MINUTES ^^WLsfV^
Annual and General- Conferences
OF THE CHURCH OF THE
UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
1800-1818
TRAirSLATED AND EDITED BY
A. W. DRURY, D.D.
DA-\-TON, OHIO
PUBLISHED FOR THE UNITED BRETHREN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BT THE tTNITED BKETHREV PUBLISHING HOUSE
1897
COrYRIGHT, 189*.
By thk Historical Socikty of thk ITnitbd Brkthben in Christ,
Dayton. Ohio.
PREFACE.
The United Brethren Church may congratulate itself on the
preservation, notwithstanding the absence till recently of direct
plan and effort in that direction, of the minutes almost entire of all
of the early conferences. The first and only notice that we have
of the conferences of 1789 and 1791 is what was inserted in the his-
torical sketch in the Disciplme published in 1819. The only gap
in the conference minutes prior to 1837 is the absence of the minutes
of the first four sessions of Scioto Conference (from 1825 to 1828).
It seems proper to speak of the conference regularly organized in
the year 1800 as the "Original Conference" for the period down to
1810, when the Miami Conference was formed, and then for the
period following to designate it the "Eastern Conference," which
designation continues best to describe it till the division of the
conference in 1830.
The minutes of the conference first formed, though meager, are
preserved unbroken down to and including the minutes of 1830.
They are in German, and are recorded in a substantial record-book.
The same book also contains in English the minutes of Virginia
Conference from 1831 to 1837 inclusive.
The first Miami Conference record-book contains the minutes in
the German language from 1810 to 1831 inclusive. On pages facing
the German text, for a number of the sessions, there is a more or
less full account in English of the transactions of the conference.
For the sessions of 1826 and 1827, while the English record is com-
plete, the German record is almost wholly wanting.
The first Muskingum Conference record extends over the years
from 1818 to 1845 inclusive. The minutes are in German, with the
exception of those for the years 1838, 1839, and 1842 to 1845. Mus-
kingum Conference had special importance in that, while losing its
territory in Pennsylvania after 1833, it became the conference
through which the Church was planted in all eastern and northern
Ohio, and, through the Sandusky Conference, in large measure, in
Michigan also.
The minutes of the first two General Conference sessions are
recorded in German in the record-book of the Eastern Conference.
IV PREFACE
The minutes for the sessions of 1821, 1825, 1829, and 1833, in German
manuscript, are preserved among the arctiives of the Historical
Society. The minutes for the session of 1821 are also recorded in the
record-booli of Miami Conference. The minutes for the sessions
of 1837, 1841, and 1845 seem not to have been preserved otherwise
than us published at the time in the Beligious Telescope. About
1850 Joshua Montgomery, the secretary of the General Conference
for the session of 1849 and for other sessions, made a (somplete record
in English, from whatever sources available, of the proceedings of
all previous General Conferences, except the first two, transcribing
also into the record as a preliminary basis the essential parts of the
first English Discipline, that published in 1819.
The correspondence with the Methodist Episcopal Church is valu-
able as showing the fraternal spirit existing, but more especially in
showing the progress in organization and in the establishment of
discipline. In 1809 tlie prejudice existing against firmer organization
was such that Newcomer "had nearly determined to leave and with-
draw from the Society."
The purpose of the present publication is to make the early min-
utes of annual and General conferences, which are of interest and
value to the entire Church, accessible, and to insure their preserva-
tion. It would have been desirable to include all minutes down to
1833, but after 1818 the minutes of the different conferences become
much more extended, and the minutes of new conferences would
demand a place, thus requiring an outlay of time and money beyond
what are at present available. Besides, the work can now be taken
up under distinct auspices and successfully carried forward.
The labor in deciphering and translating the minutes given, of
thirty sessions in all, has been by no means small. Translations
of a large part of the minutes had already been made, but it seemed
necessary to make a new translation throughout, with a view to
meeting the fullest requirements of accuracy and intelligibility.
While little comment is made on the minutes, there has been a
constant aim to contribute as nmch as possible to making the min-
utes a ready, full, and reliable basis for the study of the early history
of the United Brethren Church. It njay be stated that while these
minutes were used in the preparation of the "Life of Otterbein,"
some of the quotations occurring in that volume were from the less
literal translations already existing.
The translation here given was intended to be literal, reflecting
the character and spirit of the actors and of the times, with little
i-egurd for rhetorical or grammatical propriety beyond the elements
fiuind in the minutes themselves. It is well known that while
Otterbein was a thorough scholar, and Geeting and Pfrimmer had
PREFACE
a fair education, the large number of the early ministers had little of
the advantages of the schools ; but they were men of good natural
powers, of deep religious experience, and well adapted to their times
and the work to be done.
Two years ago the United Brethren Historical Society provided
for the publishing of a volume of the minutes of early conference
sessions, and in harmony with the provisions then made the present
publication, reduced in extent, however, is sent forth. It is hoped
that there will be special timeliness in its appearing now, in view
of the proposed centennial commemoration of the meeting of the
first regular annual conference in the year 1800.
A. W. Drury.
Dayton, Ohio, August 4, 18tf7.
CONTENTS.
Preface, --iii
Minutes of the Original Conference, 1800-1810, - - 9
Minutes of the Eastern Conference, 1811-1818, - - - 25
Fraternal Correspondence with the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, 45
Minutes of the First and Second General Conferences, - 65
Minutes of the Miami Conference, 1810-1818, - - - 69
Minutes of the Muskingum Conference, 1818, - - - 89
vii
PROTOCOL
OF THE
UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
"Sanctify them through thy truth ; thy word is truth."
Do it, Lord Jesus, for the sake of thy suffering and death.
Amen.
This book was obtained the 13th [of May,] 1812.'
Here now follows what the United Brotherhood in Christ
Jesus from the year 1800 — the United till 1800 — have
done in their annual conference, how the preachers and
church members should conduct themselves.
September 25, 1800, the following preachers assembled
at the house of Frederick Kemp in Frederick County,
Maryland:^ William Otterbein, Martin Boehm, John
Hershey, Abraham Troxel, Christian Krum, Henry Krum,
George Pfrimmer, Henry Boehm, Christian Newcomer,
Dietrich Auraud, Jacob Geisinger, George Adam Geeting,
Adam Lehman.^
Each person spoke first of his own experience, and then
'The foregoing was recorded in the record by George Adam Geeting, who
eeems to liave kept the minutes from 1800 to 1812 inclusive. He attended the
conference in 1812, but died six weeks later. In this short Interval, in which he
is said to have been in fair health, he recorded the minutes, which had been
preserved in a less suitable form, and appended a statement of the standing, as
to ordination, of the various preachers. — Editor.
"The place was undoubtedly Peter Kemp's. See Life o/ Otterbein, p. 273.—
Editor.
' And probably also Jacob Baulus.— Editor.
9
10 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
declared anew his intention with all zeal, through the
help of God, to preach untrammeled by sect to the honor
of God and [the good] of men.
1. Resolved that two preachers shall go to Smoke's
and investigate whether D. Aurand should baptize and
administer the Lord's supper.
2. Resolved that yearly a day shall be appointed when
the unsectarian [_unpartheiische'\ preachers shall assemble
and counsel how they may conduct their office more and
more according to the will of God, and according to the
mind of God, that the church of God may be built up,
and sinners converted, so that God in Christ may be
honored.
3. The meeting was opened with prayer, then a chap-
ter read, a short discourse delivered by Brother Otterbein,
and then again closed with prayer.
September 23, 1801, we again assembled at Peter Kemp's
in order to counsel together and instruct one another how
we might be pleasing to God and useful to our fellow-
men.
The following preachers were present : William Otter-
bein, Martin Boehm, Christian Newcomer, Daniel Strickler,
George Adam Geeting, Peter Seuseny, John Neidig, David
Long, Abraham Mayer, Frederick Schaffer, Jacob Geisinger,
John Hershey, Thomas Winter, Ludwig Duckwald, David
Snyder, Peter Kemp, Matthias Kessler, Christian Krum,
Abraham Hershey, Michael Thomas.
1. After prayer, Otterbein gave a discourse. He said
that salvation depends on Christ alone and his mercy,
and that whoever here becomes free from sin and a party
spirit has God to thank. Thus he declared his mind, and
then each of the preachers spoke of his experience, and then
was the following resolved.
THE OKIGINAL CONFERENCE 11
2. A letter was read from Rev. Pfrimmer, and it was
resolved to make no answer, because that seemed right to
every one.
3. A letter was received from Aurand at Smoke's, and
resolved to grant his desire and to notify him through
Christian Newcomer.
4. To-day's session closed with song and a hearty prayer
that God would bless us and make us true and faithful
laborers in his vineyard. Oh, that the Lord would send
upon us all his Holy Spirit, that we might proclaim with
power the word of God. Amen.
1. The 24th of September, 1801, we again assembled
in God's name in Peter Kemp's house ; and first a chapter
of the Revelation of John was read, namely, the fourteenth
chapter. Then followed singing and hearty prayer that
each one might be willing to preach the gospel and that
he also be careful, and that he also so walk as he preaches
to others.
2. The preachers were examined as to whether they
are willing according to their ability to labor in the
work of the Lord, through the grace of the Lord.
3. It was asked who are willing to take charge of a
circuit and preach at the appointed places. Then the
following preachers offered themselves : Christian New-
comer, David Snyder, Michael Thomas, Abraham Hershe}',
Daniel Strickler, Abraham Mayer, Frederick Schaffer, David
Long, John Neidig, Peter Kemp.
4. Resolved that each preacher, after the sermon, shall
hold conversation with those who would be converted, be
they who they may, if they are determined from the
heart to give themselves to God.
5. Resolved that the preachers shall be brief and avoid
unnecessary words in preaching and in prayer ; but if the
Spirit of God impels, it is their duty to follow as God
12 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITE1> BKETHKEN IN CHRIST
directs. O God, give us wisdom and understanding to do
all things according to thy will. Amen.
1. At nine o'clock we again came together. We began
the session again with singing and hearty prayer that God
would bless us with wisdom and understanding and with
liearty love to God and one another. Amen.
2. Resolved that our preachers' meeting [conference]
next year shall be October 5, 1803, at David Snyder's,
and whoever of the preachers cannot come shall write to
the conference.
3. Resolved that the last Sunday in August a great meet-
ing shall be held at Sleepy Creek. ^
4. Our present meeting was now closed ; and indeed
with a hearty prayer, which may the Lord out of grace
grant for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Martin Boehm.
William Otterbein.
George Adam Geeting.
1. October 5, 1S03,- we assembled at David Snyder's,
in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The preachers
present were the following : William Otterbein, j\Iartin
Boehm, Christian Newcomer, David Snyder, John Hershey,
Peter Kem^D, Abraham Mayer, Christopher Grosh, Christian
Krum, Valentine Flugle, John Winter, Frederick SchafFer,
George Adam Geeting, George Benedum.
We began the session with the reading of the second
chapter of First Timothy, and then with singing some verses
of a hymn, and with prayer. Thou, dear Saviour, bless
our coming together to the honor of thy name and to
the edification of us all. O Lord, answer us for Jesus' sake.
Amen.
' Sections 1, 2, and 3 belong to the minutes of 1802, for October 8. — EniTOR.
'The minutes of 1802 and 1803 now follow In reverse order. — Emrou.
THE ORIGINAL CONFERENCE 13
2. Each one of the preachers spoke as to his condition,
how it stood with him ; and of his renewed determination
in upright love with all, with earnest determination in
uprightness toward one another, and bound together in
love, to walk in the ways of God ; to preach the gospel
through the power of Jesus. Amen.
3. Resolved that Daniel Strickler and Christian Krum
shall call the preachers in Virginia together and with one
another determine how they should preach and rightly
arrange their plan. The Lord give them wisdom and
power from above.
4. October 0, at two o'clock, our session again began
with the reading of a chapter and with prayer. In the
forenoon there was preaching by Otterbein and Boehm.
5. The work in Maryland M^as considered. It was left
to the preachers in Maryland themselves to arrange.
6. Resolved that Martin Boehm and Grosh place the
preachers in order in Pennsylvania as may tend most to
the honor of God and the benefit of the hearers and the
bettering of the church of God.
7. Resolved that David Snyder and Abraham Mayer
and Benedum shall make their own arrangement, how
they shall serve their preaching places, as may be best for
the kingdom of God. May the Lord help them. Amen.
8. It is ordered that Christian Newcomer and Henry
Krum go to Christian Berger's^ and preach the gospel in
his part of the country wherever they can find an entrance
to the praise of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9. Resolved that the preachers named shall give to
Christian Berger authority to baptize, but nothing more
at this time.
10. October 7 we began our session again with the
reading of the Fourteenth Psalm, and very hearty prayer.
' In western Pennsylvania. — Editok.
14 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
11. Concerning Brother Flugle it was resolved that
Brother Hershey visit his place to administer the Lord's
supper.
12. There being a complaint against D. Aurand, re-
solved that Brother Snyder and Brother Neidig should
go thither and make an investigation.
13. Resolved that our next conference again be held
at David Snyder's, if the Lord will, the first Wednesday
in October, 1804, and a great meeting Saturday and Sun-
day following. The Lord grant it his blessing.
At length it was resolved that concerning the recording
of the people's names every one has the freedom to do
according to his understanding, and that they love one
another as brethren. Further, it was resolved that the-
preacher after the sermon should converse with awakened
souls as in the circumstances it might seem j^roper.
\Vm. Otterbein.
Martin Boehm,
George Adam Geeting.
Here must be inserted the minutes of the Conference
of 1802. These were on a sheet by themselves. I have
just now found them. I record them here now as follows :
At Cronise's, in Frederick County, [Maryland,] we, the
following preachers, came together to hold counsel : Wil-
liam Otterbein, Martin Boehm, Christian Newcomer, John
Hershey, Christopher Grosh, Abraham Troxel, Henry
Krum, Michael Thomas, Dietrich Aurand, David Snyder,
Peter Kemp, Matthias Kesslcr, George Adam Geeting.
We began our meeting with singing, then with right
hearty prayer to God that the kingdom of God might
come and the will of God be done on earth as in
heaven. May God will to send us preachers the grace
of love to love God and all men.
THE ORIGINAL CONFERENCE 15
2. Each of the preachers spoke of his condition, how
it is with him in his preaching and how his purpose is
further to do in his office, to call heartily upon God for
his help, and that ever he might through humility give
to another higher esteem than to himself. May God give
to us preachers grace that we may become very humble
to the honor of God and the good of men.
3. Resolved that Valentine Flugle have a certificate from
us that he is allowed to exhort and persuade the people that
they be converted. The Lord give him his blessing.
4. Resolved that we write to Pfrimmer that for the
present we will have nothing to do with him.
5. At the close of the session Ludwig Duckwald and
William Ambrose from Sleepy Creek, Virginia, arrived.
6. October 7 the sermon began, which was preached by
Otterbein and Boehm, on Hebrews 13 : 17, with great bless-
ing. To God be all the glory for this. May the sermon
never be forgotten by us preachers and all the hearers.
7. The first thing that was taken up was that John Mil-
ler with our approval shall exhort the people to incite them
to good works as much as he can through God's grace.
