Patriarchs in the Church and in Families

A question was posed to me recently by grandson Noah Sharp. He asked about the history of the calling of the patriarch in the Church. Many of his cousins are at that age where they are anticipating receiving their patriarchal blessings. In fact, his cousin Aleyah Goates received her blessing this last week.

A patriarchal blessing is a treasure of a lifetime available to all in the Church who desire one. The essential elements include the naming of your lineage in the house of Israel. Most of us in our family will discover we are of the tribe of Ephraim through Joseph, but in today’s Church we have identified all the tribes of Israel from which we are descended. The most important element of the blessing is inspired counsel and even prophecy through the inspiration provided by the patriarch. 

For example, here’s what the patriarch told me in part as he gave me my blessing when I was 18 years old: 

“I bless you that in the Lord’s own time that you may meet a daughter of Zion, one pure and virtuous that you will court her and marry her in the house of the Lord for eternity, that your posterity will reflect honor upon you, on the Church, and on our great nation. 

“I bless you that you may have health and strength and that you may live to a good age, even until you are ripe in years and prepared to go to your Maker. Your life will be full of achievements, you will go into the mission field and there be a source of strength in testimony. Your spirituality will touch the lives of those with whom you associate and you will be the means of bringing many of our Father’s children to a knowledge that the gospel has been restored in these latter days. As you go forward you will prepare yourself to hold responsible positions in the Church, and the Lord will be at your side if you are prayerful and remember Him in all things.”

The patriarch in our stake at the time was Rulon T. Hinckley, who also lived in our ward. His blessing to me has provided direction, comfort, assurances and inspiration to me throughout my life. It was marked as "Blessing No. 3." And now, even now, when I am “ripe in years” I continue to live for the fulfillment of those blessings.

Noah asked about the history of the patriarchs in the Church, so let’s talk about that. (https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/a-history-of-patriarchs-and-patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng).

One of the largest and oldest collections in the Church History Library is the patriarchal blessing collection, which spans nearly the entire history of the Church. Faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints still receive blessings today that provide meaning and insight unique to each individual.

Due to the sacred and private nature of the blessings, the collection is closed to research. However, I learned recently from my brother Tim who works for Family Search that individuals may request copies of their personal blessings and those of deceased, direct-line family members through an online system managed by staff at the Church History Library.

Patriarch to the Church

The office of Patriarch began in 1833 when Joseph Smith Sr. was ordained as the first Patriarch. His responsibilities were to provide patriarchal blessings and bestow blessings to the fatherless.

Through the years the office has been known by many names: Patriarch over the whole Church, Patriarch of the Church, Presiding Patriarch, and Patriarch to the Church. Patriarch to the Church became the official title in 1845. Patriarchs to the Church continued to be called well into the twentieth century.

Hyrum Smith (second patriarch to the Church), John Smith (third patriarch to the Church), and John Smith the younger (fourth patriarch to the Church) set the precedent that continued for many generations. Each was a direct descendant of Joseph Smith Sr.

During the October 1979 General Conference, the office was discontinued due to the increased number of local stake patriarchs. Eldred G. Smith, who was serving as Patriarch to the Church at the time, was honorably released from the calling and given emeritus status.

Local Patriarchs

The calling of local patriarchs began in 1837 when Isaac Morley was called as the first local patriarch. The responsibilities associated with the calling have remained the same over the years, which is to provide an inspired declaration of lineage and blessings to the recipient. In 1840 Peter Melling was called as the first international patriarch, serving in the British mission. Just one year later, a second patriarch, John Albisten, was called to serve as patriarch in the mission as well. 

Currently there are approximately 3,300 local patriarchs serving worldwide. These men report to the stake president but work under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. A member of the Quorum of the Twelve approves the call of each patriarch. It is not uncommon for Apostles who visit stakes to select local patriarchs when they are in the stakes throughout the world, though most are now called by the stake presidents and approved by the Twelve.

