In Mormonism, the Endowment, Second Anointing, and Sealing ordinances are crucial to the foundations of the entire religion. However, their exact origins are shrouded in mystery. There is an eternal debate, that will never be solved, as to whether those ordinances were an invention of Joseph or Brigham. However, if we actually look then there is ample evidence to suggest that Joseph was up to something in the years prior to his death.
Anointed Quorum
For context, it is helpful to actually understand what the Anointed Quorum is purported to be. The quorum itself was called by a few different names such as the council, the Quorum of the Anointed, the Holy Order, or the Anointed Quorum. Each person seemed to have preferred specific names for the group. For instance, Heber C. Kimball used the term “Holy Order”, William Clayton used “Quorum of the Priesthood”, and Joseph’s journal often recorded “Prayer meeting”. It was different for each person, but the details seem to all be remarkably accurate.
The actual quorum itself was a small group of individuals that Joseph was said to have first introduced the temple ordinances that we know of today. We don’t have many specifics about the ordinances administered in the group. However, we do know that the group occasionally met in special clothing and when Brigham administered the ordinances in the Nauvoo temple, and then in the Endowment House, no one actually spoke about differences. It would of course be natural for someone to have raised objections if the differences were substantial or if Joseph never even introduced ordinances at all.
The quorum initially met in the upper room of the Red Brick Store and at various times in a few private residences, such as Brigham’s house. Membership in the group was limited to specific key individuals, who often personally wrote they felt very special to be admitted to the exclusive group. The ordinances given in the group were washing, anointing, endowment, sealings, and second anointings. All of which are still practiced today in the temples. In addition, there was extensive overlap between the Anointed Quorum and the Council of Fifty. According to records, Leaders and their wives were initiated into the group, which they felt was a reward for their dedication to Joseph and the church.
After the death of Joseph, the Anointed Quorum continued to meet and admit new members. However, the group quickly became obsolete when Brigham started to administer the ordinances to all the church members in the Nauvoo area prior to their departure to Utah. This was recorded to be over 5000 people. At this point, the ordinances were no longer limited to a few key individuals and so secrecy was now no longer important.
In looking at the Anointed Quorum, there is an abundance of journal accounts, diary entries, and written statements to consider. These have been compiled into a book, Joseph Smith’s Quorum of the Anointed, which I would highly recommend if you were interested. There is a paper as well which was published by the same author in the Journal of Mormon History.
Of course, the journal accounts before Joseph’s death, and before the Utah era, should take precedence. However, if someone wants to conclude that anything that disagrees with them is fraudulent then there is very little that can be done about that. Yes, there could be a grand conspiracy. However, if the evidence to support a conclusion is declaring all contradictory evidence as invalid, then maybe we might want to rethink the conclusion.
I am not sure the best way to present the statements, and it doesn’t seem helpful to comment about each one. For research purposes, I feel it might be helpful to just include them directly and people can feel free to use them as they see fit. It is also important to point out that this is a very small sampling of all the records that we have available. I decided to stop in 1844, however there is an abundance of information in 1845 as well. This is why they were compiled into book form, because there is simply just an enormous amount of information available.
Statements
May 1, 1842
There are signs in heaven earth & hell. the elders must know them all to be endued with power. to finish their work & prevent imposition. The devil knows many signs. but does not know the sign of the son of man. or Jesus. No one can truly say he knows God until he has handled something. & this can only be in the holiest of Holies.
Joseph Smith Journal
May 4, 1842
In council in the Presidents & General offices with Judge [James] Adams. Hyram [Hyrum] Smith Newel K. Whitney. William Marks, W[illia]m Law. George Miller. Brigham Young. Heber C. Kimball & Willard Richards. & giving certain instructions concerning the priesthood. & on the A[a]ronic Priesthood to the first continueing through the day.
Joseph Smith Journal
Strange Events, June [May?] 1842. I was aniciated [initiated] into the ancient order was washed and annointed and Sealled and ordained a Preast, and so forth in company with nine others, Viz. Josph Smith, Hiram Smith, Wm. Law, Wm. Marks, Judge [James] Adams, Brigham Young, Willard Richrds, George Miller, N. K. Whitney.
Heber C. Kimball Diary
May 5, 1842
Judge [James] Adams left for Springfield the others continued in Council as the day previous & Joseph & Hyrum [Smith] were
Joseph Smith Journal
General [James] Adams started for Springfield, and the remainder of the Council of yesterday, continued their meeting at the same place, and myself and Brother Hyrum [Smith] received in turn from the others, the same I had communicated to them the day previous.
