Below you will find diary entries on the topic of “Correlation.” You can view other subjects here.
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Fri., 11 Mar., 1932:
“Held a meeting with the Committee on Priesthood Course of Study and the Presiding Bishopric, to consider the establishing of a Ward Correlation Committee, the duty of which would be the accounting for every person in the Ward. A plan has already been adopted to account for all young men between the ages of 12 and 20, but the broader plan includes everybody in the Ward.”
Wed., 24 Jun., 1942:
“Telephone Calls:
Bishop Wirthlin relative to new Church Directory 10:30 a.m.:
President McKay: I have been looking over this proposed list for the new Directory. Now, we have–
the Chairman of the Melchezidek Priesthood Committee
” ” ” ” Aaronic Priesthood Committee
” ” ” ” Adult Aaronic Priesthood Committee
” ” ” ” Stake Lesser Priesthood Ext. Plan Com.
” ” ” ” Stake Genealogical Committee
President of the Stake Mission
President Relief Society
Supt. Sunday School, Supt. YMMIA, Pres. YWMIA
Supt. Primary Assn, Chairman Stake Welfare Committee
Stake Work Director
Chairman Stake Agricultural Committee
Stake Junior Seminary
Chairman Stake Campaign Committee
We have all that, and yet we don’t consider the Presidency of the Elders Quorum of sufficient importance to put in their names. If a Stake President has any responsibility at all in connection with the Quorums, it is with the Elders’ Quorum. Of course, the General Authorities do not have to correspond with them, but it does look as though we are getting off into Commissions and Committees, just as the Government is doing.
I shall take this matter up with the Preisdency and the Council of the Twelve tomorrow, and consider the advisability of eliminating some of the names, and adding others.
What about Bishop’s counselors? Here at this office, at times, we are unable to reach Bishops, and there is no way to get in touch with their counselors.
Summary
1. Insertion of Presidents of Elders’ Quorums (it may mean 10 or 15 in some Stakes).
2. Elimination of some of the Committees.
3. Advisability of giving names of Bishops’ counselors.”
Thurs., 10 Sept., 1953:
First Presidency’s Meeting
“Among matters discussed at this meeting were the following:
1. Priesthood quorum organizations and activities as submitted by the General Priesthood Committee. The brethren did not feel to approve certain recommendations by the Priesthood Committee for the handbook, as they felt that in a very short time they might all be subject to reconsideration and possible change. President McKay said he had been concerned about what seemed to him to be a lack of discernment on the part of some of the Brethren between quorum work and what he would designate as ecclesiastical work, that the quorum is a distinct organization by revelation, and it does not function ecclesiastically only as an aid and furnishing capable officers to function when called upon by the Stake Presidency. We have assigned very important functions to other groups: teaching, recreation, and everything that might be incorporated in the quorum unit to strengthen its organization we have given to others. President Richards said he would like the opportunity of expanding these thoughts some time and had been waiting to get this insurance business for the Priesthood under way. He said that the insurance plan is now waiting a recasting of the original papers which Mr. Hobbs submitted. He did not set forth all of the data which he thinks entitles our people as a class to some preferential rates, and he thinks he can furnish some data for that. Since Mr. Hobbs was here we have looked up all the statistical data we could find to show our death rates and he wants to study those again with reference to the national rate.
President McKay asked if we could have it ready for Conference. President Richards did not know but he thought we could get it within a week or so. If we could get it ready it would appeal to our great body of able business men who are seemingly indifferent to their Church work but who are as loyal as anyone in the Church if we asked them to do anything. President Richards said he has established some very low rates and he thoroughly believes he can support them. He has friends in big insurance companies, the Equitable and others. He has agreed that when he gets his assumptions all written up and the rates written up to take it as a matter of courtesy to some of these big companies and ask their opinion on it. If they agree with his assumptions it will be the best answer we can get to some of our local people who have more or less objected. He says that a Mr. Peterson who is the chief actuary of the Equitable is a close personal friend of his and he is sure that because of his interest in the Church he would study the plan and give his reactions. President McKay asked that it be pushed along and try to have something ready for Conference.
President McKay said he had faith in men, that we have a great potential power in the Adult Aaronic Priesthood, men like Dr. McMurrin. He thought we should have the strongest men to preside over the quorums, that strong men generally are not content to be moulded in a certain cast.”
Tues., 6 Mar., 1956:
12:15 p.m. Elder Delbert L. Stapley and Elder Adam S. Bennion then came in, and we considered:
1. The advisability of discontinuing the sustaining at Quarterly Conference of the Presidencies of Elders Quorums,
2. The advisability of appointing a General Committee to correlate the courses of study given by the Quorums and auxiliaries of the Church. I told them that both are meritorious, and that they might make their recommendations and have it come before the Presidency and the Council. [Emphasis added.]
Tues., 17 Feb., 1959:
‘8:15 a.m. By appointment at his request met Brother George Richard Hill, Jr. who came in to discuss matters pertaining to the Sunday School and Y.M.M.I.A.’s relation to the Priesthood of the Church. (see items presented which follow)
Tuesday, February 17, 1959
Items for Consideration in Young Men’s Program
1. The Sunday School and Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association are Auxiliary to the Priesthood. There is, however, no mechanism for easy or regular communication between Aaronic Priesthood leaders and those working with the same boys on the Mutual Board and on the Sunday School Board.
2. This gives rise to serious duplication of effort at the Ward level and to misunderstandings of purposes, programs, and areas of responsibility at the Board level.
3. Being auxiliary in fact as well as in name could be achived if the Presiding Bishopric would adopt the excellent Sunday School and Mutual programs as an integral part of the Aaronic Priesthood structure under their direction.
4. This could be accompished by forming an ‘Aaronic Priesthood Board’ consisting of the Presiding Bishopric and their present able assistants and the committee chairman of the Scouting, Exploring and Junior M Men Committees, and the chairmen of the committees of the comparable age groups from the Sunday School Board. This would not alter the present General Board structures or activities — simply give better coordination.
5. At the Ward operating level, the 12 to 19 year old boy would then be under the direction of the Bishop and three men working in a coordinated way to give him an integrated program. This would avoid the present duplication of activities commonly encountered.
6. This change would give the General Board Members a greater sense of service and would ensure that the MIA and Sunday School programs would include all that the Presiding Bishopric desires. It would give them a staff for maintaining a priesthood activity program.
Respectfully submitted
George Richard Hill
February 17, 1959″
Wed., 5 Oct. 1960:
“9:45 a.m.
Went over to the offices of the Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Association, 40 North Main Street, and had a talk with Sister Bertha H. Reeder, Sister Emily H. Bennett, and Sister LaRue C. Longden, General Presidency. I talked to them about the suggestion that has been made to the First Presidency that the Young Men’s and Young Women’s organization be united.
I have given much thought and prayer to this suggestion, and I feel that it would be to no advantage to the Church to make this consolidation. This feeling was intensified after talking to the sisters who are not in favor of it.”
Fri., 4 Nov. 1960:
“I inquired of the Presiding Bishopric about the selection of Ward Teachers’ messages. Bishop Buehner explained that the material is prepared under the direction of President Joseph Fielding Smith; that some of the topics have been prepared by the Brethren of the Council of the Twelve and approved by President Smith. We called attention to the importance of ward teachers’ dealing with practical matters such as children nine years of age or over who have not been baptized, and also as to matters of the Senior Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood. We asked whether or not ward teaching matters are considered with the Melchizedek Priesthood Committee in the meeting which the Presiding Bishopric holds each month with this committee. I said that I would call Brother Harold B. Lee and ask that when the Melchizedek Priesthood Committee meets with the Presiding Bishopric that the teachers’ messages for 1961 be gone over.
Thurs., 22 Dec. 1960:
“Thursday, December 22, 1960
Special meeting of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve
At 8 o’clock this morning, upon my call, President Moyle and I (President Clark being indisposed at home) met with the members of the Council of the Twelve in the First Presidency’s Room of the Church Administration Building.
I expressed pleasure that the First Presidency had received a letter from the Council of the Twelve dated December 19, 1960, signed by the Brethren of the Twelve who are in the city, and endorsed by those who are absent. I said that inasmuch as the items presented in the letter, which refer to the Regionalization of the Church for facilitating Stake and Mission work, would affect the future policy of the Church, I deemed it advisable that the First Presidency and the Twelve consult together relative thereto before further steps be taken in the matter.
The letter was read, and then followed a long discussion by the Brethren on this matter.
After listening to their comments, I made the following statement to the Brethren:
I shall preface my remarks with a statement with reference to a condition in our country. About 20 years ago we shifted in this country from the established program of the Forefathers founding the Constitution and the Senate and House of Representatives and the Judiciary and the President of the United States to a Rule by Committees. You who have had anything to do with farm matters or stock raising know that we have been ruled by Committees, and we are largely shifting that way now in the Government.
In this Church we are so organized that the Priesthood will control. It does not matter how large we grow, how many hundreds of thousands or millions, we have certain established rules. There is a little ward here presided over by three high priests, and the bishopric have representatives holding the Priesthood. There are quorums in that Priesthood and there are Auxiliaries, each one assuming certain responsibilities. We have so many wards in a stake, and that stake is presided over by three high priests, assisted by twelve councilors. Those stakes constitute the Church. It does not matter how far you go or how wide.
Now a bishop may not be very effective in his administration, but that is his responsibility, and the Lord has said that man must be chosen by the First Presidency and the Twelve, and we are responsible. No matter how large the Church grows the 15 men sitting here are responsible for the appointment of those men, and that must never be taken away from you. That is the stakes.
Now the same with the missions. We have to choose men to preside over those missions. Some are effective, and some are ineffective, but you are responsible for those mission presidents. You can divide those missions as you wish, but be careful that you do not take away from the constituted authority of the church the divine right by ordination and by setting apart, and leave that to some Committee. You always have to have your hand on that. And as I see this this morning, the recommendation that we change our policy is merely a means of educating these men who are appointed by you men. It is an education more than an assignment of dictation.
I have looked with a little question upon assigning a man to preside over a certain district and giving him responsibility. He must never get out from under your influence and your guidance. If we do that we will be running this Church by Committees, just as the Government has been running the country by Committees, and as it is being run now by Committees. You are the constituted Authority. Some men who may be chosen to preside over missions may not be so effective as others. That is inevitable, and when you have such men you are going to have trouble with missionaries. Give a man so many missionaries that he cannot do his work, the work is going to lag and it is going to be injured probably by inefficient missionaries.
Now, in our changing of our policy here, let us keep as near as we can to the revelations of the Lord, and we will never be wrong if we do that. In this regionalizing, or in this move to regionalize, you cannot shirk the responsibility of presidency and guiding. The suggestion that you all together constitute the Missionary Committee, I think is a good one. It is your assigned duty to watch over this Church and set things in order in all parts of the world, just as much in Europe and China as here in the United States, and you must never get away from it. You cannot get away from it.
I think it would be a good thing if you Brethren would sit with the Missionary Committee each week, in addition to your weekly meeting, and assign these missionaries, get the reports, and know exactly what is going on. I am not sure about these three men. You would have a Committee. Perhaps there would be more efficiency by assigning them that way. That is the tendency that is prompting this division now — to make more effective and more efficient this missionary work. You will have to do the same thing to make more efficient stake work.
And now the stakes are growing. You Brethren of the Twelve will be sent to Europe to visit the London, the Manchester, the Birmingham Stakes. You will also have to visit the missions over there. We are multiplying missions for efficiency. You men will have to do that. Your Assistants — the Assistants to the Twelve — will have to do it. Some will come home having made a superficial investigation, a superficial visit, and some will come home having made an efficient supervision and visit. That is the personality and efficiency of each one, but you will never get away from the organization of the Church. You members of the Twelve with the Assistants now given to you have to set in order the Church throughout the world. Now it is just a question of how best to do that.
The Brethren then discussed the matter further, after which I said that nothing would be done until we are all united one hundred percent, and then we shall know we are right. I said that there should be an understanding that the Quorum of the Twelve will constitute the Missionary Committee. However, this matter will be postponed along with the other until the Twelve have studied the matter further and bring in their report. I said the whole subject should be further considered, and that the Brethren who are now absent should have the privilege of being as thoroughly advised as the Brethren who are here in regard to what is contemplated, as it involves a change in the policy of the Church; that no principles are involved, but we do want to know where we are going when we adopt such a policy as proposed.”
Tues., 31 Jan. 1961:
“9 to 10 a.m.
Was engaged in the regular meeting of the First Presidency.
Among matters discussed this morning was the plan for the supervision of missions by the Council of the Twelve as worked out by the Missionary Committee and Brother Harold B. Lee of the Twelve. The plan provides for assignments of the Twelve to visit mission regions, to be made by the First Presidency. President Moyle said that the Committee agreed that the program they presented the other day would not work. Application of the plan now proposed was considered in relation to persons to be given the direction of regions. I said that the Church has grown to such a size that we have got to do something; that we cannot go along without doing something, and that everybody is committed to the necessity for greater supervision than we have had in the past.”
Thurs., 2 Feb. 1961:
“10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve in the Salt Lake Temple. . . .
Plan of Supervision for Missions
The recommendation of the Missionary Committee relating to the supervision of missions, which are increasing in such number, and the work in such complexity as to make a plan for supervision necessary.
The plan of supervision is as follows: That the missions in the world be grouped into divisions, each under the supervision of one of the General Authorities, similar to the organization now functioning in the European Mission; that the member of the General authorities visit the missions in the Regions, counsel with the Mission Presidents, meet the missionaries, and stimulate proselyting. This member of the General Authorities would interview missionaries, inspect Church property, look after details of the work. He would become intimately conversant with the problems of the missions, and be readily available to the Presidents of the Missions. These General Authorities would be directly responsible to the First Presidency. Under the assignment of the First Presidency, they would tour the missions, accompanied by the Supervisor of the Missions. The member of the Twelve would speak in the conferences held in key locations. He would be spared the burdensome responsibility of interviewing each missionary personally and of inspecting buildings, as well as of developing and promoting proselyting techniques and other time-consuming details, but would not be limited or restricted in anything he might wish to do. In this way he could cover a mission in five days to a week, and could cover other missions in a period of a month. This would afford the Twelve opportunity to oversee their assignment to this work. They would be better able to see the strength and weaknesses of a Mission because they could visit several and would be in better position to make comparisons. Strength and time would be conserved. The missions of the world would be under the immediate supervision of the General Authorities of the Church, and the Twelve would be able to see the missions with greater frequency.
On motion of Elder Mark E. Petersen, seconded by Elder LeGrand Richards, we unanimously approved this recommendation.”
Thurs., 9 Feb. 1961:
“8:43 a.m.
Attended meeting of the First Presidency. Before starting our regular business, met with President and Sister Melvin Ross Richards. I set Brother Richards apart as President of the Gulf States Mission, and President Moyle set apart his wife, Sister Adahlia Marie Curtis Richards, as a missionary.
Following the departure of the Richards, we conducted the regular order of business — reading of letters addressed to the First Presidency, and discussing matters of general Church interest, etc.
President Moyle exhibited and reviewed a booklet containing areas of the missions mapped out to show the divisions into regions by which the supervision of missions is proposed to be carried out. The plan includes nominations of the General Authorities of the Church to supervise the Regions. President Moyle recommends that the European Missions be divided into two regions – one to include the German and Scandinavian Missions, which President Alvin R. Dyer will supervise, and the other the British, French and Netherlands Missions which Brother Nathan Tanner would supervise. I told President Moyle that I shall take the plan with me for further study before giving my approval.
Assignment of the Twelve to Visit Missions
We then reviewed the plan for members of the Council of the Twelve to visit the missions under assignment of the First Presidency. The proposal that Elder Harold B. Lee assist President Joseph Fielding Smith was considered, and I delayed action upon this proposal until I can talk to President Smith about it.
Supervision of Stakes by the Twelve
At this time I said that provision for members of the Council of the Twelve to supervise stakes by regions, added to the assignment to visit missions in regions will be in harmony with the Doctrine and Covenants as to the responsibility of the Twelve. Announcement of these plans was deferred until I can talk to President Smith.”
Wed., 29 Mar. 1961:
“9:30 to 10:15 a.m.
Held the regular meeting of the First Presidency. At this meeting I discussed with my counselor the matter of sending out members of the First Council of Seventy to set the Church in order without giving them authority to set apart Stake Presidents or to ordain Bishops, and commented on the fact that they are going out and doing the work of high priests and should be given that authority.
I explained that in the early days of the Church, the First Council of Seventy were high priests and when the question arose about this the Prophet took the high priests out and seventies took their places. In response to President Clark’s inquiry as to whether or not when a president of seventy is chosen I would propose that there be conferred upon him a special authority and to make him a high priest or only confer a special authority, I said that when a vacancy in the Council of the Seventy is filled, special authority would be given to set in order the affairs of the Church and the individual should be ordained a High Priest.
The revelation (Doctrine & Covenants, Section 107, Verse 94), ‘And the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six;’ was also considered and the relation of this to the present need of the Church was discussed. President Clark’s question, ‘Will you make it a general rule or apply it to specific persons?’ was answered by me by saying, ‘Under present conditions, I should apply it to specific cases. Every man who is appointed to go out to a stake, every one of the First Council of Seventy appointed to visit a stake, should have authority of High Priests to set in order the needs in that stake. I should not make it general; I should make it individual. I should confer upon each one who goes out to set the Church in order.’
President Moyle said, ‘You have a precedent established by President Grant. He conferred upon the Assistant the authority of the Apostleship.’
I said: ‘They are Apostles with every right and power of the Apostles except only the choosing of patriarchs, and they are given the same charge. They do not have the right to choose a patriarch, and they are not members of the Quorum, but they have the authority of the Apostle.’ I then said that only the members of the First Council who are sent out to do the duty of High Priests would be given authority.
President Clark said, ‘If it is a special ordination, my query is answered.’
I then said that we shall present the matter to the Twelve at our meeting in the Temple tomorrow.
Other important matters were taken up at this meeting.”
Wed., 19 Apr. 1961:
“8:30 to 9:10 a.m.
Was in the meeting of the First Presidency. Among important matters considered were 1) I reported that Brother Nathan Eldon Tanner, who has been appointed President of the West European Mission, which mission includes Great Britain, France, and Holland, is to be made Editor of the Millennial Star, and that Brother T. Bowring Woodbury, now President of the British Mission, will be the assistant Editor. 2) I said that heretofore the First Presidency has made appointments of members of the Twelve to visit foreign countries, and that now I feel that the responsibility of making these Stake appointments at home and abroad should be with the Twelve. I further said that we need to appoint a Committee of the Twelve to assist President Joseph Fielding Smith in assigning Brethren to Stake conferences. I shall talk with him, suggesting the need of such a Committee to study the conditions and needs of the Stakes, and to make assignments of General Authorities in accordance therewith. I said that I would present the matter to the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve at their meeting in the Temple tomorrow. 3) I expressed my feeling that special appointments to visit missions should be made by the First Presidency and approved by the Twelve. 4) First Council of Seventy. We agreed that members of the First Council of Seventy who are sent to Stakes and Missions to set in order the affairs of the Church be ordained high priests, and have authority to serve as such. They will not, however, be members of the high priests’ quorums, but are given special authority to set in order the Stakes and Missions to which they are assigned.
Tues., 6 June 1961:
“Tuesday, June 6, 1961
COPY
June 6, 1961
Mr. Henry A. Smith
4115 South 1615 East
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Brother Smith:
In order to give further impetus to the work of our stake missions, we have felt it advisable to place groups of stake missions into regions or areas and to call some of our leading brethren to serve in these areas as supervisors.
The responsibility of each supervisor would be to consult with the stake presidency of a given stake, and through these brethren to labor with the stake mission presidency in stimulating the work, improving methods, and encouraging the stake missionaries themselves.
There would be no change in the status of the stakes or their missions, the stake missions would continue under the supervision of the stake presidencies, but the supervisors would serve, in a sense, as general board members assist the auxiliaries, in stimulating the work. Your relationships with stake presidencies also would be very much as that existing between general board workers and stake presidencies. You would be responsible to the General Missionary Committee and would report to them.
We wonder if your present circumstances are such that you would be willing to serve as one of these supervisors. The area to which we would assign you includes Salt Lake, Riverside, Rose Park, Cannon, Pioneer, Wells, Temple View and Grant stakes.
This service would not in any way interfere with your regular employment, but would be Church service given on the same basis as general board workers or others engaged in the usual Church activities.
Brethren of the General Authorities will shortly call supervisors of all areas into a special meeting for instruction in their duties with respect to this new assignment.
If you are able to undertake this assignment, we shall then arrange for your attendance at the instruction meeting referred to above.
Will you kindly indicate as soon as possible whether you will be able to accept this appointment.
Faithfully your brethren,
David O. McKay
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Henry D. Moyle
The First Presidency”
Fri., 9 June 1961:
“Ordaining of Seventies to office of High Priest
11:30 a.m.
Went up to the office of the First Council of Seventy where, by appointment, I met with the members of that Council. Brother Levi Edgar Young was present.
I explained to these brethren the proposition that they are sent out under the direction of the Twelve to set in order matters in the stakes and wards, and that under the arrangement that has heretofore prevailed they were unable to ordain High Priest to any position in the stake, or even assist in such ordinations; that, however, the Brethren of the First Presidency and the Twelve were now united in recommending that when members of the First Council of the Seventy go out to fill such appointments under the direction of the Twelve, they should be empowered with all authority necessary to set in order the stakes and wards.
The brethren of the First Council voted unanimously for this change and seemed to be pleased regarding it. (See Sunday, June 11, 1961 for notes regarding the ordaining of some of these Brethren and for the public announcement of same)
While these Brethren will be ordained High Priests they will not belong to the High Priests Quorum, but will belong to the First Council of Seventy.
