Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, [, Geauga Co., OH], 1 Mar. 1835. Featured version copied [not before 25 Feb. 1836] in Minute Book 1, pp. 172–186; handwriting of ; CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for Minute Book 1.
Historical Introduction
On the morning of 1 March 1835, church members convened a meeting in , Ohio, apparently as a continuation of a meeting that had adjourned on 28 February. Several men appointed to the office of were given blessings in that 28 February meeting. The blessings continued in this 1 March 1835 meeting, and at least thirty-three individuals, including some not designated as seventies, were blessed. All those receiving ordinations and blessings in this meeting had participated in the expedition. According to later reminiscences, many of these blessings were performed by members of the church presidency, including JS, his , , and . The minutes indicate that several individuals who had recently been were also confirmed members of the church at the meeting, and the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered. JS also gave instructions on the necessity of worthiness when partaking of the sacrament.
It is unclear who originally recorded the ordination blessings or the minutes of the meeting. later copied them into Minute Book 1.
For examples, see Hutchings, Journal, 15 Feb. 1835; Burgess, Autobiography, 4; and “Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 22.
Hutchings, Elias. Journal, Dec. 1834–Sept. 1836. CHL. MS 1445.
Burgess, Harrison. Autobiography, ca. 1883. Photocopy. CHL. MS 893. Also available as “Sketch of a Well-Spent Life,” in Labors in the Vineyard, Faith-Promoting Series 12 (Salt Lake City: Juvenile Instructor Office, 1884), 65–74.
“Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 1845–1855. In Seventies Quorum Records, 1844–1975. CHL. CR 499.
nations that are afar off and you shall speak unto them in their own tongues, and stand before the great ones of the earth and cause them to tremblle before you with the mighty power of God manifested through you. And if you are faithful you shall return and rejoice in this land again.
.
We confirm the of your previous upon you. You shall be sent among the Nations that are afar off and you shall have visions and knowledge, and not be a whit behind the chiefest of your brethren of the same office, and although your enemies shall be furiously enraged against you and should hunt you, & hunt you, but they shall not harm you. but you shall go back and teach and convince the honest in heart. And you shall have all power that is necessary even over waters, floods, fir[e]s & winds in order to accomplish your ministry. And finally you (after doing much good) shall return, being called the friend of God. Amen
Darwin Richardson
We you an and one of the . You have given testimony that you were willing to lay down your life. The Lord will, therefore, from this hour give you great light, understanding and wisdom and power also, for the Lord afar will send you afar off and you shall teach a multitude of nations in their own tongues, and you shall go [to?] the Islands and teach, and even depopulate them for you shall lead them to . Your enemies shall not have power over you, though they may desire it, But when you are a very old man you shall stand on the earth and see the Lord Jesus appear. And if you desire it you shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and enter upon the Millenial reign. Amen [p. 184]
Lewis Robbins (1811–1864) was living in Busti, New York, in July 1832 when he was baptized by Simeon Carter. Robbins moved to Kirtland in July 1833 and was ordained an elder in February 1834. After reaching Missouri with the Camp of Israel expedition in June 1834, he stayed in the area until October 1834, when he began his return journey to Kirtland with Lorenzo Barnes. He reached Kirtland on 13 January 1835. (“Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 21–22; Lewis Robbins, Report, 24 Feb. 1835, Missionary Reports, 1831–1900, CHL.)
“Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 1845–1855. In Seventies Quorum Records, 1844–1975. CHL. CR 499.
Robbins remembered that he was ordained “as one of the first Seventies as a messenger unto the nations of the Earth.” (“Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 22.)
“Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 1845–1855. In Seventies Quorum Records, 1844–1975. CHL. CR 499.
Darwin Richardson (1812–1860) was born in Lisbon, New Hampshire. After receiving this blessing, he accompanied Hazen Aldrich to New Hampshire and Maine, “proclaiming the Gospel in publick in every place where we found open doors.” Aldrich and Richardson returned to Kirtland in December 1835. (Backman, Profile, 58; Hazen Aldrich, Report, Feb. 1835, Missionary Reports, 1831–1900, CHL.)
Backman, Milton V., Jr., comp. A Profile of Latter-day Saints of Kirtland, Ohio, and Members of Zion’s Camp, 1830–1839: Vital Statistics and Sources. 2nd ed. Provo, UT: Department of Church History and Doctrine and Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1983.