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 3 Collections and/or Records:
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 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 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.