The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was organized in February 1835.1 Its members were to be “special witnesses of the name of Christ, in all the world” and to act “under the direction of the presidency of the church” in proclaiming the gospel and in building up and regulating the church. Initially, the Twelve constituted a “travelling, presiding high council” and had governing authority only outside of Zion and organized stakes, where local high councils had jurisdiction.2 An exception was the service of apostles Thomas B. Marsh, David W. Patten, and Brigham Young as the acting presidency of the church in Missouri after the removal of the existing presidency.3 At the dedication of the House of the Lord in Kirtland, Ohio, JS, “the Presidency,” and the Twelve were presented and upheld as “Prophets and Seers.”4
