--- title: Improvement Era description: Monthly periodical of the Mormon church, 1897 onward. This library holds the issues of November 1897 to December 1930. authors: - Keeler, Joseph B. collections: - periodicals tags: - magazine - improvement-era periodical: Improvement Era volume: 16 number: 9 published: 1913-07 publisher: Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Associations publisher_place: Salt Lake City language: en type: magazine reference: 'Keeler, Joseph B., "Organization and Government of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," *Improvement Era* 16, no. 9 (July 1913): 918–925.' source: url: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1609unse transcription: Transcribed from the Internet Archive scan of each issue (the item for each issue is named in the issue's own source); unnumbered advertising leaves are omitted, printed page numbers are kept as page markers. identifier: improvementera1609unse start_page: 918 end_page: 925 rights: status: public-domain basis: US publication 1930 or earlier (published 1913-07) source: https://archive.org/details/improvementera1609unse publication_year: 1913 note: The Internet Archive item metadata carries a blanket "© Copyright by Intellectual Reserve, Inc." notice. The library owner judged it inapplicable because this issue was published in 1913, before 1931; a scan-level notice does not restore copyright. --- # Organization and Government of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints u cu JCJ i +-> s CU c O B a a 'Ejo e W CO 13 C t< bio CO o On i — i i — i > rt a t on en •-1 oj i— i VO *0 ^3- 'flj a; a ^t~ a (/-, .o -C W CM en cu cu +j G ^ u en s TO i — i CU a -»-> CM CON 03 rH J*0 .- c CO nl .a « cu +J c-c O +-1 •*? .a cu o CO ^CO J3 - 73 C/] ^ fe .OJ o fajo o CU CU tn i-i a as CU *-J Q l-H ^ -4-J ■S cu B cu bfl oj CM C 4= -a rh cm 5 «S ^ ^ CM b/D cu T3 cu c a a 03 1cu Oh c a u > S-9 o Oh cu c3 fcuo'o o5 O 3 en <-i 'T3 rt CM >> en O O CU AACU •-H CU *T3 a .2 rt n3 cu O b 00 t* — a r^ cu cy rt CO C o3 « M £ E a u o .u o ;a .a cu Organization and Government of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints BY JOSEPH B. KEELER, OF THE BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY "In the founding of his over-hated Church, Joseph Smith displayed a consistent genius for organization and government that has baffled the best conceived plans of enemies, bent on undoing his work, during three generations, and half of a fourth." That is the opinion of a non-"Mormon" writer, Doctor Webb, who recently gave a lengthy review of some of the doctrines and policies advanced by the prophet Joseph Smith, founder of the religious organization known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many other outsiders all down the line have in effect expressed the same judgment as this commentator. It is taken for granted, therefore, that any phases or particulars couched within the caption of this article would be alike interesting to the young "Mormon" as well as to the uninformed outsider. / — Source of Authority for Organization At the outset, it should be said of Joseph Smith that he never claimed to have originated that form of church government so often ascribed to him ; it was not an emanation of his brain. He ever and persistently proclaimed that he was simply a human agent under the Almighty, in whatever he advocated either as law, religious principle, or as sociological doctrine. The "Mormons" themselves thoroughly believe this, however others may question its truth. The world of mankind first began to know Joseph Smith when he announced that the heavens had been opened to him and he beheld two glorious personages, God the eternal Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. This event occurred in his fifteenth year, as he prayed fervently to know which church he should join. At intervals from this time on, from 1820 to the day of his death, 1844, he claimed communion with holy angels and to be constantly guided by Divine Providence pertaining to social and religious matters. The scope of this article precludes details of history showing the process of development of church government as a practical instrument by which a people have secured much of this world's comforts and a hope of happiness for the future. But two very important events must be mentioned. GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH 919 77 — Heavenly Messengers Restore the Priesthood When a man starts out to set up a church in the name of Christ, he ought to give some reasonable explanation for his authority in such procedure. This Joseph Smith did. He asserts that in May, 1829, no less a personage than John the Baptist, now a heavenly messenger, conferred upon himself and Oliver Cowdery the Aaronic Priesthood, which delegated the keys of the ministering of angels, the right to proclaim the doctrine of repentance, and to baptize by immersion for the remission of sins. Shortly after this, three ancient apostles, Peter, James and John, being commissioned of God, conferred the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood. This latter endowment includes the apostleship and gives authority to build up the kingdom of God in the world ; this priesthood also comprehends all spiritual powers and keys necessary to be exercised for the salvation of mankind. Ill — Foundation Stones of Government Laid With this authority, on April 6, 1830, in the little town of Fayette, New York, the Prophet proceeded to organize the Church. It started with six members — a few others were present. The first foundation stones of the new government were firmly laid. It was definitely stated to those present, that the method of organizing and the form of the organization itself were in conformity to a command of God. The new Church members were asked if they were willing to accept Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery "as their teachers in the things of the Kingdom of God," to which proposition they all voted affirmatively. ' "And all things shall be done by common consent," is a command to the Church. This doctrine, then followed, has been strictly adhered to from that first day to the present. There can be no foisting of men or measures onto the organization. Every JOSEPH B. KEELER 920 IMPROVEMENT ERA officer from president to deacon, must stand the test of a vote of the people, at least once a year. Even the revelations to the Church from the living Oracles (the leading authorities of the Church) must first be accepted and approved by the body before they are operative. Tn these matters the greatest freedom is accorded to all members, women voting with the men. It should be a self-evident proposition that no law, either human or divine, can be effective without its free and intelligent acceptance by those who are to obey it. IV — The Mclchizcdck Priesthood — and Offices Arising Therefrom The primary offices of the Melchizedek or Higher Priesthood are those of Patriarch, High Priest, Apostle, Seventy, Elder. By virtue of his office and calling the President of the Church is President of the High Priesthood. From the body of High Priests, at present numbering over ten thousand, all the general officers are chosen, including also patriarchs, stake presidencies, and ward bishoprics. The subdivisions of this body of priesthood number sixty-four, corresponding with the number of organized stakes (or geographical divisions) of Zion ; except, however, the priesthood in the mission fields are not regularly organized in quorums but meet generally for instruction and work. The High Priests, as a rule, are men of long service, mature years, and are usually well versed in principle, doctrine, and government. Most of them have performed missions, have traveled extensively, and have clone service in the offices below their own grade ; and, withal, are men of dignity, being rounded out by careers of varied experiences. V — The First Presidency — Some of Their Powers and Duties The office of President of the Church is elective. The President is first selected by the council of Twelve Apostles, from among the High Priests, himself a High Priest ; then at a general conference held in Salt Lake City, semi-annually, also at stake conferences, held four times each year, at the headquarters of each stake, he is by vote "upheld by the confidence, faith and prayer of the Church." He has associated with him two Counselors who are chosen in a similar manner, and the three compose the First Presidency. Connected with this high office is the endowment and confirmation of prophet, seer, and revelator. The powers and duties of the First Presidency are co-extensive with the Church. To summarize the revelation designating their powers, it says they are "to receive the oracles," or revelations, "for the whole church ;" they hold the keys of all the spiritual blessing of the Church ; they "have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven — to have the heavens opened unto them, to GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH 921 commune with the general assembly and Church of the First Born, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus Christ the Mediator of the new covenant." VI — The Marriage Covenant The President is the only person who holds the keys of that priesthood which includes the eternity of the marriage covenant. Church marriages are solemnized only in temples, and only to the few who officiate therein is this power delegated. The Church, however, recognizes marriage under the civil law, but it does not encourage members to marry for time, yet some do. The perpetuity and strength of any government depends largely upon the esteem in which the marriage contract is held by its people. In the light of "Mormon" doctrine, "Man, in his fulness, is a twofold organization — male and female. Either being incapable of filling the measure of its creation alone, it requires the union of the two to complete man in the image of God. Outside of marriage, the salvation of man is incomplete." This idea of permanency of the marriage bond, enduring not only for time but for eternity, has a wonderful effect on the integrity of the home — which fact may be attested, in one way, by the very small percentage of divorces. The statistics of 1912 show but fifty-three divorces after Church marriages ; the year previous showed fiftytwo divorces for the whole organization. VII— Temples, and Vicarious Work for the Dead Another distinctive function which attaches to the office of the First Presidency is that of building temples, and the direction of the work therein. The first edifice of this kind was built in Kirtland, Ohio ; the next in Nauvoo, Illinois ; and four others have been erected in Utah, and one is now being constructed in Alberta, Canada. Paul's question to the Corinthian Saints, "Why are they then baptized for the dead?" is receiving a practical answer in the temples. A vicarious work for dead ancestors is constantly going on. Up to date deceased persons numbering over two millions have had the ordinance of baptism performed for them. Many of these have had the endowment of the priesthood ; husbands and wives have been sealed in the marriage covenant, and other ordinances have been administered by living relatives and friends. Ordinances and covenants under the gospel necessary to salvation which may be embraced by the living, may also be applied to the dead, by proxy, in the temples. To keep this work going requires a great deal of time and means of members who labor for others, and a vast outlay by the Church for construction and maintenance. 