f 1 I I % a MANUAL, CONSTITUTION anfl BY-LAWS OF THE MISSION BOARD OF THE Christian Church in America. Hdopted By Ghe Board, FEBRUARY 21, 1900. ALSO Articles of Incorporation, Chartered JULY II, 1899. PRINTED BY STEVENS & STEVENS, 1225 W. FIFTH ST, DAYTON, OHIO. 0 § (9 ,7 “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel t, to every creature." s s s s s s s e i ,, a § o 9 9 9 s § s § § § 9 9 9 9 § s § § INTRODUCTION. The Mission BoaiM of the Christian Church is elected quadrennially, by the American Christian Convention. It consists of the Secretary of the Mis¬ sion Department of the Convention, who is ex-officio its president, and four other members. This Board is charged with the duty of “managing with energy and prudence” the missionary interests of the de¬ nomination known as “The Christians,” or The Christian Chixrch of the United States and Canada, and its mission interests in both the home and foreign fields. »The Woman’s Board for Foreign Missions of the A. C. C. and the Woman’s Board for Home Missions of the A. C. C. are auxiliary to this Board and work in harmony with it. The spiritual aspects of the missionary work are entitled to the foremost place in the thought and affections of all who engage in it. Applicants who offer their services for the work of spreading the Gospel should do so under a sense of being divinely called to it, and should seek their reward in their blessed Lord’s approval. For His sake they should be willing to make sacrifices, meet hardships, en¬ dure privations, accept a life of steady, unnoticed labor, expecting to continue until death, looking for reward and rest in the world to come. In these and similar purposes, endeavors and hopes, they and the Board and all friends of missions, should stand togethei’ in mutual sympathy. Harmonious and pleasant relations and co-operation between missionaries theinselves and between them and the Board and its executive officers, depend far less on formal rules than on their common experience of God’s love and love for God’s creatures, and mutual interest in the cause for which Christ gave His life. It is in no sense undervaluing these princi¬ ples, but rather to further them, that this Manual is given chiefly to the business relations of the Board and its missionaries. MANUAL. (Constitution and Articles of Incorporation on pages 2i to 26.) This Manual is for the guidance of the Mission Board of the Christian Church, and its missions, missionaries and applicants for appointment to mission service. FOl-^KISN MISSIONS. /. FOREIGN MISSIONARIES DUTIES OP. f ■ The functions of the missionary are to preach the Gospel; found churches; teach and train native workers; translate the Word of God when necessa¬ ry; create and circulate Christian literature and whatever else may be necessary to the promotion of Christianity in his respective field. 2 > He should not become pastor of a native church; but should labor to secure competent native pastors for the native churches,—while he himself should go on winning converts to Christ and estab¬ lishing and founding new churclies whenever God in His providence gives him to see that it is proper to do so. 3a The wives of missionaries, and especially if un¬ der appointment, are expected to do all they can, consistent with their domestic duties, to promote the work of the mission. They, with all lay helpers should make all their work, whether administering to the sick or instructing the ignoi’ant, subservient to the one great aim of giving the Gospel to the peo¬ ple and bringing them to Christ. QUALIFICATIONS. 2^a The following qualifications should be pos¬ sessed by those who seek appointment as mission¬ aries: 1. Strong faith in God and an unshaken belief in His word. 2. Earnest love for God and the souls of men. 3. A self-saci'ificing devotion to Christ and His cause. 4. Sound judgment of men and things. —R— o. Good intellectual training. (i. An adai^tability for learning languages. 7. A hopeful and cheerful spirit. 8. Tact, and adaptability to people of all classes and conditions. 9. Ability to work harmoniously with others. 10. Persistent energy in carrying out plans once well formed. 11. A sound physical constitution. 12. A conviction that God, by His Spirit, is calling to this special line of work. 13. A reliance on the Holy Spirit to make efficient all other qualifications and give success in the work. (Mission candidates shonld apply to the Mission Office for application and medical examination blanks,) Sm Ordinarily, missionaries, before being .sent out, should have the test of practical work at home; for if one has not tact or ability in winning souls at home, the probabilities are that he will have little abroad. It is recommended that, when practicable, before going to the field at least one year’s course should be taken in some good missionai’y training institute, and some experience had in city mission work. SELECTION AND APPOINTMENT. Gi. Before any apiiointment is made, the Board should have official recommendation from the Christian Conference of which the applicant is a — 4 — member, that he, or she, is in every way worthy, and possesses the qualitications and adaj)tabilities for the work which the appointment contemplates. If an unordained woman, or other person not a member of a conference, then an official statement from the Christian church of which the applicant is a member that he, or she, is in good standing in the same, is in hearty sympathy with the denomi¬ nation, and possesses the qualifications as above. 