Bannock Stake Report

My brethren and sisters, in reporting my labors and the condition of the Bannock stake of Zion, I sincerely trust I may be actuated by the Spirit of the Lord, that what I say may be directed thereby. In the stake of Zion where I preside, our numbers are not great. We have only 10 small wards, and about 2,200 souls. In a general way, the people have been prosperous; but for years past one portion of the stake has been laboring under adverse circumstances, on account of having to haul water from four to seven miles. Two or three years ago, however, the stake was called upon to assist the people to get a portion of the waters of Bear river, at a cost of about $60,000. That has been accomplished, and many people are enjoying the benefits therefrom, though there is still a great indebtedness to meet. But that covers only a part of the arid lands in the stake, and the people in some instances have become discouraged. There has been a spirit of restlessness prevailing, and many in adverse circumstances, as well as some in better circumstances, have had this spirit. Some who have held stake and ward positions have felt they were at liberty to pull up and go to other lands just as they pleased, and the effects have been detrimental. Others have sought the counsel of those who presided over them, and have gone to seek better places, with the permission and blessing of the Priesthood. ¶

The stake presidency have always been united in their labors, so far as the work of the stake is concerned; and the High Council have been assiduous workers in helping them carry the great responsibilities. They have been called to act also as home missionaries, and have done a good work in the midst of the people. The organizations in the Priesthood are complete, with the exception of one or two vacancies, which will soon be filled. One ward is at present without a Bishop, on account of that officer resigning and moving to another place. The auxiliary organizations are in a prosperous condition. Those who preside in them are energetic, and willing to do all that is possible. They travel a great deal amongst the young people, and their labors are productive of good. Most of these organizations hold sessions through the winter months only, as many of our young people go away from home during the summer season to earn a livelihood. ¶

In a general way, there is a splendid feeling in the stake. Of course, as in other stakes, I suppose, we have a few that seem to think they do not have time to serve the Lord; they are more willing to give their time and attention to the things of this world. There is too much of a spirit of speculation prevalent in the stake; and those who visit the different wards complain that some of the people do not serve the Lord as they should do. Many have incurred great debt, and I am sorry indeed to report this condition. Many have been prosperous, and have sought to enlarge their possessions, the result is you can hear them say, "what shall I do to meet my obligations?" The implement men, and other agents who pass through our settlements, seem to have greater influence over some of the people, in a financial way, than do those who preside in the Priesthood. Many are buying far beyond their means, and in working to meet their obligations they are depriving themselves of privileges they might have in serving the Lord. ¶

I believe our numbers are increasing a little. The water is being secured for arid lands, and people have begun to come in and enquire for homes among us. Some who moved there to be on the outskirts, still want to be on the outskirts, and are selling their homes and moving again. A number of very desirable brethren and sisters have joined us recently, and we invite more to come and make their homes with us. Generally speaking, unity prevails in the priesthood. Those who are active and energetic are stronger in the faith, I believe, than they ever were. We are striving hard to bring about a still better condition, both spiritually and temporally. Our wards are usually well represented in Priesthood meetings, as are the auxiliary organizations also; and in a general way the people take home the counsels that are given, and try to practise every principle that will make them better. ¶

I trust the Spirit of the Lord will continue with us during the sessions of this conference. I bear testimony that I know the work of the Lord is here. I testify to you, my brethren and sisters, that in fulfillment of the Savior's words, if we will draw near unto Him He will draw near unto us. I have proved this in my own experience; the freedom and joy which has been spoken of during the conference has come to every Latter-day Saint. The better we serve the Lord, and the more diligent we are in His service, the greater amount of the Spirit of the Lord we enjoy, and the easier it is for us to make necessary sacrifices. I pray that the Spirit of the Lord may be with us continually, and that we may take the spirit of this conference to our homes, so that the people in general may be benefited thereby. I ask these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