USA > Michigan > Jackson County > Jackson > Minutes of the Michigan Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1918 > Part 7
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The preachers of the district have rendered all possible service to the federal government in its various war measures; they also loyally responded to the call of our National War Council. The charges contributed over $2,500 to the War Emergency Fund.
Many of our Sunday Schools passed the usual Christmas treat into the form of service for others, donating the money to help the suffering Armenians and our Children's Home in Detroit.
The extremely severe winter with stormy Sundays and fuel shortage, interfered very much with the regularity of services, but I am pleased to say that reports received at the close of the year were very encouraging, and we believe the district will make a fair advance over the previous year.
The financial situation shows a marked improvement in the number of charges that are adopting more systematle methods of securing support for the church. The support of pastors was largely increased this year, while the promised advance in cash salaries for rext year will total $3,300. There has been much sickness in the district this year and the death angel entered two of our parsonage homes, Sister M. A. Oldt; wife of our pastor at Bronson, after a brief illness passed into the home land, and August 3rd, Calvin first horn, and only son of Brother and Sister McCombe of Benton Harbor, went from us to join the angel band: "
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MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
[1918
When we think of faithful pastoral work performed from day to day, the sick visited, funerals attended, patriotic addresses given, the canvass for Y. M. C. A., Red Cross, Liberty Loan Bonds, the securing of funds for local church purposes, the raising of money for church benevolences, and remember that on many charges the pastor is the man, who in addition to his pulpit preparation, does or inspires a large part of this work, we feel that no report can do justice to the faithfulness which these activities involve.
Our church in Benton Harbor is truly doing a great work. The salary this year was fixed at $2,500, the pastor to secure his own home, that the parsonage might be used as a community house, and also to relieve the congestion in the growing Sunday School.
Seven thousand and sixty-five dollars was raised to pay an old indebtedness. A continuous winter evangelistic effort climaxed in an intensive two weeks' Easter Campaign, with the whole constituency thoroughly organized into districts with captains, under the leadership of the pastor, and closed on Easter Sunday night with 150 standing at the alter seeking admission into the church. More than 200 have united with the church this year, and the services from week to week attract large congregations, not by spectacular methods, but by an able and forceful presentation of the Gospel.
The union of two Gilead churches is now an accomplished fact. Bishop Hender- son to the delight and profit of an audience that completely filled the auditorium, preached the sermon and dedicated the remodeled church. The charge now promises $100 increase in salary next year.
Bangor promiscs $200 increase in salary for next year. Berrien Springs advanced the salary $200 at the beginning of the year, and promises $200 increase for next. At Buchanan, $260 on indebtedness was paid this year, improvements made on church and parsonage costing $150, the salary increased $100 for this year and $200 advance promised for next. On the Coloma and Watervliet charge $900 was paid on indebtedness this year, and a $200 increase in salary promised for next year. Cassopolis paid $200 indebtedness, made improvements costing $125, and promises $200 increase in salary. Centerville advances $200 next year.
At Colon, a beautiful memorial window, presented by a member, Brother Bell in memory of his wife, lends attractiveness to the church. Decatur advanced the salary $250 this year, Dowagiac promises $200 advance next year and has it already pledged, and Edwardsburg has pledged an increase of $200. Keeler and Silver Creek advanced the salary $100 this year, with pledge of $300 more next. Lawrence pledges $200 advance in salary making $475 advance in five years, and Lawton also adds $100 to the salary.
Marcellus advanced the salary $100 this year and promises $200 advance next. The church has been redecorated and parsonage improved at a cost of $500.
The church at Niles is facing a great opportunity. That city has been made the western division terminal of the Michigan Central Railroad. This will involve the expenditure of $2,500,000. Eight hundred men will be required to operate the terminal and it is estimated that the population of the city will he increased by at least five-hundred families.
Paw Paw has paid $200 on indebtedness. At Sturgis $900 was paid this year on indebtedness, and the salary will be advanced $300 for next year.
Our church in St. Joseph has enjoyed another good year. The benevolences this year are the largest in the history of the church ; the pastors salary was advanced $100, and he was invited to return for the fifth year. Four-hundred and fifty-six dollars was paid on indebtedness; extensive improvements and decoration of the church parlors have been made costing $650, and a beautiful memorial window was placed in the church by a member, Mrs. Gorsett in memory of her deceased sister-in-law.
