Minutes of February 20, 1834 |
Non-compliance with Word of Wisdom renders members unworthy of office. Missionaries assigned to Canada, Orson Hyde and Orson Pratt to raise funds in the East. | ||||||
Date | February 20, 1834 | KCMB and Times and Seasons 6:10221023. | ||||
Location | Kirtland, Ohio | |||||
Clerks | Orson Hyde, Oliver Cowdery | |||||
Opening | Prayer by Joseph Smith, Jr. | |||||
Is sacrament valid if officiator is unworthy? | Members of church in Erie county, Springfield Township, Pennsylvania refused the sacrament prepared by an elder who did not observe the Word of Wisdom. | D&C
89, received February 27, 1833. Word of Wisdom |
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Lyman Johnson: No | High priest Lyman Johnson, who was in attendance, argued the members were justified. | |||||
Orson Pratt: Yes | Orson Pratt, also in attendance, argued "that the church was bound to receive the supper under the administration of an Elder so long as he retained his office, or licence." | |||||
Council votes six counselors should address the issue. | ||||||
Discussion |
After Samuel H Smith, Luke Johnson, John S. Carter, Sylvester Smith, John Johnson, and Orson Hyde speak, Joseph decides: | |||||
Decision: Word of Wisdom compliance required for officers |
That no official member in this church is worthy to hold an office after having the words of wisdom properly taught to him, and he, the official member, neglecting to comply with, or obey them |
In 1838 non-compliance with the Word of Wisdom was one of two charges that led to the rejection of presidents David and John Whitmer. ¶ Minutes of February 20, 1838 | ||||
The council votes "according to the same." | ||||||
Joseph: Members in Canada have asked for help. Who is willing to go? The council "felt as though the Spirit required brethren to go there" and assigns: | ||||||
Mission assignments |
Lyman Johnson
and Milton Holmes. |
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General conference in Maine | The council decides to hold a "general conference" in Saco, Maine, June 13, 1834. | |||||
Orsons to raise funds in the East, pay mortgage on farm where the house of the Lord stands | The council votes that Orson Hyde and Orson Pratt should | |||||
go east to obtain donations for Zion, and means to redeem the farm on which the house of the Lord Stands. The church and council then prayed with uplifted hands that they might be prospered in their Mission. |
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Close |
The church and council then prayed with uplifted hands that they might be prospered in their Mission. Conference adjourned after the usual form by Order of the Conference |
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