A letter from the First Presidency announced that the Primary Association had been assigned the duty of establishing the Cub Scout program of the Boy Scouts of America for boys of the Church.
[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]
70 years ago today - Dec 31, 1942
[George F. Richards diary, Dec. 31, 1942] This has been a wonderful year for me and my family. * I have also been instrumental in renewing the former practice in the Church of administering Second Anointings to faithful members, the practice having gone practically into disuse, only eight such blessings having been administered in the past twelve years. Up to twelve years ago there had been administered in the Church thirty-two thousand plus of such blessings. The day before Christmas I was instrumental in getting Pres[ident] [Heber J.] Grant to sign recommends for thirteen of the general authorities and their wives and the wives of two others of the Council to [be anointed with] their husbands; also a recommend for Stephen L. Chipman and wife, he having had his previously. I am sure that the Lord has inspired what I have been able to do along these lines. Pres[ident] Grant, in our council meeting of a few weeks ago appointed me to administer these blessings and at my request appointed Elder Jos[eph] Fielding Smith to assist me. We are the only ones in the Church having this authority by appointment.
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
1912, 100 years ago.
In a letter to Central States Mission President Samuel O. Benion, dated February 20, , the First Presidency officially renounces Brigham Young's Adam-God doctrine. Restricting their response to only one of the many places where Young taught the doctrine, they attempt to explain the whole thing away as a misunderstanding or misinterpretation (Messages of the First Presidency, Vol. 4, pp. 266-67).
[Source: Watchman Fellowship Inc, Historical Events, Notable Doctrines: Mormonism Overview, http://www.watchman.org/lds/ldshst96.htm]
[Source: Watchman Fellowship Inc, Historical Events, Notable Doctrines: Mormonism Overview, http://www.watchman.org/lds/ldshst96.htm]
100 years ago today - Dec 31, 1912 (Tuesday)
Ernest M. Spillsbury, a "Mormon" boy was murdered by a Mexican in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
125 years ago today - Dec 31, 1887
Because of government actions during the federal antipolygamy persecutions, the Church is forced to stop work on the Salt Lake Temple.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
170 years ago today - Dec 31, 1842
[Joseph Smith Diary] ... As Gen[eral Law came to the head of the stairs, Some men observed, "There goes [Joseph] Smith the Prophet and a great looking man he is." And (said another) "As damned a rascal as ever lived." Then Hyrum replied, "And a good many Ditto." "Yes," said the man, "Ditto, D[itt]o. God Damn you and any one that takes his part is as damned a rascal as he is." Then at the foot of the stairs, [General] Law says, "I am the man and I take his part." "You are a damned rascal to[o]." "/You are/ a Liying /schondrel/," said the man /Law/. .... Joseph said to the Governor, "I have no creed to circumscribe my mind. Therefore the people do not like me because I do not, cannot circumscribe my mind to their creeds."
"Well," said the Gov[ernor], "from reports we had reason to think the Mormons were a peculiar people. Different from other people having horns or something of the kind, but I find they look like other people. Indeed I think Mr. Smith is a very good looking man." ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
"Well," said the Gov[ernor], "from reports we had reason to think the Mormons were a peculiar people. Different from other people having horns or something of the kind, but I find they look like other people. Indeed I think Mr. Smith is a very good looking man." ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
180 years ago today - 1832
Church Membership at end of year: 2,661
New Converts : 1,981
Percent Change from previous year: 291.32%
[Source: Wikipedia, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Membership History, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history]
New Converts : 1,981
Percent Change from previous year: 291.32%
[Source: Wikipedia, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Membership History, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history]
80 years ago today - Dec 30, 1932
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] Had long rest visit with David O. McKay. I fear he doesnÂ't realize the attitude he assumes may be wrong.
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
130 years ago today - Dec 30, 1882
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... I saw Capt Hooper [who had just died] in the spirit world in my dream. I saw his location and the limits by which he was bound and Could not pass. I had a view of mansions in the Celestial Kingdom of God which were Composed of beautiful stones and materials, and were actual Buildings as any on the Earth and that the Best Architects in heaven were imployed in their building. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Dec 30, 1877
[Franklin D. Richards] Attended prayer circle with the Apostles as usual Joseph F. Smith in Circle & beside many other items considered about a proper Residency for Pres[iden]t. J[ohn]. Taylor and decided that one be prepared for him [as] soon as he decides what & where he will have it.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]
170 years ago today - Dec 30, 1842
[Joseph Smith Diary] Joseph said he had decided that he would not vote for a Slave holder. It is giving them power and if they could obtain sufficient power and get a religious peak against any religionists they would subdue them and compel our children to mix with their Slaves.
[Question] By Elder [Orson] Hyde, "What would you advice a man to do who come in the [Church] having a hundred slaves?" Joseph [replied], "I have always advised such to bring their slaves into a free country, set them free, Educate them and give them their equal rights. Should the slaves be organized into an independent government, they would become quarrelsome. It would not be wisdom."...
Joseph said to Judge Adams that Christ and the resurrected Saints will reign over the earth, but not dwell on the earth. [They will] visit it when they please or when necessary to govern it. There will be wicked men /on/ the earth during the 1,000 years. The heathen nations who will not come up to worship will be destroyed.
Joseph gave a lecture on medicine. [He said,] "Salt, vinegar and pepper given internally and plunging in the river when the paroxysms begin will cure the cholora."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Question] By Elder [Orson] Hyde, "What would you advice a man to do who come in the [Church] having a hundred slaves?" Joseph [replied], "I have always advised such to bring their slaves into a free country, set them free, Educate them and give them their equal rights. Should the slaves be organized into an independent government, they would become quarrelsome. It would not be wisdom."...
Joseph said to Judge Adams that Christ and the resurrected Saints will reign over the earth, but not dwell on the earth. [They will] visit it when they please or when necessary to govern it. There will be wicked men /on/ the earth during the 1,000 years. The heathen nations who will not come up to worship will be destroyed.
Joseph gave a lecture on medicine. [He said,] "Salt, vinegar and pepper given internally and plunging in the river when the paroxysms begin will cure the cholora."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
200 years ago today - Winter 1812-13
[Lucy Mack Smith] Typhoid fever strikes the family. By fervent prayer, Lucy and Joseph Sr. receive an assurance that the dying Sophronia will live. Joseph turns seven in December 1812. After an aggressive operation for osteomyelitis, Joseph recuperates at Salem, Massachusetts, with Jesse Smith, his brother's uncle. He is still walking on crutches in 1816.
[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]
[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]
1912, 100 years ago.
(Butch Cassidy) Cassidy unsuccessfully hunted for gold in Alaska and eventually established the Phillips Manufacturing Company in Spokane, Washington. He developed an adding machine and invented parts for farm equipment, an automatic garage-door opener, and an automobile gas mileage indicator.
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
1912, 100 years ago.
The Messenger to the Sightless, a monthly Braille periodical with materials of religious and general interest, begins publication by the Church; Albert M. and Sarah Talmage, editors. It stops publication in 1953 when it is succeeded by The New Messenger.
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
1912, 100 years ago this year.
The Church colonists in northern Mexico exited the country due to unsettled conditions during the revolution.
[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]
[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]
1912, 100 years ago this year.
Sacred Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11th Edition, revised in Liverpool, 1856, by Franklin D. Richards, Apostle; p. 375. See also the 25th edition, 1912. WE BELIEVE IN OUR GOD
We believe in our God, the Prince of his race,
The archangel Michael, the Ancient of Days
Our own Father Adam, earth's Lord as is plain,
Who'll counsel and fight for His children again.
We believe in His Son, Jesus Christ who in love
To His brothers and sisters came down from above,
To die, to redeem them from death, and to teach
To mortals and spirits the gospel we preach.
MICHAEL IS THE ETERNAL FATHER
Sons of Michael, he approaches!
Rise; the Eternal Father greet;
Bow, ye thousands, low before him;
Minister before his feet;
Hail the Patriarch's reign,
'Stablished now o'er sea and main!
[Source: Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
We believe in our God, the Prince of his race,
The archangel Michael, the Ancient of Days
Our own Father Adam, earth's Lord as is plain,
Who'll counsel and fight for His children again.
We believe in His Son, Jesus Christ who in love
To His brothers and sisters came down from above,
To die, to redeem them from death, and to teach
To mortals and spirits the gospel we preach.
MICHAEL IS THE ETERNAL FATHER
Sons of Michael, he approaches!
Rise; the Eternal Father greet;
Bow, ye thousands, low before him;
Minister before his feet;
Hail the Patriarch's reign,
'Stablished now o'er sea and main!
[Source: Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
170 years ago today - Winter 1842
[Nauvoo Temple] Construction had been generally steady during 1842 and when work on the building stopped during winter months, the walls rose to about four feet above ground level. Workmen continued through the winter quarrying stone for the next year's labor.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
170 years ago today - Dec 29, 1842
[Joseph Smith Diary] ... After supper Gen[eral] Law asked why the Sun was masculine and /Moon/ feminine? /Joseph/ [said], "The root of Masculine is stronger and of feminine weaker. [The] Sun is a governing planet to certain planets, while the moon borrows her light from the sun and is less or weaker &c.
"Let the Government of M[iss]o[uri] redress the wrongs she has don[e] to the Mormons or let the curse follow them from generation to generation till they do. ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
"Let the Government of M[iss]o[uri] redress the wrongs she has don[e] to the Mormons or let the curse follow them from generation to generation till they do. ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
1912, 100 years ago this year.
[Emmeline B. Wells] For nearly thirty years she represented Utah women in the National Woman's Suffrage Association and the National and International Councils of Women, while spearheading the successful effort to include woman suffrage in the state constitution. She wrote numerous short stories and poems, most published in the Woman's Exponent, later compiling her poetry, her favorite literary medium, into a single volume, Musings and Memories. In 1912 she became the first Utah woman to receive an honorary degree, awarded her by Brigham Young University.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Emmeline B. Wells, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/w/WELLS%2CEMMELINE.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Emmeline B. Wells, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/w/WELLS%2CEMMELINE.html]
1912, 100 years ago this year.
[Deseret] Kanab elects an all-female mayor and town board, the first in United States history.
[Source: History to Go, Statehood, http://historytogo.utah.gov/timeline/statehood.html]
[Source: History to Go, Statehood, http://historytogo.utah.gov/timeline/statehood.html]
120 years ago today - Dec 28, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 28 I went to the Temple in the Morning with my Councillors and Decided upon the finishing of several Rooms & Parts of the Temple.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 28, 1842
[Joseph Smith Diary] 28th Slept with sec[retary Richards] on buffalo [skin]. After retiring I [Joseph] stated that the purifying of the sons of Levi was by giving unto them intel[l]igence that we are not capable of meditating /on/ and receiving all the intel[l]igence which belongs to an immortal state. It is to[o] powerful for our faculties.
