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Show When stake conference convened a week later, the same high council member who had opposed President Fry requested the visiting authorities, Francis M. Lyman and Abraham H. Cannon, to meet with the high council before the names of the stake presidency were presented to the Saints for a sustaining vote.19 Alonzo Francis, son of Samuel Francis, was stake clerk at the time. In the record containing minutes of stake conferences he wrote: "The removing of President Smith and putting in Bro. Fry was done by the Presidency of the Church and the Twelve Apostles. Certain members of the High Council took exception to the action of the Presidency in this regard, thinking the Presidency had no right to do this without their consent. Apostle [Francis] Lyman came up to the May Conference and in a priesthood meeting set the High Council right, most indelibly impressing upon their minds that the Presidency of the Church had a right to do what they saw fit and it was not the business of this High Council to question their right. After the remarks of Apostle Lyman the action of the Presidency of the Church was put before the meeting and sustained by them."20 On Sunday and Monday, 14 and 15 May 1893, the sixty-second quarterly conference of the Morgan Stake was held. Because of the fire, they met in Simmons' Hall, which had been built by George and William Simmons. It was a frame building, approximately forty feet wide and sixty feet long. A stage was located in the west end. Large lamps hung from the ceiling for lighting and it was heated by large stoves. It was used as the social center for many years where there were dances, theatrical groups, roller skating, and even the old medicine shows.21 On Sunday morning after singing and prayer, President Richard Fry reported on the condition of the stake, and then President Willard G. Smith spoke. Elder Abraham H. Cannon told about the great blessings of the temple. He said the Saints enjoyed blessings as great as any of God's people had enjoyed in any period of the world, and if they did not continue to live righteous lives, the Spirit of God would be withdrawn from them. He also spoke about tithes and offerings, and advised the Saints to be honest and deal with others as they would have others deal with them. In the afternoon session, the sacrament was administered by the bishops of the wards, which was the custom in those days. Elder Francis M. Lyman then addressed the congregation. He spoke about the great powers of the mind and of the necessity to train and school their minds. He said it was important to listen carefully when a brother was speaking or praying. He gave good suggestions on prayer and administering the sacrament. Elder Lyman also spoke about the order of the priesthood and the unity and harmony which should exist therein.22 Monday morning, Elder Abraham H. Cannon again addressed the congregation. Perhaps the attendance was not as good as at the Sunday meetings, because Elder Cannon said if the brethren would stop their work and come to meeting, the Lord would make up the time to them. The 46 |