The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-04-07
THE "REORGANlzEDY MORMONs.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo, April 6-The an
nual conference of the Reorganized Church
OF Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints be-
gan here today, with over 500 delegates
present from nearly all parts of the world
and from nearly every state in the Union.
The conference was called to order this
morning by President Joseph Smith. the
prophet He was chosen presiding officer
OF the conference, and W. w. Blair was
chosen associate president. Church Re-
corder Stebbins was elected secretary. A
committee OH credentials was apnointed
and, pending its report. various leaders of
the church made addresses, amonr tbeno
being Joseph Smith and W. w. Blair A
recess was then taken until the afternoon
AT the afternoon session the credentials
committee reported S1l delegates AS enti-
tied to seats IN the conference
The quorum of twelve presented its re-
port Oh district presidents, which officers
IL was ordered TO consider at the last CON
ference. 1t reported that he office of dis.
trict president found authority in tie
regulations but not in the epistles was
recommended that the epistles be amended
IN that respect, to correspond with the
revelation. The Recommendation was
adopted.
Secretary Stebbins reported that the
membe bership of the church had increased
during the year by the addition OF 2 639
members.
The publishing house of the church re-
porCeu het pront during the year of some
thing over 81, coo.
The quorum of twelve submitted a sum-
Elementary report on the question of
baptism after death. The report stated
that the doctrine had been freouentlv
taught in the past, and recommended that
1t be included in the church doctrine. but
not until special revelation had been re-
ceived on the subject. II is expected that
such a revelation will be received AZ the
present conference
The sensation OF the session today WAS
caused by the reading of letter from d
II. Mays, prominent member of the
quorum or seventy, repudiating Mormon
ism generally and rendering his resiyna-
uon. The letter was referred TO the
quorum OF seventy.
The present conference OF this branch of
tue mormon church Is considered an i'm
portant one, lnasmuch as il Is Thought
that some understanding may be arrived
AT between the various factions. The
church Is split on the question of
possession of the temple lot, which the
reveiatlons say is the spot where the
temple not to be built with hands shall be
erected, and where the Headquarters of
the Mormon church shall be finally
ests oiished. The lot is at present in
possession Of that branch Of the church
known as the Hedrickites. which, how
ever, numbers less than one hundred
members. The Utah church is backing in
an Its attempt to hold possession against
the suits OF the reorgauIzed latter day
saints. Whichever faction wins the suit
viii probably be joined by Tie others. aud
thus viii Result the establishment Of one
Mormon Church, all the members being
united in common cause aud Tor n com
moa cad. Ihe present conference con
t!aues ten days.
SALT LAKE. April 6-The capstone. or
last stone, Oh the Mormon temple was laid
at noon today 10y President " ood ruff oi
The Mormon church IN the presence OF au
.,ssr N oiage OF people estimated at from
4ovol 10 5o,Oo0 The ceremonies were
simple but most impressive. Nearly every
leading maa Of the Mormon church was
present, and the occasion, ss viewed by
the people. is one OF the most important IN
tAelr history.