Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage TELESCOPE - MESSENGER United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio Vol.5 no.l Winter 1995 The Dedication of Infants A Ritual History by Kendall Kane McCabe It is not unusual to he told by both former EUBs however, also passed another recommendation "that and former Methodist~ that the EUBs "dedicated the Board of Bishops be instructed to prepare a ritual infants" and that they had a service for it in their for a service of consecration or dedication of children Book of Ritual. The impression often given or in harmony with the provision of the fi:>regoing item implied by such a statement is that the practice was a (1) under "Children's Roll" lMinutes, p.570). Still venerable one and that the liturgy was an inheritance no provision was made to include baptized children on at least as old as the Reformation. A brief review of such a roll. The discussion on the floor of the Confer the history of the service may bring some perspective ence (Minutes, pp.214-16) all centered around the to the discussion. question of the Children's Roll. No interest at all There was no such service in the Evangelical seemed to he taken in the proposed service. When a Church, and a prescribed order for infant dedication question was raised about transferring the children on first appeared in the last United Brethren Discipline that roll with their parents to another congregation, (1945). It was composed hy order of the General the children were referred to as "baptized." And Conference to supplement another piece of legislation when the new service appeared it was headed "DEDI ·that mandated the keeping of a Children's Member- CATION OF INFANTS (Without Baptism)," again ship Record. The Discipline stated: implying that infant baptism had been understood as Children of United Brethren parents, who have a service of dedication. The option being offered was been consecrated or dedicated to the Lord, shall wet or dry dedication. upon request of parents (or one parent or guard The 1945 United Brethren ritual was brief and ian) he enrolled on the Children's Membership reflects the "art of public worship" mentality that Record. 11945 Discipline, p.28l characterized American Protestantism at mid-century. There is no prior mention of a Children's Member There is an opening general statement of biblical ship record, so this appears to have been a means of warrants ("impressive precedent" is the term the keeping track of potential members (what Methodists ritual used) such as Hannah and Mary, Isaiah 40: 11 at the same time called the Preparatory Membership and Mark 10:14. Emphasis was placed on the faith of Roll and was a list of all baptized infants). The the presenters and the environment of the local church legislation about the Children's Membership record as the setting where "this tender 'hud of promise' said nothing about a service of dedication, nor did it may blossom into a 'fragrant flower"' [Discipline, require that baptized children be placed on the roll, a p.251]. A permissive rubric allowed for the minister strange omission unless it assumed that baptism was to lay hands on the child and announce the dedication the equivalent of dedication. The General Conference, with a trinitarian formula. A rose bud might also he given to "he cherished as a prophecy of unfolding Infantli, and also to the categorical statement life." It is interesting to observe that this service was (Discipline Art. 269) that children of believing both longer and more involving of the congregation parents are entitled to Christian Baptism. !Pro than was the immediately preceding order for the gram. Repons. Memorials and Rituals, p.369] baptism of infants. There Mark 10:13-16 was read They had a new dedication service submitted to them and the sponsors affirmed their faith and agreed to hy the bishops which they included as an addendum raise the children "in the nurture and admonition of to their report and which was approved hy the Gener the Lord." It was almost entirely individualistic in al Conference for inclusion in the 1951 Discipline. nature. From an ecclesiological perspective, the new The forms which emerged for both infant baptism dedication service was a better baptism service than and dedication in the 1951 Discipline followed the the baptism service! same outline hut varied considerably from their 1947 The first EUB General Conference (1946) ordered predecessors. The baptismal service was not as that the UB service for "Dedication of Infants without elaborate, and the dedication service lost its tloral Baptism" be included in the new Discipline (Min images as well as the parenthetic description "without utes, p.300). The Children's Record, which had been baptism." While the titles appeared to distance the the occasion for the appearance of the rite in the UB two services from each other as being very different Church, found no mention in the new book, although acts, the contents of the services emphasized their a new section on "Children and the Church" declared similarity. Each service began with a trinitarian that "Children of believing parents are entitled to invocation and an address to the congregation. The Christian Baptism," and referred to those who "dedi baptismal address was a simple explanation of the cate their children to God through Christian Baptism" place of infant baptism in the church. The