8. It appeared that in the matter of the recording of
names, twelve votes were in favor and nine against.^ It
is therefore with consent laid over for the present,
9. The preachers shall establish prayer-meetings where
they preach, if it is possible.
10. It is permitted to Ludwig Duckwald to baptize and
to administer the outer signs of the Lord's supper according
to God's Word.
11. On the 26th of September there was a sermon
preached by our Brother Otterbein, from the fourteenth
verse to the end of the Epistle of Jude, and that with
'Of twelve votes nine were against, Is doubtless the right statement.—
Editor.
16 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
great blessiog. In the aftemoou our consultation was
resumed.'
12. A proposal was made relating to the collecting of a
sum of money for poor preachers. Nothing, however, was
done.
13. Resolved that if a preacher does anything wrong or
scandalous, the nearest preacher shall go and talk with him
alone. If he refuse to hear or heed, said preacher shall
take with him one or two more preachers. If he refuse to
hear them, he shall be silent till the next conference.
14. Resolved that George Adam Geeting in the spring
and fall shall visit the societies on Frederick Circuit.
15. Resolved that Christian Newcomer visit Cumber-
land Circuit twice yearly.
16. Resolved that Martin Boehm twice yearly visit
the circuits in Pennsylvania beyond the Susquehanna,
to ascertain the condition of things in their societies.
17. Reselved that Jacob Baulus and Valentine Baulus
shall make house-visits in Middletown and Fredericktown
and their vicinity.
18. Further, it is laid down as a rule [vest gesetzt']
that when one of our superintendents [or elders, eltestm'\
dies, namely Otterbein or Martin Boehm, who now are
appointed to the place \_gesetzt sind\ then shall another
always be chosen in his stead. This is the wish of both,
and all of the preachers present unanimously consent and
are agreed that it be thus.
Now for this time is the session closed in God's name.
Martin Boehm.
William Otterbein.
'Section \\ must belong to the minutes of 1801, tiie correct date being Sep-
tember 25. The occasion of some of the confusion in the minutes of 1801 and
1802 is found m the temporary loss of a part of the minutes, but more In the
advanced age of Mr. Geeting, and the Interval of twelve years from the time
of the taking of the first minutes to the time when the minutes were recorded.
—Editor.
THE ORIGINAL CONFERENCE 17
This yet here to mention : Peter Senseny, Ludwig
Duckwald, John Neidig, are authorized to baptize and
administer the Lord's supper, with all belonging thereto.
October 3, 1804, the conference met at David Snyder's.
Few preachers came, however, on account of the prevailing
sickness and mortality. Present, Christian Newcomer, Mar-
tin Boehm, Frederick Schaffer, David Snyder, Matthias
Bortsfield.
They counseled together and resolved, the Lord willing,
that the next conference be held near Middletown, Mary-
land, on Wednesday before Whitsunday, 1805.
1. May 29, 1805, we, the following preachers, assembled
at the house of Christian Newcomer.^ Both our [superin-
tendents] were present — Otterbein and Boehm. John
Hershey, George Adam Geeting, Daniel Strickler, Fred-
erick Schaffer, Peter Kemp, Lorenz Eberhart, George
Benedum, David Snyder, Christian Krum, Frederick Duck-
wald, William Ambrose, Jacob Baulus, Jacob Geisinger,
Christian Berger, Abraham Mayer, Christian Newcomer.
2. We began the session with hearty prayer. Otterbein
gave a short address. May the Lord Jesus grant his
blessing to the same. Amen.
3. The assembled preachers resolved through the grace
of Jesus Christ to urge forward the work of God with
more earnestness than ever before. O dear Saviour, help
us, poor and unworthy, for the sake of thy suffering and
death. Amen.
4. According to the confession of the preachers the grace
of God was with them and their work. May the Lord bless
tliem in their office. The Lord make each one very faith-
ful.
>The conference, according to appointment and the statement in New-
comer's Journal, met at Jacob Baulus's, near Middletown.— Editor.
2
18 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
5. Pfrimmer received permission to preach among us.
6. The following preachers arrived : Ludwig Duck-
wald, Daniel Troyer, Jacob Dehof.
7. At eight o'clock, May 30, we again assembled. A
portion from God's Word was read, followed by prayer to
God in the name of Jesus, and thus the session began.
8. With the advice and consent of the preachers New-
comer determined to preach the whole year in Maryland
and a part of Pennsylvania ; and Christian Krum in Vir-
ginia. Resolved that each receive forty pounds yearly.^
9. Resolved that George Adam Geeting shall be present
at the usual great meetings in Maryland and on this side of
the Susquehanna in Pennsylvania.
10. It was decided by the preachers' meeting that
Geeting should not take up his residence at Hagerstown,
but that Hagerstown should be served by our preachers.
11. The preachers who preach where they desire,
according to their inclination, shall have no compensa-
tion. When, however, they receive money, they shall bring
the same to the conference, to be given to the regular
preachers.
12. It is allowed in our preachers' meeting that Fred-
erick Duckwald, of Sleepy Creek, and Christian Berger, of
Westmoreland, baptize, administer the Lord's supper, and
solemnize marriage.
13. The conference will be held next year at Lorenz
Eberhart's, the Tuesday before Whitsunday, 1806, and
that there on the Saturday following a great meeting shall
begin. May the Lord be with us.
14. With this the session was brought to a close after
the reading of a chapter and an exhortation that we should
live to the honor of God. William Otterbein.
Martin Boehm.
' A pound in State currency was ffi2.67.— Editor.
THE ORIGINAL CONFERENCE 19
May 21, 1806, we held our conference for this year at
Lorenz Eberhart's. The following preachers were present :
John Neidig, Lorenz Eberhart, Joseph Hoffman, Peter
Kemp, Christian Krum, Michael Thomas, John Hershey,
Christian Newcomer, Jacob Baulus, Henry Krum, George
Adam Geeting. 0 God, make thy servants very faithful.
2. Each preacher present spoke of his condition, how
he stands with God, how it goes with him in his office,
and his purpose henceforth to be faithful through our
Jesus Christ.
3. On the 22d of May we came together again. The
question arose whether the preachers stand united in
love. They all declared that they stand in hearty love,
not only with one another, but also toward all men, who-
ever they may be.
4. Resolved that Joseph Hoffman and Christian Krum
shall and will take their circuit to serve the societies for
a year, if the Lord shall grant life and health.
5. Resolved that the Pennsylvania brethren shall be
written to.
6. Resolved that our next annual conference shall be
held in Pennsylvania, beginning the Tuesday before Whit-
sunday, a great meeting following on Saturday and Sunday.
7. Great meetings shall be held at the school-house on
the Antietam on Whitsunday, 1807 ; at Lemaster's, June
15 ; at the Spring [Rocky Springs], June 22 ; at Baulus's,
October 4 and 5 ; at Hohman's, in Virginia, September
24 and 25. The good Jesus bless his work. Amen.
George Adam Geeting.
Christian Newcomer.
1. We held our conference May 13, 1807, at Christian
Herr's in Pennsylvania. The following preachers were
present : Martin Boehm,- Christian Newcomer, David
20 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
Snyder, Isaac Niswander, Abraham Mayer, Christian
Krum, John Neidig, Frederick Schaffer, Christian Smith,
Joseph Hoffman, George Adam Geeting, David Long,
Christian Hershey, Abraham Hershey.
2. The session was opened with prayer ; then every
one spoke of his condition ; afterward Brother Martin
Boehm gave a short exhortation. The fourth chapter of
First John was read. Would God that he would make
of us all useful instruments.
3. Resolved that Abraham [Niswander] shall visit
the societies in Virginia August 7, and Smith the 9th of
October ; if he departs before this, then he shall be pres-
ent at Krum's.
4. Huntington Circuit shall be served by David Snyder,
Abraham Mayer, and John Hershey ; beginning June 2,
Snyder ; September 2, Hershey ; December 2, Abraham
Mayer.
5. May 14, 1807, we again assembled at Christian
Herr's. First singing, then prayer, then the reading of
the twelfth chapter of Romans. Then Brother Boehm
spoke in brief. Then our deliberation was renewed in
God's name. May the Lord help us and grant wisdom
and love and faithfulness toward God and all men.
6. Ordered that David Snyder, Abraham Mayer, Fred-
erick Schaffer, and John Neidig shall visit four times this
year the societies in Fautz' Valley.
7. It was again laid down as a rule that a married
preacher shall receive per year forty pounds, and a single
preacher twenty-four pounds, if he travels regularly.
S. Joseph Hoffman agreed to preach this year on the
circuit traveled by Newcomer ; namely, four months on
this side of the Susquehanna. He shall begin on the
other side of the Susquehanna River.
9. We again came together and prayed God fervently
THE ORIGINAL CONFERENCE 21
for his blessing and help in our purpose in preaching
and counseling.
10. Resolved that our conference in 1808 shall be in
Virginia, at Abraham Niswander's, Wednesday before the
third Sunday in May.
11. Resolved that for the present we will have nothing
to do with Dietrich Aurand.
12. It was announced that Peter Senseny and Jacob
Geisinger have died.
13. Resolved that Abraham Mayer and Isaac Nis-
wander shall have full authority to baptize, administer
the Lord's supper where it is necessary, and solemnize
marriage. Our conference has so ordered. We testify
to this. Martin Boehm,
George Adam Geeting.
Our yearly conference began at Abraham Niswander's,
in Virginia, May 25, 1808, in the afternoon. We read
the fifth chapter of First Peter. There was a short
exhortation, singing, and a fervent prayer.
The following preachers were present : Christian New-
comer, Joseph Hoffman, David Snyder, Isaac Niswander,
Peter Kemp, William Ambrose, Ludwig Duckwald, Chris-
tian Krum, Henry Duckwald, Abraham Mayer, Jacob
Baulus, John Hershey, George Adam Geeting.
2. Every preacher declared how he stood in religion,
how it was with him in his preaching, and desired that
he might be able to speak according to the will of God.
3. The following preachers are willing to travel a
circuit- Abraham Mayer, Christian Newcomer, John
Hershey, David Snyder, Jacob Baulus, George Adam
Geeting, George Hoffman.
4. Closed with singing and hearty prayer that the
Lord may be praised for his goodness and faithfulness.
22 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
5. May 26, in the afternoon, the session again began
with the reading of the First Psalm, prayer, and a song
of praise ; and the business of the yearly conference pro-
ceeded.
6. Resolved that Joseph Hoffman shall travel a year —
in Virginia three months, beginning in August ; the
remainder of the time where we need him,
7. May 27 we again began our session. We read
from the fifth chapter of Matthew, and sang, and prayed
fervently to God.
8. Resolved that when Hoffman's three months in
Virginia are expired, he shall travel three months the
circuit in Maryland and a part of Pennsylvania, and then,
if there is no other place, he shall continue to preach on
this circuit.
9. Resolved that the difficulties between Brothers
Stricklcr and Niswander lie over till the conference in W.
Baltimore (?).
10. Brother David Snyder was appointed to preach
to the congregation at Hagerstown two or three months.
11. We began our session in the afternoon with reading
from the Word of God and fervent prayer.
12. Resolved that when any one desires to preach
under our approval, he must be examined at a great
meeting, and have a good testimonial. Then two of the
elders shall have the right, if they find him worthy, to
give him a certificate to preach one year. He nmst then
appear at the conference and be examined. Should he
not there appear, his certificate can be renewed at a great
meeting.
13. May 28 w^e again began our session with reading
from the Word of God, and singing, and prayer.
14. Resolved that the conference in 1809 shall be at
Bernhardt Spangler's, in Paradise [Township], in Penn-
THE ORIGINAL CONFERENCE 23
sylvania, the day before Ascension Day. The preachers
shall strive to be there on Tuesday [preceding].
15. Strickler's case was taken up. The witnesses
present testified that Strickler's conduct was not right,
and because the witnesses declared there was nothing:
against Isaac Niswander and Christian Krum, it was
resolved that Strickler should be silent in our United
Brotherhood till the next conference. If he there appears
and confesses his fault, he shall again be accepted as a
member of the brotherhood. Or if before the conference
meets he should satisfy Brother Isaac Niswander and
■Christian Krum, all shall be right.
16. Our conference closed for this year with fervent
prayer. To the good God be hearty thanks for our love
and harmony which we have with one another. To the
Lamb that was slain be all honor and worship.
George Adam Geeting.
Christian Newcomer.
1. This the 10th of May, 1809, we preachers assembled
at Christian Herr's in Lancaster County. The following
preachers were present : Martin Boehm, Christian New-
comer, Abraham Mayer, Adam Riegel, Isaac Niswander,
Frederick Schaffer, Christian Smith, John Hershey, Matthias
Bortsfield, Joseph Hoffman, Abraham Hershey, George
Benedum, George Adam Geeting, David Long, Christopher
Grosh, Christian Hershey, David Snyder, John Snyder.
2. We began our session with hearty prayer and the
reading of the fifth chapter of First Peter. The Lord
grant us his blessing for Jesus' sake. Amen.
3. Each preacher present spoke in brief of his con-
dition. It was encouraging. The Lord unite us in the
bond of love, which is the bond of perfectness. Lord
Jesus, send it to us for Jesus' sake.
24 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
4. To-day, the 11th of May, we began with the reading
of the Seventy-eighth Psalm, then the singing of some
verses, and then hearty prayer that the Lord help us
for Christ's sake. Amen.
5. The desire of the Methodists is approved thus far —
that each preacher shall have a license, because it was
thus before among us ; and that each preacher shall be
allowed, if one of our members wishes to go to the
Lord's supper with the Methodists, to give him a ticket
of good standing ; and if the Methodists would come
with us, they also shall have a testimonial. In regard
to the other articles, we must have a longer time to
think. The Methodists shall have freedom to preach at
all of our preaching places.
1. June 6, 1810, our preachers' meeting began at the
house of John Cronise in Frederick County, Maryland.
The following preachers assembled : George Adam Geet-
ing. Christian Newcomer, Christian Krum, Isaac Niswander,
Jacob Baulus, Peter Kemp, David Long, Christian Hershey,
Abraham Mayer, David Snyder, Joseph Hoffman, George
Hoffman, Christian Smith, Jacob Dehof, L. Eberhart,
Christian Berger.
2. The session was opened with singing, prayer, and
the reading of the fifth chapter of Ephesians. May the
Lord impart further his blessing unto us. Amen.
3. Every preacher spoke in a childlike way of his
condition, speaking' uprightly in the fear of God.
4. Further, letters were read from the following per-
sons : William Otterbein, Christopher Grosh, William
Ambrose, Ludwig and Frederick Duckwald, and Fred-
erick Schaffer ; and a letter from Baltimore from some
brethren concerning a union of the Methodists and the
United Brethren.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE 25
5. It was resolved that Christian Krum and Isaac
Niswander shall have charge of Virginia Circuit for one
year.
6. Resolved that Henry Ow have permission from the
conference to preach.
7. Resolved that George Hoffman shall serve the cir-
cuit in Fautz' Valley one year.
8. Resolved that Joseph Hoffman shall serve Lancaster
Circuit one year.
9. This the 7th of June we began our session with
reading the second chapter of First Corinthians, singing,
and prayer. 0 God, give us thy blessing.
