Rev. J. O. Buswell, Jr.
Rev. John Young
Rev. Francis Schaeffer
Rev. A. Franklin Faucette
Elder Paul R. Moore
Elder Oscar E. Cranmer

Rev. Herbert Anderson
Rev. Samuel W. Saye
Rev. Robert Kutz
Elder M. D. Fuller

Rev. Thomas G. Cross
Elder Harry W. Veatch
Elder John G. Crane

Elder James E. Bennet
Rev. Earle White
Rev. Robert H. Cox
Rev. Robert Hastings
Elder John K. Wi1son

Elder Oscar E. Cranmer
Elder J. Paul Thommen

Rev. E. A. Dillard
Rev. Calvin Harrah
Rev. John W. Sanderson
Rev. M. A. Pearson

Rev. Jack Murray

Minutes of November 11,1944 — "It was moved, seconded and passed that the secretary be asked to inform all of the Bible Presbyterian ministers that the man under consideration as general secretary had declined to come and serve. In the same meeting of the committee the fo11owing action was taken: Moved, seconded and passed that we ask the following men, Messrs. Thomas Cross, Franklin Faucette, Francis Schaeffer, R. T. Brumbaugh, Matterson, John C. Pago and Elders Lamb and Bancroft to serve as representatives of tho National Missions Committee in their presbyteries and areas to coordinate the work of the Committee in conjunction with the National Missions Committee."

Minutes of March 6, l945 — "It was moved, seconded and passed that we approve the proposition of establishing a minimum salary scale for workers under the National Missions Committee of $1500.00 a year for single men and $1800.00 a year for married men, and that we are prepared to begin these payments on June 1 subject to the approval of each Presbytery. (Mr. Murray is undertaking to apprise the Stated Clerks of the Presbyteries of this action.)"

"First, that all vacant churches now under the care of the National Missions Committee (or Bible Presbyterian Churches not under our care) be supplied by a Seminary student for the period from Sunday, June 3rd, to Sunday, September 2nd. As a Committee, we would expect a church to supply room and board and as much aid back to the committee as they could. On the other hand, we as a committee would assume the responsibility of his travel expense to and from the place of ministry plus $200.00 for his three-month activity. In addition to this, if the travel expense on the field is high, the committee would make an additional adjustment for that.

"Second, that any of our men desiring assistants could secure such on the same basis as the above man.

"Third, that we stress the need for actual preaching experience.

"Fourth, that we seek to employ area men for this three-month period. By this, I mean sending an experienced man into, say, the Pacific Northwest for a period of three months. If we could not get pastors, let us seek such men from the Independent Board or Faith Seminary and National Bible Institute faculty.

Minutes of May 12.1945: "It was moved, seconded and passed that the Rev. Stanley Allen be employed by the Committee as the Pacific Coast representative of the National Missions Committee."

In the seven months which have elapsed since we reported to the Seventh General Synod we have met with some disappointments but also with much strong encouragement.

To report on some of the disappointments first, one of the greatest is that the plans we had for the establishment of a Faith Seminary for China, and which seven months ago had so nearly come to fruition, have been, in the all-seeing providence and wisdom of God, at least postponed, and may have to be given up entirely. The desperate need of the Christian cause in China is just as great, the desire to meet that need is just as strong, but God has over-ruled those desires and called home the one who had expected to stand back of that project financially. Later something may be done; just at present that particular much needed development does not seem to be feasible.

One other disappointment should be mentioned which is that our projected Africa Mission has not as yet proved to be possible. We have four missionaries assigned to Africa and applications for residence permits in Kenya Colony were made for two of these but have boon denied at least for the duration of the war. This too has proved to be a considerable disappointment to many, but it may be that we can already gee the Lord's hand in it. And also it may be now, that with the war in Europe over, the permission that is so necessary may be granted.

Aside from these two matters however, the period for which we are reporting has been one of marked advance for which we are indeed grateful to the Lord whom we seek to serve.

One feature of our work during this time has been the holding of four conferences in as many cities, Detroit, Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, and St. Louis, to each of which we sent several missionaries and devoted several days. The total impact of such conferences is much greater than when one man goes alone. In each of the above cases there have been gratifying results, new friends have been won, better understanding of the Board' s position has been brought about, and on the part of the people a more adequate appreciation of both the opportunities and the difficulties of a true foreign mission witness has been gained. We trust that through the coming year these conferences can be followed up and others held in other cities.

