USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > Germantown > Minutes of the session of the Ohio Miami Conference, successor to Miami Conference, of the United Methodist Church, 1969 > Part 4
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Mrs. Clifford Stearns, Co-ordinator of Children's Work: The curriculum becomes the vehicle through which the teacher helps the child have a vital learning experience. Attention was called to the many opportunities for training of teachers: Method and use of materials; Needs of the student; What do I bring when I am a teacher?
Rev. Edwin Pellett brought thoughts on doing an effective job of evan- gelism in the local church. The Lay Witness-November 16, a Dayton area date, and November 17, a Cincinnati area date-for pastors to have further experiences in this field.
Rev. Owen Delp, Director of Program Council, spoke of resource ma- terials packet being presented for each church.
A brief period of questions and answers followed. Rev. Flinchbaugh summed up the key place the Program Council can play in the local church.
It was voted to adopt the Program Council's Report. (See Report No. 14)
A period of announcements concerning committee meetings for the evening.
Dr. Austin Whitmore, Executive Director of the Ohio Conference Pro- gram Council, and Rev. James Hartland, President of the Board of Education of the Ohio Conference were introduced.
Dr. Messmer read a letter of appreciation from the Germantown Lion's Club and with it a check for $100 for the Camp Miami Remodeling program in honor of Germantown Lion Charles Messmer.
The hymn, "These Things Shall Be" was sung by the Conference. Dr. Austin Whitmore led the Conference in the closing prayer for the day's session.
The evening was devoted to the meeting of various committees with assignments related to the session of the Conference.
WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION May 21, 1969
The Bishop's Hour
"Trumpet Voluntary in D Major" by Henry Purcell was the prelude by the organist. The call to worship was given by Rev. Harvey Hahn. The Con- ference sang "All Hail the Power of Jesus Name" with Rev. James Wagner as the chorister. The Scripture lesson read by Rev. Hahn was I Kings 19:9-14; the morning prayer was given by Rev. Hahn.
Bishop Ensley spoke of Elijah seeking shelter in a cave after defeating the priests of Baal. In the cave he turned from the arena of conflict to an inner subjectivism. He began to center upon his misery and his loneness. He became self centered. Bishop Ensley spoke of our emphasis upon self- centered individualism. We are in for deep trouble when we put the sinful creature at the center of our thinking and life. We are in for hard times
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
when we center on our problems rather than our opportunities. God called Elijah out of the cave to the mountain top where he saw the reality of God in nature and the history of his people. He became involved again on behalf of his people-his faith returned. Faith will come back when one concen- trates not upon humanity but upon the true realities of life.
The roll was checked and he following were seated as delegates: David Wanzo-Residence Park; Max Peterson-Normandy; John Kay-Arcanum; Mar- vin Fauver-Phillipsburg; Everett Johns, Larry Roberts-Fairview; Mrs. K. Van Antwerp-Aley; Mrs. Richard Cawein-St. Marks; Glen Underwood-Parkview.
Upon request the following were excused by the Conference for the afternoon session : Rev. Emerson Bragg, James Opdyke, and Bernice Green. Rev. Clifton Hatfield reported for the Journal Review Committee that the Journal for Tuesday was in good order and it was voted to approve the record without reading before the Conference. (See Report No. 6)
The Nominating Committee report was given by Rev. Charles Loveless. The Conference voted separately on receiving the ballot on those per- sons nominated for Conference Trustees and Otterbein College Trustees.
The Conference voted to receive the ballot on those persons to be elected as Representatives to Ohio Council of Churchs and the Minimum Salary Commission. (See Report No. 8)
Mr. Charles K. Dilgard, Superintendent of Otterbein Home spoke on the Home and a Proposal for Development. The Home anticipates that in 1969 it will need to give financial assistance to 87% of its members and to the amount of approximately $300,000. There are no plans to sell any por- tion of its land at present but rather to lease portions of it for additional income.
A Mid-West Home Christmas Offering is still part of the 1969 schedule of support from the churches. Conference realingments will create a problem of discovering $85,000 that will be lost in conference mergers.
Mr. Dilgard presented an interesting Master Plan for the Home which will be designed to serve older people in various stages of need. The antici- pated membership of the Home in the future is around 600 persons.