7" It is emphasized as the duty of conferences, pastors, and teachers in our schools, to seek out men and women specially suited for this work and whose minds seem to be drawn in this direction, and recommend them for this field of labor. They should recommend such, and onlij mch, as they would select and be willing to support, if able to do so, as their own representative in the field; and should always seek by earnest prayer, the guidance of the Holy Spirit before making such recommen¬ dations. 8 « Other testimonials may be had from ministers, professors or other Christian workers, who have had opportunity to know and judge of the charac¬ ter and qualifications of the applicant. These tes¬ timonials should be sent directly to the Mission Secretary and are to be held as private and confi¬ dential. Applicants should forward to the Secreta- —5— ry the names and addresses of persons who may be corresponded with in reference to the testimonials. As a rule application should be made one year before desiring' to stai't for the field. SUPPORT. ©w From the time he enters the field until he leaves it, the missionary will be paid the salary fixed by the Board. It is expected that the salary will be sufficient, with wise economy, for the sup¬ port of the missionary; not sufficient to compensate for financial defects in the missionary’s character, nor so small that the more prudent may not have something to spare. Special needs may sometimes arise which may require special provision. The salary begins when the missionary ai-rives on his appointed field, and ends when he leaves the field; or on the termination of his connection with the Board. When practicable, the salaries ai’e paid monthly. SALARIES. ^ 0» The following is the schedule of salaries, sub¬ ject to any modifications the Board may deem it wise at any time to make; Single men: first two years, $600.; two to six years, $700.; subsequently, $800. Single Women: first two years, $400.; two to six years, $500.; subsequently, $600. Jiurried: first two years, $800.; two to ten years, $1,000.; subsequently $1,200. But if the wife goes under commission as a missionary then they both receive jointly for the first two years $900, from two to ten years $1,100, subsequently $1,200. Home allowance: Single men $400, single women $300, married $700. - 6 — t 'j m Outfits: Single men and single women, $100; main-ied $200. (Furniture bought with outfit money to be the property ol the mission.) Necessary traveling expenses, in going to the field by the neai’est and most practical route, and freight on a reasonable amount of household goods, are paid by the Board. Allowance is made for a necessary language teacher and interpreter. FURLOUGHS. 12a The appointment of missionaries contem¬ plates service for life, if the Lord wills. Occasional furloughs, however, are in complete accord with such service. Therefore, at appropriate times, and for sufficient reasons, consent will be given to the return of the missionary, the Board paying the necessary cost from the field, by the most direct route, to the missionary’s home in this country. Such returns may be mutually l^eneficial to the mis¬ sionary and to the home churches. No periods have been fixed for such returns—us¬ ually from seven to ten years. Too frequent returns, or returns for insufficient reasons, are harmful. Workers desiring to return should lay their request before the Mission (in their own foreign field); the Mission submitting the request, with the reasons therefor, with its own action in the case, to the home Board for its action. In extreme cases, or where a critical condition of health does not admit of delay, the approval of the Mission will be deem¬ ed sufficient, the action to be promptly reported to the Board, with medical certificate on which the action was based. Unless by special authority of the Board, the fur¬ lough shall not continue beyond one year from the time of leaving the field. During the period of fur¬ lough, the salary designated as “Home Allowance” shall be paid. Missionaries home on furlough are expected to give such time to the interests of the work among the home churches, under the direc¬ tion of the Mission Secretary, as may be deemed consistent with health and needed rest and recu¬ peration. RIGHT TO RECALL. I 3 ■ The Board reserves the right to recall mis¬ sionaries or revoke their appointment for sufficient reasons. When the usefulness of any missonary on the field where he has been laboring is open to serious question, it shall be the duty of the Mission to make investigation, and report its judgment to the Board. After the connection of missionaries I with the Board has terminated, no payment of i money on their account shall be made by the Mis- : sion Treasurer unless by special agreement. //. THE MISSION. DEFINITION. 