The Papers
Browse the PapersDocumentsJournalsAdministrative RecordsRevelations and TranslationsHistoriesLegal RecordsFinancial RecordsOther Contemporary Papers
Reference
PeoplePlacesEventsGlossaryLegal GlossaryFinancial GlossaryCalendar of DocumentsWorks CitedFeatured TopicsLesson PlansRelated Publications
Media
VideosPhotographsIllustrationsChartsMapsPodcasts
News
Current NewsArchiveNewsletterSubscribeJSP Conferences
About
About the ProjectJoseph Smith and His PapersFAQAwardsEndorsementsReviewsEditorial MethodNote on TranscriptionsNote on Images of People and PlacesReferencing the ProjectCiting This WebsiteProject TeamContact Us
Published Volumes
  1. Home > 
  2. The Papers > 

Minutes, 7–8 April 1838

Source Note

Zion high council, Minutes,
Far West

Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...

More Info
, Caldwell Co., MO, 7–8 Apr. 1838. Featured version published as “Conference Minutes,” in Elders’ Journal, July 1838, p. 47. For more complete source information, see the source note for Elders’ Journal, Oct. 1837.

Historical Introduction

On 7–8 April 1838, JS presided over a conference in
Far West

Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...

More Info
, Missouri, and
Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

View Full Bio
took minutes. This quarterly conference, the first one held that year, had been scheduled by the
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

More Info
high council

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

View Glossary
on 3 March 1838. By that date, the council members knew that JS had departed
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
, Ohio, for Far West, and they probably expected that he would arrive in time for the conference.
1

See Minute Book 2, 24 Feb. and 3 Mar. 1838.


On 6 April, the day prior to the conference’s start, the church held a meeting in which a pro tempore
presidency

An organized body of leaders over priesthood quorums and other ecclesiastical organizations. A November 1831 revelation first described the office of president over the high priesthood and the church as a whole. By 1832, JS and two counselors constituted ...

View Glossary
for the
church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
in Zion and a number of other officers were appointed. According to the abbreviated minutes that
George W. Robinson

14 May 1814–10 Feb. 1878. Clerk, postmaster, merchant, clothier, banker. Born at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vermont. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1836. Clerk and recorder for Kirtland high...

View Full Bio
included in the “Scriptory Book,” the 6 April meeting was “a Conf. of the authorities of the Church of Latter day Saints Assembled at their first quarterly Conference in the City of Far West.”
2

Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838, in JS, Journal, Mar.–Sept. 1838, p. 29.


However, the official minutes of both the 6 April meeting and the 7–8 April meeting, which were published in the July issue of the Elders’ Journal, indicate the 6 April meeting was separate from the quarterly conference held 7–8 April.
3

See Historical Introduction to Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.


Nevertheless, the appointments made in the 6 April meeting prepared the church administratively for the conference held the next two days.
The conference was another step in the reorganization of church leadership in the wake of the disaffection of church leaders in
Ohio

French explored and claimed area, 1669. British took possession following French and Indian War, 1763. Ceded to U.S., 1783. First permanent white settlement established, 1788. Northeastern portion maintained as part of Connecticut, 1786, and called Connecticut...

More Info
and
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
. The conference was probably held indoors—as was the 6 April meeting—possibly in a
schoolhouse

There were at least two schoolhouses in Far West. First was likely log building; located in southwest quarter of town. Second schoolhouse built, by Feb. 1838. Both functioned as church or public meetinghouses, and first served as county’s courthouse until...

More Info
or some other public building. According to the minutes, at the beginning of the conference JS,
Sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

View Full Bio
, and the
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

More Info
presidency “took the stand,” suggesting there was a rostrum. Then, as was customary in conferences, the
priesthood

Power or authority of God. The priesthood was conferred through the laying on of hands upon adult male members of the church in good standing; no specialized training was required. Priesthood officers held responsibility for administering the sacrament of...

View Glossary
officers organized according to their
quorums

An organized group of individuals holding the same office in the Melchizedek priesthood or the Aaronic priesthood. According to the 1835 “Instruction on Priesthood,” the presidency of the church constituted a quorum. The Twelve Apostles also formed a quorum...

