[John Taylor to Lot Smith, Oct. 31, 1882] Regarding the Lamanites [Native Americans] receiving their endowments, we should like to receive further details from you with regard to them before answering definitely. Certainly none but entirely reliable ones should have this privilege, those whom you know to be worthy according to the light they possess.
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
175 years ago today - About Oct 31, 1837
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon arrive at Far West, MO [per Joseph Smith].
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
120 years ago today - Oct 31, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 31 I went to the office. We are having several Days rain.
[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]
70 years ago today - Oct 30, 1942
[Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark Jr., and David O. McKay, circular letter, Oct. 30, 1942] ... Primarily the wearing of the garment is an individual responsibility. It is associated with sacred obligations entered into by the wearer with the Lord in the temple; consequently, the conscience of the wearer must guide when circumstances seem to justify a modification of these obligations. The sacredness of the garment should ever be present and uppermost in the wearer's mind. One way to protect this sacredness is not to expose it to the view of scoffers, and where conditions arise making such exposure unavoidable, it would seem best reverently to lay aside the garment and then put it on again when such conditions pass. The First Presidency has felt that this policy might be followed by soldiers during their enlistment.
[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]
170 years ago today - Oct 30, 1842
[Nauvoo Temple] The Saints met for the first time in the unfinished temple "and notwithstanding its largeness it was well fill'd." John Taylor was the first to preach in the Temple.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
120 years ago today - Oct 30, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 30 We returned to Salt Lake to night.
[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]
20 years ago today - Oct 29, 1992.
David Knowlton meets again with his stake president, Kerry Heinz, to discuss the Channel 4 Utah 1992 interview. Heinz has formed his impressions of David's remarks only from an incomplete transcript, highlighted in yellow, and states, according to David, that "the situation almost obliged him to call a Church court because, in his opinion, I was perilously close to apostasy as a result of what he perceived as a pattern of attacking the Church." Still, the meeting which begins and ends with prayer, is held in Heinz's home, is "more relaxed," and leaves David optimistic that they are working toward a shared understanding. At David's invitation, President Heinz meets the next week with David's department chair for an additional view of issues from an academic perspective.
[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]
120 years ago today - Oct 29, 1892We met at once with 40 of the brethren including Presidency, High Counselors, Bishops and Counselors and Presidents of quorums. There were 20 Mugwumps, 13 democrats and only 8 republicans. I talked to them plainly asking that every Democrat stand firmly by his party and that the mugwumps assist us to elect the Republican nominee. The key note was to help the weaker party in the coming election. They all voted unanimously that all I had said to them was right. They had no objection to make it. ... I then spoke long and freely upon our political situation. Charging the brethren not to allow bitterness in their hearts against one another. Showed them our dire need of more Republicans. Of 100 men present there were 48 democrats, 38 mugwumps and 11 republicans. It is remarkable how generally our people have gone off democratic.
[Francis M. Lyman]
[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
120 years ago today - Oct 29, 1892
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Attends Democratic rally and listens to speech of Apostle Moses Thatcher.
[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
130 years ago today - Oct 29, 1882
Second counselor Joseph F. Smith's sermon denies there have ever been Danites in Utah but acknowledges that "a few horse thieves and murderers have perchance been sumarily dealt with by officers of the law."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
35 years ago today - Oct 28, 1977
Bonneville Entertainment Inc. organized to produce films and television features. It is dissolved in 1982.
[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]
115 years ago today - Oct 28, 1897
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] Met at Temple had long conversation with Pres[ident] Snow & Richards ... Presidency came a decision was reached that no children adults of parents of age should be sealed to parents unless they had their endowments also.
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Oct 28, 1857
George Albert Smith: Married Susan Elizabeth West 28 October 1857. Five children: Clarissa West, Margaret, Elizabeth, Priscilla, and Emma Pearl.
[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]
185 years ago today - Sunday, Oct 28, 1827
[Book of Mormon Translation] Manchester, The plates and breastplate are buried under the hearth.
[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]
20 years ago today - Oct 27, 1992.
Scott Abbott, a member of BYU's German faculty and a Sunstone participant, is called in by his stake president, a BYU religion professor, for a "very cordial" meeting. Scott earlier circulated his Sunstone paper, "One Lord, One Faith, Two Universities: Tensions between `Religion' and `Thought' at BYU," to individual religion professors, several of whom were upset by its analysis of religious-education hiring practices. The discussion centers on what the stake president sees as the potential for apostasy in Scott's position. Scott "felt no threats. My job didn't come into it. He's seen me twice since then and has come over and put his arm around me, genuinely showing his love after the rebuke."
[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]
50 years ago today - Oct 27,1962
In midst of Cuban Missile Crisis, Apostle Ezra Taft Benson publicly endorses John Birch Society as "the most effective non-church organization in our fight against creeping socialism and godless communism," and his son Reed A. Benson announces that he is Utah coordinator of the society.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
60 years ago today - Mon Oct 27, 1952
[David O. McKay Office Journal] 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.--Met by appointment at his request Mr. Clinton Vernon, Attorney General, State of Utah. Mr. Vernon said that word has gone out--evidently from two General Authorities (whose names he would not repeat) to Presidents of Stakes to defeat him in his attempt to be re- elected as Attorney General of the State of Utah. He has specific instances where one of the General Authorities--Alma Sonne--allegedly stated to Presidencies and High Councilmen, that he (Clinton D. Vernon), is an apostate; secondly, that he is in favor of taxing Church property, and, thirdly, that he is in sympathy with the "cultists" at Short Creek. "These accusations," declared Mr. Vernon, "are absolute falsehoods." Clinton Vernon did make a ruling that sustained the action of the Box Elder County Attorney that the Welfare Property in Box Elder County should be taxed, but he is not in favor of taxing Church property as a whole; and, furthermore, he is not an apostate. He was never baptized into the Church--his parents, however, were married in the Temple and were buried in their temple clothes. His children are baptized--I think he said he has two--his wife is in the Church, and no matter what the outcome of this election, Mr. Vernon says he is not going to have any bitterness in his heart, but he would like to set himself right on the proposition. He was going to send a letter to all the Presidents of the Stakes, but decided against that because all Presidents have not been instructed. He has met one or two groups and explained the situation to them, and I told him to continue to meet the groups and explain his stand--and that is but fair! I called up President William Critchlow of the South Ogden Stake, and suggested that he git in touch with Clinton Vernon and hear the latter's side of the question. Mr. Vernon opened his heart to me regarding not only his relation to the Church, but to his family, and his reasons for ruling on this Box Elder question. He also said that he heard that in the Cummings Ward on October 19, 1952, it was reputedly said that a letter was read in Sacrament Meeting stating that a "high State official running for re-election is using the Church," and "if you wish to know who he is" said Bishop Parkinson, "I'll tell you if you will come to me after the meeting." Mrs. Louis L. Sorenson went up and was given Mr. Vernon's name. I think my interview with Brother Vernon was very profitable, and I hope only good will come from it.
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
70 years ago today - Oct 27, 1942
Helmuth Huebner, age seventeen, is first Mormon the Gestapo executes (by beheading). He leads anti-Nazi resistance group involving two other German LDS teenagers who are sent to concentration camps. To protect other Mormons from Nazi reprisals, Hamburg branch president excommunicates Heubner shortly after his arrest. On Jan. 24, 1948 First Presidency orders following notation to appear on Huebner's membership records: "Excommunication done by mistake."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Oct 27, 1892
First Counselor George Q. Cannon tells apostles that Utah's newly appointed U.S. marshal has instructions from the Republican administration in Washington, D.C., to "do as he was directed by the heads of the Mormon Church. . . .He had expressed his willingness to do so, and had sent such word to the Presidency.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
130 years ago today - Thursday, Oct 26, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
My wives made me a present of a pair of sleeve buttons and a stud.
[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]
My wives made me a present of a pair of sleeve buttons and a stud.
[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 - Oct 26, 1857
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young said That the United States Government was loosing their National greatness & wisdom is departed from them and we need not have as much fear of them as we would of an Armey of Grasshoppers. If they take away our Charter from us & divide up our Territory it will be unconstitutional as every thing is they do against us. I told Brother Bernhisel that if they took away our Charters to Come immediately home as soon as He Could & we would Organize our State Government & fall back upon our Original Boundaries. Our East Boundary should be at Laramie the west the summit of the Sierra Nevada & run to the pacific Ocean &c & we would defend it. John Taylor who sat in the Judgment seat Said that was our legal Lawful & Legitimate right. President Young said I want San Bernardino & Carson valley to remain & not be disturbed for I want the people there to raise stock to supply us from time to time as we need. The U.S. may do as they please. We will do as the Lord wants us. One young officer of the Army said that Old Jesus Christ Could not keep him out of salt Lake City But they will find out who rules on Earth & in heaven. Another Officer said the United States would wipe us out another year should they send an Army of 20,000 men it would take more than 20 miles for their army & train to move at all and the more there is off them the worse off they will be. -- Salt Lake City [Wilford WoodruffÂ's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 5:114-115]
[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)]
115 years ago today - Oct 26, 1897; Tuesday
The First Presidency at their office this morning were waited upon by Elder J[anne]. M. Sjodahl, who reported his visit to the King of Sweden, to whom he was sent with a gift from the Scandinavians of Utah, of a splendidly bound copy of the Book of Mormon, in a polished Utah onyx casket, on the occasion of King Oscar II and Queen Sophia's 25th anniversary of their accession to the throne. Bro[ther]. Sjodahl bore a letter to their Majesties from the First Presidency. This gained him an audience with the King, after letters which Bro[ther]. Sjodahl had from the Governor and other officers of the State of Utah, had failed to open the way. Bro[ther]. Sjodahl was very kindly
received by their Majesties, and in returning he bore expression of gratitude and respect from the Saints of Norway and Sweden to the First Presidency for the interest they had taken in this matter. The Presidency were pleased at the success of Bro[ther]. Sjodahl's mission. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
received by their Majesties, and in returning he bore expression of gratitude and respect from the Saints of Norway and Sweden to the First Presidency for the interest they had taken in this matter. The Presidency were pleased at the success of Bro[ther]. Sjodahl's mission. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
150 years ago today - Oct 26, 1862
Minutes of a Council of the First Presidency, Twelve Apostles, and Bishops of G.S.L. City, held Sunday at 5 o clock, Oct[ober]. 26, 1862.
... President B[righam]. Young said that he had but a few remarks to make. In the first place he wished to say that he considered it important that some regulations should be made in each ward of this city by which the people might be kept from associating with the troops that have come into our city. To this end he recommended that the teachers of the several wards should be constituted policemen to look after the interests of the people, and that there be added to the present number of teachers in each ward sufficient to make the aggregate in each ward 36; that if these teachers became suspicious of any persons in their wards, they should watch them day and night until they learned what they were doing and who frequented their houses. If they found any of the sisters going to camp, no matter under what pretence, they should cast them off from the Church forthwith. ...
[Source: Minutes, Quorum of Twelve]
... President B[righam]. Young said that he had but a few remarks to make. In the first place he wished to say that he considered it important that some regulations should be made in each ward of this city by which the people might be kept from associating with the troops that have come into our city. To this end he recommended that the teachers of the several wards should be constituted policemen to look after the interests of the people, and that there be added to the present number of teachers in each ward sufficient to make the aggregate in each ward 36; that if these teachers became suspicious of any persons in their wards, they should watch them day and night until they learned what they were doing and who frequented their houses. If they found any of the sisters going to camp, no matter under what pretence, they should cast them off from the Church forthwith. ...
