Today in Mormon History: August 2011

170 years ago today - Aug 31, 1841

[General] Quorum of Twelve votes "unanimously, that we for ourselves, and the Church we represent, approve of the proceedings of President Smith, so far as he has gone, in making over certain properties to his wife, children, and friends for their support, and that he continue to deed and make over certain portions of Church property which now exist, or which may be obtained by exchange, as in his wisdom he shall judge expedient, till his own, and his father's household, shall have an inheritance secured to them in our midst"

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

180 years ago today - Aug 31, 1831

[General] Sidney Rigdon preaches about the promise land and that the people shall repent or be destroyed.

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

5 years ago today - Aug 31, 2006

[Hinckley] President George W. Bush visited the First Presidency

[Source: 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]

15 years ago today - Aug 30, 1996

[General] Announcement that Billings, Montana will be site of sixty-third functioning LDS temple. It is dedicated in 1999.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - Aug 30, 1841, Monday

[William Clayton Writings] Being advised by Brother Kimball to buy 2 city lots and move into the city of Zarahemla (according to a previous revelation) on the 30th I went over to President John Smiths and bought two.

[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]

180 years ago today - Aug 30, 1831

[General] According to several early historical sources, Doctrine and Covenants 63 is received on this date. The revelation reproves a number of Kirtland Saints for their disobedience and gives further instructions concerning the establishment of the Church in Missouri.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

110 years ago today - Aug 29, 1901

[Temple] The following question has recently been asked us by one of our Stake Presidencies: How strict shall we be with young men who wish to go to the temple who have united themselves with secret orders? which has not been instituted of the Lord for the building up of His Zion in the earth, and to all brethren who manifest a desire to receive this advice we would give temple recommends, also permit them to join prayer circles if found otherwise worthy. ["]In addition to the above we feel to direct your attention to the importance of the young men under your jurisdiction receiving proper instruction on this subject before they join secret societies; and we would suggest, instead of making this a subject for public discourse, that it be talked of at priesthood and quorum meetings.["] [Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith to Angus M. Cannon and counselors, Aug. 29, 1901, in MFP, 3:340-41; emphasis in original.]

[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

5 years ago today - Aug 29, 2006

[Polygamy] After being on the run for two years, Warren Jeffs and two other people are arrested while driving through Nevada. Investigators recover about $50,000 in cash from the vehicle, as well as a large number of cellphones, laptop computers and wigs.

[Source: Gartner, Hana, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Timeline: History of Polygamy, http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/bustupinbountiful/timeline.html]

20 years ago today - Aug 29, 1991

[General] Arthur K. Smith is first non-LDS president of University of Utah.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

130 years ago today - Aug 28, 1881

[General] President John Taylor preaches, "And after the flood we are told that the curse that had been pronounced upon Cain was continued through Ham's wife, as he had married a wife of that seed. And why did it pass through the flood? Because it was necessary that the devil should have a representation upon the earth as well as God"

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

180 years ago today - Aug 28, 1831

[General] Sidney Rigdon ordains Oliver Cowdery a High Priest.

[Source: Wikipedia, 19th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)]

140 years ago today - Aug 28, 1871

[General] Sophronia Smith dies.

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

140 years ago today - Aug 27, 1871

[General] Brigham Young preaches: "I will turn again to the Latter-day Saints and to the world, and will say I would to God that the Latter-day Saints would take the word of Brigham Young to be law! I will defy the inhabitants of the whole earth to tell one word that he ever counseled that was wrong; or to point out a path that he ever advised man or woman to walk in but would lead to light, life, glory, immortality, and to all that is good or desirable by the intelligence that dwells upon the earth. What do you say, is that boasting? If any person has a mind to call it boasting, do so."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

40 years ago today - Aug 27, 1971-29

[General] The first area conference of the Church was held in Manchester, England. Before the program of holding large area conferences ended in 1980, 63 were held throughout the world.

