[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Joseph Fielding Smith called on me today and I handed him the letter that I dictated to him this morning. I told him of my remarks to his father at the time he, Joseph, was chosen to be an apostle, and that I was glad to welcome him into the quorum, and that I had had an impression that he would be an apostle, that I was disappointed when his brother Hyrum was chosen first. I haven't any doubt in my mind that he is the best scriptorian of the General Authorities of the Church.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Dec 31, 1893
[Thomas A. Clawson Diary] "Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon then came to stand and desired to make a few remarks upon the Kingdom of God as he understood it from the Prophet Joseph Smith who had said to some of the members of the Church who were there assembled. "The Kingdom of God is a political organization and is composed both of members of the Church of Christ and those who are not members of the Church. The object of this Kingdom will be to uphold the rights and liberties of all denominations and to Sustain the Constitution of the Country."
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Dec 31, 1893
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] I feel thankful for the happy way that Gusta has been able to manager the affairs in my home and were it not for the longing to see my wife Lucy and the pleasure that we would all feel to have her I am thankful to be able to record that there has not seemed to be the great change in our home that most people have to endure when the wife dies. I do not know how to be thankful enough that I was the husband of more than one wife at the time that Lucy died.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Dec 31, 1863
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Thus Ends the year 1863. Joseph the Prophet said whoever lived to see 1860 would live to See the Commencement of the downfall of the United States. The Union was dissolved in 1860 & Civel war Commenced which has raged Ever since & the Land is beginning to be bathed in Blood & will Continue untill the words of the Prophet will be fulfilled. It is an important age of the world, and the Events of Each year are rapidly fullfilling the words of all Prophets since the world Began.
[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]
165 years ago today - Dec 31, 1848
[Hosea Stout Diary] Farewell 1848, for in thy reign I have escaped from the land of my nativity [United States] from oppression & misrule where I could not enjoy the liberty of conscience.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Dec 31, 1833
Wilford Woodruff is baptized in an icy stream near Richland, New York. (He is twenty-six years and ten 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]
40 years ago today - Dec 30, 1973
President Spencer W. Kimball was ordained and set apart as the 12th president of the Church, with Presidents N. Eldon Tanner and Marion G. Romney as counselors.
[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 - Dec 30, 1943
[Spencer W. Kimball] I have just come from a long talk with Elder Harold B. Lee and he reminds me of some items which I want to record. ...
Brother Lee told me [regarding] Pres. Grant in California when he was so ill and when everyone thought he would not survive ... Pres. Grant remarked that ... he would live as long as the Lord wanted him to live and lead the church and that he was sure he (Heber J. Grant) would outlive Rudger (Clawson) and Reed (Smoot).
He stated many times at various times that he knew that he would be preserved till the time when the Lord wanted to make a change in the leadership of the Church.
[Source: Spencer W. Kimball Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Brother Lee told me [regarding] Pres. Grant in California when he was so ill and when everyone thought he would not survive ... Pres. Grant remarked that ... he would live as long as the Lord wanted him to live and lead the church and that he was sure he (Heber J. Grant) would outlive Rudger (Clawson) and Reed (Smoot).
He stated many times at various times that he knew that he would be preserved till the time when the Lord wanted to make a change in the leadership of the Church.
[Source: Spencer W. Kimball Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
80 years ago today - Dec 30, 1933
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I had a talk with President Ivins and told him I was in favor of all of the General Authorities resigning as directors of the Utah Hotel, because I felt they would simply have to sell beer and it would be better for us to be out of it. He did not agree with me. We decided to call a directors meeting, however, for Tuesday to decide just what to do with regard to selling legalized beer.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Dec 30, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] ... Mayor's court in office. Two Boys, Roswell and Evander White, brought up for stealing 6 hens and Rooster. Sentence—pay for the hens and 10 days each hard labor on the road. ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
35 years ago today - Dec 29,1978
[Utah] First Presidency allows women to pray in sacrament meetings again, rescind earlier ban from Jul 1967.
[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]
85 years ago today - Dec 29, 1928
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] President Hugh B. Brown called and told of meetings that were being held in which plural marriage is advocated, and that people say you cannot reach the highest glory without entering into it; that Kimball who was excommunicated from the Church was there and opened the meeting and told the Lord in his prayer that they were there in opposition to the Church and in opposition to the laws of the land, but they were there to do the will of the Lord, etc. We told him to cite all they could that were at such a meeting and make them pledge themselves to stop going or be tried for their fellowship.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Dec 29, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
Prest. L. Snow got word last night that his first wife was dead.
[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]
Prest. L. Snow got word last night that his first wife was dead.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
120 years ago today - Dec 29, 1893
[Francis M. Lyman] [Regarding] the purchase of $30,000 worth of coal mines in coal creek canyon. This I also strenuously opposed til; Pres[ident] Woodruff announced it as the mind of the Lord that the purchase should be made. I then voted for it with the rest of the council. The next matter was the building of the Salt Lake and Los Angeles Railway to the Pacific Coast. I was in favor of building the road but opposed the use of Church funds for the purpose. I found myself off my base a little because I was not at a meeting of the council some weeks ago when it was concluded to make it a church enterprise. I found myself alone in my opposition and finally yielded to sustain the Presidency in using church funds or guaranteeing the bonds of the road as the spirit of the Lord shall prompt. It took us 7 ½ hours to agree to those things. My words were almost alone in opposition and it made me tremble lest I was wrong in my feelings. I never made so many objections to propositions of the Presidency. Pres[ident] Cannon particularly seemed annoyed by my persistent objections. I yielded ever point to the better judgement of my brethren when I had almost exhausted their patience, though I was not converted.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - 1843 29 Dec.
[Joseph Smith] At the organization of the Nauvoo police (former Danites), Smith authorizes them to kill "if need be" and says his life is endangered by "a little dough-head" and "a Brutus."
[Forty policemen are sworn into office. William Law takes the comment as a personal threat.Joseph offers to pay twice the amount of any bribe offered to them for information about the briber.]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Forty policemen are sworn into office. William Law takes the comment as a personal threat.Joseph offers to pay twice the amount of any bribe offered to them for information about the briber.]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - 1833. December 29
[Non-Mormon] Wilford Woodruff attended a meeting in Richland, New York, where Zera Pulsipher proclaimed the restoration. "I thought it was what I had long been looking for. I could not feel it my duty to leeve the house without bearing witness to the truth before the people. I opened my eyes to see, my ears to hear, my heart to understand, and my doors to entertain him who had administered to us. Brother Pulsipher continued labouring with us for several days and on the 31th of December I with my Brotherâ€"Azmon Woodruff with two yong females which had been healed by the laying on of hands went forward in baptism."
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 years ago today - Dec 28, 1998
A major revision of the Church Handbook of Instructions is completed. It brings priesthood and auxiliary leader guides together for the first time, into a two volume handbook. Previously, it had been thirty seperate handbooks and publications.
[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 - Dec 28, 1938
[Joseph Fielding Smith] I attended sessions of meetings held in the assembly hall for the Institute teachers ... In my opinion many of our teachers employed in the Church School System have absorbed too much of the paganism of the world, and have accepted too readily the views of uninspired educators without regard for the revealed word of Go... Surely the world is ripening for destruction and Satan has power and dominion over his own.
[Source: Joseph Fielding Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Joseph Fielding Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
95 years ago today - Dec 28, 1918
Resumption of regular religious services following influenza epidemic-- ...a special fast day had been set for December 22, 1918, "for the arrest and speedy suppression by Divine Power of the desolating scourge that is passing over the earth."
This message one week later indicated that the influenza epidemic had passed its crest to the point that Church services could be resumed. ...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
This message one week later indicated that the influenza epidemic had passed its crest to the point that Church services could be resumed. ...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
95 years ago today - Dec 28, 1918
A personal letter of the new President of the Church to a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles [Reed Smoot] who obviously had not been present at the meeting in the Salt Lake Temple when the President was sustained and set apart. ...
The loss of President Smith is a very great one, as I believe he lived in the hearts of the people more than any other President has done, except the Prophet Joseph. ... I certainly have a desire to be the same kind of a man as President Smith.
... We had a most splendid time at the reorganization of the Presidency, and a rich outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord, for which I was deeply grateful. If we can retain the same spirit that we then had, all will be well with Zion. ...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
The loss of President Smith is a very great one, as I believe he lived in the hearts of the people more than any other President has done, except the Prophet Joseph. ... I certainly have a desire to be the same kind of a man as President Smith.
