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PRIESTHOOD, 1837
1837: 11 Jan.: Questions concerning healings.
“The Elders quorum met [as] usual Jan 11th A D 1837. Meeting opened with singing and prayer. 2nd The Pres. [Alvah Beman] questioned the quorum in respect to their duty.
3 Elder Corking proposed the following question, is it the duty of an Elder to cast out unbelievers from the room when called to administer to the sick.
4 Father [Joseph] Smith answered as follows, if they are a company of unbelievers, cast them out but an Elder if humble shall know what is to be done.
5 Elder C. proposed again, if a priest has an appointment and an elder comes shall he take the lead of that meeting.
6 Answered in the negative.
7 Father Smith proposed, if an Elder traveling come into a church where there is a standing Elder, shall he take the lead of meetings and appoint meetings there without the solici[ta]tion of the other.
8 Answered in the negative.
9 Several of the like questions proposed, and father Smith & pres. Beman gave instruction.
10 Is it the duty of an Elder to lay hands on a sick person without solicitation.
11 Ans. in the negative.”
(Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 11 Jan., 1837)
Jan.: Schedule of quorum meetings in Kirtland Temple.
“On monday evening the quorum of high priests meets in the west room of the attic story where they transact the buisiness [sic] of their particular quorum, speak, sing, pray, and so worship the God of heaven. On Tuessday evenings the Seventies, meet in the same room occupied by the high priests the preceding night. They then and there listen to the advice and instructions given them by their president, as well as speak, sing, pray and talk of the goodness and power of God.
On Wednesday evening the rooms are occupied by the quorum of Elders, where they receive instruction and advice from their venerable president and his able councellors.
On Thursday P.M. a prayer meeting is held in the lower part of the house where any and all persons may assemble and pray and praise the Lord. This meeting, though free for all, is conducted more particularly by J. Smith senior, the patriarch of the church.
The members of the high council, and also ‘the twelve’ meet but we believe not statedly in each week as do others, of the different quorums mentioned.” (M&A 3(4):444, Jan., 1837)
3 Mar.: Record of quarterly ordinations.
“During the quarter ending March the 3rd, thirty-two Elders’, seven Priests’, three Teachers’, and two Deacons’ licenses were recorded in the license records in Kirtland, by Thomas Burdick.” (HC 2:475)
6 Apr.: 2nd solemn assembly.
On 6 April, 1837 another solemn assembly was held in the Kirtland Temple especially for those elders who had not been washed and anointed the previous year. See HC 2:475-80, and Wilford Woodruff diary, 4-6 Apr., 1837.
“Anniversary of the church of Latter Day saints.
A short notice only was given that a solemn assembly would be called of the official members of this church on the 6th inst. for the purpose of washing, anointing, washing of feet, receiving instruction and the further organization of the ministry. We gave notice to a few churches by mail, and more would have been apprized had we been notified in due season to do so ourselves.
We proceed to give a synopsis of the proceedings. Meetings were held by the different quorums, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, to wash and anoint such of their respective members as had not been washed and anointed, that all might be prepared for the meeting on the sixth.
At an early hour on Thursday, the sixth, the official members assembled in the house of the Lord, where the time, for the first two or three hours was spent by the different quorums in washing of feet, singing, praying and preparing to receive instruction from the Presidents of the church. The Presidents together with the Seventies and their presidents repaired to the west room in the attic story, where, for want of time the preceding evening, it became necessary to seal the anointing of those who had recently been anointed and not sealed.
Another subject of vital importance to the church, was the establ[i]shing of the grades of the different quorums.–It was ascertained that all but one, of the presidents of the seventies, were high priests and when they had ordained and set apart from the quorum of elders, into the quorum of seventies, they had confered upon them the high-priesthood also: this was declared to be wrong, and not according to the order of heaven. New presidents of the seventies were accordingly ordained to fill the place of such of them as were high priests, and the ex officio presidents and such of the seventies as had been legally ordained to the high priesthood, were directed to unite with the quorum of high priests. After closing the particular business in the quorum of the seventies to which we have just alluded, all the quorums assembled in the lower rooms of the Lords house where they were addressed by the presidents from the stand.