[Source: 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]

180 years ago today - Aug 27, 1831 (Saturday)

[General] Joseph Smith, jun., Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery arrived at Kirtland, O., from their visit to Missouri.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

40 years ago today - Aug 26, 1971

[General] During church's first area conference in Manchester, England, there is formal meeting of joint council of First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles. This is first such council meeting outside United States in Mormon history.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

120 years ago today - Aug 26, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 26 I signed 15 Recommends. I received 10 Letters. I met with the savings Bank Board.

Brother Charles Brown was born in Germany in 1856. He died at 4 AM. to day At Mount Sania Hospital Aged 35 years. He left 5 Children. He has been Associated with ZCMI for [ ] years. He has been Associated with Asahel H Woodruff 16 years. All now feel his loss. {Charles Brown Born 1856 Germany Died Aug 26 1891 Aged 35 years}

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

115 years ago today - Aug 26,1896

[Utah] Apostle Moses Thatcher begins treatment with Keeley Institute for his addiction to opium and morphine. First Presidency and apostles tolerated Thatcher as a "morphine fiend" and "opium eater", but on 26 Jul his family and friends considered involuntary commitment to treatment. His is most prominent drug addict in Mormon history. Twelve drop Thatcher from quorum membership on 19 Nov because of four year conflict over his insubordination in political matters, but Thatcher's drug addiction aggravates that conflict.

[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]

180 years ago today - Aug 25, 1831

William E McLellan: Left Independence for Tennessee with Hyrum Smith 25 August 1831.

[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

170 years ago today - Aug 25, 1841 (Wednesday)

[General] Oliver Granger died at Kirtland, O.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

120 years ago today - Aug 25, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 25 I met with Ex Govornor of New Hampshire Theadore Smith Also with Mrs Clark & the two Daughter of J. Gould. They ware vary Modest retiring young Ladies. I signed 10 Recommends & received 10 Letters. I wrote to Wm. Atkin.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

20 years ago today - Aug 24, 1991

[General] CHURCH NEWS prints official reassurance of Jack H. Goaslind, Jr. (First Quorum of Seventy member on executive board of Boy Scouts of America) that LDS church is still in BSA: "'Learning for Life' [program for self-identified homosexual scouts] does not affect the use of traditional Scouting as a tool to further the goals of the Aaronic Priesthood. As far as the Church is concerned, we are still totally supportive of the Boy Scouts of America program as we know it." This is in response to distressed inquiries from parents about Goaslind's previously published statements that LDS church "would withdraw from the Boy Scouts of America" if it permitted membership by self-identified homosexual teenagers. This retraction represents either a reversal of First Presidency decision or repudiation of Goaslind's speaking out of turn.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

10 years ago today - Aug 24, 2001

Tom Green, a Mormon fundamentalist with five wives and 30 children, was sentenced by a court in Provo, Utah, to five years in prison in the state's biggest polygamy case in nearly half a century.

[Source: Ratnikas, Algis, TimelinesDb, http://www.timelinesdb.com/listevents.php?subjid=201title=Utah]

180 years ago today - Aug 24, 1831

William E McLellan: Ordained elder 24 August 1831.

20 years ago today - Aug 23, 1991

[General] First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles, by infrequently used format of joint declaration, issue statement which refers to the Sunstone Symposium's annual meetings on 7-10 Aug. It condemns "recent symposia" for presentations which are "offensive . . . in bad taste . . . and publicized in such a way as to injure the Church or its members or to jeopardize the effectiveness or safety of our missionaries." In following weeks church authorities instruct local leaders to meet with Mormons, particularly BYU faculty, who participated in Sunstone to persuade them to cease such activities.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

140 years ago today - Aug 23, 1871 (Wednesday)

[General] A company for building the Utah and Northern Railway was organized, with John W. Young as president and general superintendent.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

30 years ago today - Aug 23, 1981

[General] President Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency dedicates the national headquarters of the Sons of Utah Pioneers in Salt Lake City, Utah.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

More History?

