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PRIESTHOOD, 1830.
1830: 29 Mar.: 12 apostles to be appointed.
“During the week following, I journeyed one hundred and fifty miles, and suffered much from a tedious storm. Sabbath, March 28, I preached twice to a small assembly in Geneva. Next day we attended a meeting in Fayette, and tarried at the house of Mr. Whitmer. Here we saw two or three of his sons, and others to the number of eight, who said they were witnesses of a certain book just published, called the ‘Golden Bible,’ or ‘Book of Mormon.’ They affirmed, that an angel had showed them certain plates of metal, having the appearance of gold, that were dug out of the ground by one Joseph Smith; that on these plates was written a history of the ten tribes of Israel which were lost, and revelations to different prophets that arose among them. They stated the writing could be read by no person, except by the said Smith; and, that the Lord had inspired him to translate and publish the book,–That none, but twelve chosen witnesses, had been allowed to see these plates, and that now they were ‘hid up unto the Lord.’ They further stated, that twelve apostles were to be appointed, who would soon confirm their mission by miracles–and that if any one read their bible and did not believe, they would be given up and lost forever. These eight were in company with Smith and three others. A copy right was secured by Smith in his own name. The book contains about six hundred octavo pages in small print. Five thousand copies were published–and they said the angel told Smith to sell the book at a price which was one dollar and eight cents per copy more than the cost, that they ‘might have the temporal profit, as well as the spiritual.’ They urged me to purchase a copy, and finally offered me one for $1,25. ‘But,’ said I, ‘I understood you to say the angel told you to sell it for $1,75.[‘] They replied, ‘The angel said we might sell it for that sum, but did not say we should not sell it for any less.'” (Marks, Mariella, ed. Memoirs of the Life of David Marks, Minister of the Gospel. {Dove, N.H.: Free-Will Baptist Printing Establishment, 1846} pp. 236-237) [Note that the first edition was published in 1831.]
6 Apr.: Joseph and Oliver both Elders.
“Which commandments were given to Joseph, who was called of God and ordained an Apostle of Jesus Christ, an Elder of this Church; and also to Oliver, who was called of God an Apostle of Jesus Christ, an Elder of this Church, and ordained under his hand; and this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to whom be all glory both now and forever.” (“The Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ”, E&MS Jun., 1832)
“I then laid my hands upon Oliver Cowdery, and ordained him an Elder in the ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints;’ after which, he ordained me also to the office of an Elder of said Church.” (HC 1:77-78) [Note that Oliver and Joseph had already ordained each other in May, 1829–See HC 1:44]
6 Apr.: Deacons an afterthought?
“The duty of the Elders, Priests, Teachers, Deacons and members of the Church of Christ. An Apostle is an Elder, and it is his calling to baptize and to ordain other Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons, and to administer the flesh and blood of Christ according to the Scriptures, and to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the Church, and to confirm the Church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost, and to take the lead of all meetings. The Elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost. The Priests’ duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort and baptize, and administer the Sacrament, and visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret, and also to attend to all family duties; and ordain other Priests, Teachers and Deacons, and take the lead in meetings; but none of these offices is he to do when there is an Elder present, but in all cases is to assist the Elder. The Teachers’ duty is to watch over the Church always, and be with them, and strengthen them, and see that there is no iniquity in the Church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying nor back-biting nor evil speaking; and see that the Church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty; and he is to take the lead of meetings in the abscence [sic] of the Elder or Priest, and is to be assisted always, and in all his duties in the Church by the Deacons; but neither the Teacher nor Deacons, have authority to baptize nor administer the Sacrament, but are to warn, expound, exhort and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.” (“The Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ,” E&MS Jun., 1832)
6 Apr.: Priesthood conferred by POWER OF HOLY GHOST.
“Every Elder, Priest Teacher, or Deacon, is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him, by the power of the Holy Ghost which is in the one who ordains him.” (“The Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ,” E&MS Jun., 1832)
