34 The school opened in the Weber Stake Tabernacle, its new home, on April 8, 1890. There were about lUO students present, enough to comfortably fill the house, at least to occupy all the furniture we had. The forenoon was spent principally in addresses. In the afternoon we commenced to take the names and organize, but we got along very slowly. Three days were spent trying to fit into the program the 175 students. Professor Moench even called an assembly in the evening to see if any would be willing to take classes at an evening hour. Many expressed themselves as favorable to his suggestions. The evening classes never materialized. There was a dark cloud ahead. The school had been in session but two weeks. On April 22, "Brother Shurtliff stepped in and informed of the trouble that was brewing respecting the Tabernacle property."2 On April the 29th, 1890, a notification came from the Presidency of the Church to the Presidency of the Stake giving instructions that the Tabernacle should be vacated at once. This was sad news and fell like a thunderbolt upon us all.3 All went on pleasantly with the school except the cloud that hung over us indicating a dismissal. At noon our fears were fully realized. The Board one by one filed into the office and when all were seated and the meeting called to order, the news was announced that the Tabernacle would have to be vacated at once.4 An attorney had given advice that the Tabernacle "was not to be used for any but religious purposes."5 All this trouble and sorrow was caused by the threat that the United States was about to seize and confiscate all church property. Polygamy was the basis for this action by Congress. In the meantime school went on as usual. Fast Meeting was held and an exceedingly good spirit prevailed. About twenty spoke and a large number had fasted. I attempted to go May walking but weather 1. Historical Record of Louis F. Moench. 2. Idem. 3. Idem. 4. Idem. 5. Idem.