History of the Church
I attended Council as yesterday, and we administered to brother Joseph the same ordinances
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
June 17, 1842
We have recieved some pressious things through the Prophet on the preast hood that would caus your Soul to rejoice I can not give them to you on paper fore they are not to be riten. … thare is a similarity.of preast Hood in masonry. Br Joseph ses masonary was taken from preast Hood but has become degennated. but menny things are perfect.
Heber C. Kimball – Letter to Parley P. Pratt – Transcript
May 26, 1843
5. P.M. J. and Hiram [Hyrum Smith]. & Judge [James] Adams & Bishop Whitny [Newel K. Whitney]. B. Youg [Brigham Young]. H[eber] C. Kimball. W. Richrds [Willard Richards] & W[illia]m Law. in council in upper— room. receving inst[r]uction on the prie[s]thood. the new and everlasting covena[n]t. &c, c. adjound [adjourned] to sunday P.M. 5.
Joseph Smith Journal
Prest. in meeting with the Twelve & Judge Adams. Hyrum received the doctrine of priesthood.
William Clayton Diary
Met with the Prophet Joseph, the Patriarch Hyrum, brothers Kimball and Richards, Judge James Adams, and Bishop N. K. Whitney, receiving our endowments and instructions in the Priesthood. The Prophet Joseph administered to us the first ordinances of endowment, and gave us instructions on the Priesthood and the new and everlasting covenant.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
May 28, 1843
5 P.M.— adjournd council met in the upper Room. atten[d]ed to ordinances and counselled and prayed that James Adams. might be deliverd from his enemies
Joseph Smith Journalwho& O[rrin]. P[orter]. Rockwell. & the twelve be prospe[r]ed in collecting means to build the Nauvoo House <Joseph— & J[ames] Adams [[were married]]>
I met with brothers Joseph, Hyrum, Heber, Willard, Bishop Whitney and Judge Adams when we administered to brother Joseph the same ordinances of Endowment, and of the holy priesthood which he administered unto us.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
May 29, 1843
9 A.M.— met pursua[n]t to adjurmnnt [adjournment].
Joseph Smith JournalJoseph. Hyrum [Smith]. Brigham [Young]. Willard Richards], & sis [Mercy Fielding] Thompson.— [[were married]] & Heber [C. Kimball] & Newel K. [Whitney] present also Joseph. & James Adams. singing & prayer by. Elder Brigham Young— conversati[o]n & inst[r]uction— & teaching concerni[n]g the thi[n]gs of God
Met at 9 a.m., with the same brethren, when Joseph instructed us further in principles pertaining to the holy Priesthood.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
September 28, 1843
11½ A,M,M Council over the Store. Hyrum [Smith]. Newell [Newel K. Whitney]. Geo. [Miller]W.d— [Willard Richards] Wa.d [washed] & A[[nointed]] J. S. [John Smith] J. T. [John Taylor] A. L. [Amasa Lyman]L. W. [Lucien Woodworth] J. M. B. [John M. Bernhisel]— ant [anointed] at 7 eve met at the Mansion upper room front. with W. L. [William Law] W. M. [William Marks] Baurak Ale [Joseph Smith] was by common cons[e]nt. & unanimous voice chosen presidnt of the quorum. & anointed & ordd. [ordained] to the highest and holiest order of the priesthood.— (&. Companion <d[itt]o.—>)
Joseph Smith Journal
October 1, 1843
Council met same as thur[s]day previous
Joseph Smith Journalexcept& S[isters] [Jane Silverthorn] Law.— [Rosannah Robinson] Marks. Durphy [Elizabeth Davis Durfee]. &.— Hirams [Hyrum Smith’s] wife.—Joseph &c re-anointed. [William] Law &c. anointed. counselors.
October 22, 1843
Prayer meeti[n]g at mansi[o]n 2 P.M.— Wm Marks & [[wife anointed]] 24 Pres[e]nt
Joseph Smith Journal
Arrived on the 22nd, and went into council with Joseph, Hyrum and others, when ordinances were administered to William Marks and wife.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
Mr. [William] Marks then told me … he (Marks) was ordained to the same office [“prophet, priest, king”] under the hands of Joseph Smith.
