Church Patriarch dies

[MormonMama]

Patriarch Eldred G. Smith has passed away at the age of 106.

I'm curious though. It's said he was the "final of seven patriarchs to the church in general." What does this mean? Is a patriarch in this capacity not the same as the patriarchs who give patriarchal blessings?

[bytebear]

The first Patriarch was Joseph Smith Sr. Only two of the seven were not direct descendents of Smith Sr..

There was only one patriarch or the whole church who gave patriarchal blessings. But sometime later each stake was given a patriarch. In 1979 the First Presidency decided they did not need to call anyone further to the position. So, yes they have the same role. But the church growth created a need for local patriarchs.

I find it interesting that there were exactly seven.

Edited April 6, 2013 by bytebear

[bytebear]

This article gives a good history of the position.

Longest-serving Mormon general authority dies at 106 | The Salt Lake Tribune

[Vort]

I am sorry to hear of his passing.

The position of Church patriarch, first held by Joseph Smith, Sr., is one of the original leadership positions in the restored Church. It was passed on through patriarchal lineage (father to son) through Hyrum Smith's line. Elder Smith was the last of that line to hold the calling, and so with his passing the position dies with him. Or at least goes into retirement.

[MormonMama]

Thank you for the explanations guys!

[Magen_Avot]

I understand there were 11 who acted in the office. Two were never officially called or set apart and not all were direct decendants... if one trusts Wikipedia. But this is an end of an era, none-the-less. May he and his family be blessed.