A second strong encouragement is the continued increase of the Lord's money which has come to the Board for its work. Funds for the current work for 1944 amounted to $60,205.00 from living donors and $14,418.00 from legacies and sufficient for property to bring the total up to over $88,000.00. This maintains the consistent increase such as has been so noticeable for the past fire years. This is one of the things which makes us believe that God has greater things in store for this Board and its Missions.

The third encouragement is that we are having an ever larger number of inquiries and applications for appointment as missionaries from well-qualified missionary candidates. This unquestionably means that there is a deep and wide response to our principles and ideals on the part of young men and women to whom God has spoken. This is a feature which the modernists who think we arc hopelessly behind the tines might well take into consideration. For Christian youth has often disavowed the disbelief of an older generation. Let us hope it may be so again, as this increase in the number of applicants to a Board whose principles are fixed and not fluid may well indicate. In speaking of this we should record that the Board has since last this Synod met appointed thirteen new missionaries. These arc the Rev. George R. M. Gilchrist, Rev. and Mrs. John G. Crane, Jr., Miss Jane A. Buswell, Rev. and Mrs. F. Burton Toms, Rev. Earle R. White and Miss Dorothy M. Shipman, Rev. J. Philip Clark, Rev. Irwin W. Steele and Miss Sarah M. Brown, Rev. and Mrs. Thomas A. Lambie.

A fourth encouragement lies in the fact that whole projects offering very considerable expansion are being laid before the Board with increasing frequency. This also speaks of a growing conviction on the part of the believing portion of the Christian public that this Board merits confidence. We want that confidence, and therefore pray every day that we may be kept fully loyal to God, to our great commission, and to the methods which God has shown He blesses. And with it all we want any confidence that is put in this Board and in its work to accrue to the Lord Himself.

When we turn to the foreign fields, the most notable advance which this period has witnessed, and one which emphasizes several of the remarks we have made above, is in Chile, to which country, in April, this Board sent three workers to inaugurate a work of splendid possibilities.

The whole Bible Presbyterian Church will be interested in that development. It is another witness to the fact that the struggle for a pure Christianity is world-wide in our day. For nearly a year we had been in correspondence with certain Christian leaders in Chile concerning the situation in which the Presbyterian Church in that country found itself, a situation which these leaders saw demanded a separation from unbelief on the part of missionaries and Chilean Christians. The Presbytery concerned was a U.S.A. Presbytery which was going ever farther down the modernistic road, with one attempt after another being made to turn the whole Chilean Presbyterian Church to another gospel which nevertheless is no Gospel. A few resisted this downward trend.

Suffice it to say that the methods used by this U.S.A. Presbytery paralleled those made famous, or rather infamous, by the U.S.A. General Assemblies of 1934, 1935 and 1936, and issued in the same result, the ‘censuring' of men who put the Word of God above the commands of men, and then, to the honor of these men and the Praise of God, the formation of a new and true testimony. Strange that the modernists. in every place think the testimony to God's plan of salvation can be suppressed by censuring, or by excommunicating one or two men, and then are surprised by what happens. What happened in America in 1936 was duplicated in Chile in 1944. From one missionary couple, two ordained Chilean pastors, and thirteen stalwart churches and groups in a territory five hundred miles long a Macedonian Cry was directed to The Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. The situation being so like that in which the Independent Board itself was the central figure nine years ago, the Board from the first had every sympathy with those who appealed to it. These asked for Bible-believing, Bible-preaching and teaching missionaries, and in the persons of the Rev. George R. M Gilchrist, the Rev. John G. Crane, Jrs. [sic], and his wife, Barbara, God enabled us to send such to them. These are but an earnest of what we hope to do, and this fall we fully expect to send four more well-prepared young people who, only Wednesday of this week, were appointed by this Board and commissioned to Chile, the Rev. Earle R White and Miss Dorothy M. Shipman and the Rev. Irwin W. Steele and Miss Sarah Miriam Brown.

Thus we thank God and take courage and so do the stalwart fundamentalist Christians who have withdrawn from the old Presbyterian Church and formed a new testimony: Calvinist. fundamental, pre-millenial, and evangelistic.

Also we have succeeded in sending into that very hard-to-enter country, Peru, the Rev. Philip M. Lytle and his wife, Emily, which insures against the depletion of our forces there and lends hope that perhaps still others will be able to obtain residence permits for that land where we would like to bring up our forces to a minimum of five ordained men. We regret that the Rev. and Mrs. A. D. Hitchcock will not be able to return to Peru but may be able to go to Chile instead.

