Union Pacific to Morgan. A trip to attend conference could be made in one day, if necessary, but most visitors stayed overnight for the two-day stake conference. Telegraph messages were sent to announce time of train arrivals for convenient pickups at the railroad station, and from there the visitors would be taken directly to the meetings.45 On 18 May 1897, Bishop Charles Turner wrote: "Sunday: Did chores, cleaned up and went to conference in which the Sunday School children took part. In this morning's meeting I directed the administration of the sacrament. Apostles Franklin Richards and John H. Smith was present and both of them spoke to us this morning. . . Afternoon: Prepared the sacrament and directed the administration of the same. The Apostles again addressed us. A large gathering this afternoon. After meeting I went to President R. Fry's and assisted in administering to Jessie Taggart who has been unwell for some time. Had quite a talk with the Apostles and Apostle F. D. Richards accompanied me home. Took supper and stayed over night with us, for which privilege we feel to thank God for the honor of entertaining an Apostle over night and to have him eat, drink, and pray with us."46 At times, the leaders of the stake were invited to conferences of their neighboring stakes. Frequent mention is made by Samuel Francis about visiting Summit Stake conference at Coalville. On one occasion he recorded: "Sunday, May 14, 1899: Counselor William Rich and I went to Coalville to attend the dedication of the new Summit Stake House. On boarding the train we met President Lorenzo Snow and Apostles Franklin D. Richards and GeoigeTeasdale and accompanied them on the train toCoalville. This was a spiritual experience long to be remembered."47 With all the responsibilities and busy schedules of the visiting Church authorities, it must have been refreshing and relaxing to take the train ride up Weber Canyon and see the beautiful mountains and Morgan Valley. After one of his trips to Morgan, Elder Edward Stevenson wrote to the Deseret News describing his trip as follows; "A Trip to Morgan" Morgan City, Morgan County, Utah May 18, 1896 ApostleJ. H. Smith and I left Salt Lake City on the U.P. train at 7:00 am. in the midst of a rain storm, and in fifty minutes we were in Ogden City, thirty-eight miles north of Salt Lake, where we changed cars for Morgan City, east and up the Weber River, passing through Devil's Gateway, in the midst of towering rocks and elevated mountain peaks, dotted here and there with cedars and pine trees, but capped with snow. Indeed the panoramic scenery was sublime and as the tourist from the flat, level country passes through these mountain gorges, all is excitement. Eager eyes turn toward the grand scenery. Doubtless God's anger was kindled when His only begotten Son was ignominiously murdered. No wonder if the solid rocks were rent in twain, mountains cast up and the face of nature changed! 54