Church History Matters: Episode 138 - D&C 81-83 CFM - Family, Finances, and Church Presidency

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 138 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) sections 81-83, exploring foundational aspects of the Latter-day Saint Church’s structure, financial stewardship, and family responsibilities. This episode unpacks the historical context, key revelations, ensuing controversies, and lasting implications of these sections, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of their significance both in Joseph Smith's era and today.

Overview of D&C Sections 81-83

The discussion spans three pivotal sections of the Doctrine and Covenants:

1. Section 81: Marks the nascent steps toward establishing the First Presidency.
2. Section 82: Introduces the United Firm, outlining the church's financial and business operations.
3. Section 83: Focuses on the church’s responsibilities toward families, particularly widows and orphaned children.

Section 81: Formation of the Proto First Presidency and Jesse Gauss

Context and Content

Section 81 is a concise yet significant revelation received on March 8, 1832. It serves as a precursor to the First Presidency by outlining the roles of counselors in the presidency of the high priesthood. Initially addressed to Jesse Gauss (though his name was later replaced with Frederick G. Williams in early manuscripts), the section emphasizes the holders' responsibilities and the blessings tied to their faithfulness.

Notable Quote:

Casey [04:41]: "This is a stepping stone on the way to creating the First Presidency as we know it."

Jesse Gauss: A Brief Tenure

Jesse Gauss, a recent convert from the Shakers, was ordained as a counselor alongside Sidney Rigdon shortly after his baptism in early 1832. However, Gauss's commitment waned when his wife, Minerva, refused to join the church. His subsequent mission to reconcile with her ended in failure, leading to his excommunication and replacement by Frederick G. Williams.

Notable Quote:

Casey [06:15]: "This revelation was originally received on behalf of Jesse Gauss, but he doesn't."

Transition to Frederick G. Williams

Frederick G. Williams stepped into Gauss's role, becoming a pivotal figure in the early church. Joseph Smith's journal praises Williams' integrity and dedication, though it also notes instances where Williams struggled to magnify his presidency due to self-doubt.

Notable Quote:

Scott [27:37]: "Frederick G. Williams was a great guy. He wasn't perfect. He had his challenges, but he was a very important asset to the Kingdom."

Controversies and Consequences

The episode raises critical questions about divine foreknowledge and human agency, pondering why Gauss was called despite probable failure. The discussion underscores that while God extends callings, individuals retain the agency to fulfill or abandon their roles, as exemplified by Gauss's departure.

Notable Quote:

Casey [18:09]: "The foreknowledge of God meets the agency of man."

The replacement ensured the First Presidency's continuity, laying the groundwork for future church governance.

Section 82: The United Firm and Church Finances

Context and Content

Received in Independence, Missouri, on April 24, 1832, Section 82 outlines the establishment of the United Firm, an organizational structure intended to unify the church’s financial and commercial endeavors. This revelation builds upon Section 78, which introduced the need for a coordinated management of the church’s businesses, including stores and printing presses.

Notable Quote:

Casey [38:05]: "This is the Lord's vision for the United Firm."

Theology of the Keys of the Kingdom

A significant theme in Section 82 is the assertion that the First Presidency holds the keys of the kingdom, granting them authority to direct the church’s efforts in building God’s kingdom on earth. This concept is foundational to understanding church governance and authority structures today.

Notable Quote:

Scott [02:52]: "The President and his counselors actually hold the same keys as the president of the Church."

Establishing the United Firm

The United Firm comprised nine key leaders tasked with managing various aspects of church finances and operations across Kirtland and Missouri. Responsibilities included overseeing land purchases, mercantile stores, and printing operations, effectively implementing the Law of Consecration in a business context.

Notable Quote:

Casey [46:32]: "The United Firm consecrated their time, money, property, and energy and pledged their cooperation to advance the business of this new joint stewardship."

Controversies: “Making Friends with the Mammon of Unrighteousness”

Section 82 advises church leaders to engage in commerce and build relationships with non-members to safeguard against hostility and ensure the church's survival. This directive, phrased as “make friends with the mammon of unrighteousness,” emphasizes pragmatic cooperation while maintaining spiritual integrity.

