EIGHTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
1968
The Eighty-Fifth Annual Conference of the Bible Fellowship Church convened in the Bethany Church, Hatfield, Pennsylvania.
The Conference was opened at 10:00 A.M., October 14, with the hymn "Lord of our Life and God of Our Salvation" led by Clyde W. Snyder. Frank L. Herb, Jr., offered prayer. The members of Conference also sang, "Jesus Thou Joy of Loving Hearts."
Conference Superintendent A. L. Seifert read the Scripture lesson from Isaiah 53:1-8 and I Corinthians 11:23-32 followed by the Communion Service.
The Conference engaged in a time of prayer led by Norman R. Weiss and Norman W. Granda.
The following were enrolled as members of the Conference:
ORDAINED: Russell T. Allen, E. W. Bean, James A. Beil, Bert N. Brosius, M. Leslie Campbell, Carl C. Cassel, Willard E. Cassel, Raymond R. Dotts, John Dunn, Bruce A. Ellingson, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., Jansen E. Hartman, W. W. Hartman, William A. Heffner, LeRoy S. Heller, Frank L. Herb, Jr., George E. Herb, John H. Herb, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, Robert F. Johnson, C. E. Kirkwood, Donald T. Kirkwood, Donald R. Knauer, James G. Koch, Ronald C. Mahurin, Leon K. Overpeck, R. C. Reichenbach, John H. Riggall, A. L. Seifert, Robert W. Smock, David E. Thomann, David J. Watkins, Harold C. Weaber, Norman R. Weiss, Daniel G. Ziegler, T. D. Gehret, W. F. Heffner, F. B. Hertzog, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, E. J. Rutman, P. T. Stengele, N. H. Wolf, Paul E. Baer, Reynold D. Gardner, Sr., Robert Paul, Donald B. Schaeffer.
PROBATIONERS: Brian Butler, Paul B. Kuder, William W. Mull, Keith E. Plows , Mark T. Smith, LeRoy C. Wilcox, Paul G. Zimmerman.
DELEGATES:
Allentown (Bethel) John L. Deily
Allentown (Cedar Crest) R. Paul Schaeffer
Allentown (Salem) Allan C. Palmer
Bethlehem Myron H. Gehret
Blandon John I. Mengel
Catasauqua Arthur W. Deppe
Coopersburg Arthur Mack
Denville John F. Moran
Easton Russell E. Dech
Ephrata Robert W. Gehret
Emmaus Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
Fleetwood Norman L. Reed
Graterford Edward A. Stortz
Harleysville H. Phares Mumbauer
Harrisburg Walter A. Schlagel
Hatfield Clyde W. Snyder
Lancaster Horace A. Kauffman
Lebanon Frank L. Herb, Sr.
Lehighton Willard Blocker
Maple Glen Byron C. Cassel
Mount Carmel Roy E. Williams
Nazareth Norman W. Granda
Paradise E. Gerald Hershey
Philadelphia (Calvary) Leon H. Naudasher
Philadelphia (Emmanuel) Edward J. Dietzman
Quakertown Harold P. Shelly
Reading Robert Breitegam
Royersford William R. Hunsberger
Scranton Carl H. Kellerman
Shamokin T. Lamarn Manney
Sinking Spring Paul W. Sensenig
Spring City John F. Boyle
Staten Island Ralph D. Cole
Stroudsburg George R. Fish
Sunbury Allan F. Smith
Terre Hill J. R. Weber
Wallingford Robert W. Truett
York Sterling, F. Baer
Zionsville Bright N. Heist
The following were absent:
Russell T. Allen, Earl M. Hosler, W. B. Hottel, W. F. Heffner, E. E. Kublic, J. B. Layne, E. J. Rutman, P. T. Stengele, Paul E. Baer, Reynold D. Gardner, Sr., Robert Paul, Donald B. Schaeffer.
The Chair appointed the following:
Tellers: George E. Herb, Robert F. Johnson, Ronald C. Mahurin, David J. Watkins, Norman R. Weiss, John H. Herb.
Whereas, Ernest B. Hartman, elected Secretary of the Eighty-Fifth Annual Conference, passed onto be with his Lord, therefore,
Resolved, That we elect a Secretary at this time.
James A. Beil was elected.
