Today in Mormon History: July 2010

Today in Mormon History - Jul 31

Today in Mormon History ...

President Hinckley traveled 24,995 miles on a seven-nation tour of Asia and Africa, holding meetings in Russia, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, Kenya and Nigeria, where he also dedicated the Aba Nigeria Temple. He was the first Church president to visit India. (1)
-- 5 years ago - Jul 31, 2005-Aug. 9

[Plains] Miner G. Atwood Company begins crossing plains (2)
-- 145 years ago - Jul 31, 1865

Thursday prayer circle meeting of males at 4 p.m. at Willard Richards's office where "prayers were offered for a number of the sick and for several other general subjects" (WC-S). However, female members of the Anointed Quorum were told that there was "no prayer meeting to day" (ZHJ). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Jul 31, 1845

1 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
2 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

Today in Mormon History - Jul 30

Today in Mormon History ...

Oklahoma City Oklahoma Temple; Location: Yukon, Oklahoma, USA; Announcement: 14 March 1999; Dedication: 30 July 2000 by James E. Faust; Style: Classic modern, single-spire design (1)
-- 10 years ago - Jul 30, 2000

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Fast Day - Thursday
Power by Fasting and Prayer (2)
-- 170 years ago - 30Jul40

[Lucy Mack Smith] Don Carlos Smith marries Agnes Coolbrith at Kirtland. (3)
-- 175 years ago - Jul 30, 1835

1 - 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
2 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
3 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books

Today in Mormon History - Jul 29

Today in Mormon History ...

Hugh Nibley writes in a letter, "The two greatest nuisances in the Church are (a) those who think they know enough to disprove the claims of Joseph Smith, and (b) those who think they know enough to prove them." (1)
-- 50 years ago - Jul 29, 1960

[Mark Hofmann] Dorothy Dean signs affidavit, convinced by Hofmann that her mother must have been the source of the 1688 Bible. (2)
-- 30 years ago - Jul 29, 1980

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Uses shorthand to report sermon by John Taylor delivered at the Salt Lake tabernacle. (3)
-- 135 years ago - Jul 29, 1875

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,
3 - 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

Today in Mormon History - Jul 28

Today in Mormon History ...

DESERET NEWS reports that on his return to Salt Lake City yesterday, Milando Pratt says that he and Thomas Rich saw Bear Lake Monster from shore: "The portion of the body out of the water was about ten feet long," with head like a walrus. (1)
-- 140 years ago - Jul 28, 1870

[Plains] Isaac Allred Freight Train begins crossing plains (2)
-- 155 years ago - 28-Jul 31, 1855

Jonathan Dunham, despondent about disobeying Joseph Smith's orders to rescue him from jail, commits suicide. Later disclosures indicate that Dunham, who was a captain of Nauvoo's police, major-general of the Nauvoo Legion, and a Council of Fifty member, accomplished the suicide by asking a native American friend (Lewis Dana, fellow member of the Fifty) to "kill and bury him." (3)
-- 165 years ago - Jul 28, 1845

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"

Today in Mormon History - Jul 27

Today in Mormon History ...

Lyman, Amasa Mason: Arrived in Liverpool 27 July 1860. (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jul 27, 1860

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday prayer circle of the "Quorum" at 4 p.m. (JT). (2)
-- 165 years ago - Jul 27, 1845

Revolutionary followers of Emiliano Zapata execute Mexican branch president Rafael Monroy and Vincente Morales, also LDS, after each tells Zapatistas: "I cannot renounce my religion." (3)
-- 95 years ago - Jul 27, 1915

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

Today in Mormon History - Jul 26

Today in Mormon History ...

Apostle Joseph F. Smith performs proxy sealing of Scotland's Queen Maude (or Matilda. b. 1104) as eternal wife to martyred prophet Joseph Smith. Similar ordinances are performed by Apostle Wilford Woodruff on Sept 5, for eight political heroines or female rulers including Charlotte Corday (who murdered the radical Marat during the French Revolution) and Empress Josephine (wife of Napoleon). On Sept. 15 second counselor Daniel H. Wells seals two Catholic saints as wives to founding Mormon prophet: Saint Helena (mother of Roman emperor Constantine) and Saint Theresa (b. 1515 in Spain). These are first women of international prominence sealed as wives to Joseph Smith, but during fifty years after his death hundreds of deceased women are similarly joined to him, even though many had husbands during their lifetimes. (1)
-- 140 years ago - Jul 26, 1870

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Oliver Granger, his agent at Kirtland, Ohio. (2)
-- 170 years ago - about Jul 26, 1840

[U.S. Religious History] American politician and fundamentalist religious leader William Jennings Bryan died. (3)
-- 85 years ago - Jul 26, 1925

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
3 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline

Today in Mormon History - Jul 25

Today in Mormon History ...

