Consultants from the Church History Library have compiled a list of the most common questions they have received about patriarchal blessings.

Below are the top five questions and answers on patriarchal blessings from the article “Ask Us: Top Five Reference Questions about Patriarchal Blessings.”

1. How can I get a copy of my patriarchal blessing?

You may request copies of your patriarchal blessing through ChurchofJesusChrist.org. On the website you will be able to track the status of your request, and the blessing will be forever linked to your Church Account, no matter when or where you log in. Follow these simple steps:

• Visit the Patriarchal Blessings site, and sign in with your Church Account.
• Click on My Blessings to submit a request.

If available, a digital copy of your blessing will be delivered online via this same Patriarchal Blessings site. Read the patriarchal blessing FAQs for more information.

2. Can I request copies of family members’ patriarchal blessings?

You may request copies of blessings of deceased direct-line family members. Direct-line family members include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so forth. Direct-line family members do not include siblings, aunts, uncles, or cousins. Also, if family members are living, only they can request a copy of their own blessing as outlined above.

3. Where can I find information about patriarchal blessings?

To learn more about patriarchs and patriarchal blessings, we would suggest first reviewing the gospel topic “Patriarchal Blessings.”

Other valuable resources:

• Patriarchal blessing FAQ page
• “A History of Patriarchs and Patriarchal Blessings,” The Historical Record, Mar. 26, 2019
• “Patriarchal Blessings at the Church History Library,” The Historical Record, May 6, 2019
• “About Patriarchal Blessings,” New Era, Mar. 2004, 32–35
• Thomas S. Monson, “Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light,” Ensign, Nov. 1986
• James E. Faust, “Patriarchal Blessings” (Brigham Young University fireside, Mar. 30, 1980), speeches.byu.edu
• John A. Widtsoe, “What Is the Meaning of Patriarchal Blessings?,” Improvement Era, Jan. 1942

4. Where can I find information about patriarchs?

As outlined in the General Handbook, 38.9.1, “The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles directs the calling of stake patriarchs (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:39).”

Other sources for information about patriarchs:

• “A History of Patriarchs and Patriarchal Blessings,” The Historical Record, Mar. 26, 2019
• Boyd K. Packer, “The Stake Patriarch,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2002, 42–45
• Boyd K. Packer, “The Office of Patriarch” (worldwide leadership training meeting, Jan. 2005), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

5. Who was the last Patriarch to the Church, and why was this calling discontinued?

The last individual called to the position of Patriarch to the Church was Elder Eldred G. Smith. He was made emeritus during the October 1979 general conference, at which time President N. Eldon Tanner stated:

“Because of the large increase in the number of stake patriarchs and the availability of patriarchal service throughout the world, we now designate Elder Eldred G. Smith as a Patriarch Emeritus, which means that he is honorably relieved of all duties and responsibilities pertaining to the office of Patriarch to the Church.”

The Patriarchs to the Church included the following:

• Joseph Smith Sr. (1834–1840)—“Joseph Smith Sr.,” Church History Topics, ChurchofJesusChrist.org
• Hyrum Smith (1841–1844)—“Hyrum Smith,” Church History Topics, ChurchofJesusChrist.org
• William B. Smith (1845)—“William B. Smith,” Joseph Smith Papers, josephsmithpapers.org
• John Smith (1849–1854)—Milton R. Hunter, “Who Was ‘Uncle John Smith’?,” Improvement Era, June 1945
• John Smith (1855–1911)—“Lives of Our Leaders: Presiding Patriarch John Smith,” Juvenile Instructor, Apr. 1, 1901
• Hyrum G. Smith (1912–1932)—James E. Talmage, “Hyrum Gibbs Smith,” Improvement Era, Mar. 1932
• George F. Richards (1937–1942)—John A. Widtsoe, “George F. Richards,” and Marba C. Josephson, “Worthy of Emulation,” Improvement Era, Sept. 1950
• Joseph F. Smith (1942–1946)—“Joseph F. Smith, Patriarch to the Church,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1942
• Eldred G. Smith (1947–1979)—“Eldred G. Smith, Patriarch to the Church,” Improvement Era, May 1947

Other sources of information:

• Joseph Fielding Smith, “Presiding Patriarchs,” Improvement Era, Apr. 1935
• Irene M. Bates and E. Gary Smith, Lost Legacy: The Mormon Office of Presiding Patriarch (Urbana: University of Illinois Press), 2003

Bonus Question: Where can I find the Prophet Joseph Smith’s patriarchal blessing?

Joseph Smith’s patriarchal blessing is available on the Joseph Smith Papers website. He received it on December 9, 1834, from his father, Joseph Smith Sr. Emma Hale Smith received her patriarchal blessing on the same date, and her blessing can be found immediately after Joseph’s.

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