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Minutes, 18 March 1833

Source Note

Minutes,
Kirtland Township

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
, Geauga Co., OH, 18 Mar. 1833. Featured version copied [between 4 June and ca. 6 June 1833] in Minute Book 1, pp. 16–17; handwriting of
Frederick G. Williams

28 Oct. 1787–10 Oct. 1842. Ship’s pilot, teacher, physician, justice of the peace. Born at Suffield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of William Wheeler Williams and Ruth Granger. Moved to Newburg, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 1799. Practiced Thomsonian botanical system...

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; CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for Minute Book 1.

Historical Introduction

At an 18 March 1833 meeting of the
School of the Prophets

A term occasionally used to refer to a Protestant seminary; specifically used by JS to refer to a school to prepare elders of the church for their ministry. A December 1832 revelation directed JS and the elders of the church in Kirtland, Ohio, to establish...

View Glossary
in
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
, Ohio, JS
ordained

The conferral of power and authority; to appoint, decree, or set apart. Church members, primarily adults, were ordained to ecclesiastical offices and other responsibilities by the laying on of hands by those with the proper authority. Ordinations to priesthood...

View Glossary
Sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

View Full Bio
and
Frederick G. Williams

28 Oct. 1787–10 Oct. 1842. Ship’s pilot, teacher, physician, justice of the peace. Born at Suffield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of William Wheeler Williams and Ruth Granger. Moved to Newburg, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 1799. Practiced Thomsonian botanical system...

View Full Bio
as
presidents of the high priesthood

Both the office of the president of the high priesthood and the body comprising the president and his counselors; the presiding body of the church. In November 1831, a revelation directed the appointment of a president of the high priesthood. The individual...

View Glossary
. An 8 March revelation declared to JS that Rigdon and Williams were “accounted as equal with thee in holding the keys of this Last Kingdom” but did not expressly
command

Generally, a divine mandate that church members were expected to obey; more specifically, a text dictated by JS in the first-person voice of Deity that served to communicate knowledge and instruction to JS and his followers. Occasionally, other inspired texts...

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JS to ordain Rigdon and Williams as presidents of the high priesthood.
1

Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:6].


At this meeting, Rigdon requested that he and Williams be ordained and JS then performed the ordinations.
Two other events at this meeting are especially noteworthy. First, although this meeting was held on a Monday, bread and wine were distributed as the
sacrament

Primarily referred to the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, as opposed to other religious sacraments. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed “that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in remembrance of the Lord...

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of the Lord’s Supper. This practice was generally reserved for Sunday worship services but apparently occurred fairly regularly at meetings of the School of the Prophets. At the end of a previous
conference

A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...

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of high priests, held on 23 January 1833, for example, “they partook of the Lords supper which was blessed by the president in the name of the Lord[.] all eat and drank and were filled.”
2

Minutes, 22–23 Jan. 1833.


A year later, in April 1834, the sacrament was again administered at a conference of
elders

A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...

View Glossary
and
high priests

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. Christ and many ancient prophets, including Abraham, were described as being high priests. The Book of Mormon used the term high priest to denote one appointed to lead the church. However, the Book of Mormon also discussed...

View Glossary
, also held on a Monday.
3

Minute Book 1, 21 Apr. 1834.


According to
Zebedee Coltrin

7 Sept. 1804–21 July 1887. Born at Ovid, Seneca Co., New York. Son of John Coltrin and Sarah Graham. Member of Methodist church. Married first Julia Ann Jennings, Oct. 1828. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Solomon Hancock, 9 Jan...

