Prince’s Research Excerpts: Priesthood & Mormonism – 1883

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PRIESTHOOD, 1883.

1883: 1 Jan.: Witch of Endor held Holy Priesthood.

“Went to the funeral of Br Eyring’s little one. Br MacArthur, Bleak, MacAllister, and C[harles] Smith were the speakers. Some very good things were touched upon by Br. C Smith. Said that Hyrum Smith declared that the new translation of the Bible shows that the witch of Endor that Saul went to for counsel was not a witch but was a woman holding the Holy Priesthood.” (Charles L. Walker diary, 1 Jan., 1883)

1 Jan.: No AP under 18 years of age in 8th Ward.

[The names, ages and priesthood offices of all ward members are listed. Of particular interest is the fact that no boys under the age of 18 had been ordained to an Aaronic Priesthood office. A list of boys through the age of 20:

Age Total # boys # ordained Deacons

12 4 0

13 5 0

14 4 0

15 4 0

16 4 0

17 3 0

18 3 2

19 7 2

20 3 3

In addition, there was 1 Deacon age 22; 2 age 23; and 1 each ages 25, 26, 27, 30 and 33. On 11 March, 1883, a Deacons Quorum was organized in the Ward, and 7 additional Deacons were ordained, ages 14, 15, 16 (2), 18, 19 and 22. Rounding out the quorum were Stephen H. Lynch and Frederick L. Sheets, “former Deacons.”] (8th Ward Minutes, 1 Jan., 1883)

ca. Jan.: Concerning rebaptisms in the 8th Ward.

[Note regarding rebaptism: During the latter part of the 19th century, rebaptism was common, and generally served one of three functions: 1) entry into a new ward when a membership recommend was not available from the previous ward; 2) renewal of covenants; and 3) restoration of health, often performed in the temple, where one was available. A fourth purpose of rebaptism, reentry into the Church following excommunication, was far less common. The 8th Ward kept records of rebaptisms from 1883 to 1894:

Year # Rebaptisms

1883 21

1884 35

1885 11

1886 18

1887 23

1888 13

1889 32

1890 22

1891 32

1892 8

1893 33 (24 of these were in March, immediately prior to the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple)

1894 8

By the early 20th century, all three of these forms of rebaptism had been discontinued.]

21 Jan.: Relationship of counselors to the president.

“Now I want to say a little on some of the votes that have been taken this afternoon, nin order that we may comprehend the situation. You have had a new name presented before you for the President of your Stake [Ogden]. Brother Peery, who was your former President resigned his office, which he had a perfect right to do; and we have nothing to say about it. It was according to his own feelings freely expressed to me and to others. It was necessary that his place should be filled. We selected Bishop L. W. Shurtliff, for whom you have just voted; and that is all right, and having done so you ought now to sustain him. In regard to the Counselors of the President, when he resigned and his place was filled, they also ceased to act as Counselors; they were dropped as authorities of the Stake with the President of the Stake, not because of any act of theirs. These brethren are good men. Here is Brother Herrick, for instance, he has maintained a good reputation, and a good position in the Church; but he was Counselor to a man who resigned his office; and as I have said, when the President resigned to whom they were Counselors they also ceased to act as such. The question arises, who shall be the Counselors to the new President? That rests with the new President and those that put him in office; and it seems that he has retained one of the old Counselors, Brother Middleton, and has chosen a new one; and that is right. Is there any disposition to hurt Brother Heerick? Not in the least. I speak of these things for your information, in order that all may comprehend the true position. For instance, supposing that I, as President of the Church, were to resign, or anything should occur to ame, what would be the result? My Counselors would drop into their former place in the Quorum of the Twelve; and whoever succeeded me would have the selection of his own Counselors with the approval of the General Conference. He might and he might not retain as his Counselors those whom I have chosen. It is proper that we should understand these things in order that the right kind of feeling may exist, and no improper reflection be cast upon any person.” (John Taylor, 21 Jan., 1883; JD 24:33)

27 Jan.: God bless such Deacons.

“[Nephi Stake Conference, Saturday session] There was an incident took place to day I Consider worthy of record. As the Meeting house was not large Enough to hold all the people some 15 deacons gave up their seats to others, and they went and gotaxes & surrounded President George Teasdales wood pile of several Cords, & Cut it all up into Stove wood. They then went and done the Same by some half a dozen widows in the place. Also Cut up the wood pile of one of the Deacons who had met with an accident so he Could not Cut his wood and they Continued through the day in that Employment and if other Deacons who are young men would follow their Example it would help many of the Needy. When Br Teasdale arived home to his surprise He found all his wood Cut up nicely and piled up in his wood shead. God bless such Deacons.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 27 Jan., 1883)

18 Feb.: Concerning the restoration of the Priesthood.

“Joseph F Smith spoke One hour and 20 Minuts. It was a powerful discourse And my reflections were these that while the Lord holds Moroni responsible for Delivering the Record of the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith, & John the Baptist for Delivering the Aaronic Priesthod and Peter James & John in delivering the Melchizedek Priesthood and Apostleship to Joseph Smith, and Elijah & Moses to deliver the Keys which they held So will the God of Heaven hold all men from Joseph Smith to the last Deacon responsible for the manner and use they make of the Holy Priesthood and keys that are bestowed upon them.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 18 Feb., 1883)

3 Mar.: Is apostleship necessary to be a 70?

“I was in the office nearly all day. Attended the Council meeting at two P.M. and there rendered a report of the trip to Millard Stake. In the meeting the question was brought up whether a man upon whom the hands had been laid for the purpose of ordaining, and on whom the apostleship was not conferred by him who was mouth, was legally a Seventy or not. A case of this kind is Bro. Chas. Barrell who was blessed in this way by Bro. G. Goddard. The case was postponed until next Saturday, when the participants will be heard.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 3 Mar., 1883) [The entry for the next Saturday, 10 Mar., says merely, “Considerable business was there attended to.”]

