Proceedings
of the
Fifteenth General Conference
of the
MENNONITE BRETHREN IN CHRIST CHURCH
Convened in the
Potsdam, Ohio, M. B. in C. Church
NOVEMBER 5th to 10th, 1947
FIRST MEETING
Wednesday Morning
The Conference was called into session at 9 a.m. by R. P. Ditmer.
After the singing of the hymns,''Faith of Our Fathers," and "He Leadeth Me," we were led in prayer by J. A. Huffman.
R. P. Ditmer, Chairman of the last General Conference read as a Scripture lesson, First Corinthians chapter thirteen.
Kenneth Geiger and E. R. Storms were appointed tellers.
W. E. Manges was elected Chairman.
J. E. Tuckey was elected Vice-Chairman.
T. D. Gehret was elected Secretary.
N. H. Wolf was appointed Assistant Secretary.
The Chairman, W. E. Manges then read Ephesians 4:1-6 and gave a helpful exhortation. This was followed by a season of earnest prayer during which the Conference members sought the wisdom and strength of God for the Conference session.
Rev. Arthur Ditmer, Pastor of the host Church, gave a cordial address of welcome to all assembled in this General Conference Session.
Resolved, That the first four rows of seals across the Church and the seats to the right and left of the Chair and the Church of the Brethren for private meetings, constitute the bar.
Resolved, That the fifth and sixth rows of seats across the Church, reserved for advisory members.
CONFERENCE ROLL
Pennsylvania Conference: P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, E. N. Cassel. F. B. Hertzog, N. H. Wolf, J. B. Layne, F. M. Hottel, J. B. Henry, A G. Woodring, R. Paul Schaeffer, H. L. Shelly, Paul H. Cressman, 4 W. Deppe, R. R. Fox, John M. Slater.
Ontario Conference: P. G. Lehman, H. S. Hallman, Ward M. Shantz, J. H. Good, G. W. Johnson, A. E. Gillies, E. R. Storms, R. Raymer.
Michigan Conference: J. E. Tuckey, M. J. Burgess, J. A. Bradley, H. C. Eagle, J. S. Wood, L. L. Rassi, J. E. Dafoe, William B. Little, D. V. Wells.
Indiana Conference: W. E. Manges, Q. J. Everest, Woodrow I. Goodman, Kenneth Geiger, J. A. Huffman, Milo E. Miller, Edgar Freed, S. A. Rohrer.
Ohio Conference: Forest L. Huffman, R. P. Ditmer, H. E. Bowman, J. E. Seeker.
Nebraska Conference: Charles F. Gray, E. D. Young, H. J. Stone.
Canadian Northwest Conference: A. Frey, A. Traub, M. Swalm.
Washington Conference: A. B. Neufeld, E. H. Metcilf.
Editor: Ray P. Pannabecker.
The following rules of order were adopted:
1. Each member before speaking on any subject, or upon presenting any motion or seconding the same, shall rise, and respectfully address the Chair, and receiving recognition, shall be allowed to speak ten minutes on each subject, and only once, except by the permission of the Chair, provided no one else desires to speak, or no one objects.
2. The forenoon meetings open at 9:00 a.m. and close at 12:00 noon; afternoon meetings open at 2:00 p.m. and close at 5:00 p.m.
3. That all open voting be done by raising the hand.
4. That in all elections a nomination shall be seconded in order to qualify a person as a candidate.
5. That the chairman nominate all committees, unless otherwise provided for and that Conference elect them.
6. That all ordained ministers and probationers having charge of a work shall be introduced to the Conference, their names placed on the record and that they be received as advisory members and be privileged to speak five minutes on any subject, and only once.
7. That we encourage the chairman to call on such members of this Conference who show inactivity. We request the chair to enforce all rules of order.
8. That ministers of other denominations attending any of the meetings shall be introduced to this Conference.
9. That we accept T. B. Neely's "Parliamentary Practice" to govern this Conference body.
10. That no member of this Conference be allowed to leave the bar without permission of the Chair.
11. That at the call of one-fifth of the members of this Conference present the "yeas" and "nays" shall be recorded.
Resolved, That E. R. Storms act as reporter.
Resolved, That at the opening of each morning meeting the Chairman or someone appointed by him give a brief devotional address and the Conference join in earnest prayer.
Resolved, That we have evangelistic services in the evenings.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a time-keeper.
The Chairman appointed D. V. Wells.
Resolved, That we have the following committees: To examine the General Conference Minutes; On Worship; On Statistics; On Annual Conference Minutes; On Resolutions, On Introduction; On Auditing; On Credentials; On Boundary; and to examine Correspondence to General Conference.
Resolved, That the appointed committees be elected by open vote.
The Chair appointed R. P. Ditmer as a Committee on Introductions.
The following were introduced to the Conference at this time:
Ministers: G. C. Gulliat, G. L. Beck, L. A. Steele, A. Taylor, F. A. Holdeman, Willard E. Cassel, W. H. Frank, C. E. Kirkwood, J. E. Golla, D. E. Thomann, C. L. Miller, Arthur H. Ditmer, Merion E. Grosh, H. L. Matteson, Ira L. Wood, N. D. Zimmerman, Raymond Pettit, James E. Geahlen, Milton Bricker, M. J. Carmichael, C. W. Severn, also W. Bruce Musselman, President of the Gospel Worker Society of Cleveland, Ohio, Paul F. Kreiss, business agent for the Bethel Publishing House, and Missionaries Paul Ummel and Miss Myrtle Anderson.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 11:45 a m. with prayer by F. B. Hertzog.
