President Grant called attention to the fact that it is several years since the death of the Presiding Patriarch, Hyrum G. Smith, and that the vacancy cause by his death had not yet been filled. He said he felt that the Church is entitled to a Patriarch and he had prayed earnestly and faithfully and had not been able to get the feeling that he should endorse the recommendation of the Council of the Twelve that Eldred Smith be made the Patriarch to the Church. The President said if the brethren of the Council all took the ground that this young man should be the Patriarch he would give him that appointment, but they would all have to sign their names to a statement to the effect that it is their impression that he is the man. He would not, however, attach his signature to theirs on such a document. If the brethren of the Council feel that way he did not want them to change their minds. President Grant said that the Lord has given him no inspiration that this young man should be the Patriarch, and he would not say that he could support him when he has not receive the inspiration to do so. [Eldred Smith would eventually be appointed Church Patriarch]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
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