[Lucy Mack Smith] Dr. John C. Bennett writes to Joseph expressing interest in Mormonism, the first of three letters written by 30 July. (1)
-- 170 years ago - Jul 25, 1840

Joseph Smith receives a revelation instructing missionaries to curse those who will not listen to them: "And in whatsoever place ye shall enter, and they receive you not, in my name, ye shall leave a cursing instead of a blessing, by casting off the dust of your feet against them as a testimony, and cleansing your feet by the wayside" (2)
-- 180 years ago - Jul 25, 1830

[David O McKay] At 3 p.m. Pres. Smith, Pres. Clark, and I met with Ernest L. Wilkinson on the proposition of his being appointed president of the Brigham Young Univ. There is no doubt but that Ernest Wilkinson has the right viewpoint of the mission of the Brigham Young University, especially with regard to its mission and the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He senses clearly the fact that every department in the school should, as he stated, "be impregnated" with the spirit of the gospel, and that the teachings of the principles of the gospel should not be confined to a Theological Department with other departments feeling that they are estranged therefor. Brother Wilkinson is a clear thinker; he makes no pretense to having had any experience in school management; he possesses outstanding ability, which I believe he can direct towards a good organization. On the whole I was favorably impressed with him and earnestly hope and pray that he will succeed. (3)
-- 60 years ago - Tue Jul 25, 1950

1 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - McKay, David O., Office Journal

Today in Mormon History - Jul 24

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young preaches: "Who can tell us of the inhabitants of this little planet that shines of an evening, called the moon? When we view its face we may see what is termed 'the man in the moon,' and what some philosophers declare are the shadows of mountains. But these sayings are very vague, and amount to nothing; and when you inquire about the inhabitants of that sphere you find that the most learned are as ignorant in regard to them as the most ignorant of their fellows. So it is with regard to the inhabitants of the sun. Do you think there is any life there? No question of it; it was not made in vain. It was made to give light to those who dwell upon it, and to other planets." (1)
-- 140 years ago - Jul 24, 1870

Final unveiling of Brigham Young Monument at South Temple and Main in Salt Lake City was held. (2)
-- 110 years ago - Jul 24, 1900

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday, "the Holly order" met at 4 p.m. at Willard Richards's "office" (HCK, WC-S), and "the Quorum agreed to take no more snuff & tobacco for 6 weeks" (WR). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Jul 24, 1845

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

Today in Mormon History - Jul 23

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] Joseph W. Young Freight Train begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jul 23, 1860

[Mountain Meadows] The trial of John Lee opens in the courtroom of Judge Jacob Boreman. Payment for Lee's defense is arranged by Brigham Young. The prosecution's star witness is Philip Klingensmith. (2)
-- 135 years ago - Jul 23, 1875

[Lucy Mack Smith] The First Presidency and Twelve issue a statement condemning Biographical Sketches "for its inaccuracy." (3)
-- 145 years ago - Jul 23, 1865

1 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html
2 - Linder, Douglas, The Mountain Meadows Massacre Trials, http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTRIALS/mountainmeadows/leechrono.html
3 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books

Today in Mormon History - Jul 22

Today in Mormon History ...

