Skip to main content

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 1 Collection or Record:

First Presidency letter

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197227642706]
Identifier: MSS 4005
Scope and Contents

Letter of First Presidency (signed by Ezra Taft Benson and Gordon B. Hinckley) to President Morris E. Peterson, Provo Utah East Stake, 29 May 1986. Reports the leaders of the Church agreeing to Peterson's recommendation to dissolve the Provo 40th Ward (singles) in accordance with the recent guidelines for singles wards.

Dates: 1986 May 29