Today in Mormon History: February 2011

Today in Mormon History - Feb 25

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] "We drove to St George. I Called upon Sister Foss. We drove to the Temple whare I took up my abode. I rejoiced to once more take up my abiding Place in the Temple of our God. We went to the Altar and had our Prayers. We met with many friends. I wrote two Letters to Phebe W Woodruff and J Jaques. We slept in the upper part of the Temple. 30 M." (1)
-- 130 years - Feb 25, 1881

The proportion of Church members living outside United States surpasses 50%. (2)
-- 15 years ago today - Feb 25, 1996

DESERET NEWS reports that first counselor Joseph F. Smith and Apostle Wilford Woodruff set apart seven recent graduates of Dr. Romania B. Pratt's course in midwifery.
Oliver B. Huntington records in his journal: "I went to Provo to a quarterly Stake Conference. Heard Joseph F. Smith describe the manner of translating the Book of Mormon by Joseph Smith the Prophet and Seer, which was as follows as near as I can recollect the substance of his description. Joseph did not render the writing on the gold plates into the English language in his own style of language as many people believe. But every word and every letter was given him by the gift and power of God. So it is the work of God and not of Joseph Smith, and it was done in this way - The Lord caused each word spelled as it is in the book to appear on the stones in short sentences or words, and when Joseph had uttered the sentence or word before him and the scribe had written it properly, that sentence would disappear and another appear. And if there was a word wrongly written or even a letter incorrect the writing on the stone would remain there." (3)
-- 130 years - Feb 25, 1881

1 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993
2 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984
3 - http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

Today in Mormon History - Feb 24

Meeting of 150 students on BYU's campus condemn U.S. participation in Vietnam War. Among them is Apostle Spencer W. Kimball's grandson, a registered conscientious objector and returned missionary. He and several members of group soon publish pamphlet, TO THE MEN OF BYU, which encourages them to consider conscientious objection against this war. Surveys of BYU sociologists find that about 10 percent of BYU students oppose Vietnam War. (1)
-- 40 years ago today - Feb 24, 1971

[U.S. Religious History] The Supreme Court let stand a ruling from the 7th Circuit Court which barred Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon from placing a Ten Commandments marker in front of the Indiana State Capitol. (2)
-- 10 years ago today - Feb 24, 2001

Judge Walter Steed, a small-town judge with three wives, was ordered removed from the bench by the Utah Supreme Court for violating the state's bigamy law. (3)
-- 5 years ago today - Feb 24, 2006

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline
3 - Ratnikas, Algis, TimelinesDb, http://www.timelinesdb.com/listevents.php?subjid=201title=Utah

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 23

Provo's Jiffy Lube auto service center offers a complete lube, a chance to meet Elder Paul H. Dunn, a member of the Presidency of the General Quorum of Seventy, and a free autographed book to the first 50 customers-all for just $14.95. (1)
-- 30 years ago today - Feb 23, 1981

Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 42:74-93. Deliver murderers to the law of the land. Two or more elders, and the bishop if possible, are to try adulterers. The testimony of two members of the church will convict after the presiding authorities submit the case to the church. Follow the same pattern in all other cases. Deliver robbers, thieves, and liars to the law, but workers of iniquity to the law of God. Reconcile with members privately , elders court if needed. Public reprimands for public offenses.

Evening and Morning Star 1, no. 5 (Oct. 1832): {2} heading: "Revelations: Items of Law for the Government of the Church of Christ, Given February 23, 1831".

Book of Commandments 47 heading: A Revelation to seven elders of the church, assembled in Kirtland, Ohio, given February 1831.

