r------------------Westminster Theological SeminaryChestnut HillPhiladelphia, PA 19118

( l Yes, I am interested in the West­minster Deposit Gift Agreement.Please send me more information.

Name _

Address _

New churches in the OPCSince the first of the year, several new

groups have become affiliated with theOrthodox Presbyterian Church. The firstto be received was the Westminster Pres­byterian Church (formerly a Bible Pres­byterian congregation) of Succasunna,New Jersey. Its address: 126 S. HillsideAve., Succasunna, NJ 07876.

More recently a group of believers inMissoula, Montana has made applicationto be received as a congregation underthe leadership of the Rev. Harold S. Kal­lam (who had earlier helped establishthe OP mission in Ronan) . Contact: Mr.Glenn S. Junkert, 2828 S. 7th St. W., Mis­soula, MT 59801.

Then in the far northern part ofMaine, a new congregation has been or­ganized as the Emmanuel OPC of Aroos­took Valley, serving Presque Isle, FortFairfield, and Caribou, Maine. Theirpastor is the Rev. Charles S. Stanton,R.D. I, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742.

Not too far south of that in the Bur­lington area of Vermont, another groupis petitioning to to organized. Thiswould be the first OPC in the state ofVermont. Contact: the Rev. Ray Com­meret, Box 156, East Barre, VT 05649.

And regular worship services have beenstarted in Lubbock, Texas under the min­istry of home missionary Glenn T. Black.This group hopes to have its own build­ing soon. Meanwhile, for informationrelative to the services, contact: MikeMahon, 2511 63rd St., Lubbock, TX79413.

Planning is underway also to begin anew church in the new planned city ofColumbia, Maryland, which has no Re­formed church witness as yet. Supervisingthis new work is Covenant OrthodoxPresbyterian Church in Burtonsville. Forinformation contact: Rev. Barry R.Hofford, 15627 Bond Mill Rd., Laurel,MD 20810.

Conn and Sproul receivedegrees at Geneva

On May 4 at the 127th commencementof Geneva College, Harvie M. Conn, As­sociate Professor of Missions and Apolo­getics at Westminster Theological Semi­nary, was honored with the degree ofDoctor of Letters, in recognition of hismissionary and teaching ministry. Pro­fessor Conn, a minister of the Orthodox

Presbyterian Church, had delivered thebaccalaureate sermon last year.

On the same day, Dr. Robert C.Sproul, Resident Theologian at theLigonier Study Center in Stahlstown, Pa.,was also honored with the degree ofDoctor of Letters, in recognition of hisrecord as a teacher and author. Dr.Sproul, a minister of the PresbyterianChurch in America, was this year's bac­calaureate speaker.

Dakotas Ministers' RetreatThe annual ministers' retreat of the

Presbytery of the Dakotas of the Ortho­dox Presbyterian Church is scheduled forSeptember 7-9, 1976. It will be held againthis year at the Homeward Trail BibleCamp in Mason City, Nebraska. Thestudies this year will be a "Seminar onChristian Education" led by staff mem­bers of the denomination's Committee onChristian Education. Registration is$13.00 (if received before August 30), sentto the Rev. Jack J. Peterson, Box 306,Carson, ND 58529.

NEW ADDRESSES

Rev. Donald K. Clements (PCA),from Savannah, Ga., to theU. S. Navy chaplaincy, at351 Spruce St., Chula Vista, CA92011.

Dr. Elmer M. Dortzbach (OPC) fromThornton, Col., to teaching post;c/o Barrington College, Barrington,RI 02806.

Rev. Robert G. Sanderson (RPCES)from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to101-2 Villas Dr., New Castle,DE 19720.

Rev. Daniel H. Overduin (OPC) fromLos Angeles to 12515 Renville St.,Lakewood, CA 90715.

Rev. Richard Aeschliman (RPCES),from Elgin, 111., to 228 Chase Road,Columbus, OH 43214.

Rev. Dennis. E. Johnson (OPC) , fromFairlawn, N.J., to 112 N. RoscommonAve., Los Angeles, CA 90022.

Rev. David R. Hopkins (RPCES),from New Castle, Pa., to 320 11thStreet S., Brigantine, NJ 08203.

City _

State .ZIP _

The Presbyterian Guardian is published eleven times each year, every month except for a combinedissue in July-August, by the Presbyterian Guardian Publis.hing Corporation, 7401 Ol? York Road,Philadelphia, PA 19126, at the following rates, payable In advance, postage prepaid: $4.25 peryear ($3.75 in clubs of ten or more; special rate for "every-family churches" on request). Secondclass mail privileges authorized at the Post Office, Philadelphia, Pa.

Age(sl _

------------------- Page 2 The Presbyterian Guardian

The 154thGENERALSYNOD

of the R.P.C.E.S.

This report was prepared by the Rev.Robert A. Case, II, pastor of the HopePresbyterian Church (RPCES) in Phoenix,Arizona.

The l54th General Synod of the Re­formed Presbyterian Church, EvangelicalSynod, met in the shadow of Pike's Peak,Colorado, to deliberate and to dedicateits ministry for the beginning of the thirdcentury of its American existence.

Plenary sessions were held at GlenEyrie, the international headquarters ofthe Navigators. The synod convened onFriday evening, May 21, 1976, at VillageSeven Presbyterian Church in ColoradoSprings. The service of worship and com­munion was led by the Rev. Paul Alex­ander of Huntsville, Alabama, Moderatorof the l53rd General Synod.

In the business session that followed,the synod elected the Rev. Robert Auf­farth of Newark, Delaware, as its newModerator.

OverturesOn Saturday morning, the synod recon­

vened at 8 a.m. for worship throughpraise and at 8: 15 for worship throughservice. Ten overtures (communicationsrequesting some kind of synod action)

Dr. Wilber Wallis leading a seminarstudying report on the Holy Spirit at154th General Synod, RPCES.

July 1976

were received from various presbyteries.An overture from the Southwest Pres­

bytery urged Synod not to approve theordaining of women to any office-min­ister, elder, or deacon. Since a reportfrom the Study Committee on the Roleof Women in the Church was due, thisoverture was received as information only.

An overture from the California Pres­bytery asked that Synod's Committee onHospitalization not publish the names ofthose insured and the amounts paid bythe plan. After a floor discussion withDr. Franklin S. Dyrness, administrator ofthe plan, the Synod asked that a possiblerevision of current practice be studied.

