The Greatest and Grandest Duty of All

[Ian]

three principles regarding genealogy and family history work:

1) No responsibility is more important than working for the dead.

2) We are responsible for our own ancestors, not someone else's.

3) We should do the work in an orderly and systematic way.

these are supported by the words of the prophets and apostles.

The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead.... Those Saints who neglect it in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation.

Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:313 and 4:426

We have a work to do just as important in its sphere as the Savior’s work was in its sphere. Our fathers cannot be made perfect without us; we cannot be made perfect without them. They have done their work and now sleep. We are now called upon to do ours; which is to be the greatest work man ever performed on the earth.

Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1941, p. 406

Oh, I wish many times that the veil were lifted off the face of the Latter-day Saints. I wish we could see and know the things of God as they do who are laboring for the salvation of the human family who are in the spirit world; for if this were so, this whole people, with very few, if any, exceptions, would lose all interest in the riches of the world, and instead thereof their whole desires and labors would be directed to redeem their dead...

Wilford Woodruff, The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, sel. G. Homer Durham (1946), 152

When we go back into the other life and find our dead friends living there, if we have not performed the labor that is necessary for their exaltation and glory we shall not feel very happy and it will not be a very pleasant meeting. We ought not to wait for opportunities to be pleasant and agreeable always; but we should strive, even if it takes a little sacrifice on our part, to put ourselves in a condition to perform this labor.

Lorenzo Snow, The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, 97 (from April 6, 1895, General Conference, reported in May 28, 1895, Deseret News)

The Lord is helping us; it is marvelous how the way is opened and how other people frequently are prompted to prepare their genealogies. But sometimes we fail to take advantage of our opportunities to prepare our genealogies, notwithstanding the Lord has very pointedly said that unless we take care of our temple work we will be rejected with our dead. This is a very serious thing. This is something that we cannot change, if we have wasted our opportunities until life passes....

George Albert Smith, Sharing the Gospel with Others, compiled by Preston Nibley, Deseret Book (1948), 178

Many there are, it is true, who comprehend this great work and are faithfully discharging their duties in the temples of the Lord. This is a good sign, showing the willingness and activity of the Saints. But this does not relieve the inactive, dilatory members who are doing nothing for their dead. These persons cannot expect to receive credit for what others may be doing; the responsibility rests with equal force on all, according to our individual ability and opportunities.

It matters not what else we have been called to do or what position we may occupy or how faithfully in other ways we have labored in the Church; none are exempt from this great obligation. It is required of the apostle as well as the humblest elder. Place, distinction, or long service in the cause of Zion in the mission field, the stakes of Zion, or elsewhere will not entitle one to disregard the salvation of one’s dead.

Some may feel that if they pay their tithing, attend their regular meetings and other duties, give of their substance to the poor, or perchance spend one, two, or more years preaching in the world, they are absolved from further duty. But the greatest and grandest duty of all is to labor for the dead. We may and should do all these other things, for which reward will be given, but if we neglect the weightier privilege and commandment, notwithstanding all other good works, we shall find ourselves under severe condemnation.

Joseph Fielding Smith, “Message from the First Presidency: Salvation Universal,” Ensign, Feb 1971, 2 (first appeared in the February 1910 Improvement Era (p. 352))

No person has a right to select names promiscuously of any family and go to the temple to perform the work for them. This cannot be tolerated, for it would lead to confusion and duplication of work. Let each family do the work for their own dead kindred, as they may have the right, and if they do work for others, it must be at the instance and with the consent of the living relatives who are immediately concerned.

A few individuals have desired to do the work for men of renown, generals, presidents, magistrates, and others who have risen to prominent stations in the world. One object they apparently have in view is that they may say they have done the work for such and such persons. But there is an order in this work, as in all things pertaining to the gospel, and in no case should work be done in this manner, unless the circumstances are such that proper sanction of the temple authorities can be given.

Some of us get so enthusiastic over this temple work that we are not willing to abide by the rules and the regulations and to confine ourselves to our own line, but we want to spread out into the other fellow’s line, and we want to do the work because we readily find names that belong to somebody else, and that method of work for the dead is not permissible. It is all right to help others do their work, if we do that with proper consent, but each family group is entitled to do the work for its particular line.

Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 2, Deseret Book (1955), 207

The kingdom of God is a house of order because all things therein obey the law. The temples of the Lord on earth should also be orderly for the same reason. Temple work should not be done in a haphazard or disorderly way. Those who labor for the dead should endeavor to prepare their records in an orderly and systematic manner.

When names are copied in an improper way and incomplete records are sent to the temples, but one thing will be the result-confusion. The compilers of records should try to find the information so that records can be made in family groups with all the necessary data for correct identification. When names are taken out of books without any accompanying information that will identify them, or show relationship to parents and other members of the family, little, if any, good can follow.

If work in the temples is done for such individuals, it is very incomplete and questionable. When the temple work is limited to baptizing and endowing because other ordinances cannot be performed for lack of information, it will more than likely have to be done over again. In this way the records are burdened with unnecessary matter which cannot be properly arranged.

Genealogical researchers will make fewer mistakes and in the end save time and means by giving more attention to their recording. It is the disposition of many of the people to hurry their work along in an unorganized fashion because of their zeal for temple work. Patience, accompanied by prayer and thorough research, will prove best in the end.

Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 2, Deseret Book (1955), 208-9

It remains the responsibility of each individual to know his kindred dead.… Even if the [temple] work is done, then it is still each person’s responsibility to study and become acquainted with his ancestors.

Joseph Fielding Smith quoted in Hearts Turned to the Fathers: A History of the Genealogical Society of Utah, 1894–1994 (1995), 184

Whether we recognize it or not, we are connected with our past.... People who care nothing for the past usually have no thought for the future and are selfish in the way they use the present.

Spencer W.Kimball, World Conference of Records, Aug 12, 1980 (see “News of the Church,” Ensign, Oct 1980, 72–80)

Much more must be done in our personal genealogical research. We have an obligation to do temple work for our kindred dead. This means that we will do the necessary research in order for the names of our progenitors to be sent to the temples. We have an individual responsibility to see that we are linked to our progenitors.

Ezra Taft Benson, The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, Bookcraft (1988), 161

This work, unselfishly given in behalf of those on the other side, comes nearer to the unparalleled vicarious work of the Savior than any other of which I know.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Rejoice in This Great Era of Temple Building,” Ensign, Nov 1985, 53

Each one of us—if we pretend to obey the gospel at all—must search out our dead and have these saving ordinances performed for them....

We must disabuse our minds of the idea that merely “going to the temple” discharges our full responsibility, because it does not. That is not enough.

We must get down to specifics and do the work for our own dead progenitors.

God holds each of us responsible for saving our own kindred—specifically our own.

Mark E. Petersen, “The Message of Elijah,” Ensign, May 1976, 14

Members of the Church cannot touch this work without becoming affected spiritually. The spirit of Elijah permeates it. Many of the little intrusions into our lives, the little difficulties and the petty problems that beset us, are put into proper perspective when we view the linking of the generations for the eternities. We become much more patient then. So if you want the influence of dignity and wisdom and inspiration and spirituality to envelop your life, involve yourself in temple and genealogical work.

Boyd K. Packer, Holy Temple, pp. 224–25.

No work is more of a protection to this church than temple work and the genealogical research that supports it. No work is more spiritually refining. No work we do gives us more power. No work requires a higher standard of righteousness.

Boyd K. Packer, “The Holy Temple,” Ensign, Feb 1995, 32

There somehow seems to be the feeling that genealogical work is an all-or-nothing responsibility. Genealogical work is another responsibility for every Latter-day Saint. And we may do it successfully along with all the other callings and responsibilities that rest upon us.

The bishop can do it without neglecting his flock. A stake missionary can do it without abandoning his mission. A Sunday School teacher can accomplish it without forgetting his lesson. A Relief Society president can do it without forsaking her sisters.

You can fulfill your obligation to your kindred dead and to the Lord without forsaking your other Church callings. You can do it without abandoning your family responsibilities. You can do this work. You can do it without becoming a so-called “expert” in it.

