USA > Ohio > Minutes of the annual meeting of the Synod of Ohio of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. > Part 3
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The Ohio Council continues to be active in the field of comity. Nearly 200 consolidated churches in Ohio are operating under the Principle of Comity.
The Motion Picture Committee apparently has done effective work in providing motion pictures for use in churches at moderate cost. The pictures "King of Kings" and "The Life of St. Paul" have been widely shown.
The Legislative Department continues to be active in the promo- tion of County Option and cooperating with the Anti-Saloon League and the W. C. T. U. and other organizations.
THE OHIO CHRISTIAN NEWS. We continue to appreciate the Ohio Christian News which reaches every minister in the state. It is most efficiently edited and attractively bound. The magazine is a splendid evidence of the great work of our council. It carries the im- portant news which the ministers of the state desire to have. The council is to be commended for the publishing of this fine magazine.
FINANCE. The total income of the Ohio Council in 1940 was $49,313.65. This includes the amount received to apply on debts and
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separate receipts of the Council of Religious Education before the ac- counts were merged. The budget for 1941 totals $71,815.00 including provision for full payment of the bank loan, amounts for the employ- ment of full-time workers in the fields of young people's activities, children's work and week-day religious education, and the financing of the new department of Church Men.
The report of the Rural Survey Commission was pre- sented by the chairman, Rev. F. H. Eastman. The report was received and the recommendations adopted.
Your Commission, after a year of hard work, brings to you a Re- port of Progress. All members of this Commission are active Pastors with the heavy duties of a town and country Parish. Therefore limited as we all are in the matter of time, the Survey work moves slowly. We have made very definite progress and added new developments in the scope of our work. Summarizing the past year's efforts:
1. A Planning Conference was held in Columbus early last fall, with Dr. H. N. Morse, of the Board of National Missions present. At that time the work for this was outlined, important changes in procedure suggested and adopted, and responsibility for the Commission's work equally divided among the members.
2. Studies of various town and country situations have been re- quested by four of the Presbyteries. These studies are now in pro- gress, with some nearly complete. Others have progressed slowly because of conditions on the field, distance from members of the Com- mission or other conditions beyond our control.
3. Members of the Commission, from one to three, have attended each of the several Conferences of the Rural Church Committees of the various denominations. These were held in Columbus and were called by the Rev. Dr. W. H. Thompson, Rural Secretary, Ohio Council of Churches and Religious Education.
4. Assistance has been given by the Chairman and members of the Committee to some experimental solutions for securing pastoral service. All of these cases have required cooperation of other denomi- nations with one of our Churches, or cooperation on our part with a Church of another denomination. Thus far good results have come from these situations and grave problems have been met.
5. Conferences of Town and Country Pastors have been held in Athens, Steubenville and St. Clairsville Presbyteries. At these con- ferences there was a general discussion of successes in rural fields, a careful consideration of some outstanding problems, and the active Pastors were given an opportunity to make suggestions and present criticisms. These Conferences were eminently successful and the men requested unanimously that they be held annually. The Synod, through the Commission, entertained the Pastors at lunch. Many drove 75-100 miles to attend the Conference. Two afternoon conferences were held in Portsmouth Presbytery.
6. We have worked with the Board of National Missions, and are glad to report that this year at the Leadership Training School at Wooster there is to be a course on the Town and Country Church Pro- gram with Dr. Henry S. Randolph and Rev. Harry Bicksler as leaders. The inclusion of this course in the Training School has arisen from a very definite need expressed by the Pastors in service in rural fields. We hope that it will be a part of the School yearly henceforth.
In conclusion, the situation of the Town and Country Church during the past year has become greatly changed in many areas. Many young men have either enlisted in the Army or other branches of Service, many have gone to our industrial centers for employment in Defense Industries, and others have been called to a year of training
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under the Selective Service Act. Many men, with their families, have left for urban employment. Generally, the population gains of the past ten years in rural areas have already been entirely wiped out and today our Town and Country population is practically back to the pre-depression levels. This has happened with a suddenness that has been very disturbing to the on-going life and program of many of our small Churches. In many cases it has created a serious problem in leadership, and has emphasized again the need of a great leadership training program, as well as the necessity of a Church program which prepares rural youth for urban living, if they choose to leave the rural areas as well as rural living. As yet the pick-up in our Industrial and urban areas has had little effect in town and country areas financially. However, the effect is slowly being felt, but will be more as time goes on.