Nauvoo, Illinois. After William W. Phelps requested forgiveness, Joseph Smith wrote a letter inviting him to return to the Church. (1)
-- 170 years ago - Jul 22, 1840

[Hinckley] Honored on his 95^th birthday in a -Celebration of Life- at the Conference Center with guests performers and 21,000 guests (2)
-- 5 years ago - Jul 22, 2005

[Polygamy] Mormons respond to statehood bid
The Mormon people were not publicly notified that they should accept this latest constitution, but they were privately given to understand that they could vote for its ratification without compromising their religious principles. In response to inquiries from his family, Apostle Erastus Snow, then in Mexico where settlements were being established as cities of refuge for polygamists, wrote: Yes, I accept the self imposed conditions of Statehood. We can live under the prohibition clauses, same as we can in Mexico. Our celestial or spiritual unions will be purely religious and not civil contracts under State or national laws--and the Constitution has no cohabitation clause, and any who, living in the State of Utah, desire to marry other wives can bring them for me to marry in Mexico cheaper than to pay the fine imposed by the new Constitution. Please convey to E. G. W. and R. C. L. my congratulations on the happy wording of the prohibition and I hope all my Sons will vote f
or the
Constitution. And I shall be happy to minister to Gordon and Robert when they get ready to come over here with their sweethearts. (Letter from Erastus Snow to his wife, Elizabeth. Edwin Gordon Woolley and Robert C. Lund, convention delegates from Washington County. Ivins, p. 99) (3)
-- 123 years ago - Jul 22, 1887

1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president
3 - Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm

Today in Mormon History - Jul 21

Today in Mormon History ...

First Presidency issues statement allowing young men to serve missions at age 19, even though they had not met educational and military qualifications previously required. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Jul 21, 1960

LDS political newspaper SALT LAKE HERALD publishes John D. Lee's "confession" that "all who participated in the lamentable transaction, or most of them, were acting under orders that they considered it their duty-their religious duty-to obey." Lee says that when informed of Mountain Meadows Massacre, Brigham Young "wept like a child, walked the floor and wrung his hands in bitter anguish." (2)
-- 135 years ago - Jul 21, 1875

President Heber J. Grant dedicated the Hill Cumorah Monument near Palmyra, N.Y. (1)
-- 75 years ago - Jul 21, 1935

Today in Mormon History - Jul 20

Today in Mormon History ...

[U.S. Religious History] The Christian Endeavor Society of Missouri, an early forerunner of the American Religious Right, instituted a campaign to ban movies depicting kissing between non-relatives. (1)
-- 100 years ago - Jul 20, 1910

[Plains] William Budge Company begins crossing plains (2)
-- 150 years ago - Jul 20, 1860

Presbyterian General Assembly of the United States adopts resolution that LDS church is "a new and emerging religion that expresses allegiance to Jesus Christ in terms used within the Christian tradition." This ecumenical statement is at odds with Protestant denominations which define Mormonism as non-Christian cult. However, in recognition of LDS church's own claim to be neither Catholic nor Protestant, this document adds that LDS church is "not within the historic apostolic tradition of the Christian Church of which the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a part." This pro-Mormon resolution is drafted and presented by Utah's Presbytery, eighty-five years after it fomented several anti-Mormon campaigns nationally. (3)
-- 15 years ago - Jul 20, 1995

1 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline
2 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Jul 19

Today in Mormon History ...

Benson, Ezra Taft: Baptized 19 July 1840 in Quincy, Illinois. (1)
-- 170 years ago - Jul 19, 1840

The remainder of this month, I was continually engaged in translating an alphabet to the Book of Abraham. and arrangeing a grammar of the Egyptian language as practiced by the ancients. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Jul 19, 1835

Apostle Heber J. Grant reports after a trip to Arizona that he "Found the South American Expedition from the Brigham Young Academy, Ben J. Cluff in charge, at Thatcher. Said that in the expedition were some young men of inexperience, who were not fitted for exploration into South America, and he felt that, unless the matter were investigated and some changes made and men of experience appointed to join the party, the expedition would end disastrously." Cluff, President of Brigham Young Academy (later BYU) left the main body of the "Expedition" at Thatcher, Arizona while he took a plural wife in Mexico. The Expedition's stated purpose was to gather evidence of the Book of Mormon in South America. (3)
-- 110 years ago - Jul 19, 1900

1 - 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
2 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Jul 18

Today in Mormon History ...

