Today in Mormon History: March 2012

130 years ago today - Mar 31,1882

[Utah] John Taylor closes Church Historian's Office to the public.

[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]

30 years ago today - Mar 31, 1982

[General] Announcement of temple to be constructed in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Delays in obtaining government permits postpones groundbreaking ceremony until 1996.

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

5 years ago today - Mar 31, 2007

[General] The 140th-year-old Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square, closed since January 2005 for extensive renovation and remodeling, was rededicated by President Hinckley. During the renovation, the pillars were strengthened and fortified to meet seismic code, and the roof was strengthened with the addition of steel trusses. Seating capacity in the building was reduced about 1,000 to 3,456.

[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]

30 years ago today - Mar 30, 1982

[General] ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS article "Donny Osmond Bounces From Bubblegum to Broadway."

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

180 years ago today - Mar 30, 1832

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Murdock Smith, eleven months old, dies from exposure.

[Source: Proctor, Scott and Maurine Jensen, editors, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced]

170 years ago today - March/May 1842

[General] Times and Seasons (Nauvoo) prints the available text of what would become the Book of Abraham, facsimiles included, published by Joseph Smith, in Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith publishes Articles of Faith in response to an editorâ€˜s request.

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

180 years ago today - Mar 29, 1832

[General] Joseph Smith Murdoch, adopted son of Joseph and Emma dies at eleven months of age in Hiram, Ohio. His twin sister, Julia Murdoch, also adopted by Joseph and Emma, lives until 1880.

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

100 years ago today - Mar 29, 1912; Friday

[General] At an interview with the First Presidency regarding the forth-coming book on "Temples," it was decided to issue an edition of 5000 copies and to place order at once for paper and plates.

[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]

150 years ago today - Mar 29, 1862

[Heber C. Kimball Revelations] G.S.L. [Great Salt Lake] City, March the 29, 1862

It was told me the time was near when I Heber should be lifted up in the Eyes of Israel and Daniel H. Wells should see sorrow Even as he had caused sorrow to come on his servent HCK becaus he sat on me and oppressed me when he had power to do me good. Even so Amen. HCK.

[Source: "H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

150 years ago today - Mar 28, 1862

[General] Brigham Young "conversed about the course Jefferson Davis had taken in conducting warfare with the Federal Government, he remarked that if Jefferson Davis had adopted the Guerrilla mode of fighting he would have been more successful."

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

10 years ago today - Mar 28, 2002

[U.S. Religious History] In Mississippi, the "George County Times" published a letter from George County Justice Court Judge Connie Wilkerson which read, in part, "In my opinion, gays and lesbians should be put in some type of mental institution." Because of the bias expressed in such a statement, an ethics violation complaint was filed against Wilkerson.

[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]

120 years ago today - Mar 28, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 28 I received 4 letters from Judge Estee 2 Webster & Henry A. Woodruff. I filled out my tax list. I wrote to Newton, David M. B. Webster. We had a hard snow storm.

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

180 years ago today - Mar 27, 1832

[General] Joseph Smith (while living at the Johnson's in Hirum, OH) and Sidney Rigdon are tarred and feathered by Mormons Simons Rider, Warren Waste, Eli Johnson, Edward Johnson, and John Johnson upon rumors of Smith's intimacy with Eli Johnson's sister Nancy Marinda Johnson, age16. The mob also brings Joseph Smith to Dr. Dennison for castration but the Dennison refuses to perform the operation. Next day, Sidney Rigdon is crazed and wants to kill Joseph Smith with his razor.

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

175 years ago today - Mar 27, 1837

[Lucy Mack Smith] Mary Bailey Smith, the second child and second daughter of Samuel and Mary Bailey Smith, is born.

[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]

50 years ago today - Mar 27, 1962

[U.S. Religious History] Archbishop Joseph Francis Rummel of Louisiana ordered all Roman Catholic schools in the New Orleans diocese to end their policies of racial segregation.

