Today in Mormon History: November 2011

5 years ago today - Nov 30, 2006

[General] A national news magazine in the United States has recently announced the results of a survey of a group of historians who selected the top 100 most influential Americans of all time. The panel of historians placed both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young on their list of influencers.

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]

120 years ago today - Nov 30, 1891

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At nine attended Directors meeting of the Sugar Co. A committee was appointed to visit Lehi and accept the factory from the Dyers ... Had a long chat with Edw[ar]d F. Dyer and we agreed to accept the works if he made a satisfactory run between now and next Thursday.

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

155 years ago today - Nov 30, 1856

[General] Martin Handcart Company arrived, Salt Lake City. Suffered between 135 and 150 deaths.

[Source: Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]

120 years ago today - Nov 29, 1891

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Called on Fred. and at Odell's Fred doing well Odell says Louie has improved from the time John and I called. [Named his eight-day-old son Daniel Wells Grant after his grandfather.]

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

100 years ago today - Nov 29, 1911

[General] The Church forms the first "MIA Scout" troop in Salt Lake City, with Arthur William Adler, one of the Lord Baden-Powell's original British Scouts. Later, the Church formally associates with the Boy Scouts of America (1913).

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

65 years ago today - Nov 29, 1946

[President George Albert Smith Journal] "Went home too weary to attend lecture of Arthur Gaeth. Emily had several friends in from lecture. I went to bed and missed the good company."

[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]

170 years ago today - Nov 28, 1841

[General] [S]even weeks after Joseph called "... the Book of Mormon ... the most correct of any book on earth," he was at it again, full of energy to make it even more correct, reading the "... American stereotype edition [1840] ... for the purpose of correcting the stereotype plates of some errors which escaped notice in the first edition."

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

130 years ago today - Mon. Nov. 28th, 1881

[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "In the evening six persons came here to be baptized; they were Peter Vogel, his wife Katharina, and daughter Margaretha, Franz J. Medel, and Johann Bauer, with his wife Babeta. I baptized them all, the first named being also baptized for his health, he having a lame back."

[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]

180 years ago today - Nov 28, 1831

[General] Joseph Smith tells the Quorum of the Twelve that "..the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by it's precepts, than by any other book".

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]

130 years ago today - Nov 27, 1881

[John Nuttle Diary] After dinner Bro Nelson Higgins called on Prest. Taylor with Bro Wm Haywards Bro Hayward wished to obtain his 2nd anointings -- also to be adopted into Prest Taylors family - - he also felt able to go on a mission to England & to obtain his record of forefathers -- Prest Taylor told him to obtain a recomment from his Bp & Prest of stake & he would afterwards consider these matters --

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

175 years ago today - (Sun) Nov 27, 1836

[General] Wilford Woodruff reported that Orson Hyde was still in Kirtland on Nov. 27 1836. Hyde probably left for Columbus at the end of the month. By that time it was known that the Whigs had control of the Ohio Legislature, and that the Mormon political allies had little power to help them in Columbus.

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

120 years ago today - Nov 27, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 27 A fight between the Lib[eral?] Police & the Captain of Police Parker is Dead And G Albright who shot him [is?]. I spent the day in the Gardo.

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

25 years ago today - Nov 26, 1986

[Mark Hofmann] David Yocum, the recently elected Salt Lake County Attorney, removes prosecutor Gary D'Elia from the Hofmann case. Two weeks later D'Elia resigns from the county attorney's office.

[Source: 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,]

130 years ago today - Nov 26, 1881

[J.D.T. McAllister Diary] Sends Temple Ceremonies to John Taylor

10 A.M. at the Temple 1 Sealing for the dead Adoptions 1 living and 9 dead, Allen Wilkison and Kindred Adopted to the Prophet Joseph Smith John L and L.G. Knight at the Alter I performed the Ceremony P.M. placed the Ceremonies of the Temple Parts and C in the hands of Apostle E Snow to be delivered to President John Taylor Salt Lake City.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

120 years ago today - Nov 26, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 26 Thanksgiving I spent the day at home. Owen with a Company went Hunting. There was 4 on a side. They Come out Even. They Got 20 Rabbits a peace. Asahel went with a company to Alpine & the whole Company ownly Got one Chicken And they travelled through a good Deal of snow.