View Glossary
and councils. Next, JS “gave some instruction respecting the order of the day,” after which the conference formally “opened” with singing and prayer.
David W. Patten

14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated...

View Full Bio
and
Brigham Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

View Full Bio
, the assistants to
Thomas B. Marsh

1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
in the pro tempore presidency of the church in Zion, offered the opening prayers at the sessions—and possibly conducted as well.
4

In some previous meetings, the officer conducting also gave the opening prayer. (Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838; Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838.)


JS gave instruction during both days of the conference. The leaders of the priesthood quorums and councils reported on their respective organizations, and vacancies in the
high council

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

View Glossary
were filled. The minutes were taken by
Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

View Full Bio
, who had taken minutes of recent high council meetings and was appointed as the clerk of the church in Zion during the 6 April meeting.
5

Minute Book 2, 10 and 17 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 24 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.


The minutes of the conference close by listing JS as “president,” perhaps signifying that he was the head of the church or that he presided over the conference. JS may have signed the original minutes or a fair copy, although it is also possible that Robinson simply added JS’s name as the presiding authority. A fair copy of the minutes was probably used to prepare the version published in the July issue of the Elders’ Journal, the church’s newspaper.
6

Neither the original minutes nor a fair copy is apparently extant.


Footnotes

  1. [1]

    See Minute Book 2, 24 Feb. and 3 Mar. 1838.

  2. [2]

    Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838, in JS, Journal, Mar.–Sept. 1838, p. 29.

  3. [3]

    See Historical Introduction to Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.

  4. [4]

    In some previous meetings, the officer conducting also gave the opening prayer. (Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838; Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838.)

  5. [5]

    Minute Book 2, 10 and 17 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 24 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.

  6. [6]

    Neither the original minutes nor a fair copy is apparently extant.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation.
*Minutes, 7–8 April 1838
Elders’ Journal, July 1838 Minute Book 2 History, 1838–1856, volume B-1 [1 September 1834–2 November 1838] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page 47

CONFERENCE MINUTES.
Agreeable to a resolution of the
high council

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

View Glossary
, assembled at
Far West

Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...

More Info
, on Saturday the 3rd of March 1838, the general authorities of the church met, to hold the first quarterly conference of the
Church of Latter Day Saints

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

More Info
,
1

A written resolution from the conference referred to the meeting as “a general Conference of the ordained members.” (Resolution, ca. 8 Apr. 1838.)


at
Far West

Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...

More Info
on the 7th of April 1838.
Presidents

An organized body of leaders over priesthood quorums and other ecclesiastical organizations. A November 1831 revelation first described the office of president over the high priesthood and the church as a whole. By 1832, JS and two counselors constituted ...

View Glossary
J. Smith jr,
S[idney] Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

View Full Bio
,
T[homas] B Marsh

1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
,
D[avid] W. Patten

14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated...

View Full Bio
, and
B[righam] Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

View Full Bio
took the stand;
2

The men who “took the stand” were the available members of the First Presidency and the pro tempore Zion presidency. Whereas Rigdon had arrived in Far West, JS’s other counselor, Hyrum Smith, had not yet arrived from Kirtland. Marsh, Patten, and Young had been appointed to the presidency of the church in Zion the previous day. (Hyrum Smith, Commerce, IL, to “the Saints Scattered Abroad,” Dec. 1839, in Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:21; O’Driscoll, Hyrum Smith, 167–170; Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

O'Driscoll, Jeffrey S. Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003.

after which the several
quorums

An organized group of individuals holding the same office in the Melchizedek priesthood or the Aaronic priesthood. According to the 1835 “Instruction on Priesthood,” the presidency of the church constituted a quorum. The Twelve Apostles also formed a quorum...

View Glossary
, the high council, the
high priests

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. Christ and many ancient prophets, including Abraham, were described as being high priests. The Book of Mormon used the term high priest to denote one appointed to lead the church. However, the Book of Mormon also discussed...

View Glossary
, the
seventies

A priesthood office with the responsibility to travel and preach and assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, similar to the seventy in the New Testament. In February and March 1835, the first members of the Seventy were selected and ordained. All of those...

View Glossary
the
elders

A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...

View Glossary
, the
bishop

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, Partridge functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving...

