Compilation of
GENERAL CONFERENCE
RESOLUTIONS
1852‑1915
PUBLISHED
BY ORDER OF GENERAL CONFERENCE
Published by the
Board of Publication of the Reorganized
Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints
Lamoni, Iowa, 1916
Electronically
Scanned by Elder Gary R. Whiting
Text
formatted and compiled by Elder Robert E. Giertz
1
9 9 5
Committees
on Compilation
1852‑1885,
H. A. Stebbins, Rudolph Etzenhouser, D. F. Lambert.
1886, H. A.
Stebbins, J. H.Hansen, A. S. Cochran.
1886‑1892,
H. A. Stebbins, R. S. Salyards, Columbus Scott.
1893‑1900,
E. L. Kelley, R. S. Salyards, H. A. Stebbins.
1900‑1907,
R. S. Salyards, F. B. Blair, J. A. Gunsolley.
1907‑1912,
R. S. Salyards, F. B. Blair, Daniel Macgregor.
1913‑1915,
R. S. Salyards, F. B. Blair, Daniel Macgregor, H.C. Smith.
Compilation
of General Conference Resolutions
Adopted June 12, 1852.
No. 1. Resolved, That this
conference regards the pretensions of Brigham Young, James J. Strang, James C.
Brewster, and William Smith and James Wood's joint claim to the leadership of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as assumptions of power in
violation of the law of God, and consequently we disclaim all connection and
fellowship with them.
No. 2. That the successor of
Joseph Smith, Jun., as the presiding high priest in the Melchisedec priesthood,
must of necessity be the seed of Joseph Smith, Jun., in fulfillment of the law
and promises of God.
No. 3. That, as the office of
First President of the church grows out of the authority of the presiding high
priest in the high priesthood, no person can legally lay claim to the office of
First President of the church without a previous ordination to the presidency
of the high priesthood.
No. 4. That we recognize the
validity of all legal ordinations in this church, and will fellowship all such
as have been ordained while acting within the purview of such authority.
No. 5. That we believe that the
Church of Christ organized on the sixth day of April, A. D. 1830, exists as on
that day, wherever six or more Saints are organized according to the pattern in
the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.
No. 6. That the whole law of the
Church of Jesus Christ is contained in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Book of
Doctrine and Covenants.
No. 7. That in the opinion of
this conference, there is no stake to which the Saints on this continent are
commanded to gather at the present time, but that the Saints in all other lands
are commanded to gather to this land, preparatory to the reestablishment of the
church in Zion, when the scattered Saints on this land will also be commanded
to gather and return to Zion, and to their inheritances in fulfillment of the
promises of God. And it is the duty of the Saints to turn their hearts and
faces towards Zion, and supplicate the Lord God for such deliverance. (This
resolution was reaffirmed April 7, 1863.)
No. 8. That this conference
believe it the duty of the elders of this church, who have been legally
ordained, to cry repentance and remission of sins to this generation through
obedience to the gospel, as revealed in the record of the Jews, the Book of
Mormon, and Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and not to faint in the discharge
of duty.
No. 9. That Elders Jason W.
Briggs, Zenas H. Gurley, and John Herrington be a committee of three to write
a pamphlet ["The Word of Consolation"] based on the foregoing
resolutions.
Adopted
October 7, 1852.
No. 10. That, in the opinion of
this conference, the one holding the highest priesthood [Samuel Blair's
original record says "highest officer"] in the Church of God is to
preside and represent the rightful heir to the presidency of the high
priesthood. Amendment ──
That the highest authority among the priesthood represents the legitimate
President as a presiding authority.
No. 11. That Samuel Blair be the
General Church Recorder.
Adopted
April, 1853.
No. 12. On motion Jason W. Briggs
was chosen Church Historian.
Adopted
October 8, 1853.
No. 13. On motion J. W. Briggs
was authorized to publish a pamphlet, the title to be, "The voice of the
captives assembled at Zarahemla to their brethren scattered abroad."
No. 14. That Bro. Samuel Blair
select and publish a hymnbook suited to the doctrines of the church.
Adopted
April 6, 1854.
No. 15. That this conference authorize
the twelve holding the highest authority in the priesthood, assembled at
Zarahemla, as a council to try and examine all revelation and manifestations,
that has or may come through any member of this church, male or female, and
that such revelation or manifestations, after having been examined by this
council and declared to be the word of God, may be taught as such until the
next General Conference shall reject or receive it as the law. And if any
member of the church assumes to teach, as law or doctrine, any revelation or
manifestation before being presented to this council, shall be considered a
transgressor of the law, and proceeded against as such.── [From original record.]
No. 16. That this council send
copies of all revelations and manifestations to the several branches.
No. 17. On motion J. W. Briggs
was sustained in the office of President of the Twelve and legal
representative.
Adopted
October 6, 1854.
No. 18. That this conference
suspend from the exercise of their priesthood all holding the same, and also
disfellowship all such as have departed from the faith and from the
jurisdiction of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at Zarahemla,
until they return and make satisfaction.
No. 19. That all holding
priesthood are sent by the church to preach the gospel as the doors may open.
Adopted
April 6, 1855.
No. 20. That all apostles, high
priests, seventies, elders, priests, teachers, and deacons, whose hearts the
Lord has touched for the work of the preparation for the restoration of the
captives of Zion, be requested to report themselves in person or otherwise at
the next conference.
No. 21. That Z. H. Gurley be
appointed Church Recorder.
No. 22. That this conference fill
the Quorum of the Twelve as far as at the organization.
Adopted
April 7, 1855.
No. 23. On motion a resolution
adopted at a conference held at Beloit [Newark], June 12 and 13, 1852,
affirming that the successor of Joseph Smith must come from his seed, was
reaffirmed.
Adopted
April 6, 1857.
No. 24. On motion the first five
resolutions adopted at a conference held at Beloit [Newark], Wisconsin, June,
1852 were reaffirmed and readopted.
No. 25. That it shall be the duty
of all who are connected with us, holding priesthood, to report themselves
personally or by letter once in six months, showing their faith and labor in
this work.
Adopted
October 6, 1857.
No. 26. On motion Bro. Owen and
Headrace were received as the representatives of the Saints in Woodford County,
Illinois, and vicinity and the right hand of fellowship was given them.
No. 27. That this conference
raise funds for printing purposes, and the work of the ministry; said fund to
be at the disposal of the church and under its control.
No. 28. On motion, J. W. Briggs
was appointed to cooperate with Bro. Headrace in writing a pamphlet setting
forth the true position of our doctrine.
Adopted
April 6, 1858.
No. 29. That Jason W. Briggs be
and is truly exonerated from acting in connection with Granville Headrace, of
Bloomington, Illinois, in writing out matter for publication, as directed by
the previous fall conference.
Adopted
June 11, 1859.
No. 30. That a treasurer be
appointed to receive moneys and property for the church and to disburse the
same as he may be directed by the church, and that said treasurer give security
for the faithful performance of his duty.
No. 31. That Elder Edwin Cadwell
be appointed Church Treasurer.
No. 32. That Elder William W.
Blair be appointed Church Recorder.
No. 33. That the Church Treasurer
shall give such securities for moneys and properties put into his hands as the
Church Recorder may require.
No. 34. That Elders William
Marks, Z. H. Gurley, and James Blakeslee be appointed a committee to publish a
hymn book.
Adopted
October 6, 1859.
No. 35. That the church publish a
monthly paper to be devoted solely to the interests of the church.
No. 36. That this church publish
a monthly church paper, and continue it for six months.
No. 37. That Elders Z. H. Gurley,
William Marks, and William W. Blair be a committee to supervise the publishing
of said paper.
Adopted
April 6, 1860.
No. 38. On motion of Isaac Sheen,
Bro. Joseph Smith was unanimously chosen President and Prophet of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and successor of his father.
No. 39. On motion Bro. Joseph
Smith was ordained to the office of president of the Melchisedec priesthood.
Adopted
April 7, 1860.
No. 40. Bro. Israel L. Rogers was
ordained to be a high priest and Bishop of the church.
Adopted
October 8, 1860.
No. 41. That Bro. W. W. Blair be
released from the office of Church Recorder.
No. 42. That Bro. Isaac Sheen be
appointed in his stead.
Adopted
October 9, 1860.
No. 43. That the committee which
were appointed to select hymns for a hymn book be discharged.
No. 44. That Sr. Emma Bidamon be
appointed to make selection of hymns to make a hymn book.
Adopted
April 8, 1861.
No. 45. That the Saints are
requested to assist the elder and their families by donations. ── Page 83, original
record.
Adopted
October 8, 1861.
No. 46. That traveling elders who
may be in need shall call on the presidents of branches for assistance, and not
on the members.
No 47. That the Bishop be
instructed to call on the presidents of the different branches for the
necessary means to carry on the work.
Adopted
October 7, 1862.
No. 48. It was here decided that
whoever administers the ordinance of baptism should use the precise words
given in the law, and not substitute our own words in place of the words of
God; and with respect to the forms in the Book of Mormon and the Book of
Covenants. There is in reality no difference, but it is proper to give
preference to latter, it having been given expressly to us, but the words
authority and commission are synonymous. [It is not clear from the record
whether this is a resolution by the conference or a decision of the President. ── Committee]
No. 49. Bishop Israel L. Rogers,
William Aldrich, Philo Howard, George A. Blakeslee, and Jonathan D. Heywood,
were appointed a committee by the church to procure a press and printing
materials, and locate the same.
Adopted
April 7, 1863.
No. 50. That the members and
ministry avoid alluding to, or discussing the subject of polygamy when it is
not imperatively necessary.
No. 51. That the seventh
resolution in the "Word of consolation" be reaffirmed, which says:
"7. Resolved, That in the
opinion of this conference, there is no stake to which the Saints on this
continent are commanded to gather at the present time; but that the Saints on
all other lands are commanded to gather to this land, preparatory to the
reestablishment of the church in Zion; when the scattered Saints on this land
will also be commanded to gather and return to Zion, and to their inheritances
in fulfillment of the promises of God. And it is the duty of the Saints to turn
their hearts and their faces towards Zion, and supplicate the Lord God for such
deliverance.”
Adopted
April 8, 1863.
No. 52. That section 110 of the
Book of Covenants on Government with a preface prepared by the committee be
published as the political sentiment of this conference.
No. 53. That all the elders of
this church, who have not been appointed on missions, are requested and
directed by this conference to labor to the extent of their ability and
opportunities.
Adopted
October 8, 1863.
No. 54. That this conference
authorize the committee of publication to publish the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants, with such corrections in arrangement as may be necessary.
Adopted
April 8, 1865.
No. 55. That President Joseph
Smith be appointed to take charge of the publishing and editorial department of
the Herald and of all our publications.
Adopted
April 10, 1865.
No. 56. That all the conferences
of districts are advised to recommend the branches to receive donations monthly
from members of the churches, for the purpose of assisting poor Saints to
emigrate from Europe to this country, and send such donations to the Bishop.
No. 57. That the emigration fund
remain in the hands of the Bishop until called for by a conference of the
church in Europe, and indorsed by action of the General Conference of the
church in America.
No. 58. That the necessities of
the church require a concordance and synopsis, suited to the proper
promulgation of the faith of the church.
No. 59. That the necessities of
the church require the publication of a series of tracts, for distribution.
No. 60. That the necessities of
the church require the establishment of a church library.
Adopted
April 6, 1866.
No. 61. That this body now
assembled, is a body of spiritual authorities within the purview of the law
found in the fifth paragraph of section 99 of Book of Covenants.
Adopted
April 10, 1866.
No. 62. That the church ought, as
speedily as possible, to publish the translation of the Scriptures made by
Joseph Smith..
No. 63. That the time has arrived
for the church to publish the New Translation immediately.
No. 64. That the church take
immediate measures to release the hands of the Twelve, that they may carry the
gospel to the nations of the earth.
No. 65. That the bishops be
instructed to collect means for that purpose.
No. 66. That any member of this
church having been lawfully married, and having put away their companions for
any other cause than for the cause of fornication, is unworthy of the
fellowship of the Saints of God; and that the church should be careful, with
all inquiry, that they receive none into the church who have put away their
companions for adultery, they themselves being the offenders.
No. 67. That in view of the
demand of the work in Utah, it is deemed advisable that, as far as practicable,
the Saints in that region remain for the present.
No. 68. That the elders be
requested through the Herald, to report themselves in person at the next Annual
Conference, for the purpose of organizing their quorum.
No. 69. That every branch which
has not reported a correct list of the names of official and nonofficial
members, are hereby requested to send such list as soon as possible to the
General Church Recorder.
Adopted
April 11,1866.
No. 70. That the relief of the
poor of the church be more prominently brought before the church by apostles,
high priests, presiding elders, elders, priests, teachers, and deacons.
No. 71. While we deeply deplore
the great apostasy and turning the truth into lasciviousness, which has
occurred in the Church of Christ in years gone by, resulting in the
organization of numerous factions and schisms, yet we can not shut our eyes to
the great truth that the priesthood which was conferred by the ministration of
the angel of God, upon the head of our martyred prophet, Joseph Smith, and
Oliver Cowdery, in May, A. D. 1829, when he said, "Upon you my fellow
servants, in the name of the Messiah I confer this priesthood, which shall
remain on earth that the sons of Levi may yet offer an offering to the Lord in
righteousness," still remains, and has continued to remain from that day
to this. Therefore we believe it to be our duty, as individuals having received
that priesthood, to hunt up and minister to the spiritual wants of the
scattered sheep of the house of Israel, those who manifest by their fruits that
they have received of the Spirit of God and have maintained their integrity
before him, therefore
Resolved, That we recognize no
other rules by which to test the validity of the baptism of persons who have
embraced the gospel, except the fruit and manifestation of the Spirit.
Therefore, the question of rebaptism is a matter of conscience.
No. 72. Resolved further, That a
connection with those factions during the dark and cloudy day, does not
necessarily invalidate the priesthood; holding as we do, that those factions
could neither confer nor take away the priesthood.
No. 73. That baptisms
administered by elders without going down into the water, as the law directs,
are null and void.
No.74. That members disfellowshiped,
by a branch, or the legal authorities, shall make reconciliation, as far as
practicable, to said branch or legal authorities, before being readmitted into
the church.
Adopted
April 12, 1866.
No. 75. That the presidents of
missions and of districts and branches, are hereby authorized to solicit
subscriptions as donations, for the publishing of the New Translation of the
Scriptures made by Joseph Smith, and forward the same to the Bishop; and it is
agreed that each person subscribing for this object, shall receive one copy at
cost.
No. 76. That William Marks, I. L.
Rogers, and W. W. Blair be appointed a committee to confer with Sr. Emma
Bidamon respecting the relinquishment of the manuscripts of the New Translation
of the Scriptures, for the purpose of publishing the same to the church and to
the world, and that said committee be empowered to enter into and fulfill the
contract for the same.
No. 77. That the manuscript of
the Scriptures be engrossed and the engrossed copy be put into the hands of the
printer with a view to the preservation of the original copy.
No. 78. That President Joseph
Smith, I. L. Rogers, and Ebenezer Robinson be appointed a committee to publish
the New Translation, and that they may be empowered to act in the name of the
church, and to take all necessary steps to secure its speedy completion.
No. 79. That the committee named
as the Publication Committee of the New Translation, employ no person in
writing, rewriting, proof reading, etc., who is not in the faith of the truth
of the latter‑day work, and favors the coming forth of said translation.
No. 80. That the ordination of an
high priest by the direction of a district conference is null and void.
Adopted
April 8, 1867.
No. 81. That the bishops or
bishop’s agents of districts are responsible to the Bishop of the whole church
for all moneys or other properties received by them for the church; but they
shall make a report to the quarterly conferences of their respective districts
of the receipts and disbursements of said funds, said report to be examined by
an auditing committee of three appointed by said district conferences.
No. 82. That the Presiding Bishop
shall present, in detail, to each Annual Conference, his accounts with the
church, and that an auditing committee of three shall be appointed to examine
and report the same, a summary of which shall be published in the church paper.
No. 83. That district conferences
have no authority to send missions beyond or outside of their respective
limits.
No. 84. That all the traveling
ministry be under the direction and control of the First Presidency and the
Quorum of the Twelve.
No. 85. That a committee of three
be appointed to draft or adopt a set of forms applicable to representation and
the general use of the church. That said committee report through the Herald.
Adopted
October 7, 1867.
No. 86. Whereas, in the opinion
of this conference, it is inexpedient that an apostle of the Quorum of the
Twelve should have special local jurisdiction, except as the exigencies of
foreign mission may require, be it Resolved, That each member of that quorum
now holding presidency involving such jurisdiction, be and is hereby released.
That the same rule be applied
to the Quorum of the Seventies.
Adopted
April 6, 1868.
No. 87. That all private members,
male and female, have a right to vote on all questions that the elders may deem
of sufficient importance to bring before the church.
Adopted
April 8, 1868.
No. 88. That the president of the
High Priests' Quorum be requested to inquire into the spiritual condition of
the high priests and report the names of those who have not magnified their
calling, that they may be deprived of their office.
No. 89. That organized districts
have the right to elect their own officers, their presidents included.
No. 90. That the legal official
acts of elders, though in transgression, are valid until they are officially
silenced by proper authority.
Adopted
April 9, 1868.
No. 91. That unbaptized persons,
whether children or adults, are not entitled to partake of the sacrament of
bread and wine.
No. 92. That this conference
deprecates the use of intoxicating drinks (as beverages), and the use of
tobacco, and recommends to all officers of the church total abstinence.
No. 93. That it is desirable that
a more correct record should be kept by the several branches and districts of
the church, and that more correct reports be sent to the conferences.
No. 94. That reports of branches
are church property after being accepted by the conferences, and that no
private individual has a right to them.
No. 95. That this conference
would encourage the carrying out the provisions made for preaching the gospel
to the Negro race, in the revelation of May 4, 1865.
Adopted
October 7, 1868.
No. 96. That the moneys in the
Bishop's hands, contributed to the Emigration Fund be subject to the committee
appointed for their disposal.
No. 97. That this conference
expects all the official members of the church to do their duties to the utmost
of their abilities.
No. 98. The President spoke
respecting the great necessity of the Saints lending more aid to the press,
after which it was
Resolved, That a committee of
three be appointed to receive means, and that the presidents of branches take
the matter in hand and deliver to said committee all moneys collected for that
purpose.
Adopted
April 7, 1869.
No. 99. The compilation and
publication of a new hymn book was authorized; and upon motion, the President
appointed a committee of three, consisting of the following named brethren, to
collate and compile said book: Mark H. Forscutt, David H. Smith, and, in ease
of his absence before the completion of the work, Bro. Norman Smith; President
Joseph Smith, by vote, being one of said committee.
Adopted
April 8, 1869.
No. 100. That it is not the true
policy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, that the Twelve
shall control the funds of the church in the hands of the Bishop, but that the
Bishop shall be amenable to the General Conference alone.
No. 101. A motion prevailed
recommending to the publishing committee the issuing of a Sunday school paper,
monthly or semimonthly.
Adopted
April 9, 1869.
No. 102. Resolved, That in the
opinion of this conference, the true policy of the church, in this matter, is
to be found in the epistle of the Twelve to the church on tithings and
offerings, viz: through the branch presidents as Bishop’s agents, should all
moneys come into the church treasury, and that the spiritual authorities of
the church should discountenance the paying of moneys directly to the Bishop,
where that policy works to the injury of the poor in districts or branches.
[The foregoing resolution was preceded by a preamble, but the resolution only
was adopted.]
Adopted
April 10, 1869.
No. 103. That the conference
deprecate the circumstances which seem to surround many of the elders of the
church, causing them to withdraw their presence from the different sessions of
the conference, and request for the future a closer attendance.
No. 104. That brothers holding
the priesthood, being convicted of inactivity in consequence of lukewarmness,
may be silenced by the conference, or quorum of which they are members, and
henceforth be reported as lay members, until such time as they reform and are
reelected to fill their offices.
No. 105. Whereas, A period of
nine years has passed away since the church was organized with a First
Presidency; and Whereas, There has never been a complete representation by
report, it is hereby
Resolved, That this conference
does hereby deem it imperative upon it to demand that hereafter, every mission,
district and branch (where there is a branch not belonging to an organized
district), send to every Annual and Semiannual Conference, such properly
authenticated reports as the general church authorities may from time to time
require, that a complete report may be had.
No. 106. That a bishop for the
Saint Louis District be appointed and ordained.
Adopted
April 7, 1870.
No. 107. That this conference do
appoint a committee of five to draft and present before this conference shall
adjourn a memorial to Congress in which shall be embodied an epitome of our
faith, and especially a setting forth of our views on government, church policy,
and polygamy.
(Said memorial, as approved by
the conference, is as follows):
Memorial to Congress from a
committee of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, on
the claims and faith of the church.
Printed at the True Latter
Day Saints' Herald Steam Book Office, Plano, Illinois.
To their Excellencies, the
President and Vice President, and the Honorable Senate and House of
Representatives of United States, in Congress Assembled:
Having learned that counter
influences are at work to prevent or thwart the action proposed by Congress to
remedy evils existing in the territory of Utah, and knowing that a claim to be
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" has been made by a
large portion of the inhabitants of Utah Territory, and by other religious
bodies than that which your memorialists represent, by whom doctrines are held
and practiced which are at variance with the proper usages of civilized
nations, and opposed to the law of our common country; and that these doctrines
are claimed by those who practice them to be made binding upon them, as Latter
Day Saints, by the revelations governing said church we, your memorialists,
would respectfully call your attention to the following statement of facts:
1. The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized on the sixth day of April,
1830, and was subsequently represented by its ministry and by the establishment
of churches in many of the States, the Canadas, and Europe, under the
ecclesiastical presidency of Joseph Smith, until June 27, 1844, when he and his
brother Hyrum were killed at Carthage, Illinois.
2. At the time
of the organizing of the church, and at all subsequent time prior to the
dispersion of its members from Nauvoo, the church was simply an ecclesiastism;
and, as such, could confer no privileges before the law not contained in the
provisions of the law; nor authorize as a tenet that which was forbidden by the
law of the State where the church might exist, or in contravention of the constitutional
basis on which the church was built ──
the word of God.
3. Under the
presidency of Joseph Smith, the church became a corporate body, and adopted as
a constitution or form of church government and discipline, the Scriptures, the
Book of Mormon and Book of Doctrine and Covenants. The Bible and Book of Mormon
have ever been the foundation on which the church has rested its faith, and
there has been added to them the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, first
published in the year 1835, and republished in 1845; the former edition during
the presidential term of Joseph Smith, the latter edition under the regime of
Brigham Young, as "President of the Twelve." This book, the
"Book of Doctrine and Covenants," was, on the seventeenth day of
August, 1835, presented to each and all the quorums of officers belonging to
the church, separately, and acted upon by them; it was also presented to the
Church in General assembly, and was adopted unanimously. It then became a part
of the law of the church, and the church became bound by its provisions,
equally as by those of the Bible and Book of Mormon. The doctrines and law of
the church so established must ever remain the basis of its government; the
endorsement of them an endorsement of the church, the departure from or denial
of them a departure from or denial of the church.
4. We would
respectfully urge our conviction that there can be no true Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints excepting that which is based on the law of the
church, and that the observance of the law is not only the contradistinctive
feature of the church, but of every individual member thereof. That we may not
present an unsupported statement on so important a point, we most respectfully
call attention to the following quotations from the Book of Covenants, which we
submit as evidence:
Section 42, paragraph 5:
"The Elders, Priests and Teachers of THIS CHURCH shall teach the principles
of my gospel which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is
the FULLNESS OF THE GOSPEL, and they shall observe the covenants and church
articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings." (Old
edition, section 13.)
Section 42, paragraph 21:
"Every person who belongeth to this church of Christ
shall observe to keep all the commandments and covenants of the church."
(Old edition, section 13.)
5. Having, we
trust, set forth sufficiently clearly the binding character of the church,
state and national law upon whoever may claim to be "The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints," your memorialists would beg permission to
refer to the following items of church law found in the Bible, Book of Mormon
and Doctrine and Covenants, touching matters in which there is a direct
antagonism between the church your memorialists represent and the church in
Utah with which the government is at issue, and presenting the actual law on
those points which are in disputation; ──
and more especially upon the duties and privileges of the marriage relation:
BIBLE.
Malachi 2:14, 15: "Yet ye
say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of
thy Youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously; yet is she thy
companion, and the wife of thy covenant. And did not he make one? Yet
had he the residue of the Spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly
seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously
against the wife of his youth."
Matthew 19: 4‑6:
"And he answered and said unto them Have ye not read, that he which made them
at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a
man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife and they
twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
1 Corinthians 7 2:
"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication let every man have his own wife, and
let every woman have her own husband."
BOOK
OF MORMON.
Jacob 2: 6: ."Wherefore,
my brethren hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord; for there shall
not any man among you have save it be ONE WIFE; and concubines he shall
have none."
DOCTRINE
AND COVENANTS.
Section 42, paragraph 7:
"Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shall cleave unto
her and none else; and he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her,
shall deny the faith." (Old edition, section 13.)
Section 49:3: "And again,
I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry, is not ordained of God, for
marriage is ordained of God unto man; wherefore it is lawful that he
should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh."
(Old edition, section 65.)
6. Again, and to
conclude our direct evidence upon this point from the church law, we submit the
following extract from the article on marriage, in which the minister
officiating is required first to ascertain if there be any legal objections,
and on becoming satisfied that there are none, the law thus instructs "He
shall say, calling each by their names: 'You both mutually agree to be each
other's companion, husband and wife, observing the legal rights belonging to
this condition; that is, keeping yourselves WHOLLY FOR EACH OTHER AND FROM ALL
OTHERS during your lives.' And when they have answered 'Yes,' he shall
pronounce them 'husband and wife,' in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and
by virtue of the laws of the country and authority vested in him."
7. The claim put
forth by the advocates of polygamy that a subsequent revelation authorizes the
practice of polygamy, is rendered invalid by the law of the church in Book of
Covenants, section 27, paragraph 4, which reads: "Neither shall anything
be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants,
for all things must be done in order and by common consent in the
church." (Old edition, section 51.)
8. That polygamy
could not become a tenet of the church while the church existed in the several
States of the Union, is plainly indicated by a clause of the law governing the
church from an early day, which reads: "Let no man break the laws of the
land for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the
land." Book of Covenants, section 58, paragraph 5. (Old edition, section
18.)
9. In a careful
examination of the publications of the gospel church from its earliest existence
to the present time your memorialists have not found one single clause
authorizing, justifying, or even
permitting polygamy. The New
Testament; the Book of Mormon; the Book of Covenants
the standard works of the Latter
Day Saints' Church; the periodicals of the church, embracing the
Evening and Morning Star,
the Messenger and Advocate, the Gospel Reflector, the Nauvoo
Neighbor, the Times and
Seasons, published in America; and the Millennial Star, published in
England, are all silent on the
question of polygamy, except wherein they refer to it historically, or to
condemn either impliedly or directly its practice. The Scriptures are opposed
to it, and the works published in the church of Latter Day Saints most
unqualifiedly condemn it. Not even the body that now practices and teaches
polygamy made any public profession of it till the year 1851, and not
officially to the outside world before 1852.
10. Four months
before the death of Joseph Smith, and seven months after polygamists date
the receiving of a revelation which they assert came through him, authorizing
polygamy, this same
Joseph Smith published in the Times
and Seasons a notice of the excommunication of a man for
"preaching polygamy and
other false and corrupt doctrines in the county of Lapeer,
state of
Michigan," in the following
terse language: "This is to notify him and the church in general that he
has been cut off from the church for HIS INIQUITY, and he is further
notified to appear at the special conference on the 6th of April next to answer
to these charges. ( Signed)
JOSEPH SMITH,
HYRUM SMITH,
Presidents of
said Church.
This expulsion, we submit,
could not have taken place had polygamy been made a church tenet seven
months previously.
11. In addition
to this, Mr. John Taylor, now one of the apostles of the polygamic doctrine, in
a public discussion held in Boulogne, France, July 11, 1850, impliedly denied
the doctrine of polygamy and. condemned it in the following language: "We
are accused here of polygamy, and actions the most indelicate, obscene and
disgusting, such than none but a corrupt and depraved heart could have
contrived." (Taylor’s Discussion, p. 8.)
12. We, your
memorialists, would therefore submit for the consideration of Congress in its
action on the Utah question, and in its legislation on the question of the
right of Congress to interfere with polygamy as being a part of the faith of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:
1st. That the law of the
church found in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Covenants, books
accepted by the polygamists themselves, expressly forbids to one man more
than one living wife.
2nd. That the law contained in
those books is the constitution of the church; that no law can obtain in the
church in contravention thereof, and that therefore the pretended revelation on
polygamy is illegal and of no force.
3rd. That in the
"Remonstrance" presented to Congress from the polygamists of Utah,
dated March 31, 1870, the non‑publication of this pretended revelation
till the year 1852 is admitted in the following language:
"Eighteen years ago, and
ten years before the passage of the anti‑polygamy act of 1862, one of our
leading men, Elder Orson Pratt, was expressly deputed and sent to Washington to
publish and lecture on the principles of plural marriage as practiced by us ── For ten years before
the passage of the act of 1862, the principle was widely preached throughout
the Union and the world, and was universally known and recognized as the
principle of our holy faith."
4th. That the plea of polygamy
not being at variance with the law of the land because not expressly in
violation of any law on the statute book of the territory of Utah, is not
admissible, for this reason, the polygamic revelation claims to have been given
in 1843, when the church as a body was in Illinois, in which State bigamy, or
polygamy, was then, as now, a crime.
5th. That polygamy, being a
crime against the law of the state of Illinois, could not have been authorized
by revelation from Him whom polygamists themselves affirm gave the revelation
found in Book of Covenants section 58, paragraph 5, which declares: "Let
no man break the law of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no
need to break the laws of the land; therefore be subject to the powers that
be." (Old edition, section 18.)
6th. That the pretended
revelation on polygamy was not published till 1852, is strong presumptive
evidence that it was not in existence but even if it were, it would still be of
no force in the church, as it contravenes revelations previously given to and
accepted by the church, and is therefore precluded from becoming a church tenet
by that clause of the church law before quoted, which declares, "Neither
shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church
covenants."
13. It is known
throughout the nation, and in many parts of the Old World, that there is an
influential and rapidly growing organization of Latter Day Saints, separate and
distinct from, and in this matter of polygamy, in church polity, and in the
relations of the church to the Government entirely dissimilar and opposed to
that which the Cullom Bill requires Congress to legislate upon.
14. This
organization, known as the "Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints," is now being represented in conference at Plano, Illinois, by
delegates and visitors from many of the eastern, southern and western States
from the Pacific States, the Territories, including Utah, and Great Britain.
Your memorialists are a committee appointed by this conference, and as such,
would respectfully present to their Excellencies, the President and Vice
President of the United States, and to each of the Honorable Members of the
Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled our views on the
questions herein set forth and accompany them with an abstract of the Faith of
the true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in relation to governments
and laws in general as published in 1835 and in 1845, and affirmed by the
Reorganized Church at as early a date as 1853 and again in 1864; which faith,
as so affirmed, is based upon the Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and
Covenants:
[Here was quoted in full
section 112 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.]
15. We, your
memorialists, regret that a necessity exists for the faith of the Reorganized
Church being presented in contradistinction to that of other churches claiming
the same name that we bear; but there is so manifest a tendency to confound the
Reorganized Church with the polygamic factions, that we deem it but just that
we be placed aright upon the record, theologically, socially and morally, as
well as politically. We therefore respectfully submit the following:
[Here was inserted a copy of
the "Epitome of faith and doctrine of the Reorganized Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints."]
16. In some
States of the Union the church has not been without representatives for the
past forty years, or nearly, and in these churches neither the theory nor
practice of polygamy has ever obtained. The body which your memorialists
represent is mostly composed of churches and members scattered throughout the
land from Maine to California and from Florida to Minnesota ── all subscribing to the
constitution of the church ──
all opposed to polygamy.
17. In view of
the foregoing facts, we your memorialists, would urge the validity of the claim
of the Reorganized Church to be the Church of Latter Day Saints, and in
urging this claim, declare unqualifiedly the faith of the body your
memorialists represent that, according to the law of the church given under the
presidency of Joseph Smith, no body of people can be properly considered
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" but that body which
recognizes the constitutional provisions of the law under which the church
obtained an existence; and as loyalty to the Government and a monogamic
institution of marriage are absolutely and imperatively demanded by the law of
the church, as necessary to govern it in its political and social relations, we
do most fully, freely and unreservedly affirm that there is nothing required by
the law or polity of the church that can render its members violators of the
laws of the land in any of their legal provisions.
18. We, your
memorialists, would therefore petition that in the consideration of the
questions of polygamy and disloyalty, as affecting a body calling themselves
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the territory of Utah, the
crimes of polygamy and disloyalty may not be made to stain the mantle of the
pure faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by such official
sanction and legislation of your honorable bodies as shall, in order to legalize
the crimes of a few hundreds of polygamists in Utah (many of whom we trust will
yet abandon their folly), enstamp with infamy and disloyalty the faith of many
thousands throughout the United States, whose bold stand in the hour of the
Nation's trials, whose integrity of purpose and life, whose loyalty is
unquestioned, and whose faith is that of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints. And for the peace, prosperity and perpetuity of the
Government your memorialists will ever pray.
JOSEPH SMITH,
ALEX. H. SMITH,
MARK H.
FORSCUTT,
WM. W. BLAIR,
JOSIAH ELLS
Committee on Memorial.
Presented and read before the
Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
held at Plano, Illinois, on the eleventh day of April, 1870, and adopted by
said conference.
JOSEPH SMITH, President.
HENRY A. STEBBINS,
WM. H. GARRETT,
Clerks.
No. 108. That this conference do
appoint a committee of six to prepare and present such resolutions to this
conference as in their judgment may be deemed practicable for the removing the
financial disabilities now existing, and providing a plan whereby the families
of missionaries may be supported, and means secured to conduct the work of the
Lord.
Adopted
April 8, 1870.
No. 109. That all presidents of
quorums, and counselors to presidents of quorums, be set apart to their offices
by ordination.
No. 110. That the School of the
Prophets be organized at as early a time as practicable.
Adopted
April 9, 1870.
No. 111. That the law does not
make it necessary for high priests to preside over branches, although they have
the right to preside when chosen by the branch.
No. 112. That the Bishop shall
publish in the Herald quarterly, an exhibit of all church moneys coming
into his hands, with the names of parties paying the same (unless otherwise
ordered), also a quarterly exhibit of all moneys disbursed, to whom or for what
purpose, except the names of the poor.
Adopted
April 11, 1870.
[Committee on Finance reported,
and the following concerning the Board of Publication was adopted]:
No. 113. That the officers of the
board be composed of a president (who shall be the President of the church), a
secretary, and a treasurer, who shall give suitable bonds for the faithful
performance of his duties, such as shall be agreed upon by the board.
That said board have the
management of the publication interests of the church, and shall publish
quarterly a statement of the financial condition of said board.
That the board be incorporated
according to the laws of the State of Illinois as the Board of Publication of
the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
That the Board of Publication
issue certificates of indebtedness in amounts of from five to fifty dollars
each, said certificates to be redeemable within five years from date of issue,
and none to be payable in less than one year, after which time said
certificates to draw legal rate of interest of the State in which said
certificate may be issued.
That all holders of said
certificates as issued by the Board of Publication may at their option after
the term of one year from date, take up publications issued by said board to
the amount in full of their certificates.
That an immediate contribution
of one dollar per head be asked by the board, of such as can possibly give it,
and that all presidents, whether of districts or branches, bring this before
their respective charges as early as possible.
Adopted
April 12, 1870.
No. 114. That this conference
recognize the movement being made in the Order of Enoch as a good one.
No. 115. That there be appointed
a Secretary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, whose duty it
shall be to sign all documents authorized by general provisions of General
Conference, to sign licenses and certificates issued by the First Presidency,
and to perform any and all other duties coming properly within the province of
an organized government.
No. 116. That Mark H. Forscutt be
that Secretary.
No. 117. That all presidents and
clerks of quorums be authorized to issue licenses to the members of their
respective quorums, and that the President and Secretary of the church be
authorized to issue licenses to the general officers of the church.
No. 118. That all branches of the
church should have all the names of their members on the General Church Record,
and that all the district conferences should attend to this duty in connection
with the branches.
Adopted
April 6, 1871.
No. 119. That we receive and
approve of all reports not objected to, without further motion.
Adopted
April 8, 1871.
No. 120. That the members of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints shall not be counted in good
standing who will contract debts without a fair prospect of being able to pay
the same.
No. 121. That it is understood by
the reading of paragraph 4, section 72, Book of Covenants, that all persons
removing are enjoined in every instance to take with them certificates of their
standing from the church where they had previously resided.
Adopted
April 10, 1871.
No. 122. That this conference
send out no elders to labor or represent this church except they are out of
debt, or make satisfaction with their creditors, and this to be a precedent to act
upon in the future.
No. 123. That the bishops have no
right to take accounts from elders who have collected money as tithing, and
have used the same without being authorized by the bishops to do so.
No. 124. That this conference
considers it very improper for branches to ordain men not belonging to their
branch or district, and more especially when it is done without the knowledge
or consent of the branch to which they belong, and that we hereby condemn all
such action as unwise, and request all churches to be governed by the spirit of
this resolution in the matter of ordinations in the future.
No. 125. That an appeal from the
decision of a branch to a quarterly district conference of which said branch
forms a part is proper, and should be had previous to an appeal to the High
Council, and that such appeal gives the district conference the right to
examine, and, if necessary, to retry all questions that may be so appealed.
No. 126. That this conference
proceed to appoint a publishing committee of five to carry on the printing and
publishing department, and that this committee shall proceed to organize and
commence business as speedily as possible, according to the law of the state of
Illinois.
No. 127. That the first
resolution of last Annual Conference as touching the officers of the Board of
Publication be amended by striking out the clause in parentheses, "who
shall be the President of the church," leaving the board to elect its own
president.
That the resolution as amended
be affirmed.
No. 128. That as the Sunday
school cause forms an important feature in the great work of the last days, the
officers and teachers thereof are hereby sustained in their calling to care for
the lambs of Israel's fold.
Adopted
September 22, 1871.
No. 129. That this conference
appoint and authorize a committee on music to compile a tune‑book for the
use of the church, adapted to the hymns and anthems in the Saints' Harp; that
said committee consist of members, to be nominated by the president of this
conference, who shall collect or write music, and forward it to the president
of the committee; that two years from the date of their appointment shall be
given for the compilation of the work that the money expended for music paper,
postage stamps, and necessary stationery, for the carrying out of this
resolution, not exceeding $50, be advanced by the Bishop from the general
church fund, and returned from the sales of books; that the committee report
progress through its president at each General Conference until the work be
completed, and that it then be at the disposal of the publishing committee of
the church, or the next ensuing General Conference.
Adopted
September 23, 1871.
No. 130. That this conference
does hereby reaffirm the decree of the Grand Council held at Kirtland, Ohio, in
1835, Joseph Smith, Jr., presiding, which council asserted the exclusive
jurisdiction of all branches, regarding the right to labor only by permission
within their own recognized limits.
No. 131. That all baptisms,
confirmations, ordinations, and blessings, which may be attended to in this
district, outside of branches, should be reported to the next ensuing district
conference thereafter, so they may be recorded in the General Church Record.
[Presented by the Northern Illinois District and adopted.]
No. 132. That in the opinion of
this conference the law of the Lord does not authorize the administration of
the ordinance for the healing of the sick to be performed by any person in the
church, except those holding the Melchisedek priesthood, and that any officer
teaching otherwise should be and is hereby reproved and instructed to teach
only what the word of God commands according to the spirit and letter of the
passage: "Is any sick among you, let him call for the ELDERS of the
church."
No. 133. That when a person,
already a member of the church is baptized to satisfy the demands of his
conscience, or because of informality in the first baptism, his membership and
his priesthood if he hold any priesthood, should be again confirmed upon him
by the laying on of hands.
No. 134. Whereas a diversity of
opinion exists among the spiritual authorities of the church in relation to a
resolution which passed at the Annual Conference of 1869, which reads:
"Resolved, That it is not
the true policy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, that the
Twelve shall control the funds of the church in the hands of the Bishop, but
that the Bishop shall be amenable to the General Conference alone;" it is
hereby resolved, That this conference reconsider that resolution.
Resolved, That the resolution
of General Annual Conference of 1869, respecting the authority of the Twelve,
in relation to tithing, be and is hereby repealed.
No. 135. That this conference
does hereby affirm the Appendix to the Epistle of the Quorum of the Twelve,
given October 7, l861, which reads: "ln order to place the church in a
position to carry on the promulgation of the gospel, and as a means of
fulfilling the law, the Twelve will take measures in connection with the
Bishop, to execute the law of tithing; and let them before God see to it, that
the temporal means so obtained is truly used for the purposes of the church,
and not as a weapon of power in the hands of one man for the oppression of
others, or for the purposes of self‑aggrandizement by any one, be he
whomsoever he may be. As I live, saith the Lord, in the manner ye execute this
matter, so shall ye be judged in the day of judgment," and recommend to
the Twelve and Presiding Bishop the issuing of such instructions as they may
deem proper for the more perfect execution of this law.
Adopted
April 8, 1872.
No. 136. That all questions for
the consideration of conference be presented in writing, except permissive
questions, motions for adjournment, motions determining the order of business,
or motions calling the question.
No. 137. That this conference
does hereby request every branch of the church throughout the world to forward
to the General Church Secretary an annual report, on or near the 31st of
December of each year, embracing all the items required by the Secretary for
each year, from January 1 to December 31 inclusive.
Adopted
April 9, 1872.
No. 138. That the church adopt
the order taught by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2, "Now
concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches
of Galacia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you
lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings
when I come;" and in the Book of Covenants, section 59, paragraph 2,
"Remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations
and thy sacraments, unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren,
and before the Lord," to raise moneys for legitimate church purposes. And
that, whereas we have assembled, believe that the church should put forth a
greater effort, financially, than in the past, therefore be it resolved, That
we consider it to be the duty of the presiding officers of missions, districts,
and branches to teach the law of tithing and free‑will offerings,
presidents of branches to act as the Bishop’s agents in collecting and
disbursing such tithing and offerings, keeping an account of all moneys
received and forwarding the same to the Bishop to carry on the work of the
ministry, etc.
No. 139. That in the event of any
suitable and effective minister desiring a foreign mission at any time when
General Conference is not in session, the First Presidency or the Quorum of the
Twelve are hereby authorized to grant them letters of appointment, the persons
so appointed to report to and labor under the direction of the president of the
mission where they may go.
No. 140. That in consequence of
the appointment of Bro. Mark H. Forscutt to the presidency of the English
Mission, he be released from the secretaryship of the church.
No. 141. That Bro. Henry
Goodcell, Jr., of California, be appointed to succeed Bro. Mark H. Forscutt as
General Church Secretary.
Adopted
September 14, 1872.
No. 142. That a Utah Chapel Fund
be established, and that contributions be solicited thereto, and that the
erection of a suitable building be authorized, said building to be erected as
soon as practicable. That the presidents of branches be requested to take up
collections immediately for the Utah Chapel Fund, and remit the same to Bishop
I. L. Rogers, and continue to do so until a sufficient amount be obtained.
Adopted
September 14, 15, 1872.
No. 143. The original Articles of
Incorporation of the Church under the laws of the state of Illinois. were
adopted.
[They are omitted here, because
of their length, and having been published formerly in pamphlet form, and
because superseded by the Articles of Association adopted April 10 and June 6, 1891; see Rules of Order and Debate, chapter 17.]
Adopted
April 9, 1873.
No. 144. That the two quarterly
reports of the Bishop made between the General Conferences, be considered his
semiannual report to said conference, and that all resolutions or parts of
resolutions conflicting with this resolution, be and are hereby repealed.
No. 145. Whereas, The String
Prairie and Nauvoo District conference at its last session, as published in the
Herald, adopted a resolution expressive of their opinion, to the effect,
that none had a legal right to vote on the business before the body except the
elders, or Melchisedec priesthood; and whereas, The General Conference of 1868,
resolved and decided affirmatively, "That all private members, male and
female, have a right to vote upon all questions that may be brought before the
General Conference;" it is hereby
Resolved, That this conference
considers the action of the String Prairie and Nauvoo District conference, on
the suffrage question, premature, and disrespectful to the entire body, and
that said conference is hereby respectfully requested to reconsider and rescind
said resolution at their next quarterly conference session.
Adopted
April 10, 1873.
No. 146. That in the opinion of
this conference, the organization of a quorum of elders in foreign lands is
impracticable, impolitic and unwarranted in the law of God.
That the names of all elders in
foreign lands should be enrolled in quorums in the land of Zion.
Adopted
April 11, 1873.
No. 147. That the Quorum of the
Twelve Apostles travel and labor in the ministry of the gospel, severally, as
directed by that quorum, under the direction of the First Presidency, according
to the revelations of God.
No. 148. That the mission which
now includes all the Southern States, be divided into at least two departments,
one to be known as the Southeastern Mission, bounded on the north by the Ohio
River and West Virginia and Pennsylvania; south by Gulf of Mexico; east by the
Atlantic Ocean, and west by Mississippi River. The other, bounded north by
Missouri and Kansas; south by the Gulf of Mexico; east by the Mississippi
River; west by Mexico and Colorado Territory, to be called the Southwestern
Mission.
Adopted
April 12, 1873.
No. 149. That Schuyler County,
Missouri, be added with Clark and Scotland counties to the String Prairie and
Nauvoo District.
No. 150. That the Quorum of
Seventy travel in the ministry and labor under the direction of the Traveling
High Council, according to the law of God.
No. 151. The high priests after
the order of the Melchisedec priesthood have a right to officiate in their own
standing under the direction of the Presidency, in administering spiritual
things.
No. 152. That high priests, when
traveling in the ministry, are subject to the direction of the Traveling High
Council.
No. 153. That this conference
accept and sustain Elder Joseph Smith as President of the High Priesthood of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, by virtue of which office he
is Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to the church.
Adopted
September 5, 1873.
No. 154. [The resignation of Bro.
Henry Goodcell as Church Secretary was accepted and he was released.]
Adopted
September 6, 1873.
No. 155. That this conference
order that the First Presidency and the Twelve, the Bishop and his counselors,
take steps to furnish for the church, suitable tracts for distribution, both in
America and in foreign lands; and that the expenses thereof be defrayed by the
Bishop.
No. 156. That the Emigration
Fund, now in the hands of the Bishop, be turned over to the general fund of the
church, subject to draft as per resolution creating the fund, when it shall be
required.
Adopted
April 7, 1874.
No. 157. That Utah, Idaho, Montana,
Wyoming and Colorado be stricken off the Pacific Slope Mission and constitute
a separate mission to be known as the Utah Mission. (In April, 1880, the name
was changed to the Rocky Mountain Mission. )
Adopted
April 8, 187.4.
No. 158. That should the brethren
of the church in Wales deem it wise to publish a periodical to circulate among
those speaking the Welsh tongue, we shall feel it to be a proper duty to give
such periodical what support we may do legitimately, without involving the
church pecuniarily.
No. 159. Elder Henry A. Stebbins
was unanimously chosen to the office of Church Recorder.
No. 160. That the elders of the
Quorum of Seventy use all practicable means to be at liberty to labor in their
calling, and that the tithing fund, as far as practicable, be applied for the
sustaining of their families while in the field.
No. 161. On motion . . . Bro.
John Scott was chosen Church Librarian.
No. 162. That hereafter all
motions offered to the house shall be put in writing, with the name of the
mover, except such as are privileged questions.
No. 163. A committee of three was
appointed to draft a style and form of church seal.
On the same day the committee
reported a design for the church seal, with legend, date, and motto as follows:
“‘Reorganized Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints.’ Emblem, a lion and a lamb lying down at rest.
Motto, ‘Peace.’ ‘Incorporated 1872'." The report was adopted, and the
committee empowered to purchase the seal.
Adopted
April 9, 1874.
No. 164. Whereas, The committee
on tracts appointed by the Semiannual Conference finds its labors restricted by
the absence of some portion of its number; and whereas, it is desirable and
necessary that the tracts contemplated by the appointment of said committee be
put in print as soon as possible; therefore be it
Resolved, That said committee
be continued; and that by and with the consent of its own members, be empowered
to act by any number that they may decide upon, as a subcommittee, to examine,
revise, and prepare for the press any and all manuscripts, tracts, and writings
now in their hands, or that may hereafter be written or offered to them in
pursuance of the resolution by which they were appointed; and that said
committee be requested to bring their labors to an early and effectual conclusion,
as contemplated by their appointment.
Adopted
April 10, 1874.
No. 165. Whereas, There is a
great necessity for a history of the rise and progress of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints, in order that all who desire can have correct and
suitable information in relation to said church, therefore be it
Resolved, That a committee of
three be appointed by this conference to collate, write, compile, and edit said
history at an early date as practicable.
No. 166. That we recognize the
necessity of a call for a General Assembly of all the quorums of the church
authorities, so far as practicable, and we refer this matter to the President
of the Church, praying that the Lord may direct respecting the proper time and
place for said meeting. We further believe that the President has a right to
call the meeting contemplated in this resolution.
Adopted
April 11, 1874.
No. 167. That the Board of
Publication be and are hereby empowered to purchase all books as are deemed
necessary for church purposes, the same to be paid by the church, and such
purchases not to exceed seventy‑five dollars per annum.
No. 168. That in distinguishing
between official and nonofficial members, the term lay member be not
used.
No. 169. That until a Church
Secretary be appointed, the Church Recorder be authorized to act, ex officio,
in case occasion so require.
Adopted
April 8, 1875.
No. 170. That the Church Recorder
be Church Secretary also.
Adopted
April 10, 1875.
No. 171. That it is the opinion of
this assembly that the gospel is to be offered to all mankind, irrespective of
color, nationality, sex, or condition in life; and that elders in Christ are
not justified in making, or insisting on being made, any separation in church
privileges, worship or sacrament, other than is made in the church articles and
revelations in regard to ministerial ordinations and labor; and that we advise
all officers of the church to be governed by the spirit and tenor of this
teaching and this resolution.
No. 172. Whereas, Believing, that
the bread and wine used at the sacrament are simply blessed for the use of
those who at the time, and with an understanding of its purpose, partake of it,
in no way relating to its subsequent use, therefore be it
Resolved, That we rescind a
former resolution of General Conference making necessary the passing of the
bread until all be taken.
No. 173. That it is the duty of
the Quorum of the Twelve to take charge of all important missions, especially
those to foreign countries.
No.174. That the law of tithing
is binding upon the church in its scattered condition.
No. 175. That in the opinion of
this body, this church has no right to subvert the liberties of its members by
prohibiting their membership with what is known as “a secret society,” unless
such society shall first be condemned by either a decision of the General
Assembly of the church, or by the law of the land.
Adopted
April 9 and 10, 1875.
No. 176. Whereas, The impression
seems to be gaining ground, and it is believed that this impression results
from the prevalence of the spirit of the gathering, that the circumstances of
the country and the condition of the church indicate the time is come that
there should be a gathering of the Saints into a more centralized condition,
and that such centralization is demanded by the necessities of the church and
the genius of the latter‑day work; and
Whereas, The spiritual
condition is favorable to such gathering; and whereas, Such a gathering
contemplates the centralizing of the chief authorities of the church at as
early a day as practicable, in order to the more effectual work of the
ministry, and building up of the Church of Christ and the locating of the
"Publishing Department," press and fixtures within the limits of such
gathering place; therefore, be it
Resolved, That a standing
committee of five be appointed by this conference, whose duty it shall be to
select and make such location as is contemplated in the foregoing preamble and
arrange for and effect the purchase of lands, locate a town site, and perform
such other acts as are consistent with the making of such locations, and
consummating such purchases; and that said committee make report of their
labor; to a General Conference of the church at as early a time as they shall
deem prudent.
Adopted
September 10, 1876.
No. 177. That Brn. P. Cadwell, H.
J. Hudson, and J. M. Briggs are hereby appointed a committee to draft a
petition for the consideration of this conference, asking Congress to
inaugurate more decisive measures in the suppression of misrule and tyranny in
Utah, embodying such statements of fact and documentary evidence as the
interests of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
demand; that the world may be warranted in believing that Mormonism does not
indorse nor favor in any degree the criminal policy of Brigham Young and
assistants; and further, that we request the press of the United States to keep
the matter before the public continually, and to make such statements as are
due us as a corporate body, desiring the welfare of our beloved country, and
the just and supreme administration of the laws thereof.
Committee
report adopted April 12, 1876.
No. 178. Report of the committee
on Memorial to Congress being called for, Bro. Jason W. Briggs verbally
reported that after it had been approved by the First Presidency it had been
sent to the member from this congressional district the Hon. Alexander
Campbell, and his reply was read:
House
of Representatives, WASHINGTON, D. C.,
March 2, 1876.
Elder J. W. Briggs, Plano, Illinois,
Dear Sir: Your letter, petition and Memorial reached me in due course of the
mails, and were this day referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. They would
have been presented when they came to hand, but I was in doubt as to whether
they should be referred to Committee on Territories or on the Judiciary. I
called on Mr. Page this morning and learned from him that his bill was referred
to the Judiciary Committee, consequently I had the Memorial, &c., sent to
that Committee, which hope will be satisfactory.
I am very truly
yours,
A. CAMPBELL.
Also the following:
Extract from the Congressional
Globe for March 3, 1876:
Presented by Mr. Campbell.
Memorial of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in
Conference assembled at Council Bluffs, Iowa, that more decisive measures be
inaugurated in the suppression of alleged misrule and tyranny in Utah, referred
to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Conference accepted the report
and discharged the committee.
MEMORIAL
TO CONGRESS.
From a Committee of the
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, petitioning Congress
to inaugurate more decisive measures in the suppression of misrule and tyranny
in Utah; setting forth, with documentary evidence, that the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints does in no wise favor the criminal policy of
Brigham Young, etc., etc., etc.
