During first visit of current LDS president to Jerusalem, Harold B. Lee conducts sacrament meeting in Garden Tomb, and by "inspiration of the moment" organizes branch with David B. Galbraith as president. He "shocked" new branch presidency by denying their request to have branch's worship services on Jewish Sabbath. Months later, Lee relents and authorizes LDS branch in Jerusalem to worship on Saturday.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
100 years ago today - Sep 30, 1912; Monday
This is the day of official publication of the long announced book on the temples entitled, "The House of the Lord." The preface is dated September 21st but the distribution has been hindered by the non-arrival of the covers. As now given to the public the book comprises 238 plus vi pages of letter press and 98 pages of plates, descriptive matter, etc., making in all a volume of 336 plus vi pages. Of the 46 plates, 31 show interior views illustrative of the great Temple at Salt Lake City. The book is published by the Church.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
15 years ago today - Sep 30, 1997
The First Presidency announces plans to build temples in Houston, Texas, and Porto Alegre, Brazil.
[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]
45 years ago today - Sep 29, 1967
Establishment of new position of Regional Representative to the Twelve. At their first training seminar, Apostle Harold B. Lee (rather than member of First Presidency) gives confidential "State of the Church" address, which he continues to do annually.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
125 years ago today - Sep 29, 1887
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Attended meeting of our quorum at the President's Office at 10 A.M. ... A document without date or signature but supposed to have come from the Administration at Washington was read. This document stated that in view of the fact that the people of Utah had adopted a Constitution for the proposed State of Utah in which polygamy was prohibited, that unless those of our people that came before the Courts in Utah on the charge of Polygamy and Unlawful Cohabitation shall promise to obey the law against these offenses; that it will be impossible to bring the Congress of the United States to believe that we have been honest in adopting a Constitution prohibiting polygamy, & that we as a people when coming before the Courts must not refuse to obey the laws and thus have to go to the penitentiary.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Sep 29, 1862
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29 I spent the day in preparing my Evaparator to make Molases.
[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]
155 years ago today - Sep 29, 1857
John D. Lee reports Mountain Meadows Massacre to Brigham Young and claims that Indians "cut the throats of their women & children." That is not Indian practice but is consistent with Mormon beliefs about blood atonement. Concerning women and children Brigham Young says it is "heart rending." Lee says that he "did not think there was a drop of innocent Blood in their Camp for he had [two] of the Children in his house & he could not get but one to kneel down in prayer time & the other would laugh at her for doing it & they swore like pirates." Decades later one participant acknowledges that Mormon men slit throats of women and children.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
170 years ago today - Sep 29, 1842
[Joseph Smith] Joseph stays with Emma, who is sick all day. The Female Relief Society holds its seventeenth and last meeting of the year in the grove. By this time the membership has grown to 1,189.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
10 years ago today - Sep 28, 2002
[Black History] Apostle Russell Ballard dedicates a marker to Elijah Abel.
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood, http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62]
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood, http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62]
35 years ago today - Sep 28, 1977
LDS Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and LDS Congressman Gunn McKay (D-UT) introduce a proposed constitutional amendment which mirrors the official LDS position banning abortion except in case of rape or when the mother's health is threatened. The proposed amendment was drafted by two BYU Law School professors. The amendment did not pass congress.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
115 years ago today - Sep 28, 1897
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I paid P. O. Hanson cash $50.00 for grave stone for Rebecca Louisa Lewis, who died in May, 1863, she being sealed to me.
[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]
135 years ago today - Sep 28, 1877
The cornerstones for the Assembly Hall on Temple Square are laid.
[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]
150 years ago today - Sep 28, 1862
[Brigham Young Sermon] We have had a very interesting journey to the southern settlements. In twenty-five days we have travelled nearly eight hundred miles, held thirty meetings, and spoken to thousands and thousands of Saints. I am somewhat fatigued, and would like to be excused from speaking long to-day. My heart is full of blessings for the people; ...
[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)]
170 years ago today - Sep 28, 1842 - Wednesday
[Warning about polygamous proposals to the Relief Society] Eighteenth Meeting
of the
Society.
Grove, Sept. 28th.
... The following Epistle was read before the Society, early after its organization- but was not forwarded to be recorded; the Secretary not being present at the time of its reading; else it would have appear'd in its proper place.
To the Hon., the President of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, Greeting:
... Shall the credulity, good faith, and stedfast feelings of our sisters, for the cause of God or truth, be impos'd upon by believing such men, because they say they have authority from Joseph, or the First Presidency, or any other Presidency of the Church; and thus, with a lie in their mouth, deceive and debauch the innocent, under the assumption that they are authoriz'd from these sources? May God Forbid!
A knowledge of some such things having come to our ears, we improve this
favorable opportunity, wherein so goodly a number of you may be inform'd that no such authority ever has, ever can, or ever will be given to any man, and if any man has been guilty of any such thing, let him be treated with utter contempt, and let the curse of God fall on his head, and let him be turned out of Society as unworthy of a place among men, & denounced as the blackest & the most unprincipled wretch; and finally let him be damned!
We have been informed that some unpri ncipled men, whose names we will not mention at present, have been guilty of such crimes. We do not mention their names, not knowing but what there may be some among you who are not sufficiently skill'd in Masonry as to keep a secret, therefore, suffice it to say, there are those, and we therefore warn you, & forewarn you, in the name of the Lord, to check & destroy any faith that any innocent person may have in any such character; for we do not want any one to believe any thing as coming from us, contrary to the old established morals & virtues & scriptural laws, regulating the habits, customs & conduct of society; and all persons pretending to be authoriz'd by us, or having any permit, or sanction from us, are & will be liars & base impostors, & you are authoriz'd on the very first intimation of the kind, to denounce them as such, & shun them as the flying fiery serpent, whether they are prophets, Seers, or revelators;
Patriarchs, twelve Apostles, Elders, Priests, Mayors, Generals, City Councillors, Aldermen, Marshalls, Police, Lord Mayors or the Devil, are alike culpable & shall be damned for such evil practices; and if you yourselves adhere to anything
of the kind, you also shall be damned.
Now beloved Sisters, do not believe for a moment, that we wish to impose upon you, we actually do know that such things have existed in the church, and are sorry to say that we are obliged to make mention of any such thing, and we want a stop put to them, and we desire you to do your part, and we will do ours, for we wish to keep the commandm ents of God in all things, as given directly from heav'n to us, living by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord.
May God add his blessing upon your heads, and lead you in all the paths of virtue, piety & peace, that you may be an ornament unto those to whom you belong, and rise up and crown them with honors, & by so doing, you shall be crown'd with honor in heav'n and shall sit upon thrones, judging those over whom you are plac'd in authority, and shall be judg'd of God for all the responsibilities that we confer'd upon you.
At a more convenient and appropriate season, we will give you further information upon this subject.
Let this Epistle be had as a private matter in your Society, and then we shall learn whether you are good masons.
We are your humble Servants in the Bonds of the New & Everlasting Covenant."- Signed by
Hyrum Smith Joseph Smith, President of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Heber C. Kimball
Willard Richards
Vinson Knight Brigham Young, Prest. of the Quorum of the Twelve
P.S. If the Lord be God, serve him; but if baal, then serve him. [p. 88]
Copy of a Certificate, which was also read before the Society, at the same time that the preceding Epistle was presented.
Nauvoo, April 2th 1842.
This is to certify that I never have at any time or place, seen or heard any thing improper or unvirtuous in the conduct or conversation of either President Smith
or Mrs. Agnes [Coolbrith] Smith.
I also certify that I never have reported any thing derogatory to the characters of either of them.
Signed Clarissa Marvel
X
her mark.
The foregoing closes the record of the proceedings of the Female Relief Society during the first year of its organization.
Recorded by
Eliza R. Snow, Secretary
[14 lines blank]
[Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperDetails/nauvoo-relief-society-minute-book]
of the
Society.
Grove, Sept. 28th.
... The following Epistle was read before the Society, early after its organization- but was not forwarded to be recorded; the Secretary not being present at the time of its reading; else it would have appear'd in its proper place.
To the Hon., the President of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, Greeting:
... Shall the credulity, good faith, and stedfast feelings of our sisters, for the cause of God or truth, be impos'd upon by believing such men, because they say they have authority from Joseph, or the First Presidency, or any other Presidency of the Church; and thus, with a lie in their mouth, deceive and debauch the innocent, under the assumption that they are authoriz'd from these sources? May God Forbid!
A knowledge of some such things having come to our ears, we improve this
favorable opportunity, wherein so goodly a number of you may be inform'd that no such authority ever has, ever can, or ever will be given to any man, and if any man has been guilty of any such thing, let him be treated with utter contempt, and let the curse of God fall on his head, and let him be turned out of Society as unworthy of a place among men, & denounced as the blackest & the most unprincipled wretch; and finally let him be damned!
We have been informed that some unpri ncipled men, whose names we will not mention at present, have been guilty of such crimes. We do not mention their names, not knowing but what there may be some among you who are not sufficiently skill'd in Masonry as to keep a secret, therefore, suffice it to say, there are those, and we therefore warn you, & forewarn you, in the name of the Lord, to check & destroy any faith that any innocent person may have in any such character; for we do not want any one to believe any thing as coming from us, contrary to the old established morals & virtues & scriptural laws, regulating the habits, customs & conduct of society; and all persons pretending to be authoriz'd by us, or having any permit, or sanction from us, are & will be liars & base impostors, & you are authoriz'd on the very first intimation of the kind, to denounce them as such, & shun them as the flying fiery serpent, whether they are prophets, Seers, or revelators;
Patriarchs, twelve Apostles, Elders, Priests, Mayors, Generals, City Councillors, Aldermen, Marshalls, Police, Lord Mayors or the Devil, are alike culpable & shall be damned for such evil practices; and if you yourselves adhere to anything
of the kind, you also shall be damned.
Now beloved Sisters, do not believe for a moment, that we wish to impose upon you, we actually do know that such things have existed in the church, and are sorry to say that we are obliged to make mention of any such thing, and we want a stop put to them, and we desire you to do your part, and we will do ours, for we wish to keep the commandm ents of God in all things, as given directly from heav'n to us, living by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord.
May God add his blessing upon your heads, and lead you in all the paths of virtue, piety & peace, that you may be an ornament unto those to whom you belong, and rise up and crown them with honors, & by so doing, you shall be crown'd with honor in heav'n and shall sit upon thrones, judging those over whom you are plac'd in authority, and shall be judg'd of God for all the responsibilities that we confer'd upon you.
At a more convenient and appropriate season, we will give you further information upon this subject.
Let this Epistle be had as a private matter in your Society, and then we shall learn whether you are good masons.
We are your humble Servants in the Bonds of the New & Everlasting Covenant."- Signed by
Hyrum Smith Joseph Smith, President of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Heber C. Kimball
Willard Richards
Vinson Knight Brigham Young, Prest. of the Quorum of the Twelve
P.S. If the Lord be God, serve him; but if baal, then serve him. [p. 88]
Copy of a Certificate, which was also read before the Society, at the same time that the preceding Epistle was presented.
Nauvoo, April 2th 1842.