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, a high priest who participated in the foundational meetings of the School of the Prophets, the sacrament was regularly administered at school meetings and JS determined both the manner and the frequency of its administration.
4

Coltrin’s later account suggests that this 18 March conference was one such meeting of the School of the Prophets. Coltrin explained that “the Sacrament was also administered at times when Joseph appointed, after the ancient order; that is, warm bread to break easy was provided, and broken into pieces as large as my fist, and each person had a glass of wine and sat and ate the bread and drank the wine; and Joseph said that was the way that Jesus and his deciples partook of the bread and wine; and this was the order of the church anciently, and until the church went into darkness. Every time we were called togather to attend to any business, we came togather in the morning about sunrise, fasting and partook of the Sacrament each time.” On another occasion Coltrin again reminisced about the meetings of the School of the Prophets and spoke specifically of the administration of the sacrament: “The brethren always went fasting; they went in the morning, remained until about four oclock in the afternoon, when each had a glass of wine and a piece of bread, after the ancient pattern.” (School of the Prophets Salt Lake City Minutes, 3 and 11 Oct. 1883.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

School of the Prophets Salt Lake City Minutes, Apr.–Dec. 1883. CHL.

An event much more profound than the administration of the sacrament is also recorded in the minutes; they relay an account of “a heavenly vision of the saviour and concourses of angels” that was witnessed by the participants in the meeting. This event is likely the same one
Zebedee Coltrin

7 Sept. 1804–21 July 1887. Born at Ovid, Seneca Co., New York. Son of John Coltrin and Sarah Graham. Member of Methodist church. Married first Julia Ann Jennings, Oct. 1828. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Solomon Hancock, 9 Jan...

View Full Bio
described fifty years later to the school of the prophets in Salt Lake City:
At one of these meetings after the organization of the school, on the 23d of January, 1833, when we were all togather, Joseph having givan instructions, and while engaged in silent prayer, kneeling, with our hands uplifted each one praying in silence, no one whispered above his breath, a personage walked through the room from east to west, and Joseph asked if we saw him. I saw him and suppose the others did, and Joseph answered that is Jesus, the Son of God, our elder brother. Afterwards Joseph told us to resume our former position in prayer; which we did. Another person came through; He was surrounded as with a flame of fire. He (
Bro. C[oltrin]

7 Sept. 1804–21 July 1887. Born at Ovid, Seneca Co., New York. Son of John Coltrin and Sarah Graham. Member of Methodist church. Married first Julia Ann Jennings, Oct. 1828. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Solomon Hancock, 9 Jan...

View Full Bio
) experianced a sensation that it might destroy the tabernacle as it was of consuming fire of great brightness. The Prophet Joseph said this was the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. I saw Him.
5

School of the Prophets Salt Lake City Minutes, 3 Oct. 1883.


Comprehensive Works Cited

School of the Prophets Salt Lake City Minutes, Apr.–Dec. 1883. CHL.

While other entries in the minute book outline other shared spiritual experiences, such as speaking in tongues, only this entry relates a collective vision of Jesus Christ.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:6].

  2. [2]

    Minutes, 22–23 Jan. 1833.

  3. [3]

    Minute Book 1, 21 Apr. 1834.

  4. [4]

    Coltrin’s later account suggests that this 18 March conference was one such meeting of the School of the Prophets. Coltrin explained that “the Sacrament was also administered at times when Joseph appointed, after the ancient order; that is, warm bread to break easy was provided, and broken into pieces as large as my fist, and each person had a glass of wine and sat and ate the bread and drank the wine; and Joseph said that was the way that Jesus and his deciples partook of the bread and wine; and this was the order of the church anciently, and until the church went into darkness. Every time we were called togather to attend to any business, we came togather in the morning about sunrise, fasting and partook of the Sacrament each time.” On another occasion Coltrin again reminisced about the meetings of the School of the Prophets and spoke specifically of the administration of the sacrament: “The brethren always went fasting; they went in the morning, remained until about four oclock in the afternoon, when each had a glass of wine and a piece of bread, after the ancient pattern.” (School of the Prophets Salt Lake City Minutes, 3 and 11 Oct. 1883.)

    School of the Prophets Salt Lake City Minutes, Apr.–Dec. 1883. CHL.

  5. [5]

    School of the Prophets Salt Lake City Minutes, 3 Oct. 1883.