dedication (p.103). The new service for the baptism of infants address was adapted from the earlier service. Then represented a quantum leap theologically and liturgi there was a scripture reading-Mark 10:13-16 in both cally from what had been in the rituals of either of the services. The address to the parents was the same· former churches. It clearly placed baptism within the formula in both. After the act of baptism or dedica context of the church, employed the Apostles' Creed tion, the concluding prayers were the same except for as the historic baptismal confession of faith, and the interchange of the words "baptize" and "dedi involved both sponsors and congregation in a vital cate." way in the liturgy. Five different times in the service The only other significant alteration in these rituals reference was made to the child being dedicated during the history of the EUB Church was the inclu through baptism. sion of more questions asked of parents, sponsors and When the second EUB General conference (1950) congregation. The same questions were included in met, the Committee on Ritual reported: both services. In effect, infant baptism and infant There was a feeling in the committee that a dedication became the same thing in the EUB Church. service for the Dedication of Infants without The same requirements were made of those presenting Baptism, in an official ritual, was somewhat the children and the same questions were asked of contradictory to the doctrine which the church sponsors and congregation. Incorporation of the child was expressing in the Order for Baptism of into the life of the congregation was affirmed in each instance as was the expectation that the rite would find a later fulfillment and affirmation in some sort of TELESCOPE-MESSENGER is published twic personal growth and commitment. It may be that, early by the Center for the Evangelical Unite regardless of what any individual's intention for the rethren Heritage, United Theological Seminary, services may have been (and intent is a potent theo 1810 Harvard Blvd., Dayton, OH 45406-4599. logical category), the ritual content of both infant orrespondence should be sent to the editor at 131 baptism and infant dedication in the EUB tradition aventry Ct., Centerville, OH 45459. suggestli a distinction without a difference. ditor: Donald K. Gorrell Managing Editor Betty A. O'Brie Dr. McCabe is Pn~fessor Q{Homiletics and Worship at United Theological Seminary. ditorial Committee Donald K. Gorrelli James D. Nelso Elmer J. O'Brie 2 foundation he established I hope to add my historical understanding and creativity so that readers will My first act as the second editor of the Telescope continue to better understand and value the heritage of Messenger is to acknowledge with gratitude the the Evangelical United Brethren Church and it~ importance of the person who initiated this publi antecedent churches. Thank you, Calvin, for your cation. When Calvin H. Reber agreed in 1990 to edit valuable contribution by creating the Telescope a newsletter for the Center for the Evangelical United Messenger. Brethren Heritage he did so hesitantly. But he was as Like Calvin, I believe it is not the primary task of firmly committed to preserving the heritage of the the editor to write all the content for the periodical. I EUB Church and its preceding denominations as was encourage interested persons to submit materials, his recently deceased wife Audrie, who had actively whether articles, announcements, reviews, or com served this cause as a member of the Center's Adviso mentary about things already published. If you have ry Board. Inspired by love for her cause and loyalty possible material in mind, or some already written, to the denominational heritage, Calvin combined please write me at the address in the masthead. creativity and diligence to produce a semi-annual -Donald K. Gorrell periodical that not only helped to preserve the tradi tion but also made others aware of the existence of << << >> >> our Center and its valuable resources. Through the publication many people from our heritage have been 50th Anniversary of EUB Church Union reminded of their historical roots, and many others have become aware of a denominational center and Looking ahead to the 50th Anniversary of the research collection they did not know about. founding of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, November 16, 1946, the Historical Society of The United Methodist Church asked the Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage to host a celebration of the occasion in 1996. The Center's Advisory Board and United Theological Seminary ac cepted the invitation and will host the meeting at Dayton, Ohio, November 16-18, 1996. Plans for the observance include a keynote address by Bishop Paul W. Milhouse, who was at both the 1946 and 1968 uniting conferences, papers on central aspects of the EUB heritage by scholars from the tradition, and a tour of historical sites in the former headquarters city of the denomination and surrounding area. As plans become firm, further announcements will appear in future issues of the Telescope-Messenger. Plan to join Calvin was more involved with the heritage than in the Celebration, November 16-18, 1996! just by traditional editing; he also read and thought about our history and wrote more than most persons << << >> >> realized. In this issue and the next you will find diverse