Below you will find diary entries on the topic of “General Handbook.” You can view other subjects here.
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Sun., 27 Jan., 1952:
“[Laguna Beach] While at the cottage this afternoon, I spent sometime reading the manuscript of the Hand Book of Instructions.”
Mon., 28 Jan., 1952:
“[Laguna Beach] Spent most of the day reading and correcting the manuscript of the Hand Book of Instructions.”
Tues., 29 Jan., 1952:
“[Laguna Beach] Again devoted several hours to the reading and correcting of the manuscript of the Hand Book of Instructions.”
Wed., 30 Jan., 1952:
“[Laguna Beach] Spent the afternoon reading and correcting the manuscript of the Hand Book of Instructions.” [Note that the prior edition of the Hand Book, 1944, had been revised in 1949. In spite of McKay’s work on the manuscript, the next edition was not issued until 1960.]
Tues., 14 Oct., 1952:
“9 a.m. to 10 a.m.–First Presidency’s meeting. At this meeting we gave consideration to the manuscript of the new Handbook, particularly the Aaronic Priesthood division. I suggested a number of changes as to the general instructions.
We also considered a letter in which the question is asked regarding the attitude of the Church toward the new revised edition of the Bible. The decision was reached that we have taken no stand regarding the first revised edition, nor have we regarding the latest; they must stand on their merit, that we use the King James’ translation.
It was decided at this meeting to take $5,000 of Israel bonds, with the understanding that our subscription is not to be used in any way to indicate the Church is endorsing the issue as to its financial worthiness. This is done merely to show our sympathy with the effort being made to establish the Jews in their homeland.”
Fri., 14 Nov., 1952:
“At 8 a.m., met by appointment Bishops Wirthlin and Isaacson of the Presiding Bishopric who discussed among other things the Aaronic Priesthood handbook.
I could not see the wisdom of the handbook being curtailed to such an extent as is proposed by the Melchizedek Priesthood Committee; the recommendation of the Melchizedek Priesthood Committee frustrates their plan entirely. If they were to follow the instructions of the Melchizedek Priesthood Committee the handbook would be reduced to 17 pages. The Ward Teaching handbook has also been held up. I later reported at the First Presidency’s meeting that I had read the handbook and considered it excellent.
Pres. Clark said he thought the fundamental thing is the problem as to who is the head of the Aaronic Priesthood, the First Presidency or the Twelve. Pres. Clark agreed with me that the Twelve represent the First Presidency in the organization of the Church, but there are two different Priesthoods, that the Preisdent of the Church is the head of the Melchizedek and also the Aaronic, but the Twelve are not.
At the First Presidency’s meeting I said that the Presiding Bishopric had made a recommendation that in the wards a group leader be appointed, with two assistants and a secretary, for priests in the Senior Aaronic Priesthood, and a similar set-up for the group of priests under 21. I said I did not favor this, that the Bishop, under such an arrangement, with his other worries and duties would just gradually leave it to the other leadership. I reported that I told the Presiding Bishopric to leave the Bishop not only with the consciousness of the Aaronic Priesthood but with the realization that he is responsible and must associate with them; that they might give the Bishop an assistant if they desired. Pres. Clark felt the same way about this program.”
Mon., 1 Dec., 1952:
“9:45 The Presiding Bishopric came in, and we discussed the Ward Teachers Handbook and Aaronic Priesthood Handbook.”
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.”
Thur., 22 Jan., 1959:
Note
Today, in accordance with the decision of the First Presidency, President McKay met with Brother Harold Lundstrom of the Deseret News and turned over to him the manuscripts of the Handbook, with instructions for him to go over it and eliminate all duplications, and make other suggestions, and turn it back to the First Presidency for publication. It was reported to me by Brother O. Preston Robinson, General Manager of the Deseret News, that Brother Lundstrom has had much experience in this line. (see telephone call following to Dr. O. Preston Robinson of the Deseret News)
Thurs., 22 Jan., 1959:
Note
Today, in accordance with the decision of the First Presidency, President McKay met with Brother Harold Lundstrom of the Deseret News and turned over to him the manuscripts of the Handbook, with instructions for him to go over it and eliminate all duplications, and make other suggestions, and turn it back to the First Presidency for publication. It was reported to me by Brother O. Preston Robinson, General Manager of the Deseret News, that Brother Lundstrom has had much experience in this line. (see telephone call following to Dr. O. Preston Robinson of the Deseret News)
Tues., 26 Jan. 1960:
“9 to 10 a.m.
Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency.
Among other matters discussed were:
(2) Consideration of the manuscript of the Mission Presidents Handbook which has been prepared under the direction of the Missionary Committee. It was decided that the manuscript may now be prepared for publication. Brother Alvin R. Dyer, who is now in Europe presiding over the European Mission did most of the work on this manuscript.”
Thur., 6 Jul., 1967:
“In Huntsville.
3:30 p.m.
By appointment, Elder Alvin R. Dyer came up to Huntsville and talked over with me that part of the new Church handbook pertaining to the duties and place of the First Presidency. He said that this manuscript had been handed to him by Elder Harold B. Lee to go over and to make whatever corrections he thought should be made.
He read to me the paragraphs as written on the First Presidency, and the corrections he had suggested which correspond with the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. I agreed with Brother Dyer’s suggestions, and said that the changes should be made.
Brother Dyer left with me a copy of the manuscript.”
Wed., 19 Jul., 1967:
“Decided not to hold a meeting with the Counselors today.
10:30 a.m.
My secretary came over to the apartment and presented a number of letters that had accumulated during my illness.
I then asked her to read to me the corrections made in the manuscript of the new general Handbook of the Church by Elder Alvin R. Dyer. The section given to Elder Dyer by Elder Harold B. Lee for corrections and suggestions pertains to the duties of the First Presidency and the Twelve, without mention of the place and duties of the President of the Church.
The manuscript now reads as follows:
General Authorities of the Church
The First Presidency represents the Lord Jesus Christ and have received power and authority from Him to preside over and direct all of the affairs of His earthly Kingdom which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are assisted by the Council of the Twelve Apostles, whose members hold with them the keys of the kingdom. The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve are the General Priesthood Board of the Church and have the control, supervision, and direction of all Priesthood and auxiliary affairs.
Brother Dyer did not agree with the above statement and submitted what he thought should go in the Handbook. His suggestions and corrections are as follows:
President of the High Priesthood
One is appointed of the High Priesthood and is called the President of the High Priesthood of the Church. He it is whom we call the President of the Church. From him comes the Administering of ordinances and blessings upon the Church, by the laying on of the hands. (See D&C 107:65-67; 132:7-8; 107:91.)
The First Presidency
By the President’s choosing and the sustaining of other High Priests as Counselors, even as many as twelve, but not fewer than two (D&C 107:22; 107:79-80), the Quorum of the First Presidency is formed. Thus in this manner, with the “one appointed” presiding, the First Presidency represents the Lord, Jesus Christ, and have received power and authority from Him to preside over and direct all of the affairs of the Kingdom of God, which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The scriptures referred to above are as follows:
Doctrine and Covenants 107:65-67
Wherefore, it must needs be that one be appointed of the High Priesthood to preside over the priesthood, and he shall be called President of the High Priesthood of the Church.
Or, in other words, the Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the Church.
From the same comes the administering of ordinances and blessings upon the Church, by the laying on of the hands.
Doctrine and Covenants 107:91
And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole Church, and to be like unto Moses.
Doctrine and Covenants 132:7-8
. . . sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine appointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days), and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred…. Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion. (See also D&C 28:2-6.)
(Note: The following statement of the Prophet Joseph apparently does not refer to future time of death, but rather of condi-tions while he yet lived, but “where” he was not present to exercise the right of the one who presides:
The Prophet Joseph Smith declared at a particular time that “where” he was not, not “when” he was not, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve. (DHC II:374.)
Inasmuch as Elder Dyer’s corrections and additions are in accordance with the revealed word in the Doctrine and Covenants, I stated, as I have already stated to Elder Dyer, that the additions and corrections as submitted by him should go in the Handbook.
After Clare had finished with her work with me and was taking her leave, I told her how much I appreciate her devotion and attention to the work.”