SECOND MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon
The meeting was opened with singing,''Jesus Saves" and prayer by J. S. Wood.
Roll Call
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The Chairman appointed the following Committees:
Committee on Worship: Forest L. Huffman, J. S. Wood, E. D. Young.
Committee to Examine General Conference Minutes: J. B. Henry, Rassi, H. E. Bowmen.
Committee on Statistics: J. B. Layne, Kenneth Geiger, M. J. Burgess, Ward Shantz, J. E. Seeker, M. Swalm.
Committee on Examination of Annual Conference Minutes: E. H Metcilf, Woodrow I. Goodman, J. E. Dafoe, H. S. Hallman, F. B. Hertzog.
Committee on Resolutions: J. A. Huffman, R. P. Ditmer.
Committee on Auditing: Paul H. Cressman, Edgar Freed, D. V. Wells, A. E. Gillies.
Committee on Credentials: P. T, Stengele, J. E. Tuckey, P. G. Lehman, Charles F. Gray, A. Frey, A. B. Neufeld, Forest L. Huffman, Q. J. Everest.
Committee on Boundary: P. T. Stengele, J. E. Tuckey, M. G. Burgess, P. G. Lehman, Forest L. Huffman, Q. J. Everest, Charles F. Gray, A. Frey, A. B. Neufeld
Committee on Correspondence to General Conference: A. Traub, E. N. Cassel.
Resolved, That we authorize E. R. Storms appointed reporter at this General Conference to proceed with any publicity relating to this Conference that he may deem advisable and that the expense be paid for by the Conference.
Secretary and Editor's Report on General Conference Journals
Receipts
Pennsylvania Conference $124.85
Ontario Conference 72.50
Indiana Conference 55.31
Michigan Conference 59.07
Ohio Conference 36.52
Nebraska Conference 25.78
Canadian North West Conf 16.38
Pacific Conference 8.06
West Coast Conference 4.56
Total $403.03
Expenditures
Printing 1500 Journals $328.50
Conference Picture and Cut 4.50
Cuts of Ministers 4.65
Loose Leaf Book 1.50
Packing and Mailing 23.88
T. D. Gehret, Secretary 20.00
N. Il. Wolf, Assistant Secretary 20.00
Total $403.03
T. D. Gehret
N. H. Wolf
Report was adopted.
Report of the Committee on Church Union:
The Committee elected by the last General Conference on Church Union, met and organized as follows: Chairman, W. E. Manges; Secretary, J. E. Tuckey.
This Committee met four times discussing the plans and possibilities of carrying on our fraternal relations with the delegates from the Missionary Church Association and the delegates from the Defenseless Mennonite Church.
We met twice with the delegates from said churches and talked at length with them regarding the possibilities of a church union. Much progress appeared to be made at times, however, at the last meeting it seemed that the door was being closed which made further negotiations unfeasible.
Signed: W. E. Manges
J. E. Tuckey,
R. P. Ditmer,
J. S. Wood,
Committee.
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That we recess to the call of the Chair.
Business was resumed at 3:45 p.m.
Report of the Committee on Worship:
The Committee on Worship recommends that the order of service this evening be as follows:
The service shall begin at 7:45 and be in charge of R. P. Pannabecker.
Song service in charge of H. L. Matteson.
Special Song by I. L. Wood.
Two twenty-minute messages by J. B. Henry and P. G. Lehman.
An offering shall be taken to assist the local congregation in the defraying of the expenses of entertaining this conference.
Forest L. Huffman,
J. S. Wood,
E. D. Young,
Committee.
Report of the Committee on Credentials:
Report as follows:
The Pennsylvania Conference is entitled to six Presiding Elders, seven minister delegates, and seven lay delegates. P. T. Stengele and T. D. Gehret, are the Presiding Elders. E. N. Cassel, F. B. Hertzog, J. B. Layne, N. H. Wolf, J. B. Henry, F. M. Hottel and A. G. Woodring, are the minister delegates. R. Paul Schaeffer, H. L. Shelly, R.R. Fox, A. D. Deppe, Paul H. Cressman and John M. Slater, are the lay delegates.
The Ontario Conference is entitled to three Presiding Elders, four minister delegates and three lay delegates. P. G. Lehman is the Presiding Elder. H. S. Hallman, Ward M. Shantz, J. H. Good and G. W. Johnson are the minister delegates. R. Raymer, A. E. Gillies and E. R. Storms are the lay delegates.
The Michigan Conference is entitled to three Presiding Elders, four minister delegates and three lay delegates. M. J. Burgess and J. E. Tuckey are the Presiding Elders. J. A. Bradley, H. C. Eagle, L. L. Rassi and J. S. Wood are the minister delegates. J. E. Dafoe, William H. Little and D. V. Wells are the lay delegates.
The Indiana Conference is entitled to three Presiding Elders, four minister delegates and three lay delegates. W. E. Manges is the Presiding Elder; Q. J. Everest, Woodrow I. Goodman, Kenneth Geiger and J. A. Huffman are the minister delegates. Mile E. Miller, Edgar Freed and S. A. Rohrer, are the lay delegates.
