- “I can trace my priesthood in a direct line to this event. It goes as follows: I was ordained by David O. McKay; who was ordained by Joseph F. Smith; who was ordained by Brigham Young; who was ordained by the Three Witnesses; who were ordained by Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery; who were ordained by Peter, James, and John; who were ordained by the Lord Jesus Christ.” Manual, Teachings of the President of the Church: Gordon B Hinckley, Chapter 1 The Restoration of the Gospel the Dawning of a Brighter Day