... Before starting Joseph related his [dream]. Was by a beautiful stream of water. Saw a noble handsome fish. Threw it out. Soon after saw more, threw them out and soon a great many and threw them out a great abundance, and sent for salt to salt them down and salted them. ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
... Before starting Joseph related his [dream]. Was by a beautiful stream of water. Saw a noble handsome fish. Threw it out. Soon after saw more, threw them out and soon a great many and threw them out a great abundance, and sent for salt to salt them down and salted them. ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
180 years ago today - Dec 28, 1832
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received portions of Doctrine & Covenants 88, a revelation often known as the -"Olive Leaf,-" and which he called -"the Lord's message of peace to us.-" Other portions of this revelation were received on December 27, 1832 and January 3, 1833.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
200 years ago today - Dec 28, 1812
Catherine Smith (Joseph's sister) born in Lebanon, NH.
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
1912 September, 100 years ago this year.
The Church's first seminary began at Granite High School in Salt Lake City, marking the beginning of a released-time weekday education program for young Latter-day Saints. As the seminary program grew, the Church phased out its involvement in academies, which were Church-sponsored high schools or junior colleges. By 1924, only the Juarez Academy in Mexico remained.
[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]
[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]
125 years ago today - Dec 27, 1887
[Patriarchal Blessings] [Patriarchal Blessing of [Apostle] John Henry Smith given by John Oakley on December 27, 1887] ... And as your days and years increase your usefullness shall also increase because of your gain in experience and prudence and discretion, and you shall live until you are satisfied with life and be changed in the twinkling of an eye. Not long hence and you shall see and take hold of the hand of your Savior.
Your joy shall be increased as your days and your years increase, and you shall have this to add to your testimony that you have seen the Lord. ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
Your joy shall be increased as your days and your years increase, and you shall have this to add to your testimony that you have seen the Lord. ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
165 years ago today - Dec 27, 1847 - 11 March 1854
[1st Presidency Changes] Brigham Young Heber C. Kimball Willard Richards First Presidency reorganized after deaths of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Hyrum Smith
[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]
[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]
170 years ago today - 1842 27 Dec.
Joseph Smith is arrested again as an accessory in the attempted murder of Gov. Boggs. He is taken into custody again in Nauvoo (5 Jan. 1843) out of the hands of arresting officers and is again acquitted.
[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]
[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]
180 years ago today - Dec 27, 1832
Kirtland. Conference of high priests. Joseph receives D&C 88:1-126, the Olive Leaf. Holy spirit of promise the second comforter; three degrees glory; eye single to my glory; he will unveil his face; idle thoughts; call a solemn assembly; teach one another; warn Gentiles; be clean; last days; resurrection, thousand years; prepare; virtues enjoined.
[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
180 years ago today - Dec 27, 1832 (Thursday)
Joseph Smith, jun., spent the winter of 1832-33 translating the Scriptures, attending the School of the Prophets and sitting in conferences.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
20 years ago today - Dec 26, 1992
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir embarks on a historic tour of Israel, with concerts to be held in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
90 years ago today - Dec 26, 1922
Letter from Bishop Arnold D. Miller, Jr., of the Parker Ward, stating that there had moved into his ward a man one-half negro who had married a white woman, whose children were therefore one-fourth negro, and asking for the ruling of the church concerning the children by this marriage, as to their holding the priesthood, was submitted. The Presiding Bishopric were instructed to advise Bishop Miller that no person with negro blood is entitled to the priesthood; such persons may be baptized and become members of this church but cannot hold the priesthood.
[Source: First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes]
[Source: First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes]
130 years ago today - Tuesday, Dec 26, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Liverpool
Jane Pond told me this morning that Mary J. Nowlan told her that she found Bro. [Apostle Albert] Carrington laying on the lounge and Sarah Kirkman lying on top of him. On board of one of Guions steamers in the cabin and in the presence of G. Ramsden and Moroni Brown and others Sarah Kirkman put her arms around Bro. Carringtons neck and laid her head upon his bosom.
He took this same woman to London paying her way, and they were gone 9 days. She stoped in the prayer room evenings and they drank beer and had good times together. She bit his nose untill it was red for several days. They played on the floor like children and he kissed and cudled her. He gave her his bed and slept upon the lounge when their were plenty of beds in the house, and when he was wanted he could not be found although he was in the House. These last statements were given me by R. R. A. and must be taken with a grain of allowance.
[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]
Jane Pond told me this morning that Mary J. Nowlan told her that she found Bro. [Apostle Albert] Carrington laying on the lounge and Sarah Kirkman lying on top of him. On board of one of Guions steamers in the cabin and in the presence of G. Ramsden and Moroni Brown and others Sarah Kirkman put her arms around Bro. Carringtons neck and laid her head upon his bosom.
He took this same woman to London paying her way, and they were gone 9 days. She stoped in the prayer room evenings and they drank beer and had good times together. She bit his nose untill it was red for several days. They played on the floor like children and he kissed and cudled her. He gave her his bed and slept upon the lounge when their were plenty of beds in the house, and when he was wanted he could not be found although he was in the House. These last statements were given me by R. R. A. and must be taken with a grain of allowance.
[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]
170 years ago today - Dec 26, 1842
[Joseph Smith] Joseph, having been assured of safety by Gov. Ford, allows himself to be arrested on the requisition from Missouri by General Wilson Law of the Nauvoo Legion. This ends the period of Joseph's hiding from law officers.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
170 years ago today - Dec 26, 1842
[Joseph Smith Diary] Visited Sis[ter] Morey in custody of Sec[retary Richards] and prescribed for her afflictions. Spoke very highly of Lobelia [an herb], good in its place, was one of the works of God. But like the power of God or any good, it become an evil when improperly used. Had lear[ne]d the use and value [of Lobelia] by his own experience.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
1812, 200 years ago this year.
Thomas Brown's 'An Account of the People Called Shakers' mentions the "New Jerusalem," healing, gifts of tongues, miracles, church built on the rock of revelation, believers referred to as "Jews," & "Zion." Also:
Apostasy: "Which falling away, began soon after the apostles, and gradually increased in the Church, until about 457 years, (or thereabouts); at which time the power of the holy people, or church of Christ was scattered or lost, by reason of transgression."
True church: "[Shaker faith has] the only true living gospel on earth." ... "I tell you again, there never has been one soul, from first to last, that ever found complete redemption... not until the opening of this gospel." ... "I have found the only true church and people of God."
"He appeared to be exceedingly happy in the contemplation of his having lived to see the day which has been the subject of prophecy and prayer."
Brown lists other religions that also claimed to be exclusively true: followers Emmanuel Swedenborgh, Richard Brothers and the Catholic church.
"To those that are called of Jesus Christ according to the new dispensation, which he hath been pleased to open in these latter days, by his servant Emmanuel Swedenborgh: Ye have cause to be abundantly thankful to the Lord; for, that in these last days, when darkness had covered the earth, and gross darkness the people, he hath been pleased to raise up unto you a great, and marvellous light."
America "favoured beyond other nations" ... "[The American Revelation made] way and room for the first opening and establishment of the gospel ... And according to the prophesies, there is to be a time when ["earthly powers"] are all to be destroyed, and the government committed into the hands of Christ, and fastened as a nail in a sure place." ... "I firmly believe with you, that no nation or people, under any government, can enjoy permanent and uninterrupted peace, while sin or the principle of evil prevails."
Obedience to leaders: "I now know, as we all do, who have been obedient, that this is the only way of life and salvation ... Admitting you were to see your Elders do, or speak wrong, you should not judge, or find fault with them" ... " [God is revealed] not by immediate revelation to each soul; but by, and through his ministers, whom he hath appointed; and we find that under every dispensation of God's grace to a lost world, he has always made use of instruments by patriarchs and prophets; and so long as people were obedient to the mind and will of God manifested through, and by them, prosperity and a blessing attended them; but when they were disobedient, they became an easy prey to their enemies."
Law of Consecration: "Hold all things in common" ..."and what each family has to spare, is carried to the office, and deposited in the care of the deacon of the church, to be by him given for charitable purposes, to those who are in want, and for the support of the gospel. ... If those who have deposited interest in common stock, ... finally lose their faith, or ... choose to go away, ..." [see D&C 42:29-33,37]
Elect Lady: "Jemima Wilkinson [Universal Friends, 35 miles from Palmyra]... was called, by many people, the Elect Lady; and as the same title was sometimes applied to Ann Lee [Shakers, Albany, NY]" (see D&C 25:3)
Spirit Prison: They contemplated: "What then has become of all those who have died before the opening of this gospel?"
"Those who have the gospel offered to them, (for all will have the offer of it either in time or eternity) and do not receive it, ... will, as they continue to reject it, travail from God into such a state of misery and darkness, called hell, ... Then the mercy of God, in the order of God through his ministers, will reach them; and then by confessing their sins, and receiving the gifts of God, they will arise out of that miserable lost state"
"Concerning the gospel being offered and preached to the world of spirits; and the possibility of their not receiving it, in consequence of their being clothed with the same darkness, or being in the same dark state as when in the body." ... "Its work of an increase in purity and knowledge will never be finished."
"My soul sings redeeming love - Oh! the sweet sensations I feel - Is not this heaven?" [see Alma 5:9,26; 26:13]
Brown left the the Shakers, concerned that church leaders had altered uncomfortable items from its history.
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
Apostasy: "Which falling away, began soon after the apostles, and gradually increased in the Church, until about 457 years, (or thereabouts); at which time the power of the holy people, or church of Christ was scattered or lost, by reason of transgression."
True church: "[Shaker faith has] the only true living gospel on earth." ... "I tell you again, there never has been one soul, from first to last, that ever found complete redemption... not until the opening of this gospel." ... "I have found the only true church and people of God."
"He appeared to be exceedingly happy in the contemplation of his having lived to see the day which has been the subject of prophecy and prayer."
Brown lists other religions that also claimed to be exclusively true: followers Emmanuel Swedenborgh, Richard Brothers and the Catholic church.
"To those that are called of Jesus Christ according to the new dispensation, which he hath been pleased to open in these latter days, by his servant Emmanuel Swedenborgh: Ye have cause to be abundantly thankful to the Lord; for, that in these last days, when darkness had covered the earth, and gross darkness the people, he hath been pleased to raise up unto you a great, and marvellous light."
America "favoured beyond other nations" ... "[The American Revelation made] way and room for the first opening and establishment of the gospel ... And according to the prophesies, there is to be a time when ["earthly powers"] are all to be destroyed, and the government committed into the hands of Christ, and fastened as a nail in a sure place." ... "I firmly believe with you, that no nation or people, under any government, can enjoy permanent and uninterrupted peace, while sin or the principle of evil prevails."
Obedience to leaders: "I now know, as we all do, who have been obedient, that this is the only way of life and salvation ... Admitting you were to see your Elders do, or speak wrong, you should not judge, or find fault with them" ... " [God is revealed] not by immediate revelation to each soul; but by, and through his ministers, whom he hath appointed; and we find that under every dispensation of God's grace to a lost world, he has always made use of instruments by patriarchs and prophets; and so long as people were obedient to the mind and will of God manifested through, and by them, prosperity and a blessing attended them; but when they were disobedient, they became an easy prey to their enemies."