[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]

130 years ago today - Mar 26, 1882

[General] Two days after the Edmunds anti-polygamy act is signed in to law, Wilford Woodruff preaches: "However, if I were to express my feelings to Congress and the leading men of our nation, and to our enemies and the whole Christian world, I would say, do not weep for us-and we are sensible of the fact that they will not-but rather weep for yourselves and your children, for as sure as the Lord lives the evils that men seek to bring upon us, will return in due time upon their own heads, heaped up, pressed down and running over. For it is an eternal law, and a law by which we are governed, that what measure we mete, shall be measured back to us again."

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

170 years ago today - Mar 26, 1842

[Brigham Young] --26-- Elder John Snider was blessed and set apart for his mission to England by President Joseph Smith and Elders Richards, Page and myself.

April 6, 7, and 8.-- I attended a special conference.

On the 8th, in company with Elders Kimball, O. [Orson] Pratt, Richards, Woodruff, George A. Smith, and Wight, we ordained 275 elders, being the most ordained in one day since the foundation of the Church.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

120 years ago today - Mar 26, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] March 26 1892 I went to the Office in the Morning. Met with several Persons And attended to business.

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

150 years ago today - Mar 25, 1862

[General] Brigham Young has four teeth extracted by his secretary who is a dentist as well. In the evening he tells friends that some years ago while "with the Prophet Joseph a Dentist endeavored to extract a tooth the pain being very severe he fainted and dreamt he was in hell and saw the Devils."

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

175 years ago today - Mar 25, 1837

Parley Parker Pratt: Wife, Thankful, died 25 March 1837. Four children: Nathan, Olivia, Susan, and Moroni.

[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

80 years ago today - Mar 25, 1932

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I then spent about an hour with Hulda C. Thurston Smith, the widow of the former president of Morgan Stake, Willard Smith. She explained fully how her mother-in-law came to be sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

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

15 years ago today - Mar 24, 1997

[Same-Sex Marriage] In a decision written by Judge C.J. Moon, the Hawaii Supreme Court decides that a vote held during the preceding general election on whether to hold a constitutional convention failed to secure enough yes votes, since the Hawaii constitution requires the majority on any constitutional question to be the majority of all ballots cast, not just of all marked ballots. This decision is challenged by convention supporters in the federal courts.

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

180 years ago today - Mar 24, 1832

[General] Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are tarred and feathered. Rigdon is dragged behind a horse over frozen ground by his heels. His head bumps along the ground and he "loses his mind" for a few days. He asks his wife for a razor to kill Joseph Smith and when she refuses he asks Joseph Smith for a razor to kill his wife. During the attack the mob attempts to force Joseph Smith to drink something and chips his tooth and injures his palate, causing a whistle in his speech which lasts the rest of his life. According to one account, Smith is attacked for seducing Nancy Marinda Johnson, in whose father's house he was residing. Other reports say that "Dr. Dennison" is asked by the mob to castrate Smith but refuses. One mob leader says it was because documents were found indicating that Smith was trying to steal their property. The day after the attack, Smith preaches to a congregation which included several of his attackers.

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

80 years ago today - Mar 24, 1932

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] At ten o'clock attended the regular weekly meeting of the Presidency and Apostles in the Temple. Had a long discussion regarding the purpose of the Seventies. It was the unanimous opinion of the brethren present that it would be a mistake to publish President Brigham Young's remarks made in the Nauvoo Temple regarding the authority of the Seventy. It was also the unanimous opinion that it would be a mistake to allow Brother Roberts' book to be used by the Mutual Improvement Associations, on account of items in chapters 30 and 31 that the committee thought should be modified or eliminated. ...

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

1 year ago - Mar 23, 2011

[General] A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the request to allow same-sex marriages to resume.

[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]

70 years ago today - Mar 23, 1942

[General] The First Presidency announced that for the duration of World War II it would call only older men who had been ordained high priests or seventies on full-time missions.

130 years ago today - Mar 23, 1882

[General] The Edmunds Act declares polygamy a felony. The act not only reinforces the 1862 Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act but also revokes the right of polygamists to vote, disallows them from holding political office, and also makes them ineligible to serve on the jury, regardless of whether they are practicing or merely believe in it. All elected offices in the Utah Territory were vacated, an election board was formed to issue certificates to those who denied polygamy and did not practice it, and new elections were held territory-wide. Practicing polygamists would have their civil rights taken away without a trial or due process. Adulterers and fornicators had no such penalties applied and did not lose their rights.

