As before appointed the West Ohio Eldership met with the Church at Beery Bethel, Mercer county, Ohio, Monday morning, October 19, 1868.

      The Opening Sermon was delivered by Elder W. P. Small, on Sabbath evening previous, from Acts xxvi: 16, 17, 18.

      The Speaker of last year being absent, Elder George W. Wilson was called to the Chair, and opened the session with religious worship, after which the Clerks proceeded to constitute to Eldership, whereupon the following brethren were found to be in attendance:
      Findlay and McComb Circuit--J. W. Aukerman and D. S. Warner, Teaching Elders; John Bolton and Silvester Philips, Ruling Elders; John Litzemburg, Delegate.
      Wyandott Circuit--J. H. Basore, Teaching Elder.
      Seneca Circuit--J. W. Senseney, Teaching Elder; W. H. Creager and J. Mann, Ruling Elders.
      Williams county Circuit--G. W. Wilson, Teaching Elder; Michael Netz, Delegate.
      St. Mary's Circuit--W. P. Small, T. Hickernell and C. Now, Teaching Elders; Benj. Beery, Valentine C. Raach, J. Baker, D. Sands and Philip King, Ruling Elders; Robert Small, Delegate.
      Osceola Mission--L. Ensminger, Absent.
      Miami Mission--J. Richards, Teaching Elder; Ezra Hardy, Ruling Elder.
      Putnam Mission--A. J. Warren, absent.
      Absentees--A. Resh, W. Shafer, D. Shreiner, L. W. Keller, W. McCormick, D. Shrom, Geo. E. Ewing, H. Restler, *J. Dobson, W. Adams, S. Furgeson, M. Gault, J. Neil, A. Cline, S. Chamberlain, M. C. Mowen.
      (*) Came in after the Eldership was organized.

      On motion, We proceeded to the election of Speaker and Clerk.

      Bro. G. W. Wilson was chosen Speaker, and J. H. Basore Clerk.

      Bro. Yenner, of the East Ohio Eldership, and Bro. Cassel, of Williams county, were received as advisory members of this Body during its present sessions.

      On motion, it was agreed that the Speaker appoint all committees, except the Stationing and Standing, and that all other committees be dispensed with, except the following: Rules of Order, Resolutions, Overtures, Journals, Religion, License and Obituaries.

      The Speaker then appointed the following committees:
      On Rules of Order--J. W. Aukerman, W. P. Small and D. S. Warner.
      On Resolutions--J. W. Aukerman, J. Richards and J. Bolton.
      On Overtures--M. Netz, J. Mann and H. Creager.
      On Journals--T. Hickernell, C. Now and Ezra Hardy.
      On Religion--W. P. Small, D. S. Warner and J. W. Senseney.
      On License--T. Hickernell, J. H. Basore and J. W. Aukerman.
      On Obituaries--W. P. Small, D. S. Warner and G. W. Wilson.

      The Committee on Rules of Order reported as follows:
      1. The Eldership shall hold two sessions per diem, a morning and afternoon session.
      2. The morning session shall commence at half-past eight, and adjourn at half-past eleven o'clock, A. M.
      3. The afternoon session shall commence at one, and adjourn at four o'clock, P. M.
      4. Each session shall be opened and closed with divine service.
      5. The business of this Body shall be conducted in the following manner:
      1. Reading and correcting the Journal each morning.
      2. Reports of Committees.
      3. Unfinished business.
      4. New business of a general character.
      5. The mode of conducting debates.
      1. The previous question cannot be called only when seconded by five members.
      2. No speech shall be longer than fifteen minutes.
      3. No person shall speak more than twice on the same question, except by a two-thirds vote of the Eldership.
      4. No motion shall be in order while another is pending, except to amend, strike out or adjourn.
      5. No needless walking or talking is allowed, nor chewing or spitting of tobacco in the house of God.
      6. No member of this Body shall be permitted to leave the house without permission of the same.
      7. No charge shall be brought against any member of this Body without previously consulting him.
      8. Preaching each evening to commence at seven o'clock.

      On motion, Bro. Aukerman was appointed to preach this evening.

      Closed with prayer by J. H. Basore.

      Opened by Elder T. Hickernell.

      Reports of committees were called for.

      The Committee on Journals reported no business.

      The Committee on Obituaries report no deaths.

      The Standing Committee reported:
      Their report was considered seriatim.
      Item 1, Adopted; 2, adopted; 3, adopted; 4, rejected.