Under the intelligent and enthusiastic leadership of the pastor Brother Miles, the work of church improvement at Stevensville commenced last year was completed this spring. The reopening service was held Sunday morning, May 12th, and the total cost $1,800 was all provided for. Two-hundred and fifty dollar increase in salary is promised.
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1918] REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND AGENTS
Vandalia and Jones promise $300 increase for next year, the membership has been increased, and for the first time the entire apportionment for the benevolences will be met.
Brother Dewey, our pastor at Three Oaks was appointed District Epworth League President, after Brother Blewfield resigned, and we are expecting a revival of interest in practical Christian work among the leagues of the district.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND AGENTS.
AUDITING COMMITTEE.
The Conference Committee on auditing has examined the vouchers of the District Superintendents for Home Missionary funds handled, and the accounts of the secretary, the treasurer, the statistician, and the secretary of transportation of the Conference, and of the treasurer and of the assistant treasurer of Clark Memorial Home, and find them correct.
We recommend the payment of ten dollars to the janitor of the church in which the Conference has been held, and the payment of the following bills :
Geo. A. Brown, expenses of secretary $32.35
H. B. Johnson, expenses of statistician 35.65
G. B. Fleming, expenses of treasurer 8.50
W. W. HURD, ·
JOHN G. BIERY, F. H. CRAMER.
CLARK MEMORIAL HOME TRUSTEES.
There have been fifty residents in the home during the past year, four men and forty-six women. There has been an average of thirty-six. There are now in the Home three men and forty women. Of these, one is a clergyman, seven are clergy- men's widows, and one is a clergyman's mother. Those admitted during the year are :
Mrs. Frances Stebbins, Charlotte ; Mrs. Ellen L. S. Merriman, Lowell ; Mrs. Matilda Randolph, Nunica ; Mrs. Eliza F. Osborn, Frankfort ; Mrs. Mary E. Hammond, Ovid ; Mr. Curtis Simmons, Ovid ; Mrs. Sarah A. Simmons, Ovid ; Mrs. Ida L. McCoy, Oregon ; Rev. R. W. Tindall, Big Rapids ; Mrs. J. J. Warren, St. Johns; Mrs. Octavia R. Eaton, Grand Rapids ; Mrs. Polly M. Cole, Lake Odessa; Miss Myra L. Adams, Cedar Springs ; Mrs. Sara L. Sewell, Niles ; Mrs. Eliza Bilbo, Paw Paw.
Three have removed during the year, Mrs. Lily D. Howe, Mrs. Ellen L. S. Merriman and Mrs. J. B. Kilbourne.'
Deaths during the year have numbered four : Mrs. Harriet N. Teal, Dec. 25, 1917 ; Mrs Addie Pringle, March 11, 1918; Mrs. Belle F. Dodge, April 14, 1918; Mr. Aaron L. Bennett, June 11, 1918.
Painstaking care has been taken by the Home Committee in their investigation of the fitness for admission to the Home of all applicants and by the Board itself in deciding the question of admission. The members of the Board have been unfaltering in their devotion to their duties throughout the year. The managers of the Home are grateful to the pastors and congregations who regularly contribute cash and supplies, thus enlarging the ministries of the Home.
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The Trustees request that the Conference accept the same apportionment for the support of the Home as last year.
Respectfully submitted, J. C. FLOYD, Pres. Board of Trustees.
CONFERENCE DEACONESS BOARD.
The Conference Deaconess Board of Michigan Annual Conference met at Aldrich Deaconess Home, Monday, Sept. 8, 1918, at 2:00 o'clock, and the following business was transacted.
It was voted to relicense the following deaconesses, viz., Mrs. Ella C. Hartshorn, and the Misses Mildred Avery, Bertha M. Clark, Hattie E. Davis, Jennie L. Gilmore, Herma R. Laskey, Zoa L. Mitchell, and Nellie D. Shorter.
It was also voted to continue the Misses Leah Belle Lyman, Katherine Stroven, and Laura A. Elmer on probation and to renew their probationers' certificates.
It was decided to recommend the Misses E. Pearl Swank, Edith O. Collins, and Belle Whitcomb for consecration and also that they be licensed by the annual con- ference.
Miss Hattie E. Davis, presented her transfer from the Vermont conference with their approval of her transfer, and this board accepted her transfer.
