Presiding Patriarch
In January 1831, Joseph Smith, Sr. and his family moved to the church's new headquarters in Kirtland, Ohio. He was ordained to be the church's first Presiding Patriarch on December 18, 1833.
In reference to his father's role as patriarch of the church, Joseph Smith, Jr. likened his father to Adam, the first biblical patriarch: "So shall it be with my father; he shall be called a prince over his posterity, holding the keys of the patriarchal priesthood over the kingdom of God on earth, even the Church of the Latter Day Saints".
As part of his new role, Joseph Smith Sr. presided in council meetings, ordained other patriarchs and administered patriarchal blessings.
On September 3, 1837, Smith was also made an Assistant Counselor in the First Presidency of the church.
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