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

175 years ago today - Nov 25, 1836

[Joseph Smith] Wilford Woodruff returns to Kirtland from a mission in Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee, after baptizing over 100 people, many of whom immigrated to Kirtland.

[Source: Conklin, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

30 years ago today - Nov 25, 1981

[General] The first branch of the Church on the Cayman Islands is established.

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

120 years ago today - Nov 25, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 25 We Met with the Board of the Bank & Apostles & Templeton Company about Continuing to keep up the Templeton Hotel. It was to Continue some longer.

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

120 years ago today - Nov 24, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Nov 24, 1891 Mr Capers Called upon us. We settled with him On the purchase of the Land in Colorado Called Zapato Ranch By Silas S Smith & F A Hammond. We paid him $12,000 Dollars Down & Note for $4,000 one year without interest.

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

125 years ago today - Nov. 24th, 1886

[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] For several months he has been courting another girl and has made proposition of marriage Mamie E. C. On Wed, Nov. 24th, 1886 "She was baptized today preparatory to going to the temple to have her endowments."

[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]

115 years ago today - Nov 24, 1896

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] [["General buzz about Moses Thatcher and how cruel he has been dealt by." Prays that the Presidency and 12 may always have a spirit of long suffering towards M. T., as a mother towards her infant child. "so have the brethren dealt with him."]]

[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

5 years ago today - Nov 23, 2006

[General] SALT LAKE CITY, USA Church Issues Statement To The News Media: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes that the prosecution of polygamist Warren Jeffs is generating substantial media coverage and that Jeffs' group refers to its members as fundamentalist Mormons. That is causing problems for reporters trying to help their readers, viewers and listeners distinguish between Jeffs' followers and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]

120 years ago today - Nov 23, 1891

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Presidency favor my going to San Francisco to try and get some money for the Sugar Co. and other cos. [Delayed by head injury, operation on brother BF.]

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

125 years ago today - Nov 23, 1886

[Catholic Church in Utah] On 23 November 1886 Rome created the Vicariate of Utah and Eastern Nevada and appointed Scanlan bishop.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Catholic Church in Utah, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/c/CATHOLIC.html]

More History?

Want more LDS history? Check out Mormon-Church-History, a comprehensive chronology of church history. It is a tour through church history, covering a little bit each day through the the history of the church. About a dozen chronological entries are posted daily, gradually covering the entire history of the Mormon church over the next several years. More info can be found here: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html

100 years ago today - Nov 22, 1911

[General] During a service featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Elder Heber J. Grant dedicates the Oliver Cowdery Monument in Richmond, Missouri.

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

120 years ago today - Nov 22, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 22 I went up to Clara's & saw Vedi. She is passing through a Course of the scarlet fever or Diptheria. Is quite sick but doing as well as Could be Expected.

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

150 years ago today - Nov 22, 1861

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Nov 22 I spent the fore part of the day in the Endowment House. We gave Endowmets to 28 Men 32 women. I performed 31 sealings. I Called at Capt Hoopers & laid Hands upon George Knowlton who has the Consumption & administered to him with Edward Stephenson Wm. Clayton & Wm. H Hooper. We also laid hands upon S A Kn[owlton?]. I took supper at Sister Fosses.

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

120 years ago today - Nov 21, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21 Emma was quite Poorly this Morning but went up to see Vedi & spent the day with Clara.

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

170 years ago today - Nov 21, 1841

[General] Apostles Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and John Taylor perform baptisms for the dead for some forty individuals in the newly completed Nauvoo Temple baptismal font. This is the first time this ordinance is performed in a temple during this dispensation.

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

150 years ago today - Nov 21, 1861

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21st I spent the fore part of the day Choreing the afternoon in the Office.

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

120 years ago today - Nov 20, 1891

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] The Bullion Beck affairs wherein things seem to work against GQC or persons seem to.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

180 years ago today - Nov 20, 1831

Joseph Smith completed his New Testament translation through Mark 9:1.

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]

165 years ago today - Nov 20, 1846

[Mormon Battalion] Several days after leaving the line of the Rio Grande River, battalion scouts are unable to determine the correct way forward.

