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 5
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The congregation sang the hymn entitled, "Lead On, O King Eternal." The benediction was prayed by Rev. Charles Messmer.
THURSDAY MORNING SESSION June 6, 1968
Rev. Eugene Risch, organist, began the morning with the playing of "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" by Krechel as a prelude. Bishop Herrick spoke briefly of the death of Senator Robert Kennedy and reminded us that in life there is death, in sorrow there is joy. That this is God's world, all things are his and to him we can give praise. He called the conference to worship in the devotional period by using Psalm 100. Rev. James Wagner led the conference in singing the hymn "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah." The Scripture lesson, Psalm 24, was read by Rev. Ralph Tinsley. Prayer was offered by Rev. Lee Kreider.
Dr. William K. Messmer presented Rabbi Joseph Weizenbaum, Associate Rabbi, Temple Israel, Dayton, who brought us the devotional address of the day. Rabbi Weizenbaum spoke of the centuries long Christian-Jewish dialogue. Paul says in II Corinthians, "the old has passed away." Said Rabbi Weizen- baum, "I am old and I have not passed away whether your theology says it or you believe it. Christians and Jews must see each other as persons-as equals. We both have problems to know the other one. Over the long run Chris- tians and Jews have been relevant when they have been able to translate the message into daily activity and life." "The earth is the Lord's" is basic to both Christian and Jew. The big problem is Christian and Jew together trying to understand "them" out there.
The ministers' quartet sang Beethoven's "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God."
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Business Session
The secretary checked the roll. The following had sent communications: Rev. Archie Wolfe, Rev. Joseph Henry and Rev. Harry Sherry. Rev. Eugene Griffith was excused for the balance of the conference.
The secretary was instructed to send greetings to sister conferences in session at this time. (See Report No. 30)
Rev. James Wagner gave a partial report for the Journal Review Com- mittee. (See Report No. 7)
The report of the Board of Pensions was given by Rev. Howard Hohn. It was voted to approve the resolutions. (See Report No. 17)
Dr. Messmer spoke of the intensive work done by the Board of Pensions and voiced the debt of gratitude owed by the conference to those who comprise the Board. There was applause.
Rev. Roy Miller, Conference Historian, gave a thumbnail sketch of the conference development. The time is approaching when Ohio Miami Confer- ence will exist only in the hearts and minds of many people. Help is needed in the gathering and preservation of records, pictures and artifacts, so vital to historical records. Rev. Miller presented a resolution concerning conference action on a safe repository for historical records. It was voted to receive the report and to approve the resolution. (See Report No. 20)
Rev. Walter Miranda reported for the Transportation Committee. The Standing Rules are to remain as in the previous year with the exception of Item 5. The moving of a pastor into the parsonage on a new charge assigned him is not to be delayed until repairs and remodeling are done. The report was received and approved. (See Report No. 12)
The Secretary read the report of the Appropriations, Boundary and Fi- nance Committee concerning the uniting of congregations, the separation of churches on a charge, and the forming of yoked fields of work. It was voted to receive the report and approve the recommendations. (See Report No. 5)
Mr. Charles Dilgard, Superintendent of Otterbein Home, spoke to the conference about the five Mid-West Homes. There is still need of a home like Flat Rock and more adequate facilities must be developed for the aged. The care of most all aged persons at Otterbein Home must be underwritten through the budget and gifts. With the assistance of Mrs. Lena Rabuck, a former em- ployee of the Home but now a resident, certificates were presented to those churches in the Conference who achieved the $2.00 per member goal in the Christmas Offering of 1967: Arcanum, Savona, Yorkshire, Union City, Engle- wood, Phillipsburg, Potsdam, Farmersville, Hamilton 9th, Hunter Community, Otterbein Home, Beardshear, Eastmont, Good Shepherd, Piqua, Residence Park, Vandalia, Clough, Second Creek. It was voted to receive the report with appreciation. Mr. Dilgard's name was referred to the Committee on Resolu- tions.
