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PATRIARCHS AND PATRIARCHAL BLESSINGS, 1855.
1855: 18 Feb.: John Smith set apart as Patriarch.
“On the evening of the 18th [of February], John Smith, eldest son of Hyrum, was set apart to his office as Patriarch, to hold the keys of the Patriarchal Priesthood in the Church.” (George A. Smith [SLC] to F. D. Richards [England], 28 Feb., 1855; MS 17(23):365, 9 Jun., 1855)
“On the 27th of June, the Conference appointed at the adjournment of the April Conference, commenced, and was held two days, during which many missionaries were sent to the United States, among whom was Elder John Taylor, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who was to proceed to New York city, with the view of there publishing a newspaper. John Smith, son of Hyrum, was chosen Presiding Patriarch over the whole Church, and was ordained to that office, with all the keys and authority thereof, on the 18th of February. This was to fill the vacancy which occurred by the death of our beloved and lamented Patriarch, Father John Smith, who died on the 22nd of May, 1854, aged seventy-three.
Father John Smith was the brother of Joseph Smith, senior, who was the father of the Prophet and was the first Patriarch in the Church. He was succeeded in that office by his son Hyrum, upon whom he conferred it before his death, and after his decease, father John Smith was chosen, Hyrum having no son old enough to fill the office at that time. [NOTE THAT WILLIAM SMITH IS NOT MENTIONED.]” (“Twelfth General Epistle . . .,” from the Deseret News of 25 Apr., 1855; reprinted in MS 17(32):499, 11 Aug., 1855)
1862: 17 Apr.: Ordination of a Patriarch.
“Ordination of a Patriarch. An ordination blessing upon the head of Seth Taft, born in Mendon, Worcester Co., Mass., Aug. 11, 1796, as a Patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Pres. Brigham Young’s Office, G.S.L. City, at noon, under the hands of Pres. Brigham Young (mouth) and Heber C. Kimball.
Bro. Seth Taft in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by virtue of the authority of the Holy Priesthood vested in us, we lay our hands upon your head at this time to set you apart to the holy office of a Patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endowing you with power and authority to bless your family and also the brethren and sisters of the household of faith, in the capacityof this office all who may call upon you to receive a father’s blessing. We seal upon you all the powers, blessings, privileges, keys and endowments, that have hitherto been placed upon you, and we ordain you to this office of Patriarch with all its blessings and endowments. And we pray our Father in Heaven to let His angels have charge concerning you and ratify this sealing upon you, with your holy washings and anointings, and your patriarchal blessings that you have received from father John Smith, and all the blessings of the new and everlasting covenant, the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the blessings of eternal life and salvation. All these blessings we seal upon you and the keys thereof with all you can desire in righteousness and set you apart in the Kingdom of God to this holy office and calling in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. G. D. Watt, reporter.” (JH 17 Apr., 1862)
7 Oct.: Most Pat. Blessings are of tribe of Ephraim.
“In speaking of Patriarchal blessings, he [President John Young] said, he could testify to the truth of his br. Brigham’s remarks in reference to the blood of Ephraim, for in all the blessings he had conferred he had only found two of the blood of Ishmael, but few of the tribe of Mannasseh, and all the rest of the blood of Ephraim.” (Minutes of the Semi-Annual General Conference, 7 Oct., 1862; DN 12(16):125, 15 Oct., 1862)
8 Oct.: Holy Ghost will purge blood of Judah.
“President Brigham Young said no man had any business to enquire whether he would apostatize or not, nor should any Latter Day Saint ask what the Almighty was going to do with him when he got him into the kingdom of heaven. He had made some remarks relative to the blood, or lineage of individuals, and he would further say that there were a very few in the Church who had in their veins the blood of Juday, but they could not stay in unless that was purged out, but if they were faithful the Holy Ghost would come upon them of the Ishmaelitish blood that br. John spoke of, as well as those of Judah, and it would purge that blood out of their systems.” (Minutes of the Semi-Annual General Conference, 8 Oct., 1862; DN 12(16):125, 15 Oct., 1862)
1873: 7 May: The Patriarchal Office.