By vote of the Conference the following recommendations from his printed report in the Supplemental Reports for the Conference session were referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
1. That this annual conference approve the proposed master plan for ex- pansion of facilities at The Otterbein Home, calling for construction of space for approximately 160 additional members and increasing the capacity for nursing care; and for remodeling of Phillippi Hall to house additional mem- bers, at an estimated cost of $3,125,000; and
2. That this annual conference also approve the portions of the master plan calling for construction of low rent apartments and possibly a mobile home area; and,
3. That the members of the churches of this conference be encouraged to support the Expansion Program of The Otterbein Home financially and with their prayers. It is understood that no church by church campaign will be conducted by The Otterbein Home for this Expansion Program.
4. That local churches and organizations within local churches be encour- aged to select The Otterbein Home for special outreach giving in support of the Expansion Program.
Rev. C. Willard Fetter read the report of the Board of Ministry.
It was voted to grant retirement with classification as superannuated elder to J. Maurice Parsons and Ralph W. Tinsley.
It was voted to adopt the resolution granting retired relations as super- annuated elder to Emerson D. Bragg, Roy D. Miller and Harold S. Brown.
It was voted to grant Elder's Orders to Carl A. Synan.
It was voted to grant Deacon's Orders to William M. Zeller.
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
It was voted to validate the Probationer's License to those listed on the report.
It was voted to grant a Change in Classification to:
A. Robert G. Bullock and Robert Eschbach, Voluntary Location.
B. Raymond A. Merz, Supernumerary Minister.
The report also carried a list of Ministerial Students. (See Report No. 9) Harold Brown, Emerson Bragg, Ralph Tinsley and Roy Miller were in- vited to the front of the platform where Rev. Howard Hahn, on behalf of the Board of Pensions, presented each man with a Retired Minister pin of the United Methodist Church.
Bishop Ensley brought two Constitutional Questions to the attention of the Conference.
1-To permit the British Methodist Church and the United Methodist Church in the United States to exchange members of its General Conference.
It was voted that we concur and validate the Constitutional Amendment. A standing vote was taken; 168 votes were cast.
Affirmative 168; 0
Negative
2-To enable the Council of Bishops to relieve one bishop of active service that he might devote full time as secretary to the Council of Bishops.
It was voted to ratify this amendment to the Constitution. A standing vote was taken. Cast were 157 votes.
Affirmative 157;
Negative 0
The hymn: "Who Is This in Yonder Stall?" was sung under the direc- tion of James Wagner.
Dr. John Knecht, president of United Theological Seminary gave an interesting and enlightening address about the future of the Seminary and some of the new developments in courses, field work and cooperation be- tween seminaries. Applications for United this fall number 95 at present. 1971 will be the time when United celebrates its 100th anniversary; Plans are now in the making.
The report of the Seminary Auxiliary was distributed. (See Report No. 19)
Norman R. Snook of the State Student Ministry spoke of the challenge and opportunities for Christian work and witness on the campus today.
"Our miistries in Ohio continue to deal significantly with the issues of higher education and the needs of persons in and around the institutions supporting the process of learning and training. They are in constant con- tact with the most conservative elements as well as with the more radical and active elements. It is extremely important that all Christians understand the problems and issues of our young people and our institutions in these radical times. We need to listen, to guide and counsel, and to help all per- sons to find themselves in light of our Biblical history and faith. This is needed in our homes and through our ministries."
Rev. J. C. Herbert of the Committee on Courtesies requested to speak. He spoke of Dr. Messmer's coming transition in jobs and said that the Com- mittee wanted to be sure he was cared for during this time. He presented Dr. Messmer with a plastic cooler full of garden truck-a watermelon, green onions, cucumbers, tomatoes and corn, saying the committee thought this might tide him over until he got his feet on the ground in Columbus.
The presence of Mr. Howard Young a representative for Hospital Care was recognized.
Dr. Robert Byler was called upon by the Bishop to give the noon prayer and benediction.
The Conference recessed for dinner.
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
May 21, 1969
Rev. Risch at the organ played "Aria in F Major" by George Handel as the prelude. The hymn, "Come, Let Us All Unite to Sing," was sung under the direction of Rev. Milford Ater. Rev. Harold Brown offered prayer for the afternoon.
A ballot was spread for Conference officials.
Dr. Harley Hiller of the General Board of Pensions addressed the Con- ference. A rough year of bringing pension matters together was described. The rapidity of Conference unions taking place has been a major factor.
