1842 04 15 Times and Seasons Conference Minutes
From the Times and Seasons 15 April 1842, pg 763-765
Conference Minutes.
Minutes of a conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, held in the City of New York, Nov. 29th 1841.
The Conference was organized at 2 o'clock P. M. by electing Elder John E. Page, Chairman, and L. R. Foster, Clerk.
After addressing the Throne of Grace, the Chairman briefly stated the object of convening together--and then proceeded to ascertain how many of each quorum, or order were present, when it was ascertained there were present, one of the Twelve travelling High Councillors, six high priests, sixteen elders, three priests, two teachers and two deacons.
Reports of delegates being called for, Elder Foster reported that the whole number of persons who had been received into the branch at New York was two hundred and ninety-two, of which two hundred and seventy-nine were received by baptism and confirmation, and thirteen by certificate. Of these, four have died, ninety-six moved away, and thirteen have been excommunicated; leaving one hundred and seventy-nine, of whom there are a president and two councillors, a bishop and two councillors, eleven elders, two priests, one teacher and two deacons.
The branch of Setauket, Long Island, was represented by Benjamin Hulse, teacher.--That branch was organized on the 27th of March, 1841, with eighteen members, two of whom had been preachers, one a Baptist, and the other a Methodist. The number has since, been increased to forty-three, of whom six have been cut off, leaving at present thirty-seven, among whom there are two elders, three priests, one teacher and one deacon, organized and built up chiefly by Elder Sparks--The cause is still progressing in that place.
Elder John Leach, representing the branch at Paterson, New Jersey, stated that the number at present is nine, of whom six have been baptized there, and three are from other branches.
Elder Samuel J. Raymond, representing the branch at Hempstead, L. I., stated that it was organized on the first of August 1839 by Elder Selah Lane--The number received into that branch is sixty-three; one having died, and sixteen having moved away, the present number is forty-six.
Elder N. T. James, stated that there were at Elizabethtown, N. J. six members--that he intended to continue his labors there, and hoped to raise up a branch there, although there was at present much opposition.
Elder Sparks, represented that the branch at New Rochelle, West Chester co. N. Y. of which Elder C. W. Wandell was presiding elder, consisted of thirty-five members, including two elders, one priest, one teacher and one deacon--all in good standing--Himself and Elder Wandell had recently labored in Fairfield County, Ct. where they had found great encouragement, doors being freely opened to them in many places.
Elder Wandell, of New Rochelle, having now arrived, and the report of Elder Sparks being read to him, he confirmed the same, and stated that there were many persons there who were almost ready to be baptized, that the congregations were increasing in numbers, that the saints were in the enjoyment of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and that the future prospects there were very encouraging indeed.
Elder Stephen F. Qua stated that he had lately preached in several places in Orange County, and that in company with Elder Charles E. Reynolds, he had visited Poughkeepsie, and in the course of two weeks, they had held fourteen meetings in that place and vicinity, leaving many persons believing, and anxious to hear further concerning the things of the kingdom. He had also lately visited Whitehouse, Hunterdon County, where he preached five times, and baptized one person.
Elder N. T. James stated that he was the first to preach the gospel in Newark N. J. where he has baptized five. The number has since been increased to nine, at present there are six members there, three having moved away.
Elder Lane stated that the number of members in the city of Brooklyn at the present time is about ten--one elder, one priest and one deacon.
On motion by L. R. Foster Resolved that Elijah R. Swackhamer receive an elder's license, he having been ordained last winter.
On motion, Resolved, that this conference be called the New York conference.
On motion, Resolved, that David Rogers, Bernhart Smith and Benjamin Hulse be ordained elders, that E. R. Young and William Carmichael be ordained priests and that Matthias Spencer be ordained a teacher.
On motion, Resolved, that the ordination of these persons be referred to the several branches to which they belong, that the branches may sanction and approve the nominations before they are ordained--except in the case of E. R. Young.
Benjamin Aber of Bushville, Orange County, N. Y. stated that himself and wife embraced the gospel about three years since, and that in his vicinity there are at the present time six members.
He invited elders to come and preach in his house and offered to support two preachers a month, whereupon the Chairman recommended Elders Lane and Dougherty for this mission, and they having signified their willingness to go, were encouraged to do so by the voice of the meeting.
On motion, Resolved, that a letter of commendation be given to Elder Page, and that the clerk of this conference be directed to prepare it, and sign it in behalf of the members of this conference.
Ebenezer R. Young of Paterson was then ordained a priest, under the hands of Elder Page, assisted by Elders Foster and Everett, after which Elder Swackhammer received the imposition of hands, that the ordination, which he received last winter under the hands of several elders, might be confirmed.
On motin, Resolved, that our next conference be held in this city on the third Wednesday of May next, at one o'clock P. M.
On motion, Resolved, that the minutes of this conference be forwarded to Nauvoo, with a request for publication in the "Times and Seasons."
The proceedings were closed with prayer by the Chairman, and the conference adjourned.
Names of the members of this conference.
John E. Page, of the travelling high council.
High Priests.--L. R. Foster, Addison Everett, George Holmes, John M. Bernhisel, Richard Burdge, William Acker.
Elders,--E. McClain, N. T. James, Charles W. Wandell, Joseph Beebee, Selah Lane, Edward Dougherty, Quartus S. Sparks, James B. Meynell, Stephen F. Qua, E. R. Swackhamer, John Leach, John M. Baker, Samuel J. Raymond, E. Ward Pell, William Marsden, ____ Hall.
Priests,--Joshua Parker, Francis Hewitt, Bernhart Smith.
Teachers,--Sylvester H. Wadsworth, Benjamin Hulse.
Deacons,--Bush Reynolds, William Guy Jarman.
- JOHN E. PAGE, Chairman.
- L. R. FOSTER, Clerk.
