The school was opened with a 2-day ritual, which included the first recorded version of the controversial Second Anointing, the highest ordinance in the Latter-day Saint movement.
It was also applied to Harvard University in 1655 when the Reverend Thomas Shepard asked the United Colonies Commissioners to find "some way of comfortable maintenance for that School of the Prophets that now is" and suggested that each family in New England give one-quarter bushel of wheat to the college.
The school provided a setting for spiritual experiences and in-depth discussions of gospel principles, as preparation for those who would preach as missionaries.
Initially, it was a forum to discuss church issues among its leaders and selected priesthood holders, under the auspices of the University of Deseret.
Later, branches were opened in the larger LDS Church communities under the direction of local priesthood leaders, with discussion expanding into religion, economics, and civic matters.
[citation needed] These confidential, invitation-only classes were closed in 1872 before a reorganized School of the Prophets was created in Salt Lake City for general authorities and other church leaders.