RLDS Church History Search

Chapter Context

RLDS History Context Results


Source: Church History Vol. 4 Chapter 15 Page: 263 (~1879)

Read Previous Page / Next Page
263 1. Object to three men of one quorum occupying such an important position as the Board of Publication, and the whole of the Bishopric are members of the board.

2. The board should be composed of men of the best literary talent, as well as financial ability. The church literature is to be passed upon by the board, such as books, pamphlets, etc.

3. One of the members of the board is already burthened with a multiplicity of offices that imposes too great labor upon one, is not according to the genius of the work, and a bad precedent.

4. The President of the church, by reason of his literary ability, talents, and position, should be a member of that board.

5. Amount of errors that have occurred with the secretary in his books, both in the debit and credit, amounted to about one thousand dollars, but after investigation it has been reduced to about two hundred dollars, loss to the church. We do not know what further investigation may show, as the investigation has not been completed. That since retiring from the house, some ninety-six dollars have been discovered in favor of the secretary, which leaves a balance of about two hundred dollars due the church.

6. Upon reliable authority from men of good business capacity and who have a chance to know, we are informed that the office should be run so as to save at least one thousand dollars per annum from the net proceeds, and that this can be done in justice and right.

7. The selling price of the books and pamphlets is by far greater than should be, as may be seen by comparing the cost price of books with the advertised selling price. . . .

This shows a lack in financial management.

8. The board has had doubts of the competency of one of the employees since 1877, but he is yet retained.

9. Appointed committee of the board some time ago to audit the books, but failed to do so on account of not being convenient. Left work undone that should have been done. . . .

These objections were referred to a committee composed of M. H. Forscutt, J. S. Patterson, and J. W. Gillen, which ,reported as follows:

President and Brethren: Your committee to whom was referred report of brethren moving the resignation of the present Board of Publication, and their reasons therefor, beg to submit the following:

Objection 1. That three men of one quorum, the Bishopric, are members of that board, we hold to be an invalid one, if no specific ground be alleged.

No. 2. We hold to be no objection, as the opposite has never been urged with respect to the board against whom it seems to be urged as an objection.

No. 3. We know of but one member of the board holding a multiplicity of offices, and as he has not complained of the onerous duties thereof, nor

(page 263)

Read Previous Page / Next Page