Today in Mormon History - Aug 31

Today in Mormon History ...

[Wilford Woodruff] Richard Burton visits Salt Lake City (1)
-- 150 years ago - Aug 31, 1860

St. George Temple President John D. T. McAllister instructs temple workers: "With regard to new Names. give easy names to be understood: Scripture names or names not in the Scripture, there are many good names of those who have lived upon the earth which are easy to understand, don't give any fanciful names, be Sure they get the New Name and that they understand it. . . . During the time of the Endowments, there Should be no knitting or Sewing in any of the rooms, no loud talking or noise, Workers who are called to take parts, commit them [to memory] So as not to have to read them but have your book with you So you can refer if necessary." (2)
-- 130 years ago - Aug 31, 1880

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Hezekiah Peck and others in Missouri. (3)
-- 175 years ago - Aug 31, 1835


1 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith

Today in Mormon History - Aug 30

Today in Mormon History ...

Martin Harris (age 88) arrived in Salt Lake City and bore Testimony to truth of Book of Mormon at General Conference. (1)
-- 140 years ago - Aug 30, 1870

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Instruction delivered at Lee County, Iowa August 30, 1840,
Nauvoo, Ill.
Sabath 30 Joseph Smith Jr continued his discourse on eternal Judgement and the eternal duration of matter. (2)
-- 170 years ago - 30Aug40

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Sr. and Don Carlos visit Joseph Sr.'s relatives in Potsdam and Stockholm, New York, for a week, taking Joseph's father Asael Sr. a copy of the Book of Mormon. (3)
-- 180 years ago - late Aug. 1830


1 - Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
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 - Aug 29

Today in Mormon History ...

SALT LAKE TRIBUNE publishes AP story "Egyptian wife: Polygamy is the answer." Story states, "CAIRO, Egypt -- Hayam Dorbek wants her husband to get married. Again. In urging him -- and the rest of Egypt -- to be more open to polygamy as approved by Islam, the 42-year-old journalist has set off a lively debate in her country and the rest of the Arab world tuning in on satellite TV. Dorbek says she felt her work was keeping her so busy that her husband needed a second wife. She says he refused, 'but my son is helping me promote the idea,' she said." Dorbek states that the practice is the answer to many of her society's ills, such as adultery. In this she echos the arguments advanced 153 years earlier when Orson Pratt formally announced the LDS practice of polygamy. (1)
-- 5 years ago - Aug 29, 2005

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Leaves with Lydia to attend Chicago World's Fair. (2)
-- 117 years ago - Aug 29, 1893

[Heber J. Grant diary] Woodruff, Cannon, J. H. Smith and I were the only ones present After prayers we had quite a talk as to the ideas that were entertained by some of the brethren on the coming of a man like unto Moses to lead the saints out of bondage, and also the idea of some that this man had already come and that he was Brigham Young. (3)
-- 121 years ago - Aug 29, 1889


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
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
3 - Diary Excerpts of Heber J. Grant, Signature Books Library,

Today in Mormon History - Aug 28

Today in Mormon History ...

[Iosopa Community] The land was dedicated by LDS Church President Wilford Woodruff on 28 August 1890, one year after colonization, as a gathering place for the natives of the islands of the sea. (1)
-- 120 years ago - Aug 28, 1890

Gordon B. Hinckley interviewed by Laurence Spicer of London News Service. (2)
-- 15 years ago - Aug 28, 1995

Joseph Smith asked Levi Hancock to take Fanny Alger to Missouri. She and her family left the following month, and after a lengthy stop-over in Indiana (for unclear reasons, perhaps her pregnancy), reached Missouri a year later. (3)
-- 175 years ago - late Aug 1835


1 - Utah History Encyclopedia: Iosopa Community, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/i/IOSEPA.html
2 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
3 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm

Today in Mormon History - Aug 27

Today in Mormon History ...

