USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Westerville > Three quarters of a century of triumph : seventy-fifth anniversary report and board meeting, Westerville, Ohio, November 11-13, 1930 > Part 10
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5. We are challenged by the calls which have been brought to us from the regions beyond our present mission stations in each field. Many of these have been repeated annually for more than a decade, and still the men, women, and little children continue to "wait for the messenger of God who cometh late." We believe that through these God is calling the church-this great United Brethren Church, which was born through the sacrifice and toil of a foreign missionary founder, a church which in times past has manifested an intense missionary and evangelistic zeal and passion, a church rich in resources-to advance her lines and to push out and occupy these needy areas. We believe He is commanding our church to move forward; therefore, we recommend that the Board plan an expan- sion of work into some of these waiting regions, while at the same time we challenge the church to a consecration which shall be equal to the task.
BISHOP G. D. BATDORF
MRS. S. S. HOUGH MRS. E. M. HURSH S. C. CALDWELL PAUL SHETTEL W. E. SNYDER
W. N. ROBERTS Committee
Tent Evangelism, Porto Rico
MINUTES OF TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE
FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY, UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
HELD IN THE FIRST UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH, WESTERVILLE, OHIO
NOVEMBER II, 12, 13, 1930
The twenty-fifth session of the Foreign Missionary Society (the seventy-seventh meeting of the Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society) was convened in the First United Brethren Church, Westerville, Ohio, November 11, 1930. The opening session was called to order by Bishop A. R. Clippinger, president of the Board, at 8:45 a.m., November II. Prof. J. H. Ruebush led in the singing of the hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy," after which Bishop H. H. Fout led in prayer.
Bishop Clippinger then read a Scripture lesson from Isaiah 22:11, 12, and commented upon the application of these words of the prophet to the world situation today.
In the absence of the Recording Secretary, Rev. M. W. Mumma was elected secretary pro tem. Dr. S. G. Ziegler then moved that the printed program be adopted as the official program for this Board meeting, including the Jubilee Celebration; also that the name of Dr. H. W. Widdoes be added to the Committee on the Home Base. Motion adopted.
Motion was made and carried that the morning session be adjourned at 11:30 in order that those attending the meeting might attend the Armistice Day program conducted in the college chapel by the students.
Motion was made by Doctor Ziegler and adopted, that missionaries on furlough, pastors, and executive secretaries of the various Boards and Institutions of our denomination be admitted to advisory seats in the sessions of the Board.
The following members of the Board were present: Bishops A. R. Clippinger, A. B. Statton, H. H. Fout, G. D. Batdorf, Drs. J. R. King, S. F. Daugherty, C. W. Winey, Prof. J. H. Ruebush, Mr. S. C. Caldwell, Mrs. E. M. Hursh, Mrs. J. R. Engle, and Mrs. S. S. Hough.
The treasurer of the Foreign Mission Board then read his report and recommended that the audi- tors' report be read and acted upon previous to the adoption of his report.
Doctor Ziegler read the report of the auditors, Messrs. Battelle and Battelle.
Mrs. E. M. Hursh moved the adoption of the auditors' report. Motion carried.
Dr. J. R. King moved the adoption of the treasurer's report, which was also carried.
Dr. S. G. Ziegler then read the twenty-fifth annual report of the Foreign Missionary Society which is also the seventy-seventh annual report on the work of foreign missions in our denomination. (Report on file.)
Dr. C. W. Winey moved that the report be adopted. . Motion carried.
Mrs. J. Hal Smith then presented her report as Special Support Secretary.
Moved by Prof. J. H. Ruebush that the report of Mrs. Smith be adopted. Motion carried.
Miss Alice Bell read her report as the General Secretary of the Women's Missionary Association.
Dr. C. W. Winey moved that the report of the Women's Missionary Association be adopted. Motion carried.
The Chairman appointed the following committee on Resolutions: C. W. Winey, J. H. Ruebush, and Mrs. J. Hal Smith.
Moved by Professor Ruebush that the chair appoint a Committee on Findings and Future Work. Motion carried. The following committee was appointed: Bishop G. D. Batdorf, Rev. W. N. Roberts, Mr. S. C. Caldwell, Mrs. S. S. Hough, Mrs. E. M. Hursh, Rev. Paul Shettel, and Dr. W. E. Snyder.
