Met at near Oak Grove, MO,

September 26, 1998

The meeting convened with Joseph F. Smith, George Rawlins, Dwight Deitrick, Peter Gould, Wayne Bartrow, Gary Wheeler, Jack Evans, and Bill Whenham all in attendance – Leroy (Buddy) Ormsbee was unable to attend.

Joseph Smith called the meeting to order as chairman with prayer by Jack Evans. The financial report from Brother G. Rawlins was distributed.

The first agenda item was presented – to discuss whether we would host the retreat in New Brunsfels, TX at Thanksgiving, or whether it should be deleted from our schedule. Dwight suggested if we take over the retreat, we should try to encourage/rally local Texas support. Brother Joseph suggested perhaps we might commit to 40 – 45 at the retreat and make a down payment for the camp based on that estimate. Bill Whenham suggested that perhaps we should concentrate on other areas. Jack Evans suggested that if there is not sufficient local support to host a retreat there, it might be too great a burden on Virginia Kuykendall. Gary Wheeler noted that meetings in the Independence area which did not conflict with regular Sunday morning worship services bring perhaps 100 or more, and suggested that we should redouble our efforts in this area, and schedule meetings other than on Sunday mornings. Joseph noted some areas of discouragement in Independence with the Elders’ conferences, and stated that we ought to look elsewhere. He also mentioned some examples of other invitations such as in Woodbine IA. After discussion of this matter it was decided (with none opposed) to cancel the TX retreat this year. Note was made that this cancellation needs to be mentioned in the next newsletter.

Joseph asked about a tax number for the committee ("Restoration Committee for Unity" name used on the WEB site). Some questions and discussions followed regarding what was required to incorporate as a non-profit organization. It was decided to bring this matter up to the priesthood at our next opportunity, for a decision. Dwight suggested that we need to find someone in MO with information on how to incorporate. Jack was appointed to determine corporation/committee requirements and how to handle donations. He will look at what our options are. Our next meeting was set for Oct 10/11 in Geneseo ("Fall Conference") – this issue will be on the agenda for discussion there.

Jack suggested that we need to discuss where we are headed. George referenced D&C 83:8 and reminded us that we need to come out from under this condemnation. Dwight asked whether we are out from under that condemnation. Gary commented that the involvement of the priesthood as a whole is OK but that the committee needs to provide direction in these things. "Where are we going?" The committee needs to wrestle with some of these things "Are we going to talk about unifying into one body?"

Wayne suggested that we need to move forward with the mission, goals, etc., which we have already established. Gary stated that the advertising committee has been somewhat ineffective for lack of direction. He also suggested that the contacting other groups has been less of an outreach than we should have done in the center-place. He mentioned the Pastor’s organization in Independence, for instance, which meet the 2^nd Saturday of each month (morning and afternoon meetings) and suggested that he will arrange contacts to meet with these organizations. Wayne suggested that we commission Gary to discuss meeting with the Pastor’s groups (seconded by Jack Evans). All were in favor of this suggestion. Brother Joseph noted that we would need to be ready to explain how the committee’s efforts meet with their own efforts. He further noted that we are dealing with sensitive issues (i.e. of the apostleship – by recognizing only offices through Elder) and that this might be good for promoting the committee’s efforts to them. Gary noted that V. Horn is no longer the chairman, but was replaced by David Black (current Pastors of Zion chairman)

We discussed creating a periodical by the networking and advertising committee. Jack suggested that we pursue this at the next general meeting.

Peter suggested for the conference that we develop articles of federation/harmony between organizations. Jack read the original working harmony agreement between the RLDS church and the Church of Christ (TL). We then adjourned to the afternoon meeting with prayer by Dwight.

(AFTERNOON SESSION)

We took up the articles of working harmony as printed in the CofC (TL) Outline History.

Item #1 – Keep as is. "Agreed, that we believe in the restoration of the gospel and the angel's message through Joseph the Seer."

Item #2 – Agreed that the epitome of faith as published by the prophet Joseph Smith Jr is a statement of our beliefs and that "we accept the fundamental doctrine of Christ as recorded in III Nephi 5:32 – 40; and the gospel of Christ as recorded in III Nephi 12:25 – 35." -- This item was: "Agreed that so far as the fundamental principles of the gospel of Christ are concerned both organizations believe the same, as per the copies of epitome attached."

Items #3/4 combined – "Agreed that the Book of Mormon is a divine record and that the revelations contained in the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants are endorsed by us. -- This item was: "(3) Agreed, that the Book of Mormon is a divine record, and the redemption must be by purchase. (4) Agreed, that we endorse the revelations contained in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants."

Item #5 – Omitted. -- This item was "Agreed, that we endorse the revelations found in the letter from Joseph Smith, the Seer, to W.W. Phelps concerning the one 'mighty and strong', Dated November 27, 1832."

Item #6 – Omitted. -- This item was: "Agreed, that we endorse the article on Marriage and of Governments and Laws in General, in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants."

Item #7 – Omitted. -- This item was: "Agreed, that we believe that there are individuals in the different factions who hold the priesthood."

Item #8 – "A branch may exist where there are 6 or more members, one of whom is a priesthood member". -- This item was: "Agreed, that where there are six or more regularly baptized members, any one of which is an elder, there the church exists."

Item #9 – Omitted. -- This item was: "Agreed, that an organization is necessary and such an organization as the number of members and the will of God enables them to attain to."