Samuel James, Letter to Sidney Rigdon, Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, March 1, 1845
October 27, 1843
Prayer meeting in the even[in]g at Josephs Bis[hop] Whitny [Newel K. Whitney] & [[wife]]. [[anointed]]
Joseph Smith Journal
I attended prayer-meeting in the evening at President Joseph Smith’s. Brigham N. K. Whitney and wife were anointed.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
October 29, 1843
2 PM. or near 4. before all were ready prayer meeti[n]g at the manin [mansion] 25. pre[se]nt. Sis. [Lois Lathrop] Cutler. [Thirza Stiles] Cahoon. [Phebe Watrous] Woodworth.—— adjued [adjourned] Wedn[es]day ov[e]rBrick Store.—— Joseph Taught.
Joseph Smith Journal
[S]isters [Thirza] cahoon [Lois] Cutler & [Phoebe] woodworth was taken in to the order of the Priesthood.
Brigham Young, Diary
November 1, 1843
Prayer meeting of Mansion 29. present. Sis[ters]— Fielding [Jennetta Richards] Richards [,] [Leonora Cannon] Taylor[,][Mary Ann Angell] Young. [Vilate Murray] Kimball. [[anointed]]
Joseph Smith Journal
Mary A. young admited in to the p[r]iest orderer Priesthood[.]
Brigham Young, Diary
My wife Vilate and menny feemales was recieved in to the Holy Order, and was washed and inointed [anointed] by Emma.
Heber C. Kimball Diary, Dated January 1844
I received my endowments by the directions of the Prophet Joseph, his wife Emma officiating in my case.
Mercy Fielding Thompson, Juvenile Instructor 27, July 1, 1892
November 5, 1843
Prayer meeting eve at the Hall over the store. [[Joseph did not dress <nor Emma>]]
Joseph Smith Journal
[P]repared room & had meet—in Hall
Willard Richards, Diary
November 12, 1843
Prayer meeti[n]g in the even[in]g at S.E. Room Jos[eph’s] old house.— R[eynolds] Cahoon & [[wife anointed]]— [[and Mother [Lucy Mack] Smith]]
Joseph Smith Journal
[P]rayer Meeting at J[oseph Smith’s]. old house.
Willard Richards, Diary
November 22, 1843
Prayer Meeting in the eve at oldhouse—— B[righam] Young— [[anointed and wife]]
Joseph Smith Journal
Prayer Meeting
Willard Richards, Diary
Mr. [William] Marks then told me he was present when the twelve were ordained, and Brigham Young was ordained under Hyrum Smith to the office of prophet, priest, and king, and Brigham Young ordained the rest of the twelve [apostles] to the same office.
Samuel James, Letter to Sidney Rigdon, Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, March 1, 1845
December 2, 1843
Prayer Meeting at the assembly room. (room over the store) P[arley] P. Pratt. O[rson] Hyde. W[ilford] Woodruff Geo. A. Smith. O. Spener [Orson Spencer]. <were anointed preparatory> & A[lpheus]. Cutler & [Reynolds] Cahoon. were all present at th[e] meeting.
Joseph Smith Journal
Received into the Quorum Orson Hyde P[arley. P. Pratt W[ilford]. Woodruff G[eorge]. A. Smith Orson Spencer Runald [Reynolds] Cahoon Thades [Alpheus] Cutlar[.]
Brigham Young, Diary
I felt quite unwell yet I met with the quorum & conversed upon a variety of subjects among which were the progress of the work of God & the emegration of the Saints, the light blessings & glory that awaiteth Zion & the blessings that approach those who keep the Law of God. … P[arley] P. Pratt Orson Hyd[e] W[ilford] Woodruff G[eorge] A Smith & O[rson] Spencer all of us received our Anointing preperitory for further Blessings
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
Met in the Assembly Room with Joseph, Hyrum and the Twelve, when the ordinances of endowment were administered to Elders Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, W. Woodruff, Geo. A. Smith and Orson Spencer. We received instructions on the Priesthood from Joseph.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
December 9, 1843
Prayer meeting over store—W[illiam] W. Phelps. L[evi] Richards.—— Lot [Cornelius P. Lott]. & Joseph Fielding.