“The following is copied from the journal of Elder Wilford Woodruff, under this date:
At the Endowment House this afternoon, Presidents Brigham Young and Daniel H. Wells and Elders John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Geo. Q. Cannon, Brigham Young Jun and Joseph F. Smith ordained the following persons to be Patriarchs: John Lyon, Elias Smith, Edward Hunter, Erastus Bingham, Dimick Baker Huntington patriarch to the Lamanites, Joseph Young, Sen., Lorenzo D. Young, Evan M. Greene, Levi Jackman, Levi Richards, Absalom P. Free, Johnathan Pugmire, sen., David Shearer, David Fullmer, Ezra Oakley, John Doolittle, Benjamin Brown, Albert Merrill, Lyman Leonard, George A. Neal, Samuel Merrill, Jeremiah Woodbury, John Vance, Joseph Turnbull, George Bondy, and Horace Gibbs.
President Brigham Young said, ‘The office of a patriarch is to bless our families, wives, chidren and friends, and to bless fatherless children and all mankind as far as they are worthy of blessings. It is an office to bless fathers and fathers of fathers. We pray to our father in heaven. He is a Father of fathers. We have called these brethren together to ordain them patriarchs and to bless them. We consider them worthy of a blessing under the hands of the Apostles–they [the Apostles] hold the keys and power to ordain patriarchs and to all offices in the church, on the earth and in the heavens, and will hold those keys, here and there, for time and for eternity. The patriarchal office gives you the highest power to bless. It does not give you the Apostleship, but makes you patriarchs.”
(JH 7 May, 1873)
30 Jun.: Origin of office of Patriarch.
“I hope the brethren and sisters will remember what has been said by Brother George A. Smith. In the first place he spoke concerning the patriarchs of the Church. If you will remember what has been told you, you can gather a little more from time to time, and you will understand the nature of this priesthood, and this office. I have it in my mind to give this congregation a short history of the introduction of the office of a patriarch in the midst of this people. Most of the Latter-day Saints have a historical knowledge of the brethren being driven from Jackson county, Missouri, in 1833; also of the gathering of the strength of the Lord’s house together by Joseph, and going up to Missouri in 1834. My brother, Joseph Young, and myself were in this camp. When we were on our return home my brother Joseph spoke very frequently with regard to patriarchs and patriarchal blessings, and finally said he, ‘When we get to Kirtland I am going to ask Brother Joseph Smith if we can have the privilege of calling our father’s family together and receiving a patriarchal blessing under the hands of our father.’ Brother Joseph Young saw the Prophet Joseph Smith, and said he, ‘I do not see any inconsistency in this at all, and I think it would be a good thing.’ A day was appointed for the family to gather together, and Brother Joseph Smith was asked to attend this meeting. He came, and while we sat chatting together on the things of the kingdom, the Prophet said, ‘I believe it will be necessary for Father Young to receive his patriarchal blessing and be ordained a patriarch, so that he can bless his family;’ and after our little meeting was opened Brother Joseph Smith laid his hands upon Father Young and blessed him and gave him an ordination to bless his family–his own posterity. When this was done Father Young laid his hands upon the children that were there, commencing at the eldest and continuing until he had blessed all that were in the house. We were not all there, some of the brothers and sisters were absent. After that, Brother Joseph Smith said, ‘I think I will get my father’s family together and we will have a patriarchal blessing from Father Smith.’ He did so. In a few days he called his father’s house together and gave him the authority to bless his children, and Father Smith blessed his children. In the course of a few weeks, I think, Brother Joseph Smith received a revelation to ordain patriarchs, and he called his father’s family together again, and gave his father the full ordination of patriarch for the church; and in this revelation the Lord instructed him to have a record kept, in which should be written all the blessings of the patriarch of the church, and from these circumstances were ordained a few, but only a very few, patriarchs.
We have passed along now for many years with but few patriarchs in the church. At our last conference I felt very much impressed to introduce the subject of ordaining patriarchs. We talked the matter over, and we concluded we would set apart a number that were worthy–those of considerable age–and give them the blessing of a patriarch. Since that time we have ordained quite a number. We are ordaining some here, and this will be continued, probably, until there is a patriarch in all the branches of the church, especially in every large branch. This is a little history of the coming forth of this office in the midst of this people. Now I will tell you the reason why I mention it.
