PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED MISSIONARY CHURCH AND MENNONITE BRETHREN IN CHRIST CHURCH
Convened in the
United Missionary Church, 39 E. Dakota Avenue, Detroit, Michigan,
November 7th to 12th, 1951
FIRST MEETING
Wednesday Morning
The Conference was called into session at 9:00 a. m. by W. E. Manges. Ira Wood led in congregational singing and L. K. Sider led in prayer.
A Scripture portion from I John 3:12-24 was read by W. E. Manges, Chairman of the last General Conference. The Conference was organized as follows:
Chairman– J. E. Tuckey.
Vice-Chairman– P, G. Lehman.
Secretary– T. D .Gehret.
N. H. Wolf was appointed Assistant Secretary.
Ira L. Wood was appointed Recording Secretary.
The Chairman, J. E. Tuckey, brought a helpful message on, "Lessons from the Book of Exodus," showing God's dealing with Moses and the children of Israel.
This was followed by a season of earnest prayer.
Rev. W. K. Burgess, pastor of the host church, gave a cordial address of welcome to all assembled in the General Conference session.
Resolved, That the first eight rows of seats in the auditorium constitute the Conference Bar.
Resolved, That the ninth and tenth rows of seats be reserved for advisory members.
CONFERENCE ROLL
Ontario Conference: P. G. Lehman, W. M. Shantz, H. Good, L. K. Sider, A. Walsh, R. Raymer, A. E. Gillies, E. R. Storms, Harold Shantz.
Pennsylvania Conference: P. T. Stengele, T. D. Gehret, F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, N. H. Wolf, C. Leslie Miller, Jansen E. Hartman, Walter H. Frank, J. E. Golla, Paul E. Baer, Paul I. Wentz, Daniel K. Ziegler, Paul K. Cressman, R. Paul Schaeffer, A. W. Deppe, R. R. Fox, R. Spedden.
Indiana Conference: Kenneth Geiger, Q. J. Everest, W. E. Manges, William Hygema, Woodrow Goodman, S. A. Rohrer, Mile Miller, Edgar Freed, Virgil Weldy.
Ohio Conference: H. E. Bowman, F. L. Huffman, R. P. Ditmer, N. D. Zimmerman, Walter Kress.
Michigan Conference: J. E. Tuckey, M. J. Burgess, G. N. Bridges, W. K. Burgess, J. A. Bradley, J. E. Dafoe, W. H. Little, D. V. Wells.
Nebraska Conference: Charles Gray, R. T. Starkey, Martin Christensen, H. J. Stone.
Canadian Northwest Conference: A. Frey, M. L. Baker, Ira Stauffer. Washington Conference: E. D. Young, A. B. Neufeld.
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. Neeley'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 the Chair appoint a reporter. The Chair appointed Ray P. Pannabecker.
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 with the exception of the Thursday evening meeting which shall be a missionary service.
Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a timekeeper. The Chairman ap pointed Daniel K. Ziegler.
Resolved, That we have the following committees: To examine the General Conference Minutes; On Worship; On Program; 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 committee be elected by open vote. The Chairman appointed the following Committees:
Committee on Credentials: E. D. Young, M. J. Burgess, P. T. Stengele, P. G. Lehman, A. Prey, Kenneth Geiger, H. E. Bowman, Charles Gray.
Committee on Worship: R. P. Ditmer, W. E. Manges, P. G. Lehman.
Committee on Introduction: W. K. Burgess.
Secretary and Editor's Financial Report on General Conference Journals
Receipts
Pennsylvania Conference $183.30
Ontario Conference 95.55
Michigan Conference 83.85
Indiana Conference 85.80
Ohio Conference 44.85
Nebraska Conference 33.15
Canadian North West Conference 21.45
Washington Conference 17.55
Total $565.50
Expenditures
Printing 1500 Journals $475.00
Printing 2500 Discipline Supplements 18.00
Conference Secretaries 50.00
Stationery Supplies 2.75
Packing, Mailing and Postage 19.75
Total $565.50
Respectfully submitted, T. D. Gehret
The report was adopted.
The following were introduced to the Conference at this time: Marcus Krake, Paul F. Kreiss, J. A. Huffman, S. H. Greutziger, J. Kimbel, Ira W. Sherk, Ira L. Wood.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet at 1:30 p. m.
Adjourned at 11:00 o'clock with prayer by A. Walsh.
SECOND MEETING
Wednesday Afternoon
The meeting was opened with singing, "In the Service of the King."
J. A. Huffman led in prayer.
Roll call.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The following were introduced to the Conference at this time: Ministers: E. W. Bean, R. C. Reichenbach, F. M. Hottel, A. G. Woodring, Charles F. Thompson and Leland W. Sherard. Chrystal French and Betty Best, Missionaries to Nigeria.
The Chairman appointed the following Committees:
Committee to Examine General Conference Minutes: E. R. Storms, e J. Everest, Walter H. Frank.
Committee on Statistics: Ward M. Shantz, Paul E. Baer, N. D. Zimmerman, M. L. Baker, A. B. Neufeld, W. I. Goodman.
Committee to Examine Annual Conference Minutes: C. Leslie Miller, R. Starkey, L. K. Sider, S. A. Rohrer, J. E. Dafoe.
Committee on Resolutions: C. E. Kirkwood, F. L. Huffman.
Committee on Auditing: A. E. Gillies, Milo Miller, D. V. Wells, Paul H. Cressman.
Committee on District Boundaries: K. E. Geiger, P. T. Stengele, P. G. Lehman, A. Frey, C. F. Gray, E. D. Young, H. E. Bowman, M. J. Burgess.
Committee on Correspondence to General Conference: F. B. Hertzog, Wm. Hygema,
Committee on Program: J. A. Bradley, R. P. Ditmer.
Report of Committee on Worship:
We the Committee on Worship recommend that the order of service for this evening be as follows:
Time of service--7:45.
In charge--K. E. Geiger.
In charge of song service--I. L. Wood.
Special song--Ward M. Shantz.
To speak-W. H. Frank, of the Pennsylvania Conference, recently returned from a preaching tour in Holland and Germany.
An offering shall be taken to assist the local congregation in the defraying of the expenses of entertaining this Conference.
R. P. Ditmer,
P. G. Lehman,
W. E. Manges,
Committee
Report was adopted.
