Today in Mormon History - Nov 30

Today in Mormon History ...

[Joseph Smith Diary] "This afternoon Henry Capron called to see me. He is an old acquaintance of mine from Manchester, New York. I showed him the Egyptian records." (An American Prophet's Record, p. 69) (1)
-- 175 years ago - Monday, Nov 30, 1835

[Joseph Smith Translation] Gen. 5:38-6:16 (Moses 5:52-6:18 (OT 2, p. 10, line 24, to p. 11, line 39) Scribe: John Whitmer, Fayette, N.Y. (2)
-- 180 years ago - Nov 30, 1830

President Gordon B. Hinckley breaks ground for the Las Vegas Nevada Temple. (3)
-- 25 years ago - Nov 30, 1985


1 - Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research
2 - Time Sequence of the New Translation, Robert I Matthews. 'A Plainer Translation': Joseph Smith's Translation of the Bible, A History and Commentary
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

Today in Mormon History - Nov 29

Today in Mormon History ...

The Minnesota Stake, the first stake in Minnesota, is organized, with Delbert F. Wright as president. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Nov 29, 1960

[Hosea Stout] A year after his first wife's death, on 29 November 1840, Hosea remarried, this time to Louisa Taylor, who was to die in childbirth in 1852. (2)
-- 170 years ago - Nov 29, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29th I started for Box Elder this morning In Company with Wilford & my daughters Phebe & Bulah, & rode to Farmington & spent the night with the Family of Ezra Clark. I discovered the bad Effects of the East wind. 18 mi. (3)
-- 150 years ago - Nov 29, 1860


1 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
2 - Utah History Encyclopedia: Hosea Stout, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/STOUT%2CHOSEA.html
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993

Today in Mormon History - Nov 28

Today in Mormon History ...

Elias Higbee: With Robert B. Thompson, wrote petition to Congress 28 November 1840 for redress of grievances. (1)
-- 170 years ago - Nov 28, 1840

[Book of Abraham] "I am considerably recovered from my cold. I think I shall be able in a few days to translate again with the blessing of God." (2)
-- 175 years ago - Saturday, Nov 28, 1835

[Mark Hofmann] Traughber papers in Texas are found to contain some McLellin papers but are not the expected McLellin Collection. (3)
-- 25 years ago - Nov 28, 1985


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 - Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research
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 - Nov 27

Today in Mormon History ...

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith and his scribe Warren Parrish healed each other of severe colds through the laying on of hands. (1)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 27, 1835

[Wilford Woodruff] 27 I spent the forenoon Journalizing. (2)
-- 150 years ago - Nov 27, 1860

[Apostle John Henry Smith] Salt Lake City
It is Thanksgiving day and we had a nice turkey. Lucy Woodruff and Hannah Conklin had dinner with us. The day passed very pleasantly. (3)
-- 120 years ago - Thursday, Nov 27, 1890


1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
3 - Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990

Today in Mormon History - Nov 26

Today in Mormon History ...

[Abraham H. Cannon] "I received a very good letter from Sarah today, but it contained bad news about my brother Frank. It says that he has been too intimate with some man's second wife in Logan, the man being on a mission, and Father felt so bad about it that he expressed himself that he did not care if Frank never came near him again. This news made me feel very bad." (1)
-- 130 years ago - Nov 26, 1880

[Book of Abraham] "At home. We spent the day in transcribing Egyptian characters from the papyrus. I am severely afflicted with a cold." (An American Prophet's Record, 68; cf. History of the Church, 2:320-21) (2)
-- 175 years ago - Thursday, Nov 26, 1835

[The Great Depression] Transients were more and more in evidence. On 26 November 1930, according to the Deseret News, "More than 500 men who came to Salt lake City looking for work from other sections of the country have been picked up during the last three days by members of the police department and sent on their way". Unable to pay rent or meet mortgage payments, many families were dispossessed from their homes. (3)
-- 80 years ago - Nov 26, 1930


1 - Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts
2 - Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research
3 - Utah History Encyclopedia: The Great Depression, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/d/DEPPRESSION%2CGREAT.html

Today in Mormon History - Nov 25

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young: Left for St. George, Utah, to spend winter 25 November 1870. (1)
-- 140 years ago - Nov 25, 1870

[Book of Abraham] "Spent the day translating." (History of the Church, 2:320) (2)
-- 175 years ago - Wednesday, Nov 25, 1835

Lloyd D. Newell becomes the voice of Music and the Spoken Word. (3)
-- 20 years ago - Nov 25, 1990


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 - Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

Today in Mormon History - Nov 24

Today in Mormon History ...