... We had a most splendid time at the reorganization of the Presidency, and a rich outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord, for which I was deeply grateful. If we can retain the same spirit that we then had, all will be well with Zion. ...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
165 years ago today - Dec 28, 1848
[Brigham Young Sermon] At 10 o'clock a.m. a meeting was held at the stand in G.S.L. City, for the purpose of regulating the currency, at which a vote was taken authorizing Pres. Young to issue bills.
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
120 years ago today - Dec 27, 1893
[John M. Whitaker] At the Council meeting of the Seventies today in the Temple, a matter occurred that all present will never forget. The Council room of the Seventies is next to that of the Twelve Apostles, and just as I was finishing reading the Minutes, Apostle Francis M. Lyman president of the Twelve came in and sat down by me, and asked for the privilege, of speaking: He took the letter written to him by Brother [B. H.] Roberts wherein Brother Roberts held that the High Priests were not as high as the Seventy, and also spoke of Brother Roberts address at Loa, San Pete County [Utah] Conference of Seventies wherein Brother Roberts preached the doctrine that the Seventies hold a higher Priesthood than that of the High Priests.'-The same controversy that has been going on for weeks, and for nearly three hours Brother Lyman, preached opposite to this that the Position of the High Priests is the highest office a man can hold, and that the Seventyis World wide as a missionary, and under the directions of the Twelve Apostles, and what he Brother Lyman was saying is the word of the Lord and he asked that from this time forward Brother Roberts adhere to this doctrine. After Brother Lyman went back to the room of the Twelve, the First Council remained and discussed the matter until after 3 pm and although there was an excellent feeling, I don't believe this will settle the matter between President B. H. Roberts and President Francis M. Lyman, two strong characters, but that we will hear more from this marvelous and important matter. And unless there is a revelation, or a pronouncement from the First Presidency of the Church it will rage as it has been doing for months past and it is not a good thing. All over the Church people of different views are taking sides, and I have a ticket to a debate on this same subject in this City this coming Saturday night. I regret this wide publicity and division of sentiment on doctrines of the Church. And pray that wisdom may bring it to a speedy conclusion. It has also brought a division on the subject on church influence and this is affecting Both Democratic as well as Republican members of the Church, both taking sides as they see it. I hope to see it settled soon.
[Source: John M. Whitaker Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: John M. Whitaker Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
170 years ago today - 1843 27 Dec.
[Joseph Smith] The church's newspaper Nauvoo Neighbor advertises ale and beer from the Nauvoo Brewery.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
175 years ago today - Dec 27, 1838 (Thursday)
Anson Call was brutally whipped by a mob, near Elk Horn, Ray Co., Mo.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - Dec 27, 1833
[Joseph Smith] The remains of the press in Independence are sold, and $300 of that money goes to lawyers for fees. [The press is used to print the Missouri Enquirer]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Dec 27, 1833
Kirtland Justice of the Peace J. C. Dowen issues a writ against Doctor Hurlbut for threatening the life of Joseph Smith.
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
40 years ago today - Dec 26, 1973
[Harold B. Lee] Harold Bingham Lee was the eleventh president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was ordained president on 7 July 1972 and served until his death on 26 December 1973. This 538-day tenure is the shortest service by a Mormon Church president in history [up to that point], this despite the fact that when he assumed the office at age seventy-three he was the youngest president of the church in nearly forty years. His major contributions to the church, as the first managing director of its welfare program and later as the organizer of the church correlation program, were made when he was still serving as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
President Lee's impressive attainments resulted partly from his personal struggles. He had to overcome critics who were jealous of his "beyond his years" abilities; he learned to control a fiery temper and a quick, action-oriented disposition which early in his life offended some people. Especially in his later years, Lee was gentle in manner, compassionate, gracious, hospitable, and thoughtful of others. He was always a gentleman, impeccably dressed. At age seventy-four he served as though in the prime of life, with a rich, full voice and characteristic vigor. His sudden death on 26 December 1973 from cardiac and lung failure stunned the entire church.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Harold B. Lee, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/l/LEE%2CHAROLD.html]
President Lee's impressive attainments resulted partly from his personal struggles. He had to overcome critics who were jealous of his "beyond his years" abilities; he learned to control a fiery temper and a quick, action-oriented disposition which early in his life offended some people. Especially in his later years, Lee was gentle in manner, compassionate, gracious, hospitable, and thoughtful of others. He was always a gentleman, impeccably dressed. At age seventy-four he served as though in the prime of life, with a rich, full voice and characteristic vigor. His sudden death on 26 December 1973 from cardiac and lung failure stunned the entire church.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Harold B. Lee, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/l/LEE%2CHAROLD.html]
165 years ago today - Dec 26, 1848
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tues & Wed Decr 26 & 27th 1848. Everything goes about as usual. I am mostly at home trying to do without coffee which goes very hard.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Dec 25, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] A large party supped at my house and spent the evening /in a most cheerful and friendly manner/ in Music, Dancing, &c. During the festivities a man apparently drunk, with his hair long and falling over his shoulders come in and acted like a Missourian. I commanded the Capt[ain] of the police to put him out of doors. In the scuffle, I looked him full in the face and to my great surprize and Joy untold I discovered it was Orrin Porter Rockwell, just arrived from a years imprisonment in M[iss]o[uri].
[[Rockwell then eats and drinks and relates his Missouri experiences, after which Joseph blesses him, saying, "I prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that youâ€"Orrin Porter Rockwellâ€"so long as you shall remain loyal and true to thy faith, need fear no enemy. Cut not thy hair and no bullet or blade can harm thee!"]]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries;Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[[Rockwell then eats and drinks and relates his Missouri experiences, after which Joseph blesses him, saying, "I prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that youâ€"Orrin Porter Rockwellâ€"so long as you shall remain loyal and true to thy faith, need fear no enemy. Cut not thy hair and no bullet or blade can harm thee!"]]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries;Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
170 years ago today - Dec 25, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith was serenaded in the morning by Sister Lettice Rushton's family.
[Source: Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0]
[Source: Joseph Smith Resource Center: Daily Events in the Life of Joseph Smith, http://josephsmith.net/josephsmith/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e581001cfb340010VgnVCM1000001f5e340aRCRDlocale=0]
170 years ago today - Dec 25, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 25 CHRISTMAS DAY A large Party met at the Nauvoo Mansion & had A splendid dinner and supper and spent a long evening.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Dec 25, 1838
Don Carlos Smith and George A. Smith return to Missouri from missions in Kentucky and Tennessee, 1500 miles away. They are chased by a mob, and almost freeze to death, but arrive safely.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
10 years ago today - Dec 24, 2003
Baptism controversy flares anew between Jews and Mormon church
For years, Jewish officials have blasted the conversions as an insulting desecration, but the controversy is flaring anew this week amid charges that the Mormons have broken a 1995 promise not to add Jewish Holocaust victims to their International Genealogical Index.
[...] all the critics agree that, as Jewish genealogist Gary Mokotoff puts it, the Mormons should take Jews off the list. Baptism is the second ugliest word in the English language to a Jew, Mokotoff said. The first is gassed. The third is raped. ...
[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
For years, Jewish officials have blasted the conversions as an insulting desecration, but the controversy is flaring anew this week amid charges that the Mormons have broken a 1995 promise not to add Jewish Holocaust victims to their International Genealogical Index.
[...] all the critics agree that, as Jewish genealogist Gary Mokotoff puts it, the Mormons should take Jews off the list. Baptism is the second ugliest word in the English language to a Jew, Mokotoff said. The first is gassed. The third is raped. ...
[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
75 years ago today - Dec 24, 1938
Emmanuel A. Kissi, later a doctor, philanthropist, and Church leader in Ghana, is born Abomosu, Ghana.
[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]
130 years ago today - Dec 24, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 24 I went to the Temple in the morning. We had a day of Prayer and fasting. I met with 28 Men Holding the Melchesedek Priesthood and I organized them into the school of the Prophets, all of which had Entered into the school of the Patriarchal order of Marriage [polygamy] and all agreed to keep the word of wisdom. <I washed the feet of 24 men.> We broak bread and partook of the sacramet of Bread and wine. <The washing of feet was an introductory ordinance into the school of the prophets. I also gave the salutation to the brethren as they entered the school.> We had a vary interesting day. The spirit of the Lord rested upon us.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Dec 24, 1843
[Helen Mar Kimball] During the winter of 1843 [several months after her marriage to Joseph Smith] there were plenty of parties and balls, and many were held at the Mansion. The last one that I attended there that winter, was on Christmas Eve. Some of the young gentlemen got up a series of dancing parties, to be held at the Mansion once a week. ... I had to stay at home, as my father had been warned by the Prophet to keep his daughter away from there, because of the blacklegs and certain ones of questionable character who attended there. His wife Emma had become the ruling spirit, and money had become her God.