I remember Elder Bruce R. McConkie issuing a call to serve as a stake patriarch to George I. Cannon when he visited our Parleys Stake conference. President Cannon was later called to serve as president of the stake.

Blessing History

Today, blessings are given in private meetings that include the patriarch, the blessing recipient, and in some cases close family members. Patsy had copies of each of her children’s patriarchal blessings among her papers, and were handed to me recently when Dianne discovered them. They are priceless reminders to me of how I walk among giants in the kingdom of God on earth today, and I am speaking about each of them. Their inheritances in the spiritual blessings accorded to us by our loving Heavenly Father are rich indeed!! I am humbled and grateful to be their father and grandfather.

In the early days, blessings were recorded by a scribe and the copy was given to the recipient, who then determined whether they wanted the patriarch to keep an official record of the blessing. If the recipient decided to share their blessing, the scribe would borrow the blessing to record it in a book, which became a part of official Church records. In some cases, Church members would opt out of contributing a copy of their blessing.

Initially, patriarchs did not submit blessings to the Church. Each patriarch kept his own records of the blessings he gave. In 1856 the Church Historian’s Office was established, and it is believed that some patriarchal blessings were stored within the archives at that time. It is not known when it became a requirement for patriarchs to submit blessings to the Church archives, but it is estimated to be sometime in the 1920s.

Today, patriarchs regularly submit blessings they have given to the Church History Library. Those who submit blessings online submit each blessing individually. When patriarchal blessings are received, the Church History Library preserves them in multiple locations and formats to ensure their security and preservation. The preservation process assures that your blessing, and the blessings of those in your direct line, are available to you upon request.

That being the case today, I am happy to share the full contents of my blessing to anyone who wants it.

Some of the Goates Kids

Patriarchs in Families

Noah also wanted to know what I think is the role of patriarchs in families. Many years ago I wrote about "the patriarchal order of the priesthood," and would refer you to it for a comprehensive answer. 

I will say, however, that being a patriarch in a family setting is what the temple points us to in the Church’s dispensation of temple blessings, crowned by the sealing ceremony we recently witnessed with Molly and Jayden’s sealing last Friday. 

Patriarchs cannot be patriarchs without a matriarch at their side. Mothers and fathers are a "package deal" in the patriarchal order of the priesthood. It is true that father stands at the head in a family, but mother is right there with him, not one scintilla behind or below him in importance to their family. 

We have a perfect explanation of these roles in the inspired declaration of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” dated September 23, 1995. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng).

Here is the essential paragraph:

“The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.”

That inspired proclamation came at the precise time in the world’s history when gender roles and identities were in a state of confusion which has only deepened since. It is pure revelation for a wayward world and we can study it and appreciate it more with each passing year. It is my humble testimony that it should one day be canonized officially as revelation and bound with our collected scriptures, which is where it resides in my own set of scriptures. 

The Living Apostles in Rome, Italy

I love and sustain the living Prophets and Apostles among us. Some complain (and have for my entire life) that these men are too old, too weak and too infirm to do what they purport to do and to be. 

To their critics I respond with a resounding rebuttal. I have known many of them personally during my life. I watched all the infirmities of old age overtake many of them, I absorbed all the criticisms, as they have, and felt the sting of their enemies within and without the Church. I know their hearts are pure gold. They are the inspired channel of revelation the Lord has put in place for our direction and guidance. It is a pure channel of ever-flowing knowledge and truth that will never fail us here in mortality. 

Speaking as my family's patriarch, I urge us all to uphold them with our faith and prayers. We will never be led astray as your own patriarchal blessings will attest to each of you.

The House of the Lord in Logan, Utah

 

I was in Logan, Utah, last week to attend an endowment session. I have been drawn there, and I'm not certain why except to say it's been many years since I have been there. This time it was the HDOY to date in Utah this year, and it was a wonderful respite on a crystal clear day without a cloud in the sky.

These pioneer era temples in Utah are monuments to our pioneer ancestors who built them. The intricacies in the workmanship are everywhere to be seen both outside and inside. I am constantly struck with the happiness I see in the faces of the people who attend the temples. I am an eyewitness of what I see in them, and I hope I project the same happiness in my face as I greet them.