The Ohio Conference is entitled to one Presiding Elder, two minister delegates and one lay delegate. Forest L. Huffman is the Presiding Elder; R. P Ditmer and H. E. Bowman are the minister delegates; J. E. Seeker is the lay delegate.
The Nebraska Conference is entitled to one Presiding Elder, one minister delegate and one lay delegate, Charles F. Gray is the Presiding Elder; E. D. Young is the minister delegate and H. J. Stone is the lay delegate.
The Canadian Northwest Conference is entitled to one Presiding Elder, one minister delegate and one lay delegate. A. Frey is the Presiding Elder; A. Traub is the minister delegate and M. Swalm is the lay delegate.
The Washington Conference is entitled to one Presiding Elder and one minister delegate. A. W. Neufeld is the Presiding Elder and E. H. Metcilf is the minister delegate.
The Editor of the Gospel Banner, Ray P. Pannabecker, is a member of the General Conference by virtue of his office.
Upon examination of the various Conference Minutes, we have found that all of the above have been duly elected according to discipline.
P. T. Stengele,
J. E. Tuckey
Charles F. Gray,
P. G. Lehman,
Forest L. Huffman,
A. Frey,
A. B. Neufeld,
Committee.
Report was adopted.
Report of the Executive Board
With a deep sense of gratitude to our gracious Lord for His continued blessing, we submit the report of the Executive Board to this General Conference.
Most of the activities of the Board had to do with the work of the Bethel Publishing Co. and the publishing of the Gospel Banner.
The properly at 1817-1819 South Main Street, Elkhart, Indiana was originally deeded to trustees. The Executive Committee, at the time when the lots were purchased, resolved that the title of the property should eventually be held by the Executive Committee as the property of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of the United States and the Dominion of Canada. In 1944, the title of the property was transferred from the trustees to the members of the Executive Board of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ of the United States and the Dominion of Canada and their successors in office as such Executive Board may from time to time be constituted by the General Conference.
The expansion of the business, both in counter sales and mail orders, made it necessary to renovate and remodel the store room at 1817 S. Main Street. This store room now has two offices, a work room, and storage space. The Bethel Publishing Co. now occupies the
entire first Boor of the building, with an office for the Editor and one for the Business Agent. These changes incurred considerable expense, but are really worthwhile as it made possible the enlarging of the store room and made possible the displaying of the goods to better advantage.
At the meeting on November 13, 1945, C. A. Wright, who had served as Business Agent, was retired. Paul F. Kreiss was engaged to become the Business Agent, and took over the business on January 1, 1946. He is the present Business Agent.
At the meeting of November 12, 1946, P. T. Stengele and T. D. Gehret were elected as members of the Executive Board to fill the vacancies caused by resignations.
J. A. Huffman was elected to edit the Sunday School literature for the quadrennium. He has faithfully continued in this position.
The Times Publishing Co. of Pandora, Ohio has contracted to Print the Gospel Banner and have worked with the editor and have brought out the Banner regularly and on time.
The Editor of the Gospel Banner, Ray P. Pannabecker, has met with the Board annually and has worked in full harmony with the Board throughout the entire term. He has furnished regularly all the material for the Gospel Banner and has always aimed to make the material interesting and beneficial.
We wish to recognize the faithfulness of Ray P. Pannabecker, Editor of the Gospel Banner and J. A. Huffman, Editor of the Sunday School literature, for their devotion in the work entrusted to them, in producing good sound literature for our church. We wish also to recognize the devotion and faithful service of C. A. Wright and Paul F. Kreiss, Business Agents, and their staff of workers in the discharge of their duties in an efficient manner, and to the Times Publishing Co. for faithfully fulfilling their part of the work.
We wish to express thanks to God for the constituency that has faithfully supported the work of the Publishing Co. and assisted in the effort of reaching more homes with the Gospel Banner and other worthwhile literature.
The following figures and facts were gathered from the report of the Auditor for 1943 and 1947:
1943 1947
Total sales $43,636.29 $62,892.27
Gross profit 20,633.86 29,088.33
Gospel Banner Deficit 1,667.35 3,328.55
Inventory of Stock 9,162.25 28,484.54
Net worth 49,418.80 57,506.96
Subscribers to the Banner 3,175 4,575
Paid to the United Missionary Society $ 2,013.46
The cost of publishing the Gospel Banner has increased sharply, with the cost of materials and the increase of the number of subscribers so that the deficit in this department has increased by $1,661.20 since 1943. These deficits have annually been absorbed by the Bethel Publishing Co.
We recommend that the General Conference authorize the Executive Board to set the subscription price of the Gospel Banner at not less than $1.50 per annum.
We submit herewith the balance sheet of the Auditor of the Bethel Publishing Co. which sets forth the affairs of the Company as of September 30, 1947.