View Glossary
, the
priests

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. In the Book of Mormon, priests were described as those who baptized, administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church,” and taught “the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” A June 1829 revelation directed...

View Glossary
, the
teachers

Generally, one who instructs, but also an ecclesiastical and priesthood office. The Book of Mormon explained that teachers were to be ordained “to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end...

View Glossary
, and
deacons

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. The “Articles and Covenants” directed deacons to assist teachers in their duties. Deacons were also to “warn, expound, exhort, and teach and invite all to come unto Christ.” Although deacons did not have the authority...

View Glossary
, were organized by their Presidents.
President J. Smith jr. made some remarks, also gave some instruction respecting the order of the day. The conference was then opened by singing, “O God our hope in ages past”
3

Hymn 86, Collection of Sacred Hymns, 116–117.


and prayer by President
B. Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

View Full Bio
.— Also a hymn was sung “how firm a foundation”.
4

Hymn 82, Collection of Sacred Hymns, 111–112.


After which, President J. Smith, Jr. arose and addressed the congregation at considerable length, on some important items.—
President Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

View Full Bio
continued the subject for a length of time, after which, on motion, the meeting adjourned for the space of twenty minutes.
Pursuant to adjournment the conference convened, and opened by prayer by
D. W. Patten

14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated...

View Full Bio
who also made a few remarks respecting the
twelve apostles

Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...

View Glossary
. He spake of
T. B. Marsh

1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
,
Brigham Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

View Full Bio
,
Orson Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

View Full Bio
,
Heber C. Kimball

14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...

View Full Bio
,
P[arley] P. Pratt

12 Apr. 1807–13 May 1857. Farmer, editor, publisher, teacher, school administrator, legislator, explorer, author. Born at Burlington, Otsego Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Traveled west with brother William to acquire land, 1823....

View Full Bio
, and
O[rson] Pratt

19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall...

View Full Bio
, as being men of God, whom he could reccommend with cheerful confidence. He spake somewhat doubtful of
William Smith

13 Mar. 1811–13 Nov. 1893. Farmer, newspaper editor. Born at Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811; to Norwich, Windsor Co., 1813; and to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816...

View Full Bio
from something which he had heard respecting his faith in the work. He also spake of
William E. McLellin

18 Jan. 1806–14 Mar. 1883. Schoolteacher, physician, publisher. Born at Smith Co., Tennessee. Son of Charles McLellin and Sarah (a Cherokee Indian). Married first Cynthia Ann, 30 July 1829. Wife died, by summer 1831. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
,
Luke Johnson

3 Nov. 1807–8 Dec. 1861. Farmer, teacher, doctor. Born at Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs. Lived at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, when baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS, 10 May 1831. Ordained...

View Full Bio
,
Lyman Johnson

24 Oct. 1811–20 Dec. 1859. Merchant, lawyer, hotelier. Born at Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs. Moved to Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, Mar. 1818. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Sidney Rigdon...

View Full Bio
, and
John F. Boynto,n

20 Sept. 1811–20 Oct. 1890. Merchant, lecturer, scientist, inventor, dentist. Born at East Bradford (later Groveland), Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Eliphalet Boynton and Susanna Nichols. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS,...

View Full Bio
as being men whom he could not reccommend to the conference.
5

A month later, when McLellin was tried in a church disciplinary council in Far West, he stated that he “had no confidence in the heads of the Church, beleiving they had transgressed, and got out of the way, and consequently he left of[f] praying and keeping the commandments of God.” In the September 1837 reorganization meeting in Kirtland, Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, and John F. Boynton were rejected as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and were apparently disfellowshipped. On that occasion, Rigdon explained “the starting point or cause of all the difficulty,” cautioning the elders against “leaving their calling to persue any occupation derogatory to that calling, assuring them that if persued, God would let them run themselves into difficulties.” Boynton, who was present, “attributed his difficulties & conduct to the failure of the bank”—the Kirtland Safety Society—“stating that the bank he understood was instituted by the will & revilations of God, & he had been told that it never would fail let men do what they pleased.” A week after the September reorganization meeting, Boynton and the Johnsons “made confession to the Church,” and it was “voted that they be received into the fellowship of the Saints and retain their office of Apostleship.” However, after further problems, Luke Johnson and Boynton were excommunicated in December 1837. They joined with other leading dissenters to organize a new church in January 1838, which publicly denounced JS. In April 1838, a church trial was held for Lyman Johnson on charges of speaking against JS and other church leaders, failing to attend church meetings, violating the church’s dietary code, committing fraudulent business dealings, instigating lawsuits against church members, and other offenses. He was removed from office and excommunicated. (JS, Journal, 11 May 1838; Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837; Minute Book 1, 10 Sept. 1837; John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Letter to Wilford Woodruff, ca. 18 June 1838; Minutes, 13 Apr. 1838.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