Sun., 11 June 1961:
“8 a.m.
Members of the First Council of Seventy Set Apart as High Priests ‘that they may have Power to set in order all things Pertaining to the Church.’
According to appointment at my request, I met with President Henry D. Moyle and the following Brethren of the First Council of Seventy: Antoine R. Ivins – S. Dilworth Young – Milton R. Hunter – Bruce R. McConkie.
In keeping with the divine appointment of the members of the First Council of Seventy to ‘preach the Gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world,’ (D & C 107:25), and in harmony with the action of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twleve Apostles on March 30, 1961, the following members of the First Council of Seventy met in the office and were ordained High Priests:
Antoine R. Ivins – Ordained by President David O. McKay
S. Dilworth Young – Ordained by President Henry D. Moyle
Milton R. Hunter – Ordained by President David O. McKay
Bruce R. McConkie – Ordained by President Henry D. Moyle
It is understood that these Brethren, and others who are yet to be ordained, will, under their assignments by the Quorum of the Twelve, ordain High Priests, set apart Presidents of Stakes, members of High Councils, Presidents of High Priests Quorums, Bishops and their counselors, and perform such other official duties as may be necessary in Stakes and Missions to which they may be assigned.
This morning at the 9 a.m. Session of the MIA June Conference held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle I made a public announcement to all assembled of this historical move. (see newspaper clippings following) (Also see report to Council June 15, 1961)
Sunday, June 11, 1961
TO FACILITATE WORK
CHURCH ADVANCES SEVENTY LEADERS
An announcement that members of the First Council of Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had been ordained high priests to give them ‘power to set in order all things pertaining to the Church’ as they visit among the stakes and missions was made Sunday morning in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
It was made by President David O. McKay at the close of his remarks at the session of the 62nd annual MIA conference held under the direction of the First Presidency.
President McKay’s statement on the occasion is as follows:
‘There is one message I should like to speak on this occasion to the Church.’
‘This morning four members of the First Council of Seventy were ordained high priests, and the other members of the First Council of Seventy will be so ordained. Under the direction of the Twelve Apostles, the First Council of Seventy go out in all parts of the world to reorganize stakes and the missions, to set in order the affairs of the Church. That means ordaining high priests as presidents of stakes, setting apart as presidents of stakes, setting apart high councilmen, setting apart presidents or ordaining presidents of high priests quorums and doing everything that is necessary for the advancement of the work.
‘The First Presidency and Twelve recently agreed that the First Seven Presidents of Seventy who have been appointed by the Twelve should have power to set in order all things pertaining to the Church and this is declaring that they are thus authorized to carry on the work.’
Members of the First Council of Seventy are Levi Edgar Young, Antoine R. Ivins, S. Dilworth Young, Milton R. Hunter, Bruce R. McConkie, Marion D. Hanks and A. Theodore Tuttle.
Deseret News – Monday, June 12, 1961
Sunday, June 11, 1961
LDS REVEALS PROMOTION FOR 7 AIDES
The elevation of seven general authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to a higher position in the church’s priesthood was announced Sunday by President David O. McKay.
At the close of the morning session of the Mutual Improvement Assn. conference, Pres. McKay said ‘Members of the First Council of Seventy will be ordained to the office of a high priest so they will be enabled to set in order all things pertaining to the affairs of the church.’.
The ordinations will enable the seven members of the council to direct the organization and reorganization of stakes of the church; to set apart and ordain stake presidencies and other high priests, and to officiate in all other ordinances requiring the priesthood of a high priest.
The position of a high priest is one of three callings in the LDS Church Melchizedek Priesthood. The others are that of an elder and a seventy.
In the past the organizing of stakes, setting apart of stake presidencies and performance of other functions of a high priest have been handled primarily by members of the Council of Twelve Apostles and the Assistants to the Council of the Twelve.
Pres. McKay said four of the seven presidents of Seventy were ordained Sunday morning and the other ordinations would be taken care of as soon as possible.
Members of the First Council of Seventy include Levi Edgar Young, Antoine R. Ivins, S. Dilworth Young, Milton R. Hunter, Bruce R. McConkie, Marion D. Hanks and A. Theodore Tuttle.
The Salt Lake Tribune – Monday, June 12, 1961″
Wed., 14 June 1961:
“9 a.m.
The regular meeting of the First Presidency was held. The following are some of the items we took up:
7. First Council of the Seventy
Reference was made to the announcement that I made Sunday morning in the MIA June Conference that four of the members of the First Council of the Seventy had been ordained high priests, which ordination took place Sunday morning at 8 o’clock. Elder Levi Edgar Young had inquired both from my secretary and Brother Anderson, secretary in the office of the First Presidency, as to the reason why he had not been given this ordination.
I explained that the action did not include making all of the first Seven Presidents High Priests, but only those who are going out to set in order the affairs of the Church. Those ordained were Antoine R. Ivins, S. Dilworth Young, Milton R. Hunter, and Bruce R. McConkie.
President Moyle mentioned that Elder Ivins seemed to have the understanding that in the future when selecting brethren for positions in the First Council of the Seventy, Presidents of Stakes and others who are High Priests could be chosen, and that perhaps the Assistants to the Twelve might now be made a part of the First Quorum of Seventies.
I explained that it was not the intention to call High Priests into positions in the First Council of Seventies, nor was there any thought of filling up the First Quorum of Seventies in the manner mentioned. For the record, I said that some time ago (June 9) I met with the First Council of Seventy, Levi Edgar Young being present, and explained to them the proposition that they are sent out under the direction of the Twelve to set in order matters in the stakes and wards, and that under the arrangement that has heretofore prevailed, they were unable to ordain High Priests to any position in the stake or even assist in such ordinations; that, however, the Brethren of the First Presidency and the Twelve are now united in recommending that when members of the First Council of Seventy go out to fill such appointments under the direction of the Twelve, they should be empowered with all authority necessary to set in order the Stakes and Wards.
The Brethren of the First Council voted unanimously for this change, and seemed to be pleased regarding it. I stated further that while these brethren will be ordained High Priests, they will not belong to the High Priests Quorum, but will belong to the First Council of Seventy.
President Moyle suggested that, if I felt inclined to do so, it would be perhaps wise to explain again the situation to Elder Ivins in order that he may have a correct understanding.
Referring to the First Quorum of the Seventy, I said that is has been generally understood that the First Quorum is made up of the first seven presidents of the first ten quorums, but that this is not authoritative and that the first quorum has never been organized. I mentioned that is has also been stated that the First Quorum should include the senior president of the first 63 quorums. I said that I did not feel right about ordaining Levi Edgar Young a High Priest inasmuch as he is not able to visit the Stakes and Wards at the present time due to his condition.
Thurs., 15 June 1961:
“Leadership in Missions of the Church
Elders Spencer W. Kimball and Mark E. Petersen called and discussed at length their recommendation, which was concurred in by the Twelve, regarding confining the activities of the mission presidents to a supervision of proselyting, and setting up in the districts of the missions ’embryo’ stake organizations. President Moyle joined these brethren in urging that such a program be instituted for the reason that the membership in the missions, it is felt, are not receiving proper opportunities for development in the priesthood and other organizations, and as a result many are losing their interest in the Church.
I stated that I am opposed to the setting up of an administration of this kind. I said that I feel that such a program would mean a dual leadership in the same area, which I think would be inadvisable. I feel that the President of the Mission could carry the responsibility if he had the right kind of counselors, and suggested that consideration might appropriately be given to the advisability of calling from headquarters counselors to assist the Mission Presidents. The Brethren were agreed that some conclusion should be reached in regard to this matter before the holding of the Mission Presidents’ Seminar in order that such program as may be decided upon could be explained to the Mission Presidents when they are in the city. The question is to be given further consideration.
Seventies – Ordaining of High Priests
Today at Council Meeting, I reported to the Brethren that I had held a meeting with the members of the First Council of Seventy, and that on Sunday morning, June 11, 1961, I had invited four of them to come to my office and that President Henry D. Moyle and I had ordained the following High Priests – Brothers Antoine R. Ivins, S. Dilworth Young, Milton R. Hunter, and Bruce R. McConkie.
I said that in regard to the ordination of these Brethren, I know it is right,and that the Lord approved of it, but that I do not know that we are compelled to give it to all of the Brethren of the First Council of Seventy just because we give it to those whom we send out to represent us. When they are appointed, they will go representing the Twelve, and they should be empowered with authority to do the work — that is clear to me.
In answer to a question as to whether these Brethren can ordain Bishops, I answered yes, that they could do virtually everything that the Assistants can do; that, however, they do not join the High Priests’ Quorum, but that the First Council of Seventy is their quorum. Nor does it follow that we shall call High Priests into the First Council of Seventy. We are not going to do that, as the Prophet has ruled on that matter.
To the question if the members of the First Council of Seventy who have been or may be ordained High Priests can perform marriages in the Temple, I answered No; nor can they select and ordain Patriarchs.
Thurs., 27 July 1961:
“9 a.m.
Elders Marion D. Hanks, and A. Theodore Tuttle Ordained High Priests.
Elders Marion D. Hanks and A. Theodore Tuttle came in by appointment for the purpose of being ordained high priests.
I referred to the recent occasion when I met with the First Council of Seventy and mentioned to them the recent action of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve when it was unanimously decided that the brethren of the First Council of Seventy should have full powers under the Quorum of the Twelve to set in order matters pertaining to the Church in the stakes and missions. I then asked Elders Hanks and Tuttle if they were in full accord with that action, and they answered in the affirmative. Presidents Moyle and Brown and I then laid our hands upon the head of Elder Marion D. Hanks, and I was voice in ordaining him a high priest. We then laid our hands upon the head of A. Theodore Tuttle, and President Moyle, at my request, was voice in ordaining Elder Tuttle a high priest.
Thurs., 3 Aug. 1961:
“8:30 a.m.
Attended the First Presidency’s meeting. President Moyle is in Florida, and President Clark still indisposed at home.
President Brown and I read a number of letters containing matters of general church interest.
Ordination of Members of the First Council of the Seventy to High Priests
A letter referring to the recent decision to ordain the members of the First Council of Seventy to High Priests and quoting from the Documentary History of the Church corrected a practice of ordaining Elders to High Priest before they were ordained Seventies, and does not preclude the giving of additional authority and duties to the First Council of Seventies.
Sat., 30 Sept. 1961:
7 p.m.
General Priesthood Meeting was held in the Tabernacle with the proceedings being carried to 40,000 members gathered in 300 halls through a closed circuit. A total of 9,851 were crowded into the Tabernacle, Assembly Hall, and Barratt Hall.
At this meeting presentation and announcement was made of the new program for the correlation of the teaching of the Gospel throughout the Priesthood quorums and auxiliaries of the Church. Elders Harold B. Lee and Richard L. Evans masterfully explained that three correlation committees will handle the activities and materials for three general age groups, and gave further details about the plans.
President Brown and President Moyle were also speakers, and I gave a few closing remarks.
We were thrilled with the spirit and attentiveness of this great body of men.
Saturday, September 30, 1961
GENERAL PRIESTHOOD MEETING
PRIESTHOOD HEARTS PLAN OF COUNCIL
Formation of an all-church coordinating council to govern the planning of activities and production of educational material was outlined Saturday during the general priesthood session of the 131st semiannual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Harold B. Lee, member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, told the members of the Priesthood the move is designed to correlate more closely the activities of the church and eliminate duplication and overlapping of departmental functions.
He added that correlation committees with responsibilities for the activities and materials designed for three age groups will operate under the coordinating council.
The council will be composed of three of the general authorities and representatives of the Relief Society, Sunday School, Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Assn., the Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Assn. and Primary organizations.
Three correlation committees will handle the activities and materials for three general age groups.
The committee for youngsters up to 12 years of age will be made up of representatives from the general boards of the Primary and Sunday School organizations.
Youth committee members to plan activities and courses of study for members aged 12 to 20 will be taken from members of the Presiding Bishopric, the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Assn., the Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Assn. and general church school system.
The correlating committee to handle activities and study materials for adults over 20 years of age will be composed of members of the general priesthood committee, the Relief Society and both the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Mutual Improvement Assns.
Richard L. Evans, member of the Council of the Twleve Apostles and a member of the general priesthood committee, emphasized to the priesthood membership that growth of the church membership means responsibilities and influences are widening.
‘We may have arrived at the point where the insignificant and the inconsequential must be eliminated. The plan means a reappraisal and an enrichment in essential areas for a better use of time, effort and energy,’ Elder Evans said.
Hugh B. Brown, new counselor in the First Presidency, said every member of the priesthood should take a good look at himself, then ask some searching questions.
Regardless of accomplishment in the community, business or public life, each priesthood member should ask himself, ‘What kind of man are you in your heart?’ President Brown said.
Henry D. Moyle, second counselor in the First Presidency, said the ultimate goal of the plan outlined to the general priesthood Saturday is the elimination of sin and transgression in the Church.
President David O. McKay, who presided during the priesthood conference and spoke last, stressed the realization of high purposes in life.
He added that men today are denying Christ. There are others who are taught and are teaching that God does not exist.”
Fri., 16 Feb., 1962:
“[First Presidency Meeting] Federal Aid to Education
Attention was called to a letter from a Mr. Loren Searcy suggesting that I issue a statement to all members of the Church against the government’s aid to the education program. It was decided to do nothing about this matter.
Financial Operations of the Church
An inquiry was received as to why the Church is engaged in financial matters. The writer encloses a copy of an article from the national magazine ‘Newsweek.’ It was mentioned that in accordance with the policy of the Church, we are not giving out word to the public regarding our investments and financial condition.
Aaronic Priesthood Program for the Missions
The [Presiding] Bishopric presented to the First Presidency a plan for the Aaronic Priesthood Program in the Missions. According to this plan the line of authority would be through the First Presidency and not through the Presiding Bishopric, as there are no bishops in the mission field. This program is to be outlined in a handbook to be sent to all missions. I approved this plan as submitted.
(For complete details, see First Presidency’s Minutes.)”
Thurs., 17 May 1962:
“Note by c.m.
President McKay made the following statement to me this morning – he said that men must learn that in presiding over the Church ‘we are dealing with human hearts, that individual rights are sacred, and the human soul is tender. We cannot run the Church as we would a business.’
Thurs., 21 June 1962:
“1:00 p.m.
Following the Temple meeting, the First Presidency and Twelve met in the Missionary Assembly Room, at which time the All-Church Coordinating Council presented to us a progress report of their work on coordinating lesson materials for the Church. I think they have done an excellent work!”
Fri., 3 Aug., 1962:
“[First Presidency Meeting] At this time, President Bott, Brother Williamson and the Presiding Bishopric withdrew from the meeting, and President Joseph Fielding Smith and Elder Harold B. Lee came into the room by appointment at my request.
We considered the necessity of members of the Quorum of the Twelve discharging their duty given them by revelation to set in order the affairs of the Church in all the world. I suggested that since it is physically impossible for the Twelve, their Assistants, and other General Authorities of the Church to visit stake conferences (now numbering 355) more than possibly once a year, it would be more essential than ever for each one of the General Authorities to be thoroughly acquainted with all policies, plans and programs approved by the First Presidency and theTwelve.
The present practice, therefore, of appointing area supervisors and expecting them to give out special instructions to presidents of stakes and mission presidents should not be encouraged, but every member of the General Authorities — the Twelve, their Assistants, the First Council of Seventy, and the Presiding Bishopric — should be given all the information regarding details and new plans now given to the so-called area supervisors. In a word, each General Authority must be supplied with all information now given to the so-called area supervisors .
We also considered the advisability of the General Priesthood Committee and the general auxiliary boards presenting their respective matters at quarterly conferences not attended by the General Authorities.
At the departure of President Smith and Elder Lee, the Presiding Bishopric again came into the room, and we resumed our meeting.”
Wed., 15 Aug., 1962:
(2) General Authorities at Stake Conferences
I stated that with the Release of the new Stake Conference Schedule, dual Stake Conferences to he conducted by one General Authority will be discontinued. I said that 360 Stakes having quarterly conferences cannot be attended by 34 General Authorities of the Church, 7 of whom are not available for appointment. I stated that the duty of the General Authorities of the Church is to set in order the affairs of the Church in the world, and that this is fundamental. Auxiliary organizations hold annual conferences at which the stake president and bishops of the wards are generally expected to be in attendance. I suggested that Auxiliary Conventions, heretofore held independently of Stake conferences, hereafter be held under the direction of the stake presidencies at quarterly conferences not attended by the General Authorities of the Church. On these occasions the stake and ward auxiliary workers can receive instructions from the General Boards. I suggested that this proposal be presented to the Twelve, who will be responsible, with their associates for setting the Church in order in all the world, and that the Auxiliary programs for each conference which are not attended by one of the General Authorities of the Church will be prepared under the direction of the auxiliary advisors. I explained also that every member of the General Authorities of the Church will know the plans and instructions the Church offered at the quarterly conferences. I stated, “We should like to suggest that the Twelve prepare and outline the activity for the holding of these annual quarterly conferences to which certain Auxiliaries will be appointed throughout the year, and that this subject be presented to the Council of the Twelve tomorrow, and that we would like them to take under advisement this new plan and make it encumbent upon every member of the General Authorities to know what the plan is and what plans and instructions are given regarding the stake work, genealogical work, and missionary work, and each member of the General Authorities will have to prepare himself and be prepared to give instructions.”
In response to a question by President Brown, I said the programs presented at the Stake Conferences not attended by one of the General Authorities of the Church will be under the direction of the Stake President, and that provision may be made for holding some Auxiliary instruction meetings on Saturday before the Sunday of the Stake Conference so that stake board members can receive and give detailed instructions. The Sunday morning program and the Sunday afternoon program will be meetings held under the direction of the Stake President and attended by representatives of the General Boards who will have a chance to give an auxiliary program to the entire Church . In response to President Brown’s inquiry about Welfare, I said that Welfare and Missionary Work will be similarly emphasized at these conferences.
President Moyle reviewed figures on the number of stakes and the number of General Authorities and expressed the opinion that the General Authorities, who are the priesthood of the Church, can conduct at least two stake conferences year in each stake. He reviewed also the growth of the Church and the increase in the number of ordinations and interviews, and the interviewing of missionaries. He suggested that it would be well to have the Twelve work out a plan on the basis of two priesthood conferences a year when the General Authorities of the Church would be present. I said that would be all the better.
Thur., 16 Aug., 1962:
New Program for Stake Quarterly Conferences and Auxiliary Conventions.
I then made mention of the action of the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve on Thursday, June 28, on the recommendation
of the Twelve, that dual quarterly conferences be discontinued and a new system of quarterly conferences be developed.
I asked President Joseph Fielding Smith to speak on this question, and in response, President Smith said that these dual conferences are not successful in his judgment; that too much has to be left undone when one of the Brethren attends conferences in two stakes at the same time, and it is therefore felt that each stake should have its own conference separately. He mentioned that we have so many stakes now that the Brethren cannot visit all of them every quarter, and that when the schedule of visitors to stake conferences is made, at least one third of the stakes have to go without a visitor. It has therefore been agreed by the Twelve that beginning with the first of the year, dual Stake Conferences would be discontinued. It is proposed, he said, that one or more of the General Authorities would visit every other conference in each specific stake, and that the other two stake conferences would be auxiliary conferences under the direction of the presidency of the stake.
In this connection, I suggested that the two quarterly conferences not visited by General Authorities be utilized as Auxiliary Conferences, namely, conferences of the Relief Society, Sunday School, the M. I. A., the Primary, Genealogical, and Welfare.
Elder Harold B. Lee offered the information that in the case of these auxiliary conferences, two full days would be made available at a Stake Conference where the whole program of the auxiliary could be taken care of; that two or more of the Auxiliaries could present their programs at each of the auxiliary conferences, the Sunday sessions of which would be under the direction of the Stake President, rather than the auxiliary executives.
Responsibility of the Brethren of the Twelve
I called attention to the revelation that places upon this body of men
responsibility of directing the affairs of the Church in all the world. I said the Brethren should keep this in mind. I stated that the central power, the central authority, has the right to adopt whatever is found useable, applicable, productive of good, at any tinae. A plan may be adapted by the entire Church, provided the Brethren of the Council hold the guiding hand, but that authority, no matter how large the Church becomes, and this principle, are just the same and just as applicable.
Elder Mark E. Petersen asked if this would mean that these conferences would take the place of the regular annual conventions of the Auxiliary Organizations, and I said they would.
There was considerable discussion as to how the program would work, and I asked the Twelve to take this matter under advisement, give it prayerful consideration, and come back with a plan for 1963. I said that we have reached a point where we shall have to place more responsibility on the local people, and give them the understanding that the power and direction of all of it is in the hands of the Twelve. I said that we have had opportunity to test the various methods: that, however, we should be careful not to do as the Government is doing — that is, place too much power in the hands of the Committee.
Tues., 4 Sep., 1962:
11:00 – 12:00 noon.
The First Presidency held a meeting with President Joseph Fielding
Smith and Elders Harold B. Lee, Marion G. Romney, and Richard L
Evans. Met on Church correlation matters.”
Tues., 18 Sep., 1962:
[First Presidency Meeting]Correlation of Church functions — Authority of the First Presidency
We had a long discussion in our meeting this morning regarding the duties and authority of the First Presidency to direct the Twelve in missionary, genealogical, and auxiliary work.
At the conclusion of the discussion, president Moyle said: “Do you think this correlation which has to do with primarily the class work in the various organizations, should transfer any of the responsibilities that are now placed in the Presidency to the Twelve, for genealogical work, as an example?”
I said that the correlation work affects primarily the duplication of courses of study, and that it should not affect the organization of the Church.
President Brown said that the Prophet had a wonderful sense of propriety and of revelation when he said that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men when they get a little authority as they suppose to extend it, and to reach out for more and more.