[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
170 years ago today - 1843 24 Dec.
Apostle John E. Page preaches at Boston "that England, Ireland & Scotland would again become catholic....That the pope will unite all Europe to go & fight the Jews at Jerusalem....And the world will not come to an end before 1863."
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
110 years ago today - Dec 23, 1903 (Wednesday)
Elder Benjamin Cluff, jun., president of the Brigham Young University at Provo, resigned his position.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
115 years ago today - Friday, Dec 23, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
Joseph Smith the Prophet would have been 93 years old today. Services were held by Bp. Kesler in his ward tonight. Bp. Kesler, Bathsheba W. Smith, Arowet Hale, Joseph F. Smith, and Samuel W. Richards were the speakers. Donnetta Smith read the story of the Martyrdom of Joseph & Hyrum given in the Doctrine & Covenants. The Ward Choir sang some nice selections.
There were 24 persons present who knew the Prophet and 23 persons who were related to him by blood or Mariage.
[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]
Joseph Smith the Prophet would have been 93 years old today. Services were held by Bp. Kesler in his ward tonight. Bp. Kesler, Bathsheba W. Smith, Arowet Hale, Joseph F. Smith, and Samuel W. Richards were the speakers. Donnetta Smith read the story of the Martyrdom of Joseph & Hyrum given in the Doctrine & Covenants. The Ward Choir sang some nice selections.
There were 24 persons present who knew the Prophet and 23 persons who were related to him by blood or Mariage.
[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 - 1843 23 Dec.
[Joseph Smith] Prayer circle meeting in "Assembly Room" or Mansion House ... Mary Fielding Smith performed the ordinances for these women under Emma Smith's supervision . Emma Smith supervises initiation of women into the Anointed Quorum, apparently her last meeting. She never enters the temple.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power]
175 years ago today - Dec 23, 1838
Joseph Smith spends his thirty-third birthday confined in Liberty Jail, Missouri.
[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]
55 years ago today - Dec 20, 1958
First television broadcast of Mormon Tabernacle Choir takes place on KSL television.
[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]
120 years ago today - Wednesday, Dec 20, 1893
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] The Republican Convention met in the Theatre this evening. I was made Temporary Chairman and talked to the convention for 15 minutes.
[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]
125 years ago today - Dec 20, 1888
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] I had some conversation with [Apostle Francis M.] Lyman in relation to giving himself up to the U.S. Marshall. [There]s [Apostles] Jos[eph] F. S[mith], [George] Teasdale & myself are all that remain exiled, [but or and ?] we may say Bro[ther] [Wilford] Woodruff keeps close Or they would annoy him by putting him upon the witness stand but they would not send him to prison.
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Dec 20, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20 I had an Interview with ... three Lamanite Elders who had Come to get their Endowment in the Temple. Their Names were Charoquis Erastus (Son in Law to the Chief Ivan Lot of the Maricopa tribe) Also Nephi Montano, & Peblo Flores. Charoquis Erastus is an Elder & a vary intelligent man. He speaks the English Spanish & several Indian tongue. He has visited New York Boston, Philadelphia, Washington & Salt Lake. He was the leading Scout under Crook in the late Apache war. He has a great desire for the Conversion of his tribe & the Pimos and wished to go and labor among them as a Missionary. The Mariacopes & Pimos number over 40,000 and all seem ready to receive the gospel. I ordained Charoquis Erastus a seventy I think the first Lamanite ordained to that office in the Church.
These Lamanites all received their Endowments. Were much pleased and deeply interested. There is also 40,000 of the Papagoes and all looking to the Latter Day Saints for Council.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
These Lamanites all received their Endowments. Were much pleased and deeply interested. There is also 40,000 of the Papagoes and all looking to the Latter Day Saints for Council.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Dec 20, 1848
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... the Latter Day Saints discover vast quantities of Gold at the base of the mountains of Israel in the valley of the sacramento in upper Calafornia. ... But the Amount of Gold, silver, Coper &c discoverd in that Country indicates that the word of the Lord spoken by Isaiah will be fulfilled, when He says that "for Brass He will bring Gold "for Iron I will bring silver, for wood brass for stones Iron, &c. Truly this is an age big with Events.
...Among the letters which I obtained yesterday was one from O Hyde who informed me that Olever Cowdery had come back to the Church had made satisfaction And was voted to come in by the door of Baptism. He was the first man baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in this last dispensation, under the Hands of Joseph Smith the Prophet but after being out of the Church Eleven years He had now returned again...
The following is A Fac similae of the Alphabet used in conveying intelligence by the magnetic telegraph:
A.- B-... C... D-.. E. F.-. G--. H .... I.. J-.-.K-.- L- M-- N-. O[..] P----- Q..-. R.-. S... T- U..- V...- W.-- X.-.. Y.. Z--- - &- -- 1.--. 2..-.. 3...-. 4....- 5--- 6...... 7--.. 8-..... 9-.-- 0- [sic]...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
...Among the letters which I obtained yesterday was one from O Hyde who informed me that Olever Cowdery had come back to the Church had made satisfaction And was voted to come in by the door of Baptism. He was the first man baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in this last dispensation, under the Hands of Joseph Smith the Prophet but after being out of the Church Eleven years He had now returned again...
The following is A Fac similae of the Alphabet used in conveying intelligence by the magnetic telegraph:
A.- B-... C... D-.. E. F.-. G--. H .... I.. J-.-.K-.- L- M-- N-. O[..] P----- Q..-. R.-. S... T- U..- V...- W.-- X.-.. Y.. Z--- - &- -- 1.--. 2..-.. 3...-. 4....- 5--- 6...... 7--.. 8-..... 9-.-- 0- [sic]...
[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 - 20 December 1843, Wednesday
[William Clayton Writings] ... We [Joseph Smith and William Clayton] ... can be found any day, either at President Joseph Smith's bar-room, or the Temple Recorder's office at the Temple.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
170 years ago today - Dec 20, 1843
[Nauvoo Neighbor] ... Joseph Smith -- Requires a license to sell groceries within the city.
...An Ordinance Concerning the Landing of Steam Boats in Nauvoo." -- Joseph Smith -- Requires the payment of $1 to land within the city limits....
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
...An Ordinance Concerning the Landing of Steam Boats in Nauvoo." -- Joseph Smith -- Requires the payment of $1 to land within the city limits....
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
175 years ago today - Dec 20, 1838
Emma Smith visits her husband, Joseph, in Liberty Jail, Missouri, and spends two days confined with him in the jail.
[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]
180 years ago today - about (Fri) Dec 20, 1833
According to his lawyer, ... D. P. Hurlbut "had some trouble with the Mormons at Kirtland... and he had the prophet, Joseph Smith, arrested on a warrant of a justice of the peace for assault and battery" ... [A]ccording to Kirtland Justice of the Peace ... "Hurlbut said he would 'kill' Jo Smith. He meant he would kill Mormonism. ... What probably happened was that Hurlbut and Smith brought charges against each other almost simultaneously. ...
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
170 years ago today - Dec 19, 1843
[Patriarchal Blessings] [Patriarchal Blessing of Lorenzo Snow on December 19, 1843]/... Thou hast thy gift & blessing of discernment of spirits to detect error and imbrace [embrace] truth Ask and thou shalt receive the gift and blessing of a white stone in that stone a new name written that no man knoweth save him to whom it is given. ... Prisions [Prisons] shall only cause thee to smile to see the follies of men. Power from on high shall be given thee & clear thy way before thee
... thou shalt have the blessing to win thousands unto Christ... Thousands will honor thee & claim thee their Father in the Gospel ... thine enimies [enemies] shall ever flee from before thee & thou shall yet wear the laurels and crowns of victory upon thy brow Thou shalt ever be admired by all who are lovely & enjoy the society of Kings and Nobles. Brother Joseph shall be thy Prophet and Friend. .... Ask and thou shalt receive length of days untill thou shalt be satisfied with life & see the kingdoms of this world of our Lord and our God, and no good thing shall be withheld from thee.
Ask and thou shalt receive the Anointing and the ordinance in the House of the Lord Thy Posterity shall be as numerous as was promised to Abraham because thou hast the blood of Joseph who was sold into Egypt....
