16:8.
4. On page 56, the word, "unfilled" should read "unfulfilled" in the Article on the Millennium.
5. On page 56, in the reference, Isaiah 11:6-9, the word "cockatrice's" should read “cockatrice’".
6. On page 88, the heading "Ministers' Retirement Fund," Annual Conference 1959 should appear with Statement D.
The Committee recommends that:
1. On page 3, the words "Director Church Extension" be made to read, "Director of Church Extension".
2. The dates under "licensed" be corrected after the names of "Church Extension Ministers".
We hereby submit two copies duly certified.
Frank L. Herb, Chairman,
Harvey J. Fritz, Jr.
Resolved, That we determine who are the preachers willing to Minister the coming year according to the direction of the Conference and our Discipline.
The following ministering brethren responded "yea" to the roll call: Russell T. Allen, E. W. Bean, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, John Dunn, R. H. Gehman, T. D. Gehret, John E. Golla, Ernest B. Hartman, Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, W. F. Heffner, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., George E. Herb, F. B. Hertzog, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Richard H. Kline, James G. Koch, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, Donald B. Schaeffer, A. L. Seifert, Robert W. Smock, P. T. Stengele, David E. Thomann, N. H. Wolf, E. E. Kublic, A. G. Woodring, James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Robert F. Johnson.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO REVISE AUDITING PROCEDURES
At Annual Conference 1959 it was recognized that a need existed for a simplified method of auditing Local Conference records in order to reduce the time spent on this phase of the work on the floor at Annual Conference. With that in mind the Conference elected a Committee to study methods of reducing this time. The Committee proposes the following:
I. The report of the Official Board to the Fourth Local Conference shall include the following:
a. Annual Report of the Membership Committee:
1. Members as of previous report
2. Received into Church Fellowship
3. Received by transfer from Bible Fellowship Churches
4. Total increase
5. Died
6. Withdrawn
7. Dropped
8. Transferred to other churches
9. Transferred to other Bible Fellowship Churches
10. Total decrease
11. Net increase or decrease
12. Total membership
b. Annual report of the Benevolence Committee:
1. Balance as of last report
2. Receipts
3. Disbursements
4. New Balance
II. The following accounts for the local Church year shall be closed as of the Fourth Local Conference:
Trustees
Building Fund Collectors
Ministers' Retirement Fund
Sunday School
Youth Fellowship
Women's Missionary Society
Men's Fellowship
Membership Committee
Benevolence Committee
And any other organizations responsible to the Local Conference.
III. The Local Conference accounts of the Stewards shall be from quarter to quarter, and the reports on the schedules from October 1 to September 30.
IV. Offerings for Home Missions and Foreign Missions shall be reported for the Conference year and shall be paid to the Conference Treasurer at Annual Conference.
Report of these offerings will be made only to the Finance Committee of Annual Conference and the latter will furnish information with respect to offerings for missions to the Statistical Committee of Annual Conference.
V. The figures included in the above reports I and II to the Fourth Local Conference are the ones to be reported to Annual Conference.
VI. The Pastor shall send by Certified Mail copies of the Summary Sheet, the Fourth Local Conference Minutes and the Pastor's Summary Statistical Report (omitting reports of offerings for Home Missions and Foreign Missions) to the Statistical Committee, c/o Host Church of Annual Conference, by Monday of the week prior to Annual Conference week. These records may be submitted in person by Tuesday of the same week.
VII. The Delegate and Pastor shall certify the correctness of the Local Conference Minutes, the Local Conference Summary Report Sheet and the Pastor's Summary Statistical Report, prior to the mailing thereof, and shall include a statement of Certification with the reports mailed.
They shall be responsible to ascertain that there is no duplication of receipts because of transfers of funds between accounts of the Church and various organizations.
VIII. The Statistical Committee shall be appointed by the Chairman at the Adjourned Session of Annual Conference. This Committee shall meet on the Thursday prior to Annual Conference.
IX. We recommend that the Committee on Publication and Printing assign form numbers to each of the approved report forms.
Daniel K. Ziegler, Chairman, Clarence L. Kauffman,
Byron C. Cassel, Roy E. Williams,
Willard E. Cassel,
Committee.