Joseph Smith Journal
We met in council at the store with the quorum Elders W. W. Phelps Levi Richards & C Lott met with us. ^received their anointing^
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
Some also beside the 12 [apostles] had received their Endowment, which was expected at the completion of the [Nauvoo] Temple[.] I, myself, and my Wife [Hannah] had had this Privilege granted us in part. … It is necessary that they, as well as we who are now alive, should be made acquainted with the Ordinances, Signs and Tokens of the Priesthood and the Turms [terms] of Admission into the Kingdom in order that they may come forth with those who have received it here.
Joseph Fielding, Diary
Met with the Quorum in the Assembly Room. Elders W. W. Phelps, Levi Richards and C. P. Lott received ordinances.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
December 17, 1843
4 P.M. prayer meeting at the Store. Assembly room. Samu[e]l Harrison Smith admittd.
Joseph Smith Journal
I met with the quorum Br[other] Samuel Smith met with us ^received his first anointing^ President Joseph Smith met with us also we received good instruction
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
[I]n assembly room from 4 to 7 S[amuel]. H[arrison]. Smith[.]
Willard Richards, Diary
I met in the Assembly Room with the Quorum. Brother Samuel H. Smith received his endowments. Brother Joseph preached to us.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
December 23, 1843
Prayer meeting in the Assembly room. Isaac Morl[e]y & wife. O[rson] Pratt sister Lot [Permelia Darrow Lott]. Fanny [Young] Murray. sister[Phebe Carter] Woodruff Geo A Smiths wife, sister O[rson] Spencer. sister Phelp [Sally Waterman Phelps]
Joseph Smith Journal
I met with the quorum through the day Mrs Woodruff & several other sisters were present Br & sister Morley &c O Pratt Sisters Lot Fanny Murry P. W. Woodruff Batsheba W. Smith Sister O. Spencer Sister Phelps received their anointing^
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
I spent the day with the Quorum in the Assembly Room. Brother Isaac Morley and wife received their endowments.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
[I]t was in the lodge room over the [Red Brick] store … there were two rooms over the store. In one room they had a sheet hung up as a vail, and the first endowments were given there. … Joseph [Smith] gave me permission to stand by the vail and listen to the ceremony, which I did. … Joseph said that Masonry was taken from the priesthood. Our brethren used to belong to these societies, but since the priesthood had been more fully established the brethren have withdrawn from these societies.
Bathsheba W. Smith, Salt Lake Temple Sisters Meeting Minutes
January 7, 1844
6. P.M attended the prayer meeting in the assembly room. [William] Law absent. [William] Marks not pre[se]nt.
Joseph Smith Journal
Mrs Woodruff and myself met with the quorum and we had an interesting time of instruction
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
I [Bathsheba Smith] was present when William Law, Joseph Smith’s counselor, was dropped from that quorum by each one present voting yes or no in his turn. He was the first member that was dropped who had received his endowments. One member hesitated to vote, which called forth earnest remarks from the Prophet Joseph. He showed clearly that it would be doing a serious wrong to retain him longer. After his explanation the vote was unanimous.
Bathsheba W. Smith, Juvenile Instructor 27, June 1, 1892
I [William Law] was passing along the street near my house, when call’d to by Joseph Smith, he said I was injuring him by telling evil of him, he could not name any one that I talked to, he said my wife was injuring him and that Wilson Law was doing so too; he could not give any authority but was very angry, and told me that I had no longer a place in the Quorum, and that he had cut me off from the first Presidency and appointed another in my place. Some unpleasant words ensued. I told him his cause was not only unjust but dishonourable, &c. &c.
William Law, Diary, Dated January 8, 1844, in “Record of Doings at Nauvoo [Illinois] in 1844”
January 20, 1844
Eve[ning] 6 Prayer Meeting— H[eber] C. Kimball & wife [Vilate] priset [present]
Joseph Smith Journal
My self [Heber] and wife Vilate was announted Preast and Preastest [Priestess] unto our God under the Hands of B[righam]. Young and by the voys [voice] of the Holy Order.
Heber C. Kimball, Diary, Dated February 1, 1844
In the evening I [Wilford] met with the quorum in the evening & had an interesting time. H[eber]. C. K[imball] V[ilate]. K[imball]. Received their second Anointing &c.
