, Letter, to “the Members of the General Conference and Presidency of the Church” (including JS), , Hancock Co., IL, 24 Mar. 1844; handwriting presumably of ; notations in unidentified handwriting; JS Collection, CHL.
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March 24th. 1844. to the members of the General Conference and Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints Greeting
Beloved brethern in the covenant A branch of the church was organized here on yesterday by calling. Wm. O. Clark. to preside when was chosen presiding Elder and Phillip H Buzzard Teacher we have hereunto been Conected with A branch about 8 miles out of town which yet Contains about 30 members— this branch is organised by admitting 12 members. there is some 6 or eight others Living at present amongst us but who are sojourners on their way to the City there is A branch at Newark 15 miles from this place Containing some 35 members and here and there one of our brethern scattered over the country also within our knowledge individuals seeking truth now brethern though strangers to you yet bound by the same Covenant we pray you if posible favour our Desires which has been made known in this branch by unanimous vote. as Brother Clark has Apointed A Conference at Newark we ask you to send him to preside over it and Labour within its bounds During whatever time wisdom may say good Can be done. With him we Carefully solicit George P Dykes to be Amongst us as A teacher in Righteousness to go into the Labours with the elders us in this part of the vineyard