A patriarchal blessing is a blessing given to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by an ordained patriarch and usually provides genealogical information. The top of the printed copy of the blessing often gives the person’s complete name, birth date, birthplace, and parents’ names. When looking for a patriarchal blessing, always check for women under their maiden and married names. Some early Saints had more than one blessing.

You can find a computer index to patriarchal blessings on the 2nd floor of the Historical Department close to the elevator. Please contact the Historical Department directly because the Family History Library does not have access to this database. The Family History Library has the following indexes to patriarchal blessings:

Index to Patriarchal Blessings: 1833–1963. Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1963. (FHL films 392631–96; computer number 362798.) This alphabetical card index includes the genealogical information listed at the top of each blessing.

[Index to Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–1993]. [Salt Lake City: n.p., 1993?] (FHL fiche 6334933 [set of 68]; computer number 796772.) This alphabetical list gives the birth date, patriarchal blessing date, and the volume and page number where the blessing is recorded. This index includes the blessings turned into Church headquarters as of 15 June 1993.

For patriarchal blessings given by the Church Patriarch, Eldred G. Smith, beginning 10 April 1947 contact his office. These blessings are not yet available through the Historical Department.

Because of the sacred nature of patriarchal blessings, you can only request copies of blessings for yourself, your spouse, your descendants, and deceased ancestors in your direct line. Copies of the blessing can only be obtained by mail. For a recorded message about how to order patriarchal blessings, please telephone 801-240-3581. The fee for each blessing is $3.00 (U.S.). Your payment must accompany the request. Send a check or money order payable to the “Corporation of the President.”

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