The Kirtland Revelations Book, 117-118 also contains a copy of this revelation. (2)
-- 180 years ago today - Feb 23, 1831

Don Carlos Smith: Officer of Nauvoo Agricultural and Manufacturing Association 23 February 1841. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Feb 23, 1841

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Kenny, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml
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

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 22

Apostle Orson Pratt submits to the MATHEMATICAL MONTHLY (Cambridge, Massachusetts) a series of problems concerning mathematical laws relating to the origin of the solar system. He later recalls: "I prepared a series of problems relating to this subject, and forwarded the same to the editor of the Mathematical Monthly, . . . But in the consequence of the war then pending, the paper ceased its publication, and I heard nothing further from the manuscript. But as it was hastily and somewhat imperfectly prepared, it is perhaps better that it remained unpublished," In a letter to the editor of the Mathematical Monthly accompanying the articles, Pratt notes that his work was done without the aid of "any mathematical works." Pratt publishes CUBIC AND BIQUARATIC EQUATIONS and writes texts on differential calculus and determinants which he doesn't publish. (1)
-- 150 years ago today - Feb 22, 1861
After visiting a Mormon congregation, Silvester Judd reports "Some lie in trances a day or two and visit the unknown regions in the mean time; some are taken with a fit of terrible shaking which they say is the power of the Holy Ghost."
"I attended one of their meetings about two weeks ago; a woman was taken shaking who was not a Mormonite and she has shook the greater part of the time since" (2)
-- 180 years ago today - Feb 22, 1831
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 22d I spent the day at the House reading. (3)
-- 120 years ago today - Feb 22, 1891

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 21

Article in INTERMOUNTAIN OBSERVER: "Black, Female and a Mormon: Why I joined the Mormon Church." (1)
-- 40 years ago today - Feb 21, 1971

[Lucy Mack Smith] Martin Harris's note to Grandin to pay for printing the Book of Mormon falls due. (2)
-- 180 years ago today - Feb 21, 1831

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Taylor remembers that Joseph Smith prophesied to his worried mother that her son John would safely return from jail within a week after having been imprisoned in Missouri for six months; he returned six days later. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - about Feb 21, 1841

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 20

Mail arrives via Pony Express. At Brigham Young's office a letter is read "to many of the brethren who had assembled themselves at the Office. A remark of Abraham Lincolns that was read, in which he likened the Union to a Free love arrangement elicited a hearty laugh from the President and brethren." The next day "Pres. [Young] again remarked it was a pretty cute remark of Abraham Lincoln comparing the Union to a Free love arrangement." (1)
-- 150 years ago today - Feb 20, 1861

[John Nuttle Diary] In the evening I blessed our daughter of Sophie and named (2)
-- 130 years ago today - Sunday Feb 20, 1881

[Joseph Smith Diary] 20th Saturday morning the 20th At home attending to my domestick concerns. At 9 o'clock attended the School and translated with the morning class. Spent the after noon with my class in the printing office. Spent the evening at home. (3)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 20, 1836

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://www.signaturebookslibrary.org/journals/nuttall.htm
3 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 19

Delegation of Mormon young women and plural wives attends first meeting of National Council of Women, which accepts Relief Society as charter member. (1)
-- 120 years ago today - Feb 19, 1891

Elder Bruce R. McConkie writes to Eugene England, rebuking him for his views on "The Perfection and Progression of God," ordering him to stop speaking or publishing on the topic, and announcing: "It is my province to teach to the Church what the doctrine is. It is your province to echo what I say or to remain silent." England dutifully ceases speaking on that topic for several years. (2)
-- 30 years ago today - Feb 19, 1981.

[Joseph Smith] Joseph talks with Seixas about religion. He believes the Lord is striving with Seixas because he is a chosen vessel, and that he will eventually join the Church; "but I forbear lest I get to prophesying upon his head." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:397.) (3)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 19, 1836

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1
3 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 19

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 18

Brigham Young's office journal records: "President Young, & Orson Hyde had discussed the treatment for the cure of the Croup in children. The President said his [sic] medicine for the cure of the Croup was lobelia Consecrated oil & molasses. He remarked it was in the nature of lobelia to draw the disease to the stomach, and then puke it off He remarked lobelia should be used carefully because it was a stimulant, and after using large doses people felt exhausted. If a man had a sore upon [h]is foot the lobelia would wither throw the desease out, or draw the disease to the stomach and then puke it out. Br[other] O. Hyde remarked that Spirits of Turpentine was very good for Croup." (1)
-- 150 years ago today - Feb 18, 1861