[Source: Minutes, Quorum of Twelve]
90 years ago today - Oct 26, 1922
[George F. Richards, Oct. 26, 1922] INSTRUCTIONS TO TEMPLE WORKERS Temple workers should be recommended the same as other people, and their recommends should be renewed every six months. ...
[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]
125 years ago today - Oct 26, 1887
[Wilford Woodruff to James H. Martineau, Oct. 26, 1887] Your letter of the 18th inst. in which you express your wishes concerning an Indian girl who has been sealed to you receiving her second anointing, and also respecting her doing work for 7 or 8 of the early martyrs, unmarried women, and having them sealed to you, has been received. I think it is better for you to defer the ordinance of second anointing for this Indian girl who has been sealed to you since her death. It will be no los[s] to her for the present. As to the martyrs of whom you speak, we see no impropriety in having the ordinance of baptism attended to for them, especially if you know who they are: but before having them sealed to you, you should certainly have some knowledge of them and of your right to have them, as others may claim that they have a better right than you hereafter.
[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]
20 years ago today - Oct 25, 1992
General authority Malcolm S. Jeppsen prepares talk which he gives to LDS leaders in Utah during next several weeks, listing twenty warning signs of apostasy. In addition to usual cautions about current polygamy, he includes: "those who advocate a mother in heaven and women holding the priesthood," those who hold special prayer meetings in private, "John Birch membership or leanings," and those who store more than LDS headquarter's recommendation of one-year's supply of food.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
70 years ago today - Oct 25, 1942
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] [By request of Joseph F. Smith, he gave his first patriarchal blessing as Patriarch to the Church to Heber J. Grant.]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Oct 25, 1887
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [At meeting of Apostles during which the advisability of continuing John W. Young in his activity for Statehood was discussed:] John W. Taylor expressed it as his opinion that it would be much better if all of our business in relation to a State was transacted through the Council of Fifty.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Oct 25, 1882
[Franklin D. Richards] By 10-10 train to City-had conversation with G[eorge]. Q. C[annon]. & F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. on the causes of Amasa [Lyman ]s departure from the faith-I thought it was because he wasn t well grounded in the faith of the Atonement wrought out by our Saviour-George said Pres[iden]t [Brigham] Young told him that Amasa had lifted his heel against the Lord s anointed.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]
130 years ago today - Wednesday, Oct 25, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
I bid my mother and son good bye for the present and returned to the City.
I went to Prest. Taylors office and received the following:
Blessing pronounced upon the head of Apostle John Henry Smith under the hands of Presidents John Taylor, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith. President J. Taylor was mouth.
Brother John Henry: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, we lay our hands upon thy head and set thee apart to go and preside over the European mission. And to this end, we pray that the spirit and power of thy mission may rest upon thee from this time forth; that the spirit of God may flow into thee, directing thee in all things pertaining to this mission and the interests thereof and pertaining to those over whom thou shalt preside, over all the Elders in that Country, that is, in England, in Scandinavia, in Germany, and in Switzerland, or wherever thy mission shall extend in that part of the world; that thou mayest be filled with the spirit and power of the Apostleship and be able to discern the spirits and actions of men, that thou mayest have wisdom given unto thee at all times to enable thee to act intelligently and carefully in managing all the affairs of thy mission; that thou mayest be as a father unto those over whom thou shalt
preside. And seek unto God and obtain from Him revelation to direct thee in everything thou shalt engage in, that thou mayest have wisdom to direct and appoint men to those places in which they will be most serviceable and where their talents shall be most usefully employed, not only in England but in other parts of Europe wherein they shall labor; and pray that the spirit and power of God may rest down upon thee at all times, that thou mayest be enabled to act intelligently in all thy doings.
And we say unto thee seek unto the Lord to enable thee to do whatever devolves upon thee, and thou shalt be blessed, and in the transaction of business, in making appointments, and in all matters pertaining to the interest of the Church and Kingdom of God in that part of the Lords vineyard, seek unto the Lord to know just what is best and what is calculated to benefit the people over whom thou shalt preside.
And we ask that thy health and strength may be adequate to the labors to be performed in this mission, that thy system may be preserved from disease, and that thou mayest be enabled to accomplish a good work even according to the desire of thy heart, and see the work of God roll forth in that part of the land where thou shalt preside.
And we say unto thee, go in peace, and God shall bless thee in thy journey upon land and across the Ocean, and in thy labors in that part of the world, and thou shalt return, after accomplishing a good work, to the bosom of thy family and to the association of the Saints.
We seal upon thee all of these blessings and set thee apart to this mission, and ask that the spirit and power of God may rest down upon thee from this time forth. We seal all these blessings upon thy head by virtue of the Holy Priesthood and Apostleship in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[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 bid my mother and son good bye for the present and returned to the City.
I went to Prest. Taylors office and received the following:
Blessing pronounced upon the head of Apostle John Henry Smith under the hands of Presidents John Taylor, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith. President J. Taylor was mouth.
Brother John Henry: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, we lay our hands upon thy head and set thee apart to go and preside over the European mission. And to this end, we pray that the spirit and power of thy mission may rest upon thee from this time forth; that the spirit of God may flow into thee, directing thee in all things pertaining to this mission and the interests thereof and pertaining to those over whom thou shalt preside, over all the Elders in that Country, that is, in England, in Scandinavia, in Germany, and in Switzerland, or wherever thy mission shall extend in that part of the world; that thou mayest be filled with the spirit and power of the Apostleship and be able to discern the spirits and actions of men, that thou mayest have wisdom given unto thee at all times to enable thee to act intelligently and carefully in managing all the affairs of thy mission; that thou mayest be as a father unto those over whom thou shalt
preside. And seek unto God and obtain from Him revelation to direct thee in everything thou shalt engage in, that thou mayest have wisdom to direct and appoint men to those places in which they will be most serviceable and where their talents shall be most usefully employed, not only in England but in other parts of Europe wherein they shall labor; and pray that the spirit and power of God may rest down upon thee at all times, that thou mayest be enabled to act intelligently in all thy doings.
And we say unto thee seek unto the Lord to enable thee to do whatever devolves upon thee, and thou shalt be blessed, and in the transaction of business, in making appointments, and in all matters pertaining to the interest of the Church and Kingdom of God in that part of the Lords vineyard, seek unto the Lord to know just what is best and what is calculated to benefit the people over whom thou shalt preside.
And we ask that thy health and strength may be adequate to the labors to be performed in this mission, that thy system may be preserved from disease, and that thou mayest be enabled to accomplish a good work even according to the desire of thy heart, and see the work of God roll forth in that part of the land where thou shalt preside.
And we say unto thee, go in peace, and God shall bless thee in thy journey upon land and across the Ocean, and in thy labors in that part of the world, and thou shalt return, after accomplishing a good work, to the bosom of thy family and to the association of the Saints.
We seal upon thee all of these blessings and set thee apart to this mission, and ask that the spirit and power of God may rest down upon thee from this time forth. We seal all these blessings upon thy head by virtue of the Holy Priesthood and Apostleship in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
170 years ago today - Oct 25, 1842
[Heber C. Kimball & Helen Mar Kimball ] "[Letter: Heber C. Kimball to Vilate Kimball] My dear companion: ... I could weep like a child if I could get away by myself, to think that I for one moment have been the means of causing you any sorrow; I know that you must have many bad feelings and I feel to pray for you all the time ... My feelings are of that kind that it makes me sick at heart, so that I have no appetite to eat. My temptations are so severe it seems sometimes as though I should have to lay down and die, I feel as if I must sink beneath it. I go into the woods every chance I have, and pour out my soul before God that he would deliver me ... I would be in tears weeping like a child about you and the situation that I am in; but what can I do but go ahead? .... Oh my God! I ask thee in the name of Jesus to bless my dear Vilate and comfort her heart and deliver her from temptation, and from all sorrow and open her eyes and let her see things as they ares ... "
the doctrine of a plurality of wives. I remember how I felt, but which would be a difficult matter to describe—the various thoughts, fears and temptations that flashed through my mind when the principle was first introduced to me by my father, who one morning in the summer of 1843, without any preliminaries, asked me if I would believe him if he told me that it was right for married men to take other wives, can be better imagined than told; but suffice it to say the first impulse was anger, for I thought he had only said it to test my virtue, as I had heard that tales of this kind had been published by such characters as the Higbees, Foster and Bennett, but which I supposed were without any foundation. My sensibilities were painfully touched. I felt such a sense of personal injury and displeasure; for to mention such a thing to me I thought altogether unworthy of my father, and as quick as he spoke, I replied to him, short and emphatically, No, I wouldn't! I had always been taught to believe it a heinous crime, improper and unnatural, and I indignantly resented it. This was the first time that I ever openly manifested anger towards him; but I was somewhat surprised at his countenance, as he seemed rather pleased than otherwise. Then he commenced talking seriously, and reasoned and explained the principle, and why it was again to be established upon the earth, etc., but did not tell me then that anyone had yet practiced it, but left me to reflect upon it for the next twenty-four hours, during which time I was filled with various and conflicting ideas. I was skeptical—one minute believed, then doubted. I thought of the love and tenderness that he felt for his only daughter, and I knew that he would not cast her off, and this was the only convincing proof that I had of its being right. I knew that he loved me too well to teach me anything that was not strictly pure, virtuous and exalting in its tendencies; and no one else could have influenced me at that time or brought me to accept of a doctrine so utterly repugnant and so contrary to all of our former ideas and traditions. This was just previous to his starting upon his last mission but one to the eastern states. Fearing that I might hear it from a wrong source, knowing, as he did, that there were those who would run before they were sent, and some would not hesitate to deceive and betray him and the brethren, he thought it best that I should hear it from his own lips.
The next day the Prophet called at our house, and I sat with my father and mother and heard him teach the principle and explain it more fully, and I believed it, but I had no proofs only his and my father's testimony. I thought that sufficient, and did not deem it necessary to seek for any further, but had I been differently situated like many were without a father and a mother to love and counsel me, probably my dependence, like theirs, would have been on the Lord, but I leaned not upon His arm. My father was my teacher and revelator, and I saw no necessity then for further testimony; but in after years the Lord, in His far-seeing and infinite mercy, suffered me to pass through the rough waves of experience, and in sorrow and affliction, I learned this most important lesson, that in Him alone must I trust, and not in weak and sinful man; and that it was absolutely necessary for each one to obtain a living witness and testimony for him or herself, and not for another, to the truth of this latter-day work, to be able to stand, and that like Saul, we "must suffer for His name's sake." Then I learned that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," and that "He is nigh unto all those that call upon Him in truth, and healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds."
...it came very near ending my earthly existence. ... I was not sick in bed, but I looked like a walking ghost, and it took but a few steps to exhaust what little strength I had. ... Early one morning in the fall of the year my father had William hitch up his horse and buggy and take me up to the temple, where he met us. He took me to the font under the temple into which the water had been pumped the day before and there baptized me for my health, which I regained more rapidly from that time. ...
