First Presidency (Community of Christ)
Encyclopedia
The First Presidency of the Community of Christ
, formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is the church's highest-ranking priesthood
quorum. It is composed of the president and two counselors, and they preside over the whole church under the principles of "theocratic democracy" observed in the governance of the church. This includes responsibility for the World Conference
, field ministries, priesthood
quorums and orders, and headquarters functions. The president of the Church holds the priesthood office of Prophet and is also a High Priest.
In 1860 with the reorganization of the First Presidency, Joseph Smith III
became the second Prophet-President of this church and also President of a new First Presidency. William Marks
became Smith's First Counselor.
In the Community of Christ, each new church president has generally been "designated" as the successor by the preceding church president. The Counselors in the First Presidency are then chosen by the church president and are often, but not required, to be former or current members of the Council of Twelve Apostles
. In addition, the death or resignation of the Prophet-President does not dissolve the First Presidency, which continues on as the church's executive council in the persons of the remaining two presidents until a Prophet-President is called. The two members who were counselors to the prophet-president, cease to be counselors during this time. Upon ordination of the Prophet-President, the former first presidency is dissolved, and upon ordination of the two he/she calls to be his/her counselors and presidents of the church it is reorganized. Members of the First Presidency are not members of the Quorum of Twelve nor do they hold the priesthood office of apostle, regardless of previous calling.
Prior to 1996, all prophet-presidents were descendants of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.. This pattern was broken by Wallace B. Smith
, who designated W. Grant McMurray
church president. McMurray, in turn, resigned the church presidency in 2004 without designating a successor. A joint council of church leaders led by the Council of Twelve Apostles announced in March 2005 the name of Stephen M. Veazey
as Prophet-President designate. Veazey had been serving as president of the Council of Twelve. Delegates elected to a special World Conference
of the church approved Veazey and he was ordained as the 8th president of the High Priesthood, Prophet, and President of the Church on June 3, 2005.
One June 4, 2005 with the ordinations of Ken Robinson and David Schaal to the priesthood office of president (and concurrently as counselors to the President of the Church), the First Presidency was reorganized. At the 2007 World Conference, Becky L. Savage
was ordained as the first woman to serve in the First Presidency. She replaced Ken Robinson, who was ordained to the office of evangelist and is expected to retire from full time ministry "at an appropriate date".
Current members of the First Presidency:
At the 2007 World Conference, President Veazey stated that President Savage "will not be relegated to any kind of secondary role based on seniority or responsibility." Veazey assigned Savage to lead headquarters operations and leadership development while Schaal will oversee field and human resources ministries in addition to other duties.
Community of Christ
The Community of Christ, known from 1872 to 2001 as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , is an American-based international Christian church established in April 1830 that claims as its mission "to proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace"...
, formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is the church's highest-ranking priesthood
Priesthood (Community of Christ)
In the Community of Christ, formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, priesthood is God's power and authority to minister in the church and to conduct God's business on the earth...
quorum. It is composed of the president and two counselors, and they preside over the whole church under the principles of "theocratic democracy" observed in the governance of the church. This includes responsibility for the World Conference
World Conference (Community of Christ)
World Conference is the highest legislative body in the Community of Christ and is empowered to act for the entire church. It operates according to a principle known as "common consent" and is presided over by the First Presidency...
, field ministries, priesthood
Priesthood (Community of Christ)
In the Community of Christ, formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, priesthood is God's power and authority to minister in the church and to conduct God's business on the earth...
quorums and orders, and headquarters functions. The president of the Church holds the priesthood office of Prophet and is also a High Priest.
In 1860 with the reorganization of the First Presidency, Joseph Smith III
Joseph Smith III
Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith...
became the second Prophet-President of this church and also President of a new First Presidency. William Marks
William Marks (Mormonism)
William Marks was a leader in the early days of the Latter Day Saint movement and was a member of the First Presidency in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints...
became Smith's First Counselor.