Bishop Herrick read greetings from Northwest Canada Conference. (See Report No. 31)
Announcements concerning the noon meals, and the meeting of committees and organizations were made.
Rev. Gordon Core was excused for the afternoon.
Mr. Harvey Hammink offered prayer and asked blessing upon the noon- day meal.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
Rev. Risch played "Pastoral Symphony" by George Handel as a prelude. We sang the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" directed by Rev. Ater. The Scripture lesson read by Rev. Richard Hedges was I Corinthians 13. Rev. Carl Hahn led the conference in prayer.
Bishop Herrick requested Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Gast from First Church, Hamilton, to stand that the Conference might greet them on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
The following attending the Conference are observing wedding anni- versaries also during these days: Rev. and Mrs. Ivan Jenkins-45th, Bishop and Mrs. Paul Herrick-46th, Mr. and Mrs. John Jones-51st.
The Secretary gave the final roll call. Vern Schaefer was seated as the continuing delegate from Aley Church.
Rev. Roy Fisher read the report of the Ways and Means Committee. The report was received and approved as amended. (See Report No. 13)
The Conference heard two representatives from special areas of work in which we share. Rev. Norman Snook reported on the State Campus Ministry. He expressed a concern for the United Campus Ministry in view of confer- ence union. He proposed the establishment of a provisional commission and suggested that our representative to the commission carry the Conference's concern that the United Campus Ministry be construed as a part of our re- sponsibilities in the consideration of conference union. It was voted to receive the report and to refer his name to the Committee on Resolutions. (See Re- port No. 27)
Rev. John Wilson, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Council of Churches, spoke of two new concerns: (1) a Commission on Church and Government, and (2) State Institutional Ministries. It was voted to receive the report and to refer his name to the Committee on Resolutions.
Rev. David Schneider presented a resolution concerning a petition to the Administration and Legislators of Ohio. The resolution was adopted and the Department of Social Action given the responsibility of communicating this action. (See Report No. 28)
The Calendar Committee report was read by Rev. Everett Aldstadt. The report was approved. (See Report No. 6)
The Committee on Resolutions' report was given by Rev. J. C. Herbert. The report was approved. (See Report No. 10) On behalf of the Conference Rev. Herbert expressed to Mrs. Helene Reiners our deep appreciation for her three years of excellent, friendly service as secretary in the Conference office. He also reminded her of the fine training she had received from the MMOD Gang (Messmer, Messmer, Odon and Delp) in many areas that would benefit her as a pastor's wife (her husband, Kenneth having graduated from United Theological Seminary this year). Rev. Herbert presented to her a gift of a set of Corning Ware to be both a reminder of the past and meaningful in the future.
The Conference heard a resolution concerning a telegram to Mrs. Robert Kennedy on the death of her husband. It was approved. (See Report No. 32)
On motion, it was voted to authorize the chairman, Bishop Paul M. Her- rick to carry the greetings of Ohio Miami Conference to the other three former E.U.B. Conferences of the state and that the Secretary send fraternal greetings to the Ohio Conference of the former Methodist Church meeting in Lakeside, Ohio, June 9-13. (See Report No. 30)
Rev. Louis Odon read an action of the Board of Missions concerning Ware's Chapel. The action was approved and its addition to the report of the Board was authorized. (See Report No. 15 A)
The Secretary presented a Special Resolution authorizing the Council of Administration to act in the interim between sessions of the Annual Confer- ence. The resolution was approved. (See Report No. 33)
Announcements were made concerning the evening meal hour and the closing service of worship at Good Shepherd Church.
Bishop Herrick expressed his appreciation for the fine experiences of fellowship and work with both lay persons and ministers during his ten years as area bishop. He spoke very briefly of his forthcoming assignment in the South-East Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. At this time his area of assignment is not set. Bishop Herrick wished the conference well and assured all of his continued interest in and prayers for the conference.
