Stake patriarch

A stake patriarch's responsibility is to give patriarchal blessings. These blessings are given through the laying on of hands, are the Lord's words to the recipient, and are an important part of every young Latter-day Saint's life. A Patriarchal Blessing serves as a kind of road map for a person's life. Every stake has at least one patriarch (except in the event of a sudden death or relocation), or if the need arises, more than one. Once a patriarch is ordained, his calling is ongoing. He can, however, be given non-functioning status if health prevents him from serving, he goes on a mission, or moves out of the stake. In that case he can still give blessings to lineal descendants.

The Calling of Local Patriarchs

The calling of local patriarchs, as opposed to the Patriarch to the Church, began in 1837 when Isaac Morley was called as the first local patriarch. The responsibilities associated with the calling have remained the same over the years, which is to provide an inspired declaration of lineage and blessings to the recipient. In 1840 Peter Melling was called as the first international patriarch, serving in the British mission. Just one year later, a second patriarch, John Albisten, was called to serve as patriarch in the mission as well. There are approximately 3,300 local patriarchs currently serving worldwide. These men report to the stake president but work under the direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. A member of the Quorum of the Twelve approves the call of each patriarch.[1]

Extent and Limits of Authority

A patriarch can only give blessings to members of his stake and his descendants. In the past, Patriarchs could also give blessings to siblings and, in some cases, family friends. In the event of a language barrier, the patriarch in a neighboring stake can speak the blessing in the language of the one seeking the blessing. Also if a stake lacks a patriarch (as occasionally happens when one moves out or dies suddenly) or likewise, when a blessing is needed in a district, then a neighboring stake's patriarch may serve.

Multiple Patriarchs

Sometimes there will be more than one stake patriarch.

It is not uncommon to have more than one ordained stake patriarch in a stake, as many are given non-functioning or emeritus status. This can occur as they age, go on missions, or move out of the stake. When a patriarch moves into a different stake, he is to inform his new Stake President, who will decide whether or not to use the patriarch. This can also occur when a stake patriarch is called to an administrative position such as the office of Bishop, though such callings are rarely approved by the Quorum of the Twelve.

Generally, there will be only one functioning stake patriarch. However, if more blessings are being requested than a single patriarch can handle, another functioning patriarch may be called to assist. In such cases, the patriarchs may often be given a geographical area of responsibility within the stake.

There may also be areas were there are a large number of foreign language wards or branches. In such cases, a stake patriarch may be called specifically for the language in that area. He generally would only give blessings in the language he was called for, whereas the original ordained patriarch would give blessings in the predominant language of the area.

Ordination of Stake Patriarchs

Stake patriarchs used to be ordained by the Patriarch to the Church, a member of the First Presidency, or a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. However, due to the growth of the Church, that authority has been delegated to stake presidents. When it is time to ordain a new patriarch, a stake president will submit the man's name to the Quorum of the Twelve for approval. The new stake patriarch, generally, is then sustained at the following stake conference. The retiring patriarch is not released, but is instead given non-functioning status and may be given a vote of appreciation.