After lighting a signal fire at the top of a high mound, the men attract Apache Indians and Mexican traders who help them find the right westward trail.

[Source: Mormon Battalion Timeline, Herald Extra, March 25, 2010]

130 years ago today - Nov 19, 1881

[J.D.T. McAllister Diary] Death of B.F. Pendleton

A.M. at the Temple and Called at Brother B. F. Pendletons. he was found dead on Friday Morning about 200 yards south East of the grave yard had been out hunting. Coughed and burst a vein or Blood vessel in his throat.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

5 years ago today - Nov 19, 2006

[General] The Mormon Tabernacle Choir was honored as a Laureate of the 2006 Mother Teresa Award for "edifying the world through inspirational choral performances and recordings."

[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]

120 years ago today - Nov 19, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19 H. B. Clawson Called & a letter was read from En[on?]. I received a letter from Sarah. I received Mr Watsons Bill on the House to day.

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

150 years ago today - Nov 18,1861

[Utah] Abraham Lincoln checks out Book of Mormon from Library of Congress. He returns it on 29 Jul 1862, apparently first U.S. president to read Book of Mormon.

[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]

130 years ago today - Nov 18, 1881

[Temple] Permit me to draw your attention to the fact that a few days ago you signed a recommend in favor of a young man, residing in Brigham City, who had not been re-baptized, and whose first baptism took place as long ago as 1863. The consequence was we were compelled to rebaptize him before he could receive his blessing. When such things occur it causes inconveniences and delay to the whole company passing through on that day, and is also contrary to the rules that govern in such matters. Will you please notify the Bishops in your Stake that all persons whose first baptisms have not taken place within a very recent period must be re-baptized before they receive their recommends to pass through the House of the Lord. [Joseph F. Smith to Oliver G. Snow, Nov. 18, 1881]

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

30 years ago today - Nov 18, 1981.

[General] The Seventh East Press publishes D. Michael Quinn's 4 November address to Phi Alpha Theta, the BYU student history association. He responds point by point to Elder Packer's address, warning that "a history which makes LDS leaders `flawless and benignly angelic' . . . borders on idolatry."

[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]

180 years ago today - Nov 17, 1831

Eden Smith: Ordained elder 17 November 1831 by Reynolds Cahoon.

[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]

165 years ago today - Nov 17, 1846

[General] Led by Captain James Brown, the sick detachment of the Mormon Battalion arrives in Pueblo, Colorado, where it will spend the winter with a group of Saints from Mississippi.

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

130 years ago today - Thursday, Nov 17, 1881

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Provo

Charles is a little improved. I traveled to the City and back to Provo.

[Source: 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, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

180 years ago today - Nov 16, 1831

Hiram, Ohio. After Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer left for Missouri with the compiled revelations and commandments, Joseph Smith resumed his inspired translation of the scriptures with Sidney Rigdon as his scribe.

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]

30 years ago today - Nov 16, 1981

[General] President Marion G. Romney of the First Presidency dedicates the Jordan River Temple (later the Jordan River Utah Temple).

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

150 years ago today - Nov 16, 1861

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 16 I spent the forenoon in the Endowment House. We gave Endowments to 63. D H Wells sealed 19 Couple W Woodruff 14 Couple. I went to the office in the evening & done some Journalizing. In the morning Before going to the Endowment House, I dug up a peace of Ground & planted five diferent kinds of Raspbury the Fastolf, Belle De Fontaney, Brin[dl?]e Orange white, 5 kneveth Giant, & 1 Black.

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

170 years ago today - Nov 15, 1841

[Nauvoo Temple] The Twelve wrote in an epistle to the Church that the Temple's foundation was laid and the walls of the basement were nearly completed.

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

130 years ago today - Nov 15, 1881

[Heber J. Grant Diary] At 5 P.M. called at Wells' & Emily & I took a ride for nearly 2 hours. While riding talked on old times the Wasatch crowd etc. I asked Emily to marry me and got a most decided refusal. I must confess it hurt my pride as well as my feelings to get "set down on" the way I was, but I should have contented myself by not asking.

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

180 years ago today - Nov 15, 1831

[General] Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer leave Kirtland, Ohio, for Independence, Missouri, to publish the Book of Commandments, which contains Joseph Smith's revelations. Because of mob action, however, the volume is never completed.

