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History of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Virginia Conference

by A. P. Funkhouser

CHAPTER XXVII

A DIGEST OF THE CONFERENCE MINUTES

The Virginia Conference, by a decision arrived at in 1900, is the mother conference of the United Brethren Church. This abstract of the minutes therefore begins with the session of 1789. Only the more important facts in the proceedings are here given. This is particularly the case since the minutes began to appear in printed form. The reports of the last twenty years make pamphlets of forty to seventy pages. To the published minutes the reader is referred for the conference membership and the names of the lay delegates. The orthography of proper names is not uniform in the various reports. Since the compiler could not always tell which form should be given the preference, he has sometimes followed the variations found in the minutes.

1789

Conference at the home of William Otterbein, Baltimore, Md.

Present: William Otterbein, Martin Boehm, George A. Guething, Christian Newcomer, Henry Weidner, Adam Lehman, John Ernst—7.

Absent: Benedict Swope, Henry Baker, Frederick Schaeffer. Martin Kreider, Simon Herre, Christopher Grosh, Abraham Draksel—7.

1791

Conference at the house of John Spangler, Paradise Twp, York County, Pa.

Present: William Otterbein, Martin Boehm, George A. Guething. Christian Newcomer, Adam Lehman, John Ernst, J. G. Pfrimmer, John Neidig, Benedict Saunders—9.

Absent: Henry Weidner, Martin Kreider, Christopher Grosh, Christian Crum, D. Strickler, Felix Light, John Mautz, Henry Baker, F. Schaeffer, Abraham Draksel, G. Fortenbach, J. Hershey, Simon Herre, Benedict Swope—14.

1800

Conference at the house of Peter Kemp, near Frederick, Md., September 25.

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Present: William Otterbein, Martin Boehm, G. A. Guething, John G. Pfrimmer, Christian Newcomer, Christian Crum, Henry Crum, John Hershey, J. Geisinger, Henry Boehm, Jacob Baulus, D. Aurand, Adam Lehman, Abraham Draksel—14.

Absent: John Neidig, Frederick Schaeffer, Abraham Meyer, David Snyder, A. Hershey, John Ernst, Simon Herre, John Senseny, I. Niswander, Martin Kreider, Christopher Grosh, G. Fortenbaugh, Adam Reigel, Christian Hershey, M. Thomas, Daniel Stickler, Abraham Heistand—17.

Ten great meetings held during the conference year following.

Otterbein and Boehm elected bishops.

1801

Conference again at Kemp's September 23.

Present: William Otterbein, Martin Boehm, Christian Newcomer, Daniel Strickler, George A. Guething, Peter Senseny, John Neidig, David Long, Abraham Meyer, Frederick Schaeffer, John Hershey, Thomas Winter, L. Duckwald, David Snyder, Christian Crum, Matthias Kessler, Peter Kemp, Abraham Hershey, Jacob Geisinger, Michael Thomas—20.

Itinerants: C. Newcomer, A. Hershey, F. Schaeffer, P. Kemp, D. Snyder, D. Strickler, D. Long, M. Thomas, A. Meyer, J. Neidig.

Resolved that each preacher who could not attend the annual conference should give due notice of that fact.

Otterbein preached on the third and last day from Jude 20-25, on the responsibilities of the ministerial office.

1802

Conference at the house of John Cronise, near Kemp's, October 6.

Bishops: W. Otterbein, M. Boehm.

New members: William Ambrose of Sleepy Creek, Va.

Ludwig Duckwald and John Neidig authorized to "administer all the ordinances of the house of God, according to the Scriptures."

By a vote of nine to three decided not to keep a register of the members of the church.

"Resolved, that in case one of our superintendents, W. Otterbein or M. Boehm, should die, another minister shall be elected to fill the place. This is the will of those two brethren, and the unanimous wish of all the preachers present."

Otterbein preached the conference sermon the second day.

Adjournment third day.

During May, June, August, September, October, 19 great meetings.

Note:—Soon after conference a quarterly meeting on the old Huffman place below Pleasant Valley. Guething and Newcomer went home with the Moyers, who lived in a log house (where now

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is a brick house) near the Mennonite church on the Valley Pike. They then went 10 miles further to A. M. Hivener's.

1803

Conference at David Snyder's, Cumberland Co., Pa., October 5, for a three day session.

Present: William Otterbein, Martin Boehm, Christian Newcomer, David Snyder, John Hershey, Peter Kemp, Abraham Meyer, Christopher Grosh, Christian Crum, Valentine Flugel, John Winter, Frederick Schaeffer, George Benedum—13.

Boehm and Grosh a committee to station the preachers of Pennsylvania. Maryland left to the preachers of that state. Benedum and Crum to call a meeting of the Virginia preachers and arrange their fields of labor.

1804

Conference against at Snyder's, October 3.

Because of an epidemic in the country around, only 5 members were present. Martin Boehm, Abraham Meyer, Frederick Schaeffer, Christian Newcomer, Matthias Bortsfield.

Died: Dr. Peter Senseny, of Winchester.

Note:—In the preceding May, Otterbein preached twice at a sacramental meeting in the Guething meeting house.

1805

Conference at the house of Jacob Baulus, near Middletown, Md., May 29.

Present: 21 preachers.

Otterbein and Boehm re-elected bishops.

Newcomer to travel through the German settlements in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and Christian Crum in those of Virginia.

1806

Conference at Lorenz Eberhart's Frederick Co., Md., May 21, lasting three days as usual.

Itinerants: Joseph Hoffman, Christian Crum.

Great meetings arranged for.

Present: John Neidig, Peter Kemp, John Hershey, Henry Crum, Lorenz Eberhart, Christian Crum, Christian Newcomer, George A. Guething, Joseph Hoffman, Michael Thomas, Jacob Baulus.

1807

Conference at Christian Herr's, Lancaster Co., Pa. Martin Boehm presided.

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Present: Martin Boehm, Isaac Niswander, John Neidig, Joseph Hoffman, Christian Hershey, Christian Newcomer, Abraham Meyer, Frederick Schaeffer, George A. Guething, Abraham Hershey, David Snyder, Christian Crum, Christian Smith, David Long—14.

Died: Jacob Geisinger.

1808

Conference at Abraham Niswander's in Virginia, May 28.

Present: Christian Newcomer, Isaac Niswander, Ludwig Duckwald, Abraham Meyer, George A. Guething, Joseph Hoffman, Peter Kemp, Christian Crum, Jacob Baulus, George Hoffman, David Snyder, William Ambrose, Frederick Duckwald, John Hershey—14.

Hitherto, the annual conference had granted license to exhort. The following rule adopted, the great distances to be traveled on horseback often preventing the attendance of members: "Those who desire to receive license to preach among us shall be examined at a great meeting; and, if favorably reported, two of the elders shall grant them license for one year, at the end of which time, their license may be renewed at a great meeting."

