I960 YEAR BOOK
CONSERVATIVE
CONGREGATIONAL
CHRISTIAN
CONFERENCE
Wt CONG^EGATIOMAl LIBRARY
14 BEACON STREET
BOSTON, MASS.
^>^nnual IKeport
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1959-1960
THE CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATIONAL
CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
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July 14-17, 1960
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
OF
North Collins, New York
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2009 with funding from
Congregational Library
http://www.archive.org/details/conservativecong1960cons
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Conference Program 4
Officers and Standing Committees of the Conference 5
Minutes of the Annual Meeting 6
Reports'.
President 17
Executive Secretary 20
Christian Education Committee 23
Missionary Committee 23
Church Extension and Evangelism Committee 23
Credentials and Placement Committee 24
Resolutions Committee 25
Auditing Committee 25
Financial Statement 26
Official Rolls 27
Constitution and By-Laws 32
9:00
a.m.
10:00
a.m.
12:30
p.m.
2:30
p.m.
4:00
p.m.
5:30
p.m.
8:00
p.m.
TWELFTH ANNUAL MEETING
" ... to know Christ and to make Him known ..."
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1960
Bible Study and Prayer Period — Rev. Samuel Hemberger
Business Session
Lunch
Message of the President — Rev. George F. Kirgiss
Business Session
Workshops
"Missions and the Layman" — Rev. Hector Goodall
"Trends Among Evangelicals" — Rev. J. Marcellus Kik
"Is Co-existence with Communism Christian?" — Rev. Robert Dempsey
Supper
Conference Messenger — Rev. J. Marcellus Kik
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1960
Bible Study and Prayer Period — Rev. Richard Roberts
Business Session
Lunch
Luncheon Speaker — Rev. Paul BennehoflE
Business Session
Workshops
"Should a Roman Catholic Be President?" — Rev. J. Murray Marshall
"Preaching from the Old Testament" — Rev. Arthur Fowler
"The Christian in the World" — Rev, Roger G. Shafer
Conference Banquet
Conference Messenger — Rev. J. Marcellus Kik
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1960
Bible Study and Prayer period — ^Rev. John Clymer
Business Session
Lunch
Luncheon Speaker — Rev. Hector Goodall
Fellowship Afternnon at Niagara Falls and Picnic Supper
Rally— Rev. J. Marcellus Kik
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1960
Sunday School Hour
Morning Worship Hour — Rev. J. Marcellus Kik
Dinner
Missionary Symposium — Rev. Paul Halbert, Rev. Hector Goodall,
Rev. Theodore Overton
8:00 p.m. Evening Worship Hour — Dr. Henri Pol
9:00
a.m.
10:00
a.m.
12:30
p.m.
2:30
p.m.
4:00
p.m.
6:00
p.m.
8:00
p.m.
9:00
a.m.
10:00
a.m.
12:00
noon
1:00
p.m.
7:30
p.m.
9:45
a.m.
11:00
a.m.
12:30
p.m.
3:00
p.m.
THE OFFICERS AND STANDING COMMITTEES
OF THE
CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
1960-1961
Officers and Board Members
President Dr. Henri F. M. Pol, 1558 Fulham Street, St. Paul, Minnesota
Jst Vice President Rev. Joseph Cooke, Route 3, Jefferson, Ohio
2nd Vice President .... Rev. Richard O. Roberts, 5214 No. Lombard, Portland, Oregon
Executive Secretary Rev. Robert B. Dempsey, Carlisle, Mass.
Recording Secretary Rev. Robert Hanna, R.R. #4, Union City, Indiana
Treasurer Rev. Paul Halbert, 208 S. Maple Street, Argos, Indiana
Board Members 1958 - 1961
Rev. Arae Avikainen, 4415 N. Missouri Ave., Portland 17, Oregon
Rev. Joseph Cooke, Route 3, Jefferson, Ohio
Rev. Chester Reed, North Webster, Indiana
Board Members 1959 - 1962
Mr. John Clymer, Andover, Ohio
Rev. A. C. Abrahamson, 2267 S. E. 38th Ave., Portland, Oregon
Mr. Flom Johnson, Lawtons, New York
Board Members 1960 - 1963
Rev. Samuel T. Hemberger, 30 Underbill Street, Tuckahoe, New York
Rev. Raymond C. Bawden, Arena, Wisconsin
Rev. Lynn Scovil, 318 Church Street, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Credentials and Placement Committee — ^Rev. Raymond Bawden, Rev. Joseph Cooke,
Rev. George Kirgiss
Program Committee — ^Rev. Samuel Hemberger, Rev. Lynn Scovill, Rev. Ralph Shirk
Nominating Committee — ^Rev. Raymond Bawden, Rev. John Clymer, Rev. Richard
Roberts, Rev. Samuel Hemberger, Rev. Harry Aufiero
Finance Committee — Mr. John Stewart, Rev. Theodore Overton, Mr. Flom Johnson
Missionary Committee — ^Rev. J. Murray Marshall, Rev. Lester Felker, Rev. Russell
Christian
Christian Education Committee— R&v. Roy Shervy, Rev. George Kirgiss, Rev. Ray-
mond Gillis
Publications Committee— Rev. Robert McKittrick, Rev. Paul Halbert, Rev. J. Murray
Marshall
Church Extension and Evangelism Committee — ^Rev. Lynn Scovil, Rev. George Kirgiss,
Rev. Jacob Waechter
Constitution Study Committee — Rev. John Clymer, Rev. Theodore Overton, Rev. Rob-
ert Dempsey
Time and Place Committee— Rev. Paul Halbert, Rev. Lester Felker, Rev. Roger Shafer
Resolutions Committee — ^Rev. John Clymer, Rev. Jacob Waechter, Rev. Robert Hanna
Auditing Committee — Rev. Richard Roberts, Mr. Flora Johnson, Mr. Sherman Butler
Women's Society
President, Mr. John Clymer, Vice President, Mrs. Roger Shafer, Secretary-Treasurer,
Mrs. Lynn Scovil
Minutes of the Annual Meeting
of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference held July 14-17,
1960, at the First Congregational Church of North Collins, New York.
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1960, Morning Session
The Annual Meeting was opened at 9:00 A.M. with a Bible study and prayer
period led by Rev. Samuel Hemberger. Welcome was extended by Rev. Roger Shafer.
Dr. Henri Pol called the meeting to order in the absence of the President, Rev. George
Kirgiss. He gave thanks to the Lx)rd, and to the host church. He expressed hope
for a good ending, as well as a good beginning.
Matters dealt with at the Board of Directors meeting the p^-evious day were
brought before the Conference.
1. It was stated that the Board had instructed the President to send the old
records in his possession to the new Historian, and that he submit a bill for
expenses.
2. The Board recommended to the Conference that no minister be maintained
on the rolls who is not willing to have his name published. Rev. Dale Ginther
moved that this be accepted. Rev. Paul Halbert seconded the motion. It
was carried.
3. The Board recommended to the Conference that the Executive Secretary be
appointed to occupy our seat on the Board of Administration of the Na-
tional Association of Evangelicals, when our constituency reaches 5,000.
It was explained that the CCCC would be entitled to such a seat, when our
constituency reached 5,000. Dr. Henri Pol has been serving on the Chaplaincy
Commission of the N.A.E. and has been instructed by the Board to continue
to do so. Rev. Paul Halbert moved that this recommendation be accepted.
Rev. Dale Ginther seconded the motion. It was carried.
4. The Board recommended to the Conference that immediate steps be taken
to have us listed in the Year Book of Churches, which is prepared by the
National Council of Churches. Rev. Richard Roberts moved that the Ex-
ecutive Secretary be instructed to forward the necessary information to the
N.C.C. Mr. Florn Johnson seconded the motion. It was carried.
The Chair then called for the foUov/ing reports:
Executive Secretary, The report was read and placed on file. Dr. Henri Pol
commented on the need for our organization to afford a place of fellowship for like-
minded groups, and to act courteously to those of differing doctrinal views. We
need discernment, which evidences grace. Rev. Dale Ginther moved that the report
be accepted. Rev. Theodore Overton seconded the motion. It was carried. Dr. Pol
suggested that we express thanks to the Carlisle Congregational Church for their
graciousness in permitting Rev. Robert Dempsey, their pastor, to act in behalf of the
Conference during the past year.
Publications Committee. In view of the absence of the Chairman, Rev. Robert
Dempsey suggested that this report be reserved until later.
Treasurer. The report was read and placed on file. Rev. Paul Halbert moved
that the report be accepted. Rev. Robert Dempsey seconded the motion. It was
carried. Rev. Dale Ginther drew attention to the fine job done by the Treasurer,
Rev. Paul Halbert. Rev. Robert Dempsey expressed appreciation for the monthly
financial reports. Dr. Henri Pol stated that our Conference was in the healthiest
financial condition it had ever been in. He drew attention to the need for greater
proportional giving toward future needs. The Carlisle Congregational Church was
cited as an example.
. . . Thursday, July 14, 196Q
Auditing Committee. This was delayed because of the lack of a written report.
Br. Henri Pol requested the Treasurer to review the problems of his ofRce. Rev.
Paul Halbert stated that they were threefold: the problem of raising m.oney without
infringing upon the rights of the local church, the problem of knowing the basis upon
which to disperse funds, and a lack of coordination.