[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]
the doctrine of a plurality of wives. I remember how I felt, but which would be a difficult matter to describe—the various thoughts, fears and temptations that flashed through my mind when the principle was first introduced to me by my father, who one morning in the summer of 1843, without any preliminaries, asked me if I would believe him if he told me that it was right for married men to take other wives, can be better imagined than told; but suffice it to say the first impulse was anger, for I thought he had only said it to test my virtue, as I had heard that tales of this kind had been published by such characters as the Higbees, Foster and Bennett, but which I supposed were without any foundation. My sensibilities were painfully touched. I felt such a sense of personal injury and displeasure; for to mention such a thing to me I thought altogether unworthy of my father, and as quick as he spoke, I replied to him, short and emphatically, No, I wouldn't! I had always been taught to believe it a heinous crime, improper and unnatural, and I indignantly resented it. This was the first time that I ever openly manifested anger towards him; but I was somewhat surprised at his countenance, as he seemed rather pleased than otherwise. Then he commenced talking seriously, and reasoned and explained the principle, and why it was again to be established upon the earth, etc., but did not tell me then that anyone had yet practiced it, but left me to reflect upon it for the next twenty-four hours, during which time I was filled with various and conflicting ideas. I was skeptical—one minute believed, then doubted. I thought of the love and tenderness that he felt for his only daughter, and I knew that he would not cast her off, and this was the only convincing proof that I had of its being right. I knew that he loved me too well to teach me anything that was not strictly pure, virtuous and exalting in its tendencies; and no one else could have influenced me at that time or brought me to accept of a doctrine so utterly repugnant and so contrary to all of our former ideas and traditions. This was just previous to his starting upon his last mission but one to the eastern states. Fearing that I might hear it from a wrong source, knowing, as he did, that there were those who would run before they were sent, and some would not hesitate to deceive and betray him and the brethren, he thought it best that I should hear it from his own lips.
The next day the Prophet called at our house, and I sat with my father and mother and heard him teach the principle and explain it more fully, and I believed it, but I had no proofs only his and my father's testimony. I thought that sufficient, and did not deem it necessary to seek for any further, but had I been differently situated like many were without a father and a mother to love and counsel me, probably my dependence, like theirs, would have been on the Lord, but I leaned not upon His arm. My father was my teacher and revelator, and I saw no necessity then for further testimony; but in after years the Lord, in His far-seeing and infinite mercy, suffered me to pass through the rough waves of experience, and in sorrow and affliction, I learned this most important lesson, that in Him alone must I trust, and not in weak and sinful man; and that it was absolutely necessary for each one to obtain a living witness and testimony for him or herself, and not for another, to the truth of this latter-day work, to be able to stand, and that like Saul, we "must suffer for His name's sake." Then I learned that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," and that "He is nigh unto all those that call upon Him in truth, and healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds."
...it came very near ending my earthly existence. ... I was not sick in bed, but I looked like a walking ghost, and it took but a few steps to exhaust what little strength I had. ... Early one morning in the fall of the year my father had William hitch up his horse and buggy and take me up to the temple, where he met us. He took me to the font under the temple into which the water had been pumped the day before and there baptized me for my health, which I regained more rapidly from that time. ...
[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]
80 years ago today - Oct 24, 1932
Stephen R. Covey, later a New York Times best-selling author, a lecturer, and the founder of the Covey Leadership Center, is born in Salt Lake City, Utah.
[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]
85 years ago today - Oct 24, 1927
B. H. Roberts writes to Apostle Richard R. Lyman about his decision to not present further Book of Mormon problems he has uncovered to the Quorum of the Twelve. He does, however, present Lyman with an eighteen-page document titled "A Parallel" which shows numerous parallels between the Book of Mormon and Ethan Smith's "View of the Hebrews" published in Vermont before the Book of Mormon. Copies of "A Parallel" circulates in the Mormon underground during the late 1920s and through the early 1940s. It is finally published in the "Rocky Mountain Mason" in 1956 and later is circulated widely being available on the internet.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
105 years ago today - Thursday, Oct 24, 1907
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] ... President Joseph F. Smith says their are only two Priesthoods and out of these grows the Various offices. The Twelve act as presiding officer by virtue of being high Priests and not on account of the Apostleship but that makes them Witnesses of Christ and heralds of the truth.
[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 - Tuesday, Oct 24, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] ... I blest my son George Albert and gave him some fatherly instruction.
[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]
165 years ago today - Oct 24, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 24th Sunday We tried to ford the Lou fork. Several men crossed on Horse back. There Horses fell & plunged the men into the water. Several waggons followed. Horses got stalled into the quick sand & waggons had to be Halled out by Hand & it was given up for the day. The Camp moved down the river one mile & camped for the day. It was vary cold & windy & a snow storm at night which made it bad on our poor weak Horses. We cut down cotton wood trees & fed them on the limbs.
[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 - Oct 24, 1842
[Nauvoo Temple] Carpenters began laying the temporary floor over the font in the basement.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
175 years ago today - (Tue) Oct 24, 1837
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon tried by state of Ohio for unauthorized banking and each fined $1000. An "appeals court" (????) confirms the conviction and $1,000 fine each of Smith and Rigdon for operating an illegal bank.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
15 years ago today - Oct 23, 1997
Orgazmo, a film critical of Mormonism, gains theatrical release.
[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]
[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]
60 years ago today - Oct 23, 1952
Apostle Henry D. Moyle expresses opposition in meeting of First Presidency and apostles concerning proposal to add lace to temple garments for women. Temple council meeting approves this on Dec. 4.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
110 years ago today - Thursday, Oct 23, 1902
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] ... Apostle M. W. Merrill attended a special meeting in Franklin on Sunday last. While there a question arose as to whether the elders going to Samoa would be permitted to take their wives. In answer to this question Pres. Smith said it would depend largely upon the character of the wives. If they were women of faith and good example, there would be no objection to their going.
Apostle Clawson said that Sister Phoebe Kimball, his aunt, desired a little counsel as to whether it would be right and proper to sell the old homestead of the late Heber C. Kimball, situated on East Temple [Main] Street. The property now belongs to her but she feels that she is not in a position to carry it, owing to taxes and other expenses. The house itself, though it might be kept in good repair, is not modern, and will, therefore, bring but a small revenue. Brother Clawson was instructed to tell Sister Kimball that she must act upon her own judgment and do the best she can. Pres. Smith said that it would be unfortunate for this property to go into the hands of the gentiles, and, therefore, the sons of Pres. Kimball should unite together and purchase it, which could be done for $15,000. Apostle Clawson pointed out the fact that most, if not all, of the sons of Pres. Kimball are financially broke....
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
Apostle Clawson said that Sister Phoebe Kimball, his aunt, desired a little counsel as to whether it would be right and proper to sell the old homestead of the late Heber C. Kimball, situated on East Temple [Main] Street. The property now belongs to her but she feels that she is not in a position to carry it, owing to taxes and other expenses. The house itself, though it might be kept in good repair, is not modern, and will, therefore, bring but a small revenue. Brother Clawson was instructed to tell Sister Kimball that she must act upon her own judgment and do the best she can. Pres. Smith said that it would be unfortunate for this property to go into the hands of the gentiles, and, therefore, the sons of Pres. Kimball should unite together and purchase it, which could be done for $15,000. Apostle Clawson pointed out the fact that most, if not all, of the sons of Pres. Kimball are financially broke....
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
130 years ago today - Monday, Oct 23, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
I turned my horses over to G.T.O. [General Tithing Office] and they allowed me $150.00 for them. I gave my wife Sarah F. a ring today as a birthday present as I am going away.
[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 turned my horses over to G.T.O. [General Tithing Office] and they allowed me $150.00 for them. I gave my wife Sarah F. a ring today as a birthday present as I am going away.
[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]
135 years ago today - Oct 23, 1877
[L. John Nuttall] (Shortly after the death of Brigham Young) Attended the Meeting of the President & Council [of Twelve Apostles] in consideration of the Real Estate claims of Pres[iden]t. B[righam]. Young. and of the Church-Pres[iden]t A[braham].
O. Smoot. Theodore McKean & Bro[ther] N[icholas]. Groesbeck appraisers of B[righam]. Young Estate also present-
It was decided that I go down to Provo [Utah] to ascertain as to the church & B[righam].
Y[oung]. Property in Provo & Utah County.
[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]
O. Smoot. Theodore McKean & Bro[ther] N[icholas]. Groesbeck appraisers of B[righam]. Young Estate also present-
It was decided that I go down to Provo [Utah] to ascertain as to the church & B[righam].
Y[oung]. Property in Provo & Utah County.
[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]
175 years ago today - Oct 23, 1837
[Patriarchal Blessings] Patriarchal Blessing of John Dickson given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... God will give thee power over all things, may say to the raging lake -"be still-". This is thy blessing. I seal it on thy head. ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings, Marquardt Papers, University of Utah]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings, Marquardt Papers, University of Utah]
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
150 years ago today - Oct 22, 1862
The DESERET NEWS editorial concerning U.S. President Abraham Lincoln's recently-issued Emancipation Proclamation: "We demand to be informed whence the President derives his power to issue any such proclamation as he has now published. Not from the Constitution surely, for it is in plain violation of some of its leading provisions-He is fully adrift on the current of radical fanaticism. We regret for his sake, we lament for the sake of the country, that he has been coerced by the insanity of radicals, by the denunciation of their presses, by the threats of their governors and senators."
[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 - Oct 22, 1837
Twenty-two Mormons are disfellowshipped at church headquarters in Kirtland for "uniting with the world [non-Mormons] in a dance-"
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
80 years ago today - Oct 22-Oct 31, 1932
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] he is in Eastern Canada
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
30 years ago today - Oct 21, 1982
[Mark Hofmann] Hofmann sells Ashworth a half-page fragment from the "Book of Mosiah" for $5,000. Later Ashworth buys a second fragment, a full page from the "Book of Helaman," for $25,000. Both are featured in the Ensign 13 (October 1983): 77.
[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,]
90 years ago today - Oct 21, 1922
Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith counseled local patriarch Joseph A. Quibell about "cranks" and others who go about trying to get a blessing from every patriarch they meet: "I think every member of the Church should have at least one blessing . . . and for that purpose the Stake Patriarchs are placed in the church-for it is an utter impossibility for the Patriarch of the Church to bless all the people. I think all members of the Church may receive blessings in the stakes, and then those who are fortunate enough may receive one from the Presiding Patriarch-then they should be well blessed for this life."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
120 years ago today - Oct 21, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21 The great Celebration of the arival of Christopher Columbus upon the American Continent was held to day in Salt Lake City. The Assembly met in the great Tabernacle. 5,000 School Children met in the Lower Room But there was so much noise & Confusion in the Assembly of Little Children that the speakers Could not be heard. W Woodruff was Called upon to Dismissed the Meeting. I drove up to Clary with Emma & took dinner. Broth Thatcher & several other Brethren Called at the Office. Owen went into the Mountains to hunt Deer.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Oct 21, 1837
William Clayton Baptized into Mormon church three months after missionaries arrive in England.
[Source: Smith, George D., An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, p.lxiii, A William Clayton Chronology, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: Smith, George D., An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, p.lxiii, A William Clayton Chronology, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
50 years ago today - Oct 20, 1962
CHURCH NEWS announces purchase of church's first shortwave radio station, WRUL, in Boston and New Youk City. Purchase price is $1,771,850. Church sells its shortwave station in 1974 in response to satellite, cable, and videotape technologies.
