Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 2/Number 9/Conference in Tennessee

For the Messenger and Advocate.

At a conference convened at the house of br. S. Utley, Chalk-level, Benton county, Tennessee, agreeably to previous notice, on the 28th and 29th days of May, 1836: the congregation being called to order, Elder D. W. Patton was called to the Chair, and Elder Warren Parrish appointed Secretary; the conference was then opened by singing and prayer and proceeded to business.

The chairman arose and made some preliminary remarks touching the object and order of the meeting; and called upon the official members to inform the conference of the manner in which they had taught; also their present faith in the fulness of the gospel as contained in the bible, book of Mormon and book of doctrine and covenants.

Elder W. Woodruff arose and expressed his feelings upon the subject, to our entire satisfaction. The chairman then called upon all the official members present to rise if they concurred in the sentiments which Elder Woodruff expressed: the vote was unanimous; also the church gave their assent to the same by raising their hands.

Benj. L. Clapp, priest, was then called upon to represent the Taropen branch, which consists of 28 members in good standing.

Daniel S. Thomas, priest, represented the Clark river branch consisting of 10 members in good standing.

Elder Abraham O. Smoot represented the Blood river branch consisting of 10 members in good standing.

Elder Woodruff represented the Academy branch consisting of 10 mem-bers in good standing, with the exception of their not observing altogether the word of wisdom.

Deacon A. B. Willson represented the Chalk-level branch, consisting of 27 members in good standing with the exception of some few who have been shaken of late, in consequence of the ungodly conduct and teaching of J. Jackson. teacher.

Elder Woodruff represented the Eagle creek branch, consisting of 15 members in good standing. He also represented Cyprus branch consisting of 10 members, 3 of whom had apostatized, 3 are disaffected, and 4 in good standing; this branch has been under the care of John Jackson, teacher, who has apostatized—but are not without any official member. Eld. Woodruff also represented 7 members scattered abroad not recognized with any branch.

Elder Benj. F. Boydston, preferred a charge against John Jackson, teacher, in Cyprus branch, for unchristian conduct and heresy in denying the book of Mormon and revelations on God, and using his influence to disaffect others, by saying that he believed them to be a deception, and tyrannical in their nature. He manifested much anger.

Said Jackson was notified to attend this conference and answer to the charges preferred against him! he did not appear, the charges were sustained by many witnes[s]es and we cut him off, by raising our hands against him. Sister Jackson was also dropped, and a brother by the name of Howard H. Williams, was also cut off.

Mr. Jackson held a license as a Teacher: he did not attend our conference and from the disposition which he has manifested we conclude that we could not obtain his credentials if we were to call on him.

By the unanimous voice of the Chalk-Level branch, Deacon A. B. Willson was ordained a priest. By the recommendation of the same branch of the church, Br. Albert Petty Esq. received the ordination of a Teacher.

Mr. Jesse Tarpin was recommended as a fit subject, to receive an ordination as the spirit should dictate, which was that of a priest.

Those who ordained by orders of the chairman, under the hands of Elder W. Parrish.

A charge having been preferred against Elder Daniel Cathcart, for unchristian conduct and erroneous teaching, we convened a council of Elders on the evening of the same day, and took his case into consideration. The charges were sustained by many witnesses; Elder Cathcart was then called upon; he frankly confessed and heartily repented of his sins and was restored to full fellowship.

D. W. PATTEN,

Chairman

W. PARISH,

Secretary.