| 389 About this time Elder Josiah Ells published a pamphlet in defense of the Book of Mormon, entitled "Prophetic Truth."
A German pamphlet was also issued by Temme Hinderks and F. W. Reidel, of the German Tract Committee, entitled, Die "Eine Taufe."
February 27, Elkhart Branch, Texas, was organized by Elder Heman C. Smith, J. W. Bryan presiding. It was composed of fourteen members, all of whom had been baptized the two days previous except one.
The annual conference convened at Independence, Missouri, April 6, 1882; Joseph Smith and W. W. Blair, presidents; H. A. Stebbins, T. W. Chatburn, and R. M. Elvin, secretaries.
The Church Recorder's report showed a net gain for the last year of eight hundred forty-six members.
Bishop I. L. Rogers offered his resignation. 3 His counselors, Elders H. A. Stebbins and David Dancer, also offered their resignations, urging that they be released whether the Bishop was retained or not. After much discussion the resignations of all three were accepted.
After the conference had made it a special subject for prayer, President Joseph Smith stated that he had received evidence sufficient to justify him in nominating for Bishop, George A. Blakeslee. This was ratified by the conference, and Elder Blakeslee chose as his counselors Elijah Banta and E. L. Kelley.
Elder Banta being absent, action upon his nomination was deferred. The other was ratified, and Bishop Blakeslee was duly ordained, as was also E. L. Kelley as his second counselor.
The following ministers were present and reported: T. W. Smith, James Caffall, A. H. Smith, W. H. Kelley, J. H. Lake, Z. H. Gurley, B. V. Springer, J. S. Patterson, J. C. Foss, John Thomas, George Montague, Heman C. Smith, E. M. Wildermuth, E. C. Brand, J. T. Davies, R. M. Elvin, and F. P. Scarcliff. The following absent ministers reported:
3 See resignation, foot-note, volume 3, page 777.
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