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At 11:30 attended a meeting at the Gardo of some of the leading brethren and there was a long chat on the Political situation at Ogden and it was the opinion of those present that it would be a good thing for the people at Ogden to accept of the proposition that had come to them from the leading men in the Liberal party and that they divide on National Political lines. The Presidency, Presiding Bishoprick, AH Cannon and myself of the Apostles were present in addition to those from Ogden. (2)
-- 120 years ago today - Feb 18, 1891

President Spencer W. Kimball and King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV break ground for the Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple. Nearly seven thousand attend the ceremony. (3)
-- 30 years ago today - Feb 18, 1981

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Diary Excerpts of Heber J. Grant,
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 17

John W. Taylor appeals to Joseph F. Smith to re-convene theocratic Council of Fifty to protect Taylor and other "co-religionists" from polygamy investigations by Twelve. Smith's notation on letter: "Not granted[-]I think the demand most absurd." (1)
-- 100 years ago today - Feb 17, 1911

[Joseph Smith Diary] 17th Wednesday the 17th Attend[ed] the School and read and translated with my class as usual. My Soul delights in reading the word of the Lord in the original and I am determined to persue the study of languages untill I shall become master of them if I am permitted to live long enough. [Or] at any rate, so long as I do live, I am determined to make this my object and with the blessing of God I shall succe[e]d to my sattisfaction.

This evening Elder [Joseph] Coe called to make some ar[r]angements about the Egyptian records and the mummies. He proposes to hire a room at J[ohn] Johnson's Inn and ex[h]ibit them there from day to day at certain hours, that some benefit may be derived from them. I complied with his request and only observed that they must be managed with prudence and care, especially the manuscripts. (2)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 17, 1836

In the First District Court, at Provo, Thos. Woolley, of Pleasant Grove, Utah Co., was sentenced by Judge Blackburn to one month's imprisonment and $200 fine, for u.c. [Unlawful Cohabitation, I.E. living with a polygamous wife] (3)
-- 120 years ago today - Feb 17, 1891 (Tuesday)

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36
3 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 16

[Same-Sex Marriage] Rex E. Lee, issues a position paper arguing for the limitation of marriage to opposite-sex partners. (1)
-- 15 years ago today - Feb 16, 1996

Wilford Woodruf writes while in England of "the awful Judgments that await the Nations. WAR WAR is [at] the door between England & America. O Lord Deliver us." (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Feb 16, 1841

Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith have vision of Father and Son while translating the Old and New Testaments (with Rigdon transcribing). Levi Hancock says he was with Rigdon during the translation of the Bible. (3)
-- 180 years ago today - Feb 16, 1831

1 - Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59
2 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
3 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 15

Former Apostle John W. Taylor is summoned by the Quorum of Apostles: "By these presents you are summoned to appear before the Council of the Twelve Apostles in the Salt Lake Temple at 10 A.M. on Wednesday February 22, 1911, to vindicate yourself of the claim entertained by your brethren that you have married a plural wife within the last six years contrary to the discipline of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that you have aided and encouraged others to enter such a relationship. You will also be required to answer any and all questions that may be put to you by the Council upon these points, to tell us the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Do not fail to appear as we shall be in session there and then to receive you." (1)
-- 100 years ago today - Feb 15, 1911

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve approved a series of guidelines to reaffirm the centrality of the Savior in the name of the Church. Church members, news organizations and others were asked to use the full and correct name of the Church â€" The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints â€" and to avoid use of the term "Mormon Church." (2)
-- 10 years ago today - Feb 15, 2001

[Joseph Smith] A woman named Hubble and a man named Hawley have been receiving revelations causing confusion among the Saints. In relation to this Joseph receives D&C 43. He also receives D&C 44. (3)
-- 180 years ago today - Mid-Feb. 1831

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
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 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 14

To counter accusations that his teaching of evolution will destroy faith, embattled BYU professor William Chamberlin publishes "The Theory of Evolution as an Aid in Faith in God and Belief in the Resurrection" in the BYU campus paper WHITE AND BLUE. He is dismissed anyway (1)
-- 100 years ago today - Feb 14, 1911