R. P. Ditmer, President
E. N. Cassel, Secretary
W. E. Manges, Treasurer
J. S. Wood,
P. T. Stengele,
E. D. Young,
F. B. Hertzog,
M. Bricker,
J. A. Huffman,
T. D. Gehret,
J. E. Tuckey.
C. J. Hallman and E. Moyer were absent from the meeting.
BETHEL PUBLISHING CO., ELKHART, INDIANA
Balance Sheet September 30, 1947
Assets
Current Assets
Cash in office $121.44
Petty Cash fund 50.00
Cash in Banks 12,278.40
Accounts receivable 4,039.09
Merchandise inventory 27,691.64
Supplies and fuel 792.90
Total Assets $44,973.47
Fixed Assets
Real estate and improvements $22,879.86
Lens depreciation reserve 9,383.63
13,498.23
Furniture and fixtures 2,742.04
Less depreciation reserve 1,366.35
1,375.69
Machinery and printing plates 639.14
Less depreciation reserve 501.15
137.99
Total Fixed Assets 15,009.91
Other Assets
Mailing lists 2,000.00 2,000.00
Total Assets $61,983.38
LIABILITIES AND INVESTMENTS
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable $ 4,340.30
Withholding tax payable 126.10
European Relief fund 10.00
Total Current Liabilities 4,476.40
Total Net Worth 57,506.98
$61,983.38
Resolved. That this report be adopted and that the recommendation relative to the subscription price he considered at a later period.
Report of the Editor:
To the General Conference of 1947, Greetings:
The sacred privilege of editing our official church publication was placed upon me while I was still a young man. This thought, along with others, made me aware of a definite need of Divine aid in under taking this work, and the Lord has not forsaken in the times of need.
The time has slipped by and nearly 200 issues have passed into the hands of our readers. Many have been the joys and blessings that have come to the Editor while this work was in progress. Numerous letters and personal words of encouragement have helped to make one feel that the work was not in vain.
A severe problem of editing has been the usual lack of suitable original material, however, the Associates have helped, the pastors have contributed sermons, and many lay members have supplied helpful material. For this help we now offer public words of appreciation.
An effort has been made to dress up the pages with cuts, display headings, and other ideas having to do with the format of a magazine. We trust that these have contributed something to the presentation of the words of the messages cotaied on the pages.
During the two previous years, in the fall months, we have sponsored a subscription campaign which has proven valuable in the addition of new subscriptions and the collections of those about to expire The present campaign is scarcely under way but it is hoped that this may be our best year. In January of 1944 we had 3725 subscribers in October of the same year, 3750. In October of 1945 we had 3850 while in the same month of last year we had 4325. October figures are not available for this year but September figures showed a high of 4575. This represents an increase of about 200 a year, or an increase of 22% over January of 1944. If we can keep this movement going we are certain to see an ever-increasing usefulness for the Gospel Banner.
I have appreciated the privilege of working for you and the Church in this office and wish to thank each of you for your measure of support to this worthy Church project.
Yours in Him,
Ray P. Pannabecker.
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That we hear the reports of the District Superintendents.
Reports of the District Superintendents:
Washington Conference--A. B. Neufeld, D.S.
The Washington Conference came into existence in June 1945 as a result of the combining of the Pacific and the West Coast Conferences. E. H. Metcilf and A. B. Neufeld were the Presiding Elders at the time of the union. This step we believe was one of the wisest and greatest ever made in the West. We thank God for His definite leading and believe that we are in divine order. At first we were afraid that it was only a mere bringing of two together, which were by no means one, but as time passes on, God is very graciously help us and as a result we have now almost lost our identity and we are entering into the place of blessing. "Noah bound grace in the eyes of the Lord." We, too, want to conduct ourselves so that His favor and smile may be upon us.
As to reporting for the four years since last General Conference, I would say the possibilities of the Washington Conference are unlimited; for we have a great God in whom is our trust. I was only elected to this office in June 1947 so will not be able to give a complete report but I have made one round over the territory and am pleased to report that Pastors and people have given me a fine welcome and splendid cooperation. Our Quarterly meetings were times of refreshing because of the presence of the Lord.
The Washington Conference now consists of ten organized churches and two preaching appointments. We feel keenly the need of more consecrated workers, for indeed the needy harvest fields are many, but the laborers are few. During the last two years we have suffered the loss of
some of our very valuable and highly esteemed workers, namely, Sister Barbara Embree, Rev. Arthur Creasy, Rev. Lesley Kagey and Sister Bertha Carmichael. Our loss is their gain. We are glad to know that God is calling others to fill their place of service here. Louise Lorain
to Africa; while other young men and women are now in training at Mountain Bible School, preparing for definite full time service for home and abroad. The good work must go on and on. We as the Washington Conference want to do our part in spreading the good news of Salvation, which is the power of God unto salvation to every one that 'believeth.
Nebraska Conference-Charles F. Gray. D. S.
As I am just entering upon my second year as District Superintendent, I cannot give a complete report of the work. The Nebraska Conference now has twenty-one classes, which are scattered over a wide area. We have a loyal group of ministers who are faithful to the cause.
The laity is faithfully standing by the work with their prayer interest as well as with their finances.
We also have a large group of young people, many who are truly consecrated to God and are a real blessing to the Church and the Conference.
The Camp Meetings, revivals and young people's conventions held during the past four years, were times of special blessing. Our hearts were made to rejoice as we have seen both young and old bow at the altar of prayer and make their peace with God. Many have been saved and sanctified for which we give God all the glory.
Our only desire is to do His will and to be faithful until Jesus comes.
Canadian Northwest Conference--A. Frey, D. S.
To my lot has fallen the honor of presenting the report Canadian Northwest Conference for the past four years.