6 Apr.: Organization of Church.
“Now in the Spring of 1830 I went with my Team and took Joseph out to Manchester to his Father. When we was on our way he told me that there must be a Church formed But did not tell when. . . . I stayed a few Days wating for some Books to Be Bound. Joseph said there must Be a Church Biltup. . . . On the sixth Day of April 1830 he Begun the Church with six members and received the following Revelation Book of Covenants Page 177 [section 21]. They all kneeled down and prayed and Joseph gave them instructions how to Bild up the Church and exorted them to Be faithfull in all things for this is the work of God.” (Joseph Knight, in Dean Jessee, “Joseph Knight’s Recollections of Early Mormon History,” BYU Studies 16{Autumn 1976}:29-39)
6 Apr.: Joseph ordained Prophet, Seer, Revelator, etc.
“I had a long talk with Oliver Cowdery in Elkhorn, Wis. in 1847. I asked him to what did you ordain J. Smith on the 6th of April 1830? Said he ‘I ordained him Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and Translator just as the revelation says.’ All your remarks then on that subject amount to simply nothing provided they acted by divine appointment.” (William McLellin to M. H. Forscutt, Oct., 1870. RLDS Archives, P19/F36)
6 Apr.: Lucy Mack baptized AND confirmed?
“Immediately upon the organization of the Church, on April 6, 1830, she received baptism for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost which bouyed her up against all opposition, and prepared her to rejoice, amid the most dreadful persecution and sacrifices that mortal was ever called upon to endure.” (George A. Smith, Obituary of Lucy Mack Smith, 5 Jul., 1856; MS 18(35):558, 30 Aug., 1856)
19 Apr.: Apostles should keep cool.
“Please advise Hyrum Smith, and some of his ill bred associates, not to be quite so impertinent, when decent folks denounce the imposition of the ‘Gold Bible.’ The anath-ethemas of such ignorant wretches, although not feared, are not quite so well relished by some people–Apostles should keep cool.” (Obediah Dogberry, Palmyra Reflector, 19 Apr., 1830; in Kirkham, A New Witness for Christ in America, Vol. II, p. 50)
June: D&C 18: Priests and Teachers.
“And, behold, you are they who are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers; to declare my gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men.” (D&C 18:32) [Note: Woodford gives the first dated version of this revelation as the 1833 Book of Commandments, Chapter 15.]
1 Jun.: Cowdery an Apostle; acting under “a command.”
“The apostle to the NEPHITES (Cowdery) has started for the EAST, on board a boat, with a load of ‘Gold bibles,’ under a command, (as he says) to declare the truth (according to Jo Smith,) ‘in all the principal cities in the Union.’ We must, however, caution this second Mahomet, (Jemima Wilkinson,) to be careful how he treads upon the old Saybrook Platform. Oliver (he left out his two middle names in the ‘Book of Mormon,’) may find his way to the Simsbury mines.” (Palmyra Reflector 3(4):28, 1 Jun., 1830)
9 Jun.: Minutes of the First Conference.
“The following persons were then seated respectively & received their licences, Viz:
Elders of this church.
David Whitmer
John Whitmer
Peter Whitmer
Ziba Peterson
Samuel H. Smith
Priests of this Church
Martin Harris
Hyrum Smith
Joseph Smith sen
Teachers of this Church
Hiram Page and
Christian Whitmer”
(Far West Record, 9 Jun., 1830)
9 Jun.: Elder was also apostle; priest was not.
“A License Liberty Power & Authority
Given to John Whitmer signifying & proveing that he is an Apostle of Jesus Christ an Elder of this Church of Christ established & regularly organized in these last days A.D. 1830 on the 6th day of April All of which has been done by the will of God the Father according to his holy calling & the gift & power of the Holy Ghost agreeable to the revelations of Jesus Christ given to Joseph Smith Jun. the first Elder of the Church Signifying that he has been baptized & received into the Church according to the Articles & Covenants of the Church & ordained under the hand of Joseph Smith Jun who is an Apostle of our Lord.
Singed [Signed] by Joseph Smith Jr. first Elder
Oliver Cowdery second Elder
Given to the Bearer in conference held in Fayette Seneca County NY June 9th 1830″
(Photograph of this license in the RLDS Archives. In the document, the words “Apostle of Jesus Christ” had later been marked out, though not sufficiently so to obliterate the words.)