Joseph Smith performs the illegal marriage of Newel Whitney and Lydia Goldthwaite who was still legally married to another man. He states, "I have done it by the authority of the holy Priesthood and the Gentile law has no power to call me to an account for it." This is his most clear statement to date of theocratic ethics. (1)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 24, 1835

William Bowker Preston, later the fourth Presiding Bishop of the Church, is born in Halifax, Virginia. (2)
-- 180 years ago - Nov 24, 1830

[Apostle John Henry Smith] San Antonio
Three meetings were held to day. At the first it was decided to ask Congress to hold the Panama Exposition in the Trans Mississippi section. New Orleans and San Francisco both want.
I ate my Thanksgiving with a Mr. Sweeton of Kansas City, Mo. at the Saint Anthony Hotel.
[Went to mission conference in Kelsey, Texas, and to Independence, Missouri.] (3)
-- 100 years ago - Thursday, Nov 24, 1910


1 - McQue, Bob; Religious Faith: Enlightening or Blinding?: Timeline of Key Events in Mormon History
2 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
3 - Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990

Today in Mormon History - Nov 23

Today in Mormon History ...

Richard R. Lyman, later a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the first General Authority to obtain a PhD, is born in Fillmore, Utah. (1)
-- 140 years ago - Nov 23, 1870

[Book of Abraham] "Several brethren called to converse with me and see the [Egyptian] records .... I spent the day in conversing and in studying the Hebrew language." (An American Prophet's Record, 67) (2)
-- 175 years ago - Monday, Nov 23, 1835

[Apostle John Henry Smith] San Antonio
Three Sessions of the Congress were held to day. Gov. Stubbs of Kansas and Schaffroth of Colorado were among the speakers. I spoke for some time on the question of a better education for our young men entering business life in the line of honor and honesty. I also spoke upon the question of Morality advocating the same standard for men as women. (3)
-- 100 years ago - Wednesday, Nov 23, 1910


1 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
2 - Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research
3 - Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990

Today in Mormon History - Nov 22

Today in Mormon History ...

[Abraham H. Cannon] "Sarah tells me that my brother Frank has run away from home and no one knows where he is; apparently he is taking a bad course." (1)
-- 130 years ago - Nov 22, 1880

The "Lamanite missionaries," now joined by Kirtland physician Frederick G. Williams, leave Kirtland for Independence, Missouri. (2)
-- 180 years ago - Nov 22, 1830

Lan LaJeunesse, later a professional cowboy and the 1999 World Champion Bareback Rider, is born in Bountiful, Utah. (3)
-- 40 years ago - Nov 22, 1970


1 - Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts
2 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

Today in Mormon History - Nov 21

Today in Mormon History ...

George D. Pyper, later the general Sunday School superintendent (1934â€"43), a Mormon Tabernacle Choir tour manager, and a composer, is born in Salt Lake City, Utah. (1)
-- 150 years ago - Nov 21, 1860

Erastus Snow: Arrived in Dewningtown, Pennsylvania, 21 November 1840. (2)
-- 170 years ago - Nov 21, 1840

Hebrew class decides to offer a teaching position to a New York Jew if they can cancel the agreement with Dr. Peixotto, who does not appear to be qualified. (3)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 21, 1835


1 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
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 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - Nov 20

Today in Mormon History ...

The Rarotonga Mission is organized. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Nov 20, 1960

[Joseph SMith] Kirtland, Ohio. At home, Joseph Smith made rapid progress translating the Egyptian records, and he received a Hebrew Bible, Greek and Hebrew lexicons, and a Webster's dictionary from Oliver Cowdery, who had recently returned from New York. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 20, 1835

Oliver ordains Lyman Wight an elder. (3)
-- 180 years ago - Nov 20, 1830


1 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
2 - Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0
3 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - Nov 19

Today in Mormon History ...