12|.i. In every seperate mission field there is a [ Mission, technically so called. A Mission shall consist of the missionaries ap- ji pointed by the Board and located within certain specified territory, and organized for the transac¬ tion of business. It shall meet once a year, or of- tener if necessary, at the call of the Superintendent 'i (or Chairman) and shall keep a full and accurate I record of its proceedings, a copy of which shall be forwarded to the home Board. ! VOTING. J5. All commissioned missionaries shall have equal privileges in the meetings of the Mission, — 8 — except no missionary shall be entitled to vote until lie shall have been in the field six months. . ADINTERIM COMMITTEE. I G» The Mission may, if thought needful, appoint an Ad Interim Committee to transact such business 'as may require action between meetings of the Mission. But its action should be submitted to the next meeting of the Mission. OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES. Each Mission shall have a Superintendent and Treasurer, (one person may be eligible to both offices) who shall he appointed by the Home Board. The Mission may indicate its preference, but the appointment oi- removal is wholly at the pleasure of the Board. The Mission should elect its own Recording Sec¬ retary, and Station Sub-treasurers. The Station Sub-treasurers to be held accountable to the Treas¬ urer of the Mission. j 8a The Superintendent shall be Chairman of the meetings of the Mission, (in his absense a chair¬ man pro tern may be elected), and shall have the general oversight and supervision of the Mission. He should pray, study and endeavor to give wise counsel, and as far as possible, to be helpful to all wherever help is needed. J 9a The Secretai’y shall keep a true and faithful record of all the proceedings of the Mission, in a suitable book provided by the Mission for that pur¬ pose, and transmit copies of the same to the home Secretai’y; collect and forward promptly the annual statistics of the Mission, at the time designated, and such other work as may be required by his office. -f)— 20. The Treasurer shall bo the custodian of the funds of the Mission, payino- out the same under the direction of the Mission, as per the appropria¬ tions made by the Board, and in no other way; tak¬ ing- vouchers for all payments, which shall be reg¬ ularly marked and numbered and filed convenient for examination by the auditing committee. He shall be the custodian of all deeds or evidences of property which are not transmitted to the home' Board. He shall keep accurate and faithful ac¬ count of all the financial ti’ansactions of the Mis¬ sion, and make monthly report thereof to the Treasurer of the home Boai-d Such reports should give the balance at the beginning of the month, an itemized statement of receipts and ex¬ penditures, and the balance at the close of the month. He should keep unexpended money in some bank approved by the Mission. He shall keep such other accounts as may be necessary for a perfect understanding of the financial affairs of the Mission, apd shall preserve all letters received and copJes of all letters sent, on the busine^ts of the Mission. These accounts, books and letters shall be open to the inspection of any member of the Mis¬ sion at any reasonable time. He shall in no case loan money belonging to the Mission. He shall in no case, either directly or by assuming obligations for the future, allow to be expend^-d more than was authorized by the Board, except in emergencies arising from sickness of missionaries or their fam¬ ilies, or like circumstances of urgency, in which case a vote of the Mission should be obtained and at once reported to the Board for its sanction. At the close of each year, he shall forward to the home Treasurer of the Mission Board a balance sheet, duly audited, corresponding with his monthly — 10 — statements, showing the exact condition of the treasury, and a certificate of the auditing commit¬ tee of the Mission as to the correctness of his ac¬ counts and this final showing. 2 I ■ At the end of the year, all unexpended bal¬ ances and unused appropriations revert to the treas¬ ury of the Mission Board subject to re-appropriation. JURISDICTION AND DUTIES OF A MISSION. 22a The Mission has the general care and super¬ vision of all missionary work within its limits. All questions of policy, methods and expenditure are subject to its judgment, and all requests requiring the action of the Board should be accompanied by the action of the Mission upon the same. Tours of exploration or any unusual work, should be under¬ taken only with the advice of the Mission. The Mission assigns, and in general supervises, the work of the individual missionaries, to the end that all forms of labor may have the benefit of united counsel and may promote the interest of the work as a whole. It is proper, of course, that the views of all missionaries regarding their location and work should be heard and fully considered; and if any missionary shall he dissatisfied with the action of the Mission, an appeal to the Board for final decision can be made. 23* At each annual meeting, the Mission shall carefully prepare plans and estimates for the fol¬ lowing year, for the work as already inaugurated. Following this, a contingent statement may be made of additional objects and needs, arranged in the order of their importance, any or all of which may be provided for as the income of the Board may allow. — 11 — STATIONS. 