Deacon

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. The “Articles and Covenants” directed deacons to assist teachers in their duties. Deacons were also to “warn, expound, exhort, and teach and invite all to come unto Christ.” Although deacons did not have the authority to baptize or administer the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, they could sign letters certifying the good standing of Saints who moved from one congregation to another and assist elders in keeping current lists of members. The first recorded mention of ordained deacons is in the minutes of the 25–26 October 1831 conference in Orange, Ohio. A November 1831 revelation called for a president to preside over twelve deacons. In September 1832, a revelation designated the office of deacon as an appendage to the lesser priesthood, later called the Aaronic priesthood, and directed deacons to serve as “ministers unto the church.” Various revelations also designated the office of deacon as the lowest office within the priesthood.