I quoted: “Hence, many are called and few are chosen. Why are they not chosen? Because they have not learned this one lesson, etc.”
President Moyle added, “That no power or influence can or ought to be maintained.”
And I quoted, “Only upon the principle of righteousness. “
I then said that these matters of correlation of our work are for all three of the First Presidency to decide; that when we are united, we can take the next steps and until we are united, we do not take any step. (See minutes of First Presidency’s meeting for details)
Wed., 19 Sep., 1962:
General Correlation Committee’s Work, Purpose of
In the course of making the decision that the Relief Society mission presidents should not attend the October Conference meetings of the Relief Society Conference, the discussion included the following subjects.
I said the coming of the mission presidents to October Conference hinges around the question of holding a seminar. The statement was made that we would withhold decision until after approving the recommendation of the committee on Conferences and unification of courses of study. We have that to decide. This correlation work is applicable to courses of study of priesthood and auxiliaries to avoid duplication. That is the purpose of the correlation work. That is the heart of it, and further than that as it affects the organization of the Church, we will have to decide and tell them so. That is where we stand on that.
I said that I am not thoroughly committed to the Seminar, and President Moyle said, “We do not want to hold one until you are; I do not want to press it.” I said, “I am in favor of bringing them into Conference and doing our work during the Conference, and let the stake conferences be carried as we are planning. I think that is an excellent plan.”
President Moyle said that the Seminar is for the full-time mission presidents, and does not involve the quarterly conferences at all.
President Brown said that it is a question as to whether or not these sisters, the wives of the mission presidents, should come to the Relief Society Conference. I said that it would not do to have them travel alone; that we can decide right now that the Relief Society sisters should come when their husbands come.
President Brown said the question is whether the mission presidents and their wives are going to come to Conference, and whether we are going to hold a Seminar.
I said that it is a question of holding of the Seminar, that is all there is to it; and President Moyle said that the basic idea of the Seminar separate from the General Conference is that at General Conference time we have so many other things we cannot concentrate on the Seminar. We hold it in the summer time just at the edge of the vacation so the Brethren would not be unduly interfered with.
I said, “It is like holding another Conference. We have our Semi-Annual
Conference; we have our Annual Conference; we have our June Conference;
anld you have your Seminar. I would rather do away with one of the
Conferences rather than add to it. I am ready to do away with the Semi-Annual Conference, and have that meeting once a year.”
President Moyle exclaimed, “Amen, amen; I am too. “
President Brown said, “I would support you in that. I think there would be some opposition, however.”
I replied: “You will get opposition of course. For several years now,
I have been convinced that the Annual Conference and the June Conference_
with the Mutual would be all we need; especially if we put in a Seminar for
missionary work.”
President Moyle said that with this short-wave, there would be few of the mission presidents who would not be able to get the proceedings of the Conference; and I said that it would make a big difference to our propagandizing.
President Moyle said, “I am convinced of this. If we have our zone instructors covering the missions, we would have little excuse for holding a Seminar. There is a copy of a letter around the building that President Pugh wrote to stake presidents in California that is entirely out of line. I did not see it until it was circulating the building. It had not emanated from our office. We didn’t have anything to do with it. Since Brother Burton went to California, we have not had a zone instructor over there, and President Pugh has got together with President Stone, and this is the way President Stone wanted it, and the meeting of the other stakes presidents was held, and they worked this out as I found out on investigation. It was worked out with their approval, but it’s wrong, basically wrong. If we had these zone instructors for all the missions and could keep in touch with the zone instructors, we would really have no need for a Seminar. But, where we have so many of them that are not in a zone, we ought to have some way to keep contact with them to keep them somewhere in line. Otherwise, within a period of two years, they develop diversified practices and ideas, some good and some bad.
I remarked, “It is easy to understand how the Apostasy took place in the early days.”
President Brown added, “Take the heads away, and you are done.”
President Moyle said, “Leave this alone, and you get something contrary to the Church. That is the way the Roman branch of the Church took precedence. As big as we are now, the amount of assistance and instruction and supervision that we can give is essential to maintain the integrity of the Church and the efficiency of our work.
I said that we are holding that whole proposition up; that it is going farther than the correlating of studies. It is going to the point of suggesting a change in the organization of the Church. That is the vital point now.
President Moyle said, “This program was suggested in 1948; it is in the files.” I said that I did not remember it.
President Moyle said that it was presented at great length to the Presidency and the Twelve; and I said, “Yes, but we didn’t accept it.” President Moyle replied, “No, we did not.”
I said, “This latest suggestion is striking at the very heart of it. They wanted to see me, but I told them we shall have to take it under further consideration, and that is where it is standing.”
But, they are in a transition now. If the correlation committee comes in with a new plan, it will be well if this is not emphasized.
Fri., 28 Sep., 1962:
“Following the departure of Brother and Sister Allen, we held the regular meeting of they First Presidency.
Among the matters taken up were:
(1) Plan for Correlation of Priesthood and Auxiliary Studies. I presented the plan to have the recommendations of the Council on Correlation of studies of the Priesthood and the Auxiliaries given Saturday evening at the Priesthood Meeting, which will involve the participation of Elder Harold B. Lee — Chairman, Elders Marion G. Romney, Richard L. Evans, and Gordon B. Hinckley, to present the plan for the adults, young people, and Primary children. I said it would be well to have these Brethren explain to the Priesthood specifically what we are going to do, and that we should consult with Brother Lee particularly in telling each one what to say; that each should take about fifteen minutes. This will enable the entire Priesthood to get the Correlation of the courses of study; that there will be no change in Church Government, and that now is a good time to get that clearly defined. President Brown concurred in the plan and said that it would be a good time since the Stake Presidents and the Bishops will be present. President Moyle also agreed and said that the great coverage to the Priesthood will also make it advantagous.
I further said that the Counselors in the First Presidency will speak, and that each of the others will take fifteen minutes, and that if this is agreeable we would have a meeting with the Correlation Committee and complete the program. The plan was approved.
Tues., 2 Oct., 1962:
“11:05 – 11:25 a.m.
Held a meeting with Elders Harold B. Lee, Marion G. Romney, Richard L. Evans, and Gordon B. Hinckley, Committee on Correlation of Priesthood and Auxiliary work of the Church. I asked them to present this program at the General Priesthood meeting to be held Saturday evening, October 6, 1962. Assignment of speakers to present the different phases of the correlation plan made.”
Wed., 3 Oct., 1962:
“We held our regular meeting of the First Presidency.
October Conference Matters were considered. We first went over the program for the Missionary meeting to be held Friday evening at 7:00. I inquired about the musical numbers, and other features of the program, which I approved.
Priesthood Meeting
I reviewed briefly the plan for the Priesthood Meeting and said that Elders Romney, Evans, and Hinckley will speak presenting the recommendations of the Correlation Committee, relating to the courses for adults, youth, and children, and that Elder Harold B. Lee will speak and present a summary. Following these brethren, Presidents Brown and Moyle will speak.
Sat., 6 Oct., 1962:
“7:00 p.m.
Presided at the General Priesthood Meeting. The meeting was devoted principally to the report of progress of the Church Correlation Program, and was presented by the Correlation Committee, as follows: Elders Harold B. Lee — Chairman, Marion G. Romney, Richard L. Evans, and Gordon B. Hinckley. Members of the First Presidency spoke briefly. The music was furnished by the Brigham Young University Male Choruses. This session was heard by an estimated audience of more than 75,000 men and boys gathered in the Tabernacle and Assembly Hall, and in 338 additional meeting places from Coast to Coast. The proceedings were carried to them by closed circuit .
I returned home with a heart full of thanksgiving to the Lord for the success of the three meetings held this day.”
“PRIESTHOOD MEETING HEARS NEW PROGRAM
[Deseret News, Monday, Oct. 8, 1962]
Application of the first of a series of new programs in educational and activity programs was outlined Saturday night at the annual General Priesthood meeting of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The new approach is the result of an intensive year of study by the Church Correlation Committee.
The organization and work of the committee, along with the first recommended steps to be implemented in 1963, were explained by members of the committee at priesthood meeting.
Those speaking included Elder Harold B. Lee, Elder Marion G. Romney, Elder Richard L. Evans and Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, members of the Council of the Twelve.
In addition, President David O. McKay and his two counselors in the First Presidency, President Henry D. Moyle and President Hugh B. Brown, spoke at the meeting.
Each of the First Presidency endorsed the work of the Correlation Committee and urged support of the new programs.
President McKay told the priesthood, ‘You are servants of the Most High and He has given you the responsibility of perfecting the saints, of perfecting the ministry and edifying the body of Christ.’ President McKay added his blessing on the priesthood members of the Church, gathered in hundreds of locations throughout the world who heard the session by closed radio and telephone circuits.
President Moyle warned against being unduly influenced by fear. We believe ourselves to be courageous, but we have not entirely overcome fear. Fear, he quoted, is a natural consequence of weakness and also sin.
As leaders of Israel we must seek to dispel fear from among our people. President Moyle also called for a more intensive effort in the missionary program of the Church.
President Brown explained that the success of the Church depended upon leadership. Learn and educate yourselves first, then see that all those who serve under you are educated, he appealed. If we fail to teach, lead, direct and help save those who come under us, the Lord will hold us responsible for the result of our own failure.
Elder Lee outlined a new quarterly conference program for stakes as a first step in the new correlation program. Two conferences a year will be attended by General Authorities of the Church. The other two conferences will be attended by representatives of the general board of the auxiliaries who will train the stake and ward leadership.
This program will replace the annual regional conventions of these auxiliaries, Elder Lee said.
Elder Romney outlined the priesthood correlation program to be instituted in 1964. This will have as objectives an implemented home teaching program to include a visit regularly by two members of the priesthood who will teach and will fellowship into an increased program of activity all members of the Church.
Elder Evans explained that the new program in curriculum will avoid duplication and will fill in gaps that have existed in previous programs. This is not a shallow program, but one of instruction and activity based on a broad foundation to deal with spiritual, mental and social aspects of the individual’s personality.
Elder Hinckley detailed the organizational work of the Church Corrlelation Committee and noted that out of its work would come courses of study to build testimony in the hearts of every member, from the time of birth until they pass on to a better world.”
Thurs., 14 Feb. 1963:
12:30 – 1:10 p.m.
Mission Area Presidents
Immediately following the Council Meeting, President Joseph Fielding Smith, and Elders Harold B. Lee, Marion G. Romney, Richard L. Evans, Gordon B. Hinckley, and Nathan Eldon Tanner, met with President Hugh B. Brown and me (President Moyle was not present he being in New York).
Elder Lee, speaking for the group, said that in setting up the matter of the area presidents — namely, the European Mission, West European Mission, South American Mission, and missions in the Eastern United States, the Midwest, etc. — they wondered what the President would think if they were to study the question of having members of the Twelve named to preside over those regions, these brethren to travel back and forth as Brother Hinckley and Brother Romney are now doing so far as their regions are concerned, rather than to be domiciled in those areas. He mentioned that in this way considerable expense could be avoided, and that we would have the services of the brethren here when they were not visiting the missions.
I said it was not necessary for them to be domiciled in the particular areas.
Elder Lee then asked if it would be all right to bring in a recommendation from the Twelve of someone to preside over each of these areas so far as the mission supervision is concerned.
I answered that that is just the thing to do.
Priesthood Board – Committees
Elder Lee then said that the next question is the matter of bringing into the Priesthood Board the four committees — Welfare, Genealogical and Temple Work, Missionary Work, and Home Teaching. He asked if it would be pleasing to the Presidency if they were to ask the Assistants to the Twelve and the First Council of Seventy so far as possible to serve as committees of those Boards to direct them in this phase of the Correlation work.
I gave approval.
Elder Lee then said, ‘Suppose we study through what we are engaged in, and present to the Priesthood Committee our thinking, and give our recommendations to you as to the personnel to fit into each committee of our General Authorities, and also the personnel of Brother Romney’s committee, as well as the names of those of our area supervisors whom we would wish to name as our missionary field workers, who would also serve as members of the Priesthood Board.’ He said that they would also bring in suggestions of brethren of the Assistants whom Brother Tanner might use in the Genealogical work, and who also might be used in the Home Teaching Program.
President Brown asked what the brethren had in mind with respect to the present area supervisors, such as Elder Franklin D. Richards.
Elder Lee explained that it is intended that a member of the Twelve will now become a supervising president of a given area.
President Brown indicated that was much more desirable, and much more economical.
Brother Lee further indicated that in the matter of mission presidents, the matter would first be taken to the Missionary Committee, and President Smith, as chairman of that committee, would bring the recommendation to the First Presidency.
Elder Lee, referring to Brother Romney and his supervision of the missions in Mexico, said that it was thought that perhaps Brother Romney should be relieved of that responsibility, inasmuch as he will have a tremendous job taking charge of the Home Teaching Program.
I told the Brethren that they were on solid ground in their thinking.
Wed., 3 Apr. 1963:
“8:15 to 11:00 a.m.
Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency.
April Conference Meetings – Schedule
I reviewed the meeting of the General Authorities to be held Thursday at 9:00 a.m. President Moyle reported that the meeting of foreign stake presidents with James Conkling of IEBC will be held Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room on the third floor of the Administration Building. It was decided that the General Authorities be invited to attend.
The program for the Saturday evening Priesthood Meeting was considered. By telephone I asked Elder Harold B. Lee to come into the meeting and to give the First Presidency an outline of what is planned to be presented by the Correlation Committee in the General Priesthood Meeting. Brother Lee said the plan is to present with the use of charts the over-all organization and a review of the curriculum of correlation of auxiliary courses for leadership training. A chart showing the organization of the Priesthood General Board will be presented. He said this was the organization chart which he and Brother Romney presented to President Moyle before he went to Europe, and which later was presented in detail to the First Presidency and the Twelve. This board will be presented as divided into four groups, priesthood mission, priesthood genealogical, priesthood welfare, and priesthood home teaching. Priesthood home teaching is to include the ward teaching plan where the whole priesthood is brought into the program.
Brother Lee said this plan was presented to the Twelve and approved by them and commended.
President Moyle said he had not approved of the plan but was very upset about it.
Brother Lee explained that the home teaching plan is bishop-centered, the quorums visit their members under the direction of the bishop. He said the program has been developed step by step and has been brought to the First Presidency and the Twelve where it was approved and now is in the process of being printed.
It will be presented to the stake conferences beginning the first of June. Brother Romney is to be chairman of the home teaching committee, and Brother Dyer, managing director, is to assist him in it. President Moyle said this takes it entirely out of the hands of the Presiding Bishopric. Brother Lee said I am telling you what has been developed by the First Presidency and the Twelve.
I reviewed the provision that the quorums will be brought into ward teaching to watch over the members of the Church of their quorums. The bishop has charge of these members of the ward, and the teachers will be under the direction of the bishop of the ward, and will report to him the welfare of each individual. They will not make report to the General priesthood committee known as the priesthood home teaching committee.
President Moyle said he understood that the original commission to the Correlation Committee was to correlate the ward teaching messages to be delivered by the ward teachers and that the committee would go no farther.
Brother Lee said no step has been taken that has not been explored and approved by the Presidency and the Twelve.
President Moyle expressed the opinion that the committee has gone beyond the letter of commission given it. He said the details of the plan should not be presented to the priesthood at the Saturday night meeting until there is agreement.
I said this must not be; that we must be agreed. I directed that the presentation that Brother Romney gave be made to the Council of the First Presidency and the Twelve at the meeting tomorrow. Brother Lee asked if Brother Romney should repeat it, and I said yes I think so, and that we should do it tomorrow.
President Moyle said it was his understanding when the change was made in the Priesthood Committee that it was to report to the First Presidency directly. I said that is right. President Moyle said if this is to be a sub-committee of the Correlation Committee or the General Priesthood Committee, whichever it is, maybe we ought to make a segregation of these two committees and have one man chairman of one and another man chairman of the other so that there will be no confusion. The Correlation Committee and the General Priesthood Committee–when he says this is not a subcommittee of the General Priesthood Committee I presume it is a sub-committee of the Correlation Committee. They are two committees and they are operating as one. Before anything is presented to the body of the Church Saturday night, we ought to know what it is because we cannot discuss it afterwards. I said we shall have Brother Romney present that to the Presidency and the Twelve as he did before.
President Moyle commented upon the dismissal of Brother Hinckley from the direction of missionary work without the knowledge of the First Presidency and the giving of this function to the Priesthood Missionary Committee Representative. He said he understood that when a change was made the Missionary Committee was to report to the First Presidency directly. I expressed concurrence.
President Moyle commented also upon the taking over of the Genealogical work and the selecting of a manager to take Brother Tanner’s place.
Brother Lee said we shall have Brother Romney make the presentation tomorrow, and I said if you will please. Brother Lee withdrew from the meeting.
I then said we shall have that presented to the Twelve. We shall have no discussion; we shall discuss it here.
I reviewed the plan for having representatives of the Auxiliary General Board attend quarterly conferences during the third and fourth quarter of the year alternating with representatives of the Genealogical, Welfare, Missionary, and Ward Teaching in other quarters. I said the Genealogical Department is doing good work. President Moyle said that should continue under Brother Tanner and the Missionary Work should be under Brother Hinckley. He said this conducting of the quarterly conference falls into place, we have agreed to that, but we have never agreed that the Correlation Committee could dismiss Brother Tanner from the Genealogical Department and Brother Hinckley from the Missionary Department. They have been appointed by the Presidency.
I advised that the Priesthood Meeting Saturday evening be informed as to how the quarterly conferences will be conducted with emphasis upon the various phases of Church work. President Brown and President Moyle agreed that this be done.
I then commented upon the plan of organization having one of the Twelve and one of the Assistants working with the Welfare Department and with the Ward Teaching Department of the Presiding Bishopric, and the other departments. President Moyle commented upon the anomaly of having two heads or managers, and assistant managers. I said ‘Not two heads, but advisors.’ President Moyle said they could be set up as advisors. President Brown said that would be all right. President Moyle commented when you give a man like Brother Romney the title of manager and Brother Dyer assistant manager, that leaves nothing for the Bishop to do. I said absolutely. That is not right. President Moyle said ‘And the same in welfare as well as ward teaching.’
I said when we have someone in Welfare and Ward Teaching and Genealogy, just as we have them in the Auxiliaries, and call them advisors, that is right.
I estimated that the way the Saturday evening program is developing, most of the time will be left for the First Presidency.”
Thurs., 4 Apr. 1963:
“9:00 to 4:10 p.m.
Was engaged in a special meeting of all General Authorities, followed by the regular meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve.
At the meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve, Elders Marion G. Romney and Harold B. Lee presented to us the Correlation Program — the presentation of this program at Stake Conferences, the Home Teaching Program, and the presentation of these matters at the General Priesthood Meeting. After a discussion of these matters, Elder Harold B. Lee was authorized to present the program to the General Priesthood Meeting Saturday evening. (see Council minutes for details.)
The pre-Conference meeting of all the General Authorities was inspirational, which I feel will be carried over to the general sessions of the Conference.”
Sat., 6 Apr. 1963:
7:00 p.m.
Presided and conducted the General Priesthood Session. We had the largest crowd yet to attend a Priesthood Meeting. The Tabernacle was jammed, and overflowed into the Assembly Hall long before the meeting commenced. Thousands of other Priesthood members throughout the United States and Canada listened to the session through closed television and radio broadcasts.
Elder Harold B. Lee gave a masterful presentation of the Correlation work of the Church. Presidents Moyle and Brown spoke, and I was the concluding speaker, having only a few moments left to deliver my message.”
Fri., 19 Apr. 1963:
Note:
Letter sent to those chosen to be Priesthood Home Teaching Representatives to assist the General Authorities of the Church in conducting Stake Quarterly Conferences.
(see list of persons chosen and copy of letter sent to each following. Also see Diary of May 15, 1963, for notes on meeting of all representatives held in the Assembly Room of the Church Administration Building, at which meeting President McKay addressed the group.)”
“List of persons assigned to assist the General Authorities of the Church in conducting stake quarterly conferences as a Priesthood Home Teaching Representative, April 19, 1963.
Mr. George Z. Aposhian
Mr. Frank C. Berg
Mr. Alma P. Burton
Mr. M. Elmer Christensen
Mr. Junius E. Driggs
Mr. Edward E. Drury, Jr.
Mr. John K. Edmunds
Mr. A. Lewis Elggren
Mr. Donald Ellsworth
Mr. L. Brent Goates
Mr. Cecil E. Hart
Mr. Heber J. Heiner, Jr.
Mr. Z. Reed Millar
Mr. Thomas S. Monson
Mr. Don Rasmussen
Mr. Own G. Reichman
Mr. Robert N. Sears
Mr. Hugh C. Smith
Mr. Richard S. Summerhays
Mr. Henry G. Tempest
Mr. Delbert F. Wright
Mr. Ernest D. Wright
Mr. Harold R. Boyer
Mr. E. Coleman Madsen
Marion G. Romney – Chairman
John H. Vandenberg – Vice-Chairman
Alvin R. Dyer – Managing Director
Friday, April 19, 1963
April 19, 1963
Mr. Hugh C. Smith
11301 Yarmouth Avenue
Granada Hills, California
Dear Brother Smith:
We are pleased to advise you that on the recommendation of the Council of the Twelve, we have decided to ask you to accept the assignment to assist the General Authorities of the Church in conducting stake quarterly conferences, as a Priesthood Home Teaching Representative, as assigned by the President of the Council of the Twelve, and, for other assignments in this and other related fields. This letter will constitute your appointment thereto.
We feel that your wide experience in various Church capacities will enable you to render a service that will be very helpful to the Church.