24 . A Station consists of all missionaries ap- 2 )ointed by the Board within certain limits pre¬ scribed by the Mission. Each Station shall have control of the missionary work within its field, under the direction of the Mission and its Superintendent. New Stations may be established only on the action of the Board, but recommenda¬ tions of the Mission are always to be carefully con¬ sidered. The force assigned to such Stations should if possible, include one missionary of expeidence. Each station may have its own Sub-treasurer and Secretary. (See section 17). OUT STATIONS. 25m Regular established pi’eaching places within the bounds of the Station are designated as Out- Stations. ///. GENERAL RULES. STATISTICAL AND FISCAL YEAR. 25m The Statistical year shall begin July I and close June 30; the fiscal year shall commence Jan¬ uary 1 and close December 31. REPORTS. 27. Each missionary is required to send quar¬ terly (quarters to run with the statistical year) to the Mission Secretary at least a brief report of work done and condition of his field, with such facts, incidents, etc., as may be interesting and helpful to create and maintain interest in the home churches. And at the close of the statistical year, an annual report should be sent, which may take the place of the last quarterly report. — 12 - statistics 28. The Secretary or other person designated by the Mission, shall see that the statistics of the en¬ tire Mission are collected just as quickly as possible after the close of the yeai- (June JO), and forwarded to the Mission Secretary not later than the middle of August following. The Superintendent shall at the same time report on the general condition of the entire Mission. THE VERNACULAR. 29. The ability to read, but especially to speak the native language is an essential qualification for the best missionary service, hence the following was adopted in October, 1899: That every member of the Japan mission be re¬ quired to take a course of study in the language (with examinations) equivalent to the course estab¬ lished by other missions. The rule to apply to present and future missionaries. This rule or its equivalent shall apply to all Mis¬ sions and missionaries in regard to the native lan¬ guage of the Mission. RENTALS. 30. Missionaries occupying as a residence, prop¬ erty owned by the Mission and kept up at mission expense, are required to pay into the Mission Treas- ui’y a reasonable rental therefor, the amount to be fixed by the Mission. Rents for necessary school and preaching places, where buildings are not owned by the Mission for these purposes, are to be paid from the Mission treasury. But these and other incidental burdens should be placed upon the natives at the earliest IX)ssible moment. —13— ■ OTHER WORfv. 3 f B No missionary shall engage in any employ¬ ment other than approved by the Mission Board. In case of outside work so approved, all remunera¬ tion therefrom shall be paid into the treasury of the Mission, The following was adopted by the Board at its session in October, 1899: “That we allow our missionaries to do e^ctra work in teaching, when by so doing they can really ad¬ vance the interests of legitimate missionary work, but in no case shall such work be allowed simply for a money consideration.” CAUTION. 32. To avoid confusion, missionaries should re¬ frain from making personal solicitation for mission¬ ary objects from churches, Sunday-schools, En¬ deavor Societies or individuals in the home field, ■except for tho.se objects aiiproved by the Board, and in all cases the funds shall go through the regular authorized channels. SHOULD SETTLE WITH THE MISSION ON LEAVING THE FIELD. 33. Missionaries leaving the Mission, whether on furlough or otherwise, should always bring a certified statement of their account with the Treas¬ urer of the Mission, settled up at the time of de¬ parture, so that their accounts with the Mission may be closed. As the salary ceases when they leave the field, the expense of the home coming and the Home Allowance is paid from the treasury of the Mission Board at home. —14- HOMK MISSIONS. 34- Applications, How Made. All application of churches for financial aid should be made by the church itself and be endors¬ ed by the conference of which the church is a mem¬ ber, or the executive board thereof. Such certified applications should be in the MissionOffice not later than October 1. (Question blanks to accoi^any applications for aid should be secured from the Mission Office.) 35- Appointees Must be Endorsed. No minister shall be employed by this Board un¬ less he shall at the time of employment be a mem¬ ber of some Christian conference, and shall be endorsed by his conference or by the executive committee of the same, as being in every way worthy, and as possessing adaptabilities for the work which his appointment contemplates. 