$5,983.10 is being placed on deposit to the credit of the Conference from the grant of the Real Estate Foundation. Discussions are being held on the possible transfer to the Conference Board of Pensions the portion of the Real Estate Foundation resources that may righfully be called the Con- ference's. The amount may approximate $350,000.00.
Howard Hahn read the report of the Board of Pensions. It was voted to print this report in the Journal. (See Report No. 16)
Mr. Howard Young of Blue Cross/Blue Shield Major Medical spoke on a number of questions that were raised. The cost of this insurance will be $27.63 per month for family. A child is covered to age 23 if in school or dependent upon carrier.
It was voted that item No. 5 of the Board of Pension Report be adopted by the Conference.
It was voted to adopt the Resolution concerning Joint Disability Com- mittee submitted concurrently by the Board of Ministry and the Board of Pensions. (See Report No. 16-A)
Walter Miranda for the Transportation Committee stated that the rules on page 28 of the 1968 Conference Journal will be in effect and the moving schedule will become effective June 8th.
The report of the tellers was read and those elected were so designated by the Bishop. ('See Report No. 8)
A symposium on the World Service Fund was presented. Those sharing in the symposium were Carl Robinson, James Duvall, Herman Emmert, and John McRoberts.
Mrs. John Knecht, president, brought greetings from the W.S.C.S. of the Ohio Miami Conference. (See Report No. 18)
Announcements were made concerning committees, the book store, and the evening service.
Hubert Fellers offered prayer to close the afteroon session of the Con- ference.
WEDNESDAY EVENING SERVICE
7:30 p.m.
The Wednesday night service was a dramatic and musical presentation of the Gospel by the Youth Choirs of the Englewood and Ft. Mckinley Churches. The choirs, under the direction of Mr. Lani Smitth, brought the conference to a new appreciation of youth's vitality in the church. The com- position, called "Good News," is a Christian Folk-Musical that presents the simple and joyous message of Christ as Saviour and the struggle of some people, old and young alike, to believe. Presented against a different back- ground from what is generally considered a worship setting, the presentation had the large crowd enthused and highly appreciative for a fine inspiration. A lengthy applause at the end attested to the acceptance and approval by he congregation.
Richard C. Storment and William M. Zeller are the two fine young men of the Conference, now enrolled in the Seminary, who are youth directors
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
and assistant ministers at these churches, Dick at Ft. McKinley and Bill at Englewood.
An offering of $255.04 with an additional $50.00 pledged was received for the Camp Miami Capital Improvements program.
THURSDAY MORNING SESSION May 22, 1969
The Devotional Hour
Rev. Risch at the organ played "Trumpet Tune in D Major" by Purcell as the prelude. The Call to Worship and Invocation were given by Rev. Carl Eschbach, worship leader for the hour. Rev. Fred Brown sang a solo entitled, "He Smiled At Me." The Scripture lesson read by Rev. Eschbach was Psalm 90. Dr. W. K. Messmer introduced the preacher of the morning, Dr. Sumpter M. Riley, Superintendent of the Lima District.
Dr. Riley spoke on the theme: "The God I serve," using Isaiah 40:8, "The word of God shall stand forever" and Psalm 90:2, "Even from ever- lasting to everlasting thou art God," as his text. He spoke of the God I serve as: A God of Power, a God of Purpose, a God of Works, a God of Love, and a Living God. He said this God is a Creator and Ruler; that he has a great goal for all revealed in Christ; that each day he makes himself known in nature and in human history; that the individual is more than a servant, he is a son and that this God is the Father whom the son can trust; that this God is a living God.
The period closed with the solo, "Just for Today" by Mrs. Emma Smith.
The Business Session
The Secretary conducted the final Roll Call. There were no further changes in the Roll and continuing delegates are so marked in the record.
Rev. Clifton Hatfield of the Journal Review Committee gave a partial report. (See Report No. 6) It was voted to print the report.
The Conference Historian, Dr. Roy D. Miller, read a brief statement on the history of the Ohio Miami Conference, particularly as it pertained to Bishops who have served the Conference, and the burial place of a number of them in the area of Dayton. He noted that Bishop Ensley is the 25th bishop to preside over the Conference in its 160 years of history. The longest term for any bishop to preside was that of Bishop A. R. Clippinger who pre- sided for 29 years. (See Report No. 15) It was voted to print the report.