To their Excellencies, the
President and Vice President; and the Honorable Senate and House of
Representatives, of the United States, in Congress Assembled:
At the Semiannual Conference
of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, held at Council
Bluffs, Iowa, on the eighth day of September, 1875, the following resolution
was adopted:
Resolved, That Phineas Cadwell,
H. J. Hudson and Jason W. Briggs be hereby appointed a committee to draft a
petition for the consideration of this conference asking Congress to inaugurate
more decisive measures in the suppression of misrule and tyranny in Utah,
embodying such statements of fact and documentary evidence as the interests of
the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints demand; that the
world may be warranted in believing that "Mormonism" does not indorse
nor favor in any degree the criminal policy of Brigham Young and assistants,
and further that we request the press of the United States to keep the matter
before the public continually, and make such statements that are due us a
corporate body, which desires the welfare of our beloved country and the just
and supreme administration of the laws thereof.
The committee to whom was
referred the foregoing resolution, would most respectfully present for your
consideration, and action, the necessity for "Congress to inaugurate more
decisive measures in the suppression of misrule and tyranny in Utah." That
there is a distinctive line of demarcation between the tenets and practices of
the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, under the leadership
of Joseph Smith, and those under the leadership of Brigham Young, in Utah, has
been fully set forth before your honorable body in a former memorial, and
presented to the Senate of the United States by the Hon. Lyman Trumbull, May 5,
1870, and was referred to the Committee on Territories.
Your Memorialists do not deem
it necessary to recapitulate those doctrines at this time; but in brief, would
say that in Utah, "doctrines are held and practiced which are at variance
with the proper usages of civilized nations, and opposed to the law of our
common country;” whilst on the other hand, "we do most fully, freely, and
unreservedly affirm, that there is nothing required by the law or polity of
the church, that can render its
members violators of the laws of the land in any of their legal provisions.”
We would respectfully
represent that from our knowledge of the teachings and practices of the leaders
of the Utah church organization, it is opposed to all free governments, and
especially to the government of the United States; in proof of which we refer
to the following declarations from their leading men, and published by
themselves:
“Our ecclesiastical government
is the government of heaven, and incorporates all governments in earth and hell.
It is the fountain, the mainspring, the source of all light, power and
governments that ever did, or ever will exist. It circumscribes the governments
of this world." ──
Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 141.
"The kingdom of God is an
order of government established by divine authority. It is the only legal
government that can exist in any part of the universe. All other governments
are illegal and unauthorized ──
any people attempting to govern themselves by laws of their own making and by
officers of their own appointment are in direct rebellion against the kingdom
of God." ──
Orson Pratt's Kingdom of God, part 1, page 1.
And in accordance with the
above teachings, the government of the United States is considered illegal; and
in Utah, an intruder. In proof of which, we refer to the forcible resistance to
the entry of United States troops and federal officers, and the obstacles
thrown in the way of the Federal Courts, and the constant evasion of the United
States law.
We further represent, that in
accordance with the foregoing statement of belief respecting all governments,
(except their own,) being illegal; it is held, that oaths administered by
officers of such courts, or governments, are not binding upon jurors, or witnesses
and to this may be attributed the
well known fact that not one
criminal in fellowship with that "ecclesiastical government," in
Utah, has ever been found guilty and punished by jurors in the same fellowship,
however clear the evidence has been; and that it is the cherished design, and
hope of these leaders, to throw off, what they call the shackles of the United
States; and to this end they urge the emigration to Utah of all their
adherents,
which are mainly of foreign
birth, and from the humbler class; who, on arriving in Utah, are sent into the
far off settlements, that they may not come in contact with any who entertain
other views. The results are, that communities are forming, and the young are
growing up, all over the Territory, with just such sentiments respecting the
Government as its sworn enemies and haters inculcate. And while no territorial
statute law exists in Utah regulating marriage, there do exist territorial laws
respecting property; which, by the ruling of the Probate Courts, places the
wives of Utah, and their children, upon a level with mistresses and their
illegitimate children; and, under certain circumstances, discriminating in
favor of the latter, against the former; the design of which, is apparent; viz,
to disarm and discourage the wife, and protect polygamy. Further; that the mail
service is practically abridged to publishers of newspapers and periodicals
opposed to this polygamous oligarchy, at some post offices through which it is
impossible to transmit such mail matter, with regularity and certainty;
preeminent among them, is the post office at Ogden.
We, your memorialists, while
representing the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
throughout the United States; we, also, represent those members of the said
church now resident in Utah, which constitutes no inconsiderable part of the
population of that Territory, as before stated, in common with those of other
sects, and of no sect; have felt, and still feel, the pernicious effects of
unwarranted and unnatural union of Church and State, sought to be forced upon
us by an oligarchy of priests; who, declaring against human governments, assume
to be the government of God, and rule the legislature and territorial courts,
to the detriment of all law‑abiding citizens.
We ask on the part of
(Congress) your Honorable Body:
Firstly: An examination of the
statutes of Utah; and the disapproval of all such enactments as are
inconsistent with the
Constitution and laws of the United States, justice and republicanism in its
true sense.
Secondly; To provide for the
untrammeled exercise of the right of franchise, by disallowing the present
practice of so marking the ballot, and numbering the votes as to show how each
votes.
Thirdly; To so amend the jury law,
as to exclude from the jury box, such as are confederates with
criminals on trial; this would,
among other results, throw open to actual settlers thousands of acres of land
now fraudulently held by Brigham Young, and others of the ruling oligarchy in Utah.
Fourthly; The placing of the
post offices in the hands of persons who recognize the authority of the
Government, and the sanctity of
the oath of office.
And we further implore
Congress to apply the needed remedy for the "suppression of misrule and
tyranny in Utah," and thus
bring to justice criminals of every character; as Congress has the
unquestioned power to legislate
over the Territories.
And for the peace, prosperity,
and perpetuity of the Government of the United States of America, we, your
memorialists, will ever pray.
P. CADWELL,
H. J. HUDSON,
J. W. BRIGGS,
Committee.
Adopted
September 10, 1875.
No. 179. That the Board of
Publication be authorized to furnish Heralds and Hopes for the
European Mission at the cost of publication. That said bills be referred to the
Bishopric for adjustment and payment in the future.
No. 180. That each organized
district of the church and each branch not in an organized district,
throughout the world be requested
to make out an annual statistical report, covering and designating all changes
up to the last day of the week.
Adopted
September 11, 1875.
No. 181. That until it shall be
otherwise decided by revelation or act of a General Assembly, the ordination of
seventies prior to April, 1873, shall be held as legal, and those so ordained
authorized
to act as such officers; but that
this action does not warrant the further ordinations of seventies except as
provided by the rules and precedents of the April session of 1873; and further
that it be ordered that the secretary of the quorum record the names and issue
licenses to those seventies acting under the ordination referred to in the
reorganization.
Adopted
April 6, 1876.
No. l82. That said book be
adopted as a manual of practice and Rules of Order and Debate to govern the
legislative assemblies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Adopted
April 8, 1876.
No. 183. Whereas, The members of
the church have not sufficiently responded to the call of the locating
committee in furnishing the means adequate for the purchase of land for the
location of the press, and the gathering together more closely the spiritual
authorities of the church; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the report be
accepted, [except that portion which relates of the appointment of another
committee.] and that the money already in the hands of the committee be
refunded.
Adopted
April 10, 1876.
No. 184. Whereas, The Articles of
Incorporation of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints locate the present
business center of the church at Plano, Illinois, and
Whereas, Provisions are made
in said Articles of Incorporation for the changing of said business center to
some other place; and,
Whereas, We believe that upon
grounds of economy, convenience, the common good, and a wise reference to
coming wants of the church, such change should be made at an early day;
Therefore be it resolved, That
this conference does hereby recommend that active steps be taken by those
having the matter in charge, to make such change, at such time, and to such
place, as they in their wisdom may think best.
Adopted
April 11, 1876.
No. 185. Whereas, Much
unpleasantness has occurred through members leaving one branch, and joining
another without a certificate of membership; therefore, be it
Resolved, That members leaving
one branch, shall not be permitted to join another without a certificate of
membership.
Adopted
April 12, 1876.
No. 186. That this conference
look with favor upon effort to build a chapel, as a house of worship, in Salt
Lake City, when found practicable, and that we will encourage erection.
No. 187. Whereas, The conferences
in the past have firmed that there is at present no place of gathering,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That any elder
teaching contrary to the resolutions of General Conference is censurable.
Adopted
October 7, 1876.
No. 188. That the practice of
citing members to trial, on their church membership, through the Herald,
be discontinued.
Adopted
October 9, 1876.
No. 189. That the action of the
session of April, 1870. Be amended by making the meetings of the Board of
Publication half yearly instead of quarterly, and by inserting the may
before the word issue, in regard to certificates of indebtedness
authorized. [Substance of action on committee reports.]
No. 190. Whereas, the committee
on music has repeatedly failed to report to the General Conference; and,
whereas, it is important that the work assigned them be performed, therefore it
is hereby resolved, That the present committee be released from further duty.
No. l91. That this conference
reaffirm a resolution passed by the Annual Conference of 1871, touching the
Sunday school cause, which reads, That the Sunday school cause forms an
important
feature in the work of the last
days, and the officers and teachers thereof are hereby sustained; and
furthermore it is hereby
Resolved, That we request
the presidents of branches, throughout the world, to use their utmost endeavors
to organize Sunday schools in their respective branches, and to make reports to
their several district conferences of the condition and progress of said
schools; and that districts make reports to the Annual Conference; and that
presidents of districts and the traveling ministry be also requested to use
their influence to establish and sustain Sunday schools.
No. l92. That this conference
reaffirm the resolution passed at The semiannual conference of 1875, . . . that
the districts and scattered branches make statistical reports but once a year;
the resolution, hereby reaffirmed, reading as follows: Resolved, That each
organized district of the church, and each branch not in an organized district,
throughout the world, be and are hereby requested to make out regularly full
annual statistical reports, covering and designating all changes up to the last
day of each year.
No. 193. That a committee on
music be now appointed, and that M. H. Forscutt be the chairman thereof, with
power to choose two assistants.
No. 194. That the Bishop be, and
hereby is, instructed to report to the General Conference whether
the necessary measures have been
taken to have the title of the Kirtland Temple transferred to the church corporation,
as provided for in Article six of the Articles of Incorporation of the church.
Adopted
April 7, 1877.
No. 195. That the Bishop be, and
is hereby instructed to pay all moneys now in his hands for the
Utah chapel to the present
building committee, on their order.
Adopted
April 9, 1877.
No. 196. That the committee, who
have labored so diligently in this matter, complete the tune book, and submit
the same to the Board of Publication for their further investigation before
publishing the same. That when the Board of Publication have determined upon
what form they will publish the tune book they will give notice through the
columns of the Herald.
Adopted
April 10, 1877.
No. 197. That this conference
request the Board of Publication to issue in pamphlet form the article written
by Bro W. H. Kelley, and published, some time since, in the Herald
entitled "Presidency and priesthood," subject to revision by Bro. W.
H. Kelley, if desired.
No. 198. Whereas, B. Winchester's
"Synopsis of the Holy Scriptures" has proven a benefit to many in the
search of truth, therefore be it
Resolved, That a committee of
three be appointed to consider the advisability and practicability of
republishing said synopsis or a revision of it, or a similar one, and report at
this or the next General Conference.
Adopted
April 11, 1877.
No. 199. Whereas, The General
Conferences have the power to authorize the organization of quorums, Resolved,
there fore, That said conferences have the power, and the right also, to
authorize such changes or transfers of the members of such quorums as the
interests of the church may demand.
No. 200. That hereafter the
Bishop be requested to incorporate with his annual reports a list of all real
estate deeded to the church from time to time.
Adopted
April 12, 1877.
No. 201. The Presidency presented
their replies to the matters referred to them yesterday.
First one read:
To the Brethren in Conference
Assembled: Whereas, A certain elder and priest having been ordained by an elder
whom they subsequently thought to be an unworthy man at the time of said
ordination, and feeling dissatisfied with their ordinations and their
usefulness in the church being impaired thereby, they have requested me to
present to the General Conference such questions as would cause such action to
be taken as shall remove from their minds the present doubts regarding the
validity of said ordinations, all of which is respectfully submitted.
Signed, J. S. PATTERSON..
To the Conference of the Reorganized
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in session at Plano, Illinois: The
Presidency to whom the question couched in the affixed paper, referred by you
on yesterday, submit:
We decide that the legality
of the ordinations referred to is not affected by the subsequent feelings of
the parties so ordained; but, in order that unanimity of feeling and action may
be obtained, we deem it proper, or permissible, that such ordinations may be
reconferred by the direction and action of the branch, or district conferences
to which the parties belong, a record of such reconferring of authority by
reordination to be kept by the branch or district.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH
SMITH
W. W. BLAIR,
Of the Presidency.
PLANO, ILLINOIS. April 12, 1877.
Upon motion the report and
recommendations were adopted..
No. 202. The following was read:
Whereas, I have been informed
by the president of the London (Canada) Branch, that two elders (at a time when
they were silenced) did profess to have received revelation commanding or
instructing them to seal up to eternal life a young sister of said branch,
which command they did put into action by performing something like an
ordinance, we therefore present this paper to the conference, desiring that the
matter be investigated, as to the nature of the ordinance, and also as to the
rights of elders to perform such ordinances, if such there be in the church.
Signed,
JOHN S. PATTERSON
To the Conference of the
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Session at Plano,
Illinois: The First Presidency, to whom your honorable body referred the
question respecting "sealing unto eternal life," propounded in the
paper attached hereto, submit the following in reply: We know of no law of
the church creating or authorizing “sealing up to eternal life," as an
ordinance; other than such sealing as may be found in the "laying on of
hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost," in confirming members into the
church. We therefore decide that such persons as may have performed such a rite
supposed to be one of "sealing unto life," as an ordinance of the
church, have erred, but such error is not of such a nature as to become a crime
against the law governing the church, as the fact of such "sealing up unto
eternal life" cannot be determined as to its truth, or falsity,
except at the judgment day, when
the acts of all are to appear for arbitration and decision; therefore the act
of those men referred to in the inquiry submitted to us, and of which complaint
is made, is not such an act as demands official inquiry and condemnation.
While this is our decision,
we decide, while there is no ordinance of the kind referred to known to the
law, the written law of the church, it. is therefore of the things of the
unwritten law, if the right exists at all to seal up unto eternal life , other
than in confirmation by the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost,
the performance of such an ordinance, or the solemnizing of such a rite is of
doubtful propriety, and should in no case be done except upon unqualified directions
of the Spirit. Further, that elders should not teach nor Practice such rites as
a rule of the church
All of which is respectfully
submitted.
JOSEPH SMITH,
WM. W. BLAIR,
Of the First Presidency
Done at PLANO, ILLINOIS, April 12, 1877.
Resolved, That the conference
adopt said report as the voice of the body.
Adopted
September 22, 1877.
No. 203. Whereas, We believe that
the History of Joseph Smith as contained in the Times and Seasons,
and in other publications of the church, should be revised and published by the
Reorganized Church in book form, therefore be it be Resolved, That a
committee be appointed to prepare it for publication. [Substance of item
reported by the Board of Publication and adopted.]
Adopted
April 8, 1878.
No. 204. That the report [of the
music committee] be received and the committee; discharged, with instructions
that all matter in their hands belonging to the church be turned over to the
Bishop.
Adopted
April 9, 1878.
No. 205. That the report of the
committee on Winchester's Synopsis be referred to the Board of Publication,
with instructions to revise and enlarge in such manner as will best serve the
use of the church, and that they publish the same when practicable, in the name
of the church.
Adopted
April 10,.1878.
No. 206. That those having charge
of church property be required to value the same and forward to the Bishop the
report of such valuation, and that all property not yet deeded to the church,
as given in the Bishop's report, be alike valued, and proper deeds made, as
provided in the church articles.
Adopted
April 11, 1878.
No. 207. That section 169, chapter
13, Book of Rules, be affirmed by this conference, as the proper construction
to be put upon the church law respecting the powers of elders' courts, as
stated therein, and that we enjoin its observance.
Adopted
April 12, 1878.
No. 208. That the Bishop, the
legal trustee of the church, be authorized and instructed by this conference to
take the proper steps to secure the church In its rights to said property
[Kirtland Temple].
Adopted
April.13, 1878.
No. 209. That at the present time
or hereafter, the First Presidency be excused from sitting on committees, if so
desired by them.
Adopted
September 11, 1878.
No. 210. That the law of tithing
as given in the revelation of 1838, and referred to in the revelation of 1861,
is applicable to the church in its present condition, and should be observed.
No. 211. That the building of
houses of worship in the various branches of the church is in keeping with the
law, and an excellent aid to the preaching of the word.
No. 212. That all baptisms,
in order to be legal, must be legal, must be done by both the administrator and
the candidate going down into the water, according to the instructions in the
Bible, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants; and if there are any now
numbered with the Church who have received the ordinance with any less than the
above requirements, that they are hereby required to receive the administration
of the ordinance in the above form
Adopted
September 13, 1878.
No. 213. That the music committee
(Brn. M. H. Forscutt, N. W; Smith, and J. T. Kinnaman, discharged last April)
be reappointed, with Bro. S. I. Smith added to the number, and that we
recommend that the work be given to the public at as early a day as
practicable; Further, That said committee are requested to report to the Board
of Publication their work and its accomplishment as early as practicable, the
committee being authorized to retain the books and documents in their hands.
[Statement of substance of committee report adopted.]
No. 214. That this body, representing
the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, does hereby
authoritatively indorse the Holy Scriptures, as revised, corrected and
translated by the Spirit of revelation, by Joseph Smith, Jr., the Seer, and as
published by the church we represent.
No. 215. That this body,
representing the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
recognize the Holy Scriptures, the Book of Mormon, the revelations of God
contained in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and all other revelations
which have been or shall be revealed through God's appointed prophet, which
have been or may be hereafter accepted by the church as the standard of
authority on all matters of church government and doctrine, and the final
standard of reference on appeal in all controversies arising or which may arise
in this Church of Christ.
No. 216. Whereas, We accept the
revelations heretofore given to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, through the present presiding officer thereof, as being the
word of the Lord to his church, equally with those published in the Book of
Doctrine and Covenants; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the revelations
received by the President of the church in 1861, 1863, and 1865, be received as
from God, authoritative and binding on us as a body; and in connection with the
revelation of 1873, that they be hereafter compiled with that book.
No. 217. That this body declares
that the use of tobacco is expensive, injurious and filthy, and that it should
be discouraged by the ministry.
No. 218. That the building
committee of the Utah chapel, or other competent body, be requested to send a
report of all receipts and expenditures, to the next April conference, and that
said committee be also requested to say whether or not they think the building
of the chapel expedient and should be continued.
Adopted
April 9, 1879.
No. 219. Whereas, The present
system of reporting the church finances by the Bishop and agents is not
uniform, neither satisfactory, but is discriminating and partial, in that the
means received by the Bishop direct, is properly itemized and reported through
the Herald, giving the names of the parties paying in the means and to
whom paid, but that which is paid to the agents is not itemized in their
reports, neither the names of the donors, nor of the ones to whom money is
paid, but only the aggregate is given, therefore be it
Resolved, That we require of
the Bishop of the church a report through the Herald, or in a supplement
sheet, an itemized report of the means received and paid out by the agents,
with the names of the donors and to whom paid, and that this report be made
annually.
Adopted
April 11, 1879.
No. 220. That it is the opinion
of this conference that when a member has been legally excommunicated from the
church, he can be received back into the fold only through the door, baptism.
Adopted
September 25, 1879.
No. 221. That the labors of the
music committee be accepted and that they be discharged; that Bro. M. H. Forscutt
be appointed musical editor, and that the material in the hands of the
committee be turned over to him; that measures be at once taken to prepare the
manuscript for publication by said musical editor; that the book be published
as soon as the Board of Publication may direct and that it be called the
Saints' Harmony. [Summary of part of committee's report amended and adopted.]
Adopted
September 29, 1879.
No. 222. The report of the First
Presidency, concerning the resolution from Decatur District, in reference to
the Book of Doctrine and Covenants was read and adopted as expressing the view
of the conference:
To the Elders and Saints in
Conference Assembled, Greeting: In the matter of preamble and resolution from
the Decatur District, referred to us on a previous day of the session, we beg
leave and submit:
It is our opinion that the
free rendering and meaning of the resolution passed at the semiannual session
of 1878, and referred to in said resolution from Decatur District, is that:
Whereas, Certain rumors had
obtained currency that the church had not at any time so attested the Book of
Doctrine and Covenants, and the later revelations given to the church, by vote
and affirmation, that they should form with the Bible and the Book of Mormon, a
standard of reference in case of controversy and difference of opinion upon
questions of doctrine and practice in the church; therefore to remedy this
defect if it existed, the resolution referred to was introduced and passed.
We are further of the opinion,
that it is not the intent and meaning of the said resolution to make a belief
in the revelations in the Book of Covenants, or the abstract doctrines possibly
contained in it, a test of reception and fellowship in the church; but
that the things therein contained relating to the doctrine, rules of procedure
and practice in the church; should govern the ministry and elders as
representatives of the church.
We are further of the opinion,
that, while it is not intended, or indeed practicable to bind or proscribe the
liberty of conscience, whereby violence is done to the honesty and integrity of
the people by prescribing dogmas and tenets other than the plain provisions of
the gospel, as affirmed in the New Testament, Book of Mormon and Doctrine and
Covenants, and set forth in the Epitome of Faith and Doctrine; it is clear to
us that it is destructive to the faith of the church, and inconsistent with the
calling and dignity of the ministry, to decry, disclaim, preach or teach
contrary to the revelations in said Book of Covenants, or to arraign them in
such a way that the faith of the people of the church is weakened and they
thereby distressed.
We are further of the opinion,
that the elders should confine their teaching to such doctrines and tenets,
church articles and practices, a knowledge of which is necessary to obedience
and salvation; and that in all questions upon which there is much controversy,
and upon which the church has not clearly declared, and which are not
unmistakably essential to salvation, the elders should refrain from teaching;
or if called upon, in defense of the church, or when wisdom should dictate,
they should so clearly discriminate in their teaching between their own views
and opinions, and the affirmations and defined declarations of the church that
they shall not be found antagonizing their own and others' views as a conflict
in teaching upon the part of the church.
We are further of the opinion,
that the advancing of speculative theories upon abstruse questions, a belief,
or disbelief in which cannot affect the salvation of the hearers is a
reprehensible practice; and should not be indulged in by the elders; especially
should this not be done in those branches where personal antagonisms must
inevitably arise, to the hindering of the work of grace; and should be reserved
for the schools of inquiry among the elders themselves.
We are further of the opinion,
that until such time as vexed questions now pending are definitely settled by
the competent quorums of the church the discussion of them should be avoided in
all places where the elders labor, in the world and in the branches, and should
only be had in solemn conclave when necessary to examine them for settlement,
under proper rules of restraint.
J. SMITH,
W. W. BLAIR,
Presidency
GALLANTS GROVE, September 29, 1879.
No. 223. That President J. Smith,
and those whom he may call to his aid shall he a committee to prepare and
present to the publishers of the Encyclopedia Britannica, Johnson's, and other
encyclopedias, an article setting forth the lending facts touching the rise and
progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, embracing its
distinctive doctrines and principles.
No. 224 That no quorum is
authorized to enroll a brother without his consent.
No. 225. Whereas; The
constitution of the Board of Publication requires the Bishop to nominate the
members of the board; and whereas, In the opinion of this conference it would
be in harmony with the spirit of his office, that he be one of the members of
that board; and whereas, further, We believe him to be eminently qualified for
the position, be it
Resolved, That we hereby
request him to act as a member of that board.
Adopted
April 8, 1880.
No. 226. That in the opinion of
this conference the ministry who neglect or refuse to be members of branches or
districts, are disqualified for serving on missions.
Adopted
April 10, 1880.
No. 227. Whereas, We believe that
the practice of dropping the names of absent members from the branch rolls
works injury to the cause and confusion to the Church Record, therefore be it
Resolved, That this conference
instruct that the names of all scattered members be retained on the branch
rolls; and that branch clerks hereafter be required to report the number of
resident and the number of scattered members; until such scattered members be
removed from the rolls according to law concerning the granting of letters of
removal.
That hereafter blank reports
for branches be so changed by adding blank space providing for so reporting.
And we further recommend that
an Assistant Church Recorder be appointed, or that we empower the Recorder to
select such assistant. [Preamble in foregoing summarized from lengthy report.]
Adopted
April 12, 1880.
No. 228. Whereas, The extended
growth of the church in the various States and Territories of the United States
and in all parts of the world, separates its membership by distances of
hundreds and thousands of miles from each other, and renders any one place of
meeting in a body for the transaction of general church business impracticable,
and
Whereas, By reason of this
and other obstacles, it is impossible to secure the presence of members and
officers at the general church gatherings in such numbers as to obtain the
consent, and a fair and true expression of the will of the entire church on
questions which arise in the transaction of the business of the same, and
Whereas, The only General
Assembly of the church as at present represented are its General Conferences,
which fail to afford an effectual means of ascertaining the general wishes and
expressions of the church at large, by reason of the danger of advantages being
taken to defeat the will of the body as a church by persons unscrupulous or
ambitious influencing the masses who form the majority of the present voting
membership in the localities where such conferences are, or may be held, and
Whereas, It is necessary and
desirable to obtain the full and free expression of the entire church
membership upon all questions of general interest relating to the transaction
of the business of the church and thereby maintain inviolate the great
principle held sacred by all free men, viz: "Action by common consent
under the law," and
Whereas, Under the laws of the
church we recognize the right of the body to adopt such rules and regulations
in the calling and organization of General Conferences as shall tend to
subserve the general good and advance the highest interests of the whole body,
therefore be it
1. Resolved, by the General
Conference now assembled at Plano, Illinois, That all conferences and
assemblies which shall hereafter he held for the transaction of business for
the church as a whole, whether such conference or assembly be special or
annual, shall be composed of members having one or more of the following
qualifications: (1) Persons ex officio members of such conference or
assembly. (2) Members made such by reason of their being under appointment from
General Conference. (3) Delegates to General Conferences. Provided however,
that nothing herein contained, shall relate to, or prevent the calling of a
conference of the quorums of the church for the transaction of business as
authorized by the laws of the church, the General Assembly, proper, and
provided further, that nothing herein shall prevent any quorum of the church
transacting such business as may legally come before it and the right to
present the same to such General Conference or Assembly for its action thereon.
2. Resolved that a committee
of five (of whom the President of the church shall be the chairman) be
appointed by the president of this conference to arrange and report a system of
representation in accordance with the foregoing preambles and resolution.
A motion to defer was made and
amended, the whole reading as follows:
Resolved, That these preambles
and resolutions be spread Upon the record, and their further consideration be
laid over till the next meeting of the conference, but the committee shall be
appointed at this conference, and requested to report at the next fall
conference.
No. 229. That the Board of
Publication is hereby requested to have the Concordance and Reference Guide
revised and printed in or bound with the Book of Covenants, omitting from said
concordance, etc., only such revelations as were ordered by the last fall
conference to be hereafter added to the Book of Covenants.
Adopted
September 16, 1880.
No. 230. Whereas, first, The
revelations accepted by the church make it the duty of the church to liberate
the hands of the Twelve and the Seventy; and
Whereas, second, The Twelve
and the Seventy, as the especial witnesses of the church to the world, should
first go as missionaries into all the world, and
Whereas, third, We believe that
the funds of the general church treasury should be first used to supply the
families of the Twelve and Seventy, before the families of the high priests,
elders or priests are supplied, or money employed to send high priests, elders
or priests to distant fields of labor, therefore be it hereby.
Resolved, 1st, That no member
of this, or of any quorum other than that of the Twelve and Seventy, should be
sent out as missionaries under General Conference appointment, until all
members of these two quorums shall have been sent, or shall have been excused
for cause by proper authority, or shall have positively declined to go.
2d. That the members of the
Twelve and the Seventy should be all assigned to missionary labor, in harmony
with the law; the funds of the church be used for the prosecution of their
missions, and the support of their families.
3d. That if the number of the
Twelve and Seventy are insufficient to supply demands for general ministerial
labor, and there be funds to sustain other families than those of these
quorums, then members of other quorums may be chosen and sent by General
Conference, and their families also supplied from the church treasury,
impartially, with the families of the Twelve and the Seventy. (Above article
presented by the High Priests' Quorum.)
No. 231. Whereas, The general
church funds have heretofore been used in sending out elders and priests as
missionaries, instead of sending those whom the law directs as the proper ones
who should have precedence; therefore be it
Resolved, That we recommend to
this conference that the funds for missionary purposes be used to release,
first, the quorums of the Twelve and Seventy, who should, properly, be the
general and leading missionaries of the church to the world as the law directs.
(Above presented by the Quorum
of Seventy.)
No. 232. Whereas, Action has been
had that moneys shall only be paid out of the church treasury to members of the
Quorum of the Twelve and of the Seventy; therefore, be it
Resolved, That if there are
any elders laboring in distant fields who are not members of the above quorums,
they shall receive, if necessary, aid to return home.
Adopted
September 19, 1880.
No. 233. Whereas, Injury may
result to the cause and perhaps also to individuals, in that the labors of some
of the ministry may be lessened through misunderstanding as to the action of
this conference in regard to sending only the Twelve and the Seventy into the
field (unless sufficient means be in the church treasury to do otherwise),
therefore be it
Resolved, That those of the
ministry who were under General Conference appointment, but who are not named
in the list of missions appointed at this session, neither have been
individually released, nor otherwise provided for, are hereby recommended to
district and mission authorities and conferences for appointment, either in
those fields to which they were formerly assigned by the General Conference, or
to other districts and regions where they may profitably work; and we also
recommend such authorities or conferences to receive them in the same spirit as
though they were sent by the General Conference; and furthermore we recommend
that such districts and missions sustain such laborers with the necessary
means, so far as is practicable and just, and this in order that the work of
God may be prosecuted with no less vigor and success than has been heretofore.
And we also recommend that all others who can labor to the benefit of the
cause, be also in like manner appointed and sustained, according as the Spirit
may direct and means and circumstances may justify or permit.
Adopted
April 12, 1881.
No. 234.
REPORT
OF COMMITTEE ON REPRESENTATION.
To the Conference in Session
Assembled: Your Committee on Representation, beg leave and report:
Whereas, The method and fact
of church representation in General Conferences, as at present practiced, seem
not to be within the law, and are made inadequate to secure the common consent
contemplated in that law. Therefore,
Resolved, That a more clearly
defined method of representation should be adopted, and that to secure that
system your committee recommended [recommend?] the adoption of the following
rules on Representation:
1. That the general officers
of the church known as the Presidency, the Twelve, the High Council, the
Seventy and the Bishopric (proper), are ex officio members of
conference, and entitled to a voice and vote as representatives of the
spiritual authorities of the church at large.
2. That high priests, elders
and priests engaged in the ministry and under missionary appointment of General
Conference, or the general authorities of the church, and not laboring in and
by the authority of organized districts, are hereby declared to be entitled to
voice and vote in General Conferences when present.
3. That organized districts
be authorized to appoint from their members, at their last quarterly session of
district conference next preceding the session of the annual and semiannual
General Conferences, delegates to said annual and semiannual sessions, who
shall be entitled to represent said districts, which delegates so appointed
shall be declared members of said General Conferences entitled to voice and
vote.
Provided: That the choice and
appointment by said districts shall be made by a majority of those present and
voting, in regular or called session of district conference, of the holding of
which due notice shall have been given, as to time and place within the
district, to each and every branch composing said district; together with a
statement of any important business or action that is to be presented to, or
likely to be had by said general session, affecting said district, and to which
their consent or denial is desired, that instructions to said delegates may be
given as to their action.
And provided further: That the
only qualifications to eligibility to the office of delegate from district to
General Conference shall be membership and good standing.
Provided further: That no less
than one, nor more than five delegates may be sent from any one district; but
that said delegate, or delegates, shall be entitled to voice and vote in such
General Conferences to which they may be appointed, upon a presentation of a
certificate from the clerk of district conference to the said General
Conferences, upon their organization at the times specified for their
assembling.
And provided further: That
said delegate or delegates shall be entitled to cast one vote for each branch
of six members; and one vote for each twenty members in excess of six, that
there may be in the branches of their said districts, in all cases where such a
vote may be necessary, or desired, to secure the common consent designed in the
law but that in the common routine of business said delegates may vote as units
each in his own right, and in cases of division, the majority of the delegation
from a district shall cast the whole vote of said district.
4. That each branch of six or
more members, not included in an organized district, be authorized to appoint
one delegate to the General Conferences, who may or may not be a member of said
branch, but who shall be a member of the church and in good standing, whose
qualifications to eligibility shall be the same as those required in districts,
and who shall represent said branch and be entitled to voice and vote in said
conferences to which he may be appointed; and who shall be entitled to cast one
vote for the six members required to appoint and one for each twenty members in
excess of six composing said branch
Provided further: That two or
more branches in near proximity to each other, not in organized district, may
unite in choosing a delegate, who shall cast their vote, one vote for six
members of each branch, and one vote for each twenty members in excess of the
number six, multiplied by the number of branches represented; the manner of
casting their votes in cases of importance and common routine of business to be
as provided in cases of districts.
Provided further, that due
general notice to the members of branches of the time and place of meeting for
the choosing of said delegate be properly given, as required in cases of
districts; certificate of appointment of branch delegate to be signed by the
president or clerk of branch, and to be presented as provided in cases of
districts.
5. That in all questions of
grave importance, affecting the polity and faith of the church; districts and
branches may instruct delegates to cast a majority and a minority vote for and
against; but in no case shall the number of the votes cast by said delegates so
instructed, exceed the number to which the district appointing him or them
shall be entitled as hereinbefore provided, and in cases of a tie in districts
or branches on questions presented to them, certified to said delegates, the
votes of said districts or branches shall be cast in equal numbers by the
delegates.
6. In all questions of debate,
incidental motions, and routine business, representatives, ex officio, and
delegates, appointed, shall speak and vote as units and in their own separate
and personal right.
JOSEPH SMITH, Chairman
That the foregoing rules on
representation may be altered and amended at any General Conference
of the church, and that all the
provisions of said Report on Representation may be altered or amended at the
next conference of the church to be held at , on ,
which shall be composed of members as provided by the rules adopted for the
purpose of obtaining the voice of the whole people of the church.
Provided, That at least two
months' notice of the nature of such amendment or amendments shall
be given in the Herald,
before the date of the sitting of the session of conference at which such
amendment or amendments will be presented, giving manner and form in which such
amendments are desired.
Adopted
April 13, 1881.
No. 235. That this conference
discourage the use of tobacco, and of strong drinks, as a beverage, by the
church, and especially by the ministry.
No. 236. That we approve of the
translation and publication of tracts and other printed matter in the
Scandinavian and German languages, such translation, etc., to be hereafter
regulated by an understanding between the Bishopric and the Twelve.
Adopted
April 15, 1881.
No. 237. Whereas, It is desirable
that the greatest possible amount of efficient ministerial labor be performed,
and, whereas, there are elders and priests who are prepared and willing to take
the field,
provided they have evidence that
their labors will be accepted to the church; therefore we [the Quorum of the
Twelve] petition your honorable body to adopt the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Twelve and
Seventy, when in charge of fields, have the privilege and right to take with
them elders and priests as traveling companions, or to appoint them to labor in
their respective fields, provided that such elders or priests require nothing
from the general church treasury to keep them in the field.
No. 238. Epistle of the Twelve
and the Bishopric.
To the Church of Christ,
Called to be Saints in all the World. Greeting:
It has been apparent to the
Saints, everywhere, that there has been a misunderstanding for some time
between the Bishopric and the Twelve on financial matters, and that
considerable injury to the cause has arisen thereby. Therefore it was deemed
wise and expedient that these two quorums should meet and confer together, and,
if possible, agree upon the proper construction to be put upon the commandment
of the Lord, given in 1861, whereby it appears that they should unitedly “take
measures" to execute the "law of tithing:" and to adopt such
rules as would place the financial affairs of the church on clearer and more
effectual bases than have hitherto obtained. The commandment is as follows:
In order to place the church
in a position to carry on the promulgation of the gospel, and as a means of
fulfilling the law, the Twelve will take measures in connection with the
Bishop, to execute the law of tithing; and let them before God see to it, that
the temporal means so obtained is truly used for the purposes of the church,
and not as a weapon of power in the hands of one man for the oppression of
others; or for the purposes of self‑aggrandizement by any one, be he
whomsoever he may be. As I live, saith the Lord, in the manner ye execute
this matter, so shall ye be judged in the day of judgment.
JOSEPH SMITH,
President of the
Church
SANDWICH, ILLINOIS, October 7,
1861.
To this end, on Wednesday,
April 17, 1878, these two bodies met in Plano, Kendall County, Illinois,
at the house of Bro. Joseph
Smith; the First Presidency being present by invitation.
The following paper, designed
mainly as an explanation of the scope and meaning of the commandment referred
to, was submitted by the First Presidency to the Council:
BASIS
OF ADJUSTMENT.
1. The word execute, as
used in the revelation of 1861, is, in our view, to be construed to mean to
"carry into effect,” to set in motion legitimate forces, to put existing
laws into active operation. To execute any given law may, and in this instance
does, involve different offices, or the administration of different officers.
2. The charge to the Twelve is
intended to define their duty as an advisory and judicial body, with
whom lies the
"regulating" of "the affairs of the church," according to
law.
3. The part to be performed by
the Twelve in carrying into effect the "law of tithing," is precedent
and subsequent, and involves both teaching the law and administering it;
administration and teaching to be upon principles agreed to by the
Twelve and the Bishopric.
4. The Bishopric are the legal
custodians of all the temporalities of the church, upon whom devolves the duty
of gathering, safely keeping, and disbursing the moneys and properties of the
church, in keeping with the law, and agreeably to the rules mutually agreed to
by the Twelve and the Bishopric.
5. In the receiving and
disbursing of church funds, all persons who may be intrusted therewith are in
fact, or ex officio, agents for the Bishopric, and should account to the
Bishopric; and in disbursing general church funds should do so by the direction
of the Bishop, or in accordance with an agreement and understanding with the
Bishopric previously had; specific, in regard to objects before determined
upon; general, in regard to objects incidental to the prosecution of missionary
labor, for which, in the nature of things, no specific directions can be given.
6. The Bishopric being created
by and responsible to the church for the proper administration of their duty,
should not, in justice, be made finally responsible to the Twelve, in any other
sense than all other church officers are responsible to the same quorum; that
is, by proper charge and adjudication before the general church officers, or by
decision of General Conference.
7. Discretionary power to
receive and disburse church funds, and dispose of church property for the uses
of the church, according to the laws of the church, and subject to inquiry by
the Twelve and the church, must rest in the Bishopric only, as, by law, the
Bishopric only are legal custodians of such properties; but the Twelve may and
should exercise such supervisory jurisdiction, according to previous
arrangement and agreement with the Bishopric, as will prevent unnecessary delay
and injury to the work of the ministry, and will facilitate the proper
expenditure of funds in the church treasury for the purpose of carrying on the
preaching of the word, in which is included the support of the families of
traveling ministers in the field; the publication and distribution of such
books and tracts as may be deemed expedient, for which no other provision is
made; the erection of houses of worship; purchase of lands, together with the
care and uses of them in missions assigned by conferences.
8. The Twelve being by law a
traveling, spiritual, ministerial body, supposed to be in the missionary field,
cannot in justice be expected to act as a council exercising local and decisive
direction in the disbursement of church moneys in the sense that no expenditure
could be had, except upon their consent or order, first obtained; it is
necessary that there be a full understanding between that quorum and the Bishopric,
as to the scope of the law demanding their attention to the temporal affairs of
the church; also as to the rules which may govern both parties; which, rules
once agreed upon shall obtain until modified by mutual agreement and
understanding; no power being given to either party to dictate those rules.
These principles were adopted
singly, and afterward as a whole, by the council of the several quorums
assembled,
On the day following, the
Twelve and the Bishopric, being assembled in council, adopted the following
principles and rules, after each quorum had separately considered and acted
upon them.
PRINCIPLES
AND RULES OF ACTION.
1. We believe the duty of the
Twelve to be to teach the law of tithing, viz: Explaining to the church the
necessity, and the mode of complying therewith, in order that the financial
interests of the church shall be properly supported, and that they may receive
tithing and forward the same to the Bishop, who is the acknowledged treasurer
of the church or to his appointed agents.
2. That it is devolvent upon
the Bishopric and their authorized agents (such agents to be elders*), to
travel among the churches from time to time, to teach the law of, and collect
tithing and free‑will offerings; and see that the financial interests of
the church are duly cared for, and the wants of the poor duly administered to,
and use their best and earnest endeavors to keep the ministry in the field, as
appointed by General Conference, especially the members of the Quorum of the
Twelve and of the Seventy, and to see to it that families of such receive
proper support.
3. That officers in charge of
missions appointed by General Conference, receive necessary support in the
prosecution thereof, from the agents of the Bishop in said missions, and that
said agents in the disbursing of moneys be not subject to the direction of
district conferences, or branches (yet said conferences may advise or
recommend), but should make itemized reports to said conferences, who may audit
and approve the same, and said reports as certified to, be forwarded to the
Bishop.
*”By act of General Conference,
September 27, 1882, the proviso that the agents should be elders was repealed.”
4. And that in all missions
there is no agent to represent the Bishop, the officer in charge of said
mission may receive tithing and free-will offerings, and use such sums as shall
be considered necessary for said mission, keeping an account thereof, together
with the names of persons from whom received, and forward a quarterly account
thereof, together with whatever moneys may remain in his hands as a residue,
and not needed by him, to the Bishop; and upon receipt thereof, the Bishop
should enter the same upon his books, crediting and debiting the church with
said amounts, received and paid out, together with the names of those from whom
received and to whom paid; and that all such itemized reports to be published
by the Bishop from time to time with his regular report.
5. In all missions where the
officer in charge cannot consult with the agent (though one may have been
appointed thereto), he may receive tithings and free-will offerings and use the
same (as hereinbefore provided for in Article 5, of Basis of Adjustment), or
only part thereof for said mission, accounting thereof for the agent and to the
Bishop in his quarterly reports.
6. We advise the utmost care
and economy in the expenditure of money; that the first of all objects to be
attained by the church is the promulgation of the gospel, and all other
interests are but secondary compared with it, which object must ever demand our
first attention; next to which is the support of the poor. And believing that
moneys have been extravagantly expended in the publication of books, and
unnecessarily so, we advise, the utmost care in that direction, and the
strictest economy. And we recommend that the Bishopric encourage so far as
seems wise and is practicable, the building of church houses, and that they
take the advisory oversight thereof; and also the erection of storehouses in
such localities where the interests of the church do now or may hereafter
demand it; believing that through this channel the families of traveling elders
would receive more ready support, and which means does not now come into the
church treasury.
7. Members should be taught
the moral obligation that rests upon them, to put forth an effort to do
something of some moment, during the year, either in tithing, free-will
offerings or donations, according to their financial ability.
8. Where branches, districts
or individuals wish labor in any special locality, the needed funds to sustain
such effort should not be taken from the means designed for or belonging to the
general treasury.
9. When means are given to
ministers of the church for their benefit, by persons in and out of the church,
such “means” should be reported to the Bishop, that he may be cognizant of the
help that each receives and that said report be made to the Bishop on the 1st
of March, annually.
We present the foregoing
principles of action to all the Saints as being the rules and regulations
adopted by us for the government of and administration in the financial affairs
of the church, and we respectfully commend them to the consideration of and
observance by the church in all circumstances and cases included in and covered
by the above specification of principles.
WILLIAM H. KELLEY,
THOMAS W. SMITH,
JAMES CAFFALL,
JOHN H. LAKE,
ALEXANDER H. SMITH,
ZENAS H. GURLEY,
JOSEPH R. LAMBERT,
Of the Quorum of the
Twelve,
ISRAEL L. RODGERS,
HENRY A. STEBBINS,
DAVID DANCER,
The Bishopric of the
Church,
PLANO, ILLINOIS, April 8, 1878
AMENDMENT
ADOPTED IN APRIL, 1881
Whereas, The General
Conference in September, 1880, adopted resolutions requiring that the moneys in
the general church treasury should only be used to send out such of the
ministry as are appointed and sustained, from time to time, by the General
Conference; and
Whereas, A difference of
opinion seems to prevail since the above action, as to its effect upon the means
received by the agents of the Bishop, and some of the latter hold themselves as
subject to the above resolutions, the same as the Bishop, while others do not
hold themselves, but continue to pay out for the district purposes just as they
formerly did; and
Whereas, the agents were
created as agents of the Bishop and not of the districts, nor accountable to
them, therefore whatever rulings of the General Conference govern the Bishop
and the general funds of the church in his hands also govern the agents and
the funds in their hands as tithes and offerings; therefore
Resolved by the Twelve and the
Bishopric, conjointly, that the Bishop's agents cannot rightly, under rule of
said resolutions of General Conference, pay from the funds received by them as
said agents of the Bishop for district purposes or to sustain missions
appointed by the districts. But the district may, if they wish and find it
necessary, appoint a district treasurer (who may be the Bishop's agent, or
another as may be agreed), who shall keep a separate account of moneys paid him
for district purposes, and be' under the instruction and accountable to the
district conferences only, all of which ought to be made plain to every member,
so that everyone giving may do so understandingly, their offerings being placed
for the general use of the church with the Bishop or his agent, or otherwise
for the support of the work in the district, as the giver may direct.
Provided, however, That it be
understood by all, that the district conferences are still authorized and
requested to appoint committees quarterly to audit the books and report of the
Bishop's agents, as heretofore; and further, that any and; all instruction to
the agents, as to the use of general church funds in their hands, shall be
obtained from the Bishopric only.
ADOPTED BY
TWELVE AND BISHOPRIC.
PLANO, ILLINOIS, April 13, 1881.
Adopted
April 16,1881.
No. 239. That the utmost care be
used by all missionaries, laboring under appointment of General Conference, in
the use of means placed in their hands for the benefit of the work; and we
discourage and condemn the leaving of distant fields which have been occupied
by them but for a little season, and the expenditure of time and means in going
to and from conference; unless special and important reason justify such a
course.
No. 240. That the Church
Secretary be authorized t enroll the names of such elders as may apply to him
for the purpose, and that the Fifth Quorum of Elders he organized at the fall
conference of 1881, if enough of those enrolled shall be present at that time
to effect such organization.
Adopted
September 1, 1881.
No. 241. That his name [one
chosen to represent a district] be recorded upon the record of some branch of
the district, as a member.
Adopted
September 5, 1881.
No. 242. That the Bishop and his
agents are hereby instructed to solicit aid for the erection of the Utah
Chapel.
Adopted
September 6, 1881.
No. 243. That a committee of
three be appointed to take into consideration the feasibility of some general
plan of conducting Sunday school, and. if found feasible, report said general
plan to the coming Annual Conference; and
That they also take into
consideration the feasibility and practicability of using one page of the Hope
as a lesson sheet, or of using an extra sheet for such purpose.
No. 244. Whereas, There exists a
resolution which as interpreted by some prohibits the sending out of any of the
ministry from General Conference but the Twelve and Seventy; and
Whereas, This has had a
tendency to keep out of active labor a number of our most efficient men;
therefore,
Resolved, That said resolution
be so interpreted to mean that at each session of conference, if it shall be
found by a consultation by the Twelve and Bishopric that there are more means
in the treasury, and likely to be, than which will be required to send the
Twelve and Seventy known to be available, that others of the ministry
available, may be sent as may be thought wise by the Twelve and Bishopric.
Adopted
September 8, 1881.
No. 245. That paragraph two of
“Report of committee on representation” be amended by striking out all after
the word that and insert all high priests and elders are entitled to
voice and vote in General Conference when present.
Adopted
September 10, 1881.
No. 246. That in the efforts made
by the church, in the year 1863, and since said time, to plant and maintain a
missionary society in Utah to oppose the abominable practices of that people,
and teach them the principles of the gospel of Christ, we recognize great and
revolutionary work, which has already been the means of calling hundreds and
thousands out from among those practicing so great evils, and blessing them
under a work of righteousness.
That we also now deem it the
duty of the church to redouble its efforts to maintain its missionaries in the
prosecution of that mission, and
Whereas, We have seen in the
proceedings of assemblies of other societies, resolutions showing that the
efforts of their ministers to meet and oppose the ministers of the Utah
organization in the past, in public preaching, have been unsuccessful; be it
Resolved, That inasmuch as
such denominations and societies will aid and assist us with means to maintain
a larger missionary force in said mission, we will furnish the men to meet and
oppose that abominable order established in the West, and we believe that if
said aid is proffered, there will be an early solution of the Utah problem.
Adopted
April 8, 1882.
No. 247. Whereas, The Edmunds
Bill, originating in the Senate of the United States, has become a law, by
which it is intended on the part of the Government to extirpate the practice of
polygamy which practice is by this act recognized as a crime and not as a
religion; and
Whereas, In the discussion and
consideration of this question in Congress it was frequently stated by Senators
and members of the House of Representatives that the object of this measure was
not intended; as an attack on Mormonism, but against the evil practices in the
Territories of the United States, enjoined by the loathsome incumbrance upon
that faith; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we, the
Reorganized Church of Christ, do hereby tender our sincere thanks to President
Chester A. Arthur and all the Senators and members of Congress who took an
active part in passing such laws, by which the "twin relic" is to be
removed from the institutions of the country, to the honor and dignity of the
Nation, and to the especial good of all true Mormons, who abide in the original
faith of the church.
On April 12 a committee was
appointed "to attend at Washington, D. C., in case our interests as a
church should demand it."
Adopted
April 10, 1882.
No. 248. The Committee or Board
of Location reported having purchased land, in Decatur County, Iowa, erected a
building for church offices and publishing plant, disposed of former plant at
Plano. Illinois, and removed the Herald Office and fixtures to Lamoni, Decatur
County, Iowa; as authorized by General Conference. The Board had filed a copy
of the Church Articles of Incorporation in the office of the county clerk of
said county.
Adopted
April 11, 1882.
No. 249. That it is the judgment
of this body, that the sense to be conveyed in paragraph 4, of "Rules on Representation,”
beginning with line sixty‑one and ending with line sixty‑eight,
that the aggregate of members in districts shall be counted, from which the
product of the number of branches, multiplied by six, shall be taken and the
remainder divided by twenty, in order that no fractional vote may be lost in
any branch of the district.
Adopted
April 12, 1882.
No. 250. Whereas, There are
certain German tracts written and published which are not in harmony with the
doctrines of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ; be it
Resolved, That all tracts be
submitted to the German committee, appointed by conference of September, 1881,
for correction.
(The committee on compiling
conference resolutions find that certain preambles and resolutions were presented
at the September conference of 1881 on this subject, also that they were
referred to the Bishopric and Twelve; but the minutes of said conference show
no further mention of the subject, nor as being reported upon by the Twelve and
Bishopric at any time since then.)
No. 251. That paragraph 4 of the
"Report of the committee on representation" be amended by
substituting the word six for the word twenty wherever it occurs.
Adopted
April 13, 1882.
No 252. Elder G. A. Blakeslee was
appointed Presiding Bishop of the church, and Elders E. L Kelley and Elijah
Banta as his counselors; vice Bishop I. L Rogers, and Elders 1. A. Stebbins and
David Dancer, counselors, resigned.
Adopted
September 22, 1882.
No. 253. Whereas, The ministry of
the church in the several quorums seem to be in a measure inadequate to the
pressing demands made upon them, and believing this [they?] should by virtue of
their calling take the lead in establishing the work in the regulating of its
affairs in general; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we do hereby
ask the church to engage in solemn, earnest prayer, asking the Lord to reveal
his will concerning these various quorums, that they may be properly filled,
and that in so doing we may act agreeable to that will.
No. 254. That the report [of the
Committee on Danish Publications] be received, . . . . and pamphlet ordered
printed under the direction of the Board of Publication, in the Danish
language.
Adopted
September 23, 1882.
No. 255. Whereas, The Book of
Covenants issued by authority of the church at Salt Lake has been materially
changed from that accepted by the church; be it
Resolved, That this conference
advise the Danish brethren against the use of the same.
No. 256. That the Kirtland Temple
Committee be continued, with instructions to solicit subscriptions and make
such repairs as the money so raised will enable them to do.
No. 257. That Joseph Smith, E. L.
Kelley, J. W. Gillen, J. C. Crabb, and W. C. Cadwell, be a committee to revise
and enlarge the Rules on Representation, and so far as practicable make the
same applicable to district conferences and branches; reporting to the church
the results of their labors as soon as convenient.
Adopted
September 25, 1882.
No. 258. That when this
conference adjourns it do so to meet April 6, 1883, and annually thereafter.
Adopted
September 26, 1882.
No. 259. That we request the
Presidency of the church to nominate persons to fill the vacancies now existing
in the Standing High Council, agreeable to section 99, paragraph 5, in Book of
Doctrine and Covenants.
No. 260. That the action in the
appointment of district treasurers, aside from the general agents in the
church, we find is working injury to the cause and defeating the placing of
funds either in the hands of the district treasury or Bishop's agents;
therefore
Resolved, That the action
authorizing it be and is hereby repealed.
No. 261. That under the present
system of reporting to the Bishop, on the part of the ministry, injury is
wrought in this, that in some cases all funds are sent to the Bishop or his
agents, and in others not so done, but kept by the ministry, and privately
reported to the Bishop, and so never known to the church, which fact causes
complaints on the part of those who contribute; therefore we recommend that
hereafter all persons under general church appointment, report all church
moneys received to the Bishop, together with the names of persons paying, so
far as possible, and that they draw for their expenses directly from the Bishop
or his agents.
No. 262. We believe that it will
be to the interest of the church and the good of all, if the Bishop's reports
are published annually instead of quarterly, and they will be in a shape to be
better understood by the Saints, and the transactions for the year are then in
such shape as to be properly considered and criticized.
No. 263. That to prevent doubt
and distrust, and the abuse of the discretion now exercised by the Bishop, all
persons under appointment of general church authorities, requiring expenses
paid by the church, should before appointed, state to the Twelve and Bishopric,
the probable amount required for expenses per annum.
No. 264. By resolution all rules
and conjoint agreements heretofore obtaining, which conflict with the operation
of any of these rules and agreements be declared to be rescinded. (The above
five rules were presented by the Twelve and Bishopric and adopted by the
conference.)
Adopted
September 29, 1882.
