Births on January 9

Eldred G. Smith, American patriarch (d. 2013)

Eldred Gee Smith (January 9, 1907 – April 4, 2013) holds a distinctive place in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the LDS Church). He served as the Patriarch to the Church from 1947 until 1979, a singular spiritual office with profound significance. Following this period, he continued his association with the Church as Patriarch Emeritus from 1979 until his passing in 2013.

A remarkable figure, Eldred G. Smith distinguished himself as the oldest and longest-serving General Authority in the Church's history. While his active capacity as a General Authority concluded in 1979, his continued role as Patriarch Emeritus meant his tenure and association with the Church's highest leadership extended for an unparalleled duration, spanning over 66 years from his call to his death at 106 years old.

The Unique Role of the Patriarch to the Church

The office of Patriarch to the Church, to which Eldred G. Smith was called, was historically a unique and revered calling within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This individual was designated as the presiding patriarch for the entire Church, responsible for bestowing patriarchal blessings upon members. These blessings are highly personal, inspired pronouncements that declare a recipient's lineage in the House of Israel and offer divine counsel, promises, and insights into their life's potential. Traditionally, this office was lineal, passed down through the direct descendants of Joseph Smith Sr., the father of the Church's founder, Joseph Smith Jr., and the first Patriarch to the Church.

Eldred G. Smith continued this sacred tradition as a direct descendant of this esteemed lineage. He was the son of Hyrum Gibbs Smith, who served as Patriarch to the Church before him, and the great-grandson of Hyrum Smith, the brother of Joseph Smith Jr., and himself a prominent patriarch in early Church history. This deep ancestral connection added a layer of historical and spiritual significance to his ministry.

Transition to Patriarch Emeritus and Historical Context

In 1979, a significant administrative change occurred within the Church regarding the office of the Patriarch to the Church. The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints decided to discontinue the office as a General Authority position. This decision was primarily driven by the Church's global expansion and the increasing number of local stake patriarchs, who were already providing patriarchal blessings to members worldwide. The intent was to decentralize this sacred ordinance and make it more accessible to Church members in their local congregations.

Consequently, Eldred G. Smith, while retaining his title and spiritual authority, transitioned from an active General Authority to Patriarch Emeritus. This emeritus status recognized his lifetime of dedicated service and his unique spiritual calling, allowing him to continue giving patriarchal blessings without the administrative responsibilities of a General Authority. His longevity in this emeritus role, living to the age of 106, meant he held the title for 34 years after his active General Authority service concluded, contributing to his status as the longest-serving individual associated with the Church's top leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eldred G. Smith and the Patriarchate

Who was Eldred Gee Smith?

Eldred Gee Smith was a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as the Patriarch to the Church from 1947 to 1979 and then as Patriarch Emeritus until his death in 2013. He was notable for being the oldest and longest-serving General Authority in Church history.

What is the role of the Patriarch to the Church?

Historically, the Patriarch to the Church was the presiding patriarch for the entire Church, responsible for bestowing patriarchal blessings, which are inspired declarations of lineage in the House of Israel and personal divine counsel. This role was traditionally lineal, passed down through the descendants of Joseph Smith Sr.

Why was the office of Patriarch to the Church discontinued as a General Authority position?

In 1979, the Church leadership decided to discontinue the office as a General Authority calling. This was primarily due to the global growth of the Church and the widespread availability of local stake patriarchs who could provide patriarchal blessings to members more readily worldwide.

How long did Eldred G. Smith serve in the Church?

Eldred G. Smith served actively as Patriarch to the Church for 32 years (1947-1979) and continued as Patriarch Emeritus for another 34 years (1979-2013) until his passing. His total association with the highest levels of Church leadership spanned over 66 years.