the
conservative
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christian conference
1963 year hook
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THE CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
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September 26-28, 1962
PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2009 with funding from
Congregational Library
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Officers
Committees
Minutes of the Annual Meeting
Reports:
Executive Secretary
Finance Committee
Fraternal ReloMons Committee
Placement Committee
Historian
Constitution Study Committee
Conference Resolutions
Publications Committee
Women's Activities Committee
Church Extension and Evangelism Committee
Missionary Committee ....
Christian Education Cor/imittee
Auditing Committee ....
Financial Statement
Official Rolls
Constitution and By-Laws ....
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Table of Contents
Page . 5
16 17 17 17 18 18 20 21
25 26 27 85
Conference Officers . . .
1962-1963
Conference Officers
President Lloyd F. Dean, 335 Saratoga Rd., Scotia 2, N. Y.
1st Vice-Pres - (to be named)
2nd Vice-Pres Paul Halbert, 208 S. Maple St., Argos, Indiana
Executive Sec'y Robert B. Dempsey, Carlisle, Mass.
Recording Sec'y Leslie Van Vorst, RFD 3, JamestoNvn, N. Y.
Treasurer Alden Barrows, Prattville, Mich.
Historian Cecil Argetsing'er, Mantorville, Minn.
Board Members
1963 Term 196^ Term 1965 Term
Raymond Bawden Richard Roberts Jacob Waechter
Lynn Scovil Henri Pol Joseph Fast
Hubert Clevenger Howard Landes Samuel Hemberger
. . . Committees
1962-1963
Committee Members
(Name in Italic has been appointed Chairman)
1963 Member
1964 Member
Christian Education Committee
William Bankester Raymond Gillis
Church Extension and Evangelism Committee Lynn Scovil Raymond Maier
Committee on Ministry
John Waye Hubert K. Clevenger
Constitution Study Committee
John Clymer Robert B. Dempsey
Credentials and Placement Committee
Jacob Waechter
Finance CoTnmittee R. H. Lutz
Missionary Committee Lester Felker
Nominating Committee Raymond Bawden
Paul Halbert (Placement)
Herbert Anderson (Chaplaincy)
Herbert Anderson
Maurice Jacques
1965 Member
Roy Shervy
Edwin Dahmer
Howard J. Landes
Leonard Siff
Lester Felker (Credentials)
John Stewart
George French
Henri Pol Richard O. Roberts
(The Board appointed Wayne Hamilton and Albert Wetzel to one year terms on this Committee.)
Program, Committee
Ralph Shirk Alden Barrows Robert Penrod
(The Conference President and the Host Pastor for the next Annual Meeting are also Committee members.)
Publications Committee
George Buhl John VanderTuin Robert Baker
(Circulation) (Publisher) (Editor)
Women's Activities Committee Arlene Dempsey Elaine Kangas Selma Kilgore
All members on the following Committees have one year terms: Auditing Committee
Samuel Hemberger Robert Wuster R. H. Lutz
Committee on Fraternal Relations
Lloyd Dean Robert B. Dempsey Paul Halbert
Resolutions Committee
William Randall David Coleman Theoren Smith, Jr.
Special Committee to study Office of Executive Secretary
Samuel Hemberger James Henry Hutchins Clarence Schultz
Cecil Argetsinger R. H. Lutz
Time and Place Committee
Clarence Schultz Edmond Parker Loyd Grain
Minutes of Annual Meeting . . .
of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference held Sep- tember 26-28, 19G2, at the Plymouth Congregational Church, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2G, 1962, Morning Session.
After a word of welcome from the host pastor, Rev. Lynn Scovil, the first business session for the 1962 Annual Meeting of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference was opened with prayer led by the President. Dr. Lloyd F. Dean.
The roll call was taken and it was moved, seconded and carried that those voting delegates present constitute the voting body of the 1962 an- nual meeting. Visitors were introduced and welcomed.
The agenda for the five business sessions was reviewed. It was moved that the agenda be adopted as amended and it was so voted.
Report of the Credentials Committee on member churches, licensees, ministers and lajonen was read. It was moved and seconded that the work of the Credentials Committee be ratified and that new member ministers and churches be seated as voting delegates. It was so voted.
It was moved and carried that the Resolutions Committee be instruc- ted to send condolences to those closely related to the Conference who are bereaved by the death of loved ones this past year.
Rev. Lester Felker was appointed as correspondent for all business sessions.
The report of the Board of Directors was read and included the re- commendation that a temporary committee on Fraternal Relations be ap- pointed by the President to deal with our relationships with other groups. It was so voted.
Rev. Paul Halbert, Conference Treasurer, distributed copies of his re- port, and moved the adoption of the report. Motion carried. Halbert was commended for his work and a prayer of thanksgiving was led by Dr. H. F. M. Pol.
The Conference Historian, Rev. Cecil Argetsinger, read his report Acceptance was moved and voted.
Rev. Robert Dempsey read his report as Executive Secretary. The acceptance of the report with commendation was moved and carried. A rising vote of thanks was given and a prayer of gratitude led by Dr. Dean. Recommendations included the challenge that the conference realistically consider the future needs and goals in respect to representation and fol- low-up.
Rev. Robert Dempsey presented the report of the Constitution Study Committee. Proposed changes in by-laws to be acted upon at the 1963 An- nual Meeting were presented. (These changes are listed elsewhere in this Year Book under the Report of the Constitution Study Committee.) It was moved that the report be accepted and it was so voted.
Proposed changes to be acted upon by this 1962 Annual Meeting were then taken up.
By-law VI, Section 8. The final sentence amended to read: "The candidate will be disqualified by any habits or practices in his life which do not glorify God in his body which belongs to God, or which might cause any brother in Christ to stumble." It was so adopted.
Article III, strike out all notes and leave the Statement of Faith only. It was so voted.
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. . . Minutes of Annual Meeting
Article IV, Statement of Polity (an entirely new article) .
1. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of His Body, the Church universal, and of each local church.
2. We believe that each local church is in itself a complete church, and therefore autonomous and possesses all the rights and responsibilities of the church by the Holy Spirit as set forth in the Holy Scriptures.
3. We believe that Jesus Christ exercises His authority in each local church by the Holy Spirit and through the Holy Scriptures.
4. We believe that each local church is amenable only to Jesus Christ, and not to any association, conference, council, synod or any other ecclesi- astical body.
5. We believe that it is proper and beneficial for each local church to seek fellowship and council of other such local churches.
The article was so adopted.
The business session was dismissed by the President.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBEPv 26, 1962, Afternoon Session
The afternoon business session was called to order by the President, who called upon Rev. Paul Halbert to lead in prayer.
The minutes of the morning business session were read and accepted. The Recording Secretary then read the recommendation of the Board of Directors that the Conference accept the invitation of the American Bible Society to place a representative on their advisory council, and that the Executive Secretary be our representative. The recommendation was so adopted.
The afternoon roll call indicated the arrival of three more voting dele- gates. It was moved, seconded and carried that these names be added to the list of voting delegates.
The report of the Constitution Study Committee was continued with respect to Constitutional changes for consideration at this meeting.
Article IV (presently so numbered) an additional statement to Sec- tion 1. "Individual lay membership may be held only by laymen in non- member Congregational Christian Churches. In the event that a non-mem- ber church joins this Conference, the individual lay membership of any of its members ceases."
The committee moved the adoption of the amendment. It was seconded and so voted.
Section 2 (new)
A church, minister or individual lay member may withdraw from membership in this conference at any time by its or his own action, and will be removed from the membership roll when written notice of such ac- tion is given to the Chairman of the Credentials Committee.
The comm.ittee moved the adoption of the amendment and it was so voted.
Section 3 (new) In the event that there is reason to suppose that a member church, minister or individual lay member has departed from the standards of faith and practice set forth in this Constitution and By-laws, the Commit- tee on Credentials and Placement shall make a careful investigation of the matter. If the supposition is justified, the Committee shall report the mat- ter to the Conference for appropriate action. The Committee on Creden- tials and Placement shall file their report in writing with the Recording
Minutes of Annual Meeting . . .
Secretary of this Conference and the party accused at least thirty days prior to the annual or special meeting: at which the report is to be consid- ered. The right of appeal to the Conference by the party accused is pre- supposed.
It was so adopted. Section 4 (new)
Although there is no organic tie between this Conference and any re- gional Association or fellowship, and although this Conference recognizes the autonomy of any such regional association or fellowship, this Confer- ence will encourage the forming of, promote the gi'owth of and will seek to cooperate in every possible manner with any regional association or fel- lowship of Congregational Christian Churches or individuals who are in agreement with the faith and polity of this Conference.
An alternate proposal was then presented for consideration, having been ruled by the President as eligible to be voted upon at this meeting since the matter was previously tabled. The alternate proposal is included below :
Article IV, Section 4, Regional Membership
Regional fellowships or associations of Congregational Christian Churches which are in sympathy with the Statements of Faith and Polity of this Conference may hold one of three possible relationships to this Con- ference.
(1) A Region in Affiliation. A regional fellowship or association of Congregational Christian Churches, which is in agreement with the Statements of Faith and Polity of this Conference and with the general principles outlined in the Constitution and By-laws, may be granted the status of an affiliated region upon application to and approval by the Cre- dentials and Placement Committee, which action will be subject to review by the ensuing Annual Meeting of the Conference. When a region be- comes an affiliate, all member ministers and churches of the region will become member ministers and churches of this Conference, and all mem- ber ministers and churches of this Conference within the said region will become member ministers and churches of the regional group. Churches and ministers of this Conference within the said region which are not members of the region at the time of application will be asked to approve membership in the regional group before they will become members of the said regional group. A regional group making application to become an affiliate region will submit with their application a list of all members. Upon acceptance as an affiliate region, all future applications for mem- bership in the regional group or in the Conference from ministers and churches from within the region will be subject to approval by the Creden- tials Committee of both, and subject to review by the ensuing annual meet- ing or special meetings of both. From the time of its acceptance as an af- filiate region, all new member churches and ministers will become members of both this Conference and the regional group. Such a region will be rep- resented in the Conference business meetings by the delegates of their member churches. Churches and ministers presently members of the re- gion, but not this Conference, will not be made members of this Confer- ence without their consent.