As to Bolivia we are not yet making further commitments until we learn a little more definitely whether the Lord would have us work only in Peru and it Chile, or whether ho would have us establish a permanent testimony in each of these three countries of South America.

When we turn to the Orient, again we rejoice, for God has enabled us, again just this week, to send back to India the Rev. and Mrs. Frank L. Fiol (with their four children) and to send out, for the first time, Miss Elsie R Hudec to India and Miss Mary Edna Barter to Arabia, via India. Our Missions in India and Arabia, but especially in Arabia, have waited long for these re-enforcements. We know with what joy they will welcome them. It is a very expensive trip, but we felt it imperative that reenforcements should reach these lands at once.

To both of these countries we would like to send further re-enforcements. India needs two more ordained men. To Arabia we would like to send both a missionary doctor and an ordained man just as soon as conditions will allow us to obtain residence permits for then. In the case of India we believe that we can, as soon passenger fares are lowered, send the Rev. and Mrs. Wm. A. Mahlow, who were appointed a year ago.

The other development we must mention. Some of our Board members, and more of our constituency, have, from time to time, pressed upon us the need of the Jews this country, in Europe, and in Palestine. We have prayed for them but have seen no way to help meet their need of Christ until suddenly we learned that Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Lambie, who also have, more than once, made a stand for the of God and the testimony of Jesus, have long had the need of both the Jews and the Arabs of Palestine upon their hearts. Moreover, on an extended visit to Palestine they found that there is very little sound Christian witness in the land of our Saviour's birth and earthly life. They believe that a medico-evangelistic work could be combined with a Mission Home for missionaries in all surrounding countries, which, if founded on the principles which both they and we approve, could be made practically self-supporting. So, after joining the Bible Presbyterian Church, Dr. Lambie made this proposal to The Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions, which has approved it and has accepted Dr. and Mrs. Lambie as missionaries whom it would like to see go to Palestine this fall. We believe this is a step which God will bless. And it calls attention again to the fact that our testimony is needed in practically every land.

We have not given up thought of returning to China, Manchuria, and Korea, but we believe God is calling us to a number of strategic centers the world around, for the reason that a strong and faithful testimony to the integrity of God's Holy Word, to the sufficiency of our Lord's atonement, to the necessity of the new birth, to the need of a life of holiness in all God^’s people but especially in missionaries, and also to all the things for which the Twentieth Century Reformation stands in the home lands, is needed the whole world over, desperately needed in certain of the countries in which we are already, or have bean, established and just as desperately needed in many more.

If our call were merely to preach the Gospel to those who know it not we might concentrate on one or two fields and feel content. But since our call is to preach that Gospel to the unsaved and also to raise a standard, even as Moses raised the serpent in the wilderness that all who bad been bitten might turn to it and put their faith in the Living God and Redeemer, since God has commissioned us to raise that standard in all protestant circles where it is falling and to re-establish conviction of things unseen in hearts from which it is slipping, it is the part of spiritual wisdom and obedience to enter just as many strategic centers as possible.

I believe that this is our call, our commission. If we had work in but one land or two we might, to be sure, influence Christian faith and mission policy in those countries. But if we can honor the things that God honors in many countries we believe that the sum total of the influence that will be exerted will be very much greater.

As I see it, this is a unique call, one which no other Board in existence has risen to meet. Some in derision will say, as they hare said, "The conies are but a feeble folk" or "What do these feeble Jews?" But let them remember that the conies make their houses in the Rock, and that God said they are "little but exceeding wise." It is true faith, that attempts great things for God, in God's way and at God' s time, that God honors.

Already God has given us fifty-two foreign missionaries. That is a good start. And in every field to which our missionaries have gone, few and new though they be, they have already acquired greater influence than the length of time they have spent on the field and their numbers warrant. There is but one explanation: God has chosen them; God has sent them. Few, and in the estimation of many, feeble, let us remember that with God one shall chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight. So, if we but remain faithful we can look forward to a greater future 'til He come.

The Committee on Foreign Missions appointed at the Seventh General Synod has given careful consideration to the functions of this committee. It is of the opinion that the desire of the Synod would be to have it first promote the interest of the church at large in foreign missions through its duly appointed agency, the Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions, and, second, to inform the church at large at its General Synods of the extent and progress of the work accomplished from year to year.

