USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Germantown > Minutes of the session of the Ohio Miami Conference, successor to Miami Conference, of the United Methodist Church, 1968 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
He also commented that in the new church Bishop Herrick and Bishop J. Gordon Howard are no longer members of the Conference and that pastors will no longer be members of the local church but of the Conference.
The agenda was adopted as printed in the Conference Program. The assignment to Committees was made. The Rules of Order printed in the Jour- nal for 1967 on page 27 were adopted as the Rules of Order for this session.
The conference voted that the entire chapel shall constitute the voting area of the conference.
Rev. Howard James and Rev. Edwin Pellett were appointed to serve as assistants to the Recording Secretary during this session.
Mrs. Hazel Dover was given the privilege of the floor. She expressed her appreciation to the Conference for the privilege of representing us at the Uniting Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Dr. William K. Messmer gave a fine comprehensive report for the Con- ference staff. The Conference voted to receive the report with appreciation and its recommendations were referred to the proper committees. (See Report No. 2)
Dr. Emerson Bragg, in the absence of Rev. Maurice Gribler, read a sum- mary of the actions taken by the Council of Administration during the year. These actions were approved. (See Report No. 3)
The report of the Board of Trustees was presented by Dr. Carl B. Esch- bach. The report was approved and its actions validated. (See Report No. 19) The report of the Board of Missions was presented by Rev. Louis Odon. There was discussion concerning the item for FORCE. The report was approved. (See Report No. 15)
Rev. Ralph W. Tinsley presented the report of the Conference Statistician. The report was approved. (See Report No. 22)
Mr. Wendell A. Hohn presented the report of the Conference Treasurer. The report was received and referred to the auditor. (See Report No. 23)
Mr. Larry Snyder, representing the Book Store, spoke briefly of new items.
Announcements were made concerning meetings of committees, Boards, Discussion Leaders and meals.
An offering was received on behalf of Mrs. Edgar Schrader. Rev. Edgar Schrader had died June 1 after a considerable illness.
It was voted to excuse Rev. Kyle Phipps and Rev. Charles Muller from the Tuesday afternoon session.
A real surprise was added to the session when Bishop Herrick read the report of the Committee on Assignments. The complete report was distributed at the doors as members of the Conference adjourned for lunch. The report has been prepared traditionally for distribution at the close of the final session of the Conference. (See Report No. 1)
Dr. O. T. Deever voiced the closing prayer for the morning and asked blessing upon the noonday meal.
33
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
An organ prelude, "The Lost Chord," by Sullivan, was played by Rev. Risch. The Congregation sang the hymn "O God of Love, O King of Peace" under the direction of Rev. M. E. Ater. The Scripture lesson, Psalm 139, was read by Rev. Paul Westbrook. The Conference was led in prayer by Rev. James Wagner.
The report of the Committee on Audit was given by Rev. Harold Brown. The report was approved. (See Report No. 4)
Bishop Herrick announced that the offering for Mrs. Edgar Schrader and family amounted to $200.00.
The Panel Presentation - "Crisis in the Nation"-Rev. David Schneider, moderator. Rev. David Schneider presented the members of the panel who were: Mrs. Marva Sampson, Human Relations Coordinator, City of Middle- town; Mr. Al Meckley, Attorney and Director of Legal Aid Society, Cincin- nati; The Rev. Harold L. Hunt, Pastor Carmel United Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati; and The Rev. James Davis, Director of Wesley Center, Dayton. Rev. Schneider said the concern of the discussion groups to follow the panel presentation is to be the role of the local churches and the how of conference assistance in the local church.
Mr. Meckley: The real problem in our nation is the young. My father's generation is the last of the cold war; mine is going out in the apathy of a luke warm war. What will happen to our children?
Mrs. Marva Sampson: It is time to talk. Talk as Americans, not as blacks or whites. Individuals must become involved in the crisis in America.
Rev. James Davis: "What does the Negro want," Something of all that has made this country great. Welfare and Christmas baskets are not to be a way of life. Riots occur when persons become so frustrated that life no longer has meaning.
Rev. Harold Hunt: The necessity to understand terms, to have clear, con- cise definitions of words and titles. "Black" so often suggests the negative.
The congregation sang the hymn "My Country 'Tis of Thee." M. E. Ater directed the singing.
Discussion Groups
Leaders were: Rev. Fred Heath, Kent Adams, James Duvall, Gary Eu- bank, Brooks Heck, Donald Irvin, Lee Kreider, David McRoberts, Eugene Risch, Mr. Robert Gray, Jr., Mr. Max Stover, James Legg, Mrs. Darwin Medkeff, Mr. George Frey, Eugene Purdy.