Want more Mormon history? Check out LDS-Church-History, a topical approach to the history of the church. Topics from the past have included Tithing, the Word of Wisdom, Z.C.M.I. and Dreams in Latter-day Saint history. More info can be found here: http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/2009/01/lds-history.html mh

30 years ago today - Aug 22, 1981

[General] Apostle Boyd K Packer instructs BYU religion faculty, all seminary and institute teachers, and administrators of Church Education System that Mormon history, "if not properly written or properly taught, may be a faith destroyer," and he affirms that Mormon historians are wrong in publicizing controversial elements of Mormon past. BYU STUDIES publishes this address in full. At request of students, BYU history professor D. Michael Quinn gives his perspective on Elder Packer's talk and role of historical inquiry to meeting of BYU's history majors. Summarized within days by off-campus student newspaper SEVENTH EAST PRESS, this conflict between some apostles and some Mormon historians is subject of Feb 1982 NEWSWEEK article which quotes Professor Quinn that "a history which makes LDS leaders flawless and benignly angelic would border on idolatry."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - Aug 22, 1841

[Joseph Smith Journal] [I preached at the Stand on Wars and desolations that await the nations.]

[Source: Scott H. Faulring, An American Prophet's Record: Journal, ca. 1841-43 'The Book of the Law of the Lord', http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

120 years ago today - Aug 22, 1891 (Saturday)

[General] Jay Gould, the railroad magnate, and party, visited Salt Lake City.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

180 years ago today - Aug 21, 1831

[General] Nat Turner led about seventy slaves on a killing spree across the plantations of Southampton, Virginia, leaving fifty-five whites dead, escalating fears that and increasing rhetoric over the slave issue. Joseph Smith would prophecy on Dec 25, 1832 that "slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war." (D&C 87:4).

In the Evening and Morning Star Extra of July 16, 1833, W. W. Phelps reassures the Missourians that "we fear, lest, as has been the case, the blacks should rise and spill innocent blood: for they are ignorant, and a little may lead them to disturb the peace of society ..."

[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]

20 years ago today - Aug 21, 1991

[General] MONEY magazine ranks Provo-Orem as America's "No. 1 most-livable metropolitan area." By 1985 it also has highest percentage of church membership in nation.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

60 years ago today - Aug 21, 1951

[General] Michael L. Ballam, later a gifted tenor, a professor of music at Utah State University, and founder and president of the Utah Festival Opera Company, is born in Logan, Utah.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

140 years ago today - Aug 20, 1871

[General] J. D. 14:242; Elder Orson Pratt; August 20, 1871.

There are no marriages among spirits, no coupling together of the males and females among them; but when they rise from the grave after being tabernacled in mortal bodies, they have all the functions that are necessary to people worlds. As our Father and God begat us sons and daughters, so will we rise immortal males and females, and beget children and, in our turn, form and create worlds, and send forth our spirit children to inherit those worlds, the same as we were sent here, and thus will the works of God continue, and not only God himself, and His Son Jesus Christ have the power of endless lives, but all of His redeemed offspring.

[Source: Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]

120 years ago today - Aug 20, 1891

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Afternoon meeting Gardo meeting Presidency and Apostles. A Lot of questions to be answered before the Master in Chancery were presented. I could not make satisfactory answers . . .

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - Aug 20, 1841

Erastus Snow: Left for Salem 20 August 1841.

Death of Joseph Smith

As Mormon-Church-History has traced through the history of the church, it has arrived at the the events immediately preceding the death of Joseph Smith. Over the next few days, an hour-by-hour chronology of the dramatic last few days of Joseph Smith's life will be detailed.
Tune in -- get your daily dose of Mormon History -- available via Blog, Rss, Email, Facebook or Twitter: http://bit.ly/mohist

20 years ago today - Aug 19, 1991

[General] Legal holiday commemorates one hundred years of Mormon presence in Tonga which issues two postage stamps for occasion. King Taufa'ahau Tupuo IV speaks at commemorative services. One-third of Tonga's population is LDS.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - Aug 19, 1841, Thursday

[William Clayton Writings] On the 19th Dr. Culbertson came and said he would cure us of the ague and charge nothing for his trouble. Accordingly 5 of us took each a dose of Calomel and Caster Oil. Afterwards 1 teaspoon full of Bitters every hour for 8 hours. This broke our ague for sometime.