This past year, even with these conditions, has been one of the best of recent years for Town and Country Churches, with increasing interest, and attendance being generally reported and the broadening of Church programs quite the usual thing. Cooperation is making greatest strides in rural fields as population changes, economic situa- tions, and the good common sense of practical Christianity bring groups into closer relationship for their mutual well-being.
In order that our work may be completed, needs of the town and country areas be better understood and met and that our Church may be able to strengthen the non-urban Churches of the Synod, we, as a Commission, respectfully submit to you the following recommenda- tions:
(1). That this Commission be continued another year, but with its name changed to the Town and Country Church Commission. For membership of this Commission: O. L. Willetts, Harry Bicksler, Dr. John Sharpe, Louis Campbell, and Fred H. Eastman, Chairman.
(2.) That the studies, now under way, be completed-with new ones added as necessity may require; but that all be completed as soon as possible.
(3). That Conferences of Town and Country Pastors be held in as many of the Presbyteries as possible,-at the request of the Presby- teries or of the General Presbyters, with the Pastors attending being provided with a lunch out of the Commissions' funds.
(4). That at least $100, and if Synod s funds will permit $150, be provided the Commission for expenses this year.
(5). That we give wholehearted cooperation to the Rural Dept. of the Ohio Council of Churches and Religious Education and the Home Missions Council in the projected National Rural Mission-"The United Christian Advance in Rural America" March 2-6, 1942. The success of this great program will in a large measure depend upon the cooperation of the various denominations.
(6). That Synod of Ohio, the Board of National Missions of the Synod and Presbyteries give careful study and thought to providing Scholarships for Town and Country Pastors of ability, promise and good work that they may be able to attend:
a. The Leadership Training School at Wooster College, or b. The Rural Pastors' School at Camp Ohio.
If we are ever to achieve the attendance of many of our Pastors at Camp Ohio, it will necessitate financial assistance to those who attend. Many would go each year, but finances make it impossible. Our men have small salaries and heavy travel expense. If we are to have a good attendance of Town and Country pastors at Wooster Leadership Training School assistance must be given.
F. H. EASTMAN, Chairman
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SYNOD OF OHIO
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Rev. George W. Titus, Representative of the Anti-Saloon League addressed the Synod in a forceful appeal for the cause of temperance. The report was received.
Recess was taken until 9:00 o'clock Tuesday morning, the session closing with prayer by Rev. George Davidson.
EVENING POPULAR SERVICE
The evening service was held under the leadership of Rev. Jesse Halsey, he conducting the devotional service.
Dr. James W. Clarke, Winnipeg, Canada, was presented and preached on the theme; "The Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth." The special theme of the evening being; "The Might of God."
The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was observed. The Moderator and Rev. Jesse Halsey administered the elements, assisted by elders of Synod.
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 1941
A joint meeting of Synod and Synodical was held in the Chapel from eight till nine o'clock a. m. This hour, desig- nated Bible Hour, was conducted by Dr. Charles F. Wishart, President of Wooster College. The general theme was "Christus Liberator." The specific theme of Tuesday was, "Personal and Confidential." The studies were based on the Epistle to Philemon.
SYNOD IN SESSION-9:00 A. M.
Synod reconvened at 9:00 a. m. and was led in the de- votional service by Dr. Jesse Halsey. Prayer was offered by Mr. Charles E. Ayers, an Episcopal layman, traveling with the "Wayside Church." He was introduced by Rev. John Sharpe.
The minutes of Monday's session were read by Perma- nent Clerk, Rev. E. S. Hendrickson, and were approved.
The Moderator appointed Judge S. C. Wright,* an elder in the Cedarville Church, Presbytery of Dayton, as Vice-Moder- tor.