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

170 years ago today - Nov 14, 1841

[General] A collection of Shaker revelations includes "I will anoint them priests and kings"... "The children of the Church of Christ are ... the children of the New Jerusalem, and they are numbered, and their names are written in the Book of Life." ... "I was an angel of Wisdom's delight long ere this earth was formed, or dust was fashioned into man. Many worlds before this I have seen; some bright, and some dark, and some that were empty and void ..." [The Youth's Guide in Zion, and Holy Mother's Promises]

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

120 years ago today - Nov 14, 1891

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] [Conference at Moroni] "We had a nice time with Pres[iden]t Smith after meeting discussing temple matters especially the law of adoption."

[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

175 years ago today - Nov 14, 1836

[Oliver Cowdery] Elizabeth Ann Cowdery was born to Oliver and Elizabeth Cowdery in Kirtland, Lake, OH. She died May 09, 1837 in Kirtland.

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Oliver Cowdery Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/Cdychrn1.htm]

15 years ago today - Nov 13, 1996

[General] The U.S. Air Force promotes Sharla "Kris" Cook, a BYU graduate and native of Utah, to the rank of brigadier general.

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

135 years ago today - Nov 13, 1876

[Wilford Woodruff] Called to write script of temple endowment ceremony

[Source: Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]

150 years ago today - Nov 13, 1861

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Nov 13 I spent the day in the office looking over scraps.

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

120 years ago today - Nov 12, 1891

[Polygamy] Woodruff has it both ways

President Woodruff publicly declares that violating the Manifesto by living with polygamous was not allowed, and would result in excommunication. Privately, he tells the Quorum that any man who abandons his plural wives will be dismissed from the church.

[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]

180 years ago today - Nov 12, 1831

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 70: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, November 12, 1831. HC 1: 235-237. The history written by the Prophet states that four special conferences were held from the 1st to the 12th of November, inclusive. In the last of these assemblies the great importance of the Book of Commandments, later called the Doctrine and Covenants, was considered; and the Prophet refers to it as being -"the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man.-"

1-5, Stewards are appointed to publish the revelations; 6-13, Those who labor in spiritual things are worthy of their hire; 14-18, The saints should be equal in temporal things.

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

175 years ago today - Nov 12, 1836

Charles Coulson Rich: Laid claim to eighty acres of land in Caldwell County, Missouri, 12 November 1836.

180 years ago today - Nov 11, 1831

[Joseph Smith] Revelation is received directing the church to organize presidencies over each quorum in the priesthood .

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

130 years ago today - Nov 11, 1881

[Temple] President Joseph F. Smith desires me to draw your attention to the rules governing the recommendations of persons desiring to receive their endowments [in the Endowment House]. Only faithful couples about to be married (or any other marriages,) or couples still bearing children, should receive recommends, with the exception of very aged persons, whose age and infirmities make desirable a departure from the strict observance of the above rule, and then, it should be stated on the recommend, that age or ill health is the reason why it is given. All others will have to wait for their blessings until one of the temples, now in the course of construction, is finished and work commenced therein, or they must go down to the temple at St. George. [George Reynolds to Amos Maycock, Nov. 11, 1881]

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

100 years ago today - Nov 11, 1911

[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] (Neuritis)

[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]

120 years ago today - Nov 10, 1891

[General] Responsibility of Bishops and Stake Presidents for Temple Recommends-- Salt Lake City, Utah.

See general note preceding under date of October 31, 1891.

A LETTER to the Presidents of Stakes and Bishops of Wards. Office of the FIRST PRESIDENCY,

DEAR BRETHREN: It has been decided that it is no longer necessary for those going to the Temple to attend to ordinances therein to send their recommends to President Woodruff, to be by him endorsed. The signatures of the Bishop and Stake President will be all that is required.

This being the decision, Bishops of Wards and Presidents of Stakes will see the increased necessity for care, so that no unworthy person will be recommended for ordinances in the Temples. Your brethren, WILFORD WOODRUFF, GEORGE Q. CANNON, JOSEPH F. SMITH, First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. {1891-November 10-Circular letter, Church Historian's Library,}

[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

180 years ago today - Nov 10, 1831

Hiram, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 69, a revelation appointing John Whitmer to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Missouri for the printing of the compiled commandments and revelations.