(2) A Region in Sympathy. A regional fellowship or association of Congregational Christian Churches, which is in agreement with the Statements of Faith and Polity of this Conference, but which does not wish to become an affiliate region of this Conference may pass a resolu- tion or amendment expressing their sympathy with the beliefs, practices
. . . Minutes of Annual Meeting
and program of this Conference. Such a region will be considered a sym- pathetic region. This means that communication and cooperation will be possible between the two,
(3) A Region in Recognition. A regional fellowship or association of Congregational Christian Churches, which is in agreement with the Statements of Faith and Polity of this Conference, but which takes no of- ficial action to be identified with this Conference, may be recognized by this Conference as a regional group of Conservative Congregational Chris- tian Churches. This means that this Conference will not promote a com- petitive group within that region and will offer such assistance and advice as may be deemed advisable.
The committee moved the adoption of the alternate proposal. It was so adopted.
Proposed changes and amendments to the By-laws were next pre- sented by the Constitution Study Committee.
By-hdw III, Section I
I. A Credentials and Placement Committee of five to be elected by the Board of Directors on a rotating basis for three year terms ; which com- mittee shall have the following duties :
a. The committee shall review all applications for membership in the Conference. They shall either approve or disapprove the application, or refer it to the Board of Directors for review. In the event of approval, the committee has power to grant membership subject to approval by the next Annual Meeting of the Conference.
b. The committee shall take action with regard to requests for transferral or dismissal, such action being subject to approval by the next Annual Meeting of the Conference except where dismissal has been re- quested by the party in question.
c. The committee shall have the power to renew ministerial licenses granted by the Conference upon application by the licensee, such renewal being subject to approval by the next Annual Meeting of the Conference.
d. The committee shall have the power to receive prospective min- isterial candidates under Conference Care, such action being subject to approval by the next Annual Meeting of the Conference. The committee shall upon request make recommendations as to theological schools, and render such other counsel and assistance as necessary.
e. The committee shall provide a suitable course of theological study for such othervv^ise acceptable aspirants to the ministry seeking or- dination and Conference membership to whom a complete residence course of study would be impossible or impractical.
f. The committee shall make recommendation to the Board of Di- rectors regarding the endorsement of any ministerial member seeking to enter the military chaplaincy.
g. The committee shall make an annual review of the ministerial activities of those with full membership or license to determine the cur- rent outreach of the Conference and the propriety of continued ministerial status of the members.
h. The committee shall make a careful investigation, in the event that there is reason to suppose that a member church or minister or in- dividual laymember has departed from the standards of faith and prac- tice set forth in this Constitution and By-laws. If the supposition is justi- fied, the committee shall repoi-t the matter to the Conference for appropri- ate action. The Credentials and Placement Committee shall file their re-
Minutes of Annual Meeting . . .
port in v/ritini? with the Recording Secretary of the Conference and with the party accused at least thirty days prior to the Annual or special busi- ness nieetinp: at which the report is to be considered. The right of appeal to the Conference by the party accused is presupposed.
i. The committee shall render all assistance possible to Conference ministers seeking pastorates and to churches seeking pastors, by making available proper information at hand to all who request it.
Motion was made and seconded to adopt the proposed amendment. It was agreed following a brief discussion to refer this back to the committee to be voted upon at the next session.
The report of the Time and Place Committee for the 1963 Annual Conference. Two invitations were read, one from Calvary Church of Lima, Ohio, and one from Conservative Congregational Church, Lincoln, Kansas. The report was accepted.
Motion was made by Hubert Clevenger and seconded that the dele- gates have the privilege of casting a vote as to their preference. It was voted to accept the invitation to Calvary Church of Lima, Ohio.
The meeting was then dismissed by the President.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1962, Morning Session
Dr. Lloyd F. Dean called the meeting to order and Rev. Maurice Jacques led the opening prayer.
The minutes of the previous session were read and accepted.
A list of five additional voting delegates was read, and it was moved that the names of these delegates be added to the list of voting delegates. It was so voted.
The report of the Auditing Committee was read by Rev. Samuel Hem- berger. Acceptance of the report was voted.
The report of the Missionary Committee was next given by Rev. Mau- rice Jacques. The report was accepted with appreciation.
Rev. Gerald Boyce was next given the floor to extend greetings from the American Bible Society and to report on the history, work and needs of the Society.
The following nine proposed revisions of the By-laws were then taken up:
By-Law III, Section I — (having been referred to the committee at yes- terday's session for re-wording).
h. This sub-section was re-worded as follows to completely replace the original proposed sub-section h. "The committee shall make a careful investigation of those cases where discipline may be necessary as ordered by Article IV. Section 3 of the Constitution."
The approval of By-Law III, Section 1, as reworded, was admitted by Rev. Theron Smith, Sr. and Mr. Anthony Digrugilliers, the original mov- er and seconder of the motion to adopt. It was so voted. By-Law III, Section 6
Delete the last two sentences.
It was so voted. By-Law III, Section 10 (This is new. Present 10 and 11 becoming 12 and 13)
A Women'H Activities Committee of three to be elected by the Con- ference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This Committee shall seek to promote the growth and spiritual welfare of the women's fellow-
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• . . Minutes of Annual Meeting
ships of member^ and other churches through regular correspondence, the exchange of ideas, programs and projects, and the stimulation of interest on the part of women's fellowships in the ministry of this Conference.
It was so adopted. By-Law III, Section 11 (new section)
A Ministry Committee of three to be elected by the Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall make available to the ministers of the Conference information regarding retirement and pension plans, and hospitalization. They shall plan for ministerial re- treats and workshops. They shall contact the ministers of the Conference with a view to their personal growth.
It was so adopted. By-Law III, Section 14 (new)
Each committee shall prepare a written report of progress to be pre- sented at the Annual Meeting of the Conference, and at such other times as the Board of Directors shall request it.
It was so adopted. By-Lavj VI, Section 5
In introductory paragraph, last clause to read :
"in the absence of a local association of Conservative Congregational Christian Churches:"
It was so adopted. By-Law VI, Section 5
Introductory paragraph. Clause about marriages to read:
"including the solemnization of marriages where legally permissible."
It was so adopted. By-Law VI, Section 6
To be amended so last sentence reads :
"A voluntary fee of $5.00 shall be suggested at each issuance, which will include the cost of the Conference periodical and Year Book."
It was so adopted. By-Law VI, Se ction 7
Last sentence to read:
"Under such care the enrollee may pursue the Conference Study Course. He shall have available to him recommendations as to theological schools, together with such other counsel and assistance as may properly be rendered."
It was so adopted.
The Constitution Study Committee moved that the Publications Com- mittee change the heading on page 28 of the 1961 Year Book from "Minis- terial Students of the Conference" to "Ministerial Candidates Under Con- ference Care". It was so voted.
The report of the Credentials Committee was given by Rev. Paul Hal- bert who moved the acceptance of the report. It was so accepted.
The Board of Directors recommended that the dates of September 25-27 be set for the 1963 Annual Conference Business Meeting to be held at Calvary Church, Lima, Ohio. It was so voted.
Rev. Howard Landes presented the report of a special committee of the Board of Directors and included the recommendation of the Board of Directors that the Conference proceed to the employment of a full time
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Minutes of Annual Meeting . . .
Executive Secretary at the 1963 Conference Meeting; that funds neces- sary (approx. $10,000) be raised by pledge and gift from interested churches and individuals. This action, if approved, is to be understood to be an authorization for investigation to this end during 1962 and 1963.
Rev. Howard Landes moved the adoption of this recommendation. It was so adopted.
Rev Howard Landes presented the recommendation of the Board of Directors to the Conference that a committee be appointed by the Board to communicate to our constituency our purpose to employ a full time sal- aried Executive Secretary; to work out all necessary details in regard to salary and other allowances; to seek pledges (to begin in October 1963) during the current year; and to make all other arrangements necessary for a presentation of this full proposal at the 1963 Annual Conference Meeting. Rev. Howard Landes moved the adoption of the recommendation.
It was so adopted.
The report of the Finance Committee was read by Mr. John Stewart who also moved the acceptance of the report. It was so accepted. Discus- sion of the report in connection with the establishment of a revolving loan resulted in the recommendation that the committee take note of the points of discussion and consider these in further investigation and reports.
The report of the Publications Committee was next given by Rev. John VanderTuin. The report was accepted.
Rev. John VanderTuin gave a report of the work and financial needs of Grace Congregational Church, Pittsfield, Massachusetts of which he is the Pastor.
The President dismissed the meeting at 12.30 P.M.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1962, Afternoon Session
The afternoon business session was called to order by the President. Rev. Richard Roberts led in prayer.
The minutes of the morning session were read and accepted.
The report of the Christian Education Committee was read by the Re- cording Secretary for the committee. The acceptance of the report was moved with the correction that one man is presently taking the conference study course. It was so accepted.
The report of the Committee on Fraternal Relations was next pre- sented by Rev. Robert Dempsey. The committee recommended: That the CCCC authorize the Committee on Fraternal Relations to make overtures to and enter into discussions with the Fellowship of Independent Evan- gelical Churches and the Union of Evangelical Congregational Churches of Brazil in the interests of fellowship and cooperation. It was further recommended that the CCCC send a representative to attend the General Convention of the Union of Evangelical Congregational Churches of Bra- zil which meets in July 1963 at its triennial convention. The recommen- dations were so adopted.