From the time that Joseph obtained a knowledge of the plates in the hill Cumorah he received little by little, a little at a time. When he first obtained a knowledge of these plates I apprehend that he knew nothing, in comparison, of their contents and the design of the Lord in bringing the forth. But he was instructed little by little until he received the Aaronic priesthood, then the privilege of baptism for the remission of sins, then the Melchizedek Priesthood, then organizing a church, &c., and this is the travel of this people–Joseph first and we following up, and we receive a little here and a little there, and so we increase, and if we live according to the revelations that are given to us we will continue to increase in understanding. The Lord never reveals all to a person at once. A man may have a vision and the heavens be opened to his mind so that he may see a great deal, but he will retain only a little.” (Brigham Young, 30 Jun., 1873; DN 22(25):388, 23 Jul., 1873)
21 Jun.: Origin of office of Patriarch.
“At the time that Zion’s Camp, as it is called, went up to Missouri, in 1834, so far as I am aware Joseph had never received any intimation as to there being a patriarch in the church. On our return home from Missouri, my brother Joseph Young, while conversing with me, asked if it would be right for our father to give us a blessing. Said he–‘I feel just as though I want my father to give me a patriarchal blessing.’ When we reached Kirtland we talked with Joseph on this subject, and he said, ‘Certainly,’ and finally we appointed a day, and Brother Joseph, the Prophet, came to where we met and ordained my father a patriarch, and he was the first man ordained to the office of patriarch in the church, and he blessed his children; and soon after this Joseph ordained his father a patriarch and his father called his children together and blessed them. Then Joseph had another revelation, that a record should be kept, and when this was revealed to him, he then had his father call his house together again, and blessed them over and a record was kept of it. This is to show you, and especially those who have no experience in the church, how the Lord has led this people along, led them along, led them along.” (Brigham Young, 21 Jun., 1874; DN 23(22):340, 1 Jul., 1874)
1874: 23 Jun.: Introduction of office of Patriarch by Joseph.
“He [Joseph Smith] had not received all at this time, and at the time that Zion’s Camp, as it is called, went up to Missouri, in 1834, so far as I am aware, Joseph had never received any intimation as to there being a Patriarch in the Church. On our return home from Missouri, my brother Joseph Young, while conversing with me, asked if it would be right for our father to give us a blessing. Said he–‘I feel just as though I want my father to give me a patriarchal blessing.’ When we reached Kirtland we talked with Joseph on the subject, and he said, ‘Certainly,’ and finally we appointed a day, and brother Joseph, the Prophet, came to where we met and ordained my father a Patriarch, and he was the first man ordained to the office of Patriarch in the Church, and he blessed his children; and soon after this Joseph ordained his father a patriarch and his father called his children together and blessed them. Then Joseph had another revelation, that a record should be kept, and when this was revealed to him, he then had his father call his house together again, and blessed them over and a record was kept of it. This is to show you, and especially those who have no experience in the Church, how the Lord has led this people along, led them along, led them along.” (Brigham Young, 23 Jun., 1874; JD 18:240-241)
1875: 9 Oct.: John Smith given six months to shape up.
“Last evening the 12 met at Presidet Youngs and after Discussing the Subjet of the Presidency & Twelve voted to drop John Smith from the Patriarchal Office & put in his place Joseph F Smith but during the day John & Joseph F Smith had Seen Presidet Brigham and pled vary hard to try John another six month to see if he would magnify his calling any better than he had done in the past.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 9 Oct., 1875)
1877: 14 Oct.: Patriarchal blessing meetings/feasts.
“In England we ordained a few Patriarchs, and I remember that the people on occasions used to get together and have a feast, and then the Patriarch would bless them. This is the way some of the ancient Patriarchs did. The people ought to be liberal with them, but men holding the Priesthood should be governed by higher and more exalted feelings than that of using their callings for the purpose of merchandizing.” (John Taylor, 14 Oct., 1877; JD 19:141)
1881: 28 Jan.: Ordination of Joseph Smith, Sr., to Patriarch.
“At night went to Prayer Meeting and Patriarch Wm Perkin’s. Br McBride spoke of the time that the first Patriarch of the Church was ordained and set apart even the Venerable Joseph Smith, Senior. They placed a chair in the middle of the room in which he sat and Oliver Cowdery, Frederic G Williams, and Joseph Smith took a vessel of oil in their left hands and raised their right hands to Heaven, blessed it, poured a portion on his head, and ordained him. He, Joseph, Senr, then blessed Oliver, then F G Williams, and then Joseph his son. Said he should lead this people like unto Moses, and should have power to gather Israel and bring the nine and a half lost tribes back, and many other glorious things and powers be placed upon his head.” (Charles L. Walker diary, 28 Jan., 1881)
15 May: The First Patriarch.
“Elder William Hulme, writing from Talkville, Morgan Co. Ala., has the following to say upon a subject which requires a little explanation from us:
‘In perusing the little work entitled, “Leaves From my Journal,” page 94, I find it reads thus:
“We also have Patriarchs in our day, Father Joseph Smith, the father of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was the first Patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
In reading the History of the Church, as published in the Juvenile Instructor, No. 6, Vol. 16, March 15, I find the following:
“In the fall of 1833, Father Young removed to Kirtland, Ohio, which was one of the gathering places of the Saints at that time. The next years he was ordained a Patriarch by the Prophet Joseph Smith, being the first man in this dispensation ordained to that office.”