21 Mar.: Priesthood numbers in Europe.

“The following is summarized from the statistical report for 1882, of the European Mission of the Church, published in the Millennial Star of Feb. 19th, 1883:

[Totals for Europe:

Branches: 199

Apostles: 1

High Priests: 21

Seventies: 97

Elders: 1,024

Priests: 422

Teachers: 372

Deacons: 227

Members: 8,846

Total Officers &

Members: 11,010

Baptized: 2,197

Emigrated: 2,693

Cut Off: 433

Died: 144]”

(DN 32(9):129, 21 Mar., 1883)

6 Apr.: Duties of standing ministers in the Church.

“[God] requires us as Elders, as Apostles, as Presidents, as Bishops, as Seventies, as parents, to teach ((wherever it is our prerogative and duty,) correct principles, and observe them ourselves and seek to enforce them upon others. And it is not alone the duty of High Councils and Presidents of Stakes, and of Bishops and their Counselors to labor to correct the errors of the people, but it is the duty of every Elder, High Priest and Seventy–and especially the Priests, Teachers and Deacons that are appointed and called to be standing ministers in the Church, to visit the house of each member and become familiar with every family, and every individual member of the family, and their daily walk and life and conversation; and ascertain whether they are living as Saints should live; whether the heads of families preside in righteousness in their houses; whether their houses are set in order; whether they have an altar erected whereon are offered up their daily, morning and evening devotions; whether every member is taught to reverence and respect that altar; whether each individual prays in secret as well as responds to the calls made upon him to pray in the family circle and in public; whether each one that has enrolled himself in a quorum attends his quorum meetings and is obedient to the President of his quorum, his counsels and instructions; and if they are enrolled in the Mutual Improvement Associations, whether they sustain that institution and the leaders thereof, and are performing well their part; whether the parents are faithful in sending their children to Sunday school and to other institutions of learning; whether they teach their children to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, etc. These are duties and obligations that we cannot ignore, that God will not justify us in neglecting, and those who are called to bear a part of the holy Priesthood cannot be justified if they neglect all these duties, or any portion of them; for the Lord has said, ‘blessed are they who hear my sayings and shall keep them all, for the same shall be great in the kingdom of heaven; but if any one shall fail or neglect to observe and keep the least of these my sayings and teach others to do so, the same shall be least in the kingdom of heaven.’ For the Lord is not to be mocked; and though we may excuse ourselves in many ways for carelessness and neglect, and we may supplicate for forgiveness, as we are in duty bound to do for all our transgressions and shortcomings, yet we cannot in any wise plead justification, or suppose that God will justify us, for He has said He cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance, and yet He showeth mercy and kindness unto thousands of those who repent and seek to turn away from their follies.” (Erastus Snow, 6 Apr., 1883; JD 24:70-71)

7 Apr.: Stake President to attend all General Conferences

“It is the duty of every President of a Stake to attend the annual and semi-annual Conferences, which are held in this place so far as practicable, but if it should so happen that a President himself could not be present, then he should see that one or both of his Counselors come, or some faithful man of an excellent spirit from his Stake who shall be capable of receiving the instructions given, and who is able to communicate the same to his President and to the people. And such a person or persons should be men whose duty it shall be to stay until the Conference is over, attending every meeting, and paying the strictest attention to all instructions given and to all Church business transacted.” (Franklin D. Richards, 7 Apr., 1883; JD 24:119)

8 Apr.: Call to 70 rescinded as recipient was HP.

“[George Q. Cannon] Those who were here at our last Conference will doubtless remember that there were two men selected to be Presidents of the Seventies to fill two of the vacancies that existed. One of those men was Elder Theodore B. Lewis, whose name was submitted to the Conference under the misapprehension that he was a Seventy. His name was handed in, as I understood it, to the Twelve as a Seventy, among other names, and the Twelve, supposing that those who handed the names in would not do so if he were a High Priest, never thought for a moment that he was anything but a Seventy. He was elected by the vote of the Twelve to be one of the seven Presidents of the Seventies, and his name was submitted to the Conference. Afterwards, when the Twelve proceeded to ordain him, as I am informed, the spirit of God prompted the man who was mouth to ask Brother Lewis concerning his priesthood. Everybody present supposed he was a Seventy, but he stopped before commencing to ordain him and asked him this question. As he afterwards told me he was influenced by the Spirit to do so, and it then transpired that Brother Lewis was a High Priest; he had been a Seventy, but had been ordained a High Priest. Now, the Prophet Joseph in the early days of the organization of the Seventies, when a number of High Priests were put in the Seventies, caused them to be transferred from the Seventies’ to the High Priests’ Quorum, and it has been a standing rule in Israel from that time to this that when a man has been ordained to the High Priesthood he ceases to act as a Seventy, and his connection with that body ceases. He is to all intents and purpose a member of the Quorum of High Priests, wherever that Quorum may be. This explanation is due to the Conference. It is due also to Brother Lewis, so that the Church may know what the reasons were that operated upon the minds of the Apostles and First Presidency in causing the selection or election to be set aside. We would gladly have had Brother Lewis in that position, and he, doubtless, would have been very glad to fill it, but having regard for the rules of the Priesthood, he could not consistently act in that capacity.” (General Conference Minutes, 8 Apr., 1883; DN 32(12):188, 11 Apr., 1883)

13 Apr.: On the organization of the seventies.

“In the organization of these quorums in October, 1844, there were ten quorums, each provided with seven presidents, which presidents constituted the First Quorum of Seventies, and of which the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies were members, and over which they presided. But as the Seventies have greatly increased, these regulations will not apply to the present circumstances; and furthermore, the First Quorum, according to the present organization, has not acted in a quorum capacity, but it would seem there are duties devolving upon its members, as a quorum, that may require their official action.

