[George Q. Cannon]
Bishop Jones of Paragoonah, Adams of Parowan, Dalley of Summit, Corry of Cedar, and Counselor Roundy of Kanarra made reports. Taking the reports in general, it left the impression that the Wards were not in as healthy a condition spiritually as they should be. Drunkenness was increasing, the use of tobacco was increasing, a disposition to seek for pleasure on the Sabbath day was increasing, neglect of family prayers was common, and Bishop Adams described the existence of sexual sins in his Ward and a disposition on the part of some members to pay their tithing after their living expenses had been deducted from their income.
... Before the meeting adjourned, I announced to the conference that I could not conscientiously permit the sacrament to be administered until a better understanding was had concerning their condition. I wished them to understand, and I desired to explain to them, my feelings concerning certain things that the Bishops had alluded to, and I therefore suggested that the administration of the sacrament be suspended, at least today.
In the afternoon meeting I occupied an hour and a quarter in speaking to the people upon the subjects that had been mentioned by the Bishops...
A vote was taken as to whether the sacrament should be administered tomorrow and a large number held up their hands as being willing to partake of the sacrament. A number, however, did not lift their hands. As Brother David Ward proposed to leave for home after the forenoon meeting in order to meet President Woodruff at his place, I suggested that the sacrament be administered in the forenoon, as he desired to have the privilege of partaking of it.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
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