Joseph Smith jr. rose and spoke on the subject of the Priesthood. The Melchisedec High priesthood, he said was no other than the priesthood of the Son of God. There are certain ordinances which belong to the priesthood, and certain results flow from it.
The presidents, or presidency are over the church, and revelations of the mind and will of God to the church are to come through the presidency. This is the order of heaven and the power and privilege of this priesthood. It is also the privilege of any officer in this church, to obtain revelations so far as relates to his particular calling or duty in the church. All are bound by the principles of virtue and happiness, but one great privilege of this priesthood is to obtain revelations, as before observed, of the mind and will of God. It is also the privilege of the Melchisedec priesthood, to reprove, rebuke and admonish, as well as to receive revelations.
He here remarked something concerning the will of God, and said, that what God commanded, the one half of the church would condemn.–A high Priest, is a member of the same Melchisedec priesthood, with the presidency, but not of the same power or authority in the church. The seventies are also members of the same priesthood, are a sort of travelling council, or priesthood, and may preside over a church or churches until a high priest can be had. The seventies are to be taken from the quorum of elders and are not to be high priests. They are subject to the direction and dictation of the twelve, who have the keys of the ministry. All are to preach the gospel, by the power and influence of the Holy Ghost, and no man, said he, can preach the gospel without the Holy Ghost.
The Bishop was a high priest, and necessarily so, because he is to preside over that particular branch of church affairs that are denominated the lesser priesthood, and because we have no direct lineal descendant of Aaron to whom it would of right belong. He remarked that this was the same, or a branch of the same priesthood; and illustrated his position by the figure of the human body, which has different members, which have different offices to perform: all are necessary in their place, and the body is not complete without all the members. From a fiew of the requirements of the servants of God to preach the gospel, he remarked that few were qualified even to be priests, and if a priest understood his duty, his calling and ministry and preached by the Holy Ghost, his enjoyment is as great as if he were one of the presidency; and his services are necessary in the body, as are also those of teachers and deacons. Therefore in viewing the church as whole, we may strictly denominate it one priesthood.
He remarked that he rebuked and admonished his brethren frequently, and that because he loved them; not because he wished to incur their displeasure or mar their happiness.
Such a course of conduct was not calculated to gain the good will of all, but rather the ill will of many, and thereby the situation in which he stood was an important one. So you see, brethren the higher the authority, the greater the difficulty of the station. But these rebukes and admonitions became ne[c]essary from the perverseness of brethren, for their temporal as well as spiritual welfare. They actually constituted a part of the duties of his station and calling.
Others had other duties to perform that were important and far less enviable, and might be just as good, like the feet or hands in their relation to the human body, neither could claim priority, or say to the other I have no need of you. After all that has been said the greatest duty and the most important is, to preach the gospel.” (Warren Cowdery, M&A 3(7):486-487, Apr., 1837)
7 Mar.: Washing and anointing in 1837.
“Tuesday, March 7. The Seventies met in the loft of the Lord’s House at Kirtland, in the evening. Twelve of the First Seventy spoke five minutes each. Elder Elias Smith, the clerk of the Seventies makes the following note in the Seventies record:
Here the proceedings of the Seventies, as recorded by Hazen Aldrich, closes, as far as can be ascertained by the papers which have come into my hands. The Seventies continued to meet during the month of March every Tuesday evening, improving the time much in the same manner as they did on the 7th inst. Preceeding the solemn assembly held on April 6, 1837, the washing and anointing of those who had not previously been anointed and washed was attended to, according to the rules of the Church. {Seventies Record, A 17)”
(JH 7 Mar., 1837)
6 Apr.: Solemn assembly in Kirtland Temple.
“A solemn assembly was held in the House of the Lord at Kirtland, it being the seventh anniversary of the organization of the Church.