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
... thou shalt have the blessing to win thousands unto Christ... Thousands will honor thee & claim thee their Father in the Gospel ... thine enimies [enemies] shall ever flee from before thee & thou shall yet wear the laurels and crowns of victory upon thy brow Thou shalt ever be admired by all who are lovely & enjoy the society of Kings and Nobles. Brother Joseph shall be thy Prophet and Friend. .... Ask and thou shalt receive length of days untill thou shalt be satisfied with life & see the kingdoms of this world of our Lord and our God, and no good thing shall be withheld from thee.
Ask and thou shalt receive the Anointing and the ordinance in the House of the Lord Thy Posterity shall be as numerous as was promised to Abraham because thou hast the blood of Joseph who was sold into Egypt....
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
170 years ago today - 1843: 19 December
[Patriarchal Blessings] Eliza R. Snow. (Given by Isaac Morley.)
Thy influence shall be great--thy examples shall not be excel'd. ... be capable with thy pen to communicate, to thy fellow man the blessings & glories of futurity: and thy blessing shall roll and continue to thee until time is lost in eternity: and thy name shall be handed down to posterity from generation to generation: and many songs shall be heard that were dictated by thy pen and from the principles of thy mind, even until the choirs from on high and the earth below, shall join in one universal song of praise to God and the Lamb.
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Thy influence shall be great--thy examples shall not be excel'd. ... be capable with thy pen to communicate, to thy fellow man the blessings & glories of futurity: and thy blessing shall roll and continue to thee until time is lost in eternity: and thy name shall be handed down to posterity from generation to generation: and many songs shall be heard that were dictated by thy pen and from the principles of thy mind, even until the choirs from on high and the earth below, shall join in one universal song of praise to God and the Lamb.
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Tuesday, Dec 19, 1893
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] The following Telegram was sent today.
Senator Cullom
Washington, D.C.
We Republicans endorse Statehood for Utah. Church domination and polygamy dead issues here. Liberal party disbanded last night and passed resolution favoring statehood.
[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]
Senator Cullom
Washington, D.C.
We Republicans endorse Statehood for Utah. Church domination and polygamy dead issues here. Liberal party disbanded last night and passed resolution favoring statehood.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
170 years ago today - Dec 19, 1843 (Tuesday)
The Nauvoo Legion paraded near the Temple, was inspected by the officers and instructed to prepare for meeting the mob, which was gathering in the neighborhood.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Dec 19, 1838
[Joseph Smith] John Taylor is ordained an apostle [by Brigham Young] as the first English-born General Authority and first non-U.S. member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
170 years ago today - Dec 18, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18th A short time since Br Daniel Avery and his son Philander Avery were both kidnaped by some Missourians & other mob men from Illinois & taken to Missouri and put in prision. One of the kidnapers a schoolmaster was taken with a warrent & brought to Nauvoo & had his trial this day before squair Johnson. His name was Elliot. He was bound over to county court under $3,000 dollar bonds.
He was then taken with another warrent for threatning President Smith life which charge was also proven against him but President Smith forgive him, & he was finally discharged on that case. President Smith made an eloquent speech upon the subject. Manifested mercy towards his enemies when they were in his power. But he lifted up his hands towards heaven & declaired that if Missouri came against us any more he would fight them & defend his rights.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
He was then taken with another warrent for threatning President Smith life which charge was also proven against him but President Smith forgive him, & he was finally discharged on that case. President Smith made an eloquent speech upon the subject. Manifested mercy towards his enemies when they were in his power. But he lifted up his hands towards heaven & declaired that if Missouri came against us any more he would fight them & defend his rights.
[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 - 1833 18 Dec.
Joseph Smith offers a blessing-prayer for Book of Mormon witness and "second elder" Oliver Cowdery concerning the "two evils in him that he must needs forsake." This refers to Cowdery's recent transgression of entering into a polygamous or adulterous relationship.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Dec 18, 1833
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith saw Jehovah appear to Adam at Adam-ondi-Ahman.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
180 years ago today - Dec 18, 1833
Joseph Smith blessed his father, his mother, and three of his brothers during the dedication of the printing press in Kirtland. There is no mention of the Patriarchal office in Father Smith's blessing as recorded in the Prophet's journal. On 6 December 1834 Father Smith "was ordained patriarch and [assistant] president of the High Priesthood". On 9 December 1834 Father Smith pronounced patriarchal blessings on his children, which were recorded in a book in January 1835. In that same volume Oliver Cowdery included the blessings given by Joseph Smith during the 18 December 1833 meeting, but expanded on the wording of the blessings. The Prophet's blessing on his father added the words that Joseph Smith, Sr., was blessed to hold "the keys of the patriarchal Priesthood over the kingdom of God on earth, even the Church of the Latter Day Saints". Because of these words 18 December 1833 has come to regarded as the date for the origination of the office of Presiding Patriarch.(2)
[Source: Lisle G Brown, compiler, "Organizational Chronology of The Church of Christ, and The Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1829 - 1836"]
[Source: Lisle G Brown, compiler, "Organizational Chronology of The Church of Christ, and The Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1829 - 1836"]
75 years ago today - Dec 17, 1938
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Brother George F. Richards called at the office and showed us a sample of a temple apron, which President McKay and I approved. I very much like the appearance of it. It looks more expensive than the others and yet it is cheaper. It is worked on a machine instead of by hand.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
90 years ago today - Dec 17, 1923
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] At Independence, Missouri,
"President Frederick M. Smith called with his car and took me to see some manuscripts and letters in the vault of the Reorganized Church. They had the Book of Mormon manuscript formerly possessed by David Whitner (sic), for which they paid his estate $2500.00 Manuscript of Inspired translation of Bible Letter of my Grandfather Geo A Smith of Mch 13. 1849 to Joseph Smith of the Reorganized Church written at Kanesville. A letter from Joseph the Prophet to Emma Smith his wife Date Oct. 13. 1832 written at Pearl St. House New York another to her from Independence Mo dated Nov 4. 1838. One to Emma from Richmond in bondage in chains Nov 12. 1838 One to her June 23. 1844 from "Safety" presumably "Montrose, Iowa." One letter to Emma from Carthage jail written the morning of the martyrdom the exact time of writing was on the letter but I failed to note it. This letter was /p. 109/ said to have been in the handwriting of Willard Richards. The Prophet signed it and wrote a long postscript. I also saw an oil painting of the Prophet and Emma. The one of him I liked better than any I have seen. I had peculiar feelings while looking at these treasures."
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
"President Frederick M. Smith called with his car and took me to see some manuscripts and letters in the vault of the Reorganized Church. They had the Book of Mormon manuscript formerly possessed by David Whitner (sic), for which they paid his estate $2500.00 Manuscript of Inspired translation of Bible Letter of my Grandfather Geo A Smith of Mch 13. 1849 to Joseph Smith of the Reorganized Church written at Kanesville. A letter from Joseph the Prophet to Emma Smith his wife Date Oct. 13. 1832 written at Pearl St. House New York another to her from Independence Mo dated Nov 4. 1838. One to Emma from Richmond in bondage in chains Nov 12. 1838 One to her June 23. 1844 from "Safety" presumably "Montrose, Iowa." One letter to Emma from Carthage jail written the morning of the martyrdom the exact time of writing was on the letter but I failed to note it. This letter was /p. 109/ said to have been in the handwriting of Willard Richards. The Prophet signed it and wrote a long postscript. I also saw an oil painting of the Prophet and Emma. The one of him I liked better than any I have seen. I had peculiar feelings while looking at these treasures."
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
100 years ago today - Dec 17,1913
[Utah] Death of Joseph Smith's last surviving plural wife, Mary E. Rollins Lightner. She helped save the still-unbound Book of Commandments from printing office set afire by mob in 1833. She witnessed adoption of 1835 D&C, which prohibited polygamy, and became secret plural wife of Joseph Smith at Nauvoo while still living with her non-Mormon husband.
[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]
125 years ago today - Dec 17, 1888
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Quite an amt of talk on Political matters. Concluded it was wisdom for us to try and stop our young people from joining what is known as the party of "Young Democracy".
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
30 years ago today - Dec 16, 1983
[Mark Hofmann] Lyn Jacobs, fronting for Hofmann, offers to sell LDS church an 1830 Martin Harris letter to W. W. Phelps (the "white salamander" letter). President Hinckley declines, indicating that the price is too high. Brent Ashworth also rejects the offer. Hofmann, "fronting" for Jacobs, approaches LDS Church Archivist Donald Schmidt, eventually suggesting that perhaps a wealthy Church member could be found to buy it and then donate it to the Church. This middleman idea proves to be attracive. Brent Metcalfe tells Hofmann of Steven Christensen.
