135 years ago - Feb 28, 1875

Orson Pratt Preaches: Second Coming of Christ - The Kingdom of God -
Immediate Revelation - a Highway Cast Up - Gathering of Israel - One
Universal Government on Earth, JD 17:307 - 321

Today in Mormon History - Feb 28

Today in Mormon History ...
[Lucy Mack Smith] The Seventy are chosen from those who went on Zion's Camp. Joseph Young, Hazen Aldrich, Levi W. Hancock, Sylvester Smith, Leonard Rich, Zebedee Coltrin, and Lyman Sherton are the seven presidents. (1)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 28, 1835
University of Deseret (later University of Utah) founded. (2)
-- 160 years ago - Feb 28, 1850

1 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
2 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 27

Today in Mormon History ...

William Clayton, on a mission in England writes: "Sarah [Crooks] appeared rather tempted to get married. I felt to sorrow on this account. I don't want Sarah to be married. I was much [] and tempted on her account and felt to pray that the Lord would preserve me from impure affections. She gave me an orange. I certainly feel my love towards her to increase but shall strive against it. I feel too much to covet her and afraid lest her troubles should cause her to get married. The Lord keep me pure and preserve me from doing wrong." Clayton has a wife in Nauvoo but is falling in love with Sarah Crooks. Later in Nauvoo, when Joseph explains plural marriage to Clayton he sends for Sarah but the two never do marry each other. (1)
-- 170 years ago - Feb 27, 1840

Thomas C. Griggs, faithful Mormon, writes in his diary: "in the afternoon we had a lengthy if not interesting discourse from Elder Erastus Snow." (1)
-- 140 years ago - Feb 27, 1870

Lifelong Mormon Jerald Tanner writes to a Book-of-Mormon believing friend: "Actually I would like to believe the Book of Mormon is true. My prejudice leans toward it instead of away from it. I pray about it all the time, but as yet I have received no answer. I hope God will give me a positive answer soon." Tanner later becomes a leading critic of the LDS Church and of claims of authenticity of the Book of Mormon. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Feb 27, 1960

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 26

Today in Mormon History ...

Apostle Ezra Taft Benson instructs BYU students in televised address "Fourteen Fundamentals In Following the Prophets," including: "1. The Prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything. 2. The living Prophet is more vital to us than the standard works [of scripture]. 3. The living Prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet. 4. The Prophet will never lead the Church astray. 5. The Prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or to give us scripture. . . . 11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich." In the national publicity resulting from this talk some Mormon academics interpret this as Benson's way of preparing for his own presidency of the LDS church. Benson had prepared a different topic but changed abruptly when a full-page ad appeared in the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE two days previously for THE CHANGING WOR
LD OF MORMONISM by Jerald and Sandra Tanner. The ad emphasized supposed contradictions between different LDS prophets. First Presidency's spokesman publicly counters that is "simply not true" that LDS president's "word is law on all issues-including politics." Privately, church president Spencer W. Kimball is "concerned" about Elder Benson's talk and wants "to protect the Church against being misunderstood as espousing ultraconservative politics, or-in this case-espousing an unthinking 'follow the leader' mentality." However, those concerns have neither the circulation nor publicity of Benson's original talk. Next week Kimball requires Benson to explain himself and his motives to private meeting of all general authorities. (1)
-- 30 years ago - Feb 26, 1980

Steve Christensen writes to Gordon B. Hinckley asking if he would like him to donate the "Salamander Letter" to the LDS Church. Hinckley responds with a phone call saying that the Church wanted the letter. On Apr. 12 Christensen gives the letter to the Church (1)
-- 25 years ago - Feb 26, 1985

Ciudad Juarez Mexico Temple; Location: Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico; Announcement: 7 May 1998; Dedication: 26 February 2000 by Gordon B. Hinckley; Style: Classic modern, single-spire design (2)
-- 10 years ago - Feb 26, 2000

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 25

Today in Mormon History ...

Returned missionary from Southern States Mission speaks in tongues at Salt Lake tabernacle and gives "the interpretation which was very beautiful" This may not be first time, but is probably the last, that someone speaks in "unknown tongue" (glossolalia) in Tabernacle. (1)
-- 110 years ago - Feb 25, 1900

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 25

Today in Mormon History ...

Missionaries returned to Hong Kong for the first time since 1853. (1)
-- 60 years ago - Feb 25, 1950

The Church was officially recognized in Kenya. (1)
-- Feb 25, 1990

1 - Church News: Historical chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 24

Today in Mormon History ...