Apostle Russell M. Nelson, speaking at Brigham Young University, says, "Some truths are best left unsaid. . . . Extortion by threat of disclosing truth is labelled 'blackmail.' Is sordid disclosure for personal attention or financial gain not closely related?" (1)
-- 25 years ago - Aug 27, 1985

[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo Neighbor reports: "On Saturday last a large number of persons partook of a feast of melons, round a table 87 feet long, in the attic story of the Temple." (2)
-- 165 years ago - Aug 27, 1845

Death of Maurine Lee Wilkins, daughter of Harold B. Lee. (3)
-- 45 years ago - Aug 27, 1965


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - 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"
3 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, Salt Lake City, Utah

Today in Mormon History - Aug 26

Today in Mormon History ...

George Q. Cannon is ordained an apostle and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (1)
-- 150 years ago - Aug 26, 1860

[Hinckley] Dedicated Houston Texas Temple (2)
-- 10 years ago - 2000 26-27 August

Harmony, Pennsylvania. Joseph Smith obtained the title of ownership to property in Harmony from his father-in-law, Isaac Hale. (3)
-- 180 years ago - Aug 26, 1830


1 - Wikipedia, 19th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
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 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith

Today in Mormon History - Aug 25

Today in Mormon History ...

The JOURNAL OF HEALTH, published semi-monthly at Philadelphia, concludes a year-long series of articles denouncing the use of ardent spirits, tobacco, tea, and coffee in the strongest terms. It claims, "The most deadly of all poisons, the prussic acid, has been detected in green tea." It also advises, "A substitution almost entire, of vegetable for animal substances . . ." (1)
-- 180 years ago - Aug 25, 1830

The Primary, founded by Aurelia Rogers, held its first meeting at Farmington, Utah. The movement spread rapidly and on June 19, 1880, a Churchwide organization was established, with Louie B. Felt as the first president. (2)
-- 132 years ago - Aug 25, 1878

[Plains] Levi W. Hancock/Jefferson Hunt/James Pace/Andrew Lytle Company begins crossing plains (3)
-- 163 years ago - 25-Aug 26, 1847


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 - 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 - Aug 24

Today in Mormon History ...

The Johannesburg South Africa Temple was dedicated by President Hinckley. With the dedication of this building, there was now a temple on every continent except Antarctica. (1)
-- 25 years ago - Aug 24, 1985

William Smith: Appointed by apostles 24 Aug. 1845 to traveling mission giving blessings, canceled 27 Aug. (2)
-- 165 years ago - Aug 24, 1845

Sidney Rigdon ordained a Baptist minister in Warren OH (3)
-- 190 years ago - 1820 bef. Aug 24


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 - 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
3 - Broadhurst, Dale R., History and Genealogy of Sidney Rigdon: The First Theologian of the Latter Day Saints, http://sidneyrigdon.com/Rigdchrn.htm

Today in Mormon History - Aug 23

Today in Mormon History ...

LDS political newspaper SALT LAKE HERALD reports "The Outrage," in which four unidentified men "discharged the contents of a bottle filled with diluted excrements" upon Mormon apostates T.B.H. Stenhouse and his wife Fanny. (1)
-- 140 years ago - Aug 23, 1870

Joseph Smith returned to Kirtland from his visit to Michigan. Apparently he had put an end to the murder conspiracy against Newell by this time. (2)
-- 175 years ago - (Sun) Aug 23, 1835

Orson Pratt: Doctrines taught by Orson Pratt condemned in proclamation of First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve 23 Aug. 1865 (3)
-- 145 years ago - Aug 23, 1865


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

Today in Mormon History - Aug 22

Today in Mormon History ...

LDS missionaries Manuel Antonio Hidalgo and Christian Andreani Ugarte are shot and killed in Peru. (1)
-- 20 years ago - Aug 22, 1990

Gordon B. Hinckley appointed executive secretary of newly formed Radio, Publicity, and Mission Literature Committee. (2)
-- 75 years ago - Aug 22, 1935

