History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. 343
the patriarch to be the oldest man of the blood of
Joseph or of the seed of Abraham. Likewise there
are mothers in Israel. 8
Head overall is the First Presidency of the Church,
known also as the First Presidency of the High-Priesthood,
and consisting of a president and two councillors.
9 The first presidency presides over and governs
at a distance can have it to take with them.' Hyrum's successor was his
brother William, who was disfellowshipped in 1845, John Smith, brother to
the prophet, being ordained patriarch over the church, and holding that
office until his death in 1854. In the following year Hyrum's son John was
ordained patriarch, and since that date has been sustained in his office at
each successive conference. A child is first blessed when eight days old, and
again so soon as the mother is able to present her child on a regular fast-day.
1 he first Thursday in each month is set apart for fasting. Mrs Richards' Reminiscences,
MS., 34-5. The second ceremony is usually attended by both
parents, and in addition to a blessing, the child receives its name. Each
birthday it is customary for the parents to hold a family gathering, when the
child is again blessed, and prayers offered for its welfare. When eight years
old, the child is baptized. See Home's Migrations, MS., 37. The blessings
are not only pronounced, but also written out. Id., 34. 'These blessings
are rather wonderful affairs; they promise all sorts of things, in a vague, indefinite
way, if only the recipient proves faithful. Some are assured they
shall never taste death, but live until Christ comes, and be caught up to meet
him in the air; others are assured that they are to have the privilege of redeeming
their dead so far back that there shall not be a broken link in the
chain. Absurd as this all seems, there are hundred of saints who believe that
every word shall be fulfilled.' Young's Wife No. 19, 581.
8 Hall says there is a class of women, mothers in Israel, whose business
it is to instruct females as to their duty in matters not suitable to be taught
from the stand. Mormonism Exposed, 39-44.
9 Early in 1833 the first presidency was established, with Joseph Smith
at the head, his associates in the management of affairs being Sidney Rigdon
and Frederick G. Williams. The revelation creating this triumvirate is dated
March 8th, and in it Joseph's coadjutors are instructed first to finish the
translation of the prophets, and afterward preside over the affairs of the
church and the school. Times and Seasons, v. 736-7. William Hall, who was
a member of the church for seven years, erroneously states that the presidency
at first consisted of Smith, Rigdon, and William Law. Abominations, 8. At
a conference held in Sept. 1837, Joseph appealed to the church to ascertain if
he was still regarded as its head, when the vote was unanimous. He then
introduced Rigdon and Williams as his councillors. According to the minutes
of the conference, Williams was not accepted at first, but this action
appears to have been rescinded afterward. Mil. Star, xvi. 56. Oliver Cowdery,
Jos. Smith, sen., Hyrum Smith, and John Smith were accepted as assistant
councillors, and these seven were henceforth to be regarded the heads of
the church. At a general conference of the branch of the church at Far
West in Nov. 1837, the action of the Kirtland conference was sustained so
far as Smith and Rigdon were concerned, but Williams was rejected. Hyrum
Smith was unanimously chosen in Williams' place. Mil. Star, xvi. 106-7. At
a conference held at Far West in April 1S38, the first presidency was appointed
to sign the licenses of the official members of the church. In Jan.
1841, Joseph had a revelation to the effect that he was presiding elder over
all the church, translator, revelator, a seer, and prophet; and that his councillors
were Sidney Rigdon and William Law. These three were to cousti-