Conference Minutes

Minutes of a Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, held in the town of Oakland, Oakland County, Michigan, on the 24th and 25th of Jan., 1845.

Conference met according to appointment; called to order by Elder G. Savage; some remarks by Lyman Stoddard. Elder G. Savage called to the chair; Elder Wm. Van Every Clerk; singing, and prayer by Elder Wm. Van Every.

The number of different quorums were then called for, one high priest, four seventies, ten elders, two priests, and one teacher: Then preaching by Elder J. M. Wait, followed by Wm. Van Every. Benediction by Elder D. Hickey.

Adjourned until to morrow at 10 o'clock, A. M.

Saturday 10 o'clock A. M., conference met according to appointment. Some instructions to the young elders by the president. Singing and prayer by Elder O. Jeffords.

The different branches was then represented.

Waterford branch by Brother Green, ten members, one teacher.

Franklin branch, by Elder J. M. Wait, twenty nine members, four elders, two priests, and one teacher.

Southfield branch, by J. M. Wait, six members, one elder, one priest.

Superior branch by O. Jeffords, twelve members.

Brownstown branch, by G. Savage, sixteen members, one priest.

Pine Run branch, by G. Savage, eleven members, two elders, one priest, and one teacher.

Washington branch, by Elder Goff, ten members, two elders, and one priest.

Pleasant Valley branch, by B. Searls, thirty one members, four elders, one priest, one teacher, and one deacon.

Cedar branch, by J. M. Wait, twelve members, one elder, and one teacher.

Livonia branch, by L. Stoddard, thirteen members, one priest, one teacher, and one deacon.

Redford branch, by L. N. Kendall, ten members, one deacon.

Avon branch, by D. Hickey, eleven members, one elder, and one priest.

Lapeer branch, by D. Hickey, twelve members, three elders.

St. Clair branch, by Elder P. Van Every; and about forty scattering members, not represented in the above.

Walter Ostrander and Conley Bates, were then nominated for elders. Robert Green and George Mercer priests, and John Green teacher.

Elders J. M. Wait and Samuel Goodenough were appointed on a mission to Ingram county.

Elder Dow Hickey was then appointed to preside over Macomb County. Elder G. Savage to visit the principal villages in this part of the country. Adjourned for one hour. Benediction by Elder Marvin.

Conference met according to appointment.-Singing, and prayer by D. Hickey. Preaching by Elder Stoddard, from the third chapter of Malachi; setting forth the necessity of bringing in their tithes into the store house, for the building of the temple, in order to receive their washings, anointings, and other blessings, that would attend them, if they obeyed the word of the Lord. He was followed by the president setting forth in a measure, the order of the resurrection; the manner in which the saints would be brought out of their graves. Singing and prayer by the president. Adjourned until 7 o'clock P. M.

Met according to appointment; after the usual solemnities, Elder O. Jeffords delivered a discourse from the second chapter of Daniel, and was followed by the president and others.

The different officers were then ordained.-Elder A. P. Murray's ordination was then confirmed in order that he might receive his license from this conference. Adjourned until to-morrow at 10 o'clock A. M.

Met according to appointment. Singing and prayer. The president then delivered a discourse from first Peter, twentieth verse, setting forth the evil that was brought into the world by reason of comments on the bible, in laying aside the true order of God; being taught by the precepts of men. Adjourned for one hour.

Met according to appointment; the same subject continued by the president.

Motioned and seconded, that this conference uphold the Twelve and Brother Hawes who is sent to preside over this state.

Motioned and seconded, that the next conference be held in Pleasant Valley, town of Brighton, Livingston county, on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, in May next.

Also, that the minutes of this conference be forwarded to Nauvoo, and New York, for publication in the Times and Seasons, and Prophet.

G. SAVAGE, President.

Wm. Van Every, Clerk.

P. S. Elder Dow Hickey addressed the people in the evening, on the first principles of the gospel; when liberty was given for others, and many of the brethren and sisters bore testimony to the truth, by the power of the Holy Ghost, and some of the gifts were manifested in power; when two aged fathers arose and said they were convinced of the truth, and like the jailor [jailer] and his household, did not wait until morning, but were baptised [baptized] straitway. An invitation was given at the water when a young lady went forward, and many more are believing.

At a Conference of a branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, held at St. Louis, February 10, 1845, in the Franklin Hall. Elder James Riley, Chairman, and John Needham Clerk, the following business was transacted.