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
[M]eeting eve[ning]. H[eber] C. Kimball & wife [Vilate]
Willard Richards, Diary
Met with the Quorum: Heber C. Kimball and his wife Vilate received their second anointing.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
January 21, 1844
Prayer Meeting over Store. Patley [Parley] P. Pratt. presnt Joseph not there
Joseph Smith Journal
I met with the quorum in the evening had an interestin time many good exhortation were given by the brethren concerning the things of God. P[arley]. P. P]ratt]. Received his 2nd Anointing. Joseph said concerning Parley P Pratt that He had no wife sealed to him for eternity and asked if their was any harm for him to have another wife for time & eternity as He would want a wife in the resurrection or els his glory would be cliped many argum[en]ts He used upon this subject which were rational & consistant
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
[M]eeting eve[ning]. P[arley] P. Pratt.
Willard Richards, Diary
I [Brigham] met in the Assembly Room with the Quorum, and administered to Parley P. Pratt his second anointing.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
January 22, 1844
Prayer Meeting at Prest [Brigham] youngs 10 present.
Joseph Smith Journal
I met with the quorum of the twelve at President B Youngs house & spent the even[in]g and conversed upon a variety of subjects had a good time in expressing our views upon religious subjects
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
P.M. bro. [Reynolds] Cahoon came to my house to say that a vote had been taken on my being admitted into the quourm & I was accepted. This filled my heart with joy, and gratitude for truly the mercy of the Lord and the kindness of my brethren have been great to me.
William Clayton, Diary
I met with the Quorum of the Twelve at my house, for prayer and conversation.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
January 25, 1844
Prayer Meeting at Bro Brighams [Brigham Young’s] O[rson] Hyde present.— 8 of the 12
Joseph Smith Journal
Met with the quorum of the Twelve [Apostles] at President [Brigham] Youngs house. Had a good prayer meeting O[rson] H[yde] Br[other] Orson Hyde was present had not met with us for some time. Orson Hyde Received his 2nd Anointing.
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
[E]ve[ning] Brigham [Young’]s[.]
Willard Richards, Diary
P.M. sis Durphy came to make my Robe & Garment.
William Clayton, Diary
The Quorum met at my house: Orson Hyde received his second anointing.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
January 26, 1844
Prayer meeting at Bro [Brigham] Youngs 8 of the [Quorum of the Twelve] O[rson] Pratt. present.
Joseph Smith Journal
I [Wilford] met with the Twelve [Apostles] this evening[.] Also at Br[other] B[righam]. Youngs time was spent in exhortation mostly O[rson] P[ratt] spoke & we were edefyed Elder O[rson]. Pratt Received his 2nd Anointing.
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
Bro[ther] Brigham [Young’s]
Willard Richards, Diary
The Twelve [Apostles] met at my house: Orson Pratt received his second anointing.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
January 27, 1844
Prayer Meeting— at the store chambr W[illard] Richards present.
Joseph Smith Journal
The quorum met for a meeting in the evening at Joseph store. Had a number of prayers & exhortations upon the subject of holiness of h[e]art &c. W[illard] R[ichards] & J[ennetta] R[ichards] Br[other] & Sister Richards were present. They had both been unwell for a number of days before but wer[e] able to attend meeting this evening & seemed to enjoy themselves well. They had received blessings by the prayer of faith. Willard & Jannetta Richards Received their 2nd Anointing and sealing.
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
Prayer Store[.]
Willard Richards, Diary
We met at the Assembly Room: Willard Richards and his wife Jenetta were sealed and received their second anointing.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
January 28, 1844
Prayer meeting at the store.— prese[n]t W[ilford] Woodruff.
Joseph Smith Journal
I [Wilford] met with the quorum of the Twelve [Apostles] and others for instruction. Mrs [Phoebe] Woodruff and myself were both some unwell from the effects of the coal [cold?] during the day. Yet we had an interesting time.
W[ilford] W[oodruff] P[hoebe] W. W[oodruff] I Wilford Woodruff and Phebe W. Woodruff both recieved a benefit by Prayers and laying on of hands. The subject of Elijah’s coming to seal the hearts of the fathers to the children & &c was spoken of. Seal the hearts of the children to the fathers Malachi IV[th] Ch[apter] 6 vers[e] ^Wilford & Phebe W Woodruff receivd our 2nd Anointing & sealings^
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
[A]t store—meeting[.]
Willard Richards, Diary
The Quorum met in the Assembly Room. Wilford Woodruff and his wife Phoebe W[oodruff]. Were sealed and received their second anointing.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
There’s Sister Bathsheba Smith, she and I both had our endowments under the hand of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I had my second anointings and sealings under his hands.
