1746, twelve men were publicly announced by me from the pulpit as
elders. 2. In connection with these men, I chose four men as vorsteher,
one-half to go out each year, as has since then been the custom. 3.
These elders and vorsteher, when assembled under the direction of the
pastor, were called the church council, because in their meetings they
took counsel together and made decisions. Thus was laid the foundation
of our administration for the future erection of the church."

The trustees or elders were not installed. The vorsteher were installed
publicly. The record of Zion's Church gives fully the questions asked in
1757.

An account of the installation of the Vorsteher is given in the record,
which, as it is the earliest we have found, may well be described. The
two new men came forward, and Brunnholtz said: "The men chosen by us
from four proposed stand here before you, against whom it is to be hoped
that you have no objection to make, as you did not appear (at the annual
meeting, when the names were announced). They are John Kuhn and C. R.
Uhl. Dear Brethren J. K. and C. R. U., I will ask you the following
questions, to which you will assent by saying 'yes.' 1. Is with
reference to purity of life and setting a good example. 2. Will you
strive to aid in advancing the welfare of the congregation in all things
internal and external? 3. Will you live in peace with the two other
Vorsteher? 4. Will you keep strict account of all monies received and
keep them safely in the chest? 5,6. Concerning keeping order in church
and caring for payment of salaries. Then answer by saying 'yes' and
giving me your hand. And you, members of the congregation, will you love
and honor them, stand by them in all that is good, etc.; then answer
'yes.' You, J. K. and C. R. U., are hereby declared and confirmed as
Vorsteher. And you, beloved brethren," naming them, "who go out of
office, receive my hearty thanks and those of the congregation."

This preliminary arrangement is merely described in the record of the
church council. It was not prepared in form as a written constitution,
indeed a moderately full account of it is not given until 1757, though
the duties of the Vorsteher are described in 1746. Then there was no
written constitution at Philadelphia until 1762, so far as any known
evidence shows.

I am strongly inclined to believe that this arrangement at Philadelphia
was made chiefly by Brunnholtz, who, since June, 1745, had sole c