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]

15 years ago today - Nov 10, 1996

[General] President Gordon B. Hinckley breaks ground for the Cochabamba Bolivia Temple.

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

140 years ago today - Nov 9, 1871

[General] The St. George Utah Temple is announced. Simultaneously, the dedication and groundbreaking ceremonies are held by Brigham Young.

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

180 years ago today - Nov 9, 1831

Hiram, Ohio. Joseph Smith spent much of his time reviewing and arranging the commandments and revelations in preparation for Oliver Cowdery to take them to the printing press in Independence, Missouri.

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]

10 years ago today - Nov 9, 2001

[General] Tom Brokaw, of NBC Nightly News, interviews President Hinckley in advance of the winter Olympics.

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

170 years ago today - Nov 8, 1841

[Joseph Smith] The first temple baptismal font is dedicated. The first ordinance is a baptism for the dead, with Young as officiator and Reuben McBride as proxy. The second ordinance is a baptism for health which heals Samuel Rolfe within the week. Four temples would eventually perform 22,403 baptisms for health from 1877 through 1893.

[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]

15 years ago today - Nov 8, 1996-16

[General] President Hinckley spoke to gatherings of Church members and missionaries in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, and broke ground for temples in Bolivia and Brazil.

120 years ago today - Nov 8, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8 Sunday I spent the day at home. Had my family together.

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

170 years ago today - Nov 7, 1841

[Polygamy] Joseph Smith publicly preaches that "if we would not accuse him he would not accuse us. John C. Bennett subsequently teaches that adultery is acceptable if kept secret.

[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]

175 years ago today - (Mon) Nov 7, 1836

[General] The First Presidency, three apostles, four presidents of Seventy, and 59 others signed a petition to Kirtland's justice of the peace to "depart forthwith out of Kirtland."

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

100 years ago today - Nov 07, 1911

[General] Local citizens elect Mary Woolley Chamberlain mayor of Kanab, with an all-female town council, the first such political event in U.S. history.

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

120 years ago today - Nov 6, 1891

It has been decided that it is no longer necessary for those going to the Temples to attend to ordinances therein to send their recommends to President Woodruff to be by him endorsed. The signatures of the Bishop and Stake President will be all that is required. This decision applies to all ordinances attended to in the House of the Lord, except Second Anointings, which last named will still require the approval of the President of the Church before they can be administered. This being the decision, Bishops of Wards and Presidents of Stakes will see the increased necessity for care, so that no unworthy person will be recommended for ordinances in the Temples. [Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith, circular letter, Nov. 6, 1891, in MFP, 3:228]

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

125 years ago today - Sat. Nov. 6th, 1886

[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] They are on the way east by train, in the evening they passed by some mts. "They were high masses of rock piled up in regular order as though a mason's plumb bob had set them in position, yet none but the great Master Mason had laid the plummet for the construction of these mighty works of nature."

[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]

115 years ago today - Nov 6, 1896

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Got an early interview with Pres[iden]t GQ Cannon about the prospect for the other Senator to Congress Thinks HP Henderson is the choice of supposed candidates Judge Henderson called at my office had a very pleasant expression of his views concerning his views of the office and its duties to his constituents. Soon FSR & CWP called & reviewed the situation then went to the Presidents office FSR & CWP called about 4 pm & evolved matters of their consideration. CWP to call on HP Henderson. At 5:35 CCR HP Henderson & CW Penrose were here in consultation till train time when CC & I returned to Ogden.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

15 years ago today - Nov 5, 1996

[Same-Sex Marriage] Hawaiians vote on a measure to call a constitutional convention for the state. The vote is 163,869 in favor of the convention, and 160,153 opposed, with 45,295 ballots being blank and 90 marked both as in favor and as opposed. On advise of the Attorney General, election controller Duayne Yoshina declares the convention mandated, but the count is challenged by the AFL-CIO in a lawsuit filed on 25 November.

[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]

60 years ago today - Nov 5,1951

[Utah] First Presidency learns of plans by Warner Brothers to make film about Mountain Meadows Massacre, based on recent scholarly book by LDS Juanita Brooks. Within seven days First Presidency successfully persuades Hollywood studio to kill project.