Item #10 – Omitted. -- This item was: "Agreed, that wherever a branch exists the power of church extension exists also to its fullest extend, when actin in harmony with the law."

Item #11 – Omitted. -- This item was: "Agreed, that any man holding the priesthood, and possessing the proper qualifications, may be chosen by the church, by acting in accordance with the law, to act in any specific position.

Item #12 – Omitted. -- This item was: "Agreed, that faith and righteousness and the call of God, are the chief essentials for the possession of the Melchisedec priesthood."

Item #13 – Modified to read " Agreed that in order to accomplish the work of the Lord committed to this people, it is necessary for them to unite in one organizations, in harmony with the law of God." -- This item was: "Agreed, that in the opinion of this council, in order to accomplish the work of the Lord committed to his people, it is necessary for them to unite in one organization, in harmony with the law of God."

Note was made here that we need to put our statement on priesthood authority at the top of this list of articles as the new Item #1, as follows: "Divinely given priesthood authority is the right to preach, teach, expound, and exhort the word of God; to provide leadership in spiritual development and establish a zionic community; to administer the sacrament and ordination…." – see Jan. 1998 news-letter.

Item #14 – OK as is. -- "Agreed, that the city of Zion will be built at Independence, Missouri, and that the saints of God will gather there."

Item #15 – OK as is. -- "Agreed, that the principle of consecration is necessary to the establishment of Zion."

Item #16 – Omitted. -- "Agreed, that the law of Christ requires that every man be made a steward, and that none are exempt from the law who belong to the church of the living God, whether officer or member, and that all shall be equal in temporal things, and that not grudgingly, in order to be united according to the law of the celestial kingdom; and that the time has fully come to apply this law in Zion; and that we will labor together to see that it Is enforced as soon as possible."

Item #17 – OK as is. -- "Agreed, that we believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and the restoration of the 'Ten Lost Tribes'."

Item #18 – OK as is. -- "Agreed, that Christ will reign personally upon the earth and the earth will be restored to its paradisiacal glory."

Item #19 – Omitted. -- This item was: "Agreed, that the question of who the one 'mighty and strong' is, whether Christ or man, be left an open question until further revelation from God shall definitely determine who it is."

Item #20 – Omitted. -- This item was: "Agreed, that the doctrine of baptism for the dead 'by proxy' be not taught as a part of the faith and doctrine of the church unless commanded by a revelation accepted by the church."

Item #21 – Omitted. -- This item was: "Agreed, that what is known as the "King Follett Sermon" and the Book of Abraham be not accepted as the basis for doctrine."

Item #22 – Omitted. -- This item was: "Agreed, that the branch of the Church of Christ on the Temple Lot, which was presided over by Elder Granville Hedrick and his successors, shall be continued, and that no change be made in the custody of the Temple Lot."

Item #23 – "Agreed, that all other minor points of difference in belief and practice, that may exist between the officers and members of these various organizations, be left to the elders for settlement as they assemble in counsel from time to time." This item was: " Agreed, that all other minor points of difference in belief and practice, that may exist between the officers and members of the two organizations, be left to the elders for settlement as they assemble in counsel from time to time."

Item #24 – Omitted. This item was: "Agreed, that whereas the Church of Christ, and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints consist of members who have been baptized by men holding authority, conferred by ordination under the hands of the servants of God, called during the ministry of Joseph Smith, who have remained true to the original faith of the church, organized April 6, 1830, and, whereas, both organizations stand for and maintain the same fundamental doctrine and practice, and have the same purpose and ideal in their church government and work: therefore, be it mutually agreed, that each recognize the standing of the other as representing Christ, the Master, and the priesthood of each as legally constituted, and the administration of each as equally binding before God, when done in accordance with the law."

These items as amended were thus agreed upon with none opposed.

We then took up the discussion of the Fall Conference schedule, which was set as follows:

 Friday Night Schedule:

Arrival ~9:00 p.m.

Saturday Schedule:

Breakfast – 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Business – 10:00 am – 12:00 p.m. (Joseph to preside)

Lunch – 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Business – 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Joseph to preside)

Dinner – 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Business – 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday Schedule: 

Breakfast – 7:30 am – 8:30 am

Prayer – 9:00 am – 10:30 am (Jack in charge)

Worship – 11:00 am – 12:00 p.m. (Ask Sam G. to preach)

Other Items discussed:

• - Need better notification on meetings (advertising).
• - December 13^th meeting, present the articles of unification. Time set for 2:30 p.m., location still to be determined. The meeting is to be advertised in the newspaper, and use of the old W’m Christman High School auditorium should be obtained if possible. Gary will try to make arrangements. The meeting is expected to go from 2:30 to about 4:30.
• - A tentative 1999 schedule to be drafted at the Geneseo conference.
• - Discussed Unity reunion and youth retreat. June 27^th – July 4^th, or week following July 24^th were suggested by Jack as a good time for the reunion if we are going to have one.
• - Gary suggested that we need to focus on some Y2K issues and preparation. Joseph noted that we have a responsibility to be prepared and to sound the alarm.
• - Agreed that if we have extra time we will have a discussion of the congregational vs. hierarchy view of the church (suggested by Jack Evans) and/or the financial situation of the committee efforts (suggested by Dwight)
• - Joseph asked if there were any comments on the monetary report. Gary noted some comments/questions, which George clarified. The report was received as is.

Brother Joseph Smith dismissed the meeting with prayer.

Peter Gould, Secretary - Committee for Unity.