Resolved, That we recess to the call of the Chair.
The Secretary appointed the following: Willard E. Cassel, Assistant Secretary; Robert W. Smock, Recording Secretary.
Written excuses were submitted by Paul E. Baer, W. B. Hottel, J. B. Layne, P. T. Stengele and Paul G. Zimmerman.
Resolved, That the excuses of the absent members be accepted.
New delegates, Myron H. Gehret of Bethlehem, Russell E. Dech of Easton, Arthur Mack of Coopersburg, E. Gerald Hershey of Paradise, Robert Truett of Wallingford and Bright N. Heist of Zionsville, were introduced.
Resolved, That the first 8 pews constitute the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That no one be allowed to leave the bar without permission except the delegate of the Host Church.
The Chairman appointed the following committees:
Committee on Auditing: Horace A. Kauffman, Raymond R. Dotts, William R. Hunsberger, Donald R. Knauer, Leon H. Naudasher, Norman L. Reed, R. Paul Schaeffer.
Committee on Communications: William A. Heffner, Bert N. Brosius, Bruce A . Ellingson, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., John H. Riggall.
Committee on Examination of Local Conference Minutes: E. W. Bean, John F. Boyle, Robert Breitegam, Brian Butler, M. Leslie Campbell, Russell E. Dech, John Deily, Arthur W. Deppe, George R. Fish, Myron H. Gehret, Norman W. Granda, W. W. Hartman, Bright N. Heist, Frank L. Herb, Jr., E. Gerald Hershey, Carl H. Kellerman, Arthur Mack, John I. Mengel, John F. Moran, William W. Mull, H. Phares Mumbauer, Allan C. Palmer, Walter A. Schlagel, Allan F. Smith, Mark T. Smith, Clyde W. Snyder, Edward A. Stortz, Robert W. Truett, Harold C. Weaber, J. R. Weber, LeRoy C. Wilcox, Paul G. Zimmerman.
Committee on Finance: Paul I. Wentz, Sr., Byron C. Cassel, Ralph D. Cole, Robert W. Gehret, Roy E. Williams.
Committee on Resolutions: C. E. Kirkwood, Carl C. Cassel, Jansen E. Hartman, Keith E. Plows, R. C. Reichenbach.
Reporter: Daniel G. Ziegler
Timekeeper: Leon K. Overpeck
The above Committees were approved.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROGRAM (See Report, page 25)
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS (See Report, page 25 )
The report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS (See Report, page 29 )
The report was accepted.
Resolved, That we extend the time.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to meet at 3:00 P.M.
Adjourned 12:13 P.M. with prayer by David E. Thomann
Second Meeting
Monday Afternoon, October 14, 1968
Donald J. Ritter, missionary to Sweden under Greater Europe Mission brought greetings.
Resolved, That the following be added to the end of the first paragraph on page 10 (Mimeo copy of Faith and Order) concerning elections of Conference Boards and Committees: "All retired ministers willing to serve are eligible for election to Boards and Committees." (First Reading)
Resolved, That Paul B. Kuder and Keith E. Plows be ordained during the Thursday evening meeting of this Annual Conference.
Resolved, That we accept the resignations of Russell T. Allen, Earl M. Hosler and Robert Paul and drop them from the roll of ministers.
Resolved, That W. B. Hottel be granted an indefinite leave of absence and he be listed as an Ordained Minister on Leave of Absence.
Resolved, That the Committee on Stationing and Appropriations give consideration to granting W. B. Hottel some financial assistance at this time.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as corrected.
Whereas, This Conference has adopted, in its first reading, a change in the by-laws which establishes the eligibility of Ordained Ministers in Retirement to serve on Boards and Committees of the Annual Conference, and,
Whereas, The 84th Annual Conference decided that Ordained Ministers in Retirement were eligible to serve on Boards and Committees of Annual Conference, and,
Whereas, We have had an Ordained Minister in Retirement who has served on Boards and Committees during this past year, therefore,
Resolved, That, under the Rule of Exception, such Ordained Ministers in Retirement be eligible to serve on Boards and Committees if elected at this Annual Conference.
Resolved, That Arthur W. Deppe be excused from the sessions for the remainder of this day.
REPORT OF THE YOUTH FELLOWSHIP GENERAL COMMITTEE (See Report, page 30 )
The report was accepted.