This is to certify that I never have at any time or place, seen or heard any thing improper or unvirtuous in the conduct or conversation of either President Smith
or Mrs. Agnes [Coolbrith] Smith.
I also certify that I never have reported any thing derogatory to the characters of either of them.
Signed Clarissa Marvel
X
her mark.
The foregoing closes the record of the proceedings of the Female Relief Society during the first year of its organization.
Recorded by
Eliza R. Snow, Secretary
[14 lines blank]
[Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperDetails/nauvoo-relief-society-minute-book]
175 years ago today - Sep 28, 1837
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... The spirit of God rested upon me. There is much of the Spirit of enquirey manifest by the Blood of Ephraim in this country. <[------].>
After meeting two boat loads of us returned to Mr Benj. Coombs by water, and while the seamen dip'd their ready oar we sung the gallant ships &c. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
After meeting two boat loads of us returned to Mr Benj. Coombs by water, and while the seamen dip'd their ready oar we sung the gallant ships &c. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - Sep 27, 1912
... the fact that such a person [having committed fornication or adultery] comes voluntarily to his or her bishop, this confession would go to show that he or she had truly repented. ... if his or her sins are unknown no publicity whatever should be made of them, and it would be in the province of the Bishop to accord to such a person the privilege of being re-baptized for the renewal of his or her covenants, without making a record of the same, and to then say to him or to her, go thy way and sin no more, leaving the party in the hands of the Lord. If the bishop has sufficient reason to believe that a member of his ward is living in a state of transgression, it would be his duty to call the attention of the visiting teachers to such a case with a view to procuring the necessary evidence, and if found to be advisable, to then procure, against him in the regular way under a complaint made by the teachers. But under no circumstance should the bishop give unnecessary publicity to transgression repented of, or unrepented of, neither should he aim to cover up sin of any kind unrepented of.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to James W. Lesueur]
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to James W. Lesueur]
125 years ago today - Tuesday, Sep 27, 1887
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] ... In the evening I went for a drive again and in going home found my house was watched.
[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]
[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 - Sep 27, 1882
Wilford Woodruff writes in his journal "I met in Council with the Presidency when the subject was discussed of filling the Quorum of the Twelve & seventies And it was decided that it was proper for the Preside[n]t of the Church to Nominate the person to fill the Quorum as was the Custom from the Beginning except in the first & second organization which was be revelation."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
175 years ago today - Sep 27, 1837 (Wednesday)
About this time the "Voice of Warning" was published in New York City by Parley P. Pratt.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - (Wed) Sep 27, 1837
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon left Kirtland, to establish other places of gathering for the Mormons. At this time the traveled to Far West, Missouri, arriving there in the latter part of October.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
20 years ago today - Sep 26, 1992.
Aileen Clyde, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, while conducting the general women's meeting welcomes them: "I am so pleased to join with you in this great congregation of Relief Society women and Young Women and leaders of our Primary children. It is good to have President Hinckley, President Monson, President Hunter, and other priesthood leaders with us tonight to symbolize the priesthood partnership we so value in the Church and in our homes." The version published in the Ensign reads: "It is good to have President Hinckley, President Monson, President Hunter, and other priesthood leaders with us tonight." One individual who had seen galleys of this address confirms that the "partnership" phrase was still there at that point.
[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]
20 years ago today - Sep 26, 1992
The First Presidency authorized the use of humanitarian relief funds to be sent to Somalia and other African nations in the grip of the drought of the century. In an initial response, one million pounds of food was shipped.
[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]
135 years ago today - Sep 26, 1877
Grand Jury describes Salt Lake County probate court as a "divorce mill" which granted 300 divorces in previous twelve-month period, primarily on "grounds of incompatibility of temperment, different aims and objectives in life." Eighty percent of divorced couples come to Utah for divorces from such places as San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Terre Haute, and St. Louis. Report finds that 13 percent of divorces are granted same day of complaint, total of 25 percent within week of application, and total of 85 percent are granted within a month of application. Report continues, "And your committee have good reason to believe that other country probate courts of the territory are likewise engaged in this class of divorce business, to an equal if not greater extent." Two months later U.S. senator Dawes introduces bill to remove divorce from jurisdiction of Mormon probate courts and limit divorce cases to federally-appointed non-Mormon judges.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
140 years ago today - Sep 26, 1872 (Thursday)
Indians killed Daniel Miller, near Bernard Snow's mill, in Sanpete Valley, and wounded his little son.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Sep 26, 1852. Sunday.
[William Clayton Journal] Morning clear and frosty. At 7 o'clock the Brethren met for prayers, and joined in supplication of the Father of mercies, with Elder Moses Daily, after which the order of the day was a general time of washing, shaving, changing clothing &c. I took a Good wash in the river and felt much refreshed after changing all my clothing. I then went to work to fetch up the camp journal for the week past, having merely kept minutes in a memorandum book, and having little opportunity to write in the evening while the weather has been so very cold.
At half after 10 A.M. the trumpeter called the brethren together for public worship. The chaplain, Orson Spencer,14 after the meeting was opened by Singing and prayer, addressed the brethren, advising them to cherish a kind feeling towards each other, and towards our animals. And also when we get abroad in the world, not to ridicule men because of their peculiar notions and ignorance, but rather to manifest a feeling of sympathy and charity for them, knowing that they are all the children of our Father in heaven, and our brethren. He thinks we will have more influence over them, by manifesting and cherishing a spirit of kindness toward them, than we shall by taking any other course.
He was followed by Elder Daniel Spencer, who agreed with the sentiments Brother Orson had advanced, and also strongly recommended the brethren not to indulge in trifling conversation, and loud laughter; but to cultivate a prayerful spirit, and devote our spare time to reading and gaining intelligence, and by this means be preparing for the mission before us . . .
It was considered best inasmuch as the weather is favorable, to go on this afternoon some 8 or 10 miles to the Little Sandy. Accordingly this afternoon at 1 P.M. we resumed our travels, but on arriving at the Little Sandy, we found it entirely destitute of grass for miles, and no prospect for camping. After counseling on the subject it was concluded to water the teams, fill our vessels with water and then proceed on till we found grass for the animals, and then stop whether there was water or not. This plan was followed accordingly and we were soon moving onward again. The whole country is barren, and destitute of grass, the places where grass is usually found being all eat off, by the vast emigration which has passed during the season. We traveled on, to the "Dry Sandy," expecting to halt there for the night, but the ground being white with alkali, it was considered decidedly unsafe to risk the teams overnight in its neighborhood, and we again traveled onward, and at half past 9 at night encamped on the "Pacific Creek" about two miles below the crossing having travelled 26 miles. The day has been fine and pleasant, and the night clear but cold. After feeding the animals and cooking a hasty supper, the brethren retired to rest without assembling for prayers; all being fatigued and glad to lay down to refresh themselves by the balmy influence of sleep.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
At half after 10 A.M. the trumpeter called the brethren together for public worship. The chaplain, Orson Spencer,14 after the meeting was opened by Singing and prayer, addressed the brethren, advising them to cherish a kind feeling towards each other, and towards our animals. And also when we get abroad in the world, not to ridicule men because of their peculiar notions and ignorance, but rather to manifest a feeling of sympathy and charity for them, knowing that they are all the children of our Father in heaven, and our brethren. He thinks we will have more influence over them, by manifesting and cherishing a spirit of kindness toward them, than we shall by taking any other course.
He was followed by Elder Daniel Spencer, who agreed with the sentiments Brother Orson had advanced, and also strongly recommended the brethren not to indulge in trifling conversation, and loud laughter; but to cultivate a prayerful spirit, and devote our spare time to reading and gaining intelligence, and by this means be preparing for the mission before us . . .
It was considered best inasmuch as the weather is favorable, to go on this afternoon some 8 or 10 miles to the Little Sandy. Accordingly this afternoon at 1 P.M. we resumed our travels, but on arriving at the Little Sandy, we found it entirely destitute of grass for miles, and no prospect for camping. After counseling on the subject it was concluded to water the teams, fill our vessels with water and then proceed on till we found grass for the animals, and then stop whether there was water or not. This plan was followed accordingly and we were soon moving onward again. The whole country is barren, and destitute of grass, the places where grass is usually found being all eat off, by the vast emigration which has passed during the season. We traveled on, to the "Dry Sandy," expecting to halt there for the night, but the ground being white with alkali, it was considered decidedly unsafe to risk the teams overnight in its neighborhood, and we again traveled onward, and at half past 9 at night encamped on the "Pacific Creek" about two miles below the crossing having travelled 26 miles. The day has been fine and pleasant, and the night clear but cold. After feeding the animals and cooking a hasty supper, the brethren retired to rest without assembling for prayers; all being fatigued and glad to lay down to refresh themselves by the balmy influence of sleep.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
175 years ago today - Sep 26, 1837
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] I preached in the School house No. 2. The spirit of God rested upon me. I spent the night at Mr John Smith's & I dreamed of Seeing the great Draggon or beast with all of his heads and horns to the number of six hundred three score and six. He was about 20 rods in length with many riding upon his back without fear or alarm. 9 miles.
[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]
185 years ago today - about Wednesday, Sep 26, 1827
[Book of Mormon Translation] Manchester, J Smith returns home, retrieves the plates.
[Source: Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm]
[Source: Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm]
5 years ago today - Sep 25, 2007
After a trial in St. George, Utah, Jeffs is found guilty of being an accomplice to rape for performing a wedding between a man, 19, and a 14-year-old girl. Under Utah law, a 14-year-old can consent to sex in some circumstances. But, sex is not considered consensual if a person under 18 is enticed by someone at least three years older.
[Source: Gartner, Hana, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Timeline: History of Polygamy, http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/bustupinbountiful/timeline.html]
[Source: Gartner, Hana, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Timeline: History of Polygamy, http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/bustupinbountiful/timeline.html]
80 years ago today - Sep 25, 1932
NEW YORK TIMES reports that David Abbott ("Ab") Jenkins has set land-speed record during twenty-four hour period, one of many world records in his "Mormon Meteor" cars. He single-handedly turns Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats into national speedway.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
135 years ago today - Sep 25, 1877
[John Taylor to Moses Thatcher, Sept. 25, 1877] Your favor of the 22nd, inst.[,] asking the form of ceremony you ought to use in rebaptizing persons who wish the ordinance, and also the form of ceremony in confirming the same, has been received. Your letter was read to the Council, and it has been decided that the proper form to be used in rebaptizing persons who have not been cut off the Church or dealt with for their fellowship is as follows: the person who has authority from the Lord to baptize shall go down into the water with the person to be baptized, and shall say, calling him or her by name, "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you for the remission of your sins, and for the renewal of your covenants, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." In confirming[,] it is proper to reconfirm the members of the Church and to seal upon them all the former baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, patriarchal blessings, and if they have had their endowments, their washings, anointings and their sealing ordinances.
[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]
145 years ago today - Sep 25, 1867
Zion's Camp-- ZION'S CAMP.
The Annual Re-union of the surviving Members of Zion's Camp will be held at the Social Hall, the day after the close of Conference, 4 P.M, under the direction of Bishop Hunter.