The First Quorum of Seventies may be composed of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, and the senior president of the first sixty-four quorums. These may form the Seventy referred to in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and may act in an official capacity as the First Quorum of Seventies.

The senior presidents of the other quorums, over and above the sixty-four, may meet with the First Quorum in their assemblies in any other than an official capacity; but in case of the absence of any of the members of the First Quorum, they can act in the place of such members with the First Quorum during such absence, in any cases of importance that may arise.

The headquarters of the different quorums, and the records thereof, may be distributed throughout the various Wards and Stakes, under the direction of the First Seven Presidents, as the number of the Priesthood residing in such localities may seem to justify, and any vacancies that may exist, either in the presidency or membership of the different quorums can be filled by the ordination of persons residing in the locality in which the respective quorums are organized.

Any of the members or presidents of other quorums who are in good standing may have the privilege of joining the quorum located in the district in which they reside; but in such cases they should first obtain a certificate as to their standing in the quorum from which they desire to withdraw; to obtain which it would only be necessary to procure a certificate of their good standing from the Bishop of the Ward to which they belong, provided their names are found upon the record of their quorum as in good standing.

The presidents of the quorums residing in the district where their respective quorums are organized shall have a general supervision of all the Seventies residing in their district.

In all cases where members of quorums are called in question, a majority of their respective quorums will have jurisdiction in all cases involving their standing in the quorum, but in case there is not a majority residing in the district where the quorum is organized, or in the case of scattered members, the members present should investigate the matter and report their findings to the First Seven Presidents. Any complaints regarding the presidents of quorums should be made to the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, who may suspend such presidents if their conduct seem to justify it, pending the action of the First Quorum. Any presidents or members from whom fellowship has been withdrawn by the quorums, should be reported to the High Council having jurisdiction.

The Seventies, when abroad, if anything should occur requiring their supervision, in the absence of other authorities, may act upon the case of any delinquent belonging to the Seventies, and should report their decisions to the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies.” (First Presidency to the Seventies, 13 Apr., 1883. In Clark, Messages of the First Presidency 2:353-354; also in Seventies’ Handbook of Instructions, Issued by The First Council of the Seventy, 1904; pp. 6-8)

“I attended a Council with the Presidency Twelve and the first Presidency of the Seventies. Our Meeting was upon the Subject of reorganizing the Quorums of seventies and the order of the same. President Taylor said the Twelve are to see that the gospel is sent to all the world and the Twelve must Call upon the seventies to assist them and they must [be] the Best Men you Can get out of the 11,000 Elders to fill up the Quorums of the Seventies.” (Wilford Woodruff diary, 13 Apr., 1883)

“I met in council with the First Presidency, Twelve and Seven Presidents of the Seventies at 10 A.M. where the subject of the reorganization of the Seventies was discussed, but after the matter was talked well over the meeting adjourned until tomorrow.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 13 Apr., 1883)

“TO THE SEVENTIES

The following instructions were presented at a meeting of the First Presidency of the Church and the Councils of the Twelve Apostles and the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, on Saturday, April 14th, 1883, and were approved by unanimous vote of said meeting:

Salt Lake City, U. T., 13th April, 1883

To the Councils of the Twelve Apostles and The First Seven Presidents of the Seventies:

We desire the Twelve to confer with the First Presidents of the Seventies and request them to fill up, organize and set in order the various quorums of the Seventies, as contemplated int he following instructions, and also to aid them in the selection of a suitable man to fill the vacancy in the Council of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, occasioned by the death of Elder John Van Cott, and would suggest the propriety of selecting one from among the Scandinavian brethren to fill this position.

Your brethren in the B[G]ospel,

John Taylor,

George Q. Cannon,

Joseph F. Smith,

First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

UPON THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SEVENTIES.

Salt Lake City, U. T., April 13, 1883.

In the organization of these quorums in October, 1844, there were ten quorums, each provided with seven presidents, which presidents constituted the First Quorum of Seventies, and of which the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies were members, and over which they presided. But as the Seventies have greatly increased, these regulations will not apply to the present circumstances; and furthermore, the First Quorum, according to the present organization, has not acted in a quorum capacity, but it would seem there are duties devolving upon its members, as a quorum, that may require their official action.

[page 2]The First Quorum of Seventies may be composed of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, and the senior president of the first sixty-four quorums. These may form the Seventy referred to in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and may act in an official capacity as the First Quorum of Seventies.

The head-quarters of the different quorums, and the records thereof, may be distributed throughout the various Wards and Stakes, under the direction of the First Seven Presidents, as the number of the Priesthood residing in such localities may seem to justify, and any vacancies that may exist, either in the presidency or membership of the different quorums can be filled by the ordination of persons residing in the locality in which the respective quorums are organized.

The presidents of the quorums residing in the district where their respective quorums are organized shall have a general supervision of all the Seventies residing in their district.

[page 3] In all cases where members of quorums are called in question, a majority of their respective quorums will have jurisdiction in all cases involving their standing in the quorum, but in case there is not a majority residing in the district where the quorum is organized, or in the case of scattered members, the members present should investigate the matter and report their findings to the First Seven Presidents. Any complaints regarding the presidents of quorums should be made to the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, who may suspend such presidents, if their conduct seem to justify it, pending the action of the First Quorum. Any presidents or members from whom fellowship has been withdrawn by the quorums, should be reported to the High Council having jurisdiction.

