SECTION
132
President
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 of 1915 had given consideration to the honorable release
of Presiding Bishop E. L. Kelley, but referred any necessary action
to the Presidency and Council of Twelve. President F. M. Smith
reported the situation to a council of the Presidency, Council of
Twelve, and Presiding Bishopric. By action of this council the text
of the revelation was taken from the body of President F. M. Smith’s
report and presented to the General Conference, where it was endorsed
and approved for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
The
matter of selecting one to succeed Bishop E.L. Kelley in the office
of Presiding Bishop has received by me careful and prayerful
consideration.
1. I
am therefore now prepared to say that the voice of the Spirit to me
is, that Bishop E. L. Kelley should be released from the
responsibilities of Presiding Bishop, though he may act as traveling
bishop, counseling and advising on the law of temporalities in
harmony with his successor and the Presidency.
2. Let
Benjamin R. Mcguire be set apart and ordained Presiding Bishop of the
church, and two of the brethren be set apart as counselors to him,
one to be selected by him and supported by the conference, the other
to be Bishop James F. Keir.
3a. I
admonish the church, and particularly those of the priesthood, that
the hastening time being upon us there is great necessity for
confidence in the men of the church chosen for positions of great
responsibility,
3b.
and all should consecrate of their talents, abilities, and substance
for the prosecution of the great work intrusted to us.
4.
Everywhere the demand for great activity exists, and for the
accomplishment of our work the great essential is fraternal
cooperation in service to man and devoted consecration to God and his
work.
Your
servant,
Frederick
M. Smith
Independence,
Missouri
April
5, 1916