On a mission in Manchester, England William Clayton writes in his journal, "Have advised the Saints to give up the practice of kissing." Manchester Mormons, as well as some other English saints took seriously Paul's suggestion to the Romans that they "salute one another with an holy kiss," (Rom 16:16). Interestingly Joseph Smith in his "Inspired version" has changed this passage to read "salute one another with a holy salute." (1)
-- 170 years ago - Feb 24, 1840

Counselor J. Reuben Clark tells BYU's president: "You have got some members of the faculty who are destroying the faith of our students. You ought to get rid of them" (1)
-- 50 years ago - Feb 24, 1960

SALT LAKE TRIBUNE article tells of Darla Tarrant's attempt to become excommunicated from LDS church. Tarrant, a teminally ill widow, wishes to sever any connections with LDS church before she dies. In writing, she asks three bishops three different times to be formally excommunicated. Her requests, however, are responded to with "vague excuses" and "the same patronizing response of having my wish ignored." Because of Tarrant case and case of Norman Hancock in Mesa, Arizona who sues the church to be allowed to resign his membership, procedures for membership resignation are put in the 1989 edition of the CHURCH HANDBOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS. (1)
-- 25 years ago - Feb 24, 1985

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 23

Today in Mormon History ...

[Same Sex Marriage] The Hawaii Public Affairs Council issues a news release under LDS Church letterhead. In it church spokesperson Ms. Napua Baker announced that the Church had decided to petition the court to be admitted as "codefendants" with the state in the Baehr v. Lewin case in order to "protect freedom of religion to solemnize marriages between a man and a woman under Hawaiian law." LDS Regional Representative Donald Hallstrom reinforced the importance of this move by the church, saying "There are times when certain moral issues become so compelling that the churches have a duty to make their feelings known." (1)
-- 15 years ago - Feb 23, 1995

[Foster, Robert D] Member of Nauvoo Agricultural and Manufacturing Association 23 February 1841. Appointed county magistrate for Hancock County, Illinois. Appointed surgeon-in-chief and brevet brigadier-general of Nauvoo Legion. Purchased land for speculation in Nauvoo. (2)
-- Feb 23, 1841

[Book of Mormon Translation] New York City, M Harris visits with Dr. Samuel Mitchill. (3)
-- about Saturday, Feb 23, 1828

1 - Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59
2 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
3 - Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 22

Today in Mormon History ...

The Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy was reorganized to strengthen the lines of administration at Church headquarters. The executive directors of the Missionary, Curriculum, Priesthood and Genealogy departments became members of the presidency. (1)
-- 30 years ago - Feb 22, 1980

DESERET NEWS article, "How to Impress Niggers." The end of a talk by Orson Pratt appears on the second page of the DESERET NEWS. The talk, which was scheduled to run on the first page, was removed by order of Brigham Young but the second page had already been printed. The sermon had been a confession by Pratt of his errors in differing with Brigham Young. Young, however, was unsatisfied with it and called Pratt before the rest of the apostles for further confession. The main point of contention is Young's doctrine that God continues to increase in knowledge. In 1980 Apostle Bruce R. McConkie calls Brigham Young's doctrine on this "false-utterly, totally, and completely. There is not one sliver of truth in it," and lists it first among "seven deadly heresies." (2)
-- 150 years ago - Feb 22, 1860

First Presidency writes: "We may say that there is no direct revelation upon the subject of when the spirit enters the body; it has always been a moot question. That there is life in the child before birth is an undoubted fact, but whether that life is the result of the affinity of the child in embryo with the life of its mother, or because the spirit has entered it remains an unsolved mystery." (2)
-- 40 years ago - Feb 22, 1970

1 - Church News: Historical chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 21

Today in Mormon History ...

The final three of the first Twelve Apostles of the church (Parley P. Pratt, Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Pratt) are ordained and blessed. Joseph Smith then gives the Twelve their charge before sending them out as missionaries. He says, "Should you in the least degree come short of your duty, great will be your condemnation, for the greater the calling, the greater the transgression. . . .Never cease striving until you have seen God, face to face. Strengthen your faith, cast off your doubts, your sins and all your unbelief and nothing can prevent you from coming to God. Your ordination is not full and complete till God has laid his hand upon you." Parley P. Pratt's blessing states " that nothing shall prevail against him, . . . Let sickness and death have no power over him; . . . No arm that is formed and lifted against thee shall prosper, . . ." Twenty-two years later Pratt is murdered by the legal husband of a woman he took as a plural wife. (1)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 21, 1835

Brigham Young visits the Historian's office and requests five books be written including "Short Biography of the life of Brigham Young." Young also orders the DESERET NEWS to "take out Orson Pratt's sermon" from the front page and "put another sermon in instead and give a reason for so doing." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Feb 21, 1860

"Gov Brigham Young" tells the "Legislature of the State of Deseret" that "All the United States as it were are at war with us trying to pass Bills through Congress to destroy us for our religion." (1)
-- 140 years ago - Feb 21, 1870

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Genesis

Interested in digging into Genesis?  Check out the Old-Testament blog at http://oldt.gu.ma/