From the Midwest Presbytery an over­ture asked Synod to admonish Dr. ArthurF. Glasser, Professor of Missions at FullerTheological Seminary, for (among otherthings) his participation in the 1972World Council of Churches' missionsconference in Bangkok. Synod ruled thisoverture out of order, and several com­missioners expressed the belief that theMidwest Presbytery might better be ad­monishd for a public display of unprovenallegations against a brother.

Another overture from the Midwest

Cover pictures:

Moderator Robert Auffarth (I.) withPast Moderator, Paul Alexander.

Official photograph of the 43rd Gen­eral Assembly, OPC.

Presbytery asked for a definition of thecall of a pastor. The Form of GovernmentCommittee, having received this overture,later returned with a three-page "tem­porary" definition that was basically ap­proved by the synod.

From the Southern Presbytery camean overture asking Synod to study theuse of beverage alcohol and ways to dealwith the abuse of alcohol in R. P.churches. A study committee of five wasauthorized. It is perhaps a sign of matur­ity within the Reformed PresbyterianChurch that Synod instructed its mod­erator to form a "balanced" committeecomposed of men who differed on thequestion of a Christian's use of alcohol.

The New Jersey Presbytery overturedSynod asking for clarification of thestatus of elders in mission churches;Synod took no action on this. The South­ern Presbytery asked Synod to change theForm of Government concerning thestatus of members and elders of missionchurches. Synod approved this overtureand sent it down to the presbyteries foraction.

(Continued on page 10)

Page 3

The Forty-thirdGENERALASSEMBLY

oftheO.P.C.

This report was prepared by the editorwho was a commissioner of the Presby­tery of Philadelphia to the Forty-thirdGeneral Assembly.

Garret A. Hoogerhyde , Moderator

The Forty-third General Assembly ofthe Orthodox Presbyterian Church con­vened at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 27,1976 at Geneva College in Beaver Falls,Pennsylvania. It convened just fifteendays short of the fortieth anniversary ofthe denomination. (This would normallyhave been the forty-first such assembly,but two extra ones were held in the earlyyears of the church.)

The assembly was convened for a wor­ship service led by the Rev. George R.Cottenden, moderator of the 42nd Gen­eral Assembly. On Friday morning itreconvened for its business sessions, andproceeded to work on one of the longestdockets ever.

After having reelected ruling elderRichard A. Barker as Stated Clerk andruling elder Rodney T. Jones as Statis­tician, the assembly promptly electedruling elder Garret A. Hoogerhyde asModerator. Mr. Hoogerhyde alreadyserves the church as a member of theCommittee on Home Missions and aspresident of the Committee on Pensions.He is an elder of Grace Church in Fair­lawn, New Jersey.

With the preliminaries out of the wayand a docket adopted, the assembly then

Page 4

recessed in order to allow various advis­ory committees to meet. These com­mittees, chosen by the Stated Clerk inconsultation with the previous Modera­tor, are assigned the various items ofbusiness before the assembly for theirreview and recommendation. The systemof advisory committees, largely adoptedfrom the Synod of the Christian Re­formed Church, appears to serve theassembly well. It guarantees that everyreport will receive careful attentionbefore going into the final records.

The "Kress case"Though not the first major business

before the assembly, certainly the mostsignificant and time-consuming (threewhole days and two evening sessions!)was the judicial case originating in thePresbytery of Ohio against the Rev.Arnold S. Kress.

The case was of interest partly becauseit was the first time in the forty-yearhistory of the denomination that ajudicial case had ever come before aGeneral Assembly. Other doctrinal prob­lems had arisen in the past, but these

were dealt with-if at all-by complaintsagainst lower courts or by referring thewhole thing to a study committee. Inthis case, a presbytery had drawn up for­mal charges of doctrinal error against amember, and both the presbytery and Mr.Kress had "gone the whole route" inseeking a judicial answer to the doctrinalquestions.

More important perhaps than suchhistorical precedents was the doctrinalissue itself. Though the modern "charis­matic movement" has swirled acrossmany churches in recent years-and oftenleft widespread wreckage behind-it hadso far left the Orthodox PresbyterianChurch largely untouched. Mr. Kress.though, had sought out the experienceof "speaking in tongues" while a mis­sionary in Japan.

Having been brought home by theCommittee on Foreign Missions andgiven a special furlough to study thebiblical teaching on the subject, Mr.Kress had produced several papers onvarious aspects of it. These documentsthen became the basis for the doctrinalcharges brought against him by his pres-

The Presbyterian Guardian

bytery.

The narrow issuesThough originally charged with three

related errors in doctrine (and a fourthcharge on a different subject), Mr. Kresswas found guilty by the Presbytery ofOhio on only one (and on the fourthseparate charge). The verdict was reachedon a charge that Mr. Kress had "assertedthat the gifts of prophecy and tonguesmay continue in the church today." This,the presbytery went on to charge, was"contrary to the Word of God whichteaches:

"(1) Tongues were for a sign of judg­ment against unbelieving Israel [1 Cor.14:21, 22 and Isaiah 28:11, 12];

"(2) Both tongues and prophecy werefor the giving of word-revelation in theapostolic church [1 Cor. 14:26-33; Eph.2:20];

"(3) Even private speaking in tonguesis speaking in mysteries, i.e., word-revela­tion [1 Cor. 14:2; Rom. 16:25-27; Eph.3:3-6, 9, 10];

"(4) The gifts of prophecy and tongueswere concomitant with the gift of theapostles [Hebrews 2:3-4; 2 Cor. 12:12with 1 Cor. 12-14]."

It should be pointed out that Mr. Kressconsistently had rejected the "secondblessing" theology of many modern"charismatics." He has also insisted that,whatever the exact form of prophecyand tongues that may be found today, itcan in no sense be understood as nor­mative, infallible revelation of the kindthat was incorporated in the Scriptures.And though he had strongly felt thatthere were gifts of prophecy and tonguestoday, the most he ever claimed fromScripture was that a possible continuationof these gifts was allowed for.

In other words, the view of Mr. Kressthat became the subject of judicialcharges and finally reached the GeneralAssembly was a very restricted position.Even so, though it required two separatetrial sessions, the Presbytery of Ohio hadfound Mr. Kress guilty of error ascharged. Against this verdict, and againsta verdict of guilty on the other unrelatedcharge, Mr. Kress had appealed to theGeneral Assembly citing various specifica­tions of error both in the verdicts and in

July 1976

presbytery's conduct of the case.

An appellate courtNever having had a judicial case be­

fore, and finding little help in the Bookof Discipline, the Assembly had to de­termine for itself how to operate as anappellate court of the church. It adopteda scheduled presentation of the case fromboth the appellant and representatives ofthe presbytery.

In this presentation, lasting a total ofthree hours, the issues of the case wereset forth. Then followed a second three­hour period in which the commissionerswere allowed to ask questions aimed atclarifying the case. This procedure didnot really accomplish its goal. Instead,the tendency was to inquire into thewhole background of Mr. Kress's experi­ences and views. Perhaps this was neces­sary, but it went far beyond the specificsof the actual appeal before the assembly.

Even after getting down to the speci­fications of error set forth in Mr. Kress'sappeal, the assembly had difficulty incoming to a decision. Why individualcommissioners voted as they did is im-

Rev. Arnold S. Kress with ProfessorJohn M. Frame during judicial case.

possible to determine, or which argu­ments were most persuasive or what COIl­

cerns motivated those voting.

Settling the caseThe crucial vote, to deny Mr. Kress's

appeal and to uphold the judgment ofthe Presbytery of Ohio, found 72 com­missioners voting to deny the appeal and39 voting against the denial.

Some comment on this vote seemscalled for, but it can only be the opinionsof one observer. That so large a numberwere unwilling to uphold the presbytery'sguilty verdict seems to have been due tothe conviction that the presbytery hadfailed to make a clear case from Scrip­ture against Mr. Kress's views. No mem­ber of the assembly expressed agreement

with Mr. Kress's position. But many didfeel that, in the absence of a "good andnecessary" case against his views, it waswrong to find him guilty.

On the other hand, a large majoritywas convinced that a sufficient case hadbeen made. The original charge lists fourbiblical teachings that, in the minds ofmany, were sufficient to rule out Mr.

Page 5

Kress's idea of a possibly continuing giftof prophecy and tongues. (Mr. Kress didnot reject these four points, but insistedthat they did not preclude his position.)

Others who voted to deny the appealdid so even though they felt that a con­clusive case against Mr. Kress's view hadnot actually been made. They were per­suaded instead that it was indeed "con­trary to the Word of God" to hold a viewthat in itself had no conclusive prooffrom Scripture. In other words, Mr. Kresswas judged to be in error for advocatinga position that he himself had not clearlydemonstrated from Scripture, in errorfor adding to Scripture what he couldnot establish by "good and necessary in­ference."

Despite the long hours spent in con­sidering this part of the judicial chargesagainst Mr. Kress, and in spite of somestrong disagreement over the final vote,the General Assembly did deny Mr.Kress's appeal and did uphold the ver­dict of the Presbytery of Ohio. (Presby­tery representatives had already indicatedtheir intention to do no more at presentthan admonish Mr. Kress concerning hisviews. At a later point, the assemblyitself passed-without audible dissent-·a resolution urging Mr. Kress to acceptthe decisions of his brethren and furtherexpressing its judgment that his minis­terial gifts were of value to the church

Page 6

despite the adverse judicial decisions.)

The significance of the case

(What follows is adapted from remarksmade before the assembly by a commis­sioner immediately following the vote todeny the appeal.)

"All synods or councils since theapostles' times, whether general or parti­cular, may err, and many have erred;therefore they are not to be made therule of faith or practice, but to be usedas an help in both" (Confession of Faith,XXXI, 3).

What happened in that vote was thatthe highest court of the Orthodox Pres­byterian Church had spoken on theparticular issue before it. Until JudgmentDay, there is no higher court to whichthe question may be taken. Even so, allthe assembly did was rule in regard toa particular case having to do with theparticular views of one man.

In no sense is this decision an additionto the confessional standards of theOrthodox Presbyterian Church. Neitherdoes it establish some new test of ortho­doxy for the ministry of that church. Atmost the General Assembly has set aprecedent that may be useful to otherchurch courts dealing with similar mat­ters. And even then only a precedent hasbeen established.

Whatever else the case may have de-

Tense moment.

termined, it did make clear that in theOrthodox Presbyterian Church it is notsufficient for finding a man guilty oferror to prove that his views are con­trary to the commonly held opinions inthe church. Nor is it sufficient even toprove that the supposed error is contraryto the Confession of Faith or Catechisms.The only error with which one may becharged is one that can be shown to becontrary to the only infallible rule offaith and practice, the Word of Goditself.

Though many commissioners may havefelt that just such a proof of error indoctrine contrary to the Word of God wasnot conclusively demonstrated, yet theassembly by a large majority did judgethat such an error had been shown. Thatdecision must now be weighed seriouslyand prayerfully by Mr. Kress himself andit should "be used as a help by others,"

The other chargeIn another charge, Mr. Kress had been

found guilty of asserting that "the churchought not necessarily to exclude from theoffice of the ministry of the Word thosewho, although true believers, hold seriousdoctrinal errors such as Arminianism, orthe denial of infant baptism, . . . con­trary to Scripture which teaches that onlythose should be made Elders in thechurch who 'hold to the faithful wordwhich is according to the teaching (ofthe apostles)' (Titus 1:9),"

Though taking less than half the timerequired for the first appeal, the assemblyspent several hours considering Mr.Kress's appeal against a verdict of guiltyon this charge. At no point was there anydisagreement about whether Mr. Kresshad actually made statements like thosealleged against him in the charge. Therewas some debate about what his wordsactually meant, but most of the discussioncentered over whether such views con­stituted an offense in doctrine.

When the crucial vote was taken, theassembly voted with only two audibledissenting votes that the charge againstMr. Kress with its specifications of evi­dence would, if proved, show the com-

The Presbyterian Guardian

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missron of an offense in doctrine con­trary to the Word of God. After this itonly remained to answer the particularpoints in Mr. Kress's appeal in order.Finally, the appeal itself was denied andthe verdict of guilty by the Presbytery ofOhio was upheld in this case also.

The purpose of disciplinePerhaps the major importance of this

long judicial process was that the churchwas able to conclude such a case at all.One distinctive feature of Presbyterianchurch order has been its carefullyspelled out system for trial of those.charged with error in doctrine orpractice.

Yet the process is formidable, fre­quently technical in its legal safeguards,and requires something like an "ecclesia­stical lawyer" to keep track of things. Allthose technicalities are intended to pro­tect the rights of individuals and of thetruth of God also.

Even so, the process was originally de­signed "to vindicate the honor of Christ,to promote the purity of his church andto reclaim the offender." And that lastpurpose is not the least by any means.

In this case the honor of Christ was in­volved in the attempt to understandrightly the truths set forth in his Word.The purity of the church was involvedin the very fact that a difference ofdoctrinal viewpoint existed and neededto be resolved. And the defendent him­self was certainly involved, since his wholefuture ministry in this particular churchwas at stake.