1809

Conference again at Christian Herr's, May 10.

Bishop Boehm presided.

Present: Martin Boehm, Adam Riegel, Christian Smith, Joseph Hoffman, Isaac Niswander, George A. Guething, Christian Hershey, Christian Newcomer, John Hershey, Abraham Hershey, David Long, David Snyder, Abraham Meyer, Frederick Schaeffer, Matthias Bortsfield, George Benedum, Christopher Grosh, John Snyder—18.

The subject of union or fellowship with the Methodists received a great deal of attention.

Note:—Enoch George (Methodist) and Newcomer and Guething (U. B.) met at Guething's home, February 13, 1809. Newcomer attended the Baltimore Conference of the Methodists at Harrisonburg, Va., to promote a fraternal union. A committee was appointed to meet him, and the correspondence thus begun continued several years.

1810

Conference again at John Cronise's, June 3.

Present: 16 ministers.

Salary of an unmarried preacher fixed at $80.

The elder preachers required to visit all the appointments, in all the fields of labor, twice during the year, if at all possible.

A letter from the Methodist Conference on the subject of a close union between the two churches was answered in a fraternal

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spirit. The church at Baltimore sent a letter to the conference on the same subject.

Note:—The first United Brethren conference west of the Alleghenies was the first session of the Miami, held near Germantown, O., August 18, Bishop Newcomer presiding.

1811

Conference in Cumberland Co., Pa.. May 23.

President: Christopher Grosh, Christian Smith, George A. Guething, Christian Newcomer, Abraham Draksel, Christian Crum, Jacob Baulus, David Snyder, Matthias Kessler, Joseph Hoffman, Isaac Niswander, Jacob Winter, David Long, Frederick Schaeffer, Christian Hershey, Joseph Jordan, Henry Hiestand, Michael Baer, George Hoffman, Peter Swartz—20.

Died: Martin Boehm, aged 86; Peter Kemp February 26, while his family and friends were in morning prayers at his bedside; John Hershey.

Licensed to preach: Jacob Winter, Peter Swartz.

Licensed to exhort: Joseph Jordan, Michael Hershey.

1812

Conference at Guething meeting house, Md., May 13.

Present: Christian Newcomer, Abraham Draksel, Isaac Niswander, Valentine Baulus, Lorenz Eberhart, Christian Berger, George Guething, Jacob Dehof, Christian Crum, Joseph Hoffman, Abraham Meyer, Jacob Baulus, Michael Thomas, Henry Hiestand, Martin Crider, George A. Guething, Christian Smith, David Snyder, Abraham Hershey, Jacob Weidner, Henry G. Spayth, John Crider—22.

Salary for a married preacher fixed at $160.

Itinerants: H. Hiestand, H. G. Spayth.

Much consideration given to the fraternal correspondence with the Methodists. Delegates present from the Baltimore and Philadelphia conferences of the Methodists. Unanimously resolved that friendship and love shall be maintained between the two churches. Fraternal delegates appointed.

Church work placed under the care of superintendents or elders, who were assigned districts and authorized to hold small conferences on the circuits, whenever necessary.

July 30 and October 29 appointed days of fasting, prayer, and thanksgiving, to be observed throughout the denomination.

The following a recorded roll of all the ministers of the church, who up to this date were authorized "to administer all the ordinances of the house of God." None were ordained. The

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authorization had been at some great meeting, or a conference to administer the sacraments:

William Otterbein, Christian Newcomer, Christopher Grosh, John Neidig, Christian Hershey, Isaac Niswander, Peter Kemp, Martin Boehm, Christian Crum, Abraham Draksel, David Long, Abraham Meyer, Daniel Troyer, Adam Riegel, George A. Guething. John Hershey, Ludwig Duckwald, Abraham Hershey, William Ambrose, George Benedum, Frederick Schaeffer, Joseph Hoffman, David Snyder, David Gingerich, Christian Smith, Christian Berger.

Died: Matthias Kessler, George A. Guething.

A. Meyer to assist in holding two great meetings in Virginia. Spayth to visit Virginia in November.

Note:—Guething was secretary of the conference from 1800 to 1812, inclusive. Shortly before his death he finished transcribing the minutes from loose leaves into a conference book.

1813

Conference again at Christian Herr's.

Christopher Grosh, chairman; Christian Smith, secretary.

Present: Christopher Grosh, Christian Newcomer, John Neidig. Abraham Meyer, Adam Riegel, Christian Crum, Frederick Schaeffer, Jacob Baulus, Valentine Baulus, David Snyder, Christian Hershey, Abraham Hershey, George Guething, Michael Baer, Henry G. Spayth, Christian Smith, Henry Hiestand, Joseph Jordan—18.

Licensed to exhort: John Brown, John Geisinger, Charles Hassell, George Kolb.

An address, signed by Bishop Asbury, received from the Baltimore Methodist Conference, and Newcomer and Baulus directed to prepare a reply.

Newcomer, Crum, Hoffman, and Baulus appointed a committee to meet a committee from the Evangelical Association for the purpose of effecting an organic union. This proceeding grew out of a visit by Newcomer to the Evangelical conference in April, 1813. He was given a letter to be laid before the United Brethren conference. The committee,—Newcomer, Crum, Hoffman, and Baulus. —met the Evangelical committee at New Berlin, Pa., and conferred several days without coming to any conclusion. The Albrights ( Evangelicals) had been working about 15 years, and had 15 itinerants and 800 members. Their general conference of 1816 changed the name of the denomination to its present form, and discussed the proposed union. A committee of six from each church met at Henry Kumler's in 1817, but failed to come to any understanding.

Christian Newcomer elected bishop for one year.

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Ordered that the Discipline and the Confession of Faith be printed.

Died: William Otterbein, aged 87.

1814

Conference at Hagerstown, Md., May 24.

C. Newcomer, bishop; J. Baulus, secretary.

Present: Christian Newcomer, Abraham Meyer, John Baer, David Snyder, George Geeting, Thomas Winter, Frederick Schaeffer, Christian Crum, Jacob Dehof, Henry G. Spayth, Joseph Hoffman, Christopher Grosh, Valentine Baulus, Herman Ow, John Neidig, John Snyder, Jacob Baulus, Isaac Niswander, Christian Smith, Christian Berger, Michael Thomas—21.

Licensed to preach: John Rathfang, Joseph Fry, George Kolb, John Geisinger, Henry Kumler, Jacob Wenger.

Authorized to administer the ordinances: Herman Ow, John Snyder, Henry G. Spayth.

Christian Newcomer elected bishop for three years.

Christian Hershey elected presiding elder for two years "over the district in his part of the country."

A letter from Otterbein's congregation expressing the wish to connect itself with the United Brethren and thus to be supplied with preachers in future.

The first Thursday in August designated as a day of fasting and prayer.

Itinerants: John Snyder, Hagerstown circuit; Henry G. Spayth, Rockingham circuit.

1815

Conference at Henry Kumler's, Franklin Co., Pa., May 9.

C. Newcomer, bishop; J. Baulus, secretary.

Present: Christian Newcomer, David Snyder, Isaac Niswander, Valentine Baulus, Henry Kumler, Jacob Baulus, Christian Berger, Jonas Witmer, John Neidig, John Baer, Jacob Dehof, Henry G. Spayth, Michael Baer, Henry J. Fry, Joseph Hoffman, Abraham Meyer, John Crider, John Snyder, George Geeting, Henry Hiestand, Jacob Wenger, Jacob Winter—22.

Licensed to preach: Peter Swartz, Valentine Hiskey, Jonas Witmer.

Licensed to exhort: Daniel Pfeifer, Jacob Flickinger, George Brown, Samuel Huber, Samuel Brandt.

A camp meeting,—the first by the United Brethren,—ordered at Rocky Springs, Franklin Co., Pa., August 11.

1816

Conference at the house of David Long, Cumberland Co., Pa., May 7,

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C. Newcomer, bishop; J. Baulus, secretary.

Licensed to preach: Jacob Flickinger, Samuel Huber, William Brown.

Ordained: Henry Kumler, George Geeting, George Hoffman, Peter Swartz.

Presiding elders (for two years): A. Meyer, J. Hoffman, J. Baulus.

Camp meeting ordered at Middlekoff's, four miles from Hagerstown, Md., August 8.

Present: Christian Newcomer, John Neidig, David Snyder, George Geeting, Abraham Hershey, Peter Swartz, Abraham Meyer, Christian Smith, Henry Kumler, Jacob Dehof, Herman Ow, Jacob Baulus, John Snyder, Joseph Hoffman, Michael Baer, David Long, George Hoffman—17.

1817

Conference at Guething's meeting house, Md., May 15.

C. Newcomer, bishop; J. Baulus and John Hildt, secretaries.

Present: Christian Newcomer, Christian Hershey, John Snyder, John Crider, Michael Thomas, Jacob Winter, John Baer, Christian Berger, William Brown, Abraham Meyer, Jacob Baulus, Valentine Baulus, Jacob Dehof, George Geeting, Conrad Roth, Henry Kumler, John Hildt, David Fleck, John Neidig, Joseph Hoffman, Henry G. Spayth, Samuel Huber, Isaac Niswander, Jacob Wenger, Jacob Flickinger, George Brown—26.

Licensed to preach: J. Hildt, Jacob Brazer, William Brown, D. Flick.

Ordained: J. Crider, V. Baulus.

Camp meeting fixed for August 14 at Middlekoff's, Md.

Presiding elders: J. Snyder, H. Kumler.

Presiding elders directed to keep an account of the moneys collected by the traveling preachers, and what was paid out to them in settlement, report to conference, and see that the settlement is recorded in the minutes.

1818

Conference at the house of Christian Hershey, Lancaster, Co.. Pa., May 5.

C. Newcomer, bishop.

Present: Christian Newcomer, Joseph Hoffman, (Valentine Baulus, Samuel Huber, Jacob Lehman, Joseph Jordan, John Snyder. David Fleck, J. Zentmeyer, A. Zeller, Abraham Meyer, William Brown, Michael Baer, Christian Hershey, John Geisinger, George Brown, George Kolb, Daniel Pfeifer, Christopher Grosh, Henry Kumler, Jacob Wenger, Henry G. Spayth, Daniel Gingerich, Abraham Hershey, Conrad Roth, Christian Smith—26.

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Licensed to exhort: Abraham Horner, John Russell, Conrad Weist.

Licensed to preach: Daniel Pfeifer.

Camp meeting fixed for Middlekoff's for August.

Letter from Baltimore stirred up interest in raising funds for frontier preachers.

1819

Conference at Valentine Doub's, Frederick Co., Md., May 4.

Present: Christian Newcomer, Andrew Zeller, Adam Lehman, Isaac Niswander, John Crider, James Wenger, George Guething, Samuel Huber, David Hook, William Brown, John Russell, Abraham Meyer, Michael Baer, John Hildt, John Neidig, Michael Thomas, Daniel Pfeifer, John Snyder, John Brown, Conrad Weist, John Felterhof, Jacob Baer, John Brown, John Clopper, John Hoffer—25.

Received: John Brown, Conrad Weist.

Licensed to exhort: John Felterhof, James Baer, John Brown, John Clopper, John Hoffer.

Letter from W. Line, Register of Cumberland Co., Pa., announcing that David Snyder had bequeathed to the Conference one thousand dollars, payable one year after the death of his wife. Letter entered on the minutes.

Abraham Meyer paid in fifty dollars to be distributed among the poor itinerant members in Ohio, according to the wishes of the donor, Elizabeth Snyder, and the money given into the care of Bro. Zeller.

After paying all expenses, the sum of $66.24 in the Conference treasury was ordered to be distributed among the itinerants in Ohio.

Ordained: William Brown, David Heck, Samuel Huber, James Wenger.

Died: David Snyder, aged 57; Valentine Baulus, aged 56. Camp meetings ordered at Pleasant Valley, Washington Co., Md., August 5; Rocky Springs, Pa., August 26; Rockingham Co., Va., September 9.

Presiding elders: Samuel Huber, Hagerstown Dist.; Abraham Meyer, Juniata; Jacob Baulus, Virginia; John Neidig, Lancaster.

Appointments: John Snyder, Baltimore; Daniel Pfeifer, Hagerstown; David Heck, Juniata; William Brown and Conrad Weist, Virginia; Ohio, John Russell, John Felterhof.

1820

Conference at the house of Conrad Nicodemus, Washington, Co., Md., May 2.

Present: Christian Newcomer, Abraham Meyer, Isaac Niswander, John Crider, Michael Thomas, Samuel Huber, David Heck, William Brown, John Brown, Conrad Weist, James Baulus, John

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Hildt, John Snyder, John Brown, George Brown, Jacob Weidner, Jacob Dunahoo, George Guething, Daniel Pfeifer, Jacob Adam Lehman, Jacob Baer, David Baer, Henry Werbe (?), John Hoffard, Christian Hershey, John Hoffer, Jacob Dehof—27.

Abraham Meyer, chairman; John Hildt, secretary.

Licensed: John Brown, David Baer, Jacob Dunahoo, Jacob Baer, for six months.

Received from Elizabeth Snyder for the traveling preachers, $25.

Ordained: John Hildt, George Brown, David Pfeifer, Henry Werbe.

Camp meeting dates: Rockingham Co., Va., August 3; Pleasant Valley, Md., August 17; Rock Springs, Pa., August 24.

Licensed to exhort: Christian Traub.

Presiding elders: George Guething, Va.; Samuel Huber, Hagerstown; Abraham Meyer, Juniata; John Neidig, Lancaster.

Appointments: John Snyder, Baltimore; William Brown and Conrad Weist, Hagerstown; John Brown, Juniata; Daniel Pfeifer and Jacob Dunahoo, Virginia.

"God be praised for the blessings we received on this occasion. May He grant his blessings on our proceedings."

1821

Conference at Hagerstown, Md., April 10.

Present: Christian Newcomer, Jacob Baulus, Abraham Meyer, John Crider, Samuel Huber, John Snyder, Henry Werbe, William Brown, Joseph Hoffman, John Brown (Pa.), John Brown (Va.), Conrad Weist, Daniel Pfeifer, Peter Schwartz, Jacob Dehof, George Guething, Michael Baer, John Russell, Jacob Flickinger, Jacob Dunahoo, Christian Burkhardt, John Hoffard, Samuel Brant—23.

C. Newcomer, bishop; A. Meyer, chairman; J. Hildt, secretary.

Presiding elders appointed a committee to select the traveling preachers.

Licensed: John Hoffer, John Hoffard. Christian Traub and Henry Burtner licensed for two years on trial.

Ordained: John Brown (Va.), John Brown (Pa.).

Died: Christian Crumb, Isaac Niswander, Frederick Herr.

Received during the year for the support of the itinerancy, $439.67. Each preacher received $73.21.

Itinerants for the year: John Snyder, William Brown, Conrad Weist, Daniel Pfeifer, Christian Traub, John Brown (Va.), Jacob Dunahoo, John Brown (Pa.), Henry Burtner.

Baulus, Snyder, Hoffman, Meyer, Guething, Traub, Hershey, a committee to devise a plan to secure funds to support the itinerant ministers, reported as follows: "Resolved by the ministers of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ in Conference assembled.

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that there is a great necessity of forming a society and create a fund from which the poor traveling and wornout and superannuated members shall be supported." Resolved, that for every circuit agents be appointed there to invite persons to join this society and to get subscriptions. "Resolved, that this annual conference appoint a committee to draw up a constitution for this benevolent society and lay it before the next annual conference. Resolved, that in order to help those that are in need now, a subscription (be taken) and have it circulated in the conferences. Resolved, that copies of these resolutions be sent to the general and the annual conferences of Pennsylvania and Ohio."

Resolution unanimously adopted. Hildt and Baulus appointed a committee to prepare a constitution and submit it to the next session of conference. The presiding elders to act as agents.

Also agreed to ask from next General Conference to change the second article in our Discipline as far as it relates to members of general conferences.

Camp meetings: Maryland, August 2; Virginia, August 16; Pennsylvania, August 30.

1822

Conference at the house of Mr. Kauge, Cumberland Co., Pa., April 9.

C. Newcomer and J. Hoffman, bishops; J. Hildt, secretary.

Present: Abraham Meyer, John Neidig, Abraham Hershey, Michael Baer, John Brown (Va.), Jacob Wenger, Daniel Pfeifer, Henry Spayth, Samuel Huber, William Brown, Jacob Dunahoo, Conrad Weist, Christian Smith, John Hildt, Valentine Hershey, George Guething, Henry Werbe, David Baer, Christian Traub, John Hoffard, Henry Burtner, Herman Ow, John Brown (Pa.), George Benedum, Jacob Brazer, John Snyder, Thomas Kartin(?)—27.

Itinerants: William Brown, Conrad Weist, Daniel Pfeifer, John Brown (Pa.), John Snyder, John Brown (Va.), Christian Traub, Henry Burtner, Samuel Huber.

Committee on itinerants reported they had secured during the year for the support of ministers, $620.50, which, divided, gave to every married preacher, $124.10; to every single preacher, $62.05.

A letter prepared in reply to one received from the preacher and delegates of the Methodist society in New York was ordered sent.

The plan reported by the committee on constitution for benevolent society was adopted and the following trustees appointed: John Brazer, Chambersburg; Valentine Doub, Frederick Co.; Andreas Newcomer, Washington Co.; John Cronise, Frederick Co.; Samuel Huber, Rocky Springs; Jacob Wenger, Franklin Co.; George Martin, Hagerstown.

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Presiding elders reported $400 subscribed to the benevolent society, and were authorized to continue their efforts.

Licensed to preach: Thomas Hustin, John Reder.

Licensed to exhort: James Ewig, Lorenz Esterlin.

Ordained: Conrad Weist, David Baer, Valentine Hiskey.

Trustees of benevolent society authorized to have society incorporated and constitution printed.

1823

Conference at the residence of John Cronise, Frederick Co., Md., May 6.

C. Newcomer, bishop; G. Guething, chairman; J. Hildt, secretary.

Present: Abraham Hershey, Abraham Meyer, Samuel Huber, Abraham Huber, William Brown, John Brown (Pa.), John Brown (Va.), Conrad Weist, Jacob Dunahoo, Daniel Pfeifer, Christian Traub, Henry Burtner, John Hildt, John Crider, Jacob Wenger, George Guething, John Hoffard, Jacob Dehof—18.

Licensed: Gideon Smith, Jacob Erb, John Hoffard, Abraham Huber.

Ordained: Christian Traub, Henry Burtner, Philip Ziegler.

Died: Henry Werbe, James Brazer.

Presiding elders: John Snider, William Brown, Abraham Hershey, Abraham Meyer, John Hildt, George Guething, John Crider.

Itinerants for the coming year: William Brown, Conrad Weist, John Brown, Henry Burtner, Christian Traub, Daniel Pfeifer, Jacob Erb, Gideon Smith.

Received for support of traveling preachers, $727. Paid to William Brown and John Brown, each, $128.54; to Jacob Dunahoo, Conrad Weist, Christian Traub, John Brown, Daniel Pfeifer, each, $64.27; to Samuel Huber, $17.02.

Treasurer of benevolent society reported $11.50 in hand, after paying all expenses, amounting to $9.50. Voted that the $11.50 be sent by C. Newcomer to the brethren of Ohio Conference.

1824

Conference at Shauman's church, Pleasant Valley, Md., May 4.

C. Newcomer and J. Hoffman, bishops; John Hildt and John G. Pfrimmer, secretaries.

Present: Abraham Meyer, George Guething, Samuel Huber, John Crider, Jacob Dehof, William Brown, Daniel Pfeifer, Conrad Weist, Henry Burtner, John Hildt, John Hoffard, David Heck, John Brown, David Baer, John Cloffer, John G. Pfrimmer, Jacob Wenger, Gideon Smith, Jacob Erb, William Abels, John Eckart, Michael Thomas, Lorenz Estalin—23.