Today in Mormon History - Feb 20

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young's office journal records: "Pres[iden]t Joseph Young had some conversation with his Bro[ther] Brigham about the feelings of a man of God. The Pres[iden]t observed he believed he had as little affection for money as any man that lived, but he valued it for its use. This evening the Chancellor & Board of Regents met at the office to consider the best plan for educating the people. The Deseret alphabet was then discussed. It was proposed that the Regents lecture in the Social Hall, and other places on such subjects which would be favorable to arousing a desire general improvement. Pres[ident] Young lectured on the importance of the Deseret alphabet." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Feb 20, 1860

Brigham Young preaches, "Now the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes every word of truth believed in by the holy Catholic Church." (1)
-- 140 years ago - Feb 20, 1870

[Bennett, John Cook] Appointed brigadier general of Second Division of Illinois Militia by Governor Thomas Carlin 20 February 1839. (2)
-- Feb 20, 1839

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 19

Today in Mormon History ...

Wilford Woodruff, on a mission in England, "dreamed that I saw men & children killed to be eat[en] because of the soreness of a famine." William Clayton writes in his diary: "Got a letter from Brother Heath. Sister Poole has been and says Susan is jealous of Thomas [Miller]. He wants her out of the way. If she was to die he would be married again in 3 months &c. Thomas wanted to know who he would be married to &c. She would not tell him. He says he will not go to his work untill she does tell him and she says she will not. Thomas is very much troubled &c. Thomas has practiced kissing all in the house before he goes to bed &c. Went to Bewshers to dinner. She gave me a pint of Porter." (1)
-- 170 years ago - Feb 19, 1840

Government of Cook Islands issues postage stamp honoring Osborne J. P. Widsoe, first LDS missionary there in 1899. (1)
-- 20 years ago - Feb 19, 1990

[Joseph Smith Sermon] The Council assembled pursuant to adjournment. Joseph Smith Jnr. opened the council by reading the 3rd chap of of [sic] Lord's prophecy, and prayer. After which he arose before the council, and said that he had labored the day before with all the strength and wisdom that he had given him in making the corrections necessary in the last council minutes, which he would now read before the this council. He asked the council for their attention, that they might rightly judge upon the truth and propriety of these minutes, as all were equally interested in them &c. He also urged the necessity of prayer, that the Spirit might be given, that the things of the spirit might be judged thereby; because the carnal mind cannot discern the things of God &c.... (2)
-- 19Feb34

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 18

Today in Mormon History ...

[David O McKay] 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve in the Salt Lake Temple. One matter considered at this meeting wasBrother Mark E. Petersen's report on an assignment given him to investigate a game called "Exaltation," which has been prepared by the Bookcraft Company, and which is being sold in various stores, Z.C.M.I., Deseret Book Company, etc., and said that he had made an investigation of the game and explained to the Brethren just what the nature of it is. I commented that the Church is a sacred institution, that it is the only "Light" that the world has today, the only means by which peace can be established and the world saved, and anything that will cast reflection upon it should be avoided. I said I certainly did not think such games are uplifting when played in a group of people who are assembled for pleasure and recreation. I said that devotion and reverence are elements that need to be developed
. Humor, amusement, recreation, are elements intended to build character also, but the name of deity should not be associated with amusement and pleasure. I feel that the association used in this game is not reverential. and I think it would be well to let the Bookcraft Company know that we look upon the selling of this game in that way. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Thu Feb 18, 1960

Brigham Young's office journal records: "Pres[iden]t Young made a few remarks to the 3 Quorum of Seventies this evening; observed when the Spirit and power of the Office of a Seventy rest upon an Elder he will stand before the ruler of the Earth and they will feel like grasshoppers before him." (2)
-- 150 years ago - Feb 18, 1860

[Heber C. Kimball] At Kirtland, is called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (3)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 18, 1835

1 - McKay, David O., Office Journal
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
3 - Kimball, Stanley B. (editor), On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 17

Today in Mormon History ...

First Counselor George Q. Cannon meets with the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Senator Calvin S. Brice. He argues against Brice's recommendation that the Church make a public announcement of the cessation of plural marriages by saying that plural marriages have ceased in the church and that older polygamists will eventually die off. He does not mention that church-sanctioned plural marriages are being conducted in Mexico by Alexander McDonald. Later at home, he writes in his diary, "How could any man come out and say that it [polygamy] was not right or that it must be discontinued, and set themselves up in opposition to God." (1)
-- 120 years ago - Feb 17, 1890

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith and his counselors approved the publication of the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 17, 1835

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith ordained John Johnson an elder during an assembly in a schoolroom with a conference of elders. (2)
-- Feb 17, 1833

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 16

Today in Mormon History ...