Rev. Arthur Rarros, President of the Union of Evangelical Congre- gational Churches of Riazil, extended greetings to the Conservative Con- gregational Christian Conference.
A discussion followed regarding the sending of a representative to Brazil. The particular problem of finances involved was reserved until the budget is proposed and discussed.
A discussion followed in an attempt to seek opinions from the floor in respect to the name Conservative Congregational Christian Conference and the possible advisability of a name change,
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. . . Minutes of Annual Meeting
The President next called for a reading of the committees appointed by the Board. The committee appointments were as follows : Credentials and Placement:
1965 Lester Felker
1964 Herbert Anderson
1963 Jacob Waechter Time and Place :
Clarence Schultz, Chairman
Lloyd Crain
Edmond Parker Resolutions :
William Randall, Chairman
David Coleman
Theoren Smith, Jr.
Auditing :
Samuel Hemberger, Chairman Robert Wuster R. H. Latz Nominating : Albei-t Wetzel Wayne J. Hamilton Fraternal Relations : President,
Executive Secretary 2nd Vice President The report of the Nominating Committee was next given by Dr. F. M. Pol. It was so accepted.
Rev. Samuel Hemberger took the chair while voting proceeded for President. The committee nominated Lloyd F. Dean for President. It was moved that nominations cease. It was so voted and a unanimous vote was then cast.
The committee nominated Joseph Cooke for the office of 1st Vice Presi- dent. Rev. Leonard Siff nominated Paul Halbert. It was moved and voted that the nominations cease. It was ruled by common consent that the low- est vote would automatically become the 2nd Vice President. The vote by ballot gave the office of 1st Vice President to Joseph Cooke, and the office of 2nd Vice President to Paul Halbert.
Dr. Lloyd Dean again returned to the chair with a rising applause of appreciation and confidence.
The committee nominated Robert Dempsey to the office of Executive Secretaiy. It was moved that the nominations cease. It was so voted and one ballot was cast.
The committee nominated Alden Barrows for the office of Treasurer. It was moved that the nominations cease. It was so voted and one ballot was cast.
The committee nominated Cecil Argetsinger for the office of Historian. It was moved and voted that nominations cease and that one ballot be cast. The committee nominated to theB oard of Directors Jacob Waechter, Joseph Fast and Samuel Hemberger. It was moved and voted that nom- inations cease and that one ballot be cast.
The committee nominated Leslie Van Vorst to the office of Recording Secretary. It was moved and voted that nominations cease and that the President cast one ballot.
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Minutes of Annual Meeting . . .
The committee nominated John H. Stewart to serve on the Finance Committee. It was moved and voted that nominations cease and that the ballot be cast.
The committee nominated Geort^e French to sei-v'e on the Missionary Committee. It was moved and voted that nominations cease and that one ballot be cast.
The committee nominated Roy Shervy to serve a three year term on the Christian Education Committee, and William Bankester to serve a one year term on the Christian Education Committee. It was moved and voted that nominations cease and that one ballot be cast.
It was moved and voted that all the further committees be considered on one vote. The committee's nominations were as follows :
Program Cornmittee — Robert Penrod
Nominating Committee — Richard Roberts
Publications Committee — Robert Baker
Constitution Study Committee — Leonard SifT
Church Etension Committee — Edwin Dahmar
Women^s Activities Committee — Mrs. Robert Dempsey — 1 year Mrs. Elaine Kangas — 2 years Mrs. Selma Kilgore — 3 years
It was moved and voted that nominations cease and that one ballot be cast by the secretary.
The meeting was adjourned by the President at 4:25 P.M.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1962, Morning Session
The final business meeting of the 1962 Annual Conference was called to order by the President, who called upon Rev. William Randall to lead in prayer.
The minutes were read and accepted following a correction.
The President next read the names of those who will serve on the committee responsible for the work of investigating and preparing the way, if possible, for employing a full time salaried Executive Secretary at the time of the 1963 Annual Conference. The committee members in- clude: Rev. Samuel Hemberger, Mr. R. H. Lutz, Dr. Ames Henry Hutch- ins, Rev. Clarence Schultz, and Rev. Cecil Argetsinger.
One additional member pastor, Rev. Robert Hanna, arrived for this business session. It was moved and voted that his name be added to the voting delegates. Rev. Robert Hanna at this time introduced two who were visiting the conference.
A further report of the Constitution Study Committee was next read by the chairman. Rev. Robert Dempsey. Acceptance was voted.
An additional report of the Nominating Committee was read by Rev. Richard Roberts. Robert Wuster was nominated to a two year unexpired term on the Finance Committee. Nominations for the committee on the Ministry were: John Waye, 1 year; Hubert Clevenger, 2 years; Howard Landes, Chairman, 3 years. It was moved and voted that all men nomi- nated be elected.
The Women's Activities Committee Report was next presented by Mrs. Robert Dempsey. Rev. Robert Dempsey moved the acceptance of the report with appreciation. It was so accepted.
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. . . Minutes of Annu<d Meeting
The report of the Evangelism and Church Extension Committee was read by Rev. Jacob Waechter who then moved that the report be accepted It was so voted.
Rev. Alden Barrows read the report of the Resolutions Committee and moved its adoption. Discussion resulted in the addition by common con- sent, of resolutions of thanks to all speakers. Rev. Robei-t Dempsey moved that the motion be amended to include : Copies td be sent to the National Association of Evangelicals, American Bible Society, and the families of Rev. Sherman Keeler, Rev. Fred Williams, and Rev. Jay Waterman. Dis- cussion of the motion to amend resulted in the inclusion of the Carlisle Congregational Church. It was so voted. Those making the motion to adopt the report agreed to the amendment and it was so adopted as amended.
The proposed budget for 1962-63 was next given by the President and is as follows;
Executive Secretary travel $1700.00
Official Board Expense. • 25.00
Dues to the N.A.E. Chaplaincy Conmiission. „ 100.00
Stationary - 250.00
Safety Deposit Box - 7.00
Annual Meeting Expense. „ - 350.00
Mid-Winter Conference 300.00
Publications, Printing and Mailing.^ 2500.00
Committee Expenses 200.00
Postage 250.00
Telephone ^ 75.00
Travel - 100.00
Secretarial Work 100.00
Reimbursements to Carlisle Congregational Church 800.00
Total Proposed
$7,257.00 The desirability of sending an official delegate to the tri-ennial con- vention of the Union of Evangelical Congregational Churches of Brazil to be held in July, 1963 resulted in the motion by Rev. Ralph Shirk to insert $1,000 in the proposed budget for this expense. It was so voted. The total proposed budget would thus be $8,257.00. Rev. William Bankester moved that the budget be accepted and adopted as finally proposed. It was so voted.
Rev. William Bankester made the motion that Rev. Robert Dempsey be our delegate to Brazil, and if it is not possible for him to go, the Board of Directors delegate someone else. It was so voted.
Telegrams expressing greetings were received from the pastor and board of trustees of the Union Congregational Church of Fort Shaw, Mon- tana, and from Rev. Oscar A. Granger of Corona, Long Island, New York. Mr. Robert Reinbold made the motion that the 1962 Annual Meeting be adjourned. Rev. Robert Dempsey was called upon to lead the closing prayer.
Respectfully submitted.
Rev. Leslie Van Vorst, Recording Sec.
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Reports . . .
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." Gal. 5:1
In the Conference year past, your Executive Secretary has found himself on the road for the CCCC for a period totalling nine weeks. Last fall found him in the midwest with the privilege of participating in the founding meetings of the Michigan Fellowship of Conservative Congregational Christians, and the Minnesota-Wisconsin Fellowship of Conservative Congregational Christians. Services were also held in Illi- nois, Indiana and Ohio.
The winter itinerary brought our first real contact with the Congre- gational Christian Churches of Virginia and North Carolina. I was happy to find considerable interest, particularly in North Carolina. There is a core of about forty churches outside of the merger. Many of these are evangelical and are taking steps to preserve their identity and their witness. Future contact must be made here.
The most extensive itinerary of the year was undertaken in the spring, which saw travel up the west coast from Los Angeles to Wash- ington. Continued development of the southern California fellowship was most encouraging. A new fellowship group for the northwest was organized at Portland. The northwest area definitely seems to hold promise for the CCCC and follow-up to these contacts should be made as soon as possible. Idaho, Nebraska, Kansas and Michigan provided addi- tional good opportunities.
The summer afforded opportunity for a brief visit into New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The Executive Secretary is currently on an itinerary through Illinois, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Tentative plans are made for intensive effort this fall in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. In the winter. North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma should be visited. Next spring ought to s^e follovr- up work in the northwest.
Growth this year has been slow but steady. The nevr churches and ministers offer a real hope for futur'e growth. A nation-wide mailing to all Congregational Christian Churches not in the United Church was most helpful.
The Executive Secretary sees need for clearing up the now vague relationship with the regionals. Some definite action must be taken at Oshkosh to help avoid further confusion.
The foundational work of the Conference in the past three years has now brought us to a time of decision. The work of the Executive Secre- tary has continued to grow, and the time shortly will be here when it can no longer be carried on effectively by volunteer help. We now face oppor- tunities that will never be ours again, if we do not launch out to meet them. At this convention we must realistically face our future.