Snow, Lorenzo: Ordained high priest 18 July 1840 by Don Carlos Smith. (1)
-- 170 years ago - Jul 18, 1840

Lucy Mack Smith obtains a copyright on her manuscript for her history of Joseph Smith and his progenitors. Seven years later Orson Pratt has the manuscript published in Liverpool England after many changes which include inserting Joseph Smiths account of the First Vision which was not mentioned in the original manuscript. (2)
-- 165 years ago - Jul 18, 1845

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Entertains First Presidency, apostles, missionaries to Japan, and their wives at residence on Canyon Road. (3)
-- 109 years ago - Jul 18, 1901

1 - 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
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - 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

Today in Mormon History - Jul 17

Today in Mormon History ...

Gordon B. Hinckley interviewed by Gustav Niebuhr of The New York Times. (1)
-- 15 years ago - Jul 17, 1995

First Presidency letter ends financial independence of Relief Society by stopping payment of dues, prohibiting traditional Relief Society bazaar ("a noisy, carnival-like or commercial atmosphere"), and requiring that individual "Relief Societies sould immediately turn over to the appropriate Stake, Mission, Ward, Branch, or District presiding officers all assets which they have accumulated." This clarifies full intent of brief letter of Jun 10. Eliminating Relief Society's autonomy is central goal of Harold B. Lee's vision of church "correlation." (2)
-- 40 years ago - Jul 17, 1970

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday prayer circle meeting of "the Holly order met at the usual place [] the old company present" from 4-8 p.m. (HCK, JT, WC-S). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Jul 17, 1845

1 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

Today in Mormon History - Jul 16

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] Hooper and Eldredge Freight Train begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jul 16, 1860

[Hinckley] Dedicated Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple (2)
-- 10 years ago - Jul 16, 2000

Non-Mormons organized the Liberal party, which markedly divided Utah citizens for more than twenty years. "Godbeites" joined with the Gentiles for political purposes, with members of both groups calling for all who opposed "despotism and tyranny in Utah" and who favored separation of church and state to join in a founding convention held in the Gentile stronghold of Corrine. (3)
-- 140 years ago - Jul 16, 1870

1 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html
2 - LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Jul 15

Today in Mormon History ...

[Polygamy] Anti-Mormon party wins SLC school election
In another devastating blow to Mormon independence, on July 15, the anti-Mormon party wins the Salt Lake City school elections. This was part of a string of disasters. On July 1, the US Senate introduced a bill to ban Mormons from homesteading in Wyoming. On July 29, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that polygamous children could not inherit their fathers estates, and on August 5, the anti-Mormon party won almost every county office in Salt Lake and Weber Counties. (1)
-- 120 years ago - Jul 15, 1890

WESTERN WORLD, published in Warsaw Illinois reports that some residents of Hancock had begun to complain of "petty depredations... such as the loss of various small instruments of agriculture." Particularly aggrieved are some residents of Tully, Missouri, who complained of the loss of a variety of items. A depot of stolen goods identified as the Tully items are found on a farm not far from Warsaw. Tully residents stake out the depot, and take four Mormons prisoner who are found in the vicinity of the stolen items. They kidnap the four, take them across the river into Missouri, and extract confessions from three of them by tying them to trees and beating them. (2)
-- 170 years ago - Jul 15, 1840

Bennett, John Cook: Wife died 15 July 1863 and buried at Polk City, Iowa. (3)
-- 147 years ago - Jul 15, 1863

1 - Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - 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

Today in Mormon History - Jul 14

Today in Mormon History ...

USA TODAY reports: "A Bountiful, Utah man discovered that his wife of 3 1/2 years is a man who is now jailed on charges he ran up $40,000 in phony credit card charges. Bruce Jensen, 39, says he feels 'pretty stupid' that he didn't know Felix Urioste, 34 was a man." Jensen and Urioste (using the name Leasa) were married in Lyman, Wyoming in Dec of 1991 and later were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. (1)
-- 15 years ago - Jul 14, 1995

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote to the Saints at the Crooked Creek Branch in Illinois (later Ramus, Hancock County), approving the organization of a stake there. (2)
-- 170 years ago - Jul 14, 1840

Edmund Bosley excommunicated for failing to raise $2,000 as promised. (3)
-- 175 years ago - Jul 14, 1835

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
3 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - Jul 13

Today in Mormon History ...