It would be expected and hoped that you would be able to attend a day long instruction session Wednesday, May 15, 1963, in Salt Lake City to be held in the third floor assembly room at 47 East South Temple Street, beginning at 9 a.m. Expenses will be paid for those who come from outside of Salt Lake City.
May we hear from you regarding your acceptance of this appointment.
Sincerely yours brethren,
David O. McKay
Henry D. Moyle
Hugh B. Brown
(The First Presidency)”
Wed., 15 May 1963:
“Priesthood Home Teaching – First Meeting of New Committee
Attended a meeting of the newly-appointed Priesthood Home Teaching Committee, held in the Assembly Room of the Church Administration Building. This meeting was held under the direction of the General Correlation Committee of which Elder Harold B. Lee is Chairman and Elders Marion G. Romney and Alvin R. Dyer of the Home Teaching Committee.
These brethren of the Committee have come from all parts of the Church, and are here for a two-day session to become acquainted with the new Priesthood Home Teaching program which they will introduce at Stake Conferences during the last half of 1963. This new program will go into operation in Wards and Stakes throughout the Church on January 1, 1964, after which the present Ward Teaching Program will no longer be needed.
As I stood before them I told them that it was a great pleasure for me to meet with them on this historic occasion — the first meeting of its kind ever held in the Church. I directed my remarks on the new home teaching program, giving emphasis of the Quorums of the Priesthood as the perfect organization to teach effectively all the members of the Church in their homes.
Elder Marion G. Romney and Elder Alvin R. Dyer, following the meeting, presented me with brochures containing details of the new program. (see following newspaper clippings for names of members of the Committee, and also for report on President McKay’s talk.)
Wednesday, May 15, 1963
24 MEMBERS CALLED TO COMMITTEE ON HOME TEACHING
Announcement of the personnel of the new Priesthood Home Teaching Committee of the Church was made this week with the approval of the First Presidency.
The 24 prominent churchmen called to the committee by the First Presidency will serve under the direction of Elder Marion G. Romney of the Council of the Twelve, chairman, and Elder Alvin R. Dyer, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, managing director of the Priesthood Home Teaching Committee.
They will form the stake conference staff, visiting conferences beginning June 1 and 2, which will emphasize the Home Teaching program. Among those called are several present and past stake presidents, counselors in stake presidencies and those holding other positions of responsibility. They will be released from their present positions to devote their volunteer Church-service time to the new board assignment.
Those named are:
Robert N. Sears, of New York former president of the Tulsa Stake.
John K. Edmunds, Chicago, former president of the Chicago Stake.
L. Brent Goates, Salt Lake City, president of the Emigration Stake.
Heber J. Heiner, Jr., North Ogden, president of the Ben Lomond Stake.
Z. Reed Millar, Boise, Idaho, former president of the Boise Stake.
Don H. Rasmussen, Salt Lake City, member of the Valley View Stake High Council.
Donald Ellsworth, Salt Lake City, member of the General Church Welfare Committee.
A. Lewis Elggren, Salt Lake City, member of the General Church Welfare
Committee, former president Western States Mission and Liberty Stake.
Alma P. Burton, Orem, Utah, president of the Sharon Stake.
Cecil E. Hart, Idaho Falls, president of the South Idaho Falls Stake.
M. Elmer Christensen, Salt Lake City, president of the Winder Stake.
Frank C. Berg, West Germany, supervisor for Church Building Committee in
Germanic area, former president Monument Park West Stake.
Thomas S. Monson, Salt Lake City, former president of the Canadian Mission.
Richard S. Summerhays, Pasadena, Calif., president of the Pasadena Stake.
Hugh C. Smith, Granada Hills, Calif., former president of the Reseda and San
Fernando Stakes.
Henry G. Tempest, Salt Lake City, former president of the East Jordan Stake and
a member of the Presiding Bishopric’s staff.
Edward E. Drury, Jr., Denver, president of the Denver Stake.
George Z. Aposhian, Salt Lake, former president of the Central Atlantic States
Mission and Wilford Stake.
Junius E. Driggs, Phoenix, Ariz., president of the Scottsdale Stake.
Ernest D. Wright, Dallas, Texas, counselor in the Dallas Stake presidency.
Delbert F. Wright, of Danville, Calif., former president of the Oakland and
Minnesota Stakes.
Owen G. Reichman, Salt Lake City, former president of the Bonneville Stake.
E. Coleman Madsen, Miami Fla., counselor in the Florida Stake Presidency.
Harold R. Boyer, Salt Lake City, counselor in the Monument Park Stake Presi-
dency.
These men will hold their first meeting as a committee in the Church Offices in Salt Lake City, on Wednesday, May 15. It will be a day-long instruction session beginning at 9 a.m. They will meet under the direction of the General Correlation Committee of which Elder Harold B. Lee of the Council of the Twelve is chairman, and Elders Romney and Dyer of the Priesthood Hometeaching Committee.
They will be made acquainted with the new Priesthood Home Teaching program which they will introduce at stake conferences during the last half of 1963. This new program will go into operation in wards and stakes throughout the Church on January 1, 1964, after which the present Ward Teaching program will no longer be needed.
Deseret News – Church Section, Saturday, May 11, 1963
Wednesday, May 15, 1963
PRES. MCKAY CHALLENGES HOME-TEACHING AIDES
A challenge to get the vision of their new assignment and ‘bring about a rejuvenation throughout the Church of home teaching so each member will come under the full influence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,’ was given members of the new Priesthood Home Teaching Committee this week by President David O. McKay.
The Church leader gave his charge in opening remarks at a day-long seminar for the new committee members held Wednesday in the Church Office Building auditorium.
President McKay was introduced by Elder Marion G. Romney of the Council of the Twelve who is chairman of the Priesthood Home Teaching Committee.
Assisting Elder Romney in the conduct of the session were Presiding Bishop John H. Vandenberg, vice-chairman and Elder Alvin R. Dyer, assistant to the Council of the Twelve and managing director of the committee.
In attendance also were a number of the General Authorities and officers of auxiliary general boards.
President McKay referred to the gathering as a new and historic occasion. He began his remarks by emphasizing the divine authority of the priesthood. He explained that other churches claimed divine authority, but that the ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the only one claiming divine authority by direct revelation.’ He added that this was one of the distinctive differences of the true Church compared to other churches in the world.
President McKay traced the restoration of the priesthood authority through John the Baptist with the Aaronic Priesthood and Peter, James and John with the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood. ‘No Christian can dispute the divine authority of these heavenly messengers,’ President McKay said.
President McKay emphasized the two channels of authority within the priesthood of the Church – the ecclesiastical or governing authority such as that resting upon presidencies of stakes and quorum authority as held by presidencies of quorums.
The Church leader reemphasized the duty of the priesthood of the Church in the words of Paul to the Ephesians, ‘And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.’
President McKay also emphasized the place of the quorum in fostering fellowship and fraternity among the priesthood members. He declared the quorum should be to the priesthood of the Church what the lodges and fraternities are to the men of the world.
He explained that it was the revealed duty of the quorum officers to ‘sit in council’ with their members and teach them their duties.
‘When we can have the spirit of unity pervading our quorums then we will be well on our way to accomplishing the purpose of quorum organization,’ President McKay said. ‘We have here the perfect organization of the Church, divinely appointed. We must just get it to work.’
The Church leader described the new home teaching program giving emphasis on the quorums of the priesthood as the ‘perfect organization to reach effectively all the members of the Church in their homes.’
The committee members spent the day being instructed in the details of the new hometeaching program, which Elder Romney explained they will have the responsibility of introducing into each stake of the Church during the next six months. The new program is to be put in operation throughout the Church on January 1, Elder Romney said.
Deseret News – Church Section, Saturday, May 18, 1963
Wednesday, May 15, 1963
PRES. MCKAY ADVISES ON PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY
Synopsis of remarks by President David O. McKay at the first meeting of the newly appointed Priesthood Home Teaching Committee held May 15, 1963 in the Church Administration Building.
Brethren and Sisters, I take great pleasure in meeting with you on this historic occasion – the first meeting of this kind ever held in the Church.
I feel impressed this morning to say just a few words on the authority of the Priesthood. When visiting the missions of the Church in 1921 with President Hugh J. Cannon, a fellow passenger and his wife, strangers to us, introduced themselves to us soon after we left the harbor. As we conversed, the woman, somewhat apologetically, said: ‘May I ask you a question?’ I replied, ‘Certainly, and I will answer it before you ask it; I have only one wife.’ With curiosity, she queried, ‘If plural marriage isn’t the purpose of your religion, what is?’ ‘We are Christians,’ I replied. She answered, ‘So are we.’
And then she asked the important question: ‘What are the distinguishing features of your Church? What is the difference between your church and my church?’ ‘There are several,’ I responded, ‘divine authority by direct revelation being a principal one.’
I should like to say something about that – not divine authority as that would not be a distinctive feature. The Roman Catholics claim divine authority by direct line from Saint Peter who they unwisely assert was Bishop of Rome. The Orthodox Greek Catholic Church claims divine authority from the five Apostles who survived Peter. They claim authority, and so do the Coptics in Northern Africa. Thus, the Romans, Greeks, Coptics, and others claim divine authority, but there is only one church that has divine authority by direct revelation.
He was right who said several hundred years ago, as he resigned the position as head of the first Baptist Church in America, ‘There is no regularly-constituted church on earth nor any person authorized to administer church ordinances, nor can there be until new Apostles are sent by the Great Head of the Church for whose coming I am waiting,’ (Roger William – taken from ‘Picturesque America,’ p. 502.)
In 1830, a divine messenger did come. God Himself and His Beloved Son appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the boy Prophet heard the divine voice saying, ‘This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him.’ Subsequently, divine messengers restored the Priesthood. John the Baptist, who had been taught from birth, and also was recognized by the Savior Himself, restored the Aaronic Priesthood. Peter, James and John, whose authority no Christian can question, came and restored the Melchizedek Priesthood to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
In the Aaronic Priesthood we have Priests, Teachers, and Deacons, under the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood held by the Presiding Bishop. The Melchizedek Priesthood is presided over by three High Priests, a President, and two Counselors. There are also High Priests, Seventies, and Elders, in keeping with the statement of Paul of old –
‘And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.’ (Ephesians 4:11-13.)
We are speaking to a group of men today whose duties will be to help those who visit to perfect the saints, who will go about teaching ‘for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.’
In the Melchizedek quorums, we have, as I have named, High Priests in the quorum; Seventies specially called; and Elders who are under the direction of the Presidency of the Stake.
We have the quorum, as I have named, as a distinct organization in the Church – separate from the ecclesiastical part of the Church; in the ecclesiastical phase there are Stakes and Missions – the two great divisions of the Church. In the Stakes we have the President of the Stake, two Counselors, and several Bishops of Wards.
The High Priesthood consists of Apostles, High Priests, Elders, Seventies, who are directly under the First Presidency of the Church. The Seventies have a special presidency appointed by revelation. The Elders are directly under the direction of the ecclesiastical head known as the Stake Presidency. The Aaronic Priesthood is under the direction of the Bishopric who holds the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood and the Bishop, by ordination, holds the office of President of the Priests’ quorum, the presidency of which goes with the ordination of a Bishop. The Teachers and also the Deacons are under the Bishopric of the Ward.
Thus, there are two sources of authority – one from the quorum, and the other from the ecclesiastical division. Each quorum is presided over by three men officially appointed and ordained. The President of the High Priests from now on will be the President of each Stake. It is fitting that the President of this quorum should also be the President of the ecclesiastical group known as a Stake. The Seventies have their own organization; and the Presidency of the Elders’ quorum will be under the Presidency of the Stake.
It is the duty of each presidency of a quorum to meet with the members, to sit in council, and teach them their duty. I repeat – to sit in council with them and to teach them their duties.
Now, when they sit as a group in a quorum, the ecclesiastical authority has nothing to do with them except as the President of the Stake.
It is the duty of the Presidency of quorums, whether High Priest, Seventy, or Elder, to teach, to sit in council with quorum members, and teach them their duty and see that they are attending to all regular duties. This is a distinctive organization throughout the Church – the meaning or full import of which the Church does not comprehend today.
What the secret orders are to the world, the quorums are to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The quorums should foster fellowship, fraternity, brotherhood, and love as a group. Individually, they should give service to the organizations in the Church. They are subject to the ecclesiastical authority as members of the Church, but not as quorum members. Each quorum member is subject to his presidency, and it is the duty of the presidency to bring about unity in the membership of the quorum. Let me illustrate further: Referring again to an instance on board the vessel, I had never before seen the man. As he came toward me I knew he recognized me, but I did not recognize him. He grasped my hand with some kind of grip, and then quickly dropped it, and said: ‘Excuse me.’ His eye was on the stick pin I was wearing, a pin my wife had given me. It was a star and crescent. He recognized this as a symbol of his order. He gave me the grip, but when I did not acknowledge it, he dropped my hand immediately. A total stranger, but he recognized a symbol and wanted to foster fellowship. In some ways we should have that same spirit in our quorums. The quorum should be so united that we can help one another, not only spiritually but also financially and in every other way. If we can get that spirit of unity in our Quorums, then we are beginning to understand the full meaning of our Priesthood organization in the Church.
I repeat, while the Bishop has no authority to go to the Elder, Seventy, or High Priest to dictate, Quorum members are still under his ecclesiastical control and guidance. As Ward members, they are subject to him as to the payment of tithes, and they may be called to an ecclesiastical position, such as Superintendent of Sunday School, M.I.A., and so forth, but in the quorum work, they are subject to the presidency of the quorum, and it is the right of that quorum to disfellowship a member if he is not living up to the standards of the quorum. I recall one instance where a Quorum of Seventies withdrew the hand of fellowship in the quorum because a man was unworthy. They had no right to excommunicate him, but they did have the right to withdraw the hand of the fellowship until he made himself worthy.
I remember a conversation with Mr. Charles Zueblin, an authority on civic organizations. I was taking him out to show him the Davis and Weber County Canal System. Before we had gone far, we were talking not about canals but about the organization of the Church. I pointed out to him: ‘On our right side is the First Ward, on our left the Ninth Ward. In these Wards, we have Priests, Teachers, Deacons, each presided over by a presidency.’ I explained the organization of the Church ecclesiastically, and through the quorums.’
He asked: ‘How do you keep your people in these Wards?’ He associated the term ‘Ward’ with some kind of an institution.
I explained each had its responsibility.
He exclaimed: ‘How can we introduce this into every city in the United States – this idea of carrying responsibility by each group in the city?’
‘I do not know. You will have to have some common interest,’ I replied.
‘I agree, but must that common interest be a religious one?’ he said.
And I answered, ‘I do not know – it is a religious one with us, and it works very well.’
The organization of the Church is divinely appointed, and if we can just get it to work it will be effective in a Ward of three hundred in a Stake of five thousand in any country in all the world.
How are you going to apply this to Home Teaching? – the director of the ecclesiastical authority, the Bishop of the Ward, the High Priests, Seventies, Elders participating? Just the same as we have emphasized the importance of the members of the quorum teaching their members, but with these brethren having the assistance of the lesser Priesthood and all members working ‘for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.’
And so it is right to have the Home Teacher carry his responsibility of looking after the welfare of each individual. Assignments can properly be made so that every man who holds authority, which comes by direct revelation, may recognize his ecclesiastical duties by exercising the authority which he holds.
I leave my blessings with you. God bless you and give you inspiration in bringing the spirit of this new program, new assignment to the entire Church rejuvenating all our Ward Teaching with this Home Teaching Plan, that every individual will be brought to a consciousness of the Priesthood which comes direct from the Son of God.
God bless you, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Deseret News – Church Section, Saturday, May 25, 1963″
Tues., 21 May 1963:
“11:15 to 12:00 Noon
Meeting with President Joseph Fielding Smith, Elders Harold B. Lee, Marion G. Romney, and Richard L. Evans, regarding the organization of the Priesthood Missionary Committee.”
Mon., 27 May 1963:
“9:00 a.m.
First Meeting of the newly-appointed Priesthood Missionary Committee
Went to the Assembly Room on the Third Floor of the Church Administration Building, where I met twenty-nine members of the newly-appointed Priesthood Missionary Committee, who are gathered for an all-day session, held under the direction of President Joseph Fielding Smith, Chairman of the Missionary Committee, assisted by Elder Harold B. Lee, Vice-Chairman, Elders Marion G. Romney, and Boyd K. Packer, committee members.
I spoke to the group, giving them the fundamental requirements of Missionary Work; viz.,
1. Authoritative Assignment or Call
2. Preparation of Gospel Plan
3. Harmony with Mission Authorities
4. Daily Activity
5. Living Above Temptation.
It was a joy to meet these choice men! (see following copy of letter of appointment sent to these men; newspaper clippings of their appointment and giving account of meeting and President McKay’s talk in full.)
Monday, May 27, 1963
May 9, 1963
Mr. A. Walter Stevenson
2720 Christensen Ave.
Ogden, Utah
Dear Brother Stevenson:
We are pleased to advise you that upon the recommendation of the Council of the Twelve, we ask that you accept the assignment to assist the General Authorities of the Church in conducting stake quarterly conferences as a representative of the Missionary Program of the Church. You will receive assignments from the President of the Council of the Twelve to specific conferences. This letter will constitute your appointment to this responsibility.
We feel that your wide experience in various Church capacities will enable you to render a service that will be very helpful to the Church.
It would be expected and hoped that you would be able to attend a day long instruction session Monday, May 27, 1963, in Salt Lake City to be held in the third floor assembly room at 47 East South Temple Street, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Expenses will be paid for those who come from outside of Salt Lake City.
May we hear from you regarding your acceptance of this appointment.
Sincerely your brethren,
The First Presidency
By: David O. McKay
Henry D. Moyle
Monday, May 27, 1963
PERSONNEL NAMED FOR MISSIONARY COMMITTEE
Appointment of 29 members to a new Priesthood Missionary Committee of the Church was announced this week with approval of the First Presidency.
The new appointees will serve under the direction of President Joseph Fielding Smith of the Council of the Twelve who is chairman of the Priesthood Missionary Committee.
They will constitute the stake conference staff of the committee and will begin attending conferences June 1 and 2. They will assist the General Authorities in conducting stake quarterly conferences as representatives of the Missionary Program of the Church.
Naming of the personnel of the Priesthood Missionary Committee followed the announcement a week ago of the membership of the new Priesthood Home Teaching Committee. A representative of each of the two committees will attend conferences during the next six months attended by the General Authorities. At these conferences the Home Teaching and Missionary Programs will be emphasized.
Alternating stake Conferences during the third and fourth quarters will be attended by representatives of the Sunday School and Mutual Improvement Association General Boards.
The 29 members of the Priesthood Missionary Committee have been prominently active in stake and missionary work. Several of them have been serving as area supervisors of stake missions.
The new program of missionary work to be introduced in the quarterly conferences made advisable the release of those presently serving as area supervisors in the 25 areas, according to the First Presidency. Each of the area supervisors this week received a letter of honorable release from the First Presidency. They were extended appreciation and commendation for their faithful and dedicated service.
All members of the new missionary committee will be released from their present positions to give their full volunteer Church service time to their new assignments.
They will attend a special day-long instruction session in the Church Offices in Salt Lake City, beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27.
Monday, May 27, 1963
PRESIDENT MCKAY INSTRUCTS MEMBERSHIP OF NEW MISSIONARY COMMITTEE
Address given by President David O. McKay at a meeting of all members of the Priesthood Missionary Committee held in the Assembly Room, Church Administration Building, May 27, 1963.
About two weeks ago we had a group of men here in this room on Home Teaching in the Church. I am glad to meet with you missionaries on missionary work in the Church. I look forward with happy anticipation to the results of your teaching those who will attend the Quarterly Conferences, and present the missionary work of the Church. I am asked to say a few words by way of introduction.
I should like to read you this story which was considered of importance by Luke, the Historian. ‘And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.’ That means that Philip had been in Jerusalem attending ceremonies pertaining to missionary work and he is now told to go down toward Caesarea, his home; however, he is not to go around on the regular route, but to take a side road in that country.
‘And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, ‘Understandest thou what thous readest?’ And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
‘And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said ‘See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all cities, till he came to Caesarea.’ (Acts 8:27-40.)
I have read that somewhat unusual reference because Philip was, as you know, one of the seven set apart for special work to help the early Apostles, and he was very zealous in his preaching of the gospel, particularly to the people of Samaria. He caught the inspiration on the way to his home, for he lived in Caesarea where he and his three daughters entertained the early Apostles.
Call Necessary
Now, I have read this scripture to you missionaries with certain things in mind. First, it is necessary for you to have a Call, an official appointment to do the work of a missionary. Philip is the second name chosen among the seven. Steven’s name was first, and Philip’s was second. Philip was set apart, and a great deal of missionary work was carried on there in Jerusalem and in that area while Saul of Tarsus was persecuting them. During Philip’s preaching in Samaria and in and around Jerusalem, Saul was arresting the missionaries ‘playing havoc,’ so Luke tells us, ‘with the Church.’ Nevertheless, Philip continued preaching the gospel of baptism.
We do not know much about the man whom Philip baptized on the occasion referred to in the scripture I have just read to you, only that he was a very prominent man under the Queen of Ethiopia. He had charge of ‘all her treasure.’ Undoubtedly, he had been to Jerusalem as a convicted Jew and attended the feast of Pentecost. He was very much impressed with what he had heard, and was still reading the scriptures while on his way home in the chariot. He was reading them aloud, not as it was customary in that day just to read aloud to himself, but out loud so that Philip heard him. Evidently he was reading from Esaias to his charioteer as he was sitting in his chariot.