Following a period of questions and answers with the Panel members, reports from the Discussion Groups were presented. It was voted that the re- ports from the Discussion Groups be received and referred to the Program Council.
Dr. Messmer asked that ministers take one of the blanks prepared and note upon it any change of name regarding their church. These sheets to be given to Mrs. Reiners in the Conference Office at once.
There were announcements concerning the meeting of various boards and committees during the evening hours.
Rev. Charles Peckham led the Conference in a closing psayer and asked the blessing upon the evening meal.
WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION
June 5, 1968
The organ prelude, "Prelude and Fugue in F. Major" by J. S. Bach was played by Rev. H. Eugene Risch. Bishop Herrick gave a call to worship, "God of the Glorious Sunshine" by Paxton. He called for a silent period of
34
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
meditation and prayer for the person and family of Robert Kennedy, those who suffer in these days, our country and those who serve it. The congrega- tion under the direction of Rev. Milford Ater sang the hymn, "O God, Our Help in Ages Past." The Scripture lesson read by Rev. James Farrell was Ephesians 4:1-16. The prayer was voiced by Rev. Frank Robinson.
Dr. William K. Messmer introduced the speaker of the morning, the Rev. John McDermott, Associate Pastor, Cathedral Basilica of the Assumtion, Covington, Kentucky. Father McDermott brought a fine devotional address on the theme of the church in today's world. He asked whether the church- the people of God-was a refuge or a sign. A refuge is a shelter, a sanctuary which encloses and shuts out the world. A sign points the way; it gives di- rections. The Church is to be a sign to the world. Christians are to be an open, concerned, praying people. A people of vision and dreams, not a people of doom.
We sang the hymn, "God, The All Merciful."
The roll was checked by the Secretary. The following were seated as delegates: Ray Moyer from Farmersville, Weston Hammel from West Sonora, Clark Handley from Eaton, Elbert Freeman from Wrightsville-Liberty Chapel, and Howard Borden from Ketterman, Mowrystown.
Dr. Messmer introduced a guest of the Conference, Dr. F. G. Ziegler, and recognized the presence on Tuesday of the Rev. Donald Rossman, minister of the yoked parish at Harrison.
Rev. James Wagner read a partial report of the Journal Committee. The report was approved. (See Report No. 7)
Dr. Emerson Bragg was excused from the afternoon session.
Rev. James Flinchbaugh read a report from the Board of Ministry. The report was received but the adoption of the report was held until the after- noon session, subject to the balloting on Items II, IV, VII, and VIII.
Rev. Wendell Freshley read a report from the Committee on Nominations. One layman is to be elected to the Board of Trustees to complete the unexpired term of Jack Davis. This will be a one year term. Concerning the Ohio Miami Conference Church Extension Fund; all names are to be placed in nomination as found in the Journal for 1967 with the exception that Rev. Owen Delp's name is to replace that of Bishop Paul M. Herrick.
Three new committees or agencies necessary for our eventually merged Ohio West Conference in the United Church are:
1. Council on World Service and Finance. To help educate and prepare us for work in the united conference and in local church understanding.
2. Minimum Salary Commission. The work of this commission is to be- come effective January 1, 1969. To assist in minimum salary situations. An established commission in the former Methodist Church.
3. Planning Commission. To be of assistance to the bishop of the area in planning of programs and occasions. Tenure is indefinite.
The Nominating Committee recommended that representatives to the Ohio Council of Churches be elected for two years.
The report was received and approved. A ballot was ordered prepared. ('See Report No. 9)
Rev. Charles Messmer gave a report on Camp Miami Operating Funds for 1967. The report was received and referred to the auditor. (See Report No. 25)
The financial statement of the Mutual Benefit Society was read by Rev. Charles Messmer. The report was received and referred to the auditor. (See Report No. 26)
The Conference heard two brief addresses from representatives of areas of common concern: Dr. Louis Berger, Ohio Council of Alcohol Problems; and Theodore R. Vandermeer, American Bible Society. These reports were re- ceived and the names of the men referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
Rev. Gerald Fleming from the Board of Pensions was introduced. He is now a staff member of the Board of Pensions of the United Methodist Church.
35
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
He spoke of some of the changes being made in the handling of Pension mat- ters as a result of church union. He requested that all pension payments for 1967 and 1968 be made by August 15. This is urgent. Beginning January 1, 1969 payments will be made to Annual Conferences.
