The Second Anointing

The Second Anointing
a.k.a. Calling and Election, Higher Blessing,
Fullness of the Priesthood,
Highest and Holiest Order of the Priesthood,
Second Endowment, Highest Ordinance,
Second Blessings, Other Endowment

The Spiritual
Golden Ticket

Well, here we are. Talking about the highest and most 'secretest' ordinance in all of Mormonism. It's so top secret in today's Mormonism that it's rarely, if ever, talked about in discourse by the Mormon leaders.

Today, that is.

And the folks who've received it are charged with the task of 'keeping it hush-hush at all costs.'

So, shhhh! Let's keep this hush-hush; just between you and me. And, well, anyone else you want to share it with. (Cont'd)



See, the way I see it, is that the folks who don't have anything to hide, don't hide anything. Mormons included. Simple enough, right? But Mormons are still in the habit of hiding things.

So, let's cozy up and have a chat about what it's all about.

This is the very ordinance that guarantees a Mormon eternal life in the highest kingdom of the Celestial Kingdom.

Via this top secret ordinance, the patron is anointed as a 'priest and king' or a 'priestess and queen,' and is 'sealed' to the top floor of Mormon heaven - the most luxurious heaven in Mormonism - the attic of the Celestial Kingdom.

Bluntly stated, it means that the participant is ordained to godhood. As we peruse D&C 132:19-26, we find it clearly explained: 'Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.'

There's a lot of whispering between Mormons about what this ordinance is all about. The stories and folklore surrounding the ordinance itself aren't without their embellishments.

Some folklore goes like this:

Somebody knows someone who's related to somebody else who heard that another somebody was invited to receive their Second Anointing by the prophet, only to find out that they didn't have a current temple recommend so the whole thing was foiled. Moral of the lesson: Always have a current temple recommend (or so these kinds of stories go).

Or

Somebody else recently heard from their relative that another somebody and their spouse recently received their Second Anointing, but they can't talk about it.

Everybody wants to feel special - like they know something they're not supposed to know and they've just let you in on part of their little secret.

This, I believe, captures the general sentiment towards Mormons who know ANYTHING about the Second Anointing.

Only, it's likely you'll be able to give them a few pointers about this secret ordinance after you've read this article.

The Second Anointing
In the Beginning

It was June 27th, 1839 when Joseph Smith defined the principle of 'mak[ing your] calling and election sure.' (Joseph Smith, Jr., HC, 2d ed. rev, 3:379-81)

In his discourse, Joseph Smith said that those who make their calling and election sure are the same folks who, after a lifetime of service and devotion, are 'sealed up' to exaltation (e.g. highest Mormon heaven in the Celestial Kingdom) while they're still living in this life.

He based the concept on 2 Peter 1:10-11: 'Wherefore . . . brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fail: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ' (see also verse 19 and Eph. 1:13-14).

In this sermon, Joseph ties 'calling and election' with 'sealing' (a concept that was still undergoing massive evolution at the time) and also to the 'second comforter' that we read about in John 14:26.

According to Joseph Smith, who or what is the 'second comforter?' Why, it's none other than a personal manifestation of Jesus Christ, himself.

The actual ordinance itself would take a little while to get sorted out.

The Fullness of the Priesthood
Another Endowment

In fact, Brigham Young tells us that prior to August 6, 1843, nobody had received the ordinance of the 'fullness of the priesthood.' (a.k.a. The Second Anointing)

'[I]f any in the Church had the fullness of the Melchisedec Priesthood, [I do] not know it . . . For any person to have the fulness of that priesthood must be a king & a priest . . . A person may be anointed King & priest before they receive their Kingdom &c.' (HC, 5:527. Derived from Wilford Woodruff's Journal, 6 Aug, 1843)

In fact, Heber C. Kimball tells us on December 21, 1845, 'You have been anointed to be kings and priests [speaking of the Mormon endowment ritual], but you have not been ordained to it yet, and you have got to get it by being faithful.' (Smith, An Intimate Chronicle, 227)

In 1883, George Q. Cannon says, 'in the washing that takes place in the first endowment, they are washed that they might become clean from the blood of this generation . . . in the same way they are ordained to be Kings and Priests - that ordinance does not make them . . . Kings and Priests. If they fully received of another endowment [i.e., the second anointing], a fulness of that power, and the promises are fulfilled in the bestowal of the power upon them.' (Salt Lake School of the Prophets Minute Book, 2 Aug. 1883, 14, LDS archives)

It's the 2nd Anointing...
So, What's the First Anointing?