“A License Liberty Power & Authority
Given to Joseph Smith sen. signifying & proveing that he is a Priest of this Church of Christ established & regularly organized in these last days A.D. 1830 on the 6th day of April. All of which has been done by the will of God the Father according to his holy calling & the gift & power of the Holy Ghost agreeable to the revelations of Jesus Christ given to Joseph Smith Jun. the first Elder of the Church signifying that he has been baptized & received into the Church according to the Articles & Covenants of the Church & ordained under the hand of Oliver Cowdery who is an Apostle of our Lord an Elder of the Church.
Signed by Joseph Smith Jr. first Elder
Oliver Cowdery second Elder
Given to the Bearer in conference held in Fayette Seneca County NY June 9th 1830″
(Photograph of License reproduced in Donald Q. Cannon, “Licensing in the Early Church,” BYU Studies 22(1):97, Winter, 1982)
18 Jun.: Diedrich Willers’ letter.
[See New York History 54:324-333, Jul., 1973]
22 Jun.: One of Jo’s greatest apostles.
“We know not whether he is a follower of Jemima Wilkinson, Jo Smith, Jun. or the devil. We are however credibly informed, that at a disorderly meeting on Sunday evening at the MARKET, one of Jo’s greatest apostles gave decided tokens of entire approbation.” (Palmyra Reflector, 22 Jun., 1830; in Kirkham, Source Material Concerning the Origin of the Book of Mormon, pp. 155-156)
“Our citizens were considerably agitated on the morning of the 19th inst. by the strange appearance of a strange animal, whose manner was very little different from that of the famous Lorenzo Dow–who introduced himself to the notice of a gazing multitude, by raising his stentorian voice to a surprising height, and continued pouring forth his melody, until driven from his station by the rains of heaven (which were not very congenial to the bristly cranium of the itinerant) falling upon his uncovered head in torrents–and thus warning him to ‘flee from the wrath to come’–whereupon he ‘took up his’ sack ‘and walked,’ declaring his command to ‘preach the gospel to every creature’ (at the methodist ‘meetin house’) and to ‘all the earth, in the highways, and on the house tops.’–We know not whether he is a follower of Jemima Wilkinson, Jo Smith, jun. or the devil–We are however credibly informed, that at a disorderly meeting on Sunday evening at the MARKET one of Jo’s greatest apostles, gave decided tokens of entire approbation.” (Palmyra Reflector 3(6):45, 22 Jun., 1830)
30 Jun.: The Gold Bible apostles.
“The age of miracles has again arrived, and if the least reliance can be placed upon the assertions, daily made by the ‘Gold Bible’ apostles, (which is somewhat doubtful), no prophet, since the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus, has performed half so many wonders as have been attributed to that spindle shanked ignoramus JO SMITH.” (Palmyra Reflector, 30 Jun., 1830; in Kirkham, Source Material Concerning the Origin of the Book of Mormon, p. 154)
7 Jul.: Minister’s license.
“Exemption from taxation.–A disciple of the ‘Gold Bible,’ lately called on an assessor and demanded an exemption from taxation, to the amount of $1500–alledging that he was a Minister of the Gospel, at the same time producing a certificate, signed by Jo. Smith, and Oliver Cowdry, by way of proof–the course to be taken in this matter has not as yet transpired.” [Probably refers to license given at 6 Jun. conference; perhaps, due to the amount of tax relief claimed, Martin Harris is the party referred to.] (Palmyra Reflector 3(8):61, 7 Jul., 1830)
29 Aug.: Confirmation of those baptized in June.
“Brothers Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and John and David Whitmer came to fill the before-mentioned appointment to hold meetings and to confirm those who had been baptized in June previous.” (Newel Knight, in JH, 29 Aug., 1830; Ouellette)
1 Sep.: Baptism, confirmation, ordination on same day.
“After being baptised, I was confirmed in a little meeting during the same day, was full of the Holy Ghost, and was ordained an Elder. This transpired on the 1st day of September, 1830.” (Parley P. Pratt, 7 Sep., 1856; JD 5:195)
