Morris Phelps was born in Northampton, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, December 20, 1805.

Brother Phelps, I lay my hands upon thy head in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and I ask my heavenly Father to let his blessings rest upon thee. Satan has sought to destroy thee, to chain thy senses, to drive thee to rashness, but because of thy prayers, thou has yet escaped, for the Lord has had compassion and lengthened out his arm of mercy, and if thou art faithful, and will seek at the hand of thy God, thou shalt be greatly blessed, for he will give thee power to proclaim his gospel to the ends of the Earth, and thou shalt bring thy thousands to Zion with songs of everlasting joy. His holy angels shall watch over thee, and no power beneath the heavens shall take thy life from the Earth. Thou shalt yet visit many people afar off, and preach glad tidings of great joy to those who sit in the region and shadow of death; for thou shalt see the end of this evil generation, if faithful, and tarry in the flesh. Thou art of the lineage of Joseph and a joint heir of Abraham’s blessings. Thy companion shall be blessed with thee, and have joy in that glory which the Lord will bestow upon thee. Thy children shall also be blessed, and grow up to inherit the land of Zion; for I now pronounce upon thee a father’s blessing, which shall be for thee and thy children, and thy children’s children. Treasure up wisdom in thy heart; and if thou desirest it, thou shalt be like unto Elijah, and be wafted away to the bosom of thy God and rest in the celestial glory, even so. Amen.

Patriarch, Joseph Smith Sr. Oliver Cowdery, Clerk and Recorder
Ordained 12/18/1833; Died 9/14/1840
Given in Kirtland, Ohio, August 27, 1935 and recorded October 8, 1835