Boyd K. Packer, “Someone Up There Loves You,” Ensign, Jan 1977, 8

[Steve]

But President Howard W. Hunter said, "A man who holds the priesthood regards the family as ordained of God. Your leadership of the family is your most important and sacred responsibility." President David O. McKay stated that “the proper training of childhood is man’s most important and sacred duty.”

So which is it? Hehe, I'm just kidding, of course. As disciples of Christ, we have been entrusted with a number of crucial responsibilities which demand our attention. It's no coincidence that all of the most important responsibilities are tied to past, present, and future family. It's sometimes easier (though not always) to focus on present family since we can see them and interact with them. It's safe to say that we will receive no less gratitude for our efforts with past family as we do through efforts with present family.

I doubt anyone in the family believes that family history isn't important. I think most of us are just at a loss as to where to start. We probably feel that most of the attainable work has already been completed and we're not really sure how to proceed toward the deeper research. Perhaps we're even a little intimidated by those who already have an apparent knack for this stuff. How do we get past these issues? How do we efficiently collaborate so as not to duplicate effort?

I think we need to put one another's fears to rest rather than trying to guilt-trip everyone into participating. How do we encourage one another to start and how do we improve our chances for success?

[Ian]

ok, i'll revise the first principle:

1. No responsibility is greater than working for the dead.

raising children is our most important responsibility, now and in eternity. but our greatest responsibility in this life is to seek and redeem our dead. that is our greatest and grandest duty of all. note that these are not mutually exclusive responsibilities, laboring for the living and the dead.

there is no past family. right now, most of our family is on the other side of the veil.

you need to motivate yourself. you can figure out how to get past your issues. you can put your fear to rest. don't wait for someone else to do it for you.

duplication of effort: how can there be duplication of effort, with no effort?

nephi said: "I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." we don't have to be experts, we just have to get started.

i'm motivated and encouraged by the vision and perspective of prophets who recognized the greatness of this work.

It is tremendously significant to me that this declaration, this repetition of the wondrous words of Malachi concerning the work for the dead was given to the boy Joseph four years before he was allowed to take the plates from the hill. It was given before he received either the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood, before he was baptized and well before the Church was organized. It says much concerning the priority of this work in the plan of the Lord.

Gordon B. Hinckley, Address given at the 100th anniversary of the Genealogical Society of Utah, 13 November 1994

Often Church members suffer from a lack of perspective, perhaps understandably, as to the vastness and intensity of the Lord’s work in the spirit world. The scope is enormous! Demographers estimate that some sixty to seventy billion peple have lived on this planet thus far. Without diminishing in any way the importance of the absolutely vital and tandem work on this side of the veil, we do need a better grasp of ‘things as they really will be’ (Jacob 4:13). Otherwise, we can so easily come to regard family history as a quaint hobby and its resulting temple work as something we will get around to later.

Neal A. Maxwell, The Promise of Discipleship (2001), 105

[Steve]

"Past family" is merely a semantics game (as usual). By your same logic, we're all family, so we should be doing everyone's genealogy, since there's only one giant present family.

Each person needs to commit to doing these things for themselves, but I disagree that they are the only ones who need to motivate themselves and/or figure out how to get past obstacles. That's what we're all here for. Otherwise, let's just disband this forum and go at it alone. It's called family history for reasons beyond subject matter. I just think your approach to this is ineffective (you think you're going to get a big response from this family with posts like the last one? Have you learned nothing from past experience?! ) And yes, duplication of effort is a concern. Nobody wants to feel like they're starting down a path that's already been covered. Individuals want to feel like they're contributing when they put forth the effort to participate.

The church has been good about providing some helpful information for those who are just starting out (so we don't have to go at it like Nephi). For those of you who are unsure about where to begin or how you can contribute to family history work, here's a little help, taken from the "True to the Faith" gospel reference book:

In family history work, you have three basic responsibilities:
1. Receive the temple ordinances for yourself and help immediate family members receive them.
2. Hold a current temple recommend and attend the temple as frequently as circumstances allow.
3. Gather family history information so you can help your ancestors receive the blessings of the temple.

