The formation of the original Quorum of the Twelve Apostles marked an important organizational milestone for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church. On February 14, 1835, in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the church, ordained the first twelve apostles. This included prominent leaders such as Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Wilford Woodruff among others. The apostles were tasked with overseeing the church's missionary efforts, administering its functions, and setting the groundwork for the church's expansion, which was essential in the early years as Latter-day Saints sought to spread their beliefs across the United States and beyond.

The occasion came at a time when the church was experiencing significant growth and faced both external opposition and internal challenges. By establishing a council of twelve apostles, Smith aimed to create a structured leadership that would enable better organization and governance as the church expanded. The duty of the apostles was not only to lead but also to serve as witnesses to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the revelations received by Smith. These men were seen as the church's principal leaders who would maintain doctrinal integrity and provide guidance to local congregations.

As this Quorum was formed, it also reflected the early church's emphasis on a communal and leadership-focused model. The establishment of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles allowed for better coordination of missionary work and ecclesiastical duties among the growing congregations. Their collective leadership would also pave the way for future church governance structures, serving as the foundation for the leadership roles that would be pivotal in subsequent migrations and the establishment of settlements in Utah and beyond. The significance of this organization remains evident in the church's current governance and spiritual oversight frameworks.