All Members of said Camp are respectfully invited to attend. By direction of the First Presidency, BRIGHAM YOUNG, HEBER C. KIMBALL, DANIEL H. WELLS. G. S. L. City, Sept. 19, '67. {1867-September 25-DN 16:308 (September 25, 1867)}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
The Annual Re-union of the surviving Members of Zion's Camp will be held at the Social Hall, the day after the close of Conference, 4 P.M, under the direction of Bishop Hunter.
All Members of said Camp are respectfully invited to attend. By direction of the First Presidency, BRIGHAM YOUNG, HEBER C. KIMBALL, DANIEL H. WELLS. G. S. L. City, Sept. 19, '67. {1867-September 25-DN 16:308 (September 25, 1867)}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
170 years ago today - Sep 25, 1842
[Joseph Smith Journal] [At the Grove. Spoke more than two hours, chiefly on the subject of my persecution.]
[Source: Scott H. Faulring, An American Prophet's Record: Journal, ca. 1841-43 'The Book of the Law of the Lord', http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Scott H. Faulring, An American Prophet's Record: Journal, ca. 1841-43 'The Book of the Law of the Lord', http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
80 years ago today - Sep 24, 1932
Baptismal water not to be dedicated-- September 24, 1932.
While this message is not signed by the First Presidency, the instructions therein came from them.
WATER FOR BAPTISM NEED NOT BE DEDICATED
Word has come from various sources that, in some instances, the practice has been adopted by brethren in charge of baptismal services of dedicating the water for baptism by prayer.
After consideration of this matter with the First Presidency, the Presiding Bishopric are authorized to state that such procedure is not a part of the baptismal ordinance or ceremony and it is not necessary. It is, of course, entirely appropriate to have a short preliminary service including prayer, and a hymn, where desired.
It is suggested to stake presidencies, mission presidents, and ward bishoprics that proper instructions in conformity with this statement be given to those who may have charge of baptismal services. {1932-September 24-Deseret News, Church Section, p. 6,}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
While this message is not signed by the First Presidency, the instructions therein came from them.
WATER FOR BAPTISM NEED NOT BE DEDICATED
Word has come from various sources that, in some instances, the practice has been adopted by brethren in charge of baptismal services of dedicating the water for baptism by prayer.
After consideration of this matter with the First Presidency, the Presiding Bishopric are authorized to state that such procedure is not a part of the baptismal ordinance or ceremony and it is not necessary. It is, of course, entirely appropriate to have a short preliminary service including prayer, and a hymn, where desired.
It is suggested to stake presidencies, mission presidents, and ward bishoprics that proper instructions in conformity with this statement be given to those who may have charge of baptismal services. {1932-September 24-Deseret News, Church Section, p. 6,}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
115 years ago today - Sep 24, 1897
[George F. Gibbs to Marriner Wood Merrill and David H. Cannon, Sept, 24, 1897] It having come to the knowledge of the First Presidency that children and adults who had not received their endowments had been permitted to witness the marriage ceremony of their friends in one of the temples, the propriety of this was considered by the council of First Presidency and apostles; and I was instructed to request the president of temples to strictly forbid any person who had not received his or her endowments from witnessing the sealing ordinance.
[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]
120 years ago today - September 24-25, 1892
[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] [has just returned from the Southern Utah settlements, where in meetings they have been dividing the people along party lines] "President's office and Geo[rge] F. Gibbs went with me out to Pres[iden]t Woodruff's home. The President wanted me to go to Arizona and give the saints the views of the First Presidency in regard to dividing on party lines. I got my ticket and Jack let me have a hundred dollars." [24th p. 134] "When I got to Salt Lake City Bro[ther] Jos[eph] F. Smith told me to visit all the stakes in Arizona... " [25th p. 135]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Sep 24, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 24 We rode to Laramie. Br Young Kimball Benson & myself dined with Mr Burdow. We talked with Him about our stolen Horses. He informed us that our company with the ox teams lost every Horse they had, but they had got them all back but 5. He gave us some encouragement of sending an interpeter with us to get our horses.
We crossed the Platt & pitched our camp about 3 miles from the fort.
During the evening President Young Called the camp together And addressed them at some length. Appointed 10 men to go & visit the Indians to get the stolen Horses & about 40 men to follow after to assist in case of necessity. Br Young gave much instruction upon principle & improving upon manners, temper, & interest in the general welfare of the Church & kingdom of God. Distance of the day 12 m.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We crossed the Platt & pitched our camp about 3 miles from the fort.
During the evening President Young Called the camp together And addressed them at some length. Appointed 10 men to go & visit the Indians to get the stolen Horses & about 40 men to follow after to assist in case of necessity. Br Young gave much instruction upon principle & improving upon manners, temper, & interest in the general welfare of the Church & kingdom of God. Distance of the day 12 m.
[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 - Sep 24, 1842
The QUINCY WHIG editorializes: "If [Joseph Smith] will listen to word from us, we would advise him to locate his new Jerusalem, away to the far West, in the Oregon country and there-govern the Saints in his own way-he would procure peace and quietness [without] molestation in the enjoyment of their peculiar notions in that distant country;-to the Government, the location of [the Mormons] would be an advantage, because it greatly needs settlers in that region; and doubtless, Government would do something right handsome for Joseph, in the grant of a gift of lands, etc., if he would guarantee the emigration of any number of settlers-"
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
185 years ago today - 24-Sep 27, 1827
Alvah Beaman, who was visiting the Smiths from Lavonia (NY), helps hide the plates under the hearth.
Joseph Sr. spies on a neighbor, Samuel Lawrence, and others and discovers that they have hired a conjuror to find the plates. Emma is sent to retrieve Joseph Jr. from Macedon. Joseph Jr. goes into the woods to get the plates from their hiding place and on return is attacked and dislocates his thumb . Josiah Stowell said he was the "first person" who took the plates out of Smith's hands "the morning [he] brought them in" . William and Katharine Smith lifted and felt them through an old frock coat . Willard Chase said Smith worked in Macedon about ten days before Emma went after him , but Lucy Smith says it was only "a little while" or the "next day" before he returned (1853:102). Knight said that he and Stowell stayed in Manchester for "several days" . Considering that they arrived on 20 September and were preparing to leave on the morning of the 22nd, it seems unlikely that Stowell and Knight would still be at the Smith home ten days later. The low-end date is determined by adding a minimum of one day in Macedon. The high-end date is determined by subtracting three days from end of month when Smith hides the plates in his father's cooper shop "a few days after" bringing them home.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
Joseph Sr. spies on a neighbor, Samuel Lawrence, and others and discovers that they have hired a conjuror to find the plates. Emma is sent to retrieve Joseph Jr. from Macedon. Joseph Jr. goes into the woods to get the plates from their hiding place and on return is attacked and dislocates his thumb . Josiah Stowell said he was the "first person" who took the plates out of Smith's hands "the morning [he] brought them in" . William and Katharine Smith lifted and felt them through an old frock coat . Willard Chase said Smith worked in Macedon about ten days before Emma went after him , but Lucy Smith says it was only "a little while" or the "next day" before he returned (1853:102). Knight said that he and Stowell stayed in Manchester for "several days" . Considering that they arrived on 20 September and were preparing to leave on the morning of the 22nd, it seems unlikely that Stowell and Knight would still be at the Smith home ten days later. The low-end date is determined by adding a minimum of one day in Macedon. The high-end date is determined by subtracting three days from end of month when Smith hides the plates in his father's cooper shop "a few days after" bringing them home.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
120 years ago today - Sep 23, 1892
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] While in meeting Telegram was received by 1st Presidency of the hazard at Washington of our cause from the falsehood contained in Report of Utah Commission just published for past year. Decided that GQC start for East tomorrow am.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Sep 23, 1862
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 23 I gathered 30 Bushels of peaches to day.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Sep 23, 1832
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received portions of Doctrine & Covenants 84, a revelation containing instructions about the priesthood as well as scripture in poetic form called the new song of Zion.
[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]
180 years ago today - Sep 23, 1832
"The Lord chided Church members for not valuing the Book of Mormon sufficiently." Statistics for Joseph Smith show "... in the 173 discourses given in Nauvoo, Illinois for which contemporary records exist, Smith himself paraphrased the Book of Mormon only twenty-three times but quoted or paraphrased the Bible more than six hundred times. ... Although he described the Book of Mormon as more correct than any other book and as 'the keystone of our religion,' there is little evidence that he ever took time to study its contents as he did the Bible's." (Phillip Barlow, 'Mormons and the Bible,' citing D&C 84:54-57)
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
After Sep 23, 1827
10-12 money-diggers are clubbed with Willard Chase (a Methodist Class leader) who send for their own conjuror (Samuel Lawrence) to determine where the plates are hidden. Joseph Smith, Sr. investigates and finds the group at Lawrence's house [per Lucy Mack Smith].
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
185 years ago today - Sunday, Sep 23, 1827
[Book of Mormon Translation] Macedon. J Smith is hired to work on a well in Macedon.
[Source: Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm]
[Source: Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm]
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 mh
90 years ago today - Sep 22, 1922
Apostle Melvin J. Ballard preaches in the Ogden Temple: "Now, my brothers and sisters, I would like you to understand that long before we were born into this earth we were tested and tried in our pre-existence and the fact that of the thousands of children born today, a certain proportion of them went to the Hottentots of the south seas, thousands went to the Chinese mothers, thousand to Negro mothers, thousands to beautiful white Latter-day Saint mothers. Why this difference? You cannot tell me that the entire group was just designated, marked, to go where they did. That they were men and women of equal worthiness. There are no infant spirits born. They had a being ages before they come into this life. They appear in infant bodies, but they were tested, proven souls. Therefore, I say to you that long before we came into this life all groups and races of men existed as they exist today. Like attracts to like. Why is it in this Church we do not grant the priesthood to the Negroes? It is alleged that the Prophet Joseph said-and I have no reason to dispute it-that it is because of some act committed by them before they came into this life. It is alleged that they were neutral, standing neither for Christ nor the devil. But, I am convinced it is because of some things they did before they came into this life that they have been denied the privilege. The races of today are very largely reaping the consequences of a previous life." Ballard's discourse is later reprinted by the Church as a pamphlet entitled "The Three Degrees of Glory".
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
115 years ago today - Sep 22, 1897
Presentation to the King of Sweden-- The Scandinavian Mission of the L.D.S. Church was established in 1850-1851. By 1897 major portions of the population in Utah, especially in central and southern Utah were of Scandinavian descent. It was natural therefore that this honor be paid by the First Presidency to the King and Queen of Sweden.
To whom these presents may come, GREETING: ...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
To whom these presents may come, GREETING: ...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
115 years ago today - Wednesday, Sep 22, 1897
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
I went through the Temple today. I got endowments for Wm. Quist and had Abigil Libbey sealed to him, H. M. Smith and one acting for them. Mrs. Merrit [?] was sealed to Joseph the Prophet, I representing the Prophet and Martha Sister Merrit.
[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 went through the Temple today. I got endowments for Wm. Quist and had Abigil Libbey sealed to him, H. M. Smith and one acting for them. Mrs. Merrit [?] was sealed to Joseph the Prophet, I representing the Prophet and Martha Sister Merrit.