[David O McKay] at meeting of Presidency: Billboard advertising of "Mormon Church" The billboard advertising soliciting attendance at "Mormon Church" meetings was considered, and it was agreed that since it does not comport with the dignity of the Church that this billboard advertising should be discontinued. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Tue Feb 16, 1960

Brigham Young tells Ezra T. Benson, "that [polygamy] was practiced now to give men an experience and prepare them for a time when polygamy will be more extensively practiced." (2)
-- 150 years ago - Feb 16, 1860

Provo DAILY HEARALD quotes BYU Football coach Tommy Hudspeth that BYU "discourage[d] the Negroes because [it was felt] they would not be happy in the social situation here. We have certain rules and regulations which we won't change; we will not allow inter-racial dating" (2)
-- 40 years ago - Feb 16, 1970

1 - McKay, David O., Office Journal
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 15

Today in Mormon History ...

In Kirtland Oliver Cowdery contintues ordinations and blessings of original Twelve Apostles chosen the previous day. Though he never spoke to his associates about his ethnic heritage, William E. McLellin, whose mother was Cherokee, is ordained an apostle to become the first general authority of native American extraction. McLellin is blessed: "his days may be prolonged until the coming of the Son of Man. He shall be wafted as on eagles wings from country to country and from people to people and be able to do wonders in the midst of this generation, . . ." Twenty-three-year-old John F. Boynton is ordained to the apostleship as the first and only never-married bachelor in the hierarchy. He remains a bachelor eleven months. Boynton is blessed: "Thou shalt see the face of thy Redeemer in the flesh." Orson Hyde is blessed: "He shall be equal with his brethren in holding the keys of the kingdom; that he may stand on the earth and bring souls till Christ comes." David W. Patten is b
lessed: "May he have power to smite his enemies before him with utter destruction. May he continue until the Lord comes." Luke Johnson is blessed: "The nations shall tremble before him. He shall hear the voice of God, he shall comfort the hearts of the saints always. The angels shall bear him up till he shall finish his ministry." William Smith is blessed: "He shall be preserved and remain on earth until Christ shall come to take vengeance on the wicked." (1)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 15, 1835

Oliver Cowdery's widow, Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery Johnson, a daughter of David Whitmer, made a statement regarding the translation of the Book of Mormon. "I cheerfully certify that I was familiar with the manner of Joseph Smith's translating the book of Mormon. He translated the most of it at my father's house. And I often sat by and saw and heard them translate and write for hours together. Joseph never had a curtain drawn between him and his scribe while he was translating. He would place the director in his hat, and then place his face in his hat, so as to exclude the light, . . ." (1)
-- 140 years ago - Feb 15, 1870

HOLLYWOOD CITIZEN article about actress Laraine Day: "Wonders never cease and today we met in the center of Hollywood a movie actress, and a beautiful one, too, who never has tasted a cocktail nor smoked a cigarette. Her name is Laraine Day, and lips that touch liquor shall never touch hers, and if there is any other movie star with a record like that, we'll put it in our pipe and smoke it. We're not trying to spoof Miss Day, either. She is a member of the Church of the Latter-day Saints, she's engaged to a missionary, and we have the greatest of respect for her. Only we're a little surprised that a girl of her temperament and background is in the movies. . . .Miss Day, who is hazel-eyed, barely 20, and one of the brightest of M-G-M's younger stars, likes night clubs, where she drinks either soda pop or milk." (1)
-- 70 years ago - Feb 15, 1940

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 14

Today in Mormon History ...

Joseph Smith tells a meeting of Zion's Camp veterans and others about "The coming of the Lord, which was nigh-even fifty-six years should wind up the scene [in the year 1891]." The newly organized Quorum of Twelve Apostles includes astrologer John F. Boynton, rodsman Heber C. Kimball, amulet-wearer Brigham Young, and treasure-quest enthusiasts Luke S. Johnson and Orson Hyde. They are ordained apostles by the BOOK OF MORMON's three witnesses, rodsman Oliver Cowdery, seer stone enthusiast David Whitmer, and treasure-quest participant Martin Harris. 41 years later Wilford Woodruff notes in his Journal that six of the original Twelve apostatized. The three witnesses bless Lyman Johnson "that he shall live until the gathering was accomplished according to the Holy Prophets. And that he should be like unto Enoch. And your faith shall be like unto his, and he shall be called great among all the living and Satan shall tremble before thee, and that he shall see the Saviour come and st
and on the Earth with power and great glory." They bless Brigham Young "that he may do wonders in the name of Jesus, that he may cast out devils, heal the sick, raise the dead, open the eyes of the blind, go forth from land to land and from sea to sea, and that heathen nations shall even call him God himself, if he did not rebuke them." Heber C. Kimball is blessed "That many millions may be converted by his instrumentality. That Angels may waft him from place to place and that he may stand unto the coming of our Lord and receive a crown in the kingdom of our Lord, that he be made acquainted with the day when Christ shall come, . . ." William McLellin is blessed "He shall be mighty in the hands of God, and shall convince thousands that God has sent him; and his days may be prolonged until the coming of the Son of Man. He shall be wafted as on eagles' wings, from country to country, and from people to people; and be able to do wonders in the midst of this generation." (1)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 14, 1835

