Marshall, Oklahoma Territory
6 October 1894
There was held at the residence of Elder David Holt, of Marshall, a quarterly conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Sunday, October 6th, 1894, at 7:30 p.m. Elder Geo. S. Ashton called the meeting to order, there being eight Elders and many Saints present.
All joined heartily in the beautiful hymn, “Go Ye Messengers of Glory.”
Prayer was offered by Elder W[illiam].D[aniel]. Bowring, and then we sang, “An Angel from on High,” which caused happy thoughts to penetrate our very souls.
Elder J[ohn].A[ndrew]. Stephens was very interesting and instructive in his address – subject, apostasy and authority.
Elder J[ames].M[ontgomery]. Fullmer spoke to us at some length upon the authority conferred upon the Prophet Joseph Smith, by our Heavenly Father, and gave some suggestions long to be remembered by all present.
Elder E[dward].M[eeks]. McArthur pointed out the beauties and essentiality of the Holy Ghost and had no difficulty in proving from Holy Writ the assertions made.
Elder Geo. S. Ashton followed in a brief review of what had taken place in this meeting, after which we sang, “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” etc., and Elder Levi J. Holt offered benediction.
7 October 1894
Conference again convened at 11:30 a.m., Elder E.M. McArthur presiding.
After singing and prayer by Elder J.M. Fullmer, Elders A[rthur].N[oble]. Wallace E.M. McArthur and J[ohn].H[ugh]. Vincent confirmed as members of the Church Brother and Sister Smith, who had been baptized this morning by Elder George S. Ashton.
A Sacramental hymn was sung and the Sacrament was administered to the Saints.
Elder Ashton spoke briefly on the object of the Sacrament, followed by some remarks from Elder Vincent, who said he desired to become more proficient in his duties in God’s service, and invoked heaven’s blessings upon Israel everywhere.
Elder Wm. Newman gave some reminiscences of his past life I the work of the Lord, which caused great emotion to everyone present.
Elder McArthur explained why we partake of water I the place of wine in administering the Sacrament, and Brother David Holt closed the meeting by prayer.
Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. conference again convened, the Barr meeting house being given freely for the purpose. Here assembled many of the scattered Saints, and many friends.
Elder McArthur spoke for nearly one hour on the first principles and good order prevailed throughout.
Elder W.D. Bowring encouraged the Saints by pointing them to a time when the Church was in its infancy, and how it had grown until it now numbered its hundreds of thousands. He drew by way of comparison a small tree – alone in the desert, which had now grown to great strength and its branches afforded shelter to all who would obey God’s commandments.
“Come All Ye sons of God” was then sung, and benediction was pronounced by Elder A.N. Wallace.
At 7:30 p.m. the Saints again met at the Barr meeting house. The building was crowded, many strangers having congregated.
Elder Wallace took charge of the meting, and after singing and prayer, he spoke to us for one hour, laying before the people the first principles of the Gospel, and also gave great light to our friends upon the apostasy and restoration of the Gospel. During his entire remarks strict attention was given, and through such sermons we may expect good results.
Elder Ashton drew the comparison between Catholicism, Protestantism and Mormonism. One could have heard a pin drop during his entire discourse, as it was traced from the dark ages until the present time with great skill and decisiveness. None could have taken exception to his remarks, and yet he gave the true history of Christians denying the very essence of all revealed religion or revelation.
All joined in singing “Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah”; benediction by Elder Newman.
Priesthood Meeting
8 October 1894
At 3 p.m., a general Priesthood meeting was held at the residence of Brother Holt, Elder A.N. Wallace presiding. Meeting being called to order we sang a hymn, and prayer was offered by Elder Vincent.
Elder Wallace then spoke at some length, pointing out the duties of the Elders, and gave some timely instruction respecting the best interests of this mission; also called upon each Elder present for any suggestions he might have to offer – each one responding, and a general good deliberation of our duties was given. We held our meeting three hours, and throughout the Spirit of God was poured out abundantly upon all present.
This mission is in a very prosperous condition, and we have several more applicants for baptism. we are waiting – giving all a chance of being thoroughly converted before we baptize them.
Our conference closed after we had held a testimony meeting, at the residence of Brother Burns, in the evening at 8 p.m., Elder Fullmer presiding. There were present seventeen persons, and no time was lost in the meeting, it seemed as though another Pentecost had come – for everyone was filled with the Spirit of our Heavenly Father; and strong testimonies were given by male and female concerning His work.
Our conference throughout has been of a most pleasant nature, as the Elders and Saints are enjoying good health and spirits, and we see a bright future for Zion, in this part of God’s vineyard, trusting we may have the constant prayer of the Saints, and that our labors may be acceptable to our Eternal Father.
9 October 1894
Our Elders have separated, going to their respective places of labor. It was truly sad to say “goodby” to them, as it seemed as if our very heart strings were torn asunder, our few days in conference having been so pleasantly and profitably spent.
At 1 p.m., we all united in singing “Farewell,” and many were moved to tears, to see the Elders, with grip and umbrella trudging away, seeming, almost as our Savior was when He made the solemn expression, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.” Trusting the Saints will ever pray for our welfare, I remain, yours in the Gospel of Peace,
Arthur N. Wallace
Presiding Elder