Those who sat and listened and finallyvoted on these matters did so with allthese concerns in mind. Certainly theydid so with great loving concern forArnold Kress himself. The OrthodoxPresbyterian Church has sometimes beenseen as unloving in its pursuit of ortho­doxy in doctrine and practice. Andthough there were strong tensions felt, theoverall effect of this judicial process wasa demonstration that the Orthodox Pres­byterian Church could deal with a man'sdoctrinal views and do so with evidentlove for the man himself.

July 1976

If for no other reason, this judicialcase is important. It sets a good pre­cedent for taking on the burdensomechore of using formal judicial process indealing with significant doctrinal issues.Both Mr. Kress and the Presbytery ofOhio, and then the General Assembly it­self, are to be commended for allowingthe church's constitutional procedures tohave their place in resolving such aquestion.

The work of the churchThere were times when a visitor might

suppose that the General Assembly hadnothing to do but deal with judicial cases.But despite the pressures caused by theamount of time devoted to the judicialmatters, the General Assembly did dealwith the basic work of the church beforeit.

Foreign Missions. The first report tobe heard was that of the Committee onForeign Missions. Highlights in that re­port include the work of the Rev. BensonMale, first in Lebanon, now in Egypt,where an exciting opportunity of ser­vice to Egyptian believers and others out­side that country calls for continued help.

The other mission fields report boththe need for further reinforcement andencouragements in the work. In Japan,

especially with the absence of Mr. Kress,there is urgent need for new missionaryadditions. From Taiwan, the RichardB. Gaffins are coming home to retire­ment; it is hoped that the Rev. and Mrs.Robert L. Marshall of Bridgeton, N. J.,may be able to answer the call to thisfield soon. From Korea, the Bruce F.Hunts have already left for their retire­ment; the Rev. Donald Ritsman was sentout earlier this year. As reported earlier,the Eritrea mission has been forced toleave that field because of the fightingthere and it is still uncertain what futureplans can be made. •

Of particular interest is the amount ofcooperative work now being done throughthis committee. Both the ReformedChurch, U. S. (Eureka Classis) and theReformed Churches in New Zealand andAustralia have used the O.P.C:s existingcommittee to forward their own foreignmission concerns. In addition, an organi­zation in the Netherlands was particularlyinvolved in the Eritrean mission anddesires to continue its support elsewhere.Some concern over the amount of "out­side money" was expressed at the as­sembly, but generally this pattern of co­operation was approved.

Christian Education. This committee'sreport focused on the major change re­cently made when it joined with the cor-

Page 7

Five commissioners who had beenpresent at the First Assembly, June11, 1936. Front (1. to r.), Leslie A.Dunn, Bruce A. Coie, David Freeman,and rear, Robert L. Atwell, CalvinK. Cummings.

Education. The Committee on Steward­ship is responsible for reviewing the re­quested budgets of each committee andfor assessing the probable support to beexpected from the churches in the calen­dar year ahead.

The Committee on Stewardship, sinceits reorganization in 1972, has gained amore ready acceptance of its recom­mendations at the General Assembly.Though an attempt was made to modifythe recommended Combined Budget, itwas passed as presented to this assembly.The 1977 Combined Budget was ap­proved as follows:

1977 Combined Budget $664,000

The budget as approved represents an8% increase over the 1976 CombinedBudget of $615,000. It also includes asmall but definite increase in the pro­portion of the total committed to thework of home missions, reflecting thejudgment that this part of the church'stotal ministry of outreach needed to bestrengthened. Approval of this CombinedBudget is in effect a commitment on thepart of the assembly to provide the sup-,port indicated.

Form of Government

It was expected that this General As­sembly would take up the proposed newForm of Government, the fruit of manyyears' labor by the Committee on Re­visions to the Form of Government. An"Amended Version" was presented by thecommittee for possible approval and sub­mission to the presbyteries.

At least one major feature in the pro­posed new Form had stirred more than alittle opposition. The committee's"Amended Version" included a provisionfor requiring ruling elders to go through

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$174,000262,000228,000

Christian EducationForeign MissionsHome Missions

The Combined BudgetOf major importance for each assembly

is the adoption of a Combined Budgetfor the work of the Committees on Homeand Foreign Missions and Christian

in 1974's recession. Though gifts im­proved significantly in 1975, the com­mittee still had a deficit at the beginningof 1976.

This committee's report urged that the"work of the whole church should ad­vance," both at home and abroad andthrough the printed page. It pointed outthat a more vigorous and enlarged homemissionary program was basic to thechurch's overall obedience to the GreatCommission.

Part of its goal of enlarging thedenomination's home missionary effort isthrough the use of the "missionary-at­large," four of whom are now serving aspresbytery church-planting evangelists.The committee also hopes to have oneman available in the future for shorterterm, intensive church-planting work asneeded.

The committee continues to provideloans to churches for the purchase of landand building construction. These loansare often the means whereby a congrega­tion may obtain suitable space for wor­ship or housing for its pastor. Themanagement of these loans and mortgagesis a major part of the committee's workin addition to its direct support of homemission efforts.

responding committee of the PresbyterianChurch in America to organize GreatCommission Publications, Inc. This jointagency is to continue the production ofthe Sunday school curriculum primarilyand such other publishing ventures asmay be helpful to the two denominations.

Having committed the bulk of its exist­ing publications program to the newjoint agency, the Committee on ChristianEducation now must determine what itsfuture role shall be. There continue to bespecial publication needs for the Ortho­dox Presbyterian Church which the com­mittee should seek to provide.

It was pointed out that the new jointventure does not eliminate or even re­lieve the church's responsibility to con­tinue its financial support of the workof Christian education through its com­mittee. The joint venture depends on thecontinuing support now of both de­nominations and that support is neededin full if the publication of a full Sundayschool curriculum is to be maintainedand completed. What has happened is asharing of the financial burden by twodenominations; but both must do theirshare in carrying the load.

Home Missions. The Committee onHome Missions and Church Extensionsought approval of the General Assemblyfor an expanded level of support andoutreach. This committee particularlywas hampered by deficits in its approvedbudget as contributions dropped severely

PageS The Presbyterian Guardian

Furni and George Uornoto, during alunch recess.

a rather complicated procedure of pro­bation that involved term ordinationamong other things. This whole proced­ure was opposed by at least one presby­tery and others who had communicatedwith the committee concerning thematter.