No. 265. Whereas, The circular
letter of Hon. William M. Evaits, while Secretary of State, asking all foreign
governments to prevent the immigration of Mormons (so‑called) to this
country, as they come to practice crime, being polygamists; and, Whereas, This
has conduced to the injury of the body of Latter Day Saints who affirm the
original faith under which no such practice is tolerable, and because such
distinction has not been had, and we have been confounded with that people whom
this letter very properly brands as criminals; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we ask the
present Secretary of State to correct this error, and place us in our proper
light before the world.
A committee was appointed to
present the preamble and resolution to the Secretary of State.
On April 7, 1883, the committee
reported, including a copy of document presented to the Secretary of State.
On April 4, 1883, the
Secretary of State replied, declining to request foreign governments to
discriminate between "polygamous Mormons of Utah and the nonpolygamous
Mormons of the reformed church;" stating that "law‑abiding
immigrants are secure against interference.
No. 266. That the Church
Secretary be instructed to take the necessary steps toward arranging the
different quorums mentioned in the revelation received September 28, 1582.
Adopted
April 11, 1883.
No. 267. That it is the wish and
desire of this body that President Joseph Smith, be retained as editor of the Herald
and Hope, but that no work be required of him by the Board of
Publication, but that which comes strictly under the duties of editor; so that
he may have more time to devote to his duties as President of the church.
Adopted
April 13, 1883.
No. 268. That this conference
advise that mission and district authorities arrange for such reunions for
religious services, when and where it may be by them deemed best.
Adopted
April 14, 1883.
No. 269. That the Quorum of the
Twelve be requested to meet at least ten days prior to the sitting of the next
spring conference, at the place appointed for its meeting; and further, that
the appointees of the conference be requested to report to the secretary of the
Quorum of Twelve in time to allow action in their several cases.
No. 270. That we request the
Board of Publication to issue in tract form, as soon as practicable, the reply
of the editor of Herald to the pamphlet of Rev. R. Patterson, of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, on the origin of the Book of Mormon.
No. 271. That California, Western
Nevada and Oregon constitute a mission, the districts therein remaining intact.
Adopted
April 9, 1884
No. 272. Whereas, We believe that
marriage is ordained of God, and that the law of God provides
for but one companion in wedlock,
for either man or woman ──
except in cases where the contract is broken by death or transgression;
therefore
Resolved, That it is our
understanding that in case of separation of husband and wife, one of which
is guilty of the crimes of
fornication, or adultery, the other becomes released from the marriage bond,
and if they so desire may obtain a divorce and marry again.
No. 273. That the boundary lines
of the Des Moines District be established as follows: "Beginning
at southwest with Madison County,
and extending to the east line of Washington County; on the east to along the
line of Johnson, Linn, Buchanan and Bremer Counties, on the west to along the
western line of Wright, Hamilton, Boone, Dallas and Madison Counties, to the
place of cemmencement (Sic)." [Summarized from petition granted.]
No. 274. Whereas, In the past, California
was considered as a general mission, and provided for in
appointment to such missions; and
Whereas, A change was made a few years ago, and the mission discontinued and
divided into districts, each district choosing its presiding officer, and reports
therefrom show that the change has not worked advantageously; therefore be it
Resolved, That California,
Nevada and Oregon, be restored to their former condition as a mission,
and that a missionary be assigned
to said mission.
No. 275. The committee call
attention to the fact that on April 8, 1874, the Eastern and New England States
and Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were formed into three missions, divisions
specified, which order has not been repealed but seems to have been forgotten.
No. 276. The committee would also
mention that in September; 1880, the following matters were
presented, discussed, and finally
referred to the General Assembly of the Quorums, namely:
The question as to what is the
rock upon which the church is built; the question as to whether any
elder can be a true
representative of the church and reject any of the revelations found in the
Book
of Covenants; and the subject of
the ministry going out literally without purse or scrip to proclaim
the gospel.
No. 277. On April 12, 1880,
certain preambles and resolutions concerning a revelation said to have been
given in 1853 through Bro. Henry H. Deam, were referred to the First
Presidency, but we find no reply or decision upon the subject.
Adopted
April 10, 1884
No. 278.
RULES
OF REPRESENTATION.
Sec. 1. That the general
officers of the church, known as the Presidency, the Twelve, the High Council,
the Seventy, and the Bishopric (proper), are ex officio members of
conference, and entitled to a voice and vote as representatives of the
spiritual authorities of the church at large.
Sec. 2. That all high priests
and elders are, ex officio, entitled to voice and vote in General
Conference when present.
Sec. 3. That organized
districts be authorized to appoint at their last quarterly session of district
conference, next preceding the session of General Conference delegates to said
session of General Conference, who shall be entitled to represent said
districts; which delegates so appointed shall be declared members of said
General Conference, entitled to voice and vote.
Provided 1st. That the choice
and appointment by said districts shall be made by a majority of those present
and voting in regular or called sessions of district conference, of the holding
of which due notice shall have been given as to time and place within the
district, together with a statement of any important business or action that is
to be presented to, or likely to be had by said general session, affecting said
district, and to which their approval or disapproval is desired; that
instructions to said delegates, may be given as to their action.
Provided 2d. That the only
qualification to eligibility to the office of delegate from district to General
Conference shall be membership and good standing in the church.
Provided 3d, That each
district shall be entitled to one delegate for every twenty‑five members
of said district, and one vote in conference for each delegate to which they
may be entitled. The delegates present at conference from any one district
shall be entitled to cast a full vote of the district of which they are
delegates, unless otherwise instructed by their district conference: Provided,
that in case of a disagreement of views among the members of said delegation,
the full delegation not being present they shall be entitled to cast only their
individual votes as said delegates.
Provided 4th. That no one
delegate shall represent in the same conference more than one district.
Sec. 4. That each regularly
organized branch of the church not included in an organized district, shall be
entitled to one delegate, who shall have the same privileges as delegates of
districts.
Provided 1st. That due general
notice to the members of branch of the time and place of meeting for the
choosing of said delegate be properly given as in the case of districts.
Provided 2d. That delegates
shall be entitled to act as such as hereinbefore provided, upon presenting
certificates of appointment signed by the presidents, or clerks of districts or
branches appointing them.
Sec. 5. That in all cases of
grave importance, affecting the polity and faith of the church, districts
and branches may instruct
delegates to cast a majority and minority vote for and against; but in no
case shall the number of the
votes cast by said delegates so instructed exceed the number to which the
district appointing shall be entitled as hereinbefore provided; and in case of
a tie in districts, or branches, on questions presented to them, certified to
said delegates, the votes of said districts or branches, shall be cast in equal
numbers by the delegates.
Sec. 6. That districts may
organize their sessions of conference agreeably to the above rules, by
providing for delegate conferences, of which the basis of representation shall
be one delegate for each six members in each branch or fraction thereof. And
that districts may constitute priests, teachers and deacons as members of their
conferences as well as the elders if they choose.
Adopted
April 11, 1884.
No. 279. That by virtue of their
office and calling, as declared by the organic law of the church, the members
of the Quorum of Twelve are the lawful presidents of the church abroad in all
the world, to preside over, regulate and set in order the same, and that in all
the branches of the church and districts, this presiding authority should be
acknowledged and acquiesced in by the presidents of its branches and districts.
And when one of them is present at a district conference or branch meeting, it
should be left discretionary with him, as to whether it would best serve the
cause by presiding.
No. 280. That the Quorum of the
Twelve, as a judicial body have the right, collectively or individually, to
render decisions involving the law and usage s of the church, in their various
fields of labor, and when such decisions are made by individual members of the
quorum, said decisions are binding on the church, and should be respected until
brought before the quorum and its decision had.
No. 281. That a committee from
our number be appointed for the purpose of comparing the present and Palmyra
edition of the Book of Mormon, with the manuscript in the hands of David
Whitmer, and that William H. Kelley, T. W Smith,, and A. H. Smith compose said
committee. That the committee be requested to report the result of their
labors through the Herald.
No. 282. That it is the sense of
this quorum that the commandments of a local character, given to the first
organization of the church are binding on the Reorganization, only so far as
they are either reiterated, or referred to as binding by commandment to this
church. [The preceding four resolutions were presented by the Quorum of Twelve
and were adopted by the General Conference.]
No. 283. Whereas, By joint action
of the Quorum of the Twelve and the Bishopric, a resolution was passed,
authorizing the publication of the moneys given to the elders in their various
mission fields through the Herald, the same as the means given directly
into the hands of the Bishop, and his agents; and which was indorsed by the
conference; and
Whereas, The editor of the Herald,
or Board of Publication, refused to publish these statements when submitted to
them; therefore,
Resolved, That this assumption
of power is without authority of law and usage and dangerous to the liberties
of the people.
No. 284. Resolved, That in the
opinion of this council, no person's name should be stricken from the Church
Records until specific charges have been preferred against them, and lawful
action had in the case, and that the cause or causes of action and expulsion
should be stated upon the Church Record.
No. 285. Resolved, That from the
meager information that has been, presented before us, concerning the
publishing of a periodical in the Danish language, we are unable to make any
recommendations concerning it.
(The above motions were
presented by the Quorum of the Twelve and were adopted by the conference, with
the proviso that the editor attach his reasons for not publishing the financial
reports referred to in the first resolution. The minutes show that the editor
made the following statement:
“The editor of the Herald
states that the fault of refusing to publish the reports referred to was his,
and not the Board's. His reasons for refusing are: (1) It was not ordered to be
done specifically in the resolution referred to. (2) He did not consider that
the order to publish the Bishop's report included the reports of elders
referred to in the resolution. ( 3 ) That the reports which he refused to
publish were sent him detached from the Bishop's report, and were not
incorporated in it; if they had been, he could not have refused, although he
believed then, and believes now that a publication of the totals of the amount
each received and reported to the Bishop is all that is necessary.")
(The resolution referred to by
the Twelve and the editor was published in the minutes of September 26, 1882,
and under that date will be found in this book.)
No. 286. Whereas, Since the reports
of the elders to the Bishop to this date have been made out and handed to the
auditing committee in totals, and not by giving the names of the contributors,
by reason of the failure to publish names of the past year; therefore, be it
Resolved, That a publication
of the totals only of such reports already made be considered a compliance with
the rule.
No. 287. Whereas, The question
has been raised with regard to the publication of the work entitled, The Life
of Joseph the Prophet forestalling the history of the church, as before
contemplated by it through its appointed "Historian." And Whereas, It
cannot be considered that the book entitled, Life of Joseph the Prophet was
intended to forestall, or take the place of the history of the Reorganized Church,
which Elder Jason W. Briggs, Church Historian, was appointed and expected to
prepare for publication,
Therefore, be it Resolved,
That he be hereby requested to proceed to prepare said history, which when
completed shall be presented to the next ensuing conference thereafter for
examination and approval upon its merits, by a proper committee then to be
appointed; and that without regard on his part, or further action by us in
reference to what may be contained in the work entitled. Life of Joseph the
Prophet.
Adopted
April 12, 1884.
No. 288. That the nature of the
calling of the First Quorums of the church is of such a character as to
prohibit them, or any one of them, engaging in secular pursuits which in their
nature demand the time and talent of the same.
Adopted
April 14, 1884.
No. 289. "The Church
Secretary and Recorder was authorized to permit the Church Historian the use of
such records as may be necessary to the latter in the performance of his
work."
No. 290. That the Board of
Publication be requested to take such measures as they shall deem proper to
furnish for Sabbath schools suitable lesson papers, and if practicable, reduce
the size of the Hope, making it a weekly, and publish through it the
lessons, and that W. C. Cadwell, Sr. Alice Cobb and D. F. Lambert, be a
committee to prepare and furnish said lessons for publication.
No. 291. That the committee on
repairing the Kirtland Temple be authorized to continue the collection of funds
for the finishing of the Temple, and that they proceed with the work as found
practicable.
No. 292. That Brn. James Caffall,
Peter Anderson and Hans N. Hansen, be a committee to look after the interests
of publishing a Danish periodical, as contemplated in a resolution adopted by
the Semiannual Conference held at Lamoni, Iowa, in the fall of 1882, whose duty
it shall be to receive names and moneys of those to become subscribers to said
periodical when published, with all free-will offerings given in the interests
of said publication, reporting their action at the soonest practical
opportunity to the Board of Publication.
That the Board of Publication
shall proceed to publish said periodical as soon as the prospect shall justify
them in so doing.
That Bro. Peter Anderson, in
connection with the editor of the Herald, take charge of the editorial
department of said publication.
Adopted
April 7, 1885.
No. 293. That a committee,
consisting of Brn. W. W. Blair, S. Maloney and I. L. Rogers, be appointed to
confer with the committee appointed by the brethren of the Church of Christ
known as Hedrickites.
Adopted
April 8, 1885.
No. 294. That this conference
present the case of Bro. D. H. Smith and the condition of the first quorums of
the church, before the Lord in special prayer, and that information be sought
from him, through the President of the church, in relation thereto, that we may
act wisely concerning the matter.
No. 295. Whereas, Some of the
acts of the General Conferences have at least been lost sight of, for a time,
and there is a possibility of transcending the rules, as enacted by the body;
therefore, be it
Resolved, That measures be
taken for the compilation of all resolutions and acts now binding, and that all
of these be numbered, and kept in schedule form from time to time and be it
further
Resolved, That a committee of
three, of which the Church Secretary shall be one, be appointed to make such
compilation, and report to this body in April, 1886.
Adopted
April 9, 1885.
No. 296. That it would be
expedient that elders, branches and conferences when ordaining brethren to the
office of an elder, be requested to indorse across the licenses of such elders
the words: "The holder of this license should seek to join some quorum at
his earliest opportunity, and present his license to be exchanged for a new one
from the quorum he unites with;" or words to that effect. (Presented by
the Second Quorum of Elders.)
No. 297. Inasmuch as some of the
members of this church are in the habit of visiting saloons and drinking intoxicants
which habit seems to hinder the spread of the work, therefore be it
Resolved, That . . . it be
made a test of fellowship for any member of this church who will persist in
this practice (This presented by the Third Quorum of Elders.)
Adopted
April 10, 1885.
No. 298. A committee having been
appointed on the 8th to consider a preamble and resolution from the
Pottawattamie District concerning controversy and discussion in the Herald upon
the revelations and doctrines governing the church presented the following
opinions. They were adopted by the body and Resolution No. 6 was added to them,
all reading as given below:
The committee to which was
referred the resolution presented by the Pottawattamie District conference,
relative to the adoption of certain measures which shall govern in the
publication of articles through the Saints' Herald, submit the
following:
1. That in its
opinion, the enforcement of iron‑clad rules and arbitrary decisions by
persons who were not governed in their work by broad and liberal principles of
toleration, as is shown by the history of societies in the past, has had such a
tendency to subvert the liberties and retard the progress of the race, as to
make the enactment of any set of rules to be followed under all circumstances
of doubtful propriety and final good.
2. That in our
opinion there is a just and proper line to be drawn between the positions of
permitting a fair hearing of the views of any and all through the church paper,
and the abuse of the sacred principle of toleration and freedom adhered to by
the church by using to excess the columns of the church paper, in making a
series of attack upon the life of the body, or an undue effort to enforce
personal views upon the people, when they are clearly in part antagonistic to
the accepted faith of the body; and that the responsibility is upon the editor
and Board of Publication to see that this line is truly made in their
discrimination, the improper exercise or abuse of such discretion, or agency,
to be remedied by the selection of such persons for these positions as will
fill them in wisdom and fairness to all.
3. That where
radical differences of opinion occur between leading representatives of the
body, the discussion of them should take place in quorum capacity, and not
through the columns of the Herald.
4. That in our
opinion in the acceptance of articles for publication through the Herald,
the parties doing the same should exclude all such as make special attack upon
the supposed private views and character of the dead, or that impugn motives
and question the integrity of the living; there being neither sound argument
nor wisdom attained by such methods.
5. The committee has
not deemed it within its duty to pass judgment upon the right or abuse of the
exercise of privileges in the extended controversy of the past few months, but
to point out the proper steps to be taken in case the rights of the body are
left unguarded in the future.
E.L.KELLEY,
J.T.KINNAMAN,
J. W.GILLEN,
C.SCOTT,
G. T. GRIFFITHS.
6. Resolved,
That it is the sense of this body, that any man who accepts appointment and
ordination as a representative of the church is under obligations to teach,
sustain, and seek to establish the faith of the church; and no one, be he
whosoever he may be, has any right to attack the divinity of the faith in part,
or as a whole, as said faith is set forth in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and
Doctrine and Covenants.
No. 299. That the Secretary be
requested in giving the names of the parties speaking upon all questions
discussed hereafter, to record those speaking as they may appear for or against
the same.
No. 300. Whereas, The amount paid
to the elders, and expended otherwise for church purposes, by the Bishop of the
church, stands against the elders, and the several accounts for which they were
expended, and there is now no provision made to balance those accounts in the
Bishop's ledger, be it hereby
Resolved, That when elders
shall have reported labor done for the church, on account of which labor such
expenditures were or shall have been made, and when their reports of labor done
shall have been accepted and approved by conference, and the Bishop's report to
conference shall have been audited and approved, the several accounts so
presented and approved shall be balanced on his ledger by means of entries that
shall cover the amounts charged, each credited entry being a statement in
effect that account is closed by services rendered.
Adopted
April 11, 1885.
No. 301. That Joseph Smith, J. R.
Lambert and E. L. Kelley be appointed as a committee to formulate a set of
rules to govern in cases of trial and appeal in the church.
Adopted
April 13, 1885.
No. 302. That we request the
Bishop to organize a quorum of teachers and a quorum of deacons, also another
quorum of priests.
No. 303. Whereas, This body
requested that the concordance be bound with future editions of the Doctrine
and Covenants, and as this has not been observed, therefore be it
Resolved, That the attention
of the Board of Publication be called to this omission.
No. 304. Whereas, There are books
in the Church Library which are rare, and valuable to the office of
publication; and whereas, Said books are becoming worn and defaced by handling;
and whereas, It is important that said books be preserved and kept in the
office of publication for the use of those who control the literary concerns of
the church; therefore be it
Resolved, That the editor be
and is hereby instructed to select and control such books as he may choose.
"It was amended by
including the Church Librarian with the editor to carry out the
resolution."
No. 305. That the true names of
all contributors to our publications be attached in good faith.
No. 306. That it is not necessary
to publish the names of contributors to articles in the Herald, unless
requested by the writers.
No. 307. "Bro. E. L. Kelley
asked a question as to the appointment of the Bishopric to travel, and a motion
was adopted that the law fully provided as to that, and they were instructed to
so travel."
Adopted
April 9,1886.
No. 308. . . . And the committee
are of the opinion that the matter of the presentation of individual opinions
by elders, or others of the body, such opinions not having been affirmed by the
body as a rule of faith or practice, does not make them a part of the faith or
belief of the body; but relate to us individually upon the issue of toleration,
which toleration we believe as was manifested in the action of Jesus while
dealing with men here in his ministry, should be so broad as to make no
occasion for persons to wish to withdraw from the body by reason of these
individual differences of opinion.
3. The committee
noticing specifically some of the alleged entertained views set forth in the
reasons given, state:
That as to the alleged
"temple building and ceremonial endowments therein," that we know of
no temple building, except as edifices wherein to worship God, and no endowment
except the endowment of the Holy Spirit of the kind experienced by the early saints
on Pentecost Day.
4. "Baptism
for the dead" referred to belongs to those local questions of which the
body has said by resolution:
"That the commandments of
a local character, given to the first organization of the church are binding on
the Reorganization only so far as they are either reiterated or referred to as
binding by commandment to this church: ' And that principle has neither been
reiterated nor referred to as a commandment.
5. "Tithing
as a law applicable to the church" is accepted in the sense set forth by
the Savior in the sixteenth chapter of the Gospel recorded by Luke, that we are
stewards of our heavenly Father so far as the riches of this world are
concerned and that as such we should render an account of our stewardship here;
the rendition is in all cases, however, necessarily voluntary on the
part of the member complying with the law.
6. We know of no
"consecration" by which individuals are made legal heirs to the
kingdom of God, or Church of Christ, when the rewards are apportioned; except,
that of a life consecrated to the service of the Master as ordained in his word
together with the consecration of properties for the aid of the poor, preaching
of the gospel and establishment of the said kingdom, as a member of the same has
so to impart.
7. "The
sole mouthpiece of the church," is Jesus Christ We are to receive
commandments as a church only as Christ communicates the same; and we
are entitled, as a church, to be first satisfied that Christ did give any
commandment purporting to come from him, before accepting, or receiving the
same.
8. "Plenary
inspiration" has never been affirmed by the church; but we believe in the
so named "authorized" books of the church as true and proper
standards of evidence in the determination of all controverted doctrines in
theology.
9. The doctrine
of "cursing" and "avenging enemies," we accept only as
explained in paragraphs 3 and 4 of section 102, Doctrine and Covenants, the
section referred to by the brethren, wherein the Lord is made the sole executor
in behalf of the children of Zion as follows . . . . .
10. So far as
the necessity and failure on the part of the church is concerned to convene the
quorums in General Assembly, the wisdom of the majority of the body as to the
practicability and necessity of such a step seems to have been adverse thereto
in the past.
11. That part of
the reasons in the addenda to the application referring to providing a place of
living for certain officers of the church is incorrect and misleading; for said
revelation provides for the erection of a boarding‑house, a hotel for
strangers, in which house the President of the church as such, and his
successors, were to "have place"; but neither he nor they were to own
said house, neither were he or they to be its "governor," or keeper;
and further the commandment to build is largely of a local character; has never
been reiterated to this church and consequently under the resolution of the
body, before referred to, not made binding upon us.
(2) We further
believe in an “imperial dynasty" only, wherein Christ is to be
King, and the reigning of such of his servants who keep the faith here, with
him when he shall come with his rewards . . . .
Adopted
April 10, 1886.
No. 309. That we grant the
request of those desiring to withdraw from the church, and that their names be
stricken from the Church Records. (The names thus acted upon by conference were
those of J. W. Briggs, Z. H. Gurley, E. H. Gurley, Margaret Gurley, Grace
Gurley, and Mida Gurley.)
No. 310. That hereafter when any
five members shall demand that the vote be taken by yeas and nays it shall be
so taken, providing they shall not be demanded when a vote is part is partially
taken.
Adopted
April 12, 1886.
No. 311. The Bishopric presented
the following report:
"The work referred to the
Bishopric at the last conference of organizing and setting in order the lesser
quorums of the church, has been duly considered by us; and after an examination
of the law, we are led to conclude that this is a duty s enjoined upon the
Quorum of the Twelve.
“We therefore refer the matter
back to the conference, together with all applications for membership to the
quorums, lest we should transcend our duties and interfere with that of our
brethren, and await your further action in the premises."
“It was ordered that the
matter be referred to the Twelve.”
Adopted
April 13, 1886.
No. 312. That in organized
districts, no one be ordained to the office of an elder, without the voice of
the district or conference be had ordering such ordination, or by sanction of
the missionary in charge.
Adopted
April 14, 1886.
No. 313. Whereas, In past years
Elder J. W. Briggs was appointed Church Historian; and whereas, By action of
church in granting his withdrawal, such appointment is canceled. Therefore, be
it resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to wait upon J. W. Briggs,
authorized to request and receive from him all or any books or papers belonging
to said church in his hands as such historian.
No. 314. That provision four, of
section three, of the Articles of Representation, which reads:
"Provided 4th; That no
one delegate shall represent in the same conference more than one
district,"
be stricken out, and the
following inserted in lieu thereof: "Provided 4th; That no one delegate
shall
be entitled to cast, as
representative, in the same conference, more than twenty votes."
Adopted
April 16, 1886.
No.
315. That the Bishop of the church be authorized to transfer to the business
manager of the Board of Publication the sum of $500, from moneys now due the
church by the board, for the purpose of furnishing tracts for free
distribution, such as the Bishop and business manager may direct.
No. 316. Whereas, Much confusion
and disappointment are experienced by the present method of
enrolling elders in the several
quorums of the eldership; therefore, be it resolved, That all applications for
enrollment be made to the Secretary of the church.
No. 317. Resolved, That the
practice of dancing should be discouraged, and that members of the church
should be urged to avoid the practice, as being one likely to lead their minds
from Christ and his gospel.
No. 318. That no one in the
future who has been placed under silence, appear as an elder in any sense in
public, representing in any shape the claims of the church.
No. 319. That all that part of
Wyoming west of Cheyenne, be annexed to the Rocky Mountain Mission.
Adopted
April 17, 1886.
No. 320. Whereas, Inequality and
loss to the church result from the practice of taking up collections for the
support of the ministry; and whereas, such practice is in opposition to the
recommendation of the Twelve and the Bishopric, with the indorsement of the
General Conference thereon (see minutes of September conference, 1882),
Therefore, be it resolved by
this council, That we call the special attention of all General Conference
appointees, branch presidents and
all whom it may concern, to this matter, and we declare in harmony with the
expressed views of the Twelve, Bishopric, and church, that none but the
Bishopric, their agents, or some one either authorized by them, or holding an ex
officio right, are authorized to take up collections for the ministry.
No. 321. Whereas, There have
been, from time to time, numbers of elders in the field, in addition to General
Conference appointees, some with and some without the permission of the
missionary in charge; and whereas, Many, if not all, of said elders have
received money, but failed to report the same to the Bishop, as required by
him; therefore, be it
Resolved, That while we look
with favor upon and shall ever seek to encourage the efforts made by the elders
to preach the gospel as their circumstances will permit, we deprecate their
failure to properly account for all moneys received and advise that all elders
receiving help while laboring in the Master's vineyard be required to report
the same in full to the Bishop of the church.
Adopted
April 8, 1887.
No. 322. That the request of the
Northern California District touching a lack of ministerial aid be supplied at
the earliest time those in charge of such work find it practicable; and that it
is the mind of this conference that all moneys coming into the church treasury
are to be expended at the discretion of those who are held responsible before
the Lord therefore; subject to inquiry by the body in cases of
misappropriation.
Adopted
April 9, 1887.
No. 323. That the Board of
Publication be requested as soon as practicable to publish a cheap edition of
hymns and tunes, for use by the church.
Adopted
April 11, 1887.
No. 324. That there be "an
annual examination of the books and management of the Herald Office, by a
committee duly appointed by the body for that purpose." (Substance of committee
report adopted.)
No. 325. Upon motion to sustain
the Board of Publication, a subsidiary motion was introduced to reaffirm the
report of a committee adopted April 10, 1885, found as No. 298 in this
compilation. The motion to so reaffirm prevailed.
No. 326. That this conference as
a body accept and indorse the revelation presented to us as being the word of
God, and additional direction by which we should walk in faith and truth before
him.
Adopted
April 12, 1887.
No. 327. We, the members of the
Quorum of the Twelve, believing that the President of the church should be
furnished with additional facilities for the performance of important duties
made imperative by virtue of his high and holy calling; respectfully suggest to
your honorable body, that the Bishop be requested to confer with the President
concerning this matter; and that he be authorized to expend means from the
church treasury, so far as it may be prudent to do for such facilities at the
earliest possible time which in his judgment shall be practicable and wise.
We further suggest the
propriety of relieving the Presidency from editorial labor, except that which
is necessary in the exercise of a supervisory watch care as soon as it can be
done, without jeopardizing the welfare of the work;
Adopted
April 9, 10, 1888.
No. 328. Lengthy amendments to
chapter 13 of the Book of Rules were adopted, for which, with later amendments,
the committee on compilation refers to the "Rules of Order and Debate.”
Adopted
April 11, 1888.
No. 329. 1. Whereas, The Lord has
spoken against the use of tobacco and strong drink on different occasions; and
whereas, In all our appointments we ought to show respect unto said counsel.
Therefore, resolved, That henceforth we recommend no man for General Conference
appointment whom we know to be addicted to either of the above evils, and that
this decision take effect one year from date.
2. Whereas, There is a divided
opinion in the church regarding the meaning of the clause in Doctrine and
Covenants 42:22, which says: "And the church shall lift up their hands
against him or her," and the right to take a negative vote on the question
of expelling members when so recommended by an elders' court; and whereas, Said
division of opinion has prevented uniformity of action by the branch presidents
and others. Therefore, resolved, That it is our opinion that both affirmative
and negative vote should be taken in all cases of the kind referred to.
3. Resolved, That in the event
of a necessity for baptism, for a renewal of the gospel covenant, the former
ordination of the individual thus baptized becomes null and void.
Adopted
April 12, 1888.
No. 330. The Twelve and the
Bishopric met April 10, and after examination and discussion, the following was
unanimously adopted:
"Resolved, That we
reaffirm the Basis of Adjustment, and Principles and Rules of Action obtained
in our joint epistle of 1878 as
subsequently amended." This resolution does not include the preface
to said epistle, but it is
understood that said preface shall be dropped. The subsequent amendment
referred to is the striking out of the words said agents to be elders.
"The following was
adopted as the unanimous decision and request of the quorums: Resolved, That
the Secretary be instructed to
prepare a proper introduction to the Epistle of the Twelve and Bishopric and
furnish the same with the request that it be published; and incorporated in the
Book
of Rules when that is revised.
"It was also ordered that
the names of all members of each quorum, who are present should be attached to
said joint epistle when published."
The foregoing was adopted by
the General Conference, with the proviso that said principles and
rules be amended to read,
"That the ministry shall report annually to the Bishop instead of
semiannually."
Adopted
April 10, 1890.
No. 331. Whereas, The recognized
duty of the church is to care for and provide for the poor; and
whereas, It is admitted that in
their scattered condition they cannot be cared for as they should be,
therefore be it
Resolved, That we now take
some active measures towards providing a home for the poor; such a home as will
be in accord with the Savior's injunction, "Do unto others as you would
that they should do unto you."
This was discussed and then referred to the Bishopric, and they were authorized
to act in this matter as found practicable.
Adopted
April 11, 1890.
No. 332. That the First
Presidency and the General Church Secretary be authorized to prepare a blank
form upon which, all ministers are hereby requested to report, and as briefly
as possible. Be it further Resolved, That the Board of Publication be
requested to hereafter publish said reports, together with the minutes of
future General Conferences in pamphlet form, as supplements to the Herald
instead of in the Herald columns as at present published.
No. 333. That a committee of two
be selected by this body to prepare an article representing the
faith and principles of the
church, for standard encyclopedias and school histories.
No. 334. Whereas, The undertaking
of building a place ample to accommodate the Saints for public
worship at Independence, Missouri,
has required an outlay of means greater than the Saints of the
Independence Branch have been
able to raise themselves; and
Whereas, The services of Bro.
Joseph Luff have been for the past three years and are now restricted in great
measure to looking after this work, and under the present outlook will
necessarily by reason of this be further kept from his ministerial work for a
long time; and
Whereas, The Bishopric of the
church is the proper department to take charge of and see after the
construction of buildings and
expenditure of church funds generally.
Therefore, be it resolved,
That this conference instruct and authorize the Bishop of the church to
take such steps as they shall
deem proper, and as they may satisfactorily arrange with the local committee of
said church, to take charge of said work and raise such special fund as shall
be necessary to meet the indebtedness and completion of said structure, and
that the said Luff shall as soon as such arrangements are perfected in a
satisfactory manner to the Bishopric and local committee be released from
personal oversight, so as to enable him to discharge the duties of his office
as one of the Twelve.
No. 335. Resolved, That in the
opinion of this conference, the time has arrived when it may be expedient to
establish an institution of learning under the control or influence of our
church organization, and to this end there shall be a committee appointed (by
the body) to receive proposals for a location and take such other preliminary
measures as may be necessary; and said committee are empowered after receiving
such proposals to make all necessary arrangements for the establishment of such
institution.
No. 336. That a committee of
three be appointed by this body to revise the Rules of Order, suggesting
whatever amendments are necessary, and collate for publication therewith the
principles
and rules governing in church
representation and arranging the whole ready for publication, upon indorsement
of the next Annual Conference.
Adopted April
12, 1890.
No.
337. The committee on college reported having organized, choosing Bishop G. A.
Blakeslee as
president,
David Dancer as treasurer, and Robert Winning as secretary, and that they had
adopted the following resolutions:
That the committee take
measures to secure a proper fund for carrying into effect the resolution relative
to the establishment of an institution of learning passed by the conference on
yesterday and to this end that we open proper subscription books and arrange
for a special fund to be known as the "College Fund," for this
purpose.
That E. L. Kelley and Robert
Winning be a committee to prepare the necessary subscription lists and books.
That the personal canvass be
under the direct supervision of the Bishopric, they appointing suitable persons
to solicit subscriptions.
That all authorized canvassers
be instructed to report monthly to the secretary whose duty is to collect all
moneys and to turn over same to the treasurer, taking his receipt therefor.
That when committee adjourns
it shall be subject to the call of the president or that of a majority of the
committee.
That we adopt the installment
plan of subscription, one fifth of the amount subscribed to be due and payable
six months from April 6, 1890, and the balance in equal Payments every three
months thereafter. All subscriptions made after October 6, 1890, will be due and payable, the first installment of one fifth three months from date of said
subscription, and the balance in equal installments each three months until
paid.
That the secretary communicate
with Lamoni College Committee and subscribers, and if possible secure the
turning over to this committee of all cash and other subscriptions made.
That the treasurer and
secretary be called upon to give bonds in such amounts as the Bishopric may
determine; said bonds to be subject to the approval of the Bishopric.
The report of the committee
was adopted by the conference.
No. 338. The revelation given to
the church through President Joseph Smith, April 8, 1890, was accepted by the several quorums present, after which it was unanimously approved by the
body.
No. 339. Whereas, The Sunday
school movement in the church, which is becoming an important part of the work
of the body of Christ, has now arrived at that period of its existence that it
invites and needs assistance and encouragement as well as recognition in a more
general and definite way, therefore, be it
Resolved, That this conference
appoint a committee whose duty shall be to devise ways and means towards the
further establishment of the Sunday school work, with a view to making it a
department of regular church work and care.
Adopted
April 14, 1890.
No. 340. That the revelation
received by the President of the church April 8, 1890, be compiled in future
editions of the Book of Covenants, and that the Board of Publication be
requested to issue the said revelation as a supplement to the Herald as
section 120, of Doctrine and Covenants, and properly paged; and also the
revelations of 1882 and 1887 be published in the same supplement.
Adopted
April 15, 1890.
No. 341. Twelve high priests were
chosen to form a High Council, in harmony with the revelation received during
the conference, and it was
Resolved, That the First
Presidency call the council and attend to the matter of organization as soon as
they can conveniently.
Adopted
April 9, 1891.
No. 342. On call the committee
appointed September 22, 1877, to revise and publish the History of Joseph
Smith, as contained in the Times and Seasons and in other publications
of the church, reported. The report was received and the committee continued
with request for further action.
No. 343.
WITNESSES
IN ADULTERY CASES.
Whereas, There is a difference of
opinion existing in the minds of the Saints regarding the requirements of
Doctrine and Covenants 42:22, relating to the trial of parties charged with
adultery, some holding that two or more eye witnesses to the act charged are
necessary before conviction, and others believing differently,
Resolved, That . . . the law
referred to does not require eye witnesses to the act charged, but if there are
found members of the church who as witnesses testify concerning facts or
circumstances bearing upon the case, whose evidence is of a character to remove
all reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the parties charged, from the minds of
the elders trying the case, it is sufficient. If one eye witness be found
willing to testify in addition to the above it is better, though not absolutely
necessary.
No. 344. Upon receiving the
report of committee on general Sunday school organization, the conference by
vote recognized their work.
No. 345. Elder E. L. Kelley was
appointed Presiding Bishop, vice Bishop G. A. Blakeslee, deceased. He selected
Elders G. H. Hillard and E. A. Blakeslee as his counselors.
No. 346. The branch at Keb, near Ottumwa,
lowa, and the counties of Jefferson, Wapello, and Davis in the state of Iowa
were annexed to the "Nauvoo and String Prairie District."
Adopted
April 10, 1891.
No. 347. The subject of the
reincorporation of the church was taken up and the following was moved and
adopted: "That a committee of three be appointed to prepare Articles of
Incorporation in harmony and in conformity with the present incorporation under
the laws of the State of Illinois, the
same to be used to further
incorporate the society In the State of Iowa and other States by vote of
any large branch or stake in such
States as provided by the laws of the same.”
No. 348. Whereas, The publication
of the financial reports of the ministry is attended with great expense; and,
whereas, The law only provides for elders making reports to the Bishop,
therefore be
it resolved, That hereafter, only
the totals of receipts and expenditures by the ministry be published.
No. 349. That the Bishopric be
authorized to take such steps to remove the cloud of title to real estate in
Independence, Missouri, as may be deemed wise and proper by them.
No. 350. Whereas, By reason of
the disorganization of branches and districts there have been valuable records
lost to the church, therefore be it resolved, That hereafter when branches
become disorganized, either by the removal of members or the act of conference,
that those having possession of such branch records are hereby requested and
instructed to deposit them with their district clerks; and that if the district
clerks do not need them that they send these records to the General Church
Secretary and Recorder for deposit in the vaults of his office; and
furthermore, That upon the disorganization of districts their records should
also be sent to the same place for safe keeping
Adopted April 11,
1891.
No. 351. 1. Whereas, The growth
of the church has been attended with an increase of responsibilities and cares,
making necessary the liberation of our chief officers from all burdens not
necessarily included in their office and calling; and
2. Whereas, We have witnessed
with deep consideration the effect of over anxiety and work upon
the Presidency of the church; and
3. Whereas, The law provides
that they should be so cared for by the church as to enable them to
devote their time and energy
exclusively to the duties of the office held by them, and
4. Whereas, We believe that
the editorial or other management of the Herald is not comprehended
in their official calling, but is
an added burden imposed without command of the Spirit, or being necessary under
the law.
Resolved, That the Quorum of
the Twelve and the Bishopric be authorized to take such steps and
provide such means as in their
judgment shall be proper to relieve the members of the Presidency from their
present financial burdens and encumbrances (if any shall be found) and provide
for the support of themselves and families according to the law, thus leaving
them free and untrammeled to attend exclusively to the duties of the office of
the Presidency.
Resolved, That the Board of
Publication be requested to act in accord with the foregoing and release said
brethren from all obligations connected with the editing of the Herald.
No. 352. We, your committee
appointed to examine and report upon the petition from the annual conference of
the English Mission, held at Birmingham, August 2‑4, 1890, beg leave to
report as follows:
Resolved, That this committee
recommend that mission and district conferences may be composed of both the
ministry and members residing within the limits of said conferences and that
such shall be entitled to voice and vote; or that they may, if such bodies
shall deem it best for their interests, adopt the rules governing the
composition and organization of General Conferences as set forth in the Rules
of Order and Rules of Representation.
No. 353. We, your committee
appointed to examine and report regarding petition from the
Nodaway, Missouri, District,
asking the conference to define the duties of a missionary in charge,
submissionary in charge, and of
district presidents, would respectfully submit the following:
Resolved, That we recommend
that all parties interested in these and similar questions be referred
to the law of the church,
especially to the revelation of April 8, 1890, and the missionary in charge;
and in case a mutual understanding is not had they may appeal to the First
Presidency.
No. 354. "The committee on
credentials reported, advising that hereafter, when practicable, the
credentials [of delegates to the General Conferences] be written out and sent
to the Church Secretary in time for him to make up his yea and nay forms prior
to the conference session, as he also himself has suggested that it be
done."
Adopted
April 13, 14, 1891
No. 355. Various amendments to
the Rules of Order and Debate, recommended by the committee on revision and by
the First Presidency, together with a provision that the Articles of
Incorporation be included in said book, were adopted: See edition of 1891.
Adopted
April 9, 1892.
No. 356. That in the preparation
of the Church Secretary's report, this body desires that of the Church
Secretary, and not those of district clerks, who are not under direction of the
body.
Adopted
April 11, 1892.
No. 357. That a committee be
appointed to take the steps necessary, and to make arrangements to properly
represent the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ and its standard works at the
World's Fair in Chicago, in 1893.
No. 358. Resolved, That the reply
of Bro. J. R. Lambert in advocacy and defense of the Book of Mormon and Book of
Doctrine and Covenants, as offered to the church in his report to this body, be
referred to the Board of Publication, with request that it be published in the
Herald, or in pamphlet form if they deem best.
No. 359. Whereas, Should the
Bishop of the church be able to close his fiscal year on March 15, at the same
time that the Herald Office year closes, the committee on auditing Herald
Office accounts could, without additional expense, audit the Bishop's books
also; and
Whereas, Such audit of
accounts would enable the Bishop to present his report for direct action
without delaying conference by committee work, be it hereby
Resolved, That in the year
1893, and thenceforward the Bishop's books and accounts be audited prior to the
convening of each April Conference, by the above named committee.
Adopted
April 12, 1892.
No. 360. The following was
adopted, as presented by the Board of Publication, together with the proviso
for a committee of revision that follows:
"That an authentic
history of the rise and progress of the church should be compiled and
published, and we therefore recommend that the conference of the church shall
now take action authorizing the Board to cause such compilation and publication
to be made."
Resolved, That we appoint a
committee of examination and revision, consisting of Brn. Joseph Smith, W. H.
Kelley, Charles Derry, and J. R. Lambert, in connection with the Board of
Publication.
Adopted
April 13, 1892.
No. 361. Resolved, That we
instruct the elders of the church who are not under general church appointment
to not report to this body, unless the labor performed has been outside of all
districts and branches; and that the Secretary of the church be authorized to
reject all ministerial reports which do not properly belong to the General
Conference of church.
No. 362. Whereas, The Quorum of
the Twelve deem it wisdom to appoint none as church missionaries who do not
honor the Lord in "avoiding the use of tobacco," etc., as enjoined in
the revelation of April, 1887, and
Whereas, Branch, and
especially district presidents, are important church servants, therefore be it
Resolved, That we do
respectfully call the attention of all Saints to the propriety of observing the
example of the Twelve in appointing such officers, especially where others
equally competent are available who do thus honor the Lord.
No. 363. Resolved, That ministers
who are eligible to the law of tithing, and refuse to comply with it; or who
ignore the law by neither paying nor making proper effort to pay, are not
justly entitled to claim upon the church for family support.
No. 364. Resolved, That the work
done by a committee appointed to compile acts of General Conferences binding
upon the body, accepted by the conference of 1887, and referred to the Board of
Publication, "with authority to publish if deemed best by them," be
completed, including similar acts that this conference has passed or may pass,
that a committee be appointed to so complete the compilation, said committee to
report its work for examination to the Board of Publication, which is requested
to publish the complete work if practicable.
No. 365. A report was presented
from the Young People's Mutual Improvement Society, of St. Joseph, Missouri,
asking that action be taken toward completing an organization of the young
people's societies. The matter was "left with the society for such further
action as they may deem best.”
No. 366. The Presiding Bishop
presented a special report, calling attention to the effort of the Bishopric
"to provide for a special fund to aid the church in its work as emergency
might arise, and provide for a suitable home for Saints, when circumstances
demanded the same,” etc.
"A motion was adopted
that this body approves of the movement for the object stated "
Adopted
April 15, 1892.
The four following resolutions
were presented by the Quorum of the Twelve:
No. 367. 1st. Whereas, A question
has arisen in regard to the right of a missionary in charge to move a
missionary placed under him from one subdivision of his field to another, after
the General Conference has ratified his appointment to the first subdivision,
and, whereas, The missionary in charge is expected to direct the labor of all
under him for the best good of the cause throughout his mission, resolved, That
in our opinion the authority is vested in the missionary in charge to make all
such changes of the above character as in his judgment are necessary to advance
the church work, and in so doing he does not violate the sense of the General
Conference action regarding the missionary whose field of operation is thus
changed.
No. 368. 2d. Resolved, That we
recognize the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants as the only
standard works of the church; and it is our opinion that every other book,
pamphlet, or other publication, should simply rest upon its own merits, the
church being responsible only for that which it authorized to be done, or which
it accepts after it is done.
No. 369. 3d. Sunday school and
branch entertainments:
The young, middle‑aged,
and aged, are alike under obligations to shun the evils of the world, and
adhere to the teachings of the word of God. They are not their own, but having
been "bought with a price," they belong to Christ That which is
immoral in its tendency, or that which will in any wise interfere with the
performance of duty as presented to us in the sacred word, or that which tends
to prevent us from rising to that high standard of thought and action to which
all the Saints of God should aspire, should be excluded from the entertainments
held in different branches of the church. And we believe that the enactment of
tragedies should be avoided, and that purely frivolous display, or farces which
embody no moral, as a prominent feature, are improper.
While in the very nature of the
case, it is difficult, if not impracticable, for us to denounce in a wholesale
manner any class of performances known by a specific name, yet we may safely
condemn all that we are unable to harmonize with the teachings of the sacred
books of the church; that is, the Holy Scriptures, the Book of Mormon, and
Doctrine and Covenants. That which is harmless and pure in its character and
tendency may safely be admitted; that which is not should be excluded. The
holding of Sunday school and church entertainments for laudable purposes, when
of a proper kind, are not only permissible, but commendable. The exercises,
however, should be of such a character as will tend to develop the latent
powers of mind in the young, and those of riper years, imparting broader views
of morality and social enjoyment, thus imparting that innocent pleasure which
Inspires those who possess it to reach still higher after all that is elevating
and instructive. We are further of. the opinion that those who are in charge of
Sunday schools and branches where these entertainments are to be had, may with
proper care, be qualified to choose between that which is innocent and
beneficial, and that which is not. All should so live as to enjoy that measure
of the Spirit of truth which will prevent them from indulging in that which
would lead them away from God.
No. 370. 4th. Action on Book of
Rules:
Whereas, We find certain
portions of the "Rules of Order to be in conflict with the revelation of
1890, and whereas, Said conflict has occasioned difficulty in certain quarters,
and is likely to cause trouble hereafter, resolved, That we ask General
Conference to order the following amendment; viz:
1. To strike out the last
seven lines of section 4 and instead thereof insert the words, organizations
may be effected by the missionary in charge, or by the district president with
the consent, knowledge, and direction of the missionary in charge, when
circumstances prevent the latter from being present; or by order of the
conferences.
2. By striking out the first
sentence of section 11, and inserting the following words in the place thereof:
Districts should be organized by the direction of the conferences, or by the
personal presence and direction of the Twelve, or some member of that quorum
who may be in charge, if practicable.
No. 371. Resolved that . . . when
conflict of authority, or difficulty arises in regard to branch boundaries, the
matter be referred to the missionary in charge, for adjudication, and that his
decision be final.
Adopted
April 7, 1893.
No. 372. That the boundary lines
of the Northern Illinois District be as follows:
Beginning at the Wisconsin
line at the northwest corner of Winnebago County, Illinois, and running south,
straight with the west side of said county to a line running due east from
Pekin City, following said line to the Indiana State line, thence north to Lake
Michigan, thence following the west shore to the southeast corner of Wisconsin,
leaving the north boundary undefined.
Adopted
April 8, 1893.
No. 373. That the Central
Missouri District be disorganized . "That Ray County and all the territory
lying west of said county, in said district, be added to the Far West District,
and that Carroll County and all the territory lying east and north of said
county, in said district, be added to the Northeastern Missouri District."
No. 374. Resolved, That the
committee on encyclopedias be authorized to present the matter prepared by them
to each publisher, or publishing company, of the standard encyclopedias and
school histories, with request for publication; also to such of the magazines,
journals, and papers as they may deem best calculated to accomplish the object
of their appointment.
Adopted
April 10, 1893.
No. 375. Resolved, That hereafter
all reports of the general ministry, the Bishopric, and the Presidency, be sent
to the Church Secretary at least ten days prior to the time of assembling of
any General Conference, and that the same may be presented to the publishing
board, who shall publish the same in supplemental form, and send out with the Herald
and present a copy to each member of the conference and that the reading of
reports to the conference be dispensed
Adopted
April 12, 1893.
No. 376. Resolved, That this
conference favor the active prosecution of the work in the city of Chicago
during the time of the Columbian Exposition, and that we encourage and sustain
the missionaries in charge in making such special efforts in this direction as
shall be deemed proper by them with the means the Bishop may be able to supply
for the purpose.
No. 377. Resolved, That we
consider the practice of dancing and card playing as unbecoming true
Christians, and should be avoided by all Saints.
Adopted
April 13, 1893.
No. 378. "Resolved, That in
the opinion of this quorum general church ministers who labor in the literary
concerns of the church should conform to the provisions of the law in the
Millennial Star and also in Times and Seasons is of extremely
doubtful character, and cannot be safely relied upon; therefore it should not
be employed as authority in matters affecting the government of the church.
Adopted
April 14, 1893.
No. 379. Presented by the First
Seventy:
“Resolved, That in the opinion
of this quorum general church ministers who labor in the literary concerns of
the church should conform to the provisions of the law in the Book of Doctrine
and Covenants, as found in the sections quoted as follows: (70: 3; 72: 4). . .
. ."
"Resolved, further, That
the Board of Publication be instructed to carry this resolution into effect in
its management of the Herald Office.
Adopted
April 15, 1893.
No. 380. That we use our
influence, and, so far as possible aid the General Sunday school Association.
Adopted
April 7, 1894.
No. 381. We your committee
appointed to examine the resolution of the Eastern Iowa District relating to
the term Mormon, beg to report: That in view of the fact that the church
has already officially placed itself on record as to name, designation, or
title, and by incorporation in the States of both Illinois and Iowa has the
stamp of legality affixed thereto, we see no necessity for this conference to
take other action than to discourage the use of such term in both writing and
speaking.
Adopted
April 9, 1894.
No. 382. That Brn. E. L. Kelley,
R.S. Salyards, and H. A. Stebbins be appointed to revise the acts of General
Conferences that have already been compiled, and make them ready for
publication, and report to this body.
Adopted
April 10, 1894
No. 383. Substance of committee
report on boundaries of St. Louis District:
That the counties so included
be designated as Lincoln, Montgomery, Warren, St. Charles, St. Louis, Franklin,
Gasconade, Osage, Maries, Phelps, Crawford, Washington, St. Francois, St.
Genevieve, Perry, and Jefferson . . . .
We find that in Illinois the
Illinois Central Railroad line is already the eastern boundary of the St. Louis
District, and we recommend that the northern boundaries of the following
counties; to‑wit: Christian, Sangamon, and Morgan be the northern
boundary of the St. Louis District, from the Illinois Central Railroad line
west to the Illinois River, and that the Illinois River be the western boundary
of the district south to the southern boundary of Pike County, and thence the
southern boundary of Pike County form the northern boundary to the Mississippi
River.
Correction; We further
recommend that all that part of Illinois lying west of the Illinois Central
Railroad line and south of the northern boundary herein defined be included in
the St. Louis District.
Adopted
April 11, 1894.
No. 384. The following was adopted
in response to a request from the Western Wisconsin District that the State be
divided into two districts:
"That their petition be
granted and the organization of said districts be provided for; that the
northern boundaries of Vernon, Sauk, Columbia, Dodge, Washington, and Ozaukee
counties be the dividing line between the two districts.”
No. 385. Resolved, That a
committee on American archeology be appointed, who shall report their labors to
the General Conference, and as they deem necessary through the Herald, so that
the church can have the benefit of their labors; that said committee be
composed of five, three of whom shall be appointed by this conference, the
remaining two to be selected by the committee at their discretion.
Adopted
April 12, 1894.
No. 386
REPORT
OF JOINT COUNCIL.
The Joint Council of the First
Presidency, Twelve, and High Priests, which has been holding sessions during
this conference, made report, reading:
To the Conference: The Joint
Council, in compliance with your request, presents the following report, which
embraces what has been agreed upon.
1. Office in the
Church of Christ is not conferred to distinguish, or glorify, or increase the
importance of the person on whom it is conferred.
2. Office in the
church is conferred for the purpose of accomplishing certain results designed
in the instituting and establishing the church.
3. All offices
in the church come properly under the head of the priesthood. Under this
general head all the officers are arranged, there being two orders of
priesthood; the Melchisedec and the Aaronic.
4. The scope of
the present council is confined to an inquiry into the calling, duties, and
prerogatives of the First Presidency, Twelve, and the Quorum of High Priests.
5. The President
of the church is primarily appointed by revelation.
6. This
appointment is confirmed by the vote of the church properly taken.
7. That the
Presidency is the leading quorum in the church. That the duty of presiding over
the church devolves on that quorum. That it is the prerogative of the President
to preside over the whole church, to bear the responsibility of the care and
oversight of the work of the church, in all its different departments, and
through the constituted officers of the church in their various callings,
according to the laws, rules, and regulations in force and recognized by the
church.
8. That it is
the prerogative of the President to receive revelations from God and give them
to the church for the direction and government of the affairs of the church.
9. That the
members of the Presidency are leading interpreters and teachers of the laws and
revelations of God, and are of right presidents of the General Assemblies of
the church.
10. That the
members of the Presidency are to Preside over the High Council, and in the
exercise of this duty to render decisions on important causes submitted to that
council.
11. That it is
the prerogative of the Presidency, to receive revelations from God through the
President and present them to the church.
12. That the
Presidency are the counselors of the Twelve and exercise the right of
presidency by direction and council to that quorum.
13. That the
calling and duties of the High Priests are those of standing or local
presidency of branches, districts, conferences, or stakes, to the presidency of
which they may be called, or appointed by the constituted authorities of the
church, in accordance to the law.
14. That "the Twelve" are the second quorum
in authority and importance in the general work of the church; and is the
leading missionary body of laborers, under the direction and counsel of the
Presidency, whose duty it is to preach the gospel, win souls to Christ,
administer in the rights of the gospel, carry the gospel to this and every
other nation, take charge of and direct other missionaries;
and
to do any work within their calling, which the necessities of the work and
general welfare of the church may demand.
JOSEPH SMITH
President of
Council.
HEMAN C. SMITH,
HENRY A.
STEBBINS,
Secretaries
of Council.
Adopted
April 14, 1894.
No. 387. That it is the sense of
this conference that our ministry should confine themselves to the preaching of
the gospel, and that they desist from preaching that which cannot be fully
sustained by the standard works of the church.
No. 388. A blank form for
ministry reports, also a form of summons to appear, before elders' courts, were
adopted, with a provision that the Board of Publication furnish such forms.
Adopted
April 17, 1894.
No. 389. Whereas, In the
prosecution of the Temple Lot Suit, questions and settlement of title and
property interests are likely to further arise requiring attention, therefore
be it
Resolved, That the Bishopric
be authorized and instructed to look after the same, if found necessary, and to
take such steps as shall be deemed necessary for the good of the body and in
justice to all Parties concerned.
Adopted
April 19, 1894.
No. 390. Resolved, That Lamoni,
Iowa, be considered and declared to be the seat of the First Presidency of the
church.
