History
World Conferences were originally known as "General Conferences." The first General Conference of the church, then known as "The Church of Christ," was held on June 9, 1830--only two months after its organization. Convened in Fayette, New York, it was presided over by Joseph Smith Jr. The conference included a gathering of the 27 members of the church.
Originally held semiannually, or as need arose, the church switched to an annual meeting in the late nineteenth century. With many members desiring to meet more than once a year, summer gatherings were held, starting in 1883, as reunions (a tradition that continues to this day). In the twentieth century, the church decided to meet biannually. Then, at the 2007 World Conference, it was decided that World Conferences would be held tri-annually. Switching to a conference every three years, instead of every two, was anticipated to be less taxing on church resources, and to provide for greater participation by members who reside abroad.
The last World Conference was held April 10–17, 2010; the next World Conference will be held April 13–20, 2013.
Read more about this topic: World Conference (Community Of Christ)
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