140 years ago today - May 7, 1873

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... We have Called these Brethren to gether to Ordain them Patriarchs & to Bless them. We Consider them worthy of a Blessing under the Hands of the Apostles. They hold the keys & Power to ordain Patriarchs & all Offices in the Church on the Earth & in heaven & will hold those keys here & there for time & for Eternity. The Patriarchal Office gives you the Highest Power to Bless but does not give the Apostleship but makes you Patriarchs.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]