Church History and the 1918 Flu

On November 19, 1918, the day of Joseph F. Smith's death, the country was in the midst of the 1918 influenza pandemic. That day, the following notice was published:

At a meeting of the general authorities of the Church and representatives of the family this morning, it was unanimously decided that in view of existing health conditions in the community, it would be improper to hold public funeral services for the late President Joseph F. Smith. This decision, though regretfully adopted, is a measure of prudence which will meet with general approval, we feel sure. Such services as shall be held at the time of interment in the city cemetery will therefore be brief. At a later date, however, announcement of which will be duly made, memorial services will be held throughout the whole Church for the beloved leader whose loss we so sincerely, but perforce silently, mourn. ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, Of the First Presidency [1]. (Messages of the First Presidency Vol. 3)

A month later on December 20, the First Presidency issued this notice:

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To meet a general desire among the Latter-day Saints, Sunday afternoon, Dec. 22, 1918 is designated as a special time for fasting and prayer by all members of the Church, for the arrest and speedy suppression by Divine power of the desolating scourge that is passing over the earth.

The Saints are exhorted to meet, fasting, as families in their respective homes (public assemblies being postponed for a time), and supplicate our Heavenly Father for the speedy relief of His people and of all who are suffering from this great affliction. Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of Wards are directed to convey this announcement to all the members under their supervision. HEBER J. GRANT, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency. (Messages of the First Presidency Vol. 3)

In commentary on the above notice James Clark writes:

The writer of these notes was nearly nine years old when this special fast day was announced. His memory is still vivid as to the devastating effects of the "desolating scourge" of influenza in nearly every family in his community. Only his father, among a family of eight, remained on his feet. His mother, his brother and himself, and four sisters were helpless from its effects. Only the fasting and prayer called for in the message below and the power of the priesthood saved the author and his family from this "desolating scourge."

During this time pulic meetings, including Church meetings, were not held. The First Presidency authorized resumption of weekly meetings beginning January 5, 1919, but the April General Conference, with its "solemn assembly", was postponed until May.

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Notes:

1. Apparently the First Presidency continued to function for several days in the absence of Joseph F. Smith.

Following the death of President Joseph F. Smith, on November 19, and his burial in the City Cemetery, November 22, 1918, the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was disorganized and the Council of Twelve Apostles became the presiding quorum of the Church.(Improvement Era Vol 22, Jan 1919 No. 3)

Current Church doctrine is that upon the death of the President of the Church, the First Presidency is automatically dissolved and the Quorum of the Twelve become the governing body, with the President of the Quorum of the Twelve as the leader.