It's the original Washing and Anointing from the initiatory ordinances found here.

In 1941, David O. McKay (who would later become prophet) explains that when one gets the initiatory, or the 'first endowment' then 'one . . . is anointed to become a king and a priest of the Most High; a queen and priestess in the realms of God . . . We are anointed that we may become such.' ('The Temple Ceremony,' address at the Salt Lake Temple Annex, 25 Sept. 1941, LDS archives)

The Second Anointing, then, is the actual ordination of a faithful Mormon to actually be a king or priest, a queen or priestess, and an ordination into the godhood.

The First Second Anointing
Administered to Joseph & Emma Smith

We go directly to Joseph Smith's journal: 'Beurach Ale [a code name for Joseph Smith] was by common consent, & unanimous voice chosen President of the quorum. & anointed & ord[ained] to the highest and holiest order of the priesthood (& companion).' (Joseph Smith Diary, 28 Sept. 1843)

Wilford Woodruff tells us, 'Then by common consent Joseph smith the Prophet Received his second Anointing of the Highest & Holiest order.' (Wilford Woodruff, Historian's Private Journal, 1858, 24, LDS archives)

And so began Second Anointings.

Over the next 5 months, twenty men and the wives of 16 of those men would receive their Second Anointing. And according to the 'Book of Anointings' (a book that lists all of the recipients of the second anointing in the Nauvoo temple, including texts of several of the blessings received with the anointings) by February 7, 1846 just under 600 men and women had received their Second Anointings.

According to the data, after Joseph Smith's death, there were at least 19 other men, besides Brigham Young who were authorized to perform Second Anointings.

On some days, six to twelve couples would receive the second anointing.

How They Select/Selected
Recipients for the 2nd Anointing

The selection procedure, as has been recorded in the past, goes a little something like this:

1. An apostle, or a member of the First Presidency recommends a couple (the ordinance is typically only given to couples) to the prophet of the LDS church.
2. The prophet sends out an invitation to the couple in the form of a letter, requesting that the couple attend the temple at a specific time and date. The couple is also asked to bring their temple recommend.
   

Because the LDS church began growing in numbers, it became impossible for Apostles and the First Presidency to become personally acquainted with each and every individual member. This resulted in allowing stake presidents to share the responsibility to recommend individuals for second anointings.

In fact, before 1890, there are some recorded instances of individuals requesting the second anointing, though these were rare and not often approved.

There were even some instances where bishops were sometimes encouraged to recommend individuals for the second anointing.

In a letter from Wilford Woodruff to Salt Lake Stake President Angus M. Cannon, Wilford says, 'We would say that it is not expected that people shall be found asking that this most sacred ordinance shall be administered to them, but you should take pains to seek out the worthy people under your jurisdiction, and this by means of your counselors and Bishops.' (Wilford Woodruff to Angus M. Cannon, 24 Jan. 1889, LDS archives)

Then, Heber J. Grant changed the LDS Second Anointing recommendation policies. No longer could stake presidents recommend individuals for their 'higher blessings.'

On January 30, 1926, Grant wrote, 'Second Blessings are only given by the President of the Church upon recommendation of a member of the Council of the Twelve.' Responding to a stake president's inquiry, he continued,'At some time when one of the Apostles is in your Stake, if he feels to properly recommend Brother . . . the matter will [be] taken under advisement.' (Heber J Grant to S.L. Chipman, 30 Jan. 1926, Heber J. Grant Letter Books, LDS archives)

Grant later emphasized this on April 6, 1927, 'It is not customary now for presidents of Stakes, as you know, to recommend people for higher blessings. That matter should be taken up by the visiting apostle at your quarterly conference, and all recommendations of this kind should come direct from the apostles.' (Heber J. Grant to Levi S. Udall, 6 Apr. 1927, First Presidency Letterpress Copybooks, LDS archives)

