Report of a Conference held 29-30 August 1885

The Quarterly Conference of the Utah County Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which was held in the New Tabernacle ((This refers to the present Provo City Center Temple; the building was commenced in 1883, replacing an earlier 1850s-era building that stood on the same lot just north of the present building, facing Center Street.)), Provo city, on Saturday and Sunday last, was one of the largest assemblies ever congregated in that city, there being not less than 2,000 persons present at the Sunday meetings.

The new stake Tabernacle, though not finished, was comfortably fitted up for the occasion. This building when completed will seat about 3,000 people and will be one of the finest houses of worship in the Territory. It is built of brick, the auditorium being after the style of the Salt Lake Assembly Hall, but with superior means of ingress and egress.

The Conference convened on Saturday morning. President A.O. Smoot presiding, assisted by his Counselors, Elders David, John, and H.H. Cluff. Apostle F.D. Richards was the only general authority of the church present on Saturday; there was, however, a large attendance of the Bishops and other Stake authorities and priesthood.

The morning was occupied by the Bishops and other local authorities in making reports of their several wards and in reading statistics of the various stake organizations, all of which were very satisfactory, showing that all departments of this stake were in a good healthy condition and working together harmoniously.

In the afternoon, the general and local authorities were voted upon and without exception unanimously sustained by the uplifted hands of the congregation. Addresses were then delivered by Elder John T. Caine and Apostle F.D. Richards. The remarks were calculated to encourage the Saints and strengthened them in their faith.

On Sunday morning in addition to those present on Saturday, there were on the stand: Apostle John Henry Smith, Presiding Bishop William B. Preston, his counselor Bishop John Q. Cannon, Elder Lorin Farr of Ogden and Elder John Irvine of Salt Lake. After the opening exercises and administering of the sacrament Elder Lorin Farr addressed the congregation at some length upon the general principles of the gospel – the plan of salvation – duties of the saints, etc. He was followed by Bishop Preston who spoke on the practical duties of the members of the church, tithing, etc. The last speaker was Bishop John Q. Cannon, who enlarged upon the subjects touched upon by Bishop Preston.

In the afternoon a list of home missionaries were presented and sustained by vote of the conference, after which Apostles John Henry Smith and F.D. Richards addressed the congregation, making stirring and comforting remarks, which were listened to with deep interest by all present.

The services were brought to a close by the choir singing “The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning,” &c. Apostle Smith pronounced the benediction and the vast assemblage dispersed.

The Conference was one of the best ever held in the Stake, and the Saints expressed themselves as being very much blessed and strengthened by the teachings of the Elders.