Hyrum G. Smith (1879-1932) was a great-grandson of Hyrum Smith (Joseph’s brother). He became the sixth Presiding patriarch in 1912 upon the death of his grandfather, and he served in that position until his death.
These forms were used during his term in office (these specific examples date to 1921). The first form identified a newly called patriarch for the records of the Presiding Patriarch’s office, and the second form is the first page of the record book sent to each patriarch to preserve a record of the blessings he gave.
There may not be any great historical significance to forms like this, but I gather them wherever I find them – being familiar with the “litter” of history helps me be comfortable in my knowledge of how the past worked on a day-to-day basis. We usually focus on isolated incidents or great events and questions in Church history; the little things, like these forms, are part of the almost unnoticed background to those larger, splashier events, but in their way played a role in history.
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The “duties of a patriarch” is interesting reading. Declaring lineage is still mandatory, but do all blessings today include “[sealing] up against the power of the destroyer until the day or resurrection?” The language sounds more at home in the temple.
Also, paid patriarchs!
Correct me if I am wrong but wasn’t it Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith who didn’t have his own Blessing? he was the father of the last general Patriarch, Eldred G. Smith who just died a few years back
cameron, they all had such similar names that I confess I can’t keep track of them or the stories associated with them. Maybe someone else can comment.
Interesting. Ardis, I like your term “historical litter.” I have a hard time knowing what to do with such things at my house.
Deanna, I have an equally hard time knowing how to file this material in my digital system!