Report of the Editor of the Bible Fellowship Supplement of the Gospel Herald:
We have served for another Conference year as editor of the Bible Fellowship Church Supplement of the Gospel Herald. Those who have contributed to our church paper during the year have done well and their support is deeply appreciated.
We also appreciate the assistance of William A. Heffner and Harold P. Shelly, Jr. for submitting copy from Home Missions and the Berean Bible School.
The success of our church paper will be realized only if our pastors give it better support.David E. Thomann, Editor.
REPORT OF THE CIRCULATION MANAGER OF THE
B. F. C. EDITION OF THE GOSPEL HERALD
As we began this Conference year the total number of subscribers to the B. F. C. Edition of the Gospel Herald was 641, well below the almost 800 that once subscribed to our Church paper. Due to the introduction of the Club Plan, we had hoped for a substantial increase. Ten clubs were organized through the year, but this has not been enough to stop the continual loss of subscribers. Fourteen of our Churches have 10 or less subscribers evidencing little interest in our present paper.
At the end of the fiscal year we have only 525 subscribers, a loss of 116 from last year. The seriousness of this should be apparent to all and deserves earnest consideration and action upon the part of all of us. May I express my thanks to those of you who have energetically presented the Gospel Herald to your people and have aided me in the task assigned to me.
FINANCIAL
Balance in Treasury, October 1, 1959 $ 12.27
Received for subscriptions $1,546.47 $1,558.74
Expenditures:
To Union Gospel Press $1,391.01
To Board of Publication and Printing 60.00
Refunds and Discounts 29.74
Expenses of Committee on Publications 48.96
Secretarial Expenses 13.80
Total Expenses $1,543.51
Balance in Treasury, September 30, 1960 15.23 $1,558.74
Respectfully submitted,
R. C. Reichenbach, Circulation Manager.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn, to meet at the Call of the Chair.
Adjourned 11:55 a.m. with prayer by Horace A. Kauffman.
SIXTH MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon, October 12, 1960
The Meeting was opened at 2:30 p.m. with singing "Heavenly Sunshine" and Allen C. Palmer led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting were read and approved.
The Additional Report of the Committee on Examination of Applicants for Annual Conference License:
We have examined Elwood L. Heiser, Raymond R. Dotts, Richard R. Ruth, Ronald C. Mahurin, Robert J. Entler, Daniel G. Ziegler, and Norman R. Weiss.
After thoroughly questioning these brethren, we are persuaded that they are called of the Holy Spirit to the ministry of the Gospel.
Whereas, Elwood L. Heiser, an ordained minister in good standing in the Evangelical United Brethren Church has been recommended to this Committee,
Therefore, Be it resolved that Elwood Heiser be accepted as a probationer.
We recommend that all the above mentioned men be granted Annual Conference License.
P. T. Stengele, A. L. Seifert,
W. W. Hartman, W. B. Hottel,
John H. Riggall,
Committee,
Report of the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee: (See Reports)
Resolved, That Membership on the Stationing, Boundary and Appropriating Committee be limited to those Churches or Circuits and those Missions petitioning for Membership on the Committee under our rules, which received at least $3,000.00 in Steward offerings during the year.
Resolved,
That the Chairman of the Annual Conference appoint a Committee of seven, including the two District Superintendents and five delegates to study the question of financial support of our ministering brethren. This committee shall also study the feasibility of purchasing a group insurance policy covering our Ministers for life insurance, including health and welfare benefits.He appointed C. E. Kirkwood, F. B. Hertzog, Byron C. Cassel, Clarence L. Kauffman, Robert W. Gehret, Roy E. Williams and Daniel K. Ziegler.
Resolved, That Elwood L. Heiser, Daniel G. Ziegler and G. Howard Van Sandt be admitted to the Conference bar.
Resolved, That all pastors on the coming Sunday fill the pulpits of their new assignments.
Report of the Committee to Study the Petition of the Shamokin Church:
We would encourage this Annual Conference to adopt a Constitution for the Youth Fellowship defining voting qualifications.
Further, we recommend that the Foreign Mission Board submit to the Adjourned Session of this Annual Conference for adoption, a Constitution for the Women's Missionary Society, and that particular thought be given to voting qualifications.