A revelation instructing the Elders who had gone on missions to assemble at Kirtland in June following was given to Joseph Smith, jun., and Sidney Rigdon, at Kirtland. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 44.) (2)
-- 180 years ago today - Feb 14, 1831 (Monday)

Robert C. Oaks, later a four-star brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force and member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, is born in Los Angeles, California. (3)
-- 75 years ago today - Feb 14, 1936

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 13

The Twelve Apostles unanimously agree "That none be ordained to any office in the branches of the church abroad to which they belong to a general conference, appointed by those, or under the direction of those who are designated in the Book of Covenants as having authority to ordain and sit in order all the Officers of the church abroad & from that conference receive their ordination." (1)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 13, 1836

Apostle Orson Hyde sailed from New York for Liverpool, on his mission to Jerusalem. (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Feb 13, 1841 (Saturday)

President Spencer W. Kimball breaks ground for the Papeete Tahiti Temple. (3)
-- 30 years ago today - Feb 13, 1981

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 12

BYU professor Ralph V. Chamberlin's "Darwin Centennial Speech" ignites controversy. General authorities (as school's trustees) fire him and professor Henry Peterson. BYU students protest dismissals with petitions and demonstrations. (1)
-- 100 years ago today - Feb 12, 1911

[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, 12th Spent the day in reading Hebrew and attending to the duties of my family and the duties of the Church. Nothing very special transpired. /Meet [met] this evening to make ar[r]angements concerning ordinations/ (2)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 12, 1836

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12 I signed 24 Recommends. I received 12 Letters. I sent the Illustrated American Vol V, No 51, Containing My likeness & Address to the following Person: Dr Ezra Scammans, Shuah C Moulton Mr I F Carter Malinda W Hatch, Newton Woodruff Jesse Moses Mary Woodruff Phebe A Snow Clara Beebe A. H. Woodruff Delight, Marian Ensign David P Nellie Sylvia. 16. I met in the Prayer Circle. (3)
-- 120 years ago today - Feb 12, 1891

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 11

Joseph Smith writes in his journal (through a scribe) "attended the School and read Hebrew with the morning Class - spent the afternoon in reading, and exhibiting the Egy[p]tian records to those who called to see me and heavens blessings have attended me." (1)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 11, 1836

Michael O. Leavitt, later the governor of Utah (1992â€"2004) and twentieth secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2005â€"), is born in Cedar City, Utah. (2)
-- 60 years ago today - Feb 11, 1951

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith performed the wedding of Philo Dibble and Hannah Ann Dubois Smith at his home, and his wife, Emma Smith, prepared a wedding supper for a large party of friends assembled. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Feb 11, 1841

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

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 10

Brigham Young's office journal records: "Prest Young attended Tabernacle morning and afternoon. In the afternoon the President preached subject the disrupted State of the Union- The necessity of being subject here that we might learn how to govern in the world to come." (1)
-- 150 years ago today - Feb 10, 1861

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Wells Fargo and Co have promised to take the $100,000 for the Church as follows $25,000 for six, $25,000 for 12, $25,000 for 18, and $25,000 for 24 months at eight percent per annum . . . (2)
-- 120 years ago today - February 10-14, 1891

Brigham Young: Returned to Salt Lake City 10 February 1871. (3)
-- 140 years ago today - Feb 10, 1871

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Diary Excerpts of Heber J. Grant,
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

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 10

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 09

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Joseph said in answer to Mr stout that Adam Did Not Comit sin in [e]ating the fruits for God had Decred that he should Eat & fall--But incomplyance with the Decree he should Die--only he should Die was the saying of the Lord therefore the Lord apointed us to fall & also Redeemed us--for where sin a bounded Grace did Much more a bound --for Paul says Rom--5. 10 for if--when were enemys we were Reconciled to God by the Death of his Son, much more, being Reconciled, we shall be saved by his Life [McIntire Minute Book] (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Feb 9, 1841

[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] 11 a.m. Meeting of the brethren. Present: Pres. Snow and Cannon, Apostles J. H. Smith, H. J. Grant, A. O. Woodruff, A. H. Lund, M. F. Cowley, Geo. Teasdale, and R. Clawson.