Correspondence, mailings and Conference mechanics have taken con- fiiderable time and effort. I must once more publicly acknowledge the faithful support and effort of my wife, without whose help the task would not have been done.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Robert B. Dempsey
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Reports
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
Our aim has be'en to inform the Churches of the financial needs of the Conference. It became quite evident by the end of last November that the time for an urgent appeal had arrived as there were not suffi- cient funds on hand to pay for the cost of publishing the 1961 Year Book and the periodical.
Under date of December 4, 1961 we addressed on'e hundred thirty- two (132) letters to the various Churches, Ministers and Church Clerks of this Conference. We ar'e happy to report that there was a good re- sponse which enabled the printing of the Year Book and the payment of current expenses.
Again, under date of F'ebruary 1, 1962 we sent out another letter in which was presented the "Proposed Budget for 1961-62" of $7,340.00, and a request for contributions.
The receipts in the months following were very gratifying. On and On and On we must always go and that m'eans more expenses which re- quire additional contributions if we are to meet the challenge of our faith.
On August 14th our committee also sent out another letter inform- ing our member Churches of the current financial situation. It is our intention to continue to keep all concerned informed as to the financial needs of the Conference. We should like to see more laymen become "Sustaining Members" through the medium of an annual donation.
Respectfully submitted,
John H. Stewart, Chairman
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FRATERNAL RELATIONS
The committee offers the following recommendation: that the CCCC authorize the Committee on Fraternal Relations to make overtures to and enter into discussion with the Fellowship of Indep'endent Evangelical Churches of Brazil in the interests of fellowship and cooperation.
It is further recommended that the CCCC send a representative to attend the General Convention of the Union of Evangelical Congregation- al Churches of Brazil which meets in July, 1963, at its triennial conven- tion.
Respectfully submitted,
Lloyd F. Dean Robert Dempsey Paul Halbert
PLACEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Thirty-^even churches sought the aid of the placement committee during the past year. Of these churches, twenty have reported that their pulpits have now been filled.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Halbert, Chairman
17
Reports . . .
REPORT OF THE HISTORIAN— 1961 - 1962
Two pieces of legislature have been received to be added to the records. Three letters requesting infoiTnation concerning the Conserva- tive Congregational Christian Conference have been duly received and answ-'ered.
Your historian has joined the National Congregational Historical Society and literature concerning the history and principles of the Con- sei'\'ative Congregational Christian Conference has been s'ent to them.
A questionnaire to the Churches is being prepared so that informa- tion concerning each individual Church can be I'eceived and filed.
Churches are urged to send in information concerning the past his- tory and present important events of thoir churches to the office of the historian.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev Cecil Argetsinger, Historian
REPORT OF THE CONSTITUTION STUDY COMMITTEE
The Constitution Study Committee calls the attention of the Con- ference to this Committee's 1961 report, which is on page 18 of the 1961 year book. There is also a proposed By-law amendment on pag'e 13. These matters are for action this year.
At the instruction of the Board of Directors mid-wint-er meeting, a series of amendments to the By-laws was circulated for action of this meeting. Proper constitutional notice has been given to all members.
One matter that was tabled two years ago with regard to the rela- tionship of this Confei'ence to various regional fellowships and associ- ations of conservative Congregational Churches was studied by this Committee. A proposal has been circulated and is ready for action at this time.
The following proposed changes and amendmemts to the Constitution are now presented for action in 1963 at the Annual Meeting: Constitution Preamble in place of presenit one.
In gratitude to Almighty God for the gift of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ; and
Believing that the task of the church of Jesus Christ is twofold, i.e., the evangelization of the world and the edification of the saints; and Believing further, that ther'e is a definite need among congregation- ally governed churches of the historic Biblical persuasion for an association to assist them in the performance of said task; We, therefore, as autonomous churches declaring our unqualified be- lief in the entire Word of God written, humbly invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, have covenanted together to form such an asso- ciation. Article II in place of the present one.
1. To deepen and extend the fellowship of our churches.
2. To encourage a steadfast. Biblical witness by our churches.
3. To facilitate cooperation and counsel among our churches with regard to evangelism, the spiritual life. Christian education,
18
. • . Reports
stewardship, missions, church extension, Christian action, wom- en's and men's fellowships, youth activities, the pastoral ministry, and other related concerns. 4. To preserve and promote the Scriptural principles of the autono- my of the local church and the freedom of the believer in Christ.
Article III, Section 1
Change word **only" from in front of "inerrant*' to in front of "in- spired".
Article VII, Section 2
Delete words: "and five othex members of the Board,"
Article VII, Section 4 (new)
The Board of Directors shall have power to endorse a ministerial member of the Conference for the military chaplaincy upon the recommendation of the Credentials and Placement Committee. This endorsement is subject to review by the Annual Meeting of th'e Con- ference.
Article VII, Section 5 (new)
The Board of Directors shall appoint annually the Conference repre- sentative on the Chaplaincy Commission of the National Association of Evangelicals. He shall automatically be one of the five members of the Credentials and Placement Committee.
The Committee proposes the following By-law amendment for considera- tion at the 1963 Annual Meeting;
By-Law III^ Section 9
Add:
This committee shall also study the constitutional problems of local churches at the request of same, and recommend suggestions for im- proving the constitutions thereof.
Further report of the Constitution Study Committee:
Article I
Change name to Congregational Christian Community Churches,
Article IV, Section 1
In next to last sentence insert before the word "churches'* the follow- ing : "or congregationally governed churches."
Article IV, Section S
Strike : "Reason to suppose'* and insert in its place "received a written
statement"
In second sentence, strike "supposition" and insert "charge".
Article V, Section A
Insert as the last word "Revised"*
Article VI, Section 1, Subsection (c)
Insert after "year", with the exception of tbe Executive Seei^tary, "who shall serve for a term of three years."
Article VI, Section 2
Insert "installed'* for the word "qualified" and add "which shall be at the Annual Meeting at which they are elected."
Article X, Section 2
Strike the following words: "i.e., the Statement of Faith not includ- ing the appeaided notes/*
Id
Reports . . .
By-law III — ne?^' section 12
A Committee on Fraternal Relations of three to be elected by the Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This Committee shall carry on discussions and relations with other like-minded bodies in this country and throughout the world.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert B. Dempsey, Chairman
REPORT OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
Be it resolved, that the members and guests in attendance at the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference at Oshkosh, Wiscon- sin, express their sincere appreciation and thanks for the gracious hospi- tality extended to them by the pastor, members and friends of Plymouth Congregational Church, for those who so graciously provided the facilities and prepared the meals, and for those v/ho opened their homes for the comfort of all attending.
Be it resolved that this Conference hereby offer its sympathy to and p'rayers on behalf of the family and congregation of the late Rev. Fred Williams, who was pastor of Olivet Congregational Church, Bridgman, Michigan.
Be it resolved that this Conference hereby extend its sympathy to and prayers on behalf of Mrs. Sherman L. Keeler and family upon the recent passing of the Rev. Sherman L. Keeler, of Oblong, Illinois.
Be it resolved that this Conference hereby express its sympathy to and prayers on behalf of Mrs. Jay Waterman and family upon the recent passing of the Rev. Jay Waterman, of Dunlap, Iowa.
Be it resolved that we extend our gratitude to the Rev. Dr. Herb'ert Mekeel, long time Presbyterian friend of true Congregationalism in his expression of vital ecumenicity, in befriending the Conservative Congre- gational Christian Conference and for his fine address to this annual meeting.
Be it resolved that we express our appreciation to Rev. Raymond C. Ortlund for speaking at our annual meeting.
Be it resolved that we hereby respectfully receive the greetings brought to this Conference by the Rev. Dr. George Ford from the Na- tional Association of Evangelicals.
Be it resolved that we hereby express our thanks to Rev. Don Hillis for his message at the Conference Banquet.
Be it resolved that we hereby reaffirm the previously expressed de- sire of this Conference to be a member denomination of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Whereas this Conference recognizes the indispensable nature of the written Word of God for the enlightenment and salvation of the souls of men, since "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God"; and,
Whereas the American Bible Society seeks to propagate and to spread this written Word of God — the Bible — to all peoples and in all languages through the channels of all Christian missions and denominations, at or below cost, without note or comment; therefore,
20
. . • Reports
Be it resolved that the Conservative Congregational Christian Con- ference heartily commend to our churches the indispensable labors of the American Bible Society as worthy of our heartfelt support in pro- moting worldwide missionary advance and in propagating the written Word of God.
Be it resolved that this Conference express its heartfelt apprecia- tion to the Eev. Dr. Lloyd F. Dean for the fine leadership he has given this Conf er'ence as President during the past year.
Be it resolved that we extend to the Union of Evangelical Congrega- tional Churches of Brazil through the Rev. Arthur Barros our warm, fra- ternal greetings in the fellowship of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Whereas the quiet but ever generous spirit of the officers and general membership of Carlisle Congregational Church, Carlisle, Mass., has ex- ceedingly manifested itself in the loan of their pastor, Rev. Robei-t Demp- sey, to pursue his duties as Executive Secretary of this Conference, and.
Whereas the CCCC has prospered as a result of the release of Mr. DempSey so often from his pastoral duties, therefore.
Be it hereby resolved that this conference express its deep appreci- ation of an gratitude to the Carlisle Congregational Church for this gi'eat service rendered to the cause of Christ in aiding the fellowship of Chris- tians of like precious faith throughout these United States and beyond.
Respectfully submitted,
Leonard F. Siff, Chairman Alden Barrows Paul Kangas
REPORT OF THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE
The work of the Publications Committee has been divided into three areas of I'esponsibility, that of editor, publisher, and circulation manager. This arrangement has proved highly beneficial in that no single person has been shackled with an undue amount of work.
The general proximity of the Committee members to one another has also been advantageous, allowing the Committee to meet for lengthy sessions twice during the year to discuss matters of policy and content for the periodical, The Congregational Christian. A lively correspond- ence compensated for other meetings that busy schedules would not allow.