[Blacks] Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: President [Wilford] Woodruff informed the Council that Sister Jane James, a negress of long standing in the Church, had asked him for permission to receive her endowments, and that he and his counselors had told her that they could see no way by which they could accede to her wishes; and they asked the brethren present if they had any ideas on the subject favorable to her race.
President Joseph F. Smith told of brother Abel having been ordained a Seventy and afterwards a High Priest at Kirtland under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
President [George Q.] Cannon remarked that the Prophet Joseph [Smith] taught this doctrine: That the seed of Cain could not receive the Priesthood nor act in any of the offices of the priesthood until the seed of Abel should come forward and take precedence over Cain's offspring; and that any white man who mingled his seed with that of Cain should be killed, and thus prevent any of the seed of Cain's coming into possession of the priesthood.
Brother George F. Gibbs, the secretary, reminded President Woodruff of a sister Smith, whose first husband was a man named Berry, by whom she had two children - girls - who are now living, and it is held by those who knew Berry that he had negro blood in him. She separated from Berry and married a man named Smith who is not in the Church and by whom she had one child, a boy, that she now desires to be sealed to her second husband for whom her son will stand proxy, but that President Angus M. Cannon had refused to sign her recommend to the temple for the reason that she had married a man with negro blood in him and borne him children, and she had appealed to the First Presidency to have President Angus M. Cannon's action overruled, denying at the same time that her first husband was part negro.
It being understood that Mr. Berry was part negro, President [George Q.] Cannon raised the question: What would become of the girls? One at least of whom was in the Church, as they could not be admitted to the temple, and he thought it would be unfair to admit their mother and deny them this privilege. President Cannon thought too that to let down the bars in the least on this question would only tend to complications, and that it is perhaps better to let all such cases alone, believing, of course that the Lord would deal fairly with them all.
President Woodruff assented to this.
(George Albert Smith Papers, typed copy, Manuscripts Division, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah) (3)
-- 115 years ago - Thursday, Aug 22, 1895


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
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
3 - Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm

Today in Mormon History - Aug 21

Today in Mormon History ...

[Oliver Cowdery] Marie Louise Cowdery was born to Oliver and Elizabeth Cowdery in Kirtland, Geauga, OH. She was the only child the couple had to lived past infancy and reached adulthood. (1)
-- 175 years ago - Aug 21, 1835

[Mark Hofmann] At Sunstone Symposium in Salt Lake City, historians Michael Quinn, Marvin Hill, and Ronald Walker say that Joseph Smith's involvement with "folk magic" can be sustained without Hofmann documents. (2)
-- 25 years ago - 1985 21-24 Aug

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday evening, after a "council" meeting, non-endowed "brethren then withdrew and the remainder clothed, offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood and prayer for the usual subjects especially for the sick. There are a great many sick in the north part of town, so many that it is grievous to see their sufferings" (WC-S). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Aug 21, 1845


1 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Oliver Cowdery Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/Cdychrn1.htm
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 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

Suggestion: Mormon Church History


If you like this site you'll enjoy 'Mormon-Church-History,' a sequential tour of Mormon History.  Based on the same information as Today-in-Mormon-History -- this site traverses through church history in order, from beginning to end with a daily post of church history.

We are just about to enter the remarkable year of 1842 -- one of the most interesting years of church history.

Check it out at http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/



Suggestion: Mormon Church History

today-in-church-history@googlegroups.comIf you like this site you'll enjoy 'Mormon-Church-History,' a sequential tour of Mormon History.  Based on the same information as Today-in-Mormon-History -- this site traverses through church history in order, from beginning to end with a daily post of church history.

We are just about to enter the remarkable year of 1842 -- one of the most interesting years of church history.

Check it out at http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/



Today in Mormon History - Aug 20

Today in Mormon History ...

[Hinckley] Dedicated Caracas Venezuela Temple (1)
-- 10 years ago - Aug 20, 2000

Taylor, John: Arrived in Salt Lake City 20 August 1852. (2)
-- 158 years ago - Aug 20, 1852

[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy J. Clark Smith, the third daughter of Samuel Smith and Levira Clark Smith, is born. She is Samuel's seventh child. (3)
-- 166 years ago - Aug 20, 1844


1 - 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
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 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books

Today in Mormon History - Aug 19

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young states, " Joseph & Hyrum Smith were Master Masons and they were put to death by masons or through there instigation and he gave the sign of distress & he was shot by masons while in the act. . . . There are other Masons sent to this territory for the same purpose to Esstablish a lodge here & try to get an influence with some here to lay a plan to try to murder me & the leaders of the Church But they will not accomplish it." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Aug 19, 1860

Almon Babbitt's defense for breaking the Word of Wisdom: Joseph and others don't observe it. Admonished to live it anyway. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Aug 19, 1835

Philo T. Farnsworth, Mormon inventor and ―the father of television, born near Beaver, Utah. (3)
-- 104 years ago - Aug 19, 1906


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984

Today in Mormon History - Aug 18

Today in Mormon History ...