[Book of Abraham] "Went in company with Doc[tor Frederick] Williams and my scribe [Warren Parrish?] to see how the workmen prospered in finishing the House [Kirtland Temple]. The masons on the inside had commenced put[t]ing on the finishing coat of plastureing [sic] .... I returned home and spent the day in translating the Egyptian records. This has been a pleasant day." (An American Prophet's Record, p.66) (1)
-- 175 years ago - Thursday, Nov 19, 1835

[Mormon Tabernacle Choir] Mini-tour to Denver for the National Sports Center for the Disabled. (2)
-- 5 years ago - Nov 19, 2005

[Wilford Woodruff] 19 I spent most of the day in the Endowmet House the evening in the office Journalizing. (3)
-- 150 years ago - Nov 19, 1860


1 - Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research
2 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Newsroom, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=036eb2987ff92110VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRDvgnextchannel=9ae411154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993

Today in Mormon History - Nov 18

Today in Mormon History ...

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Funeral Sermon - Resurrection (1)
-- 175 years ago - 18Nov35

Oliver confirms Wight (and presumably his wife). For several days past, four individuals, said to have formerly resided in the State of New-York, have appeared in the northern part of Geauga County, assuming the appellation of Disciples, Prophets, and Angels. Some among us, however, are led to believe that they are nothing more than men, and impostors.
-- (2)
-- 180 years ago - Nov 18, 1830

Elders Bruce Blosil and Ricky Loynd baptize 139 Nivacle Indians in the village of Mistolar, Paraguay. Twenty-two more are baptized on Christmas Day and another forty-five in April 1981. (3)
-- 30 years ago - Nov 18, 1980


1 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
2 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

Today in Mormon History - Nov 17

Today in Mormon History ...

[Joseph Smith Sermon] ... this Evening at early candleight I prached [preached] at the School house, returned home and retired to rest, (1)
-- 175 years ago - 17Nov35

President Spencer W. Kimball dedicates the Seattle Washington Temple. (2)
-- 30 years ago - Nov 17, 1980

[Wilford Woodruff] 17 I spent this day in the Endowment House & the evening in the office. It is pleasant day after the strong wind last night. (3)
-- 150 years ago - Nov 17, 1860


1 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
2 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993

Today in Mormon History - Nov 16

Today in Mormon History ...

[Oliver] pretends to have a divine mission and to have seen and conversed with Angels, and assisted in translating the plates. He proclaims destruction upon world within a few years,--holds forth that the ordinances of the gospel, have not been regularly administered since the days of the Apostliles, till the said Smith and himself commenced the work-- ... In the neighboring township of Kirtland, we understand that twenty or thirty have been immersed into the new order of things; ... We understand that he [Oliver Cowdery] is bound for the regions beyond the Mississippi, where he contemplates founding a "City of Refuge" for his followers, and converting the Indians, under his prophetic authority.
-- (1)
-- 180 years ago - Nov 16, 1830

[Apostle John Henry Smith] Salt Lake City
I was at the office with the members of the First Presidency, F. M. Lyman, Reed Smoot, C. W. Penrose and David O. McKay. We talked over the Polygamy situation.
[Went to San Antonio, Texas, for the Trans-Mississippi Commercial Congress meetings, November 17-24.] (2)
-- 100 years ago - Wednesday, Nov 16, 1910

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill] Sunday. I went to Coveville, attended meeting at 1 p. m. Took my son Hazen with me. He spoke 40 minutes and I spoke 36. (3)
-- 120 years ago - Nov 16, 1890


1 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990
3 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill

Today in Mormon History - Nov 15

Today in Mormon History ...