R. C. Reichenbach,
LeRoy S. Heller,
George E. Herb,
Committee.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO STUDY ARTICLES OF FAITH
(Second Reading)
Article
THE JUDGMENTS
The Scriptures enumerate several judgments which differ as to time, place, subjects and results. All judgment has been committed to the Son by the Father.1
Through the death of Christ on the cross, the believer's sins have been judged and he has passed from death into life.2 In no case do the redeemed come again into judgment concerning their eternal destiny. Each saint, however, will be required to give an account before the judgment seat of Christ regarding his works and conduct.3
The unregenerate will be judged, condemned and banished to eternal damnation in the lake of fire.4
1John 5:22 — 2John 5:24 — 3Romans 8:1; II Corinthians 5:l0 — 4Revelation 20:11-15.
Article
SALVATION
In the gospel salvation is offered to all men1 and is received by grace through faith and the instrumentality of the Holy Spirit,2 apart from works or human merit.3 Salvation centers in a person, Jesus Christ, and receiving Him4 includes the remission of sins on the ground of His shed blood,5 the imputation of His perfect righteousness,6 the reception of the Holy Spirit,7 and the impartation of eternal life.8
1John 3:16 — 2John 16:8 — 3Ephesians 2:8,9 — 4John 1:12 — 5Ephesians 1:7 — 6I Corinthians 1:30 — 7Romans 8:9b — 8I John 5:11,12.
Article
THE CHURCH
The Church is the body of which Christ is the Head.1 All those redeemed by His blood2 and born of His Spirit are members of that body and are in mystical union and communion with Christ,3 and fellow believers.4 The Church is universal and local, visible and invisible. The visible Church consists of all those professing faith in Christ. The invisible Church is composed of all those born of the Spirit.5
The purpose of the Church is to edify the saints6 and to evangelize the world.7
The Head of the Church administers the affairs of His body through overseers chosen by Himself and selected by the people.8
A properly constituted local Church must include the ministry of God's Word, the observance of the ordinances. the oversight by officers,9 and the exercise of discipline.10 The overseers of the Church are to be prayed for, obeyed and honored.11
1Colossians 1:18a — 2I Peter 1:18,19 — 3Romans 6:5,6 — 4I Corinthians 1:10 — 5I Corinthians 12:13 — 6I Corinthians 12:7,11 — 7 Matthew 28:19.20 — 8Ephesians 4:11,12 — 9I Peter 5:2,3,5 — 10Matthew 18:17 — 11Hebrews 13:7,17,24.
Article
SANCTIFICATION
Sanctification is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit in the believer1 which purifies the life2 and conforms the whole man to the image of Christ as the Word of God is believed and obeyed.3 It begins at regeneration4 and continues throughout the individual's life5 on earth and reaching its completion at the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ.6
1II Corinthians 3:18 — 21 Thessalonians 4:3 — 3John 17:17 — 41 Corinthians 6:11 — 5Ephesians 4:24,26,27 — 6I Thessalonians 5:23.
Article
MILLENNIUM
The Millennium is that aspect of the Kingdom of God that will be ushered in when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth to rule in righteousness. The unfilled Messianic prophecies will then be completed.1 During this period Satan will be bound restricting his deceitful activities.2 The
created universe will undergo a transformation3 with universal prosperity and peace prevailing on earth.4 The saints will reign with Christ5 and the earth shall be full of the knowledge and glory of the Lord.6
1Jeremiah 23:5-8 (See also Isaiah 9:6,7) — 2Revelation 20:1-3 — 3Isaiah 11:6-9 (See also Romans 8:19-23) — 4Isaiah 2:4: 35:1,2,7— 5Revelation 5:10 — 6Isaiah 11:9; 45:22,23.
Article
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
God ordained and instituted civil government1 for the welfare of society, to promote and to protect the good and to restrain and punish the evil.2 It is the duty of Christians to pray3 for those that are in authority, to render due loyalty,4 respect and obedience,5 to them, and to pay taxes and customs demanded of them. Where demands of civil law militate against the supreme and higher law of God, Christians should obey God rather than man.6
1Daniel 4:17 — 2 Romans 13:1 — 31 Timothy 2:1,2 — 4I Peter 2:13,14 — 5Titus 3:1 — 6Acts 4:19; 5:29.
Article
MAN
God, by a special instantaneous act, created man in His image1 — holy, righteous and possessing true knowledge2 — by forming him out of the dust of the earth and breathing into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.
Our first parents did not remain in the glorious and happy state of their original creation, but through the subtlety and deception of the devil,3 disobeyed and transgressed the command of God the creator. incurring upon themselves and their posterity the sentence of spiritual and physical death. The guilt and consequences of Adam's sin are imputed to the whole human race so that all men are guilty,4 inherently corrupt, totally depraved,5 and subject to the wrath of God.
1Genesis 1:27 — 2Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10 (See also Psalm 8:4-6) — 3Genesis 3:1-6 —
4 Romans 5:12-18 — 5Romans 3:11-18 — 6Ephesians 2:3 (See also Romans 1:18).
Article
SATAN
Satan is a created angelic being who fell from his first estate.1 He is the god of this age ruling by the permissive will of God.2 He exercises authority over the unsaved, tempts the believer to sin and continually accuses the brethren before the throne of God.3
He has been defeated by the finished work of Christ on Calvary. During the millennium he will be confined to the abyss4 to be released at the end of this period to lead the armies of evil against God. He will be finally judged and doomed to the lake of fire.5
1Isaiah 14:12-17; Jude 1:6 — 2Ephesians 2:2; II Corinthians 4:4 — 3I Thessalonians 3:5; Revelation 12:10b — 4Revelation 20:2,3 — 5Revelation 20:10.
Article
RESURRECTION
The bodily resurrection of Christ is the basis for the resurrection of man.1 At the return of the Lord the bodies of the righteous dead will be raised and the living believers will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.2 Believers will at the resurrection receive spiritual and immortal bodies like unto Christ's own glorious body.3
The event of the resurrection is divided into two stages, separated by a period of a thousand years and differing both in respect to their subjects and their issues.4 The first resurrection includes only the righteous dead.5 The second resurrection is universal and occurs at the close of the millennium when all the unregenerate dead are raised to be brought before the great White Throne for judgment.6
1John 11:25 — 2I Thessalonians 4:14-17 — 3Philippians 3:20,21; Job 19:25-27 — 4Daniel 12:2 — 5Revelation 20:5,6 — 6Revelation 20:13.
C. E. Kirkwood, Chairman, Willard E. Cassel, Secretary, F. B. Hertzog, T. D. Gehret, Donald T. Kirkwood, Jansen E. Hartman, A. L. Seifert, Committee.
The report was unanimously adopted.
Resolved, That we proceed with elections.
Board of Directors: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, A. L. Seifert, Jansen E. Hartman, John H. Riggall, Daniel K. Ziegler, Byron C. Cassel and Paul I. Wentz.
General Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions: T. D. Gehret.
Board of Foreign Missions: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, T. D. Gehret, Earl M. Hosler, Willard E. Cassel, James R. Cressman, Kermit K. Gehman, Roy E. Williams, Rufus Spedden.
We listened to greetings from our Missionaries: Mrs. Robert Ramp, Charles Mann, J. Barclay Harley and Robert N. Gordon, who have been attending this Conference.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to meet at 6:30 p.m.
Adjourned 4:55 p.m. with prayer by Donald B. Schaeffer.
SEVENTH MEETING
Wednesday Evening, October 12, 1960
The meeting was opened with the use of the hymn, "He Keeps Me Singing." Bert N. Brosius led in prayer.
The Roll was called and the Minutes of the previous Meeting read and approved.
Resolved, That we continue with the elections.
Beard of Church Extension: F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, William A. Heffner, Jansen E. Hartman, A. L. Seifert, Clayton E. Weber and S. A. Hackman.
Paul E. Baer gave a brief address, expressing his appreciation of the fellowship of the brethren.
.
Jansen E. Hartman presented the proposed Berean Bible School Budget for the following year.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
(Second Reading)
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
I.
Business Rules for Annual Conference sessions, see page 5, 1958 Year Book.
II.
Members of Annual Conference (Passed Second Reading, 1959).
III.
Officers of the Annual Conference
Chairman of the Annual Conference
Election — The Chairman of the Annual Conference shall be a District Superintendent elect and shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session.
Duties — 1. He shall be the moderator of all sessions of the Annual Conference, directing the sessions according to the Constitution of the Church.