26 Sep.: Challenges to Joseph’s authority.
“The second conference of the Church of Christ was held by the Elders of the Church at Fayette, Seneca county, N.Y. . . . Joseph Smith jun. was appointed to preside over the meeting, and he was also appointed by the voice of the conference to receive and write revelations and commandments for the Church. . . . Brother Newel Knight was ordained a Priest under the hands of Oliver Cowdery . . . Then followed prayers and exhortations by all the Elders respectively. . . .” Newel Knight wrote: “On my arrival I found Brother Joseph in great distress of mind on account of Hyrum Page, who had managed to get up some dissension of feeling among the brethren by giving revelations concerning the government of the Church and other matters, which he claimed to have received through the medium of a stone he possessed. He had quite a roll of papers full of these revelations, and many in the Church were led astray by them. Even Oliver Cowdery and the Whitmer family had given heed to them, although they were in contradiction to the New Testament and the revelations of these last days. Here was a chance for Satan to work among the little flock, and he sought by this means to accomplish what persecution failed to do. Joseph was perplexed and scarcely knew how to meet this new exigency. That night I occupied the same room that he did and the greater part of the night was spent in prayer and supplication. After much labor with these brethren they were convinced of their error, and confessed the same, renouncing the revelations as not being of God, but acknowledged that Satan had conspired to overthrow their belief in the true plan of salvation. In consequence of these things Joseph inquired of the Lord before conference commenced and received the revelation . . . wherein God explicitly states His mind and will concerning the receiving of revelation. . . . a number were confirmed, many were ordained. . . .” (JH, 26 Sep., 1830; Ouellette)
7 Nov.: Baptism and confirmation on same day.
“Elder Oliver Cowdery and fellow-missionaries from New York preached in Mayfield, Cayahoga county, Ohio, and baptized a number. ‘In the evening of that day,’ writes Brother John Murdock, ‘they confirmed about thirty, I being one of the number. I was also ordained an Elder by Oliver Cowdery, and it was truly a time of out-pouring of the spirit of God. I knew for a certainty that the spirit rested upon me as it had never done before, and others said that they had glorious visions and saw the Lord.'” (JH, 7 Nov., 1830; Ouellette)
Nov.: Baptism and ordination of Lyman Wight.
“myself and family was baptized by P. P. Pratt; on the 14th of Nov 1830 in the shagreen river at Kirtland Ohio. I was confirmed on the 18th and ordained on the 20th by O. Cowdry; my ordination was a little novel we traveled into the woods about half a mile and placed ourselves behind a large oak tree after a most solemn prayer he intended to ordain me a priest but ordained me an elder he after wards told me he done it in conformity to a vocal voice but in all these matters I confess by knowlede [sic] was very limited indeed.” (Lyman Wight to Wilford Woodruff, 24 Aug., 1857)
16 Nov.: Cowdery’s “prophetic authority.”
“He proclaims destruction upon the world with a few years–holds forth that the ordinances of the Gospel have not been regularly administered since the days of the Apostles, till the said Smith and himself commenced the work; and many other marvelous things too numerous to mention.
In the neighboring township of Kirtland, we understand that twenty or thirty have been immersed into the new order of things; many of whom had been previously baptized. The name of the person here, who pretends to have a divine mission, and to have seen and conversed with Angels, is Cowdray. We understand that he is bound for the regions beyond the Mississippi, where he contemplates founding a ‘City of Refuge’ for his followers, and converting the Indians, under his prophetic authority.” (Painesville Telegraph, 16 Nov., 1830)