As the Synod knows, the Committee has not had a full year to operate because of the change in Synod dates. It has deemed it best, therefore, to summarize the work of the church for the calendar year 1944, which corresponds to the fiscal year of the Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions. The Committee is happy to report that 45 Bible Presbyterian Churches are now contributing to the Board and 25 or more are supporting either in whole or part one or more missionaries of the Board. The latter group includes Baltimore, the Cranes and Fiols; Newark, the Crosses and Cunninghams; St. Louis, Dr. Hosmon, Miss Lee, Fiols, and African fund; West Pittston, Cunninghams; Cleveland, West Chester, Garden City, and Emmanuel Bible Church of Santa Monica. Calif., all have a part in the support of the Emmersons; Christ Bible Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, Teddy Hitchcock; Central Phila., Miss Hudec; West Phila. Church, David Hitchcock. Robert Fiol, and divided interest in all of the missionaries from time to time; Minneapolis, Dr. Hosmon and Miss Hudoc; First Bible Presbyterian, Seattle, Dr. Hoemon:, Miss Lee; Tacoma, Miss Barter; Seaside, Bragdons; First Independent, Wilmington, Mrs. Fiol, Mrs. Byram, Anne Sterrett; Collingswood, Chisholms, Lytles, Emmersons, Storretts, Dodds, Miss Roberts, Miss McNeil; Duryea, Cambells; Wilkes-Barre, Crosses and Cranes; Charlotte, Mrs. Cross, Mrs. Cunningham, Peru Fund; Calvary, Seattle, Miss Lee; Greenville, Mrs. Lytle, Mrs. Sterrett; Coatesville, Sterretts and Chile Mission; Trenton, Cranes; Chester (Unaffiliated), Miss Lee and General; Fawn Grove (Ind.), Sterretts and general fund.

Gifts were received from:

Missionary conferences were held in Detroit. Wilkes-Barre, Philadeiphia, and St. Louis.
 

The News Bureau set up at the last Synod very much regrets that due to circumstances it is unable to report progress at this time. Members of the Bureau have not been able to meet together because of the distances separating them: however, the chairman has kept in touch with these members by mail, and makes the following report of correspondence:

It was the manifest intention of Synod to have the new General Secretary of the National Missions Committee lead in the work of this Bureau. When the undersigned did not see his way clear to accept this position, he wrote the National Missions Committee, offering to resign it favor of whomever the Committee might desire, and in the meanwhile asking suggestions as to how the News Bureau might be most helpful. Letters were also sent to the other members of the Bureau, as well as to the Moderator and Clerk.

The only suggestion received was that the News Bureau should make arrangements to hear regularly from every Bible Presbyterian Church; but the Beacon and the Clarion are already making increasing efforts to receive such news. Members of the Bureau have submitted many news items to the Beacon and Clarion which have been carried by these publications.

The undersigned thereupon proposed that another member of the Committee who is a journalist and is at the center of things in the East right be in a better position to send out important news without delay, and suggested that he be made chairman. A majority of the Committee agreed to this proposal, but the member in question stated that he had too many other obligations and could not undertake this.

We trust that the National Missions Committee may soon secure a General Secretary, who will be the logical person to head up this important work and put a news program into action, and shall also appreciate suggestions from Synod as to how this Bureau may function most effectively. Therefore we recommend:

The National Bible Institute has within the past year carried to completion the reorganization which was contemplated from the time when the new administration was called to take charge of its affairs.

This reorganization has been effected both in the Board of Directors and in the Faculty, so that now, we believe, both are free from any entangling alliances with denominational or interdenominational bodies which are not wholly committed to the complete integrity of the Word of God and to the necessity of living a life of obedience to its commands, both in regard to holiness of life and in regard to separation from unbelief.

At the time these organizational changes wore made, some feared that there might be a sharp decline in student enrollment for the following year, that is, for the present school year. We are happy to report, however, that this is not the case, for there have been fully as many students in the day school this year as there were last year, which was a record year, and actually more in the night school than were enrolled last year. This shows, we believe, that God has given His approval to these changes.

The third outstanding feature to which we would call attention is, that during the period when our movement has no college of its own, there has been put into operation at the National Bible Institute a plan by which work can be taken at New York University which will lead to a B.A. degree from that university as well as to graduation from the Institute. In connection with this plan conferences are arranged by the Institute for students by which any philosophical, scientific, or educational questions raised in their minds by modern education can be met and the light of Scripture thrown upon them. This feature has proved to be very helpful to many and leads us to recommend that in seeking an educational institution for their children parents and pastors should consider the National Bible Institute as a place where our youth can receive a modern education with adequate protection to their faith in Christ.