Your brethren in the Gospel,

JOHN TAYLOR,

GEORGE Q. CANNON,

JOSEPH F. SMITH,

First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints.

(Levi Edgar Young Papers, Utah State Historical Society, B12, Box 8, Fd 12, First Presidency to the Seventies, 13 Apr 1883)

14 Apr.: Revelation concerning the Seventies.

“A revelation given through President John Taylor, at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, on Saturday, April 14th, 1883, in answer to the question: ‘Show unto us thy will, O Lord, concerning the organization of the Seventies.’

What ye have written is my will and is acceptable unto me: and furthermore:

Thus saith the Lord unto the First Presidency, unto the Twelve, unto the Seventies and unto all my holy Priesthood, let not your hearts be troubled, neither be ye concerned about the management and organization of my Church and Priesthood and the accomplishment of my work. Fear me and observe my laws and I will reveal unto you, from time to time, through the channels that I have appointed, everything that shall be necessary for the future development and perfection of my Church, for the adjustment and rolling forth of my kingdom, and for the building up and the establishment of my Zion. For ye are my Priesthood and I am your God. Even so. Amen.” (Revelation to John Taylor, 14 Apr., 1883. In Clark, Messages of the First Presidency 2:354; also in Seventies’ Handbook of Instructions, Issued by The First Council of the Seventy, 1904; pp. 8-9)

“A Revelation Approving Plans for the Organization and Management of the Seventies’ Quorums of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

To the Councils of the Twelve Apostles and the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies:

We desire the Twelve to confer with the First Presidents of the Seventies and request them to fill up, organize and set in order the various quorums of the Seventies, as contemplated in the following instructions, and also to aid them in the selection of a suitable man to fill the vacancy in the Council of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies, occasioned by the death of Elder John Van Cott, and would suggest the propriety of selecting one from among the Scandinavian brethren to fill this position.

Your brethren in the Gospel,

JOHN TAYLOR,

GEORGE Q. CANNON,

JOSEPH F. SMITH,

First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” (Seventies’ Handbook of Instructions, Issued by The First Council of the Seventy, 1904; p. 5)

“I was in the Council this morning when permission was granted the Seventies to fill up their Quorums under the direction of the First Seven Presidents. The First quorum is also to be organized and is to be composed of the First Seven and the senior presidents of the first sixty-four quorums. These instructions were confirmed by the voice of revelation. On motion of Pres. Taylor the council went down to the farm en masse to attend the funeral of Sister Tenney. On returning to town we went to the Gardo house to dinner. We then met with the Twelve in the Council house to try and select a suitable Scandanavian brother to occupy Bro. Van Cott’s place in our Council, but we were not all united in the choice, and the matter was therefore postponed for a time.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 14 Apr., 1883)

A Revelation given through President John Taylor, at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, on Saturday, April 14th, 1883, in answer to the question: “Show unto us Thy will, O Lord, concerning the organization of the Seventies.”

What ye have written is my will, and is acceptable unto me: and furthermore,

Thus saith the Lord unto the First Presidency, unto the Twelve, unto the Seventies and unto all my holy Priesthood, let not your hearts be troubled, neither be ye concerned about the management and organization of my Church and Priesthood and the accomplishment of my work. Fear me and observe my laws and I will reveal unto you, from time to time, through the [page 4] channels that I have appointed, everything that shall be necessary for the future development and perfection of my Church, for the adjustment and rolling forth of my kingdom, and for the building up and the establishment of my Zion. For ye are my Priesthood and I am your God. Even so. Amen.

None of the brethren who have been heretofore appointed to positions as Stake or Ward Presidents of the Seventies should feel that they are released from any of the duties they have been appointed to perform, until they are so notified, as their services will be required in effecting the organization above contemplated, and it is desired that presidents of quorums and all of the Seventies will render them any necessary aid in prosecuting their labors.

Communications designed for the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies should be addressed to Robert Campbell, Box 357, Salt Lake City.

Your brethren,

WILFORD WOODRUFF,

In behalf of the Council of the Twelve Apostles.

HENRY HERRIMAN,

In behalf of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies.” (Levi Edgar Young Papers, Utah State Historical Society, B12, Box 8, Fd 12, First Presidency to the Seventies, 13 Apr 1883)

Apr.: Women not to preside in mixed meetings.

“Further instructions were given by the authorities at the April conference in 1883, in answer to certain questions:

. . . .

Ladies should not preside where mixed meetings are held, and men holding authority are present.” (Edward H. Anderson, “The Past of Mutual Improvement,” IE 1(2):87-88, Dec., 1897)

16 Apr.: Reapportionment of Seventies quorums.

“I was at Bro. Robt. Campbell’s to a meeting this evening in which Bros. Taylor, Young, Campbell and myself worked on the apportionment of the Seventies throughout the Stakes of Zion.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 16 Apr., 1883)

26 Apr.: Reapportionment of Seventies quorums.

“Was in the office all day, and in the evening went to Bro. Campbell’s where we labored on the apportionment of the Seventies, and made a report of our labors to the Presidency and Twelve Apostles.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 26 Apr., 1883)

13 May: Reapportionment of Seventies quorums.

“I was at a special meeting of our Council this morning at 10 o’clock at Bro. Eldredge’s residence. The location of the Seventies in this Stake was considered and effected. A communication from the First Presidency approving our labors was read.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 13 May, 1883)

18 May: Reapportionment of Seventies quorums.

“After attending to my usual work, I went to Bro. Eldredge’s home, where our Council met. We continued our labors in relation to the apportionment of the Seventies.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 18 May, 1883)

24 May: Alternates proposed for 1st Council of 70.

“After this meeting I met with W. W. Taylor and S. B. Young to prepare a resolution in regard to the Alternates in our Council. Our Council met at Bro. Eldredge’s in the evening where the result of our labors in regard to the Alternates was read and approved.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 24 May, 1883)

27 May: Alternates to 1st Council disbanded.

“At 10 A.M. I went to a meeting in the Council House of the Presidents of the Seventies Quorums of this Stake, and we laid before them our proposed plans. Immediately after this meeting a special council of ourselves and the alternate Councillors Stevenson, Tripp and Miner was held. These latter brethren were there excused from further service in the capacity of alternates, until further notice, in accordance with instructions from our superiors.” (A. H. Cannon diary, 27 May, 1883)

20 Jun.: Minutes of Bishops’ Meetings.

“SPECIAL NOTICE.