From the understanding that I got in reading, they are both represented as being the first ordained to the office of Patriarch. Please excuse my ignorance, but I can’t see it in any other light. I had always thought that Father Smith was the first Patriarch ordained.’
The two statements quoted by Brother Hulme certainly appear rather contradictory, and we are glad that he has called our attention to them, that we may make the necessary explanation.
Had Brother Woodruff used the word of instaed of in, both quotations would have been correct.
There are many Patriarchs in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the present time, but Brother John Smith is the only Patriarch of the whole Church. So, while it is true that Father John Young was the first man in the Church ordained to the office of a Patriarch, Father Joseph Smith was the first Patriarch of the whole Church.” (JI 16(9):119, 15 May, 1881)
1882: 15 Jul.: First blessings in Salt Lake Valley.
“I recollect the first opportunity that I had of getting a blessing under the hands of a Patriarch. It was in 1847, when we were forted up where Salt Lake City now stands. As soon as the Patriarch, Father John Smith, had a house, so he could attend to giving blessings, I went to get my blessing. I felt very humble, and as though I was in the presence of an inspired man, and so I was. My prayer was that the spirit of prophecy might rest upon him, and so it did. He said, among other things, that I should get my friends and posterity together and should build up a city that should be called Benjamin, and that I should preside over it. At that time I had but a wife and two children, though I had been married twelve years; now I have quite a numerous posterity, and preside in Benjamin.” (“B. F. S.”, JI 17(14):214, 15 Jul., 1882)
1893: 4 Oct.: Patriarch to Church to keep record of all others.
[Meeting of the 12] “He [F. M. Lyman] felt also that the Patriarch of the Church, John Smith, should travel more, and should keep a full record of all the patriarchs in the Church.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 4 Oct., 1893)
1897: 18 Mar.: Ordained a Patriarch at age 90.
“Bro. Albert Brown, who was a member of Zion’s Camp, and is in his 90th year, being but a little younger than Pres. Woodruff, called to pay his respects to the President, who had previously spoken to Bro. Brown about ordaining him a patriarch. Pres. Woodruff asked Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon to be mouth, and they ordained Bro. Brown a Patriarch in the President’s Office.” (JH 18 Mar., 1897)
1899: 18 Jan.: Pat. Blessing Mtg./tongues/dedication of home.
“At home. Wrote a letter to my brother, William Lewis Rose, Syracuse, New York. In the evening had a meeting here for the purpose of dedicating my house and receiving our patriarchal blessings. Apostle John W. Taylor was present, also three patriarchs, John Kynaston of East Bountiful, Ezra T. Clark and James R. Millard. There were about forty others present. I received my blessing under the hands of John Kynaston, and my wife under the hands of Ezra T. Clark. Four of my children, Charles E., Inez E., Alma Genette and Henry Smith, also J. W. Haws, my son-in-law, received their blessings under the hands of the three patriarchs, alternately. Mrs. Susie Clark acted as scribe. Afterwards a testimony meeting was held for two hours. Many powerful testimonies were born to the truth of the gospel and to the powers and blessings attending the same. Patriarch Kynaston spoke in tongues and Sister Nellie Taylor, wife of the apostle, gave the interpretation. Patriarch Thomas Steed also apoke in tongues and said, as was interpreted by Sister Taylor, in speaking of my two brothers and myself, ‘Oh ye sons, know ye that you have a mighty work to perform in God’s Holy Temple, both for the living and for the dead. Do not put off this important labor, for if you do you will come under condemnation and God will be displeased with you. Know ye that His coming is nigh at your door? Apostle Taylor then dedicated our home and E. T. Clark pronounced the benediction. After this a fine lunch was served. We adjourned at midnight.” (Alley Stephen Rose diary, 18 Jan., 1899; in Our Pioneer Heritage, 7:238, 1964)
1900: 5 Mar.: Meeting with Patriarchs and Apostles.
“Met with the Patriarchs and Apostles at Brother Peterson’s.
Bro. Lyman told about Bro. Tolman of Davis County blessing the congregation and that his blessing was a masterpiece. Told of a man in Tooele whom he could not fathom. The Patriarch told him that the man was of Manassa. This cleared it up. Patriarchs should only promise that which the Spirit of the Lord prompts. They should not promise them to live a certain time. Mentioned a man who often did this and had to be checked.
