Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. First Presidency
Administrative History
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the governing body directing all the affairs of the church.
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established in March 1832 in Kirtland, Ohio, and is now located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was established by Joseph Smith, the Church's founder. The First Presidency consists of the President of the Church and usually two counselors chosen by himself. They are the governing body of the church and have dealt directly with affairs such as planning conferences and assemblies, temples, budgeting, auditing, and various other departments in the church.
Latter-day Saints believe their President to be God's chosen Prophet for the Earth, and therefore all authority rests ultimately in him. At the death of the president, the First Presidency will dissolve, and a new President will be called; he will then select his own counselors and the First Presidency will once again be established.
Citation:
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, June 15, 2017 (est. March 1832 in Kirtland, Ohio by Joseph Smith; located in Salt Lake City, Utah; structural organization; function and roles; authority and method of re-establishment)Found in 46 Collections and/or Records:
Charles Wilson Nibley certificates
Printed and signed certificates verifying that Charles Wilson Nibley was called to serve as a missionary for the Mormon Church. The items are dated 9 Oct. 1869 and 17 Oct. 1876. The items were signed by Brigham Young, George A. Smith, John Willard Young, and Daniel H. Wells.
James R. Clark manuscript drafts and book
James R. Clark papers
This collection contains materials used by James R. Clark in writing the six volumes of Messages of the First Presidency. The material covers the years 1824 -1984. It also contains several drafts of each of the volumes.
Thomas Alfred Clawson papers
The collection contains mostly the correspondence of Bishop Thomas Alfred Clawson from 3 January 1906 - 28 August 1908. Also contains notes relating to lessons on Church History in Sunday School, 1899-1901.
First Presidency announcement
Typewritten letter dated December 2, 1889. The letter announces the establishing of Joseph Smith's (1805-1844) birthday (December 23rd) as a holy day of fast and prayer.
First Presidency circular
The folder contains a printed circular addressed "To the Bishop and the Board of the United Order in Your Ward." The item requests that food and tools be sent to St. George, Utah to assist in the construction of the Mormon temple there. The item was endorsed by Brigham Young, George A. Smith, and Daniel H. Wells.
First Presidency letter
Typewritten and signed letter addressed to William Conover of Springville, Utah. The item was signed by George Albert Smith, J. Reuben Clark, and David O. McKay. Conover was informed that the Book of Mormon had been translated into the Tahitian language.
First Presidency letter
Photocopy of a typewritten letter signed by Spencer W. Kimball and other members of the First Presidency of the Mormon Church. Letter includes guidelines for local Church authorities when interviewing members for callings, temple recommends, or missionary service. Includes instructions for local leaders to avoid indelicate inquiries into marital relations, as well as an interpretation of oral sex as constituting an unnatural, impure, or unholy practice.
First Presidency letter
Typewritten letter addressed "to the Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of Wards" stating that John W. Rigdon; son of early Mormon Church leader, Sidney Ridgon; be given "full and free opportunity to speak to the people in your public gatherings." The item was signed by Joseph Fielding Smith and two other members of the First Presidency.
First Presidency letter
Photocopy of typewritten letter dated October 31, 1891. The document was addressed to David Moore and solicits money for the completion of the Mormon temple in Salt Lake City, Utah.