Conference Minutes

Minutes of a Conference of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in Comstock, Kalamazo county, Michigan, December 8th, and 9th, 1844.

Conference convened at 11 o'clock A. M., and was called to order by Elder David Savage; Elder Crandall Dunn was called to the chair, and Elder S. C. Willard was appointed clerk.

Official members present-high priest, C. Dunn; seventies, E. M. Webb, Pardon Webb; elders, Ezekiel Lee, Charles Lee, Lemuel Willard, Edward Willard, Jeremiah Cramer, David Savage, S. C. Willard; teacher, John Tyrrell; deacon James Mathers.

After singing a hymn the conference was opened by prayer by the chairman; another hymn was sung after which the congregation was addressed by the chairman on the principles of the gospel of Christ.

Adjourned for ten minutes.

At 1 o'clock the meeting was called to order by the chairman, after singing Elder E. M. Webb delivered a discourse on the necessity of obeying the word of God given in this last dispensation, wherein he laid before the saints the importance of tithing themselves and sending their donations to Nauvoo at the earliest convenience for the building of the temple.-He was followed by Elder Savage on the same subject.

After which the conference was adjourned by benediction by the chairman until half past six o'clock P. M.

The meeting was then called to order by the chairman, after singing the throne of grace was implored by Elder E. M. Webb. Elder D. Savage addressed the meeting on the subject of baptism and confirmation; he was followed by Elder E. M. Webb on the same subject.

Conference was then adjourned by benediction by the chairman until 11 o'clock, to-morrow morning.

The conference was then called to order by singing, the throne of grace was then implored by Elder D. Savage.

The elders then proceeded to represent the different branches in this conference.

Kalamazoo branch represented by Brother E. Willard, fifty members, eight elders, one teacher and one deacon.

Grand Prairie branch, represented by Brother E. M. Webb, nine members, two elders.

Paw Paw branch, represented by Brother D. Savage, fourteen members, four elders.

Mottville branch, represented by Brother D. Savage, eleven, members two elders.

Florence branch, represented by Brother C. Dunn, sixteen members, one high priest.

Seven members unorganized in Barry county, represented by Elder E. M. Webb.

Elder Dunn delivered a discourse instructing the saints to live in union and strictly obey the law of the gospel.

An investigation was then had into the situation of this branch of the church and all difficulties were settled to the satisfaction of all parties.

The following resolutions were then offered by Elder E. M. Webb:-

Resolved, that we will sustain the "Twelve" and all the authorities of the church, and abide by their counsel as far as in us lies.

Resolved, that we will tithe ourselves according to our several abilities to aid in building the temple at Nauvoo.

Resolved, that a treasurer be appointed having a recommend from this conference whose duty shall be to travel through the conference to receive tithings, consecrations, and donations, and collect all the means possible and forward the same at his earliest convenience to Nauvoo to the "trustee in trust."

Resolved, that Elder Crandall Dunn be appointed said treasurer.

Resolved, that Brother Thomas Forsyth be ordained a priest, and he was then ordained under the hands of Elders Webb and Savage.

Resolved, that the minutes of this conference be sent to Nauvoo with a request that they be published in the Times and Seasons.

Resolved, that this conference adjourn sine die.

During conference one was baptised [baptized] and three infants blessed.

CRANDALL DUNN, Chairman.

Stephen C. Willard, Clerk.