History, 1838–1856, volume B-1 [1 September 1834–2 November 1838]

Source Note

JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. B-1, created 1 Oct. 1843–24 Feb. 1845; handwriting of
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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and
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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; 297 pages, plus 10 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the second volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This second volume covers the period from 1 Sept. 1834 to 2 Nov. 1838; the subsequent four volumes, labeled C-1 through F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.
Historical Introduction

This document, volume B-1, is the second of the six volumes of the “Manuscript History of the Church.” The collection was compiled over the span of seventeen years, 1838 to 1856. The narrative in volume B-1 begins with the entry for 1 September 1834, just after the conclusion of the Camp of Israel (later called Zion’s Camp), and continues to 2 November 1838, when JS was interned as a prisoner of war at
Far West
Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...
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, Missouri. For a fuller discussion of the entire six-volume work, see the general introduction to the history.
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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, serving as JS’s “private secretary and historian,” completed the account of JS’s history contained in volume A-1 in August 1843. It covered the period from JS’s birth in 1805 through the aftermath of the Camp of Israel in August 1834. When work resumed on the history on 1 October 1843, Richards started a new volume, eventually designated B-1.
At the time of JS’s death in June 1844, the account had been advanced to 5 August 1838, on page 812 of volume B-1.
Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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’s poor health led to the curtailment of work on B-1 for several months, until 11 December 1844. On that date, Richards and
William W. Phelps
17 Feb. 1792–7 Mar. 1872. Writer, teacher, printer, newspaper editor, publisher, postmaster, lawyer. Born at Hanover, Morris Co., New Jersey. Son of Enon Phelps and Mehitabel Goldsmith. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York, 1800. Married Sally Waterman,...
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, assisted by
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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, resumed gathering the records and reports needed to draft the history. Richards then composed and drafted roughed-out notes while Thomas Bullock compiled the text of the history and inscribed it in B-1. They completed their work on the volume on or about 24 February 1845. Richards, Willmer Benson, and Jonathan Grimshaw later added ten pages of “Addenda,” which provided notes, extensive revisions, or additional text to be inserted in the original manuscript where indicated.
Though JS did not dictate or revise any of the text recorded in B-1,
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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and
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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chose to maintain the first-person, chronological narrative format established in A-1 as if JS were the author. They drew from a variety of primary and secondary sources including JS’s diaries and letters, minutes of meetings, the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, church and other periodicals, reports of JS’s discourses, and the reminiscences and recollections of church members. As was the case with A-1, after JS’s death,
Brigham Young
1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...
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,
Heber C. Kimball
14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...
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,
George A. Smith
26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,...
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, and others modified and corrected the manuscript as they reviewed material before its eventual publication.
Beginning in March 1842 the church’s Nauvoo periodical, the Times and Seasons, began publishing the narrative as the “History of Joseph Smith.” It was also published in England in the church periodical the Millennial Star beginning in June 1842. Once a press was established in Utah and the Deseret News began publication, the “History of Joseph Smith” once more appeared in print in serialized form. Beginning with the November 1851 issue, the narrative picked up where the Times and Seasons had left off over five years earlier.
The narrative recorded in B-1 continued the story of JS’s life as the prophet and president of the church he labored to establish. The account encompasses significant developments in the church’s two centers at that time—
Kirtland
Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...
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, Ohio, and northwest
Missouri
Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...
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—during a four-year-span. Critical events included the organization of the Quorums of the Twelve Apostles and the Seventy, the dedication of the House of the Lord in Kirtland, Ohio, the establishment of the Kirtland Safety Society, dissension and apostasy in Kirtland and Missouri, the first mission to England, JS’s flight from Kirtland to Missouri in the winter of 1838, the Saints’ exodus from Kirtland later that year, the disciplining of the Missouri presidency, and the outbreak of the Missouri War and arrest of JS. Thus, B-1 provides substantial detail regarding a significant period of church expansion and transition as well as travail.