36. Church Must be a Member of Some Conference. No church shall be entitled to financial aid from this Board that is not a member of some Christian Conference, except however in the case of a new church organized. But in such cases, help shall not be rendered to exceed one year unless the church shall become a member of some Christian Confer¬ ence. 37 - Must Take Collection. Alt ministers and churches receiving aid from the home mission funds of this Board shall be re¬ quired to take or cause to be taken all the general collections required by the American Christian Convention. A failure to take any of said collec¬ tions shall forfeit any further payment by this — 15 — Hoard, unless a reason satisfactory to the Mission Secretary and Treasurer can be given therefor. 33. May Require Deed of Property. Section 1. The Board may require as a further condition of appropria tions that churches deed their property to the Mission Board of the Christian Church, the same to be held by the said Board in trust for the exclusive use of the church .so deeding during its visibility as a Christian Church, the same to be controlled by the local Board of Trustees of the church, with rights and privileges unmo¬ lested. Section 2. The Mission Board not claiming any rights in the property thus deeded to them during the visible existence of the same, as a Christia.n Church, it will not hold itself liable for taxes, in¬ surance, repairs or damage to the same, but may, if deemed best, make such appropriations as may be necessary to save the property from decay or de¬ struction. Section 3. A church deeding its property as in Section 1. shall be deemed to have lost its visibility as a Christian Church when it ceases to occupy the property for regular religious services for a period of two years, or shall have united with another denomination, or shall have ceased to co-operate with the Christians as represented by the Ameri¬ can Christian Convention. A failure for two con¬ secutive years to represent itself at the conference of which it is a member, or refuse to take the col¬ lections as ordered by the General Convention for one year shall be interpreted as having ceased to “co-operate.” The Mission Board may then pro¬ ceed to take possession of said prdperty and to sell the same as soon as practicable. The Board —16 may proceed sooner than above stated, if the church shall formerly give up its claim. Section 4- The money obtained from the sale of said church shall be placed at interest or otherwise invested where it will bring an income, the income to go into the Mission Treasury for general use, the principal to be kept foi- a period of live years sub- juct to the following rules: If a new church shall be built in the same locality where one has been sold as above by the Mission Board, within the period of five years, then the proceeds of the former sale shall be returned to them to be put into the new house, always provid¬ ing that the deed of the new property be made to the Mission Board as above, subject to the rules of this Article, and in this and above Sections. If at the end of five years the money is not returned for the benefit of new property, then it'shall be re¬ retained as a permanent fund, only the income thereof to be used for missionary purposes, under the direction of the Board. 39. Requested TO Report. All ministers in the home field who receive finan¬ cial help from this Board shall be required to give a statistical report quarterly, as per blanks furnish¬ ed by the Mission Secretary. Also, at least quar¬ terly, and on a sheet seperate from the statistical report, items, facts, incidents, concerning the field or the work, that may be given to the public in view of creating and maintaining an interest in home mission work. 40. Appropriations, When Due All appropriations for work in the home field are considered due at the end of each quarter or frac- tionab’.c part thereof, for work done by the reg- 17 - iiUirly appointed missionary or missionary pastor. If said missionary or missionary pastor shall cease work in the church or field for which appropria¬ tion is made, payment of appropriation shall there¬ upon stop until another pastor or missionary shall l)eg'in work. All a,i)propriations end with the fiscal year for which they are made, and no money will be paid foi‘ such time within the year as shall not he occupied by regular pastor or missionary. BY-LAWS. (For the members of the Board, its officers and their duties, see Constitution Section III, V and VI, page 21 of this Manuab) Article I. Meetings. The Board shall hold meetings annually, the sec¬ ond week in October, except in Quadrennial year when it may be held a month later or as it may elect: special meetings may be held on the call of the Mission Council. The meetings shall be held at the Mission Office in Dayton, Ohio, or where it may otherwise appoint. Article II. Duties of Mission Board. Section 1. It shall be the duty of the Board to have the general supervision of the missionary work under the auspices of the American Christian Convention, both under what is called “Home Mis¬ sions,” (in the United States and Canada) and “For¬ eign Missions,” (in Japan and other foreign countries). Section 2. To devise and work plans, with the co¬ operation and aid of the Woman’s Home and Wom¬ an's Foreign Boards, for increasing and maintain- '1 — 18 — ing missionary interest in the home churches and for advancing and enlarging the missionary