| 843 Minutes of a Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, held at Jackson, Jackson county, Michigan, on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days of February, 1845.
There were present, one high priest, also eight elders, two priests, and one teacher.
The house was called to order by N. W. Bartholomew. Charles Dalton was called to the chair, and Arza Bartholomew and Samuel Graham chosen clerks.
After singing, the throne of grace was addressed by the president. The representation of different branches of the church was called for.
Jackson branch was represented by N. W. Bartholomew, twenty three members, one priest and one teacher; all in good standing.
Albion branch represented by C. Dalton, twenty four members, four elders, one teacher and one deacon; all in good standing.
Napoleon branch represented by William Quigly, nine members, three elders, and one priest; all in good standing.
Conference dismissed by a benediction, until half past two, P. M.
Conference assembled pursuant to appointment.
After singing and prayer by the president, a large concourse of people listened to an address delivered by C. Dalton, on the fulfillment of prophecy.
Adjourned until six o'clock, Saturday evening, when the same subject was continued by the president; after which some disturbance occurred by Mr. O. Eitson, to the gentleman's own shame, and his parents disgrace; being answered by C. Dalton, the gentleman plead ignorance and left the house, in the midst of considerable mirth.
[N. B. This disturber of saints is an E. Methodist.]
The meeting adjourned until Sunday morning, with much good feeling.
Sunday morning, 10 o'clock, a large congregation assembled; after singing and prayer by Elder Wm. Son, the conference was ably addressed by Charles Dalton, on the resurrection of the dead, followed by Samuel Graham on the same subject.
Adjourned by a benediction until two o'clock P. M.
Sunday afternoon a large congregation assembled; singing and prayer by N. W. Bartholomew; after which the congregation listened to an address upon the sinfulness and danger of unbelief by Elder S. Graham.
Good attention and much seriousness manifested. Adjourned until 6 o'clock.
Sunday evening; the house became crowded again with many honestly seeking for truth: after singing, and prayer by Isaac Bartholomew, the order of God's kingdom was clearly shown by Charles Dalton, followed by Samuel Graham and an invitation given to such as wished to become saints of this glorious kingdom; three arose and requested baptism.
The meeting was adjourned until Monday, two o'clock P. M.
The saints together with a few Gentile sectarians, assembled at the house of Brother Isaac Bartholomew. The meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by Elder Samuel Graham; a warm exhortation was given by the president; after which five were baptised [baptized]; two elders, one priest, and one deacon were ordained also seven children blessed.
The following resolutions were then adopted.
Resolved, That we will uphold the authorities of the church, by our prayers and abide the teaching of the first presidency, as far in us lies.
Resolved, That the minutes of this conference be sent to Nauvoo, for an insertion in the Times and Seasons.
Resolved, That this conference be adjourned until the first Saturday and Sunday in April next at this place.
Dear Brethren, we rejoice to inform you, that the work of the Lord is prospering in this part of the land, and our prospects are brightening daily. Since our last conference, death has taken from us Samuel Graham, aged 89 years, having been twelve years a strong member of the church. He received the priesthood last May, under the hands of G. A. Smith and W. Woodruff. Long in our memories will last the exhortations which he gave during his last hours. We can say of him, he has gone to reap the reward of the faithful.
We received Brother G. A. Smith's letter on the 14th of January, concerning Brother H. J. Brown; his case was attended to according to his instructions, and Brother Brown was restored to fellowship by the voice of all the saints present, and all things past were settled never more to be called in question.
CHARLES DALTON, Pres't.
Arza Bartholomew, }
Samuel Graham, } Clerks.
Minutes of the first annual Conference held in the district of Alabama, Tuscaloosa county, Feb'y 15th, 1845.
Conference met at the Sypsey branch pursuant to previous appointment and was duly opened.
Elder A. O. Smoot was called to the chair,
(page 843) |