175 years ago today - Aug 19, 1836

Salem, Massachusetts. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife, Emma Smith, letting her know of his concern for her well-being in his absence.

[Source: Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0]

15 years ago today - Aug 18, 1996

[General] Groundbreaking for temple in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - Aug 18, 1841, Wednesday

[William Clayton Writings] In conformity with the foregoing item of law, 7 in the Summer and Fall of the year 1841, the brethern entered into measures to build a baptismal font in the cellar floor near the east end of the temple. President Joseph approved and accepted a draft for the font, made by Brother William Weeks; and on the 18th day of August of that year, Elder Weeks began to labor on the construction of the font with his own hands. He labored six days and then committed the work to carpenters.

70 years ago today - Aug 18, 1941

[General] Keith B. McMullin, later the Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, is born in St. George, Utah.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

60 years ago today - Aug 17,1951

[Utah] First Presidency statement that church's restriction on negroid peoples receiving priesthood "is not a matter of the declaration of policy but of direct commandment from the Lord."

[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]

120 years ago today - Aug 17, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17 I rode to the farm & to the Gardo. 20 Miles. I found a plenty of Business at the Office. I met with several Parties Among the Number Ward E Pack. I met with Z.C.M.I. at 2 oclok.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

160 years ago today - Aug 17, 1851 (Sunday)

[General] Apostle Orson Hyde, Albert Carrington and others arrived in G.S.L. City from Kanesville, Ia., accompanied by Perry E. Brocchus, one of the newly appointed judges for Utah; they brought with them a brass cannon.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

170 years ago today - 16Aug41

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Instruction delivered at Nauvoo, Ill., on Monday August 16, 1841

Twelve to Preside Now - Translation of Book of Abraham

[Source: The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]

1 year ago - 8/16/2010

[Same-Sex Marriage] The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals motions panel (EDWARD LEAVY, MICHAEL DALY HAWKINS and SIDNEY R. THOMAS), order a longer stay on Judge Walkers decision, so no same-sex marriages will be performed in California until after the District Court makes its decision. In setting forth the order, the District Court called for a very fast track - briefs due mid-September and replies due a month later - noting the case would go to hearings in early December. The motions panel also directed appellants to address the issue of standing - whether they even had the right to appeal the decision to the 9th circuit in the first place, as the only party interested in appealing Walkers decision was the Defendant-Intervenors (the Protect Marriage coalition folks led by Andy Pugno). Case numbers for the appeal are: 10-16696 (Main appeal) 10-16751 (Intervenor appeal) http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/content/view.php?pk_id=0000000472

[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]

150 years ago today - Aug 16, 1861 (Friday)

[General] The first company of immigrating Saints of the season, which had left Florence May 29th, under Capt. David H. Cannon's charge, arrived in G.S.L. City. The company consisted of 225 persons, with 57 wagons.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

180 years ago today - Aug 15, 1831

[Joseph Smith] A non-Mormon journalist who visited the Manchester/Palmyra area writes, "On the sides & in the slopes of several of these hills, these excavations [by Smith and his associates in search of chests of money] are still to be seen". Bennett, James Gordon (31 August 1831), "Mormonism-"Religious Fanaticism-"Church and State Party", Morning Courier & Enquirer 7 (562) in Arrington 1970, 5 (online ed.).

[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]

60 years ago today - Aug 15, 1951

[General] CHURCH NEWS reports that Finland has given its "Silver Cross" to LDS mission president Henry A/ Matis for allowing one of his missionaries to coach Finnish National Basketball team for international competition.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - Aug 15, 1841

[General] Don Carlos Smith (Joseph's son) dies.