Apostle Ezra T. Benson preaches in Provo: "I have a little Indian boy and girl, and certainly it is repugnant to my feelings to have to put up with their dirty practices, but I have passed a great many of these things by; and this I have done because I knew what our duties were. In a short season we shall be rewarded for all that we do to civilize this lost and fallen race. The little boy will soon be quite bright, his mind is becoming clear and perceptive, and if he sees a horse, a man, or any other object, he will always remember them. True, he yet has some of his Indian traits, and I presume it will be some time before they are all, erased from his memory." (1)
-- 155 years ago - Jul 13, 1855

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday prayer circle meeting at 4 p.m. at Willard Richards's office (HCK, WC-S). (2)
-- 165 years ago - Jul 13, 1845

Gordon B. Hinckley holds press conference in conjunction with Grand Encampment Celebration in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (3)
-- 14 years ago - Jul 13, 1996

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45
3 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984

Today in Mormon History - Jul 12

Today in Mormon History ...

LDS poet Carol Lynn Pearson writes in her journal: "I've read every scripture regarding woman that is mentioned in the standard works. Each one only upsets me more; I don't mean casually bothers me, I mean upsets the very core of my nature." (1)
-- 50 years ago - Jul 12, 1960

Former Apostle William McLellin writes a letter to a friend explaining why he had become a "Hedrickite": "In the first place he delivered a number of prophecies which have already come to pass. So his friends who heard him declare. I could tell you what they were-but no matter now. . .They go back on the original principles as taught at first in 1830 and up to 1834 when they declare that Jos. fell. . . . I stated to them precisely my position, that I was willing to believe Hedrick was a Prophet, and the church had chosen him to preside over the whole church, and I was willing to take him to preside. I heard, after he got there on the 1st, a great deal of his teaching, and of his decisions, I was willing to admit I could see wisdom in them. Hence I united with them." (2)
-- 141 years ago - Jul 12, 1869

[Plains] Samuel Woolley Company begins crossing plains (3)
-- 149 years ago - 12-Jul 13, 1861

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
3 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html

Today in Mormon History - Jul 11

Today in Mormon History ...

DESERET NEWS favorably reports lynching of horse-thief A.B. Baker by possee deputized to arrest him. He is "buried by those who thus meted out to him summary justice not exactly according to law, but upon a more speedy, economical and salutary principle. . ." In territorial Utah, there are eleven judicial executions, and same number of lynchings by mobs (primarily Mormons). (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jul 11, 1860

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith gave instructions to the high council about how to conduct disciplinary councils. (2)
-- 170 years ago - Jul 11, 1840

John Whitmer dies. (3)
-- 132 years ago - Jul 11, 1878

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
3 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"

Today in Mormon History - Jul 10

Today in Mormon History ...

[David O McKay] President Smith, in conversation regarding the B.Y.U. Presidency, expressed himself as looking with disfavor upon the appointment of Ernest Wilkinson as President of the Brigham Young University if Wilkinson's suit with the government is not yet consummated.
July 25, 1950: At 3 p.m. Pres. Smith, Pres. Clark, and I met with Ernest L. Wilkinson on the proposition of his being appointed president of the Brigham Young Univ. There is no doubt but that Ernest Wilkinson has the right viewpoint of the mission of the Brigham Young University, especially with regard to its mission and the preaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He senses clearly the fact that every department in the school should, as he stated, "be impregnated" with the spirit of the gospel, and that the teachings of the principles of the gospel should not be confined to a Theological Department with other departments feeling that they are estranged therefor. Brother Wilkinson is a clear thinker; he makes no pretense to having had any experience in school management; he possesses outstanding ability, which I believe he can direct towards a good organization. On the whole I was favorably impressed with him and earnestly hope and pray that he will succeed. (
1)
-- 60 years ago - Mon Jul 10, 1950

Martin Harris, one of Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, d. Clarkston, Cache Co., UT, age 92. (2)
-- 135 years ago - Jul 10, 1875

[U.S. Religious History] The infamous Scopes Monkey Trial began in the Rhea County Courthouse of Dayton, Tennessee. (3)
-- 85 years ago - Jul 10, 1925

1 - McKay, David O., Office Journal
2 - Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
3 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline

Today in Mormon History - Jul 09

Today in Mormon History ...