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Licensed to preach: Lorenz Estalin, James Ewig.

Licensed to exhort: John Fry, James Debold, John Brubaker (renewal).

Ordained: William Abels.

Died: Abraham Lehman, aged 90.

Itinerants for coming year: William Brown, John Brown, Conrad Weist, Henry Burtner, Daniel Pfeifer, William Abels, Gideon Snell, Jacob Doubs.

Money collected for traveling preachers, $618.00. Paid to William Brown, $119; to John Brown, $142.70; to Henry Burtner, Gideon Smith, and Conrad Weist, each, $71.37; to Daniel Pfeifer, 359.50; to Jacob Erb, $47.58; to Christian Traub, $35.71.

Trustees of benevolent society report in hand, $28.61. Voted that the part belonging to this conference $9.50 be given to Christian Traub, who has been very sick a long term and in great need for help.

Resolved that the election of delegates to the next General Conference be held on or before January 1, 1825, and that to every one elected the earliest personal notice be given.

Resolved that Thursday, July 30, be set apart as a day of fasting and prayer.

1825

Conference at Petersburg, Adams Co., Pa., May 10.

Present: Christian Newcomer, John Hildt, Abraham Meyer, Abraham Hershey, George Guething, John Brown, Conrad Weist, Gideon Smith, Jacob Erb, Henry Burtner, Jacob Doub, John Hafford, William Brown, John Crider, David Heck, Samuel Huber, Abraham Huber, David Baer, John Snyder, John Neidig, Christian Smith, Daniel Pfeifer, Valentine Hickey, John Fry, Lorenz Estalin, Jacob Wenger, John Clopper, Christian Traub, William Abels—29.

Committee on complaints, should any be made: C------Neidig,

Meyer, John Brown, William Brown, Jacob Doub.

After all the members present were examined, conference inquired into the character of the following absent brethren: W. Rhinehart, Christian Shopp, John Sewell (?), John Zahn, John Crack, Jacob Debolt, John Hendricks, James Snyder, Abraham Hershey.

Committee on complaints reported on Samuel Huber, Jacob Wenger, and Christian Traub, and the report adopted.

The cases of those brethren who are on trial were taken up and a continuance on trial decided upon.

Itinerants for coming year: William Brown, John Brown, Conrad Weist, Jacob Erb, Jacob Doub, Gideon Smith.

Resolved in future to omit "Reverend" in our addresses to brethren.

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Licensed to preach: William Rhinehart, John Zahn, John Hendricks, Christian Shoop, John Crack, James Snyder, Abraham Hershey, John Fry.

Licensed to exhort: John Smith, Thomas Oberholtz.

The secretaries shall give notice to Bro. Geisinger that they can do nothing for him.

Report on the conduct of John Snyder unanimously adopted.

Received on support of traveling preachers during the year, $741.40.

1825 (Second Session)

Conference at Chambersburg, Pa., November 17.

C. Newcomer and Henry Kumler, bishops; William Brown and Gideon Smith, secretaries.

Present: John Hildt (P. E.), Abraham Meyer (P. E.), William Brown (P. E.), George Guething (P. E.), Samuel Huber, Valentine Hiskey, Jacob Erb, Daniel Pfeifer, Gideon Smith, John Hendricks, John Brown, Jacob Doub, Henry Burtner, Conrad Weist, Daniel Heck, John Rider, John Baer, Abraham Huber, John Wenger, Jacob Wenger, Jacob Debold, Jonah Whitcom, Jonah Houk, Jonah Hafford, Simon Drislock, Christian Shoop, Henry Kumbalin, Lorenz Estalin, John Fry, John Geisinger, David Baer—31.

Members of other conferences or synods shall have a seat in this conference but no vote.

No complaints preferred.

Continued on trial: John Hafford, Abraham Huber, Jonah Houk.

Ordained: John Rider, Gideon Smith, Jacob Erb.

Itinerants for coming year: William Brown, John Brown, Gideon Smith, Daniel Pfeifer, Conrad Weist, Simon Drislock, John Hendricks, Jacob Debold.

It shall be the duty of all the preachers to appoint class-meetings at all regular appointments and to urge attendance upon them.

Licensed to preach: Daniel Godnatt, Thomas Miller, Henry Kimmerling, Jonah Houk, Peter Habecker, Ezekiel Boring.

Licensed to exhort: Michael Carver, James Newman, James Sutton.

Resolved that December 23 next be set apart as a day of prayer.

1826

Conference at the residence of Bro. Shopp, Cumberland Co., Pa., April 3.

C. Newcomer and H. Kumler, bishops; Henry Spayth, secretary.

Present: Abraham Meyer, John Crider, George Guething, William Brown, John Brown, Christian Smith, Samuel Huber, Jonah Witcom, David Baer, John Hildt, Henry Spayth, Conrad Weist,

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Abraham Hershey, Jacob Debold, John Geisinger, John Zahn, Valentine Hiskey, Jacob Erb, John Hendricks, John Crack, Christian Shopp, Christian Hershey, Peter Schwartz, Simon Drislock, James Snyder, Gideon Smith, Daniel Pfeifer, Christian Ludwig, Thomas Miller, Ezekiel Boring, Joseph Marsh (exhorter), John Neidig, Michael Carver (exhorter), James Newman (exhorter), Daniel Godnatt, Jonah Houk, Abraham Hershey, Christian Traub, James Rupp, John Hoffman—42.

Itinerants for coming year: William Brown, John Brown, Gideon Smith, Conrad Weist, Jacob Debold, John Hendricks, Simon Drislock, Jacob Erb, Thomas Miller.

Presiding elders: John Neidig, Samuel Huber, David Baer.

It shall be the duty of every member of this conference to be present during the annual session, and if necessarily detained, it shall be his duty to state to conference in a letter the reasons for his absence.

A roll of all the members of this conference shall be kept, their names called at every session, and their characters inquired into.

Received last year for support of the preachers, $771.24. Salary of married preachers, $160; single preachers, $80.

Resolved that John Hildt in the name of this conference shall give authority to Christian Newcomer, our senior bishop, and sign the same in our behalf, by which Bro. Newcomer can ask from the executors of the last will and testament of our deceased sister, Elizabeth Snyder, the sum of $1,000 given by her to the conferences of the United States in Christ and give a receipt for it.

Licensed: John Hoffman.

Voted that Christian Traub be received again among us.

August 4 next shall be a day of thanksgiving and prayer in all the appointments of this conference.

1827

Conference at the house of Bro. Kunge, Springfield, Cumberland Co., Pa., April 3.