After the different quorums had assembled in the Lower Court of the House, the Seventies were called by the First Presidency to go into the loft, to seal the anointing of the Third Seventy and to regulate some misunderstanding concerning the grade of the Seventies which had arisen. It was decided by Joseph Smith that the Seventies were not High Priests, as they had been previously taught. Having ascertained that six of the seven presidents were regularly ordained High Priests before they were appointed Presidents of the Seventies, the following were chosen and ordained to fill their places under the hands of Pres. Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith, as follows,
John Gould, of the 2nd Seventy, instead of Hazen Aldrich
James Foster, of the 2nd Seventy, instead of Leonard Rich
Daniel S. Miles, of the 3rd Seventy, instead of Zebedee Coltrin
Josiah Butterfield, of the 2nd Seventy, instead of Lyman Sherman
Salmon Gee, of the 2nd Seventy, instead of Levi W. Hancock
John Gaylord, of the 3rd Seventy, instead of Sylvester Smith.
The ex-Presidents, together with Cyrus Smalling, Amasa M. Lyman, Zerubabbel Snow and David Evans, who were ascertained to be regularly ordained High Priest were directed to join the quorum of the High Priests by the First Presidency. The Seventies then returned to the lower court and Benjamin S. Wilber and George Rose were ordained Seventies. The washing of feet was attended to according to the rules of the Church, and the services of the day closed. (Seventies Record, A 17)” (JH 6 Apr., 1837)
29 Apr.: Seventies conference.
“The Presidents of the Seventies met in council in the House of the Lord, on the 29th of April, 1837, and after opening the meeting by prayer, they proceeded to take into consideration some difficulties, either real or imaginary, existing among the Seventies; and believing that every elder who is called to proclaim the gospel to the nations of the earth, should in all things conduct himself like a man of God, adopted, among others, the following resolutions:
1st.–That we will have no fellowship whatever with any Elder belonging to the quorums of the Seventies who is guilty of polygamy or any offence of the kind, and who does not in all things conform to the laws of the church contained in the Bible and in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants.
2d.–That we discard the practice of ball-playing, wrestling, jumping and all such low and degrading amusements, and above all the use of ardent spirits of any kind; and will have no fellowship with any member of our quorum who indulges himself in the practice of such things.
3d.–That these resolutions be signed by the chairman and clerk, publicly read on the next Sabbath for the approval of the Seventies, and published in the Messenger and Advocate.
Daniel S. Miles, Chair.
Elias Smith, Clerk.”
(M&A 3(8):511, May, 1837)
(BOOK OF RECORDS OF SEVENTIES) April 29th, 1837
“The Presidents of the Seventies met in the attick story of the Lord’s House. After due consideration it was unanimously resolved that elder Hyrum Stratton be suspended from the quorum until he makes ample satisfaction for his mis-conduct by public confession before the church.
Resolved 2 that we will have no fellowship whatever with any elder belonging to the quorum of seventies who is guilty of polygamy in any shape and does not in all cases of a like nature conform to the laws of the church as made known in the book Doctrine and Covenants & in the Bible.
Second, that we will in future disfellowship every elder belonging to the seventies who will condescend to the low and vulgar practices of ball playing, wrestling and jumping and above all any who are guilty of using ardent spirits of any kind.
Third, that the proceedings of this council be signed by the chairman and clerk and publicly read on the next sabbath for the approval or disapproval of the seventies and be published in the messenger and Advocate.” (Levi Edgar Young Papers, Utah State Historical Society, B12, Box 8, Fd 8, Pg 16)
29 Apr.: 70s disfellowship one of their members.
“The Presidents of the Seventies met in the attic story of the Lord’s house, at Kirtland, Ohio; Hyrum Straton was suspended from the quorum until he should make ample satisfaction for his misconduct by public confession before the Church. Resolutions were passed to the effect that the Seventies in the future would disfellowship every Elder, belonging to the Seventies, who should condescend to ball playing, wrestling and jumping, and above all, who are guilty of using intoxicating drinks, etc.
