| 291 The following were ordained seventies: George Kerr, Walter Ostrander, and W. J. Ruby.
Twenty-three persons were baptized, eleven of whom were new members, and twelve had formerly been connected with the church.
On April 8,1861, the Twelve met and resolved to appoint Apostles Jason W. Briggs and Samuel Powers on a mission to England; and Elders Henry Green, Jeremiah Jeremiah, and George Rosser on a mission to Wales.
A special conference was held at Council Bluffs, Iowa, June 7-9,1861; Elder William W. Blair presided, and Dexter P. Hartwell was clerk.
North Star, Little Sioux, and Franklin branches were reported.
A committee on missions was appointed, consisting of J. A. McIntosh, Calvin Beebe, S. W. Condit, Rufus Pack, and W. W. Blair, who were also empowered to appoint two-days, meetings, and to select a place for the succeeding conference.
George Medlock and Caroline Ellison were baptized by Elder Charles Derry. Alexander McCord was ordained a seventy; James Williams, B. S. Parker, Wilson Sellers, Francis Reynolds, and Rees Price were ordained elders.
On July 19, 1861, President Joseph Smith issued his first General Epistle; which we here present:-
"THE FIRST GENERAL EPISTLE OF THE PRESIDENT OF
THE REORGANIZED CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
LATTER DAY SAINTS.
"To all the Scattered Saints:-In view of the many reports now in circulation, and to show to all the scattered Latter Day Saints that I am a true son of a true father, I, Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this, my first General Epistle to the members of said church scattered in all the land, send greeting.
"In the days of trouble, when darkness fell over all the church, in consequence of the death of the President and
(page 291) |