work of the denomination both in the home and foreign fields. ^Section S. After considering carefully the finan¬ cial condition of the Board, to make such appro¬ priations for the work for the current year, both in the home and foreign fields, as the needs may de¬ mand and the funds justify. Section 4- To appoint home missionaries, and counsel and assist in securing pastors for home mission churches; and appointing missionaries to the foreign fields, as suitable persons may be se¬ cured and funds be pi-ovided for their support. Sections. To fix the salary of missionaries; also of the Mission Secretary and Treasurer of the Mis¬ sion Board, and provide for such clerical help as the work may require; also provide for the neces- sai’y administrative expenses, Board meetings, printing, »S:c. Article III. Auditing Committee. At each annual meeting the Board shall appoint an auditing committee for the current year, not necessarily members of the Board, who shall make thorough examinations of the accounts of the Treas¬ urer and the securities of the Board, certifying to their correctness, and report to the Board, Articde IV. Standing Committees. The Board may appoint standing committees as it may deem wise to report at the next session after appointment on specific fields or lines of work. Article V. On Avoiding Deht. The Board shall studiously avoid contracting debt. In view of this it may be considered safe, as — 19 — a rule, to make the receipts of one year the basis for appropriations the following year. Article VI. Funds to be Kept Separate. All moneys contributed specially for “’home mis¬ sions'’ shall be used only for the work in the home held, and all moneys contributed for “foreign mis¬ sions’’ shall be used only for work in foreign lands. Each fund shall bear its legitimate proportion of the administrative expenses. Article VII. To Execute Official Papers, Who. Whenever it is necessary for this incorporation to execute deeds or other legal papers, the Pres¬ ident and Secretary of the Board, as such, are hereby empowered to execute the same, provided that in case of deed or transfer of property the Mis¬ sion Board shall, by special resolution, authorize the same. Articl VIII. Manual a Part of By-Laws. The Manual adopted by the Mission Board giving rules and regulations whereby its work of missions shall be conducted, shall be, and the same is hereby made a part of the By-Laws of this incorporation. (On quorums and votes by correspondence see Constitution, Article IX.) Article IX. Order of Business. The following shall be the order of business: 1. Devotions. 2. Reading of minutes. 3. Unfinished business. 4. Routine matter. 5. Report of Mission Secretary. 6. Report of Mission Treasurer. 7. Report of auditing committee. — 20 — 8. Rej)ortof standing committees. 9. Report on Christian Missionary and other mis¬ sion literature. 10. Consideration of the Home work and appro- ])riations for the same. 11. Consideration of the Foreign work and a]>pi-o- priations for the same. 12. Report of special committees. 13. New business. Article X. These By-Laws may be amended at any regulai' meeting of the Board by a vote of four-fifths of all the members, notice having been given one month previous. (This Manual and 15y-Laws was adopted by the Mission Hoard at a special meetin'g held for that and other purposes, at Troy. Ohio. February 21 , igco.) 21 — CoiistiWion of the Missioi Boarl Article I. Name. The name of this association shall be “’Tha Mission Board of the Christian Church,” being the same and including ‘‘The American Christian Church Extension Society.” “The Children's Mission,” and ’‘The Missionai-y and Church Extension Department of the American Christian Convention.” Art. II. Object. The object of this Board shall be to diffuse the knowledge and religion of Jesus Christ by means of missions throughout the world. Art. III. Membership. The members of this Board shall consist of the Mission Secretary, and not less than four other persons to be elected quad- 1 ‘ennially by the American Christian Convention: and of such other membership as may in the future be designated by the said American Christian Con¬ vention. Art. IV. The Mission Council. The Mission Secretary, the Recording Secretary, and at least one other member, who may be designated by the Board, shall constitute the Mission Council. Art. V. Officers. The officers of the Board shall consist of the Mission Secretary, who shall ex-officio be President of the Board; a Recording Secretary and a Treasurer, who shall be elected by the Board. The Mission Secretary shall be eligible to the office of Treasurer. Art. VI. Duties of Officers, (a) It shall be the duty of the President to preside at the meet¬ ings of the Board and of the Council, and as Mission Secretary to exercise a general supervision of the missionary work of the Convention, and perform such other duties as the Board or the Council may require. (b) The Recording Secretary shall keep a faith¬ ful record of all the proceedings of the Board and the Council; furnish the Mission Secretary or the Treasurer with a transcript of such portions of the proceedings of the Board or Council as naay be nec¬ essary for their information, give notice of