Report of Committee on Credentials:
The Pennsylvania Conference is entitled to six Presiding Elders, eight minister delegates, and seven lay delegates. P. T. Stengele and T. D. Gehret, are the Presiding Elders. F. B. Hertzog, C. E. Kirkwood, N. H. Wolf, C. Leslie Miller, Jansen E. Hartman, Walter H. Frank, J. E. Golla and Paul E. Baer are the minister delegates. Paul I. Wentz, Daniel K. Ziegler, Paul H. Cressman, R. Paul Schaeffer, A. W. Deppe, R. R. Fox and R. Spedden are the lay delegates.
The Ontario Conference is entitled to three District Superintendents, four minister delegates and four lay delegates. P. G. Lehman is the District Superintendent. Ward M. Shantz, H. Good, L. K. Sider and A. Walsh are the minister delegates. R. Raymer, A. E. Gillies, E. R. Storms and Harold Shantz are the lay delegates.
The Michigan Conference is entitled to three District Superintendents, three minister delegates and three lay delegates. J. E. Tuckey and M. J. Burgess are the District Superintendents. W. K. Burgess, G. N. Bridges and J. A. Bradley are the minister delegates. W. Little, J. A. Dafoe and D. V. Wells are the lay delegates.
The Indiana Conference is entitled to three District Superintendents, four minister delegates and four lay delegates. K. E. Geiger is the District Superintendent. Q. J. Everest, W. E. Manges, Wm. Hygema and Woodrow Goodman are the minister delegates. S. A. Rohrer, Mile Miller, Edgar Freed and Virgil Weldy are the lay delegates.
The Ohio Conference is entitled to one District Superintendent and four delegates. H. E. Bowman is the District Superintendent. R. P. Ditmer, F. L. Huffman, and N. D. Zimmerman, alternate minister delegate in place of delegate A. Taylor, are the minister delegates. Walter Kress is the lay delegate.
The Nebraska Conference is entitled to one District Superintendent, two minister delegates and one lay delegate. Charles Gray is the District Superintendent. Roy Starkey and Martin Christensen are the minister delegates. H. J. Stone is the lay delegate.
The Canadian Northwest Conference is entitled to one District Superintendent and one minister delegate and one lay delegate. A Frey is the District Superintendent. M. L. Baker is the minister delegate. Ira Stauffer is the lay delegate.
The Washington Conference is entitled to one District Superintendent and one minister delegate. E. D. Young is the District Superintendent. A. B. Neufeld is the minister delegate.
The Editor of the Gospel Banner, Ray P. Pannabecker, is a member of General Conference by virtue of his office.
Upon examination of the various Conference Minutes we have found that all the above have been duly elected according to discipline.
E. D. Young,
P. G. Lehman,
M. J. Burgess,
Kenneth Geiger,
P. T. Stengele,
H. E. Bowman,
Charles Gray,
A. Frey,
Committee.
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That W. K. Burgess, Pastor of the host church, be permitted to leave the Conference bar whenever necessary.
Report of the Executive Board:
The Board is grateful to God for sparing all of its members during the quadrennium. The brethren met in four regular meetings to transact the necessary business. A fine spirit of Christian fellowship prevailed in all of these meetings. Most of the time consumed at our meetings had to do with the work of the Bethel Publishing Company, the publishing of the Gospel Banner and the revision of the Discipline.
The Bethel Publishing Company Headquarters has been kept in good repair, and a new lighting system has been installed in the store. The purchase of new equipment, such as an electric record player, a new electric adding machine, a factory rebuilt #1250 Multigraph machine. a vari-typer, a folding machine and a stitching machine, has greatly increased the efficiency of operation.
Paul F. Kreiss has been the capable Executive Business Agent of the Bethel Publishing Company since January 1, 1Y46.
Ray P. Pannabecker, the Editor of the Gospel Banner, has reported to the Board annually and has worked in full accord with the Board.
Dr. J. A. Huffman was elected to edit the Bethel Series Sunday School literature for the quadrennium.
A Doctrinal Statement of Faith was printed by the Board and made available to the various Conferences.
Unemployment protection, and Insurance for Hospitalization has been secured for the employees of the Bethel Publishing Company.
The Board has authorized the incorporation of the Bethel Publishing Company and a committee is working with an Attorney at Law in formulating Articles of Incorporation and By-laws necessary for the same.
At the meeting of November 8, 1950, Charles F. Gray of the Nebraska Conference was elected to the Executive Board to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of E. D. Young, who moved to another Conference.
On February 22, 1950, the E. V. Publishing House of Nappanee, Elkhart County, Indiana, contracted to print the Gospel Banner for us.
Because of the increased cost of printing and the ever increasing annual deficit in the Banner department, the Board, on January 1, 1951 started to publish the Gospel Banner bi-weekly instead of weekly, at the same subscription rate of $1.50 per annum.
At the meeting of November 8, 1950, the Board elected M. J. Burgess as a member of the committee to investigate the office of General Superintendent, to take the place of J. S. Wood, deceased.
Whereas, General Conference has submitted to a committee the task of rewriting the Discipline, and
Whereas, This committee has completed its task and submitted their finished work to the Executive Board for approval, and
Whereas, There has been a difference of opinion as to the scope of their
assignment in regard to chapter I.
Resolved, That we endorse the work of the committee in their work of rewriting the whole of the Discipline with the exception of chapter I, and further
That we recommend that Conference give consideration to the work done by the committee on chapter I.
Whereas, There has been for a decade, some discussion between the Missionary Church Association and the United Missionary Church in relation to a possible organic union, and
Whereas, This interest has been revived during the past year, resulting in several meetings between committees authorized by the Missionary Church Association and the Executive Board of the United Missionary Church, and
Whereas, These meetings have resulted in certain findings and recommendations which have been made to the Executive Board which we believe should be prayerfully considered by the General Conference of the United Missionary Church,
Therefore, We have prepared copies of these findings for the members of the General Conference and recommend that General Conference give prayerful consideration to the whole matter of a possible union of the two churches.
