Thomas S. Monson recalls the organization and early days of the Genesis Group.
Thomas S. Monson, My Friend Ruffin Bridgeforth (February 2014), in Benjamin D. Lee, Ruffin Bridgeforth History, 58, MS 31721, Church History Library
When the Genesis Group was organized October 19, 1971, Ruffin Bridgeforth was selected as the president with Darius Gray and Eugene Orr as his counselors. Elder Gordon B. Hinckley, Elder Boyd K. Packer, and I had the privilege of setting them apart.
I enjoyed meeting with the Genesis Group leaders from time to time and was always impressed by them. I observed their longing for the day when they might be able to hold the priesthood, and I joined with them in that hope.
On June 10, 1978, I telephoned Ruffin Bridgeforth and Monroe Fleming and congratulated them on the opportunity which was now theirs to receive the priesthood. Both were elated.
On June 25, 1978, Sister Monson and I attended the meeting of the Genesis Group, where the sacrament was blessed and passed for the first time by brethren who had recently received the priesthood. They bore their testimonies, which were most inspiring. All of us were pleased about the new revelation.