President
John Murdock

15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819....

View Full Bio
, then represented the high council. The report was favorable. He stated that the seats of
Elisha H. Groves

5 Nov. 1797–29 Dec. 1867. Farmer. Born in Madison Co., Kentucky. Son of John Groves and Mary Hurd. Moved to Indiana, 1819. Married first Sarah Hogue, ca. 1825, in Indiana. Member of Presbyterian church. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...

View Full Bio
,
Calvin Bebee [Beebe]

1 July 1800–17 July 1861. Farmer, merchant, postmaster. Born in Paris, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Isaac Beebe and Olive Soule. Moved to Chardon, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1820. Married Submit Rockwell Starr, 19 Nov. 1823. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

View Full Bio
, and
Lyman Wight

9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ...

View Full Bio
was vacant in consequence of their having moved away so far that they could not attend the council.
6

On 24 March 1838, the high council decided that council members unable to attend council meetings were to “resign their seats and let others fill them who will be able to attend punctually.” Groves and Wight had moved to Daviess County, Missouri, and Beebe had moved to Clinton County, Missouri. (Minutes, 24 Mar. 1838; Elisha Groves, “An Account of the Life of Elisha Hurd Groves,” 4, Obituary Notices and Biographies, CHL; JS, Journal, 18 May–1 June 1838; Calvin Beebe, Affidavit, Lee Co., Iowa Territory, 28 Oct. 1839, Mormon Redress Petitions, 1839–1845, CHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Obituary Notices and Biographies, 1854–1877. CHL. MS 4760.

Mormon Redress Petitions, 1839–1845. CHL. MS 2703.

Thomas B. Marsh

1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
then nominated
Jared Carter

14 June 1801–6 July 1849. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Ames, 20 Sept. 1823, at Benson. Moved to Chenango, Broome Co., New York, by Jan...

View Full Bio
to fill the seat of
Elisha H. Groves

5 Nov. 1797–29 Dec. 1867. Farmer. Born in Madison Co., Kentucky. Son of John Groves and Mary Hurd. Moved to Indiana, 1819. Married first Sarah Hogue, ca. 1825, in Indiana. Member of Presbyterian church. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...

View Full Bio
who was received unanimously.
7

Carter had served as the president of the high council in Kirtland and more recently as a substitute for Groves in the Zion high council. (Minute Book 1, 9 Sept. 1837; Minute Book 2, 10 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 24 Mar. 1838.)


He then nominafed
John P. Green[e]

3 Sept. 1793–10 Sept. 1844. Farmer, shoemaker, printer, publisher. Born at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of John Coddington Greene and Anna Chapman. Married first Rhoda Young, 11 Feb. 1813. Moved to Aurelius, Cayuga Co., New York, 1814; to Brownsville...

View Full Bio
, to fill the seat of
Calvin Bebee

1 July 1800–17 July 1861. Farmer, merchant, postmaster. Born in Paris, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Isaac Beebe and Olive Soule. Moved to Chardon, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1820. Married Submit Rockwell Starr, 19 Nov. 1823. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

View Full Bio
, who was received unanimously.
8

Greene had served as a member of the high council in Kirtland. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.)


Also
George W Harris

1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married...

View Full Bio
, to fill that of
Lyman Wight

9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ...

View Full Bio
, who was received unanimously—
9

Harris had recently substituted for Wight in the Zion high council. (Minute Book 2, 1 and 5 Aug. 1837; 10 and 17 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 24 Mar. 1838.)