Credentials and Placement Commdttee. The report was read and placed on file.
Rev. Rajonond Bawden moved the acceptance of the report. Rev. Paul Halbert
seconded the motion. It was carried. Rev. Robert Dempsey requested a reading of
the list of the names of the lay members. It was so done. Rev. Robert Dempsey
moved that action relative to the transfer to or removal from the permanent Confer-
ence roll of the names of those ministers, laymen, and churches which have been
tentatively accepted for or suspended from Conference membership by the Credentials
Committee as indicated in this report be approved; and that the list of lay members
read by Rev. Raymond Bav/den be accepted as the official Conference list. Rev.
John Clymer seconded the motion. It was carried.
Church Extension and Evangelism Committee. The report was read and placed
on file. Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that the report be accepted. Rev. Joseph Cooke
seconded the motion. It was carried.
At this point the list of registered delegates was read and greetings were expressed.
The meeting was dismissed with prayer by Rev. Hector Goodall.
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1960, Afternoon Session. (2:30 P.M.)
The minutes of the morning session were read, corrected and accepted.
Committee reports were continued:
Auditing Committee. The report was read and placed on fiile. Rev. Richard
Roberts moved that the report be accepted. Rev. Jacob Waechter seconded the motion.
It was csu^ried.
Missionary Committee. The report was read and placed on file. Rev. Paul
Halbert moved that the report be accepted. Rev. Lynn Scovil seconded the motion.
It was carried.
The Chair then called for action on the proposed revisions to the Constitutional
By-laws, beginning on page 17 of the 1959 Year Book.
Preamble. Rev. Richard Roberts moved that the word "creatures" on line 6
be changed to "person", that the word "Christian" be inserted before the word
"Churches" on line 15, and that there should be a small "c" on the word Conference
on line 19. Rev. Joseph Cooke seconded the motion. It was carried.
Article II. Rev. John Clymer moved that the word "Christian" be ii^erted before
the word "Churches" on line 3 of Section 1; that Section 2 read "To lift up a faithful
Bibhcal witness in this day of doctrinal vagueness, spiritual lukewarmness, indiffer-
ence and worldliness"; that the term "the Sunday School" on line 1 of subsection (b)
of Section 3 be changed to "Christian education"; that the words "boy and girl" on
line 2 of sub-section (b) of Section 3 be changed to "individual"; that sub-section
(c) of Section 3 read, "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"; and that sub-section (d)
of Section 3 read, "A dedication of ourselves to a deeper life among God's people."
Rev. Joseph Cooke seconded the motion. It was carried.
Article III. Section 1. Rev. Richard Roberts moved that this section read, "We
believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired, the
Minutes of Annual Meeting . . .
only infallible, authoritative Word of God." Rev. Raymoind Bawden seconded the
motion. It was carried.
Article III. Notes 1^2. Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that on line 2 of Note 1
the word "Christian" be inserted after the word "Congregational"; that on line 1 of
Note 2 the word "Christian" be inserted after the word "Congregational"; that on
line 2 of Note 2 the spelling of the word "freedom" be corrected; that on lines 2
and 3 of Note 2 the words "mode of" be dropped; and that line 3 and following of
Note 2 read, "baptism." It is expected of those holding or seeking ministerial member-
ship in the Conference that they be willing to perform baptism, or to have another
minister perform baptism by any of the traditional Congregational Christian modes,
when requested." Rev. Richard Roberts seconded the motion. It was carried.
Article 111. Note 3. Section D. Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that Section D read,
"The use of intoxicating beverages and of tobacco, and indulgence in worldly amuse-
ments will automatically disqualify for the ministry otherwise acceptable candidates.
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." Mr. John Swanson seconded the motion. It was continued until the
next session.
Rev. Roger Shafer made annoimcements regarding the workshops and supper.
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1960, Morning Session.
Morning devotions were led by Rev. Richard Roberts at 9:00 A.M. The meeting
was called to order by Dr. Henri Pol at 10:00 A.M. Rev. WiUiam Crist opened the
business session with prayer, after which the Moderator introduced several communi-
cations. Mrs. John Clymer announced that the meeting of the ladies of the CCCC
would be held at 1:45 P.M. in the Youth Room. The Resolutions Committee invited
suggestions. The minutes of the afternoon session of the previous day were read by
the Recording Secretary, Rev. Lester Felker, Rev. Jacob Waechter moved their ac-
ceptance. Rev. Donald Coyle seconded the motion. It was carried.
The meeting returned to the motion regarding the revision of Article III, Note 3,
Section D, which had been continued from the previous session. There was further
discussion of this motion. Rev. Raymond Bawden suggested that we end the discus-
sion. Rev. Robert Dempsey suggested that the motion might be tabled. Others sug-
gested that we might have a more positive statement than even the revision contains.
Rev. Ralph Shirk suggested that we use some Scriptural references to state the prin-
ciples we wish to set forth in this section. The motion was voted on and was lost.
(A unanimous vote was required. The motion received a large majority.)
The Chairman, Dr. Henri Pol, suggested that a committee be appointed to study
the status of the "Notes" included under Article III. There was discussion to the
effect that some revision be made to do away with the Notes, or to place them in the
By-laws, since it does not seem expedient to have them included in the Statement of
Faith. Also there was a suggestion made that we have further discussion on the pur-
pose of our Conference.
Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that we continue with the revision of the Constitu-
tion, and that at 2:00 P.M. this afternoon we meet for a special session to discuss the
purpose of our Conference. Rev. Paul Halbert seconded the motion. It was carried.
Article IV. Section I. After discussion. Rev. John Clymer moved that we add
to the section the following statement, "Churches are not necessarily barred from
membership because of other afliiiations so long as they adhere to the Statement of
Faith and the workings of the Conference." Rev. Samuel Hemberger seconded the
motion. It was carried.
. . . Friday, July 15,1960
Article IV. Section 2. There was some discussion regarding the term "afiiliate
membership" in the proposed addition. Rev. Robert Dempsey explained that regional
fellowships have been set up because some of the churches are so far removed that they
do not feel that it is possible to attend the national meetings. There was discussion
at length. Rev. Richard Roberts suggested that Article IV, Section 2 be discussed
this afternoon at 2:00 P.M. in order to make it clear where we are going, and whom
we want to go with us. After further discussion Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that
proposed Sections 2 and 3 of Article IV be returned to the Constitution Study Com-
mittee for further study, and that report be made to the Conference before the end
of this annual meeting. Rev. Dale Ginther seconded the motion. It was carried.
Article V. Section 3. Rev. Robert Dempsey commented that the basic purposes
of the proposed changes were to grant the right of vote to all the pastors of a church,
where there was more than one pastor; to give the larger churches a larger voice
in the Conference affairs, but not as large as is now possible; and to correct the
situation which presently gives non-member churches as much voting power as
member churches. It was stated that there was no effort on the part of the larger
churches to dominate our Conference. Rev. Raymond Bawden moved that on the
fourth line of the first paragraph of Section 3 an "s" be placed on the word "pastor";
that the last line of the first paragraph read, "500 members or fraction thereof;
and that the fourth line and following of second paragraph of Section 3 read, "lay
members of the Conference, with the understanding that not more than one layman
from any non-member church shall be entitled to vote." Rev, Paul Halbert seconded
the motion. It was carried.
Article VI. Section 1. Sub-section (b). Rev. Richard Roberts moved that the
last line read, "tive Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Historian." Rev. Joseph Cooke
seconded the motion. It was carried.
Article VII. Sections 1 &■ 2. Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that both Sections
begin with a capital letter. Rev. Raymond Bawden seconded the motion. It was
carried.
By-law I. Section 5. Rev. Raymond Bawden moved that Section 5 read, "The
Board of Directors shall keep written minutes of each meeting, which are to be
made available to the Conference upon request." Rev. Lynn Scovil seconded the
motion. It was carried.
By-law II. Section 7. Rev. Dale Ginther moved that the present Section 7 be
dropped and the following become the new Section 7. "The Historian shall act as a
repository for materials of historical interest, maintain an historical account of the
Conference from its inception, and promote an interest in the churches in the details
of their own histories and anniversaries." Rev. Donald Coyle seconded the motion.
It was carried.
By-law III. Rev. Robert Dempsey suggested that we consider By-law III as a
whole, imless we come to a correction. The Chairman read the proposed changes. Rev,
Dale Ginther moved that By-law III read as follows:
Section 1. A Credentials and Placement Committee of three to be . . . (the
remainder as is).
Section 2. A Program Committee of five consisting of the Conference President,
the host Pastor, and three memebrs 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.
Section 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
Minutes of Aunual Meeting . . .
bais of three year terms. This committee shall provide a slate of candidates for
the various offices and committees.
Section 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,
etc.
Section 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 stimu-
late missionary interest in the local churches by providing missionary literature
and missionary speakers.
Section 6. A Christian Education Committee to be elected by the Conference
on a rotating basis for three year terms. This conmiittee shall render counsel, etc.
Section 7. A Publications Committee of three to be elected by the Conference
on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall publish an annual
year book, conference periodical, tracts and other necessary and desired literature.
Section 8. A Church Extension and Evangelism Committee of three to be elected
by Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall
make available to the Conference constituency information concerning potential
areas for the organization of churches, and concerning 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 evangeUsm by every means, in the local churches, through ex-
ample and counsel, through provision of appropriate hterature, and through the
suggesting of names of evangelists, to churches requesting them.