[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,]
120 years ago today - Dec 16, 1893
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Saturday. Sheriff McBride seized Willie's and Danielson's shop and tools yesterday for a debt of $277.00 and added expenses to $300.00. Consolidated Implement Company authorized the seizure without any cause because said Danielson and Merrill were Republicans in politics.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Dec 16, 1848 (Council Meeting)
[Brigham Young Sermon] Pres. B. Y. said that natural feelings would say let them and their cattle go to hell, but duty says if they will not take care of their cattle, we must do it for them. We are to be saviours of men in these last days. They don't be bluffed off by insults or abuse.
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Dec 16, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Prophecy before the City Council while discussing the Petition to Congress. Joseph [said,] "I prophecy by virtue of the Holy Priesthood vested in me in the name of Jesus Christ that if Congress will not hear our petition and grant us protection they shall be broken up as a government and God shall damn them. There shall nothing be left of them, not even a grease spot."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
180 years ago today - Dec 16, 1833
After the Saints were driven from Jackson County, Missouri, in November 1833, the Lord authorized the formation of stakes of Zion as places for gathering (D&C 101:21).
[Source: Lisle G Brown, compiler, "Organizational Chronology of The Church of Christ, and The Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1829 - 1836"]
[Source: Lisle G Brown, compiler, "Organizational Chronology of The Church of Christ, and The Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1829 - 1836"]
180 years ago today - Dec 16, 1833
D&C 101 (Kirtland): The Lord's sword will fall in behalf of his people. The people are not to sell their property in Jackson.
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Dec 15, 1898
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Regular meeting of the authorities at temple... Question: When an illegitimate child is brought to be blessed, shall it bear the father's or the mother's name? It was thought the mother should have the right [to] determine this point.
Apostle Rudger Clawson wanted to know if the authorities approved of the teachings of a certain sister by the name of Hannah Sorensen, relating particulary to "diet" and "marital relations of the sexes." Stated that she was so radical in her views upon these subjects that harm was being done among young married women in the Box Elder Stake, who had studied in her classes. Some discussion ensued, and the general opinion seemed to be that Sister Sorensen was a "frank," or in other words, an extremist. Apostle Lyman was mouth in prayer.
[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 Rudger Clawson wanted to know if the authorities approved of the teachings of a certain sister by the name of Hannah Sorensen, relating particulary to "diet" and "marital relations of the sexes." Stated that she was so radical in her views upon these subjects that harm was being done among young married women in the Box Elder Stake, who had studied in her classes. Some discussion ensued, and the general opinion seemed to be that Sister Sorensen was a "frank," or in other words, an extremist. Apostle Lyman was mouth in prayer.
[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]
155 years ago today - Dec 15, 1858
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Brother Gardner told us that Brother Hancock said in one of his meetings that there was no person Stood between him & Presidet Brigham Young. He wanted the people to give their money to him & let him dictate their temperal Business for them. He said no person had a right to petition president Young against him. He makes the roads into the Canyons Controlls all the timber sells it to the armey works all the time Sundays. He lets the tithing property go to waste But takes Care of his own. He sells the tithing potatoes to the Army for $2 & pays the Church 75 cts. He ordered a house to be pulled down if they would not stop a party. These are some of the Complaints against the Bishop.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Dec 15, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, December 15th 1843 I [Joseph Smith] awoke this morning in good health, but was soon suddenly seized with a great dryness of the mouth and throat and sickness of the stomach, and vomited freely. My wife waited on me assisted by my scribe and Dr. L[evi] Richards, who administered to me herbs and mild drinks. I was never prostrated so low in so short a time before, but by evening was considerably revived.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
180 years ago today - Dec 15, 1833
[Joseph Smith] W. W. Phelps writes to Joseph that Gov. Dunklin will restore the Saints to Jackson County, but that he has no constitutional power to protect the Saints once they have been restored to the county, and the mob is swearing to kill them if they return. (There is evidence that this becomes the underlying motivation for the march of Zion's Camp in May 1834-to protect the Saints once they have been restored, not to restore them by force, as is commonly supposed.)
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - mid Dec. 1833
Oliver Cowdery and N K. Whitney arrived back in Kirtland, with a printing press they had obtained in New York.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
60 years ago today - Dec 14, 1953
Brigham Young University produces its first television program, the BYU Christmas Hour. It was an annual remote broadcast run on KTVT until BYU had its own television studio.
[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]
85 years ago today - Dec 14, 1928
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] John M. Knight called. He had been asked to speak at the funeral of John Woolley. We told him that we did not wish him to do so.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
90 years ago today - Dec 14, 1923
Called on the First Presidency and attended to some business with them. I presented to them the corrected form of [the] Ceremony for time marriage [sealings] * which received their approval.
[Source: George F. Richards diary, Dec. 14, 1923, as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: George F. Richards diary, Dec. 14, 1923, as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
105 years ago today - Dec 14, 1908 (Monday)
[Two missionaries] were arrested in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for selling tracts without a license. They pleaded not guilty in the police court, but were sent to jail, where they received severe treatment from the other prisoners.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
115 years ago today - Wednesday, Dec 14, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] The question of borrowing $500,000.00 in Chicago was considered ...
[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]
170 years ago today - Dec 14, 1843
[Joseph Smith] Joseph receives a letter from Governor Ford stating that he will not call out the state militia for the general protection of Nauvoo, except on rare and very specifically defined occasions. He tells Joseph not to worry about past offenses by the state of Missouri, and says, concerning any affidavits about their wrongs in Missouri given to him by the Mormons the previous August, "I have not yet read them and probably never will." Joseph records his personal anger at Ford's letter.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
60 years ago today - 1953. December 13
Matthew Cowley : While attending the dedication of the Los Angeles Temple, he suffered a massive heart attack and died at the age of fifty-six. Buried in Salt Lake City Cemetery.
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Dec 13, 1893
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Glory to God in the Highest for He fulfills his word to the Sons of Men. What we have been looking for so Long Came to Pass this day. The House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States Passed a Bill for the Admission of Utah into the Union with Equal Powers of the other States with ownly five 5 opposing votes. I think it is an Event unheard of in the whole History of the American Government. We trust it will soon Pass the Senate, and be signed by the President & soon become a Law.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Dec 13, 1843
[Nauvoo Neighbor] - Ordinances: "An Extra Ordinance for the Extra Case of Joseph Smith and Others" -- Joseph Smith -- Anyone who comes to arrest Joseph Smith or other citizens involved in "Missouri Difficulties" will be arrested, and if found guilty, incarcerated for life.
... Editorial -- Joseph Smith plans a dinner party for Christmas Day.
- Ordinances: "An Ordinance for the Health and Conscience of Travelers--" -- Joseph Smith -- Gives Joseph Smith the power to sell "spirits" for the "health, comfort, and convenience of such travelers." ...
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
... Editorial -- Joseph Smith plans a dinner party for Christmas Day.
- Ordinances: "An Ordinance for the Health and Conscience of Travelers--" -- Joseph Smith -- Gives Joseph Smith the power to sell "spirits" for the "health, comfort, and convenience of such travelers." ...
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
170 years ago today - Dec 13, 1843
[Joseph Smith] In Missouri, Orrin Porter Rockwell has been in prison for over nine months, never having had a trial. Recently, however, his mother visited him and gave him $100, with which he could afford to hire Mr. Doniphan as counsel. Within two weeks Doniphan got him into court. There being no evidence that could convict Rockwell on the charge of shooting Boggs, he was charged with breaking the Independence jail. In spite of the fact that the Missouri law states that in order to break a jail, "a man must break a lock, a door, or a wall" (and all Porter had done was to walk out when the door was open), Judge King nevertheless orders that Porter has broken jail. He is sentenced to five minutes in the county jail. He is kept there five hours while the Missouri lawmen try to bring another charge against him. Failing to do so, they finally free him at 8 P.M. on Dec. 13, 1843. Doniphan warns him not to walk in daylight or on any known road. Rockwell, having only ragged clothes and shoes, walksthree or four days toward Illinois. His feet become so raw that at times he pays people 50 cents or 75 cents to carry him on their backs for several miles. After riding on horseback or walking the 150 miles, he finds a small boat in which he can cross the Mississippi to Nauvoo.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Dec 13, 1833
[Lucy Mack Smith] The first issue of the Evening and Morning Star is printed by Oliver Cowdery.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
180 years ago today - Dec 13, 1833
Amos Dean creates the "Young Men's Association for Mutual Improvement" in Albany, New York. Four others are organized in Buffalo, Plattsburgh, Schenectady and Troy, New York in the 1830s.
