-- Jul 29, 1887
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] In the evening at 7:30 attended a meeting in the Presidents Office (after funeral) Presidents Cannon and Smith, Apostles Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Moses Thatcher, Heber J. Grant and John W. Taylor and Counselor D. H. Wells were preset. In as much as there was not a majority of the quorum present to assume charge of the affairs of the Church, and Brother Cannon and Smith having expressed a delicacy in continuing to act as the presiding authority, an expression was taken to the effect that it was the sense of those present that Presidents Cannon and Smith continue to act in their present capacity until each time as a majority of the quorum of the Apostles could be present. (1)
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29 I received 9 Letters from Jaques, Shettler, Sarah James, McAllister Bishop Farrell GQC & J. F. Smith Whittaker. I rode to the office and Met with G Q Cannon, & Joseph F. Smith M Thatcher F. D. Richards L. Snow & D H. Wells.
The funeral of Presidet John Taylor was held at the Tabernacle at 12 oclk & 15 M. The Congregation was Called to order By A M Cannon the presidt of the Stake. (But according to my view it should have been Called to order by Lorenzo Snow the Highest authority present as He was John Taylor was Presidt of the Church.) I saw the procession of the funeral Pass the Presidets office. On the Street Passing the office there were 7 Bands of Music 43 Carriages, 31 Buggies 19 waggons 1 Cart. There was 102 vehicles in all and a large Congregation. Thus goes to rest Presidet John Taylor the third Presidet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (2)
Elder George Q. Cannon said: "Brethren I desired to see you together so that I might explain to you our position. Brother Joseph F.[Smith] and I, have acted since President [John] Taylor s death in a manner to avoid confusion, and that no duty pertaining to his funeral might be neglected. But now that President Taylor is buried-laid away to rest-we desire to say that our functions, as his counselors, are ended. We therefore wish to know whether or not you desire us to carry on the current business of the Church requiring daily attention."
In connection with the business referred to, Elder Cannon mentioned the signing of recommendation to the temples, and to some private affairs connected with the movement for Statehood, which affairs he did not feel at liberty to reveal even to the Twelve, that he was, in fact under obligations not to reveal them to any person.
Elder Joseph F. Smith expressed similar views as to the ending of the functions of President Taylor s counselors, and said that he did not wish further to act without the sanction and approval of the Twelve present. (3)
Endnotes:
1 - Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Note: Franklin D. Richards moved that Cannon and Smith continue to function as a de facto First Presidency until a majority of the Twelve meet to take action. Moses Thatcher disagreed, saying that with Taylor s death the First Presidency was dissolved and that governance now rested with the Twelve Apostles. The meeting ended when a majority of those present agreed to allow Cannon and Smith to continue their activities until a majority of the quorum could meet. Also in attendance were Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, and Daniel H. Wells.
LDS History Chronology: Lorenzo Snow
Mormon History Timeline: the life of Lorenzo Snow
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
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