The conference voted to adjourn sine die as of the benediction at the evening service.
The closing prayer was by Bishop Herrick.
42
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY EVENING SESSION
This concluding session was held at the Germantown (Good Shepherd) United Methodist Church. Rev. H. Eugene Risch, conference organist, played "The March to Calvary" by Maunder as a prelude. The processional hymn was "Heralds of Christ." Ministers of the Conference, ordinands and their sponsors, and the participating clergy were in the processional. Each clergy- man wore a gown and a red stole. Dr. C. Willard Fetter, President of the Board of Ministry, gave the call to worship and offered the invocation. The congregation affirmed its faith as set forth in the Apostle's Creed and joined in singing the Gloria Patri.
The Rev. Harvey B. Smith, Conference Director of Recruiting, read the Scripture lesson from Ephesians 3. Dr. James B. Flinchbaugh, Secretary of the Board of Ministry, led in moments of directed prayer and then in the evening pastoral prayer.
Dr. William K. Messmer spoke words of greeting to guests and friends of the Conference present for the special session. He also spoke words of appreciation for the service of Bishop Paul Herrick throughout the session, which marks his tenth year as presiding Bishop. Dr. Messmer also read a telegram of greeting from the Mississippi Conference of the Central Juris- diction of the United Methodist Church which is in session at this time. Dr. Messmer gave brief sketches of the lives and activities of the two men who are retiring this conference session, the Reverend Mr. Harley D. Brown and the Reverend Mr. J. Maurice Parsons. Dr. Messmer noted that Rev. Brown was the first member of the Ohio Miami Conference to be ordained by Bishop Herrick after his election to this office ten years ago.
An offering was received on behalf of the Continuing Education Fund of the conference. An offertory anthem, "Open Our Eyes" by MacFarlane, was sung by the choir of the Clough United Methodist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. The choir was directed by Mr. George Unverzagt and accompanied by Mrs. Horace Jackson, organist. The anthem was followed by the singing of the Doxology and the dedicatory prayer offered by Dr. Messmer.
Bishop Paul M. Herrick preached on the topic, "Good News for Our Day." He chose the familiar John 3:16 and Matthew 28:30, 31 as texts. In the midst of the confusion, change, conflict and crisis in our nation there are unchange- ables. Jesus faced similar conditions. He accomplished his task by becoming thoroughly familiar with the conditions of his day, training disciples for their tasks, and setting a personal example. We who minister in our day of confusion must love people, believe in the worth of every individual, and be- lieve the church is God's instrument and for His purpose. We begin our task by going out to bring people in and by breaking down the barriers we con- sciously or unconsciously erect.
Following the sermon the Clough choir sang an inspiring anthem, "All Nations Praise the Lord," composed by Mr. George Unverzagt, the director.
Bishop Paul Herrick presented Probationer's licenses to two young men, Mr. David E. Stichweh, Belmont Church, Dayton, and Mr. Kelly D. Silvers, Piqua Church.
The Reverend Maurice D. Gribler, Conference Secretary, presented three men to Bishop Herrick to be advanced to the order of Elder: James M. Far- rell, who was sponsored by the Reverend Owen Delp and the Reverend Dr. Harry DeWire; James Lowell Lake, sponsored by the Reverend Clifford Stearns; and the Reverend Paul E. Westbrook, sponsored by the Reverend William D. Worth.
Bishop Herrick was assisted by Dr. W. K. Messmer. The ritual found in paragraph 2260 of the Disciplines (1963) was followed. A brief biographical sketch of each of the ordinands is given in the reports of the Conference. (See Report No. 29)
The congregation sang the hymn, "O Master Let Me Walk With Thee." Following the benediction by Bishop Herrick, the ordinands and their families recessed to the social room of the church where they were greeted by their friends.
MAURICE D. GRIBLER
Recording Secretary
REPORTS
Committee on Assignments No. 1
Conference Superintendent for the Staff No. 2
Council of Administration No. 3
Nos.
