SECTION
136
The
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 Carmichael subject to the action of the
next General Conference. The following revelation was approved by the
quorums and the Conference.
To
the Church: To the condition of the church and the personnel of the
Quorum of Twelve and Presiding Bishopric I have in official capacity
as well as in personal meditation and prayer given much thought, and
have earnestly sought divine wisdom and guidance. Believing that such
wisdom and inspiration have been given me, I present the following as
the word of the Lord to us now:
1a.
Under conditions existing it is well that Bishop Albert Carmichael
should be released from further responsibility as Presiding Bishop,
he being commended for the faithful devotion to the onerous tasks
which have been his to perform.
1b. In
his stead let Bishop L. F. P. Curry be chosen to give such time and
energy to this office as opportunity and the conditions surrounding
him will permit, working toward the time when he can give his full
time and attention to the work of the office to which he is thus
called.
1c. In
the work of the office Bishop G. Leslie Delapp should be associated
as counselor, and one other be named by Bishop Curry, as wisdom and
the voice of inspiration may indicate, the selection to be ratified
by the conference.
2. To
fill a vacancy existing in the number of the Twelve, let George G.
Lewis be set apart and ordained as an apostle, and take his place
with that quorum, and enter with his brethren upon the active work of
the apostolic quorum and as representatives of the church.
3a.
The movements toward better understanding of ministerial
responsibilities, duties, and goals, and toward unity of endeavor in
teaching, preaching, evangelizing, and the perfecting of the Saints,
are pleasing to the Lord.
3b.
Contentions, bickerings, and strife are unseemly, hinder the work of
the church, and should not find place among the Saints.
3c.
Only in the peace of fraternity and the unity of those caught up in
the spirit of Zionic redemption can the work of the Lord be
accomplished. To this task let the church devote its energies.
Frederick
M. Smith
President
of the Church
Independence,
Missouri
April
14, 1932