The Committee began its work with the publication of the "1961 Yearbook," a thirty-seven page resume of the 1961 annual conference plus committee reports and the constitution and by-laws of the CCCC.
Three issues of The Congregational Christian have been published to date. The first three issues were dedicated to three of the more im- portant areas of ministry in the CCCC, church extension, missions, and Christian education. The fourth issue is planned for October and will be a reflection of the progress and prospects of the CCCC as revealed at the Annual Convention in Oshkosh.
An effort was made to secure advertising to offset some of the cost of publishing the quarterly. Christian schools and mission societies were the primary focus of this effort. Only a limited amount of advertising has been received to date, however.
21:
Reports . . .
The Committee has received excellent cooperation when requesting material for the quarterly. As this spirit continues The Congregational Christian will become an even more important voice of conservative Con- gregationalism.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Erickson George Buhl John VanderTuin
REPORT OF WOMEN'S ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
The committee on Women's Work has had one primary objective for this years' work. To present to the women of our churches a folder or "packet" with suggested programs that might be used for meetings. We have achieved this objective.
All member churches were contacted in October by letter asking for an exchange of ideas relative to the activity of women's groups. The response was gratifying. In most contacts made the request was that our committee give whatever assistance possible in planning Christ cen- tered programs.
Our first step in this direction was to send a sample copy of the World Day of Prayer program published by the N. A. E. We realize this has probably been used by some for many years, but for those not knowing of help from this source, it proved valuable.
A second letter was mailed to our churches in lat^ winter sending word of greeting from the committee and telling the women of our plans relative to preparing program planning helps.
In September the "packets" were completed and are being distri- buted to all churches. Though not numerous, the programs are varied. We hope this will prove to be just the first step in such program plan- ning and that through suggestions and constructive criticism this com- mittee might more effectively sei^e Christ and our Churches in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Stewart M. Tatem, Chairman Mrs. Robert Dempsey Mrs. Paul Kangas
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CHURCH EXTENSION AND EVANGELISM
"Preach the word; be instant in season out of season; reprove, re- buke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. This is surely true of Conservative Congregational Christian Churches this year. We have reached more people and have contacted more churches and have had better responses than ever before. Praise God, we are moving, and in the right direction.
There has been a great deal of activity along the line of regional or state associations. This year several regional or state associations have been formed and still others are in the process of formation. Re- gional areas are strategic and can be a great source of strength and blessing to the churches; this because communications and fellowship
22
. . . Reports
can be more meaningful and get-to-gethers held more often on this local level.
Our churches are experiencing growth. Several of our churches have had evangelistic campaigns and more are anticipating campaigns this year. We have capable m'en who are anxious to assist our churches in this effort of reaching the lost for Christ.
At least one of our new churches has almost completed their build- ing program and have been meeting in their new building since June. Other new churches are moving along nicely in various stages of growth and completion. Some of these need additional help and thei-'e are still other churches that are yet in the formation process. New churches are being started in California, Texas, Colorado, South Dakota, Illinois, Ohio and New York. All of these works need the constant and faithful prayers of our people.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacob Waechter, Chairman
REPORT OF THE MISSIONARY COMMITTEE
Your Missionary Committee began its work by requesting from all pastors listed in the Confer'ence Year Book names and addresses, plus certain basic information, concerning all known Congregational mission- aries, particularly those holding membership in conservative churches. Using this information plus that gathered by our predecessors v/e sub- mitted a questionnaire to all such missionaries, with the following re- sults :
We sent out questionnaires to 115 missionaries
We received 59 replies
We now have this basic information concerning 32 who are members
of CCCC churches, plus another 17 who are members of other Con- gregational Christian Churches
Of these, 28 do not now haVe complete support underwritten for their
families at their Boards' established rates
The total shortage of support for these 28 missionaries and their
children is $1,400 per month, $16,800 per year
Some of this information has been prepared in mimeographed form for distribution among the churches. Your Missionary Committee recom- mends to all churches of the Conference that an earnest effoi*t be made to provide this needed support.
Four members of Conference churches are accepted candidates for service in mission fields. They are also listed in the afore-mentioned bulletin of missionary information.
There are many from whom v/e have not yet heard in response to the questionnaire. We suspect there may be many other Congregational missionaries of whom we have not heard. As such information comes to us it will be made available to the churches.
Respectfully submitted,
Lester G. Felker Russell Christian Maurice Jacques, Chairman
23
Reports , , .
The Missionary Committee also submitted the following in respect to the missionary policy of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference.
The statement of policy, which by vote of the Annual Convention at Oshkosh became Article IV of the Constitution, sets forth the principles that will give direction to the missionary activities of the Conference through its Missionary Committee, (see esp. sections 2, 4, & 5)
It has been repeatedly declared by those in positions of leadership in the CCCC that while the Conference encourages the lending out of missionaries, it is not and should not be the purpose of the Conference to form a Board of Missions as a sending society. Rather the Confer- ence has gone on record as recognizing the existence and effectiveness of adequate agencies in the many interdenominational, or ''faith missions" such as those of the IFMA, EFMA and others. (We note also that most of such interdenominational societies gather their converts together into churches, most of which are organized according to congregational polity.) We recommend these to our member churches as suitable channels for missionary activity and support.
In order that its support of the missionary enterprise of the local churches be not merely that of passive approval the Conference has pro- vided for the election of a Missionary Committee with specific responsi- bility to ''encourage and stimulate missionary interest in the local churches by providing missionary literature and missionary speakers." (Quo. fr By-laws)
This defines the committee's work as that of providing missionary information, both in print and in person. Such a program would give impetus to the missionary activity that is already in progress in each local church without imposing either compulsion to conform or sanctions against exercising freedom of conscience as a local congregation.
We therefore state:
1. No Board of Missions shall be formed as a sending society;
2. No "approved list" shall be held out as an exclusively recommend'ed group of missionaries or Mission Boards;
3. The churches of our Conference are urged to share with all our sister churches detailed information of missionaries supported and special pro- jects undertaken, of whatever denominational affiliation, as a means of "provoking one another unto love and good works;"
4. We recognize a responsibility to provide for our own, not to the ex- clusion of others, but surely as a primary obligation;
5. We therefore instruct our Missionary Committee and exhort our con- stituent churches, that they make known those of our own fellowship who are engaged in missionary ministry, and seek to promote greater support for them, both materially and by prayer.
24
. Reports
REPORT OF THE AUDITING COMMITTEE
This is to certify that the official records of the Conference Treasurer for the period from September 19, 1961 to September 1, 1962, and all can- celled checks, receipts and other items pertaining thereto have been checked and found to be accurate and in order.
Respectfully submitted,
R. H. LUTZ Robert Wuster Samuel T. Hemberger
REPORT OF THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The Committee on Christian Education has carried on a program of correspondence among its members during the year. The committee has set up a list of examiners for the ministerial correspondence courses, and is in the process of r'evising the list of text books to be used in the required courses. One person is taking the conference study course and many have made inquiries.
The committee has discussed, by correspondence, some materials in the area of church membership instruction for youth and adults. We are not prepared to make any recommendations at this time.
This report is respectfully submitted with a strong recommendation that the conference consider the geographical location of the individuals on this committee, so that committee meetings can be held throughout the year. ^
Roy Shervy for the Committee
25
Financial Statement . . .
Balance, September 1, 1961 $ 3.61
Receipts, September 1, 1961 to September 1, 1962
From Churches - $3,485.19
From Individuals 1,921.05
From Fellowship Groups - 85.16
1961 Conference Offerings 302.89
Ad in CONG. CHRISTIAN, No. Africa Mission 20.00 5,814.29
Total receipts $5,817.90
Disbursements
Travel - $1,650.13
Postage 261.03
Printing 2,646.29
Phone 70.44
Conference Speakers 65.00
Miscellaneous 538.98
Total disbursements for the year „ 5,231.8'
Balance on Hand, September 1, 1962 586.03
Missionary Financial Report — Gifts given thini the Conference Treasury
Receipts
The Union Congregational Church (Villa Ridge, 111.) $ 95.00
Clarks Congregational Church (Clarks, Neb.) 10.00
Total Receipts 105.00
Disbursements
Miss Caroline Tice (T.E.A.M.) Africa $100.00
Total disbursements - 100.00
Balance on hand in Missionary Fund 5.00
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Halbert, Treasurer
26
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Membership List
MINISTERS
Abrahamson, Alfred C, 2267 S.E. 38th Avenue, Portland 14, Oregon Alio, Keijo I., 9 Morton Street, Quincy 69, Massachusetts Anderson, Herbert, 163 Center Avenue, Plymouth, Pennsylvania Antisdale, Wilbur J., 4140 Oakmore Road, Oakland 2, California Archer, Gleason L., 618 Hermosa Street, South Pasadena, California Areretsinger, Cecil, Mantorville, Minnesota Avikainen, Arne J., 1827 - 21st Avenue, Forest Grove, Oregon Avikainen, Elizabeth, 1827 - 21st Avenue, Forest Grove, Oregon
Barrows, Alden S., Prattville, Michigan
Bawden, Raymond C, Arena, Wisconsin
Billups, Charles B. Jr., Medical Lake, Washington
Bingham, Glenn F. Jr., Danby, Vermont
Blocher, Raymond Banks, 491 South Main Street, Great Barrington, Mass.