A fourth feature of the situation in which the National Bible Institute finds itself at this time is the fact that while the school still has a very large debt, $600,000.00 in fact, nevertheless that debt has been reduced by $26,000.00 during the last year, and an arrangement is in effect with the bank which holds the mortgage by which the bank will write off $2.00 for every dollar that is paid in for that purpose. This agreement terminates either June 15.1949, or when the principle has been reduced to $325,000.00. If therefore, $137,500.00 could be raised at once, even by a lean, the Institute could well afford to pay interest upon that loan, for by it it would save interest on a like sum, and the total indebtedness to the banks would be reduced to $325,000.00 immediately. Since there is now being received between $3,500.00 and $4.000.00 a month as income from dormitory rooms which are not needed by the students, this income is an excellent guarantee of the safety of any such investment.

Thus, we feel that some one or some group has a real opportunity to serve the Lord in this way. We also feel that the Institute as now administered has a very definite and vital place to fill in the testimony that is so necessary to our day.

In conformity to the Word of God, and without adding thereto any rules binding the conscience, we do hereby urge our membership to lead a holy life separated from worldly sin. We hold that the participation in games commonly used for gambling sets a snare for our young people, introducing them to gambling associates and leading them in this evil practice. We hold that the patronage of the commercial theatre is not conducive to the development of the spiritual life. We hold that the promiscuous familiarity between the sexes in modern society in the modern dance and in other modern social customs sets dangerous temptations before the young. We also desire to declare that we deem it wise to pursue the course of total abstinence with regard to alcoholic beverages, and also tobacco; and furthermore we are unalterably opposed to the modern saloon and the liquor traffic in general. We urge all ministers and Christian leaders among us to discourage these and other worldly practices among the Lord's people, and to give their testimony uncompromisingly against all forms of sin.

1. We hold that it is our duty to separate ourselves from all cooperation in religious activities with those who deny the full authority and dependability of the Word of God, and that no consideration of expediency could ever warrant such cooperation.

2. As concerns cooperation with those who, while themselves believing in the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, continue in membership in denominations which include known unbelievers, and fail to see clearly and. to observe fully the scriptural injunction to separate themselves from such organizations, we hold that this is a sphere of expediency, that is, one in which no man’s conscience may be bound by other men; however, we as a Synod feel that great harm is done in many cases by such Cooperation, and hence that it is unwise to enter upon or continue in them without careful consideration.

3. Regarding such individuals as are described in paragraph one, we should seek by every possible means to win them to Christ; regarding such individuals as are described in paragraph two we urge that they be dealt with in a spirit of brotherly love, seeking by every proper means to win them rather than to drive them from us and yet not violating our conscience.

1. We hold that it is a Christian’s duty to separate himself from all cooperation in religious activities with those who deny the full authority and dependability of the Word of God, and that no consideration of expediency could ever warrant such cooperation.

2. As concerns cooperation with those who, while themselves believing in the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, continue in membership in denominations which include known unbelievers, and fail to see clearly and. to observe fully the scriptural injunction to separate themselves from such organizations, we hold that this is a sphere of expediency, that is, one in which no man’s conscience may be bound by other men; however, we as a Synod feel that great harm is done in many cases by such Cooperation, and hence that it is unwise to enter upon or continue in them without careful consideration.

3. Regarding such individuals as are described in paragraph one, we should seek by every possible means to win them to Christ; regarding such individuals as are described in paragraph two we urge that they be dealt with in a spirit of brotherly love, seeking by every proper means to win them to the scriptural position of separation rather than to drive them from us, and yet not violating our conscience

At the meeting of the Seventh General Synod the following action was taken:

"It was moved to empower the Young People's Committee to publish a young people's magazine. An amendment was passed stipulating the provision that funds be raised. The motion as amended was carried."

Soon after this action the central young people's committee, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Addy, Horner, and Murray, met in Philadelphia and outlined general plans for the publication of this young people's quarterly. The minutes of this meeting were sent to the other members of the committee, namely,

From these men the central committee asked comment and criticism of the proposed general plans for the quarterly.

