1894-12-22-Deseret Weekly-Correspondence Eastern States Conference

CORRESPONDENCE.

Written for this paper.

EASTERN STATES CONFERENCE.

The Deseret Weekly, Volume 50, number 1

December 22, 1894, p. 12

No. 48 SANDS ST, BROOKLYN, N.Y,. Nov. 27th, 1894.—On Sunday, the 25th of this month, the first conference held in this mission since it was opened, was convened at this place.

The labor of truth in this part of the world was begun in January, 1893. At that time Elder Job Pingree, of Ogden city, Utah, arrived here, having been called to act in the official capacity of president of that part of the Lord's vineyard known as the mission of the Eastern States and the eastern part of Canada, the greater part of which had until that time been untrodden by that conspicuous of all persons of the world, a "Mormon missionary," for many years and whicb at this time is still suffering from the evils of the misrepresentation that bas been spread througbout the civilized world, concerning that body of worshippers known as the Latter-day Saints.

There are a few people left, however, who are willing to serve the Lord as he desired and to spurn the current of falsehood and abuse, with a desire to see the will of God done on earth as it is in heaven, and some of these have been gathered into the true fold.

A goodly number of these, with a few of the traveling Elders, were present at this conference. Such an occasion being something now to many the visit was enjoyed on that account. A good influence prevailed and at the close all could say they had been truly blessed and well repaid for the time spent and the effort made to attend. It was something of a sacrifice, for many of the saints came from a distance of twenty-five miles, while the visiting Elders came from near the Canadian line.

The forenoon meeting was commenced by singing the hymn, “Come, Come, ye Saints,” etc. Prayer by Elder Alfred Osmond. Singing, "O, Say What is True," etc.

Two letters were then road from Elders A. M. Bakor and H. E. Taylor in Western New York, the other from Elders Neil S. Gardner and D. R. Beckstead, at Alvinston, Ont., Canada, reporting the succes met with in those districts.

Elder Wm. A. Hatcb then addressed the meeting, giving an account of the success met with in northern Vermont and of how he was feeling in regard to the labor of the Gospel.

Brother Osmond next spoke upon the first principles of the Gospel and pointed out very clearly the straight and narrow way to at leads to eternal life; said that it was a natural consequence that the work of God should progress, as it is founded upon the principles of truth, and as the powers of the Highest were supporting this latter-day work it was as impossible for its enemies to overthrow it as it would be for them to drag the stars from the eternal heavens. He thought it unnecessary for the Elders to enter into any bitter arguments on the Gospel, and that they need the Spirit of truth and light to guide them in all things.

Singing, "Up, awake ye defenders of Zion,” and the meeting was dismissed with prayer by Brother Orson Hudson.

After the morning service the sisters (may heaven bless them forever for their kindness) brought out boxes and packages of such delicacies of food as seldom are permitted to tempt the appetites of the Elders, and those who remained enjoyed themselves testing the quality of them in a practical way.

The afternoon meeting began with singing, "We thank Thee, o God, for a Prophet;" prayer by Elder Hatch; singing,Do what is right."

After some instructions from President Pingree about the Sacrament, that ordinance administered. Elder Pingree then, in giving a report of the labors done and success attained since the establishment of the mission, spoke of the financial condition and said that the Saints here had been very kind and liberal in contributing of their means to furnish such things as made the place of meeting comfortable and convenient. He also spoke of the amount of tithing that had been paid, and said that this priociple had been observed by some of the holy men of old-among thema Abraham, the “fatber of the faithful,” and Jacob. He quoted the Savior's words that many should come from the east and from the west and from the north and from the south and should sit dowo with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob;" also referred to the promise made in these days to those wbo would observe to keep that law that "they should not be burned at His coming," and that as the blessings promised to those who yielded obedience to the Gospel always followed the believer so also would the promised blessings follow those who observed to keep that law.

Three of the Elders then sang the hymn, “What was witnessed in the Heavens."

The condition tbat the world is in with regard to their authority for ministering in the ordinances of the Gospel was spoken upon by Elder Duncan, and also that it was necessary that all things be done in order according to the word of the Lord if tbe people would receive tbe benefits promised to those who observe to keep the laws of the Gospel.

Throughout the whole conference words of life and encouragement were given to those present who did not belong to the Church.

Singing, “O, Ye Mountains High,” benediction by President Progree, and the conference was adjourned, the Saints to return home to contemplate upon the teachings given, the Elders to visit such places of interest as they desired before returning to their fields of labor, and all built up and strengthened in their desires and determinations to serve the Lord.

In this mission there are at present four brauches and two Sunday schools. Thee average number of missionaries that have labored here since January, 1893, is 7, the present number is 9. Number of baptisms, 31; children blessed, 12; number emigrated to Utah, 6; visited Utah and done work in the Temple, 3; officers, missionaries and local, in this mission, 22; members, 54; children under eight years of age, twenty; total number of soule, 96.

Arriving bere in January, 1893, President Pingree found only the remnant of one small branch. The number of meetings held in 1893 was 102—-in 1894, 150; total, 251. The number of tracts distributed is about 5,000. The names of Elders laboring in this mission at present are as followe: Job Pingree (president), Densmore T. Duncan, Alfred Osmond, Willian Ansel Hatch, Byram H. Bickstead, David R. Bickstead, Orson Hudson, Neil S. Gardner, Albert M. Baker.

DENSMORE DUNCAN, Clerk of Conference.