25 Nov.: 12 Apostles sent to sell Book of Mormon.
“The author of an article entitled ‘The Golden Bible’ in the November 25, 1830, issue of the Cleveland Herald (subsequently reprinted in the Ashtabula Journal and in the Western Reserve Chronicle) admitted that he had not read the book but had ‘perused it sufficiently to be convinced’ that it was ‘one of the veriest impositions’ of that age. The purpose of the publication, this writer concluded, was financial gain. Joseph Smith had sent forth his ‘twelve Apostles’ to sell the book. All this was ‘new proof that all fools are not dead, and knavery in any garb may yet find votaries.'” (Backman, The Heavens Resound, p. 54)
“On reading the name of Oliver Cowdry, in support of the divine authenticity of the work, whatever faith we might have been inspired with on reading the certificate, was banished, for we had known Cowdry some seven or eight years ago, when he was a dabbler in the art of Printing, and principally occupied in writing and printing pamphlets, with which, as a pedestrian Pedlar he visited the towns and villages of western New-York and Canada, and the only opinion we have of the origin of this Golden Bible, is that Mr. Cowdry and Mr. Smith the reputed author, have taken the old Bible to keep up a train of circumstances, and by altering names and language have produced the string of Jargon called the ‘Book of Mormon,’ with the intention of making mony by the sale of their Books; and being aware they would not sell unless an excitement and curiosity could be raised in the public mind, have therefore sent out twelve Apostles to promulgate its doctrines, several of whom are in this vicinity expounding its mysteries and baptising converts to its principles, whose labors, we understand are principally blest among the superstitious and ignorant or hypocritical, presenting a new proof that all fools are not dead, and knavery in any garb may, yet find votaries.” (The Cleveland Herald, 25 Nov., 1830; Backman collection; identical article reprinted in Ashtabula Journal, 4 Dec., 1830; Western Reserve Chronicle (Warren, Ohio), 9 Dec., 1830)
26 Nov.: They are commanded by their Heavenly Father.
“We copy the following from the Milan (Huron County) Free Press, promising at the same time, if the statements therein contained should prove erroneous, to publish it freely. We know the sensitiveness of a great number of individuals in this section, on everything that may be said touching the new Bible and its propagators, many of whom view it as a sin against the Holy Ghost to say aught against Joseph Smith or his apostles. . . .
Four men are travelling westward, who say they are commanded by their Heavenly Father, to go and collect the scattered tribes of Israel, which they say a new Gospel or Prophecy informs them are the different tribes of Indians. . . .
He [Parley P. Pratt] said he knew, for his Heavenly Father had told him, that when they got among the scattered tribes, there would be as great miracles wrought, as there was at the day of Pentecost.” (Amherst, Lorain county, Ohio, Nov. 26, 1830, in the Milan (Huron County) Free Press, reprinted in Painesville Telegraph, 14 Dec., 1830)
Nov.: Baptism, confirmation, ordination in 2 days.
“it was the next day before they Oliver Cowdry and Ziba Peterson and one of the Whitmers came held meting baptised some and in the evening confirmed many members in the Church next morning I was ordained an Elder and went home to my father and soon after went to home Commenced holding metings . . . This was in the year of 1830 in the month of November.” (Levi W. Hancock autobiography, LDS Archives; Ouellette)
4 Dec.: Reference to 12 Apostles already being chosen.
Ashtabula Journal, Ashtabula, Ohio, Saturday, December 4, 1830, N.S. vol. III, no. 2.
“‘THE GOLDEN BIBLE.’–Yes, readers, strange as it may appear, there is a new Bible just published, entitled the ‘Book of Mormon,’ and better known to some as the Golden Bible. We have no doubt many will be shocked to learn that there are those sacrilegious enough to contend that a new Bible has been given to the children of men. But it is even so, for we have lately purchased one for the gratification of our curiosity, which was rather excited on learning that its doctrines were taught and believed in this and the adjoining counties.
We have not read it in course, but have perused it sufficiently to be convinced that it is one of the veriest [?] impositions of the day. The following is from the title page:–Herald.
[There follows the title page.]
We find the following in relation to the history of this pretended divine gift, in Mr. Smith’s Preface to his book.
[There follows the Preface.]
The Bible is composed of, first and second Book of Nephi; Book of Jacob; Book of Jeram; Book of Mormon; Book of Moriah; Book of Alma; Book of Helaman; Book of Nephi, the son of Helaman; Book of Nephi, the son of Nephi; Book of Mormon; Book of Ether and Book of Moroni.
The last book appears to have been added as a sort of appendix, and contains the form of service, mode of eneciation [sic], prayers, &c.
This Bible is closed by two certificates commending the work; to the first is attached the name of Oliver Cowdry and two other persons, and to the last are 8 names, among which are those of the father and two brothers of the reputed author.
