"The first group was on hand in 1914, and they readily discerned the sign of Christ’s presence in that year."
weasel words
It doesn't specifically say the first group discerned the sign during the year 1914.
It does say they were on hand in 1914.
It could be construed to mean that the 'readily discerning' took place at a later date.
It hinges on whether the reader relates the "in that year" to "the sign of Christs presence" or to the timing of the "readily discerning"