We wish to express our thanks to Paul F. Kreiss, our Executive Business Agent and to his fine staff of workers for their faithfulness in discharging all the many duties in a most efficient manner; to Ray P. Pannabecker, the Editor of the Gospel Banner; and to Dr. J. A. Huffman, Editor of the Sunday School Literature, for their faithfulness in providing sound literature for our Church; to the Pandora Times Company and to the E. V. Publishing House for their fine work done in making possible the Gospel Banner. And last, but not least, we want to thank our whole constituency for their fine support given to the Bethel Publishing Company.
The following figures and facts were gathered from the Report of the
Auditor for 1947 and 1951.
1947 1951
Total Sales $62,892.27 $92,830.91
Gross Profit 29,088.33 37,188.06
Gospel Banner Deficit 3,328.55 3,502.04
Inventory of Stock 28,484.54 31,707.33
Net Worth 57,506.96 58,662.49
Subscribers to the Gospel Banner 4,575 3,100
The total deficit involved in the publishing of the Gospel Banner for the quadrennium amounted to $18,152.69 all of which has been absorbed by the Bethel Publishing Company.
We submit herewith the balance sheet of the Auditor of the Bethel Publishing Company which sets forth the affairs of the Company as of September 30, 1951.
BETHEL PUBLISHING COMPANY, ELKHART, INDIANA
Balance Sheet September 30, 1951
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash in office $2,636.70
Petty Cash Fund 50.00
Postage Cash 212.40
Cash in Banks 4,339.01
Accounts receivable 6,388.91
Merchandise Inventory 30,386.20
Supplies and Fuel Inventory 1,321.13
Total Current Assets$45,394.35
Fixed Assets:
Real Estate and Improvements $23,766.39
Less Depreciation Reserve 12,207.63 $11,558.76
Furniture and Fixtures 4,931.78
Less Depreciation Reserve 2,994.25 1,937.53
Machinery and Printing Plates 4,138.24
Less Depreciation Reserve 701.84 3,436.40
Total Fixed Assets $16,932.69
Other Assets:
Mailing lists $ 2,000.00
Total Other Assets $2,000.00
Total Assets $64,327.04
LIABILITIES AND INVESTMENTS
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable $5,532.85
Withholding Tax Payable 131.70
Total Current Liabilities$5,664.55
NET WORTH:
Investment Account 10-1-51 $55,947.73
Profit from Operations to 9-30-51 2,687.76
Total Net worth $58,662.49
$64,327.04
R. P. Ditmer, Chairman, F. B. Hertzog, Secretary, W. E. Manges, J. A. Huffman, J. E. Tuckey, M. J. Burgess, A. Frey, P. G. Lehman, Ward M. Shantz, Charles F. Gray, A. B. Neufeld, T. D. Gehret, P. T. Stengele, E. N. Cassel,
Board.
Resolved, That the report be accepted and the recommendations be dealt with later.
Report of the Editor:
Dear Brethren of the General Conference:
It is now my privilege to report at the end of eight years as Editor of the Gospel Banner--a time that has slipped by in an enjoyable manner indeed. The years have been marked with much challenge and not a few problems. In it all there has been the sweet assurance that God is in the work and what He approves is sure to be a blessing.
The years of this tenure of office have been marked with an interest that has been of real inspiration. Many words of approval have come, as well as constructive criticisms which I have tried to incorporate where possible. During this time we have seen the subscription list rise to a high of about 4500, while at present it has shrunk to about 3100. The explanation is not easy to locate but we are earnestly striving to make the pages of the paper as good as possible, and to have the material come as close to the individual reader as possible with what we have to use. The change in the number of copies has provoked considerable reaction, most of it of a critical nature. Whether the change has hindered us or not seems to be a matter of personal opinion.
As I look at the entire situation regarding the Gospel Banner I see several needed changes which I would like to suggest.
1. There is a certain lack of enthusiasm amongst the ministers of our group which amounts to the fact that subscriptions often lag when they could be pushed. Ways and means to stimulate this interest are urgent.
2. Associate Editors have exercised almost none of their privilege of contributing articles, or even suggestions for the pages of the Banner. This whole field of endeavor ought to be re-considered to learn whether Associate Editors really fill any place in the Editorial work of the publication.
3. Another problem continues to exist in the securing of suitable material for use in the pages. The trend everywhere seems to be toward a willingness to pay for usable material, especially in the form of stories for young people and children. The same is also true in certain devotional articles and in news. The Evangelical Press Association now offers a splendid service of news and stories that would fit into our work very well. I strongly recommend the adoption of this service which is maintained at a nominal fee, but this would require a definite budget for this purpose.
4. The Gospel Banner is still being published at a deficit, although not as serious as when weekly publication was the practice. Further action must be taken to meet this, perhaps in several ways: (a) The securing of more subscriptions through a planned effort offering definite incentives to those taking part as ministers, or congregations: (b) the possible further increase of subscription price: or ©) the accepting of advertisements from reputable advertisers.
May I close by saying that I have appreciated working with and for you, and do thank you for every bit of consideration that you have given me. May the Spirit of God lead in the future of our entire work, not the least of which is the publication of our beloved Gospel Banner.
Ray P. Pannabecker
Resolved, That the report be accepted and the recommendations be dealt with later.
Resolved, That we hear the reports of the District Superintendents.
Reports of District Superintendents:
Canadian Northwest Conference--A. Frey, D. S.
In presenting the report of the activities of the Canadian Northwest Conference during the past quadrennium, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude to God for His great faithfulness and goodness to us as a Conference.
Through the spontaneous response of our Conference constituency, means were made available and measures were adopted to extend the borders of the Conference and thus enlarge the ministry of the church. Two of the six churches built have made history. The Edmonton church was the first city church in the conference and the one at Winfield, the first in the province of British Columbia. Lots have recently been purchased in the city of' Calgary with intentions to build this Conference year.
The value of church property has been increased by $58,594.00 during the past four years. The conference now has seventeen churches and sixteen parsonages. All Bible College buildings have been equipped with water facilities during the past year. While all these projects have entailed considerable expense, the contributions to foreign missions have not only been sustained but increased.
The Sunday Schools as a whole are progressively endeavoring to meet the need of the times and the communities in which they are located. This is borne out by the substantial increase in attendance. The Youth Fellowship is in a flourishing condition with Gull Lake Bible Camp as the high point. Many young people attribute their conversion to this camp.
The Bible College continues the great work of preparing young people for active Christian service both at home and abroad. "Good News," a radio broadcast sponsored by the church and college, was launched the past year and is reaching beyond the limits of our congregations.