TO THE BISHOPS IN EVERY STAKE OF ZION AND THEIR COUNSELORS.

At April Conference, 1851, by unanimous vote, Edward Hunter was appointed Presiding Bishop, and on the 24th of June following, the first Bishops’ meeting was held in Salt Lake City. Since that time to the present, a record of the minutes of the Bishops’ meetings has been preserved. On the 11th of April, 1852, during Conference, Brother Hunter was ordained the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On the 22d of June, 1883, he will be ninety years old. The Bishop’s record is said to be the most complete and explicit of any in the Church. In that book the ordination of every Bishop and Counselor now acting should appear, also of those who at any time did act in either of those capacities since 1851. All those whose ordinations have been attended to at the Bishops’ meetings, and others that have taken place elsewhere and communicated to the clerk are already recorded, but there are doubtless a great number whose ordinations have never been forwarded, and consequently do not appear in the record. As that book is the only legitimate one of a general character, where all such ordinations should be found, more especially for the benefit of the future generations, it is earnestly requested that every one that ever acted as Bishop or Bishops’ Counselor, and also all those who now fill either of those positions, forward to Bishop Hunter’s office, written in a plain legible hand, the name, place, and date of ordination, and by whom ordained or set apart, at the earliest possible date.

George Goddard, Clerk.”

(DN 32(22):349, 20 Jun., 1883)

15 Jul.: Decentralization in Church government.

“It seems only a little while ago that we had but one Stake of Zion. We had but one High Council, and the Presidency of the Church presided over that High Council. Every matter of moment, every case of importance, came directly before the First Presidency of the Church. In fact, affairs of the most trifling importance–or at least that which we would not consider of trifling importance–had to be submitted to them. Upon their shoulders rested the responsibility of directing everything connected with the work of God in its minutest details. But this has changed. Instead of one High Council, instead of one Stake, there are at least twenty-five. Instead of the First Presidency of the Church presiding over High Councils, there are Presidencies of these various Stakes and upon them rest the responsibilities which formerly rested upon the First Presidency.” (George Q. Cannon, 15 Jul., 1883; JD 24:180)

29 Jul.: Apostleship from Peter, James and John.

“Do we believe anything that is contrary to the Gospel as taught in the days of the Apostles? We do not. ‘But,’ says one, ‘how did you come by this Gospel?’ We came by it through the administration of an angel from God. John the Revelator, in speaking of the last day–the opening of the seals–the blowing of the trumpets–and all that should transpire before the second coming of the Son of Man–said he saw (among other things) ‘another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come.’ When the angel of God delivered this message to Joseph Smith he told him the heavens were full of judgments; that the Lord Almighty had set his hand to establish the Kingdom that Daniel saw and prophesied about, as recorded in the second chapter of Daniel; and that the Gospel had to be preached to all nations under heaven as a witness to them before the end should come, and that, too, in fulfilment of the revelation of God as given here in the Old and New Testaments. Joseph Smith never attempted to organize this Church until he received commandment so to do from God. He never attempted to baptize a man until he received the Aaronic Priesthood under the hands of John the Baptist (who was beheaded for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus). He never attempted to officiate in any of the ordinances of the Gospel until he received the Apostleship under the hands of Peter, James and John. These men apepared to him. They laid their hands upon his head and sealed the Apostleship upon him with all the power thereof. And these angels gold Joseph Smith to go forth himself and to call upon other men to go forth unto the world and preach the Gospel as taught by Jesus Christ and the Apostles, and the Lord would back up their testimony; that when they laid hands upon those who had been baptized for the remission of sins, and who had received their testimony, they should receive the Holy Ghost. This was the proclamation to Joseph Smith 53 years ago.” (Wilford Woodruff, 29 Jul., 1883; DN 32(35):546, 19 Sep., 1883)

2 Aug.: Priesthood is conferred too easily.

“This difficulty of a division of the Endowments presented itself, as I have said to President Young and President George A. Smith, and I think the Lord will reveal a way that will make this plain. By giving the Lesser Priesthood with the first key, and then let him magnify his position until he received the second key, and so on until he received the third key, I believe it would lead to the happiest results. Here are men who have received a fulness of the Priethood, emn who, for some reason or other, are not obedient to the Priesthood; they do not care anything about the Priesthood, and the result is that in all our counsels and in all our places of deliberation we have a class of men if the strict letter of the Law were carried out, would not have any place in our counsels. The Priesthood has been made too common in that respect. But if the Priesthood were conferred only upon men according to their faithfulness, if it were shown that there were keys and blessings in reserve for them that could only be attained to by faithfully keeping the commandments of God, I believe it would have the happiest effect upon our people, and especially in the organization of the School of the Prophets if it should be organized.” (George Q. Cannon, 2 Aug., 1883; “Minutes of the Salt Lake School of the Prophets, 1883,” p. 28)

9 Aug.: Home Missionaries.

“Home Mission.–Home Missionaries will visit the Wards of this city next Sunday evening, August 12th, and the country Wards of the Stake on the Sunday following, and will in future visit the several Wards once in two weeks, until further notice.