These resolutions were read on the following Sabbath and approved by the Seventies, and by the public congregation. (Seventies Record, A 21)” (JH 29 Apr., 1837)
3 May: Concerning apostles: Many more than twelve.
“You ask how the apostles were chosen. As they were in days of old, by the voice of God and by the ministration of angels, and by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. You ask what is the number of the apostles. There are twelve that are ordained to go to the nations, and there are many others, no definite number. You ask next how they are appointed. They have got to introduce the gospel to all the nations of the earth, and then the seventies that are or may be chosen, will unite with them in the great work that the Lord has to accomplish in these last days.” (John Taylor to a clergyman in Toronto, 3 May, 1837. In M&A 3(9):514, Jun., 1837)
May: High Priest certificate.
“We have inserted below the form of a certificate to be given to the members of the quorum of High Priests who shall or may be called on to preside over churches and settle difficulties, and instruct in righteousness, the saints of God. We do so, that our brethren abroad may learn the names of the officers of said quorum, and consequently, know to whom they ought to apply for assistance in the discharge of any of the duties pertaining to High Priests.
This certifies that _______ is a member of the quorum of High Priests, organized in Kirtland according to the order of the church of Latter Day Saints, is in good standing, is fully authorized to set in order churches abroad and preside in all councils to adjust differences and settle difficulties in the same, where God in his providence may call him.
Done by order and in behalf of the quorum.
Don C. Smith, Pres’t.
W. A. Cowdery,
G. H. Carter,
Counsellors
Harlow Redfield, Sec.”
(M&A 3(8):511, May, 1837)
2 Jun.: Kimball “ordained” to fill a mission.
“At a confrence of the Elders of the church of ‘Later Day Saints’ held in Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, on the Seekend [second] day of June in the year of Our Lord, one thousand Eight Hundred and thirty Sevn, Elder Heber C. Kimball, the Barer of this [license] was unanimously appointed, set a part, and Ordained to go at the hed of this mission to England to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of that nation.” (Heber C. Kimball license, in H. C. Kimball diary, included in entry of 13 Jun., 1837)
3 Jun.: Record of quarterly ordinations.
“Thirty-five Elders’, three Priests’, two Teachers’, and two Deacons’ licenses were recorded in the license records in Kirtland, during the quarter ending June 3rd, by Thomas Burdick.” (HC 2:490)
16 Jun.: Excommunication for refusal to confess.
“Minutes of a Conference of Elders held in West Township, Columbiana Co. O. commencing Friday, June 16, 1837. . . .
The conference then proceed to try the case of Eld. John Kelso, who was charged with teaching and preaching erroneous doctrine, of defying the High Council at Kirtland, and of going to law with his brethren, contrary to the laws of the church.
After hearing the testimony, and the remarks of Elder Kelso in his own behalf, President Stoddard decided that the charges were sustained against him and that he ought to make a public confession, in order to maintain his standing in the church.
The question was then put to the Elders, and Members present, whether they concurred in the decision; and they unanimously decided in the affirmative.
Elder Kelso refused to comply with the requirements, and the hand of fellowship was consequently withdrawn from him.” (M&A 3(9):525, Jun., 1837)
18 Jun.: Cut off for taking brother to the law.
“Sunday June 18: On this day as well as on the preceding Saturday and following Monday a conference of Elders was held in West township, Columbiana county, Ohio.
The conference assembled at 6 oclock p.m. Elder Sylvester B. Stoddard was chosen to presiding during the sitting of the Conference, and Marcellus F. Cowdery was appointed Clerk. After prayer and opening remarks by Pres. Stoddard the conference proceeded to try the case of Elder John Kelso, who was charged with teaching and preaching erroneous doctrine, of defying the High Council at Kirtland, and of going to law with his brethren, contrary to the laws of the Church.
