Founded:

1975

Founder:

John W. Bryant

Alternate Name:

Evangelical Church of Christ (1981 - 1987)

Location:

Utah & Nevada through 1981, then moved to Oregon

Scriptures:

Bible

Book of Mormon

Doctrine and Covenants

Pearl of Great Price

Testimony of Mary

Some sacred texts contained within the Priceless Gems collection were also accepted.

About:

In 1974, John W. Bryant claims he was visited by John the Beloved, who charged him with re-establishing the pure and original church of Christ. By the end of 1975 Bryant alleged more heavenly visitations, including an ordination from Lorin C. Woolley, giving Bryant all the keys held by Joseph Smith, Jr.

The church practiced polygamy and the United Order, and at one time had a few branches set up across the U.S. Leland F. Freeborn (aka the Parowan Prophet) served as President of 12 Apostles for the church and also ran the Pahoran Stake of the church at one time.

The group stated it existed "merely  to renew those laws... rites... and ordinances which have been forsaken, and must be here when he [Christ] returns." The church was seen as "provisional" by members, and would no longer be needed once "the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts the 'setting in order' that Joseph will do..." (Shields, p. 198, quoting What is the Church of Christ (Patriarchal)?).

The church maintained that it was unique among Latter Day Saint groups in that it held the Patriarchal Priesthood to be superior, and placed the Patriarch at the head of the church. The president was viewed only as administrative head, and in charge of day-to-day activities. "Only in the Church of Christ (Patriarchal) is the pure order of heaven as it was had in the Primitive Church of Christ and among the early Patriarchs preserved. Only in this Church can be found the fulness of those laws, ordinances and instructions which emanate from the Holy Priesthood after the Order of God" (Shields, p. 199, quoting What is the Church of Christ (Patriarchal)?)

This group was renamed the "Evangelical Church of Christ" in 1981, and eventually reorganized into the Church of the New Covenant in Christ. Some members of this group are today affiliated with the Church of the Pearl.

References:

• King, Marsha. "Changing beliefs led family to rearrange plural union."Seattle Times, 1985-10-13.
• Melton, J. Gordon. Encyclopedia of American Religions. 1996, p. 569.
• Shields, Steven L. Divergent Paths of the Restoration. Herald House, 2001.