My term of service covers a period of nineteen months, and I realize that the others have labored and we have entered into labors.
In viewing the work of the Conference we can report progress along different lines. Just recently a beautiful new church was dedicated at Castor and another is ready for dedication at Big Valley. This gives us eleven churches in the Conference. Improvements have been made in the various churches and parsonages, and a house has also been purchased for the District Superintendent. These properties are a credit to the church and the communities in which they are located.
The Mountain View Bible School has undertaken a major building program this year. Three buildings were purchased, dismantled and shipped a distance Of fifteen hundred miles to be erected on the campus and used as a school dormitories. The first of these has been erected, equipped with steam heating and is already in use in them present school year.
The work of Evangelism has been pressed throughout the Conference. Revival services have been held during the past quadrennium on the different fields with various evangelists, in which a goodly number found Christ in His saving and sanctifying grace. The annual camp meeting at Didsbury continues to be a place of salvation and blessing. The children and young people's camp at Gull Lake, begun Conference begun since last General Conference has found a definite place in the program of the church.
The missionary work of the church has been well supported and the interest of our people in foreign missions has been well sustained. In the past four years six graduates of the Bible School have found places of service in foreign lands and still others have received a vision of the lost and answered the call of God. The activities of the W.M.S. reach throughout the Conference and the deputation work of our returned missionaries is always a means of stimulation to the cause of foreign missions.
It has meant denial and sacrifice on the part of our people both laity and ministry to carry on the various phases of our church work, but God has blessed and We mean to be faithful to the trust God has bestowed upon us as a Conference.
Indiana Conference--W. E. Manges, D. S.
God's faithfulness has been manifested in the Indiana Conference during the quadrennium. At the present time we have twenty-two appointments. Three have been added during the period and tire work at Benton has been discontinued. Four new classes have been organized and one remains unorganized. Several church properties have been deeded to the conference, two new churches have been built, one is now in the process of being built, considerable remodeling of churches has added more and better facilities for church and Sunday school work. Three parsonages have been bought, three new ones built and one is in the process of being built. Improvements have been made at the camp ground that cost approximately twelve thousand dollars. This increase in church property has cost approximately one hundred and forty thousand dollars with by far the greater part of it paid. In addition to the building program in the Conference our people have taken a good interest in Bethel College and without too much effort nearly fifty thousand dollars has been raised for the school program. While our people have given liberally to the local interests, foreign and home mission interests were not neglected. The total offerings for missions amounted to more than $120,000.00 in the four year period.
We are not reporting anything spectacular as far as great revivals may be concerned, nevertheless the annual camp meetings and evangelistic services in the churches have been the means of God's blessing in the salvation and sanctification of many people. The records will show a net increase of 271 in church membership and also a good increase in Sunday school attendance. We do praise God for the constituency, for we have many who are zealous for God and are interested in the progress of the church. Their faithful contribution in prayer, testimony, church attendance and financial support has been a great and important factor in the progress of the work. The Lord has given us a splendid group of ministers who have given themselves in true consecration to the ministry of the Word. The retired ministers of the Conference are worthy of mention for their faithful and sacrificial ministry in the past and for their continued devotion to the
church.
Since the last General Conference death has taken a number of our most faithful members, including three of our ordained ministers, namely, Rev. L. Kreider, Rev. L. W. Yoder and Rev. C. L. Huffman. Mrs. C. I. Huffman also passed away just recently.
The young people of the church are showing an increased interest in young people's work. During the past four years four married couples and two single ladies have gone to Nigeria, West Africa, and India as missionaries. Others are now preparing themselves for Christian work.
The Women's Missionary Society is very active and has made a splendid contribution to the cause of missions. No doubt it is largely through their efforts there has been an increased interest in this good work.
We thank God that we have had a small part in the work of God's Kingdom and the church. God has a mission for us as a denomination and He expects us to be faithful to the trust committed to us.
If the Lord Jesus should tarry we would be permitted to meet again in a General Conference, will we be able to report greater gains than in the past years in His work? We must work while it is day. The night cometh when no man can work.
Michigan Conference, North District--J. E. Tuckey, D. S.
The district which I have served for the past two and one-half years is comprised of eight stations and six circuits, or a total of twenty organized churches, twelve of which are village and city churches, and eight of which are located in the country.
We express our appreciation to God for what progress has been made during the past four years. During this time one new church has been built and a new class organized. Two other churches have united and they are building a new church which will be dedicated in the near future. Two other churches which comprised a circuit have been united and purchased a large church which they have put in excellent repair. At present, some of our fields have some indebtedness, but none of which cannot easily be met by continual and concentrated effort.
On this district two camp meetings are held each year. These have proved to he great blessings in the salvation of souls and the unification of the churches. Our young people's work has done much to tie our young people to our church. We have a well organized W.M.S. which has accomplished some worthwhile work for missions.
Our Conference has an excellent group of ministers who are loyal to their calling and the church. A large percentage of our pastors are young men filled with the zeal of the Holy Spirit. We also have a fine group of young people who are in school training in preparation for definite callings.
During the past four years we have suffered the loss of some of our valuable church leaders, namely, Rev. O. B. Snyder, Rev. W. Schroeder, and Rev. J. N. Kitching, who have been leaders in the church in the yesterdays, also, Rev. R. W. Herber who was summoned home during his second year of serving as D.S. of the South District. Their fellowship and counsel is being missed.