First Presidency and Presiding Bishopric launch first organized effort to "provide sufficient security for the Church headquarters building." Next day First counselor Lee meets with Salt Lake City officials "to discuss the coordination between Church security personnel and the city police in handling emergencies that might arise." (1)
-- 40 years ago - Feb 14, 1970

[U.S. Religious History] In the United States, the Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Judaism formally announced that they would begin to accept women as rabbis. (2)
-- 25 years ago - Feb 14, 1985

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline, http://bit.ly/Fwgbe

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 13

Today in Mormon History ...

CHRISTIANITY TODAY article: "Mormons Stand Pat; Forbid Black Males to Become Priests". (1)
-- 40 years ago - Feb 13, 1970

At a testimony meeting with Apostles John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff presiding Isaac Laney tells of being shot 17 times at Hauns Mill. He tells that the night before the Haun's Mill massacre (17 Mormons were killed by a Missouri mob) he had "dreamed a shower of serpents was all around him in the air rattle snakes & that many of them bit him all over his body but he was told that if he would not fall down but keep running that they would not hurt him. . . .Brother Laney testified that when he was shot this dream was fulfilled. When the Balls pierced his body through & through it did not hurt him more than the scratch of a pin although he bled at the mouth like an ox with his throat Cut." (1)
-- Feb 13, 1861

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday prayer circle meeting of "the Twelve and others" in "the Temple." Heber C. Kimball apparently also listed unendowed people who attended an after meeting social: "Br. Woodard, Br. Vance," and their wives (HC, HCK). (2)
-- Feb 13, 1845

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 12

Today in Mormon History ...

At the Sunday meeting in the tabernacle. "O[rson] Hyde preached upon the Concentration of the mind followed by O. Pratt upon the same subject. He spoke of the great acheivments of Sir Isaac Newton upon this principle and many others had accomplished great things by the great Concentration of the mind which Could be not accomplished upon any other Principle. This principle should be applyied in all our spiritual devotions. Mathimatics was an excellent subject to discipline the mind upon." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Feb 12, 1860

First singles ward created at University of Utah. (1)
-- 60 years ago - Feb 12, 1950

[Letters and Diary Accounts of Gold Plates] Lucius Fenn to Birdseye Bronson, 12 February 1830
There is som[e]thing that has taken place lately that is mysterious to us[.] it is this[:] there has been a bible found by 3 men but a short distance from us which is som[e]thing remarkable we think. there was it is said an an angel appeared to these 3 men and told them that there was a bible concealed in such a place and if one of them would go to that place he would find it[.] he went and found as the angel said[.] it was a stone chest[.] what is most to be wondered at is this that the man that found it could not read at all in the english language but he read this bible and nobody else cannot[.] it has been concealed there for fourteen hundred years[.] it is written on a kind of gold leaf[.] it is the same that ours is only there is an addition to it[.] they are a printing it in Palmyra[.] it is expected that it <will> come out soon so that we can see it[.] it speaks of the Millenniam day and tells when it is a going to take plais a and it tells that the man that is to
find this bible his name as [is] Joseph and his fathers name is Joseph. (2)
-- 180 years ago - Feb 12, 1830

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Larry E. Morris, I Should Have an Eye Single to the Glory of God: Joseph Smith's Account of the Angel and the Plates

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 11

Today in Mormon History ...

PEOPLE magazine article "Sonia Johnson's Excommunication by the Mormons Cut 'Big String' that Held Her Marriage Together." (1)
-- 30 years ago - Feb 11, 1980

In a vote taken by residents of Carriage Cove Apartments in Provo, Utah, 221 tenants said "yes" to MTV. Only 167 voted "no," 188 didn't vote, and 4 said they didn't care. Four bishops had banded together to stop MTV availability in various off-campus BYU-approved housing complexes. Before the vote Bishop Leo Wiedner (also Carriage Cove's part-owner and manager), confident that BYU students will vote MTV down, says, "I think I pretty well know how it's going to turn out." At nearby Raintree Apartments a non-secret poll is taken at the bishop's request by manager Hyde Taylor. 27% return the polling letter with 13% against MTV and 14% in favor. Taylor concludes this is insufficient to restore MTV. The story is picked up by the national media and Weidner and Raintree Apartment bishop Jack Christensen appear on "Take Two" TV program from Salt Lake City to defend their actions. Christianson is the author of MUSIC: APPLES OR ONIONS?, a book that defends the LDS church position that
hard or "acid" rock music is harmful. Part of the research for this book involved listening to such rock groups as "Black Sabbath," and, he claims, such listening adversely affected him. "I was not as happy as I used to be," he recalls. "I was ornery and disagreeable." However, he adds, "Just because people don't have the same high standards I'm trying to uphold, I don't think less of them." (1)
-- 25 years ago - Feb 11, 1985