    School of the Prophets Salt Lake City Minutes, Apr.–Dec. 1883. CHL.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation.
*Minutes, 18 March 1833
Minute Book 1 History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page 16

Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
1833 18 March 1833—
This day an assembly of the
high Priests

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. Christ and many ancient prophets, including Abraham, were described as being high priests. The Book of Mormon used the term high priest to denote one appointed to lead the church. However, the Book of Mormon also discussed...

View Glossary
meet at the
school room of the prophets

A term occasionally used to refer to a Protestant seminary; specifically used by JS to refer to a school to prepare elders of the church for their ministry. A December 1832 revelation directed JS and the elders of the church in Kirtland, Ohio, to establish...

View Glossary
and were organized in due form by solemn prayer to the most high by
sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

View Full Bio
then proceded to
ordain

The conferral of power and authority; to appoint, decree, or set apart. Church members, primarily adults, were ordained to ecclesiastical offices and other responsibilities by the laying on of hands by those with the proper authority. Ordinations to priesthood...

View Glossary
Doctor [Philastus] Hurlbut

3 Feb. 1809–16 June 1883. Clergyman, farmer. Born at Chittenden Co., Vermont. “Doctor” was his given name. Preacher for Methodist Episcopal Church in Jamestown, Chautauque Co., New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832/1833...

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to be an
elder

A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...

View Glossary
1

Hurlbut may have been ordained an elder in preparation for a missionary assignment. The day following his ordination he was among a number of church members seeking guidance at a conference, which “agreed that Bro. Hurlbut and Bro Daniel [Copley] should Journey together to the east & proclaim by the way.” Along with the other elders sent out on 19 March, Hurlbut was to use his “influence to procure relief for the poor in Kirtland.” (Minute Book 1, 19 Mar. 1833.)


under the hand of
Sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

View Full Bio
after which
Bro Sidney

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

View Full Bio
arose and desired that he and
Bro Frederick [G. Williams]

28 Oct. 1787–10 Oct. 1842. Ship’s pilot, teacher, physician, justice of the peace. Born at Suffield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of William Wheeler Williams and Ruth Granger. Moved to Newburg, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 1799. Practiced Thomsonian botanical system...

View Full Bio
Should be ordained to the office that they had been called Viz to the of
President of the high Priesthood

Both the office of the president of the high priesthood and the body comprising the president and his counselors; the presiding body of the church. In November 1831, a revelation directed the appointment of a president of the high priesthood. The individual...

View Glossary
and to be equal in holding the
keys

Authority or knowledge of God given to humankind. In the earliest records, the term keys primarily referred to JS’s authority to unlock the “mysteries of the kingdom.” Early revelations declared that both JS and Oliver Cowdery held the keys to bring forth...

View Glossary
of the Kingdom
2

See Matthew 16:19; and Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:2].


with Broth[e]r Josephs Smith J— according to a revelation given on the [8]th
3

TEXT: “[Page damage]th”. As a result of being detached from Minute Book 1, this leaf has a ragged bottom edge and some inscription is therefore missing.


day of March 1833 in
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
sayi[ng]
4

TEXT: “sayi[page damage]”.


[p. 16]
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Source Note

Document Transcript

Page 16

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Minutes, 18 March 1833
ID #
7242
Total Pages
2
Print Volume Location
JSP, D3:39–43
Handwriting on This Page
  • Frederick G. Williams

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Hurlbut may have been ordained an elder in preparation for a missionary assignment. The day following his ordination he was among a number of church members seeking guidance at a conference, which “agreed that Bro. Hurlbut and Bro Daniel [Copley] should Journey together to the east & proclaim by the way.” Along with the other elders sent out on 19 March, Hurlbut was to use his “influence to procure relief for the poor in Kirtland.” (Minute Book 1, 19 Mar. 1833.)

  2. [2]

    See Matthew 16:19; and Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:2].

  3. [3]

    TEXT: “[Page damage]th”. As a result of being detached from Minute Book 1, this leaf has a ragged bottom edge and some inscription is therefore missing.

  4. [4]

    TEXT: “sayi[page damage]”.

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