After hearing the testimony, and the remarks of Elder Kelso in his own behalf, President Stoddard decided that the charges were sustained against him and that he ought to make a public confession in order to maintain his standing in the Church.
The question was then put to the Elders, and members present, whether they concurred in the decision; and they unanimously decided in the affirmative.
Elder Kelso refused to comply with the requirements, and the hand of fellowship was consequently withdrawn from him.” (M&A 3:525; JH 18 Jun., 1837)
30 Jul.: Rules regulating conduct of 70s.
“On this day {30 Jul.} the Quorums of the Seventies met in the loft of the Lord’s house at Kirtland agreeable to previous appointment. The meeting was opened by prayer by Elder John Gaylord then proceded to business as follows. Elder John Gould stated to the Quorum that brother David Yoleman [?] had been recommended to the quorum; he therefore was called forward and ordained under the hands of Elders John Gould and Daniel S. Miles. Elder John Gould then arose and addressed the quorums by way of exhortation; he was then followed by Elder Joseph Young who stated the object of this meeting to be to get the minds of the quorum respecting the course to be pursued with those who do not appear to live in a faithful discharge of duty. An opportunity was then given for all to express their feelings which was done in a unanimous manner. They then voted that the Quorum would withdraw fellowship from all who were in the habit of promoting litigation among their brethren and still persisted in so doing. 2nd voted to withdraw fellowship from all those of the Quorums who do not observe the Word of Wisdom so far as not to recognise them as preachers of the Gospel. 3rd. Voted that none of the Quorum should hereafter be allowed to deal or trade in any manner in Kirtland money away from this place. 4th voted that the above transactions be published in the Messenger and Advocate. 5th voted that we appoint a committee of three to prepare a writing expressive of the feelings of this quorum for publication in the Messenger and Advocate. 6th voted the Elders John Gould, Joseph Young, and Sylvester B. Stoddard act as the above committee. 7th voted to adjourn this meeting until the next Sabbath at one o’clock after noon. Giles Cook clerk. {Seventies Record, A 31)” (JH 30 Jul., 1837)
(BOOK OF RECORDS OF SEVENTIES) Kirtland July 30, 1937
“The quorums of the Seventy then met in the top of the Lord’s house agreeable to previous appointment the meeting was opened by prayer by Elder John Gaylord. Then proceeded to business as follows. Elder John Gould stated [page 18] to the quorum that Brother David Holeman had been recommended to the quorum. He therefore was called forward and ordained under the hands of Elders John Gould and D. S. Miles. Elder J. Gould then arose and addressed the quorums by way of exhortation. He was then followed by Elder Joseph Young who stated the object of this meeting to be to get the minds of the quorum respecting the course to be pursued with those who do not appear to live in a faithful discharge of duty. An opportunity was then given for all to express their feelings which was done in a unanimous manner. Then voted that the quorum would withdraw fellowship from all who are in a habit of promoting litigation among their brethren and still persist in so doing. Second, voted to withdraw fellowship from all those of the quorums who do not observe the Word of Wisdom so far as not to recognize them as preachers of the Gospel. Third, voted that none of the quorum should hereafter be allowed to deal or trade in any manner in Kirtland money away form this place. Fourth, voted that the above transactions be published in the Messenger and Advocate. 5th, voted that we appoint a committee of three to prepare a writing expressive of the feelings of this quorum for publication in the Messenger and Advocate. Sixth, voted that Elders John Gould, Joseph Young, and [page 19]S. B. Stoddard act as the above committee. Seventh, vote to adjourn this meeting until the next Sabbath at one o’clock after noon.” (Levi Edgar Young Papers, Utah State Historical Society, B12, Box 8, Fd 8, Pgs 17-19)