Why the about-face? Apostle George F. Richards weighs in, saying it resulted when a 'brother had received his Second Blessings, [and] while speaking in a priesthood meeting in one of the Idaho stakes, told the brethren that they all should have their Second Blessings. Of course that was a serious infraction of the charge which he received when he had his Second Anointings; but I have never learned of any serious consequences to follow, except the action on the part of the Authorities, discontinuing the administration of these blessings in the Church.' (George F. Richards to Members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve [18 Aug. 1949; cf. Richards Journal, 18 Aug. 1949], George F. Richards Collection, LDS archives)

To put some perspective on this:

Average Number of Authorized Second Anointings per Previous Administration

Wilford Woodruff: 300 authorized per year on average.
Lorenzo Snow: 600 authorized per year on average.
Joseph F. Smith: 300 authorized per year on average.
Heber J. Grant: 30 authorized per year on average.

And after 1928, the average was less than two per year for at least the next decade and a half.

Second Anointings for Christmas!

The decrease in Second Anointings was weighing heavily on Apostle George F. Richards. His writings began to show feelings of depression and frustration at the lack of administering the Second Anointings. Even when he made recommendations to the Prophet, it seemed to take forever for those recommendations to get approved.

And then Heber J. Grant got sick.

So, Apostle Richards took the opportunity to hound him a little about it. Says Richards, 'I obtained permission of Pres. Grant to see him at his home. I found him in bed and his condition seemed worse than I had expected to find. I gave him a blessing, and recommended that he issue recommends to all the General Authorities and their wives who have not received their second blessings and give it [to] them for Christmas which he approved and authorized[,] also approved Stephen L. Chipman & Wife whom I recommended. I reported to Joseph Anderson, who had recommends made. These I took to the President and he signed them. I returned the signed recommends to Joseph Anderson, the President's Secretary, for distribution. I feel that this day's accomplishment has been inspired and is a wonderful accomplishment. May the Lord be praised for ever. This is one of the most happy days of my life. I am sure it will endure over Christmas.'

Apostle Richards is credited with being the hero in bringing back the practice of administering the ordinance of Second Anointings. The theology had evolved to a point that it just wasn't as important as it once was. While Richards advocated for the ordinance's strong renewal, it's believed that the practice of this ordinance today is still rarely performed.

Recommendations for the ordinance are still made today, though they're very rare and very secretive. On occasion, couples who have received their Second Anointings are asked to seek out other couples that they personally know that would be deserving of the Second Anointing. These recommendations are made to the original General Authority who requested the recommendation, and the recommendation is later passed on to the Prophet himself for approval.

When and Where It's Done

If it's being performed at the Salt Lake Temple, it's usually done on Sunday afternoons. In temples that have recently been constructed, the second anointings are typically performed after the temple has been dedicated, but before the temple is open to the general Mormon public.

It's administered in a Holy of Holies or special sealing room that's been specifically set apart for it. It's also been performed in homes and other less-holy places.

Some early examples: the Joseph Smith Store, The Joseph Smith Homestead, The Mansion House, Brigham Young Residence, the Parley Pratt Store, and John Smith House.

Requirements for Recommendation
of the Second Anointing

In 1901, President Lorenzo Snow stated 'that persons who are recommended for second anointings should be those who have made an exceptional record, that they are persons who will never apostatize.' (Anthony W. Ivins Journal, 8 Apr. 1901, Utah State Historical Society, Salt Lake City)

Other 20th century First Presidency records show that at one time or another, the following criteria of worthiness were applied to those receiving their Second Anointing:

• Unquestionable and unshaken in one's integrity to the work of the Lord.
• Valiant in defense of the truth.
• Active in all good works.
• Able to bear the heat and burden of the day and endure faithfully to the end.
• Obedient to commandments such as tithing, chastity, and honesty.
• Older but not necessarily 'old'; typically over fifty years of age
• A resident of the intermountain Mormon corridor, having 'gathered with the body of the Church.' Faithful 'non-gatherers' were to be 'dealt with by the authority on the other side of the veil.'
• Innocent of any major sins - for example, a man who committed adultery after receiving his endowment would not be recommended even after full repentance.
• Previously endowed, especially candidates for posthumous second anointings who must have received their endowment during their lifetime.
• Married and sealed in the temple. Bachelors ordinarily were not allowed to have deceased women anoint them.
• Church officers - apostles, stake presidents, high councilmen, bishops, and patriarchs - were expected to be worthy to receive the ordinance.
  