      Reports of preachers were called for:
      Bros. Aukerman and Warner reported, conversions, 88; immersions, 60; accessions, 105; appointments, 12; missionary money, $45 83; support received, $544 60; donations $84 33; organizations, 1. Report received and licenses renewed.
      J. H. Basore reported, conversions, 62; accessions, 57; immersions, 50; missionary money, $15 70; contingent fund, $2 12; widows' fund, 0 50; superannuated fund, $1 00; support received, $304 41; donations, $75 00. Report received, and license renewed, and he was transferred to the Michigan Eldership.
      Bro. G. W. Wilson reported, support received, $400 00. Report received, and license renewed.
      Bro. W. P. Small reported, conversions, 30; accessions, 50; immersions, 38; new organizations, 2; support received, $383 35; missionary money, $15 65. Received and license renewed.
      Bro. Senseney reported, conversions, 100; new organizations, 1; accessions, 72; immersions, 28; support received, $207 65; missionary money, $20 65; superannuated fund, $2 25; contingent fund, $1 05. Report received and license renewed.

      On motion, It was agreed that the Committee on License meet at the house of Bro. Beery, this evening, to examine those desiring license.

      Closed with prayer by Bro. Richards.

      Opened by Bro. Cassel.

      Reports of committees were called for.

      The Committee on Overtures reported:
      1. A letter from Bro. M. C. Mowen, containing his report. Referred to the Eldership.
      2. A letter from Bro. Joseph Neil, containing his report. Referred to the Eldership.
      3. A letter from Rock Run commending the labors of Bro. Basore, and asking for a preacher.
      4. A letter from Bro. Gault containing his report. Referred to the Eldership.
      5. A letter from Bro. Ewing, containing his report. Referred to the Eldership.
      6. A letter from Elder Shafer containing his report. Referred to the Eldership.
      7. A letter from McComb, Hancock county, Ohio, commending the labors of Bros. Aukerman and Warner, and asking for a preacher. Referred to the Eldership.
      8. A letter from Bro. Chamberlain, containing his report, also commending the labors of Elder Wilson and Bro. Cassel. Referred to the Eldership. Adopted.

      The Committee on License reported that they had examined Bro. J. M. Cassel, and would recommend him as worthy of a license. Adopted, and a license was granted Bro. Cassel, and he was addressed by the Speaker.

      Bro. Sherrick of the U. B. Church was admitted as an advisory member.

      Bro. Baker, an elder of the Church at Fairview, presented the deed conveying the land and appurtenances of the new house of worship built by the Church at Fairview, Mercer county, O., to the West Ohio Eldership.
      Accepted, and three trustees were appointed to take charge of the deed and house. The following were elected: I. Baker, for one year; Philip Fast, for two years; Jesse Kiser, for one year.

      On motion, We now proceed to the election of the Stationing Committee, by ballot; that committee to be a committee on boundaries, and to be composed of seven. The following were elected: W. P. Small, J. W. Aukerman, T. Hickernell, D. S. Warner, M. Netz, W. H. Creager, and Ezra Hardy.

      On motion, We appoint the Standing Committee by nomination.

      On motion, It was deferred until after the Stationing Committee reports.

      On motion, We appoint delegates to the General Eldership by nomination. The following were appointed: T. Hickernell, W. P. Small and G. W. Wilson, Teaching Elders; John Bolton and H. Creager, Ruling Elders. Alternates, J. W. Aukerman, J. W. Senseney and J. Richards, Teaching Elders; John Mann and Benjamin Beery, Ruling Elders.

      The Committee on Overtures reported:
      Two letters from Leipsic; one from Bro. Warren, containing his report, the other commending Bro. Warren as a faithful laborer, and asking to be attached to some field of labor as a Church. Referred to the Eldership.

      Reports of preachers called for:
      Bro. M. C. Mowen reported by letter. Received and license renewed.
      Bro. Ensminger reported through J. H. Basore. Received and license renewed.
      Bro. A. J. Warren reported by letter. Received and license renewed.
      Bro. Richards reported. Received and license renewed.

      Closed with prayer by Bro. W. P. Small.

      Opened with prayer by Bro. Senseney.