In the Community of Christ, each new church president has generally been "designated" as the successor by the preceding church president. The Counselors in the First Presidency are then chosen by the church president and are often, but not required, to be former or current members of the Council of Twelve Apostles
Council of Twelve Apostles (Community of Christ)
In the Community of Christ, The Council of Twelve Apostles is one of the governing bodies in the church hierarchy. They are disciples who hold the priesthood office of Apostle, and are responsible for the evangelistic witness of the church...
. In addition, the death or resignation of the Prophet-President does not dissolve the First Presidency, which continues on as the church's executive council in the persons of the remaining two presidents until a Prophet-President is called. The two members who were counselors to the prophet-president, cease to be counselors during this time. Upon ordination of the Prophet-President, the former first presidency is dissolved, and upon ordination of the two he/she calls to be his/her counselors and presidents of the church it is reorganized. Members of the First Presidency are not members of the Quorum of Twelve nor do they hold the priesthood office of apostle, regardless of previous calling.
Prior to 1996, all prophet-presidents were descendants of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.. This pattern was broken by Wallace B. Smith
Wallace B. Smith
Wallace Bunnell Anthony Smith was Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from April 5, 1978 through April 15, 1996. Son of President W. Wallace Smith, he was designated as his father's successor in 1976, and ordained church president in 1978 when his...
, who designated W. Grant McMurray
W. Grant McMurray
William Grant McMurray was Prophet-President of the Community of Christ from 1996 until 2004. He was the first non-descendant of Joseph Smith to head the church, and under his administration, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints changed its name to Community of...
church president. McMurray, in turn, resigned the church presidency in 2004 without designating a successor. A joint council of church leaders led by the Council of Twelve Apostles announced in March 2005 the name of Stephen M. Veazey
Stephen M. Veazey
Stephen Mark Veazey is the current Prophet-President of the Community of Christ, headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Veazey's name was presented to the church in March 2005 by a joint council of church leaders led by the Council of Twelve Apostles, as the next Prophet-President...
as Prophet-President designate. Veazey had been serving as president of the Council of Twelve. Delegates elected to a special World Conference
World Conference (Community of Christ)
World Conference is the highest legislative body in the Community of Christ and is empowered to act for the entire church. It operates according to a principle known as "common consent" and is presided over by the First Presidency...
of the church approved Veazey and he was ordained as the 8th president of the High Priesthood, Prophet, and President of the Church on June 3, 2005.
One June 4, 2005 with the ordinations of Ken Robinson and David Schaal to the priesthood office of president (and concurrently as counselors to the President of the Church), the First Presidency was reorganized. At the 2007 World Conference, Becky L. Savage
Becky L. Savage
Becky L. Savage has been a counselor to Stephen M. Veazey in the First Presidency of the Community of Christ, since March 2007. Savage is the first female member of the First Presidency in the history of the Community of Christ....
was ordained as the first woman to serve in the First Presidency. She replaced Ken Robinson, who was ordained to the office of evangelist and is expected to retire from full time ministry "at an appropriate date".
Current members of the First Presidency:
- President Stephen M. VeazeyStephen M. VeazeyStephen Mark Veazey is the current Prophet-President of the Community of Christ, headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Veazey's name was presented to the church in March 2005 by a joint council of church leaders led by the Council of Twelve Apostles, as the next Prophet-President...
, President of the Church - President David D. SchaalDavid D. SchaalDavid D. Schaal has been a member of the First Presidency of the Community of Christ since 2005. Schaal was also a member of the church's Council of Twelve Apostles from 2002 to 2005....
(Counselor to the president) - President Becky L. SavageBecky L. SavageBecky L. Savage has been a counselor to Stephen M. Veazey in the First Presidency of the Community of Christ, since March 2007. Savage is the first female member of the First Presidency in the history of the Community of Christ....