The General Assembly's advisory com­mittee that reviewed the "AmendedVersion" did side with the objections tothe provision for ruling elder probation.In its recommendations to the assemblv,this review committee proposed that analternate and more traditional approachbe adopted instead. But except for thisone area, the advisory committee stronglyrecommended that the new Form ofGovernment be approved.

But when the time came to considerthis matter, it was judged that so muchtime had been used in the judicial casesthat this important subject should bepostponed until next year's assembly. Itwas agreed to give it a priority place onnext year's docket, and that a revised ver­sion of the committee's proposal wouldbe distributed in September 1976.

Other church business

Diaconal Ministries. Though not in­cluded in the Combined Budget, sincemuch of its support comes from separateofferings through local church deacons,the work of the Committee on DiaconalMinistries is a major part of the church'sactivity. Discussion of this committee'sreport was both general and focused onparticular elements.

In actions regarding this committee,the assembly determined to ask $3.50 percommunicant member for the committee'swork, rather than the $3.25 proposed bythe committee itself. Concern was ex­pressed that the needs of retired ministersshould be more fully met through thecommittee's ministry.

G. A. Travel Fund and Budget Fund.For the first time in memory, the TravelFund was sufficient to reimburse com­missioners for their total travel expensesand even to "reward" those drivers who

July 1976

saved the assembly money by bringingpassengers with them. This fund has agood balance, and leaves the assemblyfree in the future to meet where travelexpenses would be more than normal.

The Budget Fund is a catch-all fundthat meets the expenses of the assembly'svarious committees not otherwise funded.For the first time also, the Budget Fundreported a positive balance, though thisamount was expected to be used inpaying the costs of delegates to theforthcoming Reformed Ecumenical Synodmeeting in South Africa this summer.

If churches continue to pay their re­quested per capita contributions as inthe past year, both these funds should beable to do their proper jobs.

Pensions. After suffering a serious lossin its investments as the general economydeclined, the Committee on Pensionswas able to report a greatly improvedpicture this year. The committee also in­dicated ways in which ministers mightuse the pension plan to provide housingon retirement.

Fraternal Delegates. The assembly wasaddressed by the following fraternaldelegates: For the Presbyterian Church inAmerica, the Rev. Timothy Fortner;Ruling Elder Charles E. LeSuer was alsopresent for the PCA, as was Dr. G. AikenTaylor as an alternate. For the ReformedPresbyterian Church of North America,the Rev. John H. White, with the Rev.

Dean R. Smith as alternate. For theChristian Reformed Church, the Rev.Raymond Opperwall and Elder AlbertA. Bel. For the Free Church of Scotland.the Rev. Hugh M. Cartwright. For theReformed Church in the U.S. (EurekaClassis), the Rev. Paul H. Treick. For theReformed Presbyterian Church, Evan­gelical Synod, the Rev. Charles B. Holli­day.

Fraternal Relations. This area of con­cern took very little time this year withno major matters being reported. A letterfrom the Reformed Presbyterian Church,Evangelical Synod, reported the actionof their synod instructing the FraternalRelations Committee to work toward anew plan of union with the OrthodoxPresbyterian Church for presentation assoon as possible. This communicationwas referred to the O.P.C. Committee onEcumenicity and Interchurch Relationsfor its consideration.

The 44th General Assembly. To thesurprise of most present, the recommen­dation of the Committee on Date, Place,and Travel concerning next year's as­sembly was readily adopted. The as­sembly is called to convene at 8 p.m. onJune 2, 1977 at Bethel O. P. Church inOostburg, Wisconsin.

The Forty-third General Assembly,after the longest session in recent times,was dissolved at 2:24 p.m. on Friday,June 4, 1976.

Page 9

General Synod, RPCES(Continued from page 3)

Toward merger with the opeAnother overture from the Southern

Presbytery asked Synod to present thecurrent Plan of Union with the OrthodoxPresbyterian Church (which was not ap­proved at last year's concurrent meetingsof the OPC Assembly and RPC Synod)to the 155th (1977) General Synod ofthe RPCES for vote, as well as urgingthe OPC Assembly to take concurrentaction.

In response, Synod passed the followingresolution: "We recommend in accord­ance with last year's Synod action thatthe Fraternal Relations Committee beinstructed to continue discussions withthe O.P.C. Committee on Ecumenicitywith a view towards the possibility ofeventual union. As soon as possible, thecommittee is to present a finalized Planof Union to the Synod, and Synod willvote on it one year after its presentationif approved for vote."

In short, the earliest a possible voteon merger might take place would bethe 156th General Synod in 1978.

An overture from the Rocky MountainPresbytery concerning the status of aminister in his presbytery was referredto the Form of Government Committeefor study. The Pittsburgh Presbyteryovertured Synod to add two statementsto the 153rd (1975) General Synod re­port on the "Amsterdam Philosophy"regarding the word of God and Scrip­ture, and the kingdom of God and thechurch; Synod rejected this as not being"helpful" to the discussion of the issue.

Agency ReportsA set of teeth was added to Synod's

various boards as it approved a recom­mendation of the Administrative Com­mittee that members of agency boardswho have not attended three successiveboard meetings be dropped unless re­tained by board action.

Covenant College. Dr. Richard Chew­ning, a professor of economics and clerkof session of the Stony Point Church inRichmond, Virginia, was presented to

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Synod as Covenant College's newlyelected chairman of the board. Dr. Chew­ning reported that Covenant was movinginto its third historic phase and that anew era of administration was now be­ginning.

Dr. Luder G. Whitlock, j-, a min­ister of the Presbyterian Church inAmerica and a professor at ReformedTheological Seminary, was elected to theboard, Also elected was Mr. Earl Whit­mer, ruling elder in Christ Church ofGrand Rapids and newly appointed Exe­cutive Director of Synod's National Boardof Home Ministries, and the Rev. MarkE. Pett, pastor of Liberty Church inRandallstown, Maryland.

National Presbyterian Missions. Afterrecessing over the Lord's Day, Synodresumed business on Monday morning asit heard the report of its home missionsagency. Both the Rev. Paul Taylor,chairman of the Board of N.P.M., andthe Rev. Donald J. MacNair, ExecutiveDirector, emphasized that the burden ofestablishing new churches rests with thepresbytery concerned, not with a nationalagency. N.P.M. will work with, but notin the place of, presbytery in startingnew churches.

Three new mission churches were be­gun this year (up from 10 to 13) withthe number of particular congregationsincreasing by one (to 151). In electionsto the Board of N.P.M., it was againevident that Synod was not willing toelect a missions pastor to that board.

