Minutes of a Conference held at Walnut Grove, Knox co. Ill. January 30th, 1841

The elders and members of the Walnut Grove branch met pursuant to previous notice, the meeting was called to order by Elder John Gaylord, Elder William Smith was chosen President and Samuel Burton clerk for the conference, the conference was opened by prayer by the President, remaks [remarks] were them made by the President appropriate to the occasion. It was moved by Elder J. Gaylord, seconded by Elder Phineas Wright that the case of Elder Stephen Kittle should be laid before this Conference for various charges which are as follows, viz: that Joseph Smith is not a prophet of the Lord, second, that self-defence [defense] is not righteous, third, that the Book of Mormon is not true, fourth, that Zion is not on this land, fifth, striving to persuade men to embrace error. &c. the Conference gave Stephen Kittle's case a fair investigation and found him not worthy a standing in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The case of Giles Cook, one of the Seventies, was presented before the conference having been disfellowshiped in Kirtland: brother Cook made an acknowledgement [acknowledgment] and was restord [restored] to his former standing, and also his wife. The Conference was adjourned until the 31st at 10 o'clock A. M.

Sunday the Conference was opened by prayer by Elder P. Wright, Newton Russel was appointed teacher.-Elder John Landers represented the branch of Henderson Grove consisting of thirty members. They having no elder amongst them at this time, to unite with this branch was thought the best for them to do. Brother John Riggs represented a branch at Greenfield, Warren county, consisting of twelve members, Six of whom he baptized, two of them was Methodist preachers.-Twenty five were united with this branch on Sunday. Elder John Gaylord represented the Walnut Grove branch of 113 members, fourteen elders, 2 priests, 2 teachers, 2 deacons, which makes an increase, since the 4th of July, of 66 members. After the church business was over, a very excellent and appropriate discourse was delivered by Brother William Smith from the first of Peter, second chapter first verse. "Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house an holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." Brother Smith, by the help of that God who is at all times willing to assist his servants in his work in these last days, gave great satisfaction to his hearers; and this branch is highly gratified with the labors of Brother Smith since with us he having deliered [delivered] several excellent discourses, and it was moved seconded, and carried unamimously [unanimously] that a vote of thanks be given by this Conference to Brother William Smith for his zealous services at this conference. Also Brother Jehial Savage delivered a sermon in the afternoon, gave great satisfaction. This branch of the church was organized Oct. 27th 1839 consisting of 16 members. So the work of God still rolls on. On Monday, Feb 1st 4 were baptized by Brother William Smith and one ordained to the office of an elder. The Conference, adjourned until the second Saturday in July at 10 o'clock A. M.

WILLIAM SMITH, Pres't.

Samuel Burton, Clerk.