The general make-up of the quarterly falls into four divisions:

I. Articles:

2. Topics

These topics are prepared by many different men and sent into the central committee. The following Instructions For Topic Writers were prepared and sent out to the writers:

1. Keep in mind that you are writing to High School Seniors.
2. Be sure to give plenty of Scripture references to stimulate study.
3. Brief illustrations and appropriate humor will hold attention.
4. Write 2000 words in essay and outline style. This should be done double space. If typewritten in essay style about 350 words will go on regular typewriter paper. Your article will then be edited and used with appropriate heads, etc.
5. Names of writers will not be used on topic articles.
6. Deadline dates are most important.

We are not interested so much it the unique and unusual as we are in basic truth. Variety and elements of interestingness will do much to add life to your topic. Your kindness in doing this work in the interests of youth is deeply appreciated.

After you hare written your article and read it over, ask yourself these questions:

1. Will the reading of this cause young people to study and dig into the Word?
2. Does it have enough spark, or are we still driving a horse and buggy?
3. Is there adequate illustrative material?
4. Put it in the enclosed envelope and send it to us immediately.

The plan for the topics follow this pattern:

The topics of each month deal with one general subject. For instance:

One topic each month deals specifically with the plan of salvation. This does not mean that the plan of salvation is not given in the other lessons. It is constantly re-emphasized.
At least one lesson each quarter deals with the matter of separation.
One lesson each quarter deals with proofs for the scriptures.
At least one lesson each quarter is specifically missionary.
Headings which will attract have been sought for all topics. For example:

3. Notes on Notes

This section seeks to help young people with their musical program. The following subjects are being used:

In addition to the subject matter, songs and choruses are being printed each quarter.

4. Food and Fun

This section gives ideas for socials throughout the entire year.

The young people's quarterly has received excellent recognition. An article appeared in the Sunday School Times reviewing our first quarterly publication and suggested that pastors and leaders would be interested to know of this work. Many letters of gratitude have come to our office in appreciation of the quarterly.

Recommendation: The Committee recommends that the Synod grant the sum of $500 to the Committee for use in its work.

The Committee to Cooperate with the Christian Beacon reports that for the sake of convenience and practibility its work during the past year has been carried on informally, its individual members seeking to carry out the purpose of the Committee.

The Committee recommends that each individual cooperate with the Christian Beacon by sending in news items, sermons and other material suitable for publication and that the Synod discontinue this Committee.

The Committee would report that one booklet has been published during the year and is now available. It is entitled "Our System of Doctrine," written by the Rev. F. A. Schaeffer and is being sold at 5 cents per copy.

With regard to the proposed volume containing the Standards of our church, the Committee reports that progress has been made; but, due to inflated printing prices, the Committee has boon forced to delay its publication until this present time. It is hoped that the volume will be distributed during this year.

1. That Synod elect three delegates to the American Council, referring it to the Nominating Committee;

2. That a committee be appointed to provide literature concerning the Bible Presbyterian Church for distribution at the American Council exhibit in the Women's International Exposition.

In giving this report to the Eighth General Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church, the Board of the Conference wishes to thank the members of our church for their deep interest and continuous prayers for the work of the conference. God has wonderfully answered your prayers in bringing about this miracle conference in a day of dark apostasy.

The opening year of the conference was 1941 in which we operated for just one month. From that small beginning we have operated a continuous summer season for ten weeks, at least, each summer. In spite of war conditions the attendance at the conference has constantly increased, making it impossible for us in the summer of 1943, and more so in the year of 1944, to accommodate all who wished to attend.

In 1943 the receipts of the summer season totaled something over $16, 000. In the summer season of 1944 the receipts totaled over $26,000. Gifts toward the work of the conference from churches and individuals have enabled us to carry through the winter months. At the present time, in addition to the complete summer staff, the conference employs under salary a full-time director, a secretary, and a property manager. Winter office quarters are also maintained.

The interest of the conference has not been restricted to the Bible Presbyterian Synod but to many others also, many of whom are still in apostate .connections, find their way to our center in order to hear the Word of God preached in purity.

The Bible Conference ministry throughout the country in many ways has not been a contributor to the growth and power of the local church assembly. This breach between conferences and the true church we have felt to be unnecessary. If our conference does not contribute to the upbuilding of the true visible church, it has no reason for existence. We are not seeking merely to give folks what they cannot get in their churches; rather we seek to show them that that truth which they receive in our conference ministry must be also the backbone of that which they receive in their local church. We seek to promote Biblical missions under the banner of the true church rather than apart from the true church. We seek to instruct young people that they may assist their godly pastor, rather than seek to tell him how to run his church. We seek to encourage families to bring their children into a Christian atmosphere to stimulate true family worship.