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The Moderator announced the following committees:
1. Bills and Overtures
Ministers-Darwin M. Haynes, H. F. Wonder, E. H. Lorenz Elders-John Goodhue, Jr., J. E. McCarty
2. Judicial Business
Ministers-R. H. Rolofson, D. R. Guthrie, Chauncy Case Elders-R. J. Kiefer, W. I. Everson
3. Necrology
Ministers-W. F. Dickens-Lewis, Charles A. Hunter. Elder-Mrs. Hannah R. Maule
4. Resolutions
Ministers-C. W. Muir, D. King Kerr Elder-E. A. Keller
5. Finance
Elders-John M. Davis, L. A. Hilsinger, J. D. Harlor
6. Leave of Absence
Ministers-E. F. Cody, Allen Christie, Byron D. Hughes Elders-Collin Leiter, C. E. Workman
7. Place of Next Meeting
Ministers-J. H. Gwynne, Benj. T. Burnworth Elder-Harry Sexton
8. Nomination for Members of Synod's Council
Ministers-R. Dale LeCount, Cecil H. Jones, A. J. Wold
9. In Charge of Records of Presbyteries
Ministers-John H. Bergen, Ralph Young Elder-James H. Mosel
10. Sub-Committees to Examine Records
Athens-Ministers, D. Geo. Davidson, F. B. Headley Elder, C. D. McDonald
Cincinnati-Ministers, A. Y. Wilcox, O. S. Fowler Elder, J. Ray Richards
Cleveland-Ministers, Frederick Johnson, H. H. Lietchy Elder, Louis H. Nolte
Columbus-Ministers, H. A. Klair, Francis M. Hall Elder, Earl G. Pickard
Dayton-Minister, H. F. White, Benj. F. Paist Elder, Abner E. Pinney
Lima-Ministers, J. Stanley Harker, Walter S. Kilpatrick Elder, B. F. Taylor
Mahoning-Ministers, Gibson Wilson, R. B. Harriman Elder, J. F. Penn
Marion-Ministers, W. J. Snider, L. H. Stebbins Elder, Stuart M. Johnson
Portsmouth-Ministers, John A. Carricker, W. A. Martin Elder, Ray G. Hall
St. Clairsville-Ministers, L. L. Hucksoll, Chauncey Gleason Elder, Kenneth Campbell
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SYNOD OF OHIO
1941]
Steubenville-Ministers, D. C. Marshall, C. E. Nash Elder, Charles Weber
Toledo-Ministers, E. C. Irwin, Roy Brice
Elder, E. R. Allison
Wooster-Ministers, S. J. R. Ensign, C. C. Bailey
Elder, J. R. Mick
Zaneville-Ministers, R. D. Wingert, A. B. Allison
Elder, M. M. Montis
1873-1941
Hon. Stephen Calvin Wright, Vice Moderator of the 60th Annual Meeting of The Presbyterian Synod of Ohio after a two weeks illness died July 16th. Judge Wright was a man of high honor and integrity who possessed the capacity for noble living. His life was as an open book with no sham or pretense in evidence. He was a trusted Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Cedarville for many years and the Teacher of a Bible Class; a Trustee in Cedarville College, and Judge of the Probate Court in Green County from 1916-1936. He served on different committees of responsibility both in Church and State and as a climax' to service the Vice-moderatorship of the Synod. His was a consistent life characterized with unity of purpose and rightful de- cision from the beginning to the end. Funeral services were held in the First Presbyterian Church of Cedarville when a large company of people gathered to pay their tribute of respect in charge of his Pastor, The Reverend Benjamin N. Adams, a former Pastor Dr. Dwight Guthrie and Dr. Homer G. McMillen as Moderator representing the Synod. A great and good man has gone out from us whose passing reminds us of that character in Pilgrim's Progress, Mr. Valiant-For-Truth of whom it was said "And so he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side." Servant of God, WELL DONE! H. G. Mc.
The Committee on Nominations to Synod's Council was instructed to bring nominations for Permanent Judicial Com- mission and Trustees of Synod.
Papers in the hands of the Stated Clerk were placed in the hands of the Committee on Bills and Overtures.
NATIONAL MISSIONS
The report of the Committee on National Missions was presented by the chairman, Rev. E. B. Townsend. Rev. J. Stanley Harker spoke for the Evangelistic Department and Rev. John Sharpe for the C. I. & I.
Pending action on the report, Dr. George Taylor, Jr., of the Board of Foreign Missions, addressed Synod on the work of the Board of National Missions, especially in the South- ern States.
The report was accepted and the resolutions and recom- mendations adopted. The audited reports were received and ordered printed. (See Appendix for Reports)
Fathers and Brethren: Once a year we have to talk business. This is the hour when we hear the report on National Missions in Ohio, face
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our problems and square ourselves away for the tasks of another year of Christian service.
The Ohio situation with regard to National Missions is somewhat encouraging and gives us hope for better days to come, for this last year we did a little better than the year before. But the possibilities of the field constitute a great challenge to our Presbyterian Church.
Government statistics indicate cessation of growth of many large cities, and return of many people to villages and country. This trend indicates the importance again of the village and country church.
