Minutes of the October 1876 General Conference

Minutes of the Forty-Seventh Semi-Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convened in the New Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, October 6-8, 1876. First Presidency: Brigham Young, Daniel H. Wells. Quorum of the Twelve: John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, Franklin D. Richards, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young Jr., Joseph F. Smith. Patriarch: John Smith. ¶

Friday, October 6 Morning Session: President Daniel H. Wells emphasized unity and preparation for the Second Coming, and Elder Wilford Woodruff spoke on restoration, sacred records, and fulfillment of prophecy (both summary only). ¶

Friday, October 6 Afternoon Session: Elder Lorenzo Snow delivered [[1876-10-snow-apostolical-succession-and-responsibilitysocial-position-affords]] (filed separately), on apostolic succession and individual responsibility. Elder Charles C. Rich, Elder Franklin D. Richards, and Elder Brigham Young, Jr. also spoke (summary only). ¶

Saturday, October 7 Morning Session: Elder John Taylor spoke on divine revelation, followed by missionary calls (summary only). ¶

Saturday, October 7 Afternoon Session: Missionary calls were read, the General Authorities of the Church were sustained by vote of the Conference, and Elder Joseph F. Smith spoke (summary only). ¶

Sunday, October 8 Morning Session: Elder Orson Pratt spoke on faith and knowledge of God, Elder C. W. Penrose bore testimony, President Brigham Young also spoke, and missionary calls were read (all summary only). ¶

Sunday, October 8 Afternoon Session: President Brigham Young delivered [[1876-10-young-philosophy-of-man-upon-the-earththe]] (filed separately), an extended discourse on human philosophy, salvation, stewardship, and temple-building assignments — including the declaration that "The great and grand secret of salvation...is the continuation of the lives." Elder George Q. Cannon and President Brigham Young also spoke, closing the conference with missionary calls (summary only). ¶

Major assignments: President Young assigned temple-building responsibilities: Sanpete Valley Temple (five-year deadline from April 1877); Cache Valley Temple (multiple northern counties); Salt Lake City Temple (immediate completion urged). Approximately 60+ missionaries called to United States, Southern Mission, European missions, and Sandwich Islands. ¶