922 IMPROVEMENT ERA VIII — The Tzvelvc Apostles — Ambassadors of Christ to the World Ranking next in authority and official position to the First Presidency, is the Council of Twelve Apostles. The duty of its members is to preach the Gospel to the world, to send it to all people, and to bear testimony of Jesus Christ, as living witnesses of His divine mission. The senior member is president. Under the direction of the First Presidency they have charge of the missionary work of the Church. At present twenty-one missions are established ; and they comprise all of the United States (outside of what is known as the stakes of Zion), parts of Mexico, all of the countries of Europe, except Russia, Spain, Greece and Turkey ; the South African mission, embracing all the civilized parts of the continent of Africa, except the northern part; practically all of the Pacific Islands, including Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. About one thousand missionaries are sent annually to the various parts of the world. These are taken from any and all occupations. They go on missions without salary, providing their own means of support, sometimes being assisted by friends, the Church paying only their transportation home. Their terms of service are about two to three years. These missionaries are imbued with a sincere love for their fellowmen, and manifest a patriotic devotion to God and to everything for which the Church stands. IX — The Quorums of Seventy — "The Minute Men" The body of priesthood standing next to the Apostles are the Seventies. These are elders whose special calling is to do actual service in the missionary field ; they are the "minute men" of the Church. The last enumeration, (1912), placed their number at 10,442. They also are organized into groups or quorums of seventy members, (when complete) and each quorum is presided over by seven presidents, one senior and six associates. There are now organized one hundred fifty-nine quorums. A council of seven presidents has the supervision over these quorums, and looks after the details of their labors ; the council being, of course, under the general direction of the Council of Apostles. X — The Elders — The Home Ministry In a class below the High Priests is the great body of Elders, numbering 25,320 men. These are mostly young men. Their calling primarily is to assist the High Priests and to do service at home, not abroad, though thousands of them do go upon foreign missions. Those who are residing in stakes are organized into quorums of ninety-six Elders each (as near as may be) having a presidency of three of their -nvn number as head. At present GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH 923 there are 329 quorums, and in this capacity they are engaged in systematic work, first by acquiring theological and sociological information, and second by active service among the people. It may be remarked in passing that all of the quorums are similarly engaged, systematically pursuing educational courses — studying the scriptures, history, social questions, government, and many other things that make for efficiency in their respective lines of work. In fact, it may be truthfully said of the membership of all the quorums taken together, numbering 84,406, that they form one immense college or "school of the prophets." XI — The Stakes of Zion Stakes of Zion are territorial, and governmental divisions of the Church. In form of organization they correspond mainly to the Church as a whole. At the head is a presidency of three High Priests; then a High Council of twelve men, Elders' quorums, and presiding boards of Relief Societies, Sunday Schools, Young Men's and Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, Primary Associations, and Religion Classes. The population of the Church, which in round numbers approximates half a million, is organized into stakes, wards, and missions. The sixty-four stakes now established are distributed in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Alberta, Canada. XII — The Local or Ward Organization The ward organization is a subdivision of the stake, and its presidency is a bishopric — a bishop and two counselors. Here may be observed the real life and activity of the people. It is so perfectly organized that each man, woman, and child almost daily feels the influence of its agency in their religious, moral and intellectual life. Often, also, through this medium are many of the secular or temporal needs of the members looked after and provided for. The population of a ward ranges from about 300 to 1,500, and there are now organized 720 of these miniature governments, and they are continually multiplying. The bishopric of the ward presides over the Aaronic Priesthood divided into quorums of Priests, Teachers, and Deacons. In membership, these quorums separately when complete number 12 deacons, 24 teachers, and 48 priests, with a presidency of three presiding over each group. The membership