materials that he composed. We hope he will News board continue contributing pieces. It is with fond appreciation for Calvin's pioneering e Ybor City Hispanic Mission Closes: John work that I assume the task he began. As longtime Knecht sent word that the former EUB Ybor City friends and colleagues, we share many of the same Mission church at Tampa, Florida, closed its doors values and commitments to a common heritage, but I in May 1994. Started over 50 years ago in a am not his clone and readers may note differences of clapboard house by Plutarcho and Ethel Roa, the style and emphasis in future issues. To the solid mission school and church grew to a congregation of 3 over 350 members known as St. Paul United Method Uniting Conference," reviews a variety of documents ist Church. After the church integrated with Hispanic, written by church leaders immediately preceding the African American and Anglo members in the 1970s 1968 uniting conference. Mr. Comer's paper, "Bish the membership declined. Its social service to the op Philip William Otterbein," examines the bishop's community continues as part of the Tampa United accomplishment~\ as a German pietistic leader who Methodist Centers. linked revivalism with daily Christian life and experi e Follow-up: After writing about United Brethren ence. origins in Japan in our Summer 1994 issue, mission The award of these prizes is made possible by ary Javan R. Corl was invited to speak in the Funa income from the Audrie E. Reber Memorial Fund, bashi Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan established to commemorate the life and work of Mrs. last autumn. That congregation had been part of the Reber who was a missionary in China, an author and Japan Conference of the United Brethren Church and a leader in women's work. Their purpose is to en wanted to know more about the history and the courage students in schools of higher learning to Confession of Faith of the American denomination produce studies in denominational history, theology responsible for its spiritual roots. and church life. e Help Wanted: Rev. Larry Althouse, who wrote EUB youth curriculum from 1957 to 1968 is trying to << << >> >> find copies-{)riginal or photocopies-{)f Youth Bible An Unfinished Story Studies for the year 1963. He has bound copies of all the other years. Please contact him at: 4412 Shenan At the suggestion of Dr. Stan Ingersoll of the doah Ave., Dallas, TX 75205. Church of the Nazarine archives, Donald B. Tillotson e Resource Materials Needed: United Methodist sent the Telescope-Messenger, a copy of a pamphlet seminary student who has a great passion for United he had prepared about the East Montpelier (Vermont) Brethren in Christ history is interested in building a Camp Meeting. Dr. Ingersoll rightly felt that because library which focuses largely on books and periodicals this camp meeting was conducted by the Evangelical which deal specifically with this segment of our Church we would be interested in the story. But since heritage. Women's Evangels are especially desired. the Evangelical church was notably weak in New Please send information to Ellen E. King, 8455 England and with only a small work in Vermont, this Santa Ynez, San Gabriel, CA 91775 or call (818)- was strange news. However, Mr. Tillotson's pamphlet 286-6651. Your assistance will be a tremendous cited the Evangelical Messenger for a report on the blessing to a student who is enthusiastically working camp meeting and the article was found in the Sep- to enlighten and educate. tember 4, 1912, issue. That and other evidence made e Out-of-print Book Available: Copies of John H. clear that the East Montpelier Camp Meeting was an Ness's history of EUB publishing, One Hundred Evangelical one, but it raises several questions. Fifty Years, are available through the Center for $8 Those questions about the Camp Meeting itself Mr. each, postpaid. Send orders and make payment to the Tillotson's piece mostly answers. That it had a strong Center for the EUB Heritage, 1810 Harvard Blvd., positive influence is witnessed by the fact that he Dayton, OH 45406-4599. Orders will be filled after remembers his father talking about it and that the June 1, 1995. clippings he used in his article were preserved in the family Bible. His grandmother, Susan Tillotson, was << << >> >> also strongly affected by the holiness influence of the meetings, and the Evangelical Messenger article EUB Church History Prizes Awarded reports striking conversions and a commitment to missionary service. The winners of the Evangelical United Brethren The location, chosen after previous temporary ones, Church History Prizes for 1994 are Thorn R. Bower, was a little south of East Montpelier village on a low United Theological Seminary, and Larry Corner, bluff overlooking the Winooski River, where the Ashland Theological Seminary. Mr. Bower's paper, tracks of the Montpelier and Wells Railroad ran "Evangelical United Brethren Expectations from the between the bluff and the river. From his information 4 Mr. Tillotson concludes that camp meetings were first date for and conduct camp meetings according to his held there in 1901 and that the final session must have judgement" (Albright, History of the Evangelical been held between 1915 and 1919. When the camp Church, p.157). The East Montpelier Camp meeting had ceased functioning, Olin Tillotson (Donald's followed this practice as a newspaper clipping