| 619 Some time in the last part of February Elder Frank Hackett organized the Evergreen Branch, at Valley Junction, Wisconsin. He baptized nine at the same place just before the organization.
On February 17 Elder T. W. Smith and wife left Australia and returned to Papeete, Tahiti, where they arrived on March 12. While in Australia Elder Smith visited all the local organizations, setting them in order with the assistance of Elders Joseph F. Burton, J. W. Wight, and C. A. Butterworth.
March 18 Elder D. S. Crawley, writing from Weir, Kansas, reports a twelve-night debate with a Mr. Thomas Williams, a Christadelphian, on the subjects of the Book of Mormon, conscious condition of the dead, laying on of hands, perpetuity of spiritual gifts, and the kingdom of God.
March 19 Elder Banta, counselor to Bishop Blakeslee, died at Lamoni, Iowa. Elder Banta had filled several important positions in the church. In Johnson County, Indiana, where he formerly resided, he filled the positions at different times of auditor and representative; he also served one term in the legislature of Iowa, representing Decatur County.
At the March district conference of the Decatur District, held at Lamoni, Iowa, the Sunday-school Association of that district was organized. J. A. Gunsolley was elected superintendent, H. A. Stebbins assistant, R. S. Salyards secretary and treasurer.
The sisters of the church were at this time meeting in different localities, the movement being known as the Prayer Union. President Joseph Smith was asked to state through the Herald his views regarding it, and responded as follows:
It by no means follows that because Bro. Joseph does not mention a thing that is being done by the Saints in the different branches that he is opposed to that thing, or does not approve or sanction it.
It is practically none of Bro. Joseph's business whether the sisters do or do not meet at stated times, agreed on among themselves, for the purpose of prayer for a given object, or for a season of spiritual communion
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