Minutes of the October 1859 General Conference

Minutes of the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convened in the Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, October 6-9, 1859. President Brigham Young presiding, with Presidents Heber C. Kimball and Daniel H. Wells. All discourses reported by G. D. Watt; published in Journal of Discourses, Volume 7. ¶

Thursday, October 6 — Morning Session (10 a.m.): President Brigham Young spoke on "Blessings of Association—Original Purity of the Human Spirit—Trials and Temptations, &c," urging Saints to "diffuse light and knowledge" while keeping "bad feelings" private: "spirit begets spirit—likeness, likeness." Ten individuals bore witness; seven additional speakers followed. Young then delivered a second discourse, "Possession of the Spirit, &c," arguing that religion encompasses all sciences and "drinks up all truth." ¶

Thursday, October 6 — Evening Session (5 p.m.): Elder Orson Hyde spoke on "Sowing and Reaping—Fulfillment of Covenants," discussing pre-mortal covenants and suggesting souls "signed a document" promising faithfulness before earth life. President Brigham Young closed with "Eternal Life—Blessings and Privileges of Saints," focusing on the gospel as "a free gift" and eternal progression. ¶

Friday, October 7 — Morning Session (10 a.m.): President Brigham Young delivered "Union, Etc.," with the central message: "Except ye are one, ye are not mine." Elder Theodore Turley testified and shared missionary experiences in California. President Heber C. Kimball spoke on "Oneness, &c," using the vineyard metaphor and stressing cleansing "hands and hearts from all iniquity." ¶

Friday, October 7 — Afternoon Session (2 p.m.): President Daniel H. Wells delivered "Privileges and Duties of the Saints—Home Manufactures, &c," urging Saints to strengthen home industries and repay Perpetual Emigration Fund loans. Elder John Taylor spoke on "Union, Etc." ¶

Saturday, October 8 — Morning Session (10 a.m.): President Joseph Young offered brief remarks. President Brigham Young spoke on "Progress in Knowledge, &c." The sustaining of General Authorities by formal vote was conducted. Young delivered a second discourse: "Reorganization of the High Council—Appointment of Young Men to Offices in the Priesthood, &c." ¶

Saturday, October 8 — Afternoon Session (2 p.m.): Elder Lorenzo Snow, Elder Albert Carrington, and Elder Charles C. Rich addressed the conference. ¶

Sunday, October 9 — Morning Session (10 a.m.): President Brigham Young delivered his longest discourse of the conference, "Intelligence, Etc.," covering multiple theological topics. ¶

Sunday, October 9 — Afternoon Session (2 p.m.): Elder Erastus Snow, E. D. Woolley, and President Heber C. Kimball spoke. President Brigham Young pronounced the benediction. ¶