The pastors have been faithful to the cause of the Lord and to the church, aggressive in the promotion thereof and self-sacrificing in spirit and in conduct. One of our number in the person of Rev. Isaac Burkholder has passed on to his eternal reward. For twenty-five years he scattered the word of God as colporteur of the British & Foreign Bible Society and the influence of his life and services was as wide as the province which he served.
We mean to be true to our trust as a conference of the church.
Indiana Conference-Kenneth Geiger, D. S.
In the presentation of this report we wish to give praise to God for His faithfulness during the past quadrennium. made known to us in a wonderful way. His might and power have been Since I have been serving as District Superintendent only since last June, I wish to pay tribute to my predecessor, Rev. W. E. Manges, and to the consecrated group of ministers and workers who have labored faithfully during the past four years.
This past General Conference period has been one of growth and progress. We have tried to live up to the splendid connotation of our new denominational name, and have, been united in missionary activity at home and abroad. The present denominational interest on the part of both ministry and laity is unequaled in our past history and shows promise of continuation at a higher level.
During the past four years considerable construction has taken place. The beautiful structure known as the Gospel Center Church in South Bend compares with any we have seen anywhere. A new basement church has been built at Mishawaka. At least three churches have had extensive remodeling programs which provides room for growing Sunday Schools. Seven other churches have either been built or purchased by our Church Extension Department: Osolo, Burr Oak (Mich.), Cedar Road (Osceola), Mendon (Mich.), Roseland, Ligonier, and Niles (Mich.). Three other churches are in immediate prospect for construction this year. Five other churches have been either opened or are being supplied with Indiana Conference pastors by our Church Extension Department. Six new parsonages have been constructed or purchased including one for the District Superintendent.
For the past two years we have had a full time Church Extension Director in the person of Rev. J. H. Kimbel. This has proven to be a step of faith which God has honored and which shows promise of better things in the future.
The net gain in church membership is 228, but a total of 235 names dropped from our rolls indicates that our pastors have maintained a fairly active membership. Sunday School attendance this past year was an average of 3493. This is an increase of 1045 over that reported at the last General Conference.
We are grateful to God for the faithful laity He has given us. The spiritual interest is generally good. We are glad to report that souls are being saved. This seems to have been especially true in our newer, home mission churches.
Our people are a liberal group. Last year the giving per member in the Conference was $148.81. In spite of the fact that they have given heavily to Bethel College, Home Missions, etc., our foreign mission giving has broken all previous records. A great deal of credit belongs to the Conference Women's Missionary Society which is very active on the local church level and in promoting Conference Rallies.
Our camp meeting has been growing in interest and attendance. The Conference Youth have been active in promoting their program. In addition to the Youth Program at Camp Meeting, there is an annual Youth Conference and this past summer a series of Saturday night Conference-wide youth services were held at our camp grounds with good results. Bethel College has been a great blessing and will continue to challenge and serve the church.
We wish to pay tribute to our ministers and workers. They are not only willing to sacrifice and labor, but they are loyal to the full Gospel and the distinctive doctrines of the United Missionary Church. We appreciate the retired ministers of our Conference who have blazed trails and laid foundations and who still have an active interest in the work.
It is our desire to be faithful and to give our entire life to God and the greatest cause in all the world, that of bringing lost men to Christ. We have a growing conviction that God has a ministry for the United Missionary Church. By His grace we will not fail!
Pennsylvania Conference, Bethlehem District – T. D. Gehret, P. E.
Since last reporting to the General Conference we have been busily engaged in the work entrusted to our care. A review of the intervening years furnishes abundant proof of the faithfulness of God. There is an ever deepening consciousness of the fact that our strength is in the Lord and without Him we can do nothing.
The Bethlehem District comprises eight stations, three circuits, and four missions. The Ministers who serve these appointments are true men of God, consecrated and devoted to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. They exemplify the teachings of Christ and by unselfish and untiring service, endear themselves to their people. Through faithful preaching of the Word and pastoral oversight, the churches have been strengthened. The Lord has given the increase so that there have been noticeable gains both numerically and spiritually.
During the quadrennium we suffered the loss of one of our older Ministers, a veteran of many years of service, in the person of Rev. C. H. Brunner, who died on November 20, 1948. A few of our older Ministers have because of advancing years retired from the active ministry. We are thankful to God for their sacrificial lives and noble example. God has given us young men who are filling up the ranks and who are serving acceptably in their spheres of service.
Noteworthy gains have been recorded in church membership and especially in the Sunday school. The average attendance in the Sunday Schools is well above the actual membership of the churches. At a number of places over the District, Bible clubs are regularly being conducted which have been productive of much good. Through this medium boys and girls have been reached and brought into the Sunday school and Church.
Camp Meetings continue to be mountain peaks in the yearly program of the Church. The interest and attendance continues unabated, revealing the fact that Camp Meetings are an invaluable asset to the Church. Through this medium many have come to know Christ and many others received spiritual help enabling them to be better witnesses for the Lord.
Berean Bible School came into being after much prayer and waiting upon God for direction. Now in its second year, there are thirty-eight students enrolled. Our people responded well to this challenge and contributed generously towards the purchase of the needed buildings and equipment.
Viewed as a whole it may well be said that the work throughout the entire District is in a healthy spiritual condition. To God be all the praise for victories won. Our trust is in Him who always leads us in triumph.
Pennsylvania Conference, Allentown District – P. T. Stengele, P. E.
It is our joy to report of our Lord's direction and favor upon His work during the last four years.
The District represented by the writer is composed of eighteen organized churches. The Lord has blessed the ministries of His ascended gifts to these churches in a manner which causes us to say "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised." The constituents of these churches are taught the Word of God and in the main are as such who wait for their Lord, to be ready whether it be at noon day or in the morning or at even.
The Camp Meetings proved a great blessing to all who attended and the emphasis on evangelism was honored by the Lord in quite a harvest of souls. After a good number of years having no baptismal service at this time we were led of Him to have a service for such who confessed Christ as their Saviour.
The new spiritual enterprise, the Berean Bible School, has had His smile from the very inception. The body of people of all the churches stand behind and support this new field of adventure in a most noble and sacrificing manner.
If the Lord tarries and His people remain filled with the Spirit, the future will disclose greater things from His loving hands.