Philip took advantage of that occasion, not only to explain the scripture, but also to bear testimony of Jesus of Nazareth of whom the man had never heard, or perhaps had heard of Him only incidentally while he was visiting at the feast of Pentecost. But Philip, the missionary, soon took advantage of the text and bore witness of Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified, resurrected, and who ascended into Heaven. He was representing the authority of the Twelve when he preached that sermon to the interested Ethiopian.
It is interesting to note that Philip was not fully prepared to represent the leaders of God’s Church. Undoubtedly, he was one of the leaders who preached the gospel of baptism to the men and women of Samaria who were baptized in large numbers, but ‘when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he has fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.’ (Acts 8:14-17.) Philip continued preaching after he had baptized the Ethiopian and he went on, we are told, to the other cities, ’till he came to Caesarea.’
Later we have the following incident: After Paul’s conversion when he had come to Ephesus, ‘finding certain disciples, He said unto them, ‘Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed’? And they said unto him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them,’ Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When the heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.’ (Acts 19:1-6.)
Prepare to Preach
The second point is that it is necessary to be prepared to preach what the Authorities of the Church authorize the missionary to preach. In this day, a missionary is required to know what he is going to preach. It requires a testimony, not only of Jesus, but also a testimony of the restoration of the Gospel, and a knowledge of the plan as given by the General Authorities of the Church to the Mission President and his associates. The preparation of the missionary is a very important part of this work.
I am going to tell you a story. About sixty-four years ago, there was a young missionary named David O. McKay who had his call, accepted it, and left for his mission in August, 1897. On the boat taking the thirty young Elders to Liverpool was a Protestant minister, and the Elders soon got into debate with him. It seems that I was spokesman for a while, and the question came up as to where Jesus was when his body was in the tomb. Now, I had learned, as boys and girls learn in Sunday School, Priesthood Meeting and Mutual, that Jesus went to preach to the spirits in prison, so I spoke up, using about those words. The minister took a Bible and said, ‘Where do you find that?’ I didn’t know, for the life of me, where the scriptural reference was to be found, but I knew that I was right. In our group was a man from Holland who was on his way to fill a mission. He was standing by and whispered to me: ‘Peter, Peter.’ I then took the Bible, and I suppose I turned the wrong way to find the Epistles of Peter. For the life of me, I did not know where to find the text. The minister took the Bible and said: ‘My eight-year-old child knows more about the Bible than you do.’ There was so much truth in what he said that I spent the rest of the voyage becoming better acquainted with the scriptures.
Preparation is a very important part of a missionary call; and yet, preparation includes not only a knowledge of the Bible, Book of Mormon and Pearl of Great Price, but also a knowledge of the plan instituted for the use of the missionary in daily work. And, thank Heaven, we are better organized today than they were in the days of Philip when he worked largely as an individual and did not fully understand baptism by the spirit, as well as by water. But the missionaries who go out today should become well acquainted with the plan of reaching earnest members of the Church.
Work in Harmony
A third point is that a missionary is in harmony with the mission authorities, that he is not to use individual plans, but to work in harmony with the president of the mission and those associated with him. One important part of that plan is illustrated in the statement I read to you, the value of personal contact. It was through the personal contact that the Ethiopian had with Philip that convinced him that Jesus was the Christ. ‘If you believe,’ said Philip, ‘that Jesus is the Christ, you may be baptized,’ and he answered: ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’
Now, the present plan given to the Church encourages this special contact. You have referrals of certain people whom the missionaries should meet; and you sit down and talk to them, not just deliver a tract and leave the person as we used to do sixty-four years ago, but you meet them by appointment – and the best way in the world. An appointment is made to meet the family and their neighbors who might be interested and teach the lessons one, two, three, four, as given by the mission plan. Giving the message personally is more effective in conversion than by any other plan that we have ever used in the Church. I do not know of anything so effective. It is so effective that people cannot gainsay it. The Gospel is so reasonable, well, it is so divine, that if an Elder, properly instructed, by study and prayer, and testimony, can sit in the house with a family or with a group and teach that lesson and say, ‘Do you understand it? – tomorrow night we shall meet and take the second lesson,’ they cannot help but be converted. They get the spirit of it, and the spirit converts.
And so under that harmony with the mission authorities, you see that the missions carry out the plans given, and emphasize it so that when the missionaries go they will know where the Gospel of Peter is and not start to turn the wrong way as I did.
The fourth point in that text is activity. Philip was very diligent. After performing the baptism of the Ethiopian, he preached in the various towns that lay between the desert, where he was then, and Caesarea, his home town.
To Know Plan of Salvation
Finally, I wish to present to you this morning the responsibility of a missionary not only to be true to his Call, but to know the plan of salvation, to live in harmony with the mission authorities, to be daily active in the performance of his duties, but most of all, to live above temptation. I have no patience with an Elder who transgresses the moral law because he was thrown into temptation, or because he had an opportunity to associate with the opposite sex. A missionary, a man who holds the Priesthood should be able to resist temptation. Though a girl or woman might throw her arms around his neck, and as Robert Burns said, be in the presence of a ‘bonnie lass, convenience snug, a treacherous inclination,’ a man should not have a treacherous inclination,’ and if so, he should rise above it, control it. The Priesthood give a man power to live above temptation. When he falls, even though he confesses, he will have to suffer the consequences and come home, as two Elders did in 1924, disgraced and excommunicated from the Church. They were at a conference in Holland, and during that conference found themselves in areas of temptation. They confessed.
As mission president, I wrote home to President Heber J. Grant and asked if they should not be forgiven, and taken back. I received word that they must pay the penalty for their fault. I was sympathetic because I had taken the parents’ love to one of them, an only child. Now, I had to excommunicate him from the Church because he was too weak to resist temptation, and he had to go home to a mother who had sent her love to him. He never did come back to the Church. I think that act hastened her death. The other man came home, repented, and was restored. There is no excuse for a missionary who holds the Priesthood, who has divine appointment, who prepares himself to declare the word of salvation to those who are honest in heart and who trust him – there is no excuse for such a man to yield to temptation.
I congratulate you, brethren, particularly you who are to represent the missionary system and the Missionary Committee in the various conferences to be held throughout the Church. Please give this message and others you will receive today to those who are on the ‘firing line’ in the wards and stakes; and, above all, let them feel that when they are chosen as missionaries, they must not only live in harmony with the teachings of the Gospel, the plan given by the missionary authorities, but also through the power of the Holy Priesthood, live above temptation.
God bless you as you carry this word and other instructions given you this day, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Deseret News – Church Section, Saturday, June 15, 1963″
Fri., 11 Oct. 1963:
“Priesthood Home Teaching Plan
I inquired as to how Bishops are to direct Quorum members under the Priesthood Home Teaching Plan, and Bishop Vandenberg explained that the Quorum members are directed by the bishop in the ward with the Quorum President conferring. The Bishop participates in the selection of ward teachers and the assignment to families as well as in giving the teachers instructions to take the homes which are to be visited. The elders will be assigned by the Bishop to the families of elders. The group leaders and Quorum presidents will meet with the Bishop to make the assignments of various Melchizedek Priesthood groups and Quorum members. I said that is the way it should be. Bishop Vandenberg said the Bishop holds the responsibility over each member of the ward as the presiding high priest. The Bishop has the right, and is expected to confer with the group leader or the Quorum president.
Tues., 26 Nov. 1963:
High Priests Presidencies
Reference was made to a matter that had been discussed in the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve on Thursday last pertaining to High Priests Presidencies. The Twelve had recommended that a letter go to the Stake Presidencies instructing that commencing January 1, 1964, the Presidencies of Stakes should become the Presidencies of the High Priests Quorums. I authorized the sending of a letter to this effect, with the understanding, however, that in certain cases exceptions to this rule might be made permitting the President of the Stake to call to his assistance as counselors others than the counselors in the Stake Presidency, where conditions seem to justify.
Stake Presidents – to Set Apart Local Officers
There was also called to my attention a recommendation by the Council that general authorization be given to Stake Presidents to set apart Bishops’ counselors, High Councilors, alternate High Councilors, Stake Clerks, and Assistant Stake Clerks in stakes where there will not be visiting General Authorities in the near future. I ruled that there was no objection to this procedure with the understanding that these new officers who have heretofore come to the Council for approval first be presented to the First Presidency and the Twelve for approval.”
Thurs., 9 Jan. 1963:
10:00 to 12:00 Noon
Attended Council meeting in the Salt Lake Temple for the first time in over two months!
Home Teaching Program – The Duty of the Priesthood
Regarding the Home Teaching Program, I presented a number of questions asking for clarification of the program. Brother Romney explained the organization and functions of the Home Teaching Program. In his explanation, Elder Romney mentioned that there might be occasions that would argue the advisability of having a sister go with her husband to visit a family as a part of the Home Teaching Program. He said, however, that the instruction has repeatedly been given that the Priesthood are to be the regular home teachers, and that women would be used as home teachers only on specific occasions to go with their husbands to visit special families.
I said that I think there is danger in recognizing such a condition as this, that the home visiting is the duty of the Priesthood and that by even suggesting that a teacher might take his wife with him, instead of another member of the Priesthood, would seem to be questionable wisdom. I said that I am wondering if we were not opening the door for an aggressive wife to assume more than she has the right to assume. Elder Lee said that our Stake Presidents and Bishops have been cautioned regarding this; that, however, there is that possibility, and the Priesthood committee representatives have been warned about it; that he thinks, however, that perhaps we could pull an even tighter rein on the matter.
I suggested that it would be well to tighten the rein, notwithstanding the instructions and explanations that have heretofore been sent out. Elder Lee said that my wishes in this regard would be carried out.
The Bishop of the Ward will be in charge of the entire Home Teaching Program, and the representatives of the High Priests, Seventies, Elders, and the Aaronic Priesthood advisors will be the ones to confer with the Bishop, and they will act virtually as his Home Teaching Committee; that, for example, the High Priests Group leader of the Ward meets with the Bishop and with him goes over the list of High Priests in the Ward, and determines with the Bishop which homes the High Priests in the Ward will visit, and then the assignment to the High Priests.
Fri., 24 Jan. 1963:
The Twelve to be Notified of Important Actions by the First Presidency
President Tanner suggested that when the First Presidency make a decision of importance, such as the recent decision authorizing the Relief Society to set up a child placement agency in Nevada, that it would be helpful to the Twelve if they were informed of these decisions in order that they might know what is going on in the Church. This information could be given to the Brethren at Council Meeting. I said that I had no objection to this being done.
Wed., 29 Jan. 1964:
Bonneville International Broadcasting Corporation
Consideration was given to a decision heretofore made that a holding company should be formed, the directors for which company would consist of members of the First Presidency and representatives of the KIRO, WRUL, and KSL companies. President Tanner said that he could not be an officer of the company, because he is a Canadian and he did not know whether or not he could be a director. He agreed that a representative of each of the companies mentioned should be directors of the holding company. He mentioned that Brother Madsen had said that I want him to be President of both KIRO and KSL and that Brother Conkling would be representing WRUL. President Tanner said he did not think it was good business for Brother Madsen to be President of two companies that are part of the central holding company, and Brother Conkling to be President of only one company. He thought it would cause some difficulty as Brother Conkling is not happy with such an arrangement.
Referring to the meeting held a few days ago, President Tanner said it was the unanimous feeling that there should be a programming committee through which all Church activities, information, publicity, etc. should be funneled. He thought one of the Twelve should be the chairman of that committee in order that he could bring reports to the Twelve and that the Priesthood would be directing the entire program; that he had in mind Richard L. Evans as chairman. He also thought it might be well to have one of the members of the Missionary Committee on that committee. He mentioned that Brother Madsen has recommended that Richard W. Maycock be the manager. He also suggested that Lawrence McKay should be on the board of KIRO, which suggestion was agreed upon by the First Presidency.
Some consideration was given to the designation that should be given the holding company, but no decision was reached in regard to this matter.
In discussing these matters, the Brethren were agreed that any instructions regarding this work should come through the First Presidency rather than through Brother Madsen. I told President Brown that I would like him to take care of the situation, get matters in hand, and direct Brother Madsen.”
Wednesday, March 4, 1964
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
HELD WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 1964, AT 9:00 A.M.
Present: Presidents David O. McKay and N. Eldon Tanner. President Hugh B. Brown absent, being indisposed.
Preisthood Committee Representatives to General Conference
President Tanner commented upon the inquiry of Bishop Vandenberg as to whether or not representatives at stake conferences for the general priesthood committee, that is members of priesthood home teaching, priesthood missionary, priesthood welfare and priesthood genealogical divisions be called especially to attend the general conference. President McKay said it is not necessary. He asked that a note be made to inquire of the Presiding Bishopric as to the invitations which have been sent out to bishops and stake presidents to attend April conference. In response to the question of Elder ElRay L. Christiansen as to whether temple presidents should be invited, President McKay answered in the negative.
Fri., 13 Mar. 1964:
Seventy, Member of First Council of – Setting Apart of Presidents of High Priests Quorums
The question came up as to whether a member of the First Council of Seventy may set apart the Presidency of the High Priests Quorum. I answered in the affirmative, explaining that the President of the High Priests Quorum will be the President of the Stake; that members of the First Council of Seventy, being High Priests, have been given that authority specially though they are not members of a High Priests Quorum, but of the First Council of Seventy; however, by virtue of their ordination as High Priests, and their having been given special authority to set apart High Priests as Stake Presidents and the Presidents of High Priests, they may do so.
Wed., 18 Mar. 1964:
“General Authorities – Authority to Set Apart Stake Officers
We reviewed a chart submitted by Elder Harold B. Lee. Two questions were submitted with regard to information indicated on the chart, showing authority to set apart Stake officers. 1) As to the authority of members of the First Council of Seventy to set apart Stake Presidents, I confirmed this. 2) Can members of the First Council of Seventy set apart the President of the High Priests Quorum? I said that they are given that authority; that they have authority to set the Church in order in the Stakes. President Brown concurred in this. 3) The question asked by Elder Harold B. Lee as to whether or not members of the First Council of the Seventy may be chosen out of the High Priests Quorum, I answered in the negative. 4) As to setting apart counselors in the Stake Presidency by members of the First Presidency, members of the Council of the Twelve, Assistants to the Twelve, the First Council of the Seventy, and the Stake Presidency or of the Council of the Twelve. President Brown stated that I had ruled previously that I should prefer to hold that for the Twelve. I said that Assistants to the Twelve have the same authority as the Quorum of the Twelve, except choosing and ordaining a patriarch, second anointings, and authorizing a Stake President to set apart his counselors; that I think we should keep that to the Twelve.
The next day, March 19, these matters were presented at the meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, held in the Salt Lake Temple. Elder Lee mentioned that the new Handbook of Instructions on Priesthood is almost ready to come off the press. He called attention to a chart that has been prepared for inclusion in the Handbook indicating those who should ordain and set apart various officers in the Priesthood. He inquired specifically whether or not the members of the First Council of Seventy should set apart Stake Presidents and their counselors, and presidencies of High Priests Quorums, which latter means the Stake President and his counselors. He said the Twelve wondered whether or not it would be better if the Seventies did not set apart Presidencies of High Priests Quorums.
I answered that they should be able to do whatever the Assistants of the Twelve are authorized to do.
Elder Lee then called attention to the statement on the chart under consideration that Stake Clerks, Assistant Stake Clerks, High Councilors, and Alternate High Councilors may be set apart by the Stake President in the absence of a General Authority when so directed by a member of the Council of the Twelve. He asked if this would also apply to other General Authorities. I said, ‘Yes, it should apply as well to the Assistants of the Twelve and the First Council.'”
Thurs., 9 Apr. 1964:
10:00 to 12:00 Noon
Attended the regular meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve in the Salt Lake Temple.
Stake Authorities – Letter on Ordination and Setting Apart of Local
At our meeting, Elder Harold B. Lee presented in behalf of the Twelve the matter of a proposed letter to be sent to Presidents of Stakes to supersede one previously sent by the First Presidency regarding ordaining and setting apart certain ward and stake officers. This matter had been referred to a committee of the Twelve for study and recommendation, and there was now presented to the Council the recommendation of the committee, in which the Twelve concurred, which letter as submitted reads as follows:
‘To Presidents of Stakes
Dear Brethren:
‘This letter will supersede our circular letter of March 4, 1964, addressed to Presidents of Stakes regarding the sustaining and setting apart of certain ward and stake officers.
In the future, General Authorities who are authorized will continue to set apart stake presidents and counselors, bishops, presidents of high priests quorums and counselors, and presidents of seventies quorums, and ordain patriarchs and seventies. It is understood that only members of the First Presidency and the Twelve will ordain patriarchs.
All other ward and stake officers heretofore ordained or set apart by General Authorities will hereafter be ordained or set apart by the Stake President after a thorough and searching interview and being properly sustained.
Stake Presidents will make certain in their interview that such persons are fully devoted to the Church, that they are maintaining the standards and that they will continue to lead exemplary lives.
Sincerely yours,
The First Presidency’
After hearing the letter, I said that the letter as prepared is all right. Elder Lee thereupon moved that approval be given to the letter revised. Motion seconded by Brother Stapley and unanimously approved. (See copy of letter following.)”
Fri., 12 June 1964:
“8:00 a.m.
Met by appointment at his request, Elder Marion D. Hanks of the First Council of Seventy.
After a brief report of his activities since coming home from his Mission in Great Britain, Elder Hanks told me of the number of requests that are coming to him from missionaries and others to officiate at their marriages in the Temple, and that he wondered inasmuch as some of the members of the Council have been ordained High Priests why they could not have the sealing power conferred upon them.
I explained that members of the First Council of Seventy do not belong to the High Priests Quorums; that they are members of the First Council. I said that they have been ordained High Priests so that they can place everything in order in the Church in accordance with their assignment.
I said that I would take the matter of conferring of the sealing power up with the Brethren and let him know.
8:30 a.m.
First Council of Seventy – Sealing Power to be Conferred
Following Elder Hanks’ departure, Presidents Brown and Tanner came over to the apartment, and I presented to them the matter of conferring the sealing power upon members of the First Council of Seventy, and it became the unanimous sentiment of the First Presidency that the sealing power should be conferred upon them, which authority I shall confer at a later date.”
Fri., 19 June 1964:
“10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Following the departure of the Presiding Bishopric, the secretary presented several letters addressed to the First Presidency.
First Council of Seventy – Sealing Power to be Conferred
Report of the action taken at the meeting of the Council held June 11, when I was not present, approving the conferring of the sealing power upon the members of the First Council of Seventy was reviewed. I said that this matter I had presented at a First Presidency’s meeting previous to that and had expressed approval of the sealing power being conferred.
11:10 a.m.
Returned to my private office.
First Council of Seventy – Sealing Power Conferred on Marion D. Hanks
Met by appointment Elder Marion D. Hanks. I discussed with him the role in the Church of the members of the First Council of Seventy.
Following our discussion, I conferred upon him the sealing power, thus permitting him to officiate at marriage ceremonies in the Temples of the Church.”
Wed., 8 July 1964:
“First Council of Seventy
I discussed with the Brethren the advisability of conferring the sealing power upon the members of the First Council of Seventy. I asked Presidents Brown and Tanner if they could see any objection thereto, and they both expressed themselves as favoring this proposition. I mentioned that I had already given Elder Marion D. Hanks this authority, and that Elder Paul H. Dunn, also of the First Council of Seventy, has been asked by some of his friends to perform marriages for them in the Temple.
I said that I had prayed about this matter, and have thought seriously about it, and that I can see nothing wrong about it.
I then said that I would confer the sealing power upon Brother Dunn as soon as convenient.”
Tues., 8 Sept. 1964:
October Conference – Priesthood Meeting
President Tanner asked me if there is anything I should like them to do in preparing the General Priesthood Meeting of the Church, or if I would take care of the meeting as heretofore.
In this connection, President Brown mentioned that in the latest meeting of the Council, it was thought that the General Priesthood Meeting would be an opportune time to present the work being done by the Correlation Committee so that all the Priesthood would know first hand what the Correlation Committee has been doing. President Brown said that Brother Harold B. Lee wondered whether we might present at the Priesthood Meeting the Committee’s report on correlation.
Correlation Committee and Its Program
I inquired if the counselors know what the Correlation Committee is doing, and said that it is a matter that should be handled very carefully or it will get out of hand; that at present it is too indefinite for the Church as a whole.
President Tanner commented that he thinks he knows what they are trying to do, but that he had some fear that we are organizing this to a point where it would be somewhat in the nature of regimentation, and that he thinks the program would be very carefully checked before we go forward.
I agreed implicitly, and said that the Correlation Program must be carefully checked before we go any further.
We agreed that the Correlation people should submit to the First Presidency briefly, but fully the program of the Committee, and that the First Presidency would go over it to get it clearly in their minds before it is given out to the Church.
President Tanner commented regarding the Stake Conference program that is being proposed for 1965, which he said contemplated sending out the representatives of two auxiliary organizations together, and the sending out of representatives of the Priesthood Committees together with a member of the General Authorities.”
Tues., 15 Sept. 1964:
“8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Held a meeting of the First Presidency. The following items were discussed:
October Conference – Program for General Priesthood Meeting
President Brown reported to me that he and Brother Tanner had asked Bishop Vandenberg to submit their suggestions for participation by members of the Aaronic Priesthood for the General Priesthood Meeting Program. Bishop Vandenberg has submitted a proposed program suggesting that the invocation be offered by a Teacher. President Brown said that he had told the Bishop that he thought the Invocation should be offered by one holding the Melchizedek Priesthood, and I agreed with President Brown’s sentiment. The Presiding Bishop further suggested a ten-minute address by a Deacon on the subject, ‘How I Honor My Priesthood Every Day of the Week’, and that the same subject is suggested for an address by a Priest. Bishop Vandenberg had also suggested that we have an address by a member of a stake presidency who has come up through the Aaronic Priesthood adult program, and then a talk by a member of the Presiding Bishopric.