By instructions of the Presidency of the Stake.

Wm. W. Taylor, Clerk.”

(Reprint of report of 9 Aug.; DN 32(30):465, 15 Aug., 1883)

26 Aug.: A “drinking bishop”.

“I had a sound and plain talk with my Brother William

in regard to drinking &c – to be prompt in his duties

as Bishop. to not remove from his Bishopric until he has his record made good and sound.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 26 Aug., 1883)

29 Aug.: Permission to ordain 70’s.

“At 2 p.m. I attended a mtg. of our council, the Twelve apostles, and the First Presidency, in the council chamber at the endowment house. We here received the approval of the authorities in relation to what we had done and they desired us to continue our labors, and gave us permission to ordain Seventies.” (Abraham H. Cannon diary, 29 Aug., 1883)

8/9 Sep.: Resignation from Stake Presidency, under fire.

“Sat Sept 8 I ate supper at Bro A Frosts. and spent the evening with Bros Snow and Young in conversation as to the interests of Kanab Stake and the propriety of Elders H. O. Spencer and James L. Bunting Assigning their position as my councilors. there having been such an ill feeling aroused them by the Saints in consequence of their unwise course. it was deemed best to have them resign as one of the brethren had expressed their intention of not sustaining these brethren at the Conference.

“Sun Sept 9th At 2 p.m. conference convened Singing, & prayer – the Sacrament was administered – Elders Spencer and Bunting tendered their resignation – verbally from the Stand as my Counselors I then addressed the meeting for 50 minutes followed by Elder E Snow – the resignation of Bros Spencer & Bunting were accepted & the general authorities of the Church and local officers of the Stake & Wards were all sustained.” (L. John Nuttall diary, 8 & 9 Sep., 1883)

11 Sep.: Excommunication notice.

“Excommunicated.–We learn officially, from James Durrant, Clerk of the High Council of Morgan Stake of Zion, that John Toone, of Croyden, was, on Sept. 9th, excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” (Reprint of report of 11 Sep.; DN 32(35):545, 19 Sep., 1883)

23 Sep.: Church organization not taken from B of M.

“Our organization is a very glorious one. It is a perfect organization–perfect–because it is divine. It was not made by man. It was not originated by Joseph Smith, or by any of his associates. It came down from above, direct from the eternal worlds. It was not taken out of the Bible. It was not taken out of the Book of Mormon, or any other book, although it is the same organization that existed on the earth in previous ages, brief accounts of which, in patches here and there, may be found in the various books which compose the Bible. But it was not taken out of that book. God Almighty revealed it.” (Charles W. Penrose, 23 Sep., 1883; JD 24:304)

3 Oct.: Others may have ‘some portion’ of the priesthood.

“Joseph Smith said to the Twelve in my hearing prior to their departure for Great Britain, ‘If you come across a people who have even the first principles of the Gospel of Christ correctly you need not baptize them, for the possession of those principles will be a sign that they have some portion of the Holy Priesthood.” (John Taylor, “Selections from his Discourses delivered in the Various Settlements,” DN 32(37):578, 3 Oct., 1883)

5 Oct.: Concerning the reform of the Seventies.

“It is also a source of satisfaction that He has spoken and given instructions through His servant pertaining to the Seventies, to more fully organize and set in order the quorums of the Priesthood, the Seventies being more especially called as assistants to the Twelve Apostles, in the work of the ministry. And it is desirable that the revelation upon the subject should be fully carried out, the Priesthood in its various departments fully organized, and every thing set in order according to the word and mind of the Lord; that every quorum of the Priesthood, general and local, might be in good working order. For it devolves upon the quorums of the Melchisedek Priesthood to carry the Gospel to the nations, and to gather those that accept it.” (Erastus Snow, 5 Oct., 1883; JD 25:35)

5 Oct.: Duties of MP quorum presidents.

“It is desirable, that in the various Stakes of Zion, where quorums are organized, that the Presidents of Stakes should encourage those quorums, and the presiding officers of the various quorums should endeavor to gather together all who have received the Priesthood, and see that they are enrolled in their respective quorums, and encourage them to attend their quorum meetings, and there seek for the counsels of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit that should rest upon the presiding officers of quorums to teach the members of the quorums all things pertaining to their duties, and how to become fitted for the labors whereunto God has called them. For all these quorums and organizations are so many classes for mutual improvement, edification and instruction; and the Presidents thereof are appointed and ordained to instruct the members of their quorums in all things in the line of their duty. And they should be encouraged by the Presidents of Stakes in their Quarterly Conferences to report progress and attendance of members, and the progress they are making in their qualifications. The Elders should thus be sought after; and according to the spirit they manifest in attending to their duties and qualifying themselves for the work of the ministry, they should be called into the field, whether from the Seventies or the Elders or the High Priests, the High Priests, however, being more especially expected to take the responsibility of presiding in Branches, in Stakes, in Wards, as Presidents of Stakes, as High Counselors, as Bishops, or Bishop’s Counselors, as Presiding Elders in the Conferences of the churches abroad. And the time is not far distant when the Elders of Israel will be required to turn their attention and labors among the branches of the house of Israel; and especially among the remnants of Joseph, upon this American Continent.” (Erastus Snow, 5 Oct., 1883; JD 25:36-37)