10. Resolved that George Hoffman shall go to Virginia
as early as December 16 and serve at that place three
months.
11. Resolved that all the preaching places here in
Maryland and on this side of the Susquehanna in Penn-
sylvania shall be served by the preachers as well as they
can, and that then all of the places shall be visited twice
during the year by the other preachers.
12. Resolved that our conference next year shall begin
on Wednesday before Ascension Day, at ten o'clock, at
Joseph Gnege's, in Cumberland [County], Pennsylvania.
13. Resolved to send an answer to the Methodists at
their request.
May 23, 1811, we began our preachers' meeting at Joseph
Gnege's, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The fol-
lowing preachers were present : (1) Christopher Grosh, (2)
Christian Smith, (3) George Adam Geeting, (4) Christian
Newcomer, (5) Abraham Troxel, (6) Christian Krum, (7)
Jacob Baulus, (8) David Snj^der, (9) Matthias Kessler,
(10) Joseph Hoffman, (11) Isaac Niswander, (12) Jacob
Winter, (13) David Long, (14) Christian Hershey, (15)
26 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
Frederick SchafFer, (16) Joseph Jordan, (17) Henry Hie-
stand, (18) Michael Baer.
This session was opened with the reading of the second
chapter of First Corinthians, singing, and hearty prayer.
The Lord grant us his divine blessing for Jesus' sake.
Amen.
2. Each preacher spoke somewhat regarding his con-
dition, speaking uprightly in the fear of God. At this
time two preachers arrived — (19) George Hoffman and
(20) Peter Swartz.
3. Letters written to the conference by the following
persons were read : One from Henry Muhleisten and
others, of Augusta County, Virginia, one from Abraham
Hiestand, of Fairfield County, Ohio, one from Jacob Win-
ter, of Washington [County], Pennsylvania, one from
George Martin, of Hagerstown.
4. Resolved that Joseph Hoffman and Henry Hiestand
be appointed to travel next year in Pennsylvania and
Maryland.
5. To-day we began again as usual with singing, prayer,
and reading of the twelfth chapter of Isaiah. May the
dear God bless us. Amen.
6. Resolved that Jacob AVinter be given permission to
preach, and Joseph Jordan and Michael Hershey to exhort.
Lord, give them thy blessing.
7. Resolved that when a single man travels regularly
he shall have eighty dollars. Resolved that Peter Swartz
have permission to preach.
8. Our next yearly conference shall be at George Adam
Geeting's, in Washington County, Maryland, on the Tuesday
before Whitsunday.
Our session ended in blessing and brotherly harmony.
God be heartily thanked therefor.
George Adam Geeting.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE 27
May 13, 1812, we came together in our meeting-house
to hold conference. Opened with singing and the reading
of the fifth chapter of the First Epistle of Peter, and with
prayer. The following preachers were present : Christian
Newcomer, Christian Krum, George Adam Geeting, Abra-
ham Troxel, Abraham Mayer, Joseph Hoffman, Christian
Smith, Isaac Niswander, Da^vid Snyder, Valentine Baulus,
Jacob Baulus, Abraham Hershey, Lorenz Eberhart, Michael
Thomas, Jacob Winter, Christian Berger, Henry Hiestand,
Henry Spayth, George Geeting, Martin Kreider, John
Kreider, Dehof.
1. Each one spoke concerning his spiritual condition.
The Lord left not himself without witness among us. The
session was closed with singing and prayer. To the Lord
be thanks forever. Amen.
2. May 14, 1812, we again came together. The Thirty-
fourth Psalm was read, then singing and prayer. The
first thing done was the fixing of the 30th of July and
the 29th of October as prayer and fast days throughout the
entire United Brotherhood.
3. A certificate of permission to preach was granted
to John Smith.
4. Resolved that Abraham Mayer shall investigate the
case of Immanuel Ow. If he finds things right, he is
authorized to give him again permission to preach or to
leave him where he is.
5. Resolved that only one yearly conference shall be
held in the district of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Vir-
ginia.
6. Resolved that Brother Neidig and Brother Grosh
shall have charge over the Washington [Pennsylvania]
United Brethren societies ; namely, the territory north of
the Susquehanna. They may hold small conferences when
it is necessary. When they have difficulties which they
28 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
cannot settle, they shall be brought to the yearly con-
ference.
6. Resolved that the circuit [plan] shall be maintained
as long as possible. It shall be served every four weeks
through traveling preachers, who shall be supported. A
single preacher shall yearly receive eighty dollars, and a
married preacher one hundred and sixty dollars and also
expenses. They shall keep an exact account of money
received.
7. Resolved that Henry Hiestand and Henry Spayth
shall this year travel and preach on our circuit [in
Maryland and Pennsylvania].
8. Ordered that Brother Christian Newcomer send to
the brethren in the State of Ohio or visit them, and
give counsel, build up, and exhort as he finds best.^
May 15 our session was begun with singing and prayer
and the reading of the first chapter of First John.
9. Resolved that Abraham Mayer shall go to Virginia
and assist in holding two great meetings.
10. The communication from the Baltimore Confer-
ence [Methodist Episcopal] through Brother Swartzwelter
and Brother Griffith was read and laid before the con-
ference.
11. Resolved that the communication be accepted, and
it was unanimously resolved to maintain the unity exist-
ing between the United Brotherhood and the English
Methodists according to the Word of God. May the Lord
grant his blessing thereon. Amen.
12. Resolved to accept the communication [or propo-
sition] of the Philadelphia Conference [Methodist Episco-
pal] and to send Brother Smith and David Snyder as
messengers to the next Philadelphia Conference.
'This item has a stroke across it, but it is liliely a part of the minutes
proper.— Editor.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE 29
13. Resolved that the next yearly conference shall be
held at Christian Herr's, in Manor Township, Lancaster
County, the first Wednesday of May, 1813.
14. Resolved that Brother Christian Newcomer be
given authority to hold a conference with the preachers
in the Ohio district. The Lord give him grace therefor.
Amen.
15. It was ordered that Abraham Mayer and Jacob
Baulus shall be placed as elders to have the oversight
of the district between the Potomac and Susquehanna
rivers.
16. Resolved that Brother Spayth shall make a visit
to Virginia in the month of November, and Brother Eber-
hart shall take charge of his circuit. The next time
Abraham Mayer and Jacob Baulus [shall make the
visit].
17. September 18 a camp-meeting shall be held if a
place can be found for it.
O Lord, thou Almighty God, bless thy work. Give to
all thy servants who preach among us thy Holy Spirit.
Fill us all with thy pure love, and with power and with
understanding to preach thy word, and lead a good, upright
life, and to honor thee, 0 God, from the depths of our
hearts. Grant it us out of thy grace, for Jesus' sake.
Amen
Preachers who died this year, Peter Kemp, John
Hershey, Matthias Kessler, and Martin Boehm. Kemp
and Hershey died in 1811, Kessler and Boehm in 1812.
George Adam Geeting.
Christian Newcomer.
The following preachers are authorized to perform all
of the services of God's house :
1. William Otterbein. 3. George Adam Geeting.
2. Martin Boehm. 4. Christian Newcomer.
30 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
5.
Christian Krum.
16.
Isaac Niswander.
6.
John Hershey.
17.
Daniel Troyer.
7.
Christopher Grosh.
18.
George Benedum.
8.
Abraham Troxel.
19.
Peter Kemp.
9.
Ludwig Duckwald.
20.
Adam Riegel.
10.
John Neidig.
21.
Frederick Schaffer.
11.
David Long.
22.
Joseph Hoffman.
12.
Abraham Hershey.
23.
David Gingerich.
13.
Christian Hershey.
24.
Christian Berger.
14.
Abraham Mayer.
25.
David Snyder.
15. William Ambrose. 26. Christian Smith.
Those not thus authorized :
Jacob Dehof. Hermann Ow.
Jacob Baulus. Christian Berger.
George Hoffman.^
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Manor Township, May
5, 1813. We came together at Christian Herr's to hold
conference. At the opening, the reading of the third
chapter of First Corinthians, the singing of a spiritual
hymn, and prayer. Christopher Grosh was then elected
president. The following preachers were present : ( 1 )
Christopher Grosh, (2) Christian Newcomer, (3) John
Neidig, (4) Abraham Mayer, (5) Adam Riegel, (6) Chris-
tian Krum, (7) Frederick Schaffer, (8) Jacob Baulus, (9)
David Snyder, (10) Christian Hershey, (11) Valentine
Baulus, (12) Abraham Hershey, (13) George Geeting,
(14) Michael Baer, (15) Henry Spayth, (16) Christian
Smith, (17) Henry Hiestand, (18) Joseph Jordan.
2. Each preacher gave a short declaration of his
condition.
3. The following persons were by the conference
' Here the writing of Mr. Geeting stops. Six weelis after the Conference of
1812 he died. — Editor.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE 31
examined and received as exhorters : ( 1) John Brown,
(2) John Geisinger, (3) Charles Hassel, (4) George Kolb.
Adjourned for to-day with singing, prayer, and the
benediction.
May 6 our session was opened with singing and
prayer.
4. C. Newcomer was elected bishop for one year.
5. A fraternal letter from the Baltimore Conference
[Methodist Episcopal], through R. Birch and J. McCann,
was read before the conference, and received with great
satisfaction.
6. A similar letter through Christian Newcomer and
Valentine Baulus is to be sent to the next Baltimore Con-
ference in order to maintain the bond of union between
the United Brethren in Christ and the Methodist Church.
May 7, opened with reading the seventh chapter of John,
singing, and prayer.
7. Resolved that Henry Hiestand shall have a certifi-
cate of permission for one year.
8. Resolved that the Confession of Faith and Evangel-
ical Discipline of the United Brethren in Christ shall be
printed.
9. The next yearly conference shall be held at Hagers-
town on Wednesday before Whitsunday.
10. The circuit in Maryland shall be served every four
weeks by Henry Spayth.
11. Christian Newcomer, Christian Krum, J. Hoffman,
and Jacob Baulus were appointed to form a plan for a
union between the United Brethren and the so-called
Albright's People which shall be laid before the next con-
ference, that if possible a union may be formed with them.
Conference adjourned with singing and prayer. The
blessing of the Lord was with us. May his name be
praised forever.
82 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
Who has died this year?
George Adam Geeting died June 28, 1813 [1812]. His
age was seventy-one years, four months, and twenty-two
days. He spent nearly forty years in the office of an
evangehcal preacher, which he filled with great faithful-
ness, and in all trials and sufferings showed himself a
firm advocate of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. In
short, he was, as preacher and teacher, an awakening voice
to warn sleeping sinners, a comforter and guide of the
weak and sorrowing, a father to all around him. He
closed his course when on a journey from Baltimore to
his home, on Sunday forenoon between eleven and twelve
o'clock, after he had sung, along with those standing about
him, the following lines :
Come, thou long expected moment,
Come, thou Spirit from on high ;
'T is thy call, my Lord and Master ;
How shall I express my joy,
When thy grace and power of love
Bids me rise to climes above. ^
He breathed his last and his triumphant spirit as con-
queror ascended to the victor's crown. Amen.^
The yearly conference assembled at Hagerstown, Wash-
ington County, Maryland, May 24, 1814. The session
was opened with the reading of the sixteenth chapter of
Mark, a short address to the assembled brethren, and
singing and prayer.
The following preachers were present: (1) Christian
Newcomer, (2) Christian Krum, (3) John Neidig, (4)
Abraham Mayer, (5) Jacob Dehof, (6) John Snyder, (7)
John Baer, (8) Henry Spayth, (9) Jacob Baulus, (10)
David Snyder, (11) Joseph Hoffman, (12) Isaac Niswan-
' Translation of Professor Degmeier followed in the above lines.— Editor.
'Tbe secrelJary of the Conference of 1813 was Christian Smith. - Editor.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE 33
der, (13) George Geeting, (14) Christopher Grosh, (15)
Christian Smith, (16) Thomas Winter, (17) Valentine
Baulus, (18) Christian Berger, (19) Frederick SchafFer,
(20) Hermann Ow, (21) Michael Thomas.
I. May 25 session opened with the reading of the elev-
enth chapter of Matthew and singing and prayer. Then
several letters were read — one from the English conference
held in Baltimore [Methodist Episcopal] and one from
Brother Troxel and Brother Berger.
% The preachers were examined as to how it is be-
tween them and God and as to how they succeed in their
work.
3. A letter from Otterbein's congregation was received,
in which they express a wish to connect themselves with
the United Brethren, and that we always supply them
with a preacher.
4. Resolved that John Rathfang shall have a certificate
of permission to preach.
5. Resolved that H. Joseph Fry shall have a certificate
of permission to preach.
6. Resolved that the first Thursday in August shall
be a day of prayer throughout the whole society.
7. The 26th the session opened with reading the third
chapter of Colossians and prayer.
8. Some preachers were then examined.
9. Resolved that George Kolb and John Geisinger
shall have a certificate of permission to preach.
10. Resolved that Hermann Ow shall have the right
to baptize, solemnize marriage, and assist in administering
the Lord's supper.
II. Resolved that Henry Kumler shall have a certifi-
cate of permission to preach.
12. Resolved that Jacob Wenger shall have a certificate
of permission to preach or exhort.
34 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
13. Resolved that Christian Hershey be elected pre-
siding elder for two years over the district in his part
of the country.
14. Resolved that a committee be appointed to con-
sider the offer of the congregation in Baltimore, in regard
to our supplying them with a preacher, and to come to a
definite conclusion and report to the conference. The
following were chosen thereon : D. Snyder, A. Mayer,
J. Neidig, J. Baulus, and the bishop.
15. Resolved that Christian Newcomer again be elected
bishop for three years.
16. Resolved that the next yearly conference be held
the second Tuesday of May, at Henry Kumler's.
17. Resolved that John Snyder and Henry Spaji;h
shall have a certificate of permission to baptize, solemnize
marriage, and to assist in administering the Lord's supper.
18. Resolved that Joseph Hoffman shall preach one
year in Baltimore, and if he and the congregation are
satisfied he can remain longer, but not longer than three
years.
19. Resolved that John Snyder shall preach on Hagers-
town Circuit one year.
20. Resolved that Henry Spayth shall serv^e Rocking-
ham Circuit one year.
21. An answer was given to the Baltimore congrega-
tion in regard to their request. Then adjourned with
singing and hearty prayer. Lord Jesus, do thou be with
thy servants. Make them like thy image. Give them
godly zeal, untiring faithfulness. Let thy virtues flow
out of them and thy divine light shine through them,
that through that shining many may be enlightened, and
to Ciod we will give the glory.
Christian Newcomer.
Jacob Baulus, Secretary.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE 35
William Otterbein^ was born June 4, 1726, in Europe ;
studied theology, and was ordained as an evangelical
preacher in the Reformed Church. Soon after his accept-
ance as a preacher he was afflicted with a weakness of
the breast, attended with hemorrhage. Physicians and
friends counseled a sea voyage for his health. He then
resolved to go to North America, being then about
twenty-eight years of age. He was first a Reformed
preacher of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, then at Frederick-
town, Maryland, then at Little York, Pennsylvania. From
there he was called to Baltimore, and came as preacher
in this congregation May 4, 1774. Here, as in the other
congregations, his labors were, through the grace of God,
blessed with much fruit. His trust in God and his love
for undying souls were boundless. He died, at last, in
the peace of the Lord, November 17, 1813. His age was
eighty-seven years, five months, and thirteen days.
