170 years ago today - Dec 30, 1841

Joseph prophesies in the name of the Lord "that the first thing toward building up Warsaw was to break it down." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 4:486-87.) George Miller, having been granted an official dispensation by Grandmaster Jonas, on Oct. 15, to meet with other Masons in Nauvoo, holds the first Masonic gathering in Nauvoo on Dec. 29, at the office of Hyrum Smith. Temporary officers are elected and by-laws are drafted. On Dec. 30 the second meeting of the Nauvoo Lodge is held. By-laws are approved and a petition with a list of names applying for new membership is submitted. Included among the applicants are Joseph Smith, Willard Richards, Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and many other prominent Church leaders. No new members are actually admitted until the next formal installation on March 15, 1842. ___

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