Dr. E. I. Conner presented the report on our work in Africa. The report was written by Rev. J. F. Musselman, superintendent of the mission.
Dr. J. R. King moved that the report be adopted and that the recommendations be referred to the Committee on Africa and also to the Committee on Appropriations. Motion carried.
Mrs. J. Hal Smith presented the report on China, which had been prepared by the superintendent of the Mission, Dr. C. W. Shoop, with a supplementary report prepared by Dr. Frank Oldt.
Dr. C. W. Winey moved that the report be adopted and the recommendations referred to the proper committees. Following explanatory notes by Doctor Ziegler, concerning the registration of our schools, the motion carried.
The session adjourned at II:25.
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
TUESDAY AFTERNOON
The session was called to order at 3:00 p. m. by Bishop Clippinger. Professor Ruebush led in the singing of "Come, Thou Almighty King.'
Scripture Lesson, James 2, was read and prayer offered by Rev. L. B. Mignerey.
The report on Japan, prepared by Rev. J. E. Knipp was read by Prof. J. H. Ruebush. It was adopted on motion.
The report on Porto Rico, prepared by Dr. Philo W. Drury, superintendent, was read by Dr. C. W. Winey, and adopted on motion.
The report on the Philippines, prepared by Rev. Walter N. Roberts was read by him, and adopted on motion of Professor Ruebush.
Moved by Doctor Ziegler that a period be set apart on Wednesday afternoon to hear greetings from the secretaries of other church Boards. Motion carried.
Report of the Committee on Japan was read by Rev. A. H. Sholty. Mrs. S. S. Hough moved the adoption of the report. Motion carried.
The report of the Committee on Porto Rico was read by Mrs. J. Hal Smith. Moved by S. C. Caldwell that the report be adopted. Motion carried.
Dr. H. W. Widdoes read the report of the Committee on the Philippines. On motion of Doctor Ziegler the report was presented and adopted item by item, omitting Item 2 for later action. Dr. J. R. King moved the adoption of the report as a whole. Motion carried. -
At the suggestion of Bishop Clippinger, the Nationals from our various mission fields were intro- duced. Dr. H. W. Widdoes presented Brothers Venancio Madayag and Julian Bacalzo of the Philip- pines; and Dr. J. R. King presented Mr. Ross Lohr of Africa. Mrs. J. Hal Smith presented Mrs. J. Sick, who was not a national from the foreign field, but the president of the Ohio German Branch of the Women's Missionary Association at the time this conference disbanded in the process of its absorp- tion by other conferences.
Dr. J. R. King presented Mrs. Hilda Shuey, widow of the late W. A. Shuey, as a representative of the family of Dr. W. J. Shuey, one of the first missionaries to Africa.
Moved by Prof. J. H. Ruebush that the president, secretary, and treasurer be authorized to sign legal papers in the interim between meetings of the Board.
Moved by Mr. S. C. Caldwell that Mrs. J. Hal Smith be reelected Special Support Secretary of the Board.
Moved by Prof. J. H. Ruebush that the selection of representatives to the Foreign Mission Con- ference be referred to the Executive Committee.
Announcements were made in regard to meetings of various committees.
Moved by Dr. C. W. Winey that the session adjourn. Motion carried.
The closing prayer was offered by Rev. G. W. Emerson of Iowa Conference.
M. W. MUMMA, Secretary pro tem.
TUESDAY EVENING, 7:30
The service was presided over by Mrs. S. S. Hough, National President of the Women's Mis- sionary Association.
Miss Janet Gilbert conducted a beautiful and impressive service of "Appreciation and Praise." The program as printed was carried out. The general theme of the evening was "Elements in the Christian Religion Which Are Changing: Africa, China, and the Philippines." Rev. G. T. Rosselot spoke on the transforming power of the Gospel in Africa; Miss Myrtle Lefever, China; and Rev. W. N. Roberts, the Philippines. The evening was one of fine inspiration and profit.
WEDNESDAY MORNING-NOVEMBER 12
The meeting was called to order at 9:30, Bishop G. D. Batdorf presiding.
The service was opened by singing "Beneath the Cross of Jesus," led by Prof. J. H. Ruebush. The opening prayer was offered by Doctor Ashcraft, who had charge of the devotional hour. As the basis of his message he used the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. At the close of his address the congregation joined in singing. "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."
Dr. W. G. Clippinger, president of Otterbein College, welcomed the members and friends of the Board to the Campus, and invited them to visit the various buildings at their pleasure.