Bai/timobe, May 21, 1814.
The President and Members of the United Brethren in Conference
Assembled.
Beloved Brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ : It is already
known to you that our father, William Otterbein, the faithful shep-
herd who so many years has served this congregation, has exchanged
this earthly life for the heavenly. Immediately after his death, the
vestry of this congregation assembled to consider the condition in
which we were placed by the death of our beloved father. After
mature consideration, the accompanying resolutions, some weeks
thereafter, were drawn up by the vestry, and by them unanimously
adopted. These resolutions were, on the first Monday of this year,
by the vote of the elders and trustees, laid before the congregation
for their acceptance or rejection, and by them almost unanimously
adopted. We have therefore, dear brethren, appointed John Hildt
and Benjamin Macher to make you acquainted, in the name of the
congregation, with the accompanying resolutions and to obtain your
' Following the minutes of 1814, it is proper to give first a short account of
Otterbein, as occupying a page in the record, probably written by Newcomer,
Spayth, or Hlldt; then the correspondence relating to the supplying of his
pulpit, also found in the record in German. — Editor.
36 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
brotherly approval and adoption, in the hope that the one aim
of the members of the conference is to build up the kingdom
of Jesus Christ and to save souls from perdition. We await a
favorable result from you and our messengers. They are author-
ized and instructed to bring about, if possible, this so much de-
sired result. We remain "your beloved and loving brethren in the
Lord,
WiLLJAM Baker, John Hildt,
Balzer Schaffer, Benjamin Macher,
Jacob Smith, Leonhart Puter,
Adam Welsh, Peter Fo^VBLE,
Elders. Trustees.
This day, January 3, 1814, the congregation assembled in the
church, where the following from the vestry was laid before them
for their approval or disapproval :
After the death of the deceased, William Otterbein, the elders and
trustees of the Evangelical Reformed Church assembled to counsel
with one another in what way the congregation in the future may
best be preserved, the members of the same built up, the honor of
God furthered through it. The greatest difficulty which they found
was in the selection of a suitable preacher ; one who, with the help
and assistance of God, would carry forward the work begun by God
through our deceased preacher, his faithful servant, W^illiam Otter-
bein, and declare the will of God pure and plain and without fear
according to the Bible ; in short, a preacher who does not preach for
pay or money, but has on his heart more than all else the welfare and
salvation of his hearers. Long before the death of our deceased
father this was his greatest concern, but it pleased Divine Providence
to take away this burden of his heart yet before his death, and to
make evident that with him is counsel and help when one least looks
for it. Through a special providence, Frederick SchafFer happened
to come hither. He preached in our church, was by the deceased
William Otterbein solemnly ordained to preach, and consented to
serve this congregation since that time. We have reason to believe
that the majority of the members are well satisfied with him, and
that, with the help of the Lord, he labored among us profitably. The
vestry would have no hesitancy in recommending said Frederick
Schafier as the preacher of the congregation, and expecting all else
from the help and assistance of Jesus Christ, if they were not
convinced that insurmountable difficulties stand in the way. In
order, therefore, to avoid all difficulties and to presei've this congre-
gation, the vestry have drawn up the following resolutions, which
they herewith lay before the congregation for their approval or re-
jection :
I^rst. That this congregation connect itself with the United
Brethren, so that from time to time we may by them be supplied
with preachers.
Second. That this congregation will provide for the support and
annual salary of the preacher.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE 37
Third. That the vestry elect two members of the congregation to
make the United Brethren, in their conference, acquainted with
these resolutions.
After mature consideration, these resolutions were submitted to
the members of the church present for acceptance or rejection. 80,
as the votes in the church-book to the names of those present show,
the result was, thirty-five votes were cast for approval and only one
for rejection. So the above resolutions were approved.
A true copy. John Hildt.
This, the 9th day of May, 1815, the following preachers
assembled at Henry Kumler's, in Franklin County, Penn-
sylvania, to hold conference : ( 1 ) Christian Newcomer,
(2) John Neidig, (3) Abraham Mayer, (4) David Snyder,
(5) John Baer, (6) John Kreider, (7) Isaac Niswander, (8)
Jacob Dehof, (9) John Snyder, (10) Valentine Baulus, (11)
Henry Spayth, (12) George Geeting, (13) Henry Kumler,
(14) Michael Baer, (15) Henry Hiestand, (16) Jacob
Baulus, (17) Henry Joseph Fry, (18) Jacob Wenger, (19)
Christian Berger, (20) Joseph Hoffman, (21) Jacob Winter,
(22) Jonas Witmer. May the Lord make us faithful
laborers in his vineyard. Amen.
1. Conference opened with the reading of the second
chapter of — Timothy ; then some verses were sung, and
then hearty prayer. This was repeated, so that we spent
several hours thus, which God specially blessed.
2. Letters were read from various brethren, and one
from the Baltimore congregation. They desire that Brother
Hoffman shall further serve them.
3. Resolved that Valentine Hiskey and Peter Swartz
shall have a certificate of permission to preach.
4. Resolved that Daniel Pfeifer shall have a certificate
of permission to exhort.
5. Resolved that Jacob Flickinger shall have a certifi-
cate of permission to exhort.
6. Resolved that George Brown shall have a certificate
of permission to exhort.
May 10 the session was opened with the reading of the
third chapter of Philippians.
7. Resolved that Jacob Dehof shall have a certificate of
permission to baptize, assist in administering the Lord's
supper, and solemnize marriage.
8. Resolved that Samuel Huber shall have a certificate
of permission to exhort.
9. Resolved that Jonas Witmer shall have a certificate
of permission to preach.
10. Resolved that Samuel Brandt shall have a certificate
of permission to exhort.
11. The preachers were examined.
12. It was asked who can give themselves up as travel-
ing preachers. (1) John Snyder, (2) Henry Spayth, (3)
Henry Kumler, (4) Isaac Niswander, (5) Joseph Hoffman,
(6) Jacob Dehof.
13. Resolved that a prayer- and fast-day be observed
August 11, 1S15, throughout the whole society.
14. Resolved that in 1816 the conference be held the
second Tuesday in May, at David Long's, in Fautz' Valley,
in Pennsylvania.
15. Resolved that a camp-meeting shall be held August
17, at Rocky Springs. May the Lord give it his blessing.
Then the session closed with prayer. May the Lord
Jesus let his abiding blessing rest upon us. This was one
of the most blessed sessions that we have ever had. May
the dear Jesus yet ever give us the true token that we may
be able to love one another, and may he put all such as are
not sincere far from us.
Christian Newcomer.
Jacob Baulus, Secretary.
This, the 7th of May, 1816, the annual conference
assembled at the house of David Long in Cumberland
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE 39
County, Pennsylvania. The following preachers were
present: (1) Christian Newcomer, (2) Abraham Mayer,
(3) John Snyder, (4) John Neidig, (5) Christian Smith,
(6) Joseph Hoffman, (7) David Snyder, (8) Henry Kumler,
(9) Michael Baer, (10) George Geeting, (11) Jacob Dehof,
(12) David Long, (13) Abraham H^rshey, (14) Hermann
Ow, (15) George Hoffman, (16) Peter Swartz, (17) Jacob
Baulus.
The session opened with reading the first chapter of
Titus ; then followed prayer by all. This God specially
blessed.
In the afternoon the fifteenth chapter of John was read.
1. The preachers were examined as to how they stand
before God and toward their fellow-men.
May 8 the session opened with reading the fifty-eighth
chapter of Isaiah, and prayer.
2. The first thing taken up was that Henry Kumler,
George Geeting, George Hoffman, and Peter Swartz were
elected to elders' orders and were ordained by the laying on
of hands.
3. Resolved that Jacob Flickinger and Samuel Huber
shall have license to preach.
4. Resolved that William Brown shall have license to
preach.
5. Resolved that a camp-meeting shall be held August
■ 8, at Leonhart Middlekoff 's, four miles from Hagerstown.
In the afternoon the session opened with reading the
fourth chapter of Ephesians.
6. It was asked by the bishop who give themselves
up to travel. (1) Joseph Hoffman, (2) John Snyder, (3)
Henry Kumler, (4) Jacob Dehof, (5) Michael Baer.
7. Resolved that Abraham Mayer, Joseph Hoffman,
and Jacob Baulus be elected presiding elders for two
vears.
40 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
8. Resolved that the annual conference shall be held
May 15, 1817, at Geeting's Meeting-house, in Washington
County, Maryland.
May 9 the session opened with reading the tenth chapter
of — Corinthians, and prayer.
9. Resolved that August 2 shall be a day of prayer.
Then the session was closed with prayer. It was a
blessed conference. May the Lord bestow his blessing
upon each one. Jacob Baulus, Secretary.
This, the 15th of May, 1817, the annual conference met
at the Antietam, in the so-called schoolhouse, Washington
County, Maryland. The following preachers were present :
(1) Christian Newcomer, (2) Abraham Mayer, (3) John
Neidig, (4) Christian Hershey, (5) Jacob Baulus, (6) Joseph
Hoffman, (7) John Snyder, (8) Valentine Baulus, (9)
Henry Spaytli, (10) John Kreider, (11) Jacob Dehof,
(12) Samuel Huber, (13) Michael Thomas, (14) George
Geeting, (15) Isaac Niswander, (16) Jacob Winter, (17)
Conrad Roth, (18) Jacob Wenger, (19) John Baer, (20)
Henry Kumler, (21) Jacob Flickinger, (22) Christian
Berger, (23) John Hildt, (24) George Brown, (25) William
Brown, (26) David Fleck.
The session opened with reading the twelfth chapter of
Romans. Then all joined in singing and prayer.
1. The letters coming to the conference were read ; one
from the congregation in Baltimore, another from Brother
Krura, and a third from Brother Andrew Zeller.
2. Brothers Jacob Baulus and John Hildt were elected
as the secretaries of the conference, and Abraham Mayer
as chairman in connection with the bishop.
3. Resolved that Brothers John Hildt, Jacob Brazer,
William Brown, and David Fleck shall have license to
] (reach.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE 41
4. Resolved that Brothers John Suyder and Valentine
Baulus be ordained as elders.
Then adjourned with prayer.
May 16 the session was opened with reading the fifth
chapter of Matthew, and hearty singing and prayer.
The preachers were examined as to how they stood
toward God and their fellow-men, and as to their conduct
in general. In the course of this there streamed down,
God be thanked, many gracious tears of joy.
In the afternoon the session opened with reading the
third chapter of Colossians and hearty singing and prayer.
The examination of preachers was continued.
Then Brothers John Kreider and Valentine Baulus
were ordained as elders. God poured out upon us a great
blessing.
May 17 the session opened with reading the first chapter
of Philippians, and hearty singing and prayer.
Resolved that a camp-meeting be held on Brother Mid-
dlekofF's land, near Hagerstown, on Thursday, the 14th
of August.
Resolved that the next annual conference be held at
Brother Hershey's, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the
first Tuesday in May, 1818.
Resolved that an account of all money received by the
traveling preachers, and how it is paid out, shall in the
future be kept by the presiding elders, copied into the pro-
tocol, and laid before the annual conference. Also, this
account shall begin with the year 1816.
Brothers John Snyder and Henry Kumler are chosen
presiding elders.
Resolved that Friday, the 1st of August, shall be kept
by the United Brethren in Christ as a day of general
humiliation and prayer.
John Hildt, Secretary.
42 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
This, the 5th day of May, 1818, the United Brethren
in Christ assembled in conference at the house of Brother
Christian Hershey, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
The following preachers were present : (1) Christian New-
comer, (2) A. Zeller, (3) C. Grosh, (4) Joseph Hoffman,
(5) Abraham Mayer, (6) Henry Kumler, (7) Valentine
Baulus, (8) Wilham Brown, (9) Jacob Wenger, (10)
Samuel Huber, (11) Michael Baer, (12) H. G. Spayth,
(13) Jacob Lehman, (14) Christian Hershey, (15) Daniel
Gingerich, (16) Joseph Jordan, (17) John Geisinger, (18)
Abraham Hershey, (19) John Snyder, (20) G. Brown,
(21) C. Roth, (22) D. Fleck, (23) G. Kolb, (24) Chris-
tian Smith, (25) J. Zentmeyer, (26) D. Pfeifer.
1. At the opening of the conference the fifteenth chapter
of John was read, then hearty prayer for the blessing of God.
2. The preachers present were examined in respect to
their spiritual condition and their oflBce.
Closed for to-day with hearty prayer.
May 6, the fourth chapter of First Corinthians was read,
and prayer for the continued blessing of God.
3. Resolved that a license to exhort be given Brother
Abraham Horner, of Law Creek Valley.
4. Further, that license to exhort be given to Brother
John Russel and Brother Conrad Wiest.
5. Resolved that a license to preach be given to Brother
Daniel Pfeifer, of Sherman's Valley.
6. The following preachers have determined to travel
this year: John Snyder, William Brown, David Fleck,
Jacob Wenger, for one half year, Michael Baer, for one
half year, Conrad Roth, Valentine Baulus, Henry Kumler,
for one half year.
7. Resolved that the next annual conference be held
at the house of Brother Valentine Doup, in Frederick
County, Maryland, the first Tuesday in May.
THE EASTERN CONFERENCE 43
8. Resolved that a camp-meeting shall be held at
Brother Middlekoff's, near Hagerstown, commencing Au-
gust 20, 1818.
9. Resolved that August 14 and the next New- Year's
Day be observed as days of prayer.
10. Resolved that Conrad Roth have permission to
preach one year in and around Hagerstown, with the con-
dition that he, after harvest, go to Virginia, there to take
charge of the great meetings, provided his health permits.
11. This, the 7th of May, 1818. At the last a letter
from Baltimore, brought by J. Snyder, was handed over,
relating to the raising of a fund to supplement the small
salaries of the poor preachers who preach in the frontier
or western countries under the direction of the conference.
As already a beginning had been made at a conference held
the 11th of June, 1816, in the State of Ohio, we have
concluded to make an attempt, the Lord willing, through
affording an opportunity to the people who may be willing
that they give something thereto out of a free will.
12. And now is the present conference closed in peace
and with hearty prayer. To the Lord be praise therefor
in Christ. Amen.
Subscribed by the writer,
Christian Newcomer.^
•Only sections 11 and 12 are in Newcomer'8 handwriting.— Editor.
AN INTERCHANGE OP LETTERS OF CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN
THE GERMAN UNITED BRETHRSN AND THE METH-
ODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, TRULY RE-
CORDED AS FOLLOWS : ^
To the Conference of the United Brethren.
Very dear Brethren : We, the members of the Bal-
timore Conference, being deeply sensible of the great utility
of union among Christian ministers and members (as far
as circumstances will permit) in carrying on the work of
God and promoting the interest of the Redeemer's king-
dom, viewing you as friends and brethren engaged in the
same glorious work with ourselves, have, after mature
deliberation, thought proper to offer to you the following
terms, in order to establish a closer and more permanent
union among us.