The Conference Deaconess Board asks that the appropriation made by the annual conference for the purpose should remain as it has been here-to-before. The work is being enlarged and since the closing of the training school one source of in- come has been withdrawn, that is the scholarships. The conference board asks the hearty co-operation of the pastors and people of the conference in the work of the Home for another year. The deaconesses have met with large results the past year, and are a vital factor in the work of the Kingdom.
G. B. FLEMING, Secretary.
CONFERENCE BOARD OF HOME MISSIONS AND CHURCH EXTENSION.
Regular Home Mission Appropriations received and paid to the District Superintendents
$4,672 50
Special Home Missions Appropriations received and paid 413 00
Total
$5,085 50
Church Extention Donations :
To Peoples Church, Cadillac. $100 00
To Charlesworth Church
150 00
To Bethel Church, Sagetown 125 00
Riverside
200 00
Fowler
225 00
Total
$800 00
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.
The signal success of the Educational Jubilee Campaign conducted under the auspices of the Educational Association and Board of Education in adding to the endowment of the educational institutions of Methodism an amount aggregating Twenty-seven Million Dollars is convincing proof of the high value placed upon higher education by our great Methodist Episcopal Church.
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1918] REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND AGENTS
The Student Loan Fund, derived from the Children's Day collections, has aided from the beginning more than twenty-five thousand Methodist young people. During the Board's last fiscal year 2,062 students received this assistance. This fund for the year ending December, 1917 amounted to $99,000, an increase of $14,000 over the preceding year. Michigan Conference's gift to this worthy fund was $2,141.
We note with appreciation our Government's recognition of the efficiency of our church schools and the great emphasis it has placed upon higher education hy in- cluding thesc schools in its plan for the Students' Army Training Corps.
Because of the continued high standards of scholarship of Albion College and its valuable contribution to the upbuilding of the Church of Jesus Christ and the de- fense of world democracy, we renew our pledge of hearty support. We regret the failure thus far to include Albion in the Educational Jubilee, and approve the plan under advisement wherchy our College will share to the extent of $500,000 in the Centenary Campaign.
We recognize the valuable work of the Freedman Aid Society and recommend that each pastor observe Lincoln Day, and, that in addition to raising the full apportionment for the work of this Society, an effort be made to increase it as largely as possible. .
The splendid theological schools of our church furnish excellent opportunity for our young men preparing for the ministry to obtain training for large efficiency and are worthy of our support. We therefore heartily endorse their work.
ARTHUR E. GAY, Chairman.
EVANGELISM.
We believe it ample time that we put a larger content into the meaning of evangelism in the face of this present world war. Only thus shall we be ready to properly receive our hoys when they come home.
Therefore we heartily affirm our confidence in our Area Program of evangelism -the time legion, constituancy roll and the Sunday night appeal from our pulpits.
We urge pastoral evangelism and the training and use of our talented laymen in this greatest of all work of our Church. We further urge and recommend that a much greater use be made of decision day in our Sunday Schools together with a thorough and systematic preparation for it in weeks of prayer and personal work We further urge upon the attention of the Church that the greatest business on earth for pastor and people is the winning of people one by one to a saving faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
F. M. THURSTON, Chairman.
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
Resolved, That we urge upon our people the importance of the Regular Benevo- · lent Enterprises of the Church and that regular appropriations for the same should be considered as the minimum of our giving; and we heartily endorse the system of Stewardship and tithing as recommended hy the Centenary Committee as a stand- ard of giving which should become prevalent among all our people.
Resolved, That we recommend that the District Superintendent be authorized to apportion the following amounts for distribution over the charges as Special Con- ference Benevolences :
For Clark Memorial Home onc per cent of the Pas- tors cash salary.
Aldrich Deaconess' Ilome. $1,800 00
U. of M. Pastor
1,500 00
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MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE [1918
We recommend that under other collections the following may be reported. District Emergency Funds. Anti Saloon League Support. Offering for Wesley Hospital. Ali funds raised under recognized authorities for War Relief.
S. W. LARGE, WILTON BENEDICT, H. E. WYLIE.
COMMITTEE ON GENERAL REFERENCE AND RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved, That the Michigan Annual Conference express its high appreciation of the many courtesies that have been extended on the part of the citizens of Jackson, the pastors of the various churches, and the Press; that their open-hearted hospi- tality, gracious reception and keen interest, have greatly contributed to the success of the Conference.