"What Makes the Missionary Task Urgent Today" was the general theme for the morning session. Among the Japanese, the question was answered by Rev. A. H. Sholty; in the Philippines by Miss Lottie Spessard. Many discriminating points were brought out by these speakers.
Miss Avelina Lorenzana delighted the congregation with a solo entitled, "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Saying."
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MINUTES OF TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING
The general theme of the morning was further discussed by Rev. J. S. Innerst, Miss Naomi Wilson and Dr. N. H. Huffman. All these speakers brought messages of interest and power.
Rev. G. Seigenfaler, D.D., of the Evangelical Synod brought greetings from their Foreign Mission Board.
The closing prayer of the morning was offered by Dr. O. T. Deever.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
The afternoon session opened at 2:00 p.m., by singing "Through Endless Years Thou Art the Same," and "There is a Wideness in God's Mercy."
Doctor Ashcraft led in prayer and continued his study of the Beatitudes. His address was followed by singing, "Joy to the World."
Doctor King, chairman of the Entertainment Committee, made a brief statement, welcoming the members and friends of the Board to their homes, and made announcement concerning the serving of meals at the church.
Among the interesting features of the afternoon session was the presentation of representatives and telegrams bearing greetings from other Boards and denominations to the Board on this occasion of its Seventy-fifth Anniversary.
Then followed a masterly address by the president of the Board, Bishop A. R. Clippinger, D.D., on "What Our Seventy-five Years of Missions Have Accomplished." The Bishop in a concise and clear manner portrayed the history of our missionary work from its beginning seventy-five years ago.
The congregation joined in singing "All Hail the Power of Jesus Name."
Miss Lenore South, a student of the college, delighted the audience with a solo.
The congregation joined in singing "My Jesus As Thou Wilt."
Following this the next general topic, "Christ Is Needed Everywhere" was taken up. "Why He Is Needed in China" was discussed by Miss Chi Kwong Leung; "Why He is Needed in the Philip- pines" by Miss Avelina Lorenzana; "Why He is Needed in Africa" by Prof. Ross Lohr. These repre- sentatives from the foreign fields were followed by an address by Richard Allaman on "Youth's Response to This World Need."
After announcement by Bishop Clippinger, Bishop Batdorf, and Doctor Ziegler, the afternoon session came to a close, the benediction being pronounced by Dr. S. S. Hough, former secretary of the Board.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, 7:30
The Westerville congregation, under the direction of Prof. J. F. Smith, presented a pageant portraying our seventy-five years of mission work abroad. The pageant was prepared by Mrs. J. Hal Smith, and was entitled "The Great Commission."
THURSDAY MORNING-NOVEMBER 13
The Report of the Committee on Africa was read by Miss Alice Bell. After some discussion the report was adopted.
Miss Bell also read the report of the Committee on Foreign Students. On motion, the report was adopted.
The report on China was prefaced by remarks from Bishop H. H. Fout, chairman, and was read by Miss Myrtle Lefever. After an interesting discussion the report was on motion adopted.
The Report of the Committee on Home Base was read by W. N. Roberts.
Report of the Home Base Committee
Your Committee on Home Base met and beg leave to submit the following recommendations:
I. That the fertile suggestions of the General Secretary for the cultivation of the Home Base be adopted.
2. That the twelve points or suggestions for the cultivation of the local church (indicated in the General Secretary's report) be printed on cards and sent out to pastors and other church leaders.
3. That we approve the plan for the observance of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary and the offering, and urge the whole church to cooperate.
4. That the possibilities of showing the pageant in church centers be studied and if found practi- cable, arrangements be made for putting on this pageant during the first quarter of next year.
5. That the Board of Christian Education and the three Missionary Boards be urged to plan together and put across a definite missionary program of education.
6. That we ask the Foreign Mission Conference of North America to consider the advisability of arranging for regular radio programs on foreign missions.
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
7. That we request that the Executive Committee of the Foreign Mission Board in its next meeting to appoint the Standing Committees for the next annual Board meeting, in order that there might be a continuous study of the problems relating to these committees.
. 8. That a further study be made of the possibilities of the use of pictures in connection with mission education, and that the Executive Committee give this careful consideration.
