Minutes of the October 1878 General Conference

Minutes of the Forty-Eighth Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, convened in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, October 6-8, 1878 (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday sessions). President John Taylor presiding. ¶

Elder Orson Hyde on witnesses to the Book of Mormon and spiritual preparedness. Elder C. C. Rich on childlike submission to divine principles and temple work for deceased ancestors. Elder George Q. Cannon on cooperation, the United Order, and temporal salvation as complementary to spiritual development. Elder Orson Pratt on the Book of Mormon witnesses, including David Whitmer's continued testimony. Elder Joseph F. Smith reported on a recent mission to Missouri, including visits to historical sites and temple locations. President John Taylor addressed priesthood responsibilities and the settlement of Brigham Young's estate. Elder Lorenzo Snow on dependence on divine Spirit and home manufactures. Elder Brigham Young Jr. on union among settlements and Sabbath school benefits. Elder F. D. Richards cautioned against secular education and stressed communal cooperation. Elder Wilford Woodruff connected temple work to fulfilling prophetic destiny. ¶

Key themes: union and cooperation, United Order implementation, temporal and spiritual salvation as integrated, home manufactures, temple work for living and deceased, priesthood responsibility. ¶

Financial reports adopted: Logan Temple donations $90,020.76; Perpetual Emigration Fund financial statement; Manti Temple contributions $90,114.11; Welsh Saints relief fund $4,450.55. General Authorities sustained; John Taylor and Quorum of Twelve unanimously sustained. ¶