The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has a variety of organizations that are important to our operation. Click on any of the organizations below to learn more about it.

• School of the Prophets
• Female Relief Society of Nauvoo
• Anointed Quorum
• Council of Fifty
• Nauvoo Legion
• Armies of Israel

School of the Prophets

The School of the Prophets is group that was organized to educate church officers. The School of the Prophets teaches both theological and secular information.

Female Relief Society of Nauvoo

The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo is a women's organization With the purpose of helping other and giving aid to those in need. It was organized on March 17, 1842.

The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo was organizaed by Joseph Smith that it should "move according to the ancient Priesthood."

This organization is essential to the latter day work. As Bishop Newel K. Whitney annunciated during the May 27, 1842 meeting of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo:

In the beginning God created man, male and female, and bestowed upon man certain blessings peculiar to a man of God, of which woman partook, so that without the female all things cannot be restored to the earth. It takes all to restore the Priesthood.

Anointed Quorum

The Anointed Quorum is a quorum of members who have receieved their endowment. Members of the Anointed Quorum gather and are instructed in the mysteries of the Kingdom and other information.

Council of Fifty

The Council of Fifty is the primary governing body of the political kingdom of God. It was established in March 1844.

The Council of Fifty establishes laws and oversees the execution of those laws within the Kingdom of God. Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not required for membership in the Council of Fifty.

Nauvoo Legion

On Dec 16, 1844 The governor of Illinois signed the charter for the City of Nauvoo giving powers to Joseph Smith and the City. One of these powers was to create an "body of independent militarymen." This militia became known as the Nauvoo Legion.

The Nauvoo Legion was legally disbanded towards the end of 1844 when, because of increasing anti-Mormon sentiment, the Nauvoo charter was revoked. As a result the Nauvoo Legion was no longer legally a state militia. Despite this the Nauvoo Legion continued to function as a protective force for LDS settlers; and a form of te Nauvoo legion was organized in the Great Basin.

The Nauvoo Legion has been re-established as an unorganized militia in the State of Illinois. Today the Nauvoo Legion functions to serve the City of Nauvoo.

Armies of Israel

The Armies of Israel orginated with Zion's Camp. A band of men formed to gether to reclaim Zion. The Armies of ISrael travelled towards Zion but were stopped when Joseph Smith recieved a revelation. THis revelationcommanded them to wait before reclaiming Zion. That Armies of Israel were to peacefully remain in the lands in and around Jackson County. They were also commanded to gather together that they would "find favor in the eyes of the people."

This was to be their goal until the time tha the Armies of Israel recruited many more people and "[became] very great." The armies of Israel are to remain stationed in the lands round about until the time when the lands of Zion have been purchased.

It is only after the lands have been purchased that the Armies of Israel will be called up again to "[take] possession of their own lands, which they have previously purchased with their moneys, and [to throw] down the towers of [the Lord's] enemies that may be upon them, and scattering their watchmen."

This is the stage we are currently in. We are building up and training the Armies of Israel. OUr goal is to fulfill the following portion of the revelation to Joseph Smith:

31 But first let my army become very great, and let it be sanctified before me, that it may become fair as the sun, and clear as the moon, and that her banners may be terrible unto all nation;

32 That the kingdoms of this world may be constrained to acknowledge that the kingdom of Zion is in very deed the kingdom of our God and his Christ; therefore, let us become subject unto her laws.

Undoubtedly, the idea of a militia organization run by a religious group will raise red flags for MANY people. Participation in the Armies of Israel is NOT required for members of the church. As poined out in the reveltion this organization is not offensive in purpose. It is only defensive. It can only be called into action to reclaim and defend the lands of Zion which have already been purhcased. It can in no way be used to engage in attacking nor operate on lands outside those purchased.