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Harpen [Harpin] Riggs 12 Apr. 1809–2 Nov. 1865. Farmer, cooper. Born in Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Riggs and Susan Pitcher. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1820. Served as election clerk, 8 Sept. 1830, in Kirtland. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ... View Full Bio	John D. Parker 22 Nov. 1799–26 Feb. 1891. Farmer, wainwright. Born in Saratoga, Saratoga Co., New York. Son of Abel Parker and Mary Davies. Served in War of 1812 as teamster in General John E. Wool’s company, 1813–1814. Married Harriet Sherwood. Moved to Galway, Saratoga... View Full Bio	Israel Barlow 13 Sept. 1806–1 Nov. 1883. Farmer, nurseryman, stockraiser. Born in Granville, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Jonathan Barlow and Anniss Gillett. Moved to New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Brigham Young, 16 Mar. 1834... View Full Bio
Burr Riggs 17 Apr. 1811–1860. Botanist, physician. Born in Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Riggs and Susan Picher. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and ordained an elder, before 3 June 1831. Ordained a high priest, 25 Oct. ... View Full Bio	Daniel Stearns	Willard Snow 6 May 1811–21 Aug. 1853. Farmer. Born in St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Co., Vermont. Lived at Waterford, Caledonia Co., by 1820. Son of Levi Snow and Lucina Streeter. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Orson Pratt, 18 June 1833. Moved... View Full Bio ,
Lewis Robbins	Hiram Stratten [Stratton]	Hazen Aldrich 10 Jan. 1797–after 1876. Carpenter, farmer, newspaper publisher, day laborer. Born in Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Son of Andrew Hazen Aldrich and Annes. Moved to Dorchester, Grafton Co., by 1810. Married first Betsey Manchester, 28 Oct. 1819, in ... View Full Bio
Darwin Richardson	Sylvester Smith 25 Mar. 1806–22 Feb. 1880. Farmer, carpenter, lawyer, realtor. Born at Tyringham, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Chileab Smith and Nancy Marshall. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, ca. 1815. Married Elizabeth Frank, 27 Dec. 1827, likely in Chautauque... View Full Bio	Charles Kelley
Joseph Young 7 Apr. 1797–16 July 1881. Farmer, painter, glazier. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Moved to Auburn, Cayuga Co., New York, before 1830. Joined Methodist church, before Apr. 1832. Baptized into Church... View Full Bio	William Pratt 3 Sept. 1802–15 Sept. 1870. Schoolteacher. Born at Worcester, Otsego Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to Ohio, 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1831. Ordained an elder by Sidney Rigdon, 10 Feb.... View Full Bio	[Wilkins] Jenkins Salisbury 6 Jan. 1809–28 Oct. 1853. Lawyer, blacksmith. Born at Rushville, Yates Co., New York. Son of Gideon Salisbury and Elizabeth Shields. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New York. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1831. Married... View Full Bio
Alexander Badlam [Sr.] 28 Nov. 1808–30 Nov./1 Dec. 1894. Coachmaker, realtor, inventor, author. Born at Dorchester, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts. Son of Ezra Badlam and Mary Lovis. Married Mary Ann Brannan, ca. 1833, near Saco, York Co., Maine. Participated in Camp of Israel expedition... View Full Bio	Ezra Thayer 14 Oct. 1791–6 Sept. 1862. Farmer, gardener, builder. Born in New York. Married Elizabeth Frank. Lived at Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York, 1820. Lived at Farmington, Ontario Co., 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Parley ... View Full Bio	George A. Smith 26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,... View Full Bio
Zebedee Coltrin 7 Sept. 1804–21 July 1887. Born at Ovid, Seneca Co., New York. Son of John Coltrin and Sarah Graham. Member of Methodist church. Married first Julia Ann Jennings, Oct. 1828. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Solomon Hancock, 9 Jan... View Full Bio	Levi W. Hancock 7 Apr. 1803–10 June 1882. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 16 Nov. 1830, at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Clarissa Reed, 20 Mar. 1831.... View Full Bio	Nathan B. Baldwin 27 Jan. 1812–1 Nov. 1891. Born in Augusta, Grenville Co., Upper Canada. Farmer. Son of Aaron M. Baldwin and Julia Bishop. Moved to Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, New York. Moved to Chautauque Co., New York, Oct. 1831. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ... View Full Bio
Solomon Angel[l] 21 Apr. 1806–20 Sept. 1881. Carpenter, joiner. Born in Florence, Oneida Co., New York. Son of James W. Angell and Phoebe Morton. Moved to North Providence, Providence Co., Rhode Island. Married Eunice C. Young, 13 Apr. 1828, in North Providence. Moved to ... View Full Bio	Solomon Warner	Bradford Elliot

