While other denominations,
notably the Eastern Orthodox churches, have an officer which they style
as a Patriarch, both the name and the function of Patriarch to the Church
is unique to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet
Joseph Smith taught that an "evangelist" (as in Ephesians 4:11) is a "patriarch"
(TPJS, p. 151); that is, he confers the blessings of a Patriarch upon members
of the Church. The Patriarch to the Church is one of only two positions
in the Church to which one may be called by right of birth (and, of course,
worthiness).
The first Patriarch to the Church called in this
dispensation was Joseph Smith, Sr, father of the Prophet Joseph Smith,
Jr. At his death, his oldest surviving son, Hyrum, received the call to
serve. With the exception of a ten year interregnum when acting Patriarchs
were called, the call has remained in this birthright family.
Before 1979, the Patriarch to the Church was a Church
officer whose chief duty was to confer patriarchal blessings on church
members who did not have the service of Stake Patriarchs readily available
to them. As more areas were absorbed into newly created Stakes, each of
which was provided with a Patriarch, the local availability of Stake Patriarchs
greatly increased, but for many years there was a Patriarch to the entire
Church. He was one of the General Authorities, ranking just below the Quorum
of the Twelve. Like the Presidency and the Twelve, the Patriarch to the
Church is (was) sustained as a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator.
In 1979 the office of Patriarch to the Church was
retired "because of the large increase in the number of Stake Patriarchs
and the availability of patriarchal service throughout the world." Eldred
G. Smith was designated "a Patriarch Emeritus, which means that he is honorably
relieved of all duties and responsibilities pertaining to the office of
Patriarch to the Church" (CR [Oct. 1979]:25). Since the office of Patriarch
is both a Priesthood office to which one is ordained and a position in
Church hierarchy, to which one is called, Eldred G. Smith's ordination
remains valid although the position is not filled.
NAME SELECTOR
Joseph Smith, Sr., 1833-1840
Hyrum Smith, 1840-1844
William B. Smith*, 1845
John Smith, (Brother of Joseph Smith, Sr.)
1849-1854
John Smith, (Son of Hyrum Smith) 1855-1911
Hyrum Gibbs Smith, 1912-1932
Nicholas G. Smith**, 1932-1934
Frank B. Woodbury**, 1935-1937
George F. Richards**, 1937-1942
Joseph Fielding Smith, 1942-1946 (This is
neither of the two men by the same name who became President of the Church.)
Eldred G. Smith, 1947-1979
* Brigham Young stated that William B. Smith was entitled by birthright
to the office of Patriarch to the Church. President Young ordained him
to that office, but William manifested a spirit of rebellion and was rejected
by The Church in General Conference. Thus he was never sustained. President
Joseph Fielding Smith stated that he "was never legally installed
in this office."
** These brethren are not of a lineage that holds birthrights to this
office and are referred to as "Acting Patriarchs to the Church."
