felt it was best to unite. Then he said, "I tender my resignation as bishop of East Porterville Ward." Elder Teasdale accepted his resignation with appreciation for his labors. Bishop Samuel Carter then spoke about the pleasure he had received during the time he had been bishop. He said the day had come that he had looked forward to for years. He wanted to be obedient to the request, and he willingly and cheerfully resigned as bishop of West Porterville Ward. It was moved to accept the resignations with hearty appreciation for the many years of service. Aunanimous vote of appreciation on each resignation was registered. President Richard Fry then called for members of the high council who were present, along with the patriarch, Alma Porter, to join with the members of the stake presidency as they retired to counsel together about the choice of the new bishop. Elder Teasdale then addressed the meeting as the group under the direction of President Fry left to prayerfully deliberate on their choice. Elder Teasdale talked to the people about the importance of sustaining the man who was to be called. He said they no longer had an East and West Porterville, but they were one. He admonished them to build a new chapel for the ward and promised those who would put forth their time and means to build it, that they would be better off personally when the meetinghouse was completed. When the brethren returned to the meeting they had not decided who should become bishop of the combined wards. Joseph Durrant, who was first counselor to Bishop Samuel Carter at the time, had not arrived at the meeting. He and his wife, Annie Geary, had had three boys, but Annie died after the birth of the third boy. The little son soon followed her in death. Later, in 1883, Joseph married Margaret Cottam. They were very happy together and became the parents of seven children. Three of these children died in infancy, then Margaret also died following the birth of her last little daughter. So Joseph was left again with ayoung family to care for. He kept the four boys with him while relatives cared for the two little girls. Brother Durrant at first decided that he would not go to the meeting. He got the little boys ready and sent them, while he stayed at home to finish up the dishes and straighten the house. Later he changed his mind and decided to go. When he entered the grove, Elder Teasdale saw him and told the stake presidency, "There is the man who will be bishop and will unite your two wards together!" Brother Durrant was called forward. He felt it would be very difficult for him to occupy such a responsible position when he had a young family to care for by himself, but he accepted the call. Bishop Durrant was accepted by the people and served them faithfully until 1907/4