[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 - Oct 20, 1842
Apostle Orson Hyde writes to Apostle Orson Pratt that during a voyage from Beirut to Jaffa Hyde saw clearly in the sky "a very bright glittering sword. . .with a beautiful hilt, as plain and complete as any cut you ever saw. And, what is still more remarkable, an arm, with a perfect hand, stretched itself out and took hold of the hilt of the sword. The appearance really made my hair rise, and the flesh, as it were, to crawl on my bones. The Arabs made a wonderful outcry at the sight: 'O, Allah, Allah, Allah!' was their exclamation all over the vessel." In the letter Hyde explains, ""I mention this, because you know there is a commandment to me which says: 'Unto you it shall be given to know the signs of the times, and the sign of the coming of the Son of Man.'"
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
150 years ago today - Oct 20, 1862 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young Sermon] The President then arose and said, '"I will not ask any of the rest of the brethren to speak; I am going to preach a short sermon myself, and that is, go to and get out lumber to make yourselves bins, then thrash this wheat that you have raised in such abundance and take care of it, then when you have got these things done I will come and preach to you again.'" (This was the shortest sermon preached during the journey, but it was so significant that all who heard will doubtless remember it.) -- Willard, 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)]
135 years ago today - Oct 19, 1877
[John Nuttle Diary] . . . have had severall [sic] agreeable talks with Prest Taylor in regards to church Matters and find him very liberal in his Views also very correct as to his policy of conducting affairs -- Not moving in haste, but careful and sure -- and safe -- the brethren of the Twelve are also Kind --
[Source: Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
90 years ago today - Oct 19, 1922
[James E. Talmage] Attended council meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve. Today a motion picture was taken of the Twelve in their council room in the Church Office Building, and later another such picture was made of the entire Council of the First Presidency and Twelve and Presiding Patriarch on the Temple grounds. Elder Orson F. Whitney was the only absent one.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
20 years ago today - Oct 19, 1992
During the second day of the rededication of the London England Temple, President Gordon B. Hinckley of the First Presidency announces that the Church will build a temple in Preston, England, the site of the first missionary activity in the country 155 years later.
[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]
5 years ago today - Oct 18, 2007
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) spoke on his faith, family, and public service at a Brigham Young University forum recently.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
75 years ago today - Oct 18, 1937
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Bro. Stephen L. Richards and Melvin J. Ballard called and wanted to know just what course we wanted them to take with regard to the new mission president at the Temple Block, as they had been appointed supervisors and we had not said a word to them. When Brother Joseph Peery was made President they met with him and installed him and introduced him to the workers, etc. They wanted to know what we expected of them in the case of Brother Cannon. I told them we would give them instructions later. I feel a little cheap that they had not been notified.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - Oct 18, 1912; Friday
Attended lengthy meeting of a council called by the First Presidency to consider important
propositions with a view to colonizing our Mexican refugees. It was decided that at present no attempt be made to colonize our people from Mexico collectively.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
propositions with a view to colonizing our Mexican refugees. It was decided that at present no attempt be made to colonize our people from Mexico collectively.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
155 years ago today - Oct 18, 1857
William A. Hickman kills non-Mormon Richard Yates for trying to transport munitions to U.S. army. Hickman later implicates Brigham Young, second counselor Daniel H. Wells, and Joseph A. Young in decision, and judge Hosea Stout in actual murder. In 1858 Mormon woman says that Yates "disappeared-'used up [killed] in the pocket of the Lord,' we call it-and Bill Hickman-one of the 'Destroyers'-passed through this very town, waved the overcoat of Yates, and riding his bay pony." Hickman later writes that he gave to President Young money he took from Yates's body. Despite arrest and pre-trial detention, all those indicted in 1871 for Yates murder are freed by U.S. Supreme Court in 1872 due to improper impaneling of juries. On the same day Heber C. Kimball preaches: "Brethren, our enemies never will inhabit these valleys if we do just as we are told from this time forth; and we will inhabit these valleys and will have power and victory over our enemies from this time henceforth and for ever. . . . I felt pretty well in Nauvoo, at the time brother Brigham was speaking of; though I did regret -perhaps I did wrong-but I did regret that peace was proclaimed so quick; for I tell you there were about one or two score of men I wanted to see under the sod; then I was willing to make peace: but I had to, as it was. We have made peace a great many times, and the United States have taken a course to make us do as they wished us; but let me tell you that day is past and gone, and we will now proclaim the course they will have to take; and they will have to make peace with us, and we never shall make peace with them again. Brother Brigham will designate the course they have got to take; and if they come here, they have got to give up their arms: they cannot come in here with a gun on their shoulders, or a pistol in their belts." Also on the same day Brigham Young preaches: "I would just as soon tell them as to tell you my mode of warfare. As the Lord God lives, we will waste our enemies by millions, if they send them here to destroy us, and not a man of us be hurt. That is the method I intend to pursue. Do you want to know what is going to be done with the enemies now on our borders? If they come here, I will tell you what will be done. As soon as they start to come hate our settlements, let sleep depart from their eyes and slumber from their eyelids until they sleep in death, for they have been warned and forewarned that we will not tamely submit to being destroyed. Men shall be secreted here and there and shall waste away our enemies, in the name of Israel's God. . . . I am going to observe the old maxim-'He that fights and runs away, Lives to fight another day.'"
[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 - Oct 18, 1837
Kirtland high council and quorum presidents, "after lengthy discussion concerning existing Evils, agreed that it was time to commence the work of reform" and agree to meet in a week to "commence pruning the vine of God in Kirtland. and thus continue the work evening after evening. until it shall be wisdom to stay the hands."
[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]
130 years ago today - Oct 17, 1882
Annie Gallifant Connelly, despite her pregnancy, is first Mormon woman sentenced to penitentiary for refusing to answer questions from grand jury seeking to indict her polygamous husband. For similar refusal, better-known Belle Harris is in penitentiary with her infnat child from May 18 - Aug. 31, 1883.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
155 years ago today - Oct 17, 1857
John Aiken sees "the tracks of a large herd of cattle going up the Santa Clara, toward the Mormon settlements."
William Webb and eight men (including Honea) arrive at San Bernardino as advance party "of Captains Dukes and Turner's train." Daily Alta California publishes P's 14 October report from Angel's Camp.
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
William Webb and eight men (including Honea) arrive at San Bernardino as advance party "of Captains Dukes and Turner's train." Daily Alta California publishes P's 14 October report from Angel's Camp.
[Source: Mountain Meadows Massacre timeline, Will Bagley]
40 years ago today - Oct 17, 1972
The Brazil North Central and the Brazil South Central Missions are organized.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
170 years ago today - Oct 16, 1842
[Helen Mar Kimball] In a letter to husband Heber C. Kimball, Vilate Kimball writes about Heber's plural wife Sarah Noon,
"Our good friend S. [Sarah Noon] is as ever, and we are one. You said I must tell you all my feelings; but if I were to tell you that I sometimes felt tempted and tried and feel as though my burden was greater than I could bear, it would only be a source of sorrow to you, and the Lord knows that I do not wish to add one sorrow to your heart, for be assured my dear Heber, that I do not love you any less for what has transpired, neither do I believe that you do me; therefore I will keep my bad feelings to myself, as much as possible, and tell you the good. I can say with propriety that the most of my time I feel comfortable in my mind, and feel that I have much to be thankful for. I realize that the scenes we are called to pass through are calculated to wean us from the world, and prepare us for a better one...."
"I must leave room for Sister S. to write you a few lines."
Sarah Noon writes: "My very dear friend: Inasmuch as I have listened to your counsel hitherto I have been prospered, therefore I hope that I shall ever adhere to it strictly in future."
"Your kind letter was joyfully received. I never read it but I receive some comfort and feel strengthened, and thank you for it. You may depend upon my moving as soon as the house is ready. I feel anxious as I perceive my infirmities increasing daily. Your request with regard to Sister Kimball I will attend to. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to add to the happiness of my friends; I only wish that I had more ability to do so. I am very glad we are likely to see you soon, and pray that nothing may occur to disappoint us. When you request Vilate to meet you, perhaps you forget that I shall stand in jeopardy every hour, and would not her absent for worlds. My mind is fixed and I am rather particular, but still, for your comfort, I will submit."
"I am as ever"
[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]
"Our good friend S. [Sarah Noon] is as ever, and we are one. You said I must tell you all my feelings; but if I were to tell you that I sometimes felt tempted and tried and feel as though my burden was greater than I could bear, it would only be a source of sorrow to you, and the Lord knows that I do not wish to add one sorrow to your heart, for be assured my dear Heber, that I do not love you any less for what has transpired, neither do I believe that you do me; therefore I will keep my bad feelings to myself, as much as possible, and tell you the good. I can say with propriety that the most of my time I feel comfortable in my mind, and feel that I have much to be thankful for. I realize that the scenes we are called to pass through are calculated to wean us from the world, and prepare us for a better one...."
"I must leave room for Sister S. to write you a few lines."
Sarah Noon writes: "My very dear friend: Inasmuch as I have listened to your counsel hitherto I have been prospered, therefore I hope that I shall ever adhere to it strictly in future."
"Your kind letter was joyfully received. I never read it but I receive some comfort and feel strengthened, and thank you for it. You may depend upon my moving as soon as the house is ready. I feel anxious as I perceive my infirmities increasing daily. Your request with regard to Sister Kimball I will attend to. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to add to the happiness of my friends; I only wish that I had more ability to do so. I am very glad we are likely to see you soon, and pray that nothing may occur to disappoint us. When you request Vilate to meet you, perhaps you forget that I shall stand in jeopardy every hour, and would not her absent for worlds. My mind is fixed and I am rather particular, but still, for your comfort, I will submit."
"I am as ever"
[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]
Oct 16, 1882
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Recd a telegram from Apostle F. M. Lyman last evening telling me not to failing in Coming to Salt Lake today to attend a Council at 330 P.M. [He continues in giving an account of his ordination as an apostle by George Q. Cannon, in connection with the rest of the First Presidency, and in the presence of the Quorum of Twelve and First Council of Seventy. Part of the prayer of ordination given by George Q. Cannon to Heber J. Grant] We ordin [sic] thee to be a Prophet, a Seer, a Revelator, to have every key of authority connected with this holy Apostleship--it embodying all the power and all the authority that God ever vouchsafed to His children upon the earth ...
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Oct 16, 1857
[Brigham Young Sermon] In turning from this subject to little children, President Young said: When some people have little children born at 6 and 7 months from pregnancy and they live a few hours, then die, they bless them, name them etc. But I don't do it, for I think that such a spirit has not a fair chance, for I think that such a spirit will have a chance of occupying another tabernacle and develop itself. This is new doctrine, yet it looks consistent. What period of demarcation or age the spirit would take another body we were not informed. -- Salt Lake City [Wilford WoodruffÂ's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 5:109]
[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)]
120 years ago today - Oct 16, 1892
[Lorenzo Brown diary, Oct. 16, 1892] Took Breakfast at the House & drove * through Leeds to Harrisburg to dinner then to St George before night. * For a few days looking around town then commenced work in the Temple. Wife has found a list of names to work for & I am assisting her. I find the ceremonies the same as ever & am informed that the ceremonies as revised & corrected [and] are used in Logan & Manti have not been altered one whit but [are] word for word & [are] the same [as] will be used in the Salt Lake [temple].
[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]
170 years ago today - Oct 15, 1842
In the 15 October Times and Season, Joseph wrote strongly against coveting other men's wives. As Editor, he republished an 1830 revelation in which it was revealed to him: Smith condemns coveting other men's wives . "And again: I command thee, that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife." (Times and Seasons 3 [October 15,1842]: 944) However, according to LDS authors, by the fall of 1842 Joseph was married to Mary Elizabeth Rollins, wife of Adam Lightner (see John J. Stewart, Brigham Young and His Wives: And The True Story of Plural Marriage [Salt Lake City, Utah: Mercury Publishing Company, Inc., 1961], 89), and Zina Diantha Huntington, wife of Henry B. Jacobs (ibid., 92; see also Andrew Jenson, Ed., The Historical Record 6 [May 1887]: 233; and Times and Seasons 2 [April 1, 1841]: 374). Both women were living with their husbands at that time.
[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
30 years ago today - Oct 15, 1982
First Presidency instruction to all stake and mission leaders that many letters from church members "indicate clearly that some local leaders have been delving into private, sensitive matters beyond the scope of what is appropriate.... Also, you should never inquire into personal, intimate matters involving marital relations between a man and his wife." Letter continues that even if a church member volunteers such intimate information, "you should not pursue the mater but should merely suggest that if the member has enough anxiety about the propriety of the conduct to ask about it, the best course would be to discontinue it." In response to widespread complaints from married couples being asked if they have oral sex, this returns First Presidency stance to what it was prior to presidency of Spencer W. Kimball, now incapacitated.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
100 years ago today - Oct 15, 1912
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Reorganizes French Mission.
[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
130 years ago today - Oct 14, 1882
Seymour B. Young is "ordained" president in First Council of Seventy. He is first general authority with post-graduate degree (from University Medical College of New Youk) and first M.D> to serve in Hierarchy. No other general authority had M.D> degree until appointements of Russell M. Nelson in 1984, Malcolm S. Jeppson in 1989, J. Ballard Washburn in 1990, James O. Mason in 1994, and Cecil O. Samuelson, Jr. in 1994.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
60 years ago today - Tue Oct 14, 1952
[David O. McKay Office Journal] in Presidency meeting: We also considered a letter in which the question is asked regarding the attitude of the Church toward the new revised edition of the Bible. The decision was reached that we have taken no stand regarding the first revised edition, nor have we regarding the latest; they must stand on their merit, that we use the King James' translation.
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
50 years ago today - Oct 14, 1962
The first live telecast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (―The Spoken Word) debuts, reaching over 800 radio and television channels worldwide.
[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]
20 years ago today - Oct 13, 1992.
Avraham Gileadi teaches his regular Tuesday night class on the book of Isaiah, a class on-going since at least the spring of 1991 that has been attracting ever larger groups. Before the next class on 20 October, class members are notified by the director of the Hebraist Foundation, which sponsors Gileadi's research, that the classes are "postponed indefinitely" at the request of Gileadi's stake president, who has also instructed him not to lecture or write on scriptural topics. Gileadi obediently cancels the class and agrees to comply with the instructions not to write more, after completing two books now in progress.
[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]
95 years ago today - Oct 13, 1917
DESERET NEWS reports that "Bishop Robert McQuarrie has resigned from the bishopric of the Ogden Second ward after rendering efficient service as bishop for a period of 40 years." During Mormonism's first century, presiding officers have option to honorably resign for personal reasons such as family stres, business problems, ill health , or simply weariness of the position. It is customary to tell their congretation about leaders request to be released.
[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 - Oct 13, 1897
[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] "The meeting in the Temple began at 3 p.m. Bro[ther]s. Cowley and A. O. Woodruff spoke. There was much talk on the sayings of Pres[iden]t Young in regard to Adam."
[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Oct 13, 1892
At 2. p.m. W[ilford]. W[oodruff]. G[eorge] Q C[annon]. & J[oseph]. F. S[mith]. F[ranklin].
D. R[ichards]. F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. H[eber]. J. G[rant]. & A[braham] H Cannon were together for Counsel & prayer when a telegram from a friend in the East was read affirming that Amnesty would soon be extended to us in Utah, & that Pres[iden]t. Benjamin Harrison requested our prayers in his own behalf & for his sick wife who is very low of consumption.
In response to which Pres[iden]t. Woodruff prayed as desired & all present said Amen.
This A.M. a telegram came from Gen[eral] Clarkson and [Isaac] Trumbo in Washington [D.C.] asking for Mrs. [Benjamin F.] Harrison the prayers of the First Presidency of the Church. Also that amnesty will be issued this week. This message visibly affected Pres[ident] [Wilford] Woodruff.
The idea of the prayers of the Presidency of this Church being asked by President Harrison for his wife was something so unusual and in thought of that the President felt the hand of the Lord was in it. At 2 P.M. we met in the regular weekly council of the Presidency and Twelve. President Woodruff presiding, Pr[esident]s [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith also Bro[ther]s [Franklin D.]
Richards, [Francis M.] Lyman, H[eber]. J. Grant, and Abr[aha]m H. Cannon. President Woodruff prayed and very fervently too for Mrs. Harrison. ... Our anxiety about Wyoming was manifest and it was moved that I be sent to Evanston and Alma and Rock Springs [Wyoming] to get the Saints to sustain the Republican party as they did last year and be consistent. I suggested that either bro[ther]
Richards or Grant go as democrats would listen to them and not to me. The question was still under discussion when I came out of the meeting ...
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary; Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
D. R[ichards]. F[rancis]. M. L[yman]. H[eber]. J. G[rant]. & A[braham] H Cannon were together for Counsel & prayer when a telegram from a friend in the East was read affirming that Amnesty would soon be extended to us in Utah, & that Pres[iden]t. Benjamin Harrison requested our prayers in his own behalf & for his sick wife who is very low of consumption.
In response to which Pres[iden]t. Woodruff prayed as desired & all present said Amen.
This A.M. a telegram came from Gen[eral] Clarkson and [Isaac] Trumbo in Washington [D.C.] asking for Mrs. [Benjamin F.] Harrison the prayers of the First Presidency of the Church. Also that amnesty will be issued this week. This message visibly affected Pres[ident] [Wilford] Woodruff.
The idea of the prayers of the Presidency of this Church being asked by President Harrison for his wife was something so unusual and in thought of that the President felt the hand of the Lord was in it. At 2 P.M. we met in the regular weekly council of the Presidency and Twelve. President Woodruff presiding, Pr[esident]s [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith also Bro[ther]s [Franklin D.]
Richards, [Francis M.] Lyman, H[eber]. J. Grant, and Abr[aha]m H. Cannon. President Woodruff prayed and very fervently too for Mrs. Harrison. ... Our anxiety about Wyoming was manifest and it was moved that I be sent to Evanston and Alma and Rock Springs [Wyoming] to get the Saints to sustain the Republican party as they did last year and be consistent. I suggested that either bro[ther]
Richards or Grant go as democrats would listen to them and not to me. The question was still under discussion when I came out of the meeting ...
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary; Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
120 years ago today - Oct 13, 1892
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] At 2pm WW, GQC, & JFS, FDR, FML, HJG & AH Cannon were together for counsel & prayers when a telegram from a friend in the East was read affirming that Amnesty would soon be extended to us in Utah & that Pres[iden]t Benjamin Harrison requested our prayers in his on behalf & for his sick wife who is very low of consumption. In response to which Pres[iden]t Woodruff prayed as desired & all present said amen.
[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]
130 years ago today - Oct 13, 1882
Revelation to John Taylor at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, on 13 October 1882
Revelation given throught [through] President John Taylor, at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, October 13, 1882.
Thus saith the Lord to the Twelve, and to the Priesthood and people of my Church:
Let my servant[s] George Teasdale and Heber J. Grant be appointed to fill the vacancies in the Twelve, that you may be fully organized and prepared for the labors devolving upon you, for you have a great work to perform; and then proceed to fill up the presiding q[u]orum of the Seventies, and assist in organizing that body of my Priesthood who are your co-laborers in the ministry. You may appoint Seymour B. Young to fill up the vacancy in the presiding quorum of the Seventies, if he will conform to my law: for it is not meet that men who will not abide my law shall preside over my Priesthood; and then proceed forthwith and call to your aid any assistance that you may require from among the Seventies to assist you in your labors in introducing and maintaining the Gospel among the Lamanites through-out the land.
And then let High Priests be selected, under the direction of the First Presidency, to preside over the various organizations that shall exist, among this people; that those who receive the Gospel may be taught in the doctrines of my Church, and in the orginances [ordinances] and laws thereof, and also in the things pertaining to my Zion and my Kingdom, saith the Lord, that they may be one with you in my Church and my Kingdom.
Let the Presidency of my Church be one in all things; and let the Twelve also be one in all things; and let them all be one with me as I am one with the Father.
And let the High Priests organize themselves, and purify themselves, and prepare themselves for this labor, and for all other labors that they may be called upon to fulfill.
And let the Presidents of Stakes also purify themselves, and the priesthood and people of the Stakes over which they preside, and organize the Priesthood in their various Stakes according to my law, in all the various departments thereof, in the High Councils, in the Elders' Quorums, and in the Bishops' and their Councils; and in the Quorums of Priests, Teachers and Deacons, that every quorum may be fully organized according to the order of my Church; and, then let them inquire into the standing and fellowship of all that hold my holy Priesthood in their several Stakes; and if they find those that are unworthy, let them remove them, except they repent, for my Priesthood whom I have called and whom I have Sustained and honored, shall honor me and obey my laws, and the laws of my holy Priesthood, or they shall not be considered worthy to hold my Priesthood, saith the Lord.
And let my Priesthood humble themselves before me, and seek not their own will but my will; For if my Priesthood whom I have chosen and called and endowed with the Spirit and gifts of their several callings and with the powers thereof, do not acknowledge me I will not acknowledge them, saith the Lord; for I will be honored and obeyed by my Priesthood.
And, then, I call upon my Priesthood, and upon all my people to repent of all their sins and short comings, of their covetousness and pride and selfwill, and of all their iniquities wherein they sin against me; and to seek with all humility to fulfill my law, as my Priesthood, my Saints and my people.
And I call upon the heads of families to put their houses in order according to the law of God, and attend to the various duties and responsibilities associated therewith, and to purify themselves before me, and to purge out iniquity from their households.
And I will bless and be with you, saith the Lord; and ye shall gather together in your holy places wherein ye assemble to call upon me, and ye shall ask for such things as are right, and I will hear your prayers, and my Spirit and power shall be with you and my blessing shall rest upon you, upon your families, your dwellings and your households, upon your flocks and herds and fields, your orchards and vineyards, and upon all that pertains to you; and you shall be my people and I will be your God; and your enemies shall not have dominion over you, for I will preserve you and confound them, saith the Lord, and they shall not have power and dominion over you; for my word shall go forth and my work shall be accomplished, and my Zion shall be established, and my rule and my power, and my dominion shall prevail among my people, and all nations shall yet acknowledge me. Even so, Amen
(Manuscript in John Taylor Papers, LDS archives, typed copy)
[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]
Revelation given throught [through] President John Taylor, at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, October 13, 1882.
Thus saith the Lord to the Twelve, and to the Priesthood and people of my Church:
Let my servant[s] George Teasdale and Heber J. Grant be appointed to fill the vacancies in the Twelve, that you may be fully organized and prepared for the labors devolving upon you, for you have a great work to perform; and then proceed to fill up the presiding q[u]orum of the Seventies, and assist in organizing that body of my Priesthood who are your co-laborers in the ministry. You may appoint Seymour B. Young to fill up the vacancy in the presiding quorum of the Seventies, if he will conform to my law: for it is not meet that men who will not abide my law shall preside over my Priesthood; and then proceed forthwith and call to your aid any assistance that you may require from among the Seventies to assist you in your labors in introducing and maintaining the Gospel among the Lamanites through-out the land.
And then let High Priests be selected, under the direction of the First Presidency, to preside over the various organizations that shall exist, among this people; that those who receive the Gospel may be taught in the doctrines of my Church, and in the orginances [ordinances] and laws thereof, and also in the things pertaining to my Zion and my Kingdom, saith the Lord, that they may be one with you in my Church and my Kingdom.
Let the Presidency of my Church be one in all things; and let the Twelve also be one in all things; and let them all be one with me as I am one with the Father.
And let the High Priests organize themselves, and purify themselves, and prepare themselves for this labor, and for all other labors that they may be called upon to fulfill.
And let the Presidents of Stakes also purify themselves, and the priesthood and people of the Stakes over which they preside, and organize the Priesthood in their various Stakes according to my law, in all the various departments thereof, in the High Councils, in the Elders' Quorums, and in the Bishops' and their Councils; and in the Quorums of Priests, Teachers and Deacons, that every quorum may be fully organized according to the order of my Church; and, then let them inquire into the standing and fellowship of all that hold my holy Priesthood in their several Stakes; and if they find those that are unworthy, let them remove them, except they repent, for my Priesthood whom I have called and whom I have Sustained and honored, shall honor me and obey my laws, and the laws of my holy Priesthood, or they shall not be considered worthy to hold my Priesthood, saith the Lord.
And let my Priesthood humble themselves before me, and seek not their own will but my will; For if my Priesthood whom I have chosen and called and endowed with the Spirit and gifts of their several callings and with the powers thereof, do not acknowledge me I will not acknowledge them, saith the Lord; for I will be honored and obeyed by my Priesthood.
And, then, I call upon my Priesthood, and upon all my people to repent of all their sins and short comings, of their covetousness and pride and selfwill, and of all their iniquities wherein they sin against me; and to seek with all humility to fulfill my law, as my Priesthood, my Saints and my people.
And I call upon the heads of families to put their houses in order according to the law of God, and attend to the various duties and responsibilities associated therewith, and to purify themselves before me, and to purge out iniquity from their households.
And I will bless and be with you, saith the Lord; and ye shall gather together in your holy places wherein ye assemble to call upon me, and ye shall ask for such things as are right, and I will hear your prayers, and my Spirit and power shall be with you and my blessing shall rest upon you, upon your families, your dwellings and your households, upon your flocks and herds and fields, your orchards and vineyards, and upon all that pertains to you; and you shall be my people and I will be your God; and your enemies shall not have dominion over you, for I will preserve you and confound them, saith the Lord, and they shall not have power and dominion over you; for my word shall go forth and my work shall be accomplished, and my Zion shall be established, and my rule and my power, and my dominion shall prevail among my people, and all nations shall yet acknowledge me. Even so, Amen
(Manuscript in John Taylor Papers, LDS archives, typed copy)
[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]
150 years ago today - Oct 13, 1862
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13, 14, 15, 16 I spent this time in Making Molasses.
[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 - Oct 13, 1832
Manhattan Island, New York. On a trip with Newel K. Whitney, Joseph Smith wrote to his wife, Emma Smith, describing his fascination with Manhattan Island.
[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]
130 years ago today - Oct 12, 1882
Abram hatch tells convention of church's People's Party: "If we join either [national] party let us be careful that we go with the party that is on top and that will be sure to stay there."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
80 years ago today - Oct 12, 1932
Jake Garn, later a Utah member of the U.S. Senate (1974â€"92), is born in Richfield, Utah.
[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]
175 years ago today - Oct 12, 1837
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon arrive in Terre Haut Indiana [per Joseph Smith].
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
35 years ago today - Oct 11, 1977
[We]could see the auxiliaries running the Church as it were. . . . We had no Priesthood board but they had large and talented and powerful Mutual boards and Sunday school boards and Relief Society boards and Primary boards. And they scattered throughout the Church teaching their message, and they were talented people and taught so well that the auxiliaries of the Church were far more effective and powerful in the members' idea and view than the were the Priesthood quorums. . . . So I would say, to characterize the Church prior to Correlation, that the auxiliaries ran it and everything took second place to them.
[Source: David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism, by Greg Prince, chapter 4 footnote 15. A. Theodore Tuttle interview, October 11, 1977]
[Source: David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism, by Greg Prince, chapter 4 footnote 15. A. Theodore Tuttle interview, October 11, 1977]
50 years ago today - Oct 11, 1962
N. Eldon Tanner is ordained an Apostle, replacing George Q. Morris, who had passed away.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
120 years ago today - Oct 11, 1892
This morning attended very interesting council W[ilford] W[oodruff], G[eorge] Q C[annon], J[oseph] F S[mith], M[oses] T[hatcher], B H Roberts, F[rancis] M Lyman, Pres[iden]t [Lorenzo]
Snow concerning the movements of brethren in politics Pres[iden]t G[eorge] Q Cannon narrated experience in his absence with National Central Committeemen &c.
At 10 A.M. met with the Presidency in the office, when Bro[ther] Moses Thatcher and brother [B. H.] Roberts came to find out what they should do in politics. They are to continue but very mildly. Apostles [Lorenzo] Snow, [Franklin D.] Richards, [John Henry] Smith and [Heber J.]
Grant were also present. It was a very pleasant meeting and the brethren had a good spirit.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary; Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
Snow concerning the movements of brethren in politics Pres[iden]t G[eorge] Q Cannon narrated experience in his absence with National Central Committeemen &c.
At 10 A.M. met with the Presidency in the office, when Bro[ther] Moses Thatcher and brother [B. H.] Roberts came to find out what they should do in politics. They are to continue but very mildly. Apostles [Lorenzo] Snow, [Franklin D.] Richards, [John Henry] Smith and [Heber J.]
Grant were also present. It was a very pleasant meeting and the brethren had a good spirit.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary; Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
125 years ago today - Oct 11, 1887
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At 10:30 attended a meeting of our quorum. Each of the brethren present subscribed $600 for State movement, I was greatly disappointed that some of them did not give more.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Oct 11, 1832
Mormon Missionary Orson Hyde, after visiting a group he calls "Cochranites" describes them in his journal as having a "Wonderful lustful spirit, because they believe in a 'plurality of wives' which they call spiritual wives, knowing them not after the flesh but after the spirit, but by the appearance they know one another after the flesh."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
40 years ago today - Oct 10, 1972
First Presidency letter: "We are concerned that adequate attention be given to members of the Church who do not speak the language of the majority where they live." It authorizes wards and branches to have priesthood and auxiliary classes taught in foreign languages, or organization of branches/wards for sufficient numbers of Mormons who speak foreign languages. This fulfills Apostle Spencer W. Kimball's ernest proposal to temple meeting on Jul 1, 1970.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
50 years ago today - Oct 10, 1962
The Church purchased a shortwave radio station, WRUL, with a transmitter in Boston and studios in New York City. It was subsequently used to transmit Church broadcasts to Europe and South America.
[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 - Oct 10, 1942
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] In one of my conversations with him [Joseph F. Smith, Patriarch] he told me that President Smith's widow, Mary T. Smith, mother of Dr. Silas Smith, told him that he had a conversation with her and that President Joseph F. Smith had told her that the Patriarch belonged in his line. I was very happy to have that information. It is a great satisfaction to me to know President Joseph F. Smith felt that the patriarchal line should go to his family instead of John Smith's line.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Oct 10, 1892
[L. John Nuttall] I attended a meeting of the 1st Presidency, Twelve, Pres[idents] of Seventies, Presidents of Stakes. & Bishops at 10 am, at the [Salt Lake] Temple which had been prepared in the upper large room. ... Pres[iden]t Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon moved that the brethren present make every possible exertion themselves and among the people to raise the necessary funds to complete this Temple. .... It was represented that there are five large windows needed which will cost $1500.00 each. Bro[ther]s. John R Winder, M[oses] Thatcher, Geo[rge]
Romney, H[eber] J Grant & J[ohn] R Murdock agreed to each furnish 1 window. Pres[iden]t Jos[eph] F Smith moved that we accept the offer of these brethren. Sec[onded] & Car[rie]d. .... On motion a few of the brethren were requested to take the names and amounts which each one present felt to give to the completion of the Temple. $50,000.00 was subscribed at this meeting....
[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]
Romney, H[eber] J Grant & J[ohn] R Murdock agreed to each furnish 1 window. Pres[iden]t Jos[eph] F Smith moved that we accept the offer of these brethren. Sec[onded] & Car[rie]d. .... On motion a few of the brethren were requested to take the names and amounts which each one present felt to give to the completion of the Temple. $50,000.00 was subscribed at this meeting....
[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]
125 years ago today - Oct 10, 1887
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Since the Th I have kept pencil mems. from which to write up my journal, as I have not had time to attend to it each day on account of the many meetings I have had to attend. I find that in making up my record for the Th that I missed recording the following remarks of the brethren viz. Moses Thatcher, said that in as much as some of his aged brethren felt that he was too sensative [sic], he was willing to accept correction from any of them He said he would willingly consecrate all he possessed if he could be relieved from the great responsibility he was under on account of his calling as an Apostle, but he continued I do say however, that I distrust the methods of Geo Q. Cannon and I also know that the people have the same distrust. I have proven my trust in the work of God both with my means and my acts. I had the confidence of Brigham Young during his life and also the confidence of John Taylor until late years.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Oct 10, 1842
Missionary (and later president) Lorenzo Snow delivers two ornamentally bound copies of the BOOK OF MORMON to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert through Sir Henry Wheatly. Queen Victoria probably never read, and may never have handled this presentation copy, but it has since resided in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
30 years ago today - Oct 09, 1982
The First Presidency announces plans to build the first temple in a communist nation in Freiberg, Germany Democratic Republic (East Germany).
[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]
65 years ago today - Oct 9, 1947
[Black History] [Decision to begin allowing blacks to receive patriarchal blessings]
Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Letter read from Evan A. Borrowman, a stake missionary in the Los Angeles stake, asking questions regarding the Church's attitude toward the negro. Attention was also called to correspondence with O.J. Umondak of Nigeria, Africa, asking that missionaries be sent to the people of that land. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith called attention to the report of the Council of the Twelve under the date of April 23, 1940, reporting on an assignment given by this Council regarding permitting a person to receive the Priesthood who has any degree of negro blood, at which time it was the recommendation of the Twelve that the ruling of the past being that a person with the slightest degree of negro blood cannot receive the Priesthood.
President [J. Reuben] Clark called attention to the sentiment among many people in this country to the point that we should break down all racial lines, as a result of which sentiment negro people have acquired an assertiveness that they become impudent. President Clark again repeated what he had previously said on a number of occasions that in South America, and particularly Brazil, we are entering into a situation in doing missionary work among these people where it is very difficult if not impossible to tell who has negro blood and who has not. He said that if we are baptizing Brazilians we are almost certainly baptizing people of negro blood, and that if the Priesthood is conferred upon them, which no doubt is, we are facing a very serious problem. President Clark said that his heart bleeds for the negroes, that he had had them in his home and some of them were very fine people, that he felt we should give them every right and blessing to which they are entitled.
