Minutes of a Conference Held in Buffalo, N. Y

Conference convened according to previous appointment, on September 1, 1843. The conference was called to order by Elder William Newland. J. P. Green was called to the chair, and William H. Folsom was chosen secretary of said conference. Brother Green then arose and retured [returned] his sincere thanks to the conference, for the confidence reposed in him, and was aware of the responsibility attending his situation as a presiding officer of the conference, and also of every member comprising the same. He stated that Kings and Potentates were accustomed to call councils to regulate the affairs of state, as all governments have been in the habit of meeting in councils from time immemorial. Therefore according to the usages of nations, we have a perfect right to meet in council, and God requires it at our hands, and while we contemplate the importance of such councils to regulate the affairs of nations, we are led to the conclusion that the business devolving upon us, as loyal subjects of the King of Heaven, is of infinitely greater moment than the kings of the earth, and urged with great zeal the importance of this conference, calling upon God to direct us in wisdom. He then called upon the Lord in prayer.

Measures were then entered into to examine the characters and progress of all members of said conference.

The following high priests were present, and received by the conference, viz: Elders John P. Green, Noah Packard, Alexander Williams, Phineas Young and Joel McQuithey.

The following elders were then examined, and unanimously received, viz: William Coray, Henry B. Jacobs, Michael Jacobs, Henry Jacobs, Edwin S. Little, George Thompson, Enoch Rees, Judson L. Stoddard, Julius J. Guimand, Calvin R. Clark, William H. Folsom and Bragford W. Elliott.

It was moved that the conference adjourn until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.

Conference convened agreeable to adjournment, and was called to order by singing and prayer.

Report of Branches-Alexander branch, represented by A. Sheffield, clerk of the branch, consists of 36 members, 12 elders, one deacon, and three by letter since last conference, all in good standing.

Alabama branch, represented by L. Whiteing, 11 members.

Ackron branch, represented by J. P. Green, 26 members, 10 elders.

Atica branch, represented by Joel McQuithey, 13 members, 3 elders.

Brant branch, represented by Henry B. Jacobs, 15 members, one elder, one teacher.

Buffalo branch, represented by William H. Fulsom [Folsom], 5 members, four elders, one teacher.

Bennington branch, represented by Joel McQuithey, 19 members, one high priest, one elder.

Batavia branch, represented by George Thompson, 18 members, eight elders.

East Bloomfield branch, represented by William Coray, consists of eight scattering members.

Cambria Branch, represented by Walter Hard, 22 members, six elders.

Hartland branch, represented by Henry Jacobs, 37 members, nine elders.

Charlotte and Salem branches, not represented.

Newfain branch, represented by Walter Hurd, nine members, one elder.

Centreville branch, represented by Charles Thompson, 11 members, one elder.

Weathersfield branch, represented by Geo Thompson,

eight members, two elders.

Eight members on Grand Island, represented by Counrod Staley.

Eleven scattering members, represented by Henry Jacobs.

Conference adjourned for one hour.

Called to order at two o'clock.

It was moved that Joseph Shamp, Ralph Young and Josiah Tyler, cease from their labors in the ministry, until they go to Nauvoo and receive instructions. Brother Shamp for teaching false doctrine, and circulating false statements concerning conference.

Brother Young for making false statements concerning conference and time of holding the same.

Brother Tyler for immoral and unchristian like conduct.

It was moved that brothers George Thompson and Lynus Whiteing go and labor with Philip Winegar.

It was moved that Lyman Stoddard, and Judson L. Stoddard go to Ligrange branch and labor.

It was moved that Michael Jacobs, Edwin S. Little, Julius J. Guinand enter into labors together, in Cataraugus county, and in the surrounding country.

It was moved that Bradford W. Elliott, and Ralph G. Coats go to Canada, Niagara District and Niagara county, N. Y.

It was moved that brother Counrod Staley, Samuel Liscom, and George Hartman, be ordained elders.

It was moved that this conference adjourn to Alexandria, until the first Saturday in December next.

It was moved that the minutes of this conference be published in the Times and Seasons.

JOHN P. GREEN, Chairman.

WILLIAM FOLSOM, Sec'ry.