On the district are some of the most devoted Christians that can be found, and I sense a new feeling of interest in the work of the Lord among our ministry and laity. We purpose to stand behind the church and proclaim a full gospel to a needy world.
Michigan Conference, South District--Mark J. Burgess, D. S.
This is my first year of service as District Superintendent, and being elected only last June, the work is still quite new. The District consists of eleven churches all of them being city appointments except one. I am happy to report that the work at each church is making good progress. There has been of late a very marked increase in the Sunday School and church attendance of a number of our churches.
The pastors over the District are giving their best to the work, and God's blessing is upon them. They are a fine group of consecrated and capable ministers. One of our churches is at the present time engaged in a building program to provide adequate space to care for their growing Sunday School, another church has its plans complete for the erection of a new church and will begin work on it in a short time.
There are two new churches on the district, which as yet are under the Conference Extension Board, and I have not listed among the eleven before mentioned. While it is too early as yet to predict what the future for them will be, they give promise of good possibilities, and under the blessing of God I believe can soon become strong churches.
The Camp grounds are located on the other District but are well attended by the membership and friends of the South District.
Our people have been and are loyal to the Cause of Christ, and are standing by the program of the church. The foreign missionary work, the young people's work, and other interests of the church are all making good progress. We recognize that these are "perilous times" and that there are a great many things to hinder and limit the forward movement of the Cause of Christ in the promotion of a full gospel ministry and the work of evangelism. It is my prayer that not only on my district but throughout our entire denomination we may continue to have gracious outpourings of the Holy Spirit in revival power and blessing.
Ontario Conference-P. G. Lehman, D. S.
It is with a deep sense of gratitude to Almighty God that this report is given. The Ontario Conference comprises 29 fields and one extension project with 46 preaching appointments. Two years ago the City Mission Workers Society was merged with the Conference. There are two sister workers stationed at each of three of the Conference fields. While the gain in Ontario throughout the years has not been phenomenal, still there has been a steady increase which is not revealed in the statistical records. There are those on each field who have the cause of God at heart, and who manifest a keen interest in the progress of the Church. Their devotion to God and the Church have been a major factor in the progress of the work of this Conference.
Camp Meetings--This Conference has two large camp grounds which are second to none to any which are in existence. They are kept in excellent condition, under the direction of Separate Camp Meeting Boards, and are constantly being improved according to master plans laid out by each Board. Spacious auditoriums and dining hall and up-to-date toilet facilities which conform to the requirements the Provincial Board of Health are in operation. Camp meetings were held on each district throughout the war years with increased attendances. God has used the camp meeting work for the bringing of lost men, women, boys and girls to Himself, the deepening of Christian lives and the growth of the Church.
Sunday Schools--While Conference statistics show a slight decrease in attendance for the quadrennium, still a most effective work is being carried on through this medium. Some of the churches augment the work of the Sunday School by holding junior and intermediate activities. In these extra services the truths taught in the Sunday School are emphasized, resulting in an experience of personal salvation to many of those in these age groups.
Regular conventions are held yearly, while the Sunday School work of the Conferences under the supervision of a superintendent of Sunday School activities,--a pastor, who is appointed yearly to this office by Annual Conference.
Young People's Societies--The "Young People's work of this Conference shows great promise. Excellent gains are seen each year, while much progress is seen in the training for leadership and the fostering of the devotional life of the young people of the Church. Many of them are feeling the call of God to definite Christian service, and are responding to the claims of Christ. This augurs well, and at the same time gives much assurance for the fulfilling of the ministry of the Church. Again, this work is supervised by a superintendent of Young People's Societies elected annually by Conference.
Christian Education--Emmanuel Bible School continues to fill large place in the work of this Conference. While the student body ii not confined to the members of the MBC Church, still a great majorit4 cf the students come from the Conference fields. Emmanuel Bible School is running to capacity, and being carried on efficiently under the aggressive leadership of Principal Ward M. Shantz, who is a member of this General Conference. Graduates and members of the student body are already found in the ranks of the United Missionary Society in service abroad, as well as in the work of the ministry in the home land
General Observations--Many of the churches are in the midst of extensive alteration and remodelling projetts, while a new church building is almost completed in Toronto, Ontario, and another planned for the new year in the town of Port Hope. There has been a notable increase in the general finances of the Conference, with a definite upswing in the support of the pastor and workers. There is an excellent Foreign Missionary interest which is quite evident, with over
$70,000.00 being raised during the past quadrennium for this worthy cause. The pastors and workers of the Conference are aggressive and self sacrificing, while we are particularly impressd with the calibre of young men who are offering themselves for the Christian ministry. During the past four years, the hand of death removed the following members of this Conference, namely, Elgin G. Brubacher, Miss R. Hostetler, Miss M. Doner, T. Ford Barker, C. I. Sinden, S. H. Fretz and J. N. Kitching. The lives of these faithful soldiers of the cross speak loudly of a rugged committment of the life to God and a noble sense of faithfulness to duty. We in Ontario feel the need of Revival, which is quite evident everywhere. May we unite our efforts and prayers that we may see a mighty spiritual awakening before Jesus comes.
Pennsylvania Conference, Allentown District--P. T. Stengele, P.E.
