The First Presidency is comprised of three persons, the President of the Church and two counselors selected by the President. Historically Presidents of the Church have called additional counselors as needed. The First Presidency was established in March 1832. Two years after the Church was established in this dispensation. The First Presidency has Priesthood keys to "minister in the dispensation of the fulness of times." Upon the death of the President, the First Presidency is automatically dissolved and the authority of the Church passes immediately to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with the presiding officer being the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. The counselors in the First Presidency return to their respective positions with the Quorum. The First Presidency is reconstituted at the calling of a new President who, in every instance, has been the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Learn more