| 44 the Detroit city hall. I just heard news from Elder Blakeslee, Jefferson co. N. Y. , he baptized 100. *
* We started down the Lake to day, excuse my haste. I will write again soon.
Our love to all, inquiring friends. P. P. PRATT.
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The following conference minutes, should have had a place in the December No. but, as we were sick when they came to hand, and several weeks behind our business, in consequence of our sickness, they were overlooked; but we think they are too interesting to pass them by, we therefore give them a place; likewise a short note from Elder Samuel James, disabusing the public in relation to a false report that has been going the rounds; with a short extract of a letter from the same sheet, we think it all interesting.-Ed.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
August 9th A. D. 1839.
Agreeably to appointment a number of the official, and private members of the church of Latter day Saints; met in conference, at the house of Br. Caleb Bennets, Monmouth county New Jersey.
The meeting was called to order, by Br. Benj. Winchester, and Br. John P. Green was nominated, and elected President, and Samuel James Clerk. The meeting was then opened by singing and prayer by brother Greene.
High Priests present, John P. Green, Samuel James.
Seventy's , Jonathan Dumham, Benj. Winchester, Alexander Wright.
Elders, Joseph T. Ball, Josiah Ells.
Eleven members.
The conference was addressed by Br. Greene, in a feeling manner, concerning the object of the meeting, and the priveledge [privilege] of the members.
Then Br. Greene's letter of recommendation, from the Presidency of the church, requesting aid, in behalf of our aflicted [afflicted] brethren in the West, was read; and the following resolution adopted, that we will assist them, according to their ability; and recommend the same to our brethren.
Br. Winchester addressed the meeting on the subject of ordination; and Br. Greene read, in the Book of Covenants, the duties of the several officers of the church; and impressed the subject, by appropriate observations.
The subject was then discussed by several.
It was moved, seconded, and carried by vote, that Lewis James, be ordained a priest.
Brother Winchester gave an interesting account of his labours [labors], manner of teaching, the last year; & represented the branch of Monmouth co. N. J. of fifty members, in good standing.
Brother Greene addressed the meeting on the subject of teaching; and represented the branches, in the city of New York, and Brooklin in good fellowship.
Brother Ball represented the branches, Shrewsbury N. J. of twenty members. Montage three. Minissink N. H. two. Albany eight, Holliston Mass. sixteen in good fellowship.
Brother Dunham represented the branch in Hamilton, Madison co. N. H. of forty six in good fellowship.
Samuel James represented the branch in Leechburgh, Pa. of forty in good fellowship.
The meeting then closed by prayer.
On Saturday, br. Dunham and br. Greene, addressed an attentive congregation.
The work is prospering, and spreading, in this country. We have appointed a woods meeting on the 28th, at which, we expect the twelve; and anticipate much good.
JOHN P. GREENE, pres't.
Samuel James, Clerk.
Dear Brother, While there is room, I would give you some information of myself, and the prosperity of the cause in this region: I, in company with my brother came here the last of June, and have been here, and in the city of New York ever since, we left home the 15th of May, and visited several churches in Pa., who are generally strong in the faith; there is one church at Leechburgh, 40 miles east of Pittsburgh, on the canal, that was raised last winter by Father Nickerson of 41 members. Brother Barnes is in Chester county Pa. 30 miles from Philadelphia, and has baptized (the last account) 30, and the work prospering.
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