1. We think it advisable for your own good and pros-
perity that each minister or preacher who is acknowledged
by the United Brethren should receive from your confer-
ence a regular license, which may introduce them to our
pulpits and privileges and prevent impositions, as there are
many who profess to be in union with you that are not
» The letters following are given as they occur in stitched manuscript placed
within the conference record. All are recorded in the English language. All
except the last were published in Lawrence's History, the most of them also in
Spayth's, strict exactness, however, not being observed. The last letter, which
had become separated from the rest, is now published for the first time. The
fragment of a letter signed by Beverly Waugh has liliewise not before been
printed. Some pages of the manuscript record of the letters have been lost
since the letters were incorporated in Lawrence's History. The parts lost are
supplied from Lawrence's History as follows: The letter signed by Christian
Newcomer, dated May 25, 1811, beginning with the words "number yet among
■as"; the letter signed by Nicholas Snethen, dated March 26, 1812; the letter
signed by Christian Newcomer, dated May 13, 1812.
45
46 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS
acknowledged by you. And we would further advise that
you favor each of our presiding elders with a list of the
names of those ministers so acknowledged and licensed by
you within the bounds of his district, that there may be
no difficulties in admitting them to our privileges. And
we would further observe that all our traveling ministers
and preachers have their names printed in the minutes
of our annual conferences, and our local ministers and
preachers have credentials of ordination, or a written
license, and we hope that you will admit none to your
privileges calling themselves Methodist preachers but such
as have their names on the minutes, or as are licensed as
above mentioned.
2. As we have long experienced the utility of a Chris-
tian discipline to prevent immorality among our people,
we would earnestly recommend to you to establish a strict
discipline among you, which might be a "defence of your
glory." Our Discipline is printed in your language, and
we would recommend it to your consideration, to adopt it,
or any part of it that you in your wisdom may think
proper, or any other form that you may judge best. And
that under a discipline so established you make use of
every Christian and prudential means to unite your members
together in societies among yourselves. By these means we
think your people will become more spiritual, and your
labors be much more successful under the blessing of God.
3. All those members among you who are united in
such societies, or may liereafter be united, may be admitted
to the privileges of class-meetings, sacraments, and love-
feasts in our church, provided they have a certificate of
their membership signed by a regularly licensed preacher
of your church. And to prevent inconvenience, we wish
you to furnish each of our preachers with a list of the
names of all such members as may be in the bounds of
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS 47
their respective circuits, that they may know who are your
members.
In order further to estabUsh this union, which we so
much desire, we have given particular instructions to our
presiding elders and preachers who have the charge of
districts and circuits where the United Brethren live, to
admit your preachers and members, as above specified, to
our privileges, and also to leave a list of the names of your
preachers and members in the bounds of their respective
districts or circuits for their successors, that they may have
no difficulties in knowing whom you acknowledge as preach-
ers or members.
Thus, dear brethren, you may see that we sincerely wish
to accommodate you as far as we can consistent with the
discipline which binds us together as a spiritual people.
We think that we have proposed to you such terms of
accommodation as will meet your wishes, and if carried
into operation among you, we hope and believe a door wdll
be opened for general usefulness among and with each
other. We are persuaded that the great Head of the
church will smile on us and own our labors of love, and
we shall be blessed in seeing our children converted to God
and become useful members of that church which they
may choose.
And now, dear brethren, we commend you and your
charge to God, praying that the Lord may be with you,
and bless you in your conference, and bless your honest
labors to promote his glory and the interest of Christ's
kingdom in the world.
We are, dear brethren, your sincere friends and brethren
in Christ.
Signed by order and in behalf of the conference.
Francis Asbury.
William McKendree.
48 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS
Brethren in Christ Jesus : At our conference held in
Lancaster County, the 10th, 11th, and 12th of May, 1809, after
having taken into serious consideration all those points con-
cerning a close union between the German United Brethren
and the English Methodist Episcopal Church as they have
been proposed by an epistle from the late Baltimore Confer-
ence, directed unto us, as well as verbally by two of their
ministers, namely, James Hunter and James Smith, it did
appear the fundamental Christian doctrines as held by the
two societies to be the same ; and all the differences between
the two, namely, to consist in some external church regu-
lations.
Truly it is to be lamented that not only in these our days,
but throughout the past centuries, by the setting up and ob-
truding of opinions, immense harm hath been done, yet our
conference doth not mean by their animadversion to hint
as any umbrage was given to [it, but] mentions it as a mat-
ter of reflection. As to the first point pro})Osed concerning a
written license to be given to our preachers, we had already
come to a conclusion about the same, but yet till now there
were some of us which had not received a formally written
license, but shall be supplied with it now, and such as
might refuse it we wish you to take the Christian liberty
not to look upon them as preachers ordained of us ; as we
likewise shall not receive any English preacher as ordained
of you except he hath a certificate of your conference.
And this did appear unto us as necessary to prevent dis-
orders as far as possible. As to what belongs to the second
point, concerning a token to be given by their respective
preachers, as well to the English as to the Germans, to such
members as might desire to partake of the Lord's supper
at the big and quarterly meetings, for the reasons men-
tioned above we think it proper and perfectly agreeing with
that order which becometh Christians.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS 49
Concerning the third point, with respect to such as by an
unchristian walk forfeit their privilege, we desire to act
in uniformity with you that such shall remain deprived of
Christian fellowship and communion as long as they remain
impenitent and neglect to amend their ways. Thus if we
continue not to do unto others what we would not wish
done unto us, under the influence of grace divine we are
confident that all jars shall soon be done away and our
meeting-houses will open by themselves. Any further
points to be considered will be deferred to our next confer-
ence. The God of peace and love, may he deign to unite
us still closer in the bonds of love and union in this present
time and throughout the eternal ages.
Be assured of our sincere love, as we are also confident
to have a place in yours.
Signed by Martin Boehm.
George Adam Geeting.
Christian Newcomer.
To the German United Brethren.
Dear Brethren : We hereby acknowledge the receipt
of the letter of the conference of the United Brethren
bearing date of the 10th of May, 1809, and are pleased to
observe that you are fully sensible of the propriety of
mutual letters of recommendation, both for preachers and
members of the two societies who may wish to participate
in each other's privileges.
We most earnestly encourage you to persevere in so use-
ful a determination and give it the fullest effect, as not only
the two societies, but the church of Christ and the cause
of God in general are interested in the detection of imposi-
tion among us.
Your determination to postpone the consideration of the
subject of discipline until vour next conference makes it
4
50 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS
improper for us to resume that subject, presuming that
you had sufficient reasons for so doing. We should have
been highly gratified if it had been consistent with your
circumstances to have given a final decision on the prin-
ciples of the union which we proposed, and which we
conceive is devoutly to be desired by the two societies.
We are thankful to find that the spirit of Christian and
brotherly love still prevails among you towards us, and
do assure you that we reciprocate the affection, and hope
never to do to you otherwise than we would have you
do to us, and shall continue to receive with an attention
suitable to their importance any communications which
you may deem proper to forward to us.
Wishing you great peace in your own souls, and great
harmony in your conference, and great success in your
ministerial labors, we remain your brethren and fellow-
laborers in the kingdom and patience of Christ.
Signed in behalf of the conference,
Joseph Toy, Secretary}
ADDRESS TO THE "UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST.'"^
Dearly beloved Brethren : Having received your
letter, etc., etc., we finally agree with you to give the right
hand of fellowship, to preach the gospel of a crucified
Redeemer, and work together in spiritual peace and har-
mony to bring lost sinners home to God through repentance
and holiness. And we further agree with you that our
preaching houses of public worship shall be open to all
your preachers who have license from you. Likewise, it
is our earnest wish that you should open all your public
preaching houses to all our preachers that have written
license from us. We also inform you that we have regu-
lations upon record to walk by, to direct our preachers to
'The reply of the United Brotlircn has not been preserved.— Editok.
»A letter written in 1810.— Editor.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS 51
keep class-meetings, or to form classes at any place they
think proper, etc. And, lastly, we give unto you the right
hand of fellowship, and assure you that we shall always,
as much as in our power lies, do unto you as we wish
you to do unto us.
We also crave an interest in yoiir prayers, and assure
you that it is our full desire to live in as close a connec-
tion with you as the nature of the case will admit, to bear
with each other in love, and, holding the same principles
and preaching the same doctrines, we will not suffer smaller
things, and only the shadows of religion, to separate us
from each other. Nicholas Snethen.
To Christian Newcomer.
AN address from THE BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
TO THE "UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST."
Dearly beloved Brethren : We have received your
affectionate letter with hearty thankfulness that the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of all peace and consola-
tion, has inclined our hearts to unite in the "bonds of the
gospel, to walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and
given himself for us. We consider now, if we have not
misunderstood you, that we are fully agreed in respect of
the necessity of union and a mutual endeavor to accom-
plish it. We have therefore directed and instructed all our
presiding elders and preachers whose business it may be,
to consult with the United Brethren in their several dis-
tricts and circuits about the most expedient form of carry-
ing the proposed union into effect. To our own forms of
license and certifications, etc., we presume you can have no
objection, as they have been of long use among us. If
you have already a fixed form, we shall cheerfully accept
it, and would only advise that if you have one yet to fix
upon, you may bear in mind whether it will not be proper
52 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS
to be somewhat uniform in tiie formation of the licenses for
your preachers and the certificates for your members ; but
should you see proper to vary in different places, our
brethren are instructed to make no objections on that head,
but merely to seek for information and conform to your
usage accordingly. You will please, then, dear brethren,
to accept from us the right hand of fellowship and our
assurances that all our preaching houses shall be open to
your licensed preachers, as far as our power and advice
may extend (for some of our houses may be under the
control of trustees), and that our sacraments, love-
feasts, and class-meetings shall be open to your members
who apply with such form of certification as you may judge
proper, according to our proposals sent to you from the
Harrisonburg Conference.
As soon as our presiding elders and preachers return to
their respective districts and circuits, we shall consider this
union as having commenced on our part. But we propose
to keep open an intercourse between the two conferences, to
improve and perfect the plan as far as experience may fur-
nish matter of improvement.
We hope to hear from you at our next annual conference,
and we invite you to exercise the fullest confidence in us in
your correspondence. Having given you this invitation we
take the same liberty. We hope you will not indulge for a
moment a suspicion that we wish to interfere in your confer-
ence and church concerns. There will constantly, no doubt,
be many in both churches not disposed to become privileged
members ; none of our regulations can have any effect upon
such. But knowing, as we both do, the imperfections of
human nature, we cannot help foreseeing that offenses will
come between ministers and members of the two churches
who claim privileges. Now we think that some plan ought
to be agreed upon for the settlement of all such difficulties.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS 53
As nothing can now be done decisively, we beg leave to
propose to you the following plan for your consideration :
First. If any preacher or member of either church
claiming to be a privileged preacher or member in the
other shall be accused of anything contrary to Christian
prudence or Christian conduct by the church in which he
may be a privileged preacher or member, the accusation
shall be made to the conference or church in which he is in
regular membership, who shall try and judge accordingly.
But in cases of this kind, if the difficulty be not settled
according to the satisfaction of the conference or church
making the complaint, or bringing the accusation, his breth-
ren shall advise and request him to desist from the use of
the privileges, and to confine himself to his own proper
conference or church.
Secondly. No preacher or member who shall have been
excluded by one conference or church shall be received by
the other.
Thirdly. As often as may be convenient a messenger
shall be sent with any letter which shall be addressed from
one conference to the other, with instructions to explain any
difficulties.
We invited our beloved Brother Newcomer to a seat in
our conference as your messenger, and he is doubly dear
to us as the messenger of such joyful tidings of brotherly
love from you. ''How beautiful upon the mountains are
the feet" of all the messengers of mercy and love and
peace and good will.
We have the happiness to inform you that we have
enjoyed great harmony and love in our conference, and
by what we can learn of the state of religion at present, we
have many tokens of good and abundance of evidence that
God is waiting to be gracious.
Wishing you peace and prosperity in the kingdom and
54 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS
patience of our Lord Jesus Christ, we remain your afifec-
tionate brethren in the bonds of Christian fellowship.
Joseph Toy, Secretary.
March 27, 181L
AN ADDRESS FROM THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST TO
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE.
Dearly beloved Brethren in Christ : We have re-
ceived your affectionate letter bearing date of March 27,
1811, by our brothers Borg and Swertzwelder, with much
joy and thankfulness, seeing therein that the God of love
has united your hearts in love and harmony with us, to
unite more and more together in the bonds of the gospel.
We are certain, brethren, if we walk in the light as chil-
dren of the light, we shall ere long be of one heart and
one mind. Seeing likewise the blessed fruits of our union
together in a measure already, and the glorious prospect
before us, we do not hesitate a moment longer to give
you the right hand of Christian fellowship again. We
have now formed our members in classes, as much as
possible. However, there are a number yet among us
who have not yet joined with us in this privilege, so long
delayed by us. We earnestly hope that you will instruct
your traveling preachers to bear with such as much as
the order of your church will admit. We would further
inform you that we have drawn up some regulations, or
discipline, among us, and shall endeavor, more and more,
to put them into effect among ourselves and our members.
Any preacher or private member expelled from your
church will not be received by us to the fellowship of
saints in Christ, and we do hope that you will do the
same in relation to those expelled by us, at least until
sufficient reason be found of their repentance and good
fruits.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS 55
We likewise hope that our mutual friendship and love to
each other will be increased yet more and more, and that
the intercourse, by letter and messengers from and to each
conference, may be kept up yearly, through which medium
difficulties may be readily adjusted, and more especially as
such messengers or communications will be joyfully re-
ceived by us and appreciated in the best possible way.
And, lastly, may the God of all peace and consolation,
who has united our hearts together in the gospel, spread
his militant church, by us, from pole to pole, and, finally,
when time is no more, make us, one and all, members of
his church triumphant, to praise God and the Lamb for-
ever. Remember us before the throne of God, is the earnest
prayer of your affectionate brethren. Wishing you peace
and prosperity in the kingdom and patience of our Lord
Jesus Christ, we remain your affectionate brethren in the
bonds of Christian fellowship.
Signed by order and in behalf of the conference.
Christian Newcomer.
May 25, 18U.
AN ADDRESS FROM THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE,
ASSEMBLED AT LEESBURG, TO THE UNITED
BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
To the Conference of the United Brethren.
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Behold how good and
pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell in unity.
May the holy leaven leaven the whole lump. We do
most cordially and sincerely join with you in praying
that He who has united our hearts in the gospel may
make us instrumental in assisting to spread his militant
church from pole to pole, and, finally, when time is no
more, make us, one and all, members of the church tri-
umphant, to praise God and the Lamb for ever and ever.
5G CORRESPONDEN'CE WITH THE METHODISTS
We have the happiness to inform you that we do not
recollect when we had so gracious a sitting together. " Our
peace surpasseth all understanding, and our joy is un-
speakable and full of glory." We taste unspeakable bliss.
" The power of the Highest overshadowed us, and the glory
of God is in the midst of us." Hallelujah !
We have instructed our preachers to deal very tenderly
with those members of your church who have not fully
come into our measures of union, as far as the rules and
orders of our church will admit, hoping and trusting that
you will still do all in your power to promote and extend
the spirit and practice of discipline among them, it being
evident that our mutual success depends upon our union,
wherever our lines of labor come together.