Joseph F. Smith summarized the requirements in a letter to a stake president in 1911:

'[T]he second anointing is not intended for every male member of the Church, and goodness alone is not a sufficient recommendation to receive the higher blessings.

'Recommends for the second anointing should only be given to men and women who have lived together as husband and wife, and who through long years of faithfulness are still found to be worthy before the Lord and their brethren.

'They should be men of good report, men whose faith has never been shaken, whose integrity to the Lord and his servants has been beyond question, men who have been valiant for the truth, men who have either defended the servants of the Lord or would do so at all hazards should circumstances require it at their hands.

'They should be men who have done what they could whether in preaching or working or otherwise helping their file leaders in the building up of Zion, and who are ever ready and willing to labor in the interests of Zion at home or abroad.

'And all those thus recommended must be in harmony with the First Presidency and general authorities of the Church, also those immediately presiding over them.

'And this spirit also must characterize their wives in order to make them eligible to be associated with their husbands in receiving these blessings.

'. . .it is not for you to take your bishops into your confidence in having them recommend brethren to you for these blessings, because they are in no wise responsible for such recommends.

'It is you as stake president, and you alone, who are held responsible . . . all brethren recommended by you should be instructed to regard this matter in the utmost privacy . . . neither should they take the liberty of advising any to ask you to be likewise recommended as it is not for any man to seek for these blessings, but for those worthy of them to be sought out.

'You must be exceedingly careful in recommending for the second anointing, careful as to the character of the men recommended, also careful with a view to maintaining privacy, and in order to avoid attention being drawn to recommends of this character, we suggest that you do not recommend more than one couple at a time, and that not more than one couple from your stake come to the temple during any one week.

'. . . Deceased men or women recommended by you must of course also be likewise worthy. . .

'P.S. We take it for granted that you and your counselors have received higher blessings.' (Joseph F. Smith and Anthon H. Lund to William C. Partridge, 23 Oct. 1911, Joseph F. Smith Papers, LDS archives.)

The Second Anointing A Two Part Gig

Part One

The Second Anointing is performed under the direction of the LDS prophet himself - sometimes performed by him as well. Otherwise, it's typically performed by an Apostle of the Quorum of the Twelve.

During part one, each member of the couple is anointed and ordained a king and a priest or queen and priestess.

There will often be at least two witnesses, but not always.

While there will be several folks in attendance (the officiator, and the witnesses) only the husband and wife will be fully dressed in the typical temple clothing.

Then, everybody gets together in a prayer circle. You can learn more about those here. The husband is typically asked to lead everyone in prayer in this circle, offering the secret temple 'signs' and praying at an altar.

Then, the husband is anointed with oil on his head and ordained a king and a priest unto God to rule and reign in the House of Israel forever. The officiator then pronounces the following blessings upon the husband:

• the power to bind and loose, curse and bless;
  
• the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob;
  
• the Holy Spirit of Promise;
  
• to attain godhood;
  
• to be sealed to eternal life;
  
• to have the power to open the heavens;
  
• and other blessings as seen fit by the officiator.
  

The anointing oil itself is sometimes kept in a horn-shaped vessel, and is transported from temple to temple.

The wife is anointed shortly after with oil on her head, and she is ordained a queen and a priestess unto her husband, to rule and reign with him in his kingdom forever. She's also blessed with the following:

• to receive all the blessings of the everlasting priesthood;
  
• to be an heir to all the blessings sealed upon her husband;
  
• to be exalted with her husband;
  
• to have ministering angels attend her;
  
• to be sealed up to eternal life;
  
• to receive the blessings of godhood;
  
• to live as long as desired;
  
• to have the power of eternal lives (of posterity without end);
  
• and other blessings as seen fit by the officiator.
  

Then the couple receives a charge never to disclose to anyone that they've received their Second Anointing.

All of these blessings are typically recorded by hand in a large leather-bound register.