1 Aug.: Presidents to be ordained by higher authority.
“Resolved unanimously that every President of High Priests and Elders be ordained by some higher authority, and he the president of any quorum when Counsellors are needed may ordain his Counsellors himself and the Bishop shall take charge of the Lesser Priesthood.” (Far West Record, 1 Aug., 1837)
6 Aug.: 70s resolution to be submitted to 1st Pres.
“The Quorums of the Seventies met pursuant to adjournment at Kirtland, Ohio, and opened by prayer by Elder John Gould. Elder Gould then proceeded to read the resolutions of the committee appointed as above mentioned, which after much deliberation was again read then voted to submit the above named resolution to the inspection of the First Presidency of the Church for their approval or dis-approval and if they approved of the same it is to be published in the Messenger and Advocate. {Seventies Record, A 33)” (JH 6 Aug., 1837)
3 Sep.: Reinstatement of Levi Hancock into 70s.
“In the summer of 1837 it was ascertained that Levi W. Hancock who was in Missouri in April last was not a High Priest previous to being ordained one of the Presidents of the Seventies, and when the Church was reorganized Sept 3, 1837, Elder John Gould was dropped and Elder Hancock retained his former standing as President of the Seventies. Elder Gould was excluded from the Church in January, 1838, for his unChristian walk and conversation. (Seventies Record, A 21-23)” (JH 14 May, 1837)
17 Sep.: Role of quorums in gathering.
“The same evening the Elders assembled in conference in the House of the Lord when I addressed them on the subject of the gathering of the Saints in the last days, and the duties of the different quorums in relation thereto.” (HC 2:513)
Sep.: Revision of High Priest certificate.
“Whereas there was a small mistake in the form of the certificate for the High Priests in the May Messenger and Advocate, we have inserted the entire Form below, as it should be.
This certifies that _______ is a member of the quorum of High Priests, organized in Kirtland according to the order of the church of the Latter Day Saints, is in good standing, is fully authorized to set in order churches abroad and preside in all Councils according to the law regulating rthe High Priest Hood, to adjust differences and settle difficulties in the same, where God in his Providence may call him.
Done by order and in behalf of the quorum.
Don C. Smith Pres’t.
Gideon H. Carter,
Warr[e]n A. Cowdery,
Counselors.
Thomas Burdick, Secretary.”
(M&A 3(12):575, Sep., 1837)
2 Oct.: Ordained to the order of the prophets.
“Brother Oliver I am neither a prophet nor the Son of a prophit altho I am ordained to that order and when the time comith that the Lord will see fit to bestow the means as he did in the begining then israel shall be led as in days of old; then the saying shall be fullfilled old things shall become new.” (Letter of Hiram Page to Oliver Cowdery, 2 Oct., 1837, RLDS Archives; xerox of typescript)
9 Oct.: Officers chosen “acording to the Spirrit.”
“Sundy [October] the 9. We had a confrence of the Church of the Later day Saintes to dow buisness and set things in order. Thare was Elder Hide, Preast [Joseph] Felding and my self. The number of Saints was one hundred fifty. We chose eigh[t] men from the number of saints acording to the Spiirit of God that was in us. They ware nomanated and seckented and voted in by the Church to receive the office of teachers, sevn of them and one fore a deacon. They was of one mind in this thing. Elder Hide and my self layd our hands on them and Ordained them. Seven of them teachers and one of them a deacon. This was done acoren to the Spiirrit of God.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, 9 Oct., 1837)
7 Nov.: F. G. Williams of 1st Pres. voted out.
“Far West, Mo. Nov. 7, 1837.]
At a general assembly of the church of Latter Day Saints . . .
