170 years ago today - Mar 11, 1844

The secret, theocratic Council of Fifty (or "Kingdom of God" or "Council of the Kingdom") is organized. Members are sworn to secrecy under penalty of death. Joseph Smith is president, William Clayton is clerk and Willard Richards is "historian of the Council." The Council continues to function until the death of President Brigham Young in 1877; then it is revived in the 1880's to combat the polygamy prosecutions. In time, it again ceases to function.