Covenant Theological Seminary. Dr.Robert G. Rayburn, President of theseminary, gave a moving personal testi­mony to God's grace in his completehealing from a recent cancer. Dr. Ray­burn is retiring next year and will besucceeded by Dr. William S. Barker,present Dean of the Faculty. Dr. Barkeris the first graduate of the seminary tobecome a faculty member.

It was also announced that Dr. JohnW. Sanderson, Jr., presently on the fac­ulty of Covenant College, would join theseminary faculty this fall as Professor of

(Left to right), Dr. James Hurley, theRev. Egon Middelmann and the Rev.Paul Alexander.

Biblical Theology. Continuing the movetoward Reformed ecumenicity, Synod ap­proved a Seminary recommendation thatup to three seats on its Board be filledwith men either from the Orthodox Pres­byterian Church or the PresbyterianChurch in America.

World Presbyterian Missions. W.P.M.also was interested in having an O.P.brother on its Board and, during theprevious year, had filled a vacancy byelecting the Rev. Harvie M. Conn, Pro­fessor of Missions and Apologetics atWestminster Seminary. W.P.M. alsosigned an agreement with the peA Com­mittee on Mission to the World makingit possible for the PCA to recruit andsupport missionaries to serve underW.P.M.

The church began this synodical yearwith 71 missionaries; by April 1, 1976,it had only gained two additional candi­dates. That, as it turned out, was alsothe growth percentage of the denomina­tion, but it nevertheless caused concern

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Dr. William Barker (1.) talking with Dr. Richard Chewning.

to the Rev. Nelson Malkus, ExecutiveDirector of W.P.M. On the other hand,for the second consecutive year, W.P.M.received over a million dollars and asa pioneering venture has begun to raisefunds for an $85,000 hospital facility inRas al Khaimah in the United ArabEmirates.

The Rev. David M. Linden, recentgraduate of Covenant Seminary andpastor of the Hazelwood (Missouri)R. P. Church, was elected to the Boardof W.P.M., with Synod recognizing thatsome of its younger members have muchto offer. Meanwhile, Dr. Frank Dyrness,a long-time Board member, refused tostand for reelection in order that ayounger man might contribute to thechurch's foreign mission policy.

Board of Home Missions/Ministries. Inthe past, the Board of Home Missionshas had a hard time justifying its exis­tence and defending its role beforeSynod. Partly this was due to a lack ofagency competency, partly to a lack ofclear marching orders from Synod, andpartly because of its low "profile" fromits origins in the pre-merger R. P.Church, General Synod.

In any case, this agency had beengiven new direction last year with theRev. Frank P. Crane, pastor of the West­minster Church in Muncie, Indiana,elected as Board Chairman. Severalyounger men were added to the boardat that time, giving B.H.M. a new vital­ity. This year the Board came with aproposed new set of by-laws (which wereprovisionally adopted) .

The Board also introduced its newExecutive Director, Mr. Earl Whitmer,a securities investor and elder of ChristChurch in Grand Rapids. Finally, as ifsymbolizing the new wind in its sails,the agency changed its name to theBoard of Home Ministries, reflecting itsbroad concern "to demonstrate the loveof God to a dying world."

Service Committees

Fraternal Relations Committee. Thiscommittee had held center stage last yearas the OP-RP merger plan was presented.This year its report was understandablyshorter and less controversial. The com­mittee informed Synod that it was con­tinuing close fraternal relationships withthe OPC and PCA.

In addition, fraternal delegates wereappointed to the Reformed PresbyterianChurch of North America, the ChristianReformed Church, the Reformed Pres­byterian Church of Ireland, and the Asso­ciate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Thecommittee also reported its success inhaving the North American Presbyterianand Reformed Council (NAPARC)doctrinal statement strengthened by addi­tion of the phrase "without error in allits parts" to the first paragraph of the"Basis" section.

Fraternal delegates to the 154th Gen­eral Synod included James Bosgraf(OPC) of Denver, Paul McCracken(RPCNA) also of Denver, Stanley Mast(CRC) of Colorado Springs, and Wayne

Buchtel (PCA) of Los Alamos, N. M.

The Magazine Committee. The otherservice committee to occupy substantialattention as this particular synod wasthe Magazine Committee, charged withthe responsibility for overseeing a regularjournalistic ministry to the denomination.Once again the committee was under firefor not fulfilling its mandate. The de­nominational periodical (Mandate) ap­peared only six times last year (andsome of those issues never got fully dis­tributed) instead of seventeen promisedappearances.

In light of this performance, the com­mittee sensed a lack of denominational

support and loss of credibility, and sobegan to explore the idea of using anindependent Reformed periodical (suchas The Presbyterian Guardian or ThePresbyterian Journal) to minister to theRPCES. Synod approved exploratorytalks with the Journal, while simultan­eously approving formation of a selectcommittee to restudy completely thefeasibility of a denominational magazine.Chairman of the select committee is theRev. William Shell, editor-in-chief ofNavPress, the publishing agency of theNavigators.

The Magazine Committee was alsogiven approval to investigate the pos­sibilities of publishing and distributingselected study reports approved by theSynod. Meanwhile, Mandate is beingpublished as funds permit.

Chaplain's Committee. This committeecalled attention to the hymn, "It Wason a Friday Morning," in the latest edi­tion of the Book at Worship tor theUnited States Forces. Clearly blasphe­mous, this hymn was apparently ap­proved by the Armed Forces Chaplains'Board. Synod unanimously approvedsending a strongly worded objection tothe Secretaries of the Army, Navy, andAir Force.

Special CommitteesFunctions of the Deacons. The study

July 1976 Page 11

committee on this subject brought in areport that caused little disagreement,though much time was spent in hagglingover details to help clarify the report.The one substantial issue in the report,that favoring the ordination of womenas deacons, was postponed until afterthe report on the role of women in thechurch was discussed.

One ex-moderator thought the timespent discussing this report was a waste.But if God has given us instructions,principles, and examples from which toform the manifestation of his church onearth, then such discussions - thoughtime-consuming-are vital for the ad­vancement of God's kingdom.

Role of Women in the Church. Thisreport, by all accounts, was the majorone at the 154th General Synod. Includ­ing forty-nine pages and extensive exe­gesis (by Dr. James Hurley of CovenantCollege), the report stressed that therewas but one authoritative church office,that of the elder. While women areclearly excluded from that one author­itative office, the report contended, theyare not to be excluded from the non­authoritative office of deacon.

The report stated: "A central prin­ciple regarding the role of women withinthe church is that with respect toecclesiastical authority, there are but twogroups within the church - elders andnon-elders." Further, male non-eldersand female non-elders are equal inauthority in the church.