      The Committee on Resolutions reported the following, which was adopted.
      WHEREAS, This Eldership should adopt a much better system of missionary financeering--a system that should exclude all other claims but the missionary interest; and, WHEREAS, It is very necessary that the missionary system of this Eldership should be placed on an independent basis, so that the missionary monies can be applied only in the employment of missionaries to labor in the ministry exclusively, on ground unoccupied by ministers of the Church of God. Therefore,
      Resolved, That after the Eldership liabilities of the present year shall be paid out of the missionary funds, hereafter these funds shall not be appropriated to any other purpose than to the employment of missionaries to labor on unoccupied ground.
      Resolved, That a greater effort shall be put forth to collect missionary monies for this purpose.
      Resolved, That at least one preacher shall be employed as a missionary upon new ground every year, and be supported chiefly by the missionary fund, and that it is the duty of the Churches to sustain the Eldership in so doing.
      2. Resolution on tobacco.
      WHEREAS, The use of tobacco is considered injurious to man by some of our best physicians; and, WHEREAS, it curtails the influence of those who use it, especially ministers; therefore,
      Resolved, That we as ministers of the pure and holy gospel of Jesus Christ will, and do hereby discountenance forever the use of tobacco.
      3. CHURCH ADVOCATE compliment.
      WHEREAS, THE CHURCH ADVOCATE is now the best and cheapest religious paper in the United States: and, WHEREAS, Its present form is attended with an increase of expense, and its circulation being only about one-half the number it should be; therefore,
      Resolved, That we will, for the next year to come, use our utmost endeavors to extend its circulation within the bounds of our Eldership, and if possible, double the present number of subscribers to it and the Gem.
      4. WHEREAS, Elder J. H. Basore has filled faithfully the office of Clerk, and believing "that the laborer is worthy of his hire;" therefore,
      Resolved, That we may pay him the sum of three dollars for his labors.
      5. WHEREAS, The local ministers should act as auxiliaries to the Itinerant ministry, and should co-operate with the active ministry; therefore,
      Resolved, That if they do not discharge those duties (and it appears to the Eldership that they are delinquent) they shall therefore forfeit their licenses. Disabled ministers always excepted.

      The Committee on Journals reported in reference to the monuments of Elder James George and wife, deceased; whereupon the following was agreed to by the Eldership:
      That the officers appointed by the last year's Eldership to obtain suitable monuments for the graves of Elder James George and wife, deceased, to be continued, and they are requested to persevere in the effort, and all traveling ministers are urged to make an energetic effort during the present year to secure the necessary funds, and send them to Bro. John Bolton, Stanly, Putnam co., O.

      Reports of ministers resumed.
      Bro. Resh reported through Bro. Senseney. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. Shafer reported by letter. Report received and license renewed, and he with his life membership were transferred to the Southern Indiana and Illinois Eldership.
      Bro. Cline reported through Bro. Senseney. Report received and license renewed.
      Bros. Keller and Shriner reported through Bro. Basore. Report received and licenses renewed.
      Bro. McCormick reported through Bro. Yenner. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. D. Shrum not heard from.
      Bro. Prestler reported through Bro. Cassel. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. Chamberlain reported by letter. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. Ewing reported by letter. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. S. Furgeson heard from through Bro. Warner. His license renewed and placed in the hands of the Standing Committee with discretionary power.
      Bro. M. Gault reported by letter. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. Neal reported by letter. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. Adams reported through Bro. John Litzenburg. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. T. Hickernell reported. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. Dobson reported. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. Now reported. Report received and license renewed.
      Bro. Yenner reported, and presented his transfer from the East Ohio Eldership. Report received and license was granted him.

      The following brethren agreed to travel: Bros. Senseney, Wilson, Aukerman, Small, Mowen, Warner, Cassel and Yenner.

      On motion, The Stationing Committee meet this evening after preaching.

      Adjourned. Closed with benediction by the Speaker.

      Opened with prayer by Bro. Small.

      On motion, The reading and correcting of the journal was dispensed with until we adjourn.

      The Committee on the State of Religion reported as follows, which was adopted:
      After hearing the reports of the ministers from the different circuits, your committee is convinced that the cause of God is gloriously prevailing. In support of the above, we submit the following reasons:
      1. The number of hopeful conversions within the bounds of this Eldership is reported to be about 368, which seems to be an improvement upon last year's labors.
      2. The number of accessions reported is 343; this is certainly a very favorable increase for which we feel thankful to the Lord of the harvest.
      3. The number of new organizations is seven.
      4. A great increase of the missionary spirit is manifest among the ministers and membership, which bespeaks the early widening of the borders of Zion.
      5. There is also an increase of the spirit of benevolence among the brethren, manifested in the increase of the ministers' support, and benevolent funds. For all these good omens we feel thankful to God, and greatly encouraged to resume our labors with renewed zeal, firmly believing that the principles of the Church of God (the pillar and ground of truth) is the only basis of a permanent and universal reformation.

