Chapter 20, Councils
Rudger Clawson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve (October 1898 to June 1943) who served as President of the Quorum from March 17, 1921 to June 21 1943, commented:
There is a church on this side of the veil, and a church on the other side of the veil. They are virtually the same. An Apostle here is an Apostle there, a high priest here, a high priest there, an elder here, an elder there….
When baptisms for the dead are performed, those persons for whom the baptism was performed are then confirmed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Before initiatory ordinances are performed for men, The Melchizedek Priesthood is conferred upon them and they are ordained to the office of elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The mission of the Church is to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, take care of the poor and needy, and redeem the dead. Council meetings are held on this side of the veil to facilitate the work of the Church here. Callings are given and assignments made.
President Wilford Woodruff, on (Church) council meetings held on the other side of the veil:
The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 290-291Perhaps I may be permitted to relate a circumstance with which I am acquainted in relation to Bishop Roskelley, of Smithfield, Cache Valley;
On one occasion he was suddenly taken very sick—near to death’s door. While he lay in this condition, President Peter Maughan, who was dead, came to him and said: “Brother Roskelley, we held a council on the other side of the veil. I have a great deal to do, and I have the privilege of coming here to appoint one man to come and help. I have had three names given to me in council, and you are one of them. I want to inquire into your circumstances.
The bishop told him what he had to do, and they conversed together as one man would converse with another. President Maughan then said to him: “I think I will not call you. I think you are wanted here more than perhaps one of the others.
Bishop Roskelley got well from that hour. Very soon after, the second man was taken sick, but not being able to exercise sufficient faith, Brother Roskelley did not go to him. By and by this man recovered, and on meeting Brother Roskelley, he said: “Brother Maughan came to me the other night and told me he was sent to call one man from the ward,” and he named two men, as had been done to Brother Roskelley. A few days afterwards, the third man was taken sick and died.
Now I name this to show a principle. They have work on the other side of the veil, and they want men (and women), and they call them.