Preston

I met with the Preston conference on the 31st of August, which was held at the Cockpit, in Preston, there being present, quorum of twelve, 1: quorum of seventies, 1: 15 elders, 18 priests, 13 teachers, and 2 deacons.

Elder Leonard Hardy was called to the chair,

and elder John Fawly chosen clerk. Conference opened by singing and prayer, after which we had represented eleven branches, containing 542 members, 18 elders, 23 priests, 16 teachers and 4 deacons, 45 having been baptized since last conference, 16 of whom were added in the Preston branch. The conference was represented as being in general in good standing.

The representation of this conference, with the additions, spoke much in favor of the faithful labors of elder Hardy, the presiding elder of the conference. It was evident that he had done honor both to the cause of God and his brethren since he had the watch-care of this conference, from the departure of our much esteemed and worthy brother, elder John Banks, he having been called to take charge of the Edinburgh conference, where we rejoice to hear, that he is as usual accomplishing a good and glorious work in the cause of God.

As the time had come for elder Hardy to take his departure to his native country, and return to his friends, it was necessary for some person to be appointed for the time being, to preside over the Preston conference and also over the branch, it was accordingly moved by elder Hardy, seconded by elder Parkinson, and carried unanimously, that elder John Melling be appointed elder over the Preston branch for the time being. A letter of recommendation was then read and presented to Elder Leonard Hardy, with the unanimous vote of the conference. Sacrament was administered in the afternoon, six confirmed, and two ordained to the office of priest, under the hands of elders Woodruff and Hardy. The most perfect union prevailed, and not a dissenting vote in any of the business of the conference. Elder Woodruff addressed the meeting in the evening to a full house, from the last chapter of Malachi. Peace and good feeling prevailed through the conference, and much instruction received.

LEONARD HARDY, President.

John Fawly, Clerk.