[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 - Thurs. Sept. 22nd 1882
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] He has read in the Logan Leader for Aug. 19th abt. Arctic exploration which mention that a race of people exist, who speak Hebrew, and have gold and silver mines, etc., and A. H. Cannon believes they must certainly be the lost 10 tribes.
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
September 22 and 23, 1832
Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 84. Building Zion and its temple, lineage of the Holy Priesthood , priesthood of Aaron , greater priesthood and seeing God , lesser priesthood and John the Baptist , appendages (offices) to the priesthoods , sons of Moses and Aaron , linkage of Father, Son, priesthood, covenant , linkage of truth, light, and Spirit of Christ , linkage of apostles, high priests, friends , signs follow believers , non-believers damned , Saints must repent , Lord's friends travel without purse or scrip , cleanse feet against those who reject testimony , donations to missionaries and poor , lesser priesthood support missionary work , high priests, elders, priests, bishop travel , missionaries reprove world and Lord will shake heaven and earth.
Newel K. Whitney Papers, Box 1, fd. 11, heading: A revelation given in Kirtland the 22d & 23d day of Sept AD 1832.
Kirtland Revelations Book, 20-31 heading: Revelation given to six Elders sept 22 & 23d of 1832 explaining the two priest hood[s] and commissioning the Apostles to preach the gospel (Index page at beginning of book).
Not printed in Book of Commandments.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 4 heading: A Revelation given the 22d and 23d of Sept. 1832. / ON PRIESTHOOD.
[Source: Kenny, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
Newel K. Whitney Papers, Box 1, fd. 11, heading: A revelation given in Kirtland the 22d & 23d day of Sept AD 1832.
Kirtland Revelations Book, 20-31 heading: Revelation given to six Elders sept 22 & 23d of 1832 explaining the two priest hood[s] and commissioning the Apostles to preach the gospel (Index page at beginning of book).
Not printed in Book of Commandments.
1835 Doctrine and Covenants 4 heading: A Revelation given the 22d and 23d of Sept. 1832. / ON PRIESTHOOD.
[Source: Kenny, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
Sep 22, 1827
Lucy sends Joseph Jr. to a cabinet maker, probably Willard Chase, to make a chest in which to put the plates . Chase says this occurred in the "fore part" of September , perhaps unaware that there was a gap between Smith's removing the plates from the hill and his taking them home Chase assumed Smith had approached him before 22 September.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
Sep 22, 1827
Joseph Smith tells his mother that he has not brought the plates home but has hidden the, plates in an old birch log three miles from his home. He tells her he hid them by cutting out a segment of bark, carving out the interior, depositing the plates, and replacing the bark. After breakfast he tells visiting Joseph Knight "It is ten times Better then I expected. Then he went on to tell the length and width and thickness of the plates and, said he, they appear to be gold. But he seamed to think more of the glasses or the urim and thummim than he Did of the plates for says he, I can see anything. They are Marvelous."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
After Sep 22, 1827
Joseph Smith tells Henry Harris that he used the seer stone upon instructions from an angel to find the plates [per Henry Harris].
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
Sep 22, 1827
Joseph Jr. obtains the golden plates from the hill during the early morning hours on Saturday, 22 September 1827 . Katharine Smith says that Joseph got the plates at 2 a.m. ; Benjamin Saunders says midnight . The plates are not brought home but hidden in woods.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
Sep 22, 1827
[Heber C. Kimball] On the night of September 22d, 1827, while living in the town of Mendon, after I had retired to bed, John P. Green, who was then a traveling Reformed Methodist preacher, living within one hundred steps of my house, came and waked me up, calling upon me to come out and behold the scenery in the heavens. I woke up and called my wife and Sister Fanny Young (sister to Brigham Young), who was living with us; we went out of doors—it was one of the most beautiful starlight nights, so clear that we could see to pick up a pin. We looked to the eastern horizon and beheld a white smoke arise towards the heavens; as it ascended it formed itself into a belt, and made a noise like the rushing of a mighty wind, and continued southwest, forming a regular bow dipping in the western horizon. After the bow had formed, it began to widen out and grow clear and transparent of a bluish cast; it grew wide enough to contain twelve men abreast. In this bow an army moved, commencing from the east and marching to the west; they continued marching until they reached the western horizon. They moved in platoons, and walked so close the rear ranks trod in the steps of their file leaders, until the whole bow was literally crowded with soldiers. We could distinctly see the muskets, bayonets and knapsacks of the men, who wore caps and feathers like those used by the American soldiers in the last war with Britain; also saw their officers with their swords and equipage, and heard the clashing and jingling of their instruments of war, and could discover the form and features of the men. The most profound order existed throughout the entire army; when the foremost man stepped, every man stepped at the same time; I could hear the steps. When the front rank reached the western horizon a battle ensued, as we could distinctly hear the report of the arms and the rush. No man could judge of my feelings when I beheld that army of men, as plainly as I ever saw armies of men in the flesh. It seemed as though every hair of my head was alive. This scenery we gazed upon for hours, until it began to disappear. After I became acquainted with Mormonism I learned that this took place the same evening that Joseph Smith received the records of the Book of Mormon from the angel Moroni, who had held those records in his possession. John Young, Sen., and John P. Greene's wife Rhoda were also witnesses of this scenery. My wife being frightened at what she saw, said: `Father Young, what does all this mean?' He replied in a lively, pleased manner, `Why, it's one of the signs of the coming of the Son of Man.' The next night similar scenery was beheld in the west by the neighbors, representing armies of men who were engaged in battle."
[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
200 years ago today - Sep 21, 1812
[Sidney Rigdon] Thomas Campbell, Senior minister of church at Crossroads and Brushrun, Washington Co., signed son Alexander Campbell's certificate of ordination
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., History and Genealogy of Sidney Rigdon: The First Theologian of the Latter Day Saints, http://sidneyrigdon.com/Rigdchrn.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., History and Genealogy of Sidney Rigdon: The First Theologian of the Latter Day Saints, http://sidneyrigdon.com/Rigdchrn.htm]
130 years ago today - Sep 21, 1882
[Heber J. Grant Diary] I had quite a visit with Bro [E. R.] Young riding to Ogden. Among other things he told me that he had heard my name mentioned with others in connection with the next delegate to congress. In and of myself I could not possibly fill the place as my education and daily life have not been of such a character as to qualify me for this position, but I have full confidence that I could fill the place with honor to myself and our people with the assistance of our Heavenly Father. If it is His will that I go there is nothing that I know of that would give me more pleasure. But I hope and pray that I will not be selected unless I have the assistance of our Heavenly Father as I know that I would make a complete failure and in a great degree destroy what little reputation I now have. I am not big headed enough to think the brethren will select a boy for delegate to congress.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Sep 21, 1862
James E. Talmage, later a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is born in Hungerford, England.
[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]
140 years ago today - Sep 21, 1872
Miss Phoebe W. Cousins and Miss Georgeanna Snow become first women admitted to practice of law in Utah.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Sep 21, 1832
A meeting of the Executive Committee of the American Temperance Society designates Tuesday, February 26, 1833 (the day before the Word of Wisdom was received) as a national temperance day set aside for simultaneous meetings "in all the cities, towns and villages throughout the United States" hoping that "persons of all denominations, sects, and parties, can cordially unite."
A severe cholera epidemic swept the nation in 1832-33. Sometimes referred to as 'the destroying angel' it was thought that drinking greatly increased ones chances of death by cholera. The Executive Committee felt that through temperance, cholera, "that scourge of the nations ... would be nearly, if not altogether unknown" and "ever-growing light, purity, and joy, under the means of divine appointment, with all who obey the divine will, would universally prevail."
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
A severe cholera epidemic swept the nation in 1832-33. Sometimes referred to as 'the destroying angel' it was thought that drinking greatly increased ones chances of death by cholera. The Executive Committee felt that through temperance, cholera, "that scourge of the nations ... would be nearly, if not altogether unknown" and "ever-growing light, purity, and joy, under the means of divine appointment, with all who obey the divine will, would universally prevail."
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
140 years ago today - Sep 21, 1872
Miss Phoebe W. Cousins and Miss Georgeanna Snow become first women admitted to practice of law in Utah.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
185 years ago today - Sep 21, 1827
Around midnight Joseph Smith asks his mother, Lucy Mack Smith, if she has a box with a lock on it. She says she doesn't and Joseph says, "Never mind, I can do very well for the present without it-be calm-all is right." Minutes later Joseph's new wife, Emma, passes through the room in her bonnet and riding dress, and Lucy hears the two of them drive off in Joseph Knight's wagon-borrowed without permission-to get the gold plates from the Hill Cumorah.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
40 years ago today - Sep 20, 1972
[Harold B. Lee] Organizes the Jerusalem Branch at the Garden Tomb.
[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]
95 years ago today - Sep 20, 1917
James H. Moyle appointed Assistant Secretary of U.S. Treasury, serving to 1921, and again (1939-40). He is first Mormon to achieve sub-Cabinet appointment in U.S. government. Appointments of similar rand for other Mormons are Assistant Attorney General Frank K. Nebeker (1919-21), Under-Secretary of State J. Reuben Clark (1928-30), Assistant Secretary of Treasury Marriner S. Eccles (1934-36), Assistant Secretary of Commerce Robert H. Hinckley (1940-42), Assistant Secretary of Treasure David M. Kennedy (1953-54), Assistant Secretary of Labor Esther W. Eggertsen Peterson (1961-69), Assistant Secretary of Interior Jack W. Carlson (1974-76), Assistant Attorney General Rex E. Lee (1975-76), Assistant Secretary of State Gregory J. Newell (1982-85), Under-Secretary of Commerce Sidney L. Jones (1984-86), Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services James O. Mason (1989-1993), Assistant Secretary of Treasury Sidney L. Jones (1989-93).
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
155 years ago today - Sep 20, 1857
Ten days after the Mountain Meadows massacre Heber C. Kimball preaches in Salt Lake City: "Do I want to shed the blood of my brethren and sisters, or to see it shed? No: and neither do you, unless the Holy Ghost dictates for us to shed the blood of our enemies; then it is just as right as it is for us to partake of the sacrament. But I wish they would take the hint, and go the other way, and not attempt to come here. We do not want to hurt them; but if they come upon us, and we have to repel them by the force of arms, God Almighty will give us the power to do it: now, mark it." The next speaker, President Brigham Young, begins his sermon with "Brother Heber wants to know whether he has said anything wrong. So far as I am concerned, and so far as the truth is concerned, he has not."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
165 years ago today - Sep 20, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20th We travled 30 miles. We crossed dry creek, little timber, & camped on Big timber. Did not get through untill 9 oclok at night. Had great difficulty in finding grass as the other camps had eat it off. A Boy by the name of Judson Persons did not get into Camp but lay out 10 miles from camp. 30 miles.
[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]
185 years ago today - Sep 20, 1827
[Joseph Smith] Josiah Stowell and Joseph Knight Sr. arrive in Manchester in anticipation of Smith obtaining the golden plates. .
[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.]