Rev. Fleming presented a check in the amount of $5,983.10 from the Printing Establishment Fund for the Conference Board of Pensions. He re- lated the need for Miami Conference Journals of the former United Brethren Church for the years 1900 to 1937. It was voted to receive the report with appreciation. The name of Rev. Fleming was referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
Mrs. Cawley Stine gave the report of the United Theological Seminary Auxiliary. The report was received with appreciation and the name of Mrs. Stine was referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
Dr. Newell C. Wert, Dean of United Theological Seminary, spoke of the challenge to the Seminary to train ministers for the changing world of our time. The Seminary is becoming closer related in work to the church and to secular institutions. He gave examples of things being done. The message was received with appreciation and the name of Dean Wert was referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
Mrs. John Knecht, president of the Conference Women's Society of Chris- tian Service, gave a report on the organization. It was voted to receive the report with appreciation and Mrs. Knecht's name referred to the Committee on Resolutions. (See Report No. 21)
Dr. William K. Messmer presented Mr. Elton Moyer of Dayton, repre- senting Ohio Conference Methodist Laymen. Mr. Moyer spoke of the 1968 Lay Institute to be held at Ohio Wesleyan University August 23-25. Each church is encouraged to have at least one layman present. The Conference voiced its appreciation to Mr. Moyer. His name was referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
Dr. William K. Messmer presented resignations from the following per- sons related to Conference responsibilities :
J. S. Davis, Jr. from Conference Board of Trustees.
Rev. Marvin McRoberts as Director of Audio Visuals, member of the Board of Ministry, Member of Department of Communication, World Missions Representative.
Rev. Maurice Gribler from Transportation Commtitee.
It was voted to accept these resignations with appreciation for work done.
A ballot was spread for the election of Conference officials and repre- sentatives.
Dr. Messmer welcomed the following guests: Dr. Bernard Cook, Division of Natural Missions; Miss Esther Edwards, Director of Children's Work; Dr. Lynn Turner, President of Otterbein College; Dr. Wade Miller and Rev. Chester Turner, also of Otterbein College.
The closing prayer with blessing for the noon meal was voiced by Dr. L. L. Huffman.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
Rev. H. Eugene Risch, organist, played "An Easter Spring Song" by Garth Edmundson as the prelude. The conference, directed by Rev. M. E. Ater, sang the hymn, "Who Is He in Yonder Stall?" by Hanby. The Scripture les- son, Ephesians 6:13-18, was read by Rev. Eugene Purdy. Rev. Gary Eubank voiced the prayer. The quartet sang "Psalm 100" with a setting of con- temporary music.
Bishop Herrick announced the result of the ballot cast in the morning session for conference officials. The persons receiving the highest number of votes cast for each office was declared elected. (See Report No. 9)
Dr. William K. Messmer presented those who were to make a presenta- tion on behalf of Otterbein College's Capital Fund Appeal. These persons
36
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
were Dr. Lynn Turner, President, Dr. Wade Miller and Rev. Chester Turner. Dr. Turner spoke of the quality of teachers necessary to insure quality of education. Otterbein for more than a century has been the means by which the church has penetrated the world. Her students have carried with them the friendship and justice learned on the campus of Otterbein. Dr. Miller and Rev. Turner presented slides depicting the needs and the projected plans for Otterbein. A new library is a primary objective of the appeal, but other needs are covered also:
Library $1,971,000
United Methodist Scholarship Fund
400,000
To replace dollar per member 136,000
Total needs and goal
2,007,000
Resources available :
Federal Grant for library (building must be ready for construction by September 1969) 657,000
1963 Focus on Achievement (earmarked for enlarging present library but not used) 250,000
Total resources 907,000
Actual goal of Capital Fund appeal $1,600,000
$2.00 per member per year for four years from churches of supporting conferences will care for the appeal.
Rev. Harvey Smith read the following recommendation, propared by the Ways and Means Committee:
"We recommend that the conference look with favor on the Otterbein College Capital Funds campaign and that the College be requested to provide help to the local churches in setting up and organizing the fulfillment of this objective by assisting in soliciting and collection of pledges from individuals in the churches.
"We further recommend that a Conference Steering Committee be set up to guide the organizing of this campaign under the direction of the Confer- ence Council and the College Administration.
"We further recommend that the goal be $2 per member per year for four years; recognizing that the $1 per member goal now in effect will be absorbed in the goal."
The recommendation was adopted by a nearly unanimous vote.