<March 1.> The council adjourned to the day following, March 1st., when, after attending the funeral of Seth Johnson, several, who, had recently been baptized, were confirmed, and the sacrament <was> administered to the church. Previous to the Administration I spoke of the propriety of this institution in the church, and urged the importance of doing it with acceptance before the Lord, and asked, How long do you suppose a man may partake of this ordinance, unworthily and the Lord not withdraw his Spirit from him? How long will he thus trifle with sacred things, and the Lord not give him over to the buffettings of Satan until the day of redemption? The church should know if they are unworthy from time to time, to partake, lest the servants of God be forbidden to administer it. Therefore our hearts ought to humble themselves, and we to repent of our Sins, and But put away evil from among us.— After Sacrament the council continued the ordination and blessing of those previously called, also , &, — were ordained & blessed. , and were blessed, and and were ordained Presidents of the Seventies. [HC 2:204]

7–8 March 1835 • Saturday–Sunday

<Minutes of. a " 7 Meeting of the Church> “ March 7th. 1835. This day a meeting of the Church of Latter Day Saints, was called for the purpose of blessing in the name of the Lord those who have heretofore assisted in building (by their labor and other means.) the in this place. The Morning was occupied by President Joseph Smith Junior, in teaching the church the propriety and necessity of purifying itself. In the after-noon the names of those who had assisted to build the house were taken, and further instruction received from President Smith. He said that those who had distinguished themselves thus far by consecrating to the upbuilding of the , as well as laboring thereon, were to be remembered; that those who build it should own it, and have the control of it. After further remarks, those who performed the labor on the building voted unanimously that they would continue to labor thereon till the house should be completed,

President was appointed to Lay on hands and bestow blessings in the name of the Lord. The Presidents were blessed and , and , The building committee, <(the last two)> though not present, yet their rights in the [p. 578]

February 28

Harpen Harpin Riggs 12 Apr. 1809–2 Nov. 1865. Farmer, cooper. Born in Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Riggs and Susan Pitcher. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1820. Served as election clerk, 8 Sept. 1830, in Kirtland. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ... View Full Bio	John D. Parker 22 Nov. 1799–26 Feb. 1891. Farmer, wainwright. Born in Saratoga, Saratoga Co., New York. Son of Abel Parker and Mary Davies. Served in War of 1812 as teamster in General John E. Wool’s company, 1813–1814. Married Harriet Sherwood. Moved to Galway, Saratoga... View Full Bio	Israel Barlow 13 Sept. 1806–1 Nov. 1883. Farmer, nurseryman, stockraiser. Born in Granville, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Jonathan Barlow and Anniss Gillett. Moved to New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Brigham Young, 16 Mar. 1834... View Full Bio
Burr Riggs 17 Apr. 1811–1860. Botanist, physician. Born in Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Riggs and Susan Picher. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and ordained an elder, before 3 June 1831. Ordained a high priest, 25 Oct. ... View Full Bio	Daniel Stearns	Willard Snow 6 May 1811–21 Aug. 1853. Farmer. Born in St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Co., Vermont. Lived at Waterford, Caledonia Co., by 1820. Son of Levi Snow and Lucina Streeter. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Orson Pratt, 18 June 1833. Moved... View Full Bio ,
Lewis Robbins	Hiram Stratten [Stratton]	Hazen Aldrich 10 Jan. 1797–after 1876. Carpenter, farmer, newspaper publisher, day laborer. Born in Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Son of Andrew Hazen Aldrich and Annes. Moved to Dorchester, Grafton Co., by 1810. Married first Betsey Manchester, 28 Oct. 1819, in ... View Full Bio
Darwin Richardson	Sylvester Smith 25 Mar. 1806–22 Feb. 1880. Farmer, carpenter, lawyer, realtor. Born at Tyringham, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Chileab Smith and Nancy Marshall. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, ca. 1815. Married Elizabeth Frank, 27 Dec. 1827, likely in Chautauque... View Full Bio	Charles Kelley
Joseph Young 7 Apr. 1797–16 July 1881. Farmer, painter, glazier. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Moved to Auburn, Cayuga Co., New York, before 1830. Joined Methodist church, before Apr. 1832. Baptized into Church... View Full Bio	William Pratt 3 Sept. 1802–15 Sept. 1870. Schoolteacher. Born at Worcester, Otsego Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to Ohio, 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1831. Ordained an elder by Sidney Rigdon, 10 Feb.... View Full Bio	Wilkins Jenkins Salisbury 6 Jan. 1809–28 Oct. 1853. Lawyer, blacksmith. Born at Rushville, Yates Co., New York. Son of Gideon Salisbury and Elizabeth Shields. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New York. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1831. Married... View Full Bio
Alexander Badlam [Sr.] 28 Nov. 1808–30 Nov./1 Dec. 1894. Coachmaker, realtor, inventor, author. Born at Dorchester, Suffolk Co., Massachusetts. Son of Ezra Badlam and Mary Lovis. Married Mary Ann Brannan, ca. 1833, near Saco, York Co., Maine. Participated in Camp of Israel expedition... View Full Bio	Ezra Thayer 14 Oct. 1791–6 Sept. 1862. Farmer, gardener, builder. Born in New York. Married Elizabeth Frank. Lived at Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York, 1820. Lived at Farmington, Ontario Co., 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Parley ... View Full Bio	George A. Smith 26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,... View Full Bio
Zebedee Coltrin 7 Sept. 1804–21 July 1887. Born at Ovid, Seneca Co., New York. Son of John Coltrin and Sarah Graham. Member of Methodist church. Married first Julia Ann Jennings, Oct. 1828. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Solomon Hancock, 9 Jan... View Full Bio	Levi W. Hancock 7 Apr. 1803–10 June 1882. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 16 Nov. 1830, at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Clarissa Reed, 20 Mar. 1831.... View Full Bio	Nathan B. Baldwin 27 Jan. 1812–1 Nov. 1891. Born in Augusta, Grenville Co., Upper Canada. Farmer. Son of Aaron M. Baldwin and Julia Bishop. Moved to Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties, New York. Moved to Chautauque Co., New York, Oct. 1831. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ... View Full Bio
Solomon Angell 21 Apr. 1806–20 Sept. 1881. Carpenter, joiner. Born in Florence, Oneida Co., New York. Son of James W. Angell and Phoebe Morton. Moved to North Providence, Providence Co., Rhode Island. Married Eunice C. Young, 13 Apr. 1828, in North Providence. Moved to ... View Full Bio	Solomon Warner	Bradford Elliot