9. That we express our high appreciation to our General Secretary for the able way he has directed the work of the Society in such an economic fashion, both in his care in keeping income and expenditures reasonably balanced, and in the splendid administrative promotional work that has been carried on at so small a cost.
IO. That we adopt the following resolution:
"Whereas a historic sense of the marvelous providential leadership and blessings of God upon the missionary work undertaken in faith and prayer by our forefathers, has been made more vividly real to us, and
"Whereas, We feel that we are now entering into another great era of missionary endeavor, and - "Whereas, The churches all over America and in many other portions of the world are under- going a great crisis,
"We, the members of the Foreign Missionary Society, of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, assembled in the Seventy-fifth Anniversary Board meeting issue to the whole church, at home and abroad, this call to sacrificial prayer:
"a. For a Spirit of Missions. That the Church may see the whole world's need of Christ, and may be ready for any sacrifice in order to make Him known to all mankind.
"b. For a Spirit of Prayer. That Christian people may learn to pray as Christ prayed and taught His disciples to pray; and that an ever increasing number of interceders may be raised up until the whole Church is awakened to prayer.
"c. For a Spirit of Sacrifice. That the Church may be willing at whatever cost to follow and bear witness to the way of Christ."
"A careful study of promotional methods used by other Boards reveals the fact that the best and most successful have been conferences and institutes with small groups of pastors and laymen which reached down in some cases to the local church. Some of the British societies have had unusual success with this method. It has not been tried out in America with the same thoroughness, partly because of the wide expanse of territory which churches must cover here. If certain sections of the church could be cultivated in such fashion this year and other sections in like fashion in other years, I am convinced that it would produce a marked change in the attitude of the Church toward missions."
In accordance with the principles of the above paragraph, we suggest the advisability of testing the following program of cultivation of the non-progressive areas of our church.
That the Board of Administration in cooperation with all the other general departments, such as Home and Foreign Missions and Board of Christian Education, organize teams of three to tour selected areas, each team to include:
I. A home or foreign mission speaker.
2. A speaker representing the Women's Missionary Association.
3. A speaker representing the Religious Education of the church.
These teams to work in cooperation with the local leaders, such as superintendents, their group leaders and other local group leaders, in holding one day rallies or institutes in which the speakers bring inspirational and informational addresses, these to be followed by discussions of the problems confronting local churches and groups.
It is further suggested that these institutes combine all the activities, such as Christian Endeavor, Women's Missionary Association, and other usual conventions so that the local leaders may not be called on each spring and fall to attend too many general meetings which may overload the workers. and disturb the local church programs.
It is suggested that if departmental or special activities feel that they must discuss more freely their own problems and methods, that sectional group discussions be held.
These teams and local leaders would display their literature and supplies and demonstrate methods so that local church leaders may be helped in solving problems and increasing efficiency.
It is suggested that the evening services be made popular and informative, by using in part, at least, illustrated addresses.
It has been found that such teams can travel by auto quite cheaply and carry with them stere- opticon slides and books and literature.
Collections at the evening sessions have usually been found sufficient to cover the traveling ex- penses.
This plan allows the teams and rallies the privilege of visiting the weaker churches and isolated groups where we have great untouched resources.
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MINUTES OF TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING
We believe this touch by teams of specialists in cooperation with local leaders offers a practical method of bridging the gap between the general church program and purpose, and the activities of the isolated and weaker local churches.
Respectfully submitted,
C. W. WINEY MRS. J. HAL SMITH MRS. E. M. HURSH S. G. ZIEGLER ALICE E. BELL H. W. WIDDOES W. N. ROBERTS Committee
A supplementary report was made by Dr. H. W. Widdoes.
On motion, the original and supplementary reports were adopted.
Dr. H. W. Widdoes also made a supplemental report on the Philippine Islands, with reference to the Preacher Pension Fund. On motion, the report was adopted.
The Report of the Committee on Appropriations was read by General Secretary, Doctor Ziegler. Another reduction of $8,000 was made in the total amount appropriated to our Foreign Mission work.
Report of the Committee on Appropriations
The Committee on Appropriations had two lengthy sessions in which it considered carefully the estimates submitted from the mission fields. While the askings were slightly in advance of those submitted a year ago, in view of the present financial situation and of the policy adopted by the Board that its appropriations be based on the receipts for the previous year, we beg leave to submit the fol- lowing recommendations:
I. That a total of $147,500 be appropriated for current work on our foreign fields during 1931, the same to be distributed as follows:
Africa
$45,000
Philippines
$26,000
China
26,000
Porto Rico
22,000
Japan
26,000
Santo Domingo. 2,500
While this is $26,812 less than the estimates submitted, it is only $8,000 less than the total appro- priated a year ago. Even though this is a slight reduction, the committee acts on faith when it makes it because the present trend in receipts threatens to be even greater than that.