Minutes of the Kirtland High Council: "Testimony of Elder B. Riggs, as follows, that said Elder [Phineas H.] Young, borrowed a Book of Mormon of Mr. Childs of Madison Co. N. Y. and agreed to return it, but instead of doing so, sold it, also gave another to a poor female as a deed of charity, afterward borrowed it & sold it. For which said council decided that Elder P. H. Young should be suspended from church fellowhip, until he gives satisfaction to this council for this unchristian conduct." Phineas H. Young, Brigham Young's brother; was chosen in 1835 to be an apostle but passed over when William Smith was ordained instead. (1)
-- 175 years ago - Aug 18, 1835

[Blacks] Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow, [George Q.] Cannon, and [Joseph F.] Smith at the office.
Letter read from president Ben E. Rich, conveying information that the President of the South Carolina Conference, G.R. Humphreys, had accidentally run across a village of negroes who were members of our Church and that two of the males had been ordained to the priesthood by the elder (Bond) who had baptized them, and Elder Humphreys wanted to know what should be done about this. The question was now considered.
President [George Q.] Cannon informed President [Lorenzo] Snow that President a Young had held to the doctrine that no man tainted with negro blood was eligible to the priesthood; that President [John] Taylor held to the same doctrine, claiming to have been taught it by the Prophet Joseph Smith. President Cannon read from the Pearl of Great Price showing that negroes were debarred from the priesthood; also that Enoch in his day called upon all people to repent save it were the descendants of Cainan.
President Snow intimated to President Cannon that this was one of the questions which it was understood would come up before the Council of First Presidency and Apostles for discussion the first time there should be a full attendance.
President Cannon remarked to President Snow that as he regarded it the subject was really beyond the pale of discussion, unless, he, President Snow, had light to throw upon what had already been imparted.
Brother [George F.] Gibbs now reminded President Cannon that President [Joseph F.] Smith had on a previous occasion related something going to show how the full blooded negro came through the flood which had not to his knowledge appeared in our records, and suggested that President Smith be asked to repeat it.
Upon being invited to do so President Smith said that he had been told that the idea originated with the Prophet Joseph [Smith], but of course he could not vouch for it. It was this: That the woman named Egyptus was in the family way by a man of her own race before Ham took her to wife, and that Cainan was the result of that illicit intercourse.
This subject was now dropped without President Snow intimating that the subject would be further considered.
(George Albert Smith Papers, Manuscripts Division, Marriott Library, University of Utah) (2)
-- 110 years ago - Saturday, Aug 18, 1900

Pratt, Parley Parker: Returned to Salt Lake City 18 August 1855. (3)
-- 155 years ago - Aug 18, 1855


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm
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 - Aug 17

Today in Mormon History ...

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith met with the high council in his office to discuss John Battens charges against Elijah Fordham, and concluded that the two had better be reconciled without an action, or vote of the Council, and henceforth live as brethren. (1)
-- 170 years ago - Aug 17, 1840

A General Assembly of LDS Church quorums approved the text of the newly compiled Doctrines and Covenants, including Sec. 101, in which the Church adopted the rule of monogamous marriage. The text says that the LDS Church had "been reproached with the crime of fornication and polygamy." As no known allegations of Mormon polygamy had been published at this time, it appears that the "reproach" came from within the Church itself. (2)
-- 175 years ago - (Mon) Aug 17, 1835

[Plains] Amasa M. Lyman Company begins crossing plains (3)
-- 160 years ago - Aug 17, 1850


1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
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 - Aug 16

Today in Mormon History ...

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Eternal Judgement (1)
-- 170 years ago - 16Aug40

Snow, Erastus: Ordained elder 16 August 1835. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Aug 16, 1835

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Sr. appears before Justice Nathan Pierce representing Hyrum, who is charged with an outstanding debt by Levi Daggett. (3)
-- 180 years ago - Aug 16, 1830


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

Today in Mormon History - Aug 15

Today in Mormon History ...

