Opening authorities and session notes

First Day

The Eighty-eighth Semi-annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convened in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, at 10 o'clock a. m., Friday, October 5, 1917, President Joseph F. Smith presiding. ¶

Authorities Present

Of the First Presidency: Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose ; of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, Heber J. Grant, Rudger Clawson, *, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, *, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F. Smith, Jr., James E. Talmage, and Stephen L. Richards; Presiding Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith ; of the First Council of Seventy, Seymour B. Young, **, J. Golden Kimball, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin, and Charles H. Hart, ** ; of the Presiding Bishopric, Charles W. Nibley, Orrin P. Miller, and David ¶

*Reed Smoot was absent in Washington; and George F. Richards, presiding over the European Mission. ¶

**Brigham H. Roberts was present on Sunday, but not on Friday and Saturday, being on duty with the National Guard of Utah. Levi Edgar Young, detained by his duties in the University of Utah, was present at subsequent meetings. ¶

A. Smith ; Assistant Historians, Andrew Jenson, and A. William Lund. There were also a large number of Presidents of stakes with their counselors, Patriarchs, Bishops of Wards, and numerous other prominent men and women representing various quorums and organizations of the Church. ¶

The following Presidents of Missions were in attendance: Walter P. Monson, Eastern States ; Samuel O. Bennion, Central States ; German E. Ellsworth, Northern States; Charles A. Callis, Southern States ; John L. Herrick, Western States ; Joseph E. Robinson, California ; Benjamin Goddard, Bureau of Information, Temple Block. ¶

President Joseph F. Smith called the congregation to order. The assembly filled the Great Tabernacle in every part, including the galleries and the choir stand. ¶

The choir and congregat'on sang : "O say what is truth." The choir was composed of representatives from choirs in different parts of the Church. ¶

Prayer by President Mark Austin of the Fremont stake of Zion. ¶

A duet : "Hail to the brightness of Zion's glad morning," was sung bv Marie Hedquist and Prof. Boshard, of Provo. ¶