The rapidly increasing Negro population in the North indicates an expanding field of opportunity for National Missions. The Wood- land Avenue Center in Cleveland is cited as a good example of the kind of work needed.
The Board calls our attention to the tendency of foreign language churches to fade out. But their membership should be held together by racial and family traditions.
Significant: As Christian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist, Presbyterian churches die in certain sections, Pentecostal, Nazarene, and Four Dimension Gospel churches are opened and thrive. What have we lost that they have found? We are not meeting in an effici- ent manner some of our under-privileged groups. We need to meet the new conditions of modern life.
At a recent meeting of your Committee on National Missions, a careful survey was made of the work in the various Presbyteries, and it was shown that, by and large, we have held our own and have even made some gains.
The list of vacant churches has been reduced to the smallest num- ber in many years. The various special missions efforts, such as Camp- bell Christian Neighborhood House and kindred activities, have been well supervised. Nearly 100 aid-receiving churches have shared in the financial help received from the Board of National Missions. Industrial centers, mining centers, rural communities, and migrant families in the onion and sugar-beet fields have received consideration and been help- ed where help was deemed advisable.
In 1939-40, the gifts of the entire Synod (fourteen presbyteries) to the Board of National Missions were $79,954.05; in 1940-41, we gave $80,- 590.80, or an increase in giving last year of $636.75.
The gifts from the Women and Young People in 1940-41, in the Synod of Ohio, totaled $76,936.47. This represents a considerable in- crease over the giving of last year, and more than two thousand dol- lars beyond the Apportionment. We rejoice with the women in this achievement.
The Grand Total for the Synod of Ohio in gifts to the Board of National Missions for budget causes in 1940-41 was $157,527.27.
The Estimate of Income for the Synod in 1941-42 is $87,000 divided as follows: Cleveland Presbytery, $14,000; Cincinnati Presbytery, $16,- 500; the remaining twelve presbyteries, $56,500.
Athens $ 880.87
Portsmouth $ 2,851.49
Columbus
7,736.17
St. Clairsville
3,967.84
Dayton
7,331.07
Steubenville
4,326.83
Lima
2,281.68
Toledo
3,189.61
Mahoning
12,980.52
Wooster
3,792.11
Marion
2,620.62
Zanesville
4,541.19
What is meant by our ESTIMATE OF INCOME? The Estimate of Income is the amount the Board of National Missions counts on in actual gifts from Ohio for a given year, on the basis of which an ap- propriation for National Mission Work in Ohio is made for that year. We tell the Board what they can count on from us, and they tell us
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SYNOD OF OHIO
1941]
what we can depend upon from them for our Ohio work. The Esti- mate of Income is not a "quota," but an attainable goal which is ex- pected to be actually attained. If we realize the Estimate of Income, there is no cut in our Appropriation; if we fail to realize our Estimate of Income we do suffer a cut in the Appropriation for the work of National Missions in our Synod.
In view of the nation-wide preparedness program, some Ohio com- munities are experiencing the influx of many new families, and the rather upset social conditions attendant thereto. Our workers in and around these defense activities report that to date no specific need for Presbyterian help has developed that cannot be taken care of locally. The situation is being carefully watched, however, with the idea that the Church may be able to render a service later on.
Our Board of National Missions reports a decrease in income from invested funds and all non-living sources and because of this is asking presbyteries, presbyterials and Sunday Schools to increase their giving in 1941-42 by 6.9 per cent over last year. This must be considered the minimum if we are to keep our work going on the present basis.
The Board is now carrying on 6,544 mission enterprises, and has 3,227 missionaries on the field.
The year 1941-42 is still Ohio's opportunity year. There is a pick-up in business. Why not a pick-up in religion as we increase our gifts and thus provide through increased material means for increased spiritual advance. Last year, excluding the two presbyteries which budget separately with the Board, we were only about $1,500 short of our Estimate of Income. If we all pull heartily together this year we can undoubtedly get "out of the red" and into the black where the Ohio Synod belongs. Ours is the fourth largest Synod in our denomi- nation. We used to be self-supporting and gave additional gifts to aid weaker Synods. Let us swing into self-support this year and begin to help others, thus making National Missions actually national. The price of an ice cream cone given by each of our 163,000 Ohio Presbyter- ians would make us self-supporting. Shall we do it?
The Board of National Missions is prepared to supply literature, motion pictures, and many other valuable helps for churches wishing to use them.