This being the writer's initial report in this capacity it is with the increasing consciousness that without Him we can do nothing, yet with a parallel knowledge that one can do all things through Christ which strengthened us. His good hand has been with us since the mantle has fallen upon us in the middle of the past quadrennium.
There is a deep regard in the writer's heart and mind for all those who blazed the trail before us as we constantly face their unselfish, untiring and Christ centered work accomplished.
Upon the change of leadership there followed also a redistricting of the various organized churches. The one represented by the writer is known as the Allentown District which comprises 18 organized churches.
The Lord richly blessed the four summer convocations in our Camp Grove. Beyond the capacity of all our facilities, the interest shown by the membership proved their loyalty.
The spiritual part of the church also is of good commendation. The regular Sunday services and prayer services are well attended.
All the finances are constantly on the climb.
The pastors have proven their faithfulness and loyalty regardless of the channel of leadership. These concrete gifts of the ascended Christ are devoted to their Lord and Christ for whom they look to come shortly.
The following were the offerings for the past four years:
Home Missions $50,592.28
Foreign Missions 57,886.07
Foreign Missions (Sunday School) 55,615.97
Tabernacle and Miss. Work 75,240.46
Total for all purposes $1,086,301.34
Pennsylvania Conference, Bethlehem District--T. D. Gehret, P.E.
The annual Conference in 1945 made changes in the Districts of the Pennsylvania Conference. It has been my privilege to serve the Bethlehem District during the past two years. We would not be unmindful of our leaders who before us laid a good foundation and we today in the providence of God are entering into the fruit of their labors. We owe much to their zeal and vision.
The Bethlehem District comprises eight stations, three circuits and four missions. In addition to this are four mission appointments in the Gospel Herald Society.
We have a devoted and consecrated band of ministers, who labor with earnest endeavor for the salvation of souls and the building up a the body of Christ. Since our appointment to this office, we have been ministering as the Lord enabled. The Brethren have received us in a gracious and loving manner and have shown patience and forbearance in our dealings together. Unity prevails and there is a mutual interest in the welfare of one another.
The Sunday Schools have made substantial gains in enrollment and also in average attendance. The annual Sunday School Convention is eagerly looked forward to and results in much good to the individual schools. Our young people are a great asset to the work and we are counting on them for the future should the Lord tarry. The excellent attendance at the prayer meeting reveals the interest that our people have for them and speaks well for their spiritual life. At every appointment we have a group of believers who faithfully support the world by prayer and sacrificial giving.
After an interval of four years during which we had no Camp Meetings because of the war time restrictions, we again held them in 1946 and 1947. The large number who attended those summer gatherings gave evidence of the fact that the Camp Meetings spirit among us is still very much alive.
The Lord has honored the preaching of the Word through the ministering Brethren, so that many have been saved and baptized. We are confident that He Who has been our strength end stay in the past, will surely not fail us in the days ahead. We rest upon his unchanging grace and move on as He directs the way.
Ohio Conference--Forest L. Huffman, D.S.
We are happy to report that the Lord has been blessing and guiding us onward in the work of the Ohio Conference. We have only gratitude and praise in our hearts for the One whose work engages our attention.
Our Conference is composed of twenty organized churches and one unorganized mission. Seventeen of the churches are located in Ohio and four in western Pennsylvania.
We were assigned the responsibility of Conference leadership at the Annual Conference of March, 1946 and have many reasons to be grateful for the foundations that were laid by our predecessor, Rev. R. P. Ditmer, who has been given greater responsibilities in our foreign missionary work. We have felt so keenly the need of help that comes from above, and appreciate the many who have assured us of their praying in our behalf.
There have been some evidences of progress in the conference program, and much credit is due to our fine group of ministers, who are devoted to His work and glory. Last year a Christian Leadership Training School was organized, with six classes held on eight successive Tuesday evenings, in the months of April and May. God blessed the school and the response exceeded our expectations. We are planning for it now as a regular part of our annual program.
The W.M.S. is doing a fine work in increasing missionary interest, and the young people's organization is making plans for aggressive action with monthly rallies.
Our Camp Meetings and Conventions have been well attended and have been a source of great help and blessing.
Bi-monthly ministers' meetings are held and have proved helpful in developing a family spirit among our group of workers.
Improvements have been made on church properties on quite a large scale. After the war was over, and materials were available, many of our churches launched church improvement programs. Two lowly new parsonages have been completed recently on the Potsdam and Pleasant View fields. While we greatly appreciate these evidences of progress in material things, and of increased numbers in attendance, and reducing and retiring indebtedness of church property, we are yet anxious that there might be more evidence of a constantly rising tide in spirituality, for we feel that only that will provide a satisfactory solution for many of our problems. We want to take a definite and firm stand for the doctrines of His Holy Word and maintain an alert action in every area of our influence against the inroads of infidelity and apostasy which are getting into the church in general, and which, we feel, are largely responsible for the indifference to the Gospel that is displayed by our generation.
Pray for us that we may keep true to His will, and be given his wisdom and direction, that we may he able to reach out with a goodly influence into new areas of our state.
Resolved, That we have a General Conference Journal and that the Secretary and his Assistant be the Editors and Publishers of the same.
Resolved, That all the reports of the Presiding Elders be published in the General Conference Journal limited to no more than one page each.
