| 621 of July. The next day after our arrival, brother Snow was taken sick. I commenced preaching in Laporte, and in the country round about until the 25th of August; brother Snow having recovered his health, we left Laporte for Marshall county, a distance of 22 miles, where we held nine public meetings, and baptized two into the church; after which we returned to Laporte, where we attended a conference held on the fourth and fifth days of September. After conference I returned to Marshall county, and brother Snow to Porter county. I labored in Marshall county until the 20th of September, in which time I led ten into the waters of baptism, organized a church of seventeen members called the Spring Creek Branch; the 20th of September I returned to Laporte, where I found brother Snow; we again united our labors for the spread of truth, after laboring one week in the west part of Laporte county, we baptized two more into the church, and also one in Laporte, which I had not mentioned, making in all fifteen souls, who embraced the new and everlasting covenant, in the short time which I labored. So you see, that although the Lord has chosen the weak things of this world to preach his gospel, truth will prevail, and will prosper in the hands of those whom the Lord has called.
Yours truly,
JACOB GATES.
CONFERENCE MINUTES.
Minutes of a conference held at Laporte,
Sept. 4th, 1841.
Meeting was called to order at 10 o'clock A. M. by Elder Wm. Snow, who laid before the meeting the object of the conference.
Elder Wm. Snow, was unanimously chosen to preside, and Elder F. D. Richards to act as clerk of the conference.
Cenference [Conference] was then opened by singing, and prayer by the President. The Prest. then represented the official members present, which were, 1 High Priest, 3 Seventies and 1 Priest. After making some remarks concerning the order of the day, and business to be transacted, the Prest. called upon the Elders to represent their respective fields of labor.
Elder Robert Snyder then proceeded to give a short narration of his labors in Laporte, and the contiguous places; stateing [stating] that he had baptised [baptized] 15 during his stay in this region.
Elder Jacob Gates, then addressed the conference, saying that he had traveled and preached in various places, in Laporte, Porter, and Marshall counties, and represented 6 members and 1 Priest, all in good standing.
Conference adjourned until 2 o'clock P. M. Closed by singing, and prayer by Elder Gates.
Conference opened at 2 o'clock by prayer from Elder Snyder.
Elder Richards then gave a succinct account of his labors; stating that he had added 10 to the church by baptism, in Laporte and Porter counties, and opened an interesting field of labor in Marshall county; but by reason of ill health, was unable to continue his labors there; that some had since been added to the church, and there was a cheering prospect of still farther accessions.
Elder Snyder, then addressed the congregation from Jen [Gen]. 31, 10, setting forth the manner of God's scattering and gathering the House of Israel, as declared by the Prophets.
Conference adjourned until tomorrow at 10 o'clock A. M., Sabbath.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment, when it was communicated that Bro. Richards was unable to attend, from over exertion the day previous, and Bro. Snyder was appointed in his stead.
After the usual preliminaries, Bro. Gates delivered a discourse upon the order of the kingdom, touching upon the various offices and authorities in the church.
Conference adjourned until 2 o'clock, when, after singing and prayer, it was addressed by the Prest. upon the subject of Priesthood, and calling, in general; after which some business that had been defered [deferred], was then attended to. Owing to the scattered condition of the saints here, and some being about to repair to the place of gathering, it was agreed that Bro. Wm. K. Parker, be clerk of this branch, consisting of 34 members. Several applications were then made for letters of commendation, which were granted.
Conference adjourned, sine die.
After conference, one person was baptised [baptized] by Elder Gates.
WM. SNOW, Prest.
F. D. Richards, }
Robert Snyder. } Clerks
(page 621) |