Section 9. A Constitution Study Committee of three to be elected by the Con-
ference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall annually
review the Constitution, By-law^, offer for consideration any appropriate revisions
or amendments, and take the necessary procedural steps to bring them before
the Conference.
Section 10. The Board of Directors shall appoint for each Annual Meeting the
following committees of three each: Time and Place Committee, Resolutions
Committee and such other committees as are deemed necssary. 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 annually.
Section 11. 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 Credentials
and Placement Committee, as long as he is pastor of a member church. If he
ceases his relationship to the member church, he is automatically dropped from
committee membership, unless he is called to another member church. He may
not to be elected to the Board or a Conference office.
Rev. Donald Coyle seconded the motion. It was carried.
By-law IV. Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that we drop the proposed changes
to this By-law as printed in the Year Book, because there arc more detailed revisions
to be considered later. Rev. John Clymcr seconded the motion. It was carried.
The Chair then called for action on the proposed revisions to By-laws made by
the Board at their mid-winter meeting in Argos, Indiana.
By-law I. Section 4. Rev. Dale Ginlher moved that the second sentence of this
section read, "Such meetings shall also be called by the Executive Secretary in like
manner, upon written request of any five members of the Board." Rev. Samuel
Hembcrger seconded the motion. It was carried.
— 10—
. . . Friday, July 15 J 1960
By-law 11. Section 5. Rev. Dale Ginther moved that the following sentence
be added to this section, "He shall also travel in the interests of the Conference so far
as time and funds may permit." Rev. Samuel Hemberger seconded the motion. It
was carried. On behalf of the Nominating Committee, of which he was Chairman,
Rev. Dale Ginther inquired regarding the office of Historian. It was explained that the
Historian is now an officer of the Conference, and that the Nominating Committee
should have a nominee for the office.
Rev. Donald Coyle closed the session with prayer.
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1960, Afternoon Session.
The afternoon session began with further discussion on Article III of the Con-
stitution. Rev. Richard Roberts called for a division of the house on the question
of revising Section D of Note 3 under Article III. A poll was taken to determine
the number in favor of a positive statement to replace the negative one presently in
use. There were twenty-three in favor and one opposed.
Rev. Richard Roberts moved that we interpret the Constitution as foUows: The
Statement of Faith is the seven sections of Article III, and can only be changed by
a imanimous vote, and that the Notes are a part of the rest of the Constitution and
may be altered by a 2/3 majority vote. Rev. Lynn Scovil seconded the motion. There
were eighteen in favor and six opposed. The motion was carried.
Regarding Article III, Note 3, Section D, Rev. Paul Beimehoff, a visitor from
Michigan, stated that the present reading kept some churches out of the Conference
because it was an infringement upon Christian liberty. There was considerable dis-
cussion. Dissenter Rev. Dale Ginther moved that we reconsider the motion made
this morning to revise Article III, Note 3, Section D. Mr. Edward Whitman seconded
the motion. There were twenty-three in favor and two opposed. The motion was
carried.
Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that Article III, Note 3, Section D be revised as
stated in his earlier motion. Mr. John Swanson seconded the motion. There were 21
in favor, four opposed and one abstention. The motion was carried.
The meeting was adjourned until later in the afternoon.
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1960, Late Afternoon Session. (5:00 P.M.)
By-law VI. Sections 1 and 2. Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that Sections 1
and 2 read as follows:
Section 1. Ministerial standing in the Conference shall require:
a. A minimum academic attainment of a diploma from an accredited Bible
Institute, or the equivalent. A Conference approved Study Course may, in
cases of special need and merit, be applied toward the fulfillment of this
requirement.
b. Acceptable ordination to the Christian ministry.
c. Reception into the Conference membership in the manner provided by the
Constitution (Article IV).
Section 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.
Rev. Theodore Overton seconded the motion. It was carried.
By-law VI. Section 3. There was considerable explanation and discussion of
this section. Rev. J. Murray Marshall moved that By-law VI, Section 3 read, "An
—11—
Minutes of Annual Meeting . . .
associate membership only may be granted to ministers having their credentials in
a non-Congregational body, entitling them to all the privileges of the Conference,
with the exception of holding office, committee membership and voting." Rev. Samuel
Hemberger seconded the motion. It was carried.
By-law VI. Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7. Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that Sections
4, 5, 6 and 7 read as follows:
Section 4. Ordination to the ministry shall be by a local church, after examina-
tion by a council called by said church.
Section 5. Ministerial license to preach, conferring authority of performing the
regular functions of the parish ministry, including the solemnization of marriages,
shall, in the absence of local association:
a. Be granted by the national Conference, in annual convocation, or in cases
of special need during the conference year, upon recommendation of the
Credentials and Placement Committee to the Conference President.
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 Confer-
ence; and be renewable at the discretion of the Credentials and Placement
Committee upon application to its chairman thirty (30) days before ex-
piration of the hcense.
Section 6. Ministerial membership cards, both for ministers in full standing and
for licensees, shall be issued annually as of the closing date of the Annual Meeting,
over the signatures of the President and the Executive Secretary of the Conference.
A fee of $1.00 shall be attached to each issuance.
Section 7. Prospective ministerial candidates, upon acceptance by the Confer-
ence Credentials and Placement Committee, may be received under Conference Care
for guidance in ministerial preparation. Under such care the enrollee shall pursue
the Conference Study Course, and have available recommendations as to Theological
Schools, together with such other counsel and assistance as may properly be ren-
dered. Rev. Ralph Shirk seconded the motion. It was carried.
By-law IX. Rev. Raymond Bawden moved that we adopt the following addition
to By-law IX: "The various amendments, revisions and additions to the By-laws which
may be presented at the forthcoming regular meeting may be accepted or rejected,
individually, in part, if so voted; and the numbering or lettering of the resultant
accepted text shall be adjusted as necessary." Mr. John Swanson seconded the motion.
It was carried. Mr. Flom Johnson moved adjournment. Dr. Henri Pol closed in
prayer.
SATURDAY, JULY 16. 1960, Morning Session.
Rev. John Clymer led in the morning Bible study and prayer period at 9:00 A.M.
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 A.M. by Dr. Henri Pol. Rev. Roger Shafer
led in prayer. Request was made by the Recording Secretary, Rev. Lester Felker, for
a typist to type .some of the minutes of the previous meetings. Mrs. Dale Ginther
ofTered her services.
Rev. J. Murray Marshall moved that we include all the changes to the Consti-
tution and By-laws in the final typing of the minutes. Rev. Robert Dempsey seconded
the motion. It was carried.
Minutes of Friday's sessions were read. Rev. Richard Roberts moved their
acceptance. Rev. Joseph Cooke seconded the motion. It was carried.
Report of the Nominating Committee was given by Rev. Dale Ginther. Rev,
—12—
. . . Saturday J July 16, 1960
Ginther moved acceptance of the report. Rev. Raymond Bawden seconded the motion.
It was carried.
Rev. Joseph Cooke and Mr. John Swanson were appointed tellers.
Rev. John Clymer suggested that the second highest number of votes received
in the voting for Vice-president detenmne the Second Vice-president.
(Dr. Stephen Paine of Houghton College was present at the session, and was asked
to say a few words to the Conference, while we were awaiting the result of the vote
from the tellers. He spoke of the National Association of Evangelicals, explaining
some of its work. There was some discussion involving Dr. Paine, Dr. Henri Pol and
Rev. Robert Dempsey.) Dr. Pol received 13 votes. Rev. Halbert 8 and Rev. Kirgiss
4. Dr. Pol was declared President.
In addition to the names on the baUot for Vice-president, Rev. Dale Ginther
nominated Rev. Paul Halbert. Rev. Donald Coyle moved that nominations for the
office of Vice-president be closed. Rev. Lynn ScovH seconded the motion. It was
carried. Those on the ballot in addition to Rev. Halbert were: Rev. Joseph Cooke,
Rev. Robert McKittrick, and Rev. Richard Roberts. Rev. Joseph Cooke received 19
votes and was declared First Vice-president. Rev. Roberts received 13 votes. Rev.
Halbert 13 and Rev. McKittrick 2. Rev. Robert Dempsey suggested that we take
a vote between Rev. Roberts and Rev. Halbert to determine the Second Vice-president.
Rev. Roberts received 16 votes and Rev. Halbert 6. Rev. Roberts was declared elected.
Rev. Dale Ginther moved that nominations for Executive Secretary be closed. Rev.
John Clymer seconded the motion. It was carried. Those on the ballot were Rev.
Robert Dempsey and Rev. Lynn Scovil. Rev. Dempsey received 23 votes and Rev.
Scovil 2. Rev. Dempsey was declared elected.
At this point Rev. Raymond Bawden read a letter from the Olivet Congregational
Church of Bridgman, Michigan, requesting membership in the CCCC. The Olivet
Congregational Church was welcomed and received into the fellowship of the Con-
ference by unanimous vote.
Mr. Flom Johnson moved that nominations for Treasurer be closed. Rev. J.
Murray Marshall seconded the motion. It was carried. Those on the ballot were Rev.
Paul Halbert and Rev. Robert Hanna. Rev. Halbert received 26 votes and Rev. Hanna,
none. Rev. Halbert was declared elected.
The present tellers were reUeved of their duties, and Rev. Arthur Riewald and
Rev. Robert Baker were appointed in their place. This was done so the former tellers
could hear a report to be given.
Rev. Richard Roberts moved that nominations for Recording Secretary be closed.
Rev. John Clymer seconded the motion. It was carried. Those on the ballot were
Rev. Robert Hanna, Rev. Robert McKittrick, and Rev. Roy Shervy. Rev. Hanna was
declared elected after the report of the tellers.
Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that a imanimous ballot be cast for Rev. Lester
Felker for Historian. Rev. John Clymer seconded the motion. It was carried.
Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that we vote by a show of hands for the Commit-
tees. Rev. J. Murray Marshall seconded the motion. It was carried.
Board of Directors. The following were nominated to fill the three vacancies:
Rev. Samuel Hemberger, Rev. Raymond Bawden, Rev. Dale Ginther, Rev. Lynn
Scovil, and Rev. Jacob Waechter. Rev. Richard Roberts moved that nominations
be closed. Mr. Flom Johnson seconded the motion. It was carried. Rev. Robert
Dempsey moved that we vote for the Board members by ballot, each voting for three.
The motion was seconded and carried. Those elected were: Rev. Samuel Hemberger,
Rev. Raymond Bawden, and Rev. Lynn Scovil.
Program Committee. Rev. Samuel Hemberger (21 votes). Rev. Lynn Scovil (21
—13—
Minutes of Annual Meeting . . .
votes), Rev. Ralph Shirk (17 votes) and Rev. Lester Felker (10 votes). The three
highest were declared elected.
Nominating Committee. Rev. Raymond Bawden, Rev. John Clymer, Rev. Rich-
ard Roberts and Rev. George Kirgiss. The first three were declared elected.
Finance Committee. Mr. John Stewart, Rev. Theodore Overton, Mr. Flom
Johnson, Rev. Raymond Gillis and Rev. Norman Fitch. The first three were declared
elected.
Publications Committee. Rev. Robert McKittrick, Rev. Paul Halbert, Rev. J.
Murray Marshall and Rev. Thomas Figart. The first three were declared elected.
Church Extension and Evangelism Committee. Rev. Lynn Scovil, Rev. George
Kirgiss, Rev. Jacob Waechter and Rev. J. Harold Loman, The first three were declared
elected.
Christian Education Committee. Rev. Roy Shervy, Rev. George Kirgiss, Rev.
Raymond Gillis, Rev. Duane Kusler and Rev. Raymond Maier. The first three were
declared elected.
Constitution Study Committee. Rev. John Clymer, Rev. Theodore Overton,
Rev. Robert Dempsey and Rev. Chester Reed. The first three were declared elected.
Missionary Committee. Rev. J. Murray Marshall, Rev. Lester Felker, Rev. Rus-
sell Christian, Rev. Donald Coyle and Mr. Flom Johnson. Tlie first three were de-
clared elected. Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that the Board of Directors assign the
chairmanships of the various committees, and that they determine the length of the
terms of each committee member in order to establish the rotating term system. Rev.
J. Murray Marshall seconded the motion. It was carried.
Report of the Time and Place Committee was given by Rev. Lynn Scovil, who
read an invitation from his own church, the Plymouth Congregational Church of
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to hold the 1961 Annual Convention there. Rev. Robert Demp-
sey extended a verbal invitation, in lieu of the written invitation which had been sent
to the committee chairman, Mrs. Olive Kirgiss, to hold the Annual Convention at the
Carlisle Congregational Church of Carlisle, Mass., sometime during the last two
weeks of September. Rev. J. Murray Marshall moved that we set the date of the
Annual Convention for next year as September 27-29, 1961. Rev. Richard Roberts
seconded the motion. Discussion followed. There were eleven in favor and eight
opposed. The motion was carried. Rev. J. Murray Marshall moved that we accept
with gratitude the invitation from the Carlisle Congregational Church. Mr. John
Swanson seconded the motion. It was carried. The 1961 Annual Convention will be
held at the Carlisle Congregational Church, Carlisle, Mass., September 27-29, 1961,
Lord willing.
The meeting adjourned until the afternoon.
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1960, Afternoon Session.
Mr. Florn Johnson led in opening prayer.
Report of the Resolutions Committee was given by Rev. Joseph Cooke and was
placed on file. Rev. Cooke moved its acceptance. Rev. Robert Dempsey seconded
the motion. It was carried.
Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that greetings be sent to (he Union of Evangelical
Congregational and Christian Churches in Brazil, our member church in British
Guiana, and to the six regional fellowships of conservative Congregational Christians
in southern California, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Hawaii, greater New York City and
New England. Mr. Florn Johnson seconded the motion. It was carried.
—14—
. . . Saturday, July 16, 1960
In the absence of the Chairman of the Publications Committee an oral report
which was conveyed by phone from the Chairman was given by Rev. Robert Demp-
sey. A written report is to follow. A discussion of the publication followed. Rev.
Dempsey stated that the publication must serve increasingly as an arm of extension
of the Conference. Rev. Lynn Scovil urged that pastors circulate the publication
more widely in their congregations. It was generally agreed that all errors in English
and printing must be eliminated, and that the dating system of the publication must be
revised. Rev. Dempsey moved the acceptance of the verbal report. Rev. Jacob
Waechter seconded the motion. It was carried.
Rev. Robert Dempsey submitted the following proposed revisions to our Con-
stitution:
Article III. Section 1. Insert the word "inerrant" after the word "only."
Article III, Note 3 Section D to read, "A candidate for ministerial membership
win 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 will in any way defile his
body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 3:16, 17), which does not glorify
God in His body which belongs to God (I Cor. 6:19, 20), or which might cause
any brother in Christ to stumble (Rom. 14:21).
Article X. Section 2. In place of "Article III — ^The Statement of Faith — ^which
article ..." insert "Article III, i.e., the Statement of Faith not including the ap-
pended notes, which statement ..."
Rev. Dempsey moved that they be acted upon at the next Annual Meeting.
Rev. Joseph Cooke seconded the motion. It was carried.
The following budget was presented by the Board of Directors:
BUDGET FOR 1960 - 1961
Executive Secretary $1,500.00
OflBcial Board Expenses 25.00
Gift to National Association of Evangelicals 30.00
International Extension Reserve 500.00
Conference speakers at Annual Meeting 100.(X)
Stationery and envelopes 100.00
Safety Deposit Box 10.00
Postage 80.00
Telephone 50.00
Year Book 180.00
Mid-winter conference 500.00
Church Extension & Evangelism Committee 500.00
Program for Annual Meeting 200.00
Credentials and Placement Committee 15.00
Publications Committee 1,500.00
$5,290.00
Rev. Robert Dempsey moved that it be adopted. Rev. Russell Christian seconded
the motion. It was carried.
The following committees were appointed by the Board of Directors for the
coming year:
Auditing Committee: (for the 1959-1960 fiscal year) Rev. Richard Roberts,
Chairman; Mr. Flora Johnson; Mr. Sherman Butler.
—15—
MinuUs of Annual Meeting . . .
Time and Place Committee: Rev. Paul Halbert, Chairman; Rev. Lester
Felker; Rev. Roger Shafer,
Resolutions Committee: Rev. John Clymer, Chairman; Rev. Jacob Waech-
ter; Rev. Robert Hanna.
Credentials and Placement Committee: Rev. Raymond Bawden, Chairman;
Rev, Joseph Cooke; Rev. George Kirgiss.
Nominating Committee: (2 members appointed by Board) Rev. Samuel
Hemberger, Rev. Harry Aufiero.
The meeting was then adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Lester Felker, Recording Secretary
—l&-
Reports
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE PRESENTED AT THE 1960
ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE
CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
The mind of man retains only those things which make a real impression upon
it. Therefore Jesus reminded His disciples many times of the things He had told them.
When they forgot the promises He had given them they proposed ideas of their
own and then found themselves in trouble. Although Peter had heard Jesus refer to
His coming death and resurrection, he did not grasp its significance and came forth
with his own ideas — such things should never happen to Jesus. Then Jesus had to
warn him that he was being led by Satan. It is Satan who is constantly advising man
to trust in himself and reject the plan of God.
The organized church, all down through past ages, has needed to check on itself
many times; and when a thorough investigation was made, found itself far from the
simplicity of the early New Testament Church.
When the Father revealed to Peter that Jesus was "The Christ, the Son of the
living God," Jesus said . . . "upon this rock I wiU build my church." Therefore the
New Testament Church was built upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and He is its only
authority, for He is the Head of the church.
Jesus gave no plans for organization nor for ornate buildings. The ecclesiastical
machinery of our day is completely obliterating the simplicity of Jesus' formula for
building His church. It was first of all based upon the fact that all power in heaven
and on earth is in His hands; and He commanded those who trusted in His authority
to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. The things to be taught are to be: "All things whatsoever
I have commanded you." And with it He gave the promise — "and lo, I am with
you alway."
Luke provides further facts on how this church is to be built, when he quotes the
words of Jesus Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is
come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me ... " It was only after the coming
upon them of the Holy Spirit at Penetcost, that they spoke the Word with power.
Peter, being filled with the Spirit, told the audience before him the things that were
recorded in the Old Testament, foretelling what was happenmg that day. From this
he presented the fact that "... God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye crucifi^,
both Lord and Christ." The Holy Spirit brought conviction upon those who heard
him and as many as believed were added unto them.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the church moved forward. When miracles
were performed all glory was ^ven to Jesus for He " . . . The Holy One and just
... the Prince of life . . . through faith in His name hath made this man strong."
Thus was the Christ constantly present as the Head of the Church and in full authority.
The disciples continued to tell of the Christ wherever they went and soon believers
gathered for further learning of this Way. These little groups chose their own leaders
and recognized Jesus as the Head of the Church. When questions arose as to the
interpretation of some of the Holy Scripture they sent unto the more experienced ones
for help. And these sent back word saying, "So it seems to us that the Holy Spirit
would have it." This allowed the local church to be free to obey the will of Christ,
the Head of the Church. With this independence went personal responsibility and
complete trust in the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The work of Satan is to disrupt the unity in the church which is inspired by the
Holy Spirit. Divisions began to arise in the early church over whom they were to
—17—
Reports . . .
follow. Some of Paul; or of Apollos; or of Cephas; and of Christ. Personalities were
being considered here. The Holy Spirit was not given full rights. Thus self crept
in and where self takes over the Holy Spirit power is gone, worship becomes formal,
and man-made organization is set up according to the desires of man rather than
dei^endence upon Christ, the Head of the Church.
History, from the creation of man, reveals the fact that whenever man chose to
go his own way his relationship to God was changed, to his own hurt. The Israelites
experienced that many times and it has been true of the organized church also.
Spiritual heights are reached when Christ is the Head, through the power of the Holy
Spirit, but as soon as man takes over, without the leading of the Holy Spirit, the
church becomes merely a machine domineered by individuals who aspire to be in
charge of all things. When man does his own planning it is tainted with self, and
the Holy Spirit is crowded out.
The Conservative Congregational Christian Conference is a new venture, seeking
to restore the fundamental principles of the New Testament Church where the in-
dividual is to be "a Hving stone" of the spiritual house, "An holy priesthood, to offer
up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." I Peter 2:5. A living
stone would indicate activity — taking part — having individual rights — being his own
priest — direct access to God in the name of the Lord Jesus.
To be a spiritual house there must be unity, without it the house will fall. St.
Paul tells us in Philippians 1:27 ".. . That ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind
striving together for the faith of the Gospel," and again in chapter 2:5 he gives the
source of the one mind — "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."
Christ is the Head, the chief corner stone of the church.
The Congregational Church was founded upon the individual liberty given each
believer as noted in the New Testament. As long as the individual allowed Jesus
Christ to be Lord of his life, through the power of the Holy Spirit, there was true
unity among believers, of which the true church is constituted. But history reveals
that self crept in and thus man set up a great ecclesiastical organization and has
allowed the world to have p^rt in the church, disregarding the words of H Corinthians
6:17 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you."
The reason we are calling to mind these facts in this message is that we need
to be on our guard lest we too soon fall into the same error of so many groups of
the past, who thought to bring about a more spiritual body but failed after a few
years. These things which have happened in tlie past are examples unto us as were
the experiences of Israel unto the New Testament church.
We must remind ourselves again and again that Jesus Christ is the Head — the
church is the body — and the Head must control the body. Jesus has sent the Holy
Spirit to give wisdom and power to His followers, and without Him there cannot be
a true spiritual church. Our constant aim must be to deny self and be used of God
in any way or place He chooses.
We must hold true to the Word, and never compromise in any way. To be true
to our calling we must continuously "put on the whole armour of God and having
done all, to stand." To compromise in a single phase of any of our "conservative"
convictions is to invite a flood of compromises. No one conlinues long to place much
faith in a compromising individual or organization.
Another year has passed since we last met as members, delegates and friends of
the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference. The reports of the various
committees will reveal our standing as compared with last year and you will hear
--18—
. . . President's Report
of several churches that have become members of our conference during the past
year. You will also hear of a number of ministers who have united with us for the
purpose of being associated with a group who believe in the simple New Testament
Church.
Your president had the privilege of writing letters of welcome into our Confer-
ence to these churches and ministers. Besides that he wrote about 100 letters in the
interest of the Conference. Also one trip of 375 miles was made to confer with a
minister who was interested in learning something about the CCCC. After about 3
months of prayer and consideration of the matter he sent in his application for
membership, which is now being processed.
There came to us recently an experience which reveals again how the Lord guides
us in the work of His church. A man, who is a member of a Congregational
Church in Alabama, wrote a letter, addressing it to The Congregational Beacon, Min-
neapolis, Minnesota; and with nothing more than that address to go on, the postal
department of MinneapoUs forwarded it to Spokane, Washington where The Con-
gregational Beacon had last been mailed out. From there it was directed to me, as
president of the CCCC, and I answered it explaining the changes which had been
made in regard to our oflficial publication, and sending him some sample copies of The
Congregationanl Christian, our constitution, and some of our tracts explaining our
work. As a result there are now several Congregational Churches in Alabama which
have received information concerning the work of the CCCC.
Three delegates were appointed to the Convention of the National Association
of Evangelicals which was held in Chicago last April. They were unable to attend
but at least our Conference was registered as interested in and willing to work with
the NA.E. Our Conference should place the financial needs of the N.A.E. on the
budget.
We should like to commend our treasurer for the business-like way he fulfilled
his official duties. The monthly reports were very much appreciated by the Board
of Directors, for thus each one knew the financial status regularly.
Our Conference is in need of a better financial system. As it now stands, the
treasurer is burdened with the task of deciding how, when and where money is to
be spent. All bills should be presented to a committee which in turn should issue
orders on the treasury for the paying of those bills.
Consideration should also be given as to the proper use of funds from the view
point of the contributors. Should they also receive a monthly report so they will
know how their money is being used? In these days of such great need on mission
fields, when every effort should be put forth to get the Gospel to all people, we need
to be extremely careful that the Lord's motney is used according to His plan.
To start "from scratch", so to speak, is not an easy task; but that is what our
publications committee has been compelled to do. All are well pleased with the very
fine beginning of the "Congregational Christian" magazine. Several reports have come
to us and all of them favorable.
Our continued prayer and trust must be that each individual be so submitted to
the Lord Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that the work of the CCCC
may be under His guidance; for only then shall it succeed.
In His service,
George F. Kirgiss
■19-
Reports . . .
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
"Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us meet to be partakers of the
inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,
and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: in whom we have redemp-
tion through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:12-14.
The duties of the office of the Executive Secretary have brought many and varied
duties in the service of Christ through the Conservative Congregational Christian
Conference. For whatever has been accomplished, I want to express my personal
indebtedness to my Lord for strength and guidance, and to my wife, without whose
help little could have been done. Approximately 400 pieces of correspondence have
been mailed since the last Annual Meeting in the interest of the CCCC, the great
majority of wliich had her "ad" in the lower left hand comer. Also, many were the
days and nights on which she kept the home fires burning alone.
It was my privilege to speak publicly in behalf of our Conference approximately
30 times in the following ten states: Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri and California. The Executive Secretary
has spoken in 6 of the 8 churches applying for membership this year. In addition
to the public engagements a considerable number of personal contacts were made with
ministers and lay people. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Executive Secretary
travelled approximately 17,500 miles.
The expenses related to the past year's activities are as follows:
Travel $918.94
Postage 25.00 (To this should be added a
Phone 48.30 small, but undetermined sum
Miscellaneous 17.30 for stationery.)
$999.54
The total amount of expenses should be compared to the money, which was
raised directly by preaching engagements ($566.60), the Executive Secretary's own
church ($430.00) and himself ($100.00). These receipts totalled $1,096.60. This is
approximately $100 in excess of the expenditures. Not reckoned in the total amount
of receipts is the sizable sura of money invested by the Carlisle Congregational Church
for supply preachers in the absence of her pastor.
The experiences of the past year suggest tlie following five essential spheres of
influence and fellowship for our Conference in the realm of growth and in the dis-
charge of its responsibilities to the Church of Jesus Christ. TTiese areas are suggested
in addition to such vital and traditional areas as missions, Christian Education,
evangelism, etc.
1. Churches, ministers and laity of Congregational Christian heritage.
Because our Conference has its roots in the hearts and lives of men and
churches of the combined Congregational and Christian traditions, we obviously
have an obligation here. Our particular interest is in those churches, ministers and
people who arc loyal to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the faithful practice of
Congregational polity. To such as these, the CCCC can be a source of fellowship,
inspiration, strength and unity. We can be the channel through which all truly Biblical
Congregational Christians can find a common ground in their service for Christ.
Actually our numbers are too few to afford division. It is true that the CCCC is
misunderstood, misrepresented and even opposed by some who are of the household
of faith, but let these men exclude themselves rather than be excluded by us.
—20—
. . . Executive Secretary
2. Independent churches.
There are a goodly number of independent, self-governing, gospel-preaching
churches in danger of drifting into isolation. Some who are sensing this peril in
their position are registering a real interest in our fellowship, which is committed to
the Gospel and to a real and not theoretical practice of historic independency. These
churches are practicing Congregationahsts and we should seek to arouse their interest.
3. Open liberal churches.
Lacking the incentive of the Biblical position, hberalism fails to produce
sufficient ministers, so we have an opportunity to place sound Biblical ministers in
some of these churches. These situations provide problems, but they provide us with
a ready-made mission field. If anybody should be interested in this opportunity in the
Congregational Christian tradition, we should. Those who feel the call of the Lord to
these challenging fields ought to receive from us ardent prayer support, fellowship
and love. Some of these churches can be restored to a sound Biblical witness. There
are hungry lay people who will respond to the ministry of the Word, and we should
make every effort to take advantage of this situation. However, it ought not to be
our goal to capture churches for the CCCC, but to preach the Word and let the
Spirit of God lead.
4. New Churches,
Two of the churches applying for membership this year are new. Neither has a
building of its own and one is yet without a pastor. In communities, new and old,
which have no witness for Jesus Christ, we are obligated to see that such witnesses
exist. However, we are basically committed to the idea that this type of growth be on
a church to church basis, without the middle man of the Conference, doing anything
except offering counsel, challenge and information to churches who have gained
the vision for this kind of advance. It is my personal hope that my own church will
place an item in its missionary budget for church extension, which will be s©nt directly
to new and struggling churches.
5. A place among responsible denominational fellowships.
As we grow we must realize that there are larger responsibilities which we must
fulfill. We are a group among other groups and our relationships to these other
groups must be clearly defined.
a. National Association of Evangelicals.
We are a member of the N.A.E. When we reach 5,000 members, we wiU be
entitled to a seat on the Board of Administration. Our voice will be heard in
the affairs of the evangehcals of our land, but v/e must do our best under the
leadership of the Holy Spirit to see that our voice is also respected. The N.A.E.
should be commended to our churches for individual church membership.
b. National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.
The CCCC is not the only group to arise out of the Congregational Christian
heritage in recent years. The sweeping centralization of the old denominational
establishment and the ecumenical drive for greater denominational control have
led others to seek new alignments also. The most significant of these other groups
is the N.A.C.C.C. We must recognize that while there are somx consen^atives in
the ranks of the N.A.C.C.C, a great theological gulf is fixed between the two
groups. However, we must also recognize that we have a common interest in the
preservation of congregational polity and a common enemy in the ecumenical
movement, so that at least a channel of communication should be kept open.
Although any suggestion of affiliation with this group is out of the question for
us, yet we should treat them with courtesy. We should state our differences and
—21—
Reports . . .
convictions clearly, but avoid open controversy because this will only aid a
greater enemy that seeks to destroy us both.
c. Regional fellowships of conservative Congregational Christians.
We must recognize the existence of at least 6 regional fellowships of conserva-
tive Congregational Christians. These groups vary in their programs, organiza-
tions and size, but they are clearly evangelical and interested in our free way of
church life. Our churches and ministers must seek to strengthen these groups
in whatever ways are feasible. Our Conference will never come to full strength
and service until we are in operation in the local areas. If our constitution and
by-laws are revised as proposed, then we may enter into mutual affiliations with
with these and other area groups. Such affiliations should be fostered by us at
every opportunity. New regional fellowships should be sparked by those who are
members of our Conference.
d. National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.
We should take each opportunity to express in clear terms in a maimer con-
sistent with being a Christian that the National Coimcil of Churches and the
World Council of Churches do not speak for Protestantism, and that they do not
speak for us. The CCCC is disenchanted with the ecumenical aims of these
two bodies, and we strenuously oppose their aims to dominate radio, television,
locations of new churches, missions, social legislation, etc.
At this point I want to say that I am impressed by the hearty and almost uni-
versal acclaim given to our new periodical, The Congregational Christian. We owe
our Pubhcations Committee a tremendous debt of gratitude. Our periodical is making
friends and influencing people. It is tying our fellowship togeUier in a significant
way.
In the area of publication, there is desperate need for a series of interpretive
tracts concerning our heritage, position, behefs and practices. These do not need to
be numerous nor sensational, but well-written and neatly done. Most Congregational
Christians and independent people are seriously lacking in their grasp of our past
and present aims. An educated laity is an absolute essential.
The opportunities and challenges before us are many, and the future is as bright
as the promises of God. Our commitment to the Gospel should be bold and persua-
sive, but that which is beyond the essential fundamentals of the Gospel must be kept
as non-essentials. The CCCC is unique among evangelical denominational fellowships
in that it limits its doctrinal requirements to the Gospel. No Christian brother is ex-
cluded because of secondary matters. This kind of stand gives us tremendous
possibilities.
If we are to fulfill our greatest potential, we must also be radically consistent
in the matter of the sovereignty of the local church. Many who are committed to
this ideal of the New Testament church in theory, do not follow it in practice. We
must pursue it in theory and practice. Healthy, virile, reproducing churches should be
our main aim as a Conference.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Robert B. Dempsby, Executive Secretary
—22—
. . . Reports
REPORT OF THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE
As chairman of this committee, it has been my responsibility to answer a number
of letters from laymen and ministers inquiring as to the Conference Study Course
and Conference care.
I have had no replies on the study courses that have been sent out. The exam-
iners, the Reverends Bawden, Abrahamson and Kirgiss, would know concerning this
information.
There seems to be interest among young men studying in Christian colleges to
eventually be a part of our Conference. This has been revealed as your chairman has
spoken to some young people in Christian colleges and by one letter on file.
It is hoped that as the Lord directs, we may acquire more teeth in our Christian
Education Department of our Conference and as our Conference as a whole advances
and becomes better known, so will the work of the Christian Education Committee.
Because of distance, it has been impossible for the members of this Committee
to be together.
Respectfully submitted.
Rev. RAYMOhfD L. Gbllis, Chairman
REPORT OF THE MISSIONARY COMMITTEE
During the past year the Missionary Committee received no requests for assistance
from any of its member churches. However, the Chairman did have the privilege of
speaking on the subject of missions on two occasions, once in the Carlisle Congre-
gagtional Church in Carlisle, Mass., and once in the Barrington Evangelical Free
Church in Barrington, New Hampshire.
We were able to lend our services to Miss Carolyn Tice in obtaining deputational
meetings for her in five of our member churches.
The total missionary giving of 18 of our member churches amoimted to
$311,581.31
$33,993.31 Churches
277.588.00 Park Street Church
$311,581.31 Total
Respectfully submitted.
Paul Halbert, Chairman
REPORT OF THE CHURCH EXTENSION
AND EVANGELISM COMMITTEE
The Church Extension and Evangelism Committe has put in an active year. All
three members have travelled and spoken to churches and individuals in behalf of
the CCCC. Their journeys have carried them from Maine to California, and from
Michigan to Alabama. We are happy to report a growing interest in our conference.
The Committee members also report that there have been no requests concerning
evangelism nor evangelists. However, this should not be interpreted as a lack of
evangelistic activity, but simply that there were no requests to our Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Robert B. Dempsey, Chairman
Reports . . .
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
Ministers Received:
Rev. Alec J. Edgar, Celina, Ohio, 7/11/59 (Not on 1959 report)
Rev. Jacob F. Waechter, Rte. 3, Elida, Ohio, 12/26/59
Rev. Keijo I. Aho, 9 Morton Street, Quincy, Mass., 11/18/59
Rev. Ralph Waldo Williams, 80 Hudson Street, Berlin, Conn., 5/19/60
Rev. John A. Gibbs, 131 Claremont Ave., Mt. Vernon, New York, 6/1/60
Rev, A. Roy Christensen, 21 Kenwood Road, Everett, Mass., 7/5/60
Laymen Received:
Robert F. Penrod, Salem, Iowa— Received and licensed to preach 9/8/59
Frank H, Bunker, Jr., 119 Union St., Mansfield, Mass.
Received and admitted to conference care in its Study Course 12/14/59
Ministers Dismissed or Dropped from Roll:
Rev. Harley D. Laflin, 1810 F Street, Sparks, Nevada
Rev. Earl Hume, 2510 Fourth St., Mohne, Illinois (To Evangelical Free Church)
Rev. George W. Shunk; no reply to correspondence
Churches Received:
West Andover Congregational Church, W. Andover, Ohio, March, 1960
Worthing Congregational Church, Worthing, South Dakota
University Park Congregational Church, 7459 North Haven, Portland 3, Oregon,
2/10/60
Mayflower Congregational Church, Main St., Kingston, Mass., 3/4/60
Grace Church, Congregational, 24 Housatonic St., Pittsfield, Mass. 3/4/60
First Christian Church, West Mansfield, Mass., 5/11/60
Calvary Church, Congregationnal, Rte. 3, Elida, Ohio 6/22/60
Note: Union Congregational Church, Tuckahoe, New York, discontinued dual
relationship by withdrawing from the New York City Congregational
Association, 4/27/60
Churches Dropped from Roll because listed in error or by request:
Shiloh Christian Church, Willow Hill, lUinois, 10/13/59
Bethany Congregational Church, Galesburg, Illinois, 10/1/59
Roll of Lay Member of Conference accimiulated 1945-59 revised on basis of previous
and current correspondence regarding Conference membership as of 11/24/59, and
with any subsequent additions presented herewith to the annual meeting for adoption
as current lay roll of the Conference: (See attached membership lists).
Report of Placement Commit te work, 1959-60:
Names of ministers were submitted to a number of churches and through the co-
operation of Rev. Harry Aufiero candidates were on occasion suggested to churches
of the Mid-west Christian fellowship.
Definite placements of ministers by this committee cannot be cited in the current
year. At the present time no calls for ministers are at hand. At last report perhaps
five or six men would be interested in a change of location.
Respectfully submitted,
Raymond C. Bawdfn, Chairman
Credentials and Placement Committee
—24—
. . . Reports
REPORT OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
Be it resolved that the members and others in attendance at the Conservative
Congregational Christian Conference, meeting at North Collins, N. Y., express their
sincere appreciation and thanks for the courtesy and hospitality extended them by
the pastor, members and friends of the North Collins Congregational Church; for
those who so graciously provided and prepared the meals and for those who opened
their homes for the comfort and enjoyment of us all.
Be it resolved that this conference offer its sympathy and prayers to the
Howard Murphy family of West Plains, Missouri, upon the loss of their son and
brother.
Be it resolved that this Conference offer its sympathy and prayers to Mrs. A. A.
Luther upon the passing of her husband, the Rev. A. A. Luther.
Be it resolved that this Conference extend its hearty congratulations to the
Rev. Clarence Roberts of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, upon his completion of fifty
years in the service of our Lord and Saviour at Egg Harbor City.
Be it resolved that this Conference extend its thanks to the Rev. George Kirgiss
for his services to the Conference in the past year and express our appreciation for
his splendid presidential address read by the Vice-president.
Joseph Cooke, Chairman
Raymond Bawden
Jay Waterman
REPORT OF THE AUDITING AND RECORDS COMMITTEE
As a committee we tried several ways and times to get together that we might
audit the books and look over any materials on hand at the ofi&ce of the treasurer,
Mr. J. A. Stueckle, which might be useful to the Conference.
The final result was that the chairman of the committee was delegated to visit Mr.
Stueckle's office and he brought back with him all materials which the Conference
might be able to use.
The auditing was done by a legal auditor of Spokane, Washington, and the
final balance was forwarded to the present treasurer. Rev. Paul Halbert.
Since Mr. J. A. Stueckle was also editor and publisher of The Congregational
Beacon, the magazine which had been used in our Conference, he also possessed
a large number of tracts concerning the CCCC. These we took to our home but,
upon careful examination, find they are out-dated and need to be discarded.
There are a large number of treasurer's books, beginning with the organization
of the CCCC. The accounts ia them are recorded in various ways and rather difficult
to understand. As chairman, I am asking your advice as to what should be done with
these old treasurer's books. Some are heavy board cover — ^the loose leaf style — and
rather large. I have them stored at my home at present but cannot promise to be
responsible for them in case I should move from my present location.
George F. Kjrgiss, Chairman
—25—
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Receipts
Receipts from Mr, Stueckle at close of his books $ 323.55
Receipts from churches 1,765,84
Receipts from individuals 1,005.72
Total Receipts $3,095.11
Disbursements
Marian Blood (for services rendered to Conference) $ 50.00
Membership cards and certificates 8.25
Conference Speakers 75,00
Travel Expenses 958.82
Stationery and Envelopes 83.33
Safety Deposit Box 6.60
Postage 76.48
Phone 56.08
Year Book 179.00
Loan Returned 55.00
Mid-Winter Conference at Argos 197.51
Publication of Congregational Christian 941.29
Handling and Mailing of Publication 390.00
Miscellaneous expenses 12.35
Total Disbursements $3,089.71
Balance on Hand July 1, 1960 5.40
Total Receipts $3,095.11
MISSIONARY FUND
Receipts
Ladies' Group of the Conference $ 6,70
Salem Congregational Church (Salem, Iowa) 60.00
Hope Congregational Church (Superior, Wisconsin) 10.00
David Coleman 18.00
Paul Halbert 15.00
Mrs. E. A. Schaap (Dundee, Michigan) 5.00
Total Receipts $114.70
Disbursements
Sudan Interior Mission $ 50.00
The Evangelical AlUance Mission 10.00
J. A. Stueckle (for Jokessari) 18.00
Miss Carlyn Tice 36.70
Total Disbursements $114,70
With the exception of $16,70, all receipts for the Missionary Fund were designated
—26—
OFFICIAL ROLLS
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—29—
Official Rolls . . .
MEMBER MINISTERS AND LAY PEOPLE
as of July 1960
MINISTERS
1. Alfred C. Abrahamson, 2267 S. E. 38th Ave., Portland 14, Oregon
2. Keijo I. Aho, 9 Morton Street, Quincy 69, Mass.
3. Wilbur J. Antisdale, 914 N. Pierce Road, Opportunity, Washington
4. Harry Aufiero, Route 5, Greenville, Ohio
5. Ame J. Avikainen, 4415 N. Missouri Ave., Portland 17, Oregon
6. Elizabeth Avikainen, 4415 N. Missouri Ave., Portland 17, Oregon
7. Raymond C. Bawden, Arena, Wisconsin
8. Lewis C. Carr, Montague, P.E.I., Canada
9. A. Roy Christensen, 21 Kenwood Road, Everett, Mass.
10. Hubert K. Clevenger, 126 N. East Street, Winchester, Indiana
11. Joseph Cooke, Route 3, Jefferson, Ohio
12. Donald R. Coyle, Box 281, Geneva, New York
13. Robert B. Dempsey, Church Street, Carlisle, Mass.
14. Alec J. Edgar, R.R. #5, Celina, Ohio
15. Lester Felker, Polk, Nebraska
16. Washington P. Gavme, Freeland, Michigan
17. Henry M. George, 135 Washington St., Carbondale, Pa.
18. John A. Gibbs, 131 Claremont Ave., Mt, Vernon, New York
19. Raymond L. Gillis, 76 Congress Street, Portland, Maine
20. Dale Ginther, Box 208, Winona Lake, Indiana
21. Paul Halbert, 208 S. Maple Street, Argos, Indiana
22. Robert Hanna, R.R. #4 Union City, Indiana
23. Robert D. Heinson, 609 Pacific Avenue, Tillamook, Oregon
24. Samuel T. Hemberger, 30 Underbill Street, Tuckahoe 7, New York
25. Stanley B. Hopper, Bedford, Indiana
26. C. Robert Huntress, 314 Amesbury Line Road, Haverhill, Mass.
27. Chester Jones, Wrentham, Mass.
28. Sherman Keeler, 307 North Wilson, Oblong, Illinois
29. George F. Kirgiss, Box 336, Touchet, Washington
30. Duane K. Kusler, 531 West Whitman Drive, College Place, Washington
31. J. Harold Loman, Box 42, Greensboro, North Carolina
32. Raymond Maier, 5633 N. Kerby Avenue, Portland 17, Oregon
33. Robert B. McKittrick, Lake Grove, L. I., New York
34. A. Carlyle Miller, 246 New Garden St., Georgetown Demerara,
British Guiana, S. A.
35. Theodore Overton, 42 Liberty Street, W. H., Newburgh, New York
36. Henri F. M. Pol, 1558 Fulham Street, St. Paul 8, Minnesota
37. Alvin Prestholt, Arcadia, California
38. Chester Reed, North Webster, Indiana
39. Richard Owen Roberts, 5214 North Lombard, Portland 3, Oregon
40. Lynn Scovil, 318 Church Street, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
41. Roy Shcrvy, Farmland, Indiana
42. Ralph Shirk, Eastford, Connecticut
43. Edward G. Smith, 2125 Emerson Avenue, South, Minneapolis, Minnesota
44. Marion Townc, R.R. #2, Pittsford, Michigan
45. Jacob F. Waechtcr, R.R. #3, Elida, Ohio
46. Jay N. Waterman, Dunlap, Iowa
47. LcRoy D. Webber, 246 Mohawk Dr., Carol Stream, Whcaton, Illinois
48. Ralph W. Williams, 80 Hudson Street, Berlin, Connecticut
-30-
Official Rolls
LICENSED MINISTERS OF THE CONFERENCE
1. John Clymer, Andover, Ohio
2. Norman E. Fitch, Tinsed, Idaho
3. Robert Gillespde, Willow Hill, lUinois
4. Robert Penrod, Salem, Iowa
5. Howard Murphy, 903 St. Louis Street, West Plains, Missouri
Those with ministerial student standing: (Lay membership standing)
1. Frank H. Bunker, Jr., 119 Union Street, Mansfield, Mass.
2. Larry W. Crabb, Argos, Indiana
LAY MEMBERS
1. Cecil Argetsinger, Mantorville, Minnesota
2. Mrs. Grace E. Coleman, Willow HiU, Illinois
3. David Coleman,^ 432 Wellington, Chicago, Illinois
4. Mrs. Olive Kirgiss, Box 336, Touchet, Washington
5. Miss Merle Long, 1225 Mt. Vernon Street, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
6. Matt Markko, 1846 George Street, Chicago, Illinois
7. Mrs. Matt Markko, 1846 George Street, Chicago, Illinois
8. Amond Olson, Route #1, Shiocton, Wisconsin
9. Jake W. Roth, Jr., Weatherford, Oklahoma
10. Ed Stueckle, LaCrosse, Washington
11. Mrs. Ed Stueckle, LaCrosse, Washington
12. Fred Stueckle, LaCrosse, Washington
13. Mrs. Fred Stueckle, LaCrosse, Washington
14. J. A. Stueckle, LaCrosse, Washington
15. Mrs. J. A. Stueckle, LaCrosse, Washington
16. Mrs. Fred Williams, Bridgman, Michigan
—31-
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
OF THE
CONSERVATIVE CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE
1960
PREAMBLE
In gratitude to Almighty 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 witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ
to every person and that every church should therefore be a living soul-winning
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 renewed em-
phasis upon this supreme task among all Congregational Christian Churches; we,
therefore, as conservative churches, laymen and ministers of the gospel, humbly
invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, have banded ourselves together in a con-
ference 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 CONGREGA-
TIONAL CHRISTL^N CONFERENCE.
Article II - Purpose
1. To provide through this avenue a means of encouragement to all Conservative
Congregational Christian Churches for a more effective fellowship one with the other.
2. To lift up a faithful BibUcal witness in this day of doctrinal vagueness, spiritual
lukewannness, 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 knowledge 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.
—32—
. . . Constitution, Article in
4. To be a means of service to the churches but without right of infringement
upon their autonomy.
Article III - Statement of Faith
1. We believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, to be the
inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost
3. We believe in the deity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless 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 personal
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 Uve 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.
Note: The above recorded Statement of Faith shall be the basis of Conference
theological requirement. The following doctrinal and practical interpretations are
appended for the purpose of clarifying the Conference position on certain important
matters.
1. The Human Will. There shall continue the traditional Congregational
Christian freedom of interpretation and thought in regard to the age-old controversial
questions of determination and freedom of will (Calvinism and Arminianism are spe-
cifically in mind).
2. Baptism. Traditional Congregational Christian freedom shall be continued
in regard to baptism. It is expected of those holding or seeking ministerial member-
ship in the Conference that they be willing to perform baptism or to have another
minister to perform baptism by any of the traditional Congregational Christian modes
when requested.
3. Ministerial Standing and Procedure.
A. Except as pertains to proper credentials of missionaries, ministerial standing
is not ordinarily to be extended to women.
B. Persons divorced and remarried shall not retain or obtain ministerial
standing.
--33—
Constitution and By-laws . . .
C. Ministers are not to unite in marriage divorced persons whose previous union
is judged to have been severed on unscriptural grounds.
D. The use of intoxicating berverages and of tobacco and indulgence in worldly
amusements will automatically disqualify for the ministry otherwise acceptable can-
didates. 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.
Article IV - Membership
Membership in this Conference shall be attained by the voluntary association of
churches, ministers or individual laymen who find themselves 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, whether of laymen, church or minister, may be granted upon application
to and approval by the designated Conference officials, subject to review by the
ensuing annual meeting of the Conference. Ministerial membership shall be accorded
on the basis of the approved ministerial standards of the Conference, as set forth
in the by-laws of this constitution. Churches are not necessarily barred from member-
ship because of other affiliations so long as they adhere to the Statement of Faith
and the workings of the Conference.
Article V - Meetings
1. Annual Meeting. There shall be an annual meeting of the Conference 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 Conference shall be
entitled to representation at the various meetings of the Conference 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 members of the Conference,
with the understanding that not more than one layman from any non-member church
shall be entitled to vole.
4. Procedure. The guide for parliamentary procedure in all meetings shall be
Robert's Rules of Order.
Article VI - Officers
1. The elected officers of this Conference shall be:
—34—
. . . Constitution, Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX, X
(a) A President, who shall be eligible to succeed himself for two terms
only.
(b) A First Vice-President, a Second Vice-President, a Recording
Secretary, an Executive Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Historian.
(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 VII - 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 members, 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
meetings of the Conference. In the election of members at large, consideration shall
be given to proper representation of membership both geographically and organiza-
tionally (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 functioning 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 vacancy for the unexpired term.
Article VIII - 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 IX - By-laws
The Conference shall adopt such By-laws as it shall deem appropriate and ne-
cessary for the operation of the conference. The By-laws shall provide for the manner
of amendment thereof.
Article X - 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 considera-
tion for adoption. The Board of Directors shall immediately after the annual meeting
Constitution and By-Utws . . .
at which the amendments are proposed 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.
2. The provisions of paragraph one (1) in this article shall apply to all articles
of this Constitution, with the exception of Article III — The Statement of Faith —
which article may be amended only by unanimous vote of the entire number of
delegates, ministers and laymen, present at any annual meeting and voting on said
amendment, foUowing proper notice to amend, and publication 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 serve 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 times and
places as shall be determined 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 quorum shall be any majority of the members of
the Board.
5. The Board of Directors shall keep written minutes of each meeting, 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 office 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 Conference. 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 Conference.
—36—
. . . By-laws, Section III
3. The Vice-Presidents, in the order of their rank, shall, in the absence 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 minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. He
shall perform all such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors
or the Executive Committee.
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 prescribed 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 Directors
or the Executive Committee, shall affix the same to any instrument requiring it.
When so affixed, it shall be attested by his 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 Conference, which roll shall be the official record
of the Conference for all its purposes. He shall also travel in the interests of the Con-
ference 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
aU monies and other valuable effects in the name of and credit of the Conference,
in repositories indicated by the Board of Directors. The treasurer's books shall
be submitted 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 inception 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, Section 2 of
the Constitution, the following committees shall be provided:
1. A Credentials and Placement Committee of three to be selected by the Board
of Directors; which committee shall review all applications for membership in the
Conference and requests for transfer or dismissal and make recommendations to
the proper Conference officials.
The Committe shall render all assistance possible to Conference ministers seeking
—37—
Constitution and Bylaws . . .
pastorates, and to churches seeking pastors, by making available proper information
at hand to those who request it.
2. A Program Committee of five consisting of the Conference President, 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 Con-
ference 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 terms. This committee shall provide a slate of candidates for the various
offices and conmiittees.
4. A Finance Committee of three to be elected by the Conference on a rotating
basis for three year terms. This conmiittee shall devise ways and means of providing
for the financial needs of the Conference, and shall make such fianancial needs
known to the constituency. The chairman of this committee shall serve 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 missionary literature and
missionary speakers.
6. A Christian Education Committee to be elected by the Conference on a
rotating basis for three year terms. This conrunittee shall render counsel to Conference
youth in matters of preparatory education. They 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.
7. A Publications Committee of three to be elected by the Conference on a
rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall publish an annual year
book, conference periodical, tracts and other necessary and desired literature,
8. A Church Extension and Evangelism Committee of three to be elected by
Conference on a rotating basis for three year terms. This committee shall make
available to the Conference constituency information concerning potential areas for
the organization of churches, and concerning 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 amend-
ments, and take the necessary procedural steps to bring them before the Conference.
—38--
. . . By-lazvsj Sections IV, V, VI
10. The Board of Directors shall appoint for each Annual Meeting the following
committees of three each: Time and Place Committee, Resolutions Committee and
such other conmaittees as are 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 annually.
11. 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 Credentials and
Placement Committee, as long as he is pastor of a member church. If he ceases his
relationship to the member church, he is automatically dropped from committee
membership, unless he is called to another member church. He may not be elected
to the Board or a Conference ofl&ce.
IV. Finance
The Churches are encouraged to assume their proportionate share of the
responsibility for the finanical support of the organization of the Conference and
of its cooperative enterprises — evangelism, missionary endeavor and publication
work.
V. Conference Records
All records of Conference business in the hands of Conference officials are
the property of the Conference, contents of which must be made available to author-
ized Conference Officials upon request, and which must be delivered to the Conference
upon termination 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 accredited Bible
Institute or the equivalent. A Conference approved study course may, in cases
of special need and merit, be applied toward the fulfillment of this requirement.
b. Acceptable ordination to the Christian ministry.
c. Reception into the Conference membership in the manner provided by
the constitution. (Article IV)
2. Good and regular standing of ministers shall indicate that they do hold
Conference membership, are not imder 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, entitling them to all the
privileges of the Conference, with the exception of holding office, committee mem-
bership and voting.
4. Ordination to the ministry shall be by a local church, after examination by
a council called by said church.
—39—
Constitution and By-laws . . .
5. Ministerial license to preach, conferring authority of performing the
regular functions of the parish ministry, including the solemnization of marriages,
shall, in the absence of a local association:
a. Be granted by the national Conference, in aimual convocation, or in
cases of special need during the conference year, upon recommendation of the
Credentials and Placement Committee to the Conference President.
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 Con-
ference; 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 standing and for
licensees, shall be issued aimually as of the closing date of the Annual Meeting, over
the signatures of the President and the Executive Secretary of the Conference. A fee
of $1.00 shall be attached to each issuance.
7. Prospective ministerial candidates, upon acceptance by the Conference
Credentials and Placement Committee, may be received under Conference Care for
guidance in ministerial preparation. Under such care the enrollee shall pursue the
Conference Study Course, and have available recommendations as to Theological
Schools, together with such other counsel and assistance as may properly be rendered.
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 be given to
all the members of the Conference. The various amendments, revisions and additions
to the By-laws which may be presented at the forthcoming regular meeting may be
accepted or rejected, individually, in part, if so voted; and the numbering or
lettering of the resultant accepted text shall be adjusted as necessary.
--^0—
^hlirteenth
f
SEPTEMBER 27 — 29, 1961
CARLISLE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Carlisle, Massachusetts
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