Veracruz Mexico Temple; Location: Boca del RÃo, Veracruz, Mexico; Announcement: 14 April 1999; Dedication: 9 July 2000 by Thomas S. Monson; Style: Classic modern, single-spire design (1)
-- 10 years ago - Jul 9, 2000

Wilford Woodruff writes from England of his dealings with a sect called The United Brethren: "I also baptized about forty preachers of the same order, and several others belonging unto other churches, and about one hundred and twenty members of the United Brethren, which opened about forty doors or preaching places, where the fullness of the Gospel would meet a welcome reception, and all this during the term of one month and five days." (2)
-- 170 years ago - Jul 9, 1840

[Joseph Smith] Mummies and papyrus are purchased from Michael Chandler. (3)
-- 175 years ago - Jul 9, 1835

1 - 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
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - More Good Foundation, Timeline, http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline

Today in Mormon History - Jul 08

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young preaches, "Children are now born who will live until every son of Adam will have the privledge of receiving the principles of eternal life." He also preaches, "The birth of our Saviour was as natural as are the births of our children; it was the result of natural action." Traditional Christians are infuriated by this rejection (dating to Jul 24, 1858) of the Virgin Birth and Young's assertion that God has body capable of sexual intercourse. Repeated publications of such assaults on Christian orthodoxy leads to near hysteria in Protestant rhetoric against Mormons. (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jul 8, 1860

[Deseret] the Morrill Act (an anti-bigamy law) was approved by President Lincoln. (2)
-- 148 years ago - Jul 8, 1862

Snow, Erastus: Left Salt Lake City 8 July 1853. (3)
-- 157 years ago - Jul 8, 1853

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - History to Go, Pioneers and Cowboys, http://historytogo.utah.gov/timeline/pioneersandcowboys.html
3 - 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

Today in Mormon History - Jul 07

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young's office journal records: "Bro. Greenwood called in and reported Bp. L. E. Harrington was very sick and had sent him up for counsel about Bro. Gordons first wife, and bro Smith as it was supposed there had been an improper intimacy. The Ward had cut them off. The President said her husband should divorce her, and Smith & her should be baptised and then they should marry." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jul 7, 1860

Award-winning author Brian Evenson announces his resignation as BYU English professor to join faculty at Oklahoma State University. Because of anonymous student's complaint to an apostle about violence and "darkness" in Evenson's published work, BYU's officials were requiring him to cancel his most recent book contract with New York publisher Knopf or face termination. BYU's spokesperson comments: "The University's sense of mission and Brian's sense of mission were quite divergent." (2)
-- 15 years ago - Jul 7, 1995

On or shortly after this date, "some of the saints at Kirtland" purchased the mummies and scrolls for $2400. Joseph Smith then began a serious review of the scroll contents and reported that "the rolls contained the writings of Abraham..." etc.bought four Egyptian mummies and two or more papyrus rolls from Michael H. Chandler [LDS Church History Vol II]. (3)
-- 175 years ago - (Tue) Jul 7, 1835

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

Today in Mormon History - Jul 06

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] Oscar O. Stoddard Company begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jul 6, 1860

[Patriarchal Blessings] Patriarchal Blessing of Arnold Stephens by Joseph Smith, Sr. stated "if faithful thou shalt see the sons of God come from the North Country, & thou shalt be crowned with them, and shall meet them in their armies as the Lord leads them by his Prophet, and when the highway is cast up ... Thou shalt see the Revelator John, and stand upon the earth when he shall lead in his armies from the North (2)
-- 170 years ago - Jul 6, 1840

Mummies and papyrus purchased, and Joseph Smith commenced translation. [See [Level Bookshelf/Encyclopedia of Mormonism][Level Entry/tithing]Tithing received (D&C 119). (3)
-- 175 years ago - Jul 6, 1835

1 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html
2 - Marquardt, H. Michael, "Excerpts from a few Patriarchal Blessings given by Joseph Smith, Sr." http://www.xmission.com/~research/about/patb2.htm
3 - Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History

Today in Mormon History - Jul 05

Today in Mormon History ...