Buhl. George S., 10 Center Street, Kingston, Massachusetts
Carr, Lewis C, 8 Norfolk Street, Needham 92, Massachusetts Christensen, A. Roy, 218 Bay Road, South Hamilton, Massachusetts Christian, Russell M., 180 Denton Avenue, Lynbrook, Long Island, N. Y. Clevenger, Hubert K., 126 North East Street, Winchester, Indiana Coyle, Donald, Box 281, Geneva, New York Grain, Loyd 0., Alto Pass, Illinois
Dean, Lloyd F., 335 Saratoga Road, Scotia 2, New York Dempsey, Robert B., Church Street, Carlisle, Massachusetts Downing, Kenneth L., Africa Inland Mission, 253 Henry Street Brooklyn 1 , New York
Edgar, Alec J., 1481 Tallberry Drive, Cincinnati 30, Ohio Edwards, Kennyon, 7805 Sheryl Drive, Norfolk 5, Virginia
Fast, Joseph, 411 South 4th Street, Lincoln, Kansas Felker, Lester, 4232 Kellar Street, Flint 5, Michigan Fitch, Norman E., 710 Jeroleman Street, Dunlap, Iowa
Gawne, Washington P., Freeland, Michigan
George, Henry M., 63 Joseph Lane, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Gillis, Raymond L., Presbyterian Manse, Clyde River,
Prince Edward Island. Canada Ginther, Dale, Box 208, Winona Lake, Indiana Granger, Oscar A., 33-12 104th Street, Coi-ona, Long Island, New York
Halbert, Paul, 208 South Maple Street, Argos, Indiana
Hamilton, Wayne J., Box #18, Greenhurst, New York
Hanna, Robert, 2627 North Talman Avenue, Chicago 47, Illinois
Heinson, Robert D., Box #203, Bay City, Oregon
Homberger, Samuel T., 30 Underbill Street, Tuckahoe 7, New York
Hess. Robert S., 328 Village Sti-eet, Medway, Massachusetts
Hopper, Stanley B., 1508 "L" Street, Bedford, Indiana
Humme, John, Burlington, Maine
Huntress, Robert C, 314 Amesbury Line Road. Haverhill, Massachusetts
Hutchins, James Henry, 2111 East Mountain Street, Pasadena, Calif.
Iwan, Edward Louis, Sudan Interior Mission, 164 West 74th Street, New York 23, New Yoik
52
. . Membership List
Jacques, Maurice B., Park Street Church, Boston 8, Massachusetts Johnson, Douglas, 3306 Norwood Drive, Flint, Michigan Jones, Chester, Wrentham, Massachusetts Jones, Irving T., Box #146, Gerry, New York
Kangas, Paul D., Eoute 3, Farmer City, Illinois Kirgiss, George F., Box 286, Medical Lake, Washington Kusler, Duane K., Route 1, Box #293, Walla Walla, Washington
Landes, Howard J., Farmland, Indiana Loman, J. Harold, Salisbury, North Carolina
Maier, Raymond, Director of Admissions, Seattle-Pacific College,
Seattle 99, Washington Malafronte, Maurice, 108 Farragut Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. McCardel, Paul, 97-15 Ninety-Fourth Street, Ozone Park, New York McKittrick, Robert, Broadway, Port Jefferson Station, Long Island, N.Y.
Overton, Theodore, 42 Liberty Street, W. H., Newburgh, New York
Parker, Edmond R., 5168 North 34th Street, Milwaukee 9, Wisconsin
Penrod, Robert, Bridgeman, Michigan
Pol, Henri F. M., 1558 Fulham Street, St. Paul 8, Minnesota
Randall, William N., 445 Langley Street, Muskegon, Michigan
Reed, Chester, North Webster, Indiana
Roberts, Richard O., 5 Witbeck Drive, Scotia 2, New York
Schultz, Clarence J. Jr., Box #575, Herried, South Dakota
Scovil, Lynn, 318 Church Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Shervy, Roy, c/o Congregational Church, Spencer, Iowa
Shirk, Ralph, Oxford, Maine
Siff. Leonard F., 29 Albert Avenue, Fair Lawn, New Jersey
Simpson, John L., Koror, Palau District, Western Caroline Islands,
Via Guam Smith, Edward G., 2125 Emerson Avenue, South Minneapolis, Minn. Smith, Theoren, Sr., 3803 Allison Street, Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Tiffen, Arthur, 502 Leelanau Street, Frankfort, Michigan Towne, Marion, Box #168, Highland, Michigan
Van Vorst, K. Leslie, Route 3, Jamestown, New York
Waechter, Jacob F., Route 3, Elida, Ohio
Webber, LeRoy D., 246 Mohawk Drive, Carol Stream, Wheaton, Illinois
Wetzel, Albert, Underwood, North Dakota
Williams, Alvin N., 1196 North Catalina Avenue, Pasadena, California
Williams, Gilbert, Anahola, Kavai, Hawaii
Williams, Ralph W., 80 Hudson Street, Berlin, Connecticut
Winston, John C. Jr., 7 rue du Moniteur, Brussels, Belgium
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Membership List . . .
LICENSED MINISTERS OF THE CONFERENCE
Arthur, William, 6948 South West Capitol Highway, Portland 19, Ore.
Clynier, John, Andover, Ohio
Dahmer, Edwin, Bazine. Kansas
Gillespie, Robert, Route 1, Willow Hill, Illinois
Green, Edwin Kirby, 3606 East Roosevelt, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Horst, Edward H., Dayton, Wyoming
Ivy, Ellsworth C, 47 St. Francis Drive, Athol Springs, New York
Jones, Paul Richards, 103 Academy Street, Plymouth, Pennsylvania
Murphy, Howard, 903 St. Louis Street, West Plains, Missouri
Ray, David, Box #223, Tulia, Texas
Roden, Kenneth, R.R. 1, Dorset, Ohio
Smith, Theoren Per Lee, Church Street, Hunt, New York
MINISTERIAL CANDIDATES UNDER CONFERENCE CARE
Crabb, Larry W., Argos, Indiana Threlkeld, Ron, Darlington, Indiana
Whitman, Edward A., Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois Williams, David A., 55 Plymouth Street, Lake Ronkonkoma, Long Island, New York
INDIVIDUAL LAY MEMBERS OF NON-MEMBER CHURCHES
Berkhimer, Mrs. Flora, Box 84, Salem, Iowa
Cantel, Francis, 171 Cindy Street, Old Bridge, New Jersey
Coleman, David, 10030 South Lowe, Chicago 28, Illinois
Coleman, Mrs. Grace E.. Willow Hill, Illinois
Garmoe, Pauline, Salem, Iowa
Kangas, Mrs. Paul, Farmer City, Illinois
Kirgiss, Mrs. Olive, Box 286, Medical Lake, Washington
Lasley, Shafford, Lanett, Alabama
Lutz, Mr. and Mrs. R. H., 522 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan
Marcus, James, Ripley, Mississippi
Markko, Mr. and Mrs. Matt, 1846 George Street, Chicago, Illinois
Mosher, Frances W., Salem, Iowa
Olson, Amond, Route 1, Shiocton, Wisconsin
Pai'ks, Mrs. Alta, Salem, Iowa
Parks, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon, Salem, Iowa
Penrod, Mrs. Robert, Box #85, Salem, Iowa
Rook, Mr. and Mrs. Myles, R.R. 4, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Roth, Jake W. Jr., 506 North 6th Street, Weatherford, Oklahoma
Schaap, Mr. and Mrs. Edward, 627 Maple Drive, Dundee, Michigan
Stuockle, Mr. and Mrs. Ed., LaCrosse, Washington
Stueckle, Mr. and Mrs. Fred, LaCrosse, Washington
Stueckle, Mr. and Mrs. J. A., LaCrosse, Washington
Watts, Mrs. Dalo, R.R. 1, Salem, Iowa
Watts, Mrs. Wilbur, Salem. Iowa
34
. . . Constitution and By-laws
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
OF THE
CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
1962
PREAMBLE
In gratitude to Almig-hty God for the gift of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, and believing that the supreme task of the Church of Jesus Christ, is that of world-wide evangelism through the faithful wit- ness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to every person and that every church should therefore be a living soulwinning agency; and believing, further, that there is a definite need among our Congregational Christian Churches for an organization of churches of unqualified loyalty to the gospel of Christ as revealed in the Word of God, in the interest of a re- newed emphasis upon this supreme task among all Congregational Chris- tian Churches; we, therefore, as conservative churches, laymen and min- isters of the gospel, humbly invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, have banded ourselves together in a conference of Conservative Congregational Christian Churches, and have established an organization which shall function under the following constitution and by-laws :
Article I - Name
The name of this organization shall be: THE CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE.
Article II - Purpose
1. To provide through this avenue a means of encouragement to all Conservative Congregational Christian Churches for a more effective fel- lowship one with the other.
2. To lift up a faithful Biblical witness in this day of doctrinal vague- ness, spiritual lukewarmness, indifference and worldliness.
3. To facilitate cooperation in the full support of the ministry of these churches by:
(a) An emphasis upon the place of world-wide evangelism and personal soul winning as the definite responsibility of each individual church and Christian believer.
(b) An emphasis upon Christian education as an effective means of getting every individual in each community into a church where they may be taught the Word of God and brought into saving knowl- edge of, and into experimental relationship with Christ as personal Saviour.
(c) Encouragement of efforts by the churches to reach with the gospel message spiritually neglected areas both on the local and on the national level ; and of missionary work, both at home and abroad.
(d) A dedication of ourselves to a deeper life among God's people.
4. To be a means of service to the churches but without right of in- fringement upon their autonomy.
35
Constitution and By4atcs . . .
Article III - Statement of Faith
1. We believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired, the only inerrant, infallible, authoritative Word of God.
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three per- sons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
3. We believe in the deity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sin- less life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His pei*sonal return in power and glory.
4. We believe that for salvation of lost and sinful man regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by Whose indwelling power and fulness the Christian is enabled to live a godly, holy life in this present evil world.
6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in Christ.
Article IV - Statement of Polity
1. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Head of His Body, the Church universal, and of each local church.
2. We believe that each local church is in itself a complete church, and therefore autonomous and possesses all the rights and responsibilities of the church by the Holy Spirit as set forth in the Holy Scriptures.
3. We believe that Jesus Christ exercises His authority in each local church by the Holy Spirit and through the Holy Scriptures.
4. We believe that each local church is amenable only to Jesus Christ, and not to any association, conference, council, synod or any other ecclesiastical body.
5. We believe that it is proper and beneficial for each local church to seek fellowship and council of other such local churches.
Article V - Membership
Section 1
Membership in this Conference shall be attained by the voluntary association of churches, ministers or individual laymen who find them- selves in full accord with the Statement of Faith outlined in Article III of this constitution, and with the general principles of this Conference as set forth in the constitution and by-laws. Conference membership, wheth- er of laymen, church or minister, may be granted upon ai)plication to and approval by the designated Conference officials, subject to review by the ensuing annual mooting of the Conference. Ministerial membership shall bo accorded on the basis of the approved ministerial standards of the Con- ference, as set forth in the by-laws of this constitution. Churches are not
36
. . . Constitution and By4ttws
necessarily barred from membership because of other affiliations so long as they adhere to the Statement of Faith and the workings of the Con- ference. Individual lay membership may be held only by laymen in non- member Congregational Christian Churches. In the event that a non- member church joins this Conference, the individual lay membership of any of its members ceases.
Section 2
A church, minister or individual lay member may withdraw from membership in this conference at any time by its or his own action, and will be removed from the membership roll when written notice of such action is given to the Chairman of the Credentials Committee.
Section 3
In the event that there is reason to suppose that a member church, minister or individual lay member has departed from the standards of faith and practice set forth in this Constitution and By-laws, the Com- mittee on Credentials and Placement shall make a careful investigation of the matter. If the supposition is justified, the Committee shall report the matter to the Conference for appropriate action. The Committee on Credentials and Placement shall file their report in writing with the Re- cording Secretary of this Conference and the party accused at least thirty days prior to the annual or special meeting at which the report is to be considered. The right of appeal to the Conference by the party accused is pre-supposed.
Section 4 - Regional Membership.
Regional fellowships or associations of Congregational Christian Churches which are in sympathy with the Statements of Faith and Polity of this Conference may hold one of three possible relationships to this Conference.
(1) A Region in Affiliation. A regional fellowship or association of Congregational Christian Churches, which is in agreement with the Statements of Faith and Polity of this Conference and with the general principles outlined in the Constitution and By-laws, may be granted the status of an affiliated region upon application to and approval by the Credentials and Placement Committee, which action will be subject to re- view by the ensuing Annual Meeting of the Conference. When a, region becomes an affiliate, all member ministers and churches of the region will become member ministers and churches of this Conference, and all mem- ber ministers and churches of this Conference within the said region will become member ministers and churches of the regional group. Churches and ministers of this Conference within the said region which are not members of the region at the time of application will be asked to approve membership in the regional group before they will become members of the said regional group. A regional group making application to become an affiliate region will submit with their application a list of all members. Upon acceptance as an affiliate region, all future applications for mem- bership in the regional group or in the Conference from ministers and churches from within the region will be subject to approval by the Cre- dentials Committees of both, and subject to review by the ensuing annual meeting or special meetings of both. From the time of its acceptance as an affiliate region, all new member churches and ministers will become members of both this Conference and the regional group. Such a region
37
Constitution and By4aw8 . . .
will be represented in the Conference business meetings by the delegates of their member churches. Churches and ministers presently members of the region, but not this Conference, will not be made members of this Conference without their consent.
(2) A Region in Sympathy. A regional fellowship or association of Congregational Christian Churches, which is in agreement with the State- ments of Faith and Polity of this Conference, but which does not wish to become an affiliate region of this Conference may pass a resolution or amendment expressing their sympathy with the beliefs, practices and program of this Conference. Such a region will be considered a sympa- thetic region. This means that communication and cooperation will be possible between the two.
(3) A Region in Recognition. A regional fellowship or association of Congregational Christian Churches, which is in agreement with the Statements of Faith and Polity of this Conference, but which takes no of- ficial action to be identified with this Conference, may be recognized by this Conference as a regional group of conservative Congregational Chris- tian Churches. This means that this Conference will not promote a com- petitive group within that region and will offer such assistance and advice as may be deemed advisable.
Article VI - Meetings
1. Annual Meeting. There shall be an annual meeting of the Con- ference at such time and place as determined by the Executive Committee, unless the same are specifically designated by the annual meeting of the previous year.
2. Special Meetings. These may be called at the direction of the Executive Committee, or upon written request of members representing one-fifth of the total membership of the Conference.
3. Representation. Churches becoming members of the Confer- ence shall be entitled to representation at various meetings of the Con- ference by the pastors and two lay delegates per first 100 members or fraction thereof, and thereafter one delegate for each 500 members or fraction thereof.
Voting privileges at Conference meetings shall also be extended to ministerial members who are without a charge, and to individual lay mem- bers of the Conference, with the understanding that not more than one layman from any non-member church shall be entitled to vote.
4. Procedure. The guide for parliamentary procedure in all meet- ings shall be Robert's Rules of Order.
Article VII - Officers 1. The elected officers of this Conference shall be :
(a) A President, who shall be eligible to succeed himself for two terms only.
(b) A First Vice-President, a Second Vice-President, a Record- ing Secretary, an Executive Secretai*y, a Treasurer, and an Historian.
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. . . Constitution and By-laws
(c) The term of office for each of the above officers shall be one year: and for the duration of their tenure they shall be members of the Conference Board of Directors with full voting rights.
2. The duly elected officers of the said Conference shall hold their office until their successors are chosen and qualified in their stead.
Article VIII - Board of Directors
1. The business of the Conference shall be conducted by a Board of Directors, numbering not fewer than twelve nor more than thirty mem- bers, and shall include the elected officers of the Conference. The initial Board having been elected in three equal groups, for one year, two years, and three years respectively, one- third of the membership of the Board of Directors (exclusive of the Conference Officers named in Article VI) shall be elected annually for a term of three years, at future annual meet- ings of the Conference. In the election of members at large, consideration shall be given to proper representation of membership both geographically and organizationally (the latter having reference to foreign speaking groups).
2. The Board of Directors shall establish an Executive Committee, to consist of the officers of the Conference and five other members of the Board. The Board may delegate to the Executive Committee such of its powers and authority as may be deemed necessary for the proper func- tioning of the Conference.
3. The Board of Directors shall fill any vacancy arising among the officers of the Conference or in the Board itself, until the next annual meeting of the Conference at which time the Conference shall fill the va- cancy for the unexpired term.
Article IX - Incorporation
This revised Constitution and By-laws shall become the Constitution and By-laws of the Corporation established under the (Constitution and by-laws replaced by this instrument.
Article X - By-Laws
The Conference shall adopt such By-laws as it shall deem appropriate and necessary for the operation of the conference. The By-laws shall pro- vide for the manner of amendment thereof .
Article XI - Amendments
1. Amendments to this constitution shall be proposed in writing by submitting the same to the Recording Secretary at the annual meeting preceding their consideration for adoption. The Board of Directors shall immediately after the annual meeting at which the amendments are pro- posed cause copies of the same to be mailed to each of the Conference members (churches, ministers, and individual lay members). A two-thirds favorable vote of the delegates duly elected, and of others entitled to vote (see Article V. paragraph 3 ) , shall meet the requirement for adoption.
39
Constitution and By4aic8 . . .
2. The provisions of paragraph one (1) in this article shall apply to all articles of this Constitution, with the exception of Article III, i.e., the Statement of Faith not including- the appended notes, which state- ment may be amended only by unanimous vote of the entire number of delegates, ministers and laymen, present at any annual meeting and vot- ing on said amendment, following proper notice to amend, and publica- tion of the proposed amendment, as required in Paragraph one (1) of this article.
BY-LAWS I. Board of Directors
1. The property and business of the Conference shall be managed by the Board of Directors.
2. The President of the Conference shall serv^e as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and shall preside at all meetings.
3. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and places as shall be deteiTnined by the Board, but not less than once a year.
4. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Conference President on one month's notice to each Board member. Such meetings shall also be called by the Executive Secretary in like manner upon written request of any five members of the Board. A business quo- rum shall be any majority of the members of the Board.
5. The Board of Directors shall keep written minutes of each meet- ing, which are to be made available to the Conference upon request.
II. Officers
1. The Board of Directors or the Executive Committee may appoint in addition to the officers provided for in the Constitution, such assistant secretaries, assistant treasurers and other subordinate officers and agents as may be deemed necessary. Such officers, when appointed, shall hold of- fice for the terms, exercise the powers and perform the duties assigned to them by the said Board or Committee. Any officer or agent so appointed may be removed at any time by the action of the appointing body.
2. The President shall be chief executive officer of the said Confer- ence. He may, with the consent of the Board of Directors, delegate to such other officers, authorities and powers as from time to time may be deemed appropriate and necessary to facilitate the operation of the Con- ference.
3. The Vice-Presidents, in the order of their rank, shall, in the ab- sence of the President, perform the duties and functions of his office, and in addition thereto such other duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
4. The Recording Secretary, or a temporary substitute, shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the Conference, and cause to be recorded all the votes and the minut<}s of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. He shall i)erform all such other duties as may he prescribed by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.
40
. . . Constitution and By-laws
5. The Executive Secretary shall conduct the official correspondence of the Conference and his office shall be located in a place suitable to him and to the work of the Conference. He shall give, or cause to be given notice of all meetings of the members and of the several committees of the Conference : and shall likewise perform such other duties as may be pre- scribed by the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee, under whose supervision he shall be. He shall cause to be kept in safe custody the seal of the Conference and, when authorized by the Board of Direc- tors or the Executive Committee, shall affix the same to any instrument requiring it. When so affixed, it shall be attested by hisi signature, or by the signature of such other officers as shall be designated by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee. The Executive Secretary shall keep an accurate roll of the names and addresses of the members of the Con- ference, which roll shall be the official record of the Conference for all its purposes. He shall also travel in the interests of the Conference so far as time and funds may permit.
6. The Treasurer shall have custody of the corporate funds and securities of the Conference, and shall cause the same to be kept in a safe deposit box as directed by the Board of Directors. He shall cause to be kept full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Conference, and shall deposit all monies and other val- uable effects in the name of and credit of the Conference, in repositories indicated by the Board of Directors. The treasurer's books shall be sub- mitted annually to a Conference approved auditor.
7. The Historian shall act as a repository for materials of historical interest, maintain an historical account of the Conference from its incep- tion and promote an interest in the churches in the details of their own histories and anniversaries.
III. Committees
In addition to the Executive Committee indicated in Article VII, Sec- tion 2 of the Constitution, the following committees shall be provided:
1. A Credentials and Placement Committee of five to be elected by the Board of Directors on a rotating basis for three year terms; whi<ih committee shall have the following duties :
a. The committee shall review all applications for membership in the Conference. They shall either approve or disapprove the applica- tion, or refer it to the Board of Directors for review. In the event of ap- proval, the committee has power to grant membership subject to approval by the next Annual Meeting of the Conference.
b. The committee shall take action with regard to requests for transferral or dismissal, such action being subject to approval by the next annual meeting of the Conference except where dismissal has been re- quested by the party in question.
c. The committee shall have the power to renew ministerial licenses granted by the Conference upon application by the licensee, such renewal being subject to approval by the next Annual Meeting of the Conference.
41
Constitution and By4aws . . .
d. The committee shall have the power to receive prospective ministerial candidates under Conference Care, such action being subject to approval by the next Annual Meeting- of the Conference. The com- mittee shall upon request make recommendations as to theological schools, and render such other counsel and assistance as necessary.
e. The committee shall provide a suitable course of theological study for such otherwise acceptable aspirants to the ministry seeking ordination and Conference membership to whom a complete residence course of study would be impossible or impractical.
f. The committee shall make recommendation to the Board of Directors regarding the endorsement of any ministerial member seeking to enter the military chaplaincy.
g. The committee shall make an annual review of the minis- terial activities of those with full membership or license to detei-mine the current outreach of the Conference and the propriety of continued minis- terial status of the members.
h. The committee shall make a careful investigation of those cases where discipline may be necessary as ordered by Article IV, Section 3 of the Constitution.
i. The committee shall render all assistance possible to Confer- ence ministers seeking pastorates and to churches seeking pastors, by making available proper information at hand to all who request it.
2. A Program Committee of five consisting of the Conference Presi- dent, the host pastor, and three members to be elected by the Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall prepare the details of the annual Conference meeting.
3. A Nominating Committee of five, two to be appointed annually by the Board of Directors and three to be elected by the Conference on a rotating basis for three year ternis. This committee shall provide a slate of candidates for the various offices and committees.
4. A Finance Committee of three to be elected by the Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall devise ways and means of providing for the financial needs of the Conference, and shall make such financial needs known to the constituency. The chair- man of this committee shall sei-ve as a financial secretary.
5. A Missionary Committee of three to be elected by the Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall encourage and stimulate missionary interest in the local churches by providing mis- sionary literature and missionary speakers.
G. A Christian Education Committee of three to be elected by the Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall encourage the promotion of better Christian education in the churches, and an interest on the part of the churches in Christian education beyond the churches.
7. A Publications Committee of three to be elected by the Confer- ence on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall pub- lish an annual year book, conference periodical, tracts and other neces- sary and desired literature.
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. . . Constitution and By-laws
8. A Church Extension and Evangelism Committee of three to be elected by Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This com- mittee shall make available to the Conference constituency information concerning potential areas for the organization of churches, and concern- ing needy churches to whom assistance and counsel would be helpful. The committee shall seek to interest non-member Congregational Christian churches in Conference membership; and shall encourage evangelism by every means, in the local churches, through example and counsel, through provision of appropriate literature, and through the suggesting of names of evangelists, to churches requesting them.
9. A Constitution Study Committee of three to be elected by the Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall annually review the Constitution and By-laws, offer for consideration any appropriate revisions or amendments, and take the necessary procedural steps to bring them before the Conference.
10. A Women's Activities Committee of three to be elected by the Conference on rotating basis for three year terais. This Committee shall seek to promote the growth and spiritual welfare of the women's fellow- ships of member and other churches through regular correspondence, the exchange of ideas, programs and projects, and the stimulation of interest on the part of women's fellowships in the ministry of this Conference.
11. A Ministry Committee of three to be elected by the Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall make avail- able to the ministers of the Conference information regarding retirement and pension plans, and hospitalization. They shall plan for ministerial retreats and workshops. They shall contact the ministers of the Con- ference with a view to their personal growth.
12. The Board of Directors shall appoint for each Annual Meeting the following committees of three each : Time and Place Committee, Reso- lutions Committee and such other committees as deemed necessary. The Board of Directors will appoint an Auditing Committee of three at the annual meeting previous to the annual meeting at which they are to serve. They are to see that the books of the Treasurer have a public audit an- nually.
13. A pastor of a member church, who does not hold his standing in the CCCC, may serve on any committee, with the exception of the Creden- tials and Placement Committee, as long as he is pastor of a member church. If he ceases his relationship to the member church, he is auto- matically dropped from the committee membership, unless he is called to another member church. He may not be elected to the Board or a Con- ference office.
14. Each committee shall prepare a written report of progress to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Conference, and at such other times as the Board of Directors shall request it.
IV. Finance
There is to be no per-capita, assessment or apportionment levied by this Conference upon the member churches or ministers. The churches and ministers are encouraged to assume voluntarily a share in the finan- cial responsibility of the Conference.
43
Constitution and By-laws
V. Conference Records
All records of Conference business in the hands of Conference offi- cials are the property of the Conference, contents of which must be made available to authorized Conference Officials upon request, and which must be delivered to the Conference upon tennination of the service of officials.
VI. Ministerial Standards and Qualifications
1. Ministerial standing in this Conference shall require:
a. A minimum academic attainment of a diploma from an ac- credited Bible Institute or the equivalent in formal education or Chris- tian service. However, this Conference considers a seminary training to be desirable.
b. Acceptable ordination to the Christian ministry.
c. Reception into the Conference membership in the manner pro- vided by the constitution. (Article V.)
2. Good and regular standing of ministers shall indicate that they do hold Conference membership, are not under discipline and have no charges against them.
3. An associate or fellowship relationship only may be granted to ministers having their credentials in a non-Congregational body, enti- tling them to all the privileges of the Conference, with the exception of holding office, committee membership and voting.
4. Ordination to the ministry shall be by a local church, after exam- ination by a council called by said church.
5. Ministerial license to preach, conferring authority of performing the regular functions of the parish ministry, including the solemnization of marriages, where legally permissible, shall in the absence of a local association of conservative Congregational Christian Churches:
a. Be granted by the national Conference in annual convocation, or in cases of special need during the conference year, upon recommenda- tion of the Credentials and Placement Committee to the Conference Presi- dent.
b. Be available only to lay members of the Conference, who shall revert to the status of laymen at the expiration of the license.
c. Expire with the closing date of the ensuing annual meeting of the Conference; and be renewable at the discretion of the Credentials and Placement Committee upon application to its chairman thirty (30) days before expiration of the license.
6. Ministerial membership cards, both for ministers in full stand- ing and for licensees, shall be issued annually as of the closing date of the Annual Meeting, over the signatures of the President and the Execu- tive Secretary of the Conference. A voluntary fee of $5.00 shall be sug- gested at each issuance, which will include the cost of the Conference periodical and Year Book.
44
. . . Constitution and By-laws
7. Prospective ministerial candidates, upon acceptance by the Con- ference Credentials and Placement Committee, may be received under Conference Care for guidance in ministerial preparation. Under such care the enrollee may pursue the Conference Study Course. He shall have available to him recommendations as to Theological Schools, together with such other counsel and assistance as may properly be rendered.
8. A candidate for ministerial membership will be expected to have a life which is bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and which is marked by deep spirituality and the best of ethical practices. The candidate will be disqualified by any habits or practices in his life, which do not glorify God in his body which belongs to God, or which might cause any brother in Christ to stumble.
VII. Seal
The seal of the Conference in use at the time of this Constitutional revision shall continue as the official seal of the Conference, and shall be used by having the same, or a facsimile thereof, impressed or affixed, or reproduced otherwise.
VIII. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the Conference shall be adjusted at the discretion of the Board of Directors to conform to the time of the annual meeting.
IX. Amendments
These By-laws may be altered or amended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Conference members present and voting at any regular meeting of the same, provided that thirty days notice of intention to so amend the By-laws b^ given to all members of the Conference. The vari- ous amendments, revisions and additions to the By-laws which may be presented at the forthcoming regular meeting may be accepted or re- jected, individually or in part, if so voted: and the numbering or lettering of the resultant accepted text shall be adjusted as necessary.
45
.>,.iton,yA 02108
Gjnnual Jneeilncf
SEPTEMBER 25, 26, 27, 1963
CALVARY CHURCH LIMA, OHIO