Eldred G. Smith is ordained patriarch to the church, fourteen years after Quorum of Twelve recommended him. He is nuclear engineer for Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge, Tennessee which helped usher in atomic age at Hiroshima, Japan. (1)
Eldred Gee Smith is ordained Patriarch to the Church by George Albert Smith. (2)
-- Apr 24, 1947
Re-evaluation of use of older missionary couples-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.
To Stake Presidents, calling for a re-evaluation of the policy of the Church in calling older men into the mission field which had prevailed during the years of World War II when younger men were not available. Problems were now arising because of this age differential between missionary companions. Older couples in the mission field were also having some difficulties with health and living conditions. Instructions were for a more careful screening process, taking these considerations into account. (3)
-- During April 1947
President David O. McKay reports in General Conference that 12,206 Church members are serving in the armed forces. (4)
-- During April, 1947
Missionaries should be Mission President's first concern-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Although the available copy of this circular letter "To All Mission Presidents" bears no date, from its place in the files of the Archives Department it is assumed to have been issued in April, 1947. The contents of the letter instruct the Mission Presidents that "missionaries should be the Mission President's first concern." The instructions in the letter seem to be a follow-up of the decision that the Mission Presidents should have counselors in order that the missionaries could become the Mission President's first concern. (3)
-- May 5, 1947
First Presidency Letter states: "- No special effort has ever been made to proselyte among the Negro race, and social intercourse between the Whites and the Negroes should certainly not be encouraged because of leading to intermarriage, which the Lord has forbidden. This move which has now received some popular approval of trying to break down social barriers between the Whites and the Blacks is one that should not be encouraged because inevitably it means the mixing of the races if carried to its logical conclusion." (1)
-- May 20, 1947
LDS president George Albert Smith offers official prayer for U.S. Senate, and CONGRESSIONAL RECORD publishes his invocation's full text. Exactly nineteen years later, May 20, 1966, first counselor Hugh B Brown does likewise. In 1974 Apostle (later LDS president) Gordon B. Hinckley opens U.S. Senate with prayer. (1)
-- Jun 20, 1947
Organization of elders quorums in missions-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.
In the April 2, 1947, meeting of the General Authorities of the Church with Mission Presidents, "Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Council of the Twelve made a few remarks concerning the organization of elders quorums in the missions. This question was discussed by those present and in many of the larger missions where there were sufficient number of elders to organize an elders quorum, it was felt that it would be to the advantage of all elders to have a quorum organized within the mission. Brother Kimball assured the mission presidents that further research would be made on the question and that they would be advised as to the final decision concerning this matter." This letter of the First Presidency gives that decision.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Office of the First Presidency Salt Lake City, utah June 20, 1947 To Presidents of Missions
Dear Brethren:
You will recall that in the past consideration has been given to the feasibility of organizing Priesthood quorums within the missions.
It is our feeling that stronger Priesthood organization and a well correlated Priesthood activity would be of benefit to the missions and the cause of the Church.
This letter does not presuppose immediate quorum organization in all of the missions, but is your notice that as conditions may warrant possible quorum organization may be studied and perhaps effected.
In your consideration of this important matter, it should be kept in mind that there will be no particular advantage in quorum organization where conditions do not warrant or permit of quorum function. In other words, before an Elders quorum be organized, there should be sufficient number of Elders within a close proximity to comprise a quorum, or at least a majority (49 members) of a quorum, with the prospects favorable to continued growth and quorum function.
The details incident to Priesthood quorum organization and supervision with the missions, under the direction of the General Priesthood Committee, will be worked out and further appropriate notice given. In no case, however, is a quorum organization to be undertaken without specific authorization in each instance from the First Presidency of the Church.
We think that this is an appropriate time for a careful study of Priesthood matters within each mission, and suggest that such study be made promptly.
Sincerely your brethren, GEO. ALBERT SMITH, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY First Presidency. {1947-June 20-Original circular letter, L.D.S.} (3)
Footnotes:
1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
3 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
4 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith
Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