The Home Missionary work under the direction of Jansen E. Hartman, is also realizing many of the favors of the Lord. A new work has been started at Lancaster, Pa., and a splendid building erected for worship, for which we also give praise to our God.
Michigan Conference, South District – J. E. Tuckey, D. S.
It is a privilege to report to another General Conference on the activities of the churches on the district. During two years of the quadrennium, our Conference was a single district, but it is again divided. It is my responsibility to serve the South District which is comprised of 15 organized classes and 2 unorganized mission stations. Of the 17 churches, only 2 are rural in location.
Looking back over the 4 years, we find that many things of interest have taken place: three new churches have been built and dedicated; one church has been enlarged thus doubling its facilities; another church purchased and remodeled a house for Sunday School purposes; four new fields have been opened; and three new classes have been organized.
Interest in the various phases of church work is most gratifying. Our People are catching the Home Missionary vision, and they have been responding to its financial needs in an enlarged manner. Foreign Missionary work continues to lie close to the hearts of our people as evidenced by their spirit of liberality in giving to its needs. Our well organized W. M. S. has done much to promote the foreign work. Our state Youth Fellowship is an integral part of our church program having well organized groups in most of our local churches. During the past four years, our Conference Sunday Schools have made definite forward advancement showing an increase in attendance of over 52% with 1951 having the highest attendance in the history of our Conference. Our campmeetings are both held on the other district, but their influence has been most wholesome throughout the state. Our investment in Bethel College is producing excellent dividends by sending back consecrated young men who are taking an active part in the work of the church.
While we have been moving forward under the guidance of the Spirit, yet we regret to report some great losses to our church: losses which have been keenly felt. Since our last General Conference, God in his providence has removed from our roll three of our mission workers and four of our ministers: Miss Mary Ann Simmons, Mrs. Emma Morgan, Miss Alice Francis, Rev. F. C. Rudy, Rev. E. Krake, Rev. J. A. Avery and Rev. J. S. Wood. However, in spite of the fact that our leaders of former years are finishing their tasks, God is raising up from our midst a staff of able and consecrated young men, who, we are sure, are going to lead our church on to even greater victories.
We humbly thank God for His blessings of the past, for the consecrated staff of Christian ministers, and for the devoted Christian laymen who are standing so nobly behind the work. Prospects look excellent; unity prevails amongst our ministers; our people are encouraged; and we press forward under the guidance of the Spirit of God.
Michigan Conference, North District – M. J. Burgess, D. S.
The district which I am serving consists of eleven stations, four circuits, and one Home Missionary appointment for a total of twenty churches. This is the first year I have served this district but I found the work well organized and being carried forward in a commendable manner.
We have a consecrated and loyal band of ministers. Many of them are young men, eight of which are serving their first pastorates in the conference. The faithfulness of all the ministry, their zeal for the salvation of the lost, and their concern for the welfare of the church is deeply appreciated. Two new churches have been built on the district during the quadrennium, one other has been completely remodeled, and others have added extensive improvements in Sunday school facilities.
Two camp meetings are held annually. These have proved to be an effective means of reaching the unsaved with the message of salvation and of building up the church in the faith. The camps have been season of great spiritual refreshing for both the ministry and the laity. Our camp ground property at Brown City is among the best in the nation.
Our people show evidence of true devotion to the work of the Lord and are standing faithfully by the program of the church. Good gains have been made in most departments of church activity with perhaps most notable increase in Sunday school attendance and in support of our missionary interests both home and foreign. Our young people's societies and the Women's Missionary Societies are both making valuable contributions to the work spiritually and financially. While there have been no great sweeping revivals the churches are promoting an aggressive program of evangelism and numbers have been added to the church. For all of God's blessings during the quadrennium we humbly offer praise to Him.
Ontario Conference--P. G. Lehman, D. S.
It has been my privilege to travel the Ontario Conference during the past four years. Throughout this period we have been made aware of Divine Guidance, for which we offer our deepest gratitude.
The Ontario Conference comprises thirty-one pastoral charges. The ministers of the Conference are zealous and loyal, giving evidence of a keen desire to spread the truth of Full Salvation in the needy areas of the Province.
This spirit of aggression has manifested itself in a vigorous extension program. Throughout the past quadrennium, two churches have been built and one property acquired in new areas. At the present time, lots have been purchased in two sections immediately North and East of the City of Toronto, while a growing Sunday School is being conducted in the north-western section of that city. Through the generosity of one of our devoted lay men, a double lot was purchased in a fast-growing section of Sarnia. A fine nucleus is located there, which will soon beorganized into a class, while building operations for the erection of a church structure are to begin there in the near future. An aggressive Home Mission and Extension Board within the Conference is constantly searching for those needy areas that need the message which the United Missionary Church is prepared to give.
Emmanuel Bible College has again and again proven its worth to the Conference. Already her graduates are to be found in a number of our pastorates, as well as in the ranks of the United Missionary Society and other sister organizations.
A definite Sunday School promotional program which is being directed by the Conference Superintendent and his executive, is producing results. Record attendances in many of the schools are being registered.
The Young People's division of our Conference activity is also aggressively carried on by our Conference Young People's director and his staff. The yearly conventions are times of rich inspiration and blessing.
The two Camp Meetings have enjoyed excellent support by our constituency, and continue to serve as blessed seasons of Summer Revival. They are a source of spiritual quickening to the church life of the Conference.
The foreign missionary interest continues to be excellent, with record receipts being realized for this great arm of the Church. We are gratified to see a constant stream of applicants, offering themselves most readily for this form of Christian service. This augurs well for the continuance of this great work in the regions beyond.
During the past four years this conference has sustained the loss through death of a number of ministers and workers, namely,--Miss E. Eastman, F. J. Lehman, I. Brubacher, W. H. Yates, A. T. Gooding and S. Goudie. We will not soon forget the fellowship of these valiant soldiers of the cross. The memory of their lives of service and devotion to duty will ever remain with us.
May we as a denomination press on in the service of the King of Kings-yielding ourselves continually to His will and purpose.
Washington Conference--E. D. Young, D. S.
I am now serving the second year in the Washington Conference as District Superintendent.
We are quite small with a large territory.
At present there are nine churches and eight parsonages. One church was destroyed by fire last year which was a serious setback to us. We are also serving one community church.
