According to previous appointment the West Ohio Eldership of the Church of God met in the Bethel in Kirby, Wyandot co., O., October 15, 1869.

      The Speaker of last year being absent, Elder J. W. Senseney was called to the chair.

      Session opened by the usual acts of worship by Bro. L. Ensminger, after which the following brethren were found to be present.

      Findley--Teaching Elders, J. W. Aukerman and William Adams; Ruling Elders, J. Ferguson, P. Rolland and M. Bear; Delegates, D. George and Wm. Huffman.

      Wyandot--Teaching Elders, W. P. Small, Wm. McCormick, D. Shriner and L. W. Keller; Ruling Elders, D. Hale and E. Wentling.

      Seneca--Teaching Elders, A. Resh, M. C. Mowen, J. W. Senseney; Ruling Elders, J. Man and A. Kirby.

      Williams County--Teaching Elders, Jos. Neil and H. Pressler.

      St. Mary's--Teaching Elder, D. S. Warner; Delegate, R. Baker.

      M'Comb--Teaching Elders, none present; Ruling Elders, J. Bolton, I. Stiner, -- Vandoran and A. Pfingst.

      Oceola--Teaching Elder, L. Ensminger; Ruling Elder, J. Gracy.

      Maumee--Teaching Elders, J. M. Cassel and J. Richards; Ruling Elders, E. Hardy and G. Dague.

      M. Gault, A. J. Warren, G. E. Ewing, A. Kline, J. L. Yenner, G. W. Wilson, S. Chamberlain, T. Hickernell, C. Now, J. A. Dobson and D. Shrum.

      On motion, We now proceed to the election of Speaker and Clerks, J. W. Aukerman was elected Speaker; D. S. Warner, First Clerk, and W. P. Small, Second Clerk.

      On motion, M. Coates, T. H. Deshiri and J. Star were received as advisory members of this body during its present sessions.

      On motion, J. W. Senseney and the Elders of the Church at Kirby act as a committee to fill the pulpit.

      On motion, It was agreed that the Speaker appoint all the committees except the Standing, Stationing, and Committee on Resolutions.

      The Speaker then proceeded to appoint the following committees:

      On Rules of Order--L. Ensminger, P. Rolland and Jos. Neil.

      On Overtures--J. W. Senseney, D. Hale and J. Bolton.

      On State of Religion--D. S. Warner, W. P. Small and I. Stiner.

      On License--D. Shriner, W. P. Small and L. Ensminger.

      On Obituaries--J. M. Cassel, J. W. Senseney and L. Ensminger.

      On Resolution--D. Shriner, M. C. Mowen and A. Resh.

      Committee on Rules of Order reported the same rule that were adopted last year.

      Adopted.

      Closed by Speaker.

      Opened by the Speaker.

      The Committee on Obituaries reported no deaths.

      The Standing Committee reported. Report adopted.

      On motion, It was agreed that the ministers serving Findley Station, M'Comb, St. Mary's and Williams County proceed at once to raise money and send it to J. Bolton for the purpose of erecting a tombstone at the grave of Bro. James George, dec'd.

      On motion, It was agreed that the ministers traveling Seneca and Wyandot Circuits proceed to raise money and place it in the hands of Sister Catherine Hale and Sister Smith for the purpose of erecting a tombstone over the grave of Sister George, dec'd.

      Elder M. Coates presented his transfer from the West Pennsylvania Eldership.

      Closed with prayer by T. H. Deshiri.

      Opened with prayer by Jos. Neil.

      On motion, The resolution passed at our last annual meeting, that all missionary funds hereafter raised be applied exclusively for the support of missions was rescinded.

      On motion, The resolution prohibiting ministers from other Elderships taking a field of labor in this Eldership without a transfer, was rescinded.

      On motion, It was agreed that we advise ministers from other Elderships coming among us to bring transfers with them.

      On motion, Bros. A. J. Hull and -- Matteson were received as advisory members of this body during its present sessions.

      The Licensing Committee reported as follows: Elder T. H. Deshiri, from the Freewill Baptist Church, was received and a license granted him. Bro. R. Baker was examined and advised to improve his talents without license at least another year.

      Adopted.

      Closed with prayer by A. Resh.

      Opened with prayer by Elder W. Adams.

      The Committee on Overtures reported as follows:

      1. A letter from M. Gault. Referred to the Eldership.
      2. A letter from G. E. Ewing. Referred to the Eldership.
      3. A letter from A. Kline. Referred to the Eldership.
      4. A letter from D. Shrum. Referred to the Eldership.
      5. A letter from J. L. Yenner. Referred to the Eldership.
      6. A letter from A. Beaver. Referred to the Stationing committee.
      7. A letter from J. McClain. Referred to the Stationing Committee.
      8. A letter from V. Rach and B. Beery. Referred to the Stationing Committee.

