On the 19th day of January 1923, a meeting was held to organize one of the first Stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a major metropolitan area and one of the first outside the Intermountain area. In attendance was local and General Church leaders, including Heber J. Grant, Charles W. Penrose of the First Presidency, and Elder George Albert Smith.
 

During the first session on Sunday morning during a priesthood meeting. President Grant and Penrose both reminded their audience of the momentous importance of the step they were about to take for both the Church and the Saints in Southern California. President Penrose also stressed the authority by which the work was done and recommended that everyone study D&C Section 107, to better understand the Priesthood.  He closed by reminding those present that they were helping to “Lay the foundation for the Kingdom of God broad and deep for that which would come” and encouraged them to follow the Savior’s command to “let every man learn his duty and do it”.

 

President Grant commended on the growth of the Church in the area “No City in the history of the world has had the phenomenal growth of the city of Los Angeles.” He said, “and to start out at this time with a great stake of Zion. I firmly believe, will lead to great development for the Church and its people in this district.” He then submitted to the Priesthood for approval the General Authorities of the Church, the Stake Officers, and the name of the stake: the “Los Angeles Stake of Zion.” The vote for approval was unanimous.

 

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