Patriarchs should never give a blessing without having a clerk and no blessing should go out without being recorded. There shoulid be no regular price set upon blessings still the people should pay the recording and as much more as they should feel to give. You patriarchs can not bless in other stakes except by permission of the Priesthood there. You should also let the people know that to obtain the blessings yo promise them they must work for them. The father may have a strain of blood in him which will more fully be developed in the son or daughter. There may be some come and ask blessings for whom you have no blessings and ye must be honest enough to tell them so, still you must not be suspicious, but be in so close touch with the Spirit that you shall not be deceived. Every president of stake should be able to tell when a young wants a recommend to be married whether he was in sin or not. Told of a man who wanted a recommend of him and the Spirit indicated that he should not do so, but yielded after he had raised all possible objections. 4 months afterwards the woman had a baby. You want to be on hand always to give blessings. The more you do they [sic] more you will love your work. Liljenquist is a good patriarch. You can bless your friends in other Stakes by permission, but you should be solicited and not offer to do so except it should be a very intimate friend. I feel proud of making a patriarch. John Henry Smith ordained a patriarch of a man Platt. He was a failure. I found he had only given one blessing and he said that was such a miserable one that he would not give another. I asked him, ‘What kind of an apostle would I be if I had quit at my first attempt at performing my duty?’ Ephraim Hanks was made a patriarch when I was at a conference at Wayne, but he was not present. Afterwards Brigham Young came along and ordained him but gave him no instructions, and when I came back he had blessed everybody and not a word had been written. Question was asked whether a patriarch should stand or sit while giving blessings. Bro. Lyman thought when a man was too feeble to give a blessing standing he can do so sitting. You should be able to read men and you will be surprised how the Lord will bless you and inspire you to bless you. It is a nice thing for you to visit the sick and if they do not ask you to administer to them, still put your hand on his or her head and say God bless you. It is also good for you to visit the poor.
Bro. Teasdel said that a Patriarch’s duty is to preach the Gospel.
Bro. Lyman: You can do the recording yourself but you must have a clerk to take down the blessing.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 5 Mar., 1900; LDS Archives)
6 Oct.: The lofty calling of Patriarch.
“I wish to draw your attention especially to the Patriarchal order that has been revealed in these last days for the benefit of the Church and kingdom of God. We have a man who stands at the head of the patriarchal order in our Church. That man is Brother John Smith. He always sits here with the First Presidency of the Church. Why is it that he occupies this exalted position when sitting before the people in their general conferences? It is because the Lord acknowledges a Patriarch as a man who is endowed with a very high office in the Church and kingdom of God, and who has a special endowment given unto him for a special purpose. If there is any man in this Church who has a special calling for life it is a Patriarch. I have sometimes thought, however, from remarks which I have heard from men bearing the holy Priesthood, that the ignorance regarding the Patriarchal order is extremely dense among the Latter-day Saints.” (John W. Taylor, 6 Oct., 1900; CR Oct., 1900, p. 30)
6 Oct.: All patriarchs have sealing power.
“‘And from this time forth I appoint unto him [Hyrum Smith] that he may be a Prophet, and a Seer, and a Revelator unto my Church, as well as my servant Joseph.’
The last paragraph contains a special appointment unto Hyrum Smith and does not refer to Patriarchs in general, without they receive a similar commission from the Lord. But the power to seal on earth and it shall be sealed in heaven belongs to every Patriarch in the Church of Christ.” (John W. Taylor, 6 Oct., 1900; CR Oct., 1900, p. 32)
6 Oct.: Patriarchs should make blessings conditional.
“If you will notice, Jesus always put in a condition upon which the blessing could be received by the children of men. I suggest to the Patriarchs that in your blessings you also add a condition. As we were told yesterday by President Lorenzo Snow at the opening of the conference, God will judge us by what we do and not merely by what we say. I have known people to receive Patriarchal blessings which have not been fulfilled, and their sons and daughters have stood up in reproach and made it known that their father’s or their mother’s blessing had not been fulfilled. But I want to tell you that there would be very few Patriarchal blessings unfulfilled, if those who received them would remember that no blessing can be vouchsafed unto the children of men, excepting through their faithfulness in keeping the commandments of God.” (John W. Taylor, 6 Oct., 1900; CR Oct., 1900, pp. 32-33)
1901: 10 Nov.: Priority of Patriarch in voting for 1st Pres.