Bishop Herrick presented Dr. Bernard Cook and Miss Esther Edwards, who spoke of the General Church Program. They presented the structure of the church as a result of the formation of the United Methodist Church. Emphasis is upon moving from program centered to person centered ministry in the local church. Form is to follow function. The new curriculum of the United Methodist Church is to be launched September 1, 1968. The objective of Christian Education is the capsule statement about the curriculum. The presentation was received with appreciation. The names of Dr. Cook and Miss Edwards were referred to the Resolution Committee.
Rev. William Worth requested permission to speak and came to the plat- form. He spoke of Bishop Herrick's long acquaintance and service in the con- ference and to the conference. For nearly 18 years he served as pastor of Dayton First Church and since the General Conference in October 1958 he has served as the Bishop for the conference. Not only was he a fine pastor to a congregation, but he has been an understanding and helpful friend and Bishop to ministers under his direction. This being the last annual conference at which he will preside for us as Bishop, a gift had been secured to be pre- sented to him and Mrs. Herrick. Mrs. Herrick having arrived, Rev. Ater pro- ceeded to read a poem he had addressed to them. After Rev. Ater had con- cluded, a very beautiful oil portrait of an Ohio scene near Gettysburg was unveiled and presented to Bishop and Mrs. Herrick. Rev. Paul Chastain gave a brief sketch of the master painter who had done the painting. He is Prof. Bela Horvath, an outstanding artist and sculptor of our day. Bishop and
37
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Mrs. Herrick responded briefly with expressions of gratitude for the gift and the years spent in our midst.
Dr. William K. Messmer presented the following resolutions concerning the calling of a special one-day session of the annual conference and the ap- pointment of a committee incident to the United Methodist in Ohio.
"Whereas the quadrennial program " A New Church for New World," includes a financial objective to be faced within the first year of the new quadrennium, and in view of the plans of our colleagues in the Ohio Confer- ence of the United Methodist Church to invite us to participate in a one-day special session of the annual conference on November 12, 1968, for the pur- pose of considering further our Ohio Miami Conference obligation with re- spect to the fund for reconciliation, therefore be it resolved that we authorize the convening of a one-day special session of the Ohio Miami Conference to conduct the business incident to the quadrennial program.
"In response to a request made by the Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, be it resolved that we authorize the appointment of a six member planning commission who will participate in long range planning for the United Church in Ohio."
The resolutions were adopted.
Dr. William K. Messmer presented the following resolution :
"Be it resolved: That the Ohio Miami United Methodist Conference hereby adopt the following eight guidelines of merger:
1. That the merger be a state-wide simultaneous declaration of union and that such intent be made known to the North Central Jurisdictional Con- ference in July 1968, providing the affected conferences so concur.
2. That the present lines of the existing Ohio Conference and the North- East Ohio Conference be the lines of the proposed mergers subject to such minor adjustments as may be necessary or deemed advisable.
3. When ministers are affected by overlapping boundaries of former con- ferences, at the time of Conference Union the presiding Bishops in consulta- tion with the affected ministers shall determine to which conference they shall be assigned.
4. Staff members shall be given consideration in the new church structure.
5. The target date or goal for merger is recommended as follows:
June, 1968-Presentation of principles for union to the annual con- ferences for adoption.
June, 1969-Conferences to vote on recommendations for merger, in- cluding budgets for the United Conferences to go into effect January 1, 1970. While the United Conference budgets would go into effect January 1, 1970, the matter of additional districts, appointments, etc. would follow in June of 1970.
June, 1970-A State-Wide one day public session of the Uniting Conferences to be held in Columbus. The one session public Uniting Conferences for the whole state of Ohio would be in the nature of a celebration of the forth- coming union. Any necesary meetings of the existing conferences may be arranged.
June, 1970-The United Conferences (Ohio and North-East Ohio) to meet after the one day session.
6. The support of all institutions shall be studied and during the transi- tional period United Theological Seminary, Otterbein College, Otterbein Home and Flat Rock Children's Home shall have claim on all United Methodist Conferences of the State of Ohio in keeping with the provisions of General Conference legislation.
7. All annual conference elections or appointments to boards, commissions, and committees shall be for a term which shall conclude at the time of annual conference union. This shall not apply to Annual Conference institutions or corporations where legal provisions stipulate otherwise.
38
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
8. Conference programs and budgets shall be developed in accordance wtih the general provisions of merger.
During the interim of 1968 to 1970, we recommend fullest cooperation in all areas of program and church life among the six conferences."
It was voted to adopt this resolution. Bishop Herrick urged persons with concern over matters in the preceding resolution to contact individuals and committees working on the merger of the Conferences in Ohio.
A further resolution concerning conference merger in Ohio was presented by Dr. Messmer.