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

More History?

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

150 years ago today - Mar 22, 1862

[General] Heber C. Kimball preaches that "we are the Children of God, and in the lions of the Father."

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

140 years ago today - Mar 22, 1872

Amos Davis: Died 22 March 1872 at Big Mound, Hancock County, Illinois.

130 years ago today - Mar 22, 1882

[General] U.S. Edmunds Act signed by President Arthur; enforces Morill Act.

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

100 years ago today - Mar 21, 1912

[General] First Presidency encourages local leaders to discontinue "common cup" for sacrament and begin using small, individual cups (glass or metal). IMPROVEMENT ERA article in Apr. defends this change as prevention against spread of germs.

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

140 years ago today - Mar 21, 1872

[General] Hyrum Mack Smith, later a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is born in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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

120 years ago today - Mar 21, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21 I spent the day on the witness stand being Cross questioned on the Josephite investigation in this City. I was on the Stand some 7 hours. I received 2 Letter from G. Q. Cannon Judg Estee.

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

180 years ago today - Mar 20, 1832

Revelation, 20 March 1832

Revelation given March 20.th 1832 Portage Co Ohio. It is expedient Saith the Lord unto you that the paper shall be purchased for the printing of the Book of the Lord's commandments and it must needs be that you take it with you for it is not expedient that my Servent Martin [Harris] should as yet [go] up unto the Land of Zion let the purchase be made by the Bishop if needs must be by him whatsoever is done let it be done in the name of the Lord.

[Source: Book of Commandments and Revelations (Revelation Book 1) http://bit.ly/manuscript-revelations]

120 years ago today - Mar 20, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] March 20 1891 [1892] Sunday I spent the day at home reading. Emma had Sprained her Ancle vary bad & had been quite lame for several Days. Clara & Ovando was here through the day with her Children. Ovando & Owen was at Provo. I am still Suffering with a Cold.

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

165 years ago today - Mar 20, 1847

[General] In Winter Quarters, while preparing to cross the plains to Utah, forty-five-year-old Brigham Young marries two sisters: sixteen-year-old Lucy Bigelow and nineteen-year-old Mary Jane Bigelow. They are his 42nd and 43rd wives. He and Mary Jane Bigelow are divorced on Sep 3, 1851.

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

150 years ago today - Mar 19, 1862

[General] DESERET NEWS reports Heber C. Kimball sermon of Jul 7, 1861, which says church was organized in Manchester, New York.

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

120 years ago today - Mar 19, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19 I spent the day at home Choreing.

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

25 years ago today - Mar 19, 1987

[U.S. Religious History] Jim Bakker resigned as head of the PTL ministry after the revelation of a 1980 sexual affair a with church secretary, Jessica Hahn.

[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]

150 years ago today - Mar 18, 1862

[General] Brigham Young's office journal records: "President Young remarked there were some things that Elder Orson Pratt did not believe in, he noticed that on one occasion Br. Orson wanted to prove that the moving forces were caused by a law of repulsion and not attraction, he noticed than an opposition in all things existed, and necessarily there must be attraction as well as repulsion, the Pres. remarked Br. Orson was a righteous man. Pres. Heber C. Kimball called in The President discussed with him the wicked course the American Nation had taken with this people, observing the government was running into a despotism, and they were willing the government should be despotic while they were in power. The President observed that Abraham Lincoln was a sagacious man, but believed he was [as] wicked [a man as ever lived]."(the bracketed words are written down but crossed out.)

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

170 years ago today - Mar 18, 1842

[Masonry] In the Lodge Room, Joseph Smith gives instructions to the Relief Society concerning "the Elect Lady" which is the name of a degree in a French Adoptive Rite, which admitted women as early as 1774.

[Source: Homer, Michael, 'Similarity of Priesthood in Masonry':The Relationship Between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Dialogue, Vol. 27, No. 3]

50 years ago today - Mar 18, 1962

[General] The Apia Samoa Stake, the first stake in Western Samoa, is organized, with Percy John Rivers as president.

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

170 years ago today - Mar 17, 1842

[Joseph Smith] Female Relief Society of Nauvoo organized.