Resolved, That we express to our Presiding and greatly beloved Bishop Berry, our gratification mpon having his presence at this Conference session. His brotherly spirit, wise counsels and spiritual advices have been greatly appreciated by all. - Resolved, That we exress our high appreciation of the work of the Methodist Children's home in Highland Park under the leadership of Mrs. Peter F. Stair and commend it to the generosity of our people.
Resolved, That as Prussianism in Europe and pro-Germanism in America have been shown to be a deadly menace to the dearest hopes of our Christian civilization, we therefore renew our pledge to our Government to "carry on" until these forces shall be overcome. That all matters pertaining to the successful prosecution of the war as proposed by our Government, shall be enthusiastically supported by the Methodism of Michigan, and further that we most heartily endorse the position of our educators in eliminating German as a language study from the curriculum of our schools. And be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Conference be instructed to send a telegram to our President expressing the sentiments of the above resolution.
Resolved, That we hereby express our appreciation of the work of the District Supts., in gaining a general advance in the pastoral support, especially on the smaller charges, and we reccommend wherever possible and advisable the union of church forces and that the District Supts., he authorized to make the necessary adjustments and transfers of church property.
C. S. Risley, William W. Slee, J. F. Bowerman.
COMMITTEE ON PERIODICALS.
Competent authorities admit that no Church in Christendom publishes and puts out a higher type of religious literature than ours. We note with pride that while the number of publications has been reduced, owing to market conditions and the war, the high quality is sustained.
The fact that the sales of our Uniform Sunday School Publications have passed the Million-dollar mark, while those of the Graded Lessons show a decided increase, indicates the wide favor in which these publications are held.
In these days when the faith of men and nations is being tested, we note with gratitude the high note of patriotism in our Church publications. Through editorials and contributions they have rendered conspicuous service to the whole government program of war preparation, and have been widely instrumental in disseminating the highest type of Americanism throughout our Country.
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REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND AGENTS
1918]
We rejoice that in spite of the stringency of the times, the Book Concern an- nounces a dividend of $250,000 for distribution among the Conferences. We urge that, every effort be made to increase the circulation of our literature for that is a sure method to extend the influence and power of the Church.
D. D. KING, Chairman. JOHN W. VICKERS, Secretary.
REFORMS.
Believing that tobacco, especially in the form of cigarettes, interferes with the sleep, lowers the vitality, weakens the heart, dims the eyesight, and shatters the nerves of every person who uses it, we believe that everybody who encourages this death-dealing practice by giving, selling or furnishing it, especially to our soldier boys, is consciously or unconsciously an enemy of freedom and human welfare, and we regret that the American tobacco companies have been able to enlist many women's clubs-the Red Cross and even the Y. M. C. A. in helping spread this pernicious habit.
Inasmuch as the Christian Sabbath is one of the foundation stones of our Christian civilization, we greatly deplore and protest against the inroads made on the sacredness of the day by moving pictures, joy riding, Sunday knitting, and other secular pursuits and amusements. We would most emphatically enjoin our people to systematically and consistently keep the Sabbath day holy themselves, and dis- courage all abuses of the sacredness of such a holy and divine institution.
We rejoice in the marvelous advance made by the temperance cause-the death knell is now ringing for King Alcohol. At last war-time prohibition has been passed by Congress. On the first day of May 1919 no grain, cereal, fruit or other food products shall be used in the manufacture or production of beer, wine, or other intoxi- cating, malt or vinous liquor for beverage purposes. After June 30, 1919, during the continuance of the present war and the period of demobilization, no intoxicating liquors will be manufactured or sold for beverage purposes. Fourteen states have already adopted the amendment to the constitution for national prohibition. We congratulate and commend the Anti-saloon League on the decision given by the courts against the proposed becr and wine amendment. We urge all of-our people to assist in the enforcement of our prohibition laws.
We call upon our people to preach and practice patriotism in every way possible, but deplore the spirit of hate which is becoming so prevalent, and the growing tendency to condone profanity.
We look with alarm upon the wide-spread evll of gambling which is fastening itself upon the youth of our land, and earnestly call upon our preachers to protest and prohibit when possible. Charity, philanthropy and religion should frown upon this vice and refuse to be beneficiaries of this vile practice.