(Counselor to the president)
At the 2007 World Conference, President Veazey stated that President Savage "will not be relegated to any kind of secondary role based on seniority or responsibility." Veazey assigned Savage to lead headquarters operations and leadership development while Schaal will oversee field and human resources ministries in addition to other duties.
Chronology of the First Presidency
| Dates | Prophet–President of the Church | Counselors | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 March 1832— 3 December 1832 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. | Jesse Gause Jesse Gause Jesse Gause was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and served in the First Presidency as a counselor to Church President Joseph Smith, Jr. For decades Gause was generally unknown to LDS historians, and so could be considered Mormonism's lost counselor of the First Presidency... Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... |
Initial organization of First Presidency |
| 3 December 1832— 18 March 1833 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. | Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... |
Jesse Gause Jesse Gause Jesse Gause was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and served in the First Presidency as a counselor to Church President Joseph Smith, Jr. For decades Gause was generally unknown to LDS historians, and so could be considered Mormonism's lost counselor of the First Presidency... excommunicated |
| 18 March 1833— 5 December 1834 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. | Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... Frederick G. Williams Frederick G. Williams Frederick Granger Williams was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement and served in the First Presidency as Second Counselor to church president Joseph Smith, Jr. from 1833 to 1837... |
Frederick G. Williams Frederick G. Williams Frederick Granger Williams was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement and served in the First Presidency as Second Counselor to church president Joseph Smith, Jr. from 1833 to 1837... called as Counselor |
| 5 December 1834— 3 September 1837 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. Oliver Cowdery Oliver Cowdery Oliver H. P. Cowdery was, with Joseph Smith, Jr., an important participant in the formative period of the Latter Day Saint movement between 1829 and 1836, becoming one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon's golden plates, one of the first Latter Day Saint apostles, and the Second Elder of... (Assistant President Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... ) |
Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... Frederick G. Williams Frederick G. Williams Frederick Granger Williams was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement and served in the First Presidency as Second Counselor to church president Joseph Smith, Jr. from 1833 to 1837... |
Oliver Cowdery Oliver Cowdery Oliver H. P. Cowdery was, with Joseph Smith, Jr., an important participant in the formative period of the Latter Day Saint movement between 1829 and 1836, becoming one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon's golden plates, one of the first Latter Day Saint apostles, and the Second Elder of... called as Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... |
| 3 September 1837— 7 November 1837 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. Oliver Cowdery Oliver Cowdery Oliver H. P. Cowdery was, with Joseph Smith, Jr., an important participant in the formative period of the Latter Day Saint movement between 1829 and 1836, becoming one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon's golden plates, one of the first Latter Day Saint apostles, and the Second Elder of... (Assistant President Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... ) |
Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... Frederick G. Williams Frederick G. Williams Frederick Granger Williams was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement and served in the First Presidency as Second Counselor to church president Joseph Smith, Jr. from 1833 to 1837... Oliver Cowdery Oliver Cowdery Oliver H. P. Cowdery was, with Joseph Smith, Jr., an important participant in the formative period of the Latter Day Saint movement between 1829 and 1836, becoming one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon's golden plates, one of the first Latter Day Saint apostles, and the Second Elder of... (Assistant Counselor) Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... (Assistant Counselor) John Smith John Smith (1781-1854) John Smith , known as Uncle John, was an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... (Assistant Counselor) Joseph Smith, Sr. Joseph Smith, Sr. Joseph Smith, Sr. was the father of Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Joseph Sr. was also one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe was translated by Joseph Jr. from the Golden Plates. In 1833 Joseph Sr... (Assistant Counselor) |
Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... , John Smith John Smith (1781-1854) John Smith , known as Uncle John, was an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... and Joseph Smith, Sr. Joseph Smith, Sr. Joseph Smith, Sr. was the father of Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Joseph Sr. was also one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe was translated by Joseph Jr. from the Golden Plates. In 1833 Joseph Sr... called as Assistant Counselors; Oliver Cowdery Oliver Cowdery Oliver H. P. Cowdery was, with Joseph Smith, Jr., an important participant in the formative period of the Latter Day Saint movement between 1829 and 1836, becoming one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon's golden plates, one of the first Latter Day Saint apostles, and the Second Elder of... also given the title of Assistant Counselor |
| 7 November 1837— 11 April 1938 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. Oliver Cowdery Oliver Cowdery Oliver H. P. Cowdery was, with Joseph Smith, Jr., an important participant in the formative period of the Latter Day Saint movement between 1829 and 1836, becoming one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon's golden plates, one of the first Latter Day Saint apostles, and the Second Elder of... (Assistant President Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... ) |
Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... Oliver Cowdery Oliver Cowdery Oliver H. P. Cowdery was, with Joseph Smith, Jr., an important participant in the formative period of the Latter Day Saint movement between 1829 and 1836, becoming one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon's golden plates, one of the first Latter Day Saint apostles, and the Second Elder of... (Assistant Counselor) Joseph Smith, Sr. Joseph Smith, Sr. Joseph Smith, Sr. was the father of Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Joseph Sr. was also one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe was translated by Joseph Jr. from the Golden Plates. In 1833 Joseph Sr... (Assistant Counselor) John Smith John Smith (1781-1854) John Smith , known as Uncle John, was an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... (Assistant Counselor) |
Frederick G. Williams Frederick G. Williams Frederick Granger Williams was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement and served in the First Presidency as Second Counselor to church president Joseph Smith, Jr. from 1833 to 1837... rejected as Counselor at church conference; Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... called as Counselor |
| 11 April 1838— 14 September 1840 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. | Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... Joseph Smith, Sr. Joseph Smith, Sr. Joseph Smith, Sr. was the father of Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Joseph Sr. was also one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe was translated by Joseph Jr. from the Golden Plates. In 1833 Joseph Sr... (Assistant Counselor) John Smith John Smith (1781-1854) John Smith , known as Uncle John, was an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... (Assistant Counselor) |
Oliver Cowdery Oliver Cowdery Oliver H. P. Cowdery was, with Joseph Smith, Jr., an important participant in the formative period of the Latter Day Saint movement between 1829 and 1836, becoming one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon's golden plates, one of the first Latter Day Saint apostles, and the Second Elder of... excommunicated |
| 14 September 1840— 24 January 1841 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. | Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... John Smith John Smith (1781-1854) John Smith , known as Uncle John, was an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... (Assistant Counselor) |
Death of Joseph Smith, Sr. Joseph Smith, Sr. Joseph Smith, Sr. was the father of Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Joseph Sr. was also one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe was translated by Joseph Jr. from the Golden Plates. In 1833 Joseph Sr... |
| 24 January 1841— 8 April 1841 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... (Assistant President Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... ) |
Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... William Law William Law (Mormonism) William Law was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement, holding a position in the early church's First Presidency under Joseph Smith, Jr... John Smith John Smith (1781-1854) John Smith , known as Uncle John, was an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... (Assistant Counselor) |
Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... called as Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... ; William Law William Law (Mormonism) William Law was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement, holding a position in the early church's First Presidency under Joseph Smith, Jr... replaces Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... as Counselor |
| 8 April 1841— 25 May 1842 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... (Assistant President Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... ) John C. Bennett John C. Bennett John Cook Bennett was an American physician and a ranking and influential—but short-lived—leader of the Latter Day Saint movement, who acted as second-in-command to Joseph Smith, Jr., for a brief period in the early 1840s.... (Assistant President Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... ) |
Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... William Law William Law (Mormonism) William Law was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement, holding a position in the early church's First Presidency under Joseph Smith, Jr... John Smith John Smith (1781-1854) John Smith , known as Uncle John, was an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... (Counselor) |
John C. Bennett John C. Bennett John Cook Bennett was an American physician and a ranking and influential—but short-lived—leader of the Latter Day Saint movement, who acted as second-in-command to Joseph Smith, Jr., for a brief period in the early 1840s.... called as Assistant President Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... |
| 25 May 1842— 4 February 1843 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... (Assistant President Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... ) |
Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... William Law William Law (Mormonism) William Law was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement, holding a position in the early church's First Presidency under Joseph Smith, Jr... John Smith John Smith (1781-1854) John Smith , known as Uncle John, was an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... (Assistant Counselor) |
John C. Bennett John C. Bennett John Cook Bennett was an American physician and a ranking and influential—but short-lived—leader of the Latter Day Saint movement, who acted as second-in-command to Joseph Smith, Jr., for a brief period in the early 1840s.... disfellowshipped |
| 4 February 1843— 18 April 1844 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... (Assistant President Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... ) |
Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... William Law William Law (Mormonism) William Law was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement, holding a position in the early church's First Presidency under Joseph Smith, Jr... John Smith John Smith (1781-1854) John Smith , known as Uncle John, was an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... (Assistant Counselor) Amasa M. Lyman (Counselor) |
Amasa M. Lyman called as Counselor |
| 18 April 1844— 27 June 1844 |
Joseph Smith, Jr. Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the original church of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the older brother of the movement's founder, Joseph Smith, Jr.... (Assistant President Assistant President of the Church Assistant President of the Church was a position in the leadership hierarchy in the early days of the Latter Day Saint church founded by Joseph Smith, Jr. The Assistant President was the second-highest authority in the church and was a member of the church's governing First Presidency... ) |
Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon was a leader during the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.-Baptist background:... John Smith John Smith (1781-1854) John Smith , known as Uncle John, was an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... (Assistant Counselor) Amasa M. Lyman (Counselor) |
Apostasy of William Law William Law (Mormonism) William Law was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement, holding a position in the early church's First Presidency under Joseph Smith, Jr... |
| 6 April 1860— 6 April 1863 |
Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith... |
Reorganization of church with Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith... as prophet–president |
|
| 6 April 1863— May 22, 1872 |
Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith... |
William Marks | William Marks called as Counselor |
| May 22, 1872— April 10, 1873 |
Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith... |
Death of William Marks | |
| April 10, 1873— 1885 |
Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith... |
William W. Blair William W. Blair William Wallace Blair was an apostle and a member of the First Presidency of the Reoganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints .... David Hyrum Smith David Hyrum Smith David Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader, poet, painter, singer, philosopher, and naturalist. The youngest son of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Emma Hale Smith, he was an influential missionary and leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He was born approximately five months after the murder of... |
William W. Blair William W. Blair William Wallace Blair was an apostle and a member of the First Presidency of the Reoganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints .... and David Hyrum Smith David Hyrum Smith David Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader, poet, painter, singer, philosopher, and naturalist. The youngest son of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Emma Hale Smith, he was an influential missionary and leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He was born approximately five months after the murder of... called as Counselors |