meet¬ ings, and such other duties as might properly per¬ tain to such office. (c) It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to take charge of the money and other property belonging to the Board, and to give receipts therefor; to keep safely all the money and funds of the Board, and all its evidences of ])ropei‘ty; to keep fair and accurate accounts of all the sums received and expended; to invest a.nd deposit money, and make payments and remittances a,ccording to the directions of the Board, to exhibit his books, accounts, vouchers and evi¬ dences of property whenever required by the Board or its Auditing Committee; to make annual statements of receipts and payments, and of the condition of the permanent funds, for the informa¬ tion of the Board, and to perform such other acts as maybe required for the full and faithful discharge of the duties of his office, and to give such bonds as shall be satisfactory to the Mission Board. Art. VII. Time and Place of Meetings. The Board shall meet annually, oroftenerif it shall so elect. Its meetings may be held at any point in the United States or Canada. The Mission Council may meet monthly or on call of the Mission Secre¬ tary. Art. VIII. Power to Adopt By-Laws. The Board may adopt such By-Laws or Rules of Oi-der for the government of its own proceedings, and of the Mission Council, ns it may deem needful, if such regulations be not contrary to this Constitution. Art. IX. Quorum. A majority of the mem¬ bers, either of the Board or of the Council, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business in their respective bodies, except that the Mission Council shall have no authority to appropriate —23 money; and there shall be no action taken in pursu¬ ance of any vote taken by correspondence, when there is any negative vote. Art. X. Amendments. This Constitution may be altered or amended at any annual meeting by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, provid¬ ed notice of said amendments shall have been given in writing to each member three months previous, or upon the recommendation of the Mission Council. Articles of Iiicorporalloii. The Mission Board of the Christian Church; being the same as, and including, “The American Christian Church Extension Society,” “The Child¬ ren’s Mission,” and “The Missionary and Church Extension Department of the American Christian Convention,” WITNESSETH, That we the undersigned, amajor- ity of whom are citizens of the State of Ohio, desir¬ ing to form a corporation, not foi' pr-ofit, under the general corporation laws of said State do hereby certify: First. The name of said corporation shall be The Mission Board of The Christian Church; being the same as, and including, “The Amei ican Christian Church Extension Society,” “The Child¬ ren’s Mission,” and “The Missionary and Church Extension Department of the American Christian Convention.” Second. Said corporation shall be located and its principal business transacted at Dayton, in Mont¬ gomery County, Ohio, with power by order of the Board to hold meetings in any part of the United States or Territories, or Canada. Third. The purpose for which said corporation is lormed is charitable and religious, with the aim to extend more generally the blessings of education — 24 — and Christianity, and to establish and aid and pro¬ mote missions and Christian missionary work throughout the United States and Territories and foreign countries. For the imr pose of carrying on said missionary work generally, to have power and right to purchase and own land and lease land for use in any manner to extend said above men¬ tioned work or upon which to erect churches or buildings of any kind, to advance the educational or mis'ionary work of said Christian Church, tore- ('over and have absolute title to real estate for this cornoration: to sell and convey title to real estate of this corporation at will; to j-eceive lands by deed or gift, or receive lands by virtue of any last will or testament or codicil thereto, or receive as beneficia- I’y under any bust will and testament or codicil thereto any money, lands, bonds, or other evidences of value, or any other property of any kind whatso¬ ever; to collect, solicit and receive subscriptions payable in money or otherwise; to borrow money when deemed necessary for the benefit of said work hv this corporation: to edit, to print or have printed every kind of paper, magazine or document needed for the uses and purposes herein set forth in said educational and missionary work, using all neces¬ sary aid. help, and appliances of every kind, and employing all persons and agencies necessary to advance said charitable and religious work, and to perform all other acts that the Board may deem necessary to carry on its educational or missionary activities. To have right and power to loan money and funds of this corporation on first mortgage, or fir.st class collateral security, and with ])ower and right to purchase or accept any real estate in pay¬ ment or part payment of any debt due this corpo¬ ration. and right and power to sell same at will; to make and use a common seal and alter same at will; to make rules and regulations, adopt a constitution, and establish by-laws not