Joseph Smith writes: "Soon after this, some of the Saints at Kirtland purchased the mummies and papyrus, . . . I commenced the translation of some of the characters or hieroglyphics, and much to our joy found that one of the rolls contained the writings of Abraham, another the writings of Joseph of Egypt, etc., a more full account of which will appear in its place, as I proceed to examine or unfold them." (1)
-- 175 years ago - Jul 5, 1835

Harmony, Pennsylvania. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 25, a revelation manifesting the will of the Lord to his wife, Emma Smith, the elect lady the Lord called to assemble the first hymnbook for the Church. (2)
-- 180 years ago - about Jul 5, 1830

[Plains] Orson Hyde Company begins crossing plains (3)
-- 160 years ago - Jul 5, 1850

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
3 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html

Today in Mormon History - Jul 04

Today in Mormon History ...

D&C 26 (Harmony): Joseph, Oliver, and John to devote their time to studying scriptures, preaching, and supporting the church at Colesville. All things to be done by common consent. (1)
-- 180 years ago - 1830 July [4-13]

Six LDS chapels are bombed in Chile, apparently by the Frente Patriotico Manuel Rodriguez, Chile's most important armed opposition to the Pinochet dictatorship. (2)
-- 25 years ago - Jul 4, 1985

[Plains] Moses Thurston Company begins crossing plains (3)
-- 155 years ago - Jul 4, 1855

1 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html

Today in Mormon History - Jul 03

Today in Mormon History ...

Albert Carrington is ordained an apostle. He is the first general authority with B.A degree (Dartmouth College, 1834, Phi Beta Kappa). He is also first general authority who attended Ivy League school. (1)
-- 140 years ago - Jul 3, 1870

Michael H. Chandler arrived in Kirtland and began exhibition of his four Egyptian mummies. Joseph Smith reportedly deciphered the Egyptian "hieroglyphic characters" found on scrolls acompanying the mummies, and on July 6th Chandler provided Smith with a signed statement verifying the proper translation. [RLDS Church History Vol I, p.p. 568-569]. (2)
-- 175 years ago - (Fri) Jul 3, 1835

The first meetinghouse in the southeastern African nation of Malawi, a country of 12 million people, was dedicated in the city of Blantyre. (3)
-- 5 years ago - Jul 3, 2005

1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
3 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html

Today in Mormon History - Jul 02

Today in Mormon History ...

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. and Oliver Cowdery return to Colesville to complete the confirmations but have to flee from a mob through an exhausting and frightening night in the woods. Some scholars identify the next morning as the time they received the Melchizedek priesthood from Peter, James, and John. (1)
-- 180 years ago - early July 1830

Appointment of Rafael E. Castillo Valdes, BYU graduate and Mormon, as Guatemala's ambassador to United Nations (serving to 1975). Daviid M. Kennedy is appointed United States ambassador to NATO (1972), and newly independent nation of Croatia appoints Kresimir Cosic as its deputy ambassador to United Nations (1992). (2)
-- 40 years ago - Jul 2, 1970

[Reed Smoot] Alpha died on 7 November 1928 and Smoot later married Mrs Alice Taylor Sheets on 2 July 1930. (3)
-- 80 years ago - Jul 2, 1930

Today in Mormon History - Jul 01

Today in Mormon History ...

[Oliver Cowdery] William & Keziah Cowdery moved their family to Williamson, Ontario (after 1823 Wayne) Co., NY. It is not known whether all of William's children and Keziah's son Austin accompanied them. The family was in Williamson in time to be recorded in the 1810 Federal Census (probably conducted during the summer). (1)
-- 200 years ago - 1810 summer?

U.S. Senate bill to deny all Mormons any right to homestead public lands. (2)
-- 120 years ago - Jul 1, 1890

Joseph is again arraigned on a misdemeanor charge. Oliver testifies "that said Smith found with the plates, from which he translated his book, two transparent stones, resembling glass, set in silver bows. That by looking through these, he was able to read in English, the reformed Egyptian characters, which were engraved on the plates." Josiah Stowell testifies that he and Joseph almost succeeded in treasure seeking, but "did not get quite to it!" Addison Austin testifies that he asked Joseph "to tell him honestly whether he could see this money or not. Smith hesitated some time, but finally replied, 'to be candid, between you and me, I cannot, any more than you or any body else; but any way to get a living.'" (3)
-- 180 years ago - Jul 1, 1830

1 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Oliver Cowdery Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/Cdychrn1.htm
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml