Official Announcement

Improvement Era, vol. 18, no. 9, July 1915, p. 832

First Presidency

Our attention having, been called to the different forms of spe'ling the proper name Melchizedek (as, for example: Mel- chisedek Melchizedec, Melchisedec, etc.), at our request Dr. James E. Talmage made a critical investigation of the subject with a view of learning the biblical and philological concensus of authority and opinion concerning it. In harmony with Elder Talmage's report, and expressing our own views, the Council of the Presidency and Apostles has decided that the proper noun, and the adjective as applied to the High Priesthood should be spelled Melchizedek (as it appears in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon) in all publications of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose, First Presidency.