| 548 65 members generally in good standing. Elder George W. Gee represented the branch in Keokuk Township consisting of about 13 members in good standing. Elder Stow represeted [represented] the church at Augusta consisting of 50 members all in good standing but one or two. Elder John Lowery represented a branch in Van Burn Township consisting of 11 members in good standing. Elder W. Baldwin represented the church on Chequest Creek in Van Buren county consisting of about 30 members generally in good standing. Total 750 members.
The conference by a unanimous vote resolved to uphold by the prayer of faith, Pres't. Joseph Smith, and to heed his counsel as a servant of God; a large number present agreed to move in and assist in building up Zarahemla.
Elder Taylor then made some very appropiate [appropriate] remarks upon the duty of the saints and admonished them very feelingly to obey all the commandments of God.
Resolved, That this church will not fellowship any person or persons who are in the habit of drinking ardent spirits, or keeping tipling [tippling] shops, and we will use our best endeavors to suppress it. Elders G. A. Smith and John Taylor spoke at some length upon the necessity of the saints contributing for the building of the Temple at Nauvoo, and for the support of the poor; the conference voted that they would contribute one tenth of their produce for the building of the Temple at Nauvoo.
Adjourned until 10 o'clock 15th inst.
Met pursuant to adjournment, opened by singing and prayer, minutes read-after which the names of those were taken who were willing to contribute for the building of the Temple, and give in [it] to Bishop Miller. Elder B. Young then made some very appropiate [appropriate] remarks upon the importance of the saints acting nobly, honorably, and uprightly, that they may be prepared to fill important and responsible stations.
Adjourned for one hour.
Met pursuant to adjournment, and opened by singing and prayer, a contribution was taken for the relief of the poor. A man by the name of Ellsworth was disfellowhshiped for not complying with the order of the meeting and insulting the chairman. Quite a number joined the church by letter. Elder B. Young then delived [delivered] a very able address adapted to the occasion, conference then adjourned.
John Smith, Chairman,
George W. Gee, Clerk.
Burslem, Staffordshire}
Eng. June 29th, 1841}
Dear Brethren,
Feeling it is cheering, to the saints, and especially to you, to hear of the spread of truth throughout the land, I now communicate to you some information of the progress of the work of the Lord in this part of the vineyard.
On Sunday, the 27th of June, the Staffordshire Conferance [Conference] met according to adjournment, at Burslem in the Assembley [Assembly] Room, there being present two high priest, 11 elders, 17 priests 10 teachers, 5 deacons. The meeting was called to order by Elder J. Johnson, at one half past 10 o'clock; Elder A. Cordon chosen President, Elders O. Shaw, and T. J. Filcher Clerks. Meeting opened by prayer by the president; 13 branches of the church were represented consisting of 481 members, 18 elders, 46 priests, 21 teachers, 10 deacons; there was then ordained 1 elder 6 priests 2 teachers. The meeting adjourned untill [until] one half past two o'clock. Met persuent [pursuant] to adjournment.
The conference then proceeded to withdraw fellowship from 2 officers and 4 members for unchristian like conduct. Suitable instructions were then given, by Elders A. Cordon, J. P. Smith, and W. Bradbury. The conference adjourned for three months and dissolved by prayer.
Alfred Cordon Pres't,
O. Shaw,}
T. J. Filcher,} Clerks
From the Syracuse (N. Y.) Journal.
Fire, Explosion of Gunpowder, and Loss of Life!
Our village was visited last night with one of the most dreadful scenes which the annals of our State can reveal. About half past 9 o'clock the alarm of fire was given, which proved to be in the carpenter's shop of E. T. Hayden or C. Goings, on the Otsego Canal. Our citizens repaired to the spot, together with our three engine companies. In the course of perhaps half an hour an explosion of gunpowder took place, which most melancholy to relate, sent instantaneously
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