We hereby renew our allegiance and pledge our best service to our Country and God.
QUINTON WALKER, Chairman.
6 FIELD SECRETARY OF THE ENDOWMENT FUND.
On the 1st of last April, the B. S. Mills farm, near Fountain, Michigan, con- sisting of 480 acres, came into our possession by deed in Fee Simple.
We pay 5 percent on $18,000 semi-annually and assume besides mortgages amounting to $1.500 more, which have been paid off, making a total value of the farm to us of $19,500.
We found on taking possession both farm and buildings in anything but good condition, hence, we were forced to make necessary improvements at considerable cost to the fund and not finished yet. The farm represents an investment of nearly $23,000.
The return from the crops and stock will not pay the annuity to Brother Mills
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MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
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and other expenses of the farm. We face a loss this year I fear, but which may be made good in the returns from the farm another year.
The Goodrich farm is an entirely different proposition. When we took possession, the buildings and fences were in good condition, little has heen spent for repairs and the stock came to us at half its value. However, the returns from this farm the first year we worked it did not pay the annuity and expenses, but there will he something left to offset the loss of the first year.
After handling these farms for the past three years, I have come to the con- clusion that taking farms on this annuity plan is a questionable policy for the Con- ference to pursue.
The additions to the Fund this year including the farm, never counted before hy the treasurer, amounted to $26,500.
Unless notes to he paid out of estates are promptly reported by the preachers and sent to the Prohate Judge as a claim, there will be a great slump in the amount.
Complying with the directions of the Conference, I sent statements to all con- tributors who failed to respond before Conference last year requesting payments of Principal and Interest due on notes, with some results but not equal to the amount duc. Some notes considered doubtful or worthless have been paid, this amounting to three or four hundrd dollars.
A second statement was mailed to every one owing us in June and July last, so due notice has been given.
The amounts I have turned in to the Treasurer this year is over $13,600, ahout $7,000 of which is money raised this year. These additions to the Fund are nearly all cash. Have invested $15,000 in mortgages since last Conference.
The expenses this year are larger than usual owing to the increase in transpor- tation, postage, the Mills farm and the growth of the business. However, I am very glad to report that the check for the stewards from the Fund will be $718 more than last year.
This closes the seventeenth year of my connection with the Fund, twelve as trus- fee and chairman of the Investment Committee and five as Secretary. I have tried to do the work conscientiously, thoroughly, carefully, safely and promptly. Respectfully submitted,
L. E. LENNOX.
FIELD SECRETARY OF THE SUPPLY PASTOR'S ENDOWMENT FUND.
Of all the tasks assigned to a man in detached service none compares to the luxury of leading folks to practice the grace of Christian giving. This has heen our happy lot during the past five years.
While for all our people this has been a strenuous year, it has been the most fruitful of all the five we have labored for this worthy cause. We have secured in cash and pledges this year the sum of $10,164.00. During the five years we have received gifts totaling $39,283.00.
The total amount of cash received this year is as follows :
General Fund.
$2,010 40
Interest on pledges 211 18
Interest on mortgages. 742 00
Total Cash Receipts. $2,963 58
Amount now in and loaned out on Real Estate Mortgages. . $15.250 00
Cash on hand in General Fund.
1,374 59
Total General Fund.
$16,624 59
$1,016 74
Interest available for distribution this year.
W. P. MANNING, Field Secretary.
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1918] REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, BOARDS AND AGENTS
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION.
The Secretary of Transportation wishes to submit the following report Cash on Hand when the present Secretary assumed the duties of this office, $9.17, being the balance turned over by Rev. Russel H. Bready his predecessor in office. Receipts from Conference balances $810.99, making total receipts of $820.16 total expenditures $602.92, divided as follows : $559.17 personal balances paid out, $43.75 expenses of the office, books, postage, printing, etc. Leaving a balance, September 16, at this hour, 12 noon, of $217.24. There are a few checks yet to be written.
Of the 436 possible participants in the plan this year 244 had a Conference Balance, and 192 had personal balances ; 109 of this number have received their checks. Of the 244, 226 either have paid their Conference balance or are not at the seat of Conference. Four have promised to send their balance later in the year, leaving 14 failing to participate. Of these 14 but 5 refused to recognize their obligation, nine not having heen seen by the Secretary.
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