inconsistent with the laws of the State, and of the United States of Amer¬ ica, and not inconsistent with the principles of the Christian Church, for use in its corpoi'ate manage¬ ment. To sue and he sued, to assert or defend its corporate rights in law or equity in all courts ev¬ erywhere, and to have perpetual existence or dis- —25— solve at will by action for that purpose taken by this corporation. In Witness Whereoe we have hereunto set our hands, this foui’th day of November A. D 1898. J. G. BISHOP, J. .J. SUMMERBELL, JOHN MacCALMAN, WARREN H. DENISON, ADA O. WARBINTON. State of Ohio, County of Montgomery, ss. On this fourth day of November, A. D. 1898, per¬ sonally appeared before me the undersigned a Notary Public, within and for said county the above named J. G. Bishop, J. J. Summerbell, John MacCalman, Warren H. Denison, Ada O. Warbin'- ton, who each severally acknowledged the signing of the foregoing articles of incorporation to be his free act and deed for the uses and purposes therein mentioned. Witness my hand and official seal on the day and year last aforesaid. FRANK E. JAMES, Notarv Public, Montgomery County, Ohio. (Seal) 10c I. R. Stamp State of Ohio, Montgomery County, ss. C. M. HASSLER, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the county aforesaid do here¬ by certify that Frank E. James, whose name is sub¬ scribed to the foregoing acknowledgment as a Notary Public in and for said County duly commis¬ sioned and qualified and authorized as such to take said acknowledgment; and furthei* that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and believe that the signature to the said acknowledgment is genuine. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Dayton, Ohio, this 5th day of November, A. D. 1898. C. M. HASSLER, Clerk. By W. H. SHOEMAKER. Deputy. (Seal) 10c I. R. Stamp. —26— United States of America, State of Ohio, Office of the Secretary of State. I, Charles Kinney, Secretary of StaW of the State of Ohio, do hereby certify that the annexed instru¬ ment is an exeinplified copy, carefully compared by me with the original record now in my official cus¬ tody's Secretary of State, and found to be time and correct, of the Articles of Incorporation of “The Mission Board of the Christian Church,’' filed in this office on the tenth day of July A. D. 1899, and recorded in volume 78 page 106, of the Records of Incorporations. Witness my hand and Official Seal ah Columbus, Ohio, this 11th day of jul'v, A D. 1899. CHARLES KINNEY, Secretary of State. (Seae) —27— INDEX TO MANUAL. MISSIONS, FOREIGN. Par Applications, blanks for. 4 Applications, forwarded to whom,. 8 Allowances. ii Appeals to, right of. 22 Appeals for, when not allowed. 32 Appointments, how made. 6, 7, 8 Ad Interim Committee. 16 A ppropriatioHS-. No more to be expended. 20 Unexpended balances. 21 Caution, to missionaries. 32 Duties and privileges of.i, 2, 3 Fu r loughs: Authorized by Hoard. ... 12 In emergency by the Mission.'. . . 12 Time and length of. 12 Freight and custom duties. ii Home coming and home allowances. ... 33 Must not become pastors. 2 Outfits. II Previous training.. 5 Pastors and others seek out and encourage. 7 Qualifications of mi.ssionaries. 4 Recommendations required. 6 Rent, paying of. .. Reports required. 27 Salaries, when begin and end. 9 Salaries, schedule of.. 10 Solicitations, when forbidden. 32 Secular emploj'inent forbidden. 31 Statistics to be secured. 28 Stations. 24 Stations, out.' . . . . 25 Study ofthe language required. 29 Training before going. 5 Time before starting. 8 Te.stimonials, how secured.^.7, 8 To be endorsed. 6 Traveling expenses. ii Vernacular, should study. 29 Withdrawal, Board’s right to . 13 Wives of Mi.ssionaries. 3 — 28 — MISSION, THE Accounts, how kept. 20 Appeals to the Board. 22 Chairman of. iS Estimates to be submitted.. ■ 23 Duties of Mission defined. 14 Meetings of. 14 Officers and their duties. i7i 20 Records to be kept. 19 Superintendent and his duties. i8 Sub-treasurer. 17 Stations and Out-stations.24, 25 Statistical and fiscal year , . . . .. Treasurer and his duties. 20 Voting, who. 15 MISSIONS, HOME, Applications, how made. 34 Applications must be endorsed. 35 Appropriations, when due. 40 Be member of Conference, must.36 Collections must be taken. 37 Property to be deeded. 3S Qualifications for the work. 35 Reports required. 39 MISSION BOARD, Page How selected, &c. i By-Daws of..17—20 Constitution of.21—23 Incorporation of.23—26 V BEQUESTS AND DEVISES TO THE MISSION BOAKD. Persons disposed to make bequests for miss'Vn purposes, by will, are requested to observe the fol¬ lowing form: I give and bequeath to the “Mission Ponrd of the Christian Chureh.’’ ineorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, the sum of . Dollars, (if for any special line of work mention it here), to be paid to the Treasurer of the Board whose receipt shall be a sufficient discharge for the same. Form of a Devise of Eeal Estate. I give and devise to the “Mission Board of the Christian Church,” incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio, the following hinds and premises, that is to say:. To have and to hold the same, with the appurte¬ nances, to the said Board, its successors and assigns forever.