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir labels sixth release, Choose Something Like a Star, featuring the choral music of American composer Randall Thompson, enters Billboards Classical Music chart at #3. Two other Mormon Tabernacle Choir titles, Americas Choir and Peace Like a River, are also in the Top 25 classical titles. (2)
-- 5 years ago - Feb 11, 2005

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Newsroom, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=036eb2987ff92110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRDvgnextchannel=9ae411154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 10

Today in Mormon History ...

Taking advantage of crowds out celebrating the wedding of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert in London, Wilford Woodruff and three companions "walked out into the Market place . . . & we began to Sing praises unto God & call upon his name & a congregation flocked around us, & we preached the gospel unto them & I bore testimony unto them of the great work that God had set his hand to accomplish.." (1)
-- 170 years ago - Feb 10, 1840

Anti-Mormon Liberal party wins municipal election and takes control of Salt Lake City's government on Feb. 18. Apostle John Henry Smith writes: "The Liberals carried the election by fraud, having 795 more votes than the people [People's Party]." Heber J. Grant writes in his journal, " It makes me sick at heart to think of Salt Lake being in the hands of the Liberals." (1)
-- 120 years ago - Feb 10, 1890

CHURCH NEWS reports that George Orton has won World Champion Skateboard competition. (1)
-- Feb 10, 1979

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 09

Today in Mormon History ...

Formation of anti-Mormon "Liberal Party" which opposes LDS church's "People's Party" at every Utah election for more than twenty years. Presiding Bishopric counselor Jesse C. Little helps lead group of Mormons who disrupt first meeting. (1)
-- 140 years ago - Feb 9, 1870

Brigham Young preaches, "to hang a man for such a deed would not begin to satisfy my feelings." He speaks of discovery that Jean Baptiste has been robbing Mormon graves in Salt Lake City for four years, stripping clothes and valuables from corpses. Young also says, "it did not injure the dead in the morning of the resurrection but it is a diabolical act in the man. All of the dead will be Cloathed in the morning of the resurrection No matter how they are Burried. Judge Elias Smith writes that "the people would have torn him in pieces," and without a trial (or even formal charges being filed) the sentence Young recommends is carried out-banishment of Baptiste to a deserted island in the Great Salt Lake. On Aug. 4, Church Historian's Office Journal notes that punishment included cutting off his ears and branding his forehead with words "Grave robber," (Young's recommendation) but that he has disappeared from island. Thirty-two years later skeleton is found with ball-and-chain a
ttached to its leg bone and with the decapitated skull lying several feet away. SALT LAKE HERALD claims this is the grave-robber's remains, which DESERET NEWS denies. Young's nephew later writes that Ephraim Hanks killed Baptiste. Brigham Young also speaks on "Attention paid to Females:" "Some Females complain that there is not attention Enough paid to them in this Community. But I will say that there is no Community on Earth where as much respect & attention is paid to Females as in this Church. Every old woman thinks she must go to Every party and Many a first wife thinks she should be Queen of the rest of the wives surfs. But this I do not believe in." Heber C. Kimball preaches: "Some of you have got an idea that wool will not do; but let me inform you that when Peter came and sat in the Temple in Kirtland, he had on a neat woollen garment, nicely adjusted round the neck" (1)
-- Feb 9, 1862

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Sees smoking ruins of the Brigham City tabernacle when returning from Mantua Ward. (2)
-- Feb 9, 1896

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 08

Today in Mormon History ...

At a special meeting of the First Presidency and the Twelve with thirty-eight of the Church's sixty-two stake presidents, President Joseph F. Smith reiterates that the church must keep its pledge to the federal government. "No one has the authority to solemnize plural marriages," President Smith says, adding that if marriages were performed, he would be held responsible. There is some dissension in the meeting, but President Smith stands firm (1)
-- 100 years ago - Feb 8, 1910

Brigham and Joseph Young sing for Joseph. "The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us, and I told them I wanted to see those brethren together, who went up to Zion in the camp, the previous summer, for I had a blessing for them." (2)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 8, 1835

Liberty, Missouri. After Joseph Smiths failed escape attempt, local citizens gathered outside of Liberty Jail and threatened to kill him and his fellow inmates. Joseph prophesied that they would be kept safe. (3)
-- Feb 8, 1839

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 07

Today in Mormon History ...

