Certificate of Proxy Sealing to Ross LeBaron, n.d.

Titled Certification of Marriage in the Holy Order of God - Patriarchal, this certificate was intended to serve as a record of marital sealings performed by proxy . It was supposed to list the name of the deceased woman being sealed to Ross LeBaron, the officiator and the person acting as proxy. It interestingly includesContinue reading "Certificate of Proxy Sealing to Ross LeBaron, n.d."

Becoming The Head of the Eighth Dispensation

In 1968, Robert Eaby wrote a two-page document with the scriptural reference that expanded the traditional Mormon view of seven dispensations of the gospel and, more importantly, portraited Ross LeBaron’s patriarchal work in cosmic proportions. Ross LeBaron talking to a caller during his show on the radio station KZZI, in Utah, 1988. | Image courtesyContinue reading "Becoming The Head of the Eighth Dispensation"

The LeBaron Family and The Patriarchal Keys

“It is true that the LeBaron Brothers have committed a lot of crimes, but so did the sons of Jacob”, wrote Ross LeBaron a few years after the death of his brother Ervil [1]. In Ross LeBaron's perspective, even in the worst actions taken by his brother, the LeBarons would fit the ancient Israelite narrativeContinue reading "The LeBaron Family and The Patriarchal Keys"

Thelma Cox LeBaron in the News, 1949

After divorcing Ross Wesley LeBaron in 1948, Thelma Elena Cox LeBaron made some headlines looking for a new husband. "Mrs. LeBaron would like to get a new husband to help support the home and her children so she can find some time to paint", stated a front page report in the Salt Lake Telegram, inContinue reading "Thelma Cox LeBaron in the News, 1949"

Ross LeBaron as a Ministering Spirit

Ross Wesley LeBaron died in December of 1996 without seeing the Second Coming of Adam he clearly expected to happen during his lifetime. Nevertheless, LeBaron believed that his patriarchal work would not only continue but fully develop during the Millennium. The earthly Church of the Firstborn LeBaron had incorporated in 1955 would only meet itsContinue reading "Ross LeBaron as a Ministering Spirit"

Ross LeBaron: the Three Periods of Mormonism

For Ross Wesley LeBaron, the history of Mormonism could be divided into three periods of 60 years each. He believed to be living during the last period, presided by "the LeBaron keys', holding the same priesthood that existed during the days of Adam. In this excerpt of his radio show on KSXX, from the lateContinue reading "Ross LeBaron: the Three Periods of Mormonism"

Certificate of Incorporation, 1955

Certificate of Incorporation issued by the State of Utah for The Church of the First-Born on 01 December, 1955. This copy of the Certificate is found at the James Wardle Papers at the University of Utah Special Collections. Transcript State of Utah Office of Secretary of State To _____THE CHURCH OF THE FIRST-BORN______ I, LamontContinue reading "Certificate of Incorporation, 1955"

Was Ross LeBaron a Mormon Fundamentalist?

“I have been associated with the Fundamentalists since 1936” – Ross Wesley LeBaron wrote to Fundamentalist leader Margarito Bautista in December 1958 – “but have stood a hundred percent on my own feet.”[1] Almost 27 years later, LeBaron would give a more detailed - and probably more honest - account of his early association withContinue reading "Was Ross LeBaron a Mormon Fundamentalist?"

Ross LeBaron: Priesthood Expounded, 1985

Priesthood Expounded is the last tract published by Ross LeBaron during his lifetime. It contains, among other themes, his views on the different orders of the priesthood, his belief in the Adam-God doctrine and reincarnation, as well as an explanation of the coming of Elijah to the Nauvoo temple, an event LeBaron believed was essentialContinue reading "Ross LeBaron: Priesthood Expounded, 1985"

Ross LeBaron: Letter to J. Marion Hammon, 1958

On 17 December 1958, Ross Wesley LeBaron wrote a letter to J. Marion Hammon condemning the path taken by the Mormon Fundamentalist Priesthood Council: Whenever an organization casts out the thinkers of its membership, and only keeps the “yes men” and “blind followers”, it soon comes to an end. LeBaron is referring above to anContinue reading "Ross LeBaron: Letter to J. Marion Hammon, 1958"