In answer to your note of August 22nd which we discussed Wednesday, August 29, 1968: 1. The Brethren questioned whether it is wise for Patriarch [Eldred G.] Smith to take a prolonged vacation in the middle of the summer when so many tourists come from long distances to have their patriarchal blessings and often find that he is not available. Re: Vacation Time In the first place I do not give blessings to tourists in general; only to good member[s] of the Church who, in nearly all cases, come to Salt Lake to go to the Temple. When the temple closes, I get very few calls for patriarchal blessings. This summer, the girls told me there were only one or two requests during my absence. I think I'm entitled to a vacation as well as others and have been given permission by you to take it during the time the temple is closed when very few requests come for blessings. I cannot understand how my vacation time has so suddenly become so critical when my predecessor went to Canada for all three months of the summer every summer. 2. Those who have appointments for blessings often have to wait in the hall for long periods of time before they can see the Patriarch. Some have children who run up and down the halls, or fret and cry because they are tired and cross. Re: People waiting in the halls When this building was built, a room with a waiting room was designed for the Patriarch. Since I was moved from this room, it has been thought that I didn’t need a waiting room any more than the others in the building. As I have said, the people who come to me come from the missionfield of the Church with their whole family to be sealed in the Temple, then come tome for blessings. They have no place to leave their children so they must bring them with them. The only place for them to wait is in the hall. It is impossible for me to do my job and run people in and out like I do when I set apart missionaries; therefore, some people must wait awhile in the hall as there is no place else for them. Naturally the children are tired and cross, having been in the Temple since early in the morning. I can't see how I can do anything about this situation. 3. When the Patriarch is going to be absent and he or his secretary ask a substitute to come to the office an give a blessing, neither his room or his equipment can be used and another office in the building has to be found for the patriarch who is substituting. Re: Substitute Patriarch There is no such thing as substitute patriarchs in the Church. I have never asked nor authorized another patriarch to come in this building to give blessings. Years ago when Sister [Mary] Timmins was my secretary, she started this practice contrary to my instruction and was a cause of a great deal of trouble. Since she left, Nola has authorized other patriarchs to come against my instructions. The general handbook on page 23 says: “The Patriarch is not to leave his own stake for such purposes.†A stake patriarch coming to the Church Offices is violating this rule. The handbook also adds: (page 24), “Any requests for exceptions other than those listed above should be directed to the First Presidency.†I don’t think there is ever a need for another patriarch to come into this building to give Patriarchal Blessings. I think all these items are just a matter of an understanding. I would be glad to cooperate in any way.
[Source: Eldred G. Smith, Letter to Joseph Fielding Smith]
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