Part Two

At the conclusion of the ordinance in Part One, the officiator then explains to the couple, the washing of the husband's feet by his wife. This ordinance is to be performed in the privacy of their own home when they so choose to perform it.

The husband is told to dedicate the home and the exact room where his wife will be performing the ordinance of washing her husband's feet, which supposedly 'symbolically' prepares the husband for burial. It's also said that by washing her husband's feet, the wife lays claim upon him in the resurrection.

It's a private ordinance. No witnesses.

According to Heber Kimball, it has to do with the resurrection of the dead. (Kimball, On the Potter's Wheel, 55)

Then, in an odd but interesting practice, the wife, having authority, pronounces those blessings she feels appropriate upon her husband.

The historical record shows that the time between performing part one and part two of the Second Anointing ordinance can be as little as a few days to as much as a few years, depending on the couple.

An example derived from Wasatch Stake President, William H. Smart, states, 'May 1901: Went to Temple this morning presenting recommend which Pres. Snow gave me about 3 months ago. We had not come before for our second anointing as the baby was young, and because we desired to become settled in our new home.

'. . . Bp John R Winder annointed us and Elder Madsen instructed us. These are the greatest blessings that are bestowed upon man in the flesh. We were both melted in tears and I felt the patriarchal spirit of pure affection more than I have done before. The witnesses to the annointing were John R. winder [who] annointed. Adolph Madsen assisted John Nicholson Recorder. . .

'21 June 1901 [at home]: This evening from about 9:30 to 12 O.C. my wife and I attended to the second part of the ordinance of second anointings. We besides the ordinance itself sang 'We thank thee O God for a prophet,' conversed concerning our duties to each other and children, read from John XII: 1-8 verses, read the Rev. on the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, Section 132.

'We dedicated [the] room for the purpose of this meeting. Closed by singing: 'Oh my father thou that dwellest.' Anna was mouth in preliminary prayer, I gave the dedicatory prayer and the benediction. The spirit of the Lord was with us and we felt nearer together than usual: were much encouraged in pressing onward in an endeavor to succeed in life. We fasted during the day and broke our fast together a little after 12 O.C.' (William H. Smart Diary, 31 May, 21 June 1901, Special collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah).

Second Anointings
Vicariously for the Dead

Only the first part of the Second Anointing ordinance can be performed for dead folks. And not many dead folks were ever recommended or approved for the Second Anointing, though there have been a few rare instances.

If you've got your
Golden Ticket
Your Kids Are Covered

Speaking of the Second Anointing, or the Holy Spirit of Promise, Joseph Smith reportedly said, 'When a seal is put upon the father and mother it secures their posterity so that they cannot be lost but will be saved by virtue of the covenant of their father.' (William Clayton Diary, 13 Aug. 1843)

An entry in the sacred 'Book of Anointings' for January 8th, 1846 quotes Joseph Smith as saying, 'the Covenant sealed on the fore head of the Parents secured the children from falling that they shall all sit upon thrones as one with the God-head joint Heirs of God with Jesus Christ.'

Second Anointings
& The Promise of Godhood

So, apparently, good Mormons only need receive 'celestial marriage' (which used to mean polygamous marriage, but was changed to mean monogamy after the LDS church was forced to stop practicing polygamy) in a temple and being 'sealed by the Holy spirit of promise, [specifically referencing the Second Anointing] through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power' (D&C 132)

And who was it that was 'anointed and appointed unto this power?'

Why, our very own Joseph Smith. The power was bestowed 'by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and keys of the priesthood are conferred)' (D&C 132:7)

Joseph Smith equated this 'sealing' with the 'Holy Spirit of promise' on March 10th, 1844 as 'i e Elijah.' - Elijah's seal.

He explains later in the sermon that, 'to obtain this sealing is to make our calling and election sure.' (Richards, 'Scriptural Items,' cited in Ehat and Cook, 335)

Wilford Woodruff recorded in his journal on the very same day the same sentiment, quoting Smith as saying, 'the power of Elijah is sufficient to make our calling & election sure.'

Only later would the interpretation regarding the conferral by a human intermediary evolve into a completely different reinterpretation (i.e. a supernatural experience via the Holy Ghost).

