JS and , License, for Stephen Starks, , Geauga Co., OH, 11 Apr. 1836. Version copied [ca. 11 Apr. 1836] in Kirtland Elders’ Certificates, p. 74; handwriting of ; CHL.
This certifies that Stephen Starks has been received into the , organized on the sixth of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred, & thirty, & has been an according to the rules & regulations of said church, & is duly authorized to preach the gospel agreeably to the authority of that Office. From the satisfactory evidence which we have of his good moral character, & his zeal for the cause of righteousness, & diligent desire to persuade men to forsake evil & embrace truth, we confidently recommend him to all candid & upright people as a worthy member of society. We, therefore, in the name, & by the authority of this church, grant unto this, our worthy brother in the Lord, this letter of commendation as a proof of our fellowship & Esteem: praying for his success & prosperity in our Redeemer’s Cause. Given by the direction of a conference of the Elders of said church, assembled in , Geauga County, Ohio, the third day of march, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred & thirty six.