“The Presidency met at the office this morning at 9:30 to discuss arrangements for the general conference. They had a talk in private yesterday afternoon in the office regarding the manner in which the authorities should be sustained, more particularly referring to the place the Patriarch of the Church should occupy in the presentation of the general authorities. Of late years it has been the custom to present his name after those of the Apostles, whereas in the early conferences of the Church his name followed those of the First Presidency, and President Smith remarked now that he was perfectly clear on this point that this was the place the Patriarch should occupy in the presentation of the authorities. However, after some discussion and consideration this question was left open for the present and it was decided not to make any change at present. At the hour appointed the Special General Conference of the Church convened, and the Authorities were sustained.” (JH 10 Nov., 1901)
27 Oct.: Being Patriarch crowning blessing of a man’s life.
“[Meeting at Lehi] Bros. Clawson and J. H. Smith spoke on the Patriarck’s Office. Clawson said: There are 200 patriarcks in the Church. It is their right to have the gift of prophecy. They were given authority to bless the people and they are needed. Bro. J. H. Smith said to be ordained a patriarck he considered the crowning blessing to a man’s life.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 27 Oct., 1901)
9-10 Nov.: Should patriarchs be sustained before apostles?
“In the H. O. in the morning. The balance of the time with Presidency. The order of the Priesthood, as to the order in which the quorums shall be placed, was discussed. Prest. Smith showed that the Patriarch had been voted for before the Apostles were put, and that this should be followed again. John Smith the present incumbent of that Office had not been so sustained. I had a private talk with the President and told him that I hesitated somewhat in making this change. While John Smith was a humble man there might come a man who was ambitious and might cause trouble. In case of the First Presidency being disorganized and the Apostles presiding he might have to take a place behind them, and when the counselors and apostles are put up for Prophets, Seers, and Revelators he would be passed. Bro. Smith said he would think about it.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 9 Nov., 1901)
“We met with the Saints in Conference. There was a good attendance. Prest. Smith showed that the Lord had given the Patriarck Hyrum Smith first and then the Presidency but said we would not put the Patriarck that way this time.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 10 Nov., 1901)
1902: 9 Jan.: Patriarchal blessings for small children.
“The first Presidency and Apostles met this forenoon in their regular Council meeting in the Temple and attended to the following business: . . .
The subject of Patriarchs blessing little children came up for discussion. President Smith remarked that he did not think any set rule should be established to govern this subject, as it was more a matter of judgment than anything else. When asked to bless a little child, he thought the Patriarch should use his own judgment as to whether he ought to comply with the request or not; and whatever his conclusion might be it ought to be the mind of the Spirit in him; and if he deferred giving the child a regular patriarchal blessing until it should become a baptized member of the Church, he did not think any fault could be found with the Patriarch for thus acting.” (JH 9 Jan., 1902)
13 Mar.: No quick ordinations to Bishop or Patriarch.
“[Meeting a the Temple; Joseph F. Smith:] . . . some of the brethren of the quorum, under a sudden inspiration, would ordain a man a Patriarch or perhaps a Bishop. He did not feel that this method of procedure was exactly right, as it infringed upon the principle of common consent.” (Rudger Clawson diary, 13 Mar., 1902)
5 Apr.: Make them conditional.
“I wish to say a word or two to our brethren the Patriarchs. I would feel it to be a good thing when they place their hands upon the heads of this people to bless them, if they shall feel so impressed, to conclude their blessings something like this: ‘I seal these blessings upon your head, according to your faith and your diligence in keeping the commandments of the Lord.’ The Patriarchs have the gift of being prophets, seers, and revelators, to reveal the mind and will of God and portray unto the faithful their future lives, and I believe it would be pleasing unto the Lord if they would seal all blessings that they give in a manner similar to the one I have suggested, as they shall be led by the Holy Spirit. Then there can be no disappointment on the part of the family or friends of those who shall, after receiving a patriarchal blessing, turn from the truth and fight against God; for they will see that these blessings are conditional upon their keeping the commandments of God.” (John W. Taylor, 5 Apr., 1902; CR Apr., 1902, p. 44)
6 Apr.: When should Patriarch be sustained?
“[General Conference] Pres. Smith stated that Jno. Smith, the Patriarch, felt that his name should be presented before the conference immediately following the First Presidency, and not the Twelve as had been the custom for a good many years.” (Rudger Clawson diary, 6 Apr., 1902)
10 Jul.: Should Patriarchs charge a fee?
“[Meeting at the Temple] Pres. Lund said that the patriarchs would have to use care in regard to charging a fee as there was no doubt in his mind that this was a matter of offense to the people.” (Rudger Clawson diary, 10 Jul., 1902)
Oct.: Prophet, Seer and Revelator.
