Why do boys graduate Primary at 12 yrs?

[california_ave]

The following is a summary of a blog posted by a Mormon historian who also occasionally writes Utah history articles for the Salt Lake Tribune:

The Primary organization originally included boys and girls from 3 to 14 years, but changed the age limits in 1913 (year the Scouting program became recreational program of Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association) so older boys (12-14 yrs) could attend scouting. Only later in 1950 did BSA start offering scouting to 11 yrs. Girls 12-14 remained in the primary organization till 1934 when they too were transferred to the MIA program.

Before reading the blog, I had assumed the 12 yr old limit was set by the age of ordaining a deacon. Apparently not. It came from the age a boy could originally become a scout.

So where did the 12,14,16 yr ages come from for the ordination of young men to the Aaronic priesthood offices? In Joseph Smith's day, I'm not aware of minor children being ordained to the Aaronic priesthood, so when the change?

[pam]

Beginning in 1877, the Church established the current practice of ordaining boys to the Aaronic Priesthood at the ward level by age-group and priesthood office. Young men are generally ordained deacons at the age of 12, teachers at the age of 14, and priests at the age of 16. The bishop of each ward presides over the Aaronic Priesthood in the ward.

[puf_the_majic_dragon]

Originally Posted by pam

Beginning in 1877, the Church established the current practice of ordaining boys to the Aaronic Priesthood at the ward level by age-group and priesthood office. Young men are generally ordained deacons at the age of 12, teachers at the age of 14, and priests at the age of 16. The bishop of each ward presides over the Aaronic Priesthood in the ward.

Source? I'm just aching for more in depth information.

[pam]

Let me find it again. I found it on lds.org. It took me awhile to find it the first time. lol

[pam]

History

There ya go.

[puf_the_majic_dragon]

Thanks Pam! But it doesn't really mention WHY the change.... which is what I was curious about. Oh well.

[miztrniceguy]

Originally Posted by puf_the_majic_dragon

Source? I'm just aching for more in depth information.

i was expecting a Wiki quote from our resident wiki expert!

[MarginOfError]

Priesthood advancement -- The First Presidency formally adopted the ages of 12, 15, 18 and 21 as ages for deacon, teacher, priest and elder advancement starting in 1908. The age was reduced for teachers and priests to 14 and 16, respectively, beginning in 1954, and the age for elders was lowered to 19 at about the same time. Seventies quorums in stakes throughout the church were discontinued in 1986.

I'm having trouble finding a more official source, but I'm reasonably sure this is true. The article I pulled this quote from is at:

LDS programs evolve over the years | Deseret News (Salt Lake City) | Find Articles at BNET

[puf_the_majic_dragon]

Originally Posted by miztrniceguy

i was expecting a Wiki quote from our resident wiki expert!

The wiki article Aaronic priesthood - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia doesn't say a thing about the history or changes, but the source cited for the article Aaronic priesthood - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia has a whole bunch of neat little tidbits.

Direct link to the source reference: Redirect URL

Maybe if I feel really motivated later I'll update the wiki article with some more historical details.

[MorningStar]

I can't imagine having to be in Primary at age 14. I would be so done with singing "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes" and "Once there Was a Snowman". I was so happy to be a Beehive.