of the Aaronic Priesthood for the whole Church is 7,578 priests, with 258 quorums ; 9,778 teachers, with 298 quorums ; 20.608 deacons, with 797 quorums ; or a total of 37,764 holding the lesser priesthood. The Improvement Era is the organ of these quorums. All the quorums or parts of quorums meet weekly in each ward to study the principles of the gospel and to learn of their 924 IMPROVEMENT ERA duties in the Church, under teachers called for that purpose. The educational value of this training in spiritual and practical religion can not be overestimated. All instruction is free. XIII — Auxiliary Organizations — "Helps in Government" There are six other organizations forming an integral part of Church government which are not councils or quorums of the Priesthood, but which are auxiliary to it and under it. They are "helps in government" in the various bishops' wards, missions and branches of the Church. The frame-work of each organization is three-fold, consisting of a General Board, a Stake Board, and a Ward Board ; the latter board presiding directly over the membership in a ward or other jurisdiction. In their operations they are subordinate to the ward, the stake, and the general authorities. Naming them in their chronological order they are : ( 1 ) the Relief Society; (2) the Sunday School; (3) the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association ; (4) the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association; (5) the Primary Association; and (6) the Religion Class. The titles of these societies pretty well indicate their character — they are agencies for education, culture, and benevolence. The number of the separate societies range from 600 to about 750, the Sunday School Union having the largest number of organizations. A few items relating to these societies may be mentioned. XIV — What the Societies Stand For — What They Are Doing The Religion class was organized in 1890. The work is the training of children of elementary school age in practical religion and in character-forming habits. The number of pupils at present enrolled is 37,149. The Primary association was organized in 1878. The object is to promote spiritual development in children, to encourage industrial occupations, and to discourage idleness and careless habits. The age of members is from three years to twelve ; the work is graded. The number enrolled is 63,103. They publish a monthly magazine — the Children's Friend. The Young Men's Mutual Improvement association was organized in 1875. The object, fundamentally, is to provide a means for self-culture and special advancement in the fields of religious and secular learning ; especially in the latter, through the activity of reading circles, boy scouts, athletics, musical and oratorical contests ; besides each year a course on some phase of sociology, government, ethics, practical religion, or industry, is pursued. Also the object in view, through the activities of the associations, is "to establish in the youth of Zion an individual testimony of the Latter-day Work, to develop the gifts within GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH 925 them, and to cultivate a knowledge and application of the eternal principles of the great science of life." The membership is 33,506 The Improvement Era is the organ of these societies, and is at present in its sixteenth volume, it having succeeded The Contributor which was published seventeen years. The Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement association was established in 1869. These organizations furnish opportunity for education in the domain of religion, science, history, and of women's work generally. The membership is 33,969. The General Board publishes a monthly magazine — The Young Woman's Journal. The first Sunday School was organized in 1849, in Salt Lake City. The Sunday School Union Board was formed in 1866, and more completely in 1872. The membership of all schools combined, is 181,152. The Juvenile Instructor has been published regularly since 1866, and is the exponent of this organization. XV — The Relief Society — Among the Oldest of Women's Organizations "I now turn the key for women," said the Prophet Joseph Smith, on the 17th day of March, 1842, when he organized the Relief Society and sent it forth on its mission of love. It has a membership of 33,674, with 720 separate ward societies. Its work in the world is to manifest benevolence to all, to look after the poor, comfort and help the sick and unfortunate, to minister where death reigns, to assist in correcting the morals, and in strengthening the virtues of the community, and to foster among its members a love for education and refinement. It has given for charity during the year just past, in round numbers, $36,000 ; it has now stored in granaries and elevators many thousands of bushels of wheat for bread in cases of extreme want or famine. But, as another has said, "written words could no more tell the magnificent work of members of the Relief Society than they could describe the perfume of a flower or the song of a meadow lark ; for, like ministering angels, they comfort the sorrowful, relieve the distressed, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, wait upon the sick, scattering glad news and cheer along their daily work, giving in true Christian spirit, letting not the left hand know what the right hand doeth." There are about 100 societies in the missions. XVI — Courts — Regular and Special One of the three departments of government is the