Minutes of the April 1871 General Conference

Minutes of the Forty-First Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convened in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, April 6-8, 1871. First Presidency: Brigham Young, George A. Smith, Daniel H. Wells. Twelve: Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young Jr., Joseph F. Smith, Albert Carrington. Patriarch: John Smith. Reported by David W. Evans. ¶

Temple building was the central theme throughout all sessions. President George A. Smith gave preliminary remarks on temple construction, tithing payment, southern railroad construction, and the St. George Temple. Elder Orson Hyde addressed "the attribute of mercy as shown by the Almighty." Elder Lorenzo Snow discussed revelation, the Holy Ghost, and gathering of the poor. Elder William C. Staines shared a conversion narrative spanning thirty years. Elder Franklin D. Richards warned against worldly influences. Elder John Taylor delivered an extended discourse on "the nature and constitution of man; his relationship to the Deity." Elder Joseph F. Smith spoke on devotion to building God's kingdom. ¶

Elder George Q. Cannon delivered a notable discourse on "The Building of Temples—The Keys of the Apostleship," arguing: "There is no people or community on the face of the earth today, except the Latter-day Saints, who think of rearing unto...a temple." President Brigham Young addressed "The One-Man Power—Unity—Free Agency—Priesthood and Government," defending collective harmony: "What harm is there in a people being of one heart and one mind?" Elder Orson Pratt spoke on "Order—Spiritual Gifts—Temples—The New Jerusalem." President Brigham Young also delivered a second discourse, "Gathering the Saints—The Providences of the Lord," on the uselessness of non-producers, arbitration, and paying tithing (filed separately). ¶

General Authorities sustained unanimously. Albert Carrington called to the European Mission presidency; Canute Peterson to the Scandinavian Mission. Nine additional missionaries called to European missions. ¶