The presidency then ordained him to the office of high priest.
On motion the Conference adjourned to the 8th at 9 o’clock A M.
Sunday April the 8th;—— Pursuant to adjournment the Conference convened, and opened by singing and prayer by President
B. Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

View Full Bio
.
President Joseph Smith Jr. made a few remarks respecting the
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
Bank

A financial institution formed to raise money and provide credit in Kirtland, Ohio. On 2 November 1836, JS, Sidney Rigdon, and others officially organized the Kirtland Safety Society as a community bank by ratifying its constitution. Sidney Rigdon served ...

View Glossary
—
10

The Kirtland Safety Society, often called the Kirtland Bank, collapsed in 1837, causing financial losses for the Mormon community in Kirtland, adding to the strain already felt from the financial panic of 1837. Because of these circumstances, along with doubts and resentment toward JS, some members became disaffected from the church. (Notice, ca. Late Aug. 1837; Introduction to Part 6: 20 Apr.–14 Sept. 1837; see also Staker, Hearken, O Ye People, chaps. 33–34.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Staker, Mark L. Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith’s Ohio Revelations. Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2009.

Who was followed by
Brigham Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

View Full Bio
, who gave a short history of his travels to
Massachusetts

One of original thirteen colonies that formed U.S. Capital city, Boston. Colonized by English religious dissenters, 1620s. Population in 1830 about 610,000. Population in 1840 about 738,000. Joseph Smith Sr. born in Massachusetts. Samuel Smith and Orson Hyde...

More Info
and
New York

Located in northeast region of U.S. Area settled by Dutch traders, 1620s; later governed by Britain, 1664–1776. Admitted to U.S. as state, 1788. Population in 1810 about 1,000,000; in 1820 about 1,400,000; in 1830 about 1,900,000; and in 1840 about 2,400,...

More Info
.
11

Young served two missions in 1837 to transact church business. (Historian’s Office, Brigham Young History Drafts, 11–14; see also Richards, Journal, 13 Mar.–19 May and 11–12 June 1837.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historian’s Office. Brigham Young History Drafts, 1856–1858. CHL. CR 100 475, box 1, fd. 5.

Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

President
Charles [C.] Rich

21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

View Full Bio
, who is the president of the high priests in
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

More Info
; represented his quorum; he read the names of those who belonged to his quorum, the principal part of which were in good standing.
The seventies were represented, by presidents
Daniel Miles

23 July 1772–12 Oct. 1845. Born at Sanbornton, Belknap Co., New Hampshire. Son of Josiah Miles and Marah Sanborn. Married Electa Chamberlin, 30 Sept. 1813. Moved to Bath, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, by 1820. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-...

View Full Bio
, and
Levi Hancock

7 Apr. 1803–10 June 1882. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 16 Nov. 1830, at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Clarissa Reed, 20 Mar. 1831....

View Full Bio
.
The quorum of Elders were represented by president Harvey Green— Their number was 124, in good standing.
President Joseph Smith Jr, next made a few remarks on the
word of wisdom

A revelation dated 27 February 1833 containing a code of health. The revelation warned the Saints against consuming tobacco, wine, “strong drinks” (apparently distilled liquors), and “hot drinks” (generally understood as tea and coffee). The revelation recommended...

View Glossary
,
12

The “word of wisdom”—the revelation containing the church’s dietary code—proscribed the ingestion of distilled liquors, wine, coffee, tea, and tobacco. (See Revelation, 27 Feb. 1833 [D&C 89].)


giving the reason of its coming forth, saying it should be observed.
13

Failure to observe the “word of wisdom” was one reason the members of the Zion presidency were removed from office in February 1838. (See Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838.)


On motion, the Conference adjourned for one hour.
The Conference convened, agreeable to adjournment, and opened by singing and prayer, after which
Bishop [Edward] Partridge

27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

View Full Bio
, represented the
lesser priesthood

The lower, or lesser, of two divisions of the priesthood. Sometimes called the Levitical priesthood. It was named for Aaron, the brother of Moses, “because it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed” in antiquity. JS and other church leaders taught that the...

