The Section Explorer is the heart of the Doctrine and Covenants Project, designed to make Restoration scripture accessible, searchable, and available to all. This feature allows users to navigate our growing library of sections from various versions of the Doctrine and Covenants, providing a unique opportunity to explore the words that have shaped the Latter Day Saint movement.
Whether you’re studying the text as scripture, seeking historical understanding, or simply curious about the similarities and differences between versions, the Section Explorer offers a straightforward and powerful tool for discovery. Each section is presented in its original wording from multiple editions, such as the Community of Christ’s version and earlier editions like the 1833 Book of Commandments.
Section 144 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesOn May 28, 1952, President Israel A. Smith prepared and signed the following statement and placed it in the hands of his counselor, Elder F. Henry Edwards. After the death of President Smith on June 14, 1958, this document was brought to the attention of the Council of Twelve and other general church officers, and at the General Conference…
Section 143 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesRevelation given through President Israel A. Smith during the General Conference of 1954. A vacancy in the Quorum of Twelve and the need for more seventies to meet the opportunities for missionary expansion had occupied the thought and prayers of the prophet. After some debate the revelation was approved in the usual manner. To the Councils,…
Section 142 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesRevelation presented by President Israel A. Smith to the General Conference on April 2, 1950. It was considered and approved by the quorums and the Conference and accepted as the word of God to the church. Provision was made for its inclusion in future editions of the Doctrine and Covenants. In an introductory paragraph, the prophet said:…
Section 141 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesRevelation given through President Israel A. Smith during the World Conference of 1948 held at Independence, Missouri. There was a vacancy in the ranks of the Twelve because of the death of Elder G. G. Lewis. Also, Elder M. A. McConley had become incapacitated by illness. The instruction given was endorsed by the various quorums and by the Conference,…
Section 140 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesRevelation given through President Israel A. Smith, April 7, 1947, at Independence, Missouri. It was approved by the various councils and quorums of the church and then endorsed by the Conference as an expression of the divine will and ordered to be published in the Doctrine and Covenants. To the Quorums and Councils of the Church and…
Section 139 (Community of Christ)
Reading Time: 2 minutesPresident Frederick Madison Smith died March 20, 1946, and was succeeded as prophet, seer, and revelator by his brother, Elder Israel A. Smith. The need to fill the quorum of the First Presidency was urgent, and the newly ordained president gave this his immediate and prayerful attention. The following revelation was presented to the quorums and to…
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…
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 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 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…