Law of Consecration: "Hold all things in common" ..."and what each family has to spare, is carried to the office, and deposited in the care of the deacon of the church, to be by him given for charitable purposes, to those who are in want, and for the support of the gospel. ... If those who have deposited interest in common stock, ... finally lose their faith, or ... choose to go away, ..." [see D&C 42:29-33,37]
Elect Lady: "Jemima Wilkinson [Universal Friends, 35 miles from Palmyra]... was called, by many people, the Elect Lady; and as the same title was sometimes applied to Ann Lee [Shakers, Albany, NY]" (see D&C 25:3)
Spirit Prison: They contemplated: "What then has become of all those who have died before the opening of this gospel?"
"Those who have the gospel offered to them, (for all will have the offer of it either in time or eternity) and do not receive it, ... will, as they continue to reject it, travail from God into such a state of misery and darkness, called hell, ... Then the mercy of God, in the order of God through his ministers, will reach them; and then by confessing their sins, and receiving the gifts of God, they will arise out of that miserable lost state"
"Concerning the gospel being offered and preached to the world of spirits; and the possibility of their not receiving it, in consequence of their being clothed with the same darkness, or being in the same dark state as when in the body." ... "Its work of an increase in purity and knowledge will never be finished."
"My soul sings redeeming love - Oh! the sweet sensations I feel - Is not this heaven?" [see Alma 5:9,26; 26:13]
Brown left the the Shakers, concerned that church leaders had altered uncomfortable items from its history.
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
85 years ago today - Dec 25, 1927
[Apostle Anthony W. Ivins Diary] At Christmas I gave each of the children $500.00 cash. A year ago I gave them $4000.00 each.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
1912, 100 years ago this year.
[Utah Republican Party] The early twentieth century was characterized by the rise of Mormon apostle and U.S. Senator Reed Smoot to political power; and his political alliance of Mormons and Gentiles led to a strengthened Republican party. During these same years, a number of LDS Church leaders, including John Henry Smith, Joseph F. Smith, Francis M. Lyman, and others would actively seek to tie the church to the Republican banner. By 1912 the GOP (Grand Old Party as the Republicans were nicknamed) was sufficiently strong to secure the state's votes for William Howard Taft, Utah being one of only two states to support the incumbent president's bid for reelection against Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Utah Republican Party, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/r/REPUBLICANS.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Utah Republican Party, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/r/REPUBLICANS.html]
130 years ago today - Monday, Dec 25, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Liverpool
Rainy and foggy.
I was busy all day over the trouble in the house. R. R. Anderson insulted me most shamefully. I threatened him with personal violence and was on the eve of administering it, but the Lord gave me power to hold myself and I asked Anderson's pardon for loosing my temper with him. Bro. G. Parkinson witnessed this affair. Anderson gave no evidence of a desire to make right with me for the language he had used. I cannot bear his insults and slurs anymore.
[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]
Rainy and foggy.
I was busy all day over the trouble in the house. R. R. Anderson insulted me most shamefully. I threatened him with personal violence and was on the eve of administering it, but the Lord gave me power to hold myself and I asked Anderson's pardon for loosing my temper with him. Bro. G. Parkinson witnessed this affair. Anderson gave no evidence of a desire to make right with me for the language he had used. I cannot bear his insults and slurs anymore.
[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]
175 years ago today - Dec 25, 1837
[Joseph Smith] In England the missionaries hire the "Cock Pit" for preaching. They meet there this Christmas day with 300 Saints for the first conference held in England. They teach the Word of Wisdom to the Saints, the first time that it is publicly taught in England. Joseph closes his record of this year with the comment, "Apostasy, persecution, confusion, and mobocracy strove hard to bear rule at Kirtland, and thus closed the year 1837." (History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:529.) ___
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Dec 25, 1832
Section 87, Place: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio.
Historical Note: Section 87, commonly known as "the prophecy on war," was received on Christmas Day 1832, some twenty-eight years before the American Civil War commenced at Fort Sumter on Charleston Bay in South Carolina.
In November 1832, before the reception of this revelation, South Carolina had adopted a States' Rights position intended to nullify federal regulations not in their interests (specifically, high tariffs on foreign imports, which protected northern manufacturing interests). In addition to the economic problems of the upcountry cotton planters, the wealthy rice aristocracy of the lowcountry had become sensitive to the beginnings of northern antislavery movements. Reacting to the protective tariffs and the agitation against slavery, radical South Carolinians saw nullification as the logical defense to the "tyranny" of the majority. On 24 November 1832 a special convention passed an Ordinanace of Nullification that prohibited the collecting of tariff duties in the state after 1 February 1833. Students of the period generally agree that the situation in South Carolina was explosive, and the passage in early March 1833 of a compromise tariff temporarily averted civil war.
Although Joseph Smith considered this action on the part of the South Carolina convention a "rebellion," he later clarified that the commencement of warfare prior to the Second Coming would arise through the slave question.
Brigham Young, who noted that section 87 was intentionally left out of the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, indicated that this revelation was received "when the brethren were reflecting and reasoning with regard to African slavery on this continent, and the slavery of the children of men throughout the world.".
Publication Note. Section 87 was first published in the Pearl of Great Price in 1851 and was included as section 87 in the 1876 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.
[Source: Cook, Lyndon, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
Historical Note: Section 87, commonly known as "the prophecy on war," was received on Christmas Day 1832, some twenty-eight years before the American Civil War commenced at Fort Sumter on Charleston Bay in South Carolina.
In November 1832, before the reception of this revelation, South Carolina had adopted a States' Rights position intended to nullify federal regulations not in their interests (specifically, high tariffs on foreign imports, which protected northern manufacturing interests). In addition to the economic problems of the upcountry cotton planters, the wealthy rice aristocracy of the lowcountry had become sensitive to the beginnings of northern antislavery movements. Reacting to the protective tariffs and the agitation against slavery, radical South Carolinians saw nullification as the logical defense to the "tyranny" of the majority. On 24 November 1832 a special convention passed an Ordinanace of Nullification that prohibited the collecting of tariff duties in the state after 1 February 1833. Students of the period generally agree that the situation in South Carolina was explosive, and the passage in early March 1833 of a compromise tariff temporarily averted civil war.
Although Joseph Smith considered this action on the part of the South Carolina convention a "rebellion," he later clarified that the commencement of warfare prior to the Second Coming would arise through the slave question.
Brigham Young, who noted that section 87 was intentionally left out of the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, indicated that this revelation was received "when the brethren were reflecting and reasoning with regard to African slavery on this continent, and the slavery of the children of men throughout the world.".
Publication Note. Section 87 was first published in the Pearl of Great Price in 1851 and was included as section 87 in the 1876 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.
[Source: Cook, Lyndon, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
180 years ago today - 1832 25 Dec.
Joseph Smith dictates a revelation and prophecy "concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina [which seceded in 1860 and fired on Ft. Sumter in 1861]... For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern states will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain [es-63]...after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war [in the Union's African-American combat units, 1864-65]. And it shall come to pass also that the remnants who are left of the land [native American Indians] will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation [which began with the Sioux Uprising of 1862]." This manuscript prophecy, is first published in the 1851 edition of the Pearl of Great Price.
[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]
[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]
60 years ago today - Wed Dec 24, 1952
[David O. McKay Office Journal] The First Presidency met with the Executive Committee of the Board of Education--Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Marion G. Romney, Adam S. Bennion, and Franklin L. West--I said that the First Presidency had learned from one or two sources, seminary teachers and others, that they are not to use any books that we have in the libraries. Pres. Smith said the Committee had given instructions against the use of certain books and some of these books were considered before the Board several years ago. After some discussion it was decided that the correspondence that has gone out to Seminary teachers on this matter should be examined and if erroneous impressions are going out, as they seem to be, they should be corrected.
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
70 years ago today - Dec 24, 1942
[George F. Richards diary, Dec. 24, 1942] I obtained permission of Pres[ident] [Heber J.] Grant to see him at his home. I found him in bed and his condition seemed worse than I had expected to find. I gave him a blessing, and recommended that he issue recommends to all the General Authorities and their wives who have not received their second blessings and give it [to] them for Christmas which he approved and authorized[,] also approved Stephen L. Chipman & Wife whom I recommended. I reported to Joseph Anderson, who had recommends made. These I took to the President and he signed them. I returned the signed recommends to Joseph Anderson, the President's Secretary, for distribution. I feel that this day's accomplishment has been inspired and is a wonderful accomplishment. May the Lord be praised for ever. This is one of the most happy days of my life. I am sure it will endure over Christmas.
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
110 years ago today - Dec 24, 1902
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Begins to use the title Elder instead of Apostle.
[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
120 years ago today - Dec 24, 1892
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] This is a red letter day. Received a letter from Liverpool which contained a cablegram from Utah as follows; "Inditements against you all dismissed," /f/ Woodruff. "Thank God & my brethren."
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Dec 24, 1842
[Joseph Smith Diary] In reply to the question, "Do you want a wicked man to pray for you?" [Joseph answered,] "Yes, if the fervent, effectual prayer of the righteous availeth much, a wicked man may avail a little when praying for a righteous man. There is none good but one. The better a man is the more his prayer will prevail like the publican and pharisee, one was justified rather than the other showing that both were justified in a degree. The prayer of the wicked man may do a righteous man good when it does the one who prays no good."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
175 years ago today - Dec 24, 1837
Marriage of Hyrum Smith and Mary Fielding, Kirtland, Ohio. [Father of Joseph F. Smith]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, Salt Lake City, Utah]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, Salt Lake City, Utah]
175 years ago today - 1837 December [24-31]
[Assistant President John Smith:] I called the [Kirtland] High Council together last week and laid before them the case of dissenters, 28 persons were, upon mature discussion cut off from the Church. ... We have cut off between 40 and 50 from the Church since you left. Thus you will see the Church has taken a mighty pruning and we think she will rise in the greatness of her strength, and I rejoice, for the Lord is good and He will cut his work short in righteousness. ... I will rejoice for the Lord will purify His Church.
[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
65 years ago today - Dec 23, 1947
[Frank Evans] President David O. McKay and Edwin G. Woolley, Jr., Treasurer of the Layton Sugar Company, came in and signed a note to the First Presidency for $100,000 loan. President McKay repeated that it had all been arranged with President Smith and President Clark.
[Source: Frank Evans, Diary]
[Source: Frank Evans, Diary]
1912., 100 years ago this year.
Language in the temple endowments that bound Saints to pray for divine revenge for the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum was toned down.