from grandfather) and George Maker planted pine trees on the time reported that "Rev. D. F. Burns, presiding the grounds and in the 1950s Winston Maker made elder of the Boston district of the New England arrangements to sell the property. Evangelical Conference, is president of the association A newspaper from the period described the taberna and in charge" (item dated August 11, hut newspaper cle as being sixteen sided with a conical roof. It had and year are not identified.) twelve large windows and three doors, and a seating So the story of the East Montpelier Camp Meeting capacity of about six hundred. This facility was is an unfinished one that begs for more information. complemented by a tent used for daily children's The Evangelical Church was born in New England services and a boarding house· with fifteen sleeping out of the holiness movement and its founder was rooms, a dining room and kitchen. There were also as Joshua Gill (his obituary can he found in the 1908 many as twelve tents and shacks used by people Journal, pp.42-45) but what more can be learned of camping on the grounds. its history? What more can he learned about the camp The United Seminary Library has microfilm copies meeting movement in the Evangelical Church and its of the New England Conference journals from 1896 influence? Answering such questions may lead to to 1957. In the 1906 report of the presiding elder, others but any information to fill this gap in Evangeli East Montpelier is identified as the "seat of our cal Church history would be welcome. Vermont camp meeting-which is a great blessing to -Calvin H. Reber, Jr. all the adjoining towns." At that time there were small, struggling Evangelical churches in both Mont << << >> >> pelier and East Montpelier. While the 1912 journal Book Rev;ews reports on a successful camp meeting and a good outlook for the coming year, the 1914 annual confer One Preacher's Story ence recommended that "all property interest~ vested Daniel Leroy Shearer. Daniel, Some Day in the East Montperlier Society" be transferred to the You're Going to Be a Preacher. Harrisburg, Montpelier Church. No further mention is made of Penn.: Published by the Author, 1994. 328 p. the camp meeting, but a diligent search of the Evan gelical Messenger might uncover more information. In closely printed pages and careful detail, Dr. Dr. Harry DeWire, who for a time served a church in Shearer has given an account of his life and ministry. the New England Conference remembers the confer Even though the story includes many interesting ence as being small, but one wonders how it was that anecdotes, family and friends are most likely to want any church survived in an area so different from the to read the whole book. It would remind them of Pennsylvania German culture in which the Evangelical aspects of the life they shared with him and fill in Church arose. parts with which they were not familiar. Dr. Raymond Albright, whose History of the However, since Dr. Shearer was involved in key Evangelical Church is the standard work, seems not aspects of church life during years of denominational to address this question, and no other history of the transition, persons studying those particular aspects conference was found in our archives. Dr. Albright would find his account providing knowledge of them does have some word about camp meetings, though in the individual chapters. These in sequence were not of the East Montpelier one. He reports that the Lebanon Valley College (student years), 1938-1941; first camp meeting of the Evangelical Association was Silver Springs Charge, 1941-1948; Harrisburg First held on the farm of Mr. Michael Maize near New Church, 1948-1953; Ephrata First Church, 1953- Berlin on May 30, 1810, and that within a short time 1962; Hummelstown Trinity Church, 1962-1969; it was customary to have a camp meeting in every Superintendent of New Cumberland District, Central district of the church. By 1816 the Discipline lists as Pennsylvania Conference, 1970-1973; Conference one of the duties of the presiding elder "to set the Council Director, 1973-1980; State College District 5 Superintendent, 1980-1982; Administrative Assistant to Harrisburg Area Bishop, 1982-1991. Related Arch;val Newsnotes involvements in boards and conferences are also Bishop Stamm Papers reported, along with participation in the process of Bishop John S. Stamm was one of the most moving from UB to EUB to United Methodist gracious Christians and noble leaders in the Evan denominational structures. gelical Church tradition; yet until now the EUB A reading of the entire work informs one of Dr. Center archives had only periodical pieces and Shearer's style of ministry and handling of particular references to him. Fortunately this lacuna has been situations, his appreciation for those with whom he remedied through the provision of some of his shared ministry and the large contribution made by writings by Lucy Rowe. Ms. Rowe, who served his wife, Irma. In providing a complete personal as a missionary nurse in Northern Nigeria and a history, such as his family might want, with details translations secretary there as well as later in on all aspects of his ministry and reflections on these Malaysia, began her ministry early as a secretary experiences, Dr. Shearer may have tried to do too to Bishop and Mrs. Stamm. This led to a parental much in one book, but he does provide, as he prom caring by the Stamms and eventually to her receiv ises on the cover, "the story of one preacher's ing some crucial documents which she has passed unfolding dream." on to the Center for preservation. Most important A copy of this book has been placed in the EUB is the typescript autobiography of Bishop Stamm Heritage archives. provided in a loose leaf binding with its pages protected in plastic, which will be reviewed in the A Pioneer Woman Evangelist next T-M. Also included in the gift are his book, Autobiography of Lydia Sexton: The Story of Evangelism and Christian Experience (Evangel Her Life from 1799 to 1872. Dayton, Ohio: ical Board of Publication, 1930), an unfinished United Brethren Publishing House, 1882. 