April 9, 1946-Independence, Missouri. Following the death of Frederick M. Smith on March 20, 1946, Presiding Patriarch Elbert A. Smith and the Quorum of Twelve testified to the General Conference that President Smith had designated his brother Israel A. Smith to be his successor. The Conference approved the call. This is the first revelation given through Israel A. Smith to the church following his ordination as President of the high priesthood and the church of Jesus Christ on April 7, 1946.
Realizing our urgent need to receive light and instruction in order that the quorums might be filled, I have wrestled in prayer to God in my weakness on behalf and in the interest of the church-sensing deeply that it has been but a few hours ago when the burden of the church was laid upon me, yet in confidence and faith that God will not fail the church when called upon.
D&C 139:1a It is my will, saith the Spirit, that my servants of the Quorum of Twelve, John F. Garver and F. Henry Edwards, be ordained and set apart to be counselors to my servant, the President of the church, and to be presidents in the Quorum of the First Presidency.
D&C 139:1b They are my chosen vessels and are qualified by experience. Their apostleship is extended in Presidency; and if they will go forward in loving service, their ministry will be very effective.
D&C 139:2a To fill one of the vacancies in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, I have presented to my servant the name of D. Blair Jensen of the high priests quorum, who is called and chosen to this office and should be ordained and set apart as a special witness in the Quorum of Twelve.
D&C 139:2b My heart has been made to rejoice, as I feared that through my weakness and inexperience, the work of the church might suffer loss. I present this word to you soon after its reception; and, as I write, it is confirmed again unto me.
D&C 139:2c May God bless you in your deliberations; and if the quorums and the body shall have this message confirmed unto them, I shall rejoice; and I have faith that the church thereby will be blessed.