“The Patriarch to the Church was first sustained as a ‘prophet, seer, and revelator’ in October, 1902.” (Mouritsen Diss., p. 238; also Conference Report, Oct., 1902, p. 83)
1903: Feb.: Choosing a Patriarch.
“‘In case he who should hold the office of General Patriarch in the Church is not worthy, who has the authority to choose another?’
The Lord, through the President of the Church, would reveal the name in such a case, and then of the person so nominated would be presented to the Church for reception and approval.” (“Editor’s Table–Answers to Questions,” [Joseph F. Smith and Edward H. Anderson, editors], IE 6(4):309-310, Feb., 1903)
18 Jun.: Guidelines on calling patriarchs.
“[Meeting in the Temple] At this point Elder Woodruff recommended that Brother Maughn, former bishop of Wellsville, be ordained a Patriarch. It was known that Brother Maugn had been addicted more or less to the use of liquor and tobacco, and it became a question of worthiness on his part to receive the Patriarchal office. The matter was laid over for the present.
In regard to the question of ordaining Patriarchs, Elder Hy. M. Smith said that he noticed that a good many of the brethren had been ordained to this office in reward for faithfulness and in some instances to pave the way to their release from certain callings in the church–rather than with reference to their fitness for the patriarchal priesthood. He considred this a matter of great importance, and felt that every man who is ordained to this calling should pass under the scrutiny of the Presidency and Twelve in council, rather than be ordained simply on the recommendation of the Presidency of the Stakes, as had been the case in many instances.
Pres. Lund said that men should be selected who have the spirit of blessing and are thus adapted in a measure for this responsibility, and he did not think it right to confer this office on men simply as a reward for faithfulness. Men who had been particularly faithful might be recommended for their second annointings as a mark of favor from the Lord.
One patriarch, said brother Lund, in giving a blessing instructed the young man, who was single, not to get married until after he had fulfilled his mission, as he would be the better able to do his duty in the field. Pres. Lund learned from the young man upon inquiry that he was not under call and had received no intimation of a mission. Pres. Lund’s advice in this particular case was for the young man to go and get married at once.
He answered, what about the blessing? He cited this case to show how ill adapted the patriarch was to his office.
Upon motion of Elder Clawson, it was decided that in the future recommendations for the office of Patriarch be sent by the Presidents of Stakes to the Council.” (Rudger Clawson diary, 18 Jun., 1903)
“In the morning attended meeting in the Temple. . . . It was agreed that Patriarchs should not be ordained until consent from the Presidency had been obtained.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 18 Jun., 1903)
29 Jun.: Discrimination in selection of patriarchs.
“We have reason to believe that sufficient discriminating judgment is not being exercised in the selection of men ordained patriarchs, and that as a consequence it sometimes happens that some brethren are recommended to represent this high and important office in the holy priesthood who are not in every respect suitable to do so; and we have therefore concluded to request that all stake presidencies submit to us the names of the men recommended by them to be ordained patriarchs in order that we may satisfy ourselves as far as possible of their fitness for the patriarchal office. Please take note of this and adopt it as a rule for your guidance hereafter. Of course it will occur to you that the parties thus recommended should not be spoken to about it until your recommendations have been approved.
We have reason to believe also that some stake presidents recommend to this office as a reward of faithfulness, and that the idea obtains to some extent at least that men released from presiding offices on account of age or infirmity, or both, ought to be ordained patriarchs; and the consequence is that a great many of our patriarchs are men of extreme age and waning powers.
In calling your attention to this matter, we take it for granted that you will agree with us in the view that because a man has filled with credit a presiding office and has attained a good age, is no reason why he should or should not make a good patriarch; and it is the peculiar fitness of the men you may recommend to fill this office that we desire you hereafter to especially consider. And your selections, we suggest, should be men who have developed within them the spirit of the patriarchs; in fact, this should be their leading characteristic, and they should be men of wisdom, possessed of the gift and spirit of blessing as well.” (First Presidency to Prest. Joseph Morrell, Logan. In Clark, Messages of the First Presidency 4:57-58)
“Prest. Joseph Morrell,
Logan.
