132 Shortly after the conference they formally expelled William Smith from the church. 5 We have seen no record of his having been accorded a trial or having been cited to appear and defend, but the notice simply shows that they resolved to cut him off.
The remainder of the year passed in the usual way. The church represented in Nauvoo were busily preparing to leave the State.
In the latter part of the year they began giving what they called "endowments," in the temple, though the building was not finished, as the following editorial will show;-
"JANUARY.
"January, thus far, has been mild, which, in the midst of our preparations for an exodus next spring, has given an excellent time to finish the temple. Nothing has appeared so much like a 'finish' of that holy edifice as the present. The attic story was finished in December, and if the Lord continues to favor us the first story above the basement will be completed ready for meeting in the month of February. The font, standing upon twelve stone oxen, is about ready, and the floor of the second story is laid, so that all speculation about the temple of God at Nauvoo must cease."-Times and Seasons, vol. 6, p. 1096.
5 NOTICE
Elder William Smith having been cut off from the Quorum of the Twelve for apostasy, on the Sunday following, several letters and a pamphlet having been read, showing he had turned away from the truth; on motion, it was unanimously resolved by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, that the said William Smith be cut off from said church, and left in the hands of God
W. RICHARDS, Clerk.
Nauvoo, October 12,1845
-Times and Seasons, vol. 6, p 1019
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