Glossary of Terms
This glossary defines words used by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that might not be familiar to those who are not members.
Family History Center
A local branch of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. There are thousands of family history centers around the world, offering free genealogical support to anyone.
FamilySearch
An automated computer system designed to assist Church members and others with family history research. Many features of the system can be accessed at www.familysearch.org.
Fast Sunday
A Sunday, usually the first one of each month, on which Church members abstain from food and drink for two meals and donate the equivalent cost, or more, to the Church to assist the poor and needy. The money donated is called a fast offering. The sacrament meeting on each fast Sunday, called fast and testimony meeting, is devoted to the voluntary expression of testimony by members.
First Presidency
The highest ruling body of the Church, comprised of the president of the Church and two apostles who serve as counselors. The First Presidency is the final authority in all matters relating to the Church.
First Vision
A transcendent vision that occurred in the spring of 1820, in which Joseph Smith saw and conversed with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The First Vision is of pre-eminent importance and marked the opening of the final chapter in the history of mankind before the second coming of Christ.