In full consciousness of our human limitations, but with abiding trust in the leadership of our Lord, we face the future with courage and hope undimmed, convinced that this is God's work and must pre- vail.
We present herewith the audits of A. L. Peters, C.P.A., of the fol- lowing accounts (including statements of invested funds) covering the period April 1, 1940 to March 31, 1941:
General Presbyter Service Synodical National Missions
City, Immigrant and Industrial Department
Presbyterian Home Missions
and ask that these be accepted as the financial report of the Committee and that they be printed in the minutes of the Synod.
EDWIN B. TOWNSEND, Chairman, National Missions Committee
Resolutions
1. The Synod expresses to all mission workers within its bounds hearty appreciation of their several and collective services, and assures them of loyal support in their Christian efforts.
2. The Synod extends to the Women and Young People of Ohio hearty congratulations and Christian greetings in their tireless efforts for the Kingdom of God's love.
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Recommendations
1. That pastors and congregations be urged to cooperate in observ- ing special Sundays set aside to National Missions with a special of- fering for the Board of National Missions; such as Thanksgiving, Lin- coln Day, and Children's Day.
2. That the Synod of Ohio set itself resolutely to become a self- sustaining Synod this year in the field of National Missions.
3. That Presbyteries be urged to study carefully aided fields with the object of encouraging reduced askings where advisable, and doing all things possible to bring these fields to self support.
4. That pastors and people be urged to use the Board's literature, "Thy Kingdom Come," in study classes, mid-week meetings and societies that there may be provided an Evangelistic Mission in every Presby- terian church.
5. That Synod emphasize the use of the pamphlet THE INVITA- TION COMMITTEE published recently by Dr. J. Stanley Harker, chair- man of Synod's Department of Evangelism, which has proved its great value where ever tried. (It can be secured through the Synod office in Columbus.)
6. That Synod commend the National Missions study course for 1941-42, THOROUGHFARE FOR FREEDOM. This material on "Chris- tianity and Democracy in America" refers particularly to National Missions.
The report of the Ohio Board of Home Missions was pre- sented by Elder R. J. Kiefer. The report was received and the recommendations adopted. M. L. Milligan was elected as Trustee for a term of five years to succeed himself. (see Appendix for Report)
The report of the Committee on General Presbyters was given by Rev. E. B. Townsend, Chairman. Pending action on this report Rev. A. W. Bloomfield, General Presbyter of Cleveland Presbytery spoke on the recent Planning Confer- ence. Rev. Clarence S. Gee presented the following resolution which was referred to the Finance Committee.
We recommend that in the year 1941-42 the following provision be made to finance the Planning Conference of Synod: That, as far as possible unused balances of committee appropriations be used; and if necessary an additional appropriation from the treasury of Synod be approved to the amount of $450.00 as a Grand Total.
The report of the General Presbyters was received.
Rev. E. H. Montgomery, Secretary, reported for the Ohio Presbyterian Homes. The audited report for the year was filed with the Stated Clerk. Pending action on the report, Synod was addressed by Rev. John H. Lamy, new President of the Board. Rev. Harry W. Barr was introduced as the
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new Superintendent of the Homes. The report was approved and the following action taken.
On motion the action of the Board of Trustees in elect- ing Rev. Harry W. Barr as superintendent was approved.
A rising vote of appreciation for the efficient service of the retiring Superintendent, Rev. E. H. Montgomery was given by the Synod.
The United States Department of Labor, has just issued a report on homes for the care of old people in the United States. This report, the first of the kind to be issued, is particularly concerned with the changes which have taken place since the passage of the Federal Social Security Act. It contains a list of all homes for the aged, with their entrance requirements, their capacity etc.
Attention is called in the report to the various means which have been resorted to in this country for caring for old people who are with- out homes or relatives to support them and those who, possessing means, lack the ability or the desire to run establishments of their own. The almshouse has been a traditional way of caring for desti- tute old people.
Synonomous with these tendencies brought about largely by the Federal Social Security Act, the established homes for the aged have been going on the even tenor of their ways and it is interesting to note how these homes have been affected by the Social Security Act.
These institutions are called by the State, private homes in con- trast with state supported institutions. The state classes them as wholly charitable if the residents provide none of the means of their support, or benevolent if the resident contributes something toward his support. Most of these homes are of the latter class, benevolent. Not only does no social stigma attach to residence in these homes but such is the extent of public acceptance that many of them contain guests who are financially able to maintain themselves elsewhere, but who prefer the care and companionship available in such a home.
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