Baptism for the dead is taught by Joseph Smith; Emma is baptized soon after in the Mississippi River in behalf of her mother and sister. (1)
-- 170 years ago - Aug 15, 1840

[Oliver Cowdery] Parley P. Pratt, a disciple of Sidney Rigdon, left the Western Reserve of OH on a "mission" conducted "for his denomination" which took him to Fayette, Seneca, NY. There he was baptized a Mormon Sep. 1, 1820. Presumably Rigdon was with Pratt in OH at the time of his departure. (2)
-- 180 years ago - 1830 mid-Aug.

Apostle Abraham H. Cannon writes in his Journal: "Some talk was had about Charles Stayner and his doctrines of reincarnation. The fear was expressed by some of the brethren that Bishop O.F. Whitney has become somewhat indoctrinated with these ideas." (3)
-- 115 years ago - Aug 15, 1895


1 - Emma Smith, Woman of Faith, http://emmasmithmormon.com
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Oliver Cowdery Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/Cdychrn1.htm
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Aug 14

Today in Mormon History ...

Jerald Tanner is excommunicated from the LDS church at his own request. Tanner later states: "I believed very strongly that I belonged to the only true church and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. When I was about 18, I had to face reality." Jerald, with his wife Sandra, later are a major force in publicizing the Church's problematic history. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Aug 14, 1960

[Nauvoo] Joseph Smith, speaking at the funeral of Seymour Brunson, taught for the first time the doctrine of baptism for the dead. (2)
-- 170 years ago - Aug 14, 1840

Japanese surrender ended World War II. (3)
-- 65 years ago - Aug 14, 1945


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - LDS Church News: Nauvoo -- The City of Joseph, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58063/Church-history--Nauvoo.html
3 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550

Today in Mormon History - Aug 13

Today in Mormon History ...

Heber J. Grant views Hollywood's BRIGHAM YOUNG. His reaction: "My eyes were full of tears of gratitude for the fine picture." Dean Jagger, in title role, joins LDS church in 1972. (1)
-- 70 years ago - Aug 13, 1940

[Wilford Woodruff] Departs for San Francisco (2)
-- 112 years ago - Aug 13, 1898

[Plains] Warren S. Snow Company begins crossing plains (3)
-- 146 years ago - 13-Aug 17, 1864


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah
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 - Aug 12

Today in Mormon History ...

A discussion commenced, in Salt Lake City, between Professor O. Pratt and Dr. J P. Newman, chaplain of the U. S. Senate. Question. "Does the Bible sanction polygamy?" (1)
-- 140 years ago - Aug 12, 1870

Wilford Woodruff reports in his journal: "On Sunday five men members of the Church saw TWO MEN ride across the Missisippi River from Montrose to Nauvoo. One man was on a white horse & the other on a bay or red horse. The waters parted under their feet & fire flew when their tails moved & they observed the clothing of the men. A few month previous to this a man was seen walking across the river by several believers & others. The Unbeleivers said Probably a mormon was going across to steal sumthing." (2)
-- 170 years ago - Aug 12, 1840

[Mark Hofmann] Hofmann signs contract to buy a home in Cottonwood area of Salt Lake City for $550,000. Hofmann agrees to pay $5,000 in earnest money, $195,000 at closure, and three additional annual installments of $195,000. The closing is set for 15 October, 1:00 P.M. (3)
-- 25 years ago - Aug 12, 1985


1 - Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - 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,

Today in Mormon History - Aug 11

Today in Mormon History ...

[Wilford Woodruff] Arrives in London to proselyte (1)
-- 170 years ago - Aug 11, 1840

At about this time, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, accompanied by F. G. Williams, departed Kirtland on a trip to Michigan. (2)
-- 175 years ago - (Tue) Aug 11, 1835

[Utah] a tornado ripped through downtown Salt Lake City doing over $100 million of dollars in damage. (3)
-- 11 years ago - Aug 11, 1999


1 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
3 - History to Go, Utah Today, http://historytogo.utah.gov/timeline/utahtoday.html

Today in Mormon History - Aug 10

Today in Mormon History ...