"Be it further resolved: That in the event the guidelines for merger shall not be adopted by all of the six United Methodist Conferences, the Ohio Miami United Methodist Annual Conference hereby instructs and directs its own uniting committees to enter into negotiations for merger with any other United Methodist conference, the full or major portion of which lies within its existing boundaries, or where an annual conference lies wholly within the boundaries of an existing conference, and
"That, the 1968 Jurisdictional Conference shall be apprised of the action and request for approval of the proposed merger be sought within the general stipulated conditions for union of conferences in accordance with the plan of Union and by the legislation of the North Central Jurisdictional Conference."
The conference voted to adopt this resolution.
Dr. James Flinchbaugh of the Board of Ministry presented the ballot that had been prepared in relation to items II, IV, VII and VIII of their report. (See Report No. 11)
Bishop Herrick examined David Stickweh before the conference for his Probationer's License.
It was voted to approve the portion of the Board of Ministry's report not in need of a ballot. (See Report No. 14) Rev. Harley Brown and Rev. J. Maurice Parsons were granted retired relations.
A ballot was taken on items in the report of the Board of Ministry which require voting by ballot.
Rev. C. Willard Fetter on behalf of the conference Board of Ministry presented to Rev. and Mrs. Harley Brown pins designating them as retired United Methodist minister and wife.
Rev. Maurice Gribler presented the proposed 1969 budget of $376,669. Attention was called to new items. Minimum salary, areal office, Episcopal Fund and pensions were items to appear for the first time on the budget. Heretofore they have been under the blanket of Christian Service Fund. The budget total is the same as for 1968 and the same factors have been used in determining quotas. The budget was adopted as presented. (See Report No. 5)
Bishop Herrick read the result of the ballot for the Board of Ministry. The report was accepted and approved. (See Report No. 11)
Mr. Larry Snyder called attention to the Book Store. He also presented the Conference a check for $6,297.51 from the Board of Publication.
Announcements were made concerning meetings following the session and after the evening meal.
Dr. Joe Hendrix voiced the closing prayer for the afternoon and said grace for the evening meal.
WEDNESDAY EVENING SESSION
The Rev. Charles Messmer, Director of Camp Program and Management, presiding.
Rev. Risch at the organ played, "Father, Forgive Them" by Theodore Dubois as the prelude. Rev. Charles Messmer gave a call to worship and the congregation sang the hymn entitled, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." Devotions for the evening were led by Rev. Everett Aldstadt who read ex- cerpts from Matthew, John, and Acts. Rev. Eugene Griffith offered prayer.
39
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Rev. Charles Messmer welcomed and presented the McCurdy School Chorus of Santa Cruz, New Mexico, directed by Mr. Edwin Schattschneider. It was composed of 28 young people, many of whom have had their complete schooling in the missions schools of the church. The chorus was on an eighteen day tour, mostly through the midwest section of our country. A very pleasing concert was sung by the chorus. Miss Elsie Maestes, one of this year's grad- uating seniors, brought greetings on behalf of the choir and spoke of the place of McCurdy School in the life of those in the chorus. The McCurdy "Alma Mater" concluded the concert. The pianist for the chorus was Miss Sharon Reecher, a teacher at the school. Rev. Charles Messmer expressed ap- preciation to the choir and its director and wished them well upon their tour. An offering was received, which was designated for the McCurdy School.
Bishop Herrick examined Kelly Silvers of the Piqua Church, before the conference, for his Probationer's License.
The balance of the program for the evening centered upon the Uniting Conference at Dallas. Rev. Owen Delp gave comments upon a number of slides that were shown. A panel composed of Rev. Louis Odon, Carl B. Eschbach, C. Willard Fetter, Walter Miranda, Owen Delp and William K. Messmer, as moderator, presented personal impressions and high lights of the Conference. Rev. Eschbach was impressed with the strong sense of democracy at work. Rev. Odon commented upon the Evangelical United Brethren being recognized as an important faction and worthy of attention. "We were listened to!" Rev. Fetter said "This is not only a new ballgame, this is a NEW church that God brought into being in Dallas." Rev. Miranda remarked that not all members of a family are alike or think alike. "The burden of self-discipline is more effective than rigidity of the group rule," was his comment on the alcohol- tobacco question. Rev. Delp: "I went and came with enthusiasm .. . the place of laymen in the new church and in planning and supervising is tremendous . . Function before form will be the key to the new church at work." Dr. Messmer commented briefly on the Conference and the Ohio Miami delegation and expressed his appreciation for them. The panel presentation was mean- ingful and most enjoyable.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.