20 years ago today - Sep 19, 1992
- VICTIMS: THE LDS CHURCH AND THE MARK HOFMANN CASE, authored by Richard Turley, managing director of the LDS Historical Department, is published by the University of Illinois Press. Turley claims "unprecedented access" to church officials and "previously unavailable documents." He acknowledges that "a substantial amount of writing was done on church time."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
50 years ago today - Sep 19, 1962
First Presidency rules that prominent Egyptian polygamist can be baptized because polygamy is legal in Egypt. This is in reference to "an earlier ruling in the matter of Indians who had married more than one wife and it was decided that they may be baptized, if they were legally married according to their tribal customs." First Presidency agrees that such legal polygamists cannot be sealed in temples, to avoid confusing LDS policy toward Mormon Fundamentalists. With regard to black Africa, President David O. McKay says it "is a cruel thing" to require Nigerian polygamists to cease their legally polygamous marriages, yet Presidency decides to forbid baptism of black African polygamists (who are also denied priesthood ordination by LDS policy for all persons of black African descent). By contrast, the Egyptian polygamist, a Coptic Christian, is baptized in London in February 1963 and ordained elder.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
120 years ago today - Sep 19, 1892 (Monday)
In the First District Court, Provo, Lars J. Augustson was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, Thos. Bingham to three months, Ed. Thomas to three months, and P.M. Peterson to two months, all for u.c. [Unlawful Cohabitation, I.E. living with a polygamous wife]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
155 years ago today - Sep 19, 1857
'The Mormon' ceases publication (New York City); John Taylor, editor. Began publication in 1855.
[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]
165 years ago today - Sep 19, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19th Sunday Early this morning A Company of Hunters crossed the river to get some Buffalo Cows in a herd near By. In the Chase Br Mathews horse fell with him but did not hurt him. The others Continued on & killed one cow & two black tailed deer.
While this was going on the Twelve with many others went up the creek to see if they could get the Bears But we Could not find them. I came in sight of 3 deer & shot 3 times at them with A coarse sighted rifles & shot over them evry time. Brother Barnham shot one of them. I went a little above & saw about 50 Antilope in a flock feeding on the plain. I got within 30 rods of one of them & shot him dead in his tracks. I brought my horse up to put him onto his back to pack him into Camp And I laboured hard one hour before I could get the horse willing to let me put the Animal on his back. I was 5 miles from camp & walked & led my horse in. The Antilop was fat. We then Harnessed up & drove 9 miles & camped on Fourcheb[ei?]sed rock. 9 miles.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
While this was going on the Twelve with many others went up the creek to see if they could get the Bears But we Could not find them. I came in sight of 3 deer & shot 3 times at them with A coarse sighted rifles & shot over them evry time. Brother Barnham shot one of them. I went a little above & saw about 50 Antilope in a flock feeding on the plain. I got within 30 rods of one of them & shot him dead in his tracks. I brought my horse up to put him onto his back to pack him into Camp And I laboured hard one hour before I could get the horse willing to let me put the Animal on his back. I was 5 miles from camp & walked & led my horse in. The Antilop was fat. We then Harnessed up & drove 9 miles & camped on Fourcheb[ei?]sed rock. 9 miles.
[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 - Sep 19, 1842
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith continued to sit for his portrait being painted by Brother David Rogers.
[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]
80 years ago today - Sep 18, 1932
Church's Adult Aaronic Priesthood program begins as local innovation in Salt Lake 28th Ward. It becomes churchwide program next year.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
105 years ago today - Sep 18, 1907
Front-page headline of THE LOGAN REPUBLICAN: "Bear Lake Monster Appears: Leviathan Comes from Lake and Devours Horse While Men Shoot At It."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
130 years ago today - Monday, Sep 18, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
I am thirty four years old today and I am in good health and spirits. My wives and children are all happy and well, and while our government is making exertions to bring trouble upon the saints all is well in Zion.
My wife Sarah gave me a gold collar button. My wife Josephine gave me Gaskels Compendium.
I bought fifty steel engravings of my father, and will scatter them among the family.
[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 am thirty four years old today and I am in good health and spirits. My wives and children are all happy and well, and while our government is making exertions to bring trouble upon the saints all is well in Zion.
My wife Sarah gave me a gold collar button. My wife Josephine gave me Gaskels Compendium.
I bought fifty steel engravings of my father, and will scatter them among the family.
[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 - Sep 18, 1837
[Joseph Smith] The Kirtland bishopric sends a letter to the other branches of the Church, explaining the financial embarrassment involved in the debt caused by building the house of the Lord, and asking the Saints to send a tithe in gold and silver for the relief of Kirtland and the building of Zion.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
175 years ago today - About Sep 18, 1837
Parley P. Pratt, in New York, publishes "Voice of Warning," (216 pages).
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
185 years ago today - Sep 18, 1827
"September 18, Bro. Brigham Young's wife, Miriam, having been feeble for months, died. In her expiring moments she clapped her hands and praised the Lord; she continued in this happy state, and when her voice was too weak to be heard, her lips and hands were seen moving until she expired. This was another testimony of the powerful effect of the everlasting gospel, showing that we shall not die, but we shall sleep. * * * In these scenes and other afflictions we felt to rejoice in the Lord. * * * In September, Brothers Brigham and Joseph Young and myself went up to Kirtland, Ohio, in my wagon, to visit the Prophet. * * * We saw Brother Joseph Smith and had a glorious time, during which Brother Brigham spoke in tongues before Joseph, this being the first time that Joseph had heard the gift of tongues. He rose up and testified that the gift was from God, and then the gift fell upon him and he spoke in tongues himself; he afterwards declared it was the pure or Adamic language which he spoke. * * * We had a precious season, and returned with a blessing in our souls. I continued rejoicing in the Lord and bearing testimony that God had spoken from the heavens, and of the things I had received, until I sold my possessions and settled up my affairs. In the fall of 1833 I packed up my goods, took my horses and wagon and started for Kirtland, Ohio; but to my great surprise, some of my neighbors issued attachments against my goods, although I was not indebted to any one of them to the value of five cents, for I had been particular in such matters, that I was well aware I was not indebted in any sum to any person, unless two cents to one man, in a case where change could not be procured, although there were some hundreds of dollars due me, which I was obliged to leave uncollected; I settled their unjust claims. Elder Brigham Young and his two children went with me; we arrived in Kirtland about the last of October or first of November."
[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
20 years ago today - Sep 17, 1992.
Elder Russell M. Nelson writes to Jack and Linda Newell that the files of the Strengthening Church Members Committee are not "secret but confidential," pointing out that members should counsel with local priesthood leaders who may then "request advice from General Authorities through established channels of Church government," and suggesting that they "may wish to consult" their bishop. Jack and Linda transmit their request formally through their bishop on 18 September.
[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 - Sep 17, 1982
[Mark Hofmann] Hofmann interviewed by Peggy Fletcher, editor of Sunstone. The interview is published in Sunstone Review 2 (September 1982): 16-19. Hofmann admits in the interview that with the high prices being paid for Mormon documents "there may be some temptation to forge." Later in the interview he says, "I'm in this for the money." page 85-102
[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,]
[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,]
70 years ago today - Sep 17, 1942
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I spoke to Brother Richard R. Lyman about a Patriarch to the Church. I told him I did not appreciate the brethren saying they would support anybody I would recommend. I wanted it to be that whoever I recommend would be their man. They weren't to say, 'Well, I voted for him because Brother Grant recommended him' but I waned them to say 'I voted for him because he was my choice.' I told him I was for the Joseph F. Smith III. He grabbed me and hugged me and said he was the finest boy in the country. He said: 'I am delighted.' He said: 'My father taught me and I have said it to the brethren that when the chief made a recommendation we would never go wrong if we follow that recommendation.'
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
70 years ago today - Sep 17, 1942
President Grant made the following statement: Brethren, I came down this morning to my office at 8 o’clock to see some of the brethren of this Council. I have talked to all of the brethren telling them whom I wanted to recommend to be Patriarch to the Church, and I believe they are all a unit to sustain the man whom I shall nominate. I have known of course the feelings of some of the brethren to the effect that the great grandson of Patriarch John Smith should be made the Patriarch, and I have tried to feel that he was the right man. I have prayed earnestly to the Lord that if he were the right man the Lord would give me a manifestation to that effect, and I have never received it. Just recently I assured the Lord that I was very anxious that something be done and that I had made up my mind if the brethren were a unit in favor of this young man I might surrender and put him in, but I would not give my approval. Every time I have opened the Doctrine and Covenants, which I have done many times and turned to the revelation given to Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smithâ€"Section 9â€"and have read the words of the Lord: “If it is right I shall cause that your bosom shall burn within you, therefore you shall feel that it is right; if it be not right ye shall have no such feeling, and you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing that was wrong.†Every time I have tried to appoint this young man I have had a stupor of thought, and I could not do it. It breaks my heard for the sake of his mother and brother to have to tell them or ask someone else to do so, and I know it will almost kill them because they feel the boy ought to have the position. I have spoken to all the brethren and told them that if I named a man I would like them not to tell anybody he was not their choice, because we admit no man to our Council except that he understands that when we discuss a subject and the Council approves of it that a man, although he may have the opposite view, is expected to surrender that view and to be one with the majority. I realize that there never was a day when we could quite seem to be united as one on this man. I did not want to come to a final decision with that kind of feeling. It is only fair to say now that from President Clawson down the brethren have all assured me that the brother whom I shall name would be their choice and they would not say, “Well, I voted for him, but he is not my choice,†but that he would be their choice as well as mine. I have talked this morning with Brother Lee, he is the last to whom I have spoken, and all the brethren have manifested a very fine spirit in having him as their choice, and I nominate for your approval Brother Hyrum M. Smith’s son, a grandson of the Prophet Joseph F. Smithâ€"Brother Joseph F. Smith the third. On the matter being put to a vote all the brethren voted unanimously in favor of the nomination. ... I feel very happy with the selection and the voting, and I feel that it is worth a lot. My recollection is that it was very often talked of that Brother Brigham tried to get Joseph F. to take the two offices, but he was so loyal to his older brother he would not take the office of Patriarch. Brother Brigham felt he ought to be both an Apostle and a Patriarch. That was when I was a young man. Heber J. Grant had called Joseph Fielding Smith on the phone, the Apostle on the phone, and told him that all of the other Apostles were in agreement to calling Joseph Fielding rather than Eldred [G. Smith] to the office and would he go along. Joseph Fielding replied, what about [George Albert] Smith, is he going along with this? Heber J. Grant said yes and that Joseph Fielding Smith was the only one yet that was not going along with it and he said well, he wasn’t going to beâ€"he wasn’t going to hold it up if he was the only one that was objecting and to go ahead with it. He thenâ€" Joseph Fielding Smith, as he hung up the telephone, thought it rather strange that George Albert Smith would have agreed to this since he had been so much against it in the past and so he decided to call and ask him why he decided to change his mind, and so he picked up the telephone and called him and the line was busy, and he called several times and the line was busy. Then finally, he got through to him and he asked him the question and George Albert Smith said that he had just got off the phone with Heber J. Grant and that Heber J. Grant called and told him that George Albert Smith was the only one that had not yet agreed to having Joseph Fielding Smith put in as the next Patriarch, and he had asked whether Joseph Fielding the Apostle had gone along with this, and he said yes, that George Albert was the only one that was holding up. George Albert indicated that if he were the only one and if Joseph Fielding was going along with it, then he wouldâ€"indicating that Heber J. Grant hadâ€"that each of them thought the other one was giving in and it was on that basis that they had agreed to the compromise choice of Joseph Fielding as Patriarch, when in fact, neither was the case until after the fact.