655 p. manuscript study of 1 Thessalonians with introduc tory note by Mrs. Stamm, three retyped sermons In his chapter "The Ordination of Women-The with the originals, and a copy of the page from Development in the Church of the United Brethren in the World Evangel, November 1961, written by Christ," in Woman's Rightful Place, edited by Ms. Rowe at Bishop Stamm's death on her rela Donald Gorrell, Jim Will lists Lydia Sexton as one of tionship with the Stamms. the early women licensed to preach in the United In presenting these papers to the Center, Ms. Brethren Church. In 1991, another scholar, Julia Rowe has provided an example one wishes others Dagenais in Mid-America Folklore, gives greater would emulate. Others in the church may have attention to Sexton in an article on "Frontier Preach writings from leaders which should. be preserved ing and Formulaic Poetry." Dagenais sees the in the Center and a further contribution would be travelling preachers of the midwestern frontier as the made if they were given in such well-protected 19th-century brothers and sisters of Homer and the form. -Calvin H. Reber, Jr. Medieval troubadours and she draws on the Autobi ography of Lydia Sexton to provide an outstanding example. If such writers as Dagenais see Lydia Sexton as important, inheritors of the UB tradition Miami River. She delayed joining a church for two should be more aware of her. years but joined the United Brethren after attending a Mrs. Sexton was born in New Jersey, had a diffi meeting conducted by Rev. Jacob King of German~ cult childhood and was widowed twice in her twen town. This, she said, "was the beginning of good ties. She provided for herself and two young sons days with me" (p.200). On perusing the Discipline when opportunities were few for women and later of this denomination she found "that there was not a married Joseph Sexton, who was nobly supportive of rule in it but was in harmony with the word of God her calling to ministry. While living at Liberty, near and the teaching of the New Testament" (p.201). Dayton, Ohio, she committed her life to Christ and She prayed at home but was silent in public meet was baptized in a Campbellite service in the Great ings until the elder conducting one meeting rebuked 6 the women who could talk about all else but never their attempt to farm and itinerate, the worldly goods had a word to say for Jesus. This convicted her and of the Sextons was always limited. at the next meeting she testified. The presiding elder The story of her life intersects with many people was so impressed he declared God had a great work and events including the Civil War and the assassina for her and if she desired a quarterly license, he tion of President Lincoln. One gains a description of would grant her one. This offer she refused, saying life, and especially religious life, in the 19th-century she could do all her talking without such license Midwest. Poor housing, flooded streams, poverty, (p.211). She did go on speaking and in 1851 the UB sickness and death make their mark and explain why Illinois quarterly conference granted her a license as assurance of future blessedness needed to be a part of an approved minister of the church (p.240). She was her message of salvation. content to preach with a quarterly conference license Born in New Jersey, Lydia Sexton's life moved for seven years, but when she was recommended for gradually westward: her preaching began in Ohio, annual conference license, Bishop David Edwards moved into Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. As reported that General Conference had resolved that no her autobiography concludes she was serving as woman should be licensed to preach. However, since chaplain in the state prison in Kansas. Strange as this he had no objection to women preaching and saw no may seem for a woman at that time, her compassion violation of the Word of God or the Discipline to led to a strong ministry and caused her to attend the give women recommendation to preach as Paul gave First Prison Conference in Cincinnati in 1870, where Phoebe, she was given such recommendation in April she was an influential member. In the last decade of 1859 (p.405). her life she also helped the "Exodusters"-the black The larger part of her autobiography is given to immigrants to Kansas from the southern states who reporting her widespread itineration in which she were often in great physical want. This is reported by preached in many places with great effectiveness. Dagenais and not covered in Sexton's autobiography. Julia Dagenais reported that she was spoken of by her To get the full feel of her life and the strength of contemporaries as "one of the most remarkable