5 Oct.: Responsibility of Priesthood to root out evil.

“Much remains to be done by the people in putting away evils that still exist in our midst; and very much needs to be done in the various Wards and STakes throughout all the settlements of the Saints by the local Priesthood. I don’t merely mean the Presidents of Stakes, the Bishops, the High Counselors, and the lesser Priesthood appointed to assist the Bishops–however important their labors may be and however necessary it may be that they should be alive and active; but they should also have the support of all High Priests, Seventies and Elders in their Wards. And every officer of the Priesthood should be alive and awake to see what good he might do, wherever and whenever the opportunity exists of doing good–in his own home and family first, watching over his own children, laboring to unite the hearts and feelings of his wife or wives and children, that peace may dwell in his own habitation, and the wisdom and knowledge of God grow and increase among his own household; and to see that his children do not grow up idlers, but are trained to be industrious, and taught to reach out after truth, that their spirits may not be unfruitful, and that they may be taught in the fear of the Lord, and to worship Him, and to call upon Him, and to have faith in Him, so that when sickness assails them that they may not first resort to the doctor, or desire to put their trust in medical men to heal them, for the Lord has commanded His people that when any are sick among them, they shall call for the Elders of the Church, who shall pray over them, and lay their hands upon them, and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick. This was the exhortation of the Apostle James to the former-day Saints, and it has been repeated to the Latter-day Saints. The revelations given unto us on this subject are to the effect that ‘they who have faith to be healed, shall be healed; the deaf who have faith to hear, shall hear; the lame who have faith to walk, shall walk, etc. And they who have not faith to do these things, but believe in me, I will have compassion upon them, and bear their infirmities, and they shall be nursed with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy.'” (Erastus Snow, 5 Oct., 1883; JD 25:37-38)

6 Oct.: Concerning negligent Bishops.

“In the late organization of 1877, a score of Stakes were organized, a great many more Wards were instituted, many men were called and ordained to be Bishops in the Church who had never given their attention to consider carefully the duties of the bishopric. In view of the responsibilities of this calling, it may not be thought strange that some brethren holding this high and holy office are so afraid that they would do wrong, that they even durst not do right! Now, this is true whether you believe it or not. A great many men hold these important offices, who are so timid and so fearful lest they should do wrong, that they are slow and backward in doing the thing which is right. Now, what is it that makes a man useful and strong in his calling and labor? Is it not his constant labor, and the diligent, actual performance of his duties? What is it that makes the blacksmith’s right arm stronger than any other man’s? It is because he is all the time using it, and in this way his arm acquires that practice which gives it the greatest attainable strength. If the brethren standing in these responsible places, whether they be Presidents of Stakes or Bishops of Wards, see anything wrong in their Wards, it is their duty to get after it. And it is notably the duty of a teacher to be conversant with the people, and to see that there is no iniquity in the Church. Instead of hardness of feeling or division of sentiment, or mischief of any kind being allowed to exist in your Stake, until it produces party strife, and people take sides with one and sides with another, it is far better to get after the mischief at once, find out where it is, root it out, and set matters right before the peace of families, of neighborhoods, and perhaps the Ward is disturbed. I wish the brethren in authority would heed this matter and wake up to their duties, and not act merely as figureheads, but more like men of God clothed with authority and power. When men standing in such responsible positions are so backward in their duties, they don’t know the power of God, nor the spirit of their callings, but the moment they step forward and take hold with a prayerful heart, coming from their closets clothed with the Spirit of God, they find they have the power to make peace and restore union, fellowship and love in the midst of the people, and the people would love and bless them in return. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” (Franklin D. Richards, 6 Oct., 1883; JD 24:283-284)

6 Oct.: What are the Teachers and the Priests for?

“What are the Teachers and the Priests for? To assist the Bishops in their endeavors to promote purity and virtue, holiness and righteousness among the people. That is their office, and if they do not fulfill that office they are not magnifying their calling. They have no right to condone the sins of men.” (John Taylor, 6 Oct., 1883; JD 26:134)

11 Oct.: Substitute High Priests in emergencies?

“He [J. D. T. McAllister] asked if in a ward there were only 3 High Priests, as was the case in his STake, and some were absent what should be done in a case coming before the Bishop, should a Seventy or Elder be taken temporarily or what should be done?

Prest. Taylor said it would be best to ordain some good men to be High Priests.

Elder E. Snow–referred to revelation where Elders were spoken of in this regard.

Prest. Taylor said that could be done in the case of an emergency, but he advised the ordination of some of the Elders of whom there were so many,–to be High Priests,–young men with vim and intelligence. If a High Priest were needed take a faithful Elder and make him a High Priest.

Prest. A. M. Cannon explained the course taken in the Salt Lake Stake of Zion when a councillor was absent.

Prest. Taylor said there might be alternates where necessary, as in the High Council. It were better for the Twelve to ordain High Priests, but, if necessary the Prest. of the Stake could do so.” (“Minutes of the Salt Lake School of the Prophets, 1883,” p. 67)

6-8 Nov.: Unusual Bishop’s Court.

“6-7–At home waiting for Loisa Wilkin’s trial to come off. She has prefered a charge before the Bishop, against the School Trustees for un christian like conduct in not filing their contract with her as School teacher, and for Slandering her.

Nov 8th–had the trial at night. Sister Wilkins wished me to assist her in presenting the complaint and conducting the trial. I concented to do so, and asked and got the concent of the Bishop to do so, But when the case was called, and I arose to Spaek, the Bishop Wm H. Bringhurst abruptly stoped me, saying ‘You can’t talk for her and plead law here to night.’ I sat down and Sister Wilkin proceeded as well as she could, but her effort was unaffectual.

Bro. Slake, on the defence, and one of the Trustees, was allowed to proceed. He commenced by denying the first item in the charge intirely, and said that the Second item, was ambigous, said that he could not understand it; then continued with very abusine and insulting language to Sister Wilkin and her mother, said, it was an unfamous, Diaboloical, Blackmailing Plot and he motioned that the case be dismissed all together. The Bishop dismissed the case.