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]

130 years ago today - Sunday Aug 14, 1881

[John Nuttle Diary] arose much refreshed having spent a good night - ate breakfast and went to Bro Hatchs found Prest Taylor & party well in health - attended Meeting at 10 a m - Choir Sang Prayer by Choir Sang - (22p10- in margin) Prest Cannon - spoke on Celestial Marriage 1 hour & 8 min 1130 Prest Taylor spoke 37 minutes choir Sang The Spirit of God & Benidiction by Patriarch John Smith - Met my Bro William & his wife Rose also Wm. George & his wife - ate dinner at Bro Thos Giles - At 2 p.m. attended Meeting The Choir Sang Prayer by L. J. N. Choir Sang an anthem - Sacrament adm. (2.24) Prest Taylor read from the 32 page of the Pearl of Gt. Price - and then spoke 1 hour & 51 minutes The Choir Sang we thank thee O god for a prophet. Benidiction by [DEL: Pres Cannon :DEL] (sic) Prest Cannon spint (sic-spent) the evening at Prest Hatchs a number of the brethren called in and agreeable conversation was entered into during the evening

[Source: Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - Aug 14, 1841. Saturday.

[William Clayton Journal] Alice Moon died.

[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

120 years ago today - Aug 14, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14 Brother Horsley took us 5 Miles down Bear River to fish. We ownly Caught 5 in all. 10 m.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

180 years ago today - Aug 13, 1831

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 62: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on the bank of the Missouri River at Chariton, Missouri, August 13, 1831. HC 1: 205-206. On this day the Prophet and his group, who were on their way from Independence to Kirtland, met several elders who were on their way to the land of Zion, and, after joyful salutations, received this revelation.

1-3, Testimonies are recorded in heaven; 4-9, The elders are to travel and preach according to judgment and as directed by the Spirit.

[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]

120 years ago today - Aug 13, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13 I spent the day resting.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

50 years ago today - Aug 13, 1961

[General] The Alaska Stake, the first stake in Alaska, is organized, with Orson P. Millett as president.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

50 years ago today - Aug 12, 1961

[General] U.S. President John F. Kennedy appoints Eshter W. Eggertsen Peterson as assistant secretary of U.S. Labor Department, first Mormon woman in sub-Cabinet position.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

1 year ago - 8/12/2010

[Same-Sex Marriage] After reading arguments regarding the stay, Judge Walker says: "None of the factors the court weighs in considering a motion to stay favors granting a stay. Accordingly, proponents motion for a stay is DENIED." Again, rather than having same-sex marriages begin immediately, Walker leaves one week for the appellate court to review the question of a stay. If the appellate court does not lengthen the stay, Walker directs that same-sex marriages could begin at 5:01 p.m. on August 18, 2010.

[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]

180 years ago today - Aug 12, 1831

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 61: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on the bank of the Missouri River, McIlwaine's Bend, August 12, 1831. HC 1: 202-205. On their return trip to Kirtland the Prophet and ten elders had traveled down the Missouri River in canoes. On the third day of the journey many dangers were experienced. Elder William W. Phelps, in daylight vision, saw the destroyer riding in power upon the face of the waters.

1-12, The Lord has decreed many destructions upon the waters; 13-22, The waters were cursed by John, and the destroyer rideth upon their face; 23-29, Some have power to command the waters; 30-35, Elders are to journey two by two and preach the gospel; 36-39, They are to prepare for the coming of the Son of Man.

[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]

175 years ago today - Before Aug 11, 1836

[General] David W. Patten and Warren Parrish free [per Wilford Woodruff].

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

170 years ago today - Aug 11, 1841

[Nauvoo Temple] William Weeks turned over the carving of the oxen to Elijah Fordham, who spent the next eight weeks carving the twelve animals. Others may have also helped with carving. John Carling is also mentioned as a carver of the font's wooden oxen.