C. Newcomer and H. Kumler, bishops; Jacob Erb, secretary.

Present: John Hildt, Christian Hershey, John Crider, Jacob Lehman, Samuel Huber, David Baer, Simon Drislock, Thomas Miller, Valentine Hiskey, Jacob Erb, John Brown, Henry Burtner, David Heck, John Crack, Lorenz Estalin, John Fry, James Sutton, William Brown, John Hendricks, John Neidig, Daniel Pfeifer, Conrad Weist, Christian Shopp, Jacob Debold, John Snyder, Peter Schwartz, James Newcomer, Jacob Wenger, George Guething, James Snyder, Jonah Houk, Michael Baer—34.

Continued on trial: Christian Shopp, James Snyder, Jacob Debold, Jonah Houk, John Fry.

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Ordained: John Hendricks, Simon Drislock, Lorenz Esterlin, Abraham Hershey, John Zahn, John Crack.

Died: Abraham Meyer, October 28, 1826, aged 69.

Itinerants for the coming year: John Snyder, George Guething, William Brown, Thomas Miller, John Hendricks, John Zahn, John Crack, David Heck, Conrad Weist, Jacob Erb, James Talton, Christian Traub, Gideon Smith.

Presiding elders: John Snyder, George Guething.

Paid in for support of itinerants, $863.16. Married preachers received $160 each; unmarried ones, $80.

William Brown paid over to the conference $300, a part of $1,000 bequeathed by Bro. David Snyder to the conferences of the United Brethren in Christ.

Treasurer of benevolent society reported $49.60 in his hands. Voted that John Hildt be given $12.40 of this sum to pay off a debt made by one of our poor traveling preachers, and for which three of our brethren have gone security.

A collection taken for the support of the preachers in the Western states.

Licensed to preach: John Eckstein, John Hugel, George Hiskey.

Licensed to exhort: John Gilbert, Peter Reick, John Pfeifer.

Appointments: David Heck, Juniata; Gideon Smith, Lancaster; John Crack, York; John Zahn and John Eckstein, Hagerstown; John Hendricks and Thomas Miller, Virgend (?) circuit; Christian Traub, Huntingdon; Jacob Erb, New York mission; William Brown, Baltimore.

Resolved, that we, the members of this annual conference, do not approve that any of our preachers or members belong to the order of Freemasonry and that in future every preacher and every member who is connected with this order or shall join it shall lose his membership in our church.

1828

Conference at the union church belonging to the Brethren and Reformed congregations in Middletown valley, Washington Co., Md., April 1.

C. Newcomer, H. Kumler, bishops; J. Erb, secretary.

Present: Jacob Erb, Henry Burtner, William Brown, John Hendricks, John Hildt, John Snyder, Samuel Huber, David Heck, Daniel Pfeifer, John Crack, Simon Drislock, John Zahn, John Neidig, John Hafford, Thomas Miller, William Rhinehart, James Sutton, James Winters, James Newman, John Eckstein, Frederick Gilbert, Jacob Debold, Ezekiel Boring, James Snyder, George Pallas (?), Abraham Huber, John Cloffer—30.

Licensed to preach: Moses Lawson, William Schott, Henry Huber, George Gilbert, Frederick Gilbert, Joseph Berger, Richard

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Laken, William Kinnear, John Dehof, James Fulton, John Smith.

Licensed to exhort: Peter Whitesel, Charles Boehm, George Gilerich (?), James Ewig, Samuel Allebaugh.

Remained on trial: John Hafford, John Cloffer, Abraham Huber.

Ordained: Thomas Miler, William Rhinehart, George Patterson, Ezekiel Boring, James Snyder.

Died: Christian Ludwig, Philip Ziegler.

Conference was divided into the following districts: Vergennes (?), Hagerstown, Carlisle, Huntingdon, Lancaster. From each district two elders shall be elected delegates to the General Conference.

Collected for support of traveling preachers, $877.86, which, divided, gives to each married man $138.63, and to each single one, $69.34.

Appointments:

Presiding elders: John Snyder, William Brown.

Lancaster circuit: Ezekiel Boring, Frederick Gilbert.

Baltimore: John Neidig.

Carlisle: William Schott.

------------------: John Crack.

Huntingdon: John Hendricks.

Hagerstown: John Zahn.

Vergennes (?): Thomas Miller, John Eckstein.

Susquehanna: Jacob Erb.

Lebanon: Simon Drislock.

1829

Conference at Guething meeting house, Antietam Cr., Washington Co., Md., April 7.

C. Newcomer, H. Kumler, bishops; William Brown, Jacob Erb, secretaries.

Present: John Snyder, George Guething, David Baer, John Neidig, Samuel Huber, Jacob Erb, William Rhinehart, Ezekiel Boring, John Crack, James Snyder, Henry Burtner, John Hendricks, Thomas Miller, John Rider, Jacob Dehof, John Zahn, Jacob Wenger, Frederick Gilbert, John Fry, Christian Shopp, David Baer, John Cloffer, John Hoffman, John Eckstein, James Newman, William Schott, James Ewig—27.

Richard Schekels expelled for bad conduct.

Licensed to preach: John Dorcas, Peter Herrman, Daniel Senseny, Christian Crowling, James Ewig, James Newman, Henry Higgens, Noah Woodyard, William Knott, David Winters.

Licensed to exhort: Jacob Haas, Jacob Perry, Martin Haman, George Guething, John Dummer, Jacob Gerg (?).

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Ordained: Christian Shopp, John Cloffer, John Hafford, John Eckstein, John Fry, John Hoffman, William Schott.

Itinerants for coming year: John Snyder, William Rhinehart, William Brown, John Neidig, Ezekiel Boring, John Hendricks, Frederick Gilbert, Thomas Miller, John Crack, John Dorcas, William Schott, John Eckstein, James Snyder, Noah Woodford, Daniel Senseny, William Knott, James Ewig, John Zahn.

John Snyder, Christian Shopp, William Brown a committee to examine the accounts of S. Drislock respecting certain collections made by him and to see that the money is expended according to description.

Samuel Huber and David Baer a committee to meet David Long and others and exhort them to do better or suffer the consequences.

Next conference to be held at the meeting house near Shopp's Cumberland Co., Pa., beginning third Monday in March, and that a great meeting be held at the same place the Saturday and Sunday previous.

Almost no charge brought against anyone. Much testimony given of the work of grace in the hearts of the members. The experience of Jacob Haas surpassed anything ever brought before this conference.

1830

Conference convened at Shopp's meeting house, Cumberland Co., Pa., March 22.

Henry Kumler, bishop; George Guething, chairman; John Eckstein, German secretary; William Rhinehart, English secretary.