Rev. Chester Turner, Assistant Director of Development in Charge of Church Relations of Otterbein College, brought greetings from the College administration and expressed appreciation for those who worked on the Otterbein Crusade for Capital Funds. The college hopes to break ground for the new library this fall. The Freshman Class is expected to number 450 persons this fall with 75% of these being United Methodist young people. 65% of those on the Dean's List and 60% of the present student body are related to United Methodist Churches. Otterbein College is the second school in the United States to join a new scholarship program that will make avail- able an additional $600,000 in funds for students at Otterbein. Over $3,300 was distributed to 91 students from Ohio Miami Conference this year. It was voted to receive this report with appreciation.
Dr. W. K. Messmer reported on the progress of the Fund for Recon- ciliation and the Otterbein College Capital Funds effort. At this point the Fund goal is 86% subscribed and the College goal is 65.2% subscribed. He
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
also gave a look at the working of the Special Projects Committee of the Ohio West Area.
Rev. Gerald Geiger brought the Conference's attention to the "Academy of Parish Clergy" for continuing education. He urged membership of the pastors in this program.
Director of Program Council for the Conference Rev. Owen Delp, re- ported on a packet of materials concerning the Film Library and Fellowship of the Ohio Conference.
A 15 minute recess was declared to await completion of the Report of the Committee on Appropriations, Boundary and Finance.
Report of the Committee on Appropriations, Boundary and Finance : Dr. Messmer spoke of the Conference Council on World Service and Finance and its work during the last few months. A budget for 1970 has been pre- pared for the Ohio Conference and will be presented at this Conference session. He also introduced the Rev. and Mrs. Charles Farthing of Columbus. Rev. Farthing is the Treasurer of the Ohio Conference.
The 1970 World Service and Finance Budget was presented by Rev. James Wagner and Rev. Carl Robinson with assistance and explanations being given by Rev. Farthing. The Ohio Miami Conference portion of the budget in comparison to that of 1969 is not greatly increased because the 1969 budget did not reflect the Youth Service Fund, Pensions, Christmas Offering and Camp Miami Support. The increase is primarily due to the 2% ministerial education Fund which is new for 1970.
The allocation of the budget to local churches will be on the basis of two factors only, as has been the custom in the Ohio Conference. These factors are 1/3 on church membership; 2/3 on local expense exclusive of debt re- tirement, interest paid, and benevolence contributions. No adjustment factor is used.
As Rev. Robinson read the various sections of the budget it was dis- cussed and questions answered. Each section was voted on separately as to its adoption. Of interest to the Conference is the regulation that items in the Ministerial Support portion are to be paid in the same proportion that the pastor's salary is paid. When the reading was completed it was voted to print the entire budget as presented. (See Report No. 4)
The Secretary read the Report of the Committee on Appropriations, Boundary and Finance concerning the uniting of congregations, the re- opening of a church, the Conference office budget for 1970 and a matter of Staff Relations concerning the salary of the newly appointed Conference Superintendent. Each item was acted on separately. In the Office Budget section, "Rent for office" and "Office maintenance" amounts were amended to be for one year rather than six months. It was voted to approve the report as amended along with its recommendations and to authorize its printing in the Journal. (See Report No. 4-A)
Rev. Louis Odon called attention to a matter left out of the report of the Committee on Appropriations, Boundary and Finance. This committee had also voted to recommend that the sale of the Conference manse be re- ferred to the Conference Board of Trustees. It was voted to approve this recommendation. (See Report No. 4-B)
Rev. Harvey Hahn was excused from the afternoon session to care for a funeral.
Dr. W. K. Messmer offered the closing prayer of the morning session.
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
"Psalm XIX" by Marcello was the organ prelude played by Rev. Risch. We sang the hymn, "How Firm a Foundation" directed by Milford Ater. The prayer was given by Dr. Roy D. Miller.
The Report of the Ways and Means Committee was read by Rev. Gordon Core. Each section was read and acted upon separately. It was voted to amend section 4 so as to include the suggested salary schedule for ordained ministers as printed in the 1968 Conference Journal. Section 9 was offered as an amendment to the Report of the Committee. It was voted to amend the Report by adopting this Section. It was voted to print the Report of the Ways and Means Committee as amended. (See Report No. 10)
Rev. Robert Copeland, Publicity Chairman for the Conference, made a plea for delegate and pastor to take news of the Conference back to local newspapers.