Elijah's seal, as Joseph had understood it, was much different than today's 'Holy Spirit of Promise = Holy Ghost' doctrine.

So, How Do You Lose
Your Golden Ticket?
The Small Print of the
Second Anointing

So we take a little gander at D&C 132:26-27. There's your small print. Commit the unpardonable sin. 'murder wherein ye shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death.'

Do that, and you end up damned forever.

Otherwise, sin anyway you like, because you're still guaranteed godhood. You'll just be 'destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption.' But, after you've paid the little price, you're good.

How do we know? It used to be preached all the time.

Orson Pratt, on April 7, 1855 tells us, 'But we have no promise, unless we endure in faith unto the end . . . In speaking of this, I will qualify my language by saying, that the Saint who has been sealed unto eternal life and falls in transgression and does not repent, but dies in his sin, will be afflicted and tormented after he leaves this vale of tears until the day of redemption; but having been sealed with the spirit of promise through the ordinances of the house of God, those things which have been sealed upon his head will be realized by him in the morning of the resurrection.' (JD 2:260)

Pratt later bluntly tells us in September of 1860, 'This would seem to be as near an unconditional promise as can well be made to mortals, but this is not altogether unconditional, for there are some exceptions; but it would come as near as anything we have ever read of.' (JD 8:311-12)

Brigham Young tells us in November of 1867, 'When men and women have travelled to a certain point in their labors in this life, God sets a seal upon them that they never can forsake their God or His kingdom; for, rather than they should do this, He will at once take them to Himself.' (JD 12:103)

The 'Not-So-Golden'
Nature of the Second Anointing

But like all good things, they do have to come to an end.

Over time, the interpretation of the 'Holy Spirit of Promise' evolved from a permanent 'seal of Elijah' to a conditional experience of the Holy Ghost that could seal you and unseal you depending on your worthiness.

This wasn't always understood to be the case until hard-line folks like Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie weighed in with their opinions on the matter.

Everything evolved into the typical 'Works over Grace' doctrine that the Mormon church leans on for every ounce of blessings they plan to receive.

Not all of the General Authorities have agreed on the interpretation of the ordinance. Where once the ordinance was important and often considered a required ordinance - whether in this life or the next - modern interpretations by General Authorities have removed the emphasis on it.

In a question-and-answer session with Apostle Harold B. Lee, a missionary, John A. Tvedtnes, asked if the 'second endowment' existed and, 'if so, what connection does it have with the Holy Spirit of Promise, and who receives it and why and how,' Lee answered, 'You don't have to worry. You've received all the ordinances necessary for exaltation . . . It is a special blessing given by the President of the Church to men who have been called. It is not necessary to receive it, however. You have all the endowment you need to be exalted.' (John A. Tvedtnes Journal, 30 June 1961, printed with permission in 'Mysteries of Godliness', David John Buerger, 164)

Three Temple presidents, Provo President Orville Gunther in March of 1978 and Oakland President Richard B. Sonne in November of 1981, and Idaho Falls President Devier Harris in December of 1982, confirmed with author David John Buerger that the practice of Second Anointings continues and that 'they're usually performed by the LDS church president, or at least he's present at the ceremonies, although this hasn't always been possible when the prophet is physically or mentally incapacitated. The policy of the president calling up candidates to receive the second anointing still continues. In the past the ordinance was held in the Holy of Holies, but today any room in a temple set apart for the purpose suffices.'

It's importance in modern-day Mormonism has dwindled, although it's still heavily whispered about by doctrine-heads and those who love a good faith-promoting rumor every now and again.

There are rumors of 'Second Anointings' being recounted on the internet by individuals who have left the LDS faith. While they're interesting to read, there's really no way to verify their truthfulness, so I'll purposefully leave out these modern accounts.

Second Anointing Blessings

1. Taken from the Nauvoo Temple "Book of Anointings", pp. 2-4; Historians Office Library; January 8 - February 7, 1846; Book end title: "W. Richards" in gold leaf; C.H.D., CR/342/3/box 4. Typed as in original without use of sic.

Second anointing blessing given to HEBER C. KIMBALL, Brigham Young offic-iating; Evan Melbourne Green, Clerk; Recorded by C. W. Wandell Smith; Received 8 January 1846.