Present: John Snyder, George Guething, David Baer, William Rhinehart, William Brown, Peter Schwartz, John Hoffman, Valentine Hiskey, Ezekiel Boring, John Crack, James Snyder, Daniel Pfeifer, John Hendricks, Thomas Miller, James Newman, John Zahn, Jacob Erb, Christian Shopp, Simon Drislock, John Eckstein, George Hiskey, John Dumer, William Schott, John Fry, James Ewig, David Winters, William Knott, John Dorcas, Charles Boehm, Moses, Lawson, John Dehof, John Smith, George Liberick (?), Christian Smith, John Hugel, William Kinnear, David Long, Peter Wetzel, George Hoffman, John Hafford, John Cloffer, Abraham Hershey, James Rupp, John Haney, Peter Harman, Frederick Gilbert, Henry Welcher—49.

Addressing seats granted to John Winebrenner and John Rebo (?) and accepted by them.

The names of the following absent members were called and inquiry made with regard to their character: James Sutton, Samuel Huber, John Crider, Christian Traub, Abraham Huber, Thomas Huston, Abraham Herner, Henry Burtner, Herman Ow, Peter Herman, Abraham Hershey, Jacob Dehof, Jacob Debold,

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David Heck, William Abels, John Rider, Conrad Weist, George Pullam—18.

Ordained: John Smith, George Hiskey, Moses Lawson, Frederick Gilbert, John Hazel, John Dehof.

Died: Christian Newcomer, Christian Grosh.

Licensed to preach: Herman Houk, Jacob Rhinehart, George Hoffman, Henry Sowy (?), Charles Boehm, John Potts, John Haney, Peter Whitzel.

Itinerants for the year: John Zahn, Ezekiel Boring, Noah Woodyard, John Crack, David Winters, James Newman, John Smith, Moses Lawson, John Dorcas, William Kinnear, John Haney, Charles Boehm, James Snyder, Thomas Miller, John Hendricks, William Schott, Andrew Beard, Daniel Denvie.

Jacob Erb and Simon Drislock asked to bring their complaints before the conference. Nothing being found to justify any action, the charges were dismissed.

Bro. Drislock gave satisfaction in regard to the difficulties of last year.

In future Hagerstown Conference shall have the old protocol and Bro. Hansby shall procure a new book. Bro. Kumler gave William Brown two dollars for this purpose. He shall procure a book and transcribe from the old to the new all proceedings of importance.

1831

Conference at Mill Creek, Shenandoah Co., Va., April 27.

Henry Kumler, bishop; W. R. Rhinehart, secretary; George Geeting, chairman.

Present: W. R. Rhinehart, Henry Burtner, John Krack, George Paterson, Jacob Erb, George Geeting, John Zahn, W. Kinnear, Peter Wetzel, William Miller, Jacob Houk, George Hoffman, Noah Woodyard, John Haney, Henry Higgens, Jacob Haas, Peter Harman, William Knott—18.

Absent: Jacob Dayhoof, John Hafford, John Cloffer, Michael Thomas, Thomas Miller, John Eckstein, Harmon Houk, Lawrence Sibert, John Hendricks, Conrad Weist—10.

John Ruebush and Jonathan Shenley appointed trustees to build a house on the Hamilton circuit, furnishing it with all necessary furniture for the accommodation of a married preacher.

The bishop paid in $34.61,—the full sixth part of the money coming from the benevolent society; also the money from Hide's estate willed to the conferences of the United Brethren in Christ.

Licensed: Jacob Glossbrenner, Jacob Haas, Frederick Hisey, William Miller.

Voted that license be taken away from L. Sibert because of conduct unbecoming a minister.

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Voted that Jacob Bell, exhorter, be expelled.

Minutes of the Conference ordered to be published.

Motion by W. R. Rhinehart that the vending and distilling of ardent spirits be entirely expunged from the official body belonging to the United Brethren in Christ. Carried.

Conference agreed that Conrad Weist should quit selling liquor and preach more than he has done; if not, his license to be demanded and he be a member of the church no longer.

Voted that the circuit preachers return only the overplus of the money over and above what the Discipline allows,—to be divided among such preachers as may have failed in getting their full amount.

Ordained: Peter Harman, Noah Woodyard, Henry Higgins, William Kinnear.

Appointments:

Hagerstown circuit: Jacob Glossbrenner, W. R. Rhinehart.

Mechanicstown: John Miller, George Geeting.

Staunton and Woodstock circuits: John Zahn, Noah Woodyard, John Haney, Jacob Houk.

Note:—These are the first minutes written in English.

1832

Conference at Hagerstown, Md., April 25.

Henry Kumler, bishop; W. R. Rhinehart, secretary.

Present: W. R. Rhinehart, Henry Burtner, John Zahn, John Cloffer, John Hafford, John Eckstein, Peter Harman, Jacob Day-hoof, Conrad Weist, Jacob Rhinehart, John Dorcas, William Miller, Jacob J. Glossbrenner, Noah Woodyard, William Knotts, John Haney, Henry Naybecker, Charles Boehm, Peter Wetzel—19.

The brethren from Pennsylvania Conference and those belonging to other churches were admitted to addressing seats.

Licensed: Joseph M. Hershey, George Rimel.

Ordained: John Dorcas, Jacob Rhinehart, John Haney, William Knott, Charles Boehm, Peter Wetzel.

Died: Henry Higgins.

Absent: George Patterson, Jacob Houk, Harmon Houk, Jacob Haas, Frederick Hisey, Michael Thomas, George Hoffman.

Conference divided into two districts, Maryland and Virginia, each to elect two delegates to represent them in the next General Conference.

Of the money to the conferences of the German United Brethren in Christ it was agreed that Bishop Kumler should give Valen-

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tine Hiskey "as much as seemeth good to him."

Voted that an English hymn book be published. W. R. Rhine-hart and John Zahn a committee to examine the selection before its publication.

On nomination by the bishop, George Patterson was chosen presiding elder for Virginia, W. R. Rhinehart and Henry Burtner for the Hagerstown circuit; each of the latter to serve six months.

Appointments:

Woodstock circuit: George Patterson, John Haney.

Staunton circuit: J. J. Glossbrenner, J. M. Hershey.

Hagerstown circuit: W. R. Rhinehart, H. Burtner, John Dorcas, Peter Wetzel.

1833

Conference convened at Pleasant Valley, Washington Co., Md., May 17.

Henry Kumler, bishop; George Geeting, chairman; W. R. Rhinehart, secretary.

Present: Henry Burtner, John Dorcas, Peter Weitzel , John Hafford, John Cloffer, John Haney, George Patterson, Peter Harman, John Zahn, John Eckstein, George Rimel, Conrad Weist, Jacob Rhinehart, William Knott, Henry Nebecker, Jacob Glossbrenner, Joseph M. Hershey, Harmon Houk, Jacob Houk, George Hoffman, Samuel Allebaugh.