I did not like the subject suggested for addresses by members of the Aaronic Priesthood, and said I think we should give further consideration to the whole matter of the proposed program. The Brethren then mentioned that the Correlation Committee, with Elder Lee as chairman, had prepared an outline of the Priesthood Program for 1965, which described proposed steps to be taken in promoting the 1965 Priesthood instruction program which will have as its theme, ‘Teaching the Gospel in the Home’. It was explained that this program will emphasize helping parents to teach the Gospel to their families, that the lessons used by the Priesthood Quorums, Relief Society and home teachers would be geared to helping the parents achieve this objective.
President Tanner explained that the intention is that the Priesthood Quorums will teach this subject in the Sunday morning meetings, the Relief Society will have a lesson on the same subject in the Relief Society classes, and the Home Teachers would take into the home an outline and perhaps material on the subject which the parents could use in their home evening once a month. President Tanner said that originally the committee had suggested that these meetings in the home be held once a week, but they had now changed it to once a month, and if it should be found desirable to give more lessons for the home nights, this could be arranged later. He said that they propose to prepare a course of subject material which the parents could use in their home night to teach the children, and in the Priesthood Meetings this subject will be discussed so that the father will be prepared to take it into the home, and the Relief Society will deal with the subject in their classes so that the mothers will be prepared also. The Home Teacher would take supplemental information into the home.
I said that the faithful members of the Church, the Bishop and his counselors, the Ward Teachers, and the faithful women of the church who are the busiest, will attempt to carry out the program; that, however, the ordinary man with his business connections and his Church assignments does not feel that he has time for such a program. I said we should not undertake something that we cannot make practical, and mentioned that we have a group of young men in the Church unoccupied and unassigned, and expressed the thought that it might be considered advisable to ask the Priests in the Church to use this plan, assigning to them the duty of holding these meetings, the parents and the family to invite neighbors to come into the meeting where these young men would offer the prayers, do the singing, and do the speaking. The girls of corresponding ages would assist.
President Tanner said that if the Bishop would announce that there would be no Church meeting of any kind on the night when this home evening was scheduled, and tell the people that that night is intended strictly for home night, it would influence the families to hold their home night meeting and carry out the program suggested. President Tanner also mentioned that the committee has the program pretty well outlined for 1965 and if we say nothing about it at the General Priesthood Meeting, it would leave them to go ahead with their program as best they can in Stake Conferences, which would not work out very satisfactorily; otherwise it would be necessary to hold up the program for another six months. President Tanner expressed the feeling that the family Home Teaching Program has real merit; that if these proposed subjects are discussed in Relief Society the mothers will come home feeling that they have an assignment to teach the lesson in their home during the home evening once a month, and then too, if the Home Teachers see that each home gets a copy of the outline it would result in many more homes having the home evening, and a profitable one. President Tanner mentioned the success he had had in the Calgary Stake when he was President of that Stake in carrying out a home evening program. It was his opinion that if encouraged to do so, the people could find time to hold these home evening programs, and that parents should be teaching their families. He said what the committee is attempting to do is to give the parents something to teach.
President Brown commented that the important thing to be decided is whether this program is to be introduced at the General Priesthood Meeting and Brother Lee given authorization to present it to the people of the church at that time.
I commented that for fifty years we have tried to get a home night, and that during that period only a small percentage of the families of the Church have held a home night.
I questioned whether we were prepared at this time to present the matter to the Church; however, I said I think that the very fact of placing an outline in the hands of the head of the household who may be a backslider would emphasize to him his responsibility, whether he throws it aside or not, and that this would justify our placing emphasis upon this subject during the Priesthood Meeting. It was thought that the remarks of those who participated in the Presiding Bishop’s part of the program should also be brought up for further discussion by the First Presidency tomorrow morning.”
Wed., 16 Sept. 1964:
“8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Held a meeting of the First Presidency in my apartment at the Hotel. Some of the items discussed were:
October Conference – Priesthood Meeting
The Brethren gave further consideration to the matter of the proposed Home Evening Program where the Gospel would be taught to members of the family in the home under the direction of the parents on the Fast evening Sunday. President Tanner said he told Elder Lee that my feeling seemed to be that a good part of the time of the Priesthood Conference meeting should be devoted to the Home Evening theme, Elder Lee to take about twenty minutes to introduce the program to the Church, and he was very happy about it. I said that the important question is how this is to be done. President Tanner stated that he thought the way to do it is to keep striving for it, that if we can only succeed in having a few thousand families in the Church follow the program it will be worth the effort, and he felt sure that many families who are not now having their home evening would fall into line.
I indicated my approval and said that we should emphasize the necessity of the father setting the example, and if he does not do so the responsibility will be on his head.
In answer to my inquiry as to what Elder Lee will give in his proposed remarks, President Tanner said that he will present the program for 1965, which is to encourage the parents to teach religion to the family in the home. In order to give the parents assistance in this project, outlines are being prepared of religious discussions that could be used each month in the home, that the Relief Society course of study will provide for a lesson on the subject each month, and the brethren in the Priesthood Quorums will study that particular subject in their Priesthood classes so that the fathers who have been to Priesthood Meeting, and the women attending Relief Society, will have some background on the subject when they hold the meeting in the home on Fast Day Evening, at which time there will be no ward meeting. It was also the sentiment of the Brethren that in the General Priesthood meeting the Aaronic Priesthood boys and the Presiding Bishopric should direct their remarks to the theme of teaching religion in the home.
Thurs., 17 Sept. 1964:
October Conference – Priesthood Meeting
I said that I think the idea of holding a monthly family night is a good one, and that we should emphasize the need of giving more instruction on the Gospel in the home as suggested for the General Priesthood Meeting. I said that I will give further thought to the matter of the talks to be given by the Lesser Priesthood boys.
Fri., 18 Sept. 1964:
Note by CM
President McKay called and said that he had decided that the subject of Home Teaching — Teaching the Gospel by the Father and the Mother in the Home — will be the theme of the General Priesthood Meeting of the October Conference; that Elder Harold B. Lee will give a talk on this theme, and that he would then like to have two young men give short talks on maintaining the moral standards of the Church.
He asked me to include this information in the program for that evening’s meeting.”
Tues., 22 Sept. 1964:
“October Conference
We discussed the October General Conference program, and agreed that so far as the Saturday evening Priesthood meeting program is concerned, Elder Harold B. Lee would speak first, introducing the home evening program that is being recommended for teaching the Gospel in the home. Following his address there will be two ten-minute talks by young Aaronic Priesthood boys, and a fifteen-minute address by Bishop Robert L. Simpson — all of these remarks to be on the theme of Teaching the Gospel in the Home. The remainder of the time will be used by the members of the First Presidency.
Tues., 30 May 1967:
“8:30 a.m.
Special Meeting of the First Presidency and Council of Twelve
Attended a special meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve held in the First Presidency’s room of the Church Administration Building.
Elder Harold B. Lee, as Chairman of the Correlation Committee, referred to the memorandum relative to three vital problems which had been put into the hands of each of the Brethren for discussion at this meeting. (see memorandum following.)
After making preliminary remarks and giving quotations from the First Presidency of the Church in April, 1941, and from President Lorenzo Snow in 1901 regarding the duty and work of the Apostles, that when the Assistants were called in 1941 we had 138 stakes whereas we now have 435, which means that we have had an increase of practically 300 stakes, and that the increase will continue. Elder Lee mentioned that for the past two years we have been sending the auxiliary representatives to stake conferences, and we have observed their work, and while in the main there has been much good accomplished, the auxiliaries themselves have not been too satisfied. They have felt the need and are now moving out into regionalizing. He said that for instance the Relief Society people have taken themselves out of attending conferences this whole year, and they are now accepting invitations to go to regional meetings instead. The MIA, he said, are setting up regional meetings here and there to take care of certain phases of their work, which they feel is a more efficient way than going to stake conferences. The Sunday School is pressing for the privilege of holding regional meetings for their stake superintendencies.
Elder Lee said the other problem that has concerned them has been to place the Priesthood in its place, to give it the place where the Lord put it; that is, it is to be the center and core of the Kingdom of God, and the auxiliaries to be auxiliary to the priesthood. He said the men who have been representing us as Priesthood committeemen, as their work has been observed, it has been less than effective, and it has not been recognized as authoritative. They have been committee members, which to the general officers does not connote an authority such as they might have had if they had been given a designation within the framework of the Church organization.
He said the Correlation Committee has worked for months and months on a question of making our work at Stake Conferences more effective. They feel the crying need is to get closer to our leaders, and to give the energy needed to training them in leadership. He said the Presiding Bishopric, for example, has given thought to training sessions for bishoprics. The committee thinks this ought not to get too far away from all of us, that we all ought to be in the business of training leaders; that, therefore, in their suggestions concerning stake conferences they have now come up with some suggestions as to how they think the work of the General Authorities can be made more effective and perhaps reach a greater number of our people than are now being reached by attendance at two general sessions of the conference for the general public.
Elder Lee thought that with this preliminary statement the brethren might be able to understand something of the background of the committee’s approach to this problem. He felt that the matter is of serious import, and is presented with a prayerful desire to do what the President of the Church under the Lord’s direction would wish. He said the committee yields fully to this, with the realization that we are not reaching the people in this vast growing Church as we should.
He said that in order to chart a plan that will reach them effectively, we must understand what we have been doing and do it more effectively, that ours is the job to train people and to stay close to the weaker stakes and sort of live with them if necessary to get them into the channel of proper procedures.
The Brethren then had some discussion of the various items in the proposed program, after which Elder Hinckley raised a question. He said he was favorable to this program, that the only thing that troubled him is the title, ‘Priesthood Associates of the Twelve’. He said that ‘associate’ does have a connotation of being higher than an ‘assistant’, and this troubled him just a little. He wondered if there would be any virtue in using ‘Regional Associates of the Twelve’, which would have a limitation, and tie them to the regions to which they are attached.
President Tanner suggested ‘Regional Representatives of the Twelve.’ He said the title had bothered him more than anything about this, and that if we are going to make the appointment temporary, it would seem that we should make the designation such as to make it easy to move them, that is to release them if it became necessary. He wondered about calling them ‘Regional Priesthood Representatives.’ He expressed the wish that we had time to give the whole program more thought. He said he saw some things that made him unhappy. He said the thing that bothered him mostly is making seventy more General Authorities, roughly. When they are associates of the Twelve, he thought they were Assistants to the Twelve.
Elder Lee said we do not want any regional meetings if we do not have Priesthood authority to direct them. In answer to President Tanner’s question as to whether this regional authority would be in charge of these regional auxiliaries, Elder Lee said he would be the Priesthood authority in that meeting, and would be over the Stake Presidents.
Elder Lee said this was something that we ought to be united on, and he would say that if the Presidency and Twelve could be united on ‘Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Church’, he thought that would be desirable.
I said that that would be all right.
Elder Lee said that every time we organize a new Stake, it puts the Twelve a little farther away from the people; that we are now spreading ourselves about as think as we can, and we are not doing the work efficiently. He felt that we must intensify the work. He felt that we are not teaching them properly, and that we must make those who go out to teach them more effective.
Elder Hinckley moved that these Priesthood associates of whom we had been speaking be designated by the title Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve.’ Elder Benson seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Elder Romney moved the adoption of the recommendations on the three issues outlined, with the amendment as approved. Elder Monson seconded Elder Romney’s motion. Recommendation unanimously approved.
Elder Lee said that the committee had approached this with faith and prayer, and some of them with sleepless nights, hoping to get something not only that they could approve of, but that they felt in their hearts the Presidency and the Twelve would want them to do, in order to keep in touch with the growing Church, which is growing by leaps and bounds. He said that something must be done that will keep us in closer touch than we are now.
President Brown said that the committee has done an excellent work.
Elder Lee then stated that there is one pertinent question that ought to be answered so that the Correlation Committee will know our wishes. He said that having made this decision, the next move would seem to be to acquaint the whole correlation group and the auxiliaries with the general outline of the plan. He said they ought to know as soon as they can; that the next thing would be immediately to begin to make a study as to regional representatives that might be nominated. He thought that they should be set apart in a manner that the Presidency would direct, perhaps by members of the Twelve, because of the number, and they could be set apart according to the designation that has been agreed upon. He wondered if this would not be a better way to do it before making a Church-wide announcement, that the announcement could be made to the Church at the coming October Conference.
I said that that would be the better way to handle it.
Elder Lee then said that the announcement to the Church could be made at the General Priesthood Meeting in October, and by then we would have more clearly in mind the details. He said that there had been some rumblings to the effect that there is going to be a change, and the auxiliaries are pressing to know what they are going to do. He said that now having made the decision that we have, we could acquaint the auxiliary people and our own correlation workers so that they would all know what the general plan is.
President Tanner raised the question as to what we should do in regard to releasing these Priesthood committee representatives who are now in the service. It was agreed that all these representatives should be released, and then we can call back into service as these regional Priesthood representatives those whom we would like to use in this capacity.
President Tanner raised the question as to whether there would be any conflict between these representatives and the Assistants to the Twelve when they go into these various areas. It was explained that there should not be any more conflict than if a member of the Twelve were to go into the area.
Elder Lee then commented that the present Priesthood representatives will need to function until the end of the current year, and that the program should go forward as it is now until that time; and then at the October Conference we could notify the entire Church and could release the Priesthood representatives, at which time a letter of release could be sent to them by the First Presidency, and these regional Priesthood representatives could be nominated immediately thereafter. After this was done, they could go into training to make sure that all moved in unison.
10:30 a.m.
Following the departure of the Brethren, the First Presidency met for a short time. President Brown stated that it seemed evident that the First Presidency is losing its grip on the activities that are going forward, and that more and more we are being regulated and ruled by committees. He said that now that we have adopted the recommendations of the Correlation Executive Committee, which came with the endorsement of the Twelve, we need to make some changes and assignments among members of the Twelve as advisors to the various auxiliary groups. He felt that those who have been acting in the capacity are becoming somewhat stale in their various assignments. He suggested that if the President so desired, his counselors could bring to the President a list of those who are now acting in these capacities with some suggestions as to changes that should be made. He thought this would be an opportune time to do it. He felt that the First Presidency is taking rather a second place to the committees in these matters. He explained that for example the handling of the Missionary Department, which heretofore has always been under one of the Presidency of the Church, is being carried on quite exclusively by the Missionary Executive Committee. He thought that there is a number of such things that ought to be given more consideration so that when this new program comes up in October, the First Presidency will be ready to designate who of the Twelve is to represent the Sunday School, the Mutual, the Primary, etc., and who will represent the missionary work. He thought we might consider dividing this representation among the Presidency of the Church and let one of them be on each of these committees in charge of certain parts of the work. He said that he would like to pull back into the hands of the First Presidency some of the things that seem to be slipping from them. He suggested that if agreeable to the President he would like to present to me when he has had the time to look it over with President Tanner and President Smith, a list of those who are representing the auxiliaries now, and some suggestions as to changes that should be made. He thought that this should be ready for consideration by a week from tomorrow if possible.
I said that this should be taken under consideration immediately.
Tuesday, May 30, 1967
May 24, 1967
The First Presidency and
Council of the Twelve
Building
Dear Brethren:
We are submitting herewith, a memorandum relative to three vital problems as it pertains to:
1. Proper supervision of priesthood functions as they pertain to the many stakes of the Church at the present time needing careful scrutiny and instruction.
2. Proposed Auxiliary Board Visitations to stakes in the regions of the Church.
3. Proposed program for Stake Quarterly Conferences and schedule of meetings suggested.
We, as an Executive Committee of the Correlation Committee of the Church, have given much thought to these problems and we now present them to you for your consideration. We are being somewhat pressed for a decision on these vital matters so that we can proceed as soon as possible as you may direct us, if you approve these proposals.
Respectfully yours,
Harold B. Lee
Spencer W. Kimball
Marion G. Romney
Richard L. Evans (Out of Town)
Howard W. Hunter
Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas L. Monson
John H. Vandenberg
Tuesday, May 30, 1967
Memorandum
May 16, 1967
Re: Proposed Stake Conference and Regional meetings for 1968 as it pertains to the visitations of representatives of the Priesthood Home Teaching Committee, Priesthood Missionary Committee, Priesthood Genealogy Committee and Priesthood Church Welfare Committee as well as representatives from the General Boards of Auxiliary organizations.
Role of Priesthood Committee representatives as it has operated for the last two years or more.
As we have studied the visitations of these priesthood committee representatives and have opportunity to have personal interviews with some of those whose work has been most effective, it has become apparent that in many instances where these priesthood representatives were in attendance with an auxiliary General Board representative, that invariably the instruction of the General Board Auxiliary representative took precedence over the priesthood representative and the stake authorities were inclined to give their instructions prime attention because they came from a more authoritative source within the defined framework of Church organization. Sometimes auxiliary instructions were in defiance and in contradiction to instructions contained in priesthood committee handbooks. This has resulted in considerable confusion both to our priesthood representatives as well as to the Church authorities in the stakes, the wards, the priesthood quorums and the auxiliary organizations. This has been particularly so with the Priesthood Home Teaching and to some extent with Genealogical representatives.
It seems to be clear that if the priesthood programs as we have now defined them are to hold their place as the center and core of the foundation of the Church, we must give consideration to the giving of a more authoritative status to these general priesthood representatives.
In the first recommendation from our four Managing Directors of the priesthood committee they proposed what to us appears to be some inconsistencies in suggesting that these priesthood representatives go to regional meetings as they have been doing in the past, and at the same time recommend that they might accompany a General Authority if he so desired one such to accompany him. After we had discussed this with our General Correlation Committee secretary, Elder Antone K. Romney, we asked him and his fellow secretaries of the various correlation committees to study these proposals and to consider some criticisms we had offered with reference to some of the Managing Director’s proposals.
The Managing Directors, for example, had suggested a ‘General Priesthood Committee’ or Board comprising priesthood committee representatives, which, of course, goes contrary to what we have repeatedly been taught by President McKay, that the First Presidency and Council of Twelve Apostles were in fact, already the General Priesthood Board of the Church.
In considering this suggestion, the Correlation secretaries felt it was unwise to set up a ‘General Church Priesthood Committee’ to attend stake quarterly conferences but to concentrate the efforts of priesthood representatives to regional meetings. The Correlation secretaries countered with a proposal that in each region there be appointed a priesthood regional representative to correlate training functions in each of the regional meetings. If this were done these regional representatives would actually be the chairman of the teams comprising priesthood and auxiliary representatives for leadership training in each regional meeting. This would mean if our secretaries’ proposals were carried out, such regional priesthood coordinators would conduct regional leadership meetings which would then be visited by representatives of General Priesthood and auxiliary organizations to which stake and ward and priesthood quorum leaders and auxiliary organization representatives would be in attendance.
Obviously if this were to be done we should give thought to the desirability of giving such coordinators a designation and assigned authority from the Council of Twelve and First Presidency if they are to become effective in such an assignment.
This subject of regional coordinators has been one which has been in the minds of some of us for a considerable time prior to the institution of our correlation work. We have even discussed it with the members of the First Presidency in years past as to how we might establish such regional supervision as Church units are multiplied, to give direct attention to the many stakes which are now being organized in all parts of the world. Out of this thinking and these previous discussions, the following suggestions are presented for your consideration:
That in every region of the Church, now numbering approximately 70, we designate a regional priesthood coordinator. In the smaller regions it may be necessary to have only one such, or some cases one co-ordinator for every two or more very small regions, but in the larger regions it might be desirable to have such a coordinator with one or more associates who might be designated ‘Associate Coordinators.’ We would suggest that such coordinators be given the title of ‘Part-time Assistants to the Twelve’ and be set apart as such with the understanding that they would not be required to give their full time, but only their so-called ‘Church Service Time.’ *These Part-time Assistants would not be permanent appointments but might be rotated with others from time to time. All travel expense incident to their assignments would be submitted for payment to the Council of Twelve much the same as is done with our priesthood representatives at the present time. This would give us in the field at all times, a working force of competent men with priesthood authority related to the General Authorities to follow through and to see that all programs of the Church are carried out as instructed by the General Authorities through handbooks, and in face to face seminars with General Authorities. These seminars would be held semi-annually in conjunction with General Conferences, preferably following the General Conferences where two or three days could be devoted in an intensive instruction of all such coordinators and specialists in each priesthood field of all who are to be engaged in priesthood programs. These coordinators and associates should be so schooled that they will be knowledgeable in every priesthood field and should be men of stature of the quality of the General Authorities.
This arrangement would place upon the Council of the Twelve and their associates of the full-time Assistants to the Twelve and First Council of Seventy, the responsibility of programming leadership training as well as teacher training so that regional meetings of our coordinators and their associates at regional meetings would be an experience of training and instruction which should reach down to every stake, ward and priesthood quorum leader. Herein, it seems to us, is our great challenge to meet the needs of a growing Church.
*Some of the brethren would suggest the title ‘Associates of the Twelve; others have suggested the title ‘Priesthood Associates of the Twelve.’ This last would probably better define the area in which these men function.
General Auxiliary Board Representative Visitations:
It is proposed by our Managing Directors of the four priesthood committees and also by our correlation secretaries that beginning in 1968, the auxiliary board representatives will not attend stake conferences. Already the pattern of the thinking of General Board leaders is beginning to be more and more apparent. The General Relief Society presidency, for example, have taken themselves out of any visiting of the stake conferences during 1967, but they are enthusiastically seeking for, and accepting invitations to go to regional meetings. For example, the three regional meetings in Scotland, Manchester, and London of stake and mission Relief Society workers in the Great Britain area supervised by Elder Mark E. Petersen, and now comes an invitation to the Relief Society presidency to attend a proposed regional meeting in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission for all mission Relief Society workers at Pittsburgh in September. At the same time we observe that in California and elsewhere, the MIA are having regional gatherings of MIA workers and to give instruction in certain phases of this program which seem to be growing and expanding. We have also, the General Sunday School Superintendency who are to a point of almost demanding that they have regional meetings with all stake superintendencies of Sunday School and possibly ward superintendencies, as we have understood their request. They have gone so far, also, to request that if they were to continue to attend stake conferences they wanted to have the Sunday morning hour for them to instruct their Sunday School leaders along with stake and ward leaders.
