From Rachel Woods,
Your Guide to Latter-day Saints.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Jesus Christ called prophets to lead His church in our day, just as He did while on the earth. The first prophet (and LDS Church president) called to restore Christ's gospel in these Latter-days was Joseph Smith. To learn more about this restoration read the article, "What Do Mormons Believe?"

When the prophet dies, the senior apostle (the apostle who has been in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles for the longest) becomes the next LDS Church President. When Joseph Smith was martyred Brigham Young became the next prophet and LDS Church President. He led the saints to the Salt Lake Valley, which later became known as Salt Lake City, Utah.

When Brigham Young died, the senior Apostle was John Taylor and he became the third LDS Church President. Each new President selects two worthy men to be his counselors; together they form the First Presidency. See the "Organization of the LDS Church" to learn about the First Presidency, and living prophets and apostles.