Absent: Michael Thomas, Jacob Dayhoof, Noah Woodyard, Frederick Hisey; William Knott came "the last day or eleventh hour."

Admitted to addressing seats: William Brown, Jacob Erb, James Newman, George Hussey, Samuel Allenbaugh.

Ordained: J. J. Glossbrenner, J. Houk, George Huffman.

Licensed: W. R. Coursey, George A. Shuey.

Presiding elders: William Brown, John Haney.

Of the interest on the Snyder donation, voted $15 to be given the bishop to defray his traveling expenses, the rest $(10.86) to John Zahn.

Appointments:

Hagerstown district: William Brown, P. E.

Hagerstown circuit: John Dorcas, W. R. Coursey.

Staunton district: John Haney, P. E.

Staunton circuit: J. J. Glossbrenner, George Rimel.

Woodstock circuit: P. Wetzel, William Knott.

South Branch circuit: J. M. Hershey.

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1834

Conference at Jennings Branch meeting house (Churchville), Va., April 21.

William Brown, bishop; Henry Baulus, chairman; W. R. Coursey, secretary.

Present: W. R. Rhinehart, George Geeting, John Dorcas. John Cloffer, Jacob Rhinehart, Samuel Allenbaugh, George Patterson, John Haney, J. J. Glossbrenner. Jacob Houk, Harmon Houk, Peter Whitesel, William Knott, George Hoffman, George Shuey, Joseph M. Hershey, George Rimel, Frederick Hisey, Noah Woodyard—19.

Transferred: Peter Harmon to Pennsylvania Conference.

Died: Michael Thomas, Jacob Dayhoof.

George E. Deneal admitted to advisory seat.

Licensed: Jacob Baer, Jacob Bachtel, Francis Achard; David Jackson was licensed to preach until the next conference by the presiding elder.

Ordained: Harmon Houk, Samuel Allenbaugh.

Presiding elders: J. J. Glossbrenner, Virginia district; H. Burtner, Maryland district.

The resolution introduced by W. R. Rhinehart for the publication of a religious newspaper was adopted. Noah Woodyard expelled.

Samuel Allenbaugh and G. E. Deneal were each donated $5. To the preachers deficient on their salary, 87.22 donated. Appointments:

Hagerstown circuit: J. Haney, W. R. Coursey. Frederick circuit: J. Dorcas, J. Bachtel. Staunton circuit: G. Rimel, S. Allenbaugh. Woodstock circuit: P. Whitesel, W. Knott. South Branch: J. M. Hershey, J. Baer. Winchester mission: G. E. Deneal.

1835

Conference at Hickle's schoolhouse, Shenandoah Co., Va.. March 18.

William Brown, bishop; Henry Burtner, chairman; W. B. Coursey, secretary.

Present: George Patterson, Samuel Allenbaugh, Joseph M. Hershey, George A. Geeting, Jacob Rhinehart, John Haney, William Knott, Conrad Weist, George B. Rimel, J. J. Glossbrenner, George E. Deneal, Jacob Eckstein, George A. Shuey, Peter Whitesel, John

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Krack, William R. Coursey, George Hoffman, J. Baer, Frederick Hisey, Francis Eckard, Jacob Bachtel, Jacob C. Houk, John Huffard—23.

Absent: George Geeting, John Dorcas, John Eckstein, John Cloffer, John Hafford, Conrad Weist—6.

Voted that only the licensed preachers be present at the examinations into the character of preachers.

Ordained: George Rimel, Frederick Hisey, William R. Coursey, Joseph M. Hershey, George E. Deneal, George A. Shuey.

Samuel Funkhouser from the Pennsylvania Conference admitted to an advisory seat.

Licensed: Adam Bovey, Jonathan Tobey, Jacob Meiser, David Jackson, Martin L. Fries, David Spessard.

The presiding elder empowered to ask for the license of Conrad Weist.

A charge against Bro. Dorcas referred to Haney, Deneal and Jacob Rhinehart, who report he should give up his license, or they be given power to silence him if he refuse to give complete satisfaction.

Voted that John Krach of Pennsylvania Conference be transferred to the Virginia Conference.

The preachers are requested to make an effort to raise money to help meet the expenses of the new meeting house in Mechanics-town, Md., after they have met their own demands on a similar subject.

W. Knott to receive $8 of the benevolent fund, J. M. Hershey, $4.08.

Appointments:

Frederick circuit: John Krach, W. R. Coursey.

Hagerstown circuit: G. Rimel, J. Baer.

Staunton circuit: Jacob Houk, P. Whitesel.

Woodstock circuit: S. Allenbaugh, J. Tobey.

Winchester: J. Haney, J. Menser.

South Branch: J. Bachtel.

Page mission: G. E. Deneal, M. L. Fries.

Maryland Districts: H. Burtner, P. E.; Hagerstown circuit, G. B. Rimel, J. Baer, Frederick circuit, J. Krack, W. R. Coursey.

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1836

Conference at Geeting meeting house, Md., March 19. Samuel Hiestand, bishop; W. R. Coursey, secretary.

Licensed to preach: Moses Michael.

Mission opened in Jackson county on Ohio River.

J. J. Glossbrenner, P. E. reported his salary $110.

Appointments:

Staunton District: J. J. Glossbrenner, P. E.; Staunton circuit. P. Whitesel, D. S. Spessard; Woodstock circuit, S. Allenbaugh: South Branch circuit, J. Bachtel; Winchester circuit, J. C. Houk: Rockland mission, G. A. Shuey; Jackson mission, M. Michael.

Maryland District: J. Rhinehart, P. E.; Hagerstown circuit, G. B. Rimel, M. L. Fries; Frederick circuit: W. Knott, J. Tobey.

1837

Conference at Bethel schoolhouse, near the present village of Chewsville, Md., March 20.

Samuel Hiestand, bishop; G. A. Shuey, secretary.

Members: J. J. Glossbrenner, John Clopper, Moses Michael, William Knott, Jacob C. Houck, David S. Spessard, Charles W. Zahn, Jacob Rhinehart, John Haffard, Adam I. Bovey, George B. Rimel, Jacob Bachtel, Jonathan Tobey, George A. Geeting, William B. Coursey, Jacob Baer, Samuel Allenbaugh, George Patterson, Frederick A. Roper—19.

Licensed to preach: F. A. Roper, C. W. Zahn.

Ordained: J. Bachtel, J. Baer.

Died: P. Whitesel, M. L. Fries.

J. Bachtel located on account of ill health on the Frederick and Hagerstown circuits and to be supported by them.

Appointments:

Staunton District: J. J. Glossbrenner, P. E.; Winchester circuit, C. W. Zahn; Woodstock cir