[p. 2] President Brigham Young as president of the whole church anointed brother Heber C. Kimball first, this being according to the order in which the ordinances of the Lord's House are at all times first communicated to the children of men that he who holds the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to minis-ter to men on earth as President Brigham Young now does, should confer the ordinances upon some faithful man who should in turn minister to him according to the pattern of heavenly beings.
This is the order observed by the Prophet Joseph, he first baptized Oliver, then Oliver baptised him. [p. 3]

Entry No. 1. Jan. 8th 1846.
6. o. clock eve. Pres. Brigham Young, Heber Chase Kimble, Parley Parker Pratt, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Amasa Lyman, Newell Kimble Whitney, Vilate Kimble, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Sarah Marinda Pratt, & Leonora Taylor --- Assembled in Pres. B. Young's Room No. 1. Dressed themselves [in] Holy Robes. The hymn now let us rejoice in the Day of Salvation, was sung and Elder Heber C. Kimble offered Prayer at the Alter after offering up the Signs of the Priesthood. Pres. Brigham Young proceeded to anoint Br. Heber C. Kimble and Vilate his wife --- and pronounced the following blessing namely Bro Heber C. Kimble in the name of Jesus Christ we pour upon thy head this Holy oil & we anoint thee a King and Priest unto the most High God & in & over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints and also Iseral in this the Holy Temple of the Lord, at Nauvoo the City of Joseph State of Ills. & I seal upon you power to bind on Earth & it Shall be bound in Heaven & whomso-ever thou Shalt loose on Earth shall be loosed in Heaven, & whomsoever thou shalt curse Shalt be cursed, & whomsoever thou shalt bless, shall be blessed & I anoint thy head that it may be sound & thy brains shall be quick to think & to regulate thy whole body. & thine ears to hear the cries of the Poor & needy of thy Brethren, who shall come to thee for council & thine eyes that thou mayest see and understand the things of God--& that thou mayest behold Angels & thy mouth that [p. 4] thou mayest speak forth the great things of God & Seal upon you all the blessings of thy Progenitors Even Abraham Isaac & Jacob & even as Far back as the Priesthood: & I say that thou shalt live to a good old age Even to three score & ten & longer if thou desire it -- & thou shalt have Power to redeem thy progenitors & thou shalt have power over thy Posterity & shall Save all of them & bring them into thy Kingdom we also seal upon thee all the power & blessing of the Holy Reserection Even to the Eternal God head & no blessing that thy heart can conceive will be withheld from you & in the name of the Father & of the Son & of the Holy Spirit Amen--

He then anointed Sister Vilate Kimble a queen and Priestess unto her Husband [H. C. Kimball] in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints & in Iseral. & pronounced all the blessings upon her head in common with her husband.

/s/ John D. Lee


2. Taken from the Nauvoo Temple "Book of Anointings"; Historian's Office Library; January 8 - February 7, 1846; Book end title: "W. Richards" in gold leaf; C.H.D., CR/342/3/box 4. Typed as in original without use of sic.

Second anointing blessing given to BRIGHAM YOUNG, Heber C. Kimball offic-iating; Evan Melbourne Green, Clerk; Recorded by C. W. Wandell Smith; Received 11 January 1846.

[Entry] No. 2.
Sunday Jan 11th 1846. 31 minutes to 7 P.M. Assembled in Pres. Brigham Young's Room No. 1. in the atic Story of the Lords House. Pres. B. Young Heber C. Kimble, Orson Hyde, P.P.Pratt, Orson Pratt, Williard Richards, John Taylor, Amasa Lyman, N.K. Whitney, Geo. Miller Edmund--Ellsworth, Mary Young Vilate Kimble Leonora Taylor, Elizabeth An Whitney & Elizabeth Ellsworth. Bro. J. Taylor started the hymn This Earth was once a garden place all being clothed in Priestly garments [robes]--Pres. B. Young Prayed. all having nelted [knelt] a round the Alter--previous to prare [prayer] they all arose - sang a Hymn & offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood - then Br Heber C. Kimball proceeded to anoint and consecrate Pres. Brigham Young a King & a Priest unto the most High God over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints & over the whole House of Iseral--

