The meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles was held as usual this morning in the temple.
A letter had been written to Bishop John Ravsten of Clarkston [Utah], making inquiry as to whether or not there was a headstone at the grave of the late Martin Harris, who died there and was buried at Clarkston. A letter was now read from Bishop Ravsten stating that the headstone at the grave of Martin Harris was [in] a state of decay, and that the base of the headstone was entirely gone.
It was decided to erect a new monument of granite instead of the present headstone.
It was the sense of the Council also that an effort be made to learn whether or not there were headstones at the graves of Thomas B. Marsh and Oliver Cowdery, and if so, the condition they were in. ...
A communication to the General Board of Young Man's Mutual Improvement Associations by Brother B. H. Roberts; also a communication referred to a committee composed of Brothers [Thomas] Hull, Benjamin Goddard and Hinckley were read to the Council. Brother B. H. Roberts' communication advised that the character of the Mutual Improvement Associations be somewhat changed in this: the advanced theological studies be done away with, and the same transferred to the quorums of the priesthood, with the suggestion that the quorums receive the necessary support to make them efficient as a means of imparting religious instruction. It also advised that the organization of the General Board be somewhat changed, that the Apostles and members of the First Council of Seventy withdraw as members, and a new board be provided for to be composed of younger men, more in touch with our young people, but that they still be nominated by and be under Church authority. This communication was referred by the Board in writing, in which they assigned reasons why the proposed changes should not be made. These communications were referred to the First Presidency, and they were now considered by this council.
All the members present expressed themselves on the subject, and the conclusion was reached that the time was inopportune at present to make any change whatever in Mutual Improvement Associations, or the general Board, and it was decided to write the General Board to this effect. The general sentiment of the Council however was that it would be a very proper thing for the
Stake Presidencies to devote their special attention to the quorums, with a view to getting them in the way of entering into the study of the gospel in a systematic and progressive way, and if this were done it was thought in time things would adjust themselves to Brother Roberts' idea without making any radical change.
President [Joseph F.] Smith informed the Council that Mr. A[lfred]. W. McCune desires to dispose of Calder's Park, and offers to sell it for $35,000., payable in bonds of the Utah Light & Railway Co[mapny]., that the Church had the bonds, and could spare them, and it was proposed to purchase the property through the six city and county stakes, and operate it as a pleasure resort through them, as though they owned it. The brethren coincided with this movement.
Meeting adjourned.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
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