While much of the committee's reportwas adopted, the central issue of theordination of women as deacons, and theaccrual to them of all the rights andresponsibilities of that ordination, wassent back to a reconstituted committeefor further study. At one point, Mod­erator Auffarth described the 154th Gen­eral Synod as "the Synod that recom­mits" - and to supporters of the women'srole report this seemed to be a case inpoint. The committee was instructed tosend a bibliography and additional ma­terials to the presbyteries by December31, 1976.

Work of the Holy Spirit. The report ofthis study committee was very short (oneand a half pages), but was notable insignalling a shift away from the viewof Warfield that the miraculous giftsof the Spirit (as tongues, healings, proph­ecies, etc.) ceased with the end of theapostolic age. The report, based on threeearlier lengthy reports, concluded thatthe canon of Scripture is closed, thatspeaking in tongues is not to be sought

Page 12

as an attestation of the baptism of theHoly Spirit, that speaking in tongues isnot to be encouraged or lauded, andthat those who have had special exper­iences with God should guard againstthe divisiveness of making their privateexperience with God normative for allbelievers. While much was left unsaidand unexegeted, most commissioners be­lieved that the RPCES needed to saysomething now about the activity of theHoly Spirit as it is currently being in­terpreted and experienced. They be­lieved that the most useful course underthe circumstances was to ag..ee on whatthey could agree on and not attempt anyfurther clarifying consensus.

Ecclesiastical Separation. Nineteen fullpages of material came in the report ofthis study committee. The repo.t, adoptedwith a few minor changes, stressed thedenomination's need for a separatistidentity without being hostile or arbit­rary in that identity. As the Rev. PaulAlexander put it, "We have finally real­ized that we are a branch of tile Chris­tian church, not the trunk."

Indeed, in one key sentence (touchingon the Glasser-WCC matter) the reportreads: "The elder must differentiate be­tween attending meetings (e.g., W.C.C.meetings) as an observer on the onehand and as a subscribing participant onthe other." To attend such meetings assomething less than a "subscribing par­ticipant" was approved by Synod'sactions.

Conclusion

Several things distinguished this fromprevious synods. The reorganization ofbusiness permitted the commissionersmuch more time to discuss the studyreports than ever before allowed. Thegiving over of Saturday afternoon to re­port seminars was the idea of Dr. PaulGilchrist, Synod's Stated Clerk.

Also the bicentennial theme in theworship periods highlighted the contri­butions of three great Presbyterian pas­tor-teachers during the Revolutionaryera (Witherspoon, Davies, and Ed­wards). This was helpful in remindingcommissioners from whence they came.

Several leading commissioners spokeof the "era of good feeling," of thehonesty and openness and relaxation thathas apparently come upon the RPCES,as evidenced at this 154th GeneralSynod. The Stated Clerk noted thatseveral votes for cloture were passedwithout a great ruckus being raised fromthe floor. One past moderator noted thatbecause the RPCES no longer has either

a single domineering personality nor anarrow crusading spirit, the old tensionsand threats are gone.

Perhaps this new era is upon theRPCES because the commissioners rec­ognize that the denomination cannotafford to conduct internecine warfare atSynod. Consider the following: Statisticsfor 1975 show the RPCES total mem­bership grew only 1.26% (from 23,241to 23,584). This is ironic in light oflast year's pomposity about the RPCESgrowth and the OPC "deadness."

But perhaps this greater appreciationfor each other is due more to the matur­ing influence of the Holy Spirit on thatpart of Christ's body known as the Re­formed Presbyterian Church, EvangelicalSynod.

The Guardian sincerely appreciatesthe time and effort-and the accompany­ing photographs-given to this informa­tive report by Mr. Case.

CONTACTS DESIREDAnyone living in the Syracuse, New Yarkarea desiring to join a Bible study group withthe prayerful hope of estoblishing an Ortho­dox Presbyterian Church, please contact:

Dr. & Mrs. Quinton J. BianchineP. O. Box HDe Witt, NY 13214315-445-1769

orRev. Theodore J. Georgian65 Hoover Dr.Rochester, NY 1461 571 6-865-91 68

If you know of people living in or nearMissoula, Montana who might like to be apart of our fellowship, please send theirnames, addresses, telephone numbers and­if possible-their degree of interest to GlenJunckert, 2828 S. 7th Street West, Missaula,MT 59801. All replies greatly appreciated.

WANTED: Principal-teacherBeaver County Christian School in NewBrighton, Pc., is seeking a principal-teacherfor the 1976-77 school year. B.C.C.S. is aK-12 day school under the direction of aboard of directors elected by and from anassociotion of parents whose children are inthe school.

The position will involve 1,4 time adminis­tration for this year and 3;.1 time teaching onthe secondary level. Minimum qualifications:(1) bachelor's degree, (2) teaching experi­ence, (3) teaching proficiency in two of thefollowing areas: science, Bible, social studies,and (4) Reformed perspective.

For additional information or to apply,write: D. A. Harvey, 3219 College Ave.,Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

The Presbyterian Guardian

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Whatsoever things are lovely, .•. think on these things(Philippians 4:8).

ThisdeheadsIn the thistle-thirsting field,Touching, brushing thistle stalk,It is so very hard to walkUnless one rests his mind insteadOn the fragrant thistlehead.Then, like the frequent butterfly,Mind and color make replyAnd reach as one the summer sky.

dislike not only for the poor plants but for everythingabout the day itself. Nothing will relieve your feelingsuntil you have left the patch of thistles.

Perhaps, though, you are one of those rare persons who,upon glancing at the thistleheads, will have a change ofmind. You will suddenly see varying shades of magnetaand purple. You will smell a soothing fragrance and hearthe gracious hum of bee visitors. You will watch colorfulbutterflies light upon the thistle crowns. You will becomeso absorbed in this display that you may even stand abit longer in the patch to feast upon it.

So, there are many sharp and painful thistles in our walkthrough life. It is easy to feel them and easy to keep one'smind on the discomforts they cause us. The result is adepression of mind and spirit.

Paul urges us to look instead on what is lovely in life'sthistle-filled pasture. In his letter to the Philippians, hegives us the secret of a light spirit, a joyful air, andpleasant Christian walk:

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in; ~;1 <'Have you ever walked through a pleasant pasture or asunny field on a summer's day to find out it was not sopleasant after all? Your legs and arms are scratched bythe sharp prickles of thistle leaves and stalks. Suddenly,your pleasant walk has become a battle in which youcannot win. As your discomfort increases, so does your

July 1976 Page 13

~Genes~s 2:22

MissionaryCLOSETJuliet W. Griffin

Neat piles of blouses and sweaters on along table. The unmistakable scent ofmothballs coming from the open doors ofa metal cabinet. What's going on here inthe church basement?

Nothing unusual: the MissionaryCloset is undergoing periodic check. Thesmiling lady sorting the clothing wouldbe glad to take a few minutes to rest andanswer some of the questions that comereadily to our minds.

Q. First of all, what is a "missionarycloset"?

A. As its name implies, it is a repositoryfor good, used clothing that can be of­fered to our missionary families for theirpersonal use, when they come home onfurlough.

Q. "Who is responsible for the clothescollection?

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A. The Women's Missionary Societysponsors the project. The person incharge of missionary correspondence as­certains who will be coming home onfurlough the following year and whatsizes of clothing each member of thefamily will require-and even what stylesand colors are preferred. Then the Mis­sionary Closet chairman makes thesespecifics known to the women of thechurch well in advance so that appropri­ate articles of clothing can be set aside(particularly during spring and fallwardrobe change-overs) and brought to

the church.

Q. What happens to the clothes that arebrought in?

A. Some items are put into a storage bin;others are hung on the coat rack. TheMissionary Closet chairman looks forthem each week so that there is no ac­cumulation on the racks. She checks eachpiece to determine its usefulness; if it'sworth keeping, she puts it in the double­door steel cabinet you see here, The doorsare kept locked in order that controlover its contents can be maintained; forwe are interested in quality, rather thanquantity, so far as the clothing we retainis concerned. We rarely keep things formore than one year. Even so, we are care­ful to renew moth preventatives regularly.

Q. It sounds as though you receivearticles that have to be discarded.

A. Unfortunately, we do. It is strangethat some people will decide that certainitems are too shabby for them to wear,but will pass them along for someoneelse. We take a dim view of the attitudethat relegates our missionaries to second­class citizenship, even though we freelyoffer them second-hand clothing.

Q. What criteria do you use in judgingwhat is to be kept?

A. An item must be clean, in wearablecondition and in style, to be consideredfit for our furlough families. Occasionallywe receive garments of superior qualitythat may be soiled. If we think theyare good enough to keep, we will havethem dry-cleaned, or we'll run themthrough our own washing machines tofreshen them. One of our senior citizens

doesn't mind sewing on buttons; but wedon't go in for extensive repair work. Weare flexible enough to recognize a much­used item that still has a great deal ofwear in it-such as children's play clothesthat may be a bit faded but sturdy. Nonethe less we are a bit ruthless when itcomes to tossing out substandard gar­ments; these are given to a local charity.

Q. You must have a large committeeworking on this project.

A. On the contrary; the most we haveever had was two. When only a few areinvolved in the actual decisions of keep­ing or discarding clothes, the work is donequickly. Committee members need (1) tobe convinced of the value of the project,(2) to be willing to put the necessary timeinto sorting and classifying the collectionon a regular basis, and (3) to possess animagination and style sense.

Q. How do you get the clothing to themissionaries?

A. We find out from the Committee onForeign Missions when our missionariesare to land in the United States andwhere they are to live while on furlough;we also ask if their itineration will bringthem into our area. Then we contactthe missionaries to let them know what

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we have, so they will not hurry out tobuy duplicates. We may hold the clothesfor personal delivery until there's a mis­sionary conference or presbytery meeting,or we will mail boxes to them. Heavyitems, such as men's overcoats, reallyought to be tried on before we incur theexpense of mailing them, but this cannotalways be done.

Q. Is there a fund for the MissionaryCloset expenses?

A. Not as such. Money for dry cleaningand postage comes out of the contin­gency fund of the Women's MissionarySociety treasury.

Q. Do you ask that clothing be returned?

A. No. More will accumulate.

Q. It sounds as though this is a very work­able and practical means of helping ourmissionary program.

A. The missionaries themselves have saidso. Several have expressed their apprecia­tion over and over again. I t is one wayof our saying "Thank you" to them forbeing our faithful and able representa­tives overseas. However, the giving of our"outgrown-but-not-outworn" clothing doesnot take the place of providing liberallyfor their monetary support.

July 1976

Q. Would you object if other churchesadopted your idea?

A. Not at all; in fact, it would be a helpif they did. Our aim is to outfit a familyfor the kind of life it will lead duringthe furlough year, one that is very muchin the public eye. Sometimes we don'thave too much of a selection in a par­ticular size-16 Tall, for example. Andthere was the year that two families werehome with a total of five little boys, allwearing size 8!

Q. That was probably the year you keptgetting an abundance of girls' dresses.

A. How right you are! We found somenearby home missionaries who could usethem, though. We don't turn down goodclothes, just because they do not fulfill

The main thing is to catchthe vision of what it will meanto a family to have a completewardrobe supplied by people

who care about them.

our current specifications. But we doconcentrate on the clothing we hope willfi t particular families.

Q, Have you further suggestions thatmight help other churches start a Mis­sionary Closet?

A. Well, the main thing is to catch thevision of what it will mean to a familyto have a complete and appropriate ward­robe supplied by people who care aboutthem as individuals. Then, the oneselected to be in charge of the collectionought to consider each item donated byasking herself, "Would I wear it or wanta member of my family to wear it?" Ithelps if donors get into the habit of pin­ning to each article size information­particularly in men's and children'sclothes which often are unmarked;

laundry instructions are helpful too. Atape measure, extra hangers, and a mothcake container are essential in the placeset aside for the Missionary Closet.

One more thing: the bulk of cor­respondence should go through thedenominational missions office so that themissionaries will not have to answer thesame questions to well-meaning churchmembers all over the country while in thethroes of packing to come home. Sincethey correspond regularly with Philadel­phia, they could give size and color pre­ferences to be kept on file for the yearprior to their furlough.

Q. It's high time we allowed you to getback to your job.

A. There isn't much more to be done;we keep on top of the situation fre­quently, you see. But thank you for let­ting us tell you about our "MissionaryCloset."

This "interoieio" should help others toconsider a similar project, or even give aspark of imagination to a different formof Christian service on a personal basis.We would like to hear from other groupsabout any innovative project that mightprovide a stimulus to others. Write itdown and send it in.

..------

Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to

'JlI~Pl~fJ,M1ull

JjJilluu7401 Old York Road

Philadelphia, Pa. 19126

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Second Class Postage PaidAt Philadelphia, Pa.

The Presbyterian Guardian