We agree with you in the advantage of correspondence
and an interchange of messengers. Brother Newcomer
was received by us, and we have appointed our brothers
Alfred Griffith and John Swertzwelder as messengers to
your next conference, with whom you may consult on any
subject relative to the desired object of a final and perfect
harmony.
We remain, dear brethren, your affectionate fellow-labor-
ers in the bonds of peace.
Nicholas Snethen.
March 26, 181'2.
THE PHILADELPHIA CONFERENCE TO THE CONFERENCE OF
THE GERMAN UNITED BRETHREN, TO MEET AT
ANTIETAM, WASHINGTON COUNTY, STATE
OF MARYLAND.
The Philadelphia Conference to the United German Brethren,
Greeting.
Dearly beloved Brethren : We have been made
acquainted witli the friendly correspondence that has taken
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS 57
place between you and the Baltimore Conference, tending
to a happy union, and being informed by your messenger,
Christian Newcomer, that it is your wish to enter into a
like friendly correspondence with us, we therefore hasten
to inform you that we are willing most cordially to embrace
you as brethren in the kingdom and patience of Jesus
Christ, and are ready to enter into the strictest union with
you that the peculiar circumstances of the two societies
will admit of, and have accordingly appointed two of our
members, William Fox and William Foulks, to meet you
at your next conference, to aid in the accomplishment of
this desired object.
It was, dear brethren, the prayer of Christ, your Lord
and ours, that his people might be one, and that, for the
best of all purposes, that is, that they might be perfected in
one. We are, dear brethren, yours in the bonds of a pure
and peaceful gospel.
Signed by order and in behalf of the Philadelphia Con-
ference at the annual meeting, in Philadelphia, 2oth April,
1812. William S. Fisher, Secretary.
AN ADDRESS TO THE CONFERENCE OF THE METHODIST
EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ASSEMBLED IN BALTIMORE,
FROM THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.
Dearly beloved Brethren : The members of the
conference of the United Brethren assembled at George
Adam Geeting's, with the greatest satisfaction mention
the receipt of your address from Leesburg. Our souls
have been truly refreshed, particularly when we received
the news of love, uniting our kindred souls. We will
adopt the language of the royal psalmist with you : "'Tis
good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity."
We do cordially and sincerely pray that Jehovah may
make us individually instrumental in spreading his blessed
58 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS
cause, and extending his militant church from the rivers to
the ends of the earth. We rejoice with you that the power
of the Lord was in your midst ; our hearts also burned
with love, while consulting on the welfare of Zion.
We are truly thankful for the delicacy and tenderness
intimated in your letter, as touching those members of our
church that may not as yet be divested of certain peculiar-
ities. But we humbly hope that the mists will ere long,
through the effulgence of gospel day, be dispersed from
every mind. We have in many places succeeded in form-
ing class-meetings and extending discipline, and, as far as
prudence shall dictate, we will pursue.
An interchange of messengers and correspondence will
still be deemed a favor. Brothers A. Griffith and J. Swertz-
welder were thankfully received by us, with whom we
had the happiness to consult on the much desired subject
of permanent peace and harmony.
Brothers G. A. Geeting and C. Newcomer were in-
structed as messengers to you. Finally, brethren, may
the God of love and peace unite our hearts and efforts
in the indissoluble bonds of Jesus' love, is the prayer of
your fellow-laborers in the blessed gospel of peace.
Signed in behalf and by consent of the conference.
Christian Newcomer.
Washington County, Maryland, May 13, 1812.
AN ADDRESS FROM THE CONFERENCE OF THE GERMAN
UNITED BRETHREN.
To the Methodist Episcopal Church, Philadelphia Conference,
Greeting.
Dearly beloved Brethren : We received your friendly
address with much pleasure. We exult to hear you are
ready to enter into terms of union with us, as our bretliren
of the Baltimore Conference have done, and pray that it
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS 59
may terminate in as happy an union, and have no doubt
but it will, if you pursue the same charitable and friendly
steps towards us as they have taken. We wish, dear breth-
ren, ever to do unto you as we would be done by. May the
Lord unite our hearts in love and help us to pull together
in the yoke of Christ, that we may be as true yoke-fellows
indeed, and may the kingdom of God our Saviour be
mightily established in the earth by our united efforts.
Brethren, pray for us. We have appointed our brethren
Christian Smith and David Snyder as messengers to your
next conference, with whom you may consult on any sub-
ject leading towards our contemplated union.
We remain, dear brethren, yours in the bonds of the
peaceful gospel.
Signed by order. George A. Geeting.
May 15, 1812.
[fragment from the BALTIMORE CONFERENCE.]
but hath furnished us with complete means for this great
work, to wit, oracles of God, an inexhaustible fountain
of truth, and the unction of the Holy Spirit of grace to
enable us to perform every good word and work. Pure
doctrinal truth and gospel discipline dispel darkness from
the mind, and correct the errors of the heart and life, and,
through the efficacy of the Spirit, perfect us in the love
of God. We acknowledge the receipt of your affectionate
address by our respected brethren, C. Newcomer and C.
Krum, and rejoice to hear of your success in forming
classes and extending discipline ; the closer the union of
Christians can be drawn, the more readily they yield to
gospel discipline, and we still recommend a prudent per-
severance in this good work, knowing from long and happy
experience that your labor will not be in vain in the Lord.
We shall rejoice to embrace every opportunity of con-
60 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS
suiting together openly and freely ou the most proper
means to promote peace and perfect harmony. In order
thereto we have appointed our much respected brethren
Robert Birch and James McCann as bearers of this address
to your respectable body, whom we recommend to you as
persons able and ready to give any information on the
subject of peace and union that you may require.
Finally, brethren, we recommend you to God and the
word of his grace, praying that his peace and love may
unite all our souls in Christ Jesus, and that we may all see
the pleasure of the Lord prospering in our hands, till they
that sow and they that reap shall meet and rejoice together
in the kingdom of God for ever and ever.
Signed in behalf and at the request of the Baltimore
Annual Conference, held in the city of Baltimore, March
30, 1813. Beverly Waugh, Secretary.
ADDRESS FROM THE PHILADELPHIA CONFERENCE OF THE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO THE GERMAN
CONFERENCE OF UNITED BRETHREN.
Dearly beloved Brethren : Your friendly address
by your brother and ours and your messenger, Christian
Smith, we received with pleasure. We rbeg you to be
assured of our continued regard for you, and cordial desire
of Christian union and communion, as far as may be
consistent with the order and discipline of our respective
churches. Our doctrines are fixed and established ; our
discipline is binding upon [us] by the authority of our Gen-
eral Conference, and we have long experienced and proved
the great advantage of such regulations ; consequently
to these in our church communion and fellowship we feel
ourselves bound by the most sacred obligations to have
an especial regard. And might we not, brethren, recom-
mend them to your consideration, that you may "prove
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS 61
all things, and hold fast that which is good " V We have
appointed our brethren WiUiam Hunter and H. Boehm to
present to you this address, and to assure you that your
messengers and communications will always be welcome
to us. We are pleased to find, by the reports from different
and distant places, and happy to be able to inform you,
that our blessed Redeemer is still carrying on the work
of spiritual peace and reconciliation, notwithstanding the
commotions and convulsions in the world, and hope
the time is not far distant in which the human race
shall be united as the common workmanship of the com-
mon Creator's hands and the common purchase of the
common Saviour's blood. We pray our gracious and holy
Lord abundantly to bless you and incline your hearts to
supplicate for us before his throne. May you be divinely
assisted in all your deliberations, and see the Lord's pleas-
ure abundantly prospering in your hands to the glory of
[our] God and your God, through Jesus Christ, your Lord
and ours.
Signed in behalf of the conference.
William S. Fisher, Secretary.
PHiLADEiiPHiA, Ist May, 1813.
To the Baltimore Annual Conference, to he Held in the City of
Baltimore, March, I8I4..
Dearly beloved Brethren : At this important period,
while our national tranquillity is disturbed with the deso-
lations of war, we rejoice to find that there is yet prevailing
among you a growing disposition to spread the odors of
our Redeemer's name among the people of the United
States of America.
We received your affectionate address by the hands of
your messengers, our beloved brethren, R. Birch and J.
McCann, and cordially unite with you in praying that
62 CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS
our united efforts may be more and more successful in
spreading the victorious kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ.
And brethren, this we believe we will not fail to accom-
plish if we endeavor to lay aside all national prejudices
and betake ourselves to more solemn fasting, humiliation,
and prayer, and in spirit, conversation, and public labor
more ardently endeavor to raise up a people for the Lord
God of hosts, in the midst of the earth. Mingled as our
hearers and members are throughout this widely-extended
country, we are the more convinced that one spiritual
interest should exist among us, and lead us all on to the
exercise of more powerful exertions to fill the world with
the knowledge of our gracious and benevolent God.
We firmly believe with you, brethren, that pure doctrinal
truth and gospel discipline dispel darkness from the inind^
and correct the errors of the heart and life, and through
the efficacy of the Spirit perfect us in the love of God.
Endeavoring, as we are, to become united in establishing
a real gospel discipline among our people, we have it in
lovely contemplation soon to have printed and circulated
among our members a system of rules, which, though
they may appear in some respects imperfect, yet may serve
for the commencement of a form of government for our
people, which may in process of time be improved to such
a state of perfection as may be to the benefit and happiness
of future generations. But as we cannot at present inform
you in this letter concerning the general form of the Dis-
cipline we contemplate publishing, the bearers of this letter
to your conference, our beloved brethren Christian New-
comer and Valentine Baulus, will be fully qualified, and
shall have power, to give you any information that may be
necessary concerning the progress in discipline we shall
have made during the labors of the present year.
Desiring to contirue a friendly correspondence with you
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE METHODISTS 63
by letter, brethren, we wish you all success in the holy
labors of the gospel, hoping that we shall have an inter-
est in your prayers and good wishes, while at the same
time, we assure you, we will endeavor not to fail to pray
to the God of all grace for you, and wish you all possible
success in the good work of the Lofd.
Signed in behalf and by order of the conference of the
United Brethren in Christ held in Lancaster County, May
6, 1813. Christian Smith, Secretary.
To the United Brethren Assembled in Conference.
Beloved Brethren : By this we acknowledge the re-
ceipt of your letter, by the hands of your messengers, our
brethren, C. Newcomer and Baulus. We are pleased to
find that our common interest actuates us in our efforts to
establish a permanent union, and that so far the good
resulting justifies the measure. Furthermore, we rejoice
that you are progressing in the work of organization and
discipline. This we are ever willing to help forward, being
convinced that all real union and friendship must be
founded in truth and order. To this end, brethren, we
must keep in view the items specified in a former letter
from this conference, as terms of union. Being thus har-
monious in sentiment and interest, we think it unnecessary
to continue the ceremony of annual letters, etc., believing
[it] sufficient to leave the door of friendly intercourse
open, that, if in the progress of time and experience any-
thing of importance should occur, there may be a free
communication. Thus impressed with the importance of
cultivating brotherly love, we join with you in praying
that the Divine Spirit may accompany us in our mutual
endeavors to promote the general cause of truth and virtue.
Signed in behalf of the conference.
Beverly Waugh, Secretary.
March 22, 1814.
[minutes of the first and second general
conferences.]
This, the 6th of June, 1815, the following preachers
assembled for the General Conference, near Mount Pleas-
ant, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania : ^
1.
Christian Newcomer.
8.
Henry Spayth.
2.
Abraham Hiestand.
9.
John Snyder.
3.
Andrew Zeller.
10.
Abraham Mayer,
4.
Daniel Troyer.
11.
Henry Kumler.
5.
George Benedum.
12.
Abraham Troxel.
6.
Christian Krum.
13.
Christian Berger.
7.
Isaac Niswander.
14.
Jacob Baulus.
These persons were elected from the various districts to
the General Conference.
Brother Abraham Hiestand was chosen to assist the
bishop in the conference.
The conference was opened with the reading of the
fifth chapter of First Peter, then singing, and then prayer
by the most of the members. ,.m;
Then proceeded to business. !i
There was misunderstanding and prejudice on thei patt
of some, but this was removed in part.
A letter from Christopher Grosh, coming from their so-
called conference, was read. It was evident therefrom that
they had not considered the matter of which they wrote. >
Brother Newcomer was accused by Bonnet that he was
untruthful. The matter was investigated by three ptesid-
" » The General Conference minutes of 1815 and 1817 as here given are recorded
In the record of the Eastern Conference.— Editor.
5 65 , . .
66 FIRST AND SECOND GENERAL CONFERENCES
ing elders, and it was found that there was only a misun-
derstanding. He was in nothing liable to accusation.
The Confession of Faith and the Discipline were con-
sidered, in some respects enlarged, some things omitted,
on the whole improved, and ordered printed.
Jacob Baulus, Secretary.
Proceedings of the Second General Conference, held at
Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, June 2, 1817.
The United Brethren in Christ assembled in a general
conference.
The following preachers were present :
1. C. Newcomer.
2. Andrew Zeller.
3. Abraham Mayer.
4. Joseph Hoffman.
5. John Snyder.
6. H. Kumler.
1. The conference was opened with the reading of the
fourth chapter of Ephesians, singing, and prayer.
2. Andrew Zeller was chosen associate chairman, and
H. Spayth secretary.
3. Two letters were read, one from brethren in Wash-
ington County, Pennsylvania, and the other from brethren
in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Resolved to give them a
brotherly answer.
Closed for this day, with hearty prayer, till to-morrow
at eight o'clock.
June 3, opened with the reading of the second chapter
of Ephesians, singing, and prayer.
4. Resolved to give to Brother Abraham Forney license.
To this end he was solemnly ordained to the ministerial
office by Brothers C. Newcomer and A. Zeller with the
laying on of hands. Further,
7.
Jacob Dehof.
8.
L. Kramer.
9.
D. Mechlin.
10.
H. G. Spayth,
11.
C. Roth.
12.
H. Ow.
FIRST AND SECOND GENERAL CONFERENCES 67
5. Brother C. Newcomer and Brother A. Zeller were,
according to the Disciphne, chosen bishops.
Adjourned at noon with prayer.
At two o'clock the thirteenth chapter of Hebrews was
read, then singing and prayer, and again closed with
prayer till next day.
June 4. At the opening the ninth chapter of Romans was
read, then singing and prayer.
6. Resolved that the next General Conference shall be
held at Dewalt Mechlin's, in Pleasant Township, Fairfield
County, Ohio, beginning May 15, 1821.
7. Resolved that an annual conference shall be held in
the Muskingum District, beginning June 1, 1818.
8. Resolved that three hundred Disciplines be printed
in the German language, and one hundred in the English
language.
The conference again closed with preaching and hearty
prayer.
[minutes of the MIAMI CONFERENCE]
PROTOCOL
ONITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCES HELD IN
THE STATE OF OHIO
Brought Together from the Daily Proceedings at the
Order of the Conference
JOHN GEORGE PFRIMMER
1817'
' The conference gave the direction indicated above in 1816, as shown by the
minutes of that year. The minutes talien before that time had been preserved,
but not recorded. Some points of merely incidental character may have been
omitted by Mr. Pfrimmer, though it i-s to be borne in mind that many things of
primary significance were not originally included in the minutes.— Editor.