| 1885— April 18, 1896 |
Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith... |
William W. Blair William W. Blair William Wallace Blair was an apostle and a member of the First Presidency of the Reoganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints .... |
Release of David Hyrum Smith David Hyrum Smith David Hyrum Smith was an American religious leader, poet, painter, singer, philosopher, and naturalist. The youngest son of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Emma Hale Smith, he was an influential missionary and leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He was born approximately five months after the murder of... due to ill health and incapacitation |
| April 18, 1896— April 18, 1902 |
Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith... |
Death of William W. Blair William W. Blair William Wallace Blair was an apostle and a member of the First Presidency of the Reoganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints .... |
|
| April 18, 1902— April 19, 1909 |
Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith... |
R. C. Evans R. C. Evans Richard Charles Evans was a Canadian apostle and member of the First Presidency in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who became the leader of a schismatic sect that separated from the RLDS Church in 1918.Evans was born in St. Andrews in Argenteuil County, Province of... Frederick M. Smith |
R. C. Evans R. C. Evans Richard Charles Evans was a Canadian apostle and member of the First Presidency in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who became the leader of a schismatic sect that separated from the RLDS Church in 1918.Evans was born in St. Andrews in Argenteuil County, Province of... and Frederick M. Smith called as Counselors |
| April 19, 1909— December 10, 1914 |
Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith... |
Frederick M. Smith Elbert A. Smith Elbert A. Smith Elbert Aoriul Smith was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... |
R. C. Evans R. C. Evans Richard Charles Evans was a Canadian apostle and member of the First Presidency in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who became the leader of a schismatic sect that separated from the RLDS Church in 1918.Evans was born in St. Andrews in Argenteuil County, Province of... released and Elbert A. Smith Elbert A. Smith Elbert Aoriul Smith was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... called as replacement |
| May 5, 1915— October 2, 1922 |
Frederick M. Smith | Elbert A. Smith Elbert A. Smith Elbert Aoriul Smith was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... |
Frederick M. Smith ordained prophet–president after death of Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III Joseph Smith III was the eldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and Emma Hale Smith... ; Elbert A. Smith Elbert A. Smith Elbert Aoriul Smith was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... retained as Counselor |
| October 2, 1922— April 7, 1938 |
Frederick M. Smith | Elbert A. Smith Elbert A. Smith Elbert Aoriul Smith was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... Floyd M. McDowell Floyd M. McDowell Floyd Marion McDowell was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints . McDowell was a member of the church's First Presidency from 1922 to 1938.... |
Floyd M. McDowell Floyd M. McDowell Floyd Marion McDowell was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints . McDowell was a member of the church's First Presidency from 1922 to 1938.... called as Counselor |
| April 7, 1938— October 1938 |
Frederick M. Smith | Floyd M. McDowell Floyd M. McDowell Floyd Marion McDowell was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints . McDowell was a member of the church's First Presidency from 1922 to 1938.... |
Elbert A. Smith Elbert A. Smith Elbert Aoriul Smith was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... released as Counselor |
| October 1938— March 20, 1946 |
Frederick M. Smith | Israel A. Smith Lemuel F.P. Curry |
Floyd M. McDowell Floyd M. McDowell Floyd Marion McDowell was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints . McDowell was a member of the church's First Presidency from 1922 to 1938.... resigns as Counselor; Israel A. Smith and Lemuel F.P. Curry added as Counselors |
| April 9, 1946— March 1949 |
Israel A. Smith | John F. Garver John F. Garver John Franklin Garver was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints .Garver was born in Bristol, Indiana. He was educated at Graceland College... F. Henry Edwards F. Henry Edwards Francis Henry Edwards was a British leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... |
Reorganization of First Presidency after death of Frederick M. Smith |
| March 1949— April 2, 1950 |
Israel A. Smith | F. Henry Edwards F. Henry Edwards Francis Henry Edwards was a British leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... |
Death of John F. Garver John F. Garver John Franklin Garver was an American leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints .Garver was born in Bristol, Indiana. He was educated at Graceland College... |
| April 2, 1950— June 14, 1958 |