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

120 years ago today - Mar 17, 1892

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Attends jubilee celebration commemorating fiftieth anniversary of female Relief Society. 6 April Participates in hosanna shout at Salt Lake tabernacle.

[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]

175 years ago today - (Fri) Mar 17, 1837

[General] Former President Andrew Jackson returned home to Tennessee, and said that he left office "with barely $90 in my pocket." This marked the beginning of the Panic of 1837, an ensuing national depression, and the resultant need for the US Government to borrow money to meet its financial obligations. Practically every bank in the US stopped redeeming bank notes before the end of March.

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

170 years ago today - Mar 16, 1842

[General] Joseph Smith is raised to the office of Fellow Craft Mason and then to Master Mason one day after being initiated into the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge as an Entered Apprentice Mason. He writes in his journal: "I was with the Masonic Lodge and rose to the sublime degree."

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

110 years ago today - March 16th, 1902

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] Mesa City. Sun. March 16th, 1902.

Pres. Hakes' grandchild buried today. Understand another funeral was held, of old man. Intended to attend but was so poorly, having passed a night of nervousness, that I did not feel able. Two couples with proper papers appeared before me, ______ and Christopher Bennet, with their wives and I sealed them for Time and all Eternity, they having been married several weeks ago by proper Elders for Time.

Received letter from Bro. E. H. Nye who is in East on Mission presides over ________ Conference and will soon succeed to Presidency of Eastern Mission.

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

165 years ago today - Mar 16, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday March 16th 1847. At home untill about noon & was then around as usual.To night the guard could not be made out without enlisting another man.I went on guard a short time in the evening.

[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

170 years ago today - Mar 15, 1842

[General] Joseph Smith is initiated into Freemasonry and organizes the Masonic Lodge of Nauvoo. On the following day he becomes a Master Mason.

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

175 years ago today - mid Mar 1837

[General] At about this time Solomon W. Denton was excommunicated from the LDS Church.

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

180 years ago today - Mar 15, 1832

[General] Joseph Smith receives a revelation on this day (according to the Kirtland Revelation Book) calling Jesse Gause to the "Presidency of the High Priesthood." When Gause later proves unfaithful, the calling is extended to Frederick G. Williams, whose name is now found in the revelation as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 81.

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

70 years ago today - Mar 14, 1942

[General] First Presidency orders bullet-proof glass for windows of its office to protect against air attack by Japanese.

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

5 years ago today - Mar 14, 2007

[General] After its five-year exclusive run in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, Utah, and under the direction of the First Presidency, the film TheTestaments of One Fold and One Shepherd is being made available on DVD through Church distribution centers.

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

100 years ago today - Mar 14, 1912; Thursday

[General] The following is a report of the regular meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of Twelve held this morning at 10:30 o'clock at the Temple:

There were present: Pres[iden]ts. Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, and Charles W. Penrose, Elders Heber J. Grant, Hyrum M. Smith, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. and James E. Talmage. ...

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

150 years ago today - Mar 13, 1862

[General] George A. Smith receives a letter from "Bishop Lunt" saying that "Col Tarlton had a ridgment of 1,200 soldiers . . . He accuses the mormons of pulling down the mountain meadow monument. Said he would learn the mormons to let dead men alone." The monument at Mountain Meadows had been torn down 10 months previously by order of Brigham Young.

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

170 years ago today - Mar 13, 1842

[Joseph Smith] Joseph spends the day with his family.

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

120 years ago today - Mar 13, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13 Sunday I spent the day at home reading.

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

180 years ago today - Mar 12, 1832

Revelation, 12 March 1832 [D&C 79]

Revelation given March 12 1832 Hiram Portage Ohio Verily I say unto you that it is my will that my <Servant> Jarad [Jared] Carter should go again into the eastern countries from place to place and from City to City in the power of the ordination wherewith he has been ordained proclaiming glad tidings of great Joy even the everlasting Gospel and I will Send upon him the comforter which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go and inasmuch as he is faithful I will crown him again with sheaves wherefore let your heart be glad my servant Jared and fear not saith your Lord even Jesus Christ Amen --- --- --- --- [p. 147]

[Source: Book of Commandments and Revelations (Revelation Book 1) http://bit.ly/manuscript-revelations]

70 years ago today - Mar 12, 1942

[General] First Presidency letter bans foreign-language meetings in United States. Directed particularly at German-speaking Mormons, this restriction ends thirty years later as conversion and immigration bring to U.S. congregations thousands of Europeans, Latin-Americans, and Asians who speak little or no English.