Wilford Woodruff, Young Women’s Journal 5, August 1894
January 30, 1844
Prayer Meeting at B[righam] Youngs John Taylor & wife [Leonora] p[res]ent
Joseph Smith Journal
Met with the quorum at Elder [Brigham] Youngs for a meeting. J[ohn]. T[aylor]. L[eonora]. T[aylor]. Br[other] & Sister John Taylor was with us. Br[other] Taylor made some appropriate remarks unto edifycation ^J[ohn] Taylor & Leonora Taylor Received their 2nd Anointing & sealing^
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
Pr[ayer] meeting. Brigham [Young] John Taylor & wife [Leonora.]
Willard Richards, Diary
The Quorum met at my house. John and Leonora Taylor were sealed and anointed.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
January 31, 1844
Prayer meeti[n]g at B[righam] you[n]gs Geo[rge] A Smith & wife [Bathsheba] pr[es]ent
Joseph Smith Journal
Geo[rge] A Smith & Bathsheba W Smith Rec[ei]v[e]d our 2 anointing at B[righam] Young house.
George A. Smith, Diary
I [Wilford] met with the quorum of Twelve [Apostles] this evening at Elder
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
[Brigham] Youngs & had a good time G[eorge] A S[mith] B[athsheba] S[mith] Br[other] & Sister G A Smith was present ^& And Received their 2nd Anointing & sealing^ this evening they have been quite unwell
I [Brigham] met with the Quorum at my house. George A. and Bathsheba W. Smith were anointed, having been sealed on the 20th inst.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young
February 2, 1844
Prayer meeting at B[righam] Youngs W[illiam] W Phelps & wife [Sally]
Joseph Smith Journal
I [Wilford] met with the quorum for Prayer &c at Elders [Brigham] Youngs W[illiam] W[.] P[helps] S[ally] P[helps] Br[other] & Sister. W[illia]m. W. Phelps attended with us. Br[other] Phelps spoke concerning his appointment as a Lawyier in Israel ^Brother & Si[s]ter W[illia]m W Phelps Received their 2nd Anointing & sealing^
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
February 3, 1844
Pray[e]r m[ee]ting over the stoer in the P M.— Joseph not present W[illia]m Clayton & Joseph You[n]g & wife [Jane] present.
Joseph Smith Journal
In the evening of this day the quorum met at Joseph store. Brothers W[illia]m W Clayton & Joseph Young met with them But I [Wilford] was not present. … Joseph Young & wife [Jane] & W[illiam]m Clayton received their endowments &c.
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
P.M. was permitted to the ordinance of washing and anointing, and was received into the Quorum of Priesthood. This is one of the greatest favors ever conferred on me [William Clayton] and for which I feel grateful. May the God of Joseph [Smith] preserve me & mine house to walk in the paths of reghteousness all the days of my life & oh that I may never sin against him or displease him. For thou oh God knowest my desire to do right that I may have eternal life.
William Clayton, Diary
February 4, 1844
Evening at the prayer m[e]eti[n]g. Brick Store. Cornelius P. Lot[t] & wife [Permelia] present
Joseph Smith Journal
I [Wilford] met with the quorum in the evening Br[other] & Sister Lott was present. We had a good time in prayer. Br[other] Joseph gave us good instruction in meekness & humility. The revelator John remarks was quoted to in the evening concerning the 144000 of the tribes of Israel. ^Cornelius P Lott & wife Received their 2nd Anointing & sealing^
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
Evening attended quorum
William Clayton, Diary
February 26, 1844
Prayer Metting [meeting] ov[e]r store P.M. John Smith there. Eve[ning] Father Morly [Isaac Morley] there
Joseph Smith Journal
I [Wilford] met with the quorum in the evening but meeting closed soon after we arived. Fathers John Smith & wife [Clarissa] & Isaac Morley & wife [Lucy] met with the quorum in the afternoon & evening. I took a severe cold & had a sick night ^Father John Smith & wife [Clarissa] Isaac Morley & wife [Lucy] r[e]c[eive]d their 2nd Anointing & sealings^
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
August 9, 1844
Quorum conversed about voted no
Willard Richards, Diarywomen^& men^ more to [be] admitted on Quorum til times will admit.