Because of the above emphasis, Harvey Cedars is unlike most Bible conferences. We have a definite groove in which to work. That groove is historic Protestantism, not surface Fundamentalism. It is to build a church, not to take the place of it.

The following experiences bear witness of the unique nature of this work:

Because of the gas shortage it has not been possible for us to carry on a great ministry in the neighborhood during the summer months. The prospects of this ministry, however, are unlimited. We have an 18-mile island with thousands of summer residents. Many churches in this neighborhood are turning to us for pulpit supply during the summer months.

1. The construction of a dining room seating 400.
2. The construction of a chapel which will seat upwards of 500.
3. The construction of the first dormitory unit which will accommodate 72 persons. Other dormitory units are promised later as the needs are met. The conference owns about 12 acres of property which will provide adequate room for expansion.

First of all the statistician wishes to commend the Stated Clerks for complete and, in most cases, prompt reports. There is a healthy rivalry on the part of some as to who shall be the most prompt. It was a close race between the leaders. Mr. Hasting, runner-up of last year, came in first this year. His report was received April 18th. The next day the report of Mr. Faucette was received, and two days later the report of Mr. Jambaz. I was surprised and delighted by this quick response. These men are clerks of some of the largest presbyteries. May I say that the reports of the Stated Clerks are the statistics of the presbyteries and not of the churches. A summary of these reports is as follows:

I also wish to give a word of commendation to the churches that got their reports to me by May 1^st. The church at Washington, D.C. was the fist, with a report received on April 23^rd. Last year its report came in too late and so was reported, "no report." The churches at New York City and Marion, Ohio, without pastors, were next, April 27^th, with Wilkes-Barre and Northeast, Philadelphia, the next day and Seaside Heights and Watford City, N.D., two days later. The report from Ventnor was received May 3^rd but had been posted by May 1^st. Others came in in May so that I had reports from all the churches in the Philadelphia area except two. Many heeded my request to send their reports after May 1^st in care of the Independent Board.

I have attached to this report a condensed sheet of statistics for printing in the minutes, comparing them with the totals for 1944 and1943. I will read these slowly and I hope distinctly so that any may jot down any figures that they wish.. I hope the Clerk will be able to put this whole table into the minutes, I will also give the items omitted from the condensed sheet.

As I have gone over the church figures many interesting facts have appeared. I can take time to list only a few. Doubtless some of you have seen the pamplet gotten out by the First Church of Tacoma. 270 adults were baptized, 75 members were received on profession of faith. Then there is the little church at Marion, Ohio, reported by its elder. There is no pastor. Nothing appears for current expenses but $326 were given for benevolences. The elder Mr. O.A.Wheaton, attached a statement breaking down this total which I will be glad to read if requested. I am glad for the men we have as Stated Clerks. Mr. Peter Stam of Mid-West sent a most complete report and fine reports were received from Pacific-Northwest, Great Plains, and from Southern California. I did not get a report from any of the California churches, but our Clerk, who is also Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Southern California, has done a good work there. One question asked this year was, "Does Church own its building" 22 out of 49 responded "yes."

May I say in conclusion: let us not trust in figures, or work for numbers. Quality and not quantity is what we should seek. But we are justified in weighing our young church to see how the Lord is indicating His approval by numerical increase. Those figures are not exact. Five small churches have net reported, and some figures have to be approximate.

I thank the Synod for its patience and consideration as I have presented this report.

"Carolina Presbytery overtures the Synod meeting at Harvey Cedars to go on record as giving its witness against the use of tobacco by Christians because of its harmful effect upon their influence and testimony."

"Carolina Presbytery overtures the Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church meeting in Harvey Cedars to go on record that the Scriptures command separation from unbelievers and teaches that those who collaborate with false teachers are partakers of their sins and therefore should not be accepted in the Bible Presbyterian Churches as teachers and leaders."

"Carolina Presbytery overtures the Synod meeting at Harvey Cedars to clarify the duties of the deacon as given in the Form of Government (Chapter Seven) and the authority and responsibility of trustees (Chapter Twenty) in the Bible Presbyterian Church in the light of other Forms of Government besides that of the U.S.A. Presbyterian Church."

