Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, [, Geauga Co., OH], 1 Mar. 1835. Featured version copied [not before 25 Feb. 1836] in Minute Book 1, pp. 172–186; handwriting of ; CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for Minute Book 1.
Historical Introduction
On the morning of 1 March 1835, church members convened a meeting in , Ohio, apparently as a continuation of a meeting that had adjourned on 28 February. Several men appointed to the office of were given blessings in that 28 February meeting. The blessings continued in this 1 March 1835 meeting, and at least thirty-three individuals, including some not designated as seventies, were blessed. All those receiving ordinations and blessings in this meeting had participated in the expedition. According to later reminiscences, many of these blessings were performed by members of the church presidency, including JS, his , , and . The minutes indicate that several individuals who had recently been were also confirmed members of the church at the meeting, and the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered. JS also gave instructions on the necessity of worthiness when partaking of the sacrament.
It is unclear who originally recorded the ordination blessings or the minutes of the meeting. later copied them into Minute Book 1.
For examples, see Hutchings, Journal, 15 Feb. 1835; Burgess, Autobiography, 4; and “Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 22.
Hutchings, Elias. Journal, Dec. 1834–Sept. 1836. CHL. MS 1445.
Burgess, Harrison. Autobiography, ca. 1883. Photocopy. CHL. MS 893. Also available as “Sketch of a Well-Spent Life,” in Labors in the Vineyard, Faith-Promoting Series 12 (Salt Lake City: Juvenile Instructor Office, 1884), 65–74.
“Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 1845–1855. In Seventies Quorum Records, 1844–1975. CHL. CR 499.
In common with thy brethren thou shalt have mu[c]h joy and also much sorrow. Thy enemies will seek thy destruction We therefore upon thee those blessings which have heretofore been pronounced upon thee even in thy . Amen.
— one of the
We confirm your ministry and set you apart as one of the 70. You shall be a witness of the Lord whithersoever you are sent, and testify of the things that are coming on the earth. You shall have the same power as has been confirmed on your brethren, with all the blessings and privileges thereunto belonging. You shall go to distant lands and if you desire it with all your heart you shall return. But if you desire you may be received up into the bosom of your Heavenly Father in Distant lands, from all trouble into the . Amen
Charles Kelly
We you to be an in the and one of the to be sent forth among the nations, to teach the gospel in the name of Jesus. Unless you seek the Lord with all your heart more than you have ever done, you shall die and not live. If you had not gone to to lay down your life for your brethren you would not now receive this ministry. But if you seek it you shall be comforted of the Lord while you are far distant among the nations. The powers & blessings necessary to fulfil this ministry shall be conferred upon you. and you shall return to be a comfort to your family, although you have wounded and grieved them. Amen [p. 175]
Willard Snow (1811–1853) was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and was baptized in June 1833. He was ordained a priest in August 1833 and an elder in August 1834. After the Camp of Israel was disbanded, Snow traveled back to Kirtland with Hazen Aldrich, preaching along the way. He arrived in Kirtland on 20 February 1835. After receiving this ordination, Snow left for St. Johnsbury with Henry Harriman and then moved to Missouri. (Willard Snow, Autobiographical Sketch, [1]–[2], Obituary Notices and Biographies, CHL; Willard Snow, Report, 14 Mar. 1835, Missionary Reports, 1831–1900, CHL.)
Obituary Notices and Biographies, 1854–1877. CHL. MS 4760.