The proposed program of our Managing Directors would have at each meeting which would be held in each region twice a year, two of the auxiliaries represented – one of the auxiliaries to have the forenoon hours from 9:00 – 12:00 where stake auxiliary and ward auxiliary workers would be invited for an intensive training program. In the afternoon from 1:00 – 4:00 the other auxiliary would be given the time to meet with their auxiliary workers. These could be all day meetings if they were to be held in separate buildings with more than two or more auxiliary representatives from each organization in attendance. Overlapping these auxiliary training sessions, would be a meeting of priesthood leaders from the stakes and wards and priesthood quorums under the direction of regional coordinators and their associates, with an attendance of such specialists which would constitute the hard core of experts who would have constant instruction from each priesthood department as may be thought necessary to refine the programs or to introduce and explain any new programs which may be launched by each priesthood branch of the work. Such specialists should be few in number and largely from those who man the offices of the four priesthood departments, or who have day to day contact therewith.
There are 13 stakes, presently, not aligned with any region. These are as follows:
Alaska Adelaide
Apia Brisbane
Buenos Aires Melbourne
Mexico City Sidney
Mexico City North Sidney South
Guatemala San Paul
Pasco
It is conceivable that the Australian stakes might be regionalized to some extent with a coordinator as well as the stakes in South America. The other stakes might be visited on an individual stake basis. Here a coordinator for such stakes not in regions could be sent to attend the conferences when no General Authority would be in attendance where he could give instruction both in leadership training sessions as well as in the general sessions of the stake conference in all four priesthood programs. The auxiliary representatives could arrange similar training sessions in these isolated stakes not in regions on a rotating schedule, following or preceding a stake conference where a regional coordinator also could be in attendance at these auxiliary conventions.
Attendance at Stake Quarterly Conference:
The proposal of our four Managing Directors and concurred in by our Correlation secretaries is that General Authorities only, will attend stake conferences during 1968. General Authorities in this arrangement would attend two of the four conferences each year, unless there is some emergency situation such as a stake presidency reorganization which would necessitate the attendance of General Authorities. The other two stake conferences will be conducted by their stake presidency and we would urge that at these stake conferences that the stake presidency do not invite speakers from elsewhere in the church outside of the stake to come and act in the role of a General Authority as has sometimes been the case, but that stake presidencies be urged to take this opportunity to instruct their own people and to develop leadership training sessions where they can transmit to their respective stakes in leadership training meetings, and in the general sessions such instruction as they have received at their regional meetings and not merely make of these conferences, speaking sessions where prominent speakers may be imported from outside the stake for that purpose. Should it be thought advisable to have in attendance any speakers outside the stake it would be well to consider confining these to the regional coordinator or his associate who might be assigned for some specific purpose where there is some problem which the Council of Twelve would feel should have his attention.
These proposals, as you might study them, would eliminate the danger and undesirableness of organizing a ‘Super Church Priesthood Committee or Board’ since priesthood representatives would be regional and not permanently appointed. These could be changed from time to time as might be thought advisable rather than to be thought of as lifetime appointees as is the case of full-time General Authorities.
Schedule of meetings for Stake Quarterly Conference
There has been a growing feeling among General Authorities that a large per cent of our people are coming to feel that if they attend one General Session of the stake quarterly conference in the forenoon, that they are then content to remain at home or do other things rather than return to an afternoon session. In many instances it has been observed that the attendance falls off by at least 50% from the attendance in the morning session. This has raised the question as to whether or not the General Authority might concentrate his efforts to the instruction of the stake and ward and priesthood quorum leaders on Saturday afternoon and evening with perhaps the early Sunday morning hour beginning at 8:00 or 8:30 to be devoted to a meeting with the stake presidency alone, in order to give all the fathers in the stake a chance to bring their families with them to the morning session, including the children who, in most instances, would otherwise have no Sunday School to attend nor the opportunity of coming to the stake conference. Consideration might be given to the holding of a Junior Sunday School in rooms not used for the General Conference for small children of the age of Junior Sunday School and be accounted for separately. This morning session would then be primarily the place for the visiting General Authority to give instruction or to discourse upon matters pertaining to that particular stake as revealed by his study of confidential reports and his visits with stake presidency and the leaders of the wards and quorums.
If it were thought advisable to have any meetings Sunday afternoon the time could be profitably employed in the setting apart or ordaining leaders who come from this or surrounding stakes and possibly to conduct an additional leadership training session of a duration not to exceed one and one-half hours and be limited to priesthood leaders who may have been newly installed.
It would then be the recommendation that all wards be instructed to have an evening Sacrament meeting in their own wards instead of being expected to attend an afternoon session of conference. This, we are confident would bring a much greater total attendance than the number who ordinarily would attend the afternoon session of conference.
Tuesday, May 30, 1967
After the Lord instructed as to the work of the Seventy with relation to the Council of Twelve Apostles, he then made this statement which seems to us to have great significance to the matter which we are now discussing:
Section 107:98 D&C
‘Whereas other officers of the church, who belong not unto the
Twelve, neither to the Seventy, are not under the responsibility
to travel among all nations, but are to travel as their circumstances
shall allow, notwithstanding they may hold as high and responsible
offices in the church.’
Statement of the First Presidency in the General Conference of April 1941
Re: Assistants
‘In the past history of the Church, especially in President Brigham Young’s time, it was found necessary for the First Presidency or the Twelve, or both to call brethren, frequently designated as Counselors to help carry on their assigned work in the Church.
‘The rapid growth of the Church in recent times, the constantly increasing establishment of new wards and stakes, the every widening geographical area covered by wards and stakes, the steadily increasing necessity for increasing our missions in numbers and efficiency that Gospel may be brought to all men, the continual multiplying of Church interests and activities calling for more rigid and frequent observation, supervision, and direction — all have built up an apostolic service of the greatest magnitude.
‘The First Presidency and Twelve feel that to meet adequately their great responsibilities and to carry on efficiently this service for the Lord, they should have some help. Accordingly, it has been decided to appoint Assistants to the Twelve, who shall be set apart to act under the direction of the Twelve in the performance of such work as the First Presidency and the Twelve may place upon them. There will be no fixed number of these Assistants. Their number will be increased or otherwise from time to time as the necessity of carrying on the Lord’s work seems to dictate to be wise.’
President Snow’s Last Discourse delivered at the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah Sunday afternoon, October 6th, 1901
Work of the Apostles
The Apostles have a work that is in another direction altogether. I want the Presidents of Stakes hereafter to realize that it is their business not the business of the Apostles; it is the business of the High Priests, the Elders, the Bishops, Priests, Teachers and Deacons to look after these things. Do not lay this duty upon the shoulders of the Apostles. It is not in their line, at least only occasionally. There is a certain channel by and through which the Lord intends to exalt His sons and daughters, to remove wickedness from the earth and to establish righteousness, and that channel is the Priesthood, which God has established and shown clearly the nature and character of the various offices and duties thereof. The Apostles and the Seventies, it is their business by the appointment of the Almighty to look after the interests of the world. The Seventies and the Twelve Apostles are special witnesses unto the nations of the earth. The business of the High Priests, the Elders and the Bishops is to look after the interests of these various organizations that I have mentioned. You presiding officers of the various Stakes of Zion, the time is coming when you will not have to call and depend so much upon the Twelve Apostles. They will be directed in other channels, and I want you to distinctly understand it; and do not seek to throw responsibilities that belong to you upon these Twelve Apostles and upon the Seventies.’
Thursday, September 26, 1967 [?]
The Presidency and Apostles met in council this morning, President Snow presiding.
‘After the usual opening exercises President Snow spoke as follows: I want to say, here’s the Apostles and the Seventies; their business is to warn the nations of the earth and prepare the world for the coming of the Savior. They have been engaged in this more or less, but now we find ourselves in a compact gathered condition, the Church is divided into Stakes, and we come together from time to time in a council meeting to consider the interests of the cause generally and make appointments for brethren to visit the stakes when holding their conferences. It looks to me that our minds ought to extend somewhat, and we should get out of our beaten track, and a little change be made. For instance, we have started in this direction by sending Brother Heber J. Grant over to Japan, but this is only a start. Things seem to be going on favorably with him, and whether he will accomplish much or not, it matters little in one sense; it is for the Apostles to show to the Lord that they are his witnesses to all the nations, and that they are doing the best they can.'”
Thurs., 1 June 1967:
“8:30 a.m.
Held a meeting of the First Presidency with Presidents Brown and Tanner. President Smith was meeting with the Twelve in the Temple.
Supervision of Priesthood Correlation – Functions of as presented at the meeting of the Council of the First Presidency and Twelve on May 30, 1967.
President Hugh B. Brown referred to the action taken by the First Presidency and the Twelve in their special meeting held last Tuesday, May 30. He said he considered the program rather revolutionary and wondered if it should not have been given more consideration. He mentioned that there is a number of things about it that he felt we might not want if more thought were given; that it is something of a new system. President Tanner said he just wondered if I were happy about the whole thing.
Auxiliary Organizations – First Presidency Should Direct Activities
President Brown suggested the wisdom of dividing up the Auxiliary organization supervisory work among the counselors in the First Presidency. He said that at present the Twelve have great responsibility, and the First Presidency very little so far as the operation of the Church from day to day is concerned.
He suggested, for instance, if President Tanner were given the Genealogical work, and the Primary work, President Smith the Relief Society, and President Brown the MIA, or something of this kind; that as members of the First Presidency they would be able to keep in touch with the problems of these various organizations. President Brown said that he would be glad to work in one or two of these organizations and carry the responsibility that is now being carried by the Twelve or their Assistants, if I felt it advisable.
I said that I should like to take the matter under advisement.
Missionary Work – Supervision of by First Presidency
President Brown then suggested the possible advisability of giving to the members of the First Presidency supervision of the missionary work, which he stated one of the counselors in the First Presidency supervised until the death of President Henry D. Moyle, when this was turned over to the Missionary Executive Committee. He thought it would be much better administered by the First Presidency with the assistance of the Twelve. President Brown stated that perhaps I would like to take this under advisement, and I said that I would do this.
Mon., 7 Aug., 1967:
“8:00 a.m.
Meeting with First Presidencv and Members of the Twelve on Correlation Proposals
I met with Presidents Hugh B. Brown and Nathan Eldon Tanner, and the following members of the Correlation Executive Committee: Elders Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, Marion G. Romney, Richard L, Evans, and Thomas S. Monson. Other members of the committee, Elders Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley, and John H. Vandenberg, were excused.
See copy of following First Presidency’s minutes for matters regarding the proposals of the Correlation Executive Committee.
A meeting of all General Authorities and the newly-appointed Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve, will be held in the Assembly Room of the Salt Lake Temple on the fifth floor for a spiritual meeting under the direction of the First Presidency, on Thursday, September 28, 1967.
At the General Priesthood Meeting, Saturday, September 30, 1967, the proposals for regional meetings and Stake quarterly conferences will be the featured theme of the session. It is suggested that the official statement from the First Presidency be read, and that there could then be presented to the General Priesthood of the Church such detail of the proposed plan and the holding of Stake Conferences and regional meetings throughout the Church commencing in 1968 as the First Presidency may desire.
This whole matter was also presented to the Council of the Twelve at their meeting held in the Temple Thursday, August 9, 1967.
(See copy of Minutes following for details of this Council meetings which are included in the First Presidency’s minutes.)”
“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency
Held Monday, August 7, 1967, at 8:00 A.M., in President McKay’s Apartment
Present: Presidents David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown and N. Eldon Tanner
Correlation Proposals
In keeping with an appointment heretofore made the following members of the Correlation Executive Committee met with the First Presidency, namely, Elders Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, Marion G. Romney, Richard L. Evans and Thomas S. Monson. Elder Lee explained that the members of the committee were all present excepting Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley and John H. Vandenberg. Reference was made to a meeting held in the office of the First Presidency on May 30, 1967 by the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles, at which meeting there was a lengthy discussion of certain matters presented by the Correlation Executive Committee. At that time the committee was requested to make further investigation of the proposed changes and report back thereon. He stated that while Elders Hunter, Hinckley and Vandenberg were not present at the meeting today, they had been in all of the discussions and that the report now to be presented is the report of the entire committee. Elder Lee stated that at the suggestion of President Brown and President Tanner they had set down in order the various points that they wanted to present to the First Presidency. At the suggestion of the brethren Secretary Anderson read the following letter for the information of the Presidency:
“August 7, 1967
The First Presidency
Building
Dear Brethren:
This letter will recall the lengthy discussion of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles in a meeting held in the office of the First Presidency on May 30, 1967. In this meeting there were presented by the Correlation Executive Committee, three proposals:
1. The visitations of the general auxiliary boards during 1968.
2. Proper supervision of priesthood functions as they pertain to the many stakes of the Church that need careful scrutiny and instruction.
3. Proposed program for stake quarterly conference and schedule of meetings suggested.
Following the presentation and a lengthy discussion, the proposals made were unanimously approved with some modifications, particularly with reference to the title by which priesthood representatives would be known throughout the Church.
The Correlation Executive Committee were then instructed to go forward and work out the details of the proposals now approved and be prepared to submit to the First Presidency and the Twelve, at a future date, their recommendations for further consideration.
We are now presenting to the First Presidency the results of our further study and recommendations for your consideration:
1. We recommend that on Friday evening, September 29, 1967, which will be the first day of the forthcoming October Conference, that there be a meeting of all stake presidents only, with the General Authorities, under the direction of the First Presidency. At this meeting it is suggested that there be read to the stake presidents a statement from the First Presidency outlining the proposed instructions by Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve as they will be assigned to specific regions throughout the entire Church. We have had Elder Richard L. Evans prepare a suggested official statement which will give to the First Presidency our thinking as to the nature of this first official announcement. (See proposed official announcement as attached.)
This presentation might include the naming of the priesthood representatives of the Twelve as they will have been approved, together with the regional assignment of each one, and with such detail with reference thereto as may be advisable.
2. There should be announced, also, the approved plan for the holding of stake conferences during 1968, in such detail as the First Presidency may desire.
3. Following this meeting which could be held in the Assembly Hall, we would request all stake presidents to go immediately to a designated room in the Church Office Building for presidents comprising each region to meet with their respective newly appointed Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve for a brief introduction and any pertinent questions to their Priesthood Representative of the Twelve.
4. We propose that those who will have been designated as Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve by appointment of the First Presidency by letter prior to October Conference will be requested to be in attendance at a two day Seminar to be held on Wednesday and Thursday, September 27-28, 1967. If this Seminar were held on Thursday preceding the conference it would be necessary to consider the holding of the usual Thursday temple meeting, at a prior time — possibly Tuesday, September 26, or to forego the holding of the temple meeting for that week due to the heavy schedule which most all of the brethren will have and thereby conserve the energy of, particularly, the First Presidency. If this were done it would suggest that on the week previously, on Thursday, September 21, the usual meeting with all the General Authorities would be held.
5. We are submitting as per the attached list, the names of brethren whom we recommend would be called to serve as Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve. These are recommended after long study by the Correlation Executive Committee. With few exceptions, all of these recommended have been or are now serving in stake presidencies or have served as mission presidents or both. The few others called to thus serve are men of broad experience and excellent training. It is proposed that all priesthood committee members now serving on the four committees — Priesthood Home Teaching, Priesthood Missionary, Priesthood Genealogy, and Priesthood Welfare would be extended an honorable release by a letter from the First Presidency which might be worded about as follows. (This has been prepared by Elder Marion G. Romney)
(The proposed letter of release to Priesthood Committee Representatives.)
Dear Brother
By action of the Council of the First Presidency with the Twelve, the proceedings of stake conferences after the first of the year will not require the attendance of priesthood committee representatives or auxiliary Board members. We are therefore extending to all members of the four priesthood committees — Home Teaching, Missionary, Genealogy, and Welfare, including yourself, an honorable release effective as of December 31, 1967.
We do this with deep appreciation for the able and effective service you have rendered, and with the hope and expectation that you will continue on in your present capacity until the end of the year, and thereafter in whatever capacity you are called to serve.
Sincerely yours,
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
This would also contemplate that the First Presidency would by letter, prior to the October Conference, send to each of the proposed Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve, a letter of appointment and if accepted by each such, to request a reply well in advance of the October Conference. We would suggest a letter from the First Presidency which might be worded about as follows: (This has been prepared by Elder Gordon B. Hinckley)
(The proposed letter of Appointment)
Dear Brother :
With the ever increasing growth of the Church there becomes evident a greater need to train our stake and ward leaders in the programs of the Church that they in turn might train the membership in their responsibilities before the Lord.
To assist in accomplishing this we are calling a number of high priests to serve as Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve to work with the leadership of the stakes. You have been recommended by the Twelve to serve in this important capacity. We earnestly hope that you are in a position to respond to this call.
Those so called will be expected to give Church service time only as do bishops and stake presidents. However, it will be necessary that they be released from other Church administrative responsibilities. Furthermore, it is anticipated that there will be a rotation of these assignments from time to time with no fixed term of service.
This new program will be announced at the forthcoming General Conference. Until then we ask that it not be discussed with others. A special seminar for the brethren called to this responsibility will be held September 27-28 in Salt Lake City. You will receive from the office of the Council of Twelve further particulars concerning these training meetings.
It is hoped that you will be able to arrange your affairs to permit your attendance on these two days preceding the conference and on the Monday following the October conference when a brief summary session will be held.
Will you please indicate by return mail your willingness to respond to this call. Should your circumstances make it infeasible so to serve we shall welcome a confidential statement concerning these circumstances.
We repose in you our confidence and extend our appreciation for your devoted service in the cause of the Master.
Faithfully your brethren,
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
6. We would propose that on Thursday morning at an early hour, possibly 7:30 a.m., that a meeting of all General Authorities and the newly appointed Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve be held in the assembly room of the temple on the fifth floor for a spiritual meeting under the direction of the First Presidency. At the conclusion of the two day Seminar we would then propose that there be a dinner for all of the Regional Priesthood Representatives and their wives together with the General Authorities and their wives and the heads of the General Boards of the auxiliaries with their spouses, and a few others who have worked on this program. This would mean approximately 300. Sister Spafford has assured us that the third floor of the Relief Society building would accommodate that many and would be available to us.
7. Under the direction of our Adult Correlation Committee, Elder Thomas S. Monson as chairman, together with Wendell Ashton and Neil Maxwell, and in consultation with the chairmen of the four priesthood committees and managing directors, there has been outlined a thorough training program for these Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve.
8. We would then propose that in the General Priesthood meeting on Saturday, September 30, that these proposals for regional meetings and stake quarterly conferences be the featured theme of that session. The meeting could be commenced with the reading of the official statement from the First Presidency such as we have proposed for the Friday evening meeting. There could then be presented to the general priesthood of the Church such detail of the proposed plan and the holding of stake conferences and regional meetings throughout the Church commencing in 1968, as the First Presidency may desire.
9. With the approval of President Joseph Fielding Smith and under the direction of the Correlation Executive Committee, it is proposed that following the reports in the weekly Wednesday report meetings with all the General Authorities with the exception of the First Presidency, that there be an intensive study of the instructions contained in the newly revised Handbook of Instructions, the four Priesthood programs of the Church, and in principles of leadership.
In the last category it would be proposed that helps and suggestions for effective presentations would be offered for the benefit of the General Authorities who will go out to stake conferences during 1968 in order to give to stake and ward leaders the most help possible in their leadership responsibilities.
Attached hereto you will find an outline of some proposed instructions that will be carried forward on these Wednesday programs each week.
We respectfully submit these proposals to you for such action as you may desire to take in order for us to begin at once to make adequate preparations for this extensive program of instruction and training.
Sincerely yours,
CORRELATION EXECUTIVE CONDilTTEE
/S/ Harold B. Lee
/S/ Spencer W. Kimball
/S/ Marion G. Romney
Richard L. Evans
Howard W. Hunter
Gordon B: Hinckley
/S/ Thomas S. Monson
John H. Vandenberg”
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
“As many of you will remember in 1941 it became necessary for the First Presidency and the Twelve to provide for additional brethren to help with the work of overseeing and setting in order an evergrowing worldwide church. Thus in the General Conference of April, 1941, Assistants to the Twelve were named and sustained, ‘to be increased or otherwise from time to time as the necessity of carrying on the Lord’s work seems to dictate.’
Since then the worldwide demands of the Church have increased to an ever greater degree and it is felt by the First Presidency and Twelve that a further provision for guidance and direction is now needed.
What, therefore, is now proposed, is the calling of as many brethren as may be necessary, to be known as Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve, each, as assigned, to be responsible in some aspects of the work to carry counsel and to conduct instructional meetings in groups of stakes or regions as may be designated from time to time.
These Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve will not be ‘General’ Authorities, as such, but will serve somewhat as do stake presidents, giving full church service time for greater or lesser periods of service as circumstances may suggest.
Fuller details will be in evidence as this plan proceeds under the guidance of the First Presidency and the Twelve.”
There was also read the following suggested grouping of regions with proposed Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve. (See attached)
Elder Lee stated that it is proposed to organize the Long Island Stake by a division of the New York Stake on August l9th and 20th, and that President G. Stanley McAllister of the New York Stake has suggested that he be released at that time as the stake president. Elder Lee said that the committee is suggesting that President George H. Mortimer and President McAllister be released as stake presidents and be given together the New York-Niagara Falls area regional supervision. Elder Lee stated that President McAllister had mentioned the time and services involved in arranging for the new Church building in New York and Elder Lee thought he could no doubt take care of that assignment as well as associate himself with President George H. Mortimer in serving as Regional Priesthood Representative of the Twelve.
