Ecclesiastical Duties

May 3, 1834

Joseph Smith presided over a conference of elders that discussed the name by which the Church was to be known. The name was changed to The Church of the Latter-Day Saints (from Church of Christ) to distinguish it from other churches. The name was changed again by revelation on April 26, 1838, to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

July 2, 1834

Joseph Smith told the brethren of Zion's Camp that they could avoid a second plague of cholera by humbling themselves and covenanting to obey the Lord's commandments.

July 3, 1834

Joseph Smith organized a high council from members of the assembled high priests; he also organized the first Missouri stake with presidents David Whitmer, William W. Phelps, and John Whitmer. Zion's Camp was disbanded.

August 11, 1834

Elder Sylvester Smith accused Joseph Smith of criminal conduct during his journey to and from Missouri but later confessed that his accusation was false and asked Joseph Smith for forgiveness.

August 23, 1834

The Kirtland High Council read and adopted resolutions concerning Joseph Smith’s conduct toward Sylvester Smith, saying that Joseph Smith was “worthy of [their] esteem and fellowship.”

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