      The Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:
      WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God to removed from the Church in the zenith of his usefulness, our worthy Editor and beloved brother in the ministry, Elder E. H. Thomas; therefore,
      Resolved, That the gentlemanly and truly Christian deportment of the late Elder E. H. Thomas, has won a deep place in the affection of his co-laborers in the ministry and editorial department; that while we mourn his removal, by death, we console ourselves with the pleasing thought that our loss is his eternal gain.
      Resolved, That his truly pious example while here, is worthy of our imitation, and shall encourage us to renewed exertions to make ourselves alike useful.
      Resolved, That we sympathize deeply with our beloved Sister Thomas and family of the deceased, and vehemently pray that God, by His grace, will uphold them in their severe afflictions.

D. SHRINER, M. C. MOWEN, A. RESH

      On motion, The first article of the doings of the Standing Committee be reconsidered.

      On motion, we rescind the action of the Standing Committee relating to the censure of Bro. Sensney.

      Not rescinded.

      On motion, Bro. N. Coates was received as and advisory member of this body during the present sessions.

      On motion, It was agreed that the $15 assigned to the West Ohio Eldership by the General Eldership be equally divided among the circuits and stations--about $2 50 to each circuit, including Findley Station.

      On motion, No preacher shall consume more than ten minutes in reporting.

      Reports of preachers were called for.

      Elder J. Aukerman reported. Report adopted and license renewed.

      Adjourned. Prayer by Bro. P. Rolland.

      Opened by Bro. Vandoran.

      On motion, The money willed to this Eldership by Bro. Job Smith, with interest thereon, be placed in the hands of the Board of Missions.

      On motion, we hear the reports of preachers.

      Elder W. P. Small reported. His report was received and license renewed.

      W. McCormick reported. His report was received and license renewed.

      D. Shriner reported. His report was received and license renewed.

      L. W. Keller reported. His report was received and license renewed.

      A. Resh reported. His report was received and license renewed.

      M. C. Mowen reported. His report was received and license renewed.

      J. W. Senseney reported. His report was received and license renewed.

      Jos. Neil reported. Report received and license renewed.

      H. Press;er reported. Report received and license renewed.

      D. S. Warner reported. Report received and license renewed.

      L. Ensminger reported. Reported received and license renewed.

      J. M. Cassel reported. Report received and license renewed.

      J. Richards reported. Report received and license renewed.

      On motion, it was agreed to have a night session.

      Prayer by Elder Adams.

      Adjourned.

      Opened by T. H. Deshiri.

      Elder W. Adams reported. Report received and license renewed.

      A. J. Warren reported through I. Stiner. Report received and license renewed.

      M. Gault reported by letter. Adopted and license renewed.

      G. E. Ewing reported by letter. Adopted and license renewed.

      A. Kline reported. Adopted and license renewed.

      S. Chamberlain not being heard from, his license was placed in the hands of the Standing Committee until he reports.

      T. Hickernell reported through W. P. Small. Report adopted and license renewed.

      C. Now reported through D. S. Warner. Report adopted and license renewed.

      Bro. J. A. Dobson was not heard from, hence, his license was placed in the hands of the Standing Committee until he reports.

      Bro. D. Shrum was not heard from, hence, his license was placed in the hands of the Standing Committee until he reports.

      Bro. T. H. Deshiri reported. Report received.

      Bro. A. J. Hull, from Michigan Eldership, reported. Report received.

      Bro. M. Coates reported. Report was received.

      On motion, We proceed to elect the Stationing Committee.

      The following brethren were elected: M. Bare, D. Shriner, D. S. Warner, I. Stiner, A. Resh, Jos. Neil and M. Cassel.

      On motion, we now proceed to ascertain who will travel the coming year.

      The following brethren agreed to travel: J. W. Anderson, W. P. Small, D. Shriner, on conditions, L. W. Keller, as a Missionary, Jos. Neil, H. Pressler, D. S. Warner, L. Ensminger, conditionally, J. M. Cassel, J. Richards, Missionary, T. H. Deshiri, and M. C. Mowen.

      Closed with benediction by Elder Wm. Adams.

      Opened by W. P. Small.

      Committee on Overtures reported as follows:
      1. A letter from Bro. W. Clay. Referred to the Stationing Committee.
      2. A letter from Bro. Hansel. Referred to the Stationing Committee.
      3. A letter from Elders W. H. Oliver and S. Lilly. Referred to the Stationing Committee.
      4. A letter from Bro. J. Fox. Referred to the Stationing Committee.
      5. A letter from Elder G. W. Wilson. Referred to the Stationing Committee.

      Report adopted.

      On motion, The following brethren were appointed a committee to examine Elder G. W. Wilson's report: L. Ensminger, D. Shriner, Bro. Vandoren, J. Bolton and P. Roland.

      Bro. J. L. Yenner reported by letter. Report adopted and license renewed.