Minutes of "The High Council of Kirtland" note that they assembled "to hear complaint of President Joseph Smith, Jun., against Elder Reynolds Cahoon, in that the latter had failed to do his duty in correcting his children, and instructing them in the way of truth and righteousness; which was proved and decision given accordingly. Elder Cahoon confessed the correctness of the decision and promised to make public acknowledgment before the Church." (1)
-- 175 years ago - Aug 10, 1835

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday morning prayer circle at Willard Richards's office, attended by Brigham Young, Willard Richards, Levi Richards, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman, Newel K. Whitney, George Miller, William Clayton, Joseph Young, Isaac Morley, Orson Spencer, and Evan M. Greene (BY). This is the first evidence that Evan M. Greene had been endowed by this time unless he was an unendowed observer. (2)
-- 165 years ago - Aug 10, 1845

[Plains] Abraham O. Smoot Company begins crossing plains (3)
-- 154 years ago - Aug 10, 1856


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 - 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 - Aug 09

Today in Mormon History ...

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Resurrection - Eternal Judgement (1)
-- 170 years ago - 9Aug40

Second Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley dedicates temple near Chicago, Illinois. (2)
-- 25 years ago - Aug 9, 1985

"At a special conference held at Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, the settlement of the Saints in Mexico were organized as the Juarez Stake of Zion by Apostles Francis M. Lyman and George Teasdale; Anthony W. Ivins, president; Henry Eyring and Helaman Pratt, counselors" (Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology, 1899 ed., p. 210). This community is known for its polygamist activity. (3)
-- 115 years ago - Dec 9, 1895


1 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Watchman Fellowship Inc, Historical Events, Notable Doctrines: Mormonism Overview, http://www.watchman.org/lds/ldshst96.htm

Today in Mormon History - Aug 08

Today in Mormon History ...

President George F. Richards, president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, dies. (1)
-- 60 years ago - Aug 8, 1950

First of two plural marriages in Mexico that second counselor Joseph F. Smith secretly authorizes without knowledge of President Lorenzo Snow, who prohibits polygamous ordinances. Counselor Smith instructs senior Seventy's president Seymour B. Young to perform the polygamous marriages. (2)
-- 110 years ago - Aug 8, 1900

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday prayer circle meeting of "the Holy Order" at 4 p.m. at Willard Richards's office (HCK). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Aug 8, 1845


1 - Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)
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 - Aug 07

Today in Mormon History ...

First Presidency and apostles agree to loan $5,000 to Church of Christ, Temple Lot, as mortgage on part of their property in Independence, Missouri. Elder Hall of this "Hedrickite" group originally offers seven lots for $20,000 mortgage. (1)
-- 120 years ago - Aug 7, 1890

[Hinckley] Dedicated the Aba Nigeria Temple (2)
-- 5 years ago - Aug 7, 2005

[Wilford Woodruff] Departs for St. George (3)
-- 124 years ago - Aug 7, 1886


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
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 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah

Today in Mormon History - Aug 06

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] Daniel D. McArthur Company begins crossing plains (1)
-- 147 years ago - Aug 6, 1863

[Black History] Deseret News affirms Mormons are not abolitionists,
BR<>It is frequently asked, What is the reason of your being driven from place to place?....Were not your people abolitionists? They were not. Did they not spread an influence that slavery was not right?They said, as they say now, that slaves are, in many instances, abused, and that masters will be punished for abusing their slaves. (2)
-- 148 years ago - Aug 6, 1862

[Mountain Meadows] George A. Smith, one of the twelve apostles in the LDS Church, begins drafting an apostolic report on the massacre. The report blames the emigrants for inciting Indians. It also places John Lee at the scene, thus identifying him as the best possible Mormon scapegoat for the crime. (Historian Juanita Brooks believes to be the person ultimately responsible for the massacre, having told Dame to issue the order that all the emigrants be killed.) (3)
-- 152 years ago - Aug 6, 1858


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 - http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166
3 - Linder, Douglas, The Mountain Meadows Massacre Trials, http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTRIALS/mountainmeadows/leechrono.html

Today in Mormon History - Aug 05

Today in Mormon History ...

