Revised Minutes and Discourses, 23 April–circa 8 May 1843, James Sloan and John Taylor Draft
Source Note
Revised Minutes, and JS, Discourses, , Hancock Co., IL, [23 Apr.–ca. 8 May 1843]. Version drafted [23 Apr.–ca. 3 May 1843]; handwriting of and ; seven pages; unknown number of pages missing; Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, CHL. Includes dockets.
A Special of the was convened on the platform of the . announced that Presdt. Joseph Smith was detained on business, but would be present soon. He called upon the Choir to sing a Hymn. Hymn Sung. Prayer by Elder . <opened by prayer &> another Hymn <was then> Sung. & Elder read the 3rd. Chap of the 2nd. epistle of Peter, & Spoke for some time <upon the subject of the resurrection>. At halfpast eleven oClock Prest Joseph Smith, Elder & Elder arrived. Prest Smith arose, & stated <that> the object of the conference <was>
First. to ascertain the standing of the . he said <that> he would present himself first, & then present his Councillors.
Second. to take into consideration the propriety of sending the , or some of them, amongst the of the Church, to obtain Stock for the , for the time has <now arrived> come to build it. The Church must build it, or abide the result of not fulfilling the commandment. A prejudice exists against building the , & the conference are requird to give stress to the building of that . This is the most important matter for the time being, for there is no place in this where respectable Men can go to repose themselves.
Third. To give a chance to all the Elders who have been in any difficulty in the branches, to have a hearing. This Comprises the business. The Lord will take care of his own . He next spoke upon the importance of building the . <as being of more importance than the , stating that the Lord was able to take care of his own >. and <He however> stated that this was not a general Conference, but an Annual one.
<The following questions were then put to the Conference;—>
1st.question. Are you satisfied with the first Presidency, so far as I am concerned, as an individual, to preside over the whole Church, or will you have another? If any one has any objection to me, I want you to come boldly, & frankly, & tell it.
nominated Prest. Joseph Smith to continue president of the whole Church, which was seconded by . & others called for the question, & the vote was unanimous.