[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 - Nov 5, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5 Finished from Oct 25. (Or After doing and Suffering what we have through our adhereance to this principle to scease the Practice and submit to the law and through doing so have the Prophets Apostles and Fathers at home so they Can instruct the People and attend to the Duties of the Church, Also leave the Temples in the hands of the Saints so they Can attend to the ordinances of the Gospel both for the living & the Dead? Now the inspiration of the Lord will reveal to any person which Course wisdom would dictate us to persue And the Latter day Saints throughout Israel should understand that the first Presidency of the Church And the Twelve Apostles are led and guided by the inspiration of the Lord And the Lord will not permit me nor any other man to lead the People Asstray.)

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

120 years ago today - Nov 4, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4 I spent the day at home sick.

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

130 years ago today - Nov 4, 1881

[Heber J. Grant Diary] What is written in this Journal from page 1 to 33 inclusive I copied from a memorandum book. In some cases I have enlarged on what I had written in my mem. book & in others I have left out somethings not worth writing--In reality I can hardly see any use of my keeping a Journal.

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

155 years ago today - Nov 4, 1856

[Brigham Young Letter] George Q. Cannon, -- We are willing that you should make the turns which you mentioned upon the Tithing Office ... whenever you find it necessary, believing that you will not abuse this privilege.

[Source: Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

5 years ago today - Nov 3, 2006

[General] President Gordon B. Hinckley leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reached a major milestone today. He has now become the oldest serving prophet in the history of the church.

[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]

175 years ago today - early Nov 1836

[General] Final results in the US presidential election are published. Martin Van Buren, the Democratic candidate won the election. Although Geauga county did not favor Van Buren in the election, his victory strengthened the political position of local Democrats there, including the Mormons at Kirtland.

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

75 years ago today - Nov 3, 1936

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I cast my vote today for Alf. M. Landon for President, for Henry H. Blood for Governor, for Calvin Rawlins and about four others on the Democratic ticket, and voted the balance on the Republican ticket.

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

175 years ago today - Nov 2, 1836

[Joseph Smith] The Kirtland Safety Society, also known as The Kirtland Bank, is formed for use by church members in financial affairs.

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

75 years ago today - Nov 2, 1936

[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] he departs SLC for the Hawaiian Islands, South Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Australia, returning to SLC on July 15.

[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]

15 years ago today - Nov 2, 1996

[General] The First Presidency announced the establishment of Latter-day Saint Charities, a charitable, nonprofit corporation designed to help the Church deliver humanitarian aid to the poor and needy of the world.

150 years ago today - Nov 1, 1861

[General] Brigham Young's Office Journal records: "An Indian belonging to Wash-i-kiks band came to the President and begged for powder and Tobacco the President directed Some should be given him ..."

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

180 years ago today - About Nov 1, 1831

[General] Revelation received, "the written Testimony of the Twelve for the Doctrine and Covenants" which was "signed by thirteen priesthood holders, most signing after November 1831. John Whitmer copied five additional names on to the testimony manuscript ... none of the eleven witnesses of the Book of Mormon signed this testimony document. Some of the witnessesÂ—Joseph Smith Sr., Hyrum Smith, Martin Harris, Hiram Page and Samuel SmithÂ—were not in attendance for the meetings in November 1831 when this revelation was recorded. Other Book of Mormon witnessesÂ—Peter Whitmer Jr, Christian Whitmer, David Whitmer, John Whitmer and Oliver CowderyÂ—were in attendance for these November meetings, but did not sign the testimony." The 1835 D&C version has ten words missing from the original.

[Source: Joe Geisner, http://www.xmission.com/~research/mormonpdf/closer.pdf]

170 years ago today - Nov 1, 1841

[General] Notice in "Times and Seasons:" "The brethren are hereby notified that our well-beloved brother, Hyrum Smith, patriarch of the church, has erected a comfortable office opposite his dwelling-house, where himself, together with his scribe and recorder, James Sloan, will attend regularly every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, during the entire day, or upon any other day if urgent circumstances require it, to perform the duties of his high and holy calling. A copy of the blessings can be received immediately after being pronounced, so that the brethren who live at a distance can have it to take with them."

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