“The meeting was opened by prayer by President Joseph Smith Junr. after which he was appointed President and Clerk of the Conference by the unanimous voice of the meeting The President then spoke at some length upon the situation of the Church, the difficulties they had had to contend with, and the manner in which they had been led to this place; and wished to know the views of the brethren whether they wished to appoint this a stake or not, stating that he believed it to be a good place and suited for the Saints— It was then unanimously agreed upon that it should be appointed a stake and a place of gathering for the Saints. The following officers were then appointed, namely, to be President— to be bishop of Middle Ward, to be bishop of Upper Ward. to be bishop of Lower Ward— — — — — — — — — — — — — to be High Council who being respectfully called upon, accepted of their appointment. It was then voted that a branch of the Church be established on the other side of the , in ; over which Elder was appointed President; — Bishop— and — — A[braham] Owen Smoot— Richard Howard, — — — — Edward Fisher— — John Patton— were elected High Council. was elected to be continued as President of the High Priesthood— to stand in his former Office, and to be continued in his standing— Letters were then read respecting the absence of Members, from ill health. It was voted that be suspended until he can have a trial, and in the mean time that he should not act as President of a branch or preach. Voted that [p. 968]