Meeting opened with prayer; singing. Representation: four high priests; eighteen seventies; twenty-five elders; fifteen priests; six teachers; six deacons, and three hundred and twenty members.

The chairman addressed the meeting to a great length, upon many important matters concerning the church, whereupon it was unanimously

Resolved, that we view with mingled emotions of grief and surprise, the proceedings of the highest court in the State of Illinois, in taking away the chartered rights of Nauvoo.-If they were granted wrong: they were taken wrong; but be strong, the day will come when you can triumph; "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"

Resolved, that although surrounded by apostates from the church, who exhibit no better spirit than the murderers of the prophet and patriarch, yet we feel perfectly safe in the midst of an enlightened people, who alike know how to appreciate political liberty and religious freedom; and who have too much respect for the sanctity of constitutional rights, to trample upon the laws and the rights of others.

Resolved, that we will use every exertion in our power, to uphold and sustain the "Twelve" as the present head; and, also, as a small auxiliary to use a unity of effort to help rear and finish the temple of God.

Resolved, that we recommend to the brethren to patronize the Times and Seasons, and Neighbor, printed at Nauvoo, as the most virtuous publications of the western country, and the only ones that support the true cause of righteousness.

Resolved, that we feel to reciprocate the goodly feelings and pleasure, as published by Elder Hyde concerning his late visit to this city.

Elder Williams represented a branch of the church at Bellville [Belleville], Ill., consisting of six members, among whom was the lady of Dr. Goforth. The Doctor was present.

A resolution, acknowledging the faithfulness and tendering their thanks, faith, and prayers to the presiding Elder (Riley) was next passed.

The late epistle of the Twelve and its instructions, was adopted by acclamation.

Adjourned till six o'clock, P. M.

Met pursuant to adjournment; opened with singing and prayer. Those baptized during intermission were confirmed, and the Lord's supper administered. A sermon was next delivered. After passing a vote requesting the publication of these minutes in the Times and Seasons, the conference adjourned till the second Sunday in May next.

JAMES RILEY, Chairman.

John Needham, Clerk.

From the N. Y. Prophet.

Pursuant to public notice, a special conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held at Norwalk, Conn., January 1st and 2nd, 1845.

Elder Lane was appointed president, and Elder Appleby of New Jersey, secretary.

Official members present-two high priests, two elders of the quorum of the seventies, three elders, one priest, one teacher, and one deacon. The Norwalk branch consists of twenty six members, including officers, (one member having been cut off since last conference,) all in good standing.

Conference opened at two o'clock, P. M., by singing a hymn, and prayer by the Secretary.

The president addressed the conference on the order of the kingdom of God, and what is enjoined upon the saints to assist in rolling on the same-settling difficulties one with another-followed by Elder Appleby on the same-and of traveling elders ordaining elders suddenly, &c. Adjourned.

Met in the evening at 6 o'clock-opened by singing and prayer by the president.

Elder Appleby delivered a discourse from Rev. 14:6,7.

Adjourned to meet on the morrow at 11 o'clock, A. M.

Thursday, 2nd inst.-Met-opened by singing and prayer by the president, followed by a spirited discourse, directed to the sisters, to form themselves into a sewing society. Also, by Elder Appleby on organizing a society to pay so much per week, for the building of the temple at Nauvoo.

Resolved, that the sisters of this branch organize themselves into a sewing society, to furnish worthy traveling elders with such clothing as they need; and that Sister Capstick be the president, Sister Hand vice president of said society; and that the brethren of said branch assist the sisters in their laudable and praise-worthy undertaking, by applying one shilling per week in purchasing materials for the sisters to make up into clothing, and that Brother Josephs be secretary of said society.

Resolved, that the sisters of this branch give so much per week, according to the proposition made at last April conference in Nauvoo, by our much lamented and martyred patriarch, Hyrum Smith, in aiding the completion of the temple of Joseph's God.

Resolved, that we uphold the Twelve' by our faith and prayers, as the leaders of this church, and that we recognize them as such-men placed at the head (since the prophet and patriarch have been taken away) to conduct the affairs of God's kingdom here below; and we pray God the Eternal Father that they may be kept from all their enemies, and fulfil [fulfill] the work God has given them to do.

Adjourned until two o'clock P. M.

Two o'clock, P. M. Conference met.

The president addressed the conference on the subject of prophecy. In the evening, Elder Appleby delivered a discourse on the first and second resurrection.

Conference adjourned sine die.

SELAH LANE, Pres't.

W. I. Appleby, Sec'y.