[Source: Minutes (Present: Presidents Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Rudger Clawson, Elders George F. Richards, Joseph Fielding Smith, Richard R. Hyman, John A. Widtsoe, Charles A. Callis, Albert E. Bowen, Sylvester Q. Cannon, and Harold B. Lee); “Conversation between E. Gary Smith and Eldred Smith on April 11, 1983,†April 12, 1983]
[Source: Minutes (Present: Presidents Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Rudger Clawson, Elders George F. Richards, Joseph Fielding Smith, Richard R. Hyman, John A. Widtsoe, Charles A. Callis, Albert E. Bowen, Sylvester Q. Cannon, and Harold B. Lee); “Conversation between E. Gary Smith and Eldred Smith on April 11, 1983,†April 12, 1983]
110 years ago today - Sep 17, 1902
Emmeline B. Wells, editor of WOMAN'S EXPONENT and later president of Relief Society, writes, "Sister Walden told Em's [Emmeline B.'s granddaughter] fortune in her hand also Anna Henderson's."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
120 years ago today - Sep 17, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17 The board of Saltair Railway with many of our families went to the Saltair Beach & [spent] 5 Hours there. Had a feast & visited the Hot springs & rode out to the pile Driven half a mile from shore. We were in 3 feet of Salt water. Broke a tug & began to sink in the sand. Brother Longford Carried me from one Carriage to the other. Mended the tug & we got ashore. The Lake is still falling. We got to the City at 6 ock. 40 mil.
[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 - Sep 16, 1882
Hoar Amendment
Hoar amendment to the Edmonds Act. The non-Mormon Governor of the Territory of Utah was authorized to appoint any vacancies of office that were not filled by the election of August 1882 in consequence of the provisions of the 1862 Morrill Act, and filled the vacancies with his own appointees.
[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
Hoar amendment to the Edmonds Act. The non-Mormon Governor of the Territory of Utah was authorized to appoint any vacancies of office that were not filled by the election of August 1882 in consequence of the provisions of the 1862 Morrill Act, and filled the vacancies with his own appointees.
[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
170 years ago today - Sep 16, 1842
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith was at home sitting for his portrait painted by Brother David Rogers.
[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]
20 years ago today - Sep 16, 1992.
Elders James E. Faust and Russell M. Nelson, in response to my August letter requesting to see my file, respond that they regard the files not "as secret but confidential." My second letter acknowledges the distinction and again requests to see it. As of mid-January 1993, there has been no response.
[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]
20 years ago today - Sep 15, 1992
Avraham Gileadi, LDS scholar who had published commentaries on Isaiah, is excommunicated for apostasy. He is reportedly told he was excommunicated for teaching false doctrine, being predatory in teaching his theology, and for believing dead prophets over living ones.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
35 years ago today - Sep 15, 1977
LDS missionary Kirk M. Anderson, 21, of Orem, Utah, disappears on from the village of Epsom, twenty miles south of London. The disappearance sets off a two-day nationwide search by Scotland Yard. Two days later Anderson is released. He had been held, handcuffed and shackled, in a rented vacation cottage on an isolated farm. Two days after Anderson's release police arrested Joyce McKinney, 27, of Minneapolis, North Carolina. It is later revealed that McKinney, former Miss Universe contestant, manacled Anderson to a bed and forced him to have sex with her.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
70 years ago today - Sep 15, 1942
President Grant came into my office and stated rather wittily and facetiously that he was as good as new and proceeded to demonstrate that he could walk up and down the aisle here without “dragging†his left foot which he has done for two yearsâ€"that is, since his illness and until about a week ago. He looks fine. I should say his steady improvement is close to the miraculous. He is buoyant and considerate and his mind is active.
[Source: Frank Evans, Diary]
[Source: Frank Evans, Diary]
120 years ago today - Sep 15, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15 I met with the Z.C.M.I. Board & with the Twelve. I had much Company all day.
[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 - Friday, Sep 15, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
Everything possible is taken to evade registering members of the peoples party at Ogden.
[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]
Everything possible is taken to evade registering members of the peoples party at Ogden.
[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]
155 years ago today - Sep 15, 1857
[Albert Sydney Johnston] On 15 September 1857 Brigham Young, Governor of Utah Territory, issued a decree that forbade entry of armed forces into the territory, and declared martial law. Young mobilized the local militia, known as the Nauvoo Legion. Army troops began to arrive at Ham's Fork on 28 September, commanded by Colonel E.B. Alexander. On 5 October, Lot Smith and his band of Mormons attacked and destroyed fifty-two wagons of U.S. Army provisions. On 3 November, Johnston caught up with his forces and pushed on to Fort Bridger, renamed Camp Scott, and prepared camp for winter.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Albert Sydney Johnston, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/j/JOHNSTON%2CALBERT.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Albert Sydney Johnston, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/j/JOHNSTON%2CALBERT.html]
170 years ago today - Sep 15, 1842
The Times and Seasons published an account from Sidney Rigdon concerning the death of his daughter Eliza weeks before [the exact date is unavailable]. Before her demise she had "come back to deliver her message, and then depart again -- saying the Lord had said to her the very words she should relate... concerning Dr. Bennett, that he was a wicked man.
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
170 years ago today - Sep 15, 1842
The Times and Seasons reports a conversation between Joseph Smith and a clergyman
[Smith:] What is the fundamental doctrine of your faith?' [minister:] 'The unity of Godâ€"one God in one person.' [Smith:] 'We don't agree with you. We believe in three Gods. There are three personages in Heavenâ€"all equal in power and glory, but they are not one God.' [minister, commenting:] I suppose, from what I heard, that Smith makes it a point not to agree with any one in regard to his religious opinions, and adapts himself to the person with whom he happens to be talking for the time being."
[Times and Seasons editor; Smith himself?:] Tolerable fair:â€"Though the idea that Joseph Smith adapts his conversation to the company, is an error. Joseph Smith opposes vice and error, and supports his positions from revelation: no odds whether there be two, three, or "Gods many." The Father, and the Son are persons of Tabernacle; and the Holy Ghost a spirit, besides the sons of God: for the scriptures say: "Ye are Gods." [Times and Seasons 3:22 (September 15, 1842), p. 926]
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Smith:] What is the fundamental doctrine of your faith?' [minister:] 'The unity of Godâ€"one God in one person.' [Smith:] 'We don't agree with you. We believe in three Gods. There are three personages in Heavenâ€"all equal in power and glory, but they are not one God.' [minister, commenting:] I suppose, from what I heard, that Smith makes it a point not to agree with any one in regard to his religious opinions, and adapts himself to the person with whom he happens to be talking for the time being."
[Times and Seasons editor; Smith himself?:] Tolerable fair:â€"Though the idea that Joseph Smith adapts his conversation to the company, is an error. Joseph Smith opposes vice and error, and supports his positions from revelation: no odds whether there be two, three, or "Gods many." The Father, and the Son are persons of Tabernacle; and the Holy Ghost a spirit, besides the sons of God: for the scriptures say: "Ye are Gods." [Times and Seasons 3:22 (September 15, 1842), p. 926]
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
70 years ago today - Sep 14, 1942
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Had a chat with George F. Richards and then one with Joseph Fielding Smith. I tried Saturday last to see Joseph Fielding Smith. He has been very strongly in favor of supporting Eldred Smith for Patriarch. After my talk today he assured me he was delighted with the choice I had decided to make and with all his heart could support him. I feel very glad to have this message from him. I had feared that he might still stand out for the appointment of Eldred Smith. He said the man I have nominated-Joseph F. Smith III., now teaching in the University, was worthy of it and he could with all his heart approve of him, and that he had felt that he was worthy to be one of the Apostles.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Sep 14, 1897
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] There are said to be 3 or 5 detectives from the East in Utah seeking out our condition as to Polygamy & illegal cohabitation.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Sep 14, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14 G Q Cannon & myself met with 100 visiters in the tabernacle from all over the U.S.A. We shook hands with them. Many of the Gentils are Coming to Zion. I spent near an hour in the big Tabernacle shaking hands with the large Company from the United States and Canida. Thousands are Coming from abroad to Behold the glory thereof.
[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 - Sep 14, 1892 (Wednesday)
In the Second District Court, at Beaver, Charles Walker and Daniel Golding were fined six cents each by Judge Thos. J. Anderson, for infraction of the Edmunds law.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
130 years ago today - Thursday, Sep 14, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
1 p.m. I attended court and heard arguments on the law granting the fight of suffrage to the women.
The judges have taken the matter under advisement.
[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]
1 p.m. I attended court and heard arguments on the law granting the fight of suffrage to the women.
The judges have taken the matter under advisement.
[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]
Sep 14, 1852
Deseret Newsâ€Â"Extra edition (a 48-page pocket-sized pamphlet) makes ―the first public announcement of the Church teaching of plural marriage, including Orson Pratt‘s discourse on the subject at a special conference of the Church on August 29, 1852.
[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]
70 years ago today - Sep 13, 1942
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I then called upon George F. Richards and had a long talk with him about appointing a patriarch. Brother Richards telephoned to me and asked if he could make an appointment to see me, and I told him that I would come and see him. I had a long talk with him and he is very anxious that I nominate someone to be the Patriarch of the Church. He feels that a mistake has been made in waiting ten long years since Brother Hyrum G. Smith died. I assured him that I had made up my mind to appoint some person to the position. He expressed his pleasure and assured me that whomever I named he would heartily support.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
70 years ago today - Sep 13, 1942
Pres. Grant called on me at my house and spent about 30 minutes. We talked freely over patriarchal matters and he revealed to me whom he had in mind for the office of patriarch to the Church.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
75 years ago today - Sep 13, 1937
Con Bluth, later the Disney animator for such classics as Sleeping Beauty (1955) and Pete's Dragon (1977) and director of An American Tail (1987) and Land Before Time (1987), is born in El Paso, Texas.
[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 - Sep 13, 1912 (Friday)
Col. Theodore Roosevelt, ex-President of the United States, addressed a vast throng at Ogden, as he passed through on his way to California.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Sep 13, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13th We travled 20 miles & camped on the sweet water one mile east of Devils gate 4 miles west of Independance rock. We had strong wind during the day I was afflicted with severe Cold & Head ake. Distance 20.
[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 - 12 September 1842, Monday
[William Clayton Writings] Clayton was one of several scribes who kept the ``Book of the Law of the Lord.'' For the most part, this large, leather-bound record contains notations of consecrations and tithing for the building of the temple, and 370 pages, covering the period from September 12, 1842, to May 4, 1844, are in William Clayton's handwriting.
[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]
175 years ago today - --12 [September, 1837].
[Willard Richards Journal] --Saw Brother Goodson on the stage at a quarter past one in the morning, on his way towards Manchester. I feel that it is not the will of God that he should go home at present. Evening, met with the members of the Church at Sister Braddock's and gave some instructions on Enoch's prophecy.
I have reason to thank the Lord for potatoes and salt the past week; and this one, a loaf of bread and slice of meat from Sister Smith.