[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]

120 years ago today - Aug 11, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11 We rode to Soda Springs. 20 Mils. We stoped at Bishop Lows. We rode out in the Evening 5 Miles with Brother Horsley. Then Killed 4 ducks & 11 Chickens.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

15 years ago today - Aug 10, 1996

[General] Groundbreaking for temple in Guayaquil, Ecuador, 14 years after it was announced. It is dedicated three years later.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

10 years ago today - Aug 10, 2001

[General] Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, was officially renamed Brigham Young University-Idaho and became a four-year university.

170 years ago today - Aug 10, 1841

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith held a council with some of the Twelve Apostles to plan the next phase of missionary work.

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://amzn.to/BYUStudies-JSChron]

20 years ago today - Aug 9,1991

[Utah] Salt Lake Tribune article, "Of LDS Women, 58% Admit Premarital Sex."

[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]

80 years ago today - Aug 9, 1931

[General] Apostle James E. Talmage gives a talk in the Tabernacle on "The Earth and Man.: He says that plants and animals "lived and died, age after age, while the earth was yet unfit for human habitation. . . . Geologists and anthropologists say that if the beginning of Adamic history dates back but 6,000 years or less there must have been races of human sort upon the earth long before that time-without denying however, that Adamic history may be correct if it be regarded solely as the history of the Adamic race. . . . I do not regard Adam as related to-certainly not descended from-the Neanderthal, the Cro-Magnon the Peking or the Piltdown man." The talk is later published by the Church as a pamphlet. Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith later writes "False doctrine" on at least one copy of the pamphlet.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

60 years ago today - Aug 09, 1951

[General] Neil L. Andersen, later a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, is born in Logan, Utah.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

175 years ago today - Aug 8, 1836

[Joseph Smith] The township of Far West, Missouri in Clay County is entered by the Mormons. It would serve as the county seat of the soon-to-be-formed Caldwell County.

[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]

180 years ago today - Aug 8, 1831

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 60: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Jackson County, Missouri, August 8, 1831. HC 1: 201-202. On this occasion the elders who had been appointed to return to the East desired to know how they should proceed, and by what route and manner they should travel.

1-9, The elders are to preach the gospel in the congregations of the wicked; 10-14, They should not idle away their time, nor bury their talents; 15-17, They may wash their feet as a testimony against those who reject the gospel.

[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]

170 years ago today - Aug 8, 1841

Nauvoo, Illinois. A large group of friends and relatives attended the funeral of Joseph Smith's brother Don Carlos Smith, who was buried with military honors.

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://amzn.to/BYUStudies-JSChron]

40 years ago today - Aug 7, 1971.

Architects, Steven T. Baird and Tim Maxwell, found parts of seven of the original 30 sunstones used in the Nauvoo Temple while investigating the construction of the Icarian Building in Nauvoo. They found five complete stones and two badly broken ones in the building's foundation.

[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]

10 years ago today - Aug 7, 2001

[General] Sea Trek 2001, an epic voyage of eight tall sailing ships commemorating the 19th century gathering of European converts to Zion, departed from Esbjerg, Denmark, on the first leg of its 59-day journey, which concluded Oct. 4 in New York City.

175 years ago today - Aug 7, 1836

[Lucy Mack Smith] Agnes Charlotte Smith, the first child of Don Carlos Smith and Agnes Coolbrith Smith, is born at Kirtland.

[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]

175 years ago today - Aug 6, 1836

[General] In Salem, Massachusetts, a city where Joseph lived as a boy while recovering from a leg operation, Joseph Smith receives a revelation: "I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion; and many people in this city whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality. . . . And it shall come to pass in due time, that I will give this city into your hands; that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

120 years ago today - Aug 6, 1891

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Att[orne]ys Dickson and Richards presented a lot of questions that would no doubt have to be answered in the church property cases. I feel like letting the property go rather than try to defend it under the circumstances, but this is no doubt a wrong feeling. My Wife Lucy was blessed by the brethren today. I wrote to Gusta that we would have to give up the trip to London . . . This afternoon I went with Ex. Gov. West and F. S. Richards to visit a number of persons soliciting funds for the Democratic Party. I had a chat with John H[enr]y Smith and he said that he was willing that all of the stock (in insurance and ZCMI he held be sold and invested in Sugar Co.).