President Joseph Fielding Smith visits the Argentina Mission accompanied by Elder A. Theodore Tuttle. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Nov 15, 1960

[Hinckley] Rededicated BYU's newly expanded Harold B. Lee Library (2)
-- 10 years ago - Nov 15, 2000

Likely date of Sidney and Phebe Rigdon's baptism by Oliver Cowdery. (3)
-- 180 years ago - Nov 15, 1830


1 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.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, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - Nov 14

Today in Mormon History ...

[Book of Abraham] "Thus came the word of the Lord unto me saying: `Verily thus saith the Lord unto my servant Joseph concerning my servant Warren Parrish .... Behold it shall come to pass in his day that he shall see great things show forth themselves unto my people. He shall see much of my ancient records and shall know of hidden things and shall be endowed with a knowledge of hidden languages. And if he desires and shall seek it at my hand, he shall be privileged with writing much of my word as a scribe unto me for the benefit of my people.'" ([28]An American Prophet's Record, p.58). (1)
-- 175 years ago - Saturday, Nov 14, 1835

Sidney preaches to his Kirtland congregation, advising them, as paraphrased by the Times and Seasons, to "give the matter [Mormonism] a careful investigation; and not turn against it, without being fully convinced of its being an imposition, lest they should, possibly, resist the truth." Parley baptizes Lyman Wight and Harriet Benton Wight. (2)
-- 180 years ago - Nov 14, 1830

[Apostle John Henry Smith] Salt Lake City
The old guard spent the evening with their wives at Mary S. Smiths home in honor of Prest. Joseph F. Smiths birthday. He was 72 years old yesterday. About forty persons were present. We had an excelent dinner With Music and songs and President Smith and I spoke. (3)
-- 100 years ago - Monday, Nov 14, 1910


1 - Joseph Smith's Diary Statements Regarding Translation of His Egyptian Papyri and the Book of Abraham, Instutite for Religious Research
2 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990

Today in Mormon History - Nov 13

Today in Mormon History ...

Gordon B. Hinckley holds press conference at the Harvard Club in New York. Many heads of leading news services in attendance. The ―luncheon [is] arranged by Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, an international public relations firm contracted by the Church to help improve its image and increase its visibility. (1)
-- 15 years ago - Nov 13, 1995

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith spent the evening at Sidney Rigdon's conversing with George Messinger Jr. a Universalist minister from Bainbridge, New York, who tried to object to Joseph's teachings but was unable to say anything for the force of truth bore him down. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 13, 1835

[Mark Hofmann] Hofmann takes a polygraph test. (3)
-- 25 years ago - Nov 13, 1985


1 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
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 - Nov 12

Today in Mormon History ...

[Hinckley] Spoke to more than 21,000 young adults at newly dedicated Conference Center and thousands more around the world via satellite - the first meeting of its kind (1)
-- 10 years ago - Nov 12, 2000

Joseph tells the Twelve that he thought that he had placed the church on a permanent foundation by organizing the stake of Zion. But he is still alive, so there must be something more for him to do, and that is the ordinance of washing of feet, which he then administers. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 12, 1835

The first Church meetinghouse on Kiritimati Atoll, a 248-square-mile coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean, which is part of the Republic of Kiribati and also known as Christmas Island, was dedicated. (3)
-- 5 years ago - Nov 12, 2005


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 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
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 - Nov 11

Today in Mormon History ...
Christian Whitmer dies. (1)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 11, 1835

Lance B. Wickman, later a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, is born in Seattle, Washington. (2)

-- 70 years ago - Nov 11, 1940
[Wilford Woodruff Diary] 11 Sunday I attended my prayer Circle in the morning. Bishop Hunter Prayed. A. O. Smoot was mouth. I attended meeting at the tabernacle. H. S. Eldridge spoke in the morning. Was followed by Presidet Young in the after noon. John Taylor & Capt Walter M. Gibson spoke followed by President Young.

We had an Express by Poney from Fort Carney Telegraphed from St Louis via St Joseph to Fort Carney. The poney express was four days from Fort Carney. Says that Abel Lincoln [was] Elected President of the United States. New York gave him 50,000 majority which secured his Election.
The Presidets B Young D. H. Wells & W Woodruff J Taylor G. A. Smith L. Snow & F D Richards of the Twelve met in the prayer Circle. D. H. Wells Prayed. G. A. Smith was mouth. Presidet Young said [ ].