August 15, 1844
I [Wilford] met with the quorum in the afternoon for Prayer, to Pray for the sick. Mrs [Phoebe] Woodruff was with me. Geo[rge]. M[illar] Mrs. [Mary] [Millar] Br[other] [George] and Sister [Mary] Miller was Present. was Prayed for as Sister Miller was quite out of health
Wilford Woodruff, Diary
I [Brigham] met in a prayer circle with the Twelve [Apostles] and a few others in the afternoon and prayed for the sick.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young, History of the Church Volume 7
September 4, 1844
The Holly Preasthood met in the Ev[e]ning. … We Praid as follows, to overcome the smit [suit] fore the Temple of the Church.
Heber C. Kimball, Diary
In the evening the Twelve [Apostles] & a few others of us met at Er [Brigham] Youngs & offered up prayers for our preservation & the preservation of the church, and that the Lord would bind up the dissenters that they may not have power to injure the honest in heart. We had a good time and we believe the Lord will answer our prayers.
William Clayton, Diary
The Twelve Apostles and a few others met at my [Brigham’s] house in the evening and prayed for the preservation of the church and ourselves and that the Lord might bind up the apostates and preserve the honest in heart.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young, History of the Church Volume 7
October 1, 1844
Had a meeting at my [Heber’s] hous[e] in the ev[e]ning of the Holy Order. Praied fore the sick and fore the Governer.
Heber C. Kimball, Diary
December 22, 1844
Met with the brethren of the first quorum to pray & counsel. My [William Clayton’s] wife [Ruth] and O[rson]. Pratts wife [Sarah], P[arley. P. Pratts wife [Mary] and A[masa]. Lymans wife [Mary] was voted in. We have to use the greatest care and caution & dare not let it be known that we meet.
William Clayton, Diary
I [Brigham Young] met as usual with the Twelve Apostles and others for prayer.
Manuscript History of Brigham Young, History of the Church Volume 7
Conclusion
As mentioned, I decided to stop including the statements as of 1844, however there is simply an abundance of information in 1845 as well. Without a doubt it seems Joseph initiated several people into a highly specific group, which administered ordinances to each other. This group consisted of several key insiders, along with trusted members, and seemed to be a way for Joseph to work out the kinks in administering the ordinances to others. It is one thing to envision the ordinances in your mind and completely another thing to administer them to others and practice it as a group.
This concept also makes perfect sense when you actually think about it. It would be strange for Joseph to not have essentially done a trial run, with the insiders, as the ordinances were taking shape. There is so much involved in a ritual like this, that you can’t just create it out of thin air and then expect it to go smoothly as you administer it to others. In addition, it also likely helped Joseph to become more familiar and comfortable with the ordinances themselves. As additional people accepted it as a valid ordinance from God, then that is exactly what it became to them. Collectively people accept things that individually they would never accept.
Of course, we don’t know specifically what the differences were between the modern temple ordinances and the ones that were practiced in 1842 and onwards. From the accounts it seems that the Anointed Quorum first met to administer washing and anointing, then endowments, then sealings, and then second anointings. This is quite similar to what happens in the LDS temples today. The accounts also mention the group wore special clothing, met for these ordinances in special locations, and even wore this special clothing for prayer.
This sounds very similar to the modern temple practices in the LDS church. It would however be very strange to suggest there were wild differences between the two. This is simply because the numerous people who were initiated into the Anointed Quorum who also had no objections at all in Nauvoo and then in Utah as the ordinances were practiced church wide.
In addition, we have people like Alpheus Cutler, who joined the Anointed Quorum in December 1843, and didn’t follow Brigham. However, still continued to practice an endowment type ordinance among his group. It would be very strange to think he copied the Endowment from Brigham when he didn’t accept him as the rightful leader.
It is hard to say what Joseph’s motivations were with these ordinances and whether he felt they were needed to obtain a correct standing before God. However, it does seem like Joseph felt a certain amount of ritual was a key aspect of the worship of God. Joseph seemed to also be enamored with the ritual aspects of Freemasonry and wanted to incorporate some of those into Mormonism.
Ritual has always been a key aspect of Judaism and then Christianity as it developed. These rituals can serve to help focus thoughts and attitudes on God and his works. However, they can also be a hinderance as we can easily lose sight of the purpose of the ritual and instead focus on the ritual itself. In many ways this is inevitable due to human nature. As things become more common, then they can lose whatever inherent value they once possessed and instead be seen completely different than they once were. The once treasured possession can instead become the mundane after thought.