A new home for the District Superintendent is now being constructed in Yakima which will be completed in about two months.
There has been a small increase in membership during the past year, seventeen, I believe.
We have a fine laity which are quite spiritual, keeping good courage and give well for the support of the work.
We have some young ministers that are promising, more like them are needed.
There are wonderful possibilities before us because of the fast increase of population and new territory being opened up. I know of no better in the United States.
Yet with all these bright prospects before us we are confronted with serious problems that at present we do not know how to meet. These will be presented to this Conference at a later time.
Nebraska Conference– Charles Gray, D. S.
We are happy to report that the goodness of the Lord has been upon the work of the Nebraska Conference during the past four years. And we can say, that He has done great things for us where of we are glad.
The Nebraska Conference is comprised of seventeen organized, and four unorganized classes. During the past four years one new church and parsonage was built and dedicated, and a number of other churches and parsonages were remodeled which has given us much needed room, and has added much to the appearance and comfort of our properties.
For a time we were unable to secure help enough to supply all of our works with pastors, but God has very graciously answered prayer and has sent some new workers into the fields which are white to harvest for which we give Him Praise.
We now have a fine group of consecrated workers, who are loyal to His cause and seem to have a vision and are stepping into the open doors that are before them.
We appreciate very deeply the splendid cooperation and fellowship of both the ministry and laity.
Our young people are taking a very active part in the young people's service and are made a real blessing to the church. Quite a few of our young men and women have received a definite call from the Lord into active service both at home and abroad and are now in training at Bethel College.
During the past year we have suffered the loss of two of our very valuable and spiritual men, Rev. J. A. Persell, and Rev. J. K. Hygema. We shall miss their Godly advice and council very much. They have fought a good fight, finished their course, and have kept the faith, and have now received the reward that shall be theirs for all eternity.
Many good revivals, conventions, and missionary meetings were held that have born much fruit for His glory.
The camp meetings held each year on the camp grounds at Weeping Water, Nebraska, have contributed much to the spiritual life of the church. These meetings have been well attended although some of our people have to drive several hundred miles to attend the camp.
We feel that in the past year greater progress was made than in the three previous years.
The finances increased considerably while the offerings for missions were almost double that of the previous year.
We thank God that we are privileged to be co-workers together with Him and are looking forward to still greater things for Him by His grace and help.
Ohio Conference– H. E. Bowmen, D. S.
As I was elected at our Conference last June, I am reporting the progress and development of the Ohio Conference under the leadership of F. L. Huffman during the past quadrennium. The Conference is composed of twenty churches, sixteen in Ohio and four in western Pennsylvania. Statistics reveal that the membership has increased 14 per cent, and the total offerings increased 32 per cent.
The growth in membership is due to the evangelistic passion and effort on the part of our pastors and people. A further manifestation of this high tide of spiritual life is the fact that during the past year seven local Conference licenses were granted to young men who are preparing for the Christian ministry.
The financial high is the result of a number of building projects. Four church buildings have undergone major remodeling, namely: Loop, Pa.; Dayton; Fairborn; and Hubert Avenue, Springfield. The Pitt Gas congregation in Pennsylvania built a new parsonage, and the Lima congregation has a Parsonage currently under Construction. A commodious District Superintendent's parsonage in Springfield was purchased last year. A children's tabernacle was constructed on our Camp ground. In the church extension ~field we are at present constructing a new church building at Sidney.
We have just closed a Sunday School Rally of a month's duration in which the average attendance was increased 18 ½ per cent over last year's average for the same period.
We are keenly conscious that any growth and development is a result Of God's goodness and help, and thus to Him we give all the glory.
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 we have 1500 General Conference Journals printed, the expense to be apportioned to the Conferences on the basis of membership, the Journals also to be distributed on the same basis.
Resolved, That all the reports of the District Superintendents be published in the General Conference Journal, and be limited to no more than one page each. The District Superintendents shall edit their own reports.
Resolved, That we have a committee to apportion expenses to General Conference. The Chair appointed: N. H. Wolf, H. Good, W. E. Manges.
Rev. Bruce Pearson was introduced to the Conference.
Report of the Committee Relative to a General Superintendent:
This Committee met some time ago with a full representation, Rev. Mark Burgess having been appointed to take the place of Rev. J. S. Wood deceased.
As a Committee we discussed informally the matter of a General Superintendent for our church. We recognized that the creating of such an office should be made a subject of earnest prayer and careful thought. It would involve certain modifications of our present organizational set-up. Such an office would require the full cooperation of all the Conferences and from the human standpoint would not be easy to fill.
We mention several possible advantages of such an office and we desire to state them briefly thinking that it might aid you in your study of the matter at your coming Annual Conference.
1. The need of a denominational headquarters is increasing. It has often been embarrassing to have to explain our use of Bethel Publishing Company or the residence of the District Superintendent, or some other place as headquarters for our denomination. Creating of such an office would be the beginning of establishing a headquarters.
2. A more free exchange of pastors between Conferences would be possible and more likely if we had a General Superintendent.
3. We should be thinking in terms of a correlated Church Extension program and the establishing of new Conferences in new areas.
4. The help and advantages to the smaller Conferences are no doubt apparent to all of us.
5. Stemming from such an office should be a Program of Promotion embracing the Sunday School, Home and Foreign Missions, Young People's Work, etc.
6. A closer relationship between the Conferences with a better understanding of one another's problems.
We called the attention of the District Superintendents to the resolution on page 41 of the last General Conference Journal asking the Annual Conferences to take an expression of their constituency on this subject and report to the next General Conference.
The result of this expression is as follows: 3 Conferences in favor; 3 Conferences against; 2 Conferences--no expression.
Resolved, That the report be accepted.
P. G. Lehman, Chairman,
Kenneth Geiger, Secretary,
Mark J. Burgess,
Committee.
Resolved, That the Committee on Statistics be the Committee to determine the number of representatives on the Executive Board for which each Annual Conference is entitled.
Resolved, That the basis of membership on the Executive Board be one member for each Conference with one additional member for each additional 1,000 members above 400.
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed by the Chair to make a survey of the progress of our Church for the last fifty years and that this Committee report to this Conference session. The Chair appointed Ray P. Pannabecker, E. R. Storms, and W. H. Little.