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
10 years ago today - Dec 12, 2003
[Associated Press] "Less than a year after the Mormon church promised, again, to stop baptizing dead Jews into its faith, the Mormons have raised concerns by buying - at 10 cents a sheet - thousands of names of dead Russian Orthodox Church members..."
[Source: Associated Press, "Mormons still being accused of baptizing dead Jews" by Mark Thiessen as quoted in A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
[Source: Associated Press, "Mormons still being accused of baptizing dead Jews" by Mark Thiessen as quoted in A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
125 years ago today - Dec 12, 1888
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [Apostle] Francis M. Lyman went into court today and entered a plea of guilty in an unlawful cohabitation charge against him.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Dec 12, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] E[rastus] Snow read a vision of Jacob Gates.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Dec 12, 1843
After prodding from Joseph Smith to embrace plural marriage, John Taylor is sealed to his first plural wife, Elizabeth Kaighan.
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
175 years ago today - Dec 12, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff on the death of his brother] Has Asahel fled away from lif's fair scenes to the regions of the DEAD? YES he is gone by Deaths relentless hand. Had youth, or beauty, friends or virtue, power to Save He now might be mingling with his friends, and not sleeping in the silent GRAVE.
...O death thy stroke is sure. At an early hour thy victim's fallen, & blasted the fond hopes of a father a mother & an ownly Sister. Eunice be still & know that GOD hath spoken, & thy Brother Called. Asahel lived for thee: for thee he plan'd, he toiled, & hoped, & airy castles built for thy future joy, but now he's gone. His grave remains to be wattered ownly by the Dews of heaven unless upon the Wabash banks a friend should chance to roam & drop an accidental tear.
O Asahel among strangers thy lot was cast. Among them thou hast fallen & found a grave. No friend to see thy grief or share thy joy or drop a tear with thee. Willford & Phebe alone marked thy silent bed & ownly could take a pebble in memory of thy noble soul. A pebble did I say? Ah thy books, thy Journals, thy letters, & all the productions of thy pen, are standing monuments of thy worth & of more value to thy friends than the gold of Opher or the rubies of Peru.
In the morn of thy days thou hast fallen. Yet the events of thy youth will be active in the memory of thy friends while memory lives. Methinks the spirit steals across my breast & says be still & learn to be resigned & feel that with thy brother all is well that what was not accomplished with him in time will be finished when COLOB'S [Kolob's] walls he stands clothed with Immortality. God is just. All is right. In the morn of his days Asahel is called from the scenes of time that his noble soul may see, feel, & view those glories which are hid behind the vale the covering of eternity.
Farewell Asahel farewell. NO more will thy voice the ears of thy friends salute or thy pen their hearts unlock, while here in time. Truth unsuled before the now are living realities, while bounty but not in vain though buried from human view. Then sleep untill the trump shall sound to call the forth in eternal things to act. Eunice dry thy startling tear & give thy brother up. The Lord hath taken him to save his soul that earthly snares should not his feet enwrap & his fall secure. It speaks in language loud be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the son of man cometh.
How solumn to part with friends. Yet it sweetens death to know our friend is God & the rest of Saints our home. Then sleep Asahel sleep. Let naught thy dust dlsturd untill reanimated by the Ark angels trump & in immortals [gate?] to meet thy friends & walk in paths of eternal light & truth & comprehend all knowledge & wisdoms space & natuers laws that ever live in vast DOMAIN.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
...O death thy stroke is sure. At an early hour thy victim's fallen, & blasted the fond hopes of a father a mother & an ownly Sister. Eunice be still & know that GOD hath spoken, & thy Brother Called. Asahel lived for thee: for thee he plan'd, he toiled, & hoped, & airy castles built for thy future joy, but now he's gone. His grave remains to be wattered ownly by the Dews of heaven unless upon the Wabash banks a friend should chance to roam & drop an accidental tear.
O Asahel among strangers thy lot was cast. Among them thou hast fallen & found a grave. No friend to see thy grief or share thy joy or drop a tear with thee. Willford & Phebe alone marked thy silent bed & ownly could take a pebble in memory of thy noble soul. A pebble did I say? Ah thy books, thy Journals, thy letters, & all the productions of thy pen, are standing monuments of thy worth & of more value to thy friends than the gold of Opher or the rubies of Peru.
In the morn of thy days thou hast fallen. Yet the events of thy youth will be active in the memory of thy friends while memory lives. Methinks the spirit steals across my breast & says be still & learn to be resigned & feel that with thy brother all is well that what was not accomplished with him in time will be finished when COLOB'S [Kolob's] walls he stands clothed with Immortality. God is just. All is right. In the morn of his days Asahel is called from the scenes of time that his noble soul may see, feel, & view those glories which are hid behind the vale the covering of eternity.
Farewell Asahel farewell. NO more will thy voice the ears of thy friends salute or thy pen their hearts unlock, while here in time. Truth unsuled before the now are living realities, while bounty but not in vain though buried from human view. Then sleep untill the trump shall sound to call the forth in eternal things to act. Eunice dry thy startling tear & give thy brother up. The Lord hath taken him to save his soul that earthly snares should not his feet enwrap & his fall secure. It speaks in language loud be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the son of man cometh.
How solumn to part with friends. Yet it sweetens death to know our friend is God & the rest of Saints our home. Then sleep Asahel sleep. Let naught thy dust dlsturd untill reanimated by the Ark angels trump & in immortals [gate?] to meet thy friends & walk in paths of eternal light & truth & comprehend all knowledge & wisdoms space & natuers laws that ever live in vast DOMAIN.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Dec 11, 1888
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] I am profoundly thankful to my Heavenly Father that I have been successful in getting a majority of the Herald Stockholders to consent to my scheme to combine the businesses of Grant and Co and the Herald.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Dec 11, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... I also read in the same paper an account of the horrid butchery of eighteen Latter Day Saints in Davis County Mo by the wicked mob. O Lord hasten the day for the reign of righteousness.
[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 - Dec 11, 1833
Amasa Mason Lyman: Ordained high priest 11 December 1833.
[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]
120 years ago today - Dec 11, 1893 (Monday)
In the Fourth District Court, Ogden, Wm. J. Orchard was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, for u.c. [Unlawful Cohabitation, I.E. living with a polygamous wife]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - Dec 11, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11th I spent the day at home.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Dec 10, 1843
[Anointed Quorum] Sunday prayer meeting in the upper room of Joseph Smith's store; "Joseph not present," and "Brigham Young presided," apparently for the first time .
"B Young was called to the chair who addressed the meeting in a vary feeling manner & interesting to our minds, he reasoned clearly that we should follow our file leaders & our savior in all his law & commandments without asking any questions why they were so[--]He was followed by P. P. Pratt & others who expressed their minds freely[--]several sick were prayed for".
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
"B Young was called to the chair who addressed the meeting in a vary feeling manner & interesting to our minds, he reasoned clearly that we should follow our file leaders & our savior in all his law & commandments without asking any questions why they were so[--]He was followed by P. P. Pratt & others who expressed their minds freely[--]several sick were prayed for".
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Dec 10, 1833.
Joseph Smith tells the saints that they should retain their lands in Missouri and seek legal redress against their enemies. If they should not obtain it, God will avenge them with `ten thousand of his Saints' and all their adversaries would be destroyed. [HC, Vol. 1, 455]
[Source: Abanes, R., "One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church"]
[Source: Abanes, R., "One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church"]
80 years ago today - Dec 9,1933
[Utah] Church News article "Mormonism in The New Germany," enthusiastically emphasizes parallels "between the LDS Church and some of the ideas and policies of the National Socialists." First, Nazis have introduced "Fast Sunday." Second, "it is a very well known fact that Hitler observes a form of living which Mormons term the Word of Wisdom. Finally, due to the importance given to the racial question by Nazis and the almost necessity of proving that one's grandmother was not a Jewess, there no longer is resistance against genealogical research by German Mormons who now have received letters of encouragement complimenting them for their patriotism."
[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]
105 years ago today - Dec 9, 1908; Wednesday
A letter was read from Jacob D. Whitmer, offering for sale for nine thousand dollars his farm at Far West [Missouri], containing 82 acres. For the eighty acres he wanted six thousand dollars, and two acres of unimproved land, the site of the temple, he wanted $5000. for.