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

75 years ago today - Mar 12, 1937

[General] Josiah Butterfield: Baptized by proxy into LDS church 5 Sept. 1936, after which his priesthood was restored before his proxy endowment 12 Mar. 1937

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

170 years ago today - Mar 11, 1842

[General] At Joseph Smith's house Brigham Young attends "the High Council, at the trial of Francis Gladden Bishop, who had set himself up as a Prophet and Revelator to the Church. After his revelations were read, which were a bundle of nonsense and folly, they were committed to the flames, and he was cut off from the Church and delivered over to the buffetings of Satan." Joseph Smith says "nothing would excuse him in the sight of God & angels in commit[t]ing the unpardonable sin only because he was a FOOL & had not sens[e] sufficient for the Holy Ghost to enlighten him."

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

80 years ago today - Mar 11, 1932

[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "weary & nervous"

[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]

130 years ago today - Mar 11, 1882

[General] A site in the Snake River Valley in Idaho is selected and named Rexburg, Idaho.

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

150 years ago today - Mar 10, 1862

[General] Heber C. Kimball writes in his journal: "The Lord told me the time was near when I Heber would be esteemed by His Servant Brigham more than any man that lives in the flesh."

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

15 years ago today - 3/10/1997

[Same-Sex Marriage] Fax from BYU Prof Lynn Wardle to Loren C. Dunn, Richard B. Wirthlin, Marlin K. Jensen and Stuart Reid (LDS Church public affairs) regarding a Field Poll in California about same-sex marriage. "(I think Wirthlin polls are considerably more accurate, but its nice to know that even the others are seeing the same general picture - if not so clearly and in such detail.)" The poll indicates that "Californians are becoming increasingly tolerant of gay rights, though they remain opposed to same-sex marriages." Letter from Loren C. Dunn to Richard G. Scott notifying Elder Scott that "Governor Pete Wilson's[sic] legislative assistant" called and "offered to fly Lynn Wardle to Sacramento to testify before a committee in

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

180 years ago today - about Mar 10, 1832

Hiram, Ohio. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 79, a revelation directing Jared Carter to preach the gospel in the East.

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

150 years ago today - Mar 9, 1862

[General] Brigham Young preaches: "We were told this morning, that some brethren prayed but did not believe they would receive an answer. I do not find fault with them for this, but I say, pray on until you can make yourselves believe that your prayers will be fully answered according to that which is best for you to receive. Self-argument is the most effectual argument that can be used. Let each person argue himself into the belief that God will grant to him his request in righteousness. Some people are naturally of a doubtful mind, and have to contend continually against unbelief."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

130 years ago today - Thurs. Mar. 9th 1882

[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "I received a good letter from Br. Ballif today, wherein he gives me much encouragement, and also the pleasant news that my brother Frank is endeavoring to make amends for his past bad conduct. May God assist him to reform and do right!"

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

170 years ago today - Mar 9, 1842

[Brigham Young] --9-- Attended the funeral of Ephriam [Ephraim?] Marks. Brother Joseph delivered an address on the occasion. 2 p.m. attended city council.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

150 years ago today - Mar 8, 1862

[General] Salt Lake Theatre opens and during sixty years hosts such performers as Maude Adams, Lillian Russell, P.T. Barnum, the Barrymores, Eddie Foy, and Al Jolson.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

180 years ago today - Mar 8, 1832

Joseph Smith Jr. organizes his presidency by appointing Jesse Gause and Sidney Rigdon as counselors.

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

120 years ago today - Mar 8, 1892

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8 I met in the Morning Messrs S. H. Hall, who had arived from Jackson Co Mo about the titles to the Temple Block. I received a letter from Mary & wrote her one in return. I had an interview with several parties.

Among other things Ella Beatie who married young Bynon Came into the office with my Daughter Blanch & said Bynon met her in the street & threatened to kill her. I got Council about it. He said He would go to my house & kill her there. I sent Her to Clari[a/e?]s. Emma sprained her foot & Ancle.