CHURCH NEWS lists 117 appointments to new position (non-hierarchy) of "Area Authorities," including native-born professors at universities in Brazil, Canada, England, Japan, and Korea. (1)
-- 15 years ago - Aug 5, 1995

Harmony, Pennsylvania. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 27, a revelation concerning the sacrament: It mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory." (2)
-- 180 years ago - about Aug 5, 1830

[Mountain Meadows] The trial of John Lee ends in a hung jury, with the nine Mormon jurors voting to acquit and the three non-Mormon jurors voting to convict. The trial, however, severely tarnishes the reputation of the LDS Church in the eyes of most Americans. (3)
-- 135 years ago - Aug 5, 1875


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 - Linder, Douglas, The Mountain Meadows Massacre Trials, http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTRIALS/mountainmeadows/leechrono.html

Today in Mormon History - Aug 04

Today in Mormon History ...

Dan Jones, a friend of Joseph Smith, and a successful missionary with over 2000 baptisms, is born in Halkyn, Wales. (1)
-- 200 years ago - Aug 4, 1810

The Church temporarily withdrew fellowship from Orson Hyde and William E. McLellin, following their criticism of Sidney Rigdon s grammar school. [LDS Church History Vol II] (2)
-- 175 years ago - (Tue) Aug 4, 1835

[Plains] Milo Andrus Company begins crossing plains (3)
-- 155 years ago - Aug 4, 1855


1 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
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 - Aug 03

Today in Mormon History ...

[Polygamy] President Woodruff goes on trip to make a deal
President Woodruff and several others began a 2,400-mile trip to visit the Saints in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. The eighty-three year old leader was able to see firsthand the terrible circumstances of polygamous Saints. Shortly after returning, Woodruff and George Q. Cannon left SLC for to meet with Republican Party power brokers, who had recently come to power with the election of Benjamin Harrison. They conferred with Judge Morris M Estee, Republican National Chairman, along with occasional church agent Isaac Trumbo, U.S. Senator Leland Stanford, and Henry Biglow of the San Francisco Examiner and several others. (Van Wagoner, p. 141.) (1)
-- 120 years ago - Aug 3, 1890

Mormon SALT LAKE HERALD reports that "not one-fourth of the registered voters" vote. (2)
-- 130 years ago - Aug 3, 1880

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday prayer circle of the "Quorum" at 4 p.m. (WC-S, JT). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Aug 3, 1845


1 - Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm
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 - Aug 02

Today in Mormon History ...

A new LDS hymnbook, the first revision in 37 years, came off the presses. (1)
-- 25 years ago - Aug 2, 1985

Hosea Stout records in his diary that he went to Davis County in order to persuade the people to withdraw the name of a popular bishop, Anson Call, for nomination for the impending election to the Legislature and place John D. Parker in his stead. The change was apparently made without much protest. But what Stout does not mention, and what the people of Davis County apparently did not know, was the reason the change was implemented-that Parker belonged to the Council of Fifty while Call did not. (2)
-- 155 years ago - Aug 2, 1855

[Lucy Mack Smith] Brigham Young takes Lucy out to choose a lot for herself. She also requests the carriage and a house. He loans her the carriage. (3)
-- 165 years ago - Aug 2, 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 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
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 - Aug 01

Today in Mormon History ...
Brigham Young's office journal records: "In the evening Pres. Young discoursed upon the folly of daring each other to rash acts." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Aug 1, 1860
[Word of Wisdom] Newel Knights and his wife paid us a visit at our place in Harmony. Neither his wife nor mine had been as yet confirmed, and it was proposed that we should confirm them; before he & his wife should leave us.
In order to prepare for these things I set out—to go to procure some wine for the occasion. I had however gone but a short distance when I was met by a heavenly messenger, and had the following revelation [D&C 27]. the first paragraph of which was written at this time, & the remainder in Septer following
Agreeable to this revelation we prepared some wine of our own make, and held our meeting which consisted only of five; viz: Newel Knight & wife myself & wife and John Whitmer. We partook together of the sacrament after which we confirmed the two sisters into the Church, and spent the evening in a glorious manner. The Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon us and we praised God & rejoiced exceedingly. (2)
-- 180 years ago - August [1-7],1830

[Oliver Cowdery] Jonathan Harrison Lambdin, former business partner of Robert Patterson, died in Pittsburgh at the age of 26. (3)
-- 185 years ago - Aug 1, 1825

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