Resolved, That each Youth Fellowship remit an offering for the work of the Youth Fellowship General Committee, and that this offering be payable to the Treasurer of the Youth Fellowship General Committee and that it be submitted to the Secretary of said committee at the Adjourned Session of this Conference.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION AND PRINTING (See Report, page 30)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE TREASURER (See Report, page 33)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROMOTION COMMITTEE (See Report, page 34)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved, That every Bible Fellowship Sunday School make a contribution for denominational Sunday School promotion. This contribution should be mailed to the Financial Secretary of the Committee before April 1, 1969.
REPORT OF THE MINISTERIAL CONVENTION (See Report, page 36).
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINISTERIAL CANDIDATES (See Report, page 38)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved, That the following men be recognized in their respective stages of development.
Probationers:
Donald Barnhart William Mull
David L. Branning Keith E. Plows
Leonard E. Buck Theodore R. Shelling
Brian H. Butler Mark T. Smith
Richard J. Gehman Austin Sullivan
Ronald Jansen LeRoy C. Wilcox
Paul B. Kuder Paul G. Zimmerman
Candidates:
Arthur H. Frable
William M. Franklin
David L. Manney
Applicants:
Timothy Baker Ivan H. Martin
William H. Bartron Robert Minnig
Douglas Bowne Roger Reitz
Terris Byrd Jonathan D. Reynolds
Thomas Grossman Paul Reynolds
William Duane Abram H. Snavely
Larry Gradwohl Harold E. Snyder
Gary Hoffman Carl K. Spackman
Charles E. Kramer John Vandegriff
George F. Lee Dana Weller
Larry Yerger
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO PUBLISH FELLOWSHIP NEWS (See Report, page 39)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved, That the month of January be designated as subscription month and each pastor be urged to encourage subscriptions among the families of his congregation.
Resolved, That Donations be given from the following Boards and Committees:
Board of Foreign Missions, Board of Church Extension, Sunday School Promotion Committee, Board of Directors of Berean Bible School $50.00 each and the Committee on Publication and Printing $400.00.
REPORT OF T HE COMMITTEE TO PUBLISH FELLOWSHIP NEWS BUDGET (See Report, page 41)
The Budget was adopted.
The Editor, David E. Thomann and the Business Manager, R. C. Reichenbach gave oral reports.
The following was elected:
Treasurer; Byron C. Cassel
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 6:30 P.M.
Adjourned at 4:43 with prayer by Clyde W. Snyder.
Third Meeting
Monday Evening, October 14, 1968
The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read. The following were elected:
Committee on Ministerial Candidates: David J. Watkins, David E. Thomann, Carl C. Cassel, James A. Beil, William A. Heffner.
REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE SUPERINTENDENT: (See Report, page 41 )
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CHURCH EXTENSION: (See Report, page 46 )
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT OF BEREAN BIBLE SCHOOL: (See Report, page 48 )
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH: (See Report, page 53 )
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS: (See Report. page 67 )
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION: (See Reports, page 79 )
Above Reports were accepted.
Resolved, That all Church Extension Funds be forwarded quarterly to the Secretary of the Board of Church Extension.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH HOME: (See Report, page 82 )
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF MIZPAH GROVE: (See Report, page 84)
The above reports were accepted.
Resolved, That $4, 000 of the existing balance of the Board of Mizpah Grove be assigned to the Pinebrook Bible Conference Board and the remaining balance as of 10/31/68 be given to the Pinebrook Service Board.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF VICTORY VALLEY: (See Report, page 88)
The report was accepted.
Resolved, That each church make a contribution to Victory Valley Camp. The anticipated budget of the Camp indicates need for contributions of at least $5, 500 by the Churches. Checks shall be made payable to Victory Valley Camp and sent to the Secretary of the Board before March 1, 1969.
The following were elected:
Committee on Credentials: Willard E. Cassel, Frank L. Herb, Jr., James G. Koch, John H. Riggall.
Resolved, That Paul B. Kuder be excused from the Tuesday and Wednesday morning sessions.
Resolved, That J . R . Weber be excused from the Tuesday morning session.
Resolved, That we adjourn. Adjourned at 8:59 with prayer by James G. Koch.
Fourth Meeting
Tuesday Morning, October 15, 1968
The session opened with singing of "Break Thou the Bread of Life" led by Ra1ph D. Cole. R. C. Reichenbach led in prayer. Daniel G. Ziegler led in devotions around the truth: "God is at Work.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church: (Ministers) Carl C. Cassel, Jansen E. Hartman, Frank L. Herb, Jr., John H. Riggall.
Carl Spackman, Supply Pastor at Mount Carmel, was introduced.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church: (Laymen) Byron C. Cassel, James R. Cressman, Kermit K. Gehman, Paul I. Wentz, Sr.
The Report of the Committee to Study Government I, according to Agenda, was considered.
Resolved, That William W. Mull be excused from the sessions this afternoon and Thursday afternoon.
Resolved, That we adjourn
Adjourned 12:05 P.M. with prayer by Donald T. Kirkwood.
Fifth Meeting
Tuesday Afternoon, October 15, 1968
Roy E. Williams led in prayer.
The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as corrected.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE LOCAL CONFERENCE MINUTES: (See Report, page 92)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved, That the Petition of the Paradise Church be granted and their delegate be seated in the Stationing and Appropriations Committee.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY CHURCH GOVERNMENT (See Reports, page 93)
The Report was accepted.
The following articles from the Committee to Study Church Government were considered:
ARTICLE X ELECTING AND INSTALLING ELDERS
Every congregation shall elect elders in keeping with the qualifications set forth in Scripture. Elders must be male members in full communion in the church in which they are to exercise their
office.
When persons are elected to this office and have declared their willingness to accept its responsibilities, they shall be set apart in the following manner:
In a service of worship, the minister shall state in a concise manner the warrant and nature of the office of elder together with the spiritual qualifications required for its exercise and the duties to be fulfilled. He shall then address to the candidate, in the presence of the congregation, the following questions:
1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Word of God, the only infallible rules of faith and conduct?
2. Do you sincerely receive the FAITH AND ORDER of the Bible Fellowship Church as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures?
3. Do you approve of the government and discipline of the Bible Fellowship Church?
4. Do you accept the office of elder in the congregation and promise faithfully to perform all the duties thereof?
5. Do you promise to promote the purity, peace and unity of the church?
After the elder-elect has answered these questions in the affirmative, the minister shall address to the members of the church the following questions:
1. Do you, the members of this church, acknowledge and receive this brother as an elder?
2. Do you promise to yield him all that honor, encouragement and obedience in the Lord, to which his office entitles him?
After the members of the church have answered these questions in the affirmative by holding up their right hands, the minister shall proceed to set apart the candidate by prayer to the office of elder and shall give to him and to the congregation an exhortation suited to the occasion.
The office of elder is perpetual since it involves the gift of God which cannot be laid aside at pleasure. Yet an elder may become by age or infirmity incapable of performing the duties of his office, or he may, though not chargeable with either heresy or immorality, become unacceptable in his official capacity to a majority of the congregation. For any of these reasons an elder may be declared inactive and therefore he shall no longer serve as a member of the Board of Elders.
If any particular church by congregational vote prefers to elect elders for a limited time in the exercise of their functions, this maybe done; provided, the full time be not less than three years, and the Board of Elders be made to consist of three classes, one of which shall be elected every year; and provided that elders, once installed, shall continue to be elders, though inactive when they are not re-elected to serve as a member of the Board of Elders.
All active and inactive elders shall subscribe annually to the FAITH AND ORDER of the Bible Fellowship Church. No person can be divested of this office except by deposition for failure to maintain standards of doctrine and life in keeping with the dignity of this office, but all elders, whether active or inactive, must maintain proper standards.
The above article was defeated. (Yes 33 No 44)
ARTICLE XI MINISTERS LABORING IN OTHER CHURCHES OR
ORGANIZATIONS
An ordained minister of the Bible Fellowship Church, consistently with his ordination vows and without prejudice to his ministerial standing, may properly under certain circumstances and conditions, labor in churches or organizations other than those of the Bible Fellowship Church.
The following rules must be adhered to in such cases:
1. Such labor shall not require the performance of functions inconsistent with his ordination vows required of ministers and other provisions of the FAITH AND ORDER of the Bible Fellowship Church.
