Report on the Hyrum Stake

I have truly rejoiced, my brethren and sisters, in the timely and practical instructions that have been given at this conference. I have enjoyed the spirit that has rested upon those who have spoken to us. In reporting the Hyrum Stake of Zion I will say, it is a newly-organized stake. It was organized two years ago on the 30th of April. It comprises the south end of Cache valley, with ten wards and about 5,700 Saints. I believe the spiritual condition of the people there has improved of late. I think it was an excellent thing to divide the old stake, make it smaller, and place more active men in the field to look after the people and to encourage them in the work of the Lord. We have divided one of the wards in our stake, and we believe it is an excellent thing. It has brought about good results. We now have three wards where we had one, and three Bishops and three sets of officers where we only had one. We find that the people are better looked after, and spiritual activity is growing. We have better attendance at our meetings. The presidency of the stake are united, and have a good deal of pleasure in their labors. We have an excellent High Council, and I think I am safe in saying that every member of that body is a good, faithful, consistent Latter-day Saint. They are good tithepayers, they observe the Sabbath day, they observe the Word of Wisdom, and they are active in the ministry. We meet together once a month, and we always have a splendid attendance. Usually nearly all the members are present, both regular members and alternates. The presidency are supposed to meet once a week. We do not always do this, but we do it as often as we can find it convenient and practicable. In our meetings we have a great deal of pleasure, and, I believe, have enjoyed the Spirit of the Lord. We take under consideration matters pertaining to the general interest and welfare of our people. Our wards are close together. We only cover a small area of country — about ten miles to our farthest ward; so that our stake is very compact, and, I think, a model stake. We have some splendid people in that part of the country — perhaps as good as can be found in Israel; and we have enough of the other element to keep those who are willing to work busily engaged. There is plenty of opportunity for them to labor in the ministry. We only have two saloons in our midst — and that is two more than we would like to have. Our tithing has increased between $5,000 and $6,000 the last year. Our Priesthood meetings are very well attended. We have ten very good, active Bishops. ¶

I can say for all our Bishops that they are good, intelligent men, who thoroughly understand the Gospel and the duties of their calling. They are qualified and able to look after their wards, and I believe they are giving the people good attention. Our stake officers, as far as I have learned, are all good, faithful people, and our organizations are all complete. Although it is a new stake, we have the organizations all complete, both in the wards and in the stake. There is a meeting of the Priesthood every month, and all stake officers have their regular monthly meetings, at which they devise means and plans for the best interest and welfare of the various organizations. While we are located in one of the most fertile and prosperous valleys in the Rocky Mountains, still we always have the poor with us. We have plenty to consume the fast offerings and the funds placed at the disposal of the Bishops, though the people are increasing in the payment of their fast offerings, and we hope some time in the near future that we will be able to take good care of all the poor in our part of the Lord's vineyard without calling upon the Church for assistance. We are working to that end. ¶

I do not know that I have anything further to say, more than that I rejoice in the principles of the Gospel. I have a testimony of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the great work of the latter days. I have had this testimony for many years. I can hardly remember the time when I did not look upon the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ and the men who stood in prominent positions in this Church with the greatest degree of reverence. I have looked upon those who have presided over me all the days of my life with perhaps as much consideration almost as I have my own parents. I have learned to love the servants of God, and I am glad to be associated with them. I am glad to attend these conferences, and I always rejoice in listening to the instructions that are imparted. The last conference that we held in the Hyrum Stake of Zion, I believe, was the best we have had. It was more liberally attended than any previous conference. Our house was so full that we had to have an overflow meeting, and the Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us in abundance. We felt that the Lord had kindly recognized our efforts, and made us to rejoice. Although the roads were exceedingly bad, the people turned out in great numbers, and we had a spiritual feast. ¶

May the Lord bless us, brethren and sisters, and preserve us in the truth. I ask it in the name of Jesus. Amen. ¶