CGCM conferences 1864-1879 1-5
Conference 1 1864
Comment by John Holdeman: We have no yearly conference but only when doctrinal points are disputed, then we hold conference to decide such disputed points. Therefore the following decisions are considered such points with few exceptions. I will also avoid giving the ceremonies at the beginning and close of conference & etc for simplicities sake.
1. The first conference after our separation from the sin-decayed church was held in the year 1864, the beginning of Oct. in Fulton Co. Ohio. This conference was called concerning the calling of ministers.
The conference concluded & decided to the two fold sending to the scriptures- the first calling is from God only, as Paul was called: the church is to accept such a calling; - the second calling is by the agreement of the church; and confirmed by the laying on of hands; - but no brother shall preach without the consent of the church (such a calling as Paul’s excepted); -in some cases ministers can be taken on trial: if proved by trial after examination, he shall be ordained by the laying on of the hands. No minister shall go beyond his ability.
2. Matthew 18 shall be strictly observed
3. The avoidance of excommunicated members now understood to include bodily eating & drinking, buying and selling, walk and conversation but, between husband and wife it was not determined to extend beyond to eating and drinking, and matrimonial intercourse and such things which allow them to stay at home, if we are not strict enough, further experience time and circumstance shall decide.
Conference 2.
1. The different views on baptism were the main cause of this conference. The first day the conference commenced in the afternoon. It was decided that baptism in it’s original design was connected with the death of Christ, and his gospel: and that all believers at that time
Were to be united into one body in the church of God. Also if any would have built a church outside of the church of God, that it would have been damnable heresy and a baptism administered by such a church not valid. Also that we should preach another baptism, save the one baptism contained in the Word of God; and such baptism not administered according to its original design of gospel baptism, are not to be preached as valid baptisms, and are not to be received, unless we receive an evidence from God, as infallible as his word, that is by prophesy or direct teachings of the Spirit. Mere pretended convictions will not be received, for therein many err, and have erred, and they often stand in contradiction, to save other. We should be careful in receiving members, and it was decided to have applicants tried outside of the church, than within, when danger is feared. The unanimous consent of the church is desired before reception of applicants.
2. No deacon, or exhorter, much less (or such as) a brother shall baptize because we have neither teaching nor example therefore. Bishops, pastors, evangelists & etc. should baptize; unless we receive infallible evidence & which must be more than pretended convictions.
3. No one shall be excommunicated, after he has repented, though his deed would expel him- that is if a brother sin, and from ignorance or neglect be retained in the church, and truly repents, before expelled, he shall not then be excommunicated for there is no ground in the word of God, to
excommunicate the truly converted, but the hardened sinner.
4. It was decided not to withdraw the kiss from a brother before he is excommunicated, unless his sin has already excommunicated him; as by fornication, and adultery, & ect. It was decided not to quit the avoidance of the excommunicated members, before the church is unanimously agreed to receive them into the church.
Conference 3. 1874.
This conference was held in regard to the different views on baptism. Many decided on that day that one baptism into one body was the only scriptural baptism, and that we could not accept any baptism administered on division that is outside the true line of the church of God. Some could not yet grasp this;- finally all agreed, but not on that day.
Conference 4. 1878
We decided that we should have in our answers, that we excommunicated (Joseph) Leichty for drunkenness, and that sister Leichty avoided him according to our faith, held according to authority of the scriptures, and that we would not appear in court to stand a trial according to a worldly process, by putting witnesses on the stand but if God convinced us to go, we would only answer to the truth we hold;- and then we would leave all the judgment to the jury. If they would condemn us they might take our property. We also held brotherly councils, and decided other matters. In regard to the suffering our property to be taken it was said, and seconded this dark August 15th 1878, this last decision in regard to property, was repealed. We paid the money. ($2500)
Conference 5. 1879
1. We handled Rom 7th For the difference see 6th conference, article 18th. This is concluded therefore and drop the meeting here.
2. It was decided that deacons should be ordained when necessary because it in order of the church.
3. Decided that we are not to affirm under the pains and penalty of perjury.
4. It was decided that we have no gospel form or special cut to dress by; but that we are to labor on the principle of love and conscience. The greater number of ministers claimed it more suitable and honorable that we wear the pantaloons which were in practice before the open frontlets;- than it is however the open frontlets . A plain covering, whether cap or veil, is allowable in forbearance, but if the proof is taken from the scripture and the Jewish custom, the veil will hold the preference.
5. Public sales were allowable, if no bail is taken and if honesty rules, and the crier warned to take no advantage, nor to jest. If anything bring too high a price, we shall pay it back.
6. We are to be careful and not to excommunicate members when the church is defiled, save fornicators, & ect. Ministers should be called from other places (or place) to decide whether we should excommunicate at the time or not.
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