No. 391. The Presidency to whom
the resolution on the subject of the resurrection was referred, report
That, While we are of the
opinion that the standard books of the church clearly teach the unconditional
resurrection of man, we believe it to be of doubtful propriety for the church
to put unnecessary restrictions upon the ministry as to the manner of their
teaching those doctrines and matters of faith which are of secondary
importance; for, while possible injury may accrue to individuals, here and
there, who may be inquiring for the word, from the advocacy of individual
views held by some of the laborers in the field; we think such injury less
hurtful to the general work, than that which would result from the creation of
a creed, or the putting restrictions upon the ministry in the form of
resolutions restraining the liberty of inquiry and investigation, and
censuring those who may venture into such investigation, upon what seems to
them to be fair grounds.
We therefore recommend that
the conference go no further than to say that it is the belief of the church
that the doctrine of the resurrection provides for the rising from the dead, of
all men, each in his own order, through the atonement wrought by Jesus Christ.
We cite from the Scriptures
such passages as may be aids to understanding upon the subject: Doctrine and
Covenants 28: 7, 8; 43: 5; 45: 10; 63: 13; 76: 3, 4, 7; 85: 6, 29. Book of
Mormon, 2 Nephi 6: 4, 6, Mosiah 8: 9; 11: 16. Alma 8: 10; 9: 3; 19:4. Book of
Nephi 11: 7; Book of Mormon 4:6. Bible, John 5: 28; Acts 24: 15; 1 Cor. 15: 21,
22, 23, 25, 26; Rev. 20: 5, 12, 13: 21: 8; 22: 15.
No. 392. Presented by First
Seventy:
"Resolved, That we
request President Joseph Smith to insert in section 121 Doctrine and Covenants
a statement of the instruction given to the Seventy in 1885 ── that directing them to
choose presidents of Seventy and instructing the presidents thus chosen to
choose other Seventy ──
that it may be preserved with other important instruction given to the church
and published in that section."
Adopted
April 8, 1895.
No. 393. The Quorum of the Twelve
presented all the following resolutions under the above date:
Resolved, That while we
recognize the Seventy as the missionary force which is subject to the
appointment and demand of the Twelve, yet under existing circumstances, we find
it impracticable to appoint in complete harmony with the preambles and
resolutions of one year ago.
Resolved, further, That we now
proceed to appoint as nearly in harmony with our action of one year ago as the
circumstances now confronting us will permit.
The action of the Twelve in
1894, referred to above, it as follows:
"Whereas, High priests,
elders, and priests are local or standing ministers to the church, (Doctrine
and Covenants 107: 42; 120 : 3; 17 : 10, 25; 83: 2,) and, ──
"Whereas, The local
ministry are not under the law subject to appointment as general missionaries,
and, ──
"Whereas, The law says
that 'it is the duty of the Traveling High Council to call upon the Seventy,
when they need assistance to fill the several calls for preaching and
administering the gospel, instead of any others,' (Doctrine and Covenants 104
:16,) and, ──
"Whereas, The law
provides for as many traveling ministers as 'the labor in the vineyard of
necessity requires,' (Doctrine and Covenants 104: 43; 120: 3,) and, ──
“Whereas, We deem it unwise
that the Twelve should be burdened with anything more than that which is
necessary in order to fulfill the duties of their calling, and, ──
"Whereas, We believe that
the church has reached that juncture in the progress of the work which will
enable us now, or very soon, to more fully harmonize with and carry out these
provisions of divine law, therefore be it,
"Resolved by this
council, That we take this method of notifying this conference and the whole
church, that at the next convening of the General Conference we shall expect to
appoint in harmony with the above statements and the law cited therein."
No. 394. Whereas, It is
understood that ministers who are appointed to labor as their circumstances
permit, have no claim upon the treasury of the church for financial support;
and whereas, It is the privilege and duty of all ministers to labor in their
respective callings, in harmony with local authority, wherever and whenever
they can, without an appointment from General Conference; therefore be it
resolved, That we take this method of informing the church and ministry that
hereafter we will discontinue the practice of so appointing, unless special and
extraordinary reasons be furnished in favor of such appointments.
No. 395. Resolved, That in the
event of an order by the conference to publish the revelation of April, 1894,
in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, we request the body to indorse and order
published in connection therewith, the proceedings of the Joint Council which
was provided for in the revelation.
Adopted
April 9, 1895.
No. 396. That this conference
authorize and instruct the college committee to incorporate, as provided by the
laws of Iowa, for institutions of learning.
No. 397. As presented by the
Bishopric, to whom the question had been referred:
1. That we fail
to find any reference in the revelation of 1894 in regard to the support of
families of district presidents, and hence nothing that could be construed to
change in any regard the maintenance of any family from the plan set out in
former church articles.
2. The common
and universal rule of the church upon which any elder's family is supplied is
based upon the law of necessity, and all are to be supplied according to their
several needs under the supervision of the general church authorities, and can
hardly expect any variation from the rule; for the revelation states, section
70, paragraph 3: "Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in
his stewardship, even as I the Lord have appointed, or shall hereafter appoint
unto any man." District presidents when under general appointment and
giving their entire time, or, by agreement, a part, to church work in like
manner, are supplied according to their needs.
Adopted
April 11, 1895.
No. 398. "We indorse and
recommend the use of tents for gospel work as being not only useful and
economical, but as an available and effective means of reaching classes who
would otherwise remain ignorant of the faith delivered unto us; therefore we
recommend that district presidents and missionaries in charge be requested to
aid and encourage the tent work throughout all their missions wherever it may
be practicable."
No. 399. Whereas, In the
prosecution of the college work it is likely that there will be need of a board
of directors prior to the assembling of the next General Conference, therefore
be it
Resolved, That this body
proceed to name a board of nine directors to be known as the College Board, who
shall, under the articles of incorporation, have the usual authority of such
boards, except as may be varied by such articles.
No. 400. In response to a
petition from the St. Louis District, a committee was appointed to compile
music and words for the Saints' Hymnal. The Hymnal was issued and subsequently
approved by the conference.
Adopted
April 12, 1895.
No. 401. Resolved, That we go
upon record as believing that the act of conveying the emblems to those
partaking forms a part of the work of "administering the sacrament,"
and, under the law, neither teachers, deacons, nor laity have right to serve in
that capacity.
Adopted
April 8, 1896.
No. 402. Resolved, That inasmuch
as section 113 in Book of Doctrine and Covenants was not given by inspiration,
but seems to be an individual statement relative to the martyrdom of Joseph and
Hyrum Smith, and in some degree has a tendency to do the church harm when used
by the enemy as it is now published, that the President of the church and the
Board of Publication be instructed to prepare and publish an explanation with
said section.
Adopted
April 9, 1896.
No. 403. The committee on
American Archeology was instructed to complete its report, and to publish
therewith the map prepared by its direction, in pamphlet form.
Adopted
April 10, 1896.
No. 404. Whereas, We are at a
disadvantage with some railroads, the Pennsylvania lines and others, in
reference to permits, therefore be it resolved, That the President, Secretary,
and Bishop are hereby requested to make effort to secure our rights and
privileges in such matters and that the action before passed by us in this
conference be hereby placed in the hands of this committee, to be consummated
or not as shall be found advisable.
No. 405. Resolved, That the Board
of Publication be instructed to inquire into the feasibility of purchasing
Zion's Ensign with its printing plant and property at Independence
Missouri, and if the purchase shall be found possible at a price and terms
suitable, the board be authorized to make said purchase as soon as found
practicable.
No. 406. Whereas, The work
attending the duties of General Secretary and Recorder for the church is
increasing largely, and owing to the progress of the work will be still further
increased, therefore be it
Resolved, That the office be
separated . . . .
No. 407. Elder R. S. Salyards was
elected to the office of Church Secretary.
No. 408. Elder H. A. Stebbins was
retained as Church Recorder.
No. 409. Whereas, There is a
growing need that we have an authorized history of the church, therefore be it
resolved that the body elect a General Church Historian.
"The matter was then
referred to the Board of Publication with instructions to choose a historian.”
No. 410. Whereas, It is believed
by some that in the Voice of Warning there is archeological matter, good in its
time but which can now be replaced with later and better matter; and
Whereas, It is believed the
Voice of Warning can be improved in several features;
Therefore be it resolved That
it be submitted to a committee of three for revision; and that the President of
the Board of Publication with the committee review the work done, after which
it be at once published by the board.
No. 411. On motion the office of
the Church Secretary was designated as, “Secretary of the Reorganized Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."
Adopted
April 11,1896.
No. 412. The statement on the
question of "Marriage and Divorce,” reported by a committee to the General
Conference of 1895, and deferred for consideration at this conference was
amended and adopted, reading as follows:
We your committee to whom was
referred the preamble and resolution upon the subject of marriage and divorce,
pending Friday, April 13, 1894. as found upon page 34 of the published minutes
of the session of conference for 1894, beg leave and report:
"Whereas, There exists in
the church no definite and positive understanding on the law governing
divorcement, therefore be it resolved that there be a committee of three
appointed to draft a statement of the law together with an explanation thereof
governing the relationship of husband and wife, touching the following
features:
"I. Justifiable causes
for separation of husband and wife.
"2. On what condition can
husband or wife whose companion is still living be privileged to marry again?
"3. The lawfulness or
unlawfulness of receiving individuals into the church when having one or more
companions living from whom they have been separated.
“4. The lawfulness or
unlawfulness of expelling members from the church for separating from
companions.
"5. As to whether we as a
church should recognize that the divorce law of the land separates and frees in
a gospel sense."
1. Marriage is a condition of
life between the sexes instituted by God at the creation of man, in which two
individuals, man and woman, enter into an agreement to abide with each other
for the purpose of companionship, mental, moral, and social, and for the
purposes of procreation, named in the word as multiplying and replenishing,
that "the earth might answer the end of its creation and be filled with
the measure of man.”
2. This condition of life
known as the domestic or marriage relation should not be entered into hastily,
nor without due consideration upon the part of those being parties to it; and
in all cases it should be understood that the covenant of marriage was to bind
those entering into it for life. See (Note a.)
3. The causes justifying
separation between married persons are: (a) Adultery; (b) Abandonment without
cause, constituting presumption of crime, referred to in Matthew 5: 32. (Note
b.)
4. Persons who have been
married and who have afterwards been separated may marry other companions, on
condition that the cause for separation was a justifiable one. When either
party to a contract of marriage has so conducted himself toward the other that
the presumptive cause referred to in Matthew 5:32, has occurred; the putting
always being understood to be the act of either one, or both. (Note c.)
5. Persons who have separated
from their companions for cause may be received by baptism into the church. The
church being under obligation to observe the law of the land, where persons who
have been legally separated from former companions and have remarried present
themselves for baptism it is to be presumed that the separation sanctioned by
the courts was for cause. Persons who at the time of being received into the
church are married should be required to keep the contract of marriage then
existing sacred, and fulfill it to the end. (Note d.)
6. Separation alone is not
justifiable cause for expulsion from the church. (Note e.)
7. The church should recognize
the acts of the courts of' the land under the existing law governing
divorcement when the acts of the offending party have been such that the
putting away is the presumptive act of guilt referred to in Matthew 5:32. (Note
f.)
NOTES.
Note a. ── The church has already declared that there
is but one sufficient cause for absolute separation of married persons;
resolution presented at April session of conference for 1883 reads:
"1. Whereas, We believe
that marriage is ordained of God, and that the law of God provides for but one
companion in wedlock, for either man or woman except in cases where the
contract is broken by death or transgression: therefore,
"Resolved, That it is our
understanding that in case of separation of husband and wife, one of which is
guilty of the crime of fornication, or adultery, the other becomes released
from the marriage bond, and if they so desire may obtain a divorce and marry
again."
At the session of 1884, this
resolution was, on April 9, on proper motion adopted and became the rule of the
church.
The law relied upon as the
basis of this rule will be found in Genesis 2: 24; Matthew 19: 5; Book of
Mormon, Book of Jacob 2: 6; Doctrine and Covenants 49: 3.
Note b. ── The law of God as found in the books
having no provision for divorcement, it is fair to presume that no separation
of married persons was contemplated at the time marriage was instituted.
However, the necessity having occurred, through lapse of time and man's
perversity, Jesus makes statement of cause justifying separation; this cause
is, adultery, unfaithfulness to the bond of marriage; and is in an additional
statement, covered in the terms putting away.
In the sermon on the mount, Jesus, referring to the inadequateness of the law,
declared:
"Whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication,
causeth her to commit adultery; and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced
committeth adultery." ──
Matthew.5:32.
It is stated by Matthew in 19:
9, that Jesus taught thus:
"Whosoever shall put away
his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth
adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery."
In Mark 10:11, 12, thus:
“Whosoever shall put away his
wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall
put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.”
Luke has it thus:
“Whosoever putteth away his
wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery; and whoso marrieth her that is
put away from her husband committeth adultery." ── Luke 16:18.
Any extreme rendition of these
passages will do injustice in every case where the husband, or wife is put away
being innocent of the offense of adultery. Neither Mark, nor Luke has the
justifying provision of adultery, or fornication; but this is found in both
passages in Matthew, fifth and nineteenth chapters.
The declaration of the church
in 1835 was that in "case of death,” either party was at liberty to marry
again.
The rule found in section 42,
paragraph 7, Doctrine and Covenants forbids adultery, and makes the second
offense one that the church may not forgive.
These taken with the statement
of Jesus, Matthew 5: 32, warrant the belief that the married man, or married
woman that is guilty of adultery becomes dead to the law of marriage, and
justifies putting away.
A distinction must be made
between "putting away" and divorcement; the last being but the legal
recognition of the act of putting away. Jesus clearly makes this distinction,
in the sermon, and in the teaching to the disciples, Matthew 19.
This "putting away"
of either husband or wife, except for the one cause actually committed, is by
the teaching of Jesus, Matthew 5: 32, made to be presumptive adultery; and in
such case, the person so put away is sinned against; and if the person so
putting away marries, the one put away is certainly free because the crime of
adultery in fact has followed and the offending party is dead to the bond. The
married man or woman, that puts away a companion being innocent of wrongdoing,
is in the transgression, and is constructively guilty of adultery and causes
the same wrong to attach to the one put away. If such act of putting away is
followed by the marriage of either party the wrong is completed and the other,
being innocent, is free.
Paul impresses the sacredness
of the marriage bond in his teaching to the Corinthians, seventh chapter, first
letter:
"And unto the married I
command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband; but
and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband;
and let not the husband put away his wife." ──
1 Corinthians 7: 10, 11.
However, Paul, realizing the
unsatisfactory condition surrounding the church, adds:
"But if the unbelieving
depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such
cases: but God hath called us to peace." ──
1 Corinthians 7:15.
Paul's statement evidently
means that the duty of marriage, obligation to the legal performance of all the
covenants imposed by marriage has ceased, and the person so released is no
longer bound.
Note c. ── Putting away is the
primary cause of offense, or primary wrong in case of separation; divorcement
being but the legal inquiry into the cause, recognition of the fact that a
separation has occurred, and a final bar to further association under the bond
of marriage. In such cases the presumption is that the legal cause exists and
the parties must be considered free to form other associations as if the
separated companion was dead in fact, as in transgression, and in law.
Note d. ── The church having been
designed as the institution into which the sons and daughters of men may be
received and assisted to overcome through grace, the evils of their nature and
become worthy to live, should not deny any who may be penitent and needing salvation;
hence should receive those who have been separated from their companions, being
put away, themselves not having been the guilty ones in transgression; and
those who having been married again before making application for baptism, if
legally divorced.
Note e. ── No one should be
expelled from the church except for good cause; hence, though one may be
separated from a companion, if such separation does not involve transgression
worthy of condemnation, it should not be a bar to fellowship. Doctrine and
Covenants 42: 20.
Note f. ── Putting away precedes
divorcement, and so long as persons having been married are content to remain
undivorced and unmarried, there may be reconciliation and an end of the
separation; but when recourse has been had to the arbitrament of the courts of
the land, the separation, or putting away is complete; and where this is done
before persons are baptized, the church cannot under existing conditions do
otherwise than to assume that the divorcement has been for cause; hence must
recognized the decree of such courts, "provided that nothing in this
article shall be so construed as to prevent the inquiry provided for in
Doctrine and Covenants 42: 20.”
Adopted
April 14,1896.
No. 413. Resolved, That the First
Presidency and Bishop be appointed a committee to protect the interest of the
church in the Independence Temple Lot property.
No. 414. Whereas, We have found
it impracticable to continue the rule of appointing men to labor as
circumstances permit, resolved, That we refer all of the ministry who wish to
labor thus to the district authorities where they desire to work.
No. 415. That the request of the
Second Quorum of Seventy "that Bro. Columbus Scott be transferred from the
First Quorum to the Second Quorum, as its president, be granted."
No 416. That in the opinion of
this council it is not advisable to organize an elders' quorum in the European
Mission.
The above was presented by a
joint council of the Presidency and Twelve.
No. 417. Resolved, That in the
opinion of this body it will be advisable to place Decatur District under the
charge of the missionaries who are in charge of the territory in which said
district is found.
No.. 418. The First Presidency
presented the following recommendation with their appointments of the Quorum
of Twelve:
"We recommend that the
quorum, by agreement as to fields and times of holding, appoint special
conferences, visiting them two by two, in those places where it may be deemed
such conferences may be productive of good results; at such conferences
ascertaining the needs of the work in those places
and instituting measures to more
effectually organize and set at work the local ministry."
Adopted
April 6, 1897
No. 419. "The actions of a
Joint Council composed of the President, a number of the Quorum of Twelve, and
the Bishop, published with the minutes of 1896, in determining that Bro. A. H.
Smith, President of the Twelve, should act as counselor to the President during
the conference year, and in appointing Bro. J. F. Burton to have charge of the
Society Islands Mission, were approved and ratified by the conference.
No. 420. That the . . . General
Conference . . . authorize each district to issue letters of appointment to
the missionaries laboring in the several districts who are spending their whole
time in the ministry but who are not General Conference appointees.
No. 421. Bro. F. M. Smith was
elected Church Librarian.
No. 422. That the sum of
seventy-five dollars per year, already provided for the purchase of books, be
expended by the Librarian with the advice and consent of the First Presidency.
No. 423. The committee appointed
in 1896 to revise the Voice of Warning reported that for reasons good to them
they had not proceeded with the work; among others, that if revised it would
cease to be the work of the author. A statement of the President of the Board
of Publication concurring in the conclusions of the committee was presented
with the report.
The report was adopted, the
committee discharged.
Adopted
April 7, 1897.
No. 424. The Board of Publication
reported that in harmony with action of the General Conference of 1896 they had
made provision for getting out the History of the Church by securing the
services of Brn. Joseph Smith and Heman Smith to write and compile the
history"; that one volume had been issued, the remainder being almost
complete in manuscript, which in their judgment should be issued at the
earliest practicable time; that they had "selected as Historian under the
resolution referred to" them, "Bro. Frederick M. Smith, of Lamoni,
Iowa, at a meeting of the board May 1, 1896.
The action of the board in
appointing a Historian, also its appointments providing for writing and
compiling the Church History, were adopted."
No. 425. A German manuscript translation
of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, presented with request that it be
examined and published if found acceptable, was referred to the Board of
Publication.
Adopted
April 10, 1897.
No. 426. Boundary lines of
Pittsburg, Kirtland, and Ohio districts:
The eastern boundary of the
district, to be known as the Pittsburgh District, is the seventy‑seventh
meridian.
The northern boundary from the
seventy‑seventh meridian westward to Erie County, Pennsylvania.
The western boundary includes Warren,
Venango, Butler, Lawrence, and Beaver counties, Pennsylvania; also Jefferson
and Belmont counties, Ohio; also Ohio and Marshall counties, West Virginia.
The southern boundaries to be
the southern line of Pennsylvania to the seventy‑seventh meridian.
The eastern line of the
division, to be known as the Kirtland District, is the above‑described
line of the Pittsburg District as herein described.
The southern line is the
fortieth parallel, the western boundary is the western line of the state of
Ohio.
The northern boundary is the
northern line of the State of Ohio.
Adopted
April 12, 1897.
No. 427. A motion providing for
the publication of the revelation [of 1897] in the Doctrine and Covenants was
adopted.
No. 428. A resolution providing
for publication of the revelation of 1894 in the Doctrine and Covenants, was
also adopted.
No. 429. Bro. Alexander H. Smith
was ordained Counselor to the President, and Patriarch and Evangelical Minister
to the whole church.
No. 430. Resolved, That we accede
to the request of the [Church] Recorder that one be appointed to assist him.
No. 431. Elder W. H. Kelley was
ordained President of the Twelve.
Adopted
April 14, 1897.
No. 432. A form of license for
the Seventy, reported by a joint council of the Seventy, was approved and
adopted.
Adopted April 15, 1897.
No.
433. "A resolution to adopt that portion of the Second Seventy's report
pertaining to license, to grant the request, and authorize the President and
Secretary to issue the licenses to the Seventy as general officers of the
church, was adopted." That portion of the report is as follows:
That we petition the body for a license signed by the President and Secretary
of the church showing our ordination and authority as seventies in the
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
No. 434. The Second Seventy
presented the following:
"Whereas, By our action at
this conference district presidents have been authorized to issue certificates
of appointment to local ministers, same to labor in their districts; and,
“Whereas, The law locates the
responsibilities of missionary work with the traveling councils of the church;
be it
"Resolved, That district
presidents who contemplate making appointments as before provided, be required
to consult with and secure the consent of the missionary in charge of their
districts before making such appointments and issuing certificates."
"It was moved to amend by
striking out the word presidents in the preamble. This prevailed. The
following was then moved and adopted as a substitute for the resolution":
"Resolved, That districts
be required to consult with and secure the consent of the missionary in charge
before making such appointments."
"The report of the Second
Seventy, as amended, and as affected by the substitute concerning district
appointments, was adopted."
Adopted
April 15, 1897.
No 435. Resolved, That the Board
of Publication be instructed to compile and publish a complete concordance of
the Book of Mormon as speedily as possible.
Suggestions Nos. 1 and 2,
contained in the report of Bishop Kelley, were adopted, as follows:
No. 436. That the reports of
Bishop's agents be closed the thirty-first day of December of each year,
instead of the first day of March, under the present rule, so that ample time
will be had to complete report and have same audited by the first of April.
No. 437.The printing and sending
out circulars known as:"Ministry Reports" has, together with the
publication cf conference minutes for the year, amounted to the sum of $197.l2.
It is a question of whether we can afford to pay for this matter each year an
amount almost sufficient to keep an elder in the field for a year. If the
reports necessary to the transaction of the business of the conference were
made by those in charge of missions, with the provision that in case of any
dissatisfaction on the part of any laborer in the field he should have the
privilege of presenting his objections to the President of the Church or
General Conference for consideration, it would answer the purpose as completely
as does the present, and save the expense to the church.
No.438. Suggestion No. 4, that
additional office room be provided for the department of the Bishopric, was
referred to the Presidency and Bishopric with power to act.
No. 439. "A resolution was
adopted authorizing the Bishop to provide blank forms for financial reports of
the ministry."
Adopted
April 16, 1897.
No.440. Whereas, Vacancies
sometimes occur in quorum organizations, by reason of ordinations or other
causes, too late to be filled at regular meeting of such quorum; and, in
consequence of the present system of filling vacancies, such vacancies must
remain unfilled till such a time as a meeting can be held, and our quorums are
thus crippled for one or more years, therefore be it,
Resolved, That when such
vacancies occur in a quorum of elders, priests, teachers, or deacons they may
be filled by the unanimous concurrence of the officers of such quorum: and that
vacancies so filled must be filled from applications coming through the Church
Secretary; members so enrolled to be subject to ratification of members of
quorums.
No. 441. The Presidency, to whom
was submitted the matter of the Nauvoo District and the boundary line between
the Northern and Southern Illinois Districts, hereby report:
That the Nauvoo District has
never been considered as belonging to the Northern Illinois District, although
the line of division between it and the Southern Illinois District runs south
of Hancock and Adams Counties in Illinois, which counties are in the Northern
Illinois District, as are Brown and Pike, the latter being in the Southern
District.
Part of the Nauvoo District
lies in Missouri; the larger part of the district, however, lies in Iowa. We
therefore recommend that the district be under the joint jurisdiction of the
missionaries in charge of the Missouri and Southern Illinois, the Northern
Illinois and Wisconsin and the State of Iowa, the three to confer and agree as
to which one of the three the authorities of the district should report to,
and have immediate charge; and in case the three fail to agree, the Presidency
will then decide; and appoint accordingly, subject to conference action and
approval.
JOSEPH SMITH,
ALEX. H. SMITH,
E. L. KELLEY,
Of the
Presidency.
LAMONI, IOWA, April 16, 1897.
No. 442. We your committee to
whom was referred the defining of the duties, powers; and privileges of the
Auditing Committee," beg leave and report as follows:
In our opinion it is the duty
of the Auditing Committee to examine carefully all accounts, compare the
several entries with the corresponding vouchers, and to determine as to the
real possession of balance on hand, if any. If accuracy be found to so certify;
if otherwise, to point out errors to the body appointing.
It is the privilege of such a
committee to determine the value of all stock, machinery, tools, and other
appurtenances of the Herald Office plant, bringing to their aid such expert
help as may be required to insure correctness, so far as possible. It is
expected that they treat with courtesy the employees of the Herald and Bishop's
offices, as they may expect from them the same, with such aid as can be
bestowed by them without undue interference with duties otherwise imposed. The
time and place of the work be left discretionary with the committee; provided,
however, that the work be completed in time, that the duly certified report may
be presented to the ensuing General Conference.
Respectfully
submitted,
J, M. TERRY.
R.M. ELVIN
FRED B. BLAIR.
LAMONI, IOWA, APRIL 16, 1897.
No. 443. "In addition to the
general licenses provided for the Seventy, the President and Secretary were
authorized to issue licenses to the Patriarch and all other general officers of
the church."
No. 444. Elder Heman C. Smith was
elected Church Historian. He was authorized to nominate an assistant.
No. 445. "A request from the
Fourth Quorum of Elders for a pamphlet in answer to Elder B. H. Roberts's work
on 'Succession,' was referred to the Board of Publication."
Adopted
April 7, 1898.
No. 446. That our present
practice of publishing an itemized account of all moneys placed in the hands of
the Bishop be continued.
Adopted
April 8, 1898.
No. 447. "Instead of defining
the boundaries of these districts [Southeastern Illinois and St. Louis] by
railroad lines, we believe it would be better to establish boundaries by county
lines. Hence we recommend that the following counties compose the Illinois part
of the St. Louis District; namely, Morgan, Scott, Macoupin, Greene, Calhoun,
Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, Saint Clair, Monroe, Washington, . Randolph,
Perry, Jackson, Union, and Alexander; and that the Southeastern Illinois
District be composed of the following counties: Sangamon, Macon, Moultrie,
Douglas, Edgar, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Shelby, Christian, Montgomery,
Fayette, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Lawrence, Richland, Clay, Marion,
Jefferson, Wayne, Edwards, Wabash, White, Hamilton, Franklin, Williamson, Saline,
Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Johnson, and Massac, all in Illinois."
No. 448. "We your committee,
to whom was referred the resolution looking to a uniform system of reporting
missionary work to the church, by the missionaries in charge, report as follows:
"1. The cost of getting
out suitable blanks to be used by the missionaries in charge, would largely
defeat the purpose had in view by the conference when it abolished the practice
of publishing all the reports of the missionaries in supplement form; namely,
the saving of means.
"2. In our judgment the
mistake of making our reports too lengthy; and the lack of uniformity (so far
as that lack may be undesirable and injurious), may be corrected without the
use of blanks. A free interchange of thought among the missionaries in charge,
together with a careful comparison of the reports already made, will go far to
bring about needed reform. And so far as the general remarks of these reports
are concerned, this is the only proper way in which the error of being too
lengthy can be corrected.
"3. As one means of
greater uniformity we advise that the missionaries in charge be instructed to
report the total number of sermons, baptisms, ordinations, public debates, and
hew openings made for preaching the word; also the number of General Conference
appointees laboring in their respective missions, with the general average
number of sermons preached by each missionary."
Adopted
April 9, 1898.
No. 449. As presented by the
Quorum of Twelve:
As a quorum we have considered
the question referred to us ──
the right of teachers and deacons to publicly preach ── and report as follows:
Whereas, The law contained in
section 17, paragraph 11, Doctrine and Covenants, clearly authorizes teachers
and deacons to "take the lead of meetings, . . . to warn, expound, exhort,
and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ;" and ,
Whereas, In section 42,
paragraph 5, teachers are required, together with elders and priests, to teach
the principles of the gospel; and in section 120, paragraph 2, either of said
officers is permitted to preside; and,
Whereas, In our judgment said
duties include in their performance what is commonly understood to be
preaching, and,
Whereas, In section 83,
paragraph 22, teachers and deacons are limited in their duties to local
service.
Resolved, That in our judgment
teachers and deacons are authorized by the law to labor as preachers within
branches to which they belong, when they are presidents thereof, or with the
advice and consent of the chief presiding officer.
No. 450. "Whereas, There is
in Shinn's School History of America, pages 289 and 290, an extremely gross
misrepresentation of the teaching and contents of the Book of Mormon;
"Therefore be it
resolved, That we take this opportunity to express our regret at such uncalled
for treatment from one who could so easily have obtained a knowledge of the
truth; and we hereby call the attention of our committee on encyclopedias and
histories to this matter, and request them to take measures to provide at once
that said history be corrected."
No. 451. Resolved, That the
Secretary be and is hereby authorized to devise and have printed a blank form
of delegate credentials; and that a copy or copies be sent to each district or
branch entitled to representation, prior to the convening of each General
Conference.
Adopted
April 12, 1898.
No.452. Resolved, That the Board
of Publication be requested to publish the third volume of Church History as
soon as practicable.
No. 453. We, your committee to
whom was referred the matter of members of elders quorums being dropped for
failure to report for two years or longer, report as follows:
1. It is evident to us that
quorum rules are not explicit and full in every particular, but as branches may
make some rules affecting their procedure, so may quorums.
2. We believe, under this
head, your body has recognized such reports of quorums, and such procedure by
them for ten years or more; the practice first having originated with the Fifth
Quorum shortly after its organization in 1884.
3. We call your attention to
the fact that practically the effect has been to reconstruct and infuse new
life into the quorums acting upon this rule, and therefore it seems to be a
good one.
4. We would suggest that in
our opinion the man or men dropped from a quorum for such cause loses his
quorum standing and quorum license, and is merged among the mass of elders who
are not organized.
Adopted
April 13, 1898.
No. 454. That the conference
minutes published in pamphlet form be numbered, in paging, in the ascending
scale ── continuing
from the last issue.
Adopted
April 14, 1898.
No. 455. The scattering members
not enrolled upon branch records be instructed to unite with branches most
convenient to their places of residence.
No. 456. That members changing
their residences from branches where enrolled, be instructed to unite with
branches most convenient to places where they reside.
No. 457. Whereas, In the past
members have obtained letters of removal which they have not presented to any
branch, whereby such names have been removed from the general records of the
church,
Resolved, That letters of
removal be issued only to persons actually changing residence from one branch
to another, and that names of branches to which removals are made be included
in said letters of removal.
No. 458. A petition from the
Eastern Iowa District concerning boundary lines between that and the Des Moines
District was referred to said districts with permission to establish said
boundary lines.
Adopted
April 15, 1898.
No.459. 1. That the west line of
the Central and Southern Nebraska Districts be on the west line of Keyapaha,
Brown, Blaine, Custer, and Dawson to the Platte River; thence east on the
Platte River to the west line of Kearney County, thence south on the west line
of Kearney and Franklin counties to the southern line of the State.
2. That the south line of the
Northern and Central Nebraska Districts shall be the Platte River, as formerly.
3. That all that part of
Nebraska west of the Central and Southern Nebraska Districts, be considered
unorganized territory.
Adopted
April 16, 1898.
Recommendations of the First
Presidency accompanying appointments of the Twelve ;
No. 460. That suitable
subdivisions of fields be made and competent men placed in charge as soon as
practicable.
No. 461. It is to be understood
if there should be any territory not included in these appointments, such
territory is not exempt, but is still under the supervision of the missionaries
thus appointed.
No. 462. Whereas, The financial
report of the Board of Trustees of Graceland College shows a large
indebtedness, to the proper payment of which the church is morally in honor
bound; and believing that the church should use that department of its working
forces which the law creates to be the financial agents for the accomplishment
of its financial ends; therefore, be it
Resolved,. That the Bishopric
be hereby authorized and instructed to devise and make such arrangements for
the collection of means as may be adequate, and out of such means so collected,
and such funds of the church as are not otherwise appropriated, liquidate the
indebtedness, and provide for the further carrying out of the desires of the
church heretofore expressed in conference enactments directing the
establishment of an institution of learning to be maintained by the church.
No. 463. Whereas, The Lord has
spoken against the use of tobacco and strong drink on different occasions; and
whereas, In all our appointments we ought to show respect unto said counsel.
Therefore, resolved, That henceforth we recommend no man for General Conference
appointment whom we know to be addicted to either of the above evils, and that
this decision take effect one year from date.
Adopted
April 18, 1898.
No. 464. Resolved, That the Church
Librarian be authorized to choose an assistant if he shall so desire.
Adopted
April 9, 1900.
No. 465. Resolved, That the Board
of Publication continue the publication of Autumn Leaves, and that the
executive committees of the Religio and the Sunday School Association be
consulted in the choice of its editors.
No. 466. Moved, that this body
indorse the appointment by the President, of the committee to meet the brethren
of the Church of Christ at Independence, and that this report be spread upon
the minutes and the committee continued.
Adopted
April 10, 1900.
No. 467. Attention was called to
Book of Rules, section 177, paragraph 1.
The chair made the following
ruling:
Upon the subject of the report
of committee on credentials on the Honolulu Branch, the President rules that a
branch of more than twenty‑five members is entitled to one delegate for
each twenty‑five of its membership, the same as a district.
Adopted
April 10, 1900.
No. 468. We your committee to
whom a petition from parties from Central Illinois was referred, asking for the
formation of a new district to be known as the Central Illinois District,
including the four following counties now in the Nauvoo District: Pike, Brown,
Adams, and Schuyler, beg leave to report as follows:
After a careful examination of
the petition and the map of the said district, we believe that it will be to
the advantage of the work to grant the petitioners their request, and in order
that the boundary lines may be more easily determined, we recommend the
following counties compose the new district: Bound northwardly as follows:
Adams, Schuyler, Mason, Logan, Dewitt, Piatt, Champaign, and Vermillion
counties, also Edgar on the east. Southwardly as follows: Coles, Shelby,
Christian, Sangamon, Morgan, Scott, and Pike counties, including the interior
counties, Brown, Cass, Menard, Macon, Moultrie, and Douglas. In this it became
expedient to take two counties from the Saint Louis District; namely, Morgan
and Scott, seven from the Southeastern District; namely, Macon, Moultrie,
Douglas, Edgar, Coles, Shelby, and Christian; four from the Nauvoo District,
Pike, Brown, Adams, and Schuyler Counties. This being done by mutual consent,
we hereby recommend that the new district herein named be granted to the petitioners
and ratified by this conference.
Adopted
April 11,1900.
No. 469. We your committee to
whom was referred the petition from the Northern Michigan and Southern Michigan
and Northern Indiana districts asking that three counties be taken from the Southern
Michigan and Northern Indiana District and given to the Northern Michigan
District; viz,
Oceana, Newaygo, and Mecosta
counties, beg leave to report.
We find that this request has
been agreed upon by both districts at their conferences, and believe it would
be to the advantage of the work, therefore we recommend that the request be
granted.
No. 470. Resolved, That this
conference request each of the several quorums and all other departments to
prepare a record of their work for the Church Historian for each year's report.
Adopted
April 12, 1900.
No. 471.
REPORT
OF JOINT COMMITTEE.
DUTIES
OF DEACON.
The following report of the
committee composed of the Presidency, the Twelve, and the Bishopric, upon the
subject of the Duties of the Deacon, submitted at the session of conference
held at Independence, Missouri, last April, will be the report of that
committee to the next session of conference to be held at Lamoni, Iowa,
according to the terms of resolution upon which the session adjourned.
It will be understood that
this report is not published as the final action of the church upon the subject
named in the resolution referring it, but is the report of the action of the
committee, and published as their report to the conference when it shall
convene, and is subject to approval or disapproval at such session; the object
of publication being that the subject matter of it may be taken cognizance of
by all who may be interested in the subject, and may desire to take part in the
discussion and action of conference upon it when it shall come up in its place
before the conference, to be determined upon its merits:
REPORT OF THE
FIRST PRESIDENCY, TWELVE, AND BISHOPRIC, ON
"THE
DUTIES OF A DEACON."
The committee composed of the
Presidency, the Twelve, and the Bishopric, to which the following resolution
presented to the late session of conference held at Independence, Missouri,
April 6 to 18,1898, was referred for consideration and report, do so report, as
follows:
The resolution presented to
conference was:
"Be it resolved by this
body, in conference assembled, That we concur in and hereby adopt the
definition of the duties of a deacon, as defined by President Joseph Smith in
Herald of June 15, 1871, and No. 25, vol. 31, of Saints' Herald.
“C. H. Church. C. E. Blair.”
The resolution of the
conference by which that matter was referred is:
“Resolved, That a committee,
consisting of the First Presidency, the Twelve, and the Bishopric, be
appointed, to whom this matter be referred, with the request that they report
as soon as practicable to the General Conference what in their judgment are the
duties belonging to the office of deacon in the church."
This committee met in the
church at Independence, Missouri, April 19, 1898, at 9 a. m., and proceeded to
the duties assigned them.
After a consultation of
several hours the committee by a majority vote adopted the following as their
judgment upon the matter submitted to them:
"Resolved, That we approve
of the duties set forth in the article referred to as a rule of action to aid
the deacon in his labor, in addition to his duties as made plain in the law
(Doctrine and Covenants 17:11) as a standing minister to the church, under the
direction of the proper officers placed over him in the law."
The committee directed the
Chairman and Secretary of the council to compile from the said article in the
Herald, referred to in the resolution before the conference, the duties
named therein and incorporate them in the report to be made of the action of
the committee thereon. Those duties thus compiled from said article as stated
in paragraphs 32 and 36, with the preliminary explanation at the beginning of
paragraph 32, are as follows:
"We have elsewhere
written that every branch must have a place of meeting. This place of meeting,
if a public building, hall, or meeting house, or church, must be in the actual
possession of the association of church members worshiping there, at least
during its occupancy while worshiping; and if the property is owned by the
church, some one must have constructive possession at all times. What
particular officer of the church has precedence of' right in this constructive
possession? The right to carry the keys; open the doors; conduct visitors,
either those belonging or not belonging to the church; to see that the floors,
doors, windows, pulpit or stand, seats, table or stand, lamps and other
fixtures are clean and in good order; to open the doors at the hour of gathering
for preaching, fellowship, prayer, or business meetings; to see that the lamps
or candles are trimmed, lighted, and burning, in time for evening meetings; to
see that the members coming in find seats; to keep watch over the Saints during
meetings, repressing loud talking, whispering and laughing, reproving the
thoughtless, and rebuking the giddy; putting a prompt stop to rude, indecent,
and boisterous acts, by which the propriety, solemnity, and peace of the
meetings may be disturbed; to exercise kind and diligent supervision over the
health and comfort of the Saints while in meeting, by securing a proper
ventilation of the room; to light and keep burning the fires by which the room
is kept warm; to have charge of the treasury; to receive, disburse, and account
for the contributions of the Saints, intended for necessary and incidental
expenses of the association of members; to keep, preserve from damage, and
account for all personal effects of the association; to visit the poor,
ascertain their needs, and report the same to the church; and in fact,
to perform any and all of those necessary duties by which the welfare of the
Saints is secured through a careful administration of the outward ordinances, a
faithful employment of the talents entrusted to that man. It follows then of a
necessity that the right, the duty of the performing these acts, ── these unwritten. but
essential things of the law, devolve upon the office of deacon."
JOSEPH
SMITH, Chairman. J. W. WIGHT, Secretary.
Adopted
April 13, 1900.
No 472. The request of the
President, in his report, that he be authorized to employ an office assistant
or secretary, and for office facilities, fixtures, etc., was granted.
No. 473. The request of the
Patriarch, that he be furnished a stenographer, was granted. This was followed
by a motion "that it be declared the sense of this body that such
stenographer be placed on a ministerial basis."
Adopted
April 14, 1900.
No. 474. Whereas, The report of
the committee appointed to audit the Bishop's books shows that the books are
not fully posted to date, and are therefore not in a satisfactory condition,
and the publication of said report would no doubt be prejudicial to the Bishop
and the financial interests of the church; and, whereas, The statements of the
Bishop freely express the fact that because of the numerous demands made upon him
he has not had time to place his books in a proper condition for a full report
to this conference; and whereas, The report of the committee of experts
recommends a more complete system of bookkeeping than has hitherto been in use
in the Bishop's office; therefore, be it resolved, That the Bishop be and is
hereby instructed to secure bookkeepers who shall assist him to make a complete
examination of all his books, papers, and accounts of former years, and make a
complete report from the time he became Presiding Bishop; that said report be
presented to an auditing committee who shall be appointed by this conference,
and that we suggest to the Bishop the advisability of adopting as far as
practicable the method suggested by the expert committee; and be it further
resolved, That the auditing committee herein referred to, is hereby instructed
to report at as early a date as possible to a general committee which shall
consist of the President of the Church, three apostles to be appointed by the
Quorum of the Twelve, and three high priests to be appointed by the Quorum of
the High Priests, which committee under the chairmanship of the President shall
have full power to act and make such published report as soon as possible.
Adopted
April 16, 1900.
No. 475. Recommendations of
committee appointed to audit report of Treasurer of Graceland College:
We recommend that a complete
system of bookkeeping by doubly entry be devised, suitable to fully show all
transactions, the acquirement and disposition of all classes of property, the
receipt and disbursements of moneys, the classification of accounts, in fact a
complete history of the business, with such helps and forms as will most
greatly facilitate the work of keeping such accounts, and their audit from time
to time.
We again urgently advise the
opening up of perfect books of account of all transactions, and suggest the
propriety of such books being formed, written up, and posted, so as to show all
transactions, from the beginning of the organization.
No. 476. That part of the Church
Recorder's report referring to an assistant in his department, was referred to
the committee appointed by the conference of 1897 on the same matter.
No. 477. The committee to whom
was referred the petition of the Maysville and Fairland branches .report as
follows: After due consideration we recommend that the thirty‑sixth
parallel of north latitude be the south boundary line of the Spring River
District, both in Indian Territory and Arkansas, and that this be the north
line of the Southwestern Mission.
No. 478. Proposed amendments to
the Articles of Incorporation of Graceland College were referred to a
committee, which reported they had compared the amendments and Articles and
indicated by pencil the corrections necessary to correct reading of the
Articles as amended.
On motion the reading of the
Articles as they would stand if amended was waived.
The report of the committee,
and the amendments were adopted, also the Articles as amended. See Articles,
No. 493.
Adopted
April 18, 1900.
No. 479. Presented by the First
Seventy:
The following action was passed
upon and concurred in by the Second Seventy, which is herewith presented for
your consideration and adoption upon missionaries reporting to General
Conference: Whereas, The old time long and tedious method was superseded by
the printed pamphlet reports; and, whereas, The pamphlet system, because of its
expense, and probable lack of being read by the masses, was also dispensed
with; and, whereas, the present method of reporting it to missionaries in
charge, and their summarizing of reports is irregular, because of its
variations in the method of different missionaries, and in effect resulting in
but little more than statistics, and that imperfectly; and, whereas, By letters
to Herald and Ensign, and also by mutual correspondence to the
field forces among themselves, and missionaries in charge with the Presidency,
the conditions in the field are sufficiently known so as to afford information
for the appointment of missionaries; therefore we recommend that the reports of
all missionaries be published in the Herald, previous to the convening
of conference in the subjoined form: [See page 266 General Conference Minutes
for blank form.] editor’s note: the reference in General Conference Minutes
was not included in the published G.C.R.
No. 480. That the new Board of
Publication be instructed and authorized to secure transfer of the Ensign
office property and plant to the church as soon as practicable.
No. 481. Resolved, That the Board
of Publication provide blanks to be sent to the missionaries as early as
January 1 of each year, upon which they are to report to the Church Secretary
not later than March 1, to compile for publication in the Herald, said
blanks to be in accordance with the tabulated form of reporting as previously
adopted.
No. 482. That we reaffirm the
action of the conference of two years ago providing that the Bishopric take
measures to liquidate the college debt.
No. 483. Elder F. E. Cochran was
appointed Church Librarian, vice Elder F. M. Smith resigned.
No. 484. The following was
referred to the Bishopric:
Resolved, That a committee,
consisting of the Bishopric, be appointed by the body to formulate a plan by
which one a thousand subscribers of twenty‑five dollars each shall be
secured towards paying off the indebtedness of Graceland College, with the
understanding that no money shall be called for until the one thousand names
are secured and the entire amount is thus pledged.
No. 485. The Bishopric reported
as follows on the matter of making provision to liquidate the college
indebtedness:
For the purpose of paying off
the debt against Graceland College, subscriptions to the number of one thousand
shall be taken of $25 each, to be paid when the full number has been obtained.
Persons who pay more than this amount shall be counted per amount subscribed on
the $25 basis. Parties who cannot pay full amount of one shall be counted as a
part in proportion to amount, until the full one thousand subscriptions are
had.
E. L. KELLEY.
G. H. HILLIARD.
E. A.
BLAKESLEE.
No. 486. That in making reports
to the General Conferences, all quorums be instructed to include names of
members received into or dropped from said quorums.
No. 487. We the officers of the
Fourth Quorum of Elders ask that the names that were ordered to be enrolled and
organized as the Seventh Quorum of Elders, which organization has never been
effected, be turned over to the Fourth Quorum for enrollment.
J. W. GILBERT, Secretary.
A. BARR, President.
Adopted
April 20, 1900.
No. 488. The committee on
compilation of General Conference resolutions were authorized to publish as
soon as possible.
No. 489. A motion prevailed that
the Church. Secretary be authorized to cancel the enrollments of quorums
reported to the General Conference of 1898, the organization of which was not
then completed; viz, Sixth Quorum of Priests, Fourth Quorum of Teachers, Fifth
Quorum of Teachers, and Fourth Quorum of Deacons; and those so enrolled to be permitted
to join other quorums.
Adopted
April 21, 1900.
No. 490. The First Presidency
presented the following concerning the appointment of bishops, stating that the
action has been concurred in by the Quorum of Twelve and the Quorum of High
Priests:
To the Brethren in Conference
Assembled: Having been led thereto by the leadings of the Spirit, as we
understand them, we feel assured that the time for the beginning of the
appointment of bishops, as seems suggested by the revelation of 1873, has come;
we present for consideration the following names to be set apart for
ordination as bishops: C. A. Parkin, San Francisco, California; C. J. Hunt,
Deloit, Iowa; Ellis Short, Independence, Missouri; R. May, Independence,
Missouri; William Anderson, Lamoni, Iowa; John Zimmermann, Philadelphia; R.
Bullard, Boston, Massachusetts; William Leeka, Thurman, Iowa; George P.
Lambert, Rock Creek, Illinois; Thomas Taylor, Birmingham, England.
If approved, we request that
such ordinations be provided for and attended to upon their acceptance of the
appointment as named.
Respectfully,
JOSEPH SMITH, for
Presidency.
If approved, those not present
can be referred to the Presidency for ordination as soon as found practicable.
LAMONI, IOWA, April 21, 1900.
No. 491. Resolved, That the First
Presidency ordain these bishops at their earliest convenience.
No. 492. Resolved, That those
selected as bishops, and ordained and those to be ordained, be authorized to
select their counselors, to be ordained by direction of the Presidency of the
church.
No. 493.
AMENDED
INCORPORATION AND ASSOCIATION ARTICLES OF
GRACELAND
COLLEGE, LAMONI, DECATUR COUNTY, IOWA.
Statement: For the purpose of
establishing an institution of learning of an academical and collegiate
character and providing a means of higher education and literary attainment, in
the town of Lamoni; Decatur County, Iowa, for the benefit of all persons who
are able to enter the same as provided in the course of study, without
distinction of sex, caste, or religion, the undersigned incorporators do hereby
associate themselves together and make and adopt articles as follows.
Article 1. The association
assumes to itself all the powers and privileges conferred by chapter two (2),
title nine (9), Code of Iowa, and such parts of chapter one (1), title nine
(9), as are applicable to associations of an academical or collegiate
character; and shall exist as provided therein for the period of fifty years
from the date of filing of these Articles of Association in the office of the
Recorder of Deeds of Decatur County, Iowa; and said corporation may be renewed
at the expiration of fifty years.
Article 2. The association
shall be named and known as Graceland College.
Article 3. It shall be the
purpose of the association to establish and maintain in the town of Lamoni,
Decatur County, Iowa, a school of an academical and collegiate character; which
may include collegiate, scientific, normal, law, and such other departments
with such course of instruction and elective studies as the Board of Trustees
may determine, and transact all business, including the conferring of degrees,
which the Board may do, such as are usual to institutions of this kind; the
principal place of business of which shall be at Lamoni, in county and State
before named.
Article 4. The officers of
this association shall consist; first: Of a committee of seven, to be known as
the Board of Trustees, whose duty it is to look after the property of the
institution, disposing of the same, as provided herein, and erect and maintain
all buildings which are necessary to said institution for properly carrying on
its work as may be determined by them.
The Board of Trustees shall be
elected by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at its
General Conferences as the offices become vacant according to the order of
classification herein set out and provided for. The officers of the Board of
Trustees shall consist of a chairman, secretary, and treasurer, who shall hold
their officers at the a pleasure of the Board; but the secretary and treasurer
may or may not be members of the Board of Trustees. A majority of the Board of
Trustees present at any meeting shall be a quorum for transaction of business.
The committee duly appointed
and authorized by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
of which said College is under the patronage, to be known as Trustees, and to
act, under these articles, for the year beginning April, 1895, are as follows:
Class 1. For one year ── E. L. Kelley, Dan
Anderson, Lamoni, Iowa; Robert Winning, Saint Joseph, Missouri.
Class 2. For two years ── Joseph Smith and
William Anderson, Lamoni, Iowa.
Class 3. For three years ── E. A. Blakeslee,
Galien, Michigan, and Ellis Short, Standley, Indian Territory.
The officers duly selected and
authorized to act by said committee are: Joseph Smith, Chairman; William
Anderson, Treasurer; D. F. Nicholson, Secretary.
Article 5. The Board of
Trustees shall have power to perform the duties usual to such officers of
similar institutions; except as they may be changed herein, and shall provide
suitable buildings, rooms, library, apparatus, incidentals, etc., for use
according to the demands and interests of the College work, and as may be
determined by them in connection with the Board of Trustees of said College
hereinafter named, from any funds provided by said incorporation for such
purpose; but they shall not take or use any donation or fund made, given, or
decreed to the use of certain special purposes ──
such as the establishing or founding of any chair or professorship in said
institution ── and
appropriate for building or incidental purposes which may be inconsistent with
or contrary to the terms of the gift or donation.
Article 6. The members of said
Board of Trustees shall be divided into three classes: three of whom shall hold
their offices for the period of one year from the time of the first election;
two for two years, and two for three years, and each member selected thereafter
shall hold his office for three years unless removed for cause or such election
is to supply or fill vacancy. The members shall determine at the time of the
organization of said Board the length of term to which each shall be at first
entitled to act. Said Trustees shall have authority to provide for and call
special meetings for the furtherance of their work as they shall deem best,
and to the interests of said institution.
Article 7. The Board of
Trustees shall employ and provide for such number of professors and teachers
and such curriculum or course of study as shall fully meet the wants of those
desiring the advantages of a good academical and collegiate education, and for
the giving of diplomas and conferring of degrees as provided by the articles
herein, in the manner usual to such institutions, and provide such rules and
regulations as shall be necessary for the control and proper government of said
College; and in case of a vacancy occurring in the office of the President of
the College, the President of the Board of Trustees shall act as President pro
tempore, until the vacancy is filled.
Editor’s
note: Article 8 was not numbered and included in the published work. See No.
496 for amended articles of incorporation in their entirety.
Article 9. ── The Board of Trustees
shall annually during commencement week or immediately thereafter meet at the
principal place of business noted herein, and shall perform the duties and work
herein set forth of such officers; viz:
Of the selection of professors
and teachers for the ensuing year; providing for janitor; arrange or adopt
course of study for said institution; and perform any and all other duties
required for the good of the same not enjoined upon Board of Trustees herein.
Article 10. ── In case of a failure at
any time to elect or procure suitable officers or instructors, it shall be the
duty of the Board of Trustees to meet on the first Monday thereafter at ten
o'clock a. m., and proceed with such business, and so on each week until all
necessary and proper officers and instructors are chosen. Special meetings of
said Board may be had at any time by a call by the President and Secretary of
the same, or by a majority of the said Trustees, which call shall be in writing
and by notice given or mailed to each member; but a majority of said Board
present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business.
Article 11. The Treasurer
shall collect and receive all moneys belonging to the association or due from
scholarships, tuition, or incidentals; report all collections at the time to
the Secretary, and keep an accurate account of the same; pay out money only to
the written order of the President and Secretary of the Board; and shall be the
custodian of all the funds and personal property of the association, and shall
report to the association annually, and at such other times as may be directed
by the Board of Trustees.
Article 12. The Secretary
shall keep a true and accurate account of all proceedings of the Board, and
perform such other duties as usually devolve upon secretaries of similar
boards; and shall keep a true account of all collections, sales of real estate,
donations, contributions, and stock, and turn over the same to the Treasurer
and take his receipt therefor at the time of delivery.
Article 13. The Treasurer and
Secretary of this association shall each, before entering upon the discharge of
the duties of their respective offices, execute and deliver to the association
a bond in a sum not less than two thousand dollars, to be fixed by the Board of
Trustees, conditioned for the faithful discharge of his duties, with sureties
to be approved by the Board, and for their services they shall receive such sum
only as the Board shall fix at a regular meeting of the same .
Article 14. It shall be the
duty of the President of the College to take charge of and preside at all
meetings and gatherings of the membership and faculty, and take an active
supervision of all departments; and he may instruct in such branches of
learning as he may deem properly in the interest of the school, and perform all
other duties usually performed by presidents of colleges. He shall receive for
his services, as also each member of the faculty, such salary as the Board of
Trustees shall fix.
Article 15. All real property
of this association shall be held by the said Reorganized Church; and
donations, gifts, and bequests of real property may be made to this institution
by conveying directly to said church. All deeds and other instruments of
writing affecting title to real estate must be executed by the Bishop of the
Reorganized Church aforenamed, who is the Trustee in trust of all real property
of this association, and must be countersigned by the Secretary of the Board of
Trustees, and previously authorized by said Board.
Article 16. These Articles of
Incorporation are also made by authority and instruction of a resolution passed
by the General Conference of The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints, on the 9th of April, 1895, as follows:
"Resolved, That this
conference authorize and instruct the College committee to incorporate, as
provided by the laws of Iowa for institutions of learning."
I hereby certify that the
above was adopted by the General Conference on April 9, 1895, while in session
at Independence, Missouri.
Signed, H.
A. STEBBINS,
General
Secretary of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
LAMONI. IOWA, May 2, 1895.
These articles may be amended
at any General Conference of said Reorganized Church, or at any meeting of the
Board of Trustees herein named, providing sixty days’ published notice of said
amendment and the nature of the same be given through the Saints' Herald
prior to the time of such Annual Conference or meeting. It shall be the
privilege of Board of Trustees to make such by-laws from time to for the
carrying on of its work and duties and the facilitating of business as are not
inconsistent with these articles.
Article 17. The College shall
never be sectarian in its work or instruction, but its advantages and
privileges shall be open alike to all; and to guarantee this, it is herein
provided, that the majority of the Board of Trustees shall be members of The
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; and the President of
said Society and College, if not of this domination shall be a scholar of broad
and tolerant views, with readiness to canvass and compare religious or
political news in a fair and Christian like manner with students and faculty.
The professors and teachers shall be selected upon their merits and ability to
impart instruction, irrespective of religion or politics.
Article 18. The association
shall provide a seal and may sue and be sued in its corporate name, and perform
any and all work through its officers necessary to its corporate existence.
Witness our
hands this first day of May, A. D., 1895.
JOSEPH SMITH.
E. L. KELLEY.
D. F. NICHOLSON, Secretary.
J. WILLIAM ANDERSON.
DAN ANDERSON.
E. A. BLAKESLEE.
ROB'T. WINNING.
ELLlS SHORT.
STATE OF IOWA,
{SS
Decatur County,
Before me, the undersigned, a
Notary Public in and for said County, this day personally appeared, Joseph
Smith, E. L. Kelley, William Anderson, Dan Anderson, E. A. Blakeslee, and D. F.
Nicholson, who are personally known to me to be the identical persons whose
names are affixed to the foregoing Articles of Association, and acknowledged
the execution of the same to be their voluntary act and deed and for the
purposes and in the manner therein set forth.
Witness my hand
and seal this 4th day of May, 1895.
ASA S. COCHRAN,
Notary
Public in and for the County of Decatur, State of Iowa
County of Buchanan,
}SS
STATE OF MISSOURI,
Before me the undersigned
notary public in and for said county and state, personally appeared this day
Robt. Winning who is personally known to me to be the identical person whose
name is affixed to the foregoing Articles of Association and acknowledged the
execution of the same to be their voluntary act and deed and for the purpose
and in the manner therein set forth.
Witness my hand and notarial seal
this 24th day of May, 1895.
CHAS. M. STREET,
Notary Public.
INDIAN TERRITORY,
}SS
Central District.,
Before me the undersigned a
notary public in and for said district, personally appeared before me this day
Ellis Short, who is personally well known to me to be the identical person
whose name is affixed to the foregoing Articles of Association, and he
acknowledged that he had executed the same for the purposes therein set forth
as his free voluntary act and deed.
Witness my hand and seal this
1st day of June, 1895.
EDWARD C.
PICKERING,
Notary
Public in and for said District.
STATE OF IOWA,
}SS
Decatur County,
Filed for record on the 6th
day of June, 1895, at 3:30 o'clock p. m., and recorded in Book 86, pages 240 to
246.
J. J. EVANS,
Recorder.
Adopted
April 11, 1901.
No. 494. The published
compilation of General Conference resolutions from 1852 to 1900 reported by the
committee appointed to complete the compilation thereof was adopted.
No 495. The Committee on
Encyclopedias and History was discharged, the work formerly done by said
committee being turned over to the Historical Department.
Adopted
April 12, 1901.
No. 496. AMENDED INCORPORATION
AND ASSOCIATION ARTICLES OF GRACELAND COLLEGE, LAMONI, DECATUR COUNTY, IOWA.
Statement: For the purpose of
establishing an institution of learning of an academical and collegiate
character and providing a means of higher education and literary attainment in
the town of Lamoni, Decatur County, Iowa, for the benefit of all persons who
are able to enter the same as provided in the course of study, without
distinction of sex, caste, or religion, the undersigned incorporators do hereby
associate themselves together and make and adopt articles as follows:
ARTICLE 1. The association
assumes to itself all the powers and privileges conferred by chapter two (2),
title nine (9), Code of Iowa, and such parts of chapter one (1), title nine
(9), as are applicable to associations of an academical or collegiate
character; and shall exist as provided therein for the period of fifty years
from the date of filing of these Articles of Association in the office of the
recorder of deeds of Decatur County, Iowa; and said corporation may be renewed
at the expiration of fifty years.
ARTICLE 2. The association
shall be named and known as Graceland College.
ARTICLE 3. It shall be the
purpose of the association to establish and maintain in the town of Lamoni,
Decatur County, Iowa, a school of an academical and collegiate character, which
may include collegiate, scientific, normal, law, and such other departments
with such course of instruction and elective studies as the Board of Trustees
may determine, and transact all business, including the conferring of degrees,
which the board may do, such as are usual to institutions of this kind; the
principal place of business of which shall be at Lamoni, in county and state
before named.
ARTICLE 4. The officers of
this association shall consist of a committee of seven; to be known as the
Board of Trustees, Whose duty it is to look after the property of the
institution, disposing of the same, as provided herein, and to erect and
maintain all buildings which are necessary to said institution for properly
carrying on its work as may be determined by them, and to pass upon all claims
against this association; and order the same paid through the proper officers.
ARTICLE 5. The management of
the educational work and operation of said college shall be in their charge,
and they shall have power to perform the duties usual to such officers of
similar institutions, except as they may be changed herein, and shall provide
suitable buildings, rooms, library, apparatus, incidentals, etc., for use
according to the demands and interests of the college work, from any funds
provided, but they shall not take or use any donation or fund made, given, or
decreed to the use of certain special purposes ──
such as the establishing or founding of any chair or professorship in said
institution ── and
appropriate for building or incidental purposes which may be inconsistent with
or contrary to the terms of the gift or donation.
ARTICLE 6. The Board of Trustees
shall be elected by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
at its General Conferences as the offices become vacant according to the order
of classification herein set out and provided for. The officers of the Board of
Trustees shall consist of a chairman, secretary; and treasurer, who shall hold
their offices at the pleasure of the board; but the secretary and treasurer may
or may not be members of the Board of Trustees.
A majority of the Board of
Trustees shall be a quorum for transaction of business, at any meeting
The committee duly appointed
and authorized by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
of which said college is under the patronage, to be known as trustees, and to
act, under these articles, for the year beginning April, 1895, are as follows.
ARTICLE 7. The Board of
Trustees shall employ and provide for such number of professors and teachers
and such, curriculum or course of study as shall fully meet the wants of those
desiring the advantages of a good academical and collegiate education, and for
the giving of diplomas and conferring of degrees as provided by the articles
herein, in the manner usual to such institutions, and provide such rules and
regulations as shall be necessary for the control and proper government of said
college; and in case of a vacancy occurring in the office of the president of
the college, the chairman of the Board of Trustees shall act as president pro
tempore, until the vacancy is filled.
ARTICLE 8. The Board of
Trustees shall annually, as soon after the election of new members as
practicable, consistent with the best interests of the college work, meet at
the principal place of business noted herein, and shall perform the duties and
work devolving upon such officers as herein set forth; namely, The selection of
professors and teachers for the ensuing year; providing for janitor; arranging
or adopting a course of study for said institution; and performing any and all
other duties required for the good of the same, not enjoined upon Board of
Trustees herein.
ARTICLE 9. Special meetings of
said Board may be had at any time by a call of the chairman and secretary of
the same, or by a majority of the said trustees, which call shall be in
writing, and by notice given or mailed to each member, but a majority of said
board shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at any
meeting.
ARTICLE 10. The treasurer
shall collect and receive all moneys belonging to the association or due from
scholarships, tuition or incidentals, report all collections to the secretary
regularly as directed by the Board of Trustees, keep accurate account of the
same, pay out money only on the written order of the chairman and secretary of
the Board of Trustees; and shall be the custodian of all the funds and personal
property of the association, and shall report to the association annually, and
at such other times as he may be directed by the Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE 11. The secretary
shall keep a true and accurate account of all proceedings of the board, and
perform such other duties as usually devolve upon secretaries of similar
boards; and shall keep a true account of all collections, sales of real estate,
donations, contributions, and stock as are reported to him by the treasurer,
and of all disbursements and payments of money for expenses or for any other
purpose.
ARTICLE 12. The treasurer of
this association shall before entering upon the discharge of the duties of his
office, execute and deliver to the association a bond in a sum not less than
two thousand dollars, to be fixed by the Board of Trustees, conditioned for the
faithful discharge of his duties, with
sureties to be approved by the
board, and for his services he shall receive such sum only as the board shall
fix at a regular meeting of the same.
ARTICLE 13. It shall be the
duty of the president of the college to take charge of and preside at all
meetings and gatherings of the membership and faculty, and take an active
supervision of all departments; and he may instruct in such branches of
learning as he may deem proper in the interest of the school, and perform all
other duties usually performed by presidents of colleges. He shall receive for
his services, as also each member of the faculty, such salary as the Board of
Trustees shall fix.
ARTICLE 14. All real property
of this association shall be held by said Reorganized Church; and donations,
gifts, and bequests of real property may be made to this institution by
conveying directly to said church. All deeds or other instruments of writing
affecting title to real estate must be executed by the Bishop of the
Reorganized Church aforenamed, who is the trustee in trust of all real property
of this association, and must be countersigned by the secretary of the Board of
Trustees, and previously authorized by said board.
ARTICLE 15. These articles of
incorporation are also made the authority and instruction of a resolution
passed by the General Conference of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, on the 9th of April, 1895, as follows:
"Resolved, That this
conference authorize and instruct the college committee to incorporate, as
provided by the laws of Iowa for institutions of learning."
These articles may be amended
at any General Conference of said Reorganized Church, or at any meeting of the
Board of Trustees herein named providing sixty days published notice of said
amendment and the nature of the same be given through the Saints' Herald
prior to the time of such Annual Conference or meeting. It shall be the
privilege of the Board of Trustees to make such by‑laws from time to time
for the carrying on of its work and duties and the facilitating of business as
are not inconsistent with these articles.
ARTICLE 16. The college shall
never be sectarian in its work or instruction, but its advantages and
privileges shall be open alike to all; and to guarantee this, it is herein
provided, that the majority of the Board of Trustees shall be members of the
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; and the president of
said society and college, if not of this denomination, shall be a scholar of
broad and of tolerant views, with readiness to canvass and compare religious or
political views in a fair and Christian like manner, with students and faculty.
The professors and teachers shall be selected upon their merits and ability to
impart instruction, irrespective of religion or politics.
ARTICLE 17. The association
shall provide a seal and may sue and be sued in its corporate name, and perform
any and all work through its officers necessary to its corporate existence.
No. 497. Provision was made for
the publication of the report of the Committee on American Archaeology as a
supplement to the former report of that committee.
No. 498. Whereas, the Church
Historian recommended the appointment of district historians in districts, to
assist him; therefore be it resolved, That he be empowered to appoint such
persons and in such places as he may deem proper, according to his discretion.
Adopted
April 13, 1901.
No. 499. The fortieth parallel of
latitude was established as the boundary line between the Southern Michigan and
Northern Indiana, and the Southern Indiana District.
Adopted
April 15, 1901.
No. 500. Concerning the Statement
and Revelation, presented in open conference, the following was adopted:
Resolved, That as soon as practicable the matter be prepared and placed before
the quorums of the church, after which it shall be presented to the conference.
Adopted
April 16, 1901.
No. 501. Concerning a pronouncing
Book of Mormon vocabulary, presented by the Religio Society, the following was
adopted: We recommend that the Board of Publication be authorized to fully
authenticate the pronunciation by securing such assistance of linguists and
philologists as the Board may deem necessary for such authentication, and then
publish as soon as practicable.
Adopted
April 17, 1901;
No. 502. Resolved, That the
communication from the Lord, as presented to the assembly, Monday, April 15, by
President Joseph Smith, be accepted as a revelation and instruction, and is
hereby adopted as a law to govern the church; and the Board of Publication is
hereby instructed to publish the same in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.
Adopted
April 18, 1901.
No. 503. Resolved, That it' is
the sense of this council [Presidency and Twelve] that an elders' quorum should
be organized in the British Isles.
No. 504. Resolved, That it is the
sense of this council that all the elders in the British Isles, who may so
choose, are eligible for enrollment in a quorum there, and that notice of such
enrollment made to quorum authorities in America will authorize their names
being dropped from such record.
No. 505. Resolved, That it is the
sense of this council that the missionary in charge and the Bishop; if deemed
wise, and desired on the part of the European conference, be authorized to
organize the
lesser priesthood of that country
into quorums.
Adopted
April 19, 1901.
No. 506. Resolved, That it is the
sense of this council [Presidency and Twelve] that Sandhedens Banner he
republished.
No. 507. That the matter of
organization of stakes be referred to the First Presidency and the Twelve, and
they be authorized to proceed with such organization.
No. 508. A request of the
Northern and Southern Nebraska districts, that the former boundary line between
them ── the Platte
River ── “be now
changed to the south line of Sarpy, Saunders, Butler, and Polk counties,"
was granted.
No. 509. Resolved, That when a
member applies for a letter of removal in order to unite with nearest branch,
said letter shall be granted, or if objection be made, that steps be taken as
soon as practicable to deal with the member as the law directs.
Adopted
April 7, 1902.
No. 510. The requests of the
Northeastern and Northwestern Kansas districts, "that the eastern dividing
line between the Northwestern Kansas District and Northeastern Kansas District
be changed, and that the east line of Republic, Cloud, Ottawa, Saline, and
McPherson counties, be the east line of the Northwestern Kansas District, and
the territory thus cut off from the Northwestern Kansas District go to the
Northeastern Kansas District," were granted.
No. 511. A petition of the
Central Nebraska District, that Gregory County, South Dakota, be attached to
said district, was granted.
Adopted
April 8, 1902.
No. 512. Whereas, the present
boundary line in Wyoming, between the Rocky Mountain and the Colorado Missions,
as fixed by General Conference Resolution No. 319, places all of Wyoming west
of a line north from the city of Cheyenne in the Rocky Mountain Mission, leaving
a strip of country to the Colorado Mission only forty miles wide and nearly
four hundred miles long; therefore we believe it will be more convenient if the
present boundary line is changed so as to more equally divide the State between
the two missions, and we would recommend that the line be changed to a line
running north and south, following the west nine of the counties of Sheridan,
Johnson, Natrona, and Carbon.
No. 513. The action of the
Chatham District, Ontario, concerning incorporation of the Church in the
Dominion of Canada, was referred to a committee consisting of E. L Kelley,
William Anderson, and R. C. Evans.
Adopted
April 9, 10, 1902
No. 514. Amendments to sections
161 and 99 of the Book of Rules ──
concerning appeals, and the taking of the previous question ── were adopted. They are
included in the revised edition of 1904.
Adopted
April 12, 1902.
No. 515. Whereas, there has been
a great deal of agitation and misunderstanding for some years past concerning
the Bishop's books and the financial condition of the church;
And whereas, The General
Conference through a properly appointed committee secured the services of an
expert accountant who examined the books and accounts of the Bishop from his
call to the Bishop's office in 1891 until 1900, and from the report of said
expert it is found that there would be a small balance due the Bishop;
And whereas, There was
appointed by the General Conference of 1901 a competent committee to audit the
Bishop's reports from January 10, 1900, to January 10, 1902;
And whereas, The said
committee finds the Bishop's reports correct, the books of his office
"simplified, comprehensive, posted to date, and properly representing the
business of the church";
Therefore, be it resolved,
That we hereby adopt the report of said auditing committee as final in this
matter, and that the honor and integrity of the Bishop is hereby fully
vindicated.”
Adopted
April. 14, 1902.
No. 516. The appointment by the
Historian of Elder D. F. Lambert as Assistant Historian was ratified.
No. 517. Resolved, That we
request the General Conference to publish report of Committee on Archaeology
for 1901 as published in Ensign, and that it be uniform sized page with
published report.
Be it further resolved, That
the second report issued in the body of Conference Minutes be republished so
the entire report be preserved in uniform size of page, and that all future
reports be made to conform to this size of page.
No. 518. Resolved, In view of the
increasing demand for the time belonging to the work of General Conference,
that hereafter entertainments, receptions, and socials shall not be permissible
during the time set apart for the work of General Conference.
Adopted
April 15, 1901.
No. 519. Whereas, The establishment
of a regular order promotes unity and confidence, also facilitates business and
saves time, therefore, be it
Resolved, That hereafter the
accounts of the Presiding Bishop, Board of Publication, and Graceland College,
be audited as follows:
A board of three auditors
shall be elected by the General Conferences of the church. One of these shall
be chosen each year and shall continue in office for a term of three years.
Should a vacancy occur in the board between the sessions o f General Conference
the President of the church, and one of the Twelve selected by the Quorum of
Twelve, and one high priest selected by the Quorum of High. Priests, shall
appoint an auditor to fill such vacancy.
They may examine the values
which the aforesaid offices place upon the properties under their control, and
suggest to them, or to the conferences, such changes as seem necessary.
For the carrying into effect
these resolutions this conference shall elect one auditor for a term of one
year, one for a term of two years, and one for a term of three years.
No. 520. Whereas, It is currently
reported that polygamy is still practiced in Utah and adjacent States and
Territories, in defiance of the laws of God and laws of the land; and,
Whereas, The laws enacted by
State legislation seem to inadequate to prevent or prohibit the practice of
polygamy without the intervention of Federal enactment; therefore, be it
Resolved, That we, the
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in General Conference
assembled, favor the enactment of an amendment to the Constitution of the
United States prohibiting the practice of polygamy in all States and
Territories under the jurisdiction of the Republic.
No. 521. In answer to question
from Runnells, Iowa Branch; Where there is no elder in a branch, and several
priests, can one priest be sustained or chosen as president the branch, an
other as priest of the branch, or would the two be of equal authority?
That such action of the
branch, the priest so chosen would be the priest of the branch and preside, and
the second priest so chosen would be his assistant priest.
Adopted
April 19, 1902.
No. 522. Resolved, That the
document as read [the vision presented by President Joseph Smith, April 18,
1902,] be accepted as indorsed by the quorums and be made a rule of action in
connection with the laws and usages already accepted by the body.
No. 523. The missionary report
blank was amended to provide for reporting the following items: Name; number
services attended; times preached; number baptized; number confirmed; number
ordained; branches and districts organized; marriages; children blessed;
administrations to sick; field of labor.
Adopted
April 6,1903.
No. 524. The name of the Northern
Minnesota District was changed to read "Minnesota District.”
Adopted
April 7, 1903.
No. 525. That the north line of
said district [Southern Nebraska] be extended from the present northwest corner
the district westward to the northeast corner of Colorado, then south on the
Colorado‑Nebraska line to the southwest corner of Nebraska, then eastward
on the Nebraska‑Kansas line to the present southwest corner of the
district, and that these changes shall be in effect upon their approval by the
Southern Nebraska District.
No. 526. A petition, that the
counties of Winnebago, Worth, Mitchell, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, and Floyd, be
attached to the Des Moines District, was granted.
No. 527. That each branch use the
utmost discretion in the appointment of its clerks, and as far as possible
appoint only those who are qualified for such callings and continue as much as
possible those thus experienced.
Adopted
April 8, 1903.
No. 528. That the west and south
lines of Worth County, Missouri, and the east line of Gentry County, be declared
the boundary between Nodaway District and the Lamoni Stake.
No. 529. Your committee to which
was referred resolution of the Burlington, Iowa, Branch, touching conference
resolution number 284, respectfully reports:
1. That in considering the same
it is compelled to note the inconsistency in the statement of the alleged
finding and report of the elders' court referred to, in holding that the
parties asking to dissolve their connection with the church were in "good
standing" in the body. They may not have been in any open violation of any
moral precept or rule of the body, but it cannot be properly held that a person
who has interposed a demand that he be separated from, and wholly withdrawn
from any and all connection with, the church of Christ as we hold it,
"still remains in good standing." The act to separate himself, and
his continued refusal to hear the officers who have labored with him to reclaim
and convince of the error of such a step, would necessarily enter into the
question of his good standing.
2. Your committee are of the
opinion that much of the seeming trouble arising in cases where persons request
to withdraw from the church is only from taking a one‑sided view of the
matter, and a failure to comprehend the action necessary under the law of
Christ to effect the object of separation. There is no provision in the law of
Christ whereby separation may be had by voluntary withdrawal alone. The body
must act in order to make effective the separation, and when it acts, to use
the language of the Savior, it "cuts off," "severs" the
individual from the body, as the branch is severed from the vine; and while in
the case of persons it would be permissible for them to claim and say that they
withdrew, yet when the body or church acted, they would in fact be cut off.
There could be no alternate to this and give the party the benefit of his
request.
Since the law of Christ does
not provide for a separation except by act of the body, should a party simply
make the claim to withdraw and move out and the body not act, he would go out
and continue a member in fact, notwithstanding the seeming separation. If,
then, the provision for separating by its terms seems harsh, it is the
harshness imposed by the law, and not the church; and whereas other societies
may have adopted more liberal methods, it must not be forgotten that they have
also adopted more liberal methods for the receiving of members than is provided
in the law. We are not, however, privileged as a church to change the law in
either case.
3. In the matter of final
action on the part of the body, it is advised as to the condition and state of
its members through the findings of a properly constituted court. A branch in
this way arrives at the place from which it may act. Your committee are of the
opinion, however, that it is not necessary to formulate charges against a
person who may wish to withdraw, either of apostasy or violation of the law in
terms, in order to convene a court to hear such a case, but that the hearing
should take place upon the act in question; viz: The persistent contention of
the member to withdraw from the body, and should the court find that this claim
is persisted in, and that due and diligent labor has been performed by the
church officers to reclaim the member without effect, that the finding should
be that the request be granted, and the member be severed from the body. This
persistent claim to withdraw, in the opinion of the committee, is the only
"specific charge" necessary, as referred to in Conference Resolution
284.
Adopted April
9,1903.
No.
530. Resolution No. 520 concerning a constitutional amendment prohibiting
polygamy, was reaffirmed. In connection therewith the following was adopted:
That the Presidency of the church be authorized to compile or have compiled
such portions of the actions from the conferences of the church upon this
matter as may seem wise, and submit the same to the Board of Publication for
publication.
As a result of the foregoing
action the Presidency and Board of Publication issued the following:
The Reorganized Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints, and Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Prohibiting Polygamy.
The rule governing the
marriage relation in the Reorganized Church has ever been monogamic, in accordance
with the standard books of the church, (Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and
Covenants). The annual session of conference of, April, 1870, at Plano, Illinois,
memorialized Congress affirming this rule. From this we quote:
“1st. That the law of the
church found in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Covenants, books
accepted by the polygamists themselves, expressly FORBIDS TO ONE MAN MORE THAN
ONE LIVING WIFE.
“2d. That the law contained in
those books is the constitution of the church; that no law can obtain in the
church in contravention thereof, and that therefore the pretended revelation on
polygamy is illegal and of no force."
At the annual session of
conference for 1902 the following resolution was presented, discussed, and
adopted:
"Whereas, It is currently
reported that polygamy is still practiced in Utah and adjacent States and
Territories, in defiance of the laws of God and the laws of the land; and
"Whereas, The laws
enacted by State legislation seem to be inadequate to prevent or prohibit the
practice of polygamy without the intervention of Federal enactment; therefore
be it
"Resolved, That we, the
Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints, in General Conference assembled, favor
the enactment of an amendment to the Constitution of the United States
prohibiting the practice of polygamy in all the States and Territories under
the jurisdiction of the Republic."
This was readopted and
confirmed at the annual session of 1903, held at Independence, Missouri, and is
the affirmed position of the church at date.
This repudiates the practice
of living with more than one woman as wives at the same time.
JOSEPH SMITH,
FRED'K M. SMITH,
R. C. EVANS,
Presidency.
By order of the
conference.
INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI, April 11, 1903.
Adopted
April 11, 1903.
No. 531. Resolved, That in the
matter of minutes and evidence before elders' courts, the clerks of said court
shall be required to perfect from their notes a complete record, plainly
written, so that in the event of appeal, the record of the case may be easily
read.
No. 532. By separate motions a
committee of three was appointed to revise the Book of Rules. Authority was
granted to correct grammatical and rhetorical errors, and provision made
"that proposed changes in the Book of Rules be published the prescribed
sixty days prior to the action on the same.
No. 533. Concerning church
offices: That we express our approval of the thought expressed by the
Bishop in this regard, and that
we authorize him to proceed in the construction of such buildings as
are necessary and contemplated in
his report, as fast as the finances will warrant him in proceeding.
Adopted
April 7, 1904
No. 534. That it be the sense of
this conference that the statistical reports of the patriarchs must be included
in the statistical reports of the other ministers in the tabulated report, and
not come before the conference.
No. 535. The action of the
Presidency in accepting the resignation of F. E. Cochran, Librarian, and
appointing I. A. Smith as Librarian, was approved.
Adopted
April 8, 1904.
No. 536. Concerning the report of
a committee appointed to consider a charge of heresy, originating in Australia,
the following was adopted.
Resolved, That this body adopt
the report of the committee except that portion which may be construed as
interfering with the right of anyone to publicly express his opinions on
questions not passed upon by the church.
No. 537. C. I. Carpenter was
elected Librarian. He resigned later and at the conference of 1905 Heman Hale
Smith was elected Librarian.
Adopted
April 13, 1904.
No. 538. That the conference
include with the Southern Missouri District the following named counties in Missouri:
Green, Stone, Christian, Taney, Webster, Laclede, Wright, Douglas, Ozark, Pulaski,
Texas, Howell, Phelps, Dent, Shannon, and Oregon.
No. 539.To include in the Spring
River District the following counties in Missouri: Barton, Jasper, Newton,
McDonald, Lawrence, and Barry; and the following counties in Kansas: Crawford,
Cherokee, Allen, Neosho, Labette, Woodson, Wilson, Montgomery, Greenwood, Elk,
Chautauqua, Butler, and Cowley; also that portion of Oklahoma and Indian
Territory lying east of the Arkansas River and north of the thirty‑sixth
parallel; and in Arkansas, the counties of Benton and Carroll, and that portion
of Madison and Washington counties north of the thirty‑sixth parallel.
No. 540. That the Clinton
District include in Kansas, Linn and Bourbon counties; and in Missouri, Bates,
Vernon, Henry, St. Clair, Cedar, Dade, Benton, Hickory, Polk, Morgan, Camden,
Dallas, Moniteau, Coal, and Miller counties.
No; 541. That the following
counties in Illinois be included in the Saint Louis District: Calhoun, Green,
Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Bond, St. Clair, Clinton, Washington, Monroe,
Randolph, Perry, Jackson, Union, and Alexander; and in Missouri the counties of
Montgomery, Lincoln, Warren, St. Charles, Osage, Maries, Gasconade, Franklin,
Crawford, Washington, St. Francois, Perry, St. Genevieve, Jefferson, St. Louis,
and city of Saint Louis.
No. 542. That that part of Pennsylvania
east of the seventy‑seventh meridian be added to the Philadelphia
District and that the Philadelphia District and the New York District be united
and called the New York and Philadelphia District.
No. 543. That all of the Indian
Territory not included in the Spring River District be included in the
Northeastern Texas and Choctaw
District, and that the western boundary in Texas be on the ninety‑eighth
meridian west longitude.
No. 544. That Carroll County be
taken off the Northeastern Missouri District and added to the Far West
District.
No. 545. That in the Southeastern
Illinois District be included the following counties in Illinois: Montgomery,
Fayette, Marion, Jefferson, Franklin, Williamson, Johnson, Pulaski, Massac,
Pope, Harding, Saline, Gallatin, Hamilton, White, Wayne, Edwards, Wabash, Clay,
Richland, Lawrence, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, Cumberland, and Clark.
No. 546. That the boundary of Kirtland
District be so changed as to include all of Guernsey County; and that Maumee
Branch in Paulding County, Ohio, which was formerly in the Indiana District, be
added to the Kirtland District.
No. 547. That the Independence
Stake include Jackson, Fayette, Saline, Cooper, Pettis, Johnson, and Cass
counties in Missouri; and Miami, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties in Kansas.
No. 548. Concerning the Utah
question, the following was adopted:
The committee to which has
been referred resolutions adopted by the Saint Joseph Branch of the Reorganized
Church, respectfully report: That in the opinion of the committee no good
purpose can be served by the entry of the resolutions upon our records, or
their publication, as we think the church should not engage in such proceedings
as are outlined in the same.
While the committee regret to
note that the attitude of some, as shown in their testimony before the Senate
Inquiry Committee and who were formerly connected with the Latter Day Saints,
is such as to throw discredit upon the original work of the church and
themselves as citizens of the country in which they live, the proceedings in
effect can only relate to the Reorganized Church in much the same way as to any
other Christian body.
We regret that in the
testimony offered before the Senate Committee, to note that persons have
undertaken to testify to things alleged to have occurred while in their
childhood or before they were born. Testimony of this character may reflect
upon those who undertake to impose it upon the public, but cannot affect the
work or the underlying principles of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints.
We can only hope that the
Senate Committee will be successful in bringing every material fact relating to
the question at issue to the light.
No. 549. Whereas, The maintenance
of Graceland College is proving to be a serious burden in a financial way and
is likely to so continue; and,
Whereas, There seems to be but
a minority of the members of the church who favor its continuance; and
Whereas, The operation of a
college of its character does not lie within the direct line of our appointed
work as a church; therefore,
Resolved, 'That we favor a
discontinuance of Graceland College after the close of its present term, and
recommend that the property be turned over to other uses such as may be agreed
upon by the Bishopric of the church, and such other councils or persons as may
be chosen by the General Conference until such time as the General Conference
decides to reopen the college. (By subsequent action the Board of Trustees was
appointed as said committee.)
Adopted
April 14, 1904.
No. 550. Resolved; That the
writing and publishing of literature as private enterprises by parties whose time
belongs to the church by virtue of ordination or appointment, where the profits
of said publication are appropriated to their private ends, is unwise and
should be discouraged.
No. 551. We are instructed by the
joint council of the First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve to report to the
body the following resolutions:
First, That stake officers
when presenting themselves to the appointing powers for appointment may be
appointed as missionaries, but to appoint the stake presidency or bishopric outside
the limits of the stake, thus interfering with the operation of local
organizations, would be unwise.
Second, That for stake
organizations to choose general church officers or men under General Conference
appointment and ordain them stake officers without consent of the general body,
is improper.
Third, All missionaries under
General Conference appointment, whether in stakes or out, are under the general
direction of the minister in charge, but the stake presidency has the right to
direct local laborers within the stake not under General Conference
appointment.
Adopted
April 16, 1904.
No. 552. Resolved, That in the
sense of this quorum [First Seventy] that children under eight years of age are
not eligible for baptism in the church.
No. 553. That the present
missionary report blank be amended by adding, after "number ordained"
a space for "patriarchal blessings"; that only those acting as
spokesmen shall report number confirmed, ordained, and children blessed.
Adopted
April 16, 1904.
No. 554. Concerning the report of
the committee on revision of the Book of Rules, the following was adopted:
Resolved, That the secretary
be instructed to enter upon his record the fact that the committee on revision
of the Book of Rules had reported, the report was considered, and the different
portions approved and amended, and the book ordered published, leaving out the
details by which it was provided for.
Adopted
April 7, 1905.
No. 555. That said boundary line
[Pittsburgh District] remain as adopted April 10, 1897, (see Conference
Resolution No. 426,) with addition of Brooks and Hancock counties in what is
known as the Panhandle of West Virginia.
No. 556. That the resolution
prohibiting entertainments, socials, etc., adopted by the conference of 1902
[No. 518], be rescinded.
Adopted
April 8, 1906.
No. 557. Concerning request from
a seventy asking action in regard to acceptance of the position of counselor to
a bishop, the following was adopted:
Resolved, That the said Bro.
Walter J. Haworth may accept the office of counselor to Bishop George Lewis, if
he so elect, provided that the missionary in charge concurs in the necessity
for the appointment.
No. 558. Presented by a council
of the First Presidency, Twelve, and Bishopric:
First, That after due
consideration of the question of continuing the running of the college, and the
importance of the same in giving proper training and educational facilities to
the youth of the church, and such others as may care to avail themselves of its
benefits, together with the present status of the financial condition of the
same, we are of the opinion that the college should continue; and whatever
minor changes as to courses of study and methods of development, if any, be
left as provided by its Articles of Incorporation with the Board of Trustees,
and such changes as may be made directly by the conference.
Second. We favor recommending
to the conference that the expenses of running the college be met by voluntary
contributions for the purpose, and that one day in each year be set apart, to
be known as College Day, upon which offerings, in the manner of collections,
shall be taken up in all districts and branches of the church, to aid the
college work, the same to be forwarded to the Bishop of the church to be
devoted to such purposes.
Adopted
April 15, 1905.
No. 559. Whereas, it. is a part
of the work and duty of the Saints to do all in their power to redeem the
waste places and establish Zion, in keeping with the commandments as revealed in
the law of Christ, and
Whereas, It is only by the
fulfillment and administration of' the “celestial law” that the land of Zion
can be sanctified and her children stand justified and made fully acceptable to
God, therefore, be it Resolved, That we commend the efforts of the Bishopric
to administer the law touching all of the interests and work of the church in
the stakes, and so far as the same is applicable in all the branches of the
church in every land and in every department of work, and believe it proper
that a full compliance with the same be urged upon every member, so far as the
same may be had in equality and justice.
Resolved,. That we recognize
in the work and findings of the Joint Council of' the Presidency, Twelve, and
Bishopric contained in the report of said council entitled, "An address to
the Saints," a proper presentation of this law, and outlines upon which to
carry forward such work.
No.560. Whereas, the general
missionary list has those on it who by reason of age and other disabilities are
unable to travel and perform satisfactory missionary labor in the active field;
and,
Whereas, it is our conviction
that the list should be kept up to the best working condition possible, and the
Presidency having advised removing from the list those who are not effective
missionaries, the Bishop also requesting us to release those who by reason of
lack of ability, infirmities of old age, physical condition, or family
surroundings, that make it impracticable for them to do the work of an active
missionary in the field; therefore be it
Resolved, That we revise our
list, retiring those who are incapacitated for active missionary work, from the
general missionary list. Those aged ones, who by long and faithful services are
entitled to our special consideration, should be placed on the retired list,
known as superannuated ministers, they to do such labor as their strength and
circumstances will permit, in harmony with local authorities under the
direction of the missionary in charge; and they should receive the same
consideration as the general appointees in the field, if their circumstances
require it, they to report their labors and financial condition to the minister
in charge annually.
Appointments to this list
should be made by the Presidency, Twelve, and Bishopric, in joint session, and
published with the balance of the appointments.
No. 561. Whereas, Our church
periodicals, the Saints' Herald and Zion's Ensign, are recognized
as the "official organ" and the "missionary paper" of the
church, and as such, whatever appears upon their pages is taken as
representative of the faith advocated by them; and
Whereas, For some time past
there has appeared an advertisement in both of the papers referred to,
including the current issues, which says that "Quit‑to-bac" “is
a God‑given remedy” for the cure of the tobacco habit; and
Whereas, We do not believe
that God has either directly or indirectly authorized anyone to say that he has
given "Quit‑to-bac" as a remedy for the tobacco habit; and
Whereas, a statement of this
kind appearing in our church papers is taken (by some readers) as an
indorsement of the church that "Quit‑to‑bac" is a God‑given
remedy; and
Whereas, Our church
periodicals should not permit an advertisement of anything that is not strictly
reliable and known to be as represented; and
Whereas, We believe that God
has given a remedy for the cure of the tobacco habit in his word as recorded in
Doctrine and Covenants 119: 3, where he says, "Avoid the use of tobacco";
and
Whereas, We believe that the
advertisement referred to is a disgrace to the church and a blemish upon the
pages of every issue of the above‑named papers in which it has appeared;
therefore be it
Resolved, That we disapprove
of this advertisement, and that the Board of Publication be instructed to cease
the publication of the same.
Adopted
April 17, 1905.
No. 562. Concerning the original
transcript of Book of Mormon characters, provision was made that it be mounted
on a card, leaving a margin for handling, and covered with glass and framed,
and kept
from strong light, when not in
use.
Adopted
April 18, 1905.
No. 563. College Day, provided
for the taking of a collection for the benefit of the running expenses of
Graceland College, was fixed as the first Sunday in September of each year.
No. 564. The First Presidency and
Twelve, to whom was referred the matter coming from the Religio Society in the
nature of a request from one of the missionaries asking that some action be taken
looking to the ordination of women to do Sunday school, Religion, and church
work, such ordination
being for the purpose of enabling
them to secure better railroad rates than they now secure, report that the
foregoing named quorums have considered the matter, and at a joint session held
this forenoon the following was adopted as the opinion of the joint council:
"Whereas, The women of
the church are by qualification and desire eligible to office as workers in the
auxiliary societies of. the church, and may be chosen by the respective
societies to which they may belong; and
"Whereas, There are no
prescribed rules of the church, or provisions by revelation, directing
ordination of women, and no divine recognition of women as pertaining to
priesthood of either order; and
"Whereas, The apparent
necessity for the ordination or setting apart of women as officers in the
auxiliary societies would be a matter of sentiment, and a measure of economy to
secure reduced rates on railway lines of travel which is practically secured by
the delegate system for many; therefore
"Resolved, That we,
members of the joint committee, Presidency and Twelve, do not. now see our way
clearly to report favorably upon ordination of women, as suggested in the paper
submitted to us."
No. 565. That the President be
authorized to name the high priests to sit upon that council [the High Council]
at the present time when it shall convene, and all others between now and next
conference, subject to ratification by the body.
No. 566. Whereas, the Presidency
has suggested that the conference provide that the High Council be convened to
dispose of all matters referred to it before the sitting of the General
Conferences,
Resolved, That in the opinion
of this conference the Presidency are authorized to convene said council at
such times as will enable it to hear all cases before the sessions of the
General Conferences begin.
Adopted
April 6,1906.
No. 567. That the chair be
authorized to appoint a committee of three to complete the compilation of
General Conference resolutions.
No. 568. Whereas, There are
several editions of the Book of Mormon extant, differing in divisions
of chapters and paragraphs,
thereby rendering it impossible to prepare concordance and works of reference,
therefore
Resolved, That we recommend to
the conference the appointment of a committee composed of F.M. Smith, Heman C
Smith, R. S. Salyards, F.M. Sheehy, C. Scott, E. L. Kelley, and F. B. Blair, to
investigate and prepare a uniform plan for the division of chapters and verses,
and, if thought advisable, to prepare or adopt a system of references.
Adopted
April 7, 1906.
No. 569. The Oklahoma District
and the minister in charge were authorized to divide said district if found
advisable.
Adopted
April 9, 1906.
No 570. Whereas, The present
blank forms used by the ministry to report to General Conference are
inadequate, not properly representing the work done, therefore be it
Resolved, That they be
discontinued and instead thereof a uniform system such as the following be
adopted. ( See blank attached.)
[The form attached provided
for a report of names of ministers and a summary of work done in each mission,
by the minister in general charge.]
No. 571. C. I. Carpenter was
appointed Recorder, vice H. A. Stebbins resigned.
Adopted
April 10, 1906.
No. 572. Concerning the action of
the First Seventy in dropping one of its members and his request for
reinstatement, the following was adopted:
That in case the defendant is
not satisfied with this report, he be privileged to appeal to the High Council.
Adopted
April 11, 1906.
No. 573. That "College
Day" be changed from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in
October.
Adopted
April 13, 1906.
In connection with the
division of the Northern Michigan District, the following were adopted:
No. 574. The Northern Michigan
District to be bounded on the south by the southern boundary lines of the
counties of Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, and Alpena.
No. 575. The Central Michigan
District to be bounded on the east by Lake Huron, Saginaw Bay, and Tuscola
counties; on the south by the southern boundary line of the counties of
Saginaw, Midland, and Isabella; on the west by the western boundary lines of
the counties of Saginaw, Isabella, Clare, Roscommon, and Crawford.
No. 576. The Western Michigan
District to be bounded on the east by the eastern boundary lines of the
counties of Kalkasha, Missaukee, Osceola, and Mecosta; on the south by the
southern boundary lines of the counties of Mecosta, Newaygo, and Oceana, on the
west by Lake Michigan.
No. 577. On motion of the
missionary in charge, the Northwestern Texas District was declared to be
disorganized.
Adopted
April 16, 1906.
No. 578. The revelation of April
14, 1906, was adopted.
No. 579. Resolved, That it is the
opinion of this council of Seven Presidents [of Seventy] that a seventy when
superannuated is thereby released from his quorum.
Adopted
April 17, 1906.
No. 580. In the matter committed
by you to the Presidency, as coming from the Pittsburgh District in regard to
the question as to who shall preside at district conferences, we report:
1. The primary right to
preside at district conferences belongs to the district president.
2. The courtesy which should
exist in all organized bodies of the church and respect for the general
officers of the church seems to point to the recognition of such general
officers who may be present at district conferences and would require that one
or more of these might be chosen to preside, either at the request of the
president duly chosen or appointed, or by action of the body given or obtained
through motion and vote.
3. It would seem that though
the right to preside primarily inures to the one who may have been chosen by
the suffrages of the people of the district, a regard for the general
organization of the church and its officers would justify the president to
request any general or missionary officers of the church who might be present
to take the chair and preside, or to place the matter before the assembly for
their vote. This usage seems to have obtained; but it does not warrant, as we
think, the arbitrary setting aside of a chosen president by a visiting officer
or missionary of the church.
No. 581. Resolved, That nothing
in the report of the Presidency on local presidency just adopted by this body
is to be construed in antagonism to the action of the General Conference of
1884 as set forth in General Conference Resolutions, section No. 279.
Adopted
April 8, 1907.
No 582. The recommendation of the
Committee on Compilation, "that provision be made to include the
resolutions that may be adopted by the General Conference of 1907," was
adopted.
Adopted
April 9, 1907.
No. 583. In view of the fact that
the Zion's Religio‑Literary Society have pledged $800 for printing the
Book of Mormon in the German language, we recommend that the conference
authorize the printing of it, and the Board will appoint at once a committee on
translation, and will push the work to completion as rapidly as practicable.
[From report of Board of Publication.]
No. 584. Resolution adopted by
the Quorum of Twelve and concurred in by the First Presidency:
"Whereas, The present
method of organizing quorums of elders and of the Aaronic priesthood renders
impracticable the getting of their members together frequently for the purposes
of their organization because of the scattered condition of the members
enrolled.
"Resolved, That we advise
the disorganization of the quorums as at present existing (where it may be
necessary) and organizations be effected in missions, stakes, districts, or
large branches, where enough members shall be found to justify it."
The Joint Council adopted
resolution recommending that the execution of this matter be referred by the
conference to the First Presidency, Twelve, and Presiding Bishopric.
No. 585. Heman H. Smith, E. A.
Blakeslee, and Albert Carmichael were appointed to act with committees
appointed by Zion's Religio Literary Society, and the General Sunday School
Association, all to form a joint committee on the subject of libraries for
branches and districts.
Adopted
April 10,1907.
No. 586. The Bishopric, to which
was referred the action and resolution of the New South Wales District on Gospel
Standard, respectfully report:
That after careful
consideration of the matter we recommend that the proposition made by the
district conference to turn the property of the Standard over to the
church, the brethren in Australia to take the immediate oversight and
responsibility of managing the concern, be accepted by this conference, and
that the four members of the Standard board of publication nominated by
the bishop of Australia be confirmed and approved, with the addition of the
name of Bishop George Lewis, as member of said board.
No. 587. We are authorized by the
Joint Council of the Presidency, Twelve, and Bishopric to present to you the
following as adopted by the Joint Council this morning:
"We think it unwise under
present conditions to remove the principal place of business from Lamoni,
Iowa.
We recommend that the
authorities provided for in the Articles of Incorporation under statutes of
Iowa, establish other places of business as provided for in Articles of
Incorporation and to further incorporate whenever and wherever the interests of
the church may require.
Adopted
April 11, 1907.
No. 588. That this conference
accept with appreciation the kind offer and view with profound gratitude the
friendly sentiments of the citizens of Lamoni, expressed in the citizens
petition, and hereby express our hearty thanks for the same.
Resolved, That the authorities
having the matter in charge be instructed to rebuild the Herald Office
and Bookbindery at Lamoni, Iowa.
Resolved, That the Trustee of
the church be authorized to accept the subscriptions offered by the citizens
of Lamoni, Iowa.
Adopted
April 12, 1907.
No. 589. Concerning the memorial
fund in the Bishop's report, subscribed for the purpose of erecting a memorial
or monument to the memory of the martyrs, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the
following was adopted:
That the President of the
church, the Bishop of the church the missionary in charge of that field [which
includes Nauvoo, Illinois,] for the coming year, Presiding Patriarch A. H.
Smith, and Elder G. P. Lambert, Bishop of the Nauvoo District, be appointed a
committee to carry into execution the purposes for which this fund has been
subscribed, and to devise such means as may seem best to them to increase the
fund if found necessary; that the sum of one thousand dollars, or such portion
thereof
as may be necessary, be
appropriated in addition to the sum already donated to assist in carrying out
the memorial project.
No. 590. We recommend that the
conference provide, that hereafter reports be placed in the hands of the Board
of Auditors before the work of auditing shall be begun.
No. 591. We further recommend
that inasmuch as errors crept into the published report of last year, and inasmuch
as the auditors have no opportunity of certifying to the published report, the
conference require the publication in the Herald of the Bishop's summary
statement, and that of the Board of Publication, prior to the convening of the
General Conference.
Adopted
April 13, 1907.
No. 592. The Daughters of Zion
reported the following:
Whereas, A sufficient fund has
been raised for the establishing of a children's home, and
Whereas, the Bishopric has
suggested to us that a committee should be appointed by the Daughters of Zion
to act in conjunction with the Bishopric in the establishment of the home;
whenever, in their wisdom this should be deemed advisable,
Resolved, That we ask the
conference to authorize the Daughters of Zion to appoint such committee.
The conference authorized the
appointment. The organization reported the appointment of the Advisory Board as
such committee; viz:
Srs. B. C. Smith, Callie B.
Stebbins, Ruth L. Smith, Eveline Burgess, Emma Hougas.
Adopted
April 16, 1907.
No. 593. That we discourage
members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from
holding membership in any society or order which requires the taking of oaths
or the entering into covenant or obligation to guard the secrets, purposes, or
doings of its organization.
No. 594. The committee of the
Seventy, to whom was referred by your honorable body the question of the
jurisdiction of branches, have been authorized to report to you that the
question after being under consideration by the committee was decided as
follows:
"It is our opinion that
members of the church are under the jurisdiction of, and amenable for their
conduct to the branch and district where they are residents, temporarily or
permanently, and must answer to complaints duly filed with the officers of the
branch or district where they are residing at the time when the acts complained
of are performed though their home and branch membership may be in some other
branch.
"And further, that all
church members are amenable to the branch most convenient to the place where
they may be residing or sojourning, and if there is no organized branch, then
to the district, or general church authorities, and should answer to such local
authority for their conduct.
Adopted
April 17, 1907.
No. 594 ½. That we disapprove of
our ministry giving their attention to speculative mining or other ventures or
their promotion; and that we advise all persons who may decide to invest in any
enterprises of this kind to do so only after such investigation as shall be
fully satisfactory to themselves as to the safety of their venture, the same as
in other business enterprises, and not upon their confidence in the ministerial
position of those who seek to interest them therein.
No. 595. The recommendation in
the Presidency's report concerning publication of matter to be issued by the
historical department was referred to the Presidency, the Historian, and the
Board of Publication, with power to act.
Adopted
April 18, 1907.
No. 596. Joseph Smith, E. L.
Kelley, and S. A. Burgess were appointed a committee "to prepare a set of
necessary blanks, pertaining to charges, notice of service, and appeal, that
will guide and assist the branches, districts, and stakes, in the courts of the
church."
No. 597. The recommendation of
the Historian that the fifth volume of the history of the church be published
as soon as practicable, resulted in the adoption of a motion to authorize such
publication.
Adopted
April 6, 1908
No. 598. At the Fifty‑fourth
General Conference of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints, which convened at Lamoni, April 6, 1907, upon recommendation of the
First Presidency, a library committee was appointed to meet with similar
committees appointed by the General Sunday School Association and Zion's
Religio‑Literary Society. The purpose of these committees was to
formulate ways and means by which the library departments of the three separate
organizations could be brought together under one general head.
This joint committee chose
three general officers: one from the church, one from the Sunday school, and
one from the Religio, and appointed them a Library Commission, with full power
to put into operation, as soon as practicable, the plans for the consolidation
of the library interests of the church. It has been the experience of those
engaged in library work in the different departments of the church, that the
library departments of the branch, Sunday school, and Religio have in many
places worked at cross purposes and to great disadvantage, by reason of having
three separate libraries. The object of this movement is for the betterment of
this department by the consolidation and unification of all our library
interests, thus doing away with unnecessary duplications, either in the
selection of books, or in the election of officers, and the bringing of the
local libraries into closer touch with the general library of the church.
The commission was directed to
issue suitable statement of work done and purpose of this department.
Accordingly, there appeared early in June, in all the church papers, report of
the Library Commission, and according to the same resolution, this report is
now presented, explaining the work more minutely, for your consideration.
THE
GENERAL COMMISSION.
The Latter Day Saint Library
Commission consists of three members, one each appointed by the General
Conference of the church and the General Conventions of the General Sunday
School Association and Zion's Religio‑Literary Society.
The commission shall have
general supervision of all the library interests of the church and its
auxiliaries, and in particular charge of the General Church Library. It shall
have full power to do all things needful to unify and simplify the library
interests of the church, to encourage the establishment and development of
libraries, wherever possible, prepare rules and lists of suitable books.
The commission shall select
the General Church Librarian, take charge of funds, select and purchase books,
and do all needful for the General Library, not otherwise provided for. The
commission shall choose its own officers and define their duties;. The chairman
shall perform the usual functions of that office. The secretary shall keep
account of meetings and work done; receive reports from General Church
Librarian and from the library boards of stakes, districts, and branches not in
districts, and summarize for the use of the commission and for report to the
General Conference and Conventions. The treasurer (shall be the Bishopric
member of the commission and) shall have control of funds, expending same on
order of the commission. The General Church Librarian shall have the actual
custody of all books in the Church Library and shall index, label, and care for
the same, and keep account of those in circulation. He shall have power to
choose his assistants, subject to approval of the commission, and shall suggest
from time to time to the commission supplies needed, and books desirable to
have in the library. He shall report for the current calendar year to the
secretary of the commission, the number and list of books and papers received
during the year, and the total then in library. The general library shall have
the preference of all rare books, especially such as deal with Church History
and American Archaeology.
THE
DISTRICT OR STAKE LIBRARY.
The district or stake library
board shall consist of three members, one being selected by each of the three
organizations, ──
the district or stake conference, the district Zion's Religio‑Literary
Society and Sunday school conventions. (Where there exists only one or two of
these district organizations, the local organization of the other or others
shall meet as soon as possible and nominate a member. The vacancy may be
temporarily filled by appointee of the existing member or members of the
district board.) The district library board shall raise the necessary funds for
the circulating library, appoint the district librarian or custodian and make
necessary rules for the district library, using this suggestion form as a
basis, buy books, and have general charge of the district or stake library
work. They shall do everything possible to build up the local libraries in
their district or stake as well as the circulating library.
They shall hold office for one
year, or until their successors are selected; such election, after the first,
to be held at the last business session before General Conference, when other
officers of the same organization are elected. Expenses of the district library
shall be paid out of the district library fund.
The district or stake
librarian shall have immediate charge of books in the circulating library;
shall label and number all books in the circulating library; and shall schedule
in a book kept for the purpose the number, title, author, date of purchase, and
cost. The district librarian shall also report promptly to the secretary of the
Latter Day Saint Library Commission, for the calendar year as soon as possible
after December 31. He shall at
stated intervals move the books of the circulating library from one branch to
another, keeping account of such movements. He shall have the power to appoint
one or more assistants subject to the approval of the district or stake board.
In the distribution of books the librarian shall be governed by the number and
grade of persons who will use said books in the local library. The initials of
the local library shall be marked in the cover, to prevent its being sent twice
to the same place, except as desired. He shall make a triplicate list of books
at each allotment. Only the number of the book need be given. One of these
lists is retained by the district librarian to check books when returned. The
other two are sent with the books ──
be retained by the local librarian, and one to be returned forthwith, after
checking books received. All books returned shall be carefully examined by the
district or stake librarian, and fines assessed for books lost or damaged; said
fines to be paid by the local library board; all fines to be paid over, once in
six months, to the district library treasurer.
The librarian shall hold
office for one year, or until his successor is appointed.
LOCAL
LIBRARY BOARD.
The local library board shall
consist of three members, one being selected by each of the three
organizations, the branch, the Sunday school; and the local Zion's Religio‑Literary
Society, and shall have general charge in the branch or local library, raise
funds, buy books for local or reference library
after consultation with district
board, appoint custodian or librarian, consult with district board as to which
books shall be in circulating library and which in local, and shall have full
power and authority to do such work as will further the library interests in
the local branch. They are to study the actual needs and conditions and do the
best possible for that locality rather than try to force everything to one
ironclad plan. (A branch in a large city may be able to secure a branch of the
public library.) They shall encourage reading of all good books, and endeavor
to place church publications in public libraries and reading rooms.
All books, whether formerly
belonging to the branch, Sunday school, or Religio, will be placed in the local
library; books of reference, church publications, books used in services, and
other suitable books, will be credited to the local library; books suitable for
the circulating library ──
that is, books which it is not necessary to keep in the local library, but
which can do more good by being moved to other libraries from time to time,
shall be placed to the credit of the district or stake circulating library.
Each branch shall have its own local library. All moneys for the benefit of the
local library board shall be paid to the treasurer of the library board.
LIBRARIAN.
Shall have custody of books
and bookcases; shall receive all books, shall label and number all books in the
local or reference library, and shall schedule, in a book kept for the purpose,
the number, title, author, date of purchase and cost of each book in the local
library; also have charge of the distribution and collection of books; shall
assess and collect fines, which shall be paid over monthly to the treasurer of
the local library board; shall keep account of all books outstanding, and have
charge under the general direction of the local library board. He may choose
one or more assistants, subject to the approval of the local library board; he
shall keep posted in conspicuous places list of all books in the local library
for the examination of prospective users. List A shall include all books of
reference which are not to be removed from the library room except with the
consent of the library board. Books on List B are local library books and may
be taken out and used in the vicinity. Books on List may also be taken out as
they belong to the circulating library of the district. Said classification to
be made with the approval of the local library board.
The librarian shall keep
account of each book taken out with date and name of person receiving. Any book
on Lists B and C may be taken out for two weeks by any member of the branch,
Sunday school, or Zion's Religio‑Literary Society. If not returned
promptly there shall be a fine of five cents for every week or fraction thereof
of overtime. No one shall dog‑ear any book. The person taking out a book
shall be responsible for all fines for delay or damage to the book. The
librarian shall be the judge as to the amount of damage. In case of dispute, it
shall be referred to the local library board for settlement. For any book lost
or irreparably damaged, the full value or cost shall be paid.
The library shall be open at
regular services, and for a reasonable length of time before and after each
service. Access to the library for reference purposes may be had at other
times, with the consent of the librarian, but no books shall be removed from
the room except with his knowledge and consent.
Upon receiving list of books
from the district or circulating library the local librarian shall compare said
books with the list, marking errors (if any). If none occur, the list should be
marked "0. K." In either event, one list should be returned to the
district librarian, as this acts as receipt for the books. The other list is
used to check books , before returning, at expiration of the period.
The local librarian shall make
a monthly report to the library board of the number of books taken out during
the month and the number of times the library is used for reference, together
with any other information desired by the board. He should keep the district
librarian advised of all matters affecting the circulating library and shall
report to the district librarian, quarterly; or if not in district, report to
secretary of commission.
All expenses of the library
shall be paid out of the library fund.
LIBRARY
RULES.
(To
be posted in each volume.)
"1. No member of the
school shall keep a book longer than two weeks.
"2. Books may be renewed
for two successive Sundays, not longer, without paying a fine of ten cents per
week.
"3. Anyone keeping a book
longer than two weeks (subject to rule 2) will be fined ten cents per week for
so doing.
"4. All persons damaging
or losing books belonging to this library, will be required to pay the value of
same to the librarian.
We have also prepared form for
report blanks of the use both of the local and district library boards, and
expect soon to have them ready for use.
While at Lamoni after its
appointment last April, the commission formulated ways and means for carrying
on the library work during the year, and put into form "report number
one," which appeared in the Herald, Autumn Leaves, Exponent
and Ensign, early in June. This first report, you thus see, received
wide circulation, and immediately letters from all parts of the United States
and Canada began coming in to the secretary of the commission, stating that
they had taken up the work and asking for additional information. Library
Commission "report number two" appeared in each of the four leading
papers early in February, 1908, and contained the principal features of report
number one, along with additional rules, regulations, and general suggestions
regarding the library work sufficient for the present needs. Enough time has
not yet elapsed for the results of this latest published report to mature, and
as the matter of reporting to the secretary of the commission does not seem to
be thoroughly understood in all parts of the country, we are led to believe
that scores of branches and many districts which are thoroughly organized
according to the plans of the commission have not reported to the secretary,
and for these reasons it is not possible to give a complete report of all
branches and districts organized up to the present time.
At the time of the formation
of the Library Commission, a committee of three was appointed to put into
practical form a suitable list of books for library selection. This committee
was made up of the three librarians to the general societies. The work, that at
first seemed a trifling matter to accomplish, required the labor of weeks and
even months to prepare suitable for publication; but is now in the hands of the
commission, land comprises an elaborate list of books, with names, authors,
publishers, prices, manner of securing discounts, information, and further
suggestions for the choice of books. This list of books with the commission
report number two, has been turned over to the printer, and should be ready to
mail in pamphlet form as soon as the commission has time to complete a report
after the adjournment of the General Conventions.
The Library Commission has the
following recommendations to make: First: That the amendments to the Sunday
school and Zion's Religio‑Literary Society constitutions be attended to
as early as possible, in order to avoid the conflictions that have arisen
through the appointment of the Library Commission.
Second That the church, Sunday
school, and Religio take definite action at their April meeting, 1908, toward
discontinuing the librarians to the three respective societies. In the same
manner when stakes, districts, and branches accept the new conditions and
select a library board, they discontinue their librarians in each; of the three
societies.
Third: It is further advised
that the commission be increased to five members, that the chairman of the
commission be a member of the First Presidency, the treasurer of the commission
from the Bishopric, one member from the Sunday school, one from the Religio,
and one member chosen at large by the General Conference.
Fourth: The church should
speak definitely regarding the amalgamation of the church library with the
Sunday school and Religio libraries. In the majority of cases throughout the
country the Sunday school is the body that is usually required to make the
concessions, as, in reality, they have the only library of any importance in
the majority of branches. In this case, the church has the principal library,
and should set the example for the branches by placing their library under the
management of the commission. It will be readily seen that the interest of the
library work will be much better served under the new plan than it has ever
been served in the past, and that there can be but little doubt, if any,
regarding the perfect working of this plan.
Fifth: We realize the great
need of means to carry on the general church work and laying the foundation of
Zion, and while much could, profitably be spent in the library work, we feel
that the commission should do its necessary work with the minimum expenditure
of money. In view of these
facts we recommend that an
appropriation of three hundred dollars ($300) should be placed at the disposal
of the commission, to meet the expenses of the past year and to insure success
in carrying on the work during the current year.
F. M. Smith, E. A. Blakeslee,
E. H. Fisher, H. Hale Smith, and S. A. Burgess were appointed to constitute the
Library Commission.
The conference granted the
appropriation asked for in the foregoing document.
Adopted
April 7, 1908.
No. 599. The request of the
Seattle and British Columbia and Spokane districts, that the counties of
Klickitat, Kittitas, and Yakima in the State of Washington, be added to the
Spokane District, making the western line of the counties of Okanogan,
Kittitas, Yakima, and Klickitat the western boundary line of the Spokane District
in the State of Washington, was granted.
No. 600. The committee appointed
in 1906 to compile General Conference resolutions from 1901 to date, reported
completion of said compilation to 1907 inclusive.
No. 601.The committee to which
was referred the issue of a historical publication by the conference of 1907,
reported that such had been provided for by a publication to he issued
quarterly, known as the Journal of History.
No. 602. Your committee appointed
by the General Conference "to investigate and prepare a uniform plan for
the divisions of chapters and verses" of the Book of Mormon, “and if
thought advisable, to prepare or adopt a system of references," report:
During the past year a
subcommittee of our number has reversified the Book of Mormon, using the large
type edition as a basis for its work, leaving the chapters as they are in the
original Palmyra edition. They made all verses from the book of Isaiah to
correspond in their divisions to such versification as is given in the Inspired
Translation. Concerning this work of the subcommittee, the general committee
adopted the following resolutions:
"Resolved, That we accept
and indorse the report of the subcommittee and make it the report of the
general committee on the work of reversification of the Book of Mormon.
"Resolved, That it be the
sense of this committee that in the publication of the new work we follow the
corrections of the Book of Mormon so as to make the new work in accordance with
the original manuscript and the Kirtland edition of the Book of Mormon
published by Pratt and Goodson, of 1837, that the work may be completed as
corrected by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.
"Resolved, That F. M.
Smith, Heman C. Smith, and R. S. Salyards of the subcommittee be appointed to examine
proofs and corrections in the publication of the Book of Mormon, according to
the resolution just adopted which provides for such correction.
"Resolved, That he
committee appointed to proofread the sheets of the Book of Mormon be also
authorized to prepare a suitable index.
"Resolved, That in the
publication of the Book of Mormon paragraph signs be inserted showing the
division of verses according to the Palmyra edition."
It was understood by the
general committee that the subcommittee was authorized to complete and hand
over the work for publication, to report their work after such publication, to
the general committee.
In the report of this
committee to the last conference it was stated that when the work of
versification was completed a system of references would be prepared. The
committee find it impracticable to provide such references before the
publication of the reversified edition.
Adopted
April 8, 1908.
No. 603. That inasmuch as the
work of the Bishopric has so enlarged that they need help for the Homes at
Lamoni, they be authorized to appoint a board to look after and care for those
Homes.
Adopted
April 11, 1908.
No. 604. 1. We believe it is the
duty of the church to so execute its laws that the interests of those who may
be accused of wrongdoing shall be safeguarded as well as those of the general
body.
2. Every man's claim of
innocence should be respected until his guilt is established, and he is
entitled to and should receive such consideration in the legal processes as to
protect him from needless suspense or exposure and secure for him a prompt and
impartial adjustment of the case in which he may be involved. Hence we have
decided on the following:
3. Complaints of misconduct on
the part of any minister may be made by any member of the church having
knowledge or information regarding the same, to the minister under whose
direction or jurisdiction the accused may be laboring.
4. It shall be the duty of the
one in charge, when thus informed, to see that proper labor is performed (if it
has not already been) with the accused, with a view to restitution.
5. Should the efforts in this
direction fail of desired results he should see that charges, embodying in
separate counts the items of wrongdoing complained of, are formulated and
served on the accused, in person or left for him where correspondence with him
has been usual, at the earliest practical moment.
6. When notice is thus served,
the accused shall be considered legally silenced, and should at once surrender
to the minister in charge his license (and certificate of appointment, if he be
under general appointment) and should refrain from all official work until the
disability thus imposed is removed.
7. No minister, thus silenced
should be held in suspension longer than is absolutely necessary to bring the
case to a proper trial; hence it is the duty of the minister having charge to
appoint (unless he be a party involved in the case either as accused or
accuser) a court, or to refer the case to the proper tribunal for its hearing,
without unnecessary delay. As soon as practicable thereafter, said tribunal
shall confer with all parties involved, as to convenient time and place for
hearing of the case and at once notify said parties when these are decided
upon.
8. Should exigencies exist in
connection with any case of ministerial misconduct, such as necessitate an
immediate official imposition of silence, this action may be taken before
formulating charges as herein before provided; but in all such cases this
action should be followed by as prompt an observance of all the details of the
above requirement as the conditions involved will admit of.
9. When the minister in charge
is personally involved in the ease against the accused, he should turn the
entire matter over to the most available minister in charge of equal authority,
or to the First Presidency.
10. In the cases where the
accused is acting in local capacity only, or is not under general appointment,
the local authorities should proceed as above; and in the event of their
neglect to do so, or of their being personally involved, the minister in charge
of the missionary field in which the case occurs should interpose and see that
the matter is proceeded with according to the foregoing provisions.
11. In grave cases, involving
the membership of the accused, proper notice should be lodged with the branch
of the church having jurisdiction.
Adopted
April 13, 1908.
No. 605. Resolved, That a
permanent committee of three be appointed to compile the resolutions of each
General Conference, and that the Board of Publication be directed to publish
the same in such form as can be put in the book of resolutions now published,
copies to be supplied to those having books, upon their application.
Adopted
April 15, 1908.
No. 606. Whereas, The law of God
specifically predicates ministerial support upon the law of necessity (see
Doctrine and Covenants 81: 4; 77: 1; 70: 3; 51: 1); and
Whereas, There is no provision
in the law for any minister receiving financial aid from the church not based
upon his actual needs; therefore be it
Resolved, That hereafter all
those engaged in general church or ministerial work be supported in harmony
with the aforementioned provisions of the law.
No. 607. The request of the San
Jose Branch, of the Central California District, that it be annexed to the
Northern California District, was granted.
Adopted
April 17, 1908.
No. 608.
PROCEDURE
IN CHURCH COURTS.
1. Precedent to any action in
the church courts there must be full and consistent labor performed as required
in the church laws and rules governing, and no action can properly be
maintained against a member where due and diligent labor has not first been
performed on the part of those whose duty is under the law to do this work. In
case a member should put himself out of the way of labor, making efforts to
evade the officers so that labor cannot be performed, or should he persistently
decline to receive and hear the officers, whose duty it is under the law to
perform this labor, then such action and refusal to hear on the part of the
member may be shown in justification of the procedure against him; otherwise
the basis of the action is the performance of kindly, diligent, and brotherly
labor, for the purpose of, in good faith, reclaiming the member.
2. After the full performance of labor referred to in the
preceding paragraph, and in case where members refuse to hear either the party
offended or the officers who have performed the work of labor, it is proper for
either the party offended, or the officers, to enter a complaint against such
member, a copy of which shall be given to the member before the same goes
before the church, and then presented to the officers of the branch or district
or other division of church work, whose duty it is to act in such matters, as
provided in the Scriptures and outlined in the church Rules of Order.
3. The Complaint: No particular form is necessary to the
validity of the complaint. There should, however, be a such a direct and
simple statement of the matter as will disclose to the comprehension of one
reading it the nature of the grievance, time and place of the offense, and
refusal of the accused to make restitution; also setting forth the privilege of
the accused to make restitution before the appointment of the court for the
trail of the case, if he desires to do so. No evidence should be set forth in
the complaint, neither any unnecessary threat or charges, or imputations not
properly a part of the complaint.
4. Service: Service of the complaint is properly made upon
the accused by handing him or her a copy, or if this cannot be done, leaving at
the usual place of residence with a member of the family over eight years of
age; or if this cannot be done, service may be had by sending a registered
letter containing copy of complaint, in which case the return of the card
attached will be evidence of service.
5. Who May appoint it: Members of the first Presidency and
the Twelve; high priests, seventies, and elders, when traveling in missions, or
in localities where no organization, branch or district, has been perfected;
presidents of districts, and presidents of branches, branches, and conferences
have power to appoint elders’ courts, according to the nature of the complaint,
the time, and the emergency of the case. A branch or conference at any
business meeting may appoint a court by nomination from the members confirmed
by vote, or by vote authorizing the presiding office to name the elders who shall
compose the court. In no case, whatever, should any officer appoint a court to
try a case in which he is to be a party, either as complainant or defendant, or
in the issue of which he is directly a party in interest.
6. Court to appoint Time and Place of Meeting: An elders’
court is a court of inquiry; and when appointed, has the right to appoint the
time when, and the place where, it will sit to hear the case (provided that
such time and place do not materially injure either party to the case); due
notice of which time and place shall be given to all persons who are expected
to be present at the hearing of the case.
7. When it shall be determined to call an offending member
before a court of the church, the branch or officer appointing the court shall
cause the charge or charges made against the accused in writing to be prepared,
stating definitely and specifically what the offense is charged to be, a copy
of which shall be furnished the accused, if practicable, so that he may, if he
so desires, make settlement of the difficulty by reconciliation or otherwise,
and avoid further action; this copy may be given to the accused by any teacher,
or deacon, or member in the absence of said officer, or if left at his usual
place of residence with a member of his family over eight years old, it shall
beheld as given to him. Upon the failure of the accused to make restitution,
or explanation, the court shall be appointed, and shall proceed to examine and
try the cause upon the charge, the original of which, or a copy thereof, shall
be furnished them by the party appointing them; they shall also give due notice
to all parties of time and place, when and where the trial shall be had as
provided in Book of Rules. Where in cases persons cannot meet
together by reason of great distance between them of travel or other obstacle
over which they have no control, and which is sufficient to prevent meeting in
person, the work toward reconciliation and labor referred to herein may be done
by written correspondence between the parties.
8. In case the defendant is not satisfied with the court as
selected, he must file his objections and the nature of the same with the
court, prior to its entering upon the hearing of the case. Unless such
objections are entered at the beginning of the trial, they will be presumed to
have been waived. Upon the filing of such objections it will be for the court
to decide whether the objections are well taken, and sufficiently pertinent as
to require a new court. Should the court decide that the objections are not
well taken, it will proceed with the trial as though no objections had been
offered, and in such cases the remedy for the defendant, if he has any, would
be to present his objections on appeal before the appellate court.
9. The court should keep a full and complete memoranda of
its proceedings, and while an oversight or omission to take note of minor
matters, such as engaging in prayer or the time of adjournment, would not be
fatal error, yet oftentimes a number of these omissions would help to
invalidate to some extent the correctness of the procedure and work of the
court.
10. Upon the assembling of the court to hear the complaint
against any member, it is necessary in order that the court may authoritatively
proceed, to have a proper notice of the service of the complaint upon the
defendant, in its hands. In case that due notice is not placed in the hands of
the court that the defendant has been served with the complaint, and also as to
the time and place of trial, it would be improper for the court to proceed to
hear the case or any part of the same.
Should the defendant have placed himself beyond the reach of
notice and purposely avoided the service of the notice in order to defeat the
hearing of the case, this may be shown by proper evidence, in which case it
would be proper for the court to proceed as though the defendant had been
regularly served. Service of notice upon defendants or upon witnesses may be
duly shown by the one performing such work making due return of the same, and a
number of returns of service may be made upon the same sheet.
11. Service of notice upon witnesses to take depositions
before any court should be made in a similar manner as that of summoning
witnesses to appear before the court to give testimony in a case.
12. No court or officer can take a deposition for any party
to use in any case, where the adverse party has not due notice of the time and
place of the taking of such deposition , and permitted to be present and
cross-examine if he desires to do so, unless a deposition is taken upon written
interrogatories, a copy of which must be placed in the hands of the adverse
party, and he given the privilege of filing cross-interrogatories before the
time of taking of the deposition. Affidavits or ex parte statements in writing
can not be introduced as proper testimony upon the trial of a case. Every
party to a case is entitled to be confronted by the witnesses, and should be
privileged to do so at the time the deposition or writing is made, or before
the court.
13. In case that any party is dissatisfied with the decision
of the court, he may move for new trial or rehearing of the case at the time,
and if the motion is overruled by the court, give notice of appeal at the time,
or within sixty days. If notice of such appeal from the decision is given at
the time. It should appear as a part of the record in the case.
14. Appeals from elders’ courts are taken directly to the
bishop’s court within the district or stake where the case is tried, if there
is such existing bishop’s court. In case there should not be a bishop’s court
within the district or stake to which an appeal can be had, appeals may be
taken to the Presiding Bishop’s Court of the church.
In case an appeal is taken to the bishop’s court in any
district or stake, and it is found that by reason of any direct interest or
relationship of the parties that such bishop’s court should not hear the case,
such case should be taken directly to the Presiding Bishop’s Court, unless the
case is within a stake, in which case the cause would go before the high
council of the stake if there be such a council.
15. Evidence given before the elders’ court should be
reduced to writing, and unless it is taken by a stenographer verbatim, it
should be read over to the witnesses, and signed by them in the presence of the
court.
16. Notice of appeal from the findings of elders’ court, if
not given at the time the decision is had, should be served upon the judges or
the presiding officer of the branch or other body, and filed with the bishop to
which the appeal is taken. Notice of appeal from the bishop’s court to the
High Council should be served upon such bishop, and also filed with the
President of the Church.
17. When the court has heard the case as provided in the
preceding rules, it is proper that is should at once make up its findings, and
hand these to the president of the branch or officer in charge, and also to
present a copy of findings to the defendant in the case.
It is the duty of the president of the branch or whatever
officers having in charge the findings duly reported by the elders’ court, to
call a business meeting of the branch, or other body, at the earliest time
practicable thereafter, and present the findings for the action of such body.
18. Upon presentation to the branch, or other body, of the
findings of any court authorized to try any cause of action, it is the duty of
such branch, or body, to sustain the findings of the court until such time as
the parties to the action shall appeal, if they desire to do so, to a higher
court and the action shall be reversed. It must not be overlooked that the
court is a creature of the body, the church, as the courts of the land are
creatures of the Government or citizens under the laws of the land; and while a
court may not bring in such decision as shall please the people, since the
people are not authorized to judge, except through proper chosen judges for
this purpose, the remedy, if there is any dissatisfaction, must be upon appeal
to the superior court. Any other method to overturn the decision of the court,
except that provided in the law, is outside the law, and would bring disorder
and anarchy instead of good to the body.
19. The branch, or other body, upon the presentation of the
findings of an elders’ court should at once sustain the findings, always with
the permission to any party to seek his redress before the higher court by
appeal, if he is still persistent that he has been wronged. Until the branch so
sustains the findings of the elders’ court, the party dissatisfied is left
powerless to move. He must appeal from the findings of the court and the
action of the branch thereon, and if there is no action sustaining the court it
places the party at a disadvantage, as he can not appeal and seek the redress
which he claims is his due.
20. It is the duty of the officers of the church in any case
which may be tried by a court, and also the duty of each member of the court,
to assist either party, in every way practicable to appeal his case, and to
help him make up the record in such a way that he may have the full advantage
of the same. Any officer or member of the court who refuses to assist a party
aggrieved in a case to bring before it a superior tribunal, will show an
unbrotherly act and reflect discredit upon his own work.
21. When a case is properly filed and tried in the appellate
court and decision is had thereon, either confirming or reversing the decision
of the court below, it is proper for such appellate court to return its
findings and decision to the president of the branch, or other body, from which
the appeal was taken. Upon receipt of this decision of the appellate court the
president of such body must bring the same before the members in a duly
authorized business meeting for the approval of the same, and it is the duty of
the members to approve the findings of the appellate court as promptly as they
approved the findings of the lower court. In case that further appeal is
desired by either of the parties to the suit, it is proper for the appellate
court to forward all papers and a record of the proceedings in that court, to
the higher tribunal, in like manner as is provided for appeals from the elders’
to bishops’ courts.
No. 1 A
COMPLAINT (Between
Two Members)
(place and date)
Complaint
vs..
Defendant
To Elders
President of
Dear Brother:
It is with
sincere regret that I find it necessary to make complaint against For
unchristian like conduct in this:
1. (Here
set forth complaint.)
2.
I have visited on
In an effort to effect a
(Defendant) (Dates)
reconciliation, but without
avail; and again on the Day of I
visited him (her) in company with and But
was unable on any of these occasions to effect a reconciliation.
I therefore
respectfully request that you appoint an Elders’ Court to ascertain the truth
of the matter and effect a reconciliation if possible, and to take what action
may be necessary to protect the interests of the Church.
Trusting that
right and truth may prevail,
I am, very
respectfully,
No. 1 B
COMPLAINT (By
Teacher)
(Place and
date)
vs..
To Elder
President of
Dear Brother:
It is with
sincere regret that I find it necessary to make complaint against for
unchristian like conduct in this:
1. (Set
out complaint.)
2.
SPECIFICATIONS
In company with
Brother We visited on
the (name
of accused)
day of and
on the of in
an effort to ascertain the truth and to effect a correction of the wrong,
reclaim, if possible. Our earnest efforts in this direction being without
avail, we respectfully request that you appoint an Elders’ Court to ascertain
the truth of these charges and reclaim our if
possible, and to take the necessary
(brother or sister)
action to protect the interests
of the church.
Trusting that
right and truth may prevail, we are
Respectfully
yours,
No. 2.
NOTICE
TO DEFENDANT.
Dear :
The enclosed is
a copy of complaint filed with me. I trust you may be able to adjust this
matter satisfactorily to all concerned without the need of an Elders’ Court.
If, however, I do not hear from you within ten days of service of this notice
it will become my duty to appoint a Court of Elders.
If you are not
able to adjust this matter within the above time, but believe you will be able
to do so, a reasonable extension of time will be given for that purpose before
appointment of Court.
Trusting you may
be able to effect a full reconciliation, I am,
Your
brother,
[Attach copy of No. 1.]
No. 3.
APPOINTMENT
OF COURT.
vs..
Elder
Dear Brother:
You have been
appointed, together with Elders , and ,
to sit as a Court of Elders in a case in which Is
complainant and Is
defendant.
Please try to
meet with your associates as soon as practicable for organization, and to
determine time and place of sittings of Court, of which you will kindly give
all parties and witnesses due notice. Your
brother,
No. 4.
RETURN
OF SERVICE
(With
No. 2 and No.3)
vs..
(Place
and date)
I do hereby
certify that a copy of the within paper, consisting of pages
was by me served on by ,
on this day of ,
19 .
(state manner of service)
(state
office, if any)
No. 5.
ANSWER
OF DEFENDANT
vs..
Elder
Chairman,
Dear Brother:
In answer to
complaint filed against me I deny each and every allegation.
Trusting that
truth may prevail,
Respectfully
yours,
No.
5 A.
ANSWER OF
DEFENDANT (Avoidance)
vs..
Elder
Chairman,
Dear Brother:
In answer to the
above charges I desire to state the following facts, which I believe exonerate
me.
Desiring that
right and truth may prevail, I am,
Your
brother,
Witnesses:
No. 5
B.
(Cross Complaint.)
ANSWER
OF DEFENDANT
vs..
Elder
Chairman,
Dear Brother:
In the above
case I not only desire to deny the charges against myself, so far as they
attempt to show me guilty of any offense, but I also desire to set forth the
following facts, which I believe not only exonerate and excuse me, but form
just cause of complaint against said ,
complainant herein.
I therefore
desire to charge him (or her) with unchristian conduct as follows:
Respectfully
yours,
No. 6.
OBJECTION
TO COURT
vs..
Elder
Chairman,
Dear Brother:
I object to the
Court appointed to sit in the above case for the following reasons:
Respectfully submitted,
No. 7.
NOTICE
OF TIME AND PLACE OF TRIAL
vs..
,
Please take
notice that the hearing in the above case is set for the hour of ,
m, on the day of ,
19 , at .
(place)
where we shall expect you attend
promptly and testify to the truth, as it becomes all good Latter Day Saints to
do. A failure to appear, without proper excuse, will render you liable for
unchristian like conduct. (Section 153, Rules of Order and Debate.)
Very respectfully,
Secretary
of the Court.
No. 8.
MINUTES
OF ELDERS’ COURT
vs..
Elders ,
, and having
been appointed by Branch or District (see
letter attached-Exhibit A) a Court of Elders in above-named case, met on the day
of 19 , beginning at the hour of a.m.
(or p.m.) Meeting was called to order and opened with prayer by Elder .
The Court then proceeded to organize by choosing Elder as
Chairman and as Clerk.
After
consultation it was determined that the Court should sit at on
the day of 19 ,
beginning at a.m. (p.m.)
The Clerk was
directed to send notices of time and place of trial to the following named
persons:
on the part of the Complainant,
and
On the
part of the Defendant.
Meeting
dismissed with prayer by .
Clerk
(place and date)
At the hour of a.m.
(or p.m.) the Court was called to order by Elder .
There were
present of Court Elders
for
parties and as
Counsel
and
and as
Counsel. The Clerk reported service as shown, Exhibits B. He was
not able, however to serve the following persons as yet, for reasons given:
The complaint
and answer were read and brief statements made by and
. Elder talked
with the parties, and suggested a season of prayer, and finally at his
suggestion an adjournment was taken until day of 19
, at a.m. (or p.m.) to permit parties to
confer together in an effort to settle their difficulties.
Dismissed with
prayer by .
Clerk
(place and date)
Court called to order by Elder .
(If settlement
effected, only necessary to enter: “Settlement having been effected by parties
the case was dismissed on motion of Complainant” or “by mutual agreement of
parties”; otherwise, continued.)
There were
present for the Court, Elders
for parties and
as Counsel
and
and as
Counsel.
The parties
announcing themselves ready for trial, the following witnesses were introduced
on behalf of the complainant:
Exhibits C, D,
E, F, and G, were introduced as indicated. Depositions of
were also presented by Complainant.
On the part of
the Defendant the following witnesses were heard and Exhibits H, I, J, K, and
L, introduced, also depositions of
(See stenographer’s notes or
minutes of evidence.)
It was decided
to allow each side to speak minutes; the Complainant to open
and close, but to use no new argument in conclusion.
opened for
Complainant,
followed for
Defendant,
and closed.
Adjourned at
call of Chair with prayer by .
Clerk
(place
and date)
Opened with
prayer by . Present of Court, Elders
After
consideration of all the issues the Court gave the following decision (see
attached), a copy of which was directed to be sent to each of the parties.
Dismissed with
prayer by ,
Clerk
No. 9.
DECISION
OF ELDERS’ COURT
vs..
In the above
case, after careful consideration of all the evidence produced we find the
facts to be:
The Court finds
as follows:
1-Count, 1 of
Complaint
Count, 2 of
Complaint
Etc., etc.
Count 1 of Cross
Complaint
Etc., etc.
And our
recommendation is:
No. 10.
vs..
Elder
President of
Dear Brother:
This is to
certify that the attached are all the papers in the above case, that we have
examined the same, that it is a full and complete record, that all originals
are so marked, and those marked “copy” are fair and true copies.
No. 11.
DEFENSE
OF LIMITATION
vs..
Elder
Dear Brother:
In answer to the
above charge my defense is that more than one year has elapsed since the
offense was known to have been committed; nor is it a case of felony, where the
law of the land provides a longer period; nor such a felony, where the statue
of limitation does not run.
It is a matter
of the past, which is regrettable, and I must so to live for the future at
least that no one will be able to justify so charge me.
Respectfully yours,
No. 12.
NOTICE
TO TAKE DEPOSITIONS
vs..
To (party
of record)
Dear :
Please take
notice that depositions in the above case will be taken before Elder at
in the city of on
the of 19 ,
beginning at the hour of a.m.
(p.m.) Said disposition to be used on the part of the .
At which time you may be present to cross-examine.
Respectfully yours,
Copy of the
above paper served on by .
(state manner of service)
This day
of 19 .
(state
office, if any)
No. 13.
CAPTION
AND MINUTES OF DEPOSITIONS
Before
vs..
In accordance
with the attached Notice to Take Depositions in the above case, witnesses were
produced and examined on the day of 19
, between the hours of and a.m. (or
p.m.) of that day, at , before Elders
acting as a Court of Inquiry for
the taking of depositions in the above case to be used in said case before on
the part of ,
There were
present, of the Court:
For the
Complainant:
For the
Defendant:
The session was
opened with prayer by .
The Court was
then organized by the selection of to act
as Clerk.
Thereon the
following witnesses were examined:
Clerk
No. 14.
CERTIFICATE
TO DISPOSITIONS
vs.
We do hereby
certify that in accordance with the attached notice depositions were taken in
the above case on between the hours of and
a.m. (or p.m.) at at
which time and place the following named witnesses were produced and examined:
The examination
of witnesses not being completed at that time the Court adjourned to (date)
between the hours of and a.m. (or p.m.) at the
same place, whereupon the following named witnesses were produced and examined:
The depositions
of each of the above witnesses was reduced to writing, read over to him and
signed by said witness. There are herewith returned all of said original
signed dispositions, with record of minutes and all exhibits and documents
produced in taking said depositions. And we do hereby certify to the above
that the inclosed papers are a correct and true record of all our proceedings.
No. 15.
MOTION
FOR NEW TRIAL
vs.
Elder
President of
Dear Brother
In the above
entitled case I respectfully ask a new trial and that a proper Elders’ Court be
appointed to rehear this case, for the following reasons:
And because of
said facts above set forth, justice was not done in said case. For which
reasons I most urgently and respectfully request a new trial or rehearing.
Sincerely yours,
No. 16.
NOTICE
OF APPEAL TO BISHOP’S COURT
vs.
:
Please take
notice that I appeal from the findings of the Elders’ Court in the above case
to the Bishop’s Court.
I therefore
respectfully request that all papers, pleadings, dispositions, exhibits, and
documents in said case be forwarded to Bishop ,
at the earliest time practicable
No. 17.
APPEAL
FROM ELDERS’ COURT TO BISHOP’S COURT
vs.
Bishop
Dear Brother:
In the above
entitled case in which I was the of record I have
appealed from the findings of the Elders’ Court for the following reasons:
Wherefore I do
respectfully ask of you a rehearing of said case and that the judgment therein
may be reversed and corrected.
No. 18.
CERTIFICATE
OF BISHOP’S COURT.
vs.
We do hereby
certify that the enclosed includes all papers and documents sent to us from the
Elders’ Court or on their behalf; also all pleadings, papers and documents
filed before us in this case, including a true copy of the minutes of our
proceedings and our decision.
Your brethren
in gospel bonds,
No. 19.
NOTICE
OF APPEAL TO HIGH COUNCIL
vs.
Bishop
Dear Brother:
Please take
notice that I have taken an appeal from the decision of the Court over which
you presided in the above case, to the High Council. You are therefore
respectfully requested within six months from the date of your decision
therein, to file with the First Presidency a certified copy of all documents
and papers in said case, together with a copy of your minutes and decision.
No. 20.
APPEAL
TO HIGH COUNCIL
vs.
To the First Presidency of the
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
Dear Brethren,
I desire to
appeal from the decision of the Bishop’s Court in the above case and ask a
rehearing before the High Council for the following reasons:
For which
reasons I believe this is such a case as should be considered by the High Council,
and respectfully ask that you grant me such hearing and appeal.
No. 21.
SUBPENA
BEFORE HIGH COUNCIL
vs.
To ,
Please take
notice that the above case comes up for hearing at the next sitting of the High
Council, beginning on the day of ,
19 , beginning at the hour of a.m. (or p.m.) at at
which time and place we shall expect you to attend and testify to the truth in
said case, as thus it becomes all good Latter Day Saints to do. A failure to
appear will render you liable for unchristian like conduct. Section 153, Rules
of Order and Debate.)
Your brother in
Christ
Secretary of the First Presidency
Should this
report meet with your approval, your committee recommends that it be published
in the form of a pamphlet of instruction for the use of branches and districts
and others who may desire them. We further recommend that the Board of
Publications be requested to print at as early a date as practicable a sufficient
number of blank forms in accordance with those adopted to be kept on sale, and
to be supplied upon requisite demand to branches, districts, and courts of
elders where procedure in cases of misdemeanor may be required.
Adopted
April 7, 1909.
No. 609. Whereas, by concurrent
action of the Florida, Mobile, and Alabama districts, subject to indorsement of
this body, the boundary lines were so changed as to make Santa Rosa and
Escambia counties in Florida and Escambia County' in Alabama constitute the
Florida District, the General Conference is hereby requested to approve said
action.
No. 610. That the following
counties compose the Portland District: Lane, Linn, Benton, Lincoln, Polk,
Marion, Clackamas, Yamhill, Tillamook, Washington, Multinomah, Columbia, and
Clatsop counties in Oregon, and Clarke and Skamania counties Washington. All
the balance of Oregon outside of the Southwestern Oregon District be declared
unorganized territory.
No. 611. That the Central
California District be declared disorganized and that the southern line of
Inyo, Tulare, Kings, and Monterey counties be declared the southern boundary
line of the Northern California District.
No. 612. The final report of the
committee appointed to provide for a new edition to the Book of Mormon, was
adopted. See preface to said book.
No. 613. F. M. Smith, Heman C.
Smith, and R. S. Salyards were appointed a committee to provide a concordance
to the Book of Mormon, "with power to employ suitable subsidiary
help."
No. 614. That the rules and
orders of the Book of Rules may be amended at any General Annual Conference;
provided that at least sixty days notice of the effort to amend in manner and
form be previously given in the Saints Herald, the official organ of the
church, before the opening day of such session, the same to be inserted, when
adopted, at the close of chapter 16, page 111, of Book of Rules and to apply to
all parts of the book except the Articles of Incorporation, a rule for the
amendment of which is found in the articles themselves.
Adopted
April 9, 1909.
No. 615. That the statistical
blank forms and the records used in connection with the reports made to the
recording department be amended to provide for the names of counties.
No. 616. We recommend the organization
of a district to be known as the Saskatchewan District, comprising the
provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta, but recommend that the name be the
Saskatchewan District instead of Saskatoon, as suggested by the petitioners.
We also recommend that a
district be organized, comprising the province of Manitoba, to be known as the
Winnipeg District.
We also approve of the
recommendation for the division of the London District in Ontario. We recommend
that the new district be formed of the counties east of a line running from
Kincardine, on Lake Huron, to the city of Hamilton, on Lake Ontario, and from
there to Dunnville, on Mohawk Bay,
Lake Erie, this district to be
known as the Toronto District. This will leave the boundaries of the London
District on the west as they have always been, extending from Grand Bend on
Lake Huron to Port Stanley on Lake Erie, and from Kincardine on the west to
Dunnville on Mohawk Bay.
(The map prepared by the
committee shows the following places, islands, etc., in Canadian territory, to
be included in the Toronto District; Sault Ste. Marie, Saint Joseph Island,
Cockburn Island, and the islands which include Silverwater, Slash,
Manitowaning, Saint Edmunds, Indian Reserve, Tobermory, Stokes Bay, Colpoys
Bay, Wiarton; also Wolford Station on the north shore of the Nippissing
District. ──
Secretary.)
No.617. That the First Presidency
be authorized to appoint a committee on credentials prior to the convening of
General Conference.
Adopted
April 14, 1909.
No. 618. Pres. Joseph Smith
returned to the body a gavel presented to him by the Saints of Texas about
thirty years previous. The following was then adopted: That this body extend to
the presiding officer, Pres. Joseph Smith, who so long and faithfully has
served them, their special thanks, and as a remembrance of the act of this day
that the gavel be placed in the archives of the church under the direction of
the Presidency.
No. 619. Whereas, there are a
number of relics left by Joseph Smith the Martyr which are of historic interest
and value to the church.
Resolved, That the Presidency.
the Historian, and the Bishop be authorized to make provision for the
collection and preservation of such in the archives of the church.
No. 620. That the Board of
Auditors and the Board of Publication as soon as practicable for them take a complete
inventory upon the basis of the cost of the books of the office, which shall
for the future so long as is desirable form a basis of invoices for the
publishing houses.
No. 621. We recommend that three
districts be created in the State [Oklahoma] as petitioned for. The division
lines running through the State from north to south line ── on the 96th and 98th
meridians respectively, making three districts of said State, to be known as
Eastern, Central, and Western Oklahoma districts.
We further recommend that the
counties of Ottawa, Craig, Nowata, Mays, Washington, Rogers, and Delaware in
northeastern Oklahoma, which now belong to the Spring River District, still
remain attached to that district, and that the southern and eastern boundary of
the said Eastern Oklahoma District, be the same as that of the Choctaw and
Northeastern Texas District.
Adopted
April 15, 1909.
No. 622. To the General
Conference Assembled; Greeting: I am authorized by the Quorum of Twelve to
report to you as follows, on the petition from the Central California District
asking that we send out missionaries two and two:
We respectfully call your
attention to the following from the First Presidency which was adopted by the
Twelve:
"Brethren: In the matter
of question touching the revelation of 1863, in which it is stated that in
sending the gospel to the nations it is expedient that the elders be sent ‘two
and two’ it is our understanding that refers to missions taken into foreign
lands, or into fields not previously occupied, or organized into districts or
missionary fields; and that it does not necessarily apply to the mission fields
as now organized in the United States and Territories, except it might be in
entirely new and large districts. "Signed,
"JOSEPH
SMITH,
"W. W.
BLAIR.
“April, 1891."
The following resolution was
adopted later on:
"Whereas the Lord has on
different occasions directed that we should send our missionaries forth two and
two, ''therefore be it
"Resolved, That
henceforth we comply with said requirement so far as practicable." ──April, 1891."
Again in April, 1907, the
following was passed by the quorum:
"Resolved, That we agree
to send our men (doing missionary labor) two by two."
The quorum has adhered to
these rules so far as practical under the circumstances and conditions
governing.
Respectfully
submitted,
FREDERICK A.
SMITH,
Secretary of
the Twelve.
No. 623. The following was
referred to the First Presidency and the Board of Publication for disposition,
report, or otherwise:
Whereas, There is a marked
difference between section 22 (Doctrine and Covenants) and the version of the
same revelation as found in preface to the Holy Scriptures,
Resolved, That the Board of.
Publication be instructed in future editions of the Doctrine and Covenants to
make it conform to the revelation as published in the preface of the Holy
Scriptures, and that a sufficient number of duplicate copies be printed to
permit of insertion in books now in use. [In 1910 the committee reported
that section 22 as published in the Holy Scriptures, which was the version of
the original manuscript, had been ordered inserted in Doctrine and Covenants.── Compiler.]
Adopted
April 16, 1909.
No. 624. We, your committee to
whom was referred the petition of the brother whose advertisement was denied
publication in the Herald and Ensign by conference action of
1905, report:
We have given this matter
careful consideration and our examination of the resolution complained of leads
us to the belief that the case in question did not warrant the severe criticism
embodied in the resolution; and in view of this fact, we would recommend that
the petition be received and referred to the Board of Publication with power to
act.
No. 625. In view of the fact that
there are some typographical and clerical errors in the present edition of the
Book of Doctrine and Covenants,
Resolved, That a committee
consisting of the First Presidency, Quorum of Twelve, and Board of Publication
be authorized to take this matter under consideration, appoint a committee from
their number to reversify and proof read an authorized edition of the book.
No. 626. That a committee of
three be appointed to draft a certificate form for use in connection with the
blessing of children.
No. 627. There is a growing
demand for a teacher's edition of the Inspired Translation of the Bible, and we
recommend that steps be taken that this work be gotten under way. It cannot be
completed short of two or three years, and an expense of about six thousand
dollars will be incurred before a copy can be sold.
(The foregoing from the Board
of Publication was approved and said Board authorized to act.)
No. 628. That it is recognized by
this body that the auditors or any other committees in their work in the
examination of others’ work connected with the church, if they find anything
that they think is improper, or not understood, they first submit the matter to
the one having the work in charge, before reporting it elsewhere.
Adopted
April 17, 1909.
No. 629. That in the future
finished merchandise [Board of Publication stock] be invoiced at thirty‑three
and one third percent less than the regular selling price; that machinery and
plates be invoiced at a discount of ten percent per annum; that buildings,
power plant, and electric light line be
invoiced at a discount of one and
one half percent per annum; that unfinished books in forms or sewed be invoiced
at fifty percent of standard selling price for cloth bindings . . . . .
Adopted
April 19, 1909.
No. 630. The chairman of the
committee to which was referred the question of incorporation of the church in
Canada, reported that it was not considered necessary to incorporate in the
Dominion. The committee was discharged.
Adopted
April 20, 1909.
No. 631. Two revelations, dated
April 18, 1909, were adopted.
Adopted
April 21, 1909.
No. 632. The committee on
locating and establishing a Children's Home have held three meetings since the
opening of conference and have given careful and prayerful consideration to
several propositions made for the location of a home. On the morning of the
21st instant a majority of the committee met and accepted the proposition of
Sr. Anna Dancer for eighteen acres of land lying just west of the church, at
Lamoni, Iowa.
It is the purpose of the
committee to secure plans and begin the erection of a suitable building at the
very earliest date practicable. The land is nicely located for such a home and
the committee are pleased that they were able to secure such a satisfactory
location.
No. 633. That the Bishopric be
directed and authorized to proceed in harmony with section 9 of the revelation
to the eldership.
Adopted
April 6,1910.
No.
634. Whereas, Pres. Joseph Smith was ordained president of the High Priesthood,
at Amboy, Illinois, April 6, 1860 ──
fifty years ago today; and,
Whereas, under his administration, supported by the faithful ministry and loyal
membership, the faith of the church has been vindicated, the confidence of the
people restored, the work honored and extended at home and abroad,
Resolved, That in connection
with the celebration of this semicentennary jubilee anniversary we commend the
administration of President Smith and express our continued confidence in his
integrity.
Resolved, further, That we
commend his spirit of Christlike service in the interests of the work and of
the people of God; that we pledge him our continued support in the further
performance of his duty; praying that God may bless him with that measure of
health and grace that shall qualify him to continue in the administration of
his important office until in the wisdom of God his labor shall be full and
complete.
Adopted
April 8, 1910.
No. 635. A petition requesting
the erection of a chapel at Salt Lake City, Utah, was referred to the Presidency,
Twelve, and Bishopric, with power to act.
No. 636. We your committee re Winnipeg
and Saskatchewan district boundary lines, recommend that it be arranged as per
petition of the Winnipeg District conference: At range two west of second
meridian.
No. 637. Petition for the
organization of a district in New York: That we recommend that said district be
organized, and that it consist of all the State of New York not now included in
organized territory, and that instead of being known as the Western New York
District; it be named, "New York District."
No. 638. To the General
Conference; Greeting: At the conference of 1907, on April 6 and 15, there was
before the conference a matter from the Kewanee District making inquiry
concerning the method of selecting and appointing high priests. This matter was
referred to the First Presidency, and the Presidency asked for further time
than was possible to give to this matter at the time. I am instructed to advise
you that the Presidency had had this matter under consideration and we hereby
report:
We find that the ordination of
high priests is to be by direction of a high council (either a stake high
council or the Standing High Council) or the General Conference (see section
17, paragraph 17, Book of Covenants; also section 120, paragraph 2). The call
of high priests is the same as provided for others; that is, by revelation, as
see Hebrews 5: 4. But we find no direction in the revelations and rules of the
church determining the manner in which the call and recommendation for
ordination are to be made.
It is our opinion that
nominations for ordination of high priests may be made by the First Presidency,
the Twelve, or the Quorum of High Priests.
Recommendations of persons to
be chosen as high priests may be made by branch, district, or stake, such
recommendations to be presented by the district or stake president to the
missionary in charge, and by him to the Presidency for consideration and
presentation to the General Conference or High Council.
Inasmuch as high priests are especially designated as standing ministers to the
church under the direct oversight of the First Presidency (Doctrine and
Covenants 122: 8, 9,) all nominations for ordination should be submitted to the
First Presidency before said nominations are, presented to the General
Conference or High Council.
Respectfully submitted,
FREDERICK M. SMITH,
Secretary Presidency.
INDEPENDENCE,
MISSOURI, April 1, 1910.
Adopted
April 11, 1910.
No. 639. We your committee
appointed to consider a petition from the Massachusetts District relative to
providing spaces on the branch statistical report blanks ["for town,
county, and state in the recording of marriages"], beg leave to recommend
that the Board of Publication be requested to provide such spaces on future
issues of said blanks.
No. 640. Whereas, courtesy and
justice, as well as the rules of the church require that petitions addressed to
the body receive recognition from the body; and,
Whereas the reading of them
often consumes time without profit;
Resolved, That the president
of the conference be authorized to announce to the body the nature of such
petitions and if no objection is urged refer them to committees or quorums
having jurisdiction without reading
Be it further resolved, That
all parties desiring a petition for appointment of missionaries to be appointed
to certain fields, are earnestly hereby requested to address such petitions
directly to the First Presidency or Quorum of Twelve, as addressing petitions
to the conference necessarily causes delay.
No. 641. That it is the sense of
this body that a juvenile history of the church be published as soon as
practicable.
Adopted
April 14, 1910.
No. 642. The proposition of the
Board of Trustees of a Graceland College, to raise a permanent endowment fund
of $100,000, was referred to the Bishopric with power to act.
Adopted
April 14, 1910.
No. 643. That the north line of
the Utah District be changed to the north line of the Panhandle of Oneida
County, in Idaho, running east from the west line of Oneida County to the
Wyoming State line.
No. 644. That portion of the
Presiding Bishop's report which referred to the erection of a church office
building was referred to the Presidency, Twelve, and Bishopric with power to act.
Adopted
April 15, l910.
No. 645. Patriarch J. R. Lambert
was appointed president pro tem of the Order of Evangelists.
No. 646. We are of the opinion
that no ordination to any office in the priesthood shall obtain until the
"call" has been approved by those holding Melchisdec priesthood and
in authority, whether it be in stakes, districts, or branches.
Adopted
April 16, 1910.
No. 647. Whereas the church as a
whole is anxious to read of the actions of the General Conference through the
church papers; and whereas such report should be accurate and complete in the
main; therefore,
Resolved, That it is the sense
of this body that all reports and other documents be made in duplicate or
triplicate, as far as possible, so that the church press may have access to the
same without so much work and delay.
No. 648. That we instruct the
Board of Trustees of Graceland College to procure a set of books and to
properly keep their accounts therein, that they may be presented to the
auditing committee when called upon.
No. 649. Various actions resulted
in a reorganization of the Board of Auditors, to consist of Robert Winning, I.A
Smith, and G. W. Eastwood.
Adopted
April 18, 1910.
No. 650. Joseph A. Tanner was
appointed President of the Quorum of High Priests, vice Frederick G. Pitt,
ordained an evangelical minister.
No. 651. Heman C. Smith was
appointed "to have general oversight of the Church Library."
No. 652. To the General
Conference: In the matter of reference by the conference of 1909 to the
Presidency, Twelve, and Board of Publication, looking to reversifying and
correcting typographical and clerical errors in the Book of Doctrine and
Covenants, we have by instruction of the committee to report that the body to
which this was referred met this morning and after consideration it was decided
that under present circumstances it is unnecessary to reversify the Book of
Covenants. It was further decided that all clerical and typographical errors be
corrected under the supervision of the Presidency, the Board of Publication,
and the Historian.
Respectfully
submitted,
FREDERICK M.
SMITH,
FREDERICK A.
SMITH,
Secretaries.
INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI, April 18,
1910.
No. 653. To the General
Conference; Greeting: The Joint Council of Presidency, Twelve, and
Bishopric have considered the document referred to us, from the Zion's Religio‑Literary
Society, and the following action was had:
"In the matter of
reference to the Joint Council of Presidency and Twelve from the Religio
Society concerning the establishment of a ‘permanent translation fund' for
translating the Book of Mormon into various languages where; demand may exist
for such translation; we have to report: that owing to certain restrictions in
the resolutions adopted by the convention looking to final control of the fund
being held by the executive of the Religio Society, even to the directing of
the Board of Publication in issuing publication of the Book of Mormon, thus
setting aside the general church authorities and the conference, and virtually
placing the Religio authorities over the general church authorities, we
therefore return the document to
the Religio Society with our disapproval."
Respectfully
submitted,
FREDERICK M.
SMITH,
FREDERICK A.
SMITH,
Secretaries
of the Council .
INDEPENDENCE,.MISSOURI, April 18,
1910.
No. 654. We your committee
appointed to consider the request of the Zion's Religio Literary Society with
reference to the Book of Mormon in German beg leave to report as follows:.
Whereas, it appears from the
record submitted to this committee that Zion's Religio‑Literary Society
has taken active steps to raise a fund for the translation of the Book of
Mormon into foreign languages, and,
Whereas, said society has
deposited in the hands of the Presiding Bishop the sum of $800 for the purpose
of guaranteeing the translation and publishing of the Book of Mormon in the
German language; and,
Whereas, the said society has
declared by resolution that it claims the right to direct, through its
executive, the Board of Publication in the issuing of books provided for by
this fund; and,
Whereas, we think it unwise
for the Board of Publication to handle and become responsible for funds not
entirely under its control, and are of the opinion that the church, through its
authorized representatives, should own and control all publications issued
under the authority of the church; therefore,
Resolved, That we recommend
that unless Zion's Religio-Literary Society is willing to donate, without
reservation, for the purpose named, said society be permitted to withdraw the
amount of its funds now in the hands of the Presiding Bishop.
F. M. SHEEHY.
J. A. BECKER.
F. B. BLAIR.
H. C. SMITH.
No. 655. A concordance to the
Book of Doctrine and Covenants, prepared by Bishop Roderick May, offered by him
to the church for its publication and use, was referred to the Presidency, to
be referred to the Board of Publication if approved by the Presidency.
No. 656. That the Presidency be
authorized to fill vacancies in the High Council, to act temporarily, that
cases before the council, may be heard.
Adopted April 7, 1911.
No. 657. “Whereas, it is reported that the Jews in Russia
are being treated with inhuman cruelty; and
“Whereas, such treatment we
hold to be an outraging of the modern conception of the rights and privileges
which are justly due all mankind; in which all men are allowed the right ‘to
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’; and
“Whereas, while this unjust
treatment of these unfortunate people in the Russian Empire is allowed to
continue without the protest of Christian civilization, this neglect or
indifference would make such largely responsible with those who perpetrate such
barbarism; therefore be it
“Resolved, That we, the
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, assembled in the
fifty-eighth annual General Conference, at Lamoni, Iowa, April 7, 1911, do
hereby voice our most earnest protest against these Russian atrocities to the
Jewish people; and be it further
“Resolved, That a copy of
these preambles and resolutions be forwarded to the President of the United
States and the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives, that this grave
matter may be dealt with diplomatically, having in view the amelioration of
these conditions.”
Adopted April 8, 1911.
No. 658. The Louisville,
Kentucky Branch was annexed to the Southern Indiana District.
No. 659. That the Church
Secretary be instructed to prepare and have printed in convenient form the
credentials committee report, as complete as may be practical, to be ready for
distribution at the opening session of General Conference.
Adopted April 10, 1911.
No. 660. The Presidency, the
Presiding Bishop, the Manager of the Herald Publishing House, the President of
the Religio Society, and the Superintendent of the General Sunday School
Association were appointed a committee "on translation of church
literature into foreign languages."
No. 661. The report of Zion's
Religio-Literary Society, including the following resolutions therein, were
adopted:
1. That we accept the offer
of the return of the German translation fund, and request that all the
translation funds now on hand be turned over to the general treasurer of the
society.
2. That all previous action
taken by this society is hereby repealed.
Subject to the approval of the
General Conference, Be it further resolved, 1. That the cost of translating and
publishing the present edition of the Book of Mormon in German, not to
exceed two thousand copies and not to exceed the sum of eight hundred dollars,
be forthwith donated to the general church.
3. That this society will
continue its effort to raise a translation fund, the raising of the funds to be
in charge of the executive committee of this society. The selection of the
language, the work of
translation, and the preparation
of the plates is to be in charge of such committee or committees, body or
bodies, as the General Conference may designate.
4. That we guarantee a fund of
five hundred dollars to pay the necessary cost of translation, versification of
translation, and preparation of plates of the Book of Mormon in one foreign
language. When the work or any integral part thereof, shall be completed, the
necessary amount shall be paid over promptly to such persons as the General
Conference may appoint to have charge of such work. Any part of said sum, not
used, shall remain in the translation fund. The plates shall be at all times
the property of the general church.
5. That if the General
Conference approves the plan, but finds the wording of these resolutions
objectionable, the following committee is authorized to make clerical changes,
to be effective till the next general convention: The convention named the
executive committee as the one provided in this section.
Adopted April 10, 1911.
No. 662. That the Board of
Auditors or a majority of them be instructed to audit the college accounts July 1, 1911, at the close of the year's business.
No. 663. Whereas, We look with
favor upon the growing sentiment throughout the civilized world in favor of
peace and against war, and a resort to arbitration in both international and
national disputes, and
Whereas, The Lord has
commanded the church to "renounce war and proclaim peace." also to
"lift up an ensign of peace and make a proclamation of peace unto the ends
of the earth," therefore be it
Resolved. That we, the
ministry and delegates of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints in conference assembled at Lamoni, Iowa, this 11th day of April, 1911,
unreservedly commit ourselves to the conservation of world peace.
Resolved, That a copy of this
resolution be sent to the President of the United States, also the Senate and
House of Representatives.
No. 664. The Presidency were
authorized to appoint a delegate to represent the church at the next session of
the American Peace Society in the National Peace Congress.
Adopted April 12, 1911.
No. 665.That it be the sense
of this conference that the Advisory Board of the Daughters
of Zion continue as advisory
committee in connection with the Bishopric of the church in assisting in
carrying on the work of the Children's Home, as is proper.
No. 666. At the conference of
1909, April 16, a document was received from the First Quorum of Priests
stating that diversity of opinion existed concerning where quorums locally
organized should report, and asking that the conference decide whether such
quorums should report to the general, stake or district conferences. The
request for the decision was referred to the President and general Bishopric.
This council has had the question under advisement, and desires to report
that in our opinion only quorums which are general in organization need report
directly to General Conference. Where the quorums have been reorganized with
respect to locality, then they should report to the conference of immediate
jurisdiction, whether stake or district.
We think this applies not
only to the Aaronic quorums, but the quorums of elders as well; and it is
expected that in the reorganization work of the quorums yet to be accomplished
the organization will be effected in such a way as to make it feasible for each
quorum to report to some local conference.
Each quorum should in our
opinion file regular reports with the First Presidency and such matters
concerning the quorums as are necessary to reach the General Conference can do
so through the Presidency or the local conferences.
No. 667. We recommend that the
conference be requested to ask stake and district presidents to cooperate with
the Advisory Board of the Daughters of Zion in making choice of a sister in
each of their respective districts to look after the work of the Daughters of
Zion where there is no district organization.
Adopted April 13, 1911.
No. 668. "The committee to
which reference was made for the publishing of Joseph Smith and His
Progenitors, respectfully report that the request for the publication of this
book in Swedish be granted and that the church appropriate two hundred dollars
to be placed in the hands of the Board of Publication to aid in getting out the
work, with instructions to the Board of Publication to arrange for publishing
at once.”
No. 669. The Bishop was
authorized to appoint an additional member of the committee on Saints' Homes.
Adopted April 6, 1912.
No. 670. That we are in favor of
its [Juvenile Church History] completion in such a manner as to include the
history of the Reorganization.
Adopted April 9, 1912.
No. 671. That the practice of
theater-going should be discouraged and that members of the church should be
urged to avoid the practice as detrimental to spirituality.
No. 672. That, in our opinion,
the matter of using common or individual cups in the sacramental service may
properly be decided by each branch for itself. But in those states or
governments where the law forbids the common cup the law should be observed.
No. 673. We recommend to the
General Religio Association the appointment of one member to act in conjunction
with one member of the General Sunday School Association, and one from
General Conference, if approved,
to form a working committee to be known as the Social Purity Board, whose work
shall be the meeting of men's problems relating to social purity.
Adopted April 10, 1912.
No. 674. 1. That all unorganized
territory in southeastern Missouri be annexed to Southern Missouri
District—counties of Iron, Reynolds, Carter, Ripley, Madison, Wayne, Butler,
Stoddard, Dunklin, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Cape Girardeau, Scott, Mississippi.
No. 675. 2. That Callaway County,
Missouri, be annexed to the Northeastern Missouri District.
No. 676. 3. That Hood River,
Wasco, Sherman, and Gilliam counties, Oregon, be annexed to the Portland
District.
No. 677. 4. That Grundy and
Livingston counties, Missouri, be added to the Far West District.
No. 678. 5. That the petition of
Northeastern Illinois District be granted, and that the boundary line of that
district be as follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of the State of
Illinois and running west to the west line of Winnebago County on the northern
State line; thence south on a line with the west line of Winnebago County to
Bureau, and from there to the north line of Mason County. The Illinois River
shall be the western boundary line, thence east on the south line of Tazewell,
McLean, Ford, and Iroquois counties to the Indiana State line; thence north on
the east line of Illinois to the northeast corner of the State, the starting
point.
No. 679. 6. That Hood, Johnson,
and Ellis counties, Texas, be taken from the Eastern Oklahoma District and
added to the Central Texas District.
No. 680. 7. That Bonner,
Kootenai, Shoshone, Latah, and Nez Perce counties, Idaho, be added to the
Spokane District.
No. 681. 8. West Virginia
District. That the petition of the West Virginia District be denied, and that
the entire panhandle of that State remain in the Pittsburg District.
No. 682. The Presiding Bishop was
authorized to supply a sufficient amount to complete a mission house for the
Chinese Mission at Honolulu, Hawaii, in connection with appropriations made by
the General Sunday School and Religio Societies.
Adopted April 11,
1912.
No. 683. That the Children's
Home, of Lamoni, Iowa, known as a benevolent home, be incorporated. (Provision
was made for the appointment of a Board of Trustees of said Home, three of whom
should be members of the Woman's Auxiliary for Social Service; also that
members thereof be designated for three, two, and one year terms.)
Adopted April 12,
1912.
No. 684. That the matter of the
nature of the services to be held in the Kirtland Temple shall be left to the
discretion of the First Presidency and Presiding Bishop.
No. 685. That the matter of
erection of a library building, referred to in the Library Commission's report,
be referred to the Presiding Bishopric and the Library Commission with power to
act.
Adopted April 13,
1912.
No. 686. Note.—The Articles of
Incorporation of Graceland College were amended and published as amended. (See
General Conference Minutes for 1912, p. 1564.)
No. 687. 1. The mission
conferences have no jurisdiction over matters of general church importance,
policy, doctrine, or interpretation.
2. The Legislation of such
mission conferences shall be confined to matters pertaining to mis-sion
concerns; and, only in harmony with and subject to the General Conference
action.
3. Annual reports shall be
forwarded to such conferences from the mission officers, districts, and
branches not in districts; the ministry, including general appointees, and the
local ministry not laboring under district or branch supervision, and the
quorums organized in the mission.
4. Constitution: All
districts, branches not in districts, shall be considered integral parts of the
mission conferences.
The minister in charge of the
mission for the time being shall be the president of the mission and should
be elected president of the mission conference unless there are good reasons to
the contrary. In the absence of a minister in charge, one shall be chosen in
accordance with the rules governing in such cases; viz, the one highest in
authority and holding priority of ordination. The secretary shall be appointed
from among the elders, who shall take charge of all the books and documents of
the mission conferences and hold them for the mission; and also attend to
the necessary clerical work. The treasurer shall have charge of the finances
collected for the use of the mission conferences and pay out the same on order
of the conference or its officers such sums as may be necessary to meet the
liabilities.
5. The secretary of the mission
conference shall report the proceedings to the General Conference through the
First Presidency.
No. 688. "Resolved, That we
are of the opinion as a joint council that the church should see to it that a
life membership is obtained in the American Archæological Institute, such
membership to be designated by General Conference, and recommend that such
membership be lodged in the Church Archæological Committee."
No. 689. Whereas, The
organization known as the Leeds District (England ), has lapsed,
Be it resolved, That we hereby
declare the Leeds District disorganized; and further, That the territory
heretofore included in the Leeds District be added to and included in the
limits of the Manchester District.
No. 690. That all libraries paid
for by the church, directly or indirectly, whether special or general, should
be handled in a united way by the Library Commission.
Adopted April 15,
1912.
No. 691. That we reaffirm
Resolution No. 550 as binding upon our representatives.
Adopted April 16,
1912.
No. 692. That we request
conference appointees to organize locals of the Woman's Auxiliary in their
respective fields, working in harmony with the field workers where they have
been appointed.
Adopted April 19,
1912.
No. 693. That if it be found
necessary to take one of the General Conference appointees from the missionary
list to act as editor of the Ensign, such permission be granted.
Adopted April 9,
1913.
No. 694. We recommend that the
Saskatchewan District be divided in harmony with their petition, the dividing
line being the line between the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and that
Alberta be organized into a new district.
No. 695. That the petition of the
Spring River District be granted and that the counties of Cowley and Butler
be severed from the Spring River District and annexed to the unorganized
territory of Southern Kansas.
No. 696. That the petition from
the Central Michigan District, concurred in by the Southern Michigan and
Northern Indiana districts, be granted and that Gratiot County be annexed to
the Central Michigan District.
No. 697. That the petition of the
Northern Nebraska District be granted, and the name changed to Northeastern
Nebraska District.
No. 698. That the petition from
the Seattle and British Columbia District be granted, and that portion of
Kittitas County lying west of the one hundred and twenty-first meridian be
annexed to the Seattle and British Columbia District.
No. 699. Owing to a division of
one of the counties in the Panhandle of Idaho, it becomes necessary for us to
correct our records and record the two new counties, Lewis and Clear Water,
organized from what was formerly Nez Perce County along with what is now known
as Nez Perce County, as a part of the Spokane District.
No. 700. That the dividing line
between Eastern Oklahoma District and Central Oklahoma, the ninety-sixth
meridian, be continued south to the north line of the Central Texas District,
and that portion of Texas lying west of this line which was formerly in Eastern
Oklahoma District be annexed to Central Oklahoma District.
No. 701. That the ordinance of
blessing should not be administered to children who are old enough to be
baptized.
No. 702. Touching the kind of
wine to be used in sacrament services of the church, we are of the opinion that
fermented wine should not be used, but that either unfermented wine or water
should be used, and so be in harmony with the spirit of the revelations. See
Doctrine and Covenants 26:1; 86:1; 119:5.
Adopted April 14,
1913.
No. 703. That the Rules of
Representation be so amended as to provide that the basis
of representation shall be one
delegate for every one hundred of the membership of the church.
[Note.—The chair ruled that
districts, and all branches not in districts having less than one hundred
members, would be entitled to one delegate.]
Adopted April 15,
1913.
No. 704. The appointment of a
General Chorister for the church, by the Presidency, was approved.
No. 705. A question arising in
one of our districts touching what is required of a candidate requesting
baptism and the method to be pursued to make that desire known....
Resolved, That we are of the
opinion that all that is necessary is for the candidate to satisfy the church
authorities that he is worthy, and that it is not necessary to make a public
request.
No. 706. That when a member
changes his residence from one branch to another it shall be the duty of the
officers of these branches to see that his membership is transferred as per
Conference Resolution number 456, and that Certificate of Transfer when issued
be sent directly to the president or clerk of the branch to which the tranfer
is made.
No. 707. The revelation of April
14, 1913, was adopted.
Adopted April 16,
1913.
No 708. The Joint Council of the
Presidency, Twelve, and Bishopric present the following to you for your
endorsement relating to the appointment of bishop's counselors who are required
to travel in the field:
1. Can a counselor to a
bishop travel in the interests of the bishopric work?
Answer. Yes; when the
exigencies of the case or the interests of the work demand?
2. If so, under whose
direction and jurisdiction does he travel and to whom does he report?
Answer. When opportunity
permits a consideration of the name of the counselors for appointment before
the Joint Council of Presidency, Twelve, and Bishopric in their annual
assembling, his appointment should be made by concurrent consent of these
councils; but where exigencies arise in the interim of conferences and the
necessity for the appointment of a counselor to do continuous church work
becomes apparent, then his appointment may be made by the Presidency and
Presiding Bishopric on recommendation of the bishop to whom he is acting as
counselor. However, in cases of emergency, or where to protect the interests of
the church immediate action is required, then a bishop should feel free to
send a counselor on the mission required and make report as early a moment as
possible to the Presiding Bishop for approval or otherwise. In other words, in
all instances where an emergency exists, every church officer is supposed to
use his best judgment and act in the interest of the church according to his
best wisdom.
In the matter of reporting, we
suggest that all the departments of the church which might be interested in the
work of the counselor should be recognized by proper official courtesy: that is
to say, if the work of the traveling counselor is confined entirely to the work
of the bishopric, then it is sufficient that his work shall be reported to his
superior officer and through him reach the Presiding Bishopric and Presidency;
but in cases where missionary work is done, then official courtesy would demand
that the chief missionary officers should be recognized and an account of his
work rendered to them. The same holds good where the fields presided over by
local officers are entered.
3. In regard to his
ministerial conduct, to whom is he amenable?
Answer. In cases of misconduct
or delinquency, such a counselor would be amenable to the usual church courts;
but where in the process of hearing such a case would come before a bishop's
court, it is clear, according to the opinion of this council, that such case
should not be heard by the bishop's court of which said counselor is a member.
4. Who stipulates the
allowance?
Answer. In cases where the
counselor is appointed by the Joint Council of the Presidency, Twelve, and
Bishopric, then the allowance should be fixed by said council the same as other
missionaries. In cases where the appointment is made interim of conferences by
concurrence of First Presidency and Presiding Bishopric, then the allowance
should be fixed by the Presiding Bishopric and the bishop under whom the
counselor labors.
Adopted April 18,
1913.
No. 709. Whereas, the collection
of prophecies and statements other than those which are accepted and approved
by the general church, claiming to be of spiritual origin, some of which may be
of doubtful character, and the records of what may be regarded as miracles, and
the publishing of such in books or pamphlets and so parading them before the public,
partakes of the nature of boasting, which is contrary to the instruction of the
Master: "But a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast
themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these
things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation" (see
Doctrine and Covenants 83:11; 102:4): and,
Whereas, we believe that such
publications are detrimental to the best interests of the church and encourage
an undue desire for such experiences: therefore be it,
Resolved, That we look with
disfavor upon such publications and recommend that the resolutions which are
already on record have the respectful consideration and observance of the
brethren who are affected thereby. (See General Conference Resolutions numbers
288, 368, 550, and Conference Minutes of 1912, page 1622.)
No. 710. The Bishopric, to whom
was referred the resolution touching the interpretation of the term the "Bishopric
of the Church,"... present to you the following for your consideration:
The term "The
Bishopric," as used in the revelations to the church refers to the
Presiding Bishopric, and also to the association of men holding the office of
bishop under a presiding head; therefore,
1. Be it resolved. That when
reference is made to the Presiding Bishop and his counselors, the term "The
Presiding Bishopric" be employed.
2. Be it further resolved, That
when reference is made to the bishop of a stake and his counselors, the title
"Stake Bishopric" should be used.
3. Be it further resolved,
That when the association of all the bishops and their council is re-ferred to,
the term "The Bishopric," or "Order of Bishops"
be applied.
No. 711. 1. Regarding the rights
of districts to hold reunions within the territory limited to other districts
without the consent of said districts; we find that it is the custom of
the church to define boundaries within which the district organization
operates, and over which prescribed territory within the boundaries as thus
defined, the district authorities have local supervision.
2. Further, Resolution number
83, General Conference Resolutions, provides, that "district conferences
do not have authority to send missions beyond or outside of their respective
limits."
3. This being so, it is clear
that district reunion committee (a creature of the district conference) would
not have a right that could not be enjoyed by the parent body.
4. We decide, therefore, that
a reunion of one or more districts would not be acting consistently with our
laws and customs to arrange its location and provide for its services within
such territory which by General Conference action had been placed under the
local control of another district organization, unless having the consent of
said district so to do.
5. It should also be
understood that this must not be interpreted to sustain any arbitrary act by
any district which could interfere with the welfare of the general church.
No. 712. The Joint Council of the
Presidency and Twelve have had under consideration for some little time the
special report of the Auditors which was made to this body, and we are
instructed to report the following as their action on said report, and touching
the financial policy of the church:
1. The Bishop assures us that
he already has measures in hand to meet the increased demands of his work by
reason of the settlement of the Saints and the extended missionary work; and we
recommend that these measures be prosecuted and that the financial department
of the church be rearranged and the work of the department put upon a
thoroughly up-to-date business basis.
We recommend that the
necessary depart-mental help be secured; that Bishop Blakeslee, in
harmony with the late revelation,
give as much of his time as is possible to the work of the Presiding Bishopric;
and that the Bishop select some other man in whom the church has confidence to
assist him in this work.
2. The Bishop assures
us that he has under consideration the formation of an
organization that can hold
properties and still be within the provisions of the laws of Missouri, and we
recommend that this organization be completed within the conference year and
necessary transfer of titles be made, and in this matter the Presiding Bishopric
cooperate with a committee of the Presidency and Twelve, as suggested by the
Bishop.
3. The Joint Council recommends
that the Presiding Bishop's annual report embrace the several reports of the
church institutions, known as the College, Sanitarium, and Church Homes, and
also a statement or budget outlining so far as practicable the minimum amount
that may be required for the ordinary work of the ministry, the general church
administration, and the several institutions named.
Adopted April
19,1913.
No. 713. That in cases of
adultery where the guilty member has repented, and the matter is not publicly
known, a written confession duly signed and witnessed by one or two officers of
the church shall be sufficient to establish the fact of the first offense;
said confession, and associated statements by the officer or
officers, to be forwarded to the First
Presidency's office to be filed
in the archives, which are not open to any other officers than the Presidency.
The offense should not be made a matter of record in the home branch or
district and should not be published by these officers receiving the
confession.
"If, however, the person
should later fall into delinquency, then there should be some way to protect the
interest of the church in the operation of the law which requires that the
second offense of adultery shall not be forgiven, but there would be no way for
the first offense to be known unless there was provision made whereby the
officers could be acquainted with the first offense. This can be reached in the
instance above cited if the request recently made by the First Presidency will
be complied with by local officers; namely, that whenever charges of a serious
character are preferred against a member, the Presidency shall be immediately
notified of the charges. This would enable the Presidency to notify the
officers in the case they had record of a previous offense unknown to the
officers who had formulated the later charges. We think the filing of the confessions
with the Presidency would be safer than having them filed with either branch or
district presidents, as there is less likelihood of them becoming public
property if lodged there than if lodged with a local authority.
No. 714. That the Presidency and
the General Church Secretary constitute a committee to provide for the printing
of all reports that it is possible to have made up before the convening of
General Conference.
No. 715. That the General
Chorister be authorized to appoint district choristers.
Adopted April 21,
1913.
No. 716. Elder F. A. Smith was
ordained Presiding Patriarch and Evangelical Minister to the church.
No. 717. Elder G. T. Griffiths
was ordained President of the Quorum of Twelve.
No. 718. That this representative
body—the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true
exponent of the faith and doctrine of the New Testament Scriptures, as left by
Jesus Christ, as corroborated by the blessing of direct revelation in all its
forms to us and our immediate predecessors in these latter days.
Adopted April 8,
1914.
No. 721. That that portion of the
report [of General Sunday School Association] which refers to the addition of
one member of the Presidency and one of the Twelve to the Executive Committee
of the Association be ratified.
Adopted April 8,
1914.
No. 722. The recommendation of
the Presiding Bishop that he be authorized to issue certificates of stewardship
(see Minutes, 1914, pp. 1873, 1881) was adopted.
Adopted April 9, 1914
No. 723. That the work of the
Bureau of Publicity be approved and that it be continued; that appointments of
those to take charge of the Bureau of Publicity be referred to the First
Presidency.
Adopted April 10,
1914.
No. 724. That this budget report
be adopted and the matter contained therein be provided for.
Note. The budget referred to
is the budget or estimate necessary to meet the debt and running expense of
Graceland College. See Presiding Bishop's report, Minutes, pp. 1872, 1873.
Adopted April 11,
1914.
No. 725. That we instruct the
Board of Publication not to accept for printing in the church papers, any
advertisements of real estate dealers or banking institutions, mining stock and
other projects of a speculative character.
No. 726. Chapter 15, Section 170,
of the Rules of Order was amended to read: "The duties of the
stake presidency are to preside
over the stake; have immediate charge and oversight of the general spiritual
work of the stake," subject to, etc.
Adopted April 13,
1914.
No. 727. That it is the sense of
this body that no further debt be incurred by the Board of Trustees of
Graceland College for such extensions as gymnasiums, dormitories, etc., until
such proposed work of extension shall have first been presented to this body for
its approval.
No. 728. We respectfully
represent that the finances of the college can only be properly handled in
connection with the finances of the whole church, and consideration given to
every department. This end may largely be met through an annual budget, and
when fully undertaken, the college should be run within the limits laid down by
the body, the debt met, reduced, paid off, and when paid, kept paid, and
additional expenditures made only with the consent of the body. There should be
economy in collection as well as in expenditure. But under existing
circumstances, it is an open question if there is any other alternative than
for the College Board of Trustees aggressively to push efforts for the securing
of means.—From Trustees' report.
Adopted April 14,
1914.
No. 729. We have carefully
canvassed the situation and recognized the fact that many of the textbooks now
commonly used in institutions of learning assume, as proven, certain
hypotheses, which in the minds of the young tend to raise questions of doubt as
to the faith of their fathers, and that the manner in which these questions are
sometimes discussed tends towards agnosticism or even atheism.
And while we believe that in
the revelation to Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps an opportunity was given to
meet some of these difficulties, yet in the education of our young people we
must fit them to meet the questions of the day, and many of these ideas are too
firmly established to be ignored with impunity, even were that desirable. Also
for accredited standing, definite work must be covered, and especially if
advanced work is to be taken in other institutions of learning.
We therefore respectfully
recommend that the standard textbooks used in other institutions of like rank
be used in Graceland College; that as rapidly as possible supplementary
lectures be provided in which these topics are discussed in a fair and proper
manner, and that provision be made for discussion by the proper instructors on
these questions in a manner to set forth clearly the truth; and that when it
may be deemed advisable, supplementary texts may be provided; but such texts
only to be used in connection with the standard texts most commonly used in
other institutions of learning of like rank.
No. 730. That this organization
(Graceland Extension Institute) receive the endorsement of this conference.
No. 731. The nomination by the
Presidency of A. N. Hoxie, Jr., as Genera! Chorister, was ratified.
No. 732. The committees on tracts
and on organization of quorums were abolished and the work thereof left to the
direction of the Presidency as a function of their office.
No. 733. The Presidency,
according to recommendation in their report, were authorized to appoint
delegates to various general congresses, etc., as they deemed advisable.
Adopted April 15,
1914.
No. 734. The revelation of 1914,
was adopted.
Adopted April 16,
1914.
No. 735. That Tulsa County,
Oklahoma, be taken from the Eastern Oklahoma District and that it be annexed to
the Central Oklahoma District.
No. 736. That the State of
Colorado be divided into two districts, Eastern Colorado and Western Colorado,
and that the Continental Divide be the dividing line.
No. 737. That the State of
Montana be divided into two districts, Eastern Montana and Western Montana, and
that the western boundary lines of the present counties of Valley, Dawson, and
Roseland be the dividing line between these districts.
No. 738. The committee on
historical relics was abolished, its work being referred to the Historical
Department as a function thereof.
No 739. The committee consisting
of Presidency and Secretary to provide for publication of conference reports
was abolished, the work named to be considered as a function of the work of the
departments named.
Adopted April 17,
1914.
No. 740. First, The Board of
Trustees of the Sanitarium shall be selected or sustained by the Annual or
General Conference; the conference to nominate direct unless it shall
choose to refer such nomination
to a committee or to quorum or quorums of the church.
Second, The physicians to be
selected and appointed by the Board of Trustees as at present provided for in
the Articles of Incorporation, after due consultation with the physician in
charge.
No. 741. That it be the sense of
this body that the Physician to the Church make a report of receipts and
expenditures.
Adopted April 6,
1915.
No. 742. That nominations of
the conference members of the Board of Trustees of the Children's
Home be referred to the Order of
Bishops, such Order to present such nominations to the General Conference for
final action.
Adopted April 8,
1915.
No. 743. That when charges are
filed against any, with any responsible officer of the church, it should be
left to the discretion of such officer to decide as to the validity of the
charges and the advisability of impaneling a court of investigation, subject to
appeal as provided for in the law.
Adopted April 8,
1915.
No. 744. That the present
Kirtland District be divided, forming the Northwestern Ohio District, the
eastern line of which shall be the western lines of Erie, Huron, Richland,
Knox, and Licking counties to the 40th parallel, the southern boundary be the
said 40th parallel. The eastern line of the Northwestern District to be the western
line of the Kirtland District. The eastern line of the new Kirtland District
to be the eastern lines of Lake, Geauga, Portage, Stark, Carroll, Harrison and
Guernsey counties, that the remaining portion of the present Kirtland District
be known as the Youngstown-Sharon District, and that upon the concurrence of
the Pittsburg District the counties of Warren, Forest, Venango, and Lawrence,
Pennsylvania, be added to the Youngstown-Sharon District.
No. 745. That the name of the
present Ohio District be changed to Southern Ohio.
No. 746. That San Juan County,
New Mexico, be annexed to the Western Colorado District.
Adopted April 8,
1915.
No. 747. A petition from the
Massachusetts District was granted: "The Massachusetts district
conference hereby petition the General Conference for its endorsement of the
individual sacrament service, to he used throughout the church. as the
authorized form of service, in conformity with the laws of health as prescribed
by the health officials of the United States."
A question asked the chair,
and the answer, are inserted:
Q. Would it he your
interpretation that if this resolution passes in granting the petition that any
church or branch throughout the church not using the individual cup would not
be using the authorized form?
A. The chair would understand
that that would he the form having the approval and the
authority of the church, but
would not understand that any branch would be prohibited from using any other
form.
Adopted April 9,
1915.
No. 748. That the matter of
providing an authorized concordance to Book of Mormon be taken up and a
committee appointed to prepare the same.
Adopted April 13.
1915.
No 749. Your committee on Bible
normal find that there is a special demand for such a work edited and published
by the church
We recommend that the matter
be referred to a committee consisting of Professors S. A. Burgess, J. A.
Gunsolley, and F. M. McDowell, to provide for the writing of the book, such
textual matter to be submitted to the First Presidency for approval and later
to the Board of Publication for printing; and that the book should be provided
as soon as possible.
Adopted April 14,
1915.
No. 750. That when this
ordination [of members of the First Presidency] is performed it be performed in
harmony with the pattern given in Doctrine and Covenants 117:3.
Adopted April 14,
1915.
No. 751. The joint council of
First Presidency, Twelve, Seventy, and Order of Bishops this day adopted by a
vote of 92 to 5 the following resolution, which is respectfully submitted to
the General Conference for consideration:
"Whereas, The Presiding
Bishop is now past seventy years of age, and owing to the enormous increase in
the extent and burden of the work in his department, and the probable continued
increase of this work, therefore be it
"Resolved, That we as a
joint council of the Presidency, Twelve, Seventy, and Order of Bishops,
recommend to the General Conference that the Presiding Bishop who has been long
in service, zealous in the performance of his duty, faithful in office, and
has unreservedly given his life to the work of the church, be and is hereby
honorably released from the responsibility of the work of the Presiding Bishop
of the church, said release and a reorganization of the Presiding Bishopric to
take place during the present year under the direction of the Presidency and
Twelve, subject to ratification by the next General Conference.
Adopted April 15,
1915.
No. 752. Your committee on
biographical dictionary hereby report that in our opinion
such a work would be of great
value to the church and we hereby recommend that it be referred to the Board of
Publication and Historical Department, to be prepared and published as soon as
found practicable.
Adopted April 17, 1915.
No. 753. The selection by the
Presidents of Seventy, of James McKiernan "to act as President of the
Council for the year," was ratified.
No. 754. Frederick Madison Smith
was ordained President of the High Priesthood, May 5, 1915.
175
INDEX
Numbers indicate
number of resolution.
Aaronic priesthood, quorums in British
Isles, 505.
Abstruse questions, 222.
Accepted as compliance with rule,
286.
"Address to the
Saints," 559.
Adultery cases, witnesses in,
343; confession of, sufficient to established first offense, 713;
first and second offenses,
713; first offense, record of to be filed in Presidency's office, 713.
Advertisements in church papers,
561, 624, 725.
Advertisements, objectionable,
561, 624.
Affirmative and negative votes,
329.
Against distinctions in church
privileges, etc., 171.
Alabama District, 609.
Alberta District, 694.
American Archæological Institute,
membership, 688.
Appeal to district conference,
125.
Appendix to Epistle of Twelve, 135.
Appointment, allowance,
amenability, labor, and trial of bishop's counselor, rules governing, 708.
Archæology, committee on, 385; map of American, 403; report of, 497, 517.
Articles of Incorporation, 143,
184, 248, 347, 355, 587, 614.
Assumption in teaching to be
proceeded against, 15.
Auditing committee, 324; duties,
powers, privileges of, 442, 519, 590, 591, 620, 628, 629, 662;
on Bishop's accounts, 474,
590, 691, 649.
Autumn Leaves to be
continued, 465; editors of, 465.
Baptism, children under eight
ineligible, 552; for dead, 308; necessary to reentrance into church,
220.
Baptisms, administrators, to go
down into water, 73; candidate and administrator both go into the
water, 212; candidates to
satisfy of worthiness, 705; confirmations, ordinations, blessings in dis-
trict, to be reported to
ensuing district conference, 131; validity of, 71; void when not lawfully
performed, 73; words of law
to be used, 48.
Basis of adjustment, Twelve and
Bishopric, 330.
Bishop, 40, 102, 95; and Board
of Publication, 225; and funds, 100; and funds, repealed, 134;
church property reported to be
valued and deeded, 206; Kirtland Temple title, 194; not to pub-
lish names of poor, 112; of
Saint Louis District, 106; on special fund, 366; Presiding release
of, 751; resolutions on
reporting of, repealed, 144; semiannual report of, 144; to accept
Herald Office
subscriptions, 588; to call on branch presidents for means, 47; to erect
build-
ings for church uses, 533;
to furnish tracts, 315; to present itemized reports of agents, 219;
to publish quarterly report
of receipts and itemized disbursements, 112; to publish report
annually, 262; to report
real estate, 200; to secure Kirtland Temple property rights, 208;
(see Presiding Bishop).
Bishop's accounts, auditing of,
359, 515, 590, 591; agents' reports to close December 31, annually,
436; agents to report to
district conferences, reports audited, 81; books and accounts,
instructions concerning, 474, 515, 590, 591; counselors,
appointment, allowance, amenability, trial of, 708; itemized
report, publication continued, 446; office, auditing of, 442; office
to be audited before General Conference, 442, 590, 591; recommendations
adopted, 436, 437, 438; report to include reports of church
institutions, budget, etc., 710; reports to be audited by April 1, 436;
report to close December 31, annually, 436; summary statement to be
published before General Conferences, 591.
Bishops and agents
responsible to Bishop, 81; and counselors ordained by Presidency, 492;
appointment of, 490; not
to take accounts from elders expending tithes unless elders so
authorized, 123; Order of,
defined, 710; ordination of by Presidency, 491, 492; to collect
means, 65; to select
counselors, 492.
Bishopric, 179; added office
facilities for, 438; and Twelve, to regulate issue of tracts in Scandi-
navian and German, 236; to
proceed according to revelation of 1909, 633; college finances
referred to, 642; efforts to
teach temporal law commended, 559; on college debt, 485; on
quorum organizations, 311,
505; Presiding, defined, 710; reorganization of, 751; stake, defined,
710; Temple Lot suit, 389;
the, defined, 710; to appoint Board of Managers for Saints'
Homes, 603; to issue
certificates of stewardship, 722; to liquidate college debt, 482, 484;
to perfect Temple Lot title,
349, to travel, 307.
Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine
and Covenants, 222.
Bible normal book, 749.
Bidamon, Sr. Emma, 44;
manuscripts of Inspired Translation, 76
Biographical dictionary, 752.
Blair, Samuel, Recorder, 11; to
select and publish hymns, 14.
Blair, W. W. Recorder, 32;
released as Recorder, 41.
Blakeslee, G. A., Presiding
Bishop, 252.
Blessing of children, certificate
form, 626, 701.
Board of Auditors. (See Auditing
Committee.)
Board of location, 248.
Board of Publication, 113, 189,
196, 197, 203: and purchase of Zion's Ensign, 405; appoints
Historian, 424; financial
report to be prepared before audited, 590; to be published before
General Conferences, 591;
history of church, 424; inventory of stock, 620, 629; members
nominated by Bishop, 225;
literary work on ministerial basis, 379; to ask contributions,113; to
choose Historian, 409; to
continue Autumn Leaves, 465; to elect president, 127; to incorporate,
113; to issue certificates,
113; to release Presidency from editorial work, 351; to secure transfer
of Ensign property,
480.
Blank forms, for trial cases,
appeals, etc., 597.
Book of Mormon and Doctrine and
Covenants, J. R. Lambert's work on, 358; authorized edition,
602, 612.
Book of Mormon characters,
562; committee on chapters, versification, and references, 568,
602; concordance, 435,
613, 748; German edition, 583; in foreign languages, 661; Religio
society on "permanent
translation fund," 653, 654; vocabulary, 501.
Books, Board of Publication to
purchase, 167.
Branches, not to ordain persons
not members in their branches or districts, 124; to report annually, 137;
to report to Recorder, 69.
Branch and districts reports,
180.
Branch, boundaries, conflicts
concerning, 371; jurisdiction of, 130, 594; representation, ruling on,
467.
Briggs, J. W., 9, 287; and
Hedrick on pamphlet, 28; Historian, 12; legal representative, 17;
President of Twelve, 17;
released from work with Hedrick, 29; to publish pamphlet, 13.
Budget of Graceland College, 724,
728.
Bureau of Publicity, 723.
Business enterprises, advice
concerning, 594½.
Business, principal, and other
places of, 587.
Cadwell, Edwin, Church Treasurer,
31.
Calling and ordaining to office,
646.
Card playing, to be avoided, and
unbecoming, 377.
Care in use of means, 239.
Carpenter, C. I., Recorder, 571.
Cases of trial and appeal, 300.
Central California District, 607;
disorganized, 611.
Central Illinois District, 468.
Central Michigan District, 575,
696.
Central Missouri District
disorganized, 373.
Central Nebraska District, 459,
511.
Central Oklahoma District. 621,
700, 735.
Central Texas District, 679.
Certificate of stewardship, 722.
Charges, decision on validity of,
743.
Certificates of transfer, 706.
Children's Home, Advisory Board,
665; Board of Trustees, 683, 742; incorporation of, 683.
Children's Home Committee on, 592,
632; children under eight ineligible to baptism, 552.
Chinese Mission, Honolulu, Hawaii,
682.
Chorister, General, 704; A. N.
Hoxie, Jr., 731; to appoint district choristers, 715.
Church history, Juvenile, 670.
Church office building, 644.
Church of Christ, and standard
books, 5, 6; exists where are six members, 5; pattern, 5.
“Church of Christ,” committee
appointed endorsed, 466; committee to meet, 293, 466.
Church paper, 35, 36; supervision
of, 37, 298.
Church property, to be valued and
deeded to, 206.
Clergy permits, 404.
Clerks of branches, 527.
Clerks of courts to prepare
records of cases, 531.
Clinton District, 540.
Cochran, F. E., Librarian, 483.
Collections, by those authorized
only, 320.
Colorado Mission, 512.
Committees, instructions to,
628.
Common consent, 228, 234, 308.
Communion cups, (see cups.)
Concordance and synopsis, 58.
Concordance to Book of Mormon,
435.
Concordance to Doctrine and
Covenants, 229, 303.
Conference Minutes, paging of,
454.
Conference reports, Presidency
and Secretary to provide for publication of, 739.
Conference resolutions to be in
writing, 136; and contain name of mover, 162.
Conferences and quorums, 199.
(See Quorums.)
Congress and press petitioned to
suppress polygamy, misrule in Utah, etc., 177.
Consecration, 308.
Courts, records of to be
prepared, 531; blank forms for, 596, 608; procedure in, 596, 604, 608.
Credential blanks, for General Conference delegates, 451.
Credentials, committee on,
Presidency authorized to appoint, 617; report of to be printed, 659.
Credentials, to secretary, 354.
Cups, communion or individual,
672.
Dancing, to be avoided, 317;
unbecoming, 377.
Danish Book of Covenants, Salt Lake
edition, changed, 255; periodical, 285, 292; publications,
254.
Daughters of Zion, on children's
home, 592, 632; stake and district workers of, 667; conference
appointees requested to
organize local organizations of, 692.
Deacon, duties of, 471; preaching
by, 449.
Debts, Elders not to be sent out
until provided for, 122; those contracting without fair prospects
of paying, not in good
standing, 120.
Decatur District, under charge of
missionaries, 417.
Des Moines District, 273, 458,
526.
Departments, all requested to
report annually to Historian, 470.
Disfellowshipped, 18; specific
charges and trial in connection with one, 284; to make reconcil-
iation where disfellowshipped,
74.
District conferences, 352; no
authority outside of limits of, 83; right to preside at, 580, 581.
District, letters of
appointments, 420; mission appointments, 83, 233, 434; to consult
missionaries in charge in making appointments, 434.
District presidents, presiding
right of, 580, 581; support of, 397.
Districts, right to elect all their
officers, 89; rights of to hold reunions, 712.
District treasurers, see
paragraph 4 of amendment to, 238; action appointing repealed, 260.
Divorce, 66, 272, 412.
Divorced, persons illegally
divorced, unworthy, 66.
Doctrine and Covenants, 54,
216; clerical and typographical errors to be corrected, 652;
concordance to, 655; German
edition, 425; J. R. Lambert's work on, 358; new edition, 625,
652; reversification of, 625,
652; section 22, 623.
Dropping members from quorums,
453.
Eastern Colorado District, 736.
Eastern Iowa District, 458.
Eastern Mission, 275.
Eastern Montana District, 737.
Eastern Oklahoma District, 621,
679, 700, 735.
Editorial and publishing
departments, 55.
Editorial work, 267.
Editor's reply to Rev. R.
Patterson, 270.
Edmunds' bill, committee, etc.,
247.
Elders' accounts balanced, by
labor, 300.
Elders, attendance at
conference, 103; courts, 207; debts to be arranged for before sent out, 122;
duty of, 8; evidence and
minutes of, to be prepared, 531; families' support, 45, 397; quorums,
68; not appointed, to
labor, 53; only to administer to sick, 132; ordained by districts or
missionaries in charge,
312; quorum of in British Isles, 503, 504; in Europe, 416; quorums
in foreign lands impolitic,
146; teaching of, 222; to call on branch presidents, instead of
members, for funds, 46;
to receive aid, 232; to report funds, 321.(See Quorums.)
Emigration fund, 56, 57, 96,
156.
Encyclopedias and histories,
committee on, 333, 450.
Encyclopedia articles, 223.
Encyclopedia committee, 374,
495.
Enrollment in quorums, 199, 240,
296, 440: applications to Secretary, 316.
Endowments, 308.
Entertainments, 369; permitted
during General Conference sessions, 556; prohibited during
General Conference sessions,
518.
Ensign property to be
transferred, 480.
Epistle of Twelve on tithes and
offerings, 102, 330.
Epistle of Twelve and Bishopric,
238, 330.
Evarts' circular against
polygamy, 265.
Excommunicated persons received
by baptism only, 220.
Expulsion, causes to be recorded,
284.
Factions neither confer nor take
away priesthood, 72.
Faith of New Testament, Reorganized
Church true exponent of, 718.
Far West District, 373, 677.
Fields, not to leave
unnecessarily, 239.
Finances, rules to provide for,
108.
Financial policy of church, 712.
Florida District, 609.
Forscutt, M. H., Secretary, 116;
released as, 140.
Funds for printing, etc., 27.
Gather, Saints to this land, 7.
Gathering, 176, 183, 184, 187.
Gavel returned to body by Pres.
Joseph Smith, 618.
General Assembly, 166, 222, 228,
276, 308.
General committee on Bishop’s
accounts, 474.
General Conference, a General
Assembly, 228; appointees, to draw expenses from Bishop or
agents, 261; to report
receipts and expenditures, 261; to state amount needed before appoint-
ment, 263; to report to
Secretary of Twelve, 269; body of spiritual authorities, Doctrine and
Covenants 99:5, also
resolution, 61; elders not to withdraw from—closerattendance requested,
103; entertainments, etc.,
during, not permitted, 518; permitted, 556; resolutions, 295, 364,
382, 488, 494, 567, 582; to
act upon revelations, 15; to meet annually, 258.
General Conference resolutions,
600, 605.
General officers, all to receive
licenses, 443.
General Sunday School
Association, 344, 380; and Autumn Leaves, 564; executive committee,
721.
Goodcell, Henry, resignation of,
154; Secretary, 141.
Gospel Standard plant,
586.
Graceland College, 335, 337;
accounts to be audited, 662; Articles amended, 478; Articles as
amended, 493, 496; Articles
of Incorporation, 686; committee on property of, 549; college
day, 558, 563, 573; debt,
482, 484, 485, 727, 728; directors, 399; endowment fund, 642;
Extension Institute, 730;
finances, 462; financial budget, 724, 728; incorporation, 396;
ordered discontinued by
General Conference, 549; continued, 558; running expenses, 558, 563;
text books, 729;
treasurer’s accounts, 475; treasurer’s books, 475; trustee’s report,
462;
trustees to keep set of books,
648.
Griffiths, G. T., President of
Twelve, 717.
Gurley, Z. H., 9; Recorder, 121.
Hedrick and Owen, Brn., 26.
Hedrick, Granville, 28, 29.
Heralds and Hopes
for European Mission, 179.
Herald Office annual audit,
324, 590, 591; auditing of, 442, 590, 591; rebuilding of, 588; state-
ment of to be published before
General Conference, 591.
Herald, character of
articles to be published, 298.
Heresy, charge of, 536.
Herrington, John, 9.
Highest authority to preside,
10.
High Council, 341; Presidency
to nominate high priests for, 565; to convene council before
General Conference, 566; to
fill temporary vacancies in, 656.
High Priest, ordination by
district void, 80.
High Priests, law does not
make it necessary for, to preside over branches, 111; method of
selecting and appointing,
638; president of, 650; quorum, 88; resolution on mission appoint-
ments, 230; right to
officiate, under Presidency, 151; right to preside over branches when
chosen, 111; traveling,
subject to direction of Traveling High Council 152.
Historian, 12, 287, 409,
424, 444, assistant, 444, 516; encyclopedia and history work, 495;
records in hands of,
313; reports to, requested, 470; to be aided by records, 289; to
appoint district historians,
498; to chose assistant, 444; publication by, 595.
Historical relics, Historical
department, 738.
History, Church, 203; in Millennial
Star and Times and Seasons, doubtful and unauthoritative,
378; third volume, 452;
fifth volume, 597; examination and revision of, 360; of church, 165,
287, 360, 424; of Joseph
Smith, 203, 342.
Holy Scriptures endorsed, 214,
215.
Houses of worship, 211.
Hymn book, 14, 34, 43, 44, 99.
Hymn and tune book, 323.
Idaho District, 643.
Incorporation of church, in Canada,
513; other places, 587, 630; (see also Articles of). Independence church,
referred to Bishopric, 334.
Independence Stake, territory of,
547.
Inspired Translation, 62, 63;
committee on publication, 78; means for, 75; endorsed, 214; manu-
scripts of, original; copy
preserved, 77; teachers' edition, 627; work on writing, proof-
reading, etc., to be done by
those in the faith, 79.
Intoxicants, 297; and tobacco,
92. (See tobacco and strong drink.)
Inventory of Board of
Publication, 620, 629.
Jews in Russia, 657.
Joint committee on duties of
deacons, 471.
Joint council of Presidency,
Twelve, and Bishopric, 395, 559.
Joint council, report of, 386.
"Joseph Smith and His
Progenitors," in Swedish, 668.
Journal of History, 595,
601.
Jurisdiction, territorial, of
branches, 130, 371; over members, 594.
Juvenile Church History, 641,
670.
Kelley, E. L., Presiding Bishop,
345.
Kelley, W. H., President of
Twelve, 431.
Kirtland District, 426, 546,
744.
Kirtland Temple, nature of
services in, 684, property, 208; repairs, 256, 291; title, 194.
Laity, right to vote, 87.
Lamoni, Iowa, principal place of
business, 587; seat of First Presidency; 390.
Lamoni Stake, boundary line, 528.
Law, whole, of church, in three
books, 6.
"Lay" member, term not
to be used, 168.
Leeds District, 689.
Legal representative, 10, 17.
Letters of removal, 121, 185,
227, 455, 456, 457; names of branches included in, 457,
rules governing issue, 457,
509; to those actually removing only, 457.
Liberty of conscience, 222, 391.
Librarian, 161, 421, 483;
purchase of books, 422; to choose assistant, 464, 535, 537.
Libraries, Church, under Library
Commission, 690; joint committee; on, 585.
Library, 60; books to be cared
for, 304; oversight of, 651; building, 685.
Library Commission, 598, in
charge of church libraries, 690.
Licenses 296; for Seventy, 432,
433; quorum lost by release, 453; for Patriarch and all
general officers, 443; to
general officers, 117.
“Life of Joseph the Prophet,”
287.
Literary laborers on ministerial
basis, 379.
Literature, private enterprises
in, 550.
Local appointees not to report to
General Conference, 361.
Local commandments, binding
only as reiterated or commanded, 282; not binding, etc., 308.
Local Presidency, 580, 581.
Locating committee, 176, 183,
184.
London District, Ontario, 616.
Lord, the, only avenger of wrong,
308.
Louisville Branch, Kentucky, 658
McKiernan, James, senior
president of Seventy, vice C. Scott resigned, 753.
Manchester District, 689.
Marriage and divorce, 66, 272,
412.
Members, changing residence
to be transferred, 706; jurisdiction over, 594; to unite with
branches convenient to, 455,
456.
Memorial, to Congress, 107, 178;
to Joseph and Hyrum Smith, 589.
Mining stock and other
speculation, 594½.
Ministerial basis, 473, 606.
Ministry, financial report
blanks, 439; report blanks, 388, 570; financial reports, totals only
published, 348; not
appointed recommended to districts and missions, 233; not to promote
speculative enterprises, 594½;
report forms, 332.
Ministry reports, 375, 570;
blank form for, 479, 471, 523, 534, 553, 570; publication of
abolished, 437; rules
concerning complaints against, 604; to be published in Herald,
479,
481; to be summarized and
reported by missionaries in charge, 448, 570.
Mission appointments, rules
governing, 235, 237, 393, 394, 414.
Mission Conferences, rules
governing, 687.
Missionaries, all to report
receipts, 321; must be members of branches or districts, 226; none
in debt sent unless
arranged therefore, 122; to labor under mission presidents, 139, 551;
two by two, 622.
Missionaries in charge, and
district mission appointments, 434; and district presidents, 353; to
move missionaries, 367; to
appoint conditionally, 237.
Missionary in charge, decision of
on branch boundaries, 371.
Mission, conferences, 352;
fields, subdivisions of, 460; work at Chicago during Columbian
Exposition, 376; work, others
besides Twelve and Seventy, 244.
Missions, none to those using
tobacco, 463.
Mobile District, 609.
Moneys, all to be expended by
those in charge of, 322; to be paid through branch presidents
and Bishop's agents, 102.
"Mormon," use of term
discouraged, 381.
Names, not to be stricken from
records without action, 284, 529; of all members on record,
118; to be attached to
articles sent for publication, 305; unnecessary to publish contributors,
306.
Nauvoo District, 149, 346,
441, 468; action of, recommendation to, 145; missionary jurisdic-
tion of, 441; Nauvoo House,
308.
Nebraska, unorganized territory
in, 459.
Negro race, preaching to, 95.
New York and Philadelphia
District, 542.
New York District, 637.
Nodaway District, boundary, 528.
Nonpublication of items,
condemned, 283; explanation of, 285.
Northeastern Illinois District,
372, 678.
Northeastern Kansas District,
510.
Northeastern Missouri District,
373, 544, 675.
Northeastern Texas and Choctaw
District, 543, 621.
Northern California District,
322, 607, 611.
Northern Michigan District, 469,
574.
Northern Minnesota District, 524.
Northeastern Nebraska District,
459, 508, 697.
Northwestern Kansas District,
510.
Northwestern Ohio District, 744.
Northwest Texas District, 577.
Offices, church 533; building
for, 644.
Official acts valid until
silenced, 90.
Officials to do duties; 97.
Ohio District, 426, 745.
Oklahoma District, 569.
Opinions, 298, 308, 391, 536.
Order of Bishops defined, 710.
Order of Enoch, 114.
Ordinances, 202.
Ordinations, consent of branches
required, 124; of elders by district or missionaries in charge,
312; of women disapproved,
564; legality of, 201; legal ones and legal acts recognized, 4;
of Presidency, 750, 754;
rebaptism annuls, 329; reconferred, 201; to be approved by those in
charge, 646; to Presidency
of High Priesthood, 3; Owen and Hedrick, Brethren, 26.
Organization to hold property in Missouri,
to be provided, 712.
Pacific Slope Mission, 271, 274.
Patriarch and Evangelical
Minister, 429; Presiding, pro tem, 645; Presiding, 716.
Patriarch, license for, 443;
request of granted, 473.
Patriarchs, report of, 534.
Personal opinions and views, 298.
(See opinions.)
Petitions, methods of presenting
and of acting upon, 640.
Philadelphia District, 542.
Physician, to report receipts and
expenditures, 741.
Pittsburgh District, 426, 555,
580, 744.
Places of business, 587.
Plenary inspiration, 308.
Poor, duty to, home for, 331;
names not to be published, relief of 70.
Political sentiments, 52.
Polygamy, mention of, 50;
constitutional amendment prohibiting, 520, 530; action against, 530.
Portland District, 610, 676.
Preaching—by teachers and
deacons, 449.
Presidency and Bishop, Temple Lot
suit, 413.
"Presidency and
Priesthood," 197.
Presidency, editorial labors of,
327; excused from committees if desired, 209; instructions to
Twelve, 418; on Doctrine and
Covenants, Book of Mormon, etc., 222; on Nauvoo District,
441; on purchase of
library books, 422; pattern for ordination of, 750, 754; to appoint
committee on credentials,
617; or Twelve—to appoint missionaries, etc., 139; recommend-
tions to Twelve, 460, 461; report
appointment of bishops, 490; report on local presidency,
580; seat of, 390; to be
provided with facilities, 327, 351; to be released from editorial
duties, 327, 351; to
appoint special delegates, 732; to appoint time of meeting of High
Council, 566; to
nominate members of Standing High Council, 259, 565; to ordain
bishops, 491, 492; to
ordain bishop's counselors, 492; to organize High Council, 341; to
provide for organization of
quorums, 732; to revise tracts, 732.
President, and Prophet, 38;
appointment by endorsed, 466; and Secretary to issue licenses,
433, 443; of Melchisedec
priesthood, 39, 754; of church, 3; request of granted, 472;
representative of, 10,17;
ruling of, 467; sustained as, etc., 163; to issue license, 117.
Pres. Joseph Smith, preambles and
resolutions on fifty years' administration of, 634.
Presiding Bishop, 345; to
report accounts to Annual Conference, 82; accounts to be audited,
82; summary of report to be
published in church paper, 82. (See Bishop.)
Press, liberty of regulated, 298;
means for, 98.
Pretensions of leadership
disclaimed, 1.
Priesthood, not conferred nor
taken by factions, 72; all to report, 20; suspended and disfellow-
shipped from, 18; to preach
gospel, 19; to report, 25.
Priests in branches, 521.
Principal place of business, 587.
Printing press, 49.
Procedure in church courts, 608;
(See Courts).
Prophecies and similar
statements, publication of in books or pamphlets not approved by
church, disapproved, 709.
Publication, of prophecies, etc.,
not approved, disapproved, 709.
Publication not authorized rest
on merits, 368.
Publishing committee, 37, 126;
to publish corrected Doctrine and Covenants, 54.
Quorum enrollment, 224;
enrollments canceled, 487; officers to be ordained, 109; officer to
enroll members, 440.
Quorums, 199; efforts to
have filled, 253; in branches, districts, stakes, or missions, 584;
local reports of, 666;
officers to issue licenses, 117; of lesser priesthood organized, 302;
organization of, duty of
Twelve, 311; organization, function of Presidency, 732; organization
of in British Isles, 503,
504, 505; reorganization of, 584; requested to report annually to
Historian, 470; rules governing
changes in, 453; to report names received and dropped from,
486.
Rebaptism, 71, l212, 220;
annuls former ordination, 329; reconfirmation, reordination, 133.
Reconciliation necessary to
branches or authorities where disfellowshipped, 74.
Recorder, 11, 21, 32, 33, 41, 42,
159, 408, 571; assistant, 227, 430, 476; authorized to act as
Secretary ex officio, 169;
Secretary also, 170; to receive local records, 350; statistical and
blank forms to include
counties, 615.
Record, general, 131;
general, districts and branches should have names of all members on,
118; names not to be stricken
from without action, 284.
Records, 227; names stricken
from, 309; branches and districts, 93; of disorganized branches
and districts, 350; to contain
causes of expulsion, 284.
Reincorporation, 347.
Relics left by Joseph Smith, the
Martyr, etc., 619.
Reorganized Church, true exponent
of faith of New Testament, etc., 718.
Reports, complete, provided for,
105; not objected to, received and approved, 119; branches
and districts, 192; of
branches, church property, 94; and documents to be triplicated, 647;
of local quorums, 666; to
General Conference, to be printed preceding session, 714. (See
Ministry reports, etc.)
Representation, 85. (See also
Rules of.)
Representation to teach the faith,
298.
Resolution No. 100 repealed, 134
Resolutions, reaffirmed, 23,
24, 51, 325, 550, 691. Resolutions Nos. 288, 368, 550, to be con-
sidered and observed, 790;
to be in writing, 136; with name of mover, 162.
Resurrection, The, 391.
Reunions; mission and district
authorities to arrange for, 268; rights of districts to hold, etc., 712.
Revelation, 1853, 277; 1887,
326; 1890, 338, 340; 1894, 428; 1894, and joint council, 395;
1897, 427; 1901, 500, 502;
1902, 522; 1906, 578; of 1909, 631; of 1913, 707; of 1914, 734.
Revelations, 276; church to be
satisfied concerning, 308; endorsed and standards of faith and
practice, 216; of Christ only,
308; of 1909, 631; sent to branches, 16; to be included in Doctrine
and Covenants, 216; to be
placed before quorums, 500; to be tested, 15.
Rock, The, 276.
Rocky Mountain Mission, 319, 512.
Rogers, I. L., ordained high
priest and Presiding Bishop, 40.
Rules of Order, 182, 207,
328, 330, 355; amended, 370, 514; provisions for amending, 614;
revision of, 336; 532, 554;
ruling on section 177: 1, 467; stakes, 726.
Rules of Representation, 703.
Sacrament, 172;
"administering the," 401; unbaptized persons not eligible
to, 91; teachers,
deacons, nor laity—not to
administer, 401; unfermented wine or water to be used, 702.
Sacramental service, common or
individual cups, 672; individual service, 747.
St. Louis District, 383, 447,
468, 541.
Saints, attention to anti-tobacco
resolution, 362; to assist elders' families, 45.
Saints' Homes, 331, 366, 669.
Saints’ Hymnal, 400.
Saloons; intoxicants, 92; test of
fellowship, 297.
Salt Lake chapel, 635.
Salyards, R. S., Secretary, 407.
Sanhedens Banner, 506.
Sanitarium, selection of trustees,
740; of physicians, 740.
San Jose Branch, California,
607.
Saskatchewan District, 616, 636,
694.
Scattered members retained on
branch records, 227.
Scattered members, to unite with
branches convenient, 456.
School history errors, 450.
School of Prophets, 110.
Scott, John, Librarian, 161.
Seal of church, 163.
Sealing to eternal life, 202. 1
Seattle and British Columbia
District, 599, 698.
Secretary, 140, 141, 169, 170,
407; and Recorder, offices separated, 406; and Recorder, to aid
Historian, 289; duties of,
115, 116; enrollment applications to, 316; name of office of, 411;
to arrange lists of
quorums, 266; to be on compilation committee, 295; to cancel enroll-
ments, 489; to enroll
elders for quorum, 240; to give names of speakers, 299; to issue
licenses with President,
117; to prepare printed report of credentials committee, 659; to
provide delegate credential
blanks, 451; to receive applications for quorums, 440; report of,
356; to reject local reports,
361.
Secret societies, members not
prohibited from joining, 175; members discouraged from joining,
593.
Section 113, Doctrine and
Covenants, explanation with, 402; 121 Doctrine and Covenants, 392.
Secular pursuits, prohibited to
members of first quorums, 288.
Seventy, dropped from quorum
may appeal to High Council, 572; form of license for, 432;
licenses to, 433; instruction
to, 392; may act as bishop's counselor, 577; ordination of, l81;
President of Second Quorum
of, 415; released from special local jurisdiction, 86; resolution
of, 231; secretary of to
issue licenses, 181; to labor, tithing for families of, 160; Senior presi-
dents, 753; Twelve and to
be first sent, 230; under direction of Traveling High Council,
150; when superanuated
released from quorum of, 179.
Sheen, Isaac, appointed Recorder,
42.
Silenced members, of quorum, to
be reported as laity, 104; officials, not to officiate, 318.
Silencing of ministers, rules
governing, 604.
Smith, A. H., Acting Counselor,
419; counselor to President, 429; President of Twelve, 340; Presiding
Patriarch and Evangelical Minister, 429.
Smith, D. H., 294.
Smith, F. A., Presiding Patriarch
and Evangelical Minister, 716.
Smith, Frederick Madison,
President of high priesthood, 754
Smith, Heman C., Historian, 444.
Smith, Joseph, chosen President
and Prophet and Successor, 38, 39; Editor Herald and Hope,
267; in charge of editorial
and publishing departments, 55; literary labor to be limited to
editorial work, 267;
sustained as President, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, 153. (See President.)
Smith, F. M. Historian, 424; Librarian, 421.
Social Purity Board, 673.
Southeastern Illinois District,
441, 447, 468, 545.
Southeastern Mission, 148.
Southern Indiana District, 499,
658.
Southern Michigan and Northern
Indiana District, 469, 696.
Southern Missouri District, 538,
674.
Southern Nebraska District, 459,
508, 525.
Southern Ohio District, 745.
Southwestern Mission, 148, 477.
Southwestern Oregon District,
610.
Speculation, in stocks, etc.,
594½, 725.
Speculative enterprises, 594½,
725.
Spokane District, 599, 680, 699.
Spring River District, 477, 539,
621, 695.
Stake none at present, 7.
Stakes, general appointees in,
under direction of minister in charge, 551; not to ordain general
officers or appointees without
consent of General Conference, 551; organization of, 507; presi-
dency and bishopric of not
to be appointed outside of, 551; presidency, duties of, 726; to
direct local laborers, 551;
some authorities of may be appointed missionaries, 551.
Statistical blanks, Recording
Departments, 615, 639.
Stebbins, H. A., Recorder, 159,
408, 571; Secretary, 170, 406; Secretary ex officio, 169.
Stenographer on ministerial
basis, 473.
"Succession"—reply to
B. H. Roberts' work, 445.
Successor, 2, 3, 10, 17, 23, 28,
39.
Sunday School Association,
339; lessons, 290; paper, 101; work, 243; sustained, 128; to be
fostered, 191.
Superannuated ministers, 560.
Synopsis, 58, 198, 205.
Teaching, contrary to General
Conference resolutions censurable, 187; of ministry, 222, 387, 391.
Temple building and endowments,
308.
Temple Lot Suit, 349, 389, 413.
Tent work, 398.
Territory under supervision of
Twelve, 461.
Test of reception and fellowship,
222.
Theater going, 671.
Three books, not to be
attacked, 298; authority in government, doctrine, and controversy, 215,
216; standards, 6, 8, 222,
298, 308, 368; 387; whole law contained in, 6.
Tithing, binding in scattered
condition, 174; epistles on, 102, 135, 238, 330, 559; law of appli-
cable in present, 210;
ministers ineligible who ignore, 363; to be taught, 138; voluntary, 308.
Tobacco, 2I7; users of ineligible
to appointment, 329, 362.
Tobacco and strong drink, 92,
235, 329, 362, 463.
Toronto District, 616.
Tracts, 59; committee on, 164;
abolished, 732; for free distribution, 315; German, 250; Presi-
dency, Twelve, and Bishopric
to furnish, 155.
Translation, committee on, 660;
fund, 661.
Traveling ministry under
direction of Presidency and Twelve, 84.
Treasurer, 30, 31; to give
security, 30, 33.
Trial and appeal cases, 301;
blank forms for, 597.
Trial, citations to through Herald
discontinued, 188.
Trustee. (See Bishop.)
Tune Book, 129, 190, 193, 196,
204, 213, 221.
Twelve and Bishop on
temporal law, 135, 238, 330; relieve Presidency, 351.
Twelve and Seventy to be first
sent and supported, 230, 231; to take elders and priests into
fields, 237.
Twelve, compare present, Palmyra
edition, Book of Mormon with Whitmer manuscript, 281;
decisions binding till
repealed, 280; epistle of on tithes and offerings, 102; epistle of
Twelve
and Bishopric, 238, 330;
260-264; filled in part, 22; measures to release hands of, 64, 65;
not to control funds, 100;
President of, 17, 419, 431, 717; President of, Acting Counselor,
419; presidents of Church
abroad, 279, 580, 581; released from special local jurisdiction, 86;
report on preaching by
teachers and deacons, 449; resolution not to control funds, repealed,
134; to appoint
missionaries, 139; take charge of important, especially foreign missions,
173;
to meet before General
Conference, 269; to act with Presidency in organizing stakes, 507;
to send copies of
revelations, 15; to try all revelations and manifestations, 15; travel
under
direction of Presidency,
according to revelations, 147; two by two to hold special conferences,
418; to organize local
ministry, 418, 503-505; will not appoint users of tobacco, 362.
Two by two, appointing, 622.
Unbaptized persons not entitled
to sacrament, 91.
Utah chapel, 142, 186, 195, 218,
242, 635.
Utah, Committee on Edmunds' bill
on, 247; mission, 157; problem, question, 548; church offers
to supply missionaries, 246;
polygamy in, 520, 530.
Utah district. 643.
Utah Saints advised to remain for
work's sake, 67.
Voice of the Captives, 13.
Voice of Warning, 410, 423.
Vote, Right to, 87.
Wales, Periodical in, 158
West Virginia District, 681.
Western Colorado District, 737,
746.
Western Michigan District, 576.
Western Montana District, 737.
Western Oklahoma District, 621.
Winnipeg District, 616, 636.
Wisconsin districts, 384.
Withdrawals from church, 284,
309, 529.
Witnesses in adultery cases, 343.
Women, as workers in auxiliary
organizations, 564, ordination of not favored, 564.
Women's Auxiliary (See Daughters
of Zion)
Word of Consolation, 9, 51.
Words to be used in baptisms, 48.
World Peace, 663, 664.
World's Fair representation, 357.
Yea and nay votes, 310.
Youngstown-Sharon District, 744.
Zion, 7.
Zion’s Ensign, 405, 480;
Provision for editorship, 693.
Zion's Religio-Literary Society,
365; action of conference on "permanent translation fund" of,
653, 654, 661.
Zion's Religio and Autumn
Leaves, 465.
Compilation of
GENERAL CONFERENCE
RESOLUTIONS
SUPPLEMENT
1916-1923
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF
GENERAL CONFERENCE
Published by the
Board of Publication of the Reorganized
Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints
Independence, Missouri,
1925
Supplement to
General Conference Resolutions
1916-1923
Adopted April 7, 1916.
No. 755. That the intention of
resolution number 560 was that the labor of superannuated ministers should be
in the vicinity of their residence, under the local authorities, and of the
missionary in charge where such labor is missionary in character; and that
where any superannuated minister desires to labor in fields other than his
residence, he should secure the consent of the First Presidency and the
missionaries in charge of the fields concerned.
Adopted April 7, 1916.
No. 756. That it [conference of
Australian Mission] convene about the time of the holiday season, that it be a
delegate conference on the same basis of representation as the General
Conference unless later found advisable to change. . . . That the Gospel
Standard, our church paper there, be placed under the care of a board of
three under the direction of the general Board of Publication.
Adopted April 8, 1916.
No. 757. That for the present the
city of Independence be organized into a separate stake, to be known until such
time as it be organized as the center place of Zion as the Independence Stake,
with the First Independence Branch as the nucleus of the stake, the stake
president to be president ex officio of the First Branch, the other branches
now organized in the city of Independence, or which may subsequently be
organized therein, to be presided over by high priests elected by the branches
on nomination by the stake presidency.
No. 758. That a stake be
organized with the First Kansas City Branch as the nucleus, the territory to be
greater Kansas City, and the territory lying east of Kansas City and west of Independence.
No. 759. That the remaining
territory of the present Independence Stake be organized into a
stake with Holden as the nucleus.
Adopted April 13, 1916.
No. 760. That all nominations for
members of the board of the Independence Sanitarium be made by the First
Presidency, Quorum of Twelve, and Order of Bishops of the church.
That no physician shall be
eligible to membership on this board.
That the board shall be
elected, two for one year, two for two years, two for three years, and one
for four years, and that the term of office shall hereafter cover a period of
four years, making the membership of the board seven as it now stands.
Adopted April 14, 1916.
No. 761. We find that the
[Ensign] real estate and building are carried in the same account, no
depreciation being shown on the building. We are of the opinion that the land
should be entered in one account and the building in another, both at present
estimated value, the building to be depreciated one and one half per cent per
annum as provided by General Conference resolution number 629.
Adopted April 15, 1916.
No. 762. As representatives of
the financial department of the church [Order of Bishops] we herewith submit
what we consider are the present urgent needs:
1. Properly sustaining the
missionary force and the poor and needy. 2. The paying of the church debt. 3.
The erection of proper offices for the general church officers as provided by
General Conference resolutions numbers 533 and 644.
Adopted April 17, 1916.
No. 763. Whereas, the Bishopric
is the representative body of the financial department of the church, and
should, therefore, be first to consider matters involving the expenditure of
money; therefore, be it
Resolved, that all matters
involving the appropriation of funds by General Conference be referred to the
Order of Bishops, which shall hereafter be considered the standing
appropriation committee of the church.
No. 764. The Rules of Order and
Debate—that portion which refers to rules of parliamentary procedure, reported
by the committee on same—was adopted.
Adopted April 6, 1917.
No. 765. The Presidency . . .
without going into a discussion of the whole question wish to suggest the
inadvisability of attempting any legislation upon it [mixed bathing].
Improprieties occurring in mixed bathing should be noticed by the local
officers where occurring when they demand attention, as should improprieties in
other situations, the various cases being treated according to the
characteristics of each. In general, therefore, we recommend no action further
than to return the request with the suggestion that the matter be handled as a
local problem, if it has become such, they to seek advice and counsel from such
general officers as are in position to be appealed to for the administrative
assistance needed.
Adopted April 7, 1917.
No. 766. That we petition the
General Conference to divide the Pittsburgh district as follows: The four
counties; namely, Brookes, Hancock, Ohio. and Marshall in West Virginia and Belmont
and Jefferson Counties in the State of Ohio; the six counties named above to be
known as the Wheeling District. The remaining territory of the original
Pittsburgh District to be known as the Pittsburgh District.
Adopted April 7, 1917.
No. 767. That the biennial plan
of holding General Conferences be adopted. (This action was annulled by action
of the conference of 1922, which adjourned to meet in 1923.)
Adopted April 9, 1917.
No. 768. Resolution number 225
was reaffirmed.
Adopted April 9, 1917.
No. 769. That what are now known
as Far West and Nodaway Districts be organized into a stake to be known as the
Far West Stake with nucleus at Saint Joseph First Church.
Adopted April 9, 1917.
No. 770. A recommendation by the
President that to secure "adequate quarters for the General Conference, a
building suitable in arrangement, appointment, and space should be built,"
was referred to the Presidency, Presiding Bishopric, and Quorum of Twelve,
"with authority to carry out at their discretion."
Adopted April 10, 1917.
No. 771. We believe immediate
action should be taken looking toward the permanent protection of the grounds
at Nauvoo and to the preservation of the house still standing and known as the
homestead of Joseph the Martyr.
To this end we recommend that
a permanent committee be appointed from this order looking
toward the fencing of the
grounds, caring for the house, locating someone there to act as caretaker, and
who shall also handle church literature, and continue the work of arranging for
a suitable monument to be paid for from the general funds of the church or by
special contributions in response to the call of the Presiding Bishop.
Adopted April 10, 1917.
No. 772. The Joint Council,
appreciating the difficulties arising from a misunderstanding or
misinterpretation of conference
resolution number 604, recommend that it be rescinded, and the following
substituted therefor:
When any ordained officer or
minister is believed to be guilty of immoral or unchristianlike conduct, the
usual court procedure of the church adequately protects his interests. However,
ministerial or official influence involves also such factors as reputation,
ability, etc. Upon the authorities of the priesthood and church officers rests
the duty of protecting the interests of the church when necessary by
withdrawing representative or ministerial rights, these rights or interests of
the individual concerned being safeguarded by appeal through the administrative
line.
Adopted April 10, 1917.
No. 773. That every branch should
comply with the law by receiving oblations at sacrament service, as found in
section 59, paragraph 2, and that the amount so received should be placed with
the Bishopric in harmony with section 42, paragraph 8.
Adopted April 10, 1917.
No. 774. That if found feasible
and practicable one of the members of the Saints' and Liberty Homes committee,
or some other person whom they may select, be made business manager of the
Homes, thus relieving the committee as a whole of the detail work incident
thereto.
That the superintendent of the
farm also act as superintendent of the Children's Home and College farms, if it
meets with the approval of the respective boards of trustees.
Adopted April 11, 1917.
No. 775. That we look with favor
upon the adoption of a scholarship plan for Graceland College; and recommend
that such portion of the College Day collection as may be necessary to provide
such scholarships be set aside to assist worthy young men and women desiring
the advantages which Grace land offers; and that the placing of these
scholarships be left in the hands of the Presiding Bishopric and the president
of the College.
No. 776. That the boundaries of
the Mobile District be as follows: Eastern boundary, Perdido River to southwest
corner of Escambia County, Alabama, thence due north to 32 degrees north
latitude; northern boundary, 32 degrees north latitude; western boundary,
Mississippi River and Louisiana line; southern boundary, Louisiana line and
Gulf of Mexico.
No. 777. That the counties of
Rogers and Washington in Oklahoma be transferred from Spring River District to
Central Oklahoma District.
No. 778. That the territory in
British Columbia east of the 120th meridian be taken from Seattle and British
Columbia District and placed in Spokane District.
No 779. Upon recommendation of
the missionary in charge and president of the Central Texas District we suggest
the transfer of Dallas County, Texas, from Central Oklahoma District to Central
Texas District.
No. 780. That that portion of the
report of the General Sunday School Association which refers to the operation
of its financial affairs, etc., as a stewardship, and which provides for
deposit of its funds with the Bishopric, be adopted.
Adopted April 6,
1918.
No. 781. That the work of
auditing be done at various times ... during the year.... Accounts should be
worked upon from time to time, instead of annually, thereby giving the auditors
opportunity to suggest changes and improvements or corrections which could be
taken into consideration by the several institutions before the closing of
their books.
Adopted April 6,
1918.
No. 782. First. That while
the Sunday School, Religio Society, Woman's Auxiliary, Board of Publication,
College, various Homes, and the Sanitarium have been auxiliary unto the church
in their efforts, their work has become of such importance and magnitude that
they should henceforth be officially recognized as departments of the church
work under the following heads:
1. The Sunday School,
primarily concerned with religious instruction.
2. The Religio, primarily
interested in social and recreational development.
3.The Woman's Auxiliary,
primarily having to do with the interests of the women of the church.
4. The Department of
Education, having to do with the work of Graceland College, concerning itself
with collegiate and academic education of the grade belonging to a fully
standardized institution of higher learning.
5. The Department of
Publication, having to do with the publication of all the literature of the
church and its various departments.
6. The Department of Remedial
and Corrective Agencies, having to do with the work of the Sanitarium, the
various Homes, etc.
Second. (a) That the
directing heads of the several departments of church work be hereafter
appointed by nomination from the Presidency of the church, approved by the General
Conference, insofar as their appointment may not already be provided for in
articles of incorporation under which they may be working.
(b) That hereafter the
subordinate officers of the various departments be appointed by nomination from
the Coordinating Committee, hereinafter provided for, approved by the various
departmental groups of the General Conference.
(It is understood that
officers of the various departments for the current year will be elected in the
regular manner. The officers elected as directing heads of each department to
be subject to the approval of the Presidency of the Church, provided the
recommendations contained in this report are adopted by the General Conference
and Conventions of the various auxiliaries. Also pending the full organization
of the Department of Remedial and Corrective Agencies, it is herein recognized
that the Presiding Bishop is in fact the head of such department and should be
so considered until further definite provision is made.)
Third. That the annual
conventions of the several departmental groups of the church work shall
hereafter confine themselves to such time, following the opening of the General
Conference, as shall be assigned them by those having in charge the work of
preparing the program for the General Conference.
Fourth. That the
directing heads of the several departments of church work shall hereafter make
their reports to the Presidency of the Church at such time as shall be
determined by said Presidency, including therein such reports of subordinate
officers as may be deemed necessary.
Fifth. That the
question of financing of the several departments of the church work and of
determining whether or not their financial interests shall be under the direct
supervision of a bishop, be referred to the First Presidency and Presiding
Bishopric. .
Sixth. We recognize
that the above provides for a mere beginning of a full coordination of the
interests of the church and its auxiliaries, and that while concerning many of
the activities of the church there would be no difference of opinions as to
where they would properly function, concerning others there would be a
question. The main consideration in these doubtful cases, however, would not be
where they might be placed, but that they should be definitely placed
somewhere. It is therefore recommended that a permanent coordinating committee,
consisting of the President of the Church and the heads of the six departments
hereinabove provided for be constituted to decide where legitimate activities
of the church and its auxiliaries might function to the best advantage of the
body as a whole, and for the determination of such other details as may arise
from time to time.
Adopted April 8,
1918.
No. 783.
AGREEMENTS OF WORKING HARMONY [WITH
CHURCH OF CHRIST]
1. Agreed, that
we believe in the restoration of the gospel and the angel's message through
Joseph the Seer.
2. Agreed, that
so far as the fundamental principles of the gospel of Christ are concerned,
both organizations believe the same, as per copies of the epitome attached.
3. Agreed, that
the Book of Mormon is a divine record, and the redemption of Zion must be by
purchase.
4. Agreed, that
we endorse the revelations contained in the 1835 edition of Doctrine and
Covenants.
5. Agreed, that
we endorse the revelation found in the letter from Joseph Smith, the Seer, to
W. W. Phelps concerning the "one mighty and strong," dated November
27, 1832.
6. Agreed, that
we endorse the articles on Marriage and of Governments and Laws in General, in
the 1835 edition of .Doctrine and Covenants.
7. Agreed, that
we believe that there are individuals in the different factions who hold the
priesthood.
8. Agreed, that
where there are six or more regularly baptized members, any one of which is an
elder, there the Church exists.
9. Agreed, that an
organization is necessary and such an organization as the number of mem-bers,
and the will of God enables them to attain to.
10. Agreed, that
wherever a branch exists the power of church extension exists also to its
fullest extent, when acting in harmony with the law.
11. Agreed, that
any man holding the priesthood. and possessing the proper qualifications, may
be chosen by the church, by acting in accordance with the law to act in any
specific position.
12. Agreed, that
faith and righteousness and the call of God are the chief essentials for the
possession of the Melchisedec priesthood.
13. Agreed, that
in the opinion of this council, in order to accomplish the work of the Lord
committed to his people, it is necessary for them to unite in one organization,
in harmony with the law of God.
14. Agreed, that
the city of Zion will be built at Independence, Missouri, and that the Saints
of God will gather there.
15. Agreed, that
the principle of consecration is necessary to the establishment of Zion.
16. Agreed, that
the law of Christ requires that every man be made a steward, and that none are
exempt from this law who belong to the church of the living God, whether
officer or member, and that all shall be equal in temporal things; and that not
grudgingly, in order to be united according to the law of the celestial
kingdom; and that the time has fully come to apply this law in Zion; and that
we will labor together to see that it is enforced as soon as possible.
17. Agreed, that
we believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and the restoration of the
"Ten Lost Tribes."
18. Agreed, that
Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and the earth will be restored to
its paradisaical glory.
19. Agreed, that
the question of who the one "mighty and strong" is, whether Christ or
man be left an open question until further revelation from God shall definitely
determine who it is.
20. Agreed, that
the doctrine of baptism for the dead (by proxy) be not taught as a part of the
faith and doctrine of the Church, unless commanded by a revelation accepted by
the Church.
21. Agreed, that
what is known as the "King Follet sermon" and the book of Abraham be
not accepted as the basis for doctrine.
22. Agreed, that
the branch of the Church of Christ on the Temple Lot, which was presided over
by Elder Granville Hedrick and his successors, shall be continued, and that no
change be made in the custody of the Temple Lot.
23. Agreed, that
all other minor points of difference in belief and practice, that may exist
between the officers and members of the two organizations, be left to the
elders for settlement as they assemble in council from time to time.
24. Agreed, that
whereas the Church of Christ, and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints consist of members who have been baptized by men holding
authority, conferred by ordination under the hands of the, servants of God,
called during the ministry of Joseph Smith, who have remained true to the
original faith of the church organized April 6, 1830, and, whereas, both
organizations stand for and maintain the same fundamental doctrine and
practice, and have the same purpose and ideal in their church government and
work; therefore, be it mutually agreed, that each recognize the standing
of the other as representing Christ, the Master, and the priesthood of
each as legally constituted, and the administration of each as equally binding
before God, when done in accordance with the law.
Resolved, that these articles
of agreement be submitted to the General Conferences of both organizations,
which are to be held April 6, 1918, at Independence, Missouri, for approval as
the working basis of harmony between the Church of Christ and the Reorganized
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Adopted April 9,
1918.
No. 784. That the Presidency be
authorized to appoint a Church Architect.
No. 785. That . . . no church
site be chosen or edifice erected by any branch without first conferring with
the Presiding Bishop and the Church Architect.
Adopted April 10,
1918.
No. 786. Section 161, chapter 14,
of the Book of Rules of Order and Debate, page 100, provides that "the
officers of the church recognized by these meetings [referring to branch
business meetings] as having a right to preside are: "A presiding
elder," "a priest or priests," "teacher or teachers,"
“a deacon or deacons," etc.
This gives rise to the order
in the church of the choosing by the branches of presiding priest, teacher, and
deacon, which thing seems not otherwise provided in the law.
Inasmuch as this matter gives
rise to confusion among the Saints and inasmuch as this matter with all the
rest of the Book of Rules is under consideration,
Resolved, that section 161,
chapter 14, of the Book of Rules, be suspended until such time as the revision
of the Book of Rules be completed.
Also that section 6, chapter
1, relating to permanent officers of branches be so interpreted as not to
compel the election of presiding priest, teacher, or deacon.
Adopted April 11,
1918.
No 787. That we dispense with the
present system of auditing and authorize the Presidency to appoint one or more
auditors to audit the church accounts.
Adopted April 12,
1918.
No. 788. Whereas, some
misunderstanding and confusion has arisen over the statement in Doctrine
and Covenants 129:8, and the conference resolution number 710, concerning the
personnel of the Bishopric, therefore be it
Resolved, That it is the
opinion of the Bishops present at the conference that the term
"Bishopric" as used in Doctrine and Covenants 129: 8, has reference
to the men holding the office of bishop under a presiding head and that these
should constitute the Order of Bishops.
Adopted April 13,
1918.
No. 789. That as citizens of the
United States, we hereby reaffirm our belief in and fidelity to the
Constitution and laws of the United States, and as officers and delegates of
this, the sixty-fifth General Conference of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints, hereby denounce all organizations of any name or
character which have expressed opposition to, or sought to hinder the
administration of the Government's purposes in the conducting of the present
war; and unreservedly express our loyalty to and support of the United States
Government in its conducting of the war against the Teutonic allies, humbly
praying God's blessing on the allied cause so that complete victory may bring
to us an enduring peace, preparing the way for the coming of the kingdom of
God.
No. 790. Petition of the Eastern
Michigan District asking for a division of said district was referred to the
committee by the joint council of Presidency, Twelve, and Presiding Bishopric
with their recommendation of approval. The proposed district to the north to
comprise Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, and Saint Clair Counties; the one to the
south to be composed of Genesee, Lapeer, Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties,
with the addition of Livingston, Washtenaw, and Monroe Counties from the
Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana District. We recommend this division
subject to the approval of the Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana District.
We further recommend that the district to the north be known as the Eastern
Michigan District and the one to the south be known as the Detroit District.
No. 791. In order to officially
place the dividing line between the Central Nebraska District and the Southern
Nebraska District, as understood by these districts, the committee recom-mends,
subject to ratification by the conferences of the respective districts, that
the line be continued from the northwest corner of Lawson County eastward on
the Third Standard Parallel North Latitude to the northwest corner of York
County, instead of following the Platte River from the western line of Lawson
County to the eastern line of Hamilton County as at present.
No. 792. A committee from the
Saskatchewan District request that said district be divided, and we recommend
that the request be granted, and that the dividing line be the line between
townships numbers twenty-four (24) and twenty-five (25); the other boundary
lines remaining as at present. We further recommend that these districts be
known as the Northern Saskatchewan District and the Southern Saskatchewan
District.
Adopted April 8,
1919.
No. 793. That only the regular
conference press committee, official stenographers, Herald and Ensign
representatives, and Church Historian be permitted to occupy places thereat
[reporting table]; and that all newspaper correspondents and others on
application to the press committee be furnished with proper data prepared for
them by the regular press committee.
Adopted April 11,
1919.
No. 794. That the counties of
Perkins, Chase, and Dundy in Nebraska be annexed to the Eastern Colorado
District, subject to ratification by Eastern Colorado District
.
No. 795. That request of Eastern
and Western Montana districts to change boundary in Choteau County to longitude
111 be granted.
No. 796. That the recommendation
of the president of Holden Stake to annex the counties of Moniteau and Cole to
the Holden Stake be approved subject to the approval of the Holden Stake and
Clinton District.
No. 797. That the petition of the
Wheeling District for the addition of Columbiana County, Ohio, to that district
be granted.
Adopted April 15,
1919.
No. 798. The work of the Twelve
is primarily missionary, but under the direction of the Presidency they may be
sent to regulate in organized local affairs when such regulation is made
necessary.
The work of the Twelve is
under the direction of the Presidency in the administrative or executive work
of the Church both in missionary and local lines, according to the law.
The appointment of the Twelve
is not to specific fields in charge of individuals, but the members are subject
to direction by the Presidency, in this way being the "Second
Presidency.”
Missionary and local lines of
work are distinctive, and always cooperative when and where necessary.
Local organizations once
effected, should be placed under the charge of the local officers and so far as
possible or consistent with the best interests of all concerned, be not
interfered with by the missionary line.
Besides their work in the
missionary line and in regulating local affairs, the Twelve should be prepared
to act as counselors to the Presidency when needed, hence some of the
members of the Twelve should be near if not at the seat of the Presidency so
that such consultation may be had occasionally.
Suggested modifications to the
present system:
The weekly letter from all
appointees to the Presidency to be continued, but those from the missionaries
to be passed on to the Twelve at the seat of the Presidency, consultation
between them and the Presidency to be had when needed thereon, but directions
and instructions issuing
from these representatives of the
Twelve in harmony with the general principles understood and agreed upon by the
Quorum of Twelve and Presidency.
For the purpose of closer and
mediate supervision of missionary activities, the missionaries may be arranged
into groups, each group to be supervised by a seventy, instructed in the
missionary policies adopted by the Quorum of Twelve. Variations from these
general instruc-tions, or other instructions made necessary by special
conditions, may be issued to these group supervisors byTwelve at the seat of
the Presidency or by members of the Twelve who may be on the grounds or in the
field of operation of the particular group.
Thus the supervision of the
missionaries by the Twelve will be based upon a definite general policy
determined by the Twelve, and approved by the Presidency, and the supervision
of the missionary work by the Presidency will be mediate.
The Twelve shall then give
their primary attention to missionary work, subject to call for regulating
local work by the Presidency, and ready at all times to prosecute missionary
work in new fields.
This general scheme carries
with it the concomitant idea of an adequate force of local workers competent to
care for congregations and districts when organized as a result of missionary
work.
The appointment of all
missionaries, domestic and foreign, to be made by interaction of Presidency,
Twelve, and Presiding Bishopric, either in joint council or by concurrence.
Adopted April 17,
1919.
No. 799. Resolved, that the
church fiscal year be changed to begin July 1, instead of January 1, to be
effective June 30, 1919.
No. 800. That we look with favor
upon the church carrying its own insurance on church properties, the details of
which are to be worked out by the Presiding Bishopric.
No. 801. The chief if not the
only function of the coordinating committee is to determine the placement of
newly organized or reorganized activities. In the expansion of our church work,
and in the efforts to supply demands constantly arising, activities will
repeatedly be started with regard to which there will be a question as to which
one of the departments the activity shall be assigned. To determine where the
various activities shall function when such question is raised, is the primary
duty of the coordinating committee.
The purpose, therefore, of the
creation of this committee is to unify the work. To accom-plish this there
must be only one such committee, and the very purpose of its creation
is threatened by the creation of local so-called coordinating committees in
branch, district, or stake. The work of coordinating locally is a function of
the executives of the departments. To have local coordinating committees doing
work similar to that of the general, would be to confuse rather than to
clarify.
We recommend that the
nomination of district and local department heads be a matter for cooperation between
the departments.
The committee recommends that
the Social Purity Board as it has existed in the past be abolished and its
work, so far as initiative is concerned, be referred to the Women’s Auxiliary.
Because of the close correlation of the work of the Woman's Auxiliary to the
homes of the church, the committee feels that this work should logically belong
to this auxiliary.
During the past year the
Woman's Auxiliary has conducted a correspondence course in public speaking.
The demand for this course has been so great that we recommend that this
course be
referred to Graceland
College—provided an extension department shall be organized at the college.
We suggest that the Lecture Board activities, now directed by the Religio
Department, be placed under the control and direction of the college, subject
to the provision mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
The social and recreational
responsibilities of the Religio Department have been carefully considered by
the committee in connection with the organized class movement, and we suggest
that organized classes in both Sunday school and Religio should be encouraged
to develop social life from the gospel standpoint; and so far as practicable
the same units should form classes in both departments. Their social activities
should be conducted in connection with the Religio.
The committee recommends the
adoption of the suggestion of the joint report of the normal superintendent
that the normal training work be turned over to Graceland College—provided the
extension department is organized. (See printed reports, page 91.)
The work of the Gospel
Literature Commission also was discussed by the committee. Our recommendation
is that the general commission should be abolished, but that the local
(district and branch) commissions be continued: the work of the general
commission to be handled by the Board of Publication.
The committee is prepared to
recommend nominations for subordinate officers of the Religio and Woman's
Auxiliary departments.
Adopted April 18,
1919.
No. 802. Whereas, the method of
selecting presidents of seventy is provided for by the Lord in the Doctrine and
Covenants, section 124, paragraph 5, therefore be it
Resolved, that the Presidents
of Seventy shall not be restricted or prevented from making such selections in
harmony with the said provisions, subject to the approval of the church.
No. 803. That the maximum annual
financial needs of the family of each general church officer and conference
appointee for the year beginning July 1, and thereafter, be fixed by the joint
council of the First Presidency, Twelve, and the Presiding Bishopric upon the
basis of the family budget returns according to the law of "just wants and
needs," but in no case to exceed the sum of twenty-four hundred dollars
annually, the payment thereof to be made in equal monthly payments.
No. 804. That each general
officer and conference appointee shall keep an itemized account of all receipts
and expenditures for personal and traveling expenses and make report thereof
monthly to the Presiding Bishop, upon blanks to be furnished for that purpose,
to be prepared by the Presiding Bishopric.
No. 805. That each department of
the church (general and stake) submit to the Presiding Bishopric a budget of
their office and administration expenses for the year beginning July 1, 1919,
not later than April 30 for this year and by January 31 for each year
thereafter.
No. 806. That it is the opinion
of the high council that the branches of the Independence Stake be consolidated
for administrative purposes, and that membership be held in the stake as such.
No. 807. That the policy of the
Bishopric for the coming year shall be:
First, to provide funds for
the care and expenses of the missionaries and their families who are engaged in
promulgating the gospel of Christ, together with the general administration
expense.
Second, for the care of the
poor and the needy and the expenses incident to the operation of the several
Homes for the aged and orphan children.
Third, for budgets adopted by
General Conference for Graceland College, Sanitarium, etc.
Fourth, an appropriation for a
twelve-classroom building for Graceland College as soon as the finances of the
general fund will permit without incurring debt or interfering with the regular
work of the church.
That the Christmas offering for
1919 be used for the purchase of land for the creation of inheritances and
stewardships, that our less fortunate members may be given an opportunity to
purchase their inheritances under favorable conditions.
Adopted April 9,
1920.
No. 808. That the recommendation
of the President of the Church relating to time and place of holding of General
Conference be adopted. (The place, Independence, Missouri; the time to be named
on consideration.)
No. 809. That this General
Conference place itself on record as approving the proposition and measure
suggested by the First Presidency in reference to a General Conference
building.
Adopted April 10,
1920.
No. 810. The following items
reported at length in the report of the President were adopted by separate
motions:
Paragraph relating to the
Children's Home.
Sanitarium Annex.
Changing Articles of
Incorporation of Sanitarium. Church Physician as member of Ex Officio
Board.
Paragraph pertaining to
stewardships.
Reorganization of Independence
Stake.
Transfer of Church
Headquarters.
The recommendations of the
Presidency's report as a whole.
Adopted April 12,
1920.
No. 811. That the delegates
attending General Conference are, without special instruction, authorized to
cast the full vote of their respective constituencies; provided that no
delegate shall be entitled to cast more than 20 delegate votes, and in case of
division to cast a majority and minority vote.
Adopted April 13,
1920.
No. 812. That this conference go
on record as favoring our affiliation with the "Boy Scouts of
America" until such time as the church shall be able to develop an
organization of its own for the boys.
No. 813. Whereas, considerable
discussion has arisen of late as to the propriety of using moving pictures in
our houses of worship: Be it resolved that we place ourselves on record as
favoring the use of such mediums of education insofar as they conduce to the
proper education of humanity and the glory of God.
Adopted April 14,
1920.
No. 814. That a series of lantern
slides be prepared for the use of the ministry, under the direction of the
Presidency, Twelve, and Presiding Bishopric.
Adopted April 15,
1920.
No. 815. The coordinating
committee recommends that the work of the home departments of the Religio and
Sunday school, and the cradle roll work of the Sunday school be assumed by the
Women's Department.
No. 816. That we look with favor
upon the erection of adequate dormitories at Graceland College, and commence
operations as soon as funds will permit.
That the Christmas offering
for 1920 be used for the purchase and improvement of land.
Whereas, the Board of
Publication in their report calls attention "to the fact that the best
interests of the publishing concerns of the church would be conserved by
placing the publishing houses as far as possible under one roof and one
management";
Therefore, be it resolved: That
the Order of Bishops look with favor upon the ultimate consummation of this
object.
They, however, suggest that
the erection of a building for the housing of the publishing interests should
become a part of the general building program of the church to be undertaken
under the direction of the general church authorities when financial and
economic conditions render it advisable.
No. 817. That the time has come
when the Religio, Sunday school, and Women's Department should have a
publication commensurate with the growing needs of these departments.
That we request the General
Conference to authorize the Board of Publication to make pro-vision to supply
this demand.
That the selection of editors
and all other matters involved in carrying out the provisions of the foregoing
resolutions be left to the Presidency, Board of Publication, and executives of
the Religio, Sunday School, and Women's Department.
Adopted October 7,
1922.
No. 818. General Conference
Resolutions numbers 230 and 231 were reaffirmed.
Adopted October 9,
1922.
No. 819. That the Certificates of
Ordination which limit the representative powers of the ministry to one year
should be discontinued
Adopted October 14,
1922.
No. 820. That a committee of five
be appointed to consider the General Conference Resolu-tions and add those that
have been passed by conferences and bring it up to date, and that they report
to this body for final action, the personnel of this committee to consist of
the Historian, Secretary, and a representative each from the Presidency,
Twelve, and Seventy to be chosen respectively by those quorums.
No. 821. That the selection of
alternate delegates by stakes and districts shall be discontinued.
Adopted October 17,
1922
.
No. 822. Excepting emergency
expenditures, which may be approved by the Joint Council of Presidency, Twelve,
and Presiding Bishopric, in no case shall the amount allowed to any general
church officer's or conference appointee's family exceed $1,800, and the amount
for personal and traveling expenses $1,800. That the financial statement apply
not only to this fiscal year, but continue in effect until set aside by action
of General Conference.
No. 823. Whereas, during the past
twenty-seven months, there has been a deficit in the operating expenses of the
church of $269,327.52, we recommend that the building of the Auditorium be
postponed until after the next General Conference.
No. 824. Owing to the fact that
there is a great deal of dissatisfaction among the ministry and the membership
at large contingent upon the matter of dropping so many missionaries from
active service, and believing that the greatest and most vital asset and power
contributing to the success of the church, and most essential to its present
crisis, is increased missionary activity; we therefore
Resolved, That all proposed
projects involving the expenditure of church finances be postponed for another
year, and that the missionary arm of the church be immediately returned to
appointment and activity to the extent of the financial possibilities of the
church; be it further
Resolved, That we pledge our
support to the Twelve in an endeavor to carry out the spirit of sections 114
and 122: 5 of the Doctrine and Covenants, and that the expenditure of money in
any sum not authorized by the General Conference or endorsed by the Council of
Presidency, Presiding Bishops, and the Quorum of Twelve, be strictly
prohibited.
No. 825. That the boundary
between Eastern and Western Colorado be the eastern boundary lines of the
following counties: Routt, Eagle, Lake, Chaffee, Saguache, Alamosa, Costilla.
No. 826. That the boundary lines
of the Utah District remain as at present constituted.
Adopted October 18,
1922.
No. 827. The Order of Bishops
recommends that the expenditures for the conference year be curtailed to
correspond with the receipts and to provide for this that a committee of three
be authorized to work out the details. This committee shall be composed of one
member of the First Presidency, one of the Quorum of Twelve, and one of the
Presiding Bishopric to be chosen by each quorum respectively.
No. 828. That we report with
favor upon request of the Sunday school for the use of its funds towards
Printing textbooks.
No. 829. In order to place the
church in a position to properly carry on its missionary work at home and
abroad, we recommend that the 1922 and 1923 Christmas offerings become a part
of the general church funds.
No. 830. We recommend to the
Joint Council that the existing names of the districts in England and
Wales shall be canceled and hereafter be known as follows: Northern District,
Midland District, Southern District, and the District of Wales.
The Northern District shall
include the following counties: Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire, Cheshire,
Lancashire, Westmorland, and Cumberland. The southern boundary lines running
from west to east as follows: The southern boundary line to the county of
Cheshire and the county of York from the River Dee to the Humber.
The Midland District shall
include the following counties: Lincoln, Rutland, Leicester, Warrick,
Worcester, Hereford, Nottingham, Derby, Stafford, and Shropshire. The northern
boundary line being the southern boundary line of the above northern district. The
southern boundary line extending from the Wash in the east coast, following the
southern boundary line to the counties of Lincoln, Rutland, Leicester, Warrick,
Worcester, and Hereford. The western boundary line extending along the western
boundary lines of Counties Hereford and Shropshire.
The Southern District shall
include all the counties south of the southern boundary of the above Midland
District.
The District of Wales shall
include all the counties of the principality of Wales. The eastern boundary
running from north to south, being the western boundaries of the following
counties: Chester, Shropshire, Hereford, and Gloucester.
Adopted October 1,
1923.
No. 831. It was moved, that
where there is an excess of delegates reported, the last named in excess be
dropped.
A substitute was moved: That
in such cases delegations should consult with the credentials committee and
bring in a report concerning changes made.
An amendment to the substitute
was moved, providing that the delegates be seated in the manner recommended by
the credentials committee in the paragraph read from the committees report,
which states: "Unless otherwise instructed the committee will certify
delegates from these districts to the proper number in the order of their registrations
with the committee." The amendment and the substitute as amended were
adopted.
Adopted October 4,
1923.
No. 832. Resolved, that the ex
officio members of this conference be seated in harmony with the rules of
representation adopted by the church until otherwise ordered by the action of
this body.
That we submit this our action
[joint Seventy] to the General Conference with our protest against the seating
of those in this conference not authorized by our present law, as was done last
year.
No. 833. Whereas, the General
Conference of 1914 adopted the following resolution:
"That it is the sense of
this body that no further debt be incurred by the Board of Trustees of
Graceland College for such extensions as gymnasiums, dormitories, etc., until
such proposed work of extension shall have first been presented to this body
for its approval";
Therefore, be it resolved;
that the annual expenditures of the several institutions under the fostering
care of the church, be limited to their respective budget amounts approved of
by the General Conference, and no debt be incurred.
Adopted October 9, 1923.
No. 834. Inasmuch as question has
arisen in the church over the meaning and application of the law of common
consent; and
Inasmuch as the Church of Christ
is a theocratic democracy, in which the will of God is executed by
divinely-appointed ministers, with the consent of the members; therefore, be it
Resolved that we, the officers
and delegates of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in
General Conference assembled, reaffirm our belief in and our adherence to the
principle of common consent as set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, the
Book of Mormon, and the Holy Scriptures; and be it further
Resolved, that this conference
affirms the right of the membership to nominate in filling all elective offices
in church, stake, district and branch organizations in the various conferences
and business meetings, general and local; and be it further
Resolved, that this action
shall in no way be interpreted as denying the right of presiding officers to
present to the appropriate conferences or business meetings concurrent nominations
for the filling of such elective offices.
17
Adopted October 10, 1923.
No. 835. The committee appointed
by the General Conference of 1922 to complete the compilation of General
Conference Resolutions to date recommend that the purpose of the published
compilation of conference resolutions shall be guidance in conference and
branch legislation and administration; and that, therefore:
General Conference Resolutions
having relation to local or temporary conditions shall be eliminated.
Resolutions having become
obsolete through the passage of time, changed practice, or fresh legislation
shall be eliminated.
Reaffirmations of resolutions
shall be cited with each such resolution.
The definition of district
boundaries shall no longer be part of the General Conference Resolutions, but
shall be issued as an appendix thereto.
Articles of Incorporation and
Association, Rules of Representation, etc., shall be inserted as appendices.
The committee requests their
release and the appointment of a further committee having in view the
compilation of the resolutions in harmony with these recommendations.
In order to bring the present
book up to date on the old basis, the resolution cited on the attached sheets
should be included.
No. 836. Inasmuch as the modern
tendency seems to be towards the desecration of the purpose for which Sunday
has been set apart in the traditions, laws, and customs of Christian
civilizations; therefore be it,
Resolved, that this conference
affirms its respect for the Lord's Day and looks with disfavor upon any
movement or activity which under church patronage may tend to lessen the
respect for the sacredness of this divine institution.
No. 837. That the present
committee on General Conference resolutions be authorized to add to the
compilation of conference resolutions from 1916-1922 those adopted by this
conference, and that the Board of Publication be requested to publish
resolutions adopted from 1916-1923 as a supplement to the present book of resolutions.
Adopted October 11, 1923
.
No. 838. The Order of Bishops is
unanimously agreed that the time has come for the erection of an auditorium,
large enough to care for our needs.
We therefore recommend that
this conference authorize the First Presidency, Quorum of Twelve, and Order of
Bishops, to each select two of their quorum to act in conjunction with the
church architect, to select the site and have plans and specifications
prepared, the cost to be kept well within the limits of the available funds
subscribed for the purpose.
We further recommend that the
Presiding Bishopric be authorized to immediately proceed with the erection of
said building in accordance with the plans and specifications as approved by
said committee, with the view to having the building ready for the use of next
General Conference.
We further recommend that any
part of the auditorium fund now or hereafter collected, not expended for the
construction of said auditorium, be held in reserve and invested in convert-ible,
interest-bearing securities, the earnings from which shall be used for the
operation, upkeep, improvement, or enlargement of said building.
No. 839. Resolved that it is the
wish of this Quorum of Seventy that all general represent-atives of the church
receiving appointment shall have such appointments submitted to General
Conference for ratification.
That nothing in this action
shall be so construed to prohibit the appointing powers from making changes or
other appointments between conferences.
Adopted October 12, 1923.
No. 840. That the petition of the
East Independence group for transfer from the Holden Stake to the City of Zion
be granted, the Holden Stake conference offering no objections to the request.
No. 841. That the boundary line
between the Northwestern Kansas District and the South-western Kansas District
as agreed upon by these respective districts be approved as follows: The south
line of Greeley, Wichita, Scott, Lane, Ness, Rush, Barton, Ellsworth, and
Saline Counties form the line between these districts. The eastern line of the
Northwestern Kansas District, and the Southwestern Kansas District is already
defined by General Conference resolution.
No. 842. That the division of the
Southern Ohio District as outlined by the Southern Ohio District conference be
held in abeyance and the boundary of the district remain as at present. We make
this recommendation in view of objections filed with the committee by General
Conference appointees laboring in the district.
No. 843. Inasmuch as the
decisions of the Standing High Council are of grave concern to the church, and
it is fitting and desirable that the members of this council shall be selected
in harmony with the law so as to establish the greatest confidence in its
functions, guaranteeing justice and equity to all; therefore, be it
Resolved, that the principle
and method providing for the selection of the members composing this Standing
High Council, be and hereby are reaffirmed, viz:
"Those who were presented
by the high priests for ordination to their number, if approved by the council
of the high priests now present, and the conference, may be ordained; and from
their number there may be selected by a committee of conference composed of one
of the first presidency, the president of the twelve and one other to be chosen
by the council of twelve, the president of the high priests and one other to be
chosen by that council of their number, a sufficient number to fill the
vacancies now existing in the high council, that the high council may be
properly organized and prepared to hear matters of grave importance when
presented to them. And this committee shall make these selections according to
the spirit of wisdom and revelation that shall be given unto them, to provide that
such council may be convened at any general conference when emergency may
demand, by reason of their residing at or near to places where conferences may
be held."—Doctrine and Covenants 120: 9; and further, be it
Resolved, that members of the
Quorum of Twelve, Order of Bishops, and Stake Presidencies shall not be
eligible to appointment to this Standing High Council; and further, be it
Resolved, that all resolutions
conflicting with this be and hereby are rescinded.
No. 844. Moved that the
conference reaffirm its approval of the Book of Rules of Order and Debate.
Adopted October 13, 1923.
No. 845. That the appropriation
committee of General Conference be enlarged to include two members of the First
Presidency and two members of the Quorum of Twelve.
No. 846. That until further
notice the Christmas offering become a part of the general funds for missionary
purposes.
No. 847. Whereas the law of God
teaches that the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; therefore:
(a) All men are of necessity
stewards.
(b) That the law of
stewardships applies individually to each and every member of the church.
(Doctrine and Covenants 42: 9; 70: 3; 101: 2; 118: 4.)
Therefore be it resolved:
That the Order of Bishops
believe it to be the duty of every member of the church to acknowledge his
stewardship by complying with the law as given in the scriptures
(a) Filing his inventory;
(b) Paying his tithe;
(c) Paying his surplus;
(d) Making his offerings;
(e) And thereafter giving an
account of his stewardship annually as required by the law of God.
In accordance with the
foregoing, the members of the church, "who are willing and desir-ous"
(Doctrine and Covenants 128: 1), under the general supervision of the officers
ordained of God for this purpose, may establish such organizations as are
contemplated in the law whenever and wherever circumstances warrant this
procedure.
In order to accomplish these
purposes, we deem it the duty of each individual to endeavor so far as is
consistent with wholesome standards of living to establish a plane of living
that will make possible an annual increase.
INDEX
Numbers indicate
number of resolution.
Agreement, Presidency and Twelve,
798.
Allowances limited, 803, 822.
Alternate delegates discontinued,
821.
Appointments, rules governing,
798; between conferences, 839; to be ratified by General Con-
ference, 839.
Appropriations committee, 763,
845.
Architect, 784, 785.
Auditorium, and fund, 838; building
of postponed, 823.
Auditors, 761, 781, 787.
Bishopric, defined, 788;
financial policy of, 807.
Board of Publication, 768.
Boy Scouts, 812.
Budgets, departments, 805, 807;
expenses limited to, 827, 833; family, 803.
Central Nebraska District, 791.
Central Oklahoma District, 777,
779.
Central Texas District, 779.
Certificates of ordination,
discontinued. 819.
Children's Home, 774; 810.
Christmas offering, 807, 816,
829, 846.
Church "edifices" and
"sites," 785.
"Church of Christ,"
agreements of working harmony, 783.
Clinton District, 796.
Common consent, 834.
Coordination of departments, 782,
801
Delegates, seating of, 831;
voting powers of, 811.
Detroit District, 790.
Eastern Colorado District, 794,
825.
Eastern Michigan District, 790.
Eastern Montana District, 795.
Expenditures, limited to budgets,
833; to receipts, 827; unauthorized prohibited, 824, 833.
Far West Stake, 769
Financial department, urgent
needs, 762.
Financial reports of officers,
804.
Fiscal year, 799.
General Conference: annual,
biennial, 767; time and place, 808.
General Conference building, 770,
809.
General Conference resolutions,
completion of, 835, 83; Nos. 225, 604, 772; Nos. 230, 231
reaffirmed, 818; revision of,
820, 835.
General Sunday School
Association, stewardship, 780.
Gospel Standard plant,
756.
Graceland College, building, 807;
dormitories, 816; scholarship plan, 775.
Headquarters, transfer of, 810.
High Council, selection of
members, 843.
Holden Stake, 759, 796, 840.
Independence Stake, 757; branches
consolidated, 806; reorganization of, 810.
Insurance, on church properties,
800.
Kansas City Stake, 758.
Lantern slides, 815.
Local work, 798.
Memorial to martyrs, 771.
Midland (England) District, 830.
Missionary work, general and
local, 798; to be increased, 824, 829.
Mission conferences, 756.
Mixed bathing, 765.
Mobile District, 776.
Moving pictures, 813.
Nauvoo properties, 771.
Nodaway District, 769.
Nominations, by members and
officers, 834; of branch presidents in Zion, 757; of department
heads, 782
Northern England District, 830.
Northern Saskatchewan District,
792.
Northwestern Kansas District,
841.
Oblations, 773.
Officers of branches, 786.
Order of Bishops, 788,
appropriations committee, 763; on Auditorium and fund, 838; on
expenditures, 827; on
oblations, 773; on urgent needs, 762; recommendations of, 816.
Pittsburg District, 766.
President, report of approved,
810.
Physician, Church, member of
Sanitarium Board, 810.
Presidency and Twelve, agreement
of working harmony, 798.
"Presiding priest, teacher,
and deacon," 786.
Press committee, press table,
etc., 793.
Publication for departments, 817.
Publishing plant, consolidation
and removal of, 816.
Representation, rules of, 811,
821, 831, 832.
Rules of Order and Debate, 764,
786, 844.
Saints' Homes, 774.
Sanitarium, annex, 810;
Articles of Incorporation, 810; Church Physician member of Board, 810;
trustees, 760.
Seattle and British Columbia District,
778.
Seventy, Presidents of, 802.
Silencing of ministers, 772.
Saskatchewan District, 792.
Southern England District, 830.
Southern Michigan and Northern
Indiana District, 790.
Southern Nebraska District, 791.
Southern Ohio District, 842.
Southern Saskatchewan District,
792.
Southwestern Kansas District,
841.
Spokane District, 778.
Spring River District, 777.
Stewardships, 780, 807, 810, 847;
organizations, 847.
Sunday observance, 836.
Sunday school textbooks, 828.
Superannuated ministers, 755.
Twelve and Presidency, agreement
of working harmony, 798.
United States Constitution and
Government, loyalty to, 789.
Utah District, 826.
Wales District, 830.
Western Colorado District, 825.
Western Montana District, 795.
Wheeling District, 766, 797.
Zion, city of; 757, 810, 840.