[Source: Willard Richards Journal]
I have reason to thank the Lord for potatoes and salt the past week; and this one, a loaf of bread and slice of meat from Sister Smith.
[Source: Willard Richards Journal]
120 years ago today - Sep 12, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] I met with A Jewish Rabbi & had Considerable Conversation upon Doctrin.
[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]
5 years ago today - Sep 12, 2007
[Hinckley] Awarded the Municipal Citizen of the Century by the Utah League of Cities and towns
[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]
[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]
200 years ago today - 1812. September 12
(John D. Lee) : Born John Doyle Lee in Kaskaskia, Illinois. He married Agatha Woolsey in 1833 and eventually married eighteen plural wives, including three sisters and their widowed mother. Lee fathered sixty children. He gave his youngest wife a divorce so she could marry one of his sons by another wife. Eleven of his nineteen wives left him.
[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]
160 years ago today - Sep 12, 1852
Parley P. Pratt preaches: "At what speed would the Saints travel? We are told that light is the power that governs all things. If the Saints travel as fast as light they would go at the rate of 200,000 miles in a second. God can go as fast as light and He has made the Saints And I am led to conclude that they can travel as fast as light for they have got to go on missions to far distant worlds and if they did not go as fast as light they would be a long time on their way spending their time without doing any good."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
150 years ago today - Sep 12, 1862 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young Sermon] The President gave the brethren much seasonable instruction. Told them to cultivate the California grape in preference to all others, it having been found to be the best adapted to this climate. He also advised them to procure the early rare ride peaches, the best variety of apples, and all other fruits that are suitable to the climate, for said he, '"We want to make our own wine to be used at the sacrament; likewise a little good brandy and rum for medicinal purposes. Then we want indigo, (madder can be raised anywhere north as well as here), the thus supply ourselves with dye stuffs. It is not the less important that we raise the olive, for we need the pure olive oil.'" -- Washington, Utah [Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City]
[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)]
70 years ago today - Sep 11, 1942
[Topaz Japanese-American Relocation Center] The camp opened 11 September 1942 although many barracks as well as the schools were not completed. Japanese-Americans from the San Francisco area, who had been housed at Tanforan Race Track since its hasty reconstruction for human inhabitants in March, were transported to Delta, Utah, by train. The population of the camp soon reached about 8,000. Once located, some internees finished building their own barracks and other structures at the site.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Topaz Japanese-American Relocation Center, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/t/TOPAZRELOCATION.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Topaz Japanese-American Relocation Center, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/t/TOPAZRELOCATION.html]
70 years ago today - Sep 11, 1942
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Called on Don B. Colton and talked with him about the second son of Hyrum G. Smith. This son had made a statement to Brother Colton that while looking at his father's picture in the temple it was as though a voice had said to him, 'The Presidency has done the proper thing in not appointing your brother as the Patriarch.' I was glad to get that word. The young man had said that he felt quite grateful for that impression. I have not been able to make up my mind in favor of letting the oldest son of Hyrum G. Smith become the Patriarch of the Church.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Friday, Sep 11, 1857
A Utah Indian tells Garland Hurt, "the Mormons had killed all the emigrants."
Daylight: Council breaks up "a little before daylight."
Morning: After breakfast, Johnson and Shirts "place the Indians in ambush."
Morning: Higbee "directed me to explain the whole plan" to the men.
12:00 pm ?: Lee and Batemen enter emigrant camp
1:00 pm: Powers, with Mathews/Tanner train, arrives at Cedar
Noon: "or a little after," Lee meets "Hamilton" and enters the camp with the wagons. Emigrants are burying "two men of note among them."
Afternoon: "four wagons drove up with armed men....a council meeting was called." They pray. Higbee gives orders: "This emigrant camp must be used up." Higbee tells Lee that Stewart, White and another man had killed Aden and wounded "a Dutchman" who had escaped on Tuesday night at Richey's Spring. Higbee says the wounded man "was tracked back, and they knew he was there."
Afternoon: Ira Allen and Robert Wiley reprove Lee, say emigrants would "raise h-l in California." Lee leaves and [col. 4] Hopkins persuades him to come back and let the priesthood have its way. Higbee says "the emigrants must be decoyed but through pretended friendship." When Lee protests about innocent blood, "have they not boasted of murdering our Patriarchs and Prophets, Joseph and Hyrum? Now talk about shedding innocent blood." Lee "had every man speak and express himself. All said they were willing to carry out the counsel of their leaders." Lee says, "You can do as you please, I will not oppose you any longer."
4:30 pm: Emigrants leave camp and begin march up Mountain Meadows
5:00 pm: The massacre at Mountain Meadows.
7:00 pm?: Higbee, Klingensmith, Stewart, and Lee search for valuables.
8:00 pm?: Higbee, Klingensmith, and Lee make speeches.
Night: Lee sleeps at Hamblin's ranch; "slept soundly until next morning."
Night: Warn, with Mathews/Tanner train, reports Haight and Dame leave Cedar for the Meadows
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
Daylight: Council breaks up "a little before daylight."
Morning: After breakfast, Johnson and Shirts "place the Indians in ambush."
Morning: Higbee "directed me to explain the whole plan" to the men.
12:00 pm ?: Lee and Batemen enter emigrant camp
1:00 pm: Powers, with Mathews/Tanner train, arrives at Cedar
Noon: "or a little after," Lee meets "Hamilton" and enters the camp with the wagons. Emigrants are burying "two men of note among them."
Afternoon: "four wagons drove up with armed men....a council meeting was called." They pray. Higbee gives orders: "This emigrant camp must be used up." Higbee tells Lee that Stewart, White and another man had killed Aden and wounded "a Dutchman" who had escaped on Tuesday night at Richey's Spring. Higbee says the wounded man "was tracked back, and they knew he was there."
Afternoon: Ira Allen and Robert Wiley reprove Lee, say emigrants would "raise h-l in California." Lee leaves and [col. 4] Hopkins persuades him to come back and let the priesthood have its way. Higbee says "the emigrants must be decoyed but through pretended friendship." When Lee protests about innocent blood, "have they not boasted of murdering our Patriarchs and Prophets, Joseph and Hyrum? Now talk about shedding innocent blood." Lee "had every man speak and express himself. All said they were willing to carry out the counsel of their leaders." Lee says, "You can do as you please, I will not oppose you any longer."
4:30 pm: Emigrants leave camp and begin march up Mountain Meadows
5:00 pm: The massacre at Mountain Meadows.
7:00 pm?: Higbee, Klingensmith, Stewart, and Lee search for valuables.
8:00 pm?: Higbee, Klingensmith, and Lee make speeches.
Night: Lee sleeps at Hamblin's ranch; "slept soundly until next morning."
Night: Warn, with Mathews/Tanner train, reports Haight and Dame leave Cedar for the Meadows
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
120 years ago today - Sep 11, 1892
[In St. George, Utah, priesthood meeting:] I then occupied the time of the meeting upon our political situation. Declared the policy of the Presidency of the Church and showed why it was necessary to have some Republicans under a Republican administration. I taught the brethren they must not allow any bitterness in their hearts one towards another. I announced my love for my Democratic brethren the same as for my Republican brethren. I referred to the disappointment of Pres[ident] [Wilford] Woodruff on discovering that there was not influence enough with the Presidency and Twelve to put one Republican in the legislature. I felt the time would come when we would wish we were not so fanatically democratic. The attention given to my talk was all I could ask.
They took what I said in the proper spirit. Bro[ther] Ivins made explanation that no prejudice had been felt against Republicans. Spoke of the courtesy they had extended to them. They were solid from conviction and not from any undue pressure or influence. I then said if they were all Democrats and could not help it I had no fault to find and the Republicans would have to get along without any help from them.
[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
They took what I said in the proper spirit. Bro[ther] Ivins made explanation that no prejudice had been felt against Republicans. Spoke of the courtesy they had extended to them. They were solid from conviction and not from any undue pressure or influence. I then said if they were all Democrats and could not help it I had no fault to find and the Republicans would have to get along without any help from them.
[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
175 years ago today - Sep 10, 1837
An "assembly of Saints" in Kirtland approves "the "rules & regulations governing the House of the Lord."
[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 - Sep 10, 1832
George Albert Smith: Baptized 10 September 1832 at Potsdam by Joseph H. Wakefield and confirmed by Solomon Humphrey.
[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]
[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]
Thursday, Sep 10, 1857
?: Indians attack Dukes Train at Beaver; Tanner, Dukes, and Collins shot.
Daylight: Indians "made a determined attack."
Daylight: Indians attack; Santa Clara Indians lose 1 killed, 3 wounded. "This so enraged that band that they left for home that day and drove off a number of cattle with them."
7:00 am: Haslam arrives at Brigham Young's office
?: George W. Hancock tells Garland Hurt "that the California emigrants on the southern route had got themselves into a very serious difficulty with the Piedes."
Morning: Two emigrants men fill buckets at the spring.
12:00 pm: White, Stewart, Arthur, Wilden, Hopkins and Tate arrive at Mountain Meadows
About noon: "Several men" arrived from Cedar City. Move camp 400 yards. Mormons take pot shots at emigrants.
Emigrants chain wagons together.
1:00 pm: Haslam departs Brigham Young's office
1:00 pm: Main militia party under Higbee leaves Cedar City
Afternoon: Lee reconnoiters camp and is detected; emigrants send out two little boys. Lee persuades Indians not to kill the boys. Stays on west side two hours.
Afternoon: "the messenger from Cedar City returned. He said that President Haight had gone to Parowan to confer with Colonel Dame, and a company of men would be sent out to-morrow (Friday). "The Indians and men were engaged in boiling beef and making their hides up into lassoes."
Nightfall: Three emigrants (including Abel Baker, Joseph Miller, and "William B. Jones, Caldwell County, Missouri"?) leave the wagon fort for the California Road.
Evening: Militia arrives from Cedar [232]. Total force now 54 whites "and over three hundred Indians." All-night council held.
10:00 pm: Nephi Johnson, Higbee, and Militia arrive at Mountain Meadows.
?: "Tutsegubbets & Yungweids 2 Piede Chievs came from the Santa Clarra Brigham ordained Tutsegubeds an elder." Huntington journal date.
Date: J. Ward Christian, writing on 4 October from San Bernardino, reports the massacre occurred "between the 10th and 12th ultimo."
Date: Judge Cradlebaugh: "Thus, on the 10th day of September, 1857, was consummated one of the most cruel, cowardly and bloody murders known in our history."
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
Daylight: Indians "made a determined attack."
Daylight: Indians attack; Santa Clara Indians lose 1 killed, 3 wounded. "This so enraged that band that they left for home that day and drove off a number of cattle with them."
7:00 am: Haslam arrives at Brigham Young's office
?: George W. Hancock tells Garland Hurt "that the California emigrants on the southern route had got themselves into a very serious difficulty with the Piedes."
Morning: Two emigrants men fill buckets at the spring.
12:00 pm: White, Stewart, Arthur, Wilden, Hopkins and Tate arrive at Mountain Meadows
About noon: "Several men" arrived from Cedar City. Move camp 400 yards. Mormons take pot shots at emigrants.
Emigrants chain wagons together.