The first conference, held August 13, in the year of the
gracious birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ 1810, at Michael
Kreider's, in Ross County, Ohio.
The following preachers were present : Christian New-
comer, Christian Krum, George Benedum, Abraham Hie-
stand, John Froshauer, Michael Kreider, Daniel Troyer,
Thomas Winter, and Andrew Zeller, as full ministers [or
elders] ; Jacob Zeller, Ludwig Kramer, Henry Evinger,
and Henry Hiestand, preachers ; Frederick Klinger and
John Pontius, exhorters.
At the opening of the conference the third chapter of
the First Epistle of John was read, and then singing, and
prayer to God for his blessing to the furthering of the
kingdom of Jesus Christ.
2. The preachers made their confession of their expe-
rience of the love of God and their desire for the furthering
of his kingdom.
3. "We have agreed in outward observances to bear
with one another, as far as is agreeable with the Word of
God.
4. That we seek our salvation alone in Jesus our onl}'
Redeemer, and that alone through his meritorious blood
we must become just before God.
5. When any one transgresses, he shall be dealt with
according to Matthew 18 : 15-17.
August 23, 1811, a conference of the United Brethren in
Christ was held in Fairfield County.
At the opening of the conference the fourth chapter
72 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
of Second Timothys was read ; then singing, and prayer
for the furthering of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
The following preachers were present : Christian New-
comer, president ; George Benedum, Abraham Hiestand,
John Froshauer, Jacob Zeller, Frederick Klinger, Samuel
Mau, Ludwig Kramer, John Pontius, John Bauser, Dewalt
Mechlin, John Eckert, and Jacob Lehman.
PROCEEDINGS.
1. A hearty exhortation to the preachers by the
president.
2. There was an examination of all the preachers, how
it was with them, and it was found, according to their con-
fession, that they were altogether of one mind to be ever-
more faithful in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and his
kingdom ; then closed with hearty prayer.
The 24th, at eight o'clock, the conference was opened
with the reading of the twelfth chapter of Romans by
Brother Benedum, and hearty prayer.
The proceedings as follows :
1. The examination of the preachers concerning their
conduct.
2. On approval of the conference, resolved that Brothers
Ludwig Kramer and Jacob Zeller be received as full
ministers.
3. Resolved that Brothers John Pontius, John Bauser,
Dewalt Mechlin, and Jacob Lehman be authorized to preach
on a text, and Brother Eckert to exhort.
4. Resolved that a circuit in this part of the country
be formed, for the furthering of the kingdom of Jesus
Christ. Brother Samuel Mau and Brother Jacob Lehman
gave themselves with a free will for this service, and were
approved by the conference.
5. In the afternoon the conference resumed its session
THE MIAMI CONFERENCE i.O
after the reading of the third chapter of First John by
Brother Hiestand and prayer by Brother Jacob Lehman,
1. Brother George Benedum was chosen presiding elder
by the conference.
2. Resolved that spiritual societies or classes be formed,
and private meetings, with childlike inquiries as to the
inner condition of the heart.
3. Resolved that the next annual conference shall be
held near New Lancaster the last Thursday in August,
1813 [1812].
4. The conference was closed with a childlike exhorta-
tion by Brother Newcomer to all of the preachers to be
faithful, with stricter fidelity and uprightness, to the Lord
Jesus. Closed with a gracious season of prayer.
Subscribed by Christian Newcomer.
August 6, 1812, a conference was held in Montgomery
County, German Township, at Brother Andrew Zeller's.
The following preachers were present : Christian New-
comer, Andrew Zeller, Daniel Troyer, Thomas Winter,
William Ambrose, Frederick Klinger, Henry Evinger,
William P. Smith, Samuel Mau, full ministers ; Christian
Sherrer, preacher ; John McNamar, Jacob Kemp, and Peter
Weil, exhorters.
The conference was opened with reading of the fourth
chapter of Second Corinthians by Brother Newcomer, and
with song and earnest prayer to God.
PROCEEDINGS.
1. Resolved that a circuit be formed. All showed will-
ingness to further the same.
2. Thomas Winter, Henry Evinger, and Samuel Mau
gave themselves up freely to travel the circuit.
The next day, August 7, the conference assembled, and
74 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
the fifth chapter of Second Corinthians was read by Brother
Mau, and tlien singing and prayer.
1. The preachers were examined, and they confessed
love to God and union among themselves.
2. Two brethren were elected by ballot as delegates to
the conference of the Methodist brethren at Chillicothe,
namely, Thomas Winter and Daniel Troyer.
3. Recommended to our societies to observe the last
Thursday in October as a prayer- and fast-day, and to
implore the prosperity and welfare of Zioii.
4. Resolved that the next annual conference shall be
held the last Thursday in August near New Lancaster.
5. Andrew Zellerwas elected presiding elder for two years.
6. Resolved that the form of baptism be left to those
who are to be baptized.
7. Brothers Jacob Zeller, Frederick Klinger, Henry
Evinger, and Samuel Mau were appointed to the full per-
formance of the office of an evangelical preacher.
8. Christian Sherrer, William Smith, and John Evinger
were accepted as preachers.
The third day, August 8, the conference was opened with
the reading of the first part of the fourteenth chapter of
t'irst Corinthians by Brother Winter, and singing and prayer.
1. Peter Weil was advanced to the standing of a full
minister.
2. A communication to the Methodist brethren, and an-
other to the brethren in Kentucky, were read and approved.
3. The conference was closed with singing and prayer.
The above signed in the name of the conference by
William Smith,
August 26, 1813, a conference of the United Brethren in
Christ was held at Brother Peter Sites' in Pleasant Town-
ship, Fairfield County, Ohio.
THE MIAMI CONFERENCE 75
The following preachers were assembled : Christiau
Newcomer, Andrew Zeller, George Benedum, Abraham
Hiestand, Daniel Troyer, Thomas Winter, Henry Evinger,
Ludwig Kramer, Jacob Zeller, Frederick K linger, Dewalt
Mechlin, Henry Hiestand, John Evinger, Henry Miller,
William Smith, Jacob Lehman, John Pontius, and John
Bauser.
Brother Christian Newcomer, president.
The conference was begun with singing and prayer that
God may grant his holy presence for guidance, that every-
thing may be done for his glory and honor and for the
welfare of the Church. The third chapter of First Timothy
was then read, and proceeded to business.
William Smith was chosen secretary.
A letter was read from Brother Jacob Baulus, in which
he stated why he cannot be present. A letter was read
from Brother John McNamar, asking permission to preach.
Granted. Also a letter from Matthias Bortsfield requesting
full authority as a minister. Granted.
Then the report of the traveling preachers was taken up.
Thomas Winter and Henry Evinger, of Twin Creek Circuit,
reported that they had in the last year formed a circuit
consisting of forty-seven preaching places, with many other
requests for preaching. They received salary as follows :
Thomas Winter, $132.06; paid out, $5.81. Brother
Evinger received $53.51 ; paid out, $5.18|. This circuit
is divided, and the new is made Beaver Circuit. Brother
Lehman's report from New Lancaster is, received, $2.81
[$20.81 (?)].
A letter from the Albright brethren was read, asking for
a union. Deferred for consideration till to-morrow.
The next thing taken into consideration w^as the mode of
ordination and of receiving preachers. It was deplored
that too little order was observed, both in the reception and
76 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
the ordination of preachers. The conference took under
consideration whether it is proper to ordain preachers
without the laying on of hands of the elders. Conference
adjourned till to-morrow at eight o'clock.
The 27th, the conference assembled. After the reading
of a chapter from Titus, singing, and prayer, the matter of
writing a letter to Father Otterbein was taken up, asking
him to ordain, by the laying on of hands, one or more
preachers, who afterward may perform the same for others,
and was agreed to.
Resolved that the next conference shall be held August.
24, 1814, at Andrew Zeller's.
William Smith and Henry Miller were authorized to
perform all the services of ministers. John McNamar,
Christian Sherrer, and Henry Hiestaud were authorized to
preach. Brother Smaltz was authorized to exhort.
Afterwards a vote was taken for presiding elders, and
Andrew Zeller and Abraham Hiestand were elected for
one year.
After prayer adjourned till to-morrow at seven o'clock.
The 28th. After the reading of a chapter, and singings
and prayer, John Eckert was fully authorized to preachy
and Philip Kramer to exhort.
The special case of Henry Hiestand was taken under
consideration, inasmuch as various unfavorable reports were
in circulation respecting his life as a j)reacher, and the con-
ference to which he now belongs examined the matter and
found that much was false. Other things Henry confessed
that he was sorry for, and the conference was so far satisfied
that it gave him permission to preach for one year, and
after consideration the conference gave to him the right
hand as a sign of love.
Brother Newcomer brought a present of $30.00, given by
Matthias Kessler, of Fredericktown, which, according to his
THE MIAMI CONFERENCE 77
wish, was divided out to Brothers Lehman, Troyer, and
Winter. Also a collection was taken in the conference,
which was divided as follows : $2.00 to Brother Zeller,
$2.00 to H. Hiestand, $10.00 to Brother Newcomer for trav-
eling expenses, and $7.81| each to Brothers Winter, Evinger,
and Lehman. Brother Newcomer, out of the donation,
gave to Lehman $20.00.
Brother Winter received $5.00 in advance ; $126.25 from
circuit; $10.00 present ; $7.81 dividend; total, $149.06.
Brother Evinger, $48.33| from circuit ; $7.81 dividend ;
total, $56,141.
Brother Lehman, $20.00 present ; $10.00 present ; $20.-
81i from circuit ; $7.81J dividend ; total, $58.62^.
Resolved that two preachers. Brother Winter and Brother
D. Troyer, shall preach to-day at ten o'clock.
Then it was ordered that the next conference shall be
held August 23, 1814.
Then the conference closed with prayer and thanksgiving.
August 23, 1814, at Brother Andrew Zeller's, in Mont-
gomery County, Ohio, the time and place appointed, a
conference of the United Brethren in Christ was held.
The following preachers were present : Christian New-
comer, bishop ; Andrew Zeller, Abraham Hiestand, George
Benedum, Daniel Troyer, Henry Evinger, Henry Hiestand,
Jacob Zeller, John Evinger, Jacob Lehman, Philip Kramer,
John McNamar, Henry Miller, WiUiam P. Smith, Jacob
Kemp.
After the reading of the twelfth chapter of Romans, sing-
ing, and prayer, the following proceedings were taken up :
1. Examination of the preachers, then adjourned with
singing and prayer, till to-morrow morning at seven o'clock.
Wednesday, the 24th, assembled according to adjourn-
ment. ' '
78 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
Brother George Benedum and Brother A. Hiestaiid
preached very suitably to the occasion.
Resolved that when any one speaks he shall stand up and
address the president.
Then the questions, according to the rules, were followed
through.
Jacob Kemp was authorized to preach.
Henry Hiestand was authorized to preach and to admin-
ister the ordinances ; also John McNamar and Jacob
Lehman.
The present order [or discipline] of the Church was
taken under consideration and protested against.^
It was moved and adopted that there shall be a conven-
tion, and that two members from each district shall assemble
at Abraham Troxel's, in Westmoreland County. The
districts were arranged as follows : First district, Baltimore ;
second, Hagerstown ; third, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, south of
the Alleghany Mountains ; fourth, Pennsylvania north
of the Alleghany Mountains ; fifth, Muskingum ; sixth,.
New Lancaster, Ohio ; seventh, Miami ; eighth, Kentucky
and Indiana; ninth, Virginia. Tlie delegates shall como
together November 22 ; the time, however, was set forward
to June, next year. This convention shall form a church-
constitution for the Brethren.
Brother Winter declared that henceforth he would no-
longer belong to the Brotherhood, and was dismissed.
Brother John George Pfrimmer announced himself as a
member of this conference and was unanimously recognized.
Brother Troyer offered to travel for a half year.
Brother Lehman offered to travel for a fourth of a year.
The next conference the Tuesday after the second Sunday
in August next year.
>The reference Is to the discipline adopted earlier in the year by the old con-
ference. This is the second appearance of the term "Church " in the minutes, .
the first being in the minutes of 1813.— Editor.
THE MIAMI CONFERENCE 79
The presiding elders were next elected. Brother Andrew
Zeller and Daniel Troyer [were nominated] for the Miami
District, and Brother George Benedum and Abraham
Hiestand for New Lancaster District. According to the
votes Andrew Zeller for Miami District and G. Benedum
for New Lancaster District were elected and confirmed.
The itinerant plan was anew unanimously agreed to.
The collection of hymns for a new hymn book by T.
Winter and Henry Evinger is postponed till the next
General Conference.
A letter from the Methodist conference was read relating
to a closer union, and an answer given which was sent
through Brothers Evinger and Smith. Acknowledged our
desire for a union according to the order of the gospel.
Brothers A. Hiestand and A. Zeller were appointed to
settle with the traveling preachers.
Jacob Zeller proposed the formation of a new circuit, and
the conference ordered him to do it.
Brother Evinger promised to do what he could in view
of his weakness.
Brothers Andrew Zeller, Henry Miller, W. P. Smith, and
J. McNamar agreed to travel Twin Creek Circuit.
At the close settlement was made with the traveling
preachers according to their service.
The conference adjourned till next year.
Christian Newcomer.
June 27, 1815, a conference of the United Brethren in
Christ was held at Brother Jacob Mechlin's, in Fairfield
County, Ohio. At the opening the sixteenth chapter of
Mark was read ; then an hour was spent in singing and
prayer, with blessing.
The following preachers were present : Christian New-
comer, bishop ; Abraham Hiestand, assistant ; John George
80 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BKETHKEN IN CHRIST
Pfrimmer and William P. Smith, secretaries ; Andrew Zel-
ler, George Benedum, Daniel Troyer, Christian Krum,
Jacob Zeller, Henry Evinger, Ludwig Kramer, Henry
Hiestand, Jacob Lehman, Dewalt Mechlin, Frederick
Klinger, Henry Miller, Henry Joseph Fry, John Smaltz,
John McNamar, Philip Kramer, and John Eckert, — twenty-
one in all.
1. The preachers were questioned how it stood between
them and God and the brethren, and they confessed anew
their love toward God and the brethren.
2. A letter from Noah Wheeler was read asking to be
accepted in the Brotherhood as a preacher, and the request
was granted.
3. Jacob Shoemaker, through good testimonials, received
permission to exhort.
4. Brothers Christian Krum, Daniel Troyer, and J. G.
Pfrimmer were appointed a committee to examine the new
hymn-book.
Conference adjourned for the day, to meet to-morrow at
nine o'clock.
The 28th, the conference assembled at the appointed time.
The third chapter of Second Timothy was read, then sing-
ing and prayer.