Notable Quote:

Scott [53:31]: "The Lord is giving them a heads up here in verse 22, like be friends so they don't destroy you."

Consequences and Dissolution

Despite its promising start, the United Firm faced significant challenges, including financial mismanagement and external persecutions. By 1834, revelations like D&C 104 dissolved the United Firm due to covenant breaches, yet the principles of delegated stewardship and financial consecration remained integral to church operations.

Notable Quote:

Scott [66:03]: "These revelations are really crucial. Although this original thing dissolves, the organizational structures and methods... are going to evolve."

Section 83: Caring for Families

Context and Content

Section 83, received during the same Missouri trip in 1832, shifts focus to the church’s obligations toward families, particularly widows and orphaned children. This revelation addresses how the Law of Consecration applies to individuals who have lost their primary breadwinners.

Notable Quote:

Scott [69:35]: "It's family first, church second in terms of financial support."

Responsibilities of Fathers and the Church

The section reinforces the expectation that fathers provide for their families, encompassing financial, emotional, and spiritual support. In cases where parents are unable to fulfill these roles, the church is mandated to assist, ensuring the welfare of widows and orphaned children.

Notable Quote:

Casey [73:37]: "The church is designed... to help provide a surrogate family, starting out with the most basic needs."

Modern Applications and Controversies

Today's application of Section 83 includes addressing diverse family structures, such as single-parent households and dual-income families. The hosts discuss how contemporary leaders advocate for flexibility and mutual support within families, allowing for both parents to contribute economically without judgment.

Notable Quote:

Casey [86:46]: "No woman should ever feel the need to apologize or feel that her contribution is less significant because she is devoting her primary efforts to raising and nurturing children."

Consequences and Ongoing Commitment

Section 83 underscores the church’s enduring commitment to supporting vulnerable families, a principle that remains active through local bishoprics and specialized church programs. The revelation laid the groundwork for the church's comprehensive support system for families facing adversity.

Notable Quote:

Scott [82:05]: "The church can provide goods and assistance as part of its storehouse of resources and also provide the skills of the members of the church to help and to build those who are most vulnerable."

Conclusion

Episode 138 of Church History Matters intricately weaves historical insights with doctrinal analysis, highlighting how D&C sections 81-83 shaped the early church's governance, financial practices, and social responsibilities. Scott and Casey effectively illustrate the interplay between divine revelation and human agency, emphasizing the timeless relevance of these teachings in fostering a supportive, organized, and spiritually aligned church community.

Notable Closing Quote:

Casey [95:37]: "We've navigated a lot of tricky issues in these sections, from the highest to the lowest levels of the church. But good, good counsel."

Notable Quotes Highlighted in the Episode

1. Scott [02:52]:

   "Whether we're calling the presidency of the high priesthood the First Presidency, it's that they hold the keys of the kingdom of God."

2. Casey [04:41]:

   "This is a stepping stone on the way to creating the First Presidency as we know it."

3. Casey [06:15]:

   "This revelation was originally received on behalf of Jesse Gauss, but he doesn't."

4. Scott [27:37]:

   "Frederick G. Williams was a great guy. He wasn't perfect. He had his challenges, but he was a very important asset to the Kingdom."

5. Scott [53:31]:

   "The Lord is giving them a heads up here in verse 22, like be friends so they don't destroy you."

6. Casey [38:05]:

   "This is the Lord's vision for the United Firm."

7. Casey [46:32]:

   "The United Firm consecrated their time, money, property, and energy and pledged their cooperation to advance the business of this new joint stewardship."

8. Casey [73:37]:

   "The church is designed... to help provide a surrogate family, starting out with the most basic needs."

9. Scott [82:05]:

   "The church can provide goods and assistance as part of its storehouse of resources and also provide the skills of the members of the church to help and to build those who are most vulnerable."

10. Casey [95:37]:

    "We've navigated a lot of tricky issues in these sections, from the highest to the lowest levels of the church. But good, good counsel."

Final Thoughts

This episode is an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the historical and doctrinal underpinnings of the LDS Church’s organizational and social frameworks. By examining the challenges and triumphs of early church leaders, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and enduring principles that continue to guide the church today.