Resolved, That the request of W. K. Burgess to have an alternate delegate to take his place for the balance of this Conference, be referred to the Committee on Credentials.
Resolved, That the Chairman of each Annual Conference shall present to the Secretary a suitable "cut" with an obituary of deceased minister members of former General Conferences.
Rev. O. P. Eastman was introduced to the Conference body.
Resolved, That the Chair appoint a Committee on Recommendation for a Basis of Travel Expense for General Conference Delegates. He appointed P. T. Stengele, Kenneth Geiger and E. D. Young.
Resolved, That in the reports from the various Conferences, the item under Sunday School average attendance shall mean the average for the last year of the quadrennium.
Resolved, That the Committee to Examine the Annual Conference Minutes be expected to examine the Conference Minute Books of the various Conferences and report their findings, also submit a list of the requests found to the General Conference.
Resolved, That we have a Committee of three to compile a list of standing rules governing the General Conference. The Chair appointed A. Walsh, Q J. Everest, F. B. Hertzog.
Resolved, That we have an index in the next issue of the General Conference Journal.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn. Adjourned at 4:30 with prayer by N. D. Zimmerman.
THIRD MEETING
Thursday Morning
The meeting opened with singing, "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken." The devotions were in charge of C. E. Kirkwood, who read portions of the Epistle of Ephesians, placing emphasis on the walk and the warfare of the Christian. This was followed by a season of prayer.
Roll Call.
The Minutes were read and approved. Report of the Committee on Credentials:
Whereas, Rev. W. K. Burgess, minister delegate and pastor of the host church, has requested that he be released of his responsibilities as delegate because of the pressing duties of Conference entertainment and that the first alternate ministerial delegate be seated in his place, and
Whereas, We have examined the credentials of first alternate ministerial delegate, Rev. O. P. Eastman and he was duly elected.
We recommend that the request of Brother W. K. Burgess be granted and that O. P. Eastman be recognized as delegate.
E. D. Young, Charles Gray, M. J. Burgess, P. T. Stengele,
H. E. Bowman, Kenneth Geiger, A. Prey, P. G. Lehman,
Committee.
Report was adopted.
The Chair appointed M. J. Burgess to serve as an additional member on the Committee on Introduction.
Report of the Committee on Recommendation for a Basis of Travel Expense for General Conference.
We recommend that those traveling by motor be paid the sum of 5 per mile for the first delegate and 1 ½ per mile for each additional passenger delegate, and that $1.00 per meal and lodging expenses be paid in addition.
Further, we recommend that such traveling by rail be paid actual clergy or laymen full fare including sleeper and $1.00 per meal for expense to General Conference.
The report was adopted.
P. T. Stengele, E. D. Young, Kenneth Geiger,
Committee.
Rev. J. A. Ringenberg, President of the Missionary Church Association and Rev. S. A. Witmer, President of Fort Wayne Bible College, were introduced to the General Conference and brought brief messages of greeting.
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 is recommended to the General Conference so as to expedite the work of this Committee in future General Conferences:
We recommend that any Annual Conference desiring to petition General Conference shall send to the Chairman of the General Conference a certified typewritten copy of all such petitions prior to the time of the opening of the Conference.
And we further recommend that this become a standing rule.
Petitions, requests, and recommendations found in the Conference minutes are given below.
Ontario -(l) Whereas, There has arisen among General Conference members some difference of opinion as to the scope of our recommendation to the last General Conference, be it
Resolved, That we convey to the General Conference the information that it was our intention that the entire book, cover to cover, be included in the scope of our request and that it is still our desire to have the whole work included in the present re-writing.
Pennsylvania-(1) Resolved, That we petition the General Conference to permit us to elect Presiding Elders for a three-year term instead of annually, but in no case shall he serve longer than nine years.
Indiana-(1) Whereas, Neeley's Parliamentary Practice is no longer available,
Resolved, That we request General Conference to recognize Robert's Rules of Order as our official Parliamentary Guide.
(2) Whereas, There have been negotiations by General Conference appointed Committee with a Committee of the Missionary Church Association, concerning amalgamation of the two denominations, and whereas, it seems advisable to continue negotiations, therefore be it
Resolved, That we petition General Conference to re-appoint a committee to make further investigation concerning the union of the two denominations.
(3) Whereas, The discipline specifies that the Publisher is a member of General Conference, and
Whereas, An interpretation of the function of the Publisher denies the agent of Bethel Publishing Company the use of this title and the exercise of his clearly intended responsibility, be it
Resolved, That we petition General Conference to either designate the agent of Bethel Publishing Company with the title of Publisher, or to change the discipline so as to make him a voting member of General Conference.
(4) We, the Indiana Conference, hereby, petition the next General Conference that we have the privilege of making the members of our standing conference committees and regular conference officers not elected as delegates, regular voting members of the annual conference during their tenure of office.
(5) We, the Indiana Conference, hereby petition the next General Conference that we be given the privilege of electing one delegate for each 100 members or majority fraction of the next 150 thereof from each local congregation to serve as delegates to the Annual Conference. The additional members elected thereby shall not be members of the stationing committee.
Canadian Northwest-(1) Resolved, That the delegates to the General Conference be responsible to procure certificates for every branch of church administration and that they present to the General Conference the matter of standardizing these certificates throughout the Church.
(2) Whereas, The Canadian Northwest Conference, among others, sent a request to the General Conference of 1947 to give the matter of a General Superintendent prayerful consideration, and
Whereas, We are pleased to note that a committee was appointed and that the said committee has been giving the matter careful attention as appears in correspondence with our District Superintendent, A. Frey, and
Whereas, We heartily agree with the positive and plausible advantages as enumerated in the said correspondence, therefore,
We, the members of the Canadian Northwest Conference renew our former request that the General Conference give the matter of appointing a General Superintendent further consideration at its forth-coming meeting.
Michigan-(1) Whereas, Too large a percent of the Sunday School literature as used by many of our Sunday Schools is not printed by our own publishing house and due to the fact that suitable materials are not available from our own house, and
Whereas, some of our present materials being used is out of harmony with our church teaching and doctrines, be it
Resolved, That we request General Conference to give consideration to this matter and to take such steps to provide adequate materials as are necessary.
(2) Resolved, That we request General Conference to either eliminate or revise Section IV of the General Rules of the Discipline so as to make the "Class Meeting" optional with the Conference or Church.
