Archives West Finding Aid

The Kirtland Council minute book (1832-1837) is a copy of a microfilmed typescript. The original is in the archives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The council minutes cover the period of the formative years of the church. Prominent historical figures of the early church were present during the meetings, including Joseph Smith, Jr., Joseph Smith, Sr., Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, Sidney Rigdon, Frederick C. Williams, Newell K. Whitney, and others. The council established what were to become governing doctrinal, organizational, and procedural principles. Committees were appointed to complete the translation of the New Testament, compile the records for what would become the Book of Commandments or the Doctrine and Covenants, and Emma Smith compiled the first hymn book. A system for endowments and ordinations was formulated. The missionary system was organized, and the "gathering of Israel in the last days" commenced. Practical decisions concerned the establishment of a press to print church documents, the construction of the Kirtland Temple, raising money to purchase land in Jackson County, Missouri, for the "gathering," raising money for the relief of church members in Kirtland after the Kirtland Bank failure, and drafting a "code of rules or laws for regulation of the House of the Lord in times of worship." Personal conflicts were resolved, and trials were held for those who failed in their duties to the church or transgressed morally.