You can participate in temple and family history work, at least to some extent, regardless of where you live or what your circumstances are. While you probably will not be able to do everything, you can do something. The following ideas may help you get started:
• Record important details about your own life. Record your birth date and birthplace and the dates of your baptism and confirmation. Keep a personal journal to record the highlights of your life, including personal experiences that will strengthen the faith of your children and other future generations.
• Learn about your ancestors. Begin by recording information from your memory and from accessible sources at home. Record the vital information you accurately remember or can find about siblings, parents, uncles and aunts, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Where possible, obtain copies of certificates or other documents that include this information. As you gather more information, you may want to search in other locations, such as public records. The local ward or branch may have a family history consultant who can help you. You may also want to visit the Church’s official Web site for family history, http://new.familysearch.org.
• As you identify your ancestors, use pedigree charts and family group forms to record the information you find. These forms are available on paper and also in Church-produced software programs, such as Personal Ancestral File.

When you have gathered the necessary information about your ancestors who have died without receiving the gospel, ensure that temple work is performed for them. Even if you do not live near enough to a temple for you and your family members to be able to do the ordinance work, you can submit ancestors’ names to a temple so others can do the work for them. You may be able to visit a nearby family history center or consult with local ward or branch family history consultants to see how to do this.

On New FamilySearch they have various training modules including "Help Me Get Started with Family History" and "Learn How to Use FamilySearch." To sign into FamilySearch, you'll need to log in with your LDS.org account log-in (the same log-in you may use already to access your ward/stake page on LDS.org). If you don't have one, your ward clerk can get you the information you need to be able to do that. I'd invite everyone to at least get signed in and familiarize yourself with the tutorials, as this is a great place to start and can help clear up any uncertainty or other thoughts that may be keeping you from participating.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm no expert (yet hehe), but I'm happy to help any of you if I can.

[Tuly]

I have been working with NewFamilySearch, that is how I got the names for the Tamayo side of our family. We are still trying to figure out how to get the Penaranda side moving. I do appreciate your comments. Any other thoughts about this from others??

[Ian]

There is no work connected with the gospel that is of a more unselfish nature than the work in the house of the Lord for our dead. Those who work for the dead do not expect to receive any earthly remuneration or reward. It is, above all, a work of love, which is begotten in the heart of man through faithful and constant labor in these saving ordinances. There are no financial returns, but there shall be great joy in heaven with those souls whom we have helped to their salvation.

In an editorial in the Times and Seasons, written by the Prophet, he speaks of the remarks made by the Savior to the Jews, that upon them should come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth from the blood of righteous Abel, unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, who was slain between the temple and the altar.

Then the Prophet declares, in most emphatic terms, that the reason why this blood was to come upon these Jews was that since, "They possessed greater privileges than any other generation, not only as pertaining to themselves, but to their dead, their sin was greater, as they not only neglected their own salvation but that of their progenitors, and hence their blood was required at their hands."

Now, if these Jews were to answer for the blood of their progenitors because they neglected the salvation of their dead, then, may we not ask: Will not we have to answer for the blood of our dead, if we neglect these ordinances in their behalf? It matters not even if we have been baptized and have had hands laid on our heads for the reception of the Holy Ghost, if we wilfully neglect the salvation of our dead, then also we shall stand rejected of the Lord, because we have rejected our dead; and just so sure their blood will be required at our hands.

The Lord has given to the Church the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the nations of the earth. This is the greatest responsibility of the Church. Men are to be taught the gospel and called to repentance and warned. When they refuse to heed the warning, they must be left without excuse.

The Lord has also placed upon the individual members of the Church a responsibility. It is our duty as individuals to seek after our immediate dead-those of our own line. This is the greatest individual responsibility that we have, and we should carry it through in behalf of our fathers who have gone before.