On reading the name of Oliver Cowdery, in support of the divine authenticity of the work, whatever faith we might have been inspired with on reading the certificate, was banished, for we had known Cowdry some seven or 8 years ago, when he was a dabbler in the art of Printing, and principally occupied in writing and printing pamphlets, with which, as a pedestrian pedlar, he visited the towns and villages of eastern N. York, and Canada, and the only opinion we have of the origin of this Golden Bible, is that Mr. Cowdry and Mr. Smith the reputed author, have taken the old Bible to keep up a train of circumstances, and by altering names and language, have produced the string of jargon called the ‘Book of Mormon,’ with the intention of making money by the sale of their books; and being aware that they would not sell unless an excitement and curiosity could be raised in the public mind, have therefore sent out twelve Apostles to promulgate its doctrines, several of whom are in this vicinity expounding its mysteries and baptising converts to its principles, whose labors, we understand, are principally blest among the superstitious and ignorant or hypocritical, presenting a new proof that all fools are not dead, and knavery in any garb, may yet find votaries.” [NOTE THE REFERENCE TO TWELVE APOSTLES ALREADY HAVING BEEN SELECTED.] (DALE MORGAN – “THE MORMONS AND THE FAR WEST: A collection of transcripts of newspaper articles on the Mormons, also containing material on the following subjects: the opening of the West; the fur trade; Indians of the middle and south-western states; the Santa Fe trade, etc. 1809-c.1857.” Huntington Library)
4 Dec.: Commission written by the finger of God.
“In the fall of 1827, a man named Joseph Smith, of Manchester, Ontario country, N.Y. reported that he had three times been visited in a dream, by the spirit of the Almighty, and informed that in a certain hill in that town, was a golden Bible, containing an ancient record of a divine nature and origin. On going to the spot he found buried the Bible with a huge pair of spectacles. The leaves (he said, that he was not permitted to shew them) were plates of gold, about 8 inches long, 6 wide, and 1/8th of an inch thick, on which were engraved characters or hieroglyphicks, with the spectacles he could interpret. Martin Harris an industrious farmer, caught the contagion, took some of the characters to different learned men to translate, but without success. He returned, set Smith to work at translating it, and has had it printed.
About two weeks since, Oliver Cowdry, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, arrived at Painesville, Ohio, with the Books. In the evening they preached in the Methodist Chapel, claiming to act under a commission written by the finger of God. They appear very enthusiastic and predict the end of the world in 15 years, when all but the true believers will be destroyed. They then proceeded to Kirtland, where they held forth, and elder Rigdon, formerly a baptist, and latterly a Campbellite, joined them, as did several of his congregation, and were baptised. The three men above named have now gone west of the Mississippi, where they say is a holy spot, and there they are to establish a New Jerusalem, into which will be gathered all the Natives who they say are descendants of Menasseh. They say they are led by the spirit, and, will know the ground when they place their feet on it.” (Republican Advocate (Wooster, Ohio), 4 Dec., 1830; Backman collection; reprinted in Ohio Star (Ravenna), 9 Dec., 1830)
7 Dec.: Cowdery’s commission directly from God.
“Those who are the friends and advocates of this wonderful book [Book of Mormon], state that Mr. Oliver Cowdry has his commission directly from the God of Heaven, and that he has his credentials, written and signed by the hand of Jesus Christ, with whom he has personally conversed, and as such, said Cowdry claims that he and his associates are the only persons on earth who are qualified to administer in his name. By this authority, they proclaim to the world, that all who do not believe their testimony, and be baptised by them for the remission of their sins, and come under the imposition of their hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and stand in readiness to go to some unknown region, where God will provide a place of refuge for his people, called the ‘New Jerusalem’, must be forever miserable, let their life have been what it may. If these things are true, God has certainly changed his order of commission. When Jesus sent his disciples to preach, he gave them power against all unclean spirits, to cast them out, to heal all manner of diseases, and to raise the dead. But these newly commissioned disciples have totally failed thus far in their attempts to heal, and as far as can be ascertained their prophecys have also failed.” (Painesville Telegraph, 7 Dec., 1830)
15 Dec.: Partridge ordained Elder, but not Apostle.
“This may [“may” is unclear] certify that Edward Partridge has been received into this church of Christ which was organized on the 6th of April A.D. 1830 and ordained as an Elder under my hand.