I spent evening after Prayers at President Youngs. Spent the time in Conversing upon the Election & governmentull affairs. (3)
-- 150 years ago - Nov 11, 1860

1 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
2 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993

Today in Mormon History - Nov 10

Today in Mormon History ...

[Utah] Brigham Young University's president tells Executive Committee of BYU's trustees "about a colored boy on campus having been a candidate for the vice presidency of a class and receiving a very large vote." The three apostles present want to exclude all African Americans from BYU. "If a granddaughter of mine should ever go the BYU and become engaged to a colored boy," Apostle Harold B. Lee fumes, "I would hold you responsible!" (1)
-- 50 years ago - Nov 10,1960

John Murdock: Left Delaware County, New York, to preach in Vermont 10 November 1835. No children. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 10, 1835

[1st Presidency Changes] Ezra Taft Benson Gordon B. Hinckley Thomas S. Monson Reorganization of First Presidency after death of Spencer W. Kimball (3)
-- 25 years ago - Nov 10, 1985 - 30 May 1994


1 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996
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 - Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency

Today in Mormon History - Nov 09

Today in Mormon History ...

[Wilford Woodruff] His father marries Azubah Hart. (1)
-- 200 years ago - Nov 9, 1810

"Joshua the Jewish minister" calls. Joseph relates his first vision, the visitation of "angels" beginning when he was 17, and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Joshua offers an exegesis of Daniel 2 and passages in Revelation, detailed in Joseph's diary. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 9, 1835

Terrence H. Rooney is elected to the British Parliament, becoming the first member of the Church ever elected to that body. (3)
-- 20 years ago - Nov 09, 1990


1 - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, Salt Lake City, Utah
2 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

Today in Mormon History - Nov 08

Today in Mormon History ...

John Taylor baptized in Manchester, England [per Brigham Young]. (1)
-- 170 years ago - Nov 8, 1840

Erastus Snow: Left Vermont for Kirtland, Ohio, 8 November 1835. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 8, 1835

Sidney Rigdon and wife baptized into Mormon Church by Oliver Cowdery (3)
-- 180 years ago - Nov 8, 1830


1 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
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 - 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 - Nov 07

Today in Mormon History ...

[U.S. Religious History] Judge Roy Moore was elected Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. (1)
-- 10 years ago - Nov 07, 2000

Erastus Snow: Left Nauvoo with wife 7 November 1840. (2)
-- 170 years ago - Nov 7, 1840

Isaac Morley: Revelation dated 7 November 1835 commended Morley for "integrity of his heart" and instructed him to attend Hebrew School as well as solemn assembly. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 7, 1835


1 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline
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

Today in Mormon History - Nov 06

Today in Mormon History ...

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith met a man from the eastern United States who was disappointed that Joseph Smith the Prophet was nothing but a normal man. (1)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 6, 1835

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, later a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, is born in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia. (2)
-- 70 years ago - Nov 06, 1940

[Thomas A. Clawson] "Went to the Bureau [of Information, Temple Square] at 8 45 A.M. and from there to the Temple Fast Meeting at 10 A.M. At 2 P.M. went to Fast meeting in the Chapel and at 7 30 P.M. attended the conjoint MIA Meeting in the Chapel. THere was a splendid spirit present at all meetings especially at the Temple where many testimonies were born concerning Oliver Cowdry and his labors in the Church. Prest Jos. F. Smith said that one of our Church historians has been almost persuaded that Oliver had been deceiving the people in his statement concerning [p. 79] the Coming of John the Baptist and ordaining Joseph and him to the Aaronic Priesthood. The President said that these words which are reported to have been said by Oliver were put into his mouth by his enemenies (Sic) and his coming humbly back and applying for admission to the Church branded as false such statements." (3)
-- 100 years ago - Nov 6, 1910


1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
3 - Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://www.signaturebookslibrary.org/journals/clawson.htm

Today in Mormon History - Nov 05

Today in Mormon History ...