"[T]he greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us, is to seek after our dead," because we cannot be saved without them. "It is necessary that those who are going before and those who come after us should have salvation in common with us; and thus hath God made it obligatory upon man," says the Prophet Joseph Smith. From this, then, we see that while it is necessary to preach the gospel in the nations of the earth, and to do all other good works in the Church, yet the greatest commandment given us, and made obligatory, is the temple work in our own behalf and in behalf of our dead.

We must not slacken in our labors. The Lord will hold us accountable for our own actions regarding our own selves. We should take diligent heed concerning our dead, that none shall be overlooked.

Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, vol 2, Deseret Book (1955), 144-150.

[Tuly]

To be fair I don't feel Ian has guilt-ridden us to focus on genealogy. Out of all the commandments we are given I would venture to say that this one commandment is the easiest one to ignore completely. He is only quoting scripture so in fact we should not be shooting the messenger. I admit that I have been leaning on my mom's and Ian's work in genealogy. I repent that I have not worked harder to see the vision on why this is the most important work we will do in this earth. But I will move forward to understand fully the vision and take the challenge.

[Steve]

I don't disagree with the message shared. I just think it's worth helping people with the endeavor. We all know there are many in this family who haven't done anything with family history. In a sense, they're "investigators" when it comes to genealogy. And like any effective missionary, there is value in trying to find out what things may be keeping individuals from making commitments. Conversion never came from shoving a prophet's words down an investigator's throat. If these individuals knew exactly what they were to do and how to do it, then there would be cause for reproach. We should help direct individuals to the proper path and encourage them.

That said, to those of us who are using ignorance as an excuse, we need to remember that nobody's saved in ignorance. I've provided some helpful recommendations to get started and pointed you in the right direction. Ian's posts have made it clear that you should not trifle with these things. So what do the rest of you have to say? Is there something else we can do to help you get started?

...and just out of curiosity, where is everybody anyway?

[Edward]

I'm here! And I try to go on Saturdays to the family history center on campus; I'm still trying to find records on the Penaranda side by going through birth and christianing records from the La Paz area, trying to find something on Nestor, though unfortunately I've been searching for months with no result and no idea yet how to refine my search. But I'll keep truckin' ...

[Ian]

Work for the dead is a great responsibility. Those engaged in genealogical research and temple work are giving of themselves, their time and their efforts, for the benefit of others. They find the joy and happiness which must have come to the Savior after his resurrection, knowing what he had accomplished for the benefit of his brothers and sisters.

We have a great obligation, a great responsibility. There is no question in my mind but what the Prophet knew exactly what he was talking about when he stated that this is our "greatest responsibility." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 356.) I presume that no greater blessing comes to us than to become saviors of others. This is our privilege and opportunity if we would accept of it.

Laboring for our dead is the most important work we can do. Let us help all members of the Church qualify for and receive these heavenly blessings [of the temple] . After they have received them, teach them the high and holy opportunities that await them if they will search out their genealogies and minister for their loved ones in the Houses of the Lord. The Lord expects each of us to qualify as a savior on Mount Zion and labor in love for our families who have passed beyond the veil not having had the privilege of accepting the principles of the gospel.

I desire to bear my witness to you that this work is of God and is the most important work that he has revealed for the salvation of mankind as has been so clearly explained by the Prophet Joseph Smith (see History of the Church 6:313).

Howard W. Hunter, Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, Deseret Book (1997), 231-232.

[John]

When an investigator is taught about prayer, he must learn that there is no substitute for prayer. He's got to bend his knee and begin. No one in this family is so intellectually deprived as not to be capable of exercising individual initiative for his own involvement in family history work.

Yesterday I googled "Freystrop, Wales" and found a slough of references to surnames and locales that show up all over the place in our genealogy. I'm excited to figure out connections and establish some documentation for my mother's forbears. These are direct links to our kindred dead.

Thank you, Ian, for a kick to my backside. I am grateful for your urging and urgency.

I admonish all the rest of us to establish patterns of attention to these matters as consistent as our reading of the Book of Mormon or the payment of our tithes.

If not this generation of our family, then whose?