Senaca County New York
Sidney Rigdon
Dated Fayette this 15th day of December A.D. 1830.”
(Genealogical Record of Edward Partridge [1833-1900]; LDS Archives; Ouellette) [NOTE THAT NEITHER RIGDON NOR PARTRIDGE IS REFERRED TO AS AN APOSTLE.]
“Preserved by the Partridge family as a relic of bygone times, is a little scrap of paper, yellow with age, upon the margin of one side of which is written the words, ‘Elder’s license,’ and on the other side, in what would now be considered poor, though legible, penmanship, and altogether innocent of punctuation, the following:
This may certify that Edward Partridge has been received into the church of Christ which was organized on the 6th of April A.D. 1830 and ordained as an Elder under my hand. Seneca county New York. Sidney Rigdon.
Dated Fayette this 15th day of December A.D. 1830.”
(Orson F. Whitney, “Aaronic Priesthood,” Contributor 6(1):5, Oct., 1884)
Dec.: Rigdon commends Whitmer to friends as an Apostle.
Sidney Rigdon gave a letter of introduction to the members in Ohio for John Whitmer, who was sent there to watch over the Saints. It read: “I send you this letter by John Whitmer. Receive him, for he is a brother greatly beloved, and an apostle (messenger) [NOTE THAT THE PARENTHETICAL INSERTION WAS MADE IN THE JOURNAL HISTORY] of this Church.” (JH, quoting from E. D. Howe; Ouellette)
[As quoted in E. D. Howe:] “I send you this letter by John Whitmer. Receive him, for he is a brother greatly beloved, and an Apostle of this church.” (Howe, p. 110)
Dec.: Orson Pratt referred to as “apostle.”
“Hyrum [Smith] and Newel [Knight] returned to their wives at Colesville. They ‘spent a few days preaching to and comforting the Saints at Colesville,’ then they visited Mother Knight’s brother Ezekiel Peck and wife Electa. ‘We preached the Gospel to them and both . . . believed and were baptized,’ said Newel. ‘There were but few others who embraced the faith in that neighborhood.’ When Newel and Hyrum returned home they found new convert Orson Pratt waiting for them. Pratt gave them an introductory letter from Joseph Smith and John Whitmer. It termed Pratt ‘another servant and apostle’ and called the Colesville area ‘the seat of Satan.'” (William Hartley, They Are My Friends: A History of the Joseph Knight Family, 1825-1850, p. 60; quoting from Newel Knight Journal; note that Pratt had been ordained an Elder on 1 Dec., 1830, by Joseph Smith, Jr.)
Priesthood ordinations of 1830:
Elders: Joseph Smith ordained 6 April by Cowdery. Cowdery ordained 6 April by Smith. David Whitmer o. before June. John Whitmer o. before June. Peter Whitmer and Ziba Peterson both o. before Jun. Samuel Smith o. 9 June by Cowdery. Joseph Smith Sr. o. Priest 9 June and Elder before Sept. Hyrum Smith o. same as his father. Parley Pratt o. Sept. Thomas B. Marsh o. Sept. Rigdon and Frederick Williams o. November. John Murdock o. November 7 by Cowdery. Levi Hancock o. Nov. by Cowdery. Orson Pratt o. 1 Dec. by Joseph Smith. Edward Partridge o. 15 December.
Priests: Martin Harris o. before June. Hyrum Smith o. before June. Newel Knight o. 26 Sept. by Cowdery.
Teachers: Hiram Page o. before June 9. Christian Whitmer o. before June 9.
“Undoubtedly others had been ordained to the Priesthood before the close of 1830, especially in Ohio; but as there are no records to prove it, we must confine ourselves to the few names numerated above.” (JH; Ouellette)
Late 1830/early 1831: Wm. Smith’s duties as Teacher.
“I will now return to Waterloo after Joseph and his father left, William being one of the teachers visited the Church calling on every family (as our custom is) he prayed with them and did not leave the house untill every member of the family prayed vocally that was over eight years old.” (Lucy Mack Smith manuscript, p. 131)