Israel A. Smith | F. Henry Edwards F. Henry Edwards Francis Henry Edwards was a British leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... W. Wallace Smith W. Wallace Smith William Wallace Smith was a grandson of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from October 6, 1958 to April 5, 1978, when he retired to "emeritus" status.... |
W. Wallace Smith W. Wallace Smith William Wallace Smith was a grandson of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from October 6, 1958 to April 5, 1978, when he retired to "emeritus" status.... called as Counselor |
| October 8, 1958— April 18, 1966 |
W. Wallace Smith W. Wallace Smith William Wallace Smith was a grandson of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from October 6, 1958 to April 5, 1978, when he retired to "emeritus" status.... |
F. Henry Edwards F. Henry Edwards Francis Henry Edwards was a British leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... Maurice L. Draper |
Reorganization of First Presidency after death of Israel A. Smith |
| April 18, 1966— March 29, 1976 |
W. Wallace Smith W. Wallace Smith William Wallace Smith was a grandson of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from October 6, 1958 to April 5, 1978, when he retired to "emeritus" status.... |
Maurice L. Draper Duane E. Couey |
F. Henry Edwards F. Henry Edwards Francis Henry Edwards was a British leader in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints... released and replaced with Duane E. Couey |
| March 29, 1976— April 3, 1978 |
W. Wallace Smith W. Wallace Smith William Wallace Smith was a grandson of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from October 6, 1958 to April 5, 1978, when he retired to "emeritus" status.... Wallace B. Smith Wallace B. Smith Wallace Bunnell Anthony Smith was Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from April 5, 1978 through April 15, 1996. Son of President W. Wallace Smith, he was designated as his father's successor in 1976, and ordained church president in 1978 when his... (Assistant and prophet–president designate) |
Maurice L. Draper Duane E. Couey |
Wallace B. Smith Wallace B. Smith Wallace Bunnell Anthony Smith was Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from April 5, 1978 through April 15, 1996. Son of President W. Wallace Smith, he was designated as his father's successor in 1976, and ordained church president in 1978 when his... added as an assistant to W. Wallace Smith W. Wallace Smith William Wallace Smith was a grandson of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from October 6, 1958 to April 5, 1978, when he retired to "emeritus" status.... and given title prophet–president designate |
| April 3, 1978— March 29, 1982 |
Wallace B. Smith Wallace B. Smith Wallace Bunnell Anthony Smith was Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from April 5, 1978 through April 15, 1996. Son of President W. Wallace Smith, he was designated as his father's successor in 1976, and ordained church president in 1978 when his... |
Duane E. Couey Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. Howard Sherman Sheehy, Jr. was a member of the First Presidency of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1978 to 2000... |
Reorganization of First Presidency upon retirement of W. Wallace Smith W. Wallace Smith William Wallace Smith was a grandson of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from October 6, 1958 to April 5, 1978, when he retired to "emeritus" status.... |
| March 29, 1982— April 5, 1992 |
Wallace B. Smith Wallace B. Smith Wallace Bunnell Anthony Smith was Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from April 5, 1978 through April 15, 1996. Son of President W. Wallace Smith, he was designated as his father's successor in 1976, and ordained church president in 1978 when his... |
Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. Howard Sherman Sheehy, Jr. was a member of the First Presidency of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1978 to 2000... Alan D. Tyree |
Duane E. Couey released and replaced with Alan D. Tyree |
| April 5, 1992— April 15, 1996 |
Wallace B. Smith Wallace B. Smith Wallace Bunnell Anthony Smith was Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from April 5, 1978 through April 15, 1996. Son of President W. Wallace Smith, he was designated as his father's successor in 1976, and ordained church president in 1978 when his... |
Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. Howard Sherman Sheehy, Jr. was a member of the First Presidency of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1978 to 2000... W. Grant McMurray W. Grant McMurray William Grant McMurray was Prophet-President of the Community of Christ from 1996 until 2004. He was the first non-descendant of Joseph Smith to head the church, and under his administration, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints changed its name to Community of... |
Alan D. Tyree released and replaced with W. Grant McMurray W. Grant McMurray William Grant McMurray was Prophet-President of the Community of Christ from 1996 until 2004. He was the first non-descendant of Joseph Smith to head the church, and under his administration, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints changed its name to Community of... |
| April 15, 1996— April 2000 |