Report of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Pennsylvania Conference:
The Pennsylvania Conference has continued during the year to manifest a keen interest in the all important work of Foreign Missions. This interest is realized not only in the money contributed for this cause, but also in the fact that several of our young people are responding to the call of the Lord to go forth as He may open the way. During the past four years, the churches have contributed the sum of $57,886.07. The Sunday Schools have contributed $55,615.97. This makes a total of $113,502.04 for Foreign Missions for the four year period.
The Pennsylvania Conference at the present time at the present time supports twenty-five missionaries under the following Missionary Societies:
Christian and Missionary Alliance 10
United Missionary Society 8
China Inland Mission 2
Africa Inland Mission 2
Unevangelized Tribes Mission 1
Orinoco River Mission 1
The Boys Brigade of Africa 1
In addition to the support of these missionaries, regular allowances have been forwarded for a number of missionary children. Additional sums have been granted for travel expense, station maintenance and some contribution for the general funds.
P. T. Stengele, President
T. D. Gehret, Secretary
J. B. Henry
N. H. Wolf
J. B. Layne
E. N. Cassel
C. L. Miller
Report was adopted
Resolved. That we suspend the Rules and adjourn.
Adjourned at 4:50 p.m. with prayer by R. P. Ditmer.
THIRD MEETING
Thursday Morning
The meeting was opened with singing, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name."
The devotional period was in charge of M. J. Carmichael, who brought us a stirring message on Romans 12:3.
This was followed by a period of earnest prayer.
The roll was called.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
Report of the Committee to Examine the Annual Conference Minutes:
We have examined the Annual Conference Minute Books of the Ontario, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Washington, Canadian Northwest and Nebraska Conferences and find them in good condition, and correct as far as we could ascertain.
The following resolution is recommended to the General Conference so as to expedite the work of this committee in future General Conferences.
Whereas, There is quite some chance of error or oversight in the general perusal of Conference Minutes for petitions and recommendations to General Conference,
Be It Resolved, That each Annual Conference present to General Conference one typewritten copy of all resolutions pertaining to General Conference, separate and distinct from the minutes, and the same certified by the chairman and secretary of the last Annual Conference.
Petitions, requests, and recommendations found in the Conference minutes are given below.
Ontario--(I) Whereas, Throughout the church generally there seems to be a desire to depart from the practice of holding quarterly business meetings, therefore,
Resolved, That we petition General Conference to amend the regulations of the Discipline in such a way as to outline the general principles of our church polity making provision for an annual business meeting on the local fields according to the direction of each Annual Conference.
(2) Whereas: We feel that it would be in the interests of the Church to have the Discipline re-written, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend to General Conference that a committee be appointed to re-write the Discipline during the next quadrennium.
(3) Whereas, The books "Holiness and Power" and "Inheritance Restored" are very difficult to secure, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend that General Conference grant permission for using "Foundations of Doctrine," by H. E. Jessop in their place.
(4) Resolved, That we ask for a clarification of the words "ministering according to the direction of the Conference and our Discipline."
Pennsylvania--Resolved, That we go on record as favoring time limit for Pastors and Presiding Elders and that we petition General Conference to permit us to determine the tenure of service for the Pennsylvania Conference.
Michigan--(l) Whereas, Various methods of procedure exist in regard to the number of services conducted each year on each field by the Presiding Elder or the District Superintendent, described in the Discipline as "Quarterly Conferences," with one Conference having two such meetings per year, one Conference having three per year and other Conferences bave four, and
Whereas, It is advisable that this matter be clarified, and such measures taken as may be determined advisable and necessary, therefore
Resolved, That we request the General Conference to rule upon the legality of methods of procedure other than the "Quarterly Conference" from the standpoint of Discipline and church polity and further
Resolved, That, should said ruling permit other methods of procedure than that presently designated in the Discipline, we recommend to the General Conference the revision of all Articles of Discipline which now treat the "Quarterly Conference" to include, in effect, the new ruling.
(2) Whereas, There has been a recognized need of a General Superintendent in the M. B. C. Church, and
Whereas, Appeals have been made to General Conference to give this matter consideration, therefore
Resolved, That this Conference request General Conference to elect a General Superintendent.
Ohio--(1) Whereas, Section 10 in Chapter 2 under General Rules does not appear to be clear on the question of receiving into membership those who are addicted to the use of tobacco, be it
Resolved, That we petition the General Conference to clarify the position of the discipline on this question.
(2) Whereas, Section 12 in Chapter 2 under General Rules does not clearly and definitely specify in any general way the types of worldly gatherings or amusements which are forbidden, be it
Resolved, That we petition the General Conference to clarify more definitely our position on this matter.
(3) Whereas, Section 3 in Chapter 2 under General Rules does not clearly define our position in the wearing of the wedding ring and
Whereas, There is no definite statement made by the Discipline on this question, and
Whereas, There appears to be wide difference of opinion among our ministry and laity throughout the different conferences
Resolved That we petition the General Conference for a definite and clear statement on this question.
(4) Whereas, The several conferences composing the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church are not closely related or bound together resulting in a lack of coordination and cooperative effort, and
Whereas, It would seem that a better plan of unification is greatly needed and believing that the creation of the office of General Superintendent would in a large measure seem to bring about better understanding, and cooperation, be it
Resolved, That we petition the General Conference to create the office of Genera