[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.291]
[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.291]
165 years ago today - Dec 23, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] [On birthday of Joseph Smith]... they have succeeded in killing our Prophet and Patriarch - it has rolled faster in the last three years, than any three years since the foundation of the work - Joseph Smith could not get to see above a lawyer or a doctor and now the President of the United States thinks himself honored to wait on our elders - the Lord is at the helm and I have got to do as the Lord tells me in the Old Ship Zion - it is perfectly right to dance, but it is very wicked to sin - I council this people not to go to the dance tomorrow at the point that is getting up by the soldiers there it is our council to all to stay away - if you want to dance, dance on this floor before Father Allred - I would not go there and dance - God forbid - but I would come and dance with you.
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
175 years ago today - Dec 23, 1837
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 23 I Preached at Mr John M Sullers. The Power of God rested upon me. I spoke in tongues & Interpeted & some cryed aloud & one wished to be baptized. <Spent the night. Distance> 2 m.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
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://bit.ly/ldshst
175 years ago today - 1837 22 Dec.
Armed dissenters seized the Kirtland Temple and forced Apostle Brigham Young to flee for his life. Young had been acting as self-appointed bodyguard for Joseph Smith.
[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]
[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]
70 years ago today - Dec 22, 1942
Clean-up campaign for all L.D.S. Church property-- The opening sentence of this letter of instructions calling for a clean-up campaign of all L.D.S. Church-owned property makes reference to "recent fires in the East with resulting large casualty lists." The Coconut Grove dance hall in Boston, Massachusetts, had burned on November 28, 1942, with 492 casualities. Church properties were to be checked for fire hazards to prevent such loss of life and property damage. {1942-December 22-Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
170 years ago today - Dec 22, 1842
[Joseph Smith Diary] 22nd Heard his correspondence with Gov[ernor] Carlin as prepared for Gen[eral] Bennet. Recited in German to Elder Hyde.
Bro[ther] Shearer asked the meaning of the little leaven in 3 measures of meal. Joseph said, "It alludes expressly to the last days when there should be little faith on the earth and it leaven the whole world. Thare shall be safity [safety] in Zion and Jerusalem and the remnants whom the Lord shall call. It refers to the Priesthood. Truth springing up on a fix[e]d principle. Three measures refers to the 3 in the grand Presidency, confining the oracles to a certain head on the principle of 3."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Bro[ther] Shearer asked the meaning of the little leaven in 3 measures of meal. Joseph said, "It alludes expressly to the last days when there should be little faith on the earth and it leaven the whole world. Thare shall be safity [safety] in Zion and Jerusalem and the remnants whom the Lord shall call. It refers to the Priesthood. Truth springing up on a fix[e]d principle. Three measures refers to the 3 in the grand Presidency, confining the oracles to a certain head on the principle of 3."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1842-43, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
120 years ago today - Dec 21, 1892
[Francis M. Lyman] [Following the dismissal in district court of the indictments against Brigham Young Jr. and George Teasdale:] Now all the General Authorities of the Church are once more free men. We have been sifted now for nearly ten years and it is refreshing to be able to breathe free again.
[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
120 years ago today - Dec 21, 1892
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] At 2 o'clock I went with Father to attend the funeral of Wm. H. Shearman at his residence. He has been sick for some time, and died quite suddenly on Monday last. In fact there are some suspicions that he hastened his own death by taking an overdose of morphine or some other drug. He was a member of the Church when he died, and held the office of a Seventy, but his folks are all out of the Church, and they had [an] Episcopal service held over his remains; nor did they allow him to be buried in his Temple robes though he had prepared them only the week before his death. He fell from the Church at the time of the Godbeite movement, but soon repented his folly and was rebaptized. He was a very liberal man, and the day of his death I received from him a letter containing the amount of over $150 in a note of Godbe-Pitts Drug Co., payable in 60 days, to be applied on a donation to the temple in this city.
[Source: Diary of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
160 years ago today - Dec 21, 1852
In Washington, D.C., Elder Orson Pratt publishes the first issues of The Seer, a Church newspaper.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
165 years ago today - Dec 21, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] A man by seeking that which did not belong to him would loose that which he seemeth to have as in this case of Br. Andrews, who by unlawfully marrying this woman, is now left without any wife. There is no elder in this Church who has any right to marry a woman to a man who has a living wife. Many men act like fools as soon as they get an idea that women should obey their husbands and be passive in their hands. They will go to the woods and get a bundle of sticks and commence whipping their wives to make them obey them. In the first place a husband should be a righteous man, a man of God, and rule his household in righteousness and govern his wife with kindness and love and not with a rod, club, or his fist. ...
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
1812, 200 years ago this year.
Joseph Smith, Sr. has his second vision, in which he saw a barren field representing the desolate world, a "narrow path", a stream with a rope running along its bank leading to a beautiful tree bearing a fruit whiter than snow that was "delicious beyond description. While eating, he thought "I cannot eat this alone, I must bring my wife and children, that they may partake with me." Thus, he brought his family to eat the fruit. However, there was a "spacious building" across the valley where the tree was, filed with finely-dressed people looking down and mocking Smith's family. Smith's spirit guide said that the fruit represented "the pure love of Christ". The guide said that the spacious building represented "Babylon, and it must fall". .
[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
40 years ago today - Dec 20, 1972
The Church organizes the Church Music Department, with O. Leslie Stone as managing director.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
120 years ago today - Dec 20, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Dec 20 1892 President Cannon & I went to the Temple and had a talk with the Architect Carloss Young. He disigreed with us as the Presidency of the Church in the finishing of the Temple. I think his Conversation to us was vary unchristian like.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 20, 1892 (Tuesday)
In the First District Court, Provo, [Polygamist] Eli A. Day was sentenced to one month's imprisonment, for "adultery."
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - 1842 20 Dec.
[Joseph Smith] Lorenzo D. Barnes is the first Mormon to die on a foreign mission.
[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]
[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]
1712, 300 years ago.
Cotton Mather wrote the Royal Society that Mastodon bones at Claverack (on the Hudson River) provided evidence of a race of "antediluvian GIANTS" who walked with their heads in the clouds, called "Nephilim" in the Jewish tradition.
[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.163]
[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.163]
5 years ago today - Dec 19, 2007
Two hundred graduating students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii were urged today to use the Internet including blogs and other forms of new media to contribute to a national conversation about 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]
[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 - Dec 19, 1892
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Had two fat cows slaughtered for beef for the family.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Monday, Dec 19, 1892
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] on train to Manassa
I spent the day reading in the Life of Napoleon Bonaparte by Burrenne.
[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]
I spent the day reading in the Life of Napoleon Bonaparte by Burrenne.
[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]
150 years ago today - Dec 19, 1862 (Friday)
Elder Gustav Pegua, who labored as a missionary in Hamburg, Germany, was arrested and the following day banished from that city.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - 19 December 1842, Monday
[William Clayton Writings] The prophet had no intention of defaulting, but the pressures became so great that he finally decided to take advantage of the new Bankruptcy Act of 1841 and file for discharge, still planning to make full payment of all his debts when he was able.
At first Justin Butterfield opposed such action, partly because of Joseph's responsibilities as trustee-in-trust for the church. Shortly after Joseph's delegation arrived in Springfield, however, Hyrum Smith was actually discharged in bankruptcy and Butterfield himself consented to an ``arrangement'' whereby Joseph also could be discharged. So confident was Willam Clayton of the outcome that he wrote in his diary on his way home that ``there is now nothing to prevent pres. Joseph discharge in Bankruptcy.''
[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]
At first Justin Butterfield opposed such action, partly because of Joseph's responsibilities as trustee-in-trust for the church. Shortly after Joseph's delegation arrived in Springfield, however, Hyrum Smith was actually discharged in bankruptcy and Butterfield himself consented to an ``arrangement'' whereby Joseph also could be discharged. So confident was Willam Clayton of the outcome that he wrote in his diary on his way home that ``there is now nothing to prevent pres. Joseph discharge in Bankruptcy.''
[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]
100 years ago today - Dec 18, 1912; Wednesday
Many of the committee meetings at which I have been in attendance lately have been incident too consideration of articles submitted for examination, said articles having been written in reply to Bishop F[ranklin]. S. Spalding of the Episcopal Church, whose attack on the genuineness of Joseph Smith, Jr., as a translator, has aroused much interest and attention.
About two weeks ago there issued from a local printing establishment a booklet of 31 pages entitled:
"JOSEPH SMITH, JR.,
AS A TRANSLATOR.
An Inquiry conducted
By
R[igh]t. Rev[erend]. F[ranklin]. S. Spalding, D.D.,
Bishop of Utah.
With the kind assistance of capable scholars."
This is one of the efforts for which the R[igh]t. Rev[erend]. F[ranklin]. S. Spalding, D.D., has already become noted, said efforts having for their purpose the destruction of the faith of the young Latter-day Saints. The Bishop sets forth the proposition that the genuineness of "Mormonism" can properly be tested on the basis of the question, "Was Joseph Smith a true translator?" -- Inasmuch as the original characters from which the Book of Mormon was translated are not now accessible, the Bishop turns to the three plates called fac-similies appearing in the Book of Abraham, now incooperated in the Pearl of Great Price. He presents letters from eight orientalists or Egyptologists all of whom say that the explanation of these cuts given by Joseph Smith is wrong. Strange to say no two of them agree between themselves on all points. Moreover there is nothing new in Bishop Spalding's attack inasmuch as investigations of this kind have been made by our own people on earlier occasions, notably, 1903. I shall not attempt a discussion of the subject here. A number of replies to Bishop Spalding have already been written and clippings embodying these are preserved in my files. A point of seeming importance is that the oriental scholars whose opinions are quoted by Bishop Spalding all say that fac-simile #3, as it appears in the Pearl of Great Price, is a scene found in the "Book of the Dead" and that representations of this scene are common in the documents found with the mummies of Egypt. This would seem rather to be a argument in favor of the genuineness of the Book of Abraham pictures than otherwise. It is stated, however, that such representations were not common in Abraham's day and really date from a time 500 to 1000 years after [A]braham. This again fails as evidence against the genuineness of the original records as writings of Abraham. From the present state of our knowledge it would appear as probable that the
writing of Abraham constitute the original from which afterward arose the many and somewhat varied accounts and representations familiar to students of the Book of the Dead.
Among those who have replied to Bishop Spalding, each one writing from a different point of view are Elder B. H. Roberts, whose article appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune of Sunday; Elder J[anne]. M. Sjodahl, Editor of the Deseret news, whose article appears in today's news; and Dr. Fred J. Pack, whose article is to appear in the Christmas News to be issued on the 21st.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
About two weeks ago there issued from a local printing establishment a booklet of 31 pages entitled:
"JOSEPH SMITH, JR.,
AS A TRANSLATOR.
An Inquiry conducted
By
R[igh]t. Rev[erend]. F[ranklin]. S. Spalding, D.D.,
Bishop of Utah.
With the kind assistance of capable scholars."