2. They shall not be regarded as under the sole jurisdiction of the organization in which they serve. Such an organization must recognize that those who hold credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church are under its discipline in their faith and life.
ARTICLE XII THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE CHRISTIAN
MINISTRY
This material has been approved and appears in the mimeo FAITH AND ORDER, page 19.
ARTICLE XIII PROCEDURE FOR RECOGNITION OF A MINISTER
All men who desire to have ministerial credentials with the Bible Fellowship Church shall apply to the Ministerial Candidate Committee. Initial application should be made in writing to the chairman of the Committee; any minister in the denomination can supply the name and address of the current chairman.
Every man who is called to serve as pastor of a Bible Fellowship Church must have credentials with the denomination. Men who serve as supply pastors for an extended period of time shall be required to establish a proper relationship with this Committee.
Men Entering the Ministry. The Ministerial Candidate Committee divides those under its care into three groups: Applicants, Candidates and Probationers. An Applicant is a man who offers himself to this Committee for service in the Bible Fellowship Church; young men are encouraged to seek this recognition as early in their educational program as they sense the call of God to the ministry. A Candidate is a man whose application is accepted and who remains under the guidance of the Committee; men move to this group when they near the completion of their educational preparation for the ministry. 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 in a Bible Fellowship Church or in one of the denominational ministries. After a Probationer has served at least two years, he maybe recommended to the Credentials Committee for ordination examination. The minimum period of probationary service may be extended; having served as a Probationer does not guarantee ordination. Internship or field work programs enhance the value of this probationary period when churches and men desire.
Men Received from Other Churches. This material has been approved and appears in mimeo FAITH AND ORDER, page 20 — first four paragraphs.
Ordination. The Bible Fellowship Church understands ordination to the Christian ministry as the laying on of the hands of the elders of the Church accompanied by prayer and is the public recognition by the Church of gifts previously given by God to one called to the ministry of the Word of God. The examination for ordination is conducted by the Credentials Committee of the Bible Fellowship Church. As long as an ordained minister maintains a relationship to this denomination he remains under the care of the Credentials Committee subscribing annually to the FAITH AND ORDER.
ARTICLE XIV PULPIT SUPPLY PROCEDURE
This material has been approved and appears in mimeo FAITH AND ORDER, pp. 8-10
ARTICLE XV AGENCIES OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The churches individually and as a body recognize their responsibility for the growth of the church in this country and overseas, for the ministry, for education, for camps and conferences, for youth work, for publications, for ministerial pensions and relief and for other appropriate concerns.
The Annual Conference shall establish boards, committees or offices, temporary or permanent, incorporated or unincorporated for the discharge of these responsibilities.
Such agencies shall perform all their acts as the servants of and in accordance with the rules of the Bible Fellowship Church; they shall be accountable to and submit reports to the Annual Conference as it may require.
The Annual Conference shall be empowered to consider the programs of such agencies with a view to correlating their work, preventing duplication of effort and guiding the development of denominational programs. Each agency shall administer its own program and finances in conformity to policy which has been approved by the Annual Conference.
ARTICLE XVI CHAIRMAN
In order to conduct the business of the Annual Conference in an orderly and efficient manner, a chairman shall be chosen by and from the membership of the Annual Conference.
The chairman by his election shall be considered to possess, by delegation from the whole body, all authority necessary for the preservation of order and directing the operation of the Annual Conference according to the rules of the Bible Fellowship Church. In deciding issues in the meeting of the Annual Conference when there is a tie vote, he shall have the deciding vote. If he be not willing to decide, he shall call for a second ballot; if the result is again tie, the issue shall be lost.
The chairman of the next Annual Conference shall be chosen by ballot at the last session of each Annual Conference. He shall be eligible to succeed himself twice. After the close of the Annual Conference, the Chairman shall have the power to convene the Annual Conference by circulating a written call for such a meeting giving the members sufficient notice to prepare properly to attend.
ARTICLE XVII SECRETARY
Each Annual Conference shall choose from its members by ballot a secretary to record its transactions. It shall be the duty of the secretary, besides the recording of the actions, to preserve the records carefully and to prepare for publication the proceedings of the Annual Conference. He shall furnish certified excerpts from the minutes of the Annual Conference when properly requested; when such excerpts are given, they shall be considered as authentic evidence of the fact which they declare. The secretary shall be empowered to appoint any assistants he needs.