      Bro. James Neil reported through Bro. I. Stiner. Report received.

      On motion, James Ferguson, D. Shrum, and L. W. Keller were constituted a committee to dispose of the Clintonville Bethel, and give the proceeds to the Eldership.

      Closed with benediction by Wm. McCormick.

      Prayer by Bro. A. Resh.

      On motion, We proceed to elect a Board of Missions, which resulted as follows: H. Davis, re-elected Treasurer; D. Hale, Secretary.

      On motion, The committee appointed to examine Bro. Wilson's report, reported as follows:

      After investigating Bro. G. W. Wilson's letter to the West Ohio Eldership, find certain specifications embracing rash language in reference to a certain brother minister, implicating this body as dealing unfairly in such matters, intimating that there is no chance for redress. We, therefore, recommend that his report be received and license be renewed and a transfer given and placed in the hands of the Standing Committee until those difficulties are amicably settled; and further, that Elder Wilson is requested to meet said committee at their first session.

L. ENSMINGER, D. SHRINER, J. BOLTON A. R. VANDORAN, P. ROLLAND.

      Adopted.

      After considerable time was spent deliberating on Elder M. Coates' case, the Eldership adopted the following preamble and resolution:

      WHEREAS, Some unfavorable reports follow Elder M. Coates. from Western Pennsylvania Eldership; and, WHEREAS, he presents to us his transfer and license from said body and, WHEREAS, it appears to us that said body erred in giving Elder Coates a license and a transfer under those circumstances; therefore,
      Resolved, That we request the West Pa. Eldership and Elder Coates, as soon as possible, to settle those difficulties.

      The committee on the state of religion reported as follows:

      1. After hearing the reports of our preachers, we find the number of conversions during the past year to be about 291.
      2. Church organization, 1.
      3. The number of active, zealous, efficient ministers is increasing in our midst.
      4. An increased interest in the Sabbath school cause.
      5. Increased liberality on the part of the Church, the ministry consequently better supported.
      All this we consider indicative of good for which we thank God and take courage. W would urge all concerned to renew their efforts and increase their zeal the coming year that God may more abundantly bless our efforts.

D. S. WARNER, W. P. SMALL, I. STINER.

      On motion, We select the place for holding our next annual Eldership.

      Hopewell Bethel, Seneca co., Ohio, is the place selected.

      On motion, Our next Eldership be held on the first Friday after the State election in October, 1870.

      The Stationing Committee reported:

      Findley Station. T. H. Deshiri.
      Wyandot Circuit. W. P. Small.
      Seneca Circuit. M. C. Mowen.
      McComb Circuit. J. W. Aukerman.
      Williams Circuit. James Neil.
      St. Mary's Circuit. D. S. Warner and J. M. Cassel.
      Maumee Mission. Joseph Neil.

      On motion, We rescind the resolution passed last fall requiring ministers to pay one dollar annually into a widows' fund.

      Carried.

      On motion, Elder T. H. Deshiri, J. Hafflebower and James Ferguson constitute a committee to draft a constitution for a preachers' widows' and orphans' fund.

      On motion, We consider the propriety of consolidating the East and West Ohio Elderships.

      Resolved, That we consider it inexpedient to consolidate at present.

      Adopted.

      On motion, We tender our thanks to the kind people of Kirby and vicinity for their hospitality toward us during our stay with them. Also to the Speaker and Clerks for the faithful performance of their duties.

      Bro. D. S. Warner reported, sermons preached, 232; conversions, 50; accessions, 51; immersions, 25; collected $7 49 missionary money; amount of support received, $286 43.

      Bro. J. W. Aukerman reported sermons preached, 138; conversions, 38; immersions, 20; accessions, 28; deaths, 2; expulsions, 3; total number of members, 96; collected $2 32 missionary funds; superannuated collections, $18 18; whole amount of support, $294 20.

      W. P. Small reported, held five protracted meetings; a few conversions; three immersions, and a few accessions. In a spiritual point, we just about held our own, not much gained, nor much lost. Financially, we came out pretty well, support by subscriptions, $437 25; donations, $50 00; whole amount, $487 25; superannuated collections, $3 25; missionary collections, $14 33.

      On motion, J. W. Aukerman preach the opening sermon at our next annual meeting.

	J. W. AUKERMAN, Speaker.
D. S. WARNER, 1st Clerk.       W. P. SMALL, 2nd Clerk.

[The Church Advocate 34 (November 3, 1869): 210.]

      Daniel S. Warner's "Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual Eldership of the Church of God in West Ohio" was first published in The Church Advocate, Vol. 34, No. 27 (November 3, 1869), p. 210. The electronic version has been transcribed from a copy of the article provided by Jean Leathers, Archivist of the Churches of God Historical Society.

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 14 May 1998.
Updated 15 July 2003.