With each session I attend, I come away with one or two impressions that remain with me. This week, I was impressed to remember "Health in the navel, marrow in the bones." Our physical bodies are the habitation of our eternal spirits that were created by our Heavenly Father and our Heavenly Mother. We are encouraged both in our observance of the Word of Wisdom, and in the ordinances of the temple to cherish these bodies we possess, so our days may be lengthened while we are on the earth. I love the thought that mortality is and can be a fulfilling and blessed state in which to live if we are true and faithful to our covenants.

In Logan last week, I observed so many elderly saints who filled the session. There were some young people too, now that school is out for the summer at Utah State University. I am struck with how many of those young people are serving as ordinance workers. The encouragement of President Russell M. Nelson is surely the catalyst for what I am witnessing no matter which temple I attend these days.

After the session, I had a strong impression to do something totally enjoyable. I stopped along my way home for a visit to Maddox Ranch House just south of Brigham City. Unbeknownst to me they are celebrating their 75th year anniversary this year, almost as old as me. I was not disappointed in my menu selection of a perfectly prepared filet mignon. Being fed spiritually and physically on the same day is an unbeatable feast!

In the space of a month's time I have gone from southern Utah to northern Utah to attend temples, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey. We are so blessed here in Utah to have the many choices we do to attend the temples. There is little in life that brings me a greater sense of happiness and joy as I contemplate the family members for whom I am serving as proxy in these ordinances. I had a name last week of a seventh-generation great-uncle who was born in 1620 in Scotland. I can't help wondering what his life must have been like as I perform these ordinances. Imagine it! 

Sometimes I fear we might wonder if the divine mandate to gather Israel on both sides of the veil just isn't a pipe dream that could never possibly be fulfilled. But remember, life in the spirit world still lies ahead of us and the work of temples will be accelerated for 1000 years during the Millennium. The God of the Universe whom we worship and in whom we trust, has the timetable. I seek progress toward the goal with every session I attend in every temple I visit.

There are some parents I know who are lamenting the fact they have children who have left the Church for a season of inactivity. They are saddened and they seem to lose hope as they witness the ongoing poor choices that attend those children. I have tried to encourage them by sharing my devout belief that life is eternal in its nature. This moment in eternity for us is too often punctuated with temporary sorrow and grief, but I remind those parents our time here on earth is a small speck of dust in a vast landscape of eternal magnificence we can only catch a glimpse of on occasion as our eyes to see are opened from time to time. That's what those visits to the temple on a frequent rotation will do for us.

I was also in the Bountiful Temple last week, and happened to be on the same endowment session with President Jeffrey R. Holland. An ordinance worker rolled him quietly into the back of the room in a wheel chair after we were all seated, and after the session ended he waited patiently as we all went through the veil ahead of him. He embodies what a true servant-leader is. 

I thought as I observed his smiling face that it's never too late and we are never too old to attend the temple. Who can doubt the fervor of his witness and his testimony as we hear him speak? 

He no doubt brushed against the veil this past year with the simultaneous passing of his beloved wife Pat within days of the passing of my dear Patsy. Once we walk alone after a lifetime of companionship, there can be many days of loneliness and sorrow. I have experienced those days, and I know exactly what President Holland is experiencing too.

But, there is hope for the future when we are a covenant-making and covenant-keeping people. There is nothing that bolsters that hope and conviction as much as performing those sacred and simple ordinances for our deceased ancestors, and I believe there will be few, if any, who will not accept that proxy work we do for them. They are grateful, and the peace we feel from them is payment enough in my estimation.

If you are some of those parents who pray for and long for your children to return to the fold of activity in the Church, please know you are not alone. I pray for you and for your loved ones that they may migrate back to the oasis of ever-flowing waters of truth and fulfillment within the Church. 

Life is eternal, and truth in all its beauty will triumph! Even in the hearts and minds of those who may be considered lost sheep today.