ARTICLE XVIII AMENDMENTS
Amendments or alterations in the Form of Government of the Bible Fellowship Church shall be made only in the following manner: The Annual Conference, after proper discussion, may propose changes to the churches by a two-thirds majority of those voting at the Annual Conference, but the changes shall not be valid until presented to the particular churches and approved by a two thirds majority of those voting at a succeeding Annual Conference; when the second Annual Conference shall give such approval, it shall declare that the changes have been adopted and are in effect.
Amendments or alterations in the Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church shall be made in a way similar to that of amending the Form of Government with the following additions: The elders of each church shall vote upon proposed changes and approval shall be necessary from two-thirds of the churches prior to the second vote of the Annual Conference.
None of the provisions of the second or third paragraphs of this article may be changed except by the process set forth in paragraph two.
The above 8 Articles were adopted for first reading.
Whereas, The Adjourned Session of the 84th Annual Conference did not elect a Director of Church Extension, and,
Whereas, Daniel G. Ziegler was appointed Interim Director for the Conference year 1968-1969, therefore,
Resolved, That Daniel G. Ziegler be a member of the Board of Church Extension by virtue of his appointment.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 7:30 P. M. Adjourned at 3:59 P. M. with prayer by Mark T. Smith.
Sixth Meeting
Tuesday Evening, October 15, 1968
This meeting convened at 7:45 P.M.
The minutes were approved as read.
Whereas, Most of our pastors are unable to enter a group health insurance plan and,
Whereas, Mr. Wagner, Insurance Executive, has proposed a plan that seems ideal for our churches and pastors, and is within our financial means, therefore,
Resolved, That he be requested to present this plan to our delegates during this Annual Conference.
The Spring City petition was considered.
Resolved, That this petition be referred to the Committee on Church Government.
The Harleysville petition was considered.
Resolved, That we extend the time.
Whereas, The Pastor and Delegate of the Harleysville Church have stated that they regard the report of the Committee on Credentials as an adequate answer to their petition, therefore,
Resolved, That we consider the petition answered in the report of the Committee on Credentials.
Resolved, That C. E. Kirkwood, Carl C. Cassel and James G. Koch be excused from certain sessions on Thursday.
Resolved, That we adjourn.
Adjourned at 10: 04 P.M. with prayer by Robert W. Smock.
Seventh Meeting
Wednesday Morning, October 16, 1968
Harold P. Shelly led the Conference in singing, "Jesus I am Resting". Pastor Donald R. Knauer spoke on "The Shepherd's Heart" from Luke 4.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved as corrected.
The following were elected:
Board of Church Extension: Bruce A. Ellingson, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., James G. Koch, John L. Deily, Clayton E. Weber.
General Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions: T. D. Gehret
Board of Foreign Missions: (Ministers) Willard E. Cassel, David E. Thomann, John Dunn
The Secretary read a letter of excuse from Alva C. Cassel.
Resolved, That the excuse of Alva C. Cassel be accepted.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and recess to the call of the Chair no earlier than 3:30 P.M.
Prayer by Paul G. Zimmerman.
The following were elected:
Board of Foreign Missions: (Laymen) Robert Breitegam, James R. Cressman, Kermit K. Gehman, Roy E. Williams
REPORT OF THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE: (See Reports, page 96)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved, That all Foreign Mission funds be forwarded quarterly to the General Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, Rev. T. D. Gehret, 2340 Union Street, Allentown, Pa. 18104.
The Berean Bible School Budget was presented.
Resolved, That the Berean Bible School budget for 1968-69 be tabled. (Yes 29 No 26)
Resolved, That David J. Watkins and Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., be excused from certain meetings on Thursday.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PENSIONS: (See Reports, page 97)
The Report was accepted.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors of Berean Bible School: (Minister ) James A. Beil
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to meet at 7:30 P.M.
Adjourned with prayer by T. D. Gehret.