View Glossary
,
14

That is, the Aaronic order of priesthood offices, which Partridge presided over. (Revelation, 22–23 Sept. 1832 [D&C 84:25–30]; Instruction on Priesthood, between ca. 1 Mar. and ca. 4 May 1835 [D&C 107:13–15].)


and his council,— He gave an account of the incomes and outgoes of Church property which had passed through his hands.
15

Between January and March, Partridge sold almost one hundred acres of land in Jackson County, Missouri, possibly to help fund land purchases and urgent settlement needs in Caldwell County, Missouri. Partridge also allotted land in the Far West plot, including to JS, Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith. These transactions may have been among those reported at this time. (Jackson Co., MO, Deed Records, 1827–1909, vol. F, pp. 107–108, 10 Jan. 1838; p. 109, 2 Feb. 1838; p. 110, 9 Mar. 1838, microfilm 1,017,980, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Minute Book 2, 3 Mar. 1838.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

It was then motioned and seconded, and carrried that the first presidency be appointed to sign the
licences

A document certifying an individual’s office in the church and authorizing him “to perform the duty of his calling.” The “Articles and Covenants” of the church implied that only elders could issue licenses; individuals ordained by a priest to an office in...

View Glossary
of the
official members

Male church members ordained to a priesthood office. Records of conferences occasionally listed the number of official members present. In March 1836, a gathering of priesthood quorums and councils met in the House of the Lord in Kirtland, Ohio, and approved...

View Glossary
of the church—
16

Resolution, ca. 8 Apr. 1838.


After which on motion, the Conference adjourned until the first Friday in July next.
17

The church’s founding “Articles and Covenants” instructed the elders of the church to meet in conference quarterly. (Articles and Covenants, ca. Apr. 1830; see also Revelation Book 1, p. 56 [D&C 20:61].)


JOSEPH SMITH, Jr.
President.
Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

View Full Bio
, Clerk. [p. 47]
View entire transcript

|

Cite this page

Source Note

Document Transcript

Page 47

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Minutes, 7–8 April 1838
ID #
7502
Total Pages
1
Print Volume Location
JSP, D6:70–74
Handwriting on This Page
  • Printed text

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    A written resolution from the conference referred to the meeting as “a general Conference of the ordained members.” (Resolution, ca. 8 Apr. 1838.)

  2. [2]

    The men who “took the stand” were the available members of the First Presidency and the pro tempore Zion presidency. Whereas Rigdon had arrived in Far West, JS’s other counselor, Hyrum Smith, had not yet arrived from Kirtland. Marsh, Patten, and Young had been appointed to the presidency of the church in Zion the previous day. (Hyrum Smith, Commerce, IL, to “the Saints Scattered Abroad,” Dec. 1839, in Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:21; O’Driscoll, Hyrum Smith, 167–170; Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.)

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

    O'Driscoll, Jeffrey S. Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003.

  3. [3]

    Hymn 86, Collection of Sacred Hymns, 116–117.

  4. [4]

    Hymn 82, Collection of Sacred Hymns, 111–112.

  5. [5]

    A month later, when McLellin was tried in a church disciplinary council in Far West, he stated that he “had no confidence in the heads of the Church, beleiving they had transgressed, and got out of the way, and consequently he left of[f] praying and keeping the commandments of God.” In the September 1837 reorganization meeting in Kirtland, Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, and John F. Boynton were rejected as members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and were apparently disfellowshipped. On that occasion, Rigdon explained “the starting point or cause of all the difficulty,” cautioning the elders against “leaving their calling to persue any occupation derogatory to that calling, assuring them that if persued, God would let them run themselves into difficulties.” Boynton, who was present, “attributed his difficulties & conduct to the failure of the bank”—the Kirtland Safety Society—“stating that the bank he understood was instituted by the will & revilations of God, & he had been told that it never would fail let men do what they pleased.” A week after the September reorganization meeting, Boynton and the Johnsons “made confession to the Church,” and it was “voted that they be received into the fellowship of the Saints and retain their office of Apostleship.” However, after further problems, Luke Johnson and Boynton were excommunicated in December 1837. They joined with other leading dissenters to organize a new church in January 1838, which publicly denounced JS. In April 1838, a church trial was held for Lyman Johnson on charges of speaking against JS and other church leaders, failing to attend church meetings, violating the church’s dietary code, committing fraudulent business dealings, instigating lawsuits against church members, and other offenses. He was removed from office and excommunicated. (JS, Journal, 11 May 1838; Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837; Minute Book 1, 10 Sept. 1837; John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Letter to Wilford Woodruff, ca. 18 June 1838; Minutes, 13 Apr. 1838.)

    Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

  6. [6]

    On 24 March 1838, the high council decided that council members unable to attend council meetings were to “resign their seats and let others fill them who will be able to attend punctually.” Groves and Wight had moved to Daviess County, Missouri, and Beebe had moved to Clinton County, Missouri. (Minutes, 24 Mar. 1838; Elisha Groves, “An Account of the Life of Elisha Hurd Groves,” 4, Obituary Notices and Biographies, CHL; JS, Journal, 18 May–1 June 1838; Calvin Beebe, Affidavit, Lee Co., Iowa Territory, 28 Oct. 1839, Mormon Redress Petitions, 1839–1845, CHL.)

    Obituary Notices and Biographies, 1854–1877. CHL. MS 4760.

    Mormon Redress Petitions, 1839–1845. CHL. MS 2703.

  7. [7]

    Carter had served as the president of the high council in Kirtland and more recently as a substitute for Groves in the Zion high council. (Minute Book 1, 9 Sept. 1837; Minute Book 2, 10 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 24 Mar. 1838.)

  8. [8]

    Greene had served as a member of the high council in Kirtland. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.)

  9. [9]

    Harris had recently substituted for Wight in the Zion high council. (Minute Book 2, 1 and 5 Aug. 1837; 10 and 17 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 24 Mar. 1838.)

  10. [10]

    The Kirtland Safety Society, often called the Kirtland Bank, collapsed in 1837, causing financial losses for the Mormon community in Kirtland, adding to the strain already felt from the financial panic of 1837. Because of these circumstances, along with doubts and resentment toward JS, some members became disaffected from the church. (Notice, ca. Late Aug. 1837; Introduction to Part 6: 20 Apr.–14 Sept. 1837; see also Staker, Hearken, O Ye People, chaps. 33–34.)

    Staker, Mark L. Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith’s Ohio Revelations. Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2009.

  11. [11]

    Young served two missions in 1837 to transact church business. (Historian’s Office, Brigham Young History Drafts, 11–14; see also Richards, Journal, 13 Mar.–19 May and 11–12 June 1837.)

    Historian’s Office. Brigham Young History Drafts, 1856–1858. CHL. CR 100 475, box 1, fd. 5.

    Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

  12. [12]

    The “word of wisdom”—the revelation containing the church’s dietary code—proscribed the ingestion of distilled liquors, wine, coffee, tea, and tobacco. (See Revelation, 27 Feb. 1833 [D&C 89].)

  13. [13]

    Failure to observe the “word of wisdom” was one reason the members of the Zion presidency were removed from office in February 1838. (See Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838.)

  14. [14]

    That is, the Aaronic order of priesthood offices, which Partridge presided over. (Revelation, 22–23 Sept. 1832 [D&C 84:25–30]; Instruction on Priesthood, between ca. 1 Mar. and ca. 4 May 1835 [D&C 107:13–15].)

  15. [15]

    Between January and March, Partridge sold almost one hundred acres of land in Jackson County, Missouri, possibly to help fund land purchases and urgent settlement needs in Caldwell County, Missouri. Partridge also allotted land in the Far West plot, including to JS, Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith. These transactions may have been among those reported at this time. (Jackson Co., MO, Deed Records, 1827–1909, vol. F, pp. 107–108, 10 Jan. 1838; p. 109, 2 Feb. 1838; p. 110, 9 Mar. 1838, microfilm 1,017,980, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Minute Book 2, 3 Mar. 1838.)

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  16. [16]

    Resolution, ca. 8 Apr. 1838.

  17. [17]

    The church’s founding “Articles and Covenants” instructed the elders of the church to meet in conference quarterly. (Articles and Covenants, ca. Apr. 1830; see also Revelation Book 1, p. 56 [D&C 20:61].)

© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Terms of UseUpdated 2021-04-13Privacy NoticeUpdated 2021-04-06