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

180 years ago today - Mar 7, 1832

Revelation, 7 March 1832 [D&C 80]

A Revelation given Hiram Portage County Ohio March 17. 1832 Verily thus saith the Lord unto you my Servant[DEL:s] Stephen [Burnett] go ye go ye into the world and preach the Gospel to every creature that cometh under the sound of your voice and in asmuch as you desire a companion I will give unto you my Servant Eden Smith wherefore go ye and preach my gospel whether to the North or to the South to the East or to the West it mattereth not for you cannot go amiss therefore declare the[DEL:se] things which you have heard and verily belieeve and know to be true behold this is the will of him who hath called you your Redeemer even Jesus Christ Amen

[Source: Book of Commandments and Revelations (Revelation Book 1) http://bit.ly/manuscript-revelations]

15 years ago today - Mar 7, 1997

[Same-Sex Marriage] President Gordon B. Hinckley formally discloses in a newspaper interview published in the LA Times that the church had made a commitment at the top levels to play an active role in the same-sex marriage issue: `Were engaged right now in the same-sex marriage problem in legislation in Hawaii, Hinckley said. `We just made a decision today concerning the filing of a brief in that case. Thats spreading around the country now pretty largely and weve become rather actively involved in that kind of thing, he said (LA Times, 7 March 1997, Page B-1).

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

50 years ago today - Mar 7, 1962

Effective since March 7, 1962, the daily schedule of endowment sessions in the Salt Lake Temple has been reduced to five each day Monday through Friday by discontinuing the "D" and "E" sessions, which are recorded at 12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., respectively. Furthermore, sisters will be permitted to perform not more than one endowment each day. "Special Salt Lake Temple Notice," Messenger, Apr. 1962

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

150 years ago today - Mar 6, 1862

[General] Brigham Young and several of his wives attend the performance of a choir and band perform a dedicatory piece. The text of the new anthem (written by one of Young's wives) was titled "God Bless Brigham Young." The orchestra conductor, Charles John Thomas, composed the music in the style of a patriotic air and had dubbed it "The Saints' National Anthem." Like "The Star-Spangled Banner," which preceded it on the program, it drew wild applause (though Thomas observed that the fiercely patriotic Saints would have applauded the anthems "no matter how they had been played, or by whom")

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

60 years ago today - Mar 6, 1952

... From 9 to 9:50 a.m. * Attended the regular First Presidency's meeting. We considered a letter from Elder John A. Widtsoe regarding the work of translating the temple ceremonies into foreign languages.17 The Brethren felt that the Translating Committee, together with the Temple Committee, should meet with the First Presidency when consideration might be given to all questions where there is any doubt as to the adequacy of the translation. The Committee will meet with the Presidency on Monday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m. [David O. McKay diary, Mar. 6, 1952]

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

30 years ago today - Mar 6, 1982

[Mark Hofmann] Hofmann calls Ashworth to tell him about another "find." He drives to Ashworth's home in Payson and shows him a 13 January 1873 letter of Martin Harris to Walter Conrad. Ashworth wants it; the tentative selling price is established at $27,000. Ashworth offers to trade documents signed by George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Robert E. Lee.

[Source: Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]

30 years ago today - Mar 5, 1982

[General] BYU zoologist Duane Jeffrey writes to BYU president Jeffrey Holland, "We really can't avoid the topic [of evolution] as it is central to our discipline. We sincerely hope and pray that the day may come when we can speak freely without fear of being misunderstood." The letter is also signed by both department chair Ferron N. Andersen and college dean Bruce N. Smith.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Mar 5, 1842

[Brigham Young] March 5.-- Attended the city council.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

15 years ago today - Mar 05, 1997

[U.S. Religious History] The US House of Representatives voted 295-125 to support Judge Roy Moore, a local judge in Alabama who has refused to remove a Ten Commandments plaque from his courtroom. Alabama Gov. Fob James has promised to deploy the National Guard and state troopers rather than see the display come down.

[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]

150 years ago today - Mar 4, 1862

[General] Brigham Young's office journal records: "Br. Carrington read a letter to the President from Oliver Huntington-s wife complaining of his partiality to his first wife The President observed she sho[ul]d be referred to his sermon on the subject which he delivered a short time ago on this subject."