judicial. A complete system of courts is established, which give final and authoritative interpretation and application of the laws of the Church wherein members are charged with or found guilty of unrighteous conduct, breaches of discipline, of apostasy, and the 926 IMPROVEMENT ERA like. In case of transgression neither layman nor officer, high or low, is exempt from their authority. These courts may be divided into two classes, regular and special. The regular courts are : ( 1 ) the ward bishop's court, or common court, the bishop acting as judge, assisted by his counselors; (2) the Stake High Council, composed of the Stake Presidency, and twelve High Priests, having original and appellate jurisdiction. In form of organization it approaches the ancient Jewish Sanhedrin; (3) the Council of the First Presidency. The special courts are: (1) the Presiding Bishop's court; (2) the Council of High Priests abroad ; and (3) the Traveling High Council of the Twelve Apostles. The extreme penalty that may be inflicted is severance from Church membership. Members are counseled to adjust and settle difficulties which they may have one with another, between themselves. Failing in this, two of the "peacemakers" of the Church — the Teachers — are called to their aid who help to conciliate and arbitrate the trouble. If these agencies fail, the case may be taken to the bishop's court, where an impartial hearing, devoid of technicalities, is had. Should either of the parties feel that the decision is unjust, he may appeal to the High Council, where fifteen men will sit on the case ; and even from this high tribunal an appeal may be taken to the Council of the First Presidency, for a review of the whole proceedings. All of this is without cost to either party, the only object in view is to mete out justice and equity to everyone. XVII — Aaronia or Lesser Priesthood — Office of the Presiding Bishopric — Some Activities Mentioned One more important organic feature of government is yet to be mentioned — the office of Presiding Bishopric, consisting of bishop and two counselors. They are the general board of the Aaronic Priesthood of the Church. Aside from a general supervision of the educational and social activities. of the Lesser Priesthood, their chief function is the direction and management of temporal or business affairs of the Church under the direction of the First Presidency. A few of the things that are being done by the Church through the medium of this office may be briefly mentioned : The tithing, (one-tenth of the net income), voluntarily contributed by the people, is collected and disbursed, as well as other revenues, through the Presiding Bishop's office, and local offices in the various wards and missions. Once a month, in the respective wards, fast meetings are held ; in these assemblies fast offerings for the poor are made. Upwards of $60,000 from this source alone was contributed last GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH 927 year. During the same period there was given to the worthy poor $197,000 ; and the number of persons assisted temporarily was 4,930 ; while the number assisted permanently was 12,439, many being non-members. Quick response with generous amounts are often made to people, not considering creed or color, who are overtaken by earthquake, famine, flood, or other disasters. One of the finest and best equipped hospitals in the West is established in Salt Lake City and is managed through this office. Thousands of dollars of charity treatment is done annually by this institution. An employment department is conducted through local offices. Its benefits are not restricted to members of the Church ; for the month of April, 1913, for example, there were 139 applications for employment, and 130 positions supplied. This office also gathers vital statistics, some items of which are interesting. The birth rate shows 59 births per thousand of Church population, which is larger than for the United States as a whole, or than any nation of Europe. Of the women who bore children in 1912, the average in these families is four for each mother. The death rate is 8.4, for the thousand, while the death rate for the United States is about 15 per thousand. The average duration of life taken from deaths reported for 1912, is 35 years. Twenty-two schools are maintained — three of college grade, and nineteen of secondary grade, with an aggregate registration of about 8,000, maintained at a cost of about half a million dollars annually. The settlement of lands and the providing of homes for its people have always been among the prominent 'activities of the Church ; through its fostering care large tracts in many regions have been redeemed and colonized. At present there is a department in the Presiding Bishop's Office, the purpose of which is to locate members on land who are unable to help themselves and who wish to obtain homes and engage in farming. In short, under its auspices and by its powers and functions, the Aaronic Priesthood undertakes numerous measures looking to the temporal comfort and well-being of the people. XVIII— The Final Test The final test of any religious system holding out salvation to the world must be judged by its power to save men, body and spirit. "Mormonism," so called, embraces the workable doctrine of a temporal salvation, here and now, as well as a soul salvation hereafter. The first part of the proposition should be a matter easily proved, the latter is a matter of faith and individual testimony. PROVO, UTAH