[Black History] Jane Manning James requests proxy polygamous sealing,
Dear Brother - - Please excuse me taking the Liberty of Writing to you - but be a Brotherby answering my questions - There by satisfying my mind - - First, as Brother James [her husband Isaac] has Left me 21 years - And a Coloured Brother, Brother Lewis wished me to be sealed to Him, He has been dead 35 or 36 years - can i be sealed to him - parley P Pratt or dained Him an Elder. When or how[?] can i ever be sealed to Him.
Although not named, this refers to Elder Walker Lewis, during his visit to Utah in 1851-2. She also incorrectly stated that Parley P. Pratt ordained him an elder, when it was William Smith. Perhaps Pratt baptized Lewis a Mormon and she confused the two events. (1)
-- 120 years ago - Feb 7, 1890

In England British Mission President Joseph Fielding and John Taylor take turns blessing each other. John Taylor "afterwards gave an address in tongues and interpreted." (2)
-- 170 years ago - Feb 7, 1840

First Presidency letter to all presiding officers "on the subject of rape," includes following: "Persons who consciously invite sexual advances also have a share of responsibility for the behavior that follows. But persons who are truly forced into sexual relations are victims and are not guilty of any sexual sin-.The extent of resistance required to establish that the victim has not willingly consented is left to the judgment of the victim, who is best acquainted with the total circumstances and their effect on his or her will." (2)
-- 25 years ago - Feb 7, 1985

1 - http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 06

Today in Mormon History ...

[Black History] Phelps says Ham married "a black wife", (1)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 6, 1835

Smith reportedly had a second interview with Martin Van Buren, who supposedly told the Mormons: "Gentlemen, your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you;" and "If I take up for you I shall lose the vote of Missouri." (2)
-- 170 years ago - c. (Thr) Feb 6, 1840

B. H. Roberts meets with the First Presidency and six Apostles to discuss a passage in his forthcoming book NEW WITNESS FOR GOD. Roberts's views are that the elements of man became a spirit-a child to God-through pre-mortal birth. Following the discussion, the brethren agree to incorporate the passage essentially as written, and they also include this view in the First Presidency's 1909 statement on the origin of man. (3)
-- Feb 6, 1907

1 - http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 05

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young's office journal records: "Pres[ident] Young addressed the third Quorum of Seventies; most of his remarks were confined to the subject of drunkenness. He regretted very much its prevalence. He remarked it was not the drink that influenced men to wicked actions, but the drink weakened the body so that Evil Spirits had power over it." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Feb 5, 1860

BYU basketball game is disrupted by protest against LDS church's policy of denying priesthood ordination to African-Americans. While 150 Colorado State University student demonstrators scuffle with campus police and twenty Fort Collins policemen during half-time, someone throws Molotov cocktail on playing floor. When game resumes spectators throw raw eggs at BYU's players. (1)
-- 40 years ago - Feb 5, 1970

David W Patten: Ordained apostle 15 Feb. 1835, but not president of Twelve due to Thomas B Marsh 's misstatement of his age (2)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 5, 1835

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Symposium: Organization and Administration of the Church

BYU Church History Symposium (2010)
Saturday, Feb 26, 9-5, BYU Conference Center

Organization and Administration of the Church

Featuring Richard L. Bushman, Vaughn J. Featherstone, Susan Easton Black, Ronald Walker, Thomas Alexander, Richard Bennett & others.

Today in Mormon History - Feb 04

Today in Mormon History ...

[David O McKay] The First Presidency had an interview with Governor George D. Clyde at his request. The Governor reported this visit with other governors with President Eisenhower and others on Civil Defense projects, having particular reference to air-raid shelters from atomic and hydrogen bombs and fall-out from such bombs. Governor Clyde's report was not a very encouraging one as to the improbability of an attack. The entire hour was occupied entirely with discussing the necessity of securing bomb shelters, not only in government, but in our own Church buildings and in private dwellings. Steps will be taken not only by the government, but by other organizations and by the Church to have bomb shelters in new buildings that are being erected. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Thu Feb 4, 1960

In England William Clayton writes, "Sarah Crooks gave me a pint of porter [porter's ale, a dark brown beer]" While Clayton has left his wife and family to go on a mission to England both he and Sarah Crooks wish they could be married to each other. (2)
-- 170 years ago - Feb 4, 1840

Lyman E Johnson: Ordained an apostle 14 Feb. 1835 (3)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 4, 1835

1 - McKay, David O., Office Journal
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 03

Today in Mormon History ...

