29a Thus ended the work of the council convened in accordance with the requirement of the revelation which had been formerly accepted by the church.
29b All present were convinced that the appointment had been wisely made and that the results were and would be such as would fully attest the divinity of the call.
30a The sessions continued until the afternoon of the 25th, adjournment being had about four o'clock.
30b Brother Gomer T. Griffiths was excused and left for home on the 23d, and brother E.A. Blakeslee at noon on the 25th. Brother Joseph Luff was then chosen secretary for the closing session.
31a To God whose hand has led us and whose patience has borne with our infirmities, the generous praise of his church is due.
31b May our renewed consecration under the better conditions his mercy has brought about, bring to him added glory and to his church prosperity and peace. JOSEPH SMITH, President. JOSEPH LUFF, Secretary
DC 124 Intro: SECTION 124
Revelation given through Joseph Smith III at Lamoni, Iowa, April 1897. The Twelve had renewed their request of 1894 for direction concerning the calling and responsibilities of patriarch-evangelists. They and the church in general were also anxious that the presiding quorums should be more nearly filled. Temporary completion of the First Presidency and more permanent completion of the Quorum of Twelve were authorized in this revelation.
This was the first time that the Twelve had been filled since the Reorganization.
1 Thus saith the Spirit of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: Your fasting and your prayers are accepted and have prevailed.
2a Separate and set apart my servant Alexander Hale Smith to be a counselor to my servant, the President of the church, his brother; and to be patriarch to the church, and an evangelical minister to the whole church.
2b Also, appoint my servant E. L. Kelley, Bishop of the church, to act as counselor to the President of the church, for the conference year, or until one shall be chosen to succeed my servant W. W. Blair, whom I have taken unto myself;
2c he to sit in council with his brethren of the Presidency and act with and for them and the church; though he shall still be and act in the office of his calling of Bishop of the church with his brethren of the Bishopric.
