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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. First Presidency

 Organization

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 9 Collections and/or Records:

James R. Clark papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2295
Abstract

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.

Dates: 1824-1984

Thomas Alfred Clawson papers

 Collection — Box 1: [Barcode: 31197232487402]
Identifier: MSS 2289
Abstract

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.

Dates: 1899-1908

James R. Clark index card boxes, undated

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2295 Series 1
Scope and Contents note

Notecards on Adam, the origin of man, Old Testament prophets, the Council of the Fifty, the Pearl of Great Price, cosmology, etc.; also biographies and assorted biographical information.

Dates: Other: undated

James R. Clark index cards, 1951-1970

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2295 Series 4
Scope and Contents note

Boxes containing 5 x 8" index cards for the years 1951-1970 and 3 x 5" index cards for the years 1961-1970.

Dates: Other: 1951-1970

James R. Clark newspaper clippings about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1824-1971

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2295 Series 3
Scope and Contents note

Typescripts of pertinent newspaper articles (1824-1950), bibliographical information for LDS scriptures, rough drafts of volumes 1-4 of "Messages", unpublished pamphlets and books, audio reels and cassette tapes of Church-related people and events, filmstrips, typescripts and photocopies of "Messages" source material, correspondence, notes, unbound/uncut copies of volumes 5 and 6 of "Messages", pertinent student papers, etc.

Dates: Other: 1824-1971

James R. Clark publications, 1886-1984

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2295 Series 2
Scope and Contents note

Unbound drafts and draft sections of volumes 2-5 of Clark's compilation series "Messages of the First Presidency"; also photocopies and notes of research material, newspaper clippings, indexes, issues of the Ensign, Church officers' interview questions, copies of speeches, etc.

Dates: Other: 1886-1984

James R. Clark publications II, 1916-1955, 1970-1974

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2295 Series 5
Scope and Contents note

Photocopy and original of volume 5 manuscript, volume 5 rough draft, uncut volume 6 manuscript, photocopies of source material for volume 6 (1935-1951), photocopies of and notes on lesson material, rough draft and page proof of "The Story of the Pearl of Great Price," notecard index of articles (by subject), assorted Church-related cards and pamphlets, Orson Pratt reference notecards (alphabetical), etc.

Dates: Other: 1916-1955; Other: 1970-1974

Thomas Alfred Clawson correspondence, 1905-1908

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2289 Series 2
Scope and Contents note From the Collection:

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.

Dates: Other: 1905-1908

Thomas Alfred Clawson lesson notes, 1899-1901

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2289 Series 1
Scope and Contents note

Notes and questions for Church History and S.S. Union lessons. The notes have been dated and some contain several copies.

Dates: Other: 1899-1901