Eighth Meeting
Wednesday Evening, October 16, 1968
The meeting convened at 7:40 P.M.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved as read.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors of Berean Bible School: (Laymen) C. W. Snyder, Warren L. Zimmerman, Harold Snyder
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE: (See Reports, page 116)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF BEREAN BIBLE SCHOOL: (See Reports, page 98)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved, That the following changes be made in the Standing Rules on page R 10 of the mimeo Faith and Order pertaining to the President of Berean Bible School: (First Reading)
The President of Berean Bible School
Delete the existing two sentences.
Read, The President of Berean Bible School shall be elected by the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School according to their by-laws from among men who are in agreement with the articles of Faith and Order of the Bible Fellowship Church. The election of a new president shall be submitted to Annual Conference and be ratified by a two-thirds vote.
Resolved, That the following changes be made on page 22 of the mimeo Faith and Order pertaining to the composition of the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School: (First Reading)
Board of Directors of Berean Bible School
1. The Board of Directors of Berean Bible School shall be composed of:
a. The District Superintendent
b.The President of the School
c.Four ordained ministers
d.Seven laymen
2. Election
A. Classes
I Two Two
II One Minister Three laymen
III One One
Resolved, That each church be encouraged to support Berean Bible School at a level equal to 4 % of its annual offerings and that this support be remitted to the school in twelve monthly payments. The laymen on the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School shall maintain contact throughout the year with the pastors and Official Boards of each church, keeping them informed of the work of the school and its needs.
Resolved, That we adjourn.
Adjourned at 9:25 P.M. with prayer by John Dunn.
Ninth Meeting
Thursday Morning, October 17, 1968
The meeting opened at 9:00 A. M. with Delegate Sterling Baer leading the Conference in singing, "In Tenderness He Sought Me. " John H. Riggall spoke from Romans 12:9-21 on "Love in the Life of an Elder."
The minutes were read and approved as corrected.
Brian Butler informed us of the serious illness of Arthur W. Deppe. The Conference entered into a time of prayer on his behalf.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: (See Reports, page 104)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved, That Annual Conference approve the filing of an application by Berean Bible School with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Public Instruction for the granting of associate degrees and such honors as are appropriate to the programs offered.
Resolved, That the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School be authorized to make changes in the Charter of Incorporation necessary to implement the granting of degrees.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 10:23 with prayer by Walter A. Schlagel.
Tenth Meeting
Thursday Afternoon, October 17, 1968
The meeting began at 1:45 P.M.
The minutes were approved as read.
The following were elected:
Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church Home: T. D. Gehret, E. W. Bean, George E. Herb, Paul H. Cressman
Resolved, That Brian Butler be excused from the remainder of this meeting, Harvey J. Fritz, Jr., and LeRoy S. Heller, Arthur Mack and Roy E. Williams from Friday afternoon's meeting and H. Phares Mumbauer and E. Gerald Hershey from all sessions on Friday.
Resolved, That we elect the Pinebrook Bible Conference Board which shall be composed of the Bible Conference Director (by virtue of his office), three (3) pastors and three (3) laymen. Pastors and laymen shall be elected for three (3) year terms, and further,
Resolved, That for this initial election we elect one pastor and one layman for a term of three (3) years; one pastor and one layman for a term of two (2) years; and one pastor and one layman for a term of one year.
Resolved, That we recess to the call of the Chair.
Recessed at 2: 18 P.M.
Business resumed at 5:21 P.M.
Resolved, That we adjourn.
Adjourned at 5:22 P. M. with prayer by Raymond R. Dotts.
Eleventh Meeting
Friday Morning, October 18, 1968
The meeting opened with singing, "In Tenderness He Sought Me". John L. Deily led in prayer. Pastor David E. Thomann read from Philippians 2:l-18 (Phillips)
The minutes were read and approved as corrected.
Whereas, Arthur W. Deppe, Delegate from Catasauqua, was taken ill, therefore,
Resolved, That Joseph Wire, Jr., Alternate Delegate, be seated in the bar.
Resolved, That Brian Butler be excused from the morning meeting.
Resolved, That LeRoy Wilcox and Carl H. Kellerman be excused at noon today.
The following were elected:
Pinebrook Bible Conference Board: (Ministers) John H. Riggall, (3 years), Ronald C. Mahurin (2 years), Mark T. Smith (1 year).
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS (See Reports, page 104)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINUTES (See Reports, page 105)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved, That the minutes of the 84th Annual Conference be opened so that the omission reported by the Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes can be inserted.
