Stake Conference, Davis (Utah) Stake
10-11 September 1898

The quarterly conference of the David Stake convened at Farmington on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10th and 11th, 1898. There were present on Saturday Elder Heber J. Grant, Elder John W. Taylor and Elder M.F. Cowley, of the Council of the Apostles; the Stake presidency, members of the High Council, Bishops of wards and their counselors.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – After the usual exercises Elder James A. Lee, formerly of Taylorsville, Elder Ezra Robinson and Elder Jeffs of Farmington, addressed the congregation. These brethren, who have recently returned from missions, spoke of their experience while in the missionary field, and bore strong testimonies to the truth of the Gospel.

Elder H.J. Grant was the next speaker. He referred to the labors of the Twelve Apostles amongst the people. He said the Apostles did not labor for their own individual benefit, but for the good of the Saints; for the building up and the strengthening of the Church of Christ, and their desire was the same as Nephi’s (1st Nephi, 6th chap. 4th verse) Elder Grant also spoke of how the Spirit of the Lord strove with the children of men.

Saturday, 2 p.m. – Elder George F. Richards of the Tooele Stake was the first speaker. He expressed his pleasure in meeting with the Saints of the Davis Stake, especially with those of Farmington, the place of his birth, and the home of his boyhood. Elder Richards related many incidents that happened at the time he lived in Farmington and while he was laboring as a ward teacher, in which marvelous mercies were wrought through faith. He spoke of his desire to overcome all evil; to walk uprightly while here in the flesh and he testified to the truth of the Gospel.

Elder M.F. Cowley spoke on the authority of the Priesthood and how it should be exercised in righteousness. He also spoke on the paying of tithes and offerings. Tithes should be paid in kind, and if it were too far to bring to the storehouse of the Lord to be turned into money and the money brought in.

Elder John W. Taylor related some of the experiences of the Elders on missions in Colorado. He said the Elders laboring in that mission were doing a good work, and in their hearts desired to save the children of men. Elder Taylor also spoke on the plan of the Gospel, and of the way the Lord pours out his spirit upon his servants.

Sunday – The Sunday schools of Farmington met at 9 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. the conference reconvened. Elder John W. Hess reported the condition of the Stake. He said although there are some things that are not as they should be, the majority of the Saints are attending to their duties. And with the exception of a little political feeling the people are at peace one with another. The Stake presidency, the members of he High Council, and the Bishoprics of the various wards were united. All of the Stake and ward organizations and associations were doing a good work; especially was this the case with the Sunday schools. Elder H.J. Grant said he regretted that so few were present on Saturday to hear the strong testimonies of Elder Cowley and others. As for himself he enjoyed listening to the testimonies of his brethren, more so than to listen to a sermon. Elder Grant spoke very strongly about the way some of the Saints break the commandments of God. He said nothing would give him more joy than to see he people turn unto the Lord, keep His commandments, keep the Word of Wisdom, pay an honest tithing, be honest with God and honest with one another.

President George Q. Cannon was present at the afternoon meeting. After the opening exercises the Sacrament was administered. The general and Stake authorities were unanimously sustained. Elder M.F. Cowley delivered a short but interesting discourse on self-denial necessary to salvation, the guarding against evil spirits and false doctrines.

President George Q. Cannon read some excerpts from the Pearl of Great Price against the doctrine of re-incarnation. He spoke in regard to those who kept their first estate, the object of our tabernacling here in the flesh, and the keeping of our second estate. He also spoke of the promises of the Lord to His faithful Saints, and exhorted the Saints to care for one another – to feed the hungry and administer to the poor.

Through the general small attendance at the Saturday [meetings] it was thought best to make a change in the days of holding conference, and in the future the Davis Stake quarterly conference will be held on Sunday and Monday instead of Saturday and Sunday. Conference adjourned for three months to be held at Kaysville.

The Stake superintendency of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association was reorganized, with William O. Lee of West Bountiful as superintendent, Elder Daniel H. Walker as his first, and Elder David C. Hess as his second assistant.

JOHN J. SMITH
Stake Clerk