4-13
Committees of the Conference
Nos. 14-21
Boards, Commissions, Societies
Officers of the Conference
No. 22
1. Statistician (Summary)
Nos. 23-26
2. Treasurers
Miscellaneous Reports, Resolutions, Greetings
Nos. 27-33
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
REPORT NO. 1 Report of the Committee on Assignments June 4, 1968 * New Assignments
Conference Superintendent
William K. Mesmer
Director of Camp Program and Management
Charles C. Messmer
Director of Development
Louis O. Odon
Director of Program Council
Owen Delp
NORTHWEST GROUP
MINISTERIAL LEADER - Paul E. Chastain
LAY LEADER - * Heber Gauch
Abbotsville-Caylor Chapel
Harold J. Messmer
Arcanum
Paul E. Chastain
Castine-Savona
Larry F. Beman
Eldorado
* Arnold Kastner
Greenville
John E. McRoberts
Ithaca
Charles F. Ruth
Nashville
Ivan E. Jenkins Walter W. Arnold *R. David Kitzman
Rose Hill-Yorkshire
Jack Rankin
Union City
*James H. Riley
Ware's Chapel
Philip Shafer
Waterhouse
To Be Suppied
West Manchester
Wendell L. Butt
West Sonora
Wendell L. Butt
WEST CENTRAL GROUP
MINISTERIAL GROUP LEADER - Harry W. Deaven
LAY LEADER - * Dan Williams
Antioch
Forrest M. Garner
Arlington
Fred Vernon Brown
Brookville
Harry W. Deaven Everett H. Aldstadt *Edward Wallen
Englewood
James Duvall
Johnsville
Kenneth Jenkins
Lewisburg
Ronald Keebler Edward Hardman
New Hope
Phillipsburg Fred Luzader
Potsdam
Harry T. Sinks
Pyrmont
Richard Gist Robert L. Anderson
WEST GROUP
MINISTERIAL GROUP LEADER - Clifton Hatfield
LAY LEADER - Dr. L. M. Bremer
Farmersville
Howard L. Hahn
Germantown
Greenbush
J. C. Herbert Jerome C. Schultz
Hamilton First
Demi Edwards
Hamilton Ninth St.
James M. Farrell
Hunter Community
Jacksonburg
Charles R. Muller *Joe Mack Miller
Clayton
Eaton
Verona
New Madison
Ottebein-Yankeetown
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Clifford D. Stearns
Assistant
Edgar Farmer
Otterbein Home
Charles Peckham
Pleasant Ridge
Frank E. Robinson J. Eugene Griffith
Springboro
Robert Long
St. Marks
Gary L. Eubank
Union Chapel
Clifton Hatfield *Paul Price
West Elkton
SOUTHWEST GROUP
MINISTERIAL GROUP LEADER - William Worth
LAY LEADER - Milton Knollman
Basin Area Ministry
Batavia
Cherry Grove
Wendell W. Freshley
Cheviot
Edward Clark
Clifton
James V. Frazier, Jr.