2. That if in order for any mission to operate under the present budget it is necessary to detain missionaries now on furlough temporarily, the same be done until additional funds can be secured to send them out, provided their detention will not seriously interfere with the work on the field.
3. That the transportation of missionaries to and from Sierra Leone be planned hereafter both by the Board and Mission in Sierra Leone via the Barber Steamship Line, a direct line operating between New York and the West Coast, whenever suitable accommodations can be secured, thus materially reducing the cost of travel.
That permission be granted the China Mission Council to purchase any reclaimed or filled 4. in land between our Betheden property on Honam and the proposed new bund, provided it can be done with funds secured through favorable exchange or currency.
5. That the request for a special appropriation for the support of Miss Avelina Lorenzana, Director of Religious Education in the Filipino Conference, be placed in the hands of the Executive Committee with instructions to make such provision as necessary and possible.
6. In order to provide credit for the Treasurer of the Mission in the Philippines during the last quarter of the year after the letter of Credit for said year has been drawn, we recommend that the Letter of Credit for the new year, or such portion of the first quarter's payment as may be necessary, cashable January I, be sent sufficiently early to afford the necessary collateral for borrowing in case of emergency or other unforeseen needs.
7. That the second installment on the assessment for Seminary filling and grading expenses of $250 be paid from the Building Fund.
8. That the parcel of ground fronting our property at Lubuagan be purchased and an appropria- tion of $250 be made for same.
9. That the Executive Committee be instructed to provide for these two items during the year:
a. The necessary repairs at the Rufus Clark and Wife Training School, Shenge.
b. The deficit in the Porto Rican budget incurred during the rebuilding in the Island following the hurricane.
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IO. That we suggest to the Women's Missionary Association our medical work in Africa as one of the projects worthy of consideration in planning for the next World's Mission Advancement Day .
Offering.
ยท II. That other requests in the estimates for buildings and equipment be placed in the hands of the Executive Committee with instruction to proceed with the repairs, construction, purchase, or payment of same during the year as funds are made available.
Your Committee on Appropriations recognizes the unusual significance of this Anniversary as a time for the lengthening of our chords and the strengthening of our stakes. In presenting these appro- priations which represent a reduction below actual needs, we challenge the church to face the unmet needs and the unanswered calls from areas unreached. We plead for a full benevolence budget which is a small asking from a church so rich in spiritual blessings and resources. If it were done, the reduc- tion we recommend this morning would be unnecessary, instead it would be possible for us to order an actual advance. Therefore, to the pastors and churches throughout our rich land, we submit these unmet needs for which your committee could not provide. It cannot be pleasing to Him whose suffering love reached to the point of supreme sacrifice that we, His followers, should be complacent in the midst of great human need. It could be met if the Church had more of the spirit and purpose of her Lord. Is not this a time when we as pastors, board members, missionaries, and churches, should pledge anew our purpose to walk with Him in the way of the Cross?
God's resources are limitless and they are available to those who will pay the price. The askings for this work through the Benevolence Service Budget are humiliatingly small when measured by the resources of every local church. We pray the Church, therefore, to face the situation seriously and not only meet our needs through the budget but in addition show the spirit of the second mile in pro- viding for these needs in the regions beyond.
Respectfully submitted,
A. R. CLIPPINGER, Bishop J. R. KING
C. W. WINEY MRS. J. R. ENGLE
E. E. ULLRICH MRS. S. S. HOUGH
S. G. ZIEGLER
Committee
On motion the report was adopted.
The program of the morning was then taken up with Bishop A. B. Statton, D.D., presiding.
"Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us" was sung, after which Rev. J. Stuart Innerst brought the morning devotional message on "Having the Mind of Christ." It was an incisive and discriminating message.
"Giving the Whole Church a World Vision" was discussed by the Rev. E. W. Smith, D.D., Executive Secretary of Foreign Missions of the Southern Presbyterian Church. His message was based on Luke's statements of the Gospel, Chapter 4, and was one of unusual power.
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