On motion of Brother John Henry Smith, it was decided that Bro[ther]. Bennion see Mr. Whitmer with a view to purchasing, provided he could get a better price. Seconded and carried. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
On motion of Brother John Henry Smith, it was decided that Bro[ther]. Bennion see Mr. Whitmer with a view to purchasing, provided he could get a better price. Seconded and carried. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Dec 9, 1888
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] Pres. Woodruff & members of the Council decided to advise the brethren who had resigned their standing on the wards in our northern stakes to remain as they are until after the Court trials in the spring. The Repub[lican]s of Idaho want an opportunity to accuse the people of perjury in leaving the church to vote. And the pubs. will prosecute our people ...
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Dec 9, 1843
[Nauvoo Neighbor] Ordinances: "An Ordinance to erect a Dam in the Missippi River" -- Joseph Smith -- Creates the ability to place a dam in the river.
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
5 years ago today - Dec 8, 2008
The inaugural volume of the much-anticipated Joseph Smith Papers , released today, brings to light a project that has been under way for many years. This landmark publishing venture begins with Joseph Smiths personal journal entries, covering the years 1832 to 1839.
[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]
70 years ago today - Dec 8, 1943
[George Albert Smith] Richard [R. Lyman] applied for Baptism.
[Apostle Lyman had been excommunicated for Adultry]
[Source: George Albert Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Apostle Lyman had been excommunicated for Adultry]
[Source: George Albert Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
120 years ago today - Dec 8, 1893
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] This evening received the Salt Lake Herald, containing President Cleveland's Message to Congress. Ivins, Wells and I took turns reading it aloud. As we are all Democrats we decided the Message was a first class document, although I have no doubt the Republicans will have any amount of fault to find with it.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Dec 8, 1853
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday 8 Dec 1853. This fore noon I arrived at home or what more properly might be said where once was my home.
Here, not 14 months since was concentrated all my earthly happiness. Here, the confiding Louisa, the dearest object of my heart, the solace in all my troubles and my inocent prattling children, was left, in the most perfect enjoyment of earthly bliss. To them I fled as a refuge from trouble & disappointment & how often I have rejoiced that I was thus blessed with that most essential ingredient for mans comfort, a true, faithful & confiding wife, and obedient lovely children There were here then, Here then was my own ocean of affection & love[.] I left them by the command of the Lord to preach the gospel in foreign lands & returned but not to them.
Louisa was no more, the scource of my happiness was beneath the cold sod while the very geniuse of desolation & loneliness seemed to brood over the scenes of by gone happiness.
What did I find? Even my brother had removed into the country & not the first vistage of former associations moved on the desolate place.
A family of English saints, total stranger to me resided here and could give no account of neither family or friends.
I gazed upon the sad wreck of all my hopes in silence while my heart sank within me & those around could not refrain from mingling their tears with mine for a few moments when we all hastily with drew from a place so full of sad reccollections as my HOME.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Here, not 14 months since was concentrated all my earthly happiness. Here, the confiding Louisa, the dearest object of my heart, the solace in all my troubles and my inocent prattling children, was left, in the most perfect enjoyment of earthly bliss. To them I fled as a refuge from trouble & disappointment & how often I have rejoiced that I was thus blessed with that most essential ingredient for mans comfort, a true, faithful & confiding wife, and obedient lovely children There were here then, Here then was my own ocean of affection & love[.] I left them by the command of the Lord to preach the gospel in foreign lands & returned but not to them.
Louisa was no more, the scource of my happiness was beneath the cold sod while the very geniuse of desolation & loneliness seemed to brood over the scenes of by gone happiness.
What did I find? Even my brother had removed into the country & not the first vistage of former associations moved on the desolate place.
A family of English saints, total stranger to me resided here and could give no account of neither family or friends.
I gazed upon the sad wreck of all my hopes in silence while my heart sank within me & those around could not refrain from mingling their tears with mine for a few moments when we all hastily with drew from a place so full of sad reccollections as my HOME.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Dec 8, 1843
The Nauvoo City council passes a law stating that any officer bringing a writ against Joseph Smith based on a Missouri charge will be subject to life imprisonment, "which convict or convicts can only be pardoned by the Governor, with the consent of the Mayor of said city." (Joseph Smith himself is, of course, the mayor.)
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
120 years ago today - Dec 7, 1893
[Franklin D. Richards] ... decided that white is the color for marked garments to be worn. also that baptism should be administered as directed in the B[ook]. of M[ormon]. & Doc[trine]. & Cov[enants]. and not in a Bath Tub where the person officiating cannot go down into the water with the candidate.
[This is first departure of Utah temple garment from contemporary "Union Suit" which comes in various colors and upon which Utah "street garment" is based]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010; 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]
[This is first departure of Utah temple garment from contemporary "Union Suit" which comes in various colors and upon which Utah "street garment" is based]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010; 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]
150 years ago today - Dec 7, 1863
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Jason Luce killed a man in the street by the name of Samuel Burton from Origon. He cut his throat with a Bowe knife. He was immediately arested & imprisioned.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Dec 7, 1858
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Phebe remained vary sick ... It was a strong attack of the destroyer to take her life.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Dec 7, 1853
[Hosea Stout Diary] I had the satisfaction to witness the triumph of Mormonism over the traditions of our fathers for George A. sealed Arza Adams to an old maid aged 48 as withered and forbidding as 4 Doz. Years of celibacy might natturally be supposed to indicate. She joyfully took his hand and consented to be part of himself as number two. Thus entering into a respectible state of matrimony under auspicious circumstances when nothing except the privileges of Mormonism would have permitted
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Dec 7, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 7th Their is no little stir made in the world in consequence of the progress of the Latter Day Saints. A messenger has Just arived from St Louis informing us that the Governor of Mo. has isued another writ for President Joseph Smith & is about to make an appeal or demand of the Governor of Illinois.
[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 - Dec 6, 1943
[George F. Richards] By appointment of the First Presidency and the President of the quorum of the Twelve, I interviewed Elder Jos. F. Merrill as to his having distributed certain books, with a request that he discontinue so doing, and received his promise to do so no more, at the same time declaring that he thinks that which he has done in that line was intended for good and would result in good. I made my report to the president of our quorum.
[Source: George F. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: George F. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
130 years ago today - Dec 6, 1883
[Patriarchal Blessings] [Patriarchal Blessing of [[future apostle]] Rudger Clawson given by William J. Smith on December 6, 1883]
.... Thou shalt be filled with revelation and prophecy and have power to discern and detect wicked and false spirits wherever thou goest, and thou shalt have power over devils and demons and all diseases and the desolating sickness which shall come over the land and all destructive elements. The winds and the waves shall obey thy voice, and the tempests of the mighty deep shall be stayed at thy command. No enemy shall have power over thee - not even a hair of thy head shall fall by a foe. Thou shalt heal the sick, and cast out devils and raise the dead, if it be necessary, and the sun and the moon shall even be stayed at thy command for the furtherance of the work of God.
Thy faith shall increase and thou shalt have power to prevail with God like the brother of Jared, until thou shalt behold God face to face. Thou shalt have mighty faith in Jesus and gather thy thousands to Zion and feed them in the days of famine by the power of God. Thou shalt assist in gathering the Zion of God from all nations and live to see Israel gathered from the four corners of the earth. Thou shalt be gathered to the center stake, and assist in building that holy temple where a cloud by day shall rest and a pillar of fire by night. Thou shalt be a pillar in that temple, and perform a great work for thy progenitors, and assist in the redemption of thousands of thy friends and kindred that have died without a knowledge of the gospel...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
.... Thou shalt be filled with revelation and prophecy and have power to discern and detect wicked and false spirits wherever thou goest, and thou shalt have power over devils and demons and all diseases and the desolating sickness which shall come over the land and all destructive elements. The winds and the waves shall obey thy voice, and the tempests of the mighty deep shall be stayed at thy command. No enemy shall have power over thee - not even a hair of thy head shall fall by a foe. Thou shalt heal the sick, and cast out devils and raise the dead, if it be necessary, and the sun and the moon shall even be stayed at thy command for the furtherance of the work of God.
