| 654 to the help of the Lord. Now is the accepted time to show forth the work of God in its beauty, majesty, and might.
JOSEPH SMITH, }
W. W. BLAIR: } Presidency.
ALEX. HALE SMITH }Com.
JOSEPH LUFF, }of the
JAMES W. GILLEN, }Twelve.
G. A. BLAKESLEE, }
E. L. KELLEY, }Bishopric.
LAMONI, Iowa, April 16, 1890.
On April 16 the organization of the High Council was effected as authorized by the conference. 2
A reunion for the Central California District convened at Tulare, California, May 2, and continued until the 11th. Joseph F. Burton and Daniel Brown presided. There were present and assisting in the services
2 Minutes of the organization of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Lamoni, Iowa, April 16,1890.
The authority for organizing is found in paragraph 9 of the revelation of April 8, 1890, which reads: "Those who were presented by the High Priests for ordination to their number, if approved by the council of the High Priests now present, and the conference, may be ordained; and from their number there may be selected by a committee of conference composed of one of the First Presidency, the president of the Twelve, and one other to be chosen by the council of Twelve, the president of the High Priests, and one other to be chosen by that council of their number, a sufficient number to fill the vacancies now existing in the High Council, that the High Council may be properly organized and prepared to hear matters of grave importance when presented to them. And this committee shall make their selections according to the spirit of wisdom and revelation that shall be given unto them, to provide that such council may be convened at any General Conference when emergency may demand, by reason of their residing at or near to places where conferences may be held."
Those composing the above committee were W. W. Blair, of the First Presidency; Alexander H. Smith and William H. Kelley, of the Twelve; and Charles Derry and mark H. Forscutt, High Priests, who chose and reported as follows:
"Messrs. President and Brethren: Your committee appointed to select names to form a High Council, offer the following names: Winthrop H. Blair, Frederick G. Pitt, James H. Peters, J. C. Crabb, Asa S. Cochran, Charles Derry, David Dancer, William Anderson, David Chambers, Robert M. Elvin, John A. Robinson, Calvin A. Beebe.
"Respectfully,
"W. W. BLAIR."
Conference by a unanimous vote approved this report, and directed that the First Presidency call together those selected and organize the High Council.
Those nominated for the High Council, with the exception of C. A. Beebe, met in the, Students' room in the church at Lamoni, Iowa, April 16,1890, for the purpose of organizing the High Council of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Upon motion President W. W. Blair was chosen to preside, and R. M. Elvin as secretary. The secretary read section 99 Doctrine and Covenants, and section 104: 14,15. The president read "Millennial Star," volume 15, pages 12, 109, 261, and 284. Reference was made to "Herald," volume 1, pages 55, 58, 104, and 106. Adjourned to meet at half past two in the afternoon. Benediction by Bro. J. C. Crabb.
A second meeting was held at half past two in the afternoon. Open by singing hymn 311; prayer by Bro. Charles Derry. Minutes were read and approved. President W. W. Blair
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