W. Grant McMurray W. Grant McMurray William Grant McMurray was Prophet-President of the Community of Christ from 1996 until 2004. He was the first non-descendant of Joseph Smith to head the church, and under his administration, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints changed its name to Community of... |
Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. Howard Sherman Sheehy, Jr. was a member of the First Presidency of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1978 to 2000... Kenneth N. Robinson Kenneth N. Robinson Kenneth N. Robinson was a member of the First Presidency of the Community of Christ from 1996 to 2007. Robinson was also an apostle and a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles of the church from 1980 to 1996.... |
Reorganization of First Presidency upon retirement of Wallace B. Smith Wallace B. Smith Wallace Bunnell Anthony Smith was Prophet-President of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints , from April 5, 1978 through April 15, 1996. Son of President W. Wallace Smith, he was designated as his father's successor in 1976, and ordained church president in 1978 when his... |
| April 2000–June 3, 2005 | W. Grant McMurray W. Grant McMurray William Grant McMurray was Prophet-President of the Community of Christ from 1996 until 2004. He was the first non-descendant of Joseph Smith to head the church, and under his administration, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints changed its name to Community of... |
Kenneth N. Robinson Kenneth N. Robinson Kenneth N. Robinson was a member of the First Presidency of the Community of Christ from 1996 to 2007. Robinson was also an apostle and a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles of the church from 1980 to 1996.... Peter A. Judd Peter A. Judd Peter A. Judd was a member of the First Presidency of the Community of Christ from 2000 to 2005. Judd was also an apostle and a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles of the church from 1996 to 2000.Judd, a native of Enfield, England, became a counselor to W... |
Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. Howard S. Sheehy, Jr. Howard Sherman Sheehy, Jr. was a member of the First Presidency of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 1978 to 2000... released and replaced with Peter A. Judd Peter A. Judd Peter A. Judd was a member of the First Presidency of the Community of Christ from 2000 to 2005. Judd was also an apostle and a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles of the church from 1996 to 2000.Judd, a native of Enfield, England, became a counselor to W... |
| June 3, 2005— March 1, 2007 |
Stephen M. Veazey Stephen M. Veazey Stephen Mark Veazey is the current Prophet-President of the Community of Christ, headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Veazey's name was presented to the church in March 2005 by a joint council of church leaders led by the Council of Twelve Apostles, as the next Prophet-President... |
Kenneth N. Robinson Kenneth N. Robinson Kenneth N. Robinson was a member of the First Presidency of the Community of Christ from 1996 to 2007. Robinson was also an apostle and a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles of the church from 1980 to 1996.... David D. Schaal David D. Schaal David D. Schaal has been a member of the First Presidency of the Community of Christ since 2005. Schaal was also a member of the church's Council of Twelve Apostles from 2002 to 2005.... |
Reorganization of First Presidency upon resignation of W. Grant McMurray W. Grant McMurray William Grant McMurray was Prophet-President of the Community of Christ from 1996 until 2004. He was the first non-descendant of Joseph Smith to head the church, and under his administration, the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints changed its name to Community of... |
| March 1, 2007— | Stephen M. Veazey Stephen M. Veazey Stephen Mark Veazey is the current Prophet-President of the Community of Christ, headquartered in Independence, Missouri. Veazey's name was presented to the church in March 2005 by a joint council of church leaders led by the Council of Twelve Apostles, as the next Prophet-President... |
David D. Schaal David D. Schaal David D. Schaal has been a member of the First Presidency of the Community of Christ since 2005. Schaal was also a member of the church's Council of Twelve Apostles from 2002 to 2005.... Becky L. Savage Becky L. Savage Becky L. Savage has been a counselor to Stephen M. Veazey in the First Presidency of the Community of Christ, since March 2007. Savage is the first female member of the First Presidency in the history of the Community of Christ.... |
Kenneth N. Robinson Kenneth N. Robinson Kenneth N. Robinson was a member of the First Presidency of the Community of Christ from 1996 to 2007. Robinson was also an apostle and a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles of the church from 1980 to 1996.... released and replaced with Becky L. Savage Becky L. Savage Becky L. Savage has been a counselor to Stephen M. Veazey in the First Presidency of the Community of Christ, since March 2007. Savage is the first female member of the First Presidency in the history of the Community of Christ.... |