Brother Brigham Young, I pour this holy, consecrated oil, upon your head, and anoint thee a King and a Priest of the Most High God over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and unto all Israel: and I anoint thy head, that thy brain may be healthy and active and quick to think and to understand and to direct thy whole body and I anoint thy eyes that they may see and perceive, and that thou mayest not be deceived in what thou beholdest, and that thy sight may never fail thee: and I anoint thy ears that they may be quick to hear and communicate to thy understanding; and that thou mayest hear the secret deliberations of thy enemies, and thereby thou shalt be enabled to overreach their designs: and I anoint thy nose that thou may scent, and relish the fragrance of the good things of the earth: and I anoint thy mouth that thou mayest be enabled to speak the great things of God, and confound all the wisdom of man, and put to nought all who shall raise up to oppose thee, in all countries where thou goest for thou shalt build up the Kingdom of God among many people, and in the midst of mighty nations; so thy glory shall be estab-lished, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whomsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven; for there shall be given unto thee crowns, and kingdoms, and dominions; and thou shalt receive all thy heart shall desire; and thy soul shall be satisfied with a multitude of blessings which thou shalt receive; for princes shall bow at thy feet and deliver unto thee their treasures; and thou shalt teach them the principles of salvation. And I seal thee up unto Eternal Life, that thou shalt come forth in the morn of the first resurrection, and receive all these blessings, in their fulness. And thou shalt attain unto [the] Eternal Godhead, and receive a fulness of joy, and glory, and power; and that thou mayest do all things whatsoever is wisdom that thou shouldest do, even if it be to create worlds and redeem them: so shall thy joy be full to the praise and glory of God: Amen.

Elder Heber Chase Kimbal then anointed MARY AN YOUNG a Queen & Priestess unto her husband [Brigham Young] in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints & in the house of Iseral--

Sister Mary Ann Young, I pour upon thy head this holy, consecrated oil, and seal upon thee all the blessings of the everlasting priesthood, in con-junction with thy husband: and I anoint thee to be a Queen and Priestess unto thy husband, over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; and thou shalt be heir to all the blessings which are sealed upon him, inasmuch as thou dost obey his counsel; and thou shalt receive glory, honor, power and exalta-tion in his exaltation: and thou shalt be a strength in thy mind for thou shalt have visions, and manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and the time shall come that Angels shall visit thee, and minister unto thee, and teach thee: and in absence of thy husband shall comfort thee, and make known his situation.
Thou shalt be a wise counsellor to many of thy sex, and thy shall look unto thee for precept and for example.
Thou shalt be noted and honored for thy generosity, and the freedom and good feelings with which thou shalt relieve the wants of the distressed; and the disgression [discretion] with which thou shalt act in thy sphere [p. 5] in all things. And I seal thee up unto Eternal Life, thou shalt come forth in the morning of the first resurrection and inherit with him all the honors, glories, and power of Eternal Lives, and that thou shalt attain unto the eternal Godhead, so thy exaltation shall be perfect, and thy glory be full, in a fulness of power and exaltation.
And the glory, honor and power shall be ascribed unto the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen.


3. Taken from the Nauvoo Temple "Book of Anointings", p. 5; Historian's Office Library; January 8 - February 7, 1846; Book end title: ". Richards" in gold leaf; C.H.D., CR/342/3/box 4. Second anointing blessing given to NEWEL K WHITNEY, and his wife, ELIZABETH ANN WHITNEY; Received 12 January 1846.

[Entry] No. 3. Jan. 12th 1846. at 12. o. clock. Assembled in Room No. 1. Pres Brigham Young, Heber C Kimble, P.P.Pratt, Amasa Lyman, John Taylor, Geo Miller, Isaac Morly, Orson Spencer, Ezra T Benson, Newell K Whitney--after the usual ceremony pre-requisite to the ordinance of anointing--Pres Brigham Young anointed Newell Kimble Whitney a King & a Priest unto the Most [High] God--in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints & in the House of Iseral & among thy Brethren in this the House of the Lord Elizabeth An Whitney was then anointed a Queen & Priestess unto her Husband N.K. Whitney, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints & to all Iseral-