12 May 1868

[. . .]

Present on the Stand, Bishop E [Elijah] F Sheets, Counsellors, J [John] D T McAllister, Sisters E R Snow and Zina [D. H.] Young, Presidentess M A [Mary Ann] Leaver, Counsellors S [Sarah] A Needham and A [Anna B.] Starr.

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Bishop Sheets stated the object of this special meeting, to be more fully organized.

Sister E R Snow arose, said she was pleased, gratified and thankful for meeting with us, she had heard of our good works and felt proud of us, that the time had come for the Sisters to act in a wider sphere than they had previously done. She had been present when Joseph Smith first spoke of organizing such a Society. She then read the minutes <of the organization> according to the order of God. The object was to provoke the sisters to good works and <to> help the brethren, all received into the Society must be by vote, and be particular about the characters of the members, all needy persons who were hired to work, should be promptly paid. She said it was no trifling thing, but an organization after the order of Heaven, the design in Nauvoo was, to build houses and give them work therein, our business is the same. Josh [Joseph] Smith said it was also to save souls. The first principle is union. She advised us to obey the Bishop in his directions. The business of the Visiting Committees was not only to collect means, but to cheer up the Sisters and strengthen them in the faith. She urged all to diligence in doing good, felt to bless us, and promised us another visit from her. [n.p.]

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Presidentess Leaver expressed her thanks for the presence of these two Sisters. She wished that herself and Counsellors might be sustained in their positions: in all things spiritually and temporally.

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Bishop Sheets said he was delighted with the pattern of the organization, where we lacked in being right we would fulfil as near as possible, Urged us to perform every duty, become one, when we gather the poor, help to sustain them. The Visiting Committees seek to discern by the Spirit of God between the good and the wicked, but ’tis better to relieve many unworthy ones than neglect one good one; urged us to live our religion for ourselves, uphold Sisters Snow and Young; make preparations to receive the poor who were expected. Sisters of experience counsel together, and devise the best means to relieve.

Sister Snow said his were words of wisdom, were as apples of gold in baskets of Silver and if we had any doubt as to person’s honesty in applying for aid, it was our right to know of the contents of their houses; and by doing good, ‘Our peace would be as a River, and our Righteousness as the waves, constantly flowing.’

[. . .] [n.p.]