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

100 years ago today - Mar 4, 1912; Monday

[General] Council Meeting.

On this day, President Jos[eph]. F. Smith gave instructions on Priesthood as follows:

In ordaining a Deacon, first confer upon him the Aaronic Priesthood, and then ordain him a Deacon in which office in the Aaaronic Priesthood he is to officiate.

In ordaining an Elder, first confer upon him the Melchizedek Priesthood, and then ordain him an Elder in which office he is to exercise this Melchizedek Priesthood.

"The Priesthood is greater than any office in it." All office grow out of the Priesthood.

[Source: David O. McKay, Diary]

175 years ago today - Mar 4, 1837

[General] Martin Van Buren becomes U.S. President.

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

150 years ago today - Mar 3, 1862

[Polygamy] Utah ratified the 3rd bid for statehood again rejected by the US Congress

An election in Utah ratified this 3rd bid for statehood and elected Brigham Young as Territorial Governor even though Congress had just 4 years earlier replaced Brigham Young.

The US Congress rejected this bid - nonetheless, for 8 years this "phantom" State of Deseret continued to meet after the Territorial legislature adjourned. At the direction of the The Council of 50, this shadow government would meet and vote on and pass the same bills for the renegade Theocratic state of Deseret.

Other historians have asserted that the shadow Government met first, followed by the territorial legislature where nonmembers sat in amazement as the territorial legislature quickly and efficiently proposed and made law with almost total unanimity. (Ivins, p. 96. "Quest for Empire and the Council of 50", Klaus J. Hansen,)

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

170 years ago today - Mar 3, 1842

[Jacob Hamblin] After listening to the Mormon preaching, he joined the Mormon Church on 3 March 1842. Hamblin started missionary work almost immediately and became known as a faith healer, showing the signs of "those that believe," in his words. The next year he moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, where the Mormon Church headquarters were located.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Jacob Hamblin, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/h/HAMBLIN%2CJACOB.html]

175 years ago today - early Mar 1837

[General] At about this time, Joseph Smith reportedly spoke with Solomon W. Denton, advising him to curb his adverse testimony, if called upon as a witness in an upcoming prosecution of Smith. Denton does not appear to have been cooperative when confronted with this counsel from the First Presidency.

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

60 years ago today - Mar 2, 1952

[General] David O. McKay dedicates church's new Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, with half its cost raised in "penny drive" by children. It began in 1922 as remodeled residence. After Primary Hospital moves near University of Utah, the penny-build hospital is sold to developers in 1995 to be razed so land can be used for condominiums.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

170 years ago today - Mar 2, 1842

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith was occupied with business matters until 9:00 p.m.

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

5 years ago today - Mar 2, 2007

[General] BYU Broadcasting International launches on approximately 90 cable stations to Mexico, Central and South America. Educational, religious, cultural, and sports content is in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Launch begins with 130 hours of translated content available for programming. BYU TV-I is available on direct satellite broadcast services such as Dish Network and DIRECTV, through cable carriers, and the satellite system of the Church. It is also available for Internet streaming.

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

150 years ago today - Mar 1, 1862

[General] Joseph F. Smith writes, while on a mission in England, to his wife Levira (who has suffered a nervous breakdown in his absence), "I am very sensitive and rather melancholy inclined besides I scarcely ever have time to sit down, quiet and unquestioned long enough to follow out a link or two of thought, say nothing of a 'chain of thought.'" twenty-one-year-old Joseph F. Smith left for his mission in after barely a year of marriage finally returns to Levira in Utah on Oct. 4, 1863 after an absence of three years and five months.

[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]

80 years ago today - Mar 1, 1932

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Henry D. Moyle called and protested regarding an editorial published in the Deseret News reflecting on him and others in connection with the liquidation of the Sugar Banking Co. I had not read the editorial. When I saw it I was annoyed and said 'Joseph is reforming the bankers.' I told Henry I did not even read it when it was first published. Brother Cannon writes some editorials that annoy me. I haven't read many of them lately.

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

40 years ago today - Mar 01, 1972

[General] The Mendoza Argentina Stake is organized with Mario A. Rastelli as president.

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