her vivid, biblical preaching, one must read the women of her age" and a "preacher with a golden autobiography even though the details of her travels tongue" (Dagenais, p.120). The sermons included in often tell more than one wants to know. But this her autobiography support that judgement. review for the Telescope-Messenger cannot conclude Mrs. Sexton faced both opportunity and opposition. without noting her reply when a brother asked her to There were those who were drawn to the service by show the difference between Baptist~ and the United the novelty of a woman preacher and others who Brethren. She stated her objection to the Baptist came to mock and oppose. The reason for their accent on predestination and their approval of slavery, coming made no difference as she only felt bound to which the United Brethren opposed, and stated her make Christ known and to provide people an escape case so well that the inquirer left the Baptist church from their sins and future judgement. Her conviction for the United Brethren. and trust in God brought power and there was much After reading this autobiography one is left with an testimony to prayer being answered. Despite the intriguing question. How did this record of a woman competition among denominations in that time, she preacher get published by the United Brethren Pub was welcomed in many different churches. lishing House in 1882? This was well before even the While preaching salvation through Christ was her United Brethren Church ordained women; yet the main theme, she did not avoid opposing slavery and publisher must have felt assured of an audience for declared vividly the plight of the slaves. She was also those 655 pages about a woman's ministry. Until an advocate for women in their oppression. She urged research provides another answer we must assume that women to give up their "manfearing spirit" and her ministry was widely and favorably enough known extolled on the virtues of women having the right to to assure the publisher of a market. This would seem vote (p. 318). She encouraged other women who felt further evidence of her influence and reason why called to minister. She was dependent on what people United Methodists of the United Brethren tradition desired to pay her, stayed where hospitality was should know about her. provided and paid for that when required. So with -Calvin H. Reber, Jr. 7 ANECDOTAGE The nature of term episcopacy is not always the discussion, the conference proceeded to an understood in the United Methodist Church. A helpful election. The result was that John Seybert was re account and explanation of it in the Evangelical elected, and Joseph Long newly elected, to Association tradition is found in Samuel P. Spreng, theepiscopal office. Seybert made the following The Life and Labors ofJ ohn Seyben. First Bishop entry in this journal: oft he Evangelical Association (Cleveland: Lauer & "To-day I was for two hours and founeen Mattili, 1888, pp.252-53), who was himself elected a minutes relieved of the office of bishop, that bishop in 1907. being the exact time from the moment when my The chief business transacted by this General term of service was declared to have expired, to Conference Lo f 1843, at Greensburg, Summit the moment when I was declared re-elected. I county, Ohio] . . . was the re-election of Bro. now feel more than ever the high importance of John Seybert to the episcopal office. Episcopacy the position, and realize an inward constraint to in the Evangelical Association is not an order, but devote myself with renewed energy and conse an office. Consistently with this conception, crated zeal to the work committed to my hands, bishops are not elected for life, nor ordained as to journey to all points of the compass, to execute such by the laying on of hands, but are elected my commission. The Lord give unto me and unto simply and licensed for a term of four years. my colleague grace to do our duty, so that we They are however eligible to re-election during may edify the Church and bless the world! life or 'good behaviour' and satisfactory adminis Amen." tration. There are several ramifications of the treatment of Bishop Seybert, it appears, considered himself the episcopacy as it is here indicated. The termination in office, until on the ninth day of the session, of the office of an incumbent bishop prior to the the episcopal question was brought up. It was process of re-election effectively interrupts the tenure then declared that the Evangelical Association was of the office holder and thus technically renders the without a bishop at that moment. Upon this the seniority of all holders equal. This procedure more feasibility of electing two bishops, was taken into strongly than any legal definition supports Spreng's consideration. It was finally determined to elect contention that the bishop of the Evangelical Associa two, on account of the rapid extension of the tion at the time was conceived of purely as an elected work. After discussing the merits of a number of office holder rather than in any sense a member of a candidates, who were sent out of the room during distinct order of ministry. -James D. Nelson Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage Non-Profit United Theological Seminary Organization 1810 Harvard Boulevard U.S. Postage Dayton, OH 45406 PAID Dayton, OH Permit No.579 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED