Section 127 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn the first decade of the twentieth century, the establishment of the Independence and Lamoni stakes (1901) and the kingdom concern of President Frederick M. Smith combined with other favorable factors to quicken church-wide interest in the Gathering. The building of Zionic institutions is vital to any significant gathering. By 1906 Graceland College had weathered her…
Section 132 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesPresident Joseph Smith died at Independence, Missouri, December 10, 1914. His oldest living son, Frederick Madison Smith, had been designated as his successor and was accepted by the church in this capacity. He was set apart as President of the Church and the High Priesthood at the Stone Church in Independence on May 5, 1915. The Conference…
Section 133 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: < 1 minuteRevelation given through President Frederick Madison Smith at Independence, Missouri, April 7, 1920. This message was submitted first to the General Conference and then presented to the various quorums. After it was approved by the quorums and the Conference, provision was made for its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants. To the Church: Having given…
Section 134 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesRevelation given through President Frederick M. Smith at Independence, Missouri, October 2, 1922. This message was presented to the General Conference, and by them referred to the various quorums. The Council of Twelve and Presiding Bishopric joined in recommending that action on it be “deferred pending the settlement of important matters pending before the Joint Council of…
Section 135 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesIn the years prior to 1925 the Reorganization was passing through a period which brought to the fore problems of administrative prerogatives. These involved the leading quorums of the church. A climax was reached in the General Conference of 1925. A conflict of views between the First Presidency and the Presiding Bishopric occurred. The Order…
Section 136 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe widespread financial and economic depression which began near the close of 1929 put the church into serious financial difficulties. Early in 1930 the counselors in the Presiding Bishopric resigned; and by agreement between the Presidency, Twelve, and Presiding Bishop, Bishops L. F. P. Curry and G. Leslie DeLapp were chosen to serve as counselors to Bishop Albert…
Section 137 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesRevelation given through President Frederick M. Smith at Independence, Missouri, April 7, 1938. The Conference adopted this “communication with its provisions as the voice of divine inspiration to the church.” To the Church: Since the creation of two vacancies in the Quorum of Twelve I have been quite concerned about the condition of that quorum, as well…
Section 138 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesAfter Elder Elbert A. Smith was ordained Presiding Evangelist at the Conference of 1938, the First Presidency continued with Elder F. M. McDowell as the sole remaining counselor to President Frederick M. Smith. President McDowell resigned in October 1938. With the approval of the Council of Twelve, acting under the inspiration given to him at the time, President…