Question
Dear Gramps,
Why don’t we now have a patriarch to the entire Mormon church? I understand that there are patriarchs in most areas of the Church and that there probably isn’t the need for a roving patriarch.
Ray
Answer
Dear Ray,
The office of Patriarch was established in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1833 when Joseph Smith Sr. was ordained as the first Patriarch. His responsibilities included providing patriarchal blessings—sacred blessings that offer guidance, declarations of lineage, and spiritual insights to church members. Over time, the office was referred to by various titles, including Patriarch over the whole Church and, later, the Presiding Patriarch, which became the official title in 1845.
The role was characterized by the principle of lineal succession, where the office typically passed from father to son within the Smith family. Hyrum Smith, the second Patriarch, received the “keys of the patriarchal priesthood” following his father’s death. As the Church expanded, the need for a single Presiding Patriarch diminished due to the increasing number of local stake patriarchs. Consequently, during the October 1979 General Conference, Eldred G. Smith, the last to hold the office, was released from his duties and given Emeritus status, marking the official discontinuation of the Presiding Patriarch position.
Today, the role of patriarchs exists primarily at the local level, with approximately 3,300 local patriarchs serving worldwide. Each local patriarch is ordained to provide patriarchal blessings to members of their stake, working under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The blessings they provide include declarations of lineage, connecting individuals to the tribes of Israel, and personal revelations tailored to the needs of the recipients.
Local patriarchs are recommended by the stake presidency and are responsible for preserving and recording patriarchal blessings at Church headquarters. This ensures continuity and the preservation of these sacred blessings for future generations. The emphasis on local leadership empowers communities and allows for a more personalized approach to spiritual guidance. The patriarch’s role is regarded with great respect, emphasizing wisdom, maturity, and a profound connection to spiritual matters.
The teachings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints highlight the importance of patriarchal blessings as a means of understanding one’s lineage and divine potential. The Church teaches that every father should act as a patriarch in his own home, presiding over his family. This principle underscores the significance of family and lineage within the Church’s doctrine.
In the Doctrine and Covenants, Joseph Smith emphasized that an evangelist is a patriarch and that where the Church is established, there should be a patriarch to bless the posterity of the Saints (D&C 107:39). This reflects the belief that patriarchs play a vital role in guiding families toward their spiritual inheritances. Furthermore, the sixth article of faith reinforces the continuity of the Church’s organizational structure, including the role of patriarchs, which underscores their importance within the broader context of Church governance.
The sacredness of patriarchal blessings is emphasized in Church teachings. Each blessing is considered a personal revelation that can provide guidance, comfort, and encouragement to individuals. These blessings are typically given in private settings, involving the patriarch, the recipient, and sometimes their close family members.
The discontinuation of the office of Presiding Patriarch was primarily a response to the evolving structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the growing need for localized spiritual leadership. By empowering local stake patriarchs, the Church ensures that its members receive personalized blessings and guidance that resonate with their specific circumstances. Through these blessings, patriarchs fulfill a vital role in the spiritual lives of individuals and families, fostering a deep connection to their heritage and divine purpose.
In understanding the historical transition from a singular Presiding Patriarch to a network of local patriarchs, we can appreciate the Church’s commitment to spiritual growth, community, and the significance of patriarchal blessings in the lives of its members.
Gramps
