Alma L. Smith's missionary success in Sheffield

Alma L. Smith, serving as President of the Sheffield Conference, reports on the progress of his missionary efforts. He notes the baptism of new converts, the organization of new branches at Rotherham and Holbrook due to increased membership, and the improvement in tithing contributions despite hard times. He mentions he is able to perform his duties despite his crippled condition.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

Prest. Alma L. Smith writes from Sheffield :— The Saints through the Conference generally feel well; we add a few by baptism, from month to month,—some half dozen new converts joined our ranks during the month of March. Brother Warren and I recently organized the ‘Rotherham and Holbrook’ Districts of the Sheffield Branch into separate Branches, they both having of late increased their numbers sufficiently to justify such a move. The former is six, and the latter about nine miles from Sheffield. This will encourage the members thereof, besides relieving Prest. O. Perkins of no small responsibility. When I took charge here I began in a kindly, though earnest manner to talk up the principle of Tithing, (in common with others) and carried it through the entire Conference, quoting repeatedly from the Stars, Journals, and other Church works, including the Bible, upon the subject ; and you know the result, our Tithing has increased, though times have grown harder, we have paid the ‘debt’ which was upon us and met all necessary expenses, besides sending considerable to ‘42,’ to bless some other interest, all of which speaks well for the Saints of Sheffield Conference. Bro. Warren and myself study economy, neither of us have used a hape for ourselves to buy or pay for anything, except the expenses about the Conference House, and that as little as possible, with a trifle for railroad fares for myself, etc., on account of my crippled condition.