Memoirs of William Miller

CHAPTER 21

MUTUAL CONFERENCE AT ALBANY - DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES - PLAN OF OPERATIONS - ADDRESS TO THE BRETHREN - ACTION OF THE CONFERENCE DEFENDED BY MR. MILLER, ETC

ON the 23rd of April, Mr. Miller, in company with Mr. Himes, visited Albany, and commenced a course of lectures on the prophecies. Mr. M. spoke with his usual clearness and ability, was in good spirits, and was listened to by a large and respectful audience. MWM 300.9

On the 29th, the Conference assembled at 9 A. M., at the “House of Prayer,” in Grand street. After singing, and a prayer by Mr. Miller, it was temporarily organized by the choice of Mr. Miller, Chairman, and Mr. Himes, Secretary, who stated the objects for which the Conference had been called, namely, “to consult together respecting the condition and wants of brethren in the several sections of the country; that we may be better enabled to act in concert, and with more efficiency, in the promulgation of Gospel truths.” MWM 300.10

After the names and residence of members were ascertained, the Conference was fully organized by the choice of Rev. Elon Galusha, of Lockport, N. Y., President, and S. Bliss and O. R. Fassett, Secretaries. MWM 300.11

A committee of twelve, consisting of William Miller, Josiah Litch, N. N. Whiting, J. V. Himes, Sylvester Bliss, L. D. Fleming, Erastus Parker, H. Caswell, I. R. Gates, I. H. Shipman, Prosper Powell, and Elon Galusha, were appointed to arrange business for the action of the Conference. While they were thus engaged, the others were profitably occupied in listening to statements of the condition of things in different sections of the country. The committee reported, in part, on the second day, and in full on the third and last day of the session, as follows: MWM 301.1