Nebraska Conference--The following Resolutions were presented during the past four years to be brought before General Conference:
Resolution, Be it resolved that we the Nebraska Conference present to the next General Conference the recommendation that they drop the name "Ministering Sister," and receive the women ministers into full ordination and exercise of the duties included therein.
Washington Conference- Greetings to the Executive Board of the General Conference or General Conference Members:
(1) We, the Washington Conference of the United Missionary Church in session at Filer, Idaho, July 13, 1951 respectfully petition you, or the General Conference to revert the Washington Conference from an Independent Conference to a Mission Conference, under the Executive Board or any one of the Eastern Conferences; and that our General Conference delegates will give the necessary reasons for this petition.
C. Leslie Miller, Chairman, R. T. Starkey, Secretary, S. A. Rohrer, J. E. Dafoe, L. K. Sider,
Committee.
Resolved, That the report be received and that the appeals be considered at a later period.
Resolved, That we excuse C. Leslie Miller from attendance of this Conference after Friday in order to conduct a funeral service.
Resolved, That one representative from each Conference be responsible for the travel expenses of their delegation to General Conference.
Resolved, That we have a business meeting on Friday evening at 7:00 P. M.
Resolved, That we consider in informal discussion the recommendations of the Editor of the Gospel Banner.
Resolved, That we have a Committee of five to consider the recommendations of the Editor of the Gospel Banner and report to this Conference. The Chair appointed E. R. Storms, H. E. Bowman, A. Frey, Q. J. Everest, O. P. Eastman.
Resolved, That the request of the Indiana Conference that we recognize Robert's Rules of Order as our official Parliamentary Guide instead of Neeley's Parliamentary Practice be granted and that hereafter the various Conferences use this book as their guide and also use it in the Reading Course assignment.
Resolved, That the recommendation of the Committee to Examine the Annual Conference Minutes--that petitions to General Conference be sent to the Chairman of the General Conference in the form of a certified typewritten copy--be referred to the Committee on Standing Rules.
Ministers Arthur Ditmer, H. L. Matteson, B. H. Surbrook and Roy Dettwiler were introduced to the Conference.
Adjourned with prayer by Dr. S. A. Witmer.
FOURTH MEETING
Thursday Afternoon
The meeting was opened with a period of song. Charles F. Gray led in prayer.
The roll was called.
Minutes of the morning meeting were read and approved.
Ministers Dr. Clyde Taylor, M. J. Jones and V. H. Yousey, were introduced to the Conference.
Resolved, That we consider the recommendations of the General Executive Committee.
Resolved, That we consider the matter of Church union between the United Missionary Church and the Missionary Church Association.
During the quadrennium the General Executive Board in a regular meeting elected a committee of five, consisting of R. P. Ditmer, P. G. Lehman, J. E. Tuckey, T. D. Gehret and W. E. Manges, to meet with the fraternal delegates from the Missionary Church Association. Two meetings were held by the joint committees in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The report and findings of these meetings were brought to the Executive Board who in turn asked the General Conference to give prayerful consideration to the matter of church union between the two groups.
The question relating to such a union was discussed informally and it was,
Resolved, That this matter be tabled for later consideration.
Resolved, That we have a business session from 6:15 to 7:30 this evening.
Report of the Committee on Worship:
The Committee on Worship recommends that the order of service this evening be as follows:
Speaker--Dr. Clyde Taylor Time of service--7:45 P. M.
In charge of service--M. J. Burgess
Song Director--N. D. Zimmerman
Special Music--I. L. Wood
Offering-To defray the expenses of this meeting; any surplus to apply on the expenses of entertaining this Conference session.
The report was adopted.
R. P. Ditmer, P. G. Lehman, W. E. Manges,
Committee.
Report on the Committee on Re-writing the Discipline:
The last General Conference elected a committee of five to re-write the Discipline. Those elected and serving on this committee were: J. A. Huffman, R. P. Ditmer, Ward M. Shantz, T. D. Gehret and J. E. Tuckey. This committee met at various times during the quadrennium and having completed their work submitted their report to the Executive Board. Their report was presented to this Conference and was dealt with item by item and will appear in the Journal as the various items were adopted.
Resolved, That the question of an article relating to our attitude on peace and war be referred to a committee on Discipline consisting of one member from each of the various Conferences.
Resolved, That we extend the time indefinitely. The following resolution was adopted: Report of Committee on Resolutions:
Whereas, The Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution guarantees the protection of our religious freedoms by the provision that Church and State shall be forever separate, and
Whereas, The Roman Catholic Hierarchy is historically opposed to the separation of Church and State, and
Whereas, The action of President Harry Truman in nominating to the U. S. Senate General Mark W. Clark as full-fledged United States Ambassador to the Vatican repudiates the Bill of Rights and the United States Constitution and threatens our religious freedoms, therefore be it
Resolved, That we, the General Conference of the United Missionary Church, known in Pennsylvania as the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church, now assembled in Detroit, Michigan, do hereby protest President Truman's action and call upon every Senator to refuse approval to the appointment of General Clark. Be it further,
Resolved, That we urgently propose to our legislators that suitable legislation be drawn up to define the future policy of our nation in its relation to any and all religious groups.
C. E. Kirkwood, Forest L. Huffman,
Committee.
Report was adopted.
Resolved, That the Secretary send a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States and one to Senator Thomas Connally, also that copies be given for the use of members of the General Conference.
Ministers Donald Conrad, Fred Johnson and G. C. Guilliat were introduced to the Conference.
Resolved, That we suspend the rules and adjourn to meet in special session at g:15 p. m.
Prayer by I. W. Sherk.
FIFTH MEETING
Thursday Evening
Meeting opened at 6:15 with song. H. E. Bowman led in prayer. Roll Call.
Minutes of previous meeting read and approved.
Report of the Committee to Apportion General Conference Expenses:
Apportionments
Pennsylvania Conference $803.00
Ontario Conference 424.20
Washington Conference 61.00
Nebraska Conference 146.00
Canadian Northwest Conference 97.00
Ohio Conference 223.00
Michigan Conference 363.00
Indiana Conference 420.00
Total $2,537.70
Expenses
Deficit in Conference Treasury $132.63
Pennsylvania Conference 841.80
Ontario Conference