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 6:1022–1023.
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
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.
Zebedee Coltrin and Henry Herriman.
Jared Carter and Phineas Young "if they can arrange their affairs at home."
Oliver Granger to travel east alone "on account of his age."
Martin Harris "should travel alone whenever he travels."
John S. Carter and Jesse Smith "as soon as they can."
Brigham Young "should travel alone, it being his own choice."
James Durfee and Edmund Marvin.
Sidney Rigdon and John P. Green to Strongsville.
Orson Pratt and Harrison Sagers "travel together for the time being."

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.

 
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

  Minutes
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