History of the Aaronic Priesthood

When Moses led Israel out of Egypt, the Lord intended to confer the higher Melchizedek Priesthood upon all worthy men. However, because of their disobedience and loss of faith and worthiness, Moses was taken out of their midst along with the holy Melchizedek Priesthood. The lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood continued (see D&C 84:25-27). Because of the unwillingness of the Israelites to abide by the higher law with the Melchizedek Priesthood, they were given the law of carnal commandments as part of the law of Moses. The Lord called Aaron and his sons to be the priests and preside over the lesser priesthood (see Numbers 8). The Lord also called other male members of the tribe of Levi to carry out assignments in the lesser priesthood. The lesser priesthood became known as the Aaronic Priesthood.

John the Baptist, a descendant of Aaron, was chosen by the Lord to prepare the way for and to baptize Jesus Christ. Jesus called and ordained His Apostles (see John 15:16). Later, three of these Apostles–Peter, James, and John–received the keys of the kingdom of God (see Matthew 17:1-13). After the Apostles were martyred, a general apostasy occurred, during which the Melchizedek Priesthood and Aaronic Priesthood were withdrawn from the earth.

On May 15, 1829, John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery as a resurrected messenger from God. He conferred the "Priesthood of Aaron" or the preparatory priesthood upon them (D&C 13). Following this event, many male members received the Aaronic Priesthood and were organized into quorums or groups of deacons, teachers, and priests.

Beginning in 1877, the Church established the current practice of ordaining boys to the Aaronic Priesthood at the ward level by age-group and priesthood office. Young men are generally ordained deacons at the age of 12, teachers at the age of 14, and priests at the age of 16. The bishop of each ward presides over the Aaronic Priesthood in the ward.

History of the Young Men Auxiliary

The Aaronic Priesthood is the basic organization for the young men of the Church ages 12 through 18. The Young Men organization is an auxiliary or help to the priesthood.

The first youth association, the Young Gentlemen’s and Young Ladies’ Relief Society, was organized by Joseph Smith in February 1843. In 1854, Elder Lorenzo Snow organized the Polysophical Society. Other organizations were organized over time to help develop and strengthen young men and women of the Church. The Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA) was organized by President Brigham Young in 1875. A similar young women program (YWMIA) was also formed. President Young encouraged leaders to help young men develop their gifts, to stand up and speak, and to bear testimony.

A central committee, later a general board, was formed in 1876 to oversee the YMMIA, conduct missionary work, and issue general instructions. A YMMIA general superintendency (later a presidency) was formed by President John Taylor in 1880.

Early young men met all together, regardless of age. In 1901, the YMMIA was divided into junior and senior classes. Social, cultural, and athletic activities were later added to the program. The YMMIA joined with the YWMIA at about the same time.

The YMMIA Scouts, patterned after the Boy Scouts of America, was formed in 1911. The Church was issued a national charter on May 21, 1913.

By the 1950s, activities for the young men included sports, dance, drama, music, and public speaking. All-Church sports tournaments and dance festivals were held.

By the 1970s, the YMMIA was divided into separate youth and adult organizations. The Aaronic Priesthood-MIA for young men ages 12 through 17, and the Melchizedek Priesthood-MIA for unmarried men ages 18 and older (special interests) were organized. The MIA became part of the priesthood and was no longer an auxiliary.

In June 1974, the name Aaronic Priesthood-MIA was shortened to Aaronic Priesthood and was placed under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. The name was changed to Young Men in May 1977, and a general presidency was reinstated.