College Hill
William D. Worth *Robert Cole
Dunlap
William Hensley
Mt. Healthy
New Haven
Newport
Herman A. Emmert * Dana Heaton Ronald R. Hill Eugene E. Purdy
North Bend
*Charles Selby
Prince of Peace
Howard R. James Zion
Harrison - Donald W. Rossman. Yoked to former Harrison Methodist Church
SOUTHEAST GROUP
LAY LEADER - Steve Sonner
Bloom Rose
Browntown-Union Plains
East Danville - Yoked to Sugar Tree Ridge
Mowrystown-Ketterman
Carl M. Cotrone *John Boyd
Second Creek
Wrightsville-Liberty Chapel Yoked to United Methodist Parishes in Portsmouth District
CENTRAL GROUP
MINISTERIAL GROUP LEADER - Walter N. Miranda
LAY LEADER - Jay Jacoby
Aley
Beardshear
C. Edwin Pellett Charles Loveless
Church of the Cross
Carl Synan Assistant
Belmont
Associate
Associate
Christ
Drexel Park
Eastmont
Fairview
First Church
David McRoberts H. Eugene Risch Carl B. Eschbach Michael W. Christian C. William Fetter Emerson D. Bragg Lee Kreider
Middletown
J. Lowell Lakes
Millville
David Schneider
A. Kent Adams
* James Stewart
Clough
Mt. Airy
To Be Supplied *Carroll Jay
Richard E. Hedges
James E. Flinchbaugh William J. Miller Brooks W. Heck Carl R. Robinson
State Road
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Parkside Parish
George McAhren
Ft. Mckinley
Maurice D. Gribler
Good Shepherd
James Kendrick *Paul Westbrook
Miami Chapel
Raymond A. Piper Donald L. Irvin
Normandy Associate
Harvey B. Smith
Oakwood
Harold S. Brown Gordon Core
Oak Street
Otterbein
Parish Pastor
Harvey C. Hahn Roy W. Fisher Frederick Heath, Jr.
Residence Park
James K. Wagner
Sulphur Grove
Grover D. Letner Joel S. Baer
Trinity
Faith Ralph W. Tinsley
Vandalia
Walter N. Miranda
Wayne Avenue
Robert Copeland
Xenia
Robert Zweitzig
NORTHEAST GROUP
MINISTERIAL GROUP LEADER - Gerald Geiger
LAY LEADER - Ernest Saul
Bowlusville
Murn B. Klepinger
Columbus Avenue
Frank L. Cross
Fletcher - (United)
*Kyle Phipps
Ginghamsburg
* H. Dale Morse
Lagonda
Gerald Geiger
New Hope - Yoked to Hardin Methodist,
Piqua
*Carl W. Hahn
Rosewood
Sherwood Barnette
RECOGNIZED IN OTHER FIELDS OF SERVICE
James Bergland, Assistant Professor, Union Theological Seminary John Bergland, Director of Admissions, United Theological Seminary Edwin E. Burtner, Professor, United Theological Seminary Phillip O. Deever, Professor, Evangelical Theological Seminary Bishop Paul M. Herrick, Episcopal Service
Bishop J. Gordon Howard, Epicopal Service
James Legg, Business Manager, United Theological Seminary
Roy D. Miller, Professor, United Theological Seminary
Robert Ryder, Executive, Attleboro, Mass., Council of Churches
George R. Young, Chaplain, United States Army
Richard Waddle, Chaplain, United States Army
PAUL M. HERRICK, Bishop WILLIAM K. MESSMER, Superintendent
REPORT NO. 2 The Conference Staff Report Dr. W. K. Messmer, Superintendent
To our esteemed Bishop Paul M. Herrick, my brethren of the ministry, lay members and friends of the Ohio Miami Conference of the United Metho- dist Church. Greetings.
"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. I serve with my spirit in the gospel
Liberty
Miamisburg-Parkview
Milford E. Ater
Southern Hills
To Be Appointed by Ohio Conference
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
of his Son, that without ceasing, I mention you always in my prayers." Romans 1:8-9
"For as in one body we have many members, and all members do not have the same function, so we though many are one body in Christ, and in- dividually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy with cheerfulness." Romans 12:4-8
I bring this report to you in a new format for it is a composite effort in behalf of all my colleagues on the conference staff. I am pleased to do this not only in the possible interest of the economical use of our precious time in this historic session of our Annual Conference, but it also reflects our commitment to a common task. We try devotedly to compliment each other's ministries and service. The individual labors of each of us are reflected in other reports of the boards and commissions of the conference. Furthermore, I am deter- mined to keep to as brief a scope as possible this report of our stewardship.
I would like to acknowledge the cooperative team spirit of each of them, and express for each member of the conference, I am sure, our assured affec- tion and appreciation.
