Report on the Star Valley Stake

My brethren and sisters, I feel it to be quite a privilege as well as a duty to stand before this large audience and report briefly the Star Valley Stake of Zion, in which I and my counselors have the responsibility of presiding. It is a small stake, comparatively speaking, in the western part of the state of Wyoming, and formerly formed part of the Bear Lake Stake. It was organized as a separate stake in August, 1892. Since that time there has been considerable of an increase in its population, although, being outside, as it were, of the Church generally, our population has been a floating one. It consists of two small valleys, containing an area of probably 150 square miles of habitable land. We have nine wards completely organized. Thus far I can speak with confidence as to the stake. I can also tell you that our population is about 2,300. But when you come to more minute particulars in relation to our condition, I feel to be truthful and represent us as we really are. I think, though, that we average pretty well with the other stakes of Zion, and I am led to believe this from the fact that when we are called upon to do anything, we come as near doing it as probably other stakes do. Hence I think we average up with other stakes in paying tithing and in other respects. Still, as has been remarked of other stakes, there is great room for improvement. If there were not, there would be nothing for the Priesthood to do. We are not perfect, but we are headed in that direction. My brethren and I are laboring to set an example to the people, that we may say, Follow us as we follow those who preside over us. A great deal that has been said in relation to other stakes would apply to ours. We have different classes of people, as you have. I think we will have candidates for every degree of glory. But I do believe that the great bulk of the people are trying earnestly and honestly to serve the Lord and to keep His commandments. As a rule, the people are aiming to do right; but sometimes they are poor marksmen and miss the mark. We have in course of erection a large tabernacle, so that it will be sufficient to hold all the people who may come to conference. This is a great need with us at the present time. My counselors are united with me. The Priesthood generally are united, and trying to set an example to the rest of the people, that we may not only say, "Do as we tell you," but "Do as we do." ¶

May the Lord help us all to improve, that our reports from year to year may show an improvement, not only in our particular stakes, but in all the Church. I ask this blessing upon us and upon our labors, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