Today in Mormon History - Jan 24

New York Times reports conversion to LDS church of Eldridge Cleaver, former Black Panther radical of 1960s. He is first nationally prominent African-American to convert to Mormonism. In 1995 he publicly reaffirms his faith in Mormonism, although he no longer actively attends LDS services. (1)
-- 30 years ago today - Jan 24, 1981

[1st Presidency Changes] Joseph Smith, Jr. Hyrum Smith (Assistant President) Sidney Rigdon (never ordained an apostle) William Law (never ordained an apostle) John Smith (never ordained an apostle, Assistant Counselor) Hyrum Smith called as Assistant President of the Church; William Law replaces Hyrum Smith as Second Counselor (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Jan 24, 1841 - 8 April 1841

[John Nuttle Diary] Bp T W Smith called on me this A. M. eat breakfast he starts east tomorrow (3)
-- 130 years ago today - Monday Jan 24, 1881

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency
3 - Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://www.signaturebookslibrary.org/journals/nuttall.htm

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Mormon-Church-History is covering the last year of the life of Joseph Smith: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/