Dear Brother:–
We have reason to believe that sufficient discriminating judgment is not being exercised in the selection of men ordained partriarchs, and that as a consequence it sometimes happens that some brethren are recommended to represent this high and important office in the holy priesthood who are not in every respect suitable to do so; and we have therefore concluded to request that all stake presidencies submit to us the names of the men recommended by them to be ordained patriarchs in order that we may satisfy ourselves as far as possible of their fitness for the patriarchal office. Please take note of this and adopt it as a rule for your guidance hereafter. Of course it will occur to you that the parties thus recommended should not be spoken to about it until your recommendations have been approved.
We have reason to believe also that some stake presidents recommend to this office as a reward of faithfulness, and that the idea obtains to some extent at least that men released from presiding offices on account of age or infirmity, or both, ought to be ordained patriarchs; and the consequence is that a great many of our patriarchs are men of extreme age and waning powers.
In calling your attention to this matter, we take it for granted that you will agree with us in the view that because a man has filled with credit a presiding office and has attained a good age is no reason why he should or should not make a good patriach; and it is to the peculiar fitness of the men you may recommend to fill this office that we desire you hereafter to especially consider. And your selections, we suggest, should be men who have developed within them the spirit of the patriarchs; in fact, this should be their leading characteristic, and they should be men of wisdom, possessed of the gift and spirit of blessing as well.
Your Brethren,
Jos. F. Smith
John R. Winder
Anthon H. Lund”
(29 Jun., 1903, First Presidency Circular Letters, LDS Archives, CR 1/1)
1905: 9 Oct.: Patriarchs are extravagant in their promises.
“[General Conference, Priesthood Session, Joseph F. Smith speaking] Patriarchs are extravagant in their promises to the people. Keep within legitimate bounds and be careful that promises made are dictated by the Lord. Do not quench the spirit of the Lord, & do not neglect to impress upon the mind of the recipient that the fullfillment of the promises depends upon their own faithfulness.” (Anthony W. Ivins diary, 9 Oct., 1905)
1906: 29 Apr.: Everything God has forbidden I love.
“We attended the funeral of Patriarch J. N. Liljenquist. He was 81 years old when he died. There was a large number of friends present. He had been weak in regard to the word of wisdom, but he told his President of the stake that he had overcome. I made this my text. his friends who spoke were very eulogistic of his life. Once when he spoke to President Taylor about his condition he said: ‘Everything which God has forbidden I love.'” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 29 Apr., 1906; LDS Archives)
13 Dec.: Patriarch moving to another stake.
“I asked the question if a Patriarch moving from one stake to another, in order to act as such in the stake into which he has moved should be both sustained and set apart. Prest. [Joseph F.] Smith answered no.” (George F. Richards diary, 13 Dec., 1906)
1907: 9 Jan.: Patriarchs not to make “immoderate promises.”
“As an apostle Elder Richards continued to be interested in patriarchal matters and was especially concerned with the work of stake patriarchs. One of his apprehensions was the problem of immoderate promises and statements made by stake patriarchs to recipients of patriarchal blessings. In a meeting with a number of stake patriarchs in 1907 he urged them to be conservative and temperate in the wording of their blessings. He declared that the Spirit of the Lord should direct in all such blessings and if it did there would be no doubts about the meaning of what was said. The Spirit, he believed, would give only assurance and peace. Elder Richards explained that when patriarchs exceed the promptings of the Spirit and make extravagant promises and statements, all concerned would sooner or later be embarrassed and confused and Satan would take advantage of the situation. He was prompted to give this counsel because one patriarch had promised mothers that if they would be faithful in the Church they would never lose their children prenatally nor would their children die prematurely after they were born. Elder Richards considered these to be immoderate promises.” (Mouritsen Diss., pp. 235-236. Also cites the following undated quotation: “On another occasion Joseph Fielding Smith admonished stake patriarchs: ‘We do not need to promise those who come to us for blessings that they will live to see the building of Jackson County or to labor in the temple which will be built there. These things are not essential in a blessing. Let us be conservative and careful in giving blessings.’ Handbook for Stake Patriarchs, n.d., p. 5. LDS Archives.”)
1919: 2 Jan.: Apostles outrank patriarchs.
“I attended Council meeting in the temple and was mouth at the altar. Bro. Hyrum G. Smith felt that he was honored in the place which the Lord indicated in the 124th Section in which the Lord said first I have given unto you Hyrum Smith to be a patriarch and next Joseph Smith is mentioned. So Hyrum G. felt his place should be first in being sustained. As the Apostles are called to look for patriarchs and to set them apart it is plain that they occupy the higher place. I moved that we follow the example set us by the Church hitherto this was agreed to.” (Anthon H. Lund diary, 2 Jan., 1919)