180 years ago today - Apr 30, 1832
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - Apr 30, 1862
[Source: "H. C. Kimball Memorandum" book, On the Potters Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanley B. Kimball, editor, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Apr 30, 1892
[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 - Apr 29, 1842
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Apr 29, 1832
[Source: Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0]
10 years ago today - 2002 29-Apr
[Source: LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]
150 years ago today - Apr 28, 1862
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
15 years ago today - Apr 28, 1997
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]
180 years ago today - Apr. 28-29, 1832
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
150 years ago today - Apr 27, 1862
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Apr 27, 1832
[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 - Apr 27, 1932
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Apr 26, 1832
[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]
120 years ago today - Apr 26, 1892
[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 - Sun 26
[Source: Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Apr 25, 1882
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
10 years ago today - Apr 25, 2002
[Source: Harward, Randy; Utah Brewing Timeline, Salt Lake City Weekly, Aug 24, 2011]
100 years ago today - Apr 25, 1912; Thursday
There were present: Pres[iden]ts. Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose and Francis M. Lyman, Elders Heber J. Grant, Hyrum M. Smith, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. and James E. Talmage. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Apr 24, 1892
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Apr 24, 1837
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
170 years ago today - 24Apr42
[Source: The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]
120 years ago today - Apr 23, 1892
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
25 years ago today - Apr 23, 1987
[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,]
50 years ago today - Apr 23, 1962
[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]
Forms of Rebaptism
Baptism within the Latter Day Saint tradition followed a separate trajectory from other Christian practices of baptism in the 19th century. Revelations received at the formation of the church required already baptized Christians to be rebaptized into the church due to issues of apostasy and authority. Later, new forms of baptism became available to members of the church, as noted by historian D. Michael Quinn:
"For many years [in the nineteenth century] it had been common for members to rededicate themselves to building up the Kingdom through rebaptism. This practice was not considered essential to salvation but was a symbol of rededication. On other occasions the Saints were rebaptized as a symbolic gesture related to blessings for their health, entry into the United Order, preparation for marriage and even for going to the temple if they had not been there for some time. ....."
"As with nearly every public and private practice of Nauvoo during the lifetime of Joseph Smith, rebaptism was institutionalized by Brigham Young as he built the Kingdom of God throughout the Great Basin of the American West. ... The practice of rebaptism for rededication, renewal, reformation, health, and preparation for temple ordinances continued throughout the nineteenth century. Although some rebaptism ordinances, such as for health and rededication, continued to be performed as late as 1913 in the temples, the LDS Presidency decided during the administration of Joseph F. Smith that since rebaptism ordinances had always been supplementary to such principles and ordinances as individual repentance, partaking of the Sacrament, and priesthood blessing of the sick, it would be wise to discontinue a practice that might tend to diminish the importance of the primary principles and ordinances upon which rebaptism was predicated." ['The Practice of Rebaptism at Nauvoo,' D. Michael Quinn, BYU Studies (1978) 18:2]
Joseph Smith also introduced methods to provide salvation rites for the dead through proxy ordinances by the living. The first such ordinance was baptism for the dead, allowing church members to perform baptisms for those who are dead, but who had not been baptized with LDS priesthood authority. One of the more interesting chapters of this practice comes from Wilford Woodruff's journal, where he documents his vision of signers of the Declaration of Independence, and his subsequent temple work for them.
While other forms of rebaptism ceased by the 1920s, baptisms for the dead continue today in LDS temples. The practice has received criticism due to increased scrutiny by the media during the current "Mormon Moment." This has caused church leaders to implement measures to further centralize this practice.
The history of these various forms of rebaptism will be detailed chronologically at LDS-Church-History over the next few months.
LDS-Church-History is a topical exploration of Mormon history. Several events are posted each day, gradually covering the current topic chronologically.
The best way to follow is to subscribe (via RSS, email, Facebook or Twitter) at http://LDS-Church-History.blogspot.com. More information can be found at http://bit.ly/aboutldshist.
