| 149 us encouragement that he would find the record and permit us to have access to it for the purposes of this history; but up to the time of going to press (May, 1897) it has not been received.
On April 6, 1838, the anniversary of the organization of the church was celebrated in Far West, of which Joseph Smith records the following:-
"Far West, April 6, 1838. Agreeable to a resolution passed by the High Council of Zion, March 3, 1838, the saints in Missouri assembled in this place, to celebrate the anniversary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and to transact church business; Joseph Smith, Jr., and Sidney Rigdon presiding.
"The meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by David W. Patten, after which President Joseph Smith, Jr., read the order of the day as follows: Doors will be opened at nine o'clock a. m., and the meeting will commence by singing and prayer. A sexton will then be appointed for a doorkeeper, and other services in the house of the Lord. Two historians will then be appointed to write and keep the Church History; also a General Recorder to keep the records of the whole church, and to be the clerk of the First Presidency. And a clerk will be appointed for the High Council, and to keep the church records of this stake. Three presidents will be appointed to preside over this church of Zion, after which an address will be delivered by the Presidency. Then an intermission of one hour, when the meeting will again convene, and open by singing and prayer. The sacrament will then be administered, and the blessing of infants attended to.
"The meeting then proceeded to business. George Morey was appointed sexton, and Dimick Huntington assistant; John Corrill and Elias Higbee historians; George W. Robinson General Church Recorder, and clerk to the First Presidency Ebenezer Robinson church clerk and recorder for Far West, and clerk of the High Council; Thomas B. Marsh president pro tempore of the church in Zion, and Brigham Young and David W. Patten his assistant presidents.
(page 149) |