"The Presbytery of the Great Lakes overtures the Synod of the Bible Presbyterian Church meeting in Harvey Cedars, May 24-29, that the substitute overture (3,5) of the Synod of 1944 be reaffirmed, with the addition that we consider the doctrine of separation to be as vital to the purity and testimony of the visible church as the doctrines of the Virgin Birth, the Death of Christ for our sins, the Bodily Resurrection, etc., are to the salvation of the believer and that we therefore recommend that no member of the Federal Council denominations or any group that we regard as apostate be allowed to occupy the pulpit of any Bible Presbyterian Church, or exercise any leadership therein."

The records of the following presbyteries were not handed to the committee for review:

Delegates to the American Council
Rev. Carl McIntire
Rev. J. Oliver Buswell, Jr.
Rev. Harold S. Laird

Committee on Chaplains
Rev. Harold S. Laird
Rev. Carl McIntire
Rev. J. Oliver Buswell, Jr.

Committee on National Missions - Class of 1948
Rev H. L. Harris
Rev. E. E. Mattoson
Rev. Clyde J. Kennedy
Elder Kirk S. Lamb
Rev. S. E. Arendt

Publications Committee - Class of 1946
Elder Peter Stam, Jr.
F. A. Schaeffer

Young People’s Committee
Rev. J. W. Murray
Elder Ralph S. Wright
Rev. Kenneth Horner
Rev. John E Addy
Rev. Roy T. Brumbaugh
Rev. Robert Cox
Rev. Stanley P. Allen
Rev. F. A. Schaeffer
Rev. Lester Bachmon

Foreign Missions Committee
Elder R K. Armes
Rev. Kenneth Horner
Rev. Charles E. Richter

Bible Presbyterian News Bureau
(The chairman of the Bureau to be the General Secretary of the National Missions Committee, or the Chairman of the National Missions Committee until a General Secretary is secured.)
Rev. Stanley P. Allen
Rev. John Sanderson
Rev. F. A. Schaeffer
Rev. John M. L. Young
Rev. Robert Cox

Treasurer of the Synod
Elder Presley W. Edwards

Statistician of the Synod
Rev. J. U. S. Toms

Finance Committee
Elder Presley W. Edwards
Rev. Stanley P. Allen
Rev. E A. Dillard

We commend to the attention of our constituency the Christian Beacon, The Clarion, The Bible Today, and the Bible Believer’s Banner, with thanks to God for the way in which He has used them in the past and the prayer that He may continue to use them and bless their ministry.

Whereas, in the providence of God, our country is now in a time of change, and there are increasing opportunities for the extension of our church, we recommend that the work of our Committee on National Missions be given special attention in the thoughts, gifts, and prayers of our people.

We commend Truth for Youth, the very excellent young people’s quarterly which has been prepared by our Young People’s Committee under the direction of the Rev. John W. Murray and we urge our churches to encourage its wide distribution and study among their young people.

We commend the work of the American Council of Christian Churches in standing for religious liberty and for the rights of gospel preaching on the air. We give thanks to God for the splendid work of the Council in securing openings for sound men in the chaplaincy of our armed forces. We urge all of our churches to support the excellent work of the Council end constantly to remember it in prayer.

We commend to the support end prayers of our constituency the following institutions and ministries: The Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions, Faith Theological Seminary, The National Bible Institute, the Jewish work conducted by the Rev. Philip duB. Arcularius, and the following Bible conferences: Harvey Cedars, Hebron, and Washburn.

Whereas, our public school system is generally devoid of a positive inculcation of Christian doctrine and is often decidedly anti-Christian; therefore be it resolved that we recommend the desirability of our churches’s establishing parochial schools wherever and to whatever extent it may be possible; and that we commend to all members of our Bible Presbyterian Church the duty of intercession for our children of school age and for the establishment of such schools.

We give thanks to God for making it possible, despite the exigencies of war, to hold this Eighth General Synod under the ideal conditions provided at Harvey Cedars. The commissioners bare been able to live end meet under one roof under pleasant surroundings apart from the distractions of a city environment. This has resulted in an unusually fine fellowship and has brought about increased effectiveness in the business of the Synod.

Be it resolved, also, that this Synod express its deep appreciation to the Rev. Jack W. Murray, and to the directors of the Harvey Cedars Bible Presbyterian Conference, for the entertainment provided for this Synod meeting.

We recommend a temporary committee on children’s work, to include the following: