Conference Minutes

At a Conference, specially appointed in Tazewell county, Va., which convened on the 17th and 18th days of August, 1844, Richard H. Kenniman was chosen president, and Alfred B. Lambson appointed secretary.

Opened by singing and prayer. Elder Hamilton delivered an address on the utility of past revelations, and the duty of the saints in the last days.

The president addressed the saints on the importance of keeping the commandments, and appropriating a part of our substance towards building the houses which the Lord has said, was for the salvation of the saints.

Conference then adjourned till next day at 10 o'clock A. M.

Met pursuant to adjournment, and opened by singing and prayer.

It was motioned that Silas Eagle be ordained an elder; Wm. Carter a priest; and also Robert Young a priest for the Rich Valley branch. James Carter and Uriah G. Hyatt, priests, were ordained elders. S. Henshaw was ordained a teacher, for the Bnrks [Burks] Garden branch.

Elders Hamilton and Park were appointed to labor in Tazewell, Smith, and Washington counties. Elders King and Lambson were appointed to labor in Greenbrier and Monroe counties. Elders Carter and Biles were appointed to labor in Giles and Roanoke counties. Elder J. T. Crow was sent on a mission to the south. Elder Hyatt was appointed to labor in Patrick county. Elder Pitts was also appointed to labor in Giles county. President Kenniman and Stephen Litz were appointed to labor in South Carolina. Elder Litz was also continued as the president of Burks Garden branch.

After a few minutes intermission Elder Hamilton addressed the conference on the first principles of the gospel. The Lord's supper was administered, and one baptised [baptized].

A resolution was passed to publish these proceedings in the Times and Seasons; and the conference adjourned till the 6th of April, 1845.

RICHARD H. KENNIMAN, Pres.

Alfred B. Lambson, Sec'y.

Minutes of the regular quarterly Conference of the St. Louis Branch, held on Sunday, November 10th, 1844.

The Conference was organized by appointing Br. Riley to the chair and Br. Aaron Rogers secretary.

At 10 o'clock A. M. the Conference was opened with singing and prayer by Br. Clements: afterwards Elder Orson Hyde delivered a beautiful discourse from Mat. 25.-It was then adjourned till half past 2 P. M.

Met pursuant to adjournment, and after singing and prayer by Br. Hyde, we received some valuable instructions and afterwards transacted the following business.

The auditing Committee handed in their report for the quarter ending Nov. 10th, which was accepted.

The following resolutions were then unanimously adopted.

Resolved, that we extend the invitation to all the Saints living in this place to unite with the Branch.

Resolved, that we hold no fellowship with any individual who will not commune with us.

Resolved, that we as a Branch feel it our duty to do all in our power to support the Times and Seasons and Neighbor, by circulating them as extensively as possible.

Resolved, that we will adhere to the principles taught by our lamented Prophet and Patriarch, and that we sustain the Twelve in carrying out the same.

Resolved, that Br. Riley be confirmed in his standing as the presiding elder over this Branch.

On motion adjourned till 7 o'clock. Met pursuant to adjournment, and after listening to a very feeling and appropriate discourse by Br. Hyde on the first principles of the gospel, the Conference was adjourned till the second Sunday in February next.

There were present of the Quorum of the Twelve 1; high priests 4; Seventies 15; elders 21; priests 13; teachers 2; deacons 5; members 172.

The congregation was the largest ever assembled in this city to hear an elder of the Latter-Day Saints preach. The room was literally overflowed; but notwithstanding the crowd, the greatest good order prevailed, and the strictest attention was given to the interesting discourses delivered by Br. Hyde.

During the Conference 17 members joined the Branch, and one presented himaelf [himself] for baptism. On the whole we had the best Conference ever enjoyed by the Saints in this place. At the close it was resolved that these minutes be forwarded to the editor of the Times and Seasons, with a request for publication. Subjoined I send you a list of thirty-three subscribers for the Times and Seasons and Neighbor.

JAMES RILEY, Pres't.

AARON ROGERS, Secretary.