We wish to include a special appreciation to Bishop Paul M. Herrick, who in too short a time will move from our midst to receive an assignment in the Southeastern jurisdiction to which he was recently appointed by the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church. Bishop Herrick, first in our conference as a faithful and effective pastor joining us in our common task, serving on boards and committees, laboring in the development of Camp Miami, cooperated loyally with the leaders of the conference and General Church. When he was elected Bishop in 1958 at the Harrisburg General Con- ference, we expected that this same brotherly spirit would accompany him in his new task. He has fulfilled this expectation among us and we hold both Bishop and Mrs. Herrick in high esteem and deep affection. We wish for them a congenial assignment in the United Church and will keep a warm in- terest in our hearts and extend a hearty hope that in due time, when retire- ment gives them a chance, they will come home again. God's blessing upon you both.
IN MEMORIAM
We must now with mingled sadness and joy include the names of several of our colleagues who have passed away during the year. Sadness because of the necessity of earthly farewells and joy because they all blessed our lives and each possessed a Christian faith that enriched our experience.
From the active service ranks, we note here the passing of Rose Hahn, the beloved wife of Harvey Hahn. Rose lived courageously for several years with the knowledge of a dangerous illness which finally led to her death. She was totally committed to her life as a Christian and pastor's wife. She spent many years as a Sunday School teacher of the Otterbein Church children's division. She was a devoted leader of the women's work of the church and significantly enabled her husband, Harvey, to develop his ministry in the Dayton community and to his justified prominence on the national scene as a speaker of note. She greatly enriched all of our lives. We commend Harvey and Connie, her daughter, to our heavenly Father's comfort.
E. H. Nichols passed away during General Conference bringing to a close a long life of service to our Annual Conference. He served as a pastor and for a time, earlier in his career, as a district leader and a Trustee of Otter- bein College. Mrs. Nichols wrote to me since his death that he maintained his devoted interest in the affairs of the conference to the very end of his life. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, one son and a step-daughter to whom we express our consolation and for whom we pray God's comfort.
We call your attention also to the passing of four widows of pastors who served our conference and all of whom we remember with deep appreciation.
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
In order of their passing we include here for the record our recognition of their lives of service.
Mrs. O. D. Wellbaum, whose husband, Osa, passed away in 1961, served as pastor's wife and mother of a son who started his ministry in our confer- ence. Several other children also survive her passing and all of whom paid tribute to her life. Rev. and Mrs. Wellbaum were among the early leaders in the rural life movement which lifted the importance of the rural parish to our church. She passed away following a very brief illness.
Mrs. W. C. Andreas, who I remember as one of my early Sunday School teachers, was united in marriage to W. C. Andreas in the closing years of his ministry. She added effectiveness to his ministry and is remembered with appreciation by the members of the churches where they served together. Following his death in 1941, she served for a time as a staff employee at Otter- bein Home, where she later became a member of the family at the Home.
Mrs. C. W. Snyder lived for many years in Urbana, Ohio, with a daughter and maintained a lively interest in the conference family. She, along with her husband, served as missionaries in Africa in the early years of their work for the church. When they returned to the conference, they served to- gether a number of pastorates, including New Madison, Otterbein Home, West Elkton, Otterbein Chapel, Piqua and Newport, as well as others. Mr. Snyder preceeded her in death in 1950. She lived to a great age and we are grateful for her life and spirit.
Mrs. Charles E. Fryman is the most recent widow to whom we bid fare- well. Following the death of her husband in 1961, she continued to live in the home which he had built for their retirement in their beloved New Haven community which they had so effectively served for an extended pastorate. She maintained an active relationship in our New Haven Church where. she lived near three of her four children who loyally ministered to her needs in declining health.
These all we remember with thanksgiving.
THE MINISTRY
Any administrator of church life has grown accustomed though I must admit in my case, not without sadness and some disappointments to the con- stant change in the roll of ministers who serve our churches. Fortunately, in a remarkable way, God raises up men to assist in the task.
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