170 years ago today - Apr 22, 1842
[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]
120 years ago today - Apr 22, 1892
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
110 years ago today - Apr 22, 1902
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - Apr 21, 1932
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
15 years ago today - Apr 21, 1997-22 July
[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]
10 years ago today - 2002 21-Apr
[Source: LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]
150 years ago today - Apr 20, 1862
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
75 years ago today - Apr 20, 1937
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
120 years ago today - Wednesday Apr 20, 1892
[Source: Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Apr 19, 1842
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
75 years ago today - Apr 19, 1937
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
15 years ago today - Apr 19, 1997-21
[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]
170 years ago today - Apr 18, 1842
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - Apr 18, 1932
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
100 years ago today - Apr 18, 1912; Thursday
There were present: Pres[iden]ts. Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose and Francis M. Lyman, Elders Heber J.
Grant, Hyrum M. Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr. and James E. Talmage. ...
Bro[ther]. Talmage spoke at the Jewish Synagogue on Friday evening by request of Rabbi Freund. Had been busy preparing the manuscript of his book on Temples. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
70 years ago today - Apr 17, 1942
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Apr 17, 1892
[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 - Apr 17, 1847
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
15 years ago today - Apr 16, 1997
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]
25 years ago today - Apr 16, 1987
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Apr 16, 1882
(St. George). Father Jno L. Lytle gave a very interesting account of his early experiences in the church, his travels with the Prophet Joseph and of his telling them how Father Adam chased the game and outstripped them and caught them, and his knee was never brought to the ground so great was his strength, and also showed the spot where Adam offered up sacrifice in Adam-ondi-Ahman.
[Source: Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
100 years ago today - Apr 15, 1912
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
175 years ago today - mid Apr 1837
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
120 years ago today - Apr 15, 1892
[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 - Apr 14, 1862
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Apr 14, 1832
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Brigham Young, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/y/YOUNG%2CBRIGHAM.html]
80 years ago today - Apr 14, 1932
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Apr 13, 1862
[Source: Emma Smith, Woman of Faith, http://emmasmithmormon.com]
175 years ago today - (Thr) Apr 13, 1837
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
120 years ago today - Apr 13, 1892
[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 - Apr 12, 1882
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - Apr 12, 1862
[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]
40 years ago today - Apr 12, 1972
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, Salt Lake City, Utah]
170 years ago today - Apr 11, 1842
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - Apr 11, 1932
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
20 years ago today - Apr 11, 1992
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
130 years ago today - Apr 10, 1882
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - 10Apr42
Sin Causes Loss of Knowledge
Salvation Comes from Knowledge
[Source: The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]
60 years ago today - Apr 10, 1952
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
170 years ago today - Apr 9, 1842
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - Apr 9, 1912; Tuesday
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
175 years ago today - Apr 9, 1837
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
100 years ago today - Apr 8, 1912
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - Apr 8, 1862
[Source: Journal of Discourses, Vol.10, p.32, Brigham Young, April 8, 1862]
170 years ago today - Apr 8, 1842
[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]
175 years ago today - Apr 7, 1837
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Apr 7, 1892
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
15 years ago today - Apr 7, 1997
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
175 years ago today - Apr 6, 1837
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - Apr 6, 1912; Saturday
The father was greatly disappointed as he had expected to receive the appointment. A great reproof for wrongdoing. After the interview and in this meeting the General Authorities were sustained including Hyrum G. Smith for Presiding Patriarch.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
60 years ago today - Apr 6, 1952
[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]
100 years ago today - Apr 5, 1912; Friday
[Source: Anthony W. Ivins, Diary]
60 years ago today - Apr 5, 1952
[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]
80 years ago today - Apr 5, 1932
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
20 years ago today - Apr 4, 1992
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
120 years ago today - Apr 4, 1892
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - Apr 4, 1837-6
[Source: Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
15 years ago today - Apr 3, 1997
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]
175 years ago today - Apr 3, 1837
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Apr 3, 1832
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
80 years ago today - Apr 2,1932
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
120 years ago today - Apr 2, 1892
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - Apr 2, 1912; Tuesday
[Source: Excerpt from the Minutes of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]
170 years ago today - Apr 1, 1842
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
120 years ago today - Apr 1, 1892
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - Apr 1, 1912; Monday
presenting to him or to the Church a number of Nauvoo [Illinois] relics, for many years heirlooms in the Whitney family. Among them was a lock of the Prophet Joseph [Smith]'s hair, a chip spotted with his blood, a revelation to N[ewel]. K. Whitney, and a blessing upon his daughter, Sarah Ann, both by the Prophet Joseph.
[Source: Orson F. Whitney, Diary]