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

30 years ago today - Aug 6, 1981

[General] The first satellite station in the Mountain West, located in City Creek Canyon about 3 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, is put into service by Bonneville Satellite Corporation after a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by President Kimball.

[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]

150 years ago today - Aug 5, 1861

[General] Brigham Young's office journal records: " In the evening Pres[ident] Wells read to the President a part of the life of Senator Stephen A. Douglass, deceased, in which it mentioned a circumstance wherein Joseph Smith (Prophet) was protected by him. The President remarked that Stephen A. Douglass was a far better man than President Abel Lincoln for he knew his feelings were hostile to this people."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

5 years ago today - Aug 5, 2006

[Hinckley] Broke ground for the Draper Utah Temple

[Source: 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]

170 years ago today - Aug 5, 1841

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith received a letter from his brother William Smith regarding the Hotchkiss land purchase in Nauvoo.

[Source: Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0]

175 years ago today - Aug 4, 1836

[Prophecy] Wealth from Salem - Smith was to go to Salem, Massachusetts, where he would receive "its wealth pertaining to gold and silver". D&C 111:4 -- Critics claim this prophecy was not fulfilled.

[Source: Wikipedia, Prophesies of Joseph Smith, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecies_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]

120 years ago today - Aug 4, 1891

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Went fishing at Soda Springs with SHH Clark and Jay Gould.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

180 years ago today - Aug 4, 1831

Ezra Booth: Attended Church conference in Jackson County, Missouri 4 August 1831. Directed to purchase canoes for Ohio elders returning to East.

180 years ago today - Aug 3, 1831

Joseph Smith dedicates a temple site at Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri.

[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

130 years ago today - Aug 3, 1881

[General] At St. Charles, Idaho, George Q. Cannon reports "having seen the bear Lake Monster or something of that kind this evening while strolling along the lake."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

175 years ago today - early Aug 1836

[General] Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery arrived at Salem, MA. They were later joined there by Brigham Young and Lyman E. Johnson.

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]

170 years ago today - Aug 2, 1841

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith and the Saints heard reports from all the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who had recently returned from missions.

[Source: Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0]

180 years ago today - Aug 2, 1831

[General] Sidney Rigdon preaches that the Missouri land has been promised to the saints and asks them to accept it.

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

120 years ago today - Aug 2, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 2d Sunday I spent the day in the House reading.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

30 years ago today - Aug 1, 1981

[General] Vandal attacks "Christus" statue in Visitor's Center on Salt Lake Temple Square and breaks off its fingers. On Dec. 16, 1982 same mentally-ill vandal breaks off its arms.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

130 years ago today - Aug 1, 1881

[Apostle John Henry Smith] Elected to territorial legislature.

[Source: White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics, p.xviii, A John Henry Smith Chronology, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

180 years ago today - Aug 1, 1831

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 58: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, August 1, 1831. HC 1: 190-195. On the first Sabbath after the arrival of the Prophet and party in Jackson County, Missouri, a religious service was held and two members were received by baptism. During that week, members of the Colesville saints from the Thompson Branch and others arrived. Many were eager to learn the will of the Lord concerning them in the new place of gathering.

1-5, Those who endure tribulation shall be crowned with glory; 6-12, The saints are to prepare for the marriage of the Lamb and the Supper of the Lord; 13-18, Bishops are judges in Israel; 19-23, The saints are to obey the laws of the land; 24-29, Men should use their agency to do good; 30-33, The Lord commands and revokes; 34-43, To repent, men must confess and forsake their sins; 44-58, The saints are to purchase their inheritance and gather in Missouri; 59-65, The gospel must be preached unto every creature.

[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]