[David O McKay] [Part of a memo by Ernest L. Wilkinson concerning a meeting held with McKay on this date]: "I referred to a letter which I had just received from the First Presidency asking me to obtain all tithing information concerning faculty members from the First Presidency. I reminded him that in April of last year he consented that I obtain this information direct from the Presiding Bishopric. I asked if there had been complaints that I had been obtaining the information from local Bishops. He told me that they had received a letter of criticism to the effect that all secretaries in my office and other places knew the amounts paid by faculty members. I assure him there was no truth of any kind to that statement, that no one had the information except me. He said he had himself assumed that fact but that he was glad to have this assurance. He suggested I take this up with the First Presidency when I met with them."
7. Richard Durham. I told President McKay that I understood Richard Durham, a seminary teacher who was taking courses on our campus this summer, had written him a letter complaining about the orthodoxy of teachers at the BYU. As I started to explain to President McKay that, in my opinion, Brother Durham was an extremist in this respect and that his criticisms were much overstated, President McKay replied that I need not fear about his reaction to the letter, that anyone who wrote a letter as partisan as the letter of Brother Durham did not make any impression on him at all, that things couldn't be as bad at the BYU as Brother Durham said they were." (1)
-- 50 years ago - Wed Feb 3, 1960

The Northern Times, a Democratic newspaper at Kirtland, began regular publication, with F. G. Williams as publisher and Oliver Cowdery as its editor. Its stated goal was to help projected presidential candidate Martin Van Buren (then Vice President under Andrew Jackson) win the 1836 election. (2)
-- 175 years ago - early Feb 1835

U.S. Supreme Court rules in DAVIS VS. BEASON that it is constitutional for Idaho to disenfranchise all Mormons. The decision is written by Justice Stephen J. Field who had previously been on the list of federal officials receiving bribes from the Church. (3)
-- 120 years ago - Feb 3, 1890

1 - McKay, David O., Office Journal
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 02

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young writes in his journal: "Passing from Brooklyn to New York, I jumped on to the ferry-boat with my left arm extended, meaning to catch hold of the stanchion, but I fell on a large iron ring on the deck, which put my shoulder out of joint. I asked brother Hedlock to roll me over on my back, which he did. I directed brothers Kimball and Hedlock to lay hold of my body, and brother Pratt to take hold of my hand and pull, putting his foot against my side, while I guided the bone with my right hand back to its place. The brethren would my handkerchief round my shoulder and helped me up. When I came to a fire I fainted." (1)
-- 170 years ago - Feb 2, 1840

Apostle Abraham H. Cannon states that Jared and the barges left Asia and landed "on the western coast of North America." (1)
-- 120 years ago - Feb 2, 1890

Sylvester Smith Death: 22 Feb. 1880, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., Iowa , Estate: No record (2)
-- 130 years ago - Feb 2, 1880

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Feb 01

Today in Mormon History ...

[David O McKay] One letter I dictated was to a woman in answer to her question about the wearing of the garments while sun bathing. I said to her: "The wearing of the garment is a personal responsibility, and conditions that justify temporary removal should be determined by each person." (1)
-- 50 years ago - Mon Feb 1, 1960

George A. Smith traveled to Philadelphia. There he no doubt met with Sidney Rigdon and Benjamin Winchester. (2)
-- 170 years ago - (Sat) Feb 1, 1840

Oliver Cowdery writes in a history of the Church in the MESSENGER AND ADVOCATE, "You will recollect that I mentioned the time of a religious excitement, in Palmyra and vicinity to have been in the 15th year of our brother J. Smith Jr's, age that was an error in the type - it should have been in the 17th. - You will please remember this correction, as it will be necessary for the full understanding of what will follow in time. This would bring the date down to the year 1823. . . . [Joseph] was urged forward and strengthened in the determination to know for himself of the certainty and reality of pure and holy religion. And it is only necessary for me to say, that while this excitement continued, he continued to call upon the Lord in secret for a full manifestation of divine approbation, and for, to him, the all important information, if a Supreme being did exist, to have an assurance that he was accepted of him. . . . On the evening of the 21st of Sep, 1823, previous to retiri
ng to rest, our brother's mind was unusually wrought up on the subject which had so long agitated his mind - his heart was drawn out in fervent prayer, . . . and in a moment a personage stood before him. . . . The stature of this personage was a little above the common size of men in this age; his garment was perfectly white, and had the appearance of being without seam. . . . he heard him declare himself to be a messenger sent by commandment of the Lord, to deliver a special message, and to witness to him that his sins were forgiven, and that his prayers were heard . . . He then proceeded and gave a general account of the promises made to the fathers, and also gave a history of the aborigines of this country, and said they were literal descendants of Abraham. He represented them as once being an enlightened and intelligent people, possessing a correct knowledge of the gospel, and the plan of restoration and redemption. He said this history was written and deposited not far
from that place, and that it was our brother's privilege, if obedient to the commandments of the Lord, to obtain, and translate the same by the means of the Urim and Thummim, which were deposited for that purpose with the record." (3)
-- 175 years ago - Feb 1, 1835

1 - McKay, David O., Office Journal
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

-- Tour through Mormon history: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com