Elder John Leach, representing the at Paterson, New Jersey, stated that the number at present is nine, of whom six have been there, and three are from other branches.

Elder Samuel J. Raymond, representing the branch at Hempstead, L. I., stated that it was organized on the first of August 1839 by Elder Selah Lane—The number received into that branch is sixty-three; one having died, and sixteen having moved away, the present number is forty-six.

Elder N. T. James, stated that there were at Elizabethtown, N. J. six members—that he intended to continue his labors there, and hoped to raise up a branch there, although there was at present much opposition.

Elder Sparks, represented that the branch at New Rochelle, West Chester co. N. Y. of which Elder was presiding elder, consisted of thirty-five members, including two elders, one priest, one teacher and one deacon—all in good standing—Himself and had recently labored in Fairfield County, Ct. where they had found great encouragement, doors being freely opened to them in many places.

Elder Joseph Beebee stated that he had preached several times at Pompton, N. J. where there are six members, one of whom is a priest.

, of New Rochelle, having now arrived, and the report of Elder Sparks being read to him, he confirmed the same, and stated that there were many persons there who were almost ready to be baptized, that the congregations were increasing in numbers, that the saints were in the enjoyment of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and that the future prospects there were very encouraging indeed.

Elder Stephen F. Qua stated that he had lately preached in several places in Orange County, and that in company with Elder Charles E. Reynolds, he had visited Poughkeepsie, and in the course of two weeks, they had held fourteen meetings in that place and vicinity, leaving many persons believing, and anxious to hear further concerning the things of the kingdom. He had also lately visited Whitehouse, Hunterdon County, where he preached five times, and baptized one person.

Elder N. T. James stated that he was the first to preach the gospel in Newark N. J. where he had baptized five. The number has since been increased to nine, at present there are six members there, three having moved away.

Elder Lane stated that the number of members in the city of Brooklyn at the present time is about ten—one elder, one priest and one deacon.

On motion by Resolved that Elijah R. Swackhamer received an elder’s license, he having been ordained last winter.

On motion, Resolved, that this be called the New York conference.

On motion, Resolved, that , Bernhart Smith and Benjamin Hulse be ordained elders, that E. R. Young and William Carmichael be priests and that Matthias Spencer be ordained a teacher.

On motion, Resolved, that the ordination of these persons be referred to the several branches to which they belong, that the branches may sanction and approve the nominations before they are ordained—except in the case of E. R. Young.

Benjamin Aber of Bushville, Orange County, N. Y. stated that himself and wife embraced the gospel about three years since, and that in his vicinity there are at the present time six members.

He invited elders to come and preach in his house and offered to support two preachers a month, whereupon the recommended Elders Lane and Dougherty for this mission, and they having signified their willingness to go, were encouraged to do so by the voice of the meeting.

On motion, Resolved, that a letter of commendation be given to , and that the of this conference be directed to prepare it, and sign it in behalf of the members of this conference.

Ebenezer R. Young of Paterson was then ordained a priest, under the hands of , assisted by Elders and Everett, after which Elder Swackhammer received the imposition of hands, that the ordination, which he received [p. 764]