1:00 pm: Haslam departs Brigham Young's office
1:00 pm: Main militia party under Higbee leaves Cedar City
Afternoon: Lee reconnoiters camp and is detected; emigrants send out two little boys. Lee persuades Indians not to kill the boys. Stays on west side two hours.
Afternoon: "the messenger from Cedar City returned. He said that President Haight had gone to Parowan to confer with Colonel Dame, and a company of men would be sent out to-morrow (Friday). "The Indians and men were engaged in boiling beef and making their hides up into lassoes."
Nightfall: Three emigrants (including Abel Baker, Joseph Miller, and "William B. Jones, Caldwell County, Missouri"?) leave the wagon fort for the California Road.
Evening: Militia arrives from Cedar [232]. Total force now 54 whites "and over three hundred Indians." All-night council held.
10:00 pm: Nephi Johnson, Higbee, and Militia arrive at Mountain Meadows.
?: "Tutsegubbets & Yungweids 2 Piede Chievs came from the Santa Clarra Brigham ordained Tutsegubeds an elder." Huntington journal date.
Date: J. Ward Christian, writing on 4 October from San Bernardino, reports the massacre occurred "between the 10th and 12th ultimo."
Date: Judge Cradlebaugh: "Thus, on the 10th day of September, 1857, was consummated one of the most cruel, cowardly and bloody murders known in our history."
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
30 years ago today - Sep 10, 1982
U.S. President Ronald Reagan visited Utah to tour a Church cannery and see the Church Welfare Program in action.
[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]
70 years ago today - Sep 10, 1942
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] At 9:45 met with a committee of five or six of the Apostles, and we discussed the question of appointing a patriarch. It is ten years since Hyrum G. Smith, the Presiding Patriarch, died. The brethren made a report that the Twelve had met twice in the Temple in the last week discussing the matter. I told them the Presidency would talk it over later and make some recommendations. I think that at the next General Conference we should appoint a Patriarch. I had no recommendation to make today. I asked the brethren of the Twelve to excuse me from attending the meeting of the Presidency and the Twelve in the temple at 10 o'clock today.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Sep 9, 1872
[Wilford Woodruff] Departs for California State Fair
[Source: Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
[Source: Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
20 years ago today - Sep 9, 1992.
A revised form for researchers at the LDS Church Historical Department Archives to sign alters the requirement to seek permission for all direct quotations from archival materials. The crucial provision now reads: "Any publication, reproduction, or other use of archival material that exceeds the bounds of fair use requires the prior written permission of the Church Copyrights and permissions Office, as well as any other individual or institution that may have rights in the material."
[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]
35 years ago today - Sep 9, 1977
An entrepreneur purchases the only LDS chapel in Washington D.C. from the Church for $300,000 and the same day, sells the building Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church for $475,000. The building, dedicated in 1933 by Heber J. Grant, had been abandoned for two years. Local church leaders felt the building was too costly to refurbish. Rev. Moon, who is accepted by his followers as the new messiah, "sanctifies" the building on Sep 12.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
10 years ago today - Sep 9, 2002-10
President Hinckley became the first Church president to visit Russia and Ukraine.
[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]
165 years ago today - Sep 9, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 9th + The Alarm was given early this morning that many Horses & mules were stolen. Bells were found cut off from Horses laretts cut An Arrow picked up, & much indian sign. The trail was finally found to have followed the road east at about 9 oclok. A company of 20 Horsman put on after the trail. It looks gloomy here, to see so many men women & children here in the mountains with their Horses & cattle stolen & breaking down so late in the season & 30 Horses being taken by the Indians from the Pioneer Camp & 20 from the others camps last night which will nearly or quite cripple us.
All of our camps have remained Stationary through the day. ... All spoke much to our edifycation. During the evening two of our Brethren returned who had been in persuit of the Horses & Brought back five of them.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
All of our camps have remained Stationary through the day. ... All spoke much to our edifycation. During the evening two of our Brethren returned who had been in persuit of the Horses & Brought back five of them.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Friday, Sep 9, 1887
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
All of members present in counsel yesterday were present today. The Committee on Wages reported and the report was read and received. Bp. W. B. Preston made a recommend that the Twelve be put on the same footing as to pay. After consideration, the allowance for the Twelve and Bishopric was fixed at $3,000.00 each. The whole report was considered and some of the recommendations were adopted and some laid over for the time being.
[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]
All of members present in counsel yesterday were present today. The Committee on Wages reported and the report was read and received. Bp. W. B. Preston made a recommend that the Twelve be put on the same footing as to pay. After consideration, the allowance for the Twelve and Bishopric was fixed at $3,000.00 each. The whole report was considered and some of the recommendations were adopted and some laid over for the time being.
[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 - Saturday, Sep 9, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
President B. Younges heirs are anxious to transfer the appointing power of directors of the B[righam]. Y[oung]. Academy at Provo to the Twelve.
[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]
President B. Younges heirs are anxious to transfer the appointing power of directors of the B[righam]. Y[oung]. Academy at Provo to the Twelve.
[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]
125 years ago today - Sep 9, 1887
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] From information just obtained I find that the closest census we are able to obtain the number of our people in Utah last April was 132,277 including all of all ages. I wrote a letter containing this statement for A. L. Thomas [who had recently inquired].
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Tuesday, Sep 8, 1857
[Full Moon?]
Dawn: [The Indians] "attacked the emigrants again about sunrise the next morning, which was Tuesday, and had one of their number killed and several wounded." 53
7:00 am: In Cedar, Higbee assembles "a dozen or more of as honorable good citizens as lived in the country volunteered" to go to the meadows54
Morning: "On the way [from the Santa Clara] we met a small band of Indians returning [to their homes] with some eighteen or twenty head of cattle. One of the Indians was wounded in the shoulder. They told me the Indians were encamped east of the emigrants at some springs." 55
1:00: "I, with the white men, reached the Meadows about one o'clock P.M....On our arrival at the springs we found about two hundred Indians, among whom were the two wounded chiefs, Moqueetus and Bill. The Indians were in a high state of excitement; [they] had killed many cattle and horses belonging to the company. I counted sixty head near their encampment that they had killed in revenge for the wounding of their men." [Hamblin and Lee get them not to kill more stock]. "emigrants had corralled all their wagons but one." 56
4:00 pm: Higbee arrives at the meadows
?: Emigrants at MM "drew their wagons near each other and chained the wheels one to the other."57
5:00 pm: Lee launches second major attack?
6:00 pm: Powers, with Mathews/Tanner train, camps at Summitt
6:00 pm: Higbee leaves the meadows for Cedar City
9:00 pm: "Immediately upon the arrival of much intelligence, efforts were made to raise men to go and, if possible, conciliate the Indians; which party, with interpreters, left Cedar on Tuesday night about 9 o'clock."58
Night: "The attack was renewed that night [Tuesday] by the Indians, in spite of all we could do to prevent it." Lee goes to stop Indian attack, and "when opposite the corral on the north, the bullets came around us like a shower of hail." Lee prays for protection; balls hit his hat and shirt near the shoulder. Indians call him crybaby and Oscar saves Lee's life. 59
Night: [Or perhaps Wednesday morning] After the Indians pull back, Lee holds a council and gets Indians to agree to suspend hostilities. Two Indians tell Lee "the night before they had seen two men on horseback come out of the emigrants' camp under full speed, and that they went to Cedar City." 60
12:00 pm: Higbee arrives at Cedar and meets with Haight
?: Pitchforth reports (on 9 September) "an expres[s] went through yesterday from Iron Co-to Pres Young bringing information the the [sic] emegrants who went through a short time since was acting very mean" 61
Date:: "The first attack was made on them on the 8th of September, at which time a number were killed and wounded."62
[Lee's times from Mormonism Unveiled]
Dawn: [The Indians] "attacked the emigrants Tuesday morning."63 [226]
Morning: "I was notified of what had taken place, early Tuesday morning, by an Indian who came to my house."64
Noon?: "I reached the camp in about twelve miles from Harmony."65
Sunset?: Goes 16 miles and meets Shirts "with about one hundred Indians and a number of Mormons from the southern settlements." Whites camp, Indians go to the Meadows.
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
Dawn: [The Indians] "attacked the emigrants again about sunrise the next morning, which was Tuesday, and had one of their number killed and several wounded." 53
7:00 am: In Cedar, Higbee assembles "a dozen or more of as honorable good citizens as lived in the country volunteered" to go to the meadows54
Morning: "On the way [from the Santa Clara] we met a small band of Indians returning [to their homes] with some eighteen or twenty head of cattle. One of the Indians was wounded in the shoulder. They told me the Indians were encamped east of the emigrants at some springs." 55
1:00: "I, with the white men, reached the Meadows about one o'clock P.M....On our arrival at the springs we found about two hundred Indians, among whom were the two wounded chiefs, Moqueetus and Bill. The Indians were in a high state of excitement; [they] had killed many cattle and horses belonging to the company. I counted sixty head near their encampment that they had killed in revenge for the wounding of their men." [Hamblin and Lee get them not to kill more stock]. "emigrants had corralled all their wagons but one." 56
4:00 pm: Higbee arrives at the meadows
?: Emigrants at MM "drew their wagons near each other and chained the wheels one to the other."57
5:00 pm: Lee launches second major attack?
6:00 pm: Powers, with Mathews/Tanner train, camps at Summitt
6:00 pm: Higbee leaves the meadows for Cedar City
9:00 pm: "Immediately upon the arrival of much intelligence, efforts were made to raise men to go and, if possible, conciliate the Indians; which party, with interpreters, left Cedar on Tuesday night about 9 o'clock."58
Night: "The attack was renewed that night [Tuesday] by the Indians, in spite of all we could do to prevent it." Lee goes to stop Indian attack, and "when opposite the corral on the north, the bullets came around us like a shower of hail." Lee prays for protection; balls hit his hat and shirt near the shoulder. Indians call him crybaby and Oscar saves Lee's life. 59
Night: [Or perhaps Wednesday morning] After the Indians pull back, Lee holds a council and gets Indians to agree to suspend hostilities. Two Indians tell Lee "the night before they had seen two men on horseback come out of the emigrants' camp under full speed, and that they went to Cedar City." 60
12:00 pm: Higbee arrives at Cedar and meets with Haight
?: Pitchforth reports (on 9 September) "an expres[s] went through yesterday from Iron Co-to Pres Young bringing information the the [sic] emegrants who went through a short time since was acting very mean" 61
Date:: "The first attack was made on them on the 8th of September, at which time a number were killed and wounded."62
[Lee's times from Mormonism Unveiled]
Dawn: [The Indians] "attacked the emigrants Tuesday morning."63 [226]
Morning: "I was notified of what had taken place, early Tuesday morning, by an Indian who came to my house."64
Noon?: "I reached the camp in about twelve miles from Harmony."65
Sunset?: Goes 16 miles and meets Shirts "with about one hundred Indians and a number of Mormons from the southern settlements." Whites camp, Indians go to the Meadows.
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
80 years ago today - Sep 8, 1932
Attended a committee meeting at 8 a.m., Council meeting of the Twelve beginning at 9, and meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve beginning at 10. President Heber J. Grant was with us in the Temple but a short time, as he was suffering from an acute attack of glandular trouble, (prostatic.)
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
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