March 1. The council adjourned to the day following, March 1st., when, after attending the funeral of Seth Johnson, several, who, had recently been baptized, were confirmed, and the sacrament was administered to the church. Previous to the Administration I spoke of the propriety of this institution in the church, and urged the importance of doing it with acceptance before the Lord, and asked, How long do you suppose a man may partake of this ordinance, unworthily and the Lord not withdraw his Spirit from him? How long will he thus trifle with sacred things, and the Lord not give him over to the buffettings of Satan until the day of redemption? The church should know if they are unworthy from time to time, to partake, lest the servants of God be forbidden to administer it. Therefore our hearts ought to humble themselves, and we to repent of our Sins, and put away evil from among us.— After Sacrament the council continued the ordination and blessing of those previously called, also , &, — were ordained & blessed. , and were blessed, and and were ordained Presidents of the Seventies. [HC 2:204]

7–8 March 1835 • Saturday–Sunday

Minutes of. a " 7 Meeting of the Church “ March 7th. 1835. This day a meeting of the Church of Latter Day Saints, was called for the purpose of blessing in the name of the Lord those who have heretofore assisted in building (by their labor and other means.) the in this place. The Morning was occupied by President Joseph Smith Junior, in teaching the church the propriety and necessity of purifying itself. In the after-noon the names of those who had assisted to build the house were taken, and further instruction received from President Smith. He said that those who had distinguished themselves thus far by consecrating to the upbuilding of the , as well as laboring thereon, were to be remembered; that those who build it should own it, and have the control of it. After further remarks, those who performed the labor on the building voted unanimously that they would continue to labor thereon till the house should be completed,

President was appointed to Lay on hands and bestow blessings in the name of the Lord. The Presidents were blessed and , and , The building committee, (the last two) though not present, yet their rights in the [p. 578]

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Document Information
Editorial Title
History, 1838–1856, volume B-1 [1 September 1834–2 November 1838]
ID #
7404
Total Pages
332
Handwriting on This Page
- Willard Richards
Footnotes
1. 26
  Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, 1 Mar. 1835.
2. 27
  Minutes, 7–8 Mar. 1835.

History, 1838–1856, volume B-1 [1 September 1834–2 November 1838]

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