After singing, the Moderator addressed the throne of grace in prayer: after which pres’t. Sidney Ridgon explained the object of the meeting, giving a relation of the recent re organization of the church in Kirtland–the minutes of said meeting were read by the Moderator, who also nominated Joseph Smith jr. the first pres’t. of the whole church, to preside over the same. All were requested (males and females) to vote–who was unanimously chosen. He then made a few remarks, accepting the appointment, requesting the prayers of the church in his behalf.
President Smith then nominated pres’t. Sidney Rigdon to be one of his Counselors–who was unanimously chosen.
He then nominated pres’t. Frederick G. Williams to be his next Counselor, who was objected to by Elder Lyman Wight, in a few remarks, refering to a certain letter, written to this place by the said F. G. Williams: also Elder Marsh objected to pres’t. Williams. Elder James Emmet also object to pres’t Williams.
Bishop Edward Partrage said he seconded pres’t. Williams’ nomination, and should vote for him; and as to said letter, he had heard it, and saw nothing so criminal in it.
President David Whitmer also made a few remarks in pres’t. Williams’ favor. Elder Marsh made further remarks. Elder Thomas Grover also objected to pres’t. Williams.
President S. Rigdon then nominated pres’t. Hyram Smith to take pres’t. Williams’ place. He then called for a vote in favor of pres’t. Williams, who was rejected. He then called for a vote in favor of pres’t. Hyram Smith, which was carried unanimous.” (Thomas B. Marsh, Moderator, Elders’ Journal 1(2):29, Nov., 1837)
7 Nov.: Objections to sustaining of High Councilors.
“Elders John Murdock, Solomon Hancock, Elias Higbee, Calvin Bebee, George M. Hinkle, Thomas Grover, and Simeon Carter, were unanimously chosen high counselors, Lyman Wight was nominated and objected by John Anderson, who went aside to converse. Newel Knight was unanimously chosen. George M. Hinkle was nominated, and was objected to by elder James Emmet, because he was too noisy–By King Follet because of his military office, and by James Durfee because he was a merchant. Elder H. made a few remarks, the vote was called and was unanimous. Levi Jackman and Elisha H. Groves were unanimously chosen. John Anderson then took the stand and made his objections to Lyman Wight, after which Elder Wight also spoke, the vote was called and he unanimously chosen.” (Elders’ Journal 1(2):30, Nov., 1837)
7 Nov.: Reorganization of priesthood quorums.
“At a conference of the Church held there [Far West] on November 7th, 1837, and attended by the First Presidency, the various quorums of the Priesthood, which had been decimated by apostasy, excommunication and other causes, were reorganized and the vacancies in them filled.” (Orson F. Whitney, “The Aaronic Priesthood,” Contributor 6(11):403, Aug., 1885)
21 Nov.: 70s quorums to meet weekly.
“After much interesting conversation it was voted that the Quorums should meet every Tuesday evening from this time forward; then voted to adjourn this meeting for one week. (Seventies Record, A)” (JH 21 Nov., 1837)
23 Nov.: Resolution of problem within quorum.
“The Dificulte between E[lder]. Reubin Fields and E[lder]. Samuel Franklin was brought before the quorum and Sset[t]led Satisfactorley and Shook Hands in token of fellowship.” (Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 23 Nov., 1837)
Dec.: Washed our feet against them.
“After Brother Hide speking [spoke] to the people about one [h]our; I got up and bore testamony to the congration and shock [shook] my garments before them and told them thay my garments ware clean of blo[o]d. Thare was menny preas [priests] that ware thare at that time but had Rejected our testamony and cold [called] us evry thing but good and shoock thare fist at us and sisced [hissed] at us and gnashed thare theth at us and thretned us evry way that they could. The nex[t] day we felt by the Spirite of the Lord that we would gow and wash our feet against them and that we would not have now [any] more to dow with [them] for we was clean of thare blod and that we would have now [no] more to dow [do] with them hare after; then we went and washed our feet and hands and shuck our garments against them and bore testamony to our Father who are in heaven.” (Heber C. Kimball diary, Dec., 1837)