[Wilford Woodruff] Nov 5 I spent the day at the farm in Choreing. The Election was held in Great Salt Lake & Toelle Counties for a Legislative Counsellor. W Woodruff was Elected in the place of Professor O Pratt resigned. (1)
-- 150 years ago - Nov 5, 1860

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill] Sunday. Richmond. Alma, my son, plowing Hobson Twenty for me this past week. Weather fine now. Alma, my son, was set apart as President of Benson Stake today at the Quarterly Conference at Smithfield by Apostles Lyman and Penrose. Brother Lyman stayed with us two nights. (2)
-- 105 years ago - Nov 5, 1905

[Apostle John Henry Smith] Salt Lake City
Bro. Taylor and I continued our researches. (3)
-- 125 years ago - Thursday, Nov 5, 1885


1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
2 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill
3 - Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990

Today in Mormon History - Nov 04

Today in Mormon History ...

[Apostle John Henry Smith] Salt Lake City
I paid my own Taxes to day to the amount of $414.64 and my wife Josephine G. to the amount of $702.75. The larger part of the day was spent at the Office. We Made an appropriation of $25,000.00 for church taxes and quite an amount to meeting houses and other Matters. (1)
-- 100 years ago - Friday, Nov 4, 1910

[Wilford Woodruff] 4th Rode to Br Pettys. Preached at his house. From thence to Br Jacksons. 8 mile. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 4, 1835

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill] Friday. I wrote to Joseph and sent him $100.00. (3)
-- 118 years ago - Nov 4, 1892


1 - Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990
2 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
3 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill

Today in Mormon History - Nov 03

Today in Mormon History ...

David Wyman Patten: In revelation dated 3 November 1835 chastised for commission of certain sins. (1)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 3, 1835

U.S. President Gerald Ford appoints Lieutenant General Brent Scowcroft as his National Security Affairs (NSA) advisor, replacing Henry Kissinger, who had been both secretary of state and NSA advisor. Scowcroft is the first Latter-day Saint to serve in this top position. He serves again in this position under U.S. President George Herbert Walker Bush (1989â€"93). (2)
-- 35 years ago - Nov 03, 1975

President George Albert Smith met with U.S. President Harry S. Truman in the White House and presented the Church's plans to use its welfare facilities to help relieve the suffering of Latter-day Saints in Europe. (3)
-- 65 years ago - Nov 3, 1945


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 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
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 - Nov 02

Today in Mormon History ...

George Albert Smith: Returned 2 November 1835, having baptized eight persons. Attended School of Prophets in Kirtland. (1)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 2, 1835

[U.S. Religious History] Haile Selassie was crowned emperor of Ethiopia, thus fulfilling for many people a prophecy which became a cornerstone of Rastafarianism. (2)
-- 80 years ago - Nov 02, 1930

[Black History] William Smith said Young started ban,
The twelve also concluded to abandon the old Mormon faith, and henceforth preach the new Mormon doctrine....They next preach that when Lucifer was kicked out of Heaven, as he fell through the wet, misty clouds, deeper and still deeper in sin, until he reached this world of Gentiles, he turned black, as a mark of his sin. This, then, is their reason for receiving no negroes into their church, &c., &c., &c. (3)
-- 165 years ago - Nov 2, 1845


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 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline
3 - http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166

Today in Mormon History - Nov 01

Today in Mormon History ...

The Florida and West Mexican Missions are organized. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Nov 01, 1960

Notice in "Times and Seasons:" ". . . It is requested that all those who have been endowed with a poetical genius, whose muse has not been altogether idle, will feel enough interest in a work of this kind, to immediately forward all choice, newly composed or revised hymns. In designating those who arc endowed with Poetical genius, we do not intend to exclude others; we mean all who have good hymns that will cheer the heart of the righteous man, to send them as soon as practicable directed to Mrs. Emma Smith, Nauvoo, Illinois. POST PAID." (2)
-- 170 years ago - Nov 1, 1840

[Black History] Joseph Smith reaffirms "official" anti-abolitionist position, (3)
-- 175 years ago - Nov 1, 1835


1 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166