He said he was wondering whether we could not work out a plan whereby, while not conferring the Priesthood as such upon them, we could give them opportunity to participate in the work certainly of the Aaronic Priesthood grades.
In connection with this discussion Brother [Joseph] Anderson, at the request of the First Presidency, read to the Council ex[c]erpts from minutes of the Council meeting held May 28, 1879 and June 4, 1879, in which this matter of ordaining to the priesthood brethren with colored blood in their veins was discussed at considerable length and which minutes give among other things [a] copy of a blessing under the hands of Joseph Smith Sr. upon Elijah Abel, a negro.
The suggestion was made that a compilation be made for the Brethren of the Council of all material that can be brought together upon this subject. Elder Stephen L Richards moved that this material be prepared under the direction of the First Presidency in any way they may see fit. Motion seconded and unanimously approved.
It was decided to postpone answer to the letter from Brother Borrowman and also to correspondence from O.J. Umondak of Nigeria, Africa, until the material regarding the negro question has been assembled and the Brethren have had an opportunity to look it over and digest it.
President George F. Richards presented to the Council a question as to whether or not there would be any objection to a Brother Hope and his family (negroes), faithful members of the Church who live in Cincin[n]ati, receiving patriarchal blessing. On motion, duly seconded, it was the decision of the Council that negroes who are faithful members of the Church are entitled to patriarchal blessings.
(Adam S. Bennion Papers)
[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Letter read from Evan A. Borrowman, a stake missionary in the Los Angeles stake, asking questions regarding the Church's attitude toward the negro. Attention was also called to correspondence with O.J. Umondak of Nigeria, Africa, asking that missionaries be sent to the people of that land. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith called attention to the report of the Council of the Twelve under the date of April 23, 1940, reporting on an assignment given by this Council regarding permitting a person to receive the Priesthood who has any degree of negro blood, at which time it was the recommendation of the Twelve that the ruling of the past being that a person with the slightest degree of negro blood cannot receive the Priesthood.
President [J. Reuben] Clark called attention to the sentiment among many people in this country to the point that we should break down all racial lines, as a result of which sentiment negro people have acquired an assertiveness that they become impudent. President Clark again repeated what he had previously said on a number of occasions that in South America, and particularly Brazil, we are entering into a situation in doing missionary work among these people where it is very difficult if not impossible to tell who has negro blood and who has not. He said that if we are baptizing Brazilians we are almost certainly baptizing people of negro blood, and that if the Priesthood is conferred upon them, which no doubt is, we are facing a very serious problem. President Clark said that his heart bleeds for the negroes, that he had had them in his home and some of them were very fine people, that he felt we should give them every right and blessing to which they are entitled.
He said he was wondering whether we could not work out a plan whereby, while not conferring the Priesthood as such upon them, we could give them opportunity to participate in the work certainly of the Aaronic Priesthood grades.
In connection with this discussion Brother [Joseph] Anderson, at the request of the First Presidency, read to the Council ex[c]erpts from minutes of the Council meeting held May 28, 1879 and June 4, 1879, in which this matter of ordaining to the priesthood brethren with colored blood in their veins was discussed at considerable length and which minutes give among other things [a] copy of a blessing under the hands of Joseph Smith Sr. upon Elijah Abel, a negro.
The suggestion was made that a compilation be made for the Brethren of the Council of all material that can be brought together upon this subject. Elder Stephen L Richards moved that this material be prepared under the direction of the First Presidency in any way they may see fit. Motion seconded and unanimously approved.
It was decided to postpone answer to the letter from Brother Borrowman and also to correspondence from O.J. Umondak of Nigeria, Africa, until the material regarding the negro question has been assembled and the Brethren have had an opportunity to look it over and digest it.
President George F. Richards presented to the Council a question as to whether or not there would be any objection to a Brother Hope and his family (negroes), faithful members of the Church who live in Cincin[n]ati, receiving patriarchal blessing. On motion, duly seconded, it was the decision of the Council that negroes who are faithful members of the Church are entitled to patriarchal blessings.
(Adam S. Bennion Papers)
[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
125 years ago today - Sunday, Oct 9, 1887
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] ... President W. Woodruff attended meeting for the first time in three years. The Saints were pleased to see him. He spoke a few words.
[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]
140 years ago today - Oct 9, 1872
Brigham Young and his counselors are each sustained as "Prophet, Seer and Revelator." This is first conference since 1859 which sustains anyone with that title. Quorum of Twelve Apostles are not presented in this manner at this conference, and from Apr 8, 1873 until his death Young is only church officer sustained by conferences as "Prophet, Seer and Revelator."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
70 years ago today - Oct 8, 1942 - 6 October 1946
[Change in Presiding Church Patriarch Office] Joseph Fielding Smith^[9]
Great-grandson of Hyrum Smith; not a descendant of previous Presiding Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith; released by President George Albert Smith amid reports of homosexual activity. Restored to "priesthood status" in 1957.
[Source: Wikipedia, Chronology of the Presiding Patriarchs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presiding_Patriarch#Chronology_of_the_Presiding_Patriarchs_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints]
Great-grandson of Hyrum Smith; not a descendant of previous Presiding Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith; released by President George Albert Smith amid reports of homosexual activity. Restored to "priesthood status" in 1957.
[Source: Wikipedia, Chronology of the Presiding Patriarchs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presiding_Patriarch#Chronology_of_the_Presiding_Patriarchs_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints]
95 years ago today - Oct 8, 1917
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At ten attended special Priesthood meeting in the Assembly Hall. President Smith referred to the fact that there were men still preaching that plural marriages could be solemnized. He branded this kind of teaching simply infamous, and said that the statement was absolutely false; that it puts the authorities of the Church in a false light before the world. He suggested to the bishops that they let Brother Cowley alone and not call on him to preach when he happens to visit their wards. He spoke nearly a half hour. ...
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - Oct 8, 1912; Tuesday
The following is a report of a special meeting held at the President's Office this afternoon:
A meeting was held this afternoon in the President's Office, for the purpose of considering the situation of our Mexican Refugees, at which there were present the First Presidency, Pres[iden]t. Lyman, Bro[ther]s. Heber J. Grant, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr., James E. Talmage, also Bishops Charles W. Nibley and Orrin P. Miller and Pres[iden]t. Joseph E. Robinson of the California Mission. The Mexican brethren were Pres[iden]t. Junius Romney, Bishop Allen D. Thurber of Dublan, Bishop Joseph C. Bentley of Juarez and his counselor Thomas Romney.
Pres[iden]t. Romney and Bishops Bentley and Thurber made extended remarks, going over the situation from their points of view.
On the suggestion of President Smith a committee was appointed consisting of Elder A[nthony]. W. Ivins, Bishop Nibley and Pres[iden]t. Romney, who were asked to put into condensed form what we would like to publish as instructions to the committee in charge at El Paso [Texas] and our refugee brethren generally in the way of advice and counsel. This became the sense of the meeting and was voted on unanimously.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
A meeting was held this afternoon in the President's Office, for the purpose of considering the situation of our Mexican Refugees, at which there were present the First Presidency, Pres[iden]t. Lyman, Bro[ther]s. Heber J. Grant, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. Ivins, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr., James E. Talmage, also Bishops Charles W. Nibley and Orrin P. Miller and Pres[iden]t. Joseph E. Robinson of the California Mission. The Mexican brethren were Pres[iden]t. Junius Romney, Bishop Allen D. Thurber of Dublan, Bishop Joseph C. Bentley of Juarez and his counselor Thomas Romney.
Pres[iden]t. Romney and Bishops Bentley and Thurber made extended remarks, going over the situation from their points of view.
On the suggestion of President Smith a committee was appointed consisting of Elder A[nthony]. W. Ivins, Bishop Nibley and Pres[iden]t. Romney, who were asked to put into condensed form what we would like to publish as instructions to the committee in charge at El Paso [Texas] and our refugee brethren generally in the way of advice and counsel. This became the sense of the meeting and was voted on unanimously.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Oct 8, 1882
Elder Erastus Snow testified that Joseph Smith was the sixth angel spoken of in the Revelations; It was so revealed in the Kirtland [Ohio] Temple.
Noon council of 12-nominated A[braham]. H. Cannon & T[heodore]. B. Lewis Pres[iden]ts 70s.
[Source: Minutes; Franklin D. Richards, Diary]
Noon council of 12-nominated A[braham]. H. Cannon & T[heodore]. B. Lewis Pres[iden]ts 70s.
[Source: Minutes; Franklin D. Richards, Diary]
130 years ago today - Oct 8, 1882
Theodore B. Lewis is first Civil War soldier and former prisoner to be sustained as general authority, and he is also only Confederate Army veteran appointed. Despite being publicly sustained as new member of First Council of Seventy, Lewis's appointment is cancelled next day when First Presidency learns he is also a high priest.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
130 years ago today - Sun. Oct. 8th 1882
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] In conf. mtg. he is called up to stand and was selected to fill one of the vacancies in the "Quorum of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies." "I was chosen in Bro. Joseph Young's place and Bro. Lewis for John Hancock, both deceased. I was never more surprised in my life, as I had received no intimations of this appointment."
[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]
40 years ago today - Oct 7, 1972
CHURCH NEWS announcement of twelve "fellowship lessons" for new converts.
[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 - Oct 7, 1897
[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] [7 Oct. 1897] "The afternoon was spent in the Temple setting apart the new apostles. It was a glorious time. The charges of the First Presidency were clear and to the point." [p. 40]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
105 years ago today - Oct 7, 1907
[Anthony W. Ivins] As I wrote the exercises of the Conference Yesterdsy [October 6, 1907], I wrote the names of the Presidency as they were presented by Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith. He then presented the name of F[rancis]. M. Lyman as president of the Quorum of Apostles & then to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Geo[rge]. Teasdale presented my name. I was so overcome that I could not write. Immediately after Conference adjourned I went with the Presidency & quorum of Apostles to the President’s office and after instructing me in regard to my duties as a member of the quorum, the Presidency and Twelve laid their hands on me and Pres[ident]. Smith ordained me a member of the quorum. In the P.M. I attended the S[unday]. S[chool] Conference and this A.M. have been in attendance at Special Priesthood Meeting.
[Source: Anthony W. Ivins, Diary]
[Source: Anthony W. Ivins, Diary]
135 years ago today - Oct 7, 1877
John Taylor: Elected director of ZCMI 7 October 1877.
[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]
150 years ago today - Oct 7, 1862 (Afternoon, Conference)
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young observed that with regard to the poor he would say if there was any man that would take his property, which consisted of mills, houses and lands, and give him one half of what it was worth he would donate every farthing of it towards the gathering of the poor. Some might say that he was perfectly safe in making such an offer, for there was nobody able to buy his property, but he knew and contended that the Lord was just as capable of raising up a man to do it, as he was to give him the property. Some of the Elders are anxious to go on missions, but it never enters their hears to think that they are called upon to gather the poor, and help to build up Zion....
[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 - 7 October 1842, Friday
[William Clayton Writings] On the 7th of October, 1842, in the presence of Bishop Newel K. Whitney and his wife Elizabeth Ann, President Joseph Smith appointed me Temple Recorder, and also his private clerk, placing all records, books, papers, etc., in my care, and requiring me to take charge of and preserve them, his closing words being, ``When I have any revelations to write, you are the one to write them.''
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
170 years ago today - Oct. 7-20, 1842
[Joseph Smith] Joseph is again in hiding, coming to see Emma when possible, sneaking in and out after dark. Emma is very ill at this time, and at one point he fears she might die.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
40 years ago today - Oct 6, 1972
[Harold B. Lee] Sustained as President of the Church in a solemn assembly.
[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]
100 years ago today - Oct 6, 1912; Sunday
His [i.e., Charles W. Penrose's] remarks were in answer to those made by bro[ther]. B. H. Roberts yesterday, and they were a complete refutation of his statements and a vindication of the stand the Church occupies. I don't know that I ever heard a man receive such a call down as did bro[ther] Roberts and those brethren who have been carried away by the foolish [Theodore] Roosevelt sentiment that is weeping over the country, which if followed out would lead to a final disruption of the Constitution. ...
The speakers [in the afternoon session] were Elders Geo[rge] A Smith, Jos[eph]. F[ielding]. Smith Jr and James E. Talmage the latter delivering one of his characteristic sermons in which he also answers bro[ther] Roberts.
[Source: Thomas A. Clawson, Diary]
The speakers [in the afternoon session] were Elders Geo[rge] A Smith, Jos[eph]. F[ielding]. Smith Jr and James E. Talmage the latter delivering one of his characteristic sermons in which he also answers bro[ther] Roberts.
[Source: Thomas A. Clawson, Diary]
105 years ago today - Oct 6, 1907; Sunday
[During general conference] Pres[ident]. Joseph F. Smith presented the General Authorities of the Church. "It is proposed that Joseph F. Smith be sustained as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and President of the Church; all in favor, please signify it". Everybody, it seemed voted.
"Those opposed, signify it in the same manner." At this moment, a man sitting about 12 benches from the front, arose and said, "You cannot be a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, while you are breaking the laws of the land".
Pres[ident]. Smith said, "Sit down".
He continued to say something which I could not understand, and Pres[ident]. Smith beign interrupted in the presentation of the authorities, said--
"Take care of that man."
Three brethren, Bro[ther]. Thomas Dobson, Bro[ther]. James Smith, and Bro[other]. Salmon walked down to the man, and quietly escorted him out. He cried out something several times as he was going out, but I could not understand him. The meeting passed on without further interruption.
[Source: David O. McKay, Diary]
"Those opposed, signify it in the same manner." At this moment, a man sitting about 12 benches from the front, arose and said, "You cannot be a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, while you are breaking the laws of the land".
Pres[ident]. Smith said, "Sit down".
He continued to say something which I could not understand, and Pres[ident]. Smith beign interrupted in the presentation of the authorities, said--
"Take care of that man."
Three brethren, Bro[ther]. Thomas Dobson, Bro[ther]. James Smith, and Bro[other]. Salmon walked down to the man, and quietly escorted him out. He cried out something several times as he was going out, but I could not understand him. The meeting passed on without further interruption.
[Source: David O. McKay, Diary]
130 years ago today - Oct 6, 1882
President Taylor again refuses to accept Twelve's nomination for two men as apostles, with result that another confrence passes without filling vacancies.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
130 years ago today - Friday, Oct 6, 1882
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
[general conference]
7 p.m. Prests. John Taylor and George Q. Cannon were the speakers and they both held the doctrine of explicite obedience by the Latter-day saints in spiritual and temporal matters. I don't quite agree.
[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]
[general conference]
7 p.m. Prests. John Taylor and George Q. Cannon were the speakers and they both held the doctrine of explicite obedience by the Latter-day saints in spiritual and temporal matters. I don't quite agree.
[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]
135 years ago today - Oct 6, 1877
For first time, conference sustains John Taylor as president of Quorum of Twelve Apostles, office not presented for vote since release of Orson Hyde. Conference also sustains Twelve as "Prophet, Seers and Revelators" for first time in 41 years. John Taylor is sustained as Trustee-in-Trust with rest of Twelve as "Counselors."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
145 years ago today - Oct 6, 1867
First conference in "new" Salt Lake Tabernacle.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower]
40 years ago today - Oct 5, 1972
[Harold B. Lee] Worldwide welfare services program announced.
[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]
105 years ago today - Oct 05, 1907
Because of concerns that his first baptism (which took place in the family bathtub) might not have been performed appropriately, Spencer W. Kimball is baptized a second time, this time in the Union Canal in Thatcher, Arizona. (He is twelve years and six months old.)
[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]
115 years ago today - Oct 5, 1897; Tuesday
I had expected to be sustained as an assistant historian; but was disappointed, though Bro[ther]. Franklin D. Richards and Pres[iden]t. Joseph F. Smith had advocated it. It seemed to be Geo[rge]. Q. cannon who interposed.
[Source: Andrew Jenson, Diary]
[Source: Andrew Jenson, Diary]
125 years ago today - Wednesday, Oct 5, 1887
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
... Bro. G. Q. Cannon said he felt that some of the brethren held ill feelings against him and desir[ed] that each should express himself so he might make any amends that was required.
Bros. L[orenzo] Snow, E[rastus] Snow, F[ranklin] D. Richards, B[righam] Young [Jr.], J[oseph] F. Smith and W[ilford] Woodruff said they had nothing. J[ohn] W. Taylor was a little mixed. M[oses] Thatcher, F[ransis] M. Lyman, H[eber] J. Grant and myself wanted some explanation from Bro. Cannon. He went to and tried to clear up all points and said he was willing to try to do anything the brethren wished. They all talked very free. We were together until 2 o'clock and not being quite clear adjourned to meet at 7 p.m. tomorrow evening....
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
... Bro. G. Q. Cannon said he felt that some of the brethren held ill feelings against him and desir[ed] that each should express himself so he might make any amends that was required.
Bros. L[orenzo] Snow, E[rastus] Snow, F[ranklin] D. Richards, B[righam] Young [Jr.], J[oseph] F. Smith and W[ilford] Woodruff said they had nothing. J[ohn] W. Taylor was a little mixed. M[oses] Thatcher, F[ransis] M. Lyman, H[eber] J. Grant and myself wanted some explanation from Bro. Cannon. He went to and tried to clear up all points and said he was willing to try to do anything the brethren wished. They all talked very free. We were together until 2 o'clock and not being quite clear adjourned to meet at 7 p.m. tomorrow evening....
[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 - Oct 5, 1887
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] Met with Quorum at 10 a.m. which necessitated our being at the rendevous before daylight. I find the brethren are not united, but I am quite sure that they will soon see their error & become one Meeting lasted from 10 a.m. ti[ll] 2 a.m. next morning. We were all worn out & yet entire peace did not perch upon our hearts.
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Oct 5, 1857
[Deseret] Lot Smith leads the Nauvoo Legion on a guerrilla-style attack on the provision wagons of the U.S. Army. Fifty-two wagons belonging to outfitters Russell, Majors and Waddell are burned. The government never reimburses the outfitters and in 1860 they form the Pony Express to earn a government mail contract to keep them from falling into bankruptcy.
[Source: Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]
[Source: Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]
170 years ago today - Oct 5, 1842
Joseph Smith Diary, "Sister E[mma]. is worse, many fears are entertained that she will not recover. She was baptised twice in the river which evidently did her much good."
[Source: Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]
[Source: Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]
15 years ago today - Oct 4, 1997
It was announced in general conference by President Hinckley that the Church would construct temples in remote areas of the Church that have small LDS populations. The first were to be built in Anchorage, Alaska; in the LDS colonies of northern Mexico; and in Monticello, Utah.
[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 - Oct 4, 1942
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] [Apparently the General Authorities administered and passed the sacrament to a congregation in the Tabernacle in the afternoon, after which they divided into groups for testimony bearing, and Grant began with his testimony of his calling to the Apostleship, in which he said in part:] I have never prayed to see the Savior, I know of men--Apostles--who have seen the Savior more than once. I have prayed to the Lord for the inspiration of His Spirit to guide me, and I have told him that I have seen so many men fall because of some great manifestation to them, they felt their importance, their greatness.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Oct 4, 1892
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [At meeting of Apostles & First Presidency] Prest Woodruff said he would like to make a few remarks. Said it was the Kingdom of God or nothing with him. Did not care for any political party. I am for the Kingdom of God so also are my brethren of the Presidency and the Apostles. If we are united earth or hell cannot overthrow us, and we will prevail and the warfare against us shall not prevail. Believe I shall live to be with you at the dedication of the Temple. God bless you my brethren.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Oct 4, 1892
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] We ate and drank the sac. of the Lord's supper with bread and Utah Wine. -- much promise errons(?) conversation about Union Politics 3r. JFS [Joseph Fielding Smith] spoke lengthily in review of our political views & efforts He highly appreciated my remarks on Union & blessed me cordially.
[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 - Oct 4, 1857
Apostle Erastus Snow preaches, -Do you uphold your husband before God as your lord? -What! -my husband to be my lord?- I ask, Can you get into the celestial kingdom without him? Have any of you been there? You will remember that you never got into the celestial kingdom without the aid of your husband. If you did, it was because your husband was away, and some one had to act proxy for him. No woman will get into the celestial kingdom, except her husband receives her, if she is worthy to have a husband; and if not, somebody will receive her as a servant.-
[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 - Oct 4, 1837
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4th I Spent the day in Bath and attended the Baptist convention...
[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]
20 years ago today - 3-Oct 4, 1992.
Although not identifying specific issues, several general conference talks seem targeted at specific audiences. Possibly in response to right-wing survivalists, Elder M. Russell Ballard warns, "We must be careful not to . . . be caught up in extreme preparations" for the end of the world. President Gordon B. Hinckley, perhaps responding to right-wing beliefs of a "silenced" prophet,116 explains the "unique and tremendous system of redundancy and backup which the Lord has structured into His kingdom so that without interruption it may go forward, meeting any emergency that might arise and handling every contingency. . . . We have moved without hesitation when there is well-established policy. Where there is not . . . we have talked with the President and received his approval before taking action. Let it never be said that there has been any disposition to assume authority or to do anything or say anything which might be at variance with the wishes of him who has been put in his place by the Lord." Elder Boyd K. Packer adds: "There are some among us now who have not been regularly ordained by the heads of the Church who tell of impending political and economic chaos, the end of the world . . . . They are misleading members to gather to colonies or cults. Those deceivers say that the Brethren do not know what is going on in the world or that the Brethren approve of their teaching but do not wish to speak of it over the pulpit. Neither is true." Remarks possibly directed against intellectuals are made by Elders Russell M. Nelson ("Paul's warnings describe apostasy and other dangers of our day. Some of those perils are . . . championed by persuasive people possessing more ability than morality, more knowledge than wisdom. . . . Individuals with malignity of purpose often wear the mask of honesty"), Joseph B. Wirthlin ("Some in the Church may believe sincerely that their testimony is a raging bonfire when it really is little more than the faint flickering of a candle. Their faithfulness has more to do with habit than holiness, and their pursuit of personal righteousness almost always takes a back seat to their pursuit of personal interests and pleasure"), and Neal A. Maxwell (". . . some who cast off on intellectual and behavioral bungee cords in search of new sensations, only to be jerked about by the old heresies and the old sins"). Elder Packer also includes in his remarks a warning to faculty members at BYU protesting strictures on academic freedom: "A Church university is not established to provide employment for a faculty, and the personal scholarly research [sic] is not a dominant reason for funding a university. . . . For those very few whose focus is secular and who feel restrained as students or as teachers in such an environment, there are at present in the United States and Canada alone over 3,500 colleges and universities where they may find the kind of freedom they value."
[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]