2. (His presiding at the ordination services is held in abeyance until the entire problem of Ministerial Candidates is completed.)
Vice-Chairman of the Annual Conference
Election — The Vice-Chairman of the Annual Conference shall be a District Superintendent elect and shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session.
Duties — 1. He shall occupy the Chair and take over the duties of the Chairman whenever the latter is unable to fill the office.
Secretary of the Annual Conference
Election — The Secretary of the Annual Conference shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session, from among the ordained ministers.
Duties — 1. The Secretary shall appoint his assistants.
2. He shall accurately record the transactions of the Conference, preserve the records carefully and grant excerpts from them whenever required.
3. He shall be the Editor and publisher of the Year Book. The official minutes of the Annual Conference shall be published therein.
4. He shall send Year books to our Foreign Missionaries, to the Eastern and Western Clergy Bureaus and to any other agencies deemed advisable.
IV. — DENOMINATIONAL OFFICERS
President
Election — The President shall be elected annually by and from the members of the Board of Directors.
Duties — 1. He shall be moderator of all the meetings of the Board of Directors.
2. He shall be responsible to oversee the transaction of all matters delegated to the Board.
Vice-President
Election — The Vicepresident shall be elected annually by and from the members of the Board of Directors.
Duties — 1. He shall be moderator of all meetings of the Board of Directors when the President is unable to be present. He shall serve in the capacity of the President in the event the President is unable to fill his office.
Treasurer
Election — The Treasurer shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference. In the event of a vacancy occurring in the office, the Board of Directors shall appoint a treasurer to fill the unexpired term.
Duties — 1. He shall receive and deposit in the bank(s) selected by the Board of Directors, all monies under the control of the Bible Fellowship Church.
2. He shall countersign all checks.
3. He shall present a written report to the Annual Conference.
District Superintendent(s)
Election — 1. District Superintendent(s) shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session, from among the active ordained ministers.
2. The tenure of office shall begin after the incumbent has submitted his report to the next annual Conference. The District Superintendent elect shall deal with the matters relative to pulpit supply.
3. In the event of a vacancy in the office of District Superintendent, the Board of Directors shall determine which of the Vice-District Superintendents shall fill the vacancy.
4. No District Superintendent shall be reelected after having served five (5) years unless he receives two-thirds of the votes of the Annual Conference. After having served as District Superintendent, and leaving the office, he shall be ineligible for election to this office for a period of three years.
5. No man shall serve as District Superintendent for longer than nine (9) consecutive years.
Duties — 1. (Frequency of visits (possibly 4 including 2 local conferences) and the support was considered and retained for further study.)
2. He shall review the duties of the officers accountable to the Local Conference and emphasize the duties of members toward their pastor once each year on each charge.
3. He shall meet with the Official Board at least once each year to review the progress of the work.
4. He is accountable to the Annual Conference for the performance of his official duties and shall submit annually a written report of his district.
5. He shall help the churches and pastors with ideas and methods for promoting the spreading of the Gospel.
6. By virtue of his office, he shall be a member of the following: Board of Directors, Board of Foreign Missions, Board of Church Extension, Board of Education, Committee of Victory Valley, Board of the Home, and Sunday School Promotion Committee.
Vice-District Superintendent(s)
Election — Vice-District Superintendent(s) shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session from among the active ordained ministers.
Duties — He shall fill the unexpired term of the District Superintendent should a vacancy occur in the office.
Church Extension Director
Election — 1. A Church Extension Director shall be elected annually by ballot by the Annual Conference at its Adjourned Session from among the active ordained ministers.
2. No man shall serve in the office of Church Extension Director for more than nine (9) consecutive years.
Duties — l. He shall be the administrative officer of the Board of Church Extension and shall execute the policies formulated by the Board.
2. He shall be responsible for the dispensing of funds allotted to him by the Board of Church Extension.
3. He shall exercise supervision of the men laboring under the Board of Church Extension.
4. He shall be responsible to promote the program of Church Extension in the Churches throughout the denomination.
. 5. He shall promote an aggressive program of evangelism and church extension.
6. He shall be responsible to the Board of Church Extension and shall submit a quarterly written report to the Board.
7.