Grampa Bill's General Authority Pages
Joseph and Hyrum Smith THE FIRST AND SECOND ELDERS OF THE CHURCH
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    These are unique callings which have to do with the restoration of the Gospel in the Dispensation of the fullness of times. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery became the First and Second Elders when they received the Melchizedek Priesthood under the hands of Peter, James, and John. Note that while they received the priesthood and its keys, they were not ordained to any specific offices in the priesthood. Rather, they jointly held the keys that permitted them to ordain each other and others to the priesthood offices that were necessary to a growing Church after the Church was established.
    One should note here that both Joseph and Oliver held this priesthood and its keys which include the keys of Presidency and the Holy Apostleship. Note also that both were witnesses to the restoration and as such would be called upon to seal their testimonies with their blood. However, Oliver transgressed and fell from his holy calling. Hyrum Smith, the Prophet's older brother was called to the office of Second Elder of the Church. Thus when it was time to become martyrs to the Restoration, it was Joseph and Hyrum whose blood flowed on the streets of Carthage.
    We would note that had the Second Elder not been martyred with Joseph, it would have been him and not Brigham Young who would have succeeded Joseph as the Presiding High Priest in all the world and thus to the First Presidency.


Names             Joseph Smith 1829-1844
 
  • Second Elder of the Church
           Oliver Cowdery, 1829-1841
           Hyrum Smith, 1841-1844


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