Elder Monson stated that Elders Neal Maxwell and Wendell Ashton are both members of the Adult Correlation Committee, and with Elder Monson comprise a special leadership committee. He said that it is felt that if they were appointed Regional Representatives of the Twelve they would be in a better position to keep current on the program and could be more helpful in the leadership work than if confined entirely to the regular correlation committee uork. He said it was his thought to have Neal Maxwell take the Brigham City portion of that assignment and Wendell Ashton to be in charge of the Tremonton stakes. He thought that they could work together in what would normally be one representative assignment. He said that their assignment would be two separate regions, one headed by Brother Maxwell and the other by Brother Ashton.
Elder Lee said that normally where stakes are in the same proximity the committee had tried to bring them together to avoid too many regions in order to avoid unnecessary travel.
The brethren added to the list of proposed Regional Representatives of the Twelve the following names in case some of those on the present list were unable to serve for one reason or another: Neal A. Maxwell, Howard Allen, J. Vernon Sharp, Harold Turley, Spencer Osborn, Henry Richards and Sanford Eliason.
In the discussion that followed some question was raised regarding the advisability of using the following: Wilford W. Kirton, James E. Faust, Owen W. Reichman, Hugh C. Smith, Richard S. Summerhays, Coleman Madsen and G. Stanley McAllister. President Tanner suggested as brethren whose names might likewise be approved for possible appointment, President Farrell A. Munns of Orlando Stake, Cecil I. Burningham and Grant S. Thorn. The brethren of the committee were asked to reconsider the above whom they had recommended, as well as to consider Elders Munns, Burningham and Thorn.
Elder Lee reported that of the brethren recommended, 31 had served as stake presidents or in stake presidencies. Of this number ten had served as counselors only in stake presidencies, 20 had served in stake presidencies and as mission presidents, 3 had served as bishops only, 2 had served in other distinguished capacities but not as bishops, members of stake presidencies or mission presidents. He said that they are all men of tested and proven worth.
President Brown presented the recommendation of President Tanner, seconded by Elder Evans, that the recommendations of the committee as set forth in the letter, and also the suggested grouping of regions and Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve, be approved with the understanding that there will be a reconsideration of the brethren about whom some question had been raised as to the wisdom of using them in these positions. The recommendation as presented was unanimously approved.
Elder Lee stated that he had received the assignment to attend the New York Stake conference August l9th and 20th when the New York Stake will be divided. He asked if it would meet with the approval of the First Presidency to release Brother G. Stanley McAllister as president of the New York Stake provided he still maintains a desire to be released as he has heretofore indicated. President McKay stated that if President McAllister still maintains a desire to be released and really means it, that Elder Lee was authorized to go forward and extend an honorable release to him. On this matter being put to those present for vote, this proposal was unanimously approved.”
Fri., 1 Sep., 1967:
“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency
Held Friday, September 1, 1967, at 11:00 A.M., at President McKay’s Home in Huntsville
Present: Presidents David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner and Joseph Fielding Smith. President Thorpe B. Isaacson absent on account of illness.
President Brown’s Visit to Seattle
President Brown reported that he visited Seattle during this past week end and met with the M-men and Gleaner girls of the four Seattle stakes in what is called Silver Mountain, that a delightful time was held. He attended two meetings with them. They were very attentive and expressed the wish that he bring to President McKay their love and blessing. The same evening he held a fireside in Seattle of the missionaries, investigators, saints and friends. He said that between times he visited with Monte Bean, first president of the Portland Stake and later president of the Seattle Stake, and that he wanted to be remembered to President McKay. President Brown expressed the hope that we can find something for Brother Bean to do in the Church and that he, President Brown, had suggested to President Kay of the Seattle Stake that he try to find something for him to do to keep him busy. President Brown said that he made a trip with Brother Bean on his boat in the mouth of the Columbia River and did some fishing, caught a 30 pound salmon and some others not so large.
Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve
President Btown submitted to President McKay for his consideration a proposed program of a seminar for orientation of Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve which it is suggested be held Wednesday and Thursday, September 27th and 28th, in the Seventeenth Ward meetinghouse, to which the following are invited: The General Authorities, Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve, General Superintendencies and Presidencies of auxiliary organizations, Correlation Committee Secretaries, members of Adult Correlation Committee, and staff members. President Brown mentioned that the programs for these meetings had been presented to the Council on Thursday last and were approved by them. The schedule provides that in addition to the regular seminar meetings on Wednesday and Thursday an inspirational meeting be held in the Salt Lake Temple September 28th from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at which messages will be given by a member of the First Presidency and one of the brethren of the Twelve. Following this meeting the group will reconvene in the Seventeenth Ward meetinghouse for a continuation of the seminar and the program outlines the subjects to be treated in the various sessions of the seminar. It is further proposed that an informal reception be held in the Relief Society Building of all those attending the seminar and their partners Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9, at which Thomas S. Monson will be the master of ceremonies. President Tanner will welcome those present, Elder Harold B. Lee will be a speaker, and President Brown or some other member of the First Presidency will speak.
It is further proposed that a meeting be held in the Assembly Hall Friday, September 29, 1967, from 7 to 9 p.m. for stake presidents and Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve. At this meeting the General Authorities will be invited to be present, as also Regional Priesthood Representatives, General Presidencies and General Superintendencies of the auxiliary organizations, stake presidents, Correlation Committee secretaries, and staff members. The concluding meeting will be a summary meeting and setting apart of Regional Priesthood Representatives of the Twelve to be held in the 3rd floor assembly room, Church Office Building, Monday, October 2, 1967, at 9 a.m. following a brief introductory meeting. The Regional Priesthood Representatives will meet in the rooms assigned to be set apart by members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve.
It is proposed that at the Friday night meeting when the Regional Representatives will be announced to the stake presidents, they be presented to this group for their sustaining vote. President Brown suggested also that when the General Authorities and general officers of the Church are presented in General Conference it would seem advisable that their names be presented for the approval of those present at the conference session. He thought it would be desirable to present them to the whole conference at this time at least when we are making this change.
President McKay said he would think about this.
President Tanner expressed the hope that President McKay would be able to meet with the group in the Salt Lake Temple in their meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 in the assembly hall on the fifth floor, and deliver a message to those present. He asked if President McKay would be able to do this and he said that he would arrange to be with them. President Tanner suggested to President McKay that if he felt like preparing a message to these people it would be very much appreciated. The thought was expressed that a good time for such a message from the President would be Friday night in the Assembly Hall when the General Authorities, the auxiliary leaders, the Regional Priesthood Representatives and the stake presidents are present.
President McKay commented regarding the entire program that it seemed to be a good arrangement.
A copy of the programs for the proposed seminar and related meetings is attached hereto.
President Brown mentioned that the Twelve, in presenting this program to the Council yesterday, expressed the hope that the General Authorities meeting in the temple could be held Thursday, September 21, 1967 or Tuesday, September 26th. They preferred Thursday the 21st if it met with President McKay’s approval. President McKay said that that would be all right. President Brown then said the brethren expressed the hope that we might have the names of the speakers who were to participate in the General Conference that we might announce to the brethren at that time the dates and time when they would speak in the conference so that they could prepare themselves accordingly. President Tanner suggested that we should at least work to that end and the President said yes.
General Priesthood Meeting
President Brown suggested that in order to make this change known to all the priesthood of the Church it was thought that the committee members should take the first thirty minutes of the Saturday night Priesthood meeting in presenting a summary of this program so that all the priesthood of the Church listening in from all parts of the Church would have a knowledge of what is being done. He asked the President if this would meet with his approval and the President said that would be all right.
Tues., 26 Sep., 1967:
“12:00 noon
Held a meeting with my counselors and discussed the following matters:
Regional Representatives of the Twelve
President Brown mentioned the presentation to me sometime ago of the program pertaining to the calling of Regional Representatives of the Twelve. He said that the names of these brethren will be read in one of the meetings of the Seminar and asked if it were necessary to read all of these names in the General Conference of the Church for the sustaining vote of the members. It was agreed that they should be presented in this first Conference after their appointment and the explanation made that they will take office as of the first of the year 1968. It was also agreed that the Priesthood Committees will be sustained as heretofore; that, however, they will be released as of the first of the year.
October Conference – Priesthood Meeting
Referring to the Saturday night Priesthood Meeting of the General Conference, President Brown mentioned that it was his understanding that Elder Lee will take the first 30 or 40 minutes to explain the new program pertaining to Regional Representatives. President Brown asked if I had decided who else should participate on the program of this session. I asked if the Brethren had any suggestions. President Tanner mentioned that the General Priesthood Meeting six months ago was a very fine meeting when my son, Robert, bore his testimony and read my talk. He mentioned also that Elders A. Theodore Tuttle and Paul H. Dunn of the First Council of Seventy had spoken at that meeting and that they did very well in appealing to the young people. He mentioned also that Brother Don Lind, the astronaut, spoke and that his remarks were very well received. He suggested that if we could have something similar at this Conference it would be helpful. I said that I should like President Brown to conduct the meeting, and that I personally would not attempt to speak; that I would have a message, however, to be read to the Priesthood.
Mon., 8 Jan., 1968:
“Rested at home today. Did not hold any meetings.
Letter to all Mission Presidents regarding attendance of Mission Presidencies at Regional meetings where Stakes are situated within “the proselyting boundaries of a mission”; otherwise, no regional meetings will be scheduled for missions, but Mission leaders may meet with General Board representatives of the Auxiliary organizations in training sesions arranged under the direction of the Area Supervisor .
(See copy of letter following.)”
“January 8, 1968
TO ALL MISSION PRESIDENTS
Dear Brethren:
At the October 1967 Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church, announcement was made that general board representatives of the auxiliary organizations would as a general rule no longer attend stake quarterly conferences. Announcement also was made that the members of the Priesthood Home Teaching, Missionary, Welfare and Genealogy Committees were to be released as of the end of 1967, their responsibilities being assigned to the newly appointed Regional Representatives of the Twelve.
Commencing with January, 1968, these priesthood phases of the work and the programs of the auxiliary organizations will be carried out at regional meetings of the various regions in accordance with the enclosed schedule.
Where a regional meeting is held in a stake situated within the proselyting boundaries of a mission, we suggest, where practicable, that the mission president invite his counselors and appropriate members of mission auxiliary boards to attend these regional meetings. District officers and branch presidencies serving in the adjoining area may also be invited to attend these meetings. In this way priesthood and auxiliary leaders within such missions will receive the same information supplied stake leaders. No other visits to these missions by general board members are authorized.
In those missions where there are no stakes and hence no regional meetings scheduled, general board representatives of the auxiliary organizations may meet with mission leaders in training sessions arranged under the direction of the area supervisor. In the absence of the area supervisor, the mission president would preside. General board representatives will in most instances make such visits en route to or from their regularly scheduled regional meeting assignments. Regional Representatives of the Twelve have not been given responsibility with respect to missions hence would not attend sessions within these missions.
By following these procedures we are confident maximum benefit will accrue to the missions of the Church.
Sincerely your brethren,
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
by David O. McKay
Hugh B. Brown
N. Eldon Tanner
Joseph Fielding Smith”
Tues., 23 Jan., 1968:
“8:30 a.m.
Held a meeting with my counselors, Presidents Tanner and Smith, and Elder Alvin Dyer. President Brown was absent because of illness, and President Isaacson is still confined to his home with a stroke .
High Councilors – Calling to be an Ordinance Worker in the Saint George Temple
President Tanner referred to a letter from the Saint George Temple Presidency requesting that permission be given for a Stake High Councilman to be called as a Temple Ordinance Worker, and serve in both positions. President Tanner said he could see no reason why this should not be done, even though Elder Harold B. Lee had opposed it, since he (President Tanner) felt that High Councilmen usually did not have enough work to keep them busy.
In commenting upon this to me, Elder Dyer stated that in the present Correlation Program that High Councilmen, functioning as they should, would not possibly have time to spend two or three evenings a week as a Temple Ordinance worker; that if this High Councilman was called to this work, it would contradict other instructions of responsibility given to him.
I said that I feel, and it was agreed by those present, that a High Councilman should not be called to be a Temple Ordinance Worker.
Fri., 29 Mar., 1968:
“8:00 a. m.
At my desk. I feel fairly well this morning, after a good night’s rest.
9:00 a.m.
Held a meeting of the First Presidency. Presidents Brown, Tanner, and Smith, and Elder Alvin R. Dyer were present.
Some of the Matters Discussed:
LDS Student Association – Paul Dunn’s Release – Appointment of Marion D. Hanks
President Tanner presented a letter addressed to the First Presidency and directed to his attention. In the letter Elder Dunn said that he had been informed that he would be called in the near future to replace Boyd K. Packer as President of the New England Mission, and that consideration should be given to his successor in the direction of the LDS Student Association.
He stated that Henry D. Taylor, Managing Director of the Welfare, had been suggested to succeed him, stating a number of reasons for the suggestion.
President Brown said that such a move would necessitate Brother Taylor’s release from Welfare work, and he felt this should not be done, and recommended that Elder Marion D. Hanks be given the assignment. We felt that Brother Taylor is doing a good service in the Welfare work and questioned the advisability of releasing him from that position.
Elder Alvin R. Dyer spoke at length of his approval of this recommendation, giving as substantial reasons the following:
1. His accepted image among the youth.
2. His national prestige as a youth leader.
3. His better understanding of the MIA problem, which has not been fully correlated with the LDSSA program.
4. His acceptance in educational circles.
I approved of the appointment of Elder Hanks as also did President Brown.
Thur., 5 Jun, 1969:
“8:30 a. m. Meeting of the First Presidency held in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Present were Presidents N. Eldon Tanner and Alvin R. Dyer.
The following matter of importance was discussed:
Church Magazines – Consolidation of
President Tanner mentioned that for the past several months consideration has been given to the desirability of consolidating our Church magazines and having one magazine to be published weekly representing all the organizations and the Church Section of the News. An alternate proposition is to have the Church Section of the News continue and publish three magazines, one for adults, one for youths and one for children. He said that some of the auxiliaries favor this arrangement. This arrangement would do away with the Relief Society magazine, the Children’s Friend and the Instructor.
I authorized President Tanner to tell the committee that are making this investigation to go ahead and work out both concepts and bring to us their recommendation.”
Thur., 7 Aug, 1969:
9:00 a.m.
Meeting of the First Presidency held in the President’s Hotel Apartment. Present were Presidents Hugh B. Brown, Joseph Fielding Smith and Alvin R. Dyer.
Among the matters discussed were the following:
Church Social Services – Advisory Committee
President Dyer reported that yesterday the Correlation Executive Committee unanimously approved the setting up of an advisory committee to correlate all of the social services of the Church. This will include the Indian Placement, the Youth Guidance, Foster Home Care, and the program for unwed mothers. The advisory committee appointed by Brother Lee in accordance with the suggestion of the committee was Spencer W. Kimball, Marion G. Romney, Richard L. Evans, Thomas S. Monson and Bishop Vandenberg. This committee will implement the correlation of social services.
Thur., 14 Aug., 1969:
Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidecay
Held Thursday, August 14, 1969, at 9:30 A.M., in President McKay’s Apartment
Present: Presidents David 0. McKay, N. Eldon Tanner and Joseph Fielding Smith .
President McKay seemed to be feeling better this morning. President Tanner reported that President Brown was in Alaska and President Dyer was not in his office, and Joseph Anderson was on his vacation. In their absence President Tanner and President Smith met with President McKay.
Correlation of Certain Youth and Child Service Groups
President Tanner reported that Elders Spencer W. Kimball, Marion G. Romney and Thomas S. Monson (Bishop John H. Vandenberg being out of the city) met in his office on Wednesday, August 13. They represent a committee appointed for the purpose of correlating and bringing under one administration the Indian Placement Program, the Youth Guidance Program, the Child Placement Program and the Program for Unwed Mothers, which latter two are now under the direction of the Relief Society Social Service .
They reported they had finally agreed on the uniting of these special services under one head with a managing director. They discussed the matter with Elder Harold B. Lee, Chairman of the Correlation committee, and they recommended to him and received his approval for appointing a managing director. They recommend for this position Brother Marvin 0. Ashton of the General Superintendency of the YMMIA. His acceptance of this position would necessitate his release from his MIA assignment.
President Tanner reported that he discussed the matter with President Dyer and President Smith, and that he talked on the telephone with President Brown who is in Alaska, all of whom expressed their definite approval of the recommendation.
President McKay approved the appointment of Brother Ashton, and authorized President Tanner to interview him.
Thurs., 11 Sept., 1969:
“Minutes of the Meeting of the First Presidency
Held Thursday, September 11, 1969, at 9:00 A.M. in President McKay’s Apartment
Present: Presidents David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, N. Eldon Tanner and Alvin R. Dyer.
Preparation of a Resource Manual
President Dyer referred to approval heretofore given for the appointment of a task committee to prepare a resource manual for Correlation writers and other purposes. President Dyer presented the names of the following for the consideration of the Presidency to serve on this committee:
Barbara J. Vance of Provo, formerly Dean of Students at Stanford University;
Lowell Bennion, currently the associate dean of students at the University of Utah;
Blaine R. Porter of the Brigham Young University;
F. Glen Waldron of Garden Grove, California, Department Chairman of Family Life program at Kennedy High School, and a member of a bishopric;
C. Jay Skidmore, currently a professor in child development and family relations at University of Utah;
P. Wendel Johnson, Supervisor of seminaries and institutes at Weber State College;
Carlfred B. Broderick, formerly with the SIECUS Association, president of one of the districts in the Eastern Atlantic States Mission, active Church worker;
Dr. Glen Charles Griffin, medical doctor in the pediatrics department of the South Davis Medical Center and on the staff of the Primary Children’s Hospital, active in several medical associations and civic groups.
The brethren looked with favor upon these recommendations. President Dyer was asked to present the names to the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve today.
Thur., 11 Sep., 1969:
“Note by CM:
Items read by President McKay from the Minutes of the Temple Council Meeting held today.
Task Committee for Preparing Resource Manual on Maturation
President Dyer referred to the matter of appointing a task committee to do the actual writing for the resource manual concerning which there had been some discussion here. He said he now had some names he would like to present for the consideration of the brethren of individuals to be writers for this course. Those mentioned were Barbara J. Vance, Lowell Bennion, Blaine R. Porter, F. Blaine Waldron, C. J. Skidmore, B. Wendell Johnson, Glen Charles Griffin, and Carlfred Broderick. He said this task committee would have the job of preparing a resource manual that will be made available to the correlation writers and the State Board of Education on the subject of maturation, dating, marriage, etc. Elder Hinckley moved approval. Motion seconded by President Tanner and approved by the Council.
President Dyer further commented that none of this material will be published for any use other than as stated, and all of the material will be screened by the Church’s committee, and will be presented to the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve for their approval.
Sat., Sept. 27, 1969:
“CHURCH UNIFIES SOCIAL PROGRAMS
Formation of an overall Unified Social Services Program for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was announced today by the First Presidency.
The new unified program will include three of the principal special child and youth services of the Church: the Indian Student Placement Program, the Youth GUidance Program and the Relief Society Social Services.
The First Presidency also announced formation of the United Social Services Committee, with Elder Marion G. Romney of the Council of the Twelve as chairman and Marvin J. Ashton, formerly first assistant general superintendent of the Young Mens Mutual Improvement Association, as the managing director.
An advisory committee also was announced. Members are Elders Spencer W. Kimball and Thomas S. Monson of the Council of the Twelve, Presiding Bishop John H. Vandenberg and Mrs. Belle S. Spafford, general president of the Relief Society.
The new Unified Social Services Committee will function under direction of the Church Priesthood Correlation Committee.
The Indian Student Placement Program, previously under the supervision of Elder Kimball, this year involves more than 4,000 Indian Students from eight to 18 years of age. These Indian children are brought into foster homes during the school year from reservations in many parts of the United States and Canada. The placement program operates in Utah, Arizona, Idaho, California, Colorado, Washington and Georgia and in the two western provinces of Canada, British Columbia and Alberta.
The Youth Guidance Program formerly operated under a committee consisting of Elder Monson, chairman; Robert L. Simpson of the Presiding Bishopric and S. Dilworth Young of the First Council of Seventy. This committee has had the responsibility of helping to prevent problems occurring among the youth of the Church, and has provided foster care and day camp activities. The program is operating from the former Veterans Hospital Building in Salt Lake City and has offices in Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, Phoenix and Los Angeles. The 1969 report of this committee indicated the program had worked with 621 families during the year.
The Relief Society Social Services has been under the direction of the Relief Society General Presidency consisting of Mrs. Spafford and her counselors, Mrs. Marianne C. Sharp and Mrs. Louise W. Madsen. Their principal services have been child adoption and foster home care for disadvantaged children.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
It is expected as the United Social Services Program expands it will develop extensive volunteer services under direction of the ward Priesthood Executive Committees.
Elder Romney has been a member of the Council of the Twelve since October 1951 and prior to that was an Assistant to the Twelve. He formerly served as assistant managing director of the Church Welfare program and as chairman of the general welfare committee. Elder Romney was graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. degree in 1926 and an LL.B. degree in 1932. He practiced law in Salt Lake City for 11 years before being named an Assistant to the Twelve in 1941. He also served a term in the state legislature from 1935 to 1936.
The committee chairman was a former missionary to Australia and served as a bishop and as president of the Bonneville Stake. Another major assignment of Elder Romney is supervision of the Danish, Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian Missions.