Minutes, , OH, 5 Dec. 1832. Featured version copied [ca. 5 Dec. 1832] in Minute Book 1, p. 1; handwriting of ; CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for Minute Book 1.
Historical Introduction
This document and a note recorded 9 December 1832 pertain to a of that met on 5 December 1832 at the request of , a member of the church who migrated from to , Ohio, in 1831. Humphrey had recently completed a mission to the eastern with . On 3 December, JS wrote in his journal that Humphrey visited him that day, bearing “news from Brother and ,” who were also proselytizing in the East. Two days later, JS explained that the 5 December council convened “to advise with” Humphrey, apparently about what Humphrey should do next in the church. JS presided over the council, which directed Humphrey to preach with in , Ohio, and wherever else they were inspired to go. Although the minutes state that Humphrey’s situation was the only business considered, at least one other item was addressed, as detailed in a later note. As clerk of the council, took minutes of the proceedings and later entered them into Minute Book 1.
Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844–1845, bk. 11, [2]; bk. 12, [5]. According to the 1830 United States Census, Humphrey was living in Stockholm, New York, in 1830. (1830 U.S. Census, Stockholm, St. Lawrence Co., NY, 41.)
Census (U.S.) / U.S. Bureau of the Census. Population Schedules. Microfilm. FHL.
In autobiographical writings, Packard mentioned that he and a companion (presumably Humphrey) “started on our mission” on 3 January 1833, traveling to Chatham, Ohio, to visit Packard’s brother. (Packard, “Life and Travels,” 3.)
Packard, Noah. “The Life and Travels of Noah Packard.” In Voices from the Past: Diaries, Journals, and Autobiographies, compiled by Campus Education Week Program, Education Week Department, Continuing Education, Brigham Young University, 1–7. Provo, UT: Campus Education Week, Brigham Young University Press, 1980.
A of held in — December 5, AD 1832, at the request of brother who desired to know the will of the Lord respe[c]ting him, the councel opened by prayer br Joseph Smith Jr. and appointed bro Clerk, after hearing a statement from of his situation, It was ordered in councel that should devote himself entirely to the work of the ministry commencing in and taking Br of as his companion in travel and labouring in such places and regions as the lord may direct by his spirit
There being no further business the councel closed by prayer——
Although the term conference is used most often in minutes to refer to gatherings such as these, council is also sometimes used. In the minutes of a meeting held in Missouri in April 1832, for example, conference and council are used interchangeably. (See Minutes, 26–27 Apr. 1832.)
Packard had resided in Parkman, Ohio, since 1817. (Packard, “Life and Travels,” 1, 3.)
Packard, Noah. “The Life and Travels of Noah Packard.” In Voices from the Past: Diaries, Journals, and Autobiographies, compiled by Campus Education Week Program, Education Week Department, Continuing Education, Brigham Young University, 1–7. Provo, UT: Campus Education Week, Brigham Young University Press, 1980.