| 566 On the 8th, the resignation of Elder Charles Derry as an apostle was presented. The published minutes on this point are as follows:-
"President Joseph Smith then read a letter from Bro. Charles Derry, presenting the resignation of his position in the Quorum of the Twelve, feeling that he was not called of God to fill that position, requesting that he might be permitted to act as an elder, and as such was willing to labor and do all he could for the good of the cause. The President made some remarks, and suggested his resignation be accepted, bearing testimony to Bro. Derry's fidelity and his strong love of the latter-day work. Bro. William W. Blair remarked, though against his own feelings, yet by reason of Bro. Derry's conviction, he would move to accept his resignation. Carried."-The Saints' Herald, vol. 17, p. 248.
Bro. Derry was by resolution sustained as an high priest. There was not so much as a suspicion of transgression upon the part of Elder Derry, so his resignation was purely a matter of conscience on his part. The church doubtless would have gladly sustained him. The records of the quorum while in his hands as secretary were more carefully kept than at any other time previous to their falling into the hands of Elder T. W. Smith, in 1873. To Elder Derry's carefulness is due the preservation of some very valuable documents.
The subject of establishing a school for the education of "young men," "with a view to the ministry," was taken up and discussed. After the offering of several amendments and substitutes, the following was passed: "Resolved that the School of the Prophets be organized, with Joseph Smith as its president, at the close of this conference." This was subsequently reconsidered, and the resolution lost upon the statement of President Smith that he was not prepared to enter into his duties connected with the school. Elder Stephen Richardson's original ordination as an high priest was accepted, and his official standing recognized by vote. The following resolution regarding ordination was passed:-
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