A letter from Saml. R. Brough, bishop of Owen Ward, Woodruff Stake, was read. He requested that Apostle Lyman be sent to attend the funeral of [James] Henry Rollins, one of the oldest members of the Church.

Apostle Cowley called attention to the fact that a missionary in the Brooklyn Branch of the church had been kept in the cook shop instead of the missionary field. Pres. Snow said that the president of the mission [Alonzo P. Kesler] would soon be honorably released to come return [sic] home and that would probably lead to the release of Elder [Lashbrook] Laker from the kitchen. Benediction by Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon. (2)
-- 112 years ago today - Thursday, Feb 9, 1899

1 - The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook
2 - Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 08

Arsonists damage stake center of Mill Creek, Utah. (1)
-- 40 years ago today - Feb 8, 1971

[Joseph Smith Diary] 8th Monday morning the 8th Attended School at the us[u]al hour. Nothing worthy of note transpired. In the afternoon lectured in upper room of the printing office with some of the brethren. At evening visited Mr. Seixas in company with Presidents Rigdon and Cowdery. He converses freely [and] is an interesting man.

This day Elder Parrish my scribe received my journal again. His health is so much improved that he thinks he will be able, with the blessing of God, to perform this duty. (2)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 8, 1836

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8 I spent the day in the House reading. (3)
-- 120 years ago today - Feb 8, 1891

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 07

The MILLENIAL HARBINGER publishes Alexander Campbell's critique of the Book of Mormon: "There never was a book more evidently written by one set of fingers, nor more certainly conceived in one cranium since the first book appeared in human language, than this same book." "It is as certainly Smith's fabrication as Satan is the father of lies. . . ." Campbell finds signs of Joseph's culture scattered through the book including Masonry and republican government, characteristic Yankee phrases, and opinions on many of the theological controversies of the time: "infant baptism, ordination, the trinity, regeneration, repentance, justification, the fall of man, the atonement, transubstantiation, fasting, penance, church government, religious experience, the call to the ministry, the general resurrection, eternal punishment. . . .every error and almost every truth discussed in N. York for the last ten years." Still more revealing to Campbell were the grammatical errors, which he calle
d "Smithisms." (1)
-- 180 years ago today - Feb 7, 1831

The organization of the second quorum of Seventy was commenced at Kirtland. (2)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 7, 1836 (Sunday)

[Mark Hofmann] Rendell says several Hofmann documents are forgeries, but he is not sure about Harris letter. Prominent LDS historians, with only media reports about case for fraud to counter earlier reports showing authenticity, maintain view that some of the documents are authentic. (3)
-- 25 years ago today - Feb 7, 1986

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
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,

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 06

Orson Hyde: Elected to Nauvoo City Council 6 February 1841. (1)
-- 170 years ago today - Feb 6, 1841

By order of the commander the military post of Camp Floyd changed name to Fort Crittenden. Secretary of War John B. Floyd, after whom the camp originally was named, had allied himself with the South against the Union. (2)
-- 150 years ago today - Feb 6, 1861 (Wednesday)

Ronald A. Rasband, later a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, is born in Salt Lake City, Utah. (3)
-- 60 years ago today - Feb 06, 1951

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 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
3 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 05

At a Sunday morning meeting in the Salt Lake Tabernacle "The Rev John C. Kimball A Unitarian Minister both Prayed & Preached 56 minutes upon the principles of their faith." (1)
-- 140 years ago today - Feb 5, 1871

[John Nuttle Diary] At Bro Prestons. did not go to meeting in the morning. at 12 noon Bro J T Smith brought a telegram from John T Cain which was answered attended meeting at 2 p m, Bishop John Van Cott & Lorin Farr also spoke -- Prest Taylor L Snow L Farr L J N G T Gibbs W Preston C. O. Card & others went to the temple & through the shops also com the walls & roof -- after supper wrote letter to John T Caine on mondays action--mouth in prayer at Bro Prestons -- Joseph Greaves of Logan wishing to go & visit relatives in England & gather genealogy he was sent to prepare for a mission at April Conference Pres Jos F Smith L Farr W Preston spent the evening with Prest Taylor (2)
-- 130 years ago today - Saturday Feb 5, 1881

