Conference Minutes

At a conference of elders and members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held at West Nantmeal Seminary, in the Brandywine branch of the church, Chester Co. Pa. on the 18th of July, A. D. 1840, held agreeable to previous appointment.

Lorenzo Barnes, was called upon to preside over the conference, and James Whitesides to be Clerk.

The meeting was then opened by calling upon the Throne of Grace by Elder Barnes.

There was present 10 elders, 4 Priests, 1 Teacher.

Elder Elijah Malen, was called upon to represent the branch of the church in Chester co. (Brandywine branch,) who reported the number of members to be 107 in good standing.

Elder Elisah H. Davis, represented the branch in Lancaster co. Pa. consisting of 53 members in good standing; and the prospect of many others uniting soon.

Elder Wm. Wharton from Philadelphia, represented that branch in good standing, and in a flourishing condition, consisting of 207 members exclusive of those removed to the west.

Alfred Wilson, represented one branch of the church in N. J. at Cream Ridge, numbering 64 members; another branch at Thoms river, numbering 20 members in tolerable standing.

Elder McClenathan gave an account of his travels through different States.

Elder Lewis James gave an account of his travels, and stated that the church in Leechburgh, Armstrong county Pa. consisting between 30 and 40 members in good standing; also that a number of saints still reside on Clear Ridge, Bedford co. Pa.

After obtaining the voice of the church, Elder L. Barnes and E. H. Davis, proceeded to ordain Joseph Shaper, Daniel Deice and Wm. Moore, to the office of an Elder, and John Forges to the office of a Priest.

Elder Barnes then delivered an appropriate address relative to the duties of young elders and Priests in a most solem [solemn] and impressive manner.

After which it was agreed that a general conference should be held on the 3d Saturday in Oct. next, in Philadelphia.

A hymn was then sung, and the conference closed with a blessing from the president

LORENZO BARNES, Prest. JAMES WHITESIDES, Clerk.

Nauvoo Nov. 1st, 1840.