This is one of the efforts for which the R[igh]t. Rev[erend]. F[ranklin]. S. Spalding, D.D., has already become noted, said efforts having for their purpose the destruction of the faith of the young Latter-day Saints. The Bishop sets forth the proposition that the genuineness of "Mormonism" can properly be tested on the basis of the question, "Was Joseph Smith a true translator?" -- Inasmuch as the original characters from which the Book of Mormon was translated are not now accessible, the Bishop turns to the three plates called fac-similies appearing in the Book of Abraham, now incooperated in the Pearl of Great Price. He presents letters from eight orientalists or Egyptologists all of whom say that the explanation of these cuts given by Joseph Smith is wrong. Strange to say no two of them agree between themselves on all points. Moreover there is nothing new in Bishop Spalding's attack inasmuch as investigations of this kind have been made by our own people on earlier occasions, notably, 1903. I shall not attempt a discussion of the subject here. A number of replies to Bishop Spalding have already been written and clippings embodying these are preserved in my files. A point of seeming importance is that the oriental scholars whose opinions are quoted by Bishop Spalding all say that fac-simile #3, as it appears in the Pearl of Great Price, is a scene found in the "Book of the Dead" and that representations of this scene are common in the documents found with the mummies of Egypt. This would seem rather to be a argument in favor of the genuineness of the Book of Abraham pictures than otherwise. It is stated, however, that such representations were not common in Abraham's day and really date from a time 500 to 1000 years after [A]braham. This again fails as evidence against the genuineness of the original records as writings of Abraham. From the present state of our knowledge it would appear as probable that the
writing of Abraham constitute the original from which afterward arose the many and somewhat varied accounts and representations familiar to students of the Book of the Dead.
Among those who have replied to Bishop Spalding, each one writing from a different point of view are Elder B. H. Roberts, whose article appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune of Sunday; Elder J[anne]. M. Sjodahl, Editor of the Deseret news, whose article appears in today's news; and Dr. Fred J. Pack, whose article is to appear in the Christmas News to be issued on the 21st.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
130 years ago today - Dec 18, 1882
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] We visited the Temple. It was Beautiful. The outside was Painted with sumthing like the Cream Color. It took 15,000 lbs of white Lead to paint it & the Material Cost $2,000. The font was in its place. We decided upon the Plan of the Stands. The Cornish of the main upper room Spans 10 feet.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 18, 1852
[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday 18 Dec 1852. Hunting my mare. Not very well.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
165 years ago today - Dec 18, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] The law of God in tithing is binding on this Church, without any alteration, and the people will be tithed on the coming of Jesus.
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
180 years ago today - Dec 18, 1832
Oliver Cowdery married Elizabeth Ann Whitmer, daughter of Peter Whitmer, Sr., in , , MO.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Oliver Cowdery Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/Cdychrn1.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Oliver Cowdery Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/Cdychrn1.htm]
100 years ago today - Dec 17, 1912
... that Miles A. Romney be permitted to regain his standing in the Church by baptism, he having been excommunicated for marrying a plural wife contrary to the rule of the Church, was considered at our council meeting on Thursday last. In the course of its consideration it was explained by Brother [Anthony W.] Ivins that Brother Romney claims to have married the woman in Mexico and lived with her as his with before he brought her to the temple to have her sealed to him, and that this circumstance is pleaded in mitigation of the offense. While we have no reason to doubt the word of Brother Romney, we do not see how he can consistently expect us to believe him without evidence going to support his claims in this regard, and it became the sense of the council therefore that his request be not granted until at least he shall satisfy the proper authority that he was married before the sealing ordinance was performed in the temple, and that he do this by divulging the name of the party who performed the marriage ceremony in his behalf, and date of marriage.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Junius Romney]
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Junius Romney]
120 years ago today - Dec 17, 1892
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] At my Quorum meeting on Thursday the brethren were told that our success in the Church suits was in a great measure due to the fact that we have a partner of Justice [Stephen J.] Field of the Supreme Court of the United States in our employ, who is to receive a percentage of the money if the suits go in our favor, and the property is returned to us.
[Source: Diary of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
170 years ago today - Dec 17, 1842
Edison Wipple writes "there have been hundreds baptized in the font and in the river for their health and in every case it has proved useful."
[Source: Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]
[Source: Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]
175 years ago today - Dec 17, 1837
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] I spent the night at Br Ames & had an interesting time in the evening I blessed two children, & I spake in tongues & interpeted & Prophesy'd & we rejoiced.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 16, 1892
[James E. Talmage] On the train en route to Ogden, I had a long and interesting conversation with Apostle Lorenzo Snow, President of the Quorum of the Twelve. He spoke to me at length concerning the Church School Cause, and encouraged me in my labors in the same. Then, taking me by the hand, he pronounced over me words of counsel, and blessing, and that too by the spirit of prophecy; for so he declared to me; and so the testimony in my own heart bore record. As soon as possible,-within a quarter of an hour after the interview closed, I wrote down, as fully as I could remember, the sentiments he expressed. Said he, "I do not know exactly why, but I feel, and have always felt a deep interest in you. I want you to feel encouraged in your labors; and to cultivate a love for life and a desire to live, for I tell you, you shall live till you are satisfied with life; and if you so desire till you are a very old man. You shall attain to the very highest pinnacle of fame, that your heart may aspire toward; and you shall reach a position which very few men in the church will attain. The Lord has wondrously blessed you; you are endowed with talents many and great,-endowments for which many men would give a fortune of millions of dollars; and if you will continue to cultivate a spirit of humility, and fail not to give to God the glory for your successes, achieved through His favor, you shall be blessed of God, more and more; and your heart shall be filled with blessings indescribable.
You are called to fulfill a mission of rare and great importance in the Church, and the Lord will assist you".
I was deeply affected at his words; and I asked of him as a favor to offer criticism and instruction whenever he saw me wandering from the track of the Gospel, for I have seen so many men, highly favored of God, fall away through pride and arrogance. To this President Snow replied,-"Brother Talmage, I will do so, but I prophecy to you, as Joseph Smith prophesied to me once,-though your weaknesses may be many, and your failings not a few, yet the Lord will not permit you to live to wander entirely from the path of right. God bless you, and you shall be blessed".
Oh! how can my heart contain the blessings of my Father! God grant me power to live for them and to resist the temptations that come in my path.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
You are called to fulfill a mission of rare and great importance in the Church, and the Lord will assist you".
I was deeply affected at his words; and I asked of him as a favor to offer criticism and instruction whenever he saw me wandering from the track of the Gospel, for I have seen so many men, highly favored of God, fall away through pride and arrogance. To this President Snow replied,-"Brother Talmage, I will do so, but I prophecy to you, as Joseph Smith prophesied to me once,-though your weaknesses may be many, and your failings not a few, yet the Lord will not permit you to live to wander entirely from the path of right. God bless you, and you shall be blessed".
Oh! how can my heart contain the blessings of my Father! God grant me power to live for them and to resist the temptations that come in my path.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
120 years ago today - Friday, Dec 16, 1892
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
Sarah and I went to the Theatre to see Much Ado about Nothing.
[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]
Sarah and I went to the Theatre to see Much Ado about Nothing.
[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]
170 years ago today - 16 December 1842, Friday
[William Clayton Writings] The proposition of the high council for payment of the judgment against Joseph Smith, Henry W. Miller, George Miller, and Hyrum Smith by the United States was that a bond would be signed to cover the sum of $5212.49 1/2 by responsible individuals in four equal annual installments with interest and to secure the payment of the bond by mortgage of Illinois real estate worth double the amount of the debt.
[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]
[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]
20 years ago today - Dec 15, 1992
A gospel literacy effort sponsored by the Relief Society to help increase literacy throughout the Church was announced in a letter from the First Presidency to priesthood and Relief Society leaders.
[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]
[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]
5 years ago today - Dec 15, 2007
Elder M. Russell Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and head of the LDS Public Affairs Committee, delivers speech at Brigham Young Universityâ€"Hawaii urging members to participate in Internet conversations about the church, and to use new media to share the gospel and support the work of the church. (He delivers similar message several times within the next several months at BYU-Idaho, to the BYU Management Society in Washington, D.C., and in the Ensign.)
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
175 years ago today - mid Dec 1837
The printing office at Kirtland was destroyed by fire at about this time, and publication of the Elders' Journal ceased there.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
40 years ago today - Dec 14, 1972
[Harold B. Lee] International Mission of the Church organized.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, Salt Lake City, Utah]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, Salt Lake City, Utah]
130 years ago today - Dec 14, 1882
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14 I received 3 letter from Lot Smith and C[lark/hurch?] Allen Foster. The following is an extract from Br Fosters letter:
We had a vary interesting report from Br C L Christiansen about the spirit that is working among the Lamanites of Late. He said there was one of the Lamanites that had been visited four different times And the Messenger gave him much valuable instruction and told him that the Mormons were their true friends and that they must listen to their teachings for they were their Brethren and would do them good and tell them what to do. That they had the History of your fathers forefathers.
On one occasion he was shown a large pile of Records and it was told him to Chuse one Book. He told the Messenger He Could not read but reached over and took one Book, and said He would Chuse that one. The Messenger said that was the right one for that was the one that The record of their forefathers that the Mormons had.
At another time He was Shown the Indians & the Mormons and the Devil between them like a great Big Ox or Bull. He was looking, pawing and Bellowing trying to keep the Mormons from the Indians but he Could not do it, for he saw the Mormons and Indians all together and all living as one people. He also saw them rise above their Enemies.
It is plain to be seen that there is a good spirit at work with the Lamanites for when they Come around they show it and it is growing in them. They say that they know that there is a Better spirit with the Mormons than with the Americans. They say they do not hear the Mormons sware and get Drunk and fight and abuse them as the Americans do. There is a good Many more of them visiting us than usual.
I dedicated the Prayer Circle room at Kayesvill on Sunday Dec 10.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We had a vary interesting report from Br C L Christiansen about the spirit that is working among the Lamanites of Late. He said there was one of the Lamanites that had been visited four different times And the Messenger gave him much valuable instruction and told him that the Mormons were their true friends and that they must listen to their teachings for they were their Brethren and would do them good and tell them what to do. That they had the History of your fathers forefathers.
On one occasion he was shown a large pile of Records and it was told him to Chuse one Book. He told the Messenger He Could not read but reached over and took one Book, and said He would Chuse that one. The Messenger said that was the right one for that was the one that The record of their forefathers that the Mormons had.
At another time He was Shown the Indians & the Mormons and the Devil between them like a great Big Ox or Bull. He was looking, pawing and Bellowing trying to keep the Mormons from the Indians but he Could not do it, for he saw the Mormons and Indians all together and all living as one people. He also saw them rise above their Enemies.
It is plain to be seen that there is a good spirit at work with the Lamanites for when they Come around they show it and it is growing in them. They say that they know that there is a Better spirit with the Mormons than with the Americans. They say they do not hear the Mormons sware and get Drunk and fight and abuse them as the Americans do. There is a good Many more of them visiting us than usual.
I dedicated the Prayer Circle room at Kayesvill on Sunday Dec 10.
[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 - Dec 14, 1842
[Joseph Smith] Joseph sends a delegation to Springfield. They call on Gov. Ford to present an affidavit from Joseph. Ford, who interprets the law much more literally than his predecessor, Gov. Carlin, states that in his interpretation the writ against Joseph by Carlin is illegal. Joseph, feeling he can trust Ford not to extradite him (as Carlin had tried to do), now feels free to come out of hiding.
Clayton described Governor Ford as "a very small man apparently weighing about 110 lbs." He added, "The Govr appeared friendly and we think we shall succeed in obtaining a countermand of the writ &c."
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; 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]
Clayton described Governor Ford as "a very small man apparently weighing about 110 lbs." He added, "The Govr appeared friendly and we think we shall succeed in obtaining a countermand of the writ &c."
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; 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]
5 years ago today - Dec 13, 2007
The American Red Cross announced that through the combined efforts of many organizations, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, measles deaths in Africa have dropped 91 percent.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
115 years ago today - Dec 13, 1897; Monday
I find that many of my brethren condone what I said in defense of overloaded tax payers. I Condemn High Schools as a public charge. District free schools are sufficient tax upon us. George Gibbs said to me that some one had said that, it was my opposition which caused the Gentiles to rally to a man and elect their entire ticket. I am glad of it and hope that their union will show the saints where their saf[e]ty lies. God hasten the [day] when "My sheep Know my voice & a stranger they will not follow."
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
175 years ago today - Dec 13, 1837
[Patriarchal Blessings] Patriarchal Blessing of Noah Packard given by Joseph Smith, Sr. on December 13, 1837
At a blessing Meeting held at the Lord[']s House in Kirtland on the thirteenth day of December A.D. 1837 by Joseph Smith Sen. the Patriarch of the Church of Latter day Saints. A Patriarchal blessing was pronounced upon the head of Noah Packard son of Noah Packard who was born in Plainfield Hampshire County and State of Massachusetts on the 7th day of May in the year of our Lord 1796 *
Brother Packard by the authority of mine office and in the name of the Lord even Jesus Christ of Nazareth I lay my hands upon thy head a second time to seal and confirm upon the[e] a Father[']s blessing a blessing that shall not be taken from the[e]; Thou art determined and hast covena[]ted in thine heart to be a man of God; and and hast continued to stand firm until Now: Thou hast consecrated thine all to the Lord and thy Heavenly Father hath taken cognizance of it and thou shalt receive an hundred fold twice told Thine enemies have taken thy property from the[e]; but they shall not have power to harm the[e] for the Lord will bless the[e] and thou shalt have the riches of the Earth The destroyer shall not have power over the[e] to take thy life because of the sealing power, Thou shalt not fall away from the truth but shall become Great in the Earth, for many shall rise up against the[e] to destroy the[e]. but they shall be smitten to the ground before the[e] and the arm that is lifted against against the[e] shall be palsied; the tongue of slander shall not sucsed [succeed] against the[e]: They shall beset the[e] with mobs but thou shalt get the victory over all things.
God will give the[e] the powers of the Priesthood. Thou shalt have power over Prisons; for if thou art cast into Prisons, their walls shall be wrent [rent] that the Glory of God may appear in thy deliverance from their Dungeons; for God shall give the[e] great power, nothing shall be withheld from the[e]. Through thine adminesration [administration] the sick shall be healed the lame shall lea[p] as an heart [hart] and the blind shall see, for thou shalt be blessed because thou hast received the truth Thou shalt have power to rais[e] the dead Mothers shall rejoice, having their children raised from the dead, and presented to them. Thy children shall be blest from Generation to generation as long as the Earth shall stand: for thou art of the covenant seed even that seed which the Lord God delights to bless for thou art of the house and lin[e]age of Joseph the son of Jacob. Thou art one of the horns of Joseph and shall assist in pushing the people together to the ends of the Earth
Thou shalt do a mighty work in the Earth and shall be made instrumental in the salvation of many souls and lead them to Zion Thou and thy seed shall have an inheritance in Zion and shall see the Glory of God. Thou shalt stand when the Earth shall real to and fro like a drunken man. yea in that day when God shall bring forth all his saints; and if thou desirest it with all thy heart thou shalt have have power as Elijah, to waft thy self to Heaven thou shalt not sleep in the dust for God looks upon the[e] and loves the[e]. The Angel of his presents [presence] shall watch over the[e] and thou shalt stand in the flesh upon Mount Zion with the hundred forty and four thousand and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Thou shalt stand as the saviour of many souls on Mount Zion, and they shall rejoice in the presence of the lamb. This is thy blessing and thou shall see it all fullfilled. Thou shalt have all the righteous desires of thy heart. And I seal this blessing upon thy head and I seal the[e] up unto Eternal life, in the name of Jesus Christ even so Amen
G. W. Robinson, Clerk & recorder [Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:135-136]
[Source: Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
At a blessing Meeting held at the Lord[']s House in Kirtland on the thirteenth day of December A.D. 1837 by Joseph Smith Sen. the Patriarch of the Church of Latter day Saints. A Patriarchal blessing was pronounced upon the head of Noah Packard son of Noah Packard who was born in Plainfield Hampshire County and State of Massachusetts on the 7th day of May in the year of our Lord 1796 *
Brother Packard by the authority of mine office and in the name of the Lord even Jesus Christ of Nazareth I lay my hands upon thy head a second time to seal and confirm upon the[e] a Father[']s blessing a blessing that shall not be taken from the[e]; Thou art determined and hast covena[]ted in thine heart to be a man of God; and and hast continued to stand firm until Now: Thou hast consecrated thine all to the Lord and thy Heavenly Father hath taken cognizance of it and thou shalt receive an hundred fold twice told Thine enemies have taken thy property from the[e]; but they shall not have power to harm the[e] for the Lord will bless the[e] and thou shalt have the riches of the Earth The destroyer shall not have power over the[e] to take thy life because of the sealing power, Thou shalt not fall away from the truth but shall become Great in the Earth, for many shall rise up against the[e] to destroy the[e]. but they shall be smitten to the ground before the[e] and the arm that is lifted against against the[e] shall be palsied; the tongue of slander shall not sucsed [succeed] against the[e]: They shall beset the[e] with mobs but thou shalt get the victory over all things.
God will give the[e] the powers of the Priesthood. Thou shalt have power over Prisons; for if thou art cast into Prisons, their walls shall be wrent [rent] that the Glory of God may appear in thy deliverance from their Dungeons; for God shall give the[e] great power, nothing shall be withheld from the[e]. Through thine adminesration [administration] the sick shall be healed the lame shall lea[p] as an heart [hart] and the blind shall see, for thou shalt be blessed because thou hast received the truth Thou shalt have power to rais[e] the dead Mothers shall rejoice, having their children raised from the dead, and presented to them. Thy children shall be blest from Generation to generation as long as the Earth shall stand: for thou art of the covenant seed even that seed which the Lord God delights to bless for thou art of the house and lin[e]age of Joseph the son of Jacob. Thou art one of the horns of Joseph and shall assist in pushing the people together to the ends of the Earth
Thou shalt do a mighty work in the Earth and shall be made instrumental in the salvation of many souls and lead them to Zion Thou and thy seed shall have an inheritance in Zion and shall see the Glory of God. Thou shalt stand when the Earth shall real to and fro like a drunken man. yea in that day when God shall bring forth all his saints; and if thou desirest it with all thy heart thou shalt have have power as Elijah, to waft thy self to Heaven thou shalt not sleep in the dust for God looks upon the[e] and loves the[e]. The Angel of his presents [presence] shall watch over the[e] and thou shalt stand in the flesh upon Mount Zion with the hundred forty and four thousand and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Thou shalt stand as the saviour of many souls on Mount Zion, and they shall rejoice in the presence of the lamb. This is thy blessing and thou shall see it all fullfilled. Thou shalt have all the righteous desires of thy heart. And I seal this blessing upon thy head and I seal the[e] up unto Eternal life, in the name of Jesus Christ even so Amen
G. W. Robinson, Clerk & recorder [Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:135-136]
[Source: Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
10 years ago today - Dec 12, 2002
By Peg McEntee
The Salt Lake Tribune
LDS Church Reaffirms No Proxy Baptisms of Jews
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirmed Wednesday it will not permit posthumous baptisms of any people known to be Jewish, including Holocaust victims, albeit with a minute number of exceptions.
The church's statement came a day after a meeting in New York with Ernest Michel, chairman of the American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Victims and himself a Holocaust survivor, to revisit a 1995 agreement discouraging Mormons from submitting the names of deceased Jews to the faith's enormous genealogical database.
According to the 1995 agreement, no deceased Jews, particularly those who perished in the Holocaust, would be the subjects of baptism by proxy, a Mormon temple ordinance intended to offer those in the spirit world the opportunity to embrace the LDS faith.
The exceptions are for Mormons whose direct ancestors were Jewish, or when the immediate family of a deceased Jew agrees to the baptism.
[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
The Salt Lake Tribune
LDS Church Reaffirms No Proxy Baptisms of Jews
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirmed Wednesday it will not permit posthumous baptisms of any people known to be Jewish, including Holocaust victims, albeit with a minute number of exceptions.
The church's statement came a day after a meeting in New York with Ernest Michel, chairman of the American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Victims and himself a Holocaust survivor, to revisit a 1995 agreement discouraging Mormons from submitting the names of deceased Jews to the faith's enormous genealogical database.
According to the 1995 agreement, no deceased Jews, particularly those who perished in the Holocaust, would be the subjects of baptism by proxy, a Mormon temple ordinance intended to offer those in the spirit world the opportunity to embrace the LDS faith.
The exceptions are for Mormons whose direct ancestors were Jewish, or when the immediate family of a deceased Jew agrees to the baptism.
[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
60 years ago today - Dec 12, 1952
[David O. McKay] I called Eldred Smith, Patriarch to the Church, and told him that Elder Spencer Kimball and Bishop LeGrand Richards have been appointed a committee to read patriarchal blessings given by him.
[Source: David O. McKay, Diary]
[Source: David O. McKay, Diary]
70 years ago today - Dec 12, 1942
The LDS book publisher Bookcraft is established. Its first publication is The Gospel Kingdom: Selections from the Writings and Discourses of John Taylor, selected, arranged, and annotated by G. Homer Durham.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
100 years ago today this year - 1912
[David O. McKay] After his call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1906, McKay continued as head of Weber Academy until 1908, then served on the institution's board of trustees until 1912.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: David O. McKay, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/m/MCKAY%2CDAVID.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: David O. McKay, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/m/MCKAY%2CDAVID.html]
10 years ago today - Dec 11, 2002
CNN.com
Mormons meet with Jews over baptizing Holocaust victims
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AP) -- Mormon and Jewish leaders met Tuesday in New York City to discuss the Mormon church's apparent breach of its agreement not to posthumously baptize Holocaust victims and other deceased Jews.
Independent researcher Helen Radkey has no doubt that holocaust victims have been posthumously baptized. [She] is certain the agreement has been broken. In her research of the church's extensive genealogical database, she found at least 20,000 Jews -- some of whom died in Nazi concentration camps -- were baptized after they died. Read more
[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
Mormons meet with Jews over baptizing Holocaust victims
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AP) -- Mormon and Jewish leaders met Tuesday in New York City to discuss the Mormon church's apparent breach of its agreement not to posthumously baptize Holocaust victims and other deceased Jews.
Independent researcher Helen Radkey has no doubt that holocaust victims have been posthumously baptized. [She] is certain the agreement has been broken. In her research of the church's extensive genealogical database, she found at least 20,000 Jews -- some of whom died in Nazi concentration camps -- were baptized after they died. Read more
[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
30 years ago today - Dec 11, 1982
Dr. Thomas E. and Donna Bauman, the first full-time missionaries to the Bahamas, arrive in that island country.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
120 years ago today - Dec 11, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11 Sunday I spent the day at home reading. It is Cold weather.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 10, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 10 I spent the day at home reading & Copying from my Journals. Emma is suffering a good Deal from a Cold on her Lungs.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Sunday, Dec 10, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Liverpool
... Bro. R. R. Anderson says that Bro. A. [Apostle Albert] Carrington cannot get within the neighborhood of a woman without fondling her and that the Houseskeeper was petted and fondled by him, and familiarities taken that brought disgrace upon the house untill the people across the way had threatened to mob the house. Bp. O. F. Whitney said he took her to London and that she just lorded it over every lady in the House. R. R. Anderson had warned the present Housekeeper against bro. Carrington. It was reported that the people over the way saw him laying upon her in the prayer room. The one that is gone to Utah.
[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]
... Bro. R. R. Anderson says that Bro. A. [Apostle Albert] Carrington cannot get within the neighborhood of a woman without fondling her and that the Houseskeeper was petted and fondled by him, and familiarities taken that brought disgrace upon the house untill the people across the way had threatened to mob the house. Bp. O. F. Whitney said he took her to London and that she just lorded it over every lady in the House. R. R. Anderson had warned the present Housekeeper against bro. Carrington. It was reported that the people over the way saw him laying upon her in the prayer room. The one that is gone to Utah.
[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]
150 years ago today - Dec 10,1862
[Utah] Deseret News reports that Church Historian's Office is displaying sample of tobacco crops grown in Provo during past summer.
[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]
[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]
150 years ago today - Dec 10, 1862
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Dec 10 We met in Joint Session in the lower room at 2 oclok Govornor Stephen S. Harding delivered his Message the most insulting document ever delivered to this assembly or any Legislative Body. It was received in silence. Col Cornor was introduced to the assembly after the Govornor left. The Joint assembly was dissolved & we met in our separate rooms.
There was considerable excitement in the Street in the Evening about the Govornors Message. Council adjourned to Meet on Friday at 1 oclok.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
There was considerable excitement in the Street in the Evening about the Govornors Message. Council adjourned to Meet on Friday at 1 oclok.
[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 - Dec 10, 1842
[Joseph Smith] William Smith resigns as editor of the Wasp, and John Taylor takes over.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
175 years ago today - Dec 10, 1837
Joseph Smith returns to Kirtland; writes that Warren Parrish, John F. Boynton, Luke S. Hohnson, Joseph Coe and other were united to overthrow him and intended to restore the Church's original name, "Church of Christ."
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
120 years ago today - Friday, Dec 9, 1892
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
I spent the day reading in the Federalist and taking notes for my lectures.
[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]
I spent the day reading in the Federalist and taking notes for my lectures.
[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]
120 years ago today - Dec 9, 1892
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [At party for Heber's fourth birthday; nine of his children are together for first time.] In the kind providences of the Lord I hope someday there will be family reunions where the brethren are in plural marriage, that cannot now be because of the laws preventing men from visiting their plural wives. ...
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Dec 9, 1882
Lucy Smith (sister of Joseph Smith) dies.
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
170 years ago today - 9 December 1842, Friday
[William Clayton Writings] On December 9 Clayton found himself one of a delegation of nine men leaving Nauvoo to visit the new chief executive in Springfield. Their task was to get Carlin's order for Joseph's arrest set aside.
[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]
[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]
170 years ago today - Dec 9, 1842
[Joseph Smith] Joseph chops wood all day. His brother Hyrum is still working on their application for bankruptcy. Joseph's brother William, having been elected as a representative of Hancock County, Ill., speaks in the state legislature in defense of the Nauvoo Charter.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
1 year ago - Dec 8, 2011
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments on whether the decision to strike down Proposition 8 should be overturned because Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker failed to recuse himself or disclose he was in a gay relationship.
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
70 years ago today - Dec 8, 1942
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] In the evening Winslow Farr Smith read to me an article from Coliers Magazine. It was a nasty dirty article and it reminded me of the days when I used to read dime novels. At first I felt like writing a letter to Colliers people expressing my contempt for their allowing such an article to be published and telling them I had the respect of the leading bankers of New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles, but I concluded it was not worth while paying any attention to it.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Dec 8, 1872 (Sunday)
Major J.W. Powell, chief of the Colorado Exploring Expedition, arrived in Salt Lake City, and reported that the exploration of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado was completed.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
140 years ago today - Dec 8, 1872
Brigham Young, 1872-12-08, marries (aged 71); Hannah Tapfield (1807-1886) (aged 65); married to non-Mormon Thomas O. King; Sealed to Brigham Young for eternity but remained living with husband King. Wife #55.
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
140 years ago today - Dec 8, 1872
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8 Sunday I met with my prayer Circle in the forenoon & was in the Endowment House at 1 oclok & administered the 2d Anointing. I met with the Twelve for prayer in the Evening & walked to the farm.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 8, 1842
Thomas Ford is inaugurated as governor of Illinois, replacing Gov. Carlin. During the elections the previous summer, the Whig candidate, Joseph Duncan, ran on a furiously anti-Mormon campaign, urging repeal of the Nauvoo charter and the Nauvoo Legion. Because of John C. Bennett's articles against Joseph Smith, the anti-Mormon feeling in the state had been rising. It was thought that the Democratic nominee, Adam Snyder, who had been friendly to the Saints, would lose the election. When Snyder died suddenly, the Democrats took the opportunity to choose a candidate from northern Illinois, Thomas Ford, who could honestly claim he was neither for nor against them. The Saints voted overwhelmingly for Thomas Ford and he was elected, although he made no special concessions to the Mormons. Ford's basic campaign promise was to improve the miserable economy of the state. During these elections the Saints were often accused of voting as a bloc, but as they saw it, when one candidate was devoutly against Mormonism, they had no choice.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
70 years ago today - Dec 7, 1942
Supplementary rations of automobile fuel for bishoprics and stake presidencies under government (O.P.A.) regulations
The citizens of the United States were under a system of fuel rationing designed to conserve energy fuel for the war effort. Ministers of the gospel could file applications with the O.P.A. (Office of Price Administration) for supplementary rations of automobile fuel. Instructions to Stake Presidencies and Bishoprics in the United States regarding Church policy on this matter. {1942-December 7-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
The citizens of the United States were under a system of fuel rationing designed to conserve energy fuel for the war effort. Ministers of the gospel could file applications with the O.P.A. (Office of Price Administration) for supplementary rations of automobile fuel. Instructions to Stake Presidencies and Bishoprics in the United States regarding Church policy on this matter. {1942-December 7-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
105 years ago today - Dec 7, 1907
Charles W. Nibley became presiding bishop and began implementing several financial changes, including a shift to an all-cash policy in collecting tithing.
[Source: Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550]
[Source: Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550]
120 years ago today - Dec 7, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 7 I met with Wm. F Cody Buffalo Bill and Company English & Major [M?]ild way of the Grenadiers Guards. ... Buffalo Bill and English Company they were vary much pleased with their visit to Salt Lake City. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 7, 1842
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 7 Elder O. Hide [Orson Hyde] returned to Nauvoo this day after being absent two years & a half on a mission to England Germany Asia Jerrusalem. He visited Mount Olivet &c. He was the first Elder of the church of Latter Day Saints that ever visited Jerru-salem.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - 1837 7 Dec.
[Joseph Smith] Bishop Edward Partridge and counselors officially define tithing as 2 percent of the net worth of each Mormon after deducting debts. An 1838 revelation would define tithing as a donation of all surplus property at conversion and a tenth of annual income thereafter. By 1843 the initial donation would be reduced to one-tenth of net worth. //[For a comprehensive look at tithing, see LDS-Church-History: http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/2010/09/lds-history-tithing.html]
[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]
[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]
20 years ago today - Dec 6, 1992
The Church reached a milestone of 20,000 wards and branches with the creation of the Harvest Park Ward in the Salt Lake Granger South Stake.
[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]
[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]
130 years ago today - Dec 6, 1882
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Dec 6 1882 I received a vary interesting letter from Brother Christian Lingo Christianson the Indian Interpeter of Moan Coppy. He had Baptized 27 Lamanites of late and Messengers had appeared to one of them a lame Man and told him there soon would be a great war all over the Land Except in Zion. Said they must all be Baptized and work with the Mormons. Said there would soon be a great famine. There would be a good Crops with the Mormons for three years then times would be worse & worse throughout the Land.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - 1837: 6 December
[Patriarchal Blessings] Luman Andros Shurtliff. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.)
"On the sixth of December, 1837, my wife and myself met at a blessing meeting in the Temple where I received a Patriarchal Blessing.
When the Patriarch took his hands off my head and stepped back, he turned to me and said, 'Brother Shurtliff, how do you expect to go to your field of labor?' I replied, 'I do not know.' 'I will tell you, you will baptize a sea captain and he will carry you to the uttermost parts of the earth. We had an interesting time and after the meeting was over I made the Patriarch a present of four or five dollars with which he was well pleased." [In his blessing he is told "Thou shall be able to circumscribe the Earth and understand its Formation"]
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies, From typescript; "Life of Luman Andros Shurtliff," p. 27.]
"On the sixth of December, 1837, my wife and myself met at a blessing meeting in the Temple where I received a Patriarchal Blessing.
When the Patriarch took his hands off my head and stepped back, he turned to me and said, 'Brother Shurtliff, how do you expect to go to your field of labor?' I replied, 'I do not know.' 'I will tell you, you will baptize a sea captain and he will carry you to the uttermost parts of the earth. We had an interesting time and after the meeting was over I made the Patriarch a present of four or five dollars with which he was well pleased." [In his blessing he is told "Thou shall be able to circumscribe the Earth and understand its Formation"]
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies, From typescript; "Life of Luman Andros Shurtliff," p. 27.]
175 years ago today - Dec 6, 1837
Far West high council and bishop's council vote to pay themselves and recorders for services and reimburse Bishop Partridge expenses he incurred defending the church during the Jackson County episode.
[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
180 years ago today - Dec 6, 1832
D&C 86 (Kirtland): Parable of the apostasy. The Lord is sending out the word now and blades begin sprout. Angels want to harvest but the Lord restrains them until the harvest is fully ready. The priesthood came down through history in the Prophet's ancestors, hidden from the world. Joseph is to restore all and be a savior to the world.
The Mormons still profess to talk with angels, visit the third heaven, and converse with Christ face to face.--Their form of baptism is changed to "I, John the Messenger, baptize thee" &c. The gift of imparting the Holy Ghost is yet professed.
[Joseph Smith Diary] December 6th Translating and received a revelation explaining the Parable [of] the wheat and the tears [tares] &c.
[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml; Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
The Mormons still profess to talk with angels, visit the third heaven, and converse with Christ face to face.--Their form of baptism is changed to "I, John the Messenger, baptize thee" &c. The gift of imparting the Holy Ghost is yet professed.
[Joseph Smith Diary] December 6th Translating and received a revelation explaining the Parable [of] the wheat and the tears [tares] &c.
[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml; Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
30 years ago today - Dec 5, 1982
First use of the satellite network beyond general conference for Churchwide youth fireside.
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
100 years ago today - Dec 5, 1912; Thursday
The following is a report of the regular meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of Twelve Apostles held this morning at the Temple at 10:30:
... Brother Talmage reported that the committee of which he is a member was engaged reading five chapters of the work on Mormonism which is being written for publication by Mr. J[ames]. E. Homans, and that the committee believed it was one of the strongest things ever written in favor of our people by an outsider. ......
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
... Brother Talmage reported that the committee of which he is a member was engaged reading five chapters of the work on Mormonism which is being written for publication by Mr. J[ames]. E. Homans, and that the committee believed it was one of the strongest things ever written in favor of our people by an outsider. ......
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Dec 5, 1882
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5 On the night of June 1, 1882 I Wilford Woodruff dreamed that a Messenger Came to me, and said that no person in the spirit world Could work upon, or preach any ordinance of the gospel to the spirits in Prision that had not been Dedicated upon An Altar by some one having the Priesthood on Earth. This of Course was a Dream.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 5, 1837
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5th I had an interesting interview with Mr Simeon Tylor aged 83. He was a Patriot of the revolution. He was in the battle at Bunker hill & the taking of General Gates & in other battles but was never wounded.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 5, 1837
[Patriarchal Blessings] Patriarchal Blessing of Roxanna Freeman given by Joseph Smith, Sr. on December 5, 1837...
Thou shalt be of the Covenant of Abraham - thou art of his blood - thou hast been united to Kindred blood - this is the reason why thou art blest and why Children are blest - thou dost belong to that blood which God delighted to own and bless - thy Children shall belong to the Covenant - that shall hear them Prophecy of the great things to come, some of them shall be seers - Thou hast left some of thy kindred flesh behind, thou shalt hear thy Children Prophecy on the day when thy distant friends shall come unto thee Covenant - Thou and thy Posterity shall be guests at that Portal which the Saviour shall preside, at his comeing -
If thou wilt exercise faith in God, and in his word, thou shalt stand in the flesh at that time - standing in the presence of the Holy ones - Yea with the sanctified ones on Mount Zion in the presence of the Lamb. I dont say unto thee Sister, but that thou mayest full- Yet thou shalt stand, in the flesh with thy Saviour, when he shall Preside at that great and last feast ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
Thou shalt be of the Covenant of Abraham - thou art of his blood - thou hast been united to Kindred blood - this is the reason why thou art blest and why Children are blest - thou dost belong to that blood which God delighted to own and bless - thy Children shall belong to the Covenant - that shall hear them Prophecy of the great things to come, some of them shall be seers - Thou hast left some of thy kindred flesh behind, thou shalt hear thy Children Prophecy on the day when thy distant friends shall come unto thee Covenant - Thou and thy Posterity shall be guests at that Portal which the Saviour shall preside, at his comeing -
If thou wilt exercise faith in God, and in his word, thou shalt stand in the flesh at that time - standing in the presence of the Holy ones - Yea with the sanctified ones on Mount Zion in the presence of the Lamb. I dont say unto thee Sister, but that thou mayest full- Yet thou shalt stand, in the flesh with thy Saviour, when he shall Preside at that great and last feast ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Dec 5, 1832
[Joseph Smith Diary] December 5th This day wrote let[t]ers, copying letters, and translating....
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
170 years ago today - 1842 4 Dec.
An anti-Mormon bounty-hunter in Keokuk, Iowa, reports to Missouri's governor Thomas Reynolds: "All of our efforts to seize the renegade Joseph Smith, have proved fruitless....He keeps constantly around him as body guard some 12 to 14 enthusiastic fanaticks which makes a secret approach impossible."
[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]
[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]
175 years ago today - Dec 4, 1837
[Heber C. Kimball] 4 Since that we have ben /going/ forth in to the world to preach the gospel to those that are willen to Recieve it; after this we agree[d] to gow forth. Joseph Felding went to the north and Orson [Hyde] went to the East and I went to the South and [the] furst time that I preached I baptise twelve and continued fore or five days and brother Hide came to me and we Remained together till we Return back to Preston.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
120 years ago today - Dec 4, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4 Sunday A snow Storm this morning. Clara & Bulah spent the day with us. I spent the time mostly reading.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 3, 1962
The first Spanish-speaking stake is created, in Mexico City
[Source: Madsen, Truman G., The Presidents of the Church]
[Source: Madsen, Truman G., The Presidents of the Church]
60 years ago today - Wed Dec 3, 1952
[David O. McKay Office Journal] [at presidency meeting] 2. I reported that Francis W. Kirkham recommends that Dr. Harvey Fletcher or Dr. Henry Eyring be commissioned by the Church to write a book on the place of science and religion in human life. The brethren felt that there are so many fundamental advances being made in science that it was questionable wisdom to have a book of that kind. I said that I had heard very fine reports of the good work Dr. Eyring is doing with young people in fireside and group meetings.
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
175 years ago today - Dec 3, 1837
[Heber C. Kimball] I got up and bore testamony to the congration and shock [shook] my garments before them and told them that my garments ware clean of blo[o]d. Thare was menny preas that ware thare at that time but had Rejected our testamony and cold [called] us evry thing but good and shoock thare fist at us and sisced [hissed] at us and gnashed thare theth at us and thretned us evry way that they could. The nex[t] day we felt by the Spirrite of the Lord that we would gow and wash our feet against them and that we would not have now [any] more to dow with [them] for we was clean of thare blod and that we would have now [no] more to dow [do] with them hare after; then we went and washed our feet and hands and shuck our garments against them and bore testamony to our Father who art in heaven.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
180 years ago today - 1832 3 Dec.
[Joseph Smith] First counselor Jesse Gause is excommunicated, the first general authority permanently removed from office.
[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]
[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]
5 years ago today - Dec 2, 2007
For the first time since the new Mormon Tabernacle Choir recording label was introduced, the Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square have a number one selling album!
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
20 years ago today - Dec 2, 1992.
Ronald Garff, of the Utah South Area, is instructed by his stake president, Leland Wright, to stop selling his popular series of videotapes, "Today through Armageddon," which dates the second coming of Christ near 6 April 2000. The lifelong member protests, "I'm not speaking for the church. I never have." Wright counters: "He quotes from the prophets, but his evaluations lead people to believe the ideas are from the church" and admits "put[ting] his membership on hold." Apparently the same day, church spokesman Don LeFevre issues a statement announcing that "disciplinary matters are . . . strictly between the individual and . . . local ecclesiastical leaders," stating that Elder Jeppsen "said he had never provided any such list," denying that high church officials are "sedating" Ezra Taft Benson, and denying that there has been "any increase in the number of people excommunicated from the Church."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
30 years ago today - Dec 2, 1982
[Spencer W. Kimball] Reorganizes the First Presidency, with President Marion G. Romney as First Counselor and President Gordon B. Hinckley as Second Counselor.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, Salt Lake City, Utah]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, Salt Lake City, Utah]
120 years ago today - Friday, Dec 2, 1892
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Manassa, Colorado
I spent the entire day reading and taking notes on the life of [Andrew] Hamilton.
[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]
I spent the entire day reading and taking notes on the life of [Andrew] Hamilton.
[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]
130 years ago today - Dec 2, 1882
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] We held a priesthood Meeting in the Evening. The House was full in the Lower part. Brigham Young spoke 30 M. W Woodruff spoke 30 M. The power of God rested upon me. I felt wraped in the visions of heaven. I never deliverd such a speech in my life. I never before saw the Priesthood in the same light. I do not know what I said But I know I spoke the truth. I was followed By Joseph F Smith who spoke 40 Minuts. We were all Clothed with the power of God and Strong testimony was Delivered.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Dec 1, 1842
Jonathan Holmes polygamous marriage to Elvira Annie Cowles
[Source: Smith, George D (Spring 1994), "Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy, 1841-46: A Preliminary Demographic Report", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 27]
[Source: Smith, George D (Spring 1994), "Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Polygamy, 1841-46: A Preliminary Demographic Report", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 27]
120 years ago today - Dec 1, 1892
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] This morning H B Clawson called this morning and informed me that the US Marshall was going to try and make a case against me so he had heard. I wrote Gusta a note and she expressed a willingness to move at any time. Saw Emily and she is willing to move. There is really no need for either of them to move as I am sure a case cannot be made against me, but I don't want them brought up in court.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Dec 1, 1832
[Joseph Smith Diary] December 1th [1st] /[I] bore testimony to Mr. Gilmore/ [I] wrote and corrected revelations &c.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
45 years ago today - Nov 30, 1967
* I [Mark Garff] asked the President to listen me out and see if I was foolish in what I was suggesting. He said he would be glad to listen and I told him I had just returned from the Far East; this is about the only time I have left my desk for the two and [a] half years I have been working for President [David O.] McKay and in my mind I tried to conceive a plan whereby we could bring Temple work to our people. I said cautiously to President McKay: "If you think I am out of bounds I want you to tell me, but I am proposing to you now, that The Church obtain or build a ship sufficient in size to run the oceans and we equip this ship as a temple ship; that we take the ship and outfit it as a temple, then take the ship into the ports and harbors where our people live. We could do this around the entire continent of South America, Europe, along the coast of China, Japan, Australia and even Africa if we wanted to.["] I was sure the cost would not amount to any more than what the cost of some of our temples has been. I suggested to the President that we do not have the money to build temples all over the world and it would be an impossibility because our funds are limited and if we followed this procedure we could get at least those who want their endowments done while they are still alive, we could move [people] to the ports where we would dock this ship; otherwise it would be impossible for them to have their own endowments and we might carry it even further than their own endowments and move on to doing work for the dead, making this a continuous tour of where there are people needing the blessing of the temple and the holy endowment. After I explained to the President my thinking he said to me: "That is not foolish thinking and I want you to pursue this thought and pursue the feasibility of it and make a report to me." He seemed to be greatly intrigued with the idea, he seemed to grasp it very quickly and thought it would be a good idea, so I am going to pursue it a little further as fast as my time will allow. [Minutes of a Meeting, Nov. 30, 1967; included in the David O. McKay diary on the same date ]
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
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