In preparation for our next family gathering, and for some activities I'm planning, I would encourage you to study our pedigree chart. You know how we have always played, "Who wrote that piece on KUSC"? I'd like you each to familiarize yourself with names, places and dates from the pedigree as a way of beginning to catch hold of an interest in these people as deep as their interest in you.

Will you do so?
I'd like an answer to follow from each one who reads this post.

[Steve]

That's exactly my point. I think we could do a better job of "teaching about prayer" so to speak. I think we've done a good job when it comes to teaching our family the "importance" of family history, but I don't think we've done a good job of teaching family members "how" to do family history. We could express how important prayer is to an investigator all day, then tell them "You need to pray," but until they have guidance demonstrating the proper way to pray, investigators won't do it.

Similarly, if we helped family members understand how they could contribute, then they should be able to proceed.

That said, I still believe our biggest problem with family history isn't ignorance as much as it is indifference. Truth be told, if our family members don't care about one another enough to participate in a family forum and talk to one another, why would we take the time to seek after people who have passed and no longer talk at all? If we don't care about the living, why would we care about the dead?

...and yes, I realize that the only ones who may respond to this are the ones to whom I'm not referring...

And yes, I'd be willing to look over the pedigree and try to learn some names and dates!

[John]

How to begin:
1. Pray for the desire to begin now. Pray for the spirit of the work (the spirit of Elijah) now. Pray for guidance in family history now. Pray for what the spirit directs you to pray for now. Pray for humility now. Humble yourselves. Prayerfully, and with an open heart, read and re-read Ian's posts from the words of the prophets. What he has posted is not from his own opinion, but the results of his study of the subject from the prophets. Follow his example. He has caught the spirit of the work from his own explorations and labors. None of you is one whit less intelligent or capable than he. (I sound a little like Lehi here, but hope you are all a bunch of Sams and Jacobs).
2. Study our pedigree chart. This is an orderly listing of your ancestors for which we are deeply indebted to Grace Rondot Huntington's extensive research and documentation, and Ian's diligent, thorough, and time-consuming uploading, as well as his user-friendly design.
3. Take note of the most distant names on each line. (I assume you understand what a genealogical "line" is)
4. Like a detective, creatively think of ways you might be able to research and identify a parent of one of those people. Every Ward and Stake has Family History specialists or devotees who will help you. But they will not know to help if you do not ask for it. If you live in Utah or Indiana, you live in close proximity to some of the world's leading resources and libraries for Genealogical research. It is miraculous that these are also two major regions of specific importance to our family's history. Ask for help. Ask for help. Ask for help. Ask. Ask. Ask. Keep asking until you gain understanding.
5. Once you have identified said parent and verified with some reasonable documentation the dates and locales of his existence and filial connections, consult your ward specialist for help in submitting the name for temple ordinances.
6. Go to the temple and perform the ordinances.
7. Record the name and the work on this family website and in your own personal records.

Any questions?
Lily?
Bryn?
Edward?
Betsy?
Margaret?
Emma?

Steve, bless his heart, will have ample work of his own to do on his Mott and maternal lines,
Ann and her intriguing Zarkou lines and Micah with his Crofts, Angela and her Martins.

Remember as you work that these are your children's ancestors as well, so you have a vested interest in helping Steve and Ann and Angela and Micah with their work, but are answerable to God and, dare I patriarchally claim it, ME for your labors or lack thereof with the Huntingtons.

I still await responses from my children to my last post on this thread.

I will interpret a lack of response as sophomoric petulance.

[Ian]

i'll study our pedigree. i've quoted the prophets because they teach doctrine. in other words, they teach why we should do genealogy work.

i'm not convinced that we comprehend the importance of this work. if we understood the doctrine, we would not doubt that joseph smith knew exactly what he was talking about when he said that this is our greatest responsibility.

boyd k packer said, "the decision, the action, must begin with the individual. The Lord will not tamper with our agency. If we want a testimony of genealogical and temple work, we must do something about that work."

[Steve]

Right. But they don't teach how we should do genealogy work. That's where a good, loving teacher comes in. Those who know how to do it should teach those who don't. Those who don't know how to do it should consult with those who do.

So let's help one another do the work.