Sister Wilkin appealed the case to St. George High Council.” (Levi Savage diary, 6-8 Nov., 1883)

10 Nov.: Excommunication notice.

“William L. Ball and F. B. Moyers, on October 30th, 1883, were excommunicated for apostasy, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by the High Council of the San Luis Stake of Zion, Colorado.” (Reprint of report of 10 Nov.; DN 32(43):681, 14 Nov., 1883)

16 Dec.: Probation in AP before advancement to MP.

“During Conference the usual reports and lists of Authorities were presented.

The subjects treated upon were: the setting of ourselves in order; the principle of oneness; the necessity of observing the Word of Wisdom and keeping the whole law of God; the importance and responsibility of the office of Teacher; the scarcity of Priests and Teachers in the organizations of the Lesser Priesthood, and the propriety of adding to these denominations of that Priesthood, and of causing a suitable practical probation in the offices of the Aaronic Priesthood previous to ordination to the offices of the Melchizedec Priesthood . . .” (James G. Bleak, Minutes of St. George Stake Conference, 16 Dec., 1883; DN 32(50):795, 2 Jan., 1884)

23 Dec.: Setting quorums in order.

“The subjects treated upon were, the keeping of our covenants, Word of Wisdom, value of the Gospel, power of temptation, observance of the Sabbath day, setting in order the quorums of the Priesthood . . .” (Parowan Stake Conference minutes, 23 Dec., 1883; DN 32(50):796, 2 Jan., 1884)

29 Dec.: Better organization of AP urged.

“This was followed by remarks from Apostle F. M. Lyman, on the evident improvement and advancement of the people at the present time; the necessity of a closer union of effort in all the quorums of the Priesthood, as well as those of the local and society organizations; of members observing strictly the laws of God who are called to the position of presidents and counselors, also in the Bishopric. The duties parents owe to their children in their infancy; the more strict observance of the Sabbath day including the administration of the Sacrament of the Lord’s supper; the cause of the apostacy in the early days of the Church and its less frequency at the present time, and advised a more thorough and complete organization of the lesser Priesthood.” (Beaver Stake Conference minutes, 29 Dec., 1883; DN 32(52):828, 16 Jan., 1884)

Addison Everett reminiscence of MP restoration.

“I copy the following portion of a letter that I received from Brother Addison Evette giving me information upon the circumstances connected with Joseph Smiths ordination to the Apostleship by ‘Peter, James & John,’ in front of the Nauvoo Mansion House a few days before Joseph was martyred.

Brother Hyrum was telling Brother Joseph what William Law said was the cause of his (Laws) Apostasy. He said that Brother Joseph believed in a plurality of Gods. Bro. Joseph said ‘who told him I believed in a plurality of Gods? I never did nor no other person on the earth. Who told him? Why the Holy Ghost told him. The poor fool. (The Joseph said to those standing around) Now brethren prepare a plenty of seats at the stand (in the grove) and I will preach a sermond on the plurality of Gods; and you will find my text in the first chapter of Revelations 5th and 6th verses.’ Joseph went to Carthage before the time came to preach the sermon.

Just at this time an Elder came up to where we were standing and told of having seen Oliver Cowdery and said that Oliver still claimed that his testimony concerning the book of Mormon was true. Brother Joseph seemed thoughtful and sad a few moments and then said ‘poor boy, poor boy,’ and then went on to say that a spirit of persecution raged at Susquehannah, and father Knights came from Coleville and wanted them to go home with him, which they did. (Joseph went on to say) that while they were teaching the people at Colesville he was prosecuted, and arrested for being a false prophet and deceiving the people.

In court, he was asked, wat was the first miracle Jesus Christ wrought here on the earth?

He answered ‘that he created the worlds and what He had done before that, he (Joseph) had not yet learned.

His Attorney John Reide arrived about this time and told the Court that he wished to see Mr. Smith in a private room a few minutes, as he was Mr. Smiths Attorney–and when in the private room Mr. Reide told brother Joseph and Oliver that a mob was outside in front of the house, preparing to mob them, and so he hoisted the window in the back of the house and in a few rods they entered the woods–they traveled all night in a dense forest–some of the time deep mud and water, and in the afterpart of the night Oliver became exhausted, and he (Joseph) had to almost carry him. Just at the break of day Oliver gave out and exclaimed ‘how long O! Lord? How long brother Joseph have we got to endure this thing?[‘] ‘There,’ said brother Joseph ‘at that very time Peter, James and John came to us and ordained us to the Apostleship.’

They had 16 or 17 miles to travel to get back to his father-in-laws Mr. Hales, but Oliver did not complain any more of fatigue.

Now brother O. B. I have given you brother Josephs words as near as I can recollect, and I have thought of them a gret deal as they were almost the last words I ever heard him speak.

Your humble servant,

A. Everett.”

(Oliver B. Huntington Journal, BYU, 1883 entry; pp. 208-209 of typescript, pp. 43-46 of holograph; xerox of typescript attached to Ian Barber letter of 11 Aug., 1986. Ian said in the letter:

“Enclosed is the Addison Everett piece–note that although it sounds like 1830 with John Reid as attorney, Joseph and Oliver return to Isaac Hale’s, which would place it in 1829. In short, the account has to be used cautiously because of this contradiction (as well as the secondary nature).

There is another Everett hologram in a private collection that I am trying to access currently–will let you know as I’m able. I’ve been given to understand that the contradiction noted above is even more pointed there (i.e. an 1830/1829 context juxtaposed).”)