[Mark Hofmann] Probable cause statement released, listing Hofmann documents involved in fraud counts. Investigator George Throckmorton says none of documents described are authentic. (3)
-- 25 years ago today - Feb 5, 1986

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://www.signaturebookslibrary.org/journals/nuttall.htm
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,

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 04

CHURCH NEWS headlines, "First Presidency Urges Sunday Home Evenings." Like previously unsuccessful efforts, this announcement limits its encouragement to monthly "Home Evenings" on Fast Sunday. (1)
-- 50 years ago today - Feb 4, 1961

[Mark Hofmann] Prosecutors charge Hofmann with two murder counts, twenty-three counts of theft by deception and communications fraud involving, among others, the "Anthon Transcript," Harris letter, and nonexistent McLellin Collection. Hofmann goes to Salt Lake County Jail. (2)
-- 25 years ago today - Feb 4, 1986

Charles Coulson Rich: Member of Nauvoo Legion 4 February 1841. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Feb 4, 1841

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

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Last year of Joseph Smith's life

The last year of Joseph Smith's life

To mark the last year of the life of Joseph Smith,sister-site Mormon-Church-History has expanded to Facebook and Twitter. There, the last year of Joseph Smith's life will be covered in detail, day-by-day from June 27, 1843 to June 27, 1844.

About a dozen events will be posted each day over the next 6 months, drawing from about 90 sources including historical works, LDS church materials, the diaries of Joseph Smith and associates, sermons, minutes, etc...

Mormon-Church-History is available through a number of formats:

Today in Mormon History - Feb 03

In Salt Lake City Apostle John Henry Smith writes "The school board met and heard some reports from Supt. H. H. Cummings. Some wild ideas [regarding organic evolution and higher biblical criticism] are getting into Brigham Young University at Provo. Three of the Professors are belittling the Bible." At the General Church Board of Education meeting to discuss Cummings's reports, Cummings finds students themselves quite comfortable with the "new light" which the teachers had imparted. Nevertheless, board members are disturbed and appointed a committee to meet with the three professors to see if they would stop teaching these ideas-namely organic evolution and higher criticism. (1)
-- 100 years ago today - Feb 3, 1911

Don Carlos Smith: Regent of University of Nauvoo 3 February 1841. Major in Hancock County militia. (2)
-- 170 years ago today - Feb 3, 1841

Elders quorum president Alvah Beman submits the names of seventy elders to be considered for ordination as seventies. (3)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 3, 1836

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
3 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 02

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Temple or Else Church Rejected (1)
-- 170 years ago today - 2Feb41

[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, February 2nd A.D. 1836 Attended school as usual and various duties. Went to the schoolhouse in the evening and heard an animated discourse delivered by Pres[ident] S[idney] Rigdon. He touched the outlines of our faith. [He] showed the scattering and gathering of Israel from the scriptures and the stick of Joseph in the hands of Eaphraim and The law of Eaphraim aside from that of Moses. It was an interesting meeting. The spirit bore record that the Lord was well pleased! (2)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 2, 1836

A band of thieving Indians (Goshutes) were taken prisoners by a posse of men, near Grantsville, Tooele Co., but a few days later they escaped, after shooting one of the guard. (3)
-- 150 years ago today - Feb 2, 1861 (Saturday)

1 - The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/
2 - Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36
3 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology

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Today in Mormon History - Feb 01

First Presidency Counselor George Q. Cannon preaches: "As you know, it is not our practice to prepare anything beforehand to say to the people. I never did it in my life. I have pondered in my heart the principles of the Gospel and of righteousness and have trusted to the Spirit of the Lord to suggest the things to be said. I know it is the proper way, . . ." (1)
-- 120 years ago today - Feb 1, 1891

[Joseph Smith] Joseph attends Hebrew school. He later explains the gospel to Mr. Seixas, who listens cordially. (2)
-- 175 years ago today - Feb 1, 1836

[Joseph Smith] Elected to Nauvoo City Council. (3)
-- 170 years ago today - Feb 1, 1841

1 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html
2 - Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology
3 - Highlights in the Prophet's Life, Ensign, June 1994

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