Resolved, That we cast three ballots for the laymen of the Pinebrook Bible Conference Board.
The following were elected:
Pinebrook Bible Conference Board: (Laymen) (3 years) Norman W. Granda (2 years) Kermit K. Gehman, (1 year) Lee Boyles
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO COORDINATE LEGISLATION PROPOSED BY THE BOARD OF CHURCH EXTENSION: (See Report, page l05).
The Report was accepted.
The following articles from the above report were adopted:
1. Any congregation meeting the standards of Article XVIII of the Faith and Order is a member of the Annual Conference and shall be known as a church.
II. Any congregation which has a relationship to the Bible Fellowship Church but has not yet met the standards for recognition as a church shall be called a mission.
III. When in the opinion of the Board of Church Extension, a mission has attained to the standards set forth in Article XVIII, the Board shall recommend to Annual Conference that this mission be recognized as a church and that it be admitted to the membership of Annual Conference. This recognition will be by a majority vote of Annual Conference.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS (See Report, p.117)
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO PLAN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONFERENCE CENTER (See Report, page 107)
The above Reports were accepted.
Resolved, That we extend the time.
Resolved, That we adjourn.
Adjourned at 12:08 with prayer by Edward A. Stortz.
Twelfth Meeting
Friday. Afternoon, October 18, 1968
The minutes were read and approved.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO STUDY PULPIT SUPPLY (See Reports, page 108)
The Report was accepted.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a committee of 5 who believe that the present system of Pulpit Supply can be made adequate by revising it to study the problem and present their findings to the Adjourned Session of the 85th Annual Conference.
The Chairman appointed William A. Heffner, John H. Riggall, R. C. Reichenbach, Horace A. Kauffman, Robert W. Gehret.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON STATIONING AND APPROPRIATIONS (See Reports, page 108).
Resolved, That this Report be referred back to the Committee.
This resolution lost. (Yes 29 No 4l)
Resolved, That the Report on the Committee on Stationing and Appropriations be accepted. (Yes 45 No 25)
Resolved, That we recess to the call of the Chair.
Recessed at 4:20 P.M.
Business resumed at 5:15 P.M.
Resolved, That we suspend the Rules and adjourn to meet at 6:00 P.M.
Adjourned with prayer by Norman L. Reed.
Thirteenth Meeting
Friday Evening, October 18, 1968
The meeting began at 6:06 P.M.
The minutes were read and approved as read.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON AUDITING (See Report, page 111)
The Report was accepted.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS (See Reports, page 112).
The Report was adopted.
The Conference Administration Budget was presented as follows:
1. Publication and Printing $ 500.
2. Conference Entertainment 650.
3. Beneficiary Fund 800.
4. District Superintendent:
(a) Annual Support 7,350.
(b) Travel and Utility Grant 3,400.
5. District Superintendent's Parsonage 1,500.
6. Ministers' Retirement Fund 5,000.
7. Moving Fund 4,000.
8. Expenses for Boards and Committees while
transacting Conference Business 1,000.
9. Other Expenses of Board of Directors 290.
10. Contingencies 500.
11. Ministerial Convention Expenses 400.
12. An Appropriation to be used at the discretion
of the District Superintendent 3,000.
28,390.
Resolved, That we elect a Pinebrook Service Board which shall be composed of the President of Berean Bible School and the Director of the Bible Conference (by virtue of their offices); one member of the Bible Conference Board and one member of the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School who shall be chosen by their respective boards and three (3) members at large. At no time shall there be more than two members, exclusive of the Conference Superintendent, serving from the Board of Directors of Berean Bible School or the Pinebrook Bible Conference Board.
The following were elected:
Pinebrook Service Board: Gerald Schlonecker, George Herb, Harry Bailey.
Resolved, That the work of the Committee on Pensions be continued by a sub-committee of the Board of Directors of the Bible Fellowship Church consisting of the lay members of said Board. They shall also consider the problem of health insurance.
Resolved, That regulation number 11 on page 10 of the published By-Laws and Articles of Faith of the Bible Fellowship Church, October 1960, under Pulpit Supply, Annual Conference Action, which reads, "No Pastor shall serve any church longer than nine (9) consecutive years" be eliminated. (Second Reading)
Resolved