Rev. James Frazier, Jr. read the report of the Calendar Committee. The Calendar and the recommendations were adopted as read. (See Report No. 5)
Dr. Messmer presented a Special Resolution authorizing Carl B. Esch- bach to sign checks for the Conference in place of William K. Messmer. It was voted to approve this resolution. (See Report No. 27)
A resolution authorizing the Conference Council of Administration to act on behalf of the Ohio Miami Conference in the interim of its annual sessions was presented by Dr. Messmer. It was accepted. (See Report No. 28)
Rev. J. C. Herbert reported for the Courtesies Committee and expressed the Conference's appreciation for the many persons who had helped to make the Conference be a meaningful one. At this point he called Mrs. Messmer and Mrs. Ensley to join their husbands on the platform. Rev. Louis Odon came forward to express the entire Ohio Miami Conference's deep gratitude for the 20 years of faithful and outstanding leadership that "Bill" had given as the Conference Superintendent, no little bit of the burden of his work being borne by Mary in her role as wife and helpmate. He expressed the good wishes of all in the Conference for Dr. Messmer's well being in his new position as Bishop Ensley's Administrative Assistant. Rev. Odon made refer- ence to the loss that Bill and Mary had sustained when their cabin at Dark Pines was broken into last year and said the members of the Conference hoped they might help recoup some of the loss. He then presented to the Messmers a purse of $776 contributed by both lay delegates and ministers of the Conference. Both Bill and Mary responded with appropriate words of thanks and appreciation, Mary especially saying that the purse would enable them to replace the dining table and chairs of which they had been so proud at Dark Pines. (See Report No. 11)
Rev. C. Willard Fetter presented a resolution from the Board of Minis- try concerning Jose Estoye. It was voted to approve this resolution. (See Report No. 9-A)
Bishop Ensley brought before the Conference another matter concern- ing Constitutional Amendment. This would grant to the president of the Conference Youth the right to be a member of the Annual Conference. It was properly moved and seconded to approve this amendment. A standing vote was taken. Votes cast-137. Affirmative-137. Negative-0.
There were announcements concerning the evening meal and the even- ing worship service to be held at the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church,
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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
Germantown. A brief meeting was announced also at the close of the after- noon session at which time Bishop Ensley would share with delegates and pastors some thoughts about the unannounced presence of persons in Sunday morning services to read the Black Manifesto.
The conference voted to adjourn sine die as of the benediction at the evening service.
The closing prayer was by Rev. Walter Dickhaut, Sr., Superintendent of the Springfield District.
"MAGIC MOMENTS" BANQUET HELD
The traditional banquet for Ministers and their wives was held on Thurs- day evening, with the theme "Magic Moments". Bishop Gerald Ensley offered the invocation and grace for the evening meal.
Mrs. Harvey (Carolyn) Smith, President of the Ministers' Wives Asso- ciation, served as toast mistress for the program which followed the meal. Dr. William K. Messmer introduced all guests and new pastors receiving assignments and their wives.
The new Conference "Magician," Dr. Carl B. Eschbach, was presented to the group. Both he and Mrs. Eschbach spoke words of greetings.
The Reverend James and Mary Lou Wagner led the group in several spirited songs with lyrics geared to the festive, historical occasion.
The Emerson Braggs, Harold Browns, Carl Eschbachs, Roy Millers and Ralph Tinsleys were all called upon to share "magic moments" out of their parsonage years of a joyous or serious nature. The William Messmers were called upon last after which Mrs. Eugene (Gladys) Risch, pulled several gift items for them out of a magician's hat. Among other gifts was a lamp-post sign bearing their name to be used at their new home in Columbus, Ohio.
The delightful program was concluded by a prayer offered by Dr. Messmer.
THURSDAY EVENING SESSION
The concluding service of the One Hundred Sixtieth session of the Ohio Miami Conference was held at the Good Shepherd Church, Germantown, Ohio at 7:30 p.m. The Reverend H. Eugene Risch, Conference organist, played two movements from Boellman's "Suite Gothique" as a prelude to worship. The processional hymn was "Praise to the Lord." Ministers of the Conference, ordinands and their sponsors, and other participating clergy were in the impressive processional. The Rev. Harvey B. Smith served as Marshal for the processional. Each clergyman wore a gown and a red stole for the occasion. The call to worship and invocation were offered by Dr. C. Willard Fetter, President of the Board of Ministry.
The Church of the Cross adult choir, under the direction of Mr. Ronald McCreight, sang the beautiful and appropriate anthem, "The Beatitudes" by Evans. Mr. David McLain was the soloist.
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