      On motion, An order was drawn on the Treasurer for the amount due Elder Adams.

      The Board of Missions reported:

Missionary Money . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$204 04
Superannuated Fund. . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	4 60
Contingent Fund. . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	3 75
Widows' Fund . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
		---------
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$242 80
Paid Elder Adams . . . . . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80 00
		---------
Balance in Treasury . .	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	$132 80

      On motion, Every licensed minister shall pay one dollar annually to the Widows' Fund. Adopted.

      On motion, The Eldership resolved to form itself into a Committee of the whole, Bro. Small in the chair.

      On motion, We proceed to solicit life membership subscriptions to the Missionary Society. Eight persons subscribed.

      On motion, We proceed to appoint the time and place for holding the next Eldership.

      On motion, It was agreed that the Eldership shall meet with the Church of God in Kirby, Wyandott co., Ohio, commencing Friday evening September the 24th, 1869.

      On motion, It was agreed that Elder G. W. Wilson should preach the opening sermon.

      Leave of absence was granted to Bros. Creager and Mann.

      On motion, It was agreed that the old Board of Missions be retained.

      On motion, The Stationing Committee reported. Their report was considered seriatim, and then adopted as a whole with a few changes:
      Williams co. Circuit--G. W. Wilson, assisted by S. Chamberlain.
      Seneca Circuit--J. L. Yenner and M. C. Mowen.
      Wyandott Circuit, with Pleasant Valley and Burwick added--W. P. Small.
      Findlay Station, including Findlay, Hickory Grove and Blanchard--J. W. Aukerman.
      McComb Circuit, including Leipsic--J. W. Senseney.
      St. Mary's Circuit--D. S. Warner.
      Maumee Mission--J. M. Cassel.
      Osceola Mission--L. Ensminger.

      On motion, Elder Wilson was appointed to draft a constitution for this Eldership.

      On motion, Bro. Small was appointed book depositor, to sell the balance of the books on hand, settle up old accounts, and return the money received to the Secretary of the Board of Missions, to be given by him to the Treasurer.

      Bro. Warner, Depositor, pro tem, reported. Report received.

      On motion, We proceed to elect the Standing Committee.
      The following were elected members of the Standing Committee: W. P. Small, J. W. Aukerman, J. L. Yenner, John Bolton and W. H. Creager.

      On motion, It was agreed that the Standing Committee meet in Findlay the first Saturday of December next.

      On motion, Bro. Cassel was enjoined to labor faithfully for the space of three months with the assurance that he shall be supported.

      A vote of thanks was tendered to the citizens of this place for their hospitality and kindness during the present session.

      A vote of thanks was tendered the Speaker and Clerk for the able manner in which they have discharged their duties.

      Bro. Aukerman was appointed an agent to see after $50 00 willed the Home Missionary Society by Bro. Job Smith, deceased.

      On motion, The Journal was read and adopted.

      On motion, Bro. Yenner preach this evening.

      Adjourned. Closed with prayer by Bro. Wilson.

[The Church Advocate 33 (November 11, 1868): 211.]

      J. H. Basore's "Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual Sessions of the Eldership of the Church of God in West Ohio" was first published in The Church Advocate, Vol. 33, No. 28 (November 11, 1868), p. 211. The electronic version has been transcribed from a copy of the article provided by Jean Leathers, Archivist of the Churches of God Historical Society.

      Inconsistencies in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and typography have been retained; however, corrections have been offered for misspellings and other accidental corruptions. Emendations are as follows:

                  Printed Text [ Electronic Text
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 p. 211:    Bro's Aukerman and Warren [ Bros. Aukerman and Warner
            widows fund, [ widows' fund,
            Bro's Aukerman and Warner, [ Bros. Aukerman and Warner,
            therefor forfeit [ therefore forfeit
            St. Margo Circuit-- [ St. Mary's Circuit--
            Clerk, [ Clerk.
 

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 20 April 1999.
Updated 15 July 2003.