should be conducted was handed in, in writing by Bp. Chas. Turner, then it was widely discussed, and decided that all dancing in the stake should stop by 12 p.m., no swinging to exceed two times around, and as little waltzing and round dancing of any kind as possible."13 President Smith stated in his remarks to the brethren on December 1 "that the time would come when the kingdom would be the first thing with the bishops and temporal affairs would be secondary."14 Of necessity, however, the brethren were often concerned with temporal problems. It was not unusual to find that the main topic discussed at priesthood meeting was what type of hay should be planted or that fences were needed to keep livestock out of gardens. President Fry on one occasion gave instructions on raising sheep, encouraging the brethren to care for their sheep, trying to improve the breed and not let them get diseased.15 An interesting example of church and state working together is noted in the minutes of the Morgan City Council: "The committee for the Sunday School Jubilee to be held in Morgan City on the 4th of July prayed that the City Authorities make an appropriation to assist in the celebration and entertaining of the children. On motion of Councilor Charles Turner, the amount of $25 was appropriated for the above purpose."16 The ward during this period was more than an ecclesiastical'unit. It was the most important political unit, the main economic unit, and, except for the family, the most important social unit. Challenges of 1878 According to priesthood meeting minutes of 5 January 1878, the West Porterville Ward began the newyear by holding a joint meeting of the Relief Society and priesthood and setting apart the officers. Things were not going quite so well, however, in the Enterprise Ward. Bishop Hall reported that they were considering holding meetings on Sunday evening, but some members of the ward objected because they feared for their safety. Some of the young rowdies in the ward apparently were causing trouble. "But aside from those little difficulties, they were doing and feeling fine."17 President Smith, in answer to specific questions regarding blessing of children and marriages, stated: "Parents could bless their children when and as often as they pleased, but if health will permit on the part of the parent and children, it should be taken before the Church and there be blessed by the authoritiesandrecordedinthewardrecord. . . .In relation to marriages, the parties applying for marriage should be sited [referred] to the bishop of the ward. And no Elder has the right to perform the ceremony without the sanction of the bishop and that only in extraordinary circumstances."18 In March, President Smith addressed the members of the priesthood and told them the General Authorities of the Church were anxious to see a new meetinghouse put up in time for the next fall conference. The building then