Conference Minutes

Minutes of a Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, held at Rowland O. Crispin's, Warren co. Ohio, on the 14th and 15th of June 1845, agreeable to adjournment from March Conference held in Fayette co. Ohio, on the 8th and 9th, 1845.

The meeting was called to order by Elder Joseph Grover at 11 o'clock A. M. Elder Joseph T. Ball was chosen to preside, and Rowland O. Crispin chosen Secretary.

The meeting opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Joseph Grover.

The president then addressed the meeting in a brief and affectionate manner, setting forth the object of the Conference.

A representation of the different branches was then called for.

Waynesville branch by Elder Braddock; thirty eight members, thirteen Elders and one Priest.

Pleasant Grove branch; seven members, one Elder and one Priest.

Clinton branch; thirty eight members, six Elders and one Priest.

Fayette branch, by Elder Boughn; twenty three members, one Elder one Priest & one Teacher.

Port Jefferson branch, by Elder Johnson; seven members and one Elder.

Dayton branch, by Elder Graves, eight members and five Elders.

A charge was preferred against Isham Webb, for leaving his family and unbelief. After some remarks he was cut off from the church by a unanimous vote.

A charge was preferred against Elder John Bair, for teaching things contrary to the Book of Covenants, inconsistent with virtue, which has destroyed the union of the saints, and prevented them paying their tything [tithing], entered by Azariah Haines, presiding elder of the Clinton branch, June 14th 1845.

It was moved and seconded that a council of Elders be held in his case, which was put to vote by the President and carried unanimously. They were to examine witnesses and report on Sabbath afternoon.

The President then addressed the saints on the necessity of gathering to Zion, in an affectionate manner. He was followed by Elder Grover.

Conference adjourned until 3 o'clock P. M.

Conference met agreeable to adjournment.

Opened with singing, and prayer by Elder Fallis.

The meeting was then addressed by the President on the latter-day dispensation.

Conference then adjourned until 10 o'clock on Sabbath A. M.

Conference met according to adjournment.

Opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Grover. He then addressed the meeting on the priesthood.

Conference adjourned until half past 1 o'clock.

Conference met according to adjournment.

Opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Boughn.

The meeting was addressed by Elder Grover on the Book of Mormon, after which the President introduced the case of Elder Bair, and stated to the Conference the resolution of the council of the Elders, which was motioned and seconded that he be disfellowshipped; which was put to vote by the President, and carried unanimously.

Elder Grover arose and returned his thanks to the saints for their kindness to him, and requested the voice of the district whether they wished his labors any longer or not. A vote was taken and they unanimously accorded with his teaching. He then blessed them in the name of the Lord.

The president then addressed the saints on the necessity of obeying council.

A vote was taken whether the saints would uphold the Twelve and the authorities of the church by their prayers, which was unanimous.

The President then pronounced his blessing on them in the name of Israel's God. He then dismissed the Conference without setting time for another.

By vote of the Conference, three new members were added, after Conference closed; two of them were children, only eight years of age.

JOSEPH T. BALL, President

Rowland O. Crispin, Secretary.

Nauvoo, July 15, 1845.

To the saints composing the Conference, held at Rowland O. Crispin's, Warren co. Ohio, 14th June 1845.

DEAR BRETHREN;-A copy of the minutes of your Conference has just been presented me, from which I learn that you have seen proper to withdraw from me the hand of fellowship.

I do not, at this time, feel to question the legality of your proceedings, or the righteousness of your decisions; my heart is too much pained, at having lost your esteem and confidence; though I do wish I had been present at your meeting, when those charges were preferred; not so much for the purpose of defending myself against my accusers; but to have preserved that confidence which I once held in your breasts, by confessing to you candidly my weaknesses, my imperfections, follies and deviations.

Had you heard the statement that I could have given you in relation to the difficulties, troubles and temptations, that I had to contend against, I am confident you would not have attributed any malicious or evil design to any part of my conduct, while among you; if you had, you certainly would have done me wrong, for I solemnly protest that my errors have arisen not from my heart, but from misunderstanding of principles. Had I the same understanding of principles and doctrine, then, that I now have, nothing could have arisen from my teachings, privately or publicly, contrary to your mind and feelings. I erred in receiving teachings from those that professed to know doctrine, yet knew nothing only as they were taught by the evil one.

I have now covenanted before the Lord that hereafter I will receive no doctrine except it comes from the proper source-the Twelve.

Brethren; I have labored a long time among you; I have stood by you with my life in my hand,-I have baptized many of you,-have looked npon [upon] you as my best and most endearing friends. You must allow me still to enjoy your friendship and your love, and confidence. If any of you have been injured or led astray by my teachings, publicly or privately, I now humbly ask your forgiveness, and I ask you all to forgive me and restore me to your friendship, and pray for me that I may overcome the adversary of souls and be saved with you in the kingdom of our God.

JOHN BAIR

The church here, cannot act upon Br. Bair's case without all the testimony of the witnesses. We are rejoiced to see Br. Bair humble, and wish to receive the truth. We hope all the saints will feel to forgive him, for this is according to the Savior's words. If the branches of the churches abroad would examine the Doctrine and Covenants and act according to the law therein contained, they would never err relative to trying members of the different Quorums. Branches abroad may withdraw fellowship, but each Quorum holds the power to deal with its members for offences [offenses], to final judgment, by the aid of the bishop's Court or High Council.