5. The question was considered whether it would not be
well for some of the older brethren to be ordained with the
laying on of hands by the bishop, so that in case of death
this biblical ordination might remain with us ; and a com-
mittee was appointed consisting of Brothers Christian New-
comer, Christian Krum, Abraham Hiestand, George Bene-
dum, and Andrew Zeller. The committee were unanimous
that first Christian Krum should be ordained, and that theii
he should assist Brother Newcomer, the bishop, in ordaining
the following brethren : Abraham Hiestand, Henry Miller,
-Daniel Troyer, Andrew Zeller, George Benedum, Williaili
THE MIAMI CONFERENCE 81
P. Smith, and John George Pfrimmer, all of which, with
song and earnest calling on God in prayer, with many tears,
was sacredly done. Then Brother Abraham Hiestand gave
an affectionate exhortation.
6. The elders of New Lancaster Circuit promised to care
for the same. *
7. The elders of Miami Circuit promised to care for the
same.
8. The second Friday in August was appointed as a
prayer- and fast-day, and the second Tuesday of June, 1816,
for holding, on the Miami, the next conference.
Adjourned with singing and prayer.
Christian Newcomer.
June 10, 1816, a conference was held at Brother Andrew
Zeller's, in Montgomery County, Ohio. At the opening the
first chapter of Titus was read, then singing and prayer.
The following preachers were present : Christian New-
comer, bishop ; John George Pfrimmer, assistant ; Henry
Evinger and Conrad Roth, secretaries ; Andrew Zeller,
George Benedum, Abraham Hiestand, Henry Miller, Daniel
Troyer, John Froshauer, Henry Hiestand, Ludwig Kramer,
John Smaltz, Henry Joseph Fry, Jacob Kemp, John
McNamar, John Stevens, John Day, Noah Wheeler.
1. John Kemp was received as an exhorter ; and also
Christian Hiestand.
2. Noah Wheeler was authorized to preach on a text.
The conference closed for to-day — till to-morrow.
The 11th. The conference assembled. The Eighty-fifth
Psalm was read, then singing and prayer.
Philip Sauer was received as a preacher.
Henry Pausser was examined and received as a preacher.
3. The following brethren were ordained with the laying
on of hands, amidst a hearty calling on God for his blessing :
82 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
John Froshauer, Henry Hiestand, Henry Evinger, John
McNamar, Conrad Roth, and Ludwig Kramer.
4. Brother WilHam P. Smith has fallen asleep in the Lord,
o. The following brethren were elected presiding elders
for the State of Ohio : Andrew Zeller and Daniel Trover
for Miami District, and George Benedum and Abraham
Hiestand for New Lancaster District.
6. Resolved that the next conference shall be held the
third Tuesday in June, 1817, at New Lancaster, Fairfield
County.
7. The second day of August was appointed as a day of
prayer.
8. The presiding elders on New Lancaster Circuit
promised to care for the same.
9. 12th. A committee was appointed to settle with
Henry Evinger in regard to his expenses and receipts, as
also his claim for work in connection with the hymn-book,,
and the following was their report :
Typesettiug $30 00
Three quires of paper 1 12J
Expense in ordering paper, printing, and binding.. 3 00
Paid for paper -16 50
Copyright 1 00
For eight days' traveling 8 00
Interest 6 67^
Postage ^6i
Paid out $267 25J
Received from Christian Newcomer $300 00
Received from Jacob Baulus 100 00
Total $^00 0(1
Paid to the conference $132 74J
By Abraham Hiestand ( above ) 267 25i
•^ $400 00
Attested, Daniel Troyer,
Conrad Roth,
George Benedum,
Dewalt Mechlin,
Committee.
THE MIAMI CONFERENCE 83
The conference adjourned till to-morrow.
1. The loth. The conference assembled as per adjourn-
ment.
2. John George Pfrimmer was chosen as presiding elder
over the district in Indiana and Kentucky.
3. A collection of $2.72 was taken and given to Brother
Pfrimmer in order to purchase a book and record all of the
proceedings of this conference.
4. A fund was begun and $44.00 collected and given
over to John Zeller as treasurer.^
With singing, prayer, and tokens of love, the conference
adjourned till next year.
Henry Evinger,
Conrad Roth,
Secretaries.
Christian Newcomer, Bishop.
This, the 17th day of June, 1817, the conference of the
United Brethren in Christ assembled at Widow Kramer's,
on Walnut Creek, in Fairfield County, Ohio.
The following preachers were assembled : (1) Christian
Newcomer and (2) Andrew Zeller, bishops ; (3) John George
Pfrimmer, and (4) John McNamar, secretaries ; (5) George
Benedum, (6) Daniel Troyer, (7) Joseph Hoffman, and (8)
Ludwig Kramer, elders; (9) Jacob Lehman, (10) Henry
Joseph Fry, (11) Jacob Zeller, (12) John Smaltz, (13) John
Bauser, (14) Dewalt Mechlin, (15) Frederick Klinger,
(16) Philip Kramer, and (17) Noah Wheeler, preachers;
Jacob Shoemaker, exhorter.
At the opening of the conference the twelfth chapter of
Romans was read, then singing and prayer, with blessing.
Frederick Shauer was unanimously received as a member
and preacher.
'This was a fund for the support of poorly paid preacliers.— Editok.
84 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
A letter was read from John Evinger, In the afternoon
the brethren assembled.
A request came through J. G. Pfrimmer for a license to
preach for George Armstrong, in Harrison County, Indiana,
which was granted ; also a like request for Abraham
Bansly, in Preble County, Ohio, which was granted.
A complaint was made by J. G. Pfrimmer against J.
Evinger, in Kentucky, that he does not preach, though he
has a license. Thereupon, resolved that a letter shall be
written to him earnestly admonishing him that unless he is
more industrious the next conference will dispossess him
of his office.
Jacob Kemp shall be authorized by the bishop to baptize.
The examination of the preachers began, and closed in
the afternoon ; there was no complaint, but general love to
God and men by all, more than ever before. May God be
with us.
Brother Hoffman from Baltimore gave an account of his
awakening, call to the ministerial office, and his desire to
build up the kingdom of God, where possible, in all the
world ; all which made a deep impression on all of the
preachers, as a precious ointment from the sanctuary of
God.
A motion was made by J. G. Pfrimmer that of all preaching
places where traveling preachers preach a list shall be made
in order to ascertain what can be collected for the support
of needy preachers.
The conference was closed with singing and prayer till
to-morrow at eight o'clock.
The conference came together the IStli, at eight o'clock.
Brother Hoffman preached on the last six verses of the
fourth chapter of First Timothy with power and great
blessing.
Brother Andrew Zeller was ordained a bishop, and conse-
THE MIAMI CONFERENCE 85
crated with the laying on of hands by Bishop Newcomer
and Elders Hoffman, Benedum, and Pfrimmer, with a
blessed experience of the grace of God.
The conference resolved to ordain Brother N. Wilier as a
deacon so that he can baptize, and, with an elder, admin-
ister the Lord's supper, and also obtain a license from the
court to solemnize marriage, which was done through
Bishop Newcomer.
Brothers Frederick Shauer and H. Joseph Fry were
elected elders, and by Bishops Newcomer and Zeller, and
Hoffman, an elder, consecrated with blessing and love.
The conference adjourned till two o'clock with singing
and prayer.
The conference began with the reading of the fourth
chapter of Ephesians, singing, and prayer.
Frederick Shauer, Ludwig Kramer, and Jacob Adam
Lehman gave themselves as traveling preachers for Lan-
caster District, and Noah Wheeler and John McNamar, as
much as he can, for Miami District.
The next conference shall be held on the Miami on the
third Tuesday in June, 1818.
A committee consisting of Ludwig Kramer, H. J. Fry,
and J. Smaltz, was appointed to settle with Brother Bene-
dum in regard to the hymn-book ; and after settlement the
conference stood indebted to Benedum the sum of $269.58J
for books, and $12.00 for trouble and expense, — $281.58 J
in all.
In the settlement with the traveling preachers, John
McNamar received from his circuit $06.30, and an addition
from Christian Newcomer of $8.00. Noah Wheeler re-
ceived from his circuit $30.50, and an addition from Brother
Newcomer of $10.00.
Resolved that from now on the annual conference shall
not adjourn before five days.
S6 I'ROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
Resolved that a general day of prayer shall be observed
the first Friday in August, 1817.
The conference adjourned, with singing and prayer, in
the evening, at seven o'clock, in hearty brotherly love.
John George Pfrimmer, Secretary.
This, the 16th day of June, 1818, a conference of the
United Brethren in Christ was held at Henry Joseph Fry's,
in Warren County, Ohio.
The following preachers were present: (1) Christian
Newcomer and (2) Andrew Zeller, bishops; (3) George
Benedum, (4) Daniel Troyer, and (5) John George Pfrim-
mer, presiding elders; (6) Henry Joseph Fry, (7) Henry
Miller, (8) Henry Evinger, (9) John McNamar, (10) Lud-
wig Kramer, (11) Conrad Roth, elders ; (12) Jacob Adam
Lehman, (13) John Day, (14) Philip Sauer, (15) Henry
Bauser, (16) John Evinger, (17) Noah Mlieeler, (18) Jacob
Kemp, (19) John Jacob Zeller, preachers; John Kemp,
exhorter.
Bishop Newcomer opened the conference and read the
twelfth chapter of Romans ; then singing and prayer.
1. Two secretaries were elected, namely, Henry Evinger
and John McNamar.
2. A letter was read from George Armstrong, and he
was granted a printed license to continue to preach.
3. A letter was read from Frederick Shauer asking for a
traveling preacher.
4. Abraham Shingledecker received license to exhort.
5. Resolved that the conference continue from 8 a.m.
till 5 P.M.
6. Resolved that each day at eleven o'clock there shall
be preaching — Friday for the preachers.
The conference adjourned, with singing and prayer, till
eight o'clock to-morrow.
THE MIAMI CONFERENCE 87
The 17th, the conference was opened by Bishop Zeller
with the reading of the fourth chapter of Ephesians, sing-
ing, and prayer.
1. John McGary, after examination, was received on
probation as a preacher.
2. John Jacob Zeller arrived at the conference.
3. The examination of the preachers began, and at
five o'clock in the evening the conference adjourned.
The 18th, the conference was opened with the reading of
the second chapter of Hebrews, singing, and prayer.
The examination was continued and concluded in peace,
without any special complaint or want of charity,
2. A complaint was brought against John Jacob Zeller
that he had counseled our brethren at Hacken to join the
classes of the Albright people. He said, however, that he
had only given them permission.
3. Resolved that the matter be investigated, and that a
written report be laid before the next conference.
4. Resolved that we shall have no fellowship with the
Albright preachers as to occupying houses.
5. Jacob Antrim, after examination, was received as an
exhorter.
6. John Kemp was received as a preacher.
7. Jacob Lehman shall be ordained an elder.
8. Jacob Kemp and Philip Sauer shall be ordained
deacons.
9. Charges were brought against Henry Hiestand.
The session closed with singing and prayer.
The 19th, the conference was opened with singing and
prayer.
1. John Day was ordained a deacon.
2. Resolved that Henry Hiestand shall be excluded as a
preacher from this conference until an examination and im-
provement of life, on account of unevangelical conduct ;
88 PROTOCOL OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
and that brethren shall be appointed to examine the matter,
and give him an opportunity to make his defense.
3. John Hetzler, after examination, was received as an
exhorter.
4. George Benedum preached in German, and Conrad
Roth in English.
5. Brother Jacob A. Lehman was ordained as an elder,
and Jacob Kemp and Philip Sauer were ordained as
deacons.
6. Resolved that from now on all preachers who cannot
be present at the conference shall send their excuse through
a letter to the conference.
7. John McNamar promised to travel after harvest till
the next conference.
8. Brother Newcomer brought to the conference $25.60 ;
Brother Zeller, $21.00.
9. Brother McNamar received from his circuit $56.00 ;
Brother Lehman, $38.84 ; Brother Wheeler, $30.00.
10. The next conference shall be held in the Lancaster
District, at Frederick Pontius's, in Ross County, Ohio, the
third Tuesday in June, 1819.
11. Brother Lehman promised to travel in Lancaster
District.
The conference adjourned with singing and prayer, and
hearty brotherly love.
John George Pfrimmer, Secretary.
[minutes op MUSKINGUM CONFERENCE.]
JOURNAL OF THE CONFERENCES OF THE UNITED BRETHREN
IN CHRIST.
The first day of June, 1818, the preachers of the United
Brethren in Christ assembled in a conference at Joseph
Naftzgar's, in Harrison County, in the State of Ohio, and
the following preachers were present : ( 1 ) Christian New-
comer, (2) Andrew Zeller, bishops; (3) George Pfrimmer,
(4) Abraham Forney, elders; (5) Matthias Bortsfield, (6)
Joseph Gundy, (7) Christian Knage, (8) Jacob Winter, (9)
Jacob Lehman, (10) John Krum [preachers] ; (11) Jacob
Antrim, exhorter.^
At the opening of the conference the fifteenth chapter of
John was read ; then followed singing and prayer. First,
the origin of the Brotherhood was spoken about, the cause
of the conference, and how the name, the United Brethren
in Christ, originated at the beginning. Brother Newcomer
spoke of the responsibility of the preacher's office, his duty,
the misery of men, and that the sinner, if he would be
happy, must experience the forgiveness of his sins, and
that he must know that he has peace with God. Then
again singing and prayer. Brother Newcomer began with
the confession of the preachers. Accusation was brought
against him concerning classing in Geeting's congregation ;
and after an investigation it was only a misunderstanding
• Only six of those named were at the beginning members of the conference.
John Krum was admitted in the course of the session. One of the bishops was
a member of the Eastern Conference, and the other of the Miami. George
Pfrimmer was a member of Miami Conference. Jacob Antrim was recognized
as an exhorter, though he was later regularly received as an exhorter by the
Miami Conference.
90 CONFERENCE JOURNAL OF UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST
between him and Michael Kohr. Further there was no
accusation against the preachers, and brotherly love pre-
vailed ; and resolved in love under the blessing of the
Lord to build the kingdom of Christ.
The conference adjourned for an hour, with singing and
prayer. The conference again began with the reading of
the twelfth chapter of Romans ; then singing and prayer.
On request Jacob Winter and John Brown were ordained
as elders with the laying on of hands by the two bishops,
Christian Newcomer and Andrew Zeller, and Elder George
Pfrimmer, with blessing.
A license was sent to Richard Lewis, Brother John
Krum received a license as a preacher. The next confer-
ence will be held at Matthias Bortsfield's, in Tuscarawas
County, in the State of Ohio, on the first day of June, 1819.
A prayer- and fast-day was ordered before the Lancaster
Conference,^ the fourteenth day of August, and another the
first of January. The conference adjourned with singing
and prayer, in the blessing of the Lord and brotherly
love.
John George Pfrimmer, Secretary.
God bless the Brotherhood.
•The reference is probably to irregular conferences appointed or held in this
territory and designed to extend their scope as far west as Lancaster. The ter-
ritory about Lancaster was and continued to be within the bounds of Miami
Conference. The regular division and occupation of the territory did away
with these local arrangements. The Muskingum Conference included the
western part of Pennsylvania and the ea.stern part of Ohio. The Ohio portion
had not been occupied by Miami Conference. To the extent that it was not
reached by representatives of the Eastern Conference, it was a voluntary field
for the preachers residing in the territory.— Editor.
Date Due
NOV 1 'IHI
nw¥ J r W
MAR 2 2 '61
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