Thy faith shall increase and thou shalt have power to prevail with God like the brother of Jared, until thou shalt behold God face to face. Thou shalt have mighty faith in Jesus and gather thy thousands to Zion and feed them in the days of famine by the power of God. Thou shalt assist in gathering the Zion of God from all nations and live to see Israel gathered from the four corners of the earth. Thou shalt be gathered to the center stake, and assist in building that holy temple where a cloud by day shall rest and a pillar of fire by night. Thou shalt be a pillar in that temple, and perform a great work for thy progenitors, and assist in the redemption of thousands of thy friends and kindred that have died without a knowledge of the gospel...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
130 years ago today - Dec 6, 1883
Joseph Fielding Smith: Sealed to Alice Ann Kimball 6 December 1883. Seven children: Alice May (adopted), Heber Chase (adopted), Charles Coulson (adopted), Lucy Mack, Andrew, Jessie, and Fielding.
[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]
175 years ago today - Dec 6, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] Dec 6th The voice of the spirit of the Lord was unto us arise & be going & through the mercy of God Phebe was enabled to rise & walk & continue her journey after being confined here 4 days our whole bill was ownly $6.62. The man treated us kindly. May the Lord bless him. We travled to Richmond Ia & put up for the night in an Inn. Phebe had to Journey by faith not by Sight. 14 mile.
[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 - Dec 6, 1833
[Wayne Sentinel: D. P. Hurlbut is in Palmyra] as a missionary in behalf of the people of Kirtland ... investigating the origin of the Mormon sect. ... The original manuscript of the Book [of Mormon] was written some thirty years since, by a respectable clergyman, now deceased, whose name we are not permitted to give. It was designed to be published as a romance, but the work has been superadded by come modern hand--believed to be the notorious Rigdon. These particulars have been derived by Dr. Hurlbert [Hurlbut] from the widow of the author of the original manuscript.
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
45 years ago today - Dec 5, 1968
Attention was called to a letter from President Reuel E. Christensen of the Manti Temple reporting that a bishop and stake president in one of the BYU Stakes had inquired if they could send colored people who are members of the Church in good standing residing in their wards to do baptismal work for the dead in the temple. I ruled that worthy negro baptized members of the Church should be permitted to do baptismal work for the dead if they desire to do so.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Dec. 5, 1968; emphasis in original as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Dec. 5, 1968; emphasis in original as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
80 years ago today - Dec 5, 1933
[Word of Wisdom] Prompted by Prohibition's vast unpopularity as well rampant organized crime--namely bootlegging--and the loss of potential tax revenue from alcohol, the 21st Amendment is passed, repealing Prohibition. Utah is the last state to ratify the amendment.
[Source: Harward, Randy; Utah Brewing Timeline, Salt Lake City Weekly, Aug 24, 2011]
[Source: Harward, Randy; Utah Brewing Timeline, Salt Lake City Weekly, Aug 24, 2011]
110 years ago today - Dec 05, 1903
Harper's Weekly, a U.S. national newspaper, defends Elder Reed Smoot during the Senate hearings on his worthiness to be seated following his election to the U.S. Senate.
[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 - 5 December 1843, Tuesday
[William Clayton Writings] ... Evening Prest J[oseph Smith] sent for me He returned my letter & said I had no need to be troubled, the only reason why I was not admitted into the [anointed, or endowed] quorum was because there is not convenience, and none were admitted only for a particular purpose by Revelation.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
175 years ago today - Dec 5, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Governor Boggs defends his Extermination Order in the state legislature.
[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
180 years ago today - 1833 5 Dec.
Joseph Smith writes that the church is establishing a Democratic newspaper because "the influential men of that party have offered a liberal patronage to us."
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
170 years ago today - Dec 4, 1843
[Joseph Smith Sermon] ... General Smith then arose, and in his happy eloquent, masterly manner, delivered one of the most powerful interesting addresses that we ever heard; he spoke for two hours and a half and was listened to with breathless silence by all present. ... Two gentlemen from Missouri were present on the occasion and we think that if they possessed the least spark of intelligence, the vivid, glowing color, in which the inhuman deeds of Missouri, was painted, must have made them feel that they were living on a polluted soil, and associated with a degraded bloody herd.
His address to the Green Mountain Boys is a masterly piece, and will be read (as it was listened to) with great interest; we shall probably publish it hereafter.
[Source: The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
His address to the Green Mountain Boys is a masterly piece, and will be read (as it was listened to) with great interest; we shall probably publish it hereafter.
[Source: The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]
175 years ago today - Dec 4, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] I felt the power of the destroyer resting upon me in the fore part of the day.
In the evening Phebe for the first time during her sickness began to lay hold on faith for her recovery. Her faith was strong in God. We laid hold on faith together repented of all our sins & confessed them befor God & covenanted to keep his Commandments. I had some oil that was Consecrated for my anointing while in kirtland. I again Consecrated it before God for anointing the sick. I bowed myself down before the Lord & prayed with my companion & anointed her [with] oil in the name of the Lord. I laid my hands upon her in the name of JESUS CHRIST and rebuked the fever the destroyier the deadly malidy that was praying upon her system ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In the evening Phebe for the first time during her sickness began to lay hold on faith for her recovery. Her faith was strong in God. We laid hold on faith together repented of all our sins & confessed them befor God & covenanted to keep his Commandments. I had some oil that was Consecrated for my anointing while in kirtland. I again Consecrated it before God for anointing the sick. I bowed myself down before the Lord & prayed with my companion & anointed her [with] oil in the name of the Lord. I laid my hands upon her in the name of JESUS CHRIST and rebuked the fever the destroyier the deadly malidy that was praying upon her system ...
[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 - Dec 4, 1833
[Joseph Smith Diary] Being prepared to commence our Labours in the printing buisness I ask God in the name of Jesus to establish it for ever and cause that his word may speedily go forth [to] the Nations of the earth to the accomplishing of his great work in bringing about the restoration of the house of Israel.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
115 years ago today - Dec 3, 1898
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Pres[iden]t Snow showed me the list of assets of the Church and I was surprised to find so high an estimated value of them.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Dec 3, 1848 (Sunday)
At a meeting, held in the G.S.L. City fort, fellowship was withdrawn from Apostle Lyman Wight and Bishop Geo. Miller.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - Dec 3, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] The fore part of the day was taken up on the appeal to the green mountain boys. It was read by W. W. Phelps & [was] consecrated & dedicated unto God by the [anointed] quorum.
[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 - early Dec 1833
At about this time Oliver Cowdery and N K. Whitney were in New York state (probably in Canandiagua, Ontario Co.), purchashing a printing press for the Church.
[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 - Dec 02, 1998
Li Zhaoxing, China's ambassador to the United States, joins Elder John K. Carmack in turning on three hundred thousand Christmas lights at the Washington D.C. Temple grounds.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
170 years ago today - Dec 2, 1843
Brigham recorded his dream in which he, his legal wife, and the Prophet were traveling in a covered carriage: "Br Joseph Smith sat on the Back Seat with my wife [--] he whispered to hir [her--] Sead [said] it was wright [right] if she was a mind to [--] nothing more past [passed] betwen [sic] them." Then, in the dream, she disappears and is next seen as a corpse in a hearse. [Brigham Young 1840-44 journal] During a meeting of Church President Wilford Woodruff with the apostles in the Salt Lake Temple on 25 June 1896, there was a discussion about "certain trials or tests to which Prests. B. Young and Jno. Taylor were put by Prest. Joseph the Prophet in Nauvoo, as the plurality & Eternity of the M. [Marriage] covenant was being revealed. Also what Emma was commanded to abstain from, and O. Hyde's trial also.Â" Young's dream in December 1843 apparently referred to the Prophet's "test" of asking for Brigham's wife to become Joseph's.[Franklin D. Richards journal, 25 June 1896, LDS Church History Library]
[Source: "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
[Source: "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
170 years ago today - Dec 2, 1843
A prayer meeting is held in the assembly room over Joseph's store. Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, and Orson Spencer receive their endowments, with 35 people present. About this time some women receive their endowments also. Bathsheba W. Smith, wife of George A. Smith, receives her anointings in a room in Emma's house. Emma is the first female ordinance worker, and Elizabeth Ann Whitney is the second.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
170 years ago today - Dec 2, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... Truth & virtue will bring exhalta-tion to the soul in the security of knowledge while Bigotry & superstition will Join vice in debasing man in ignorance untill he degrades humanity & looses the objet for which he was created. /P P. Pratt Orson Hyde W Woodruff G A Smith & O Spencer all of us received our Anointing preperitory for further Blessings from 1 oclk to 6 PM.
[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]
15 years ago today - Dec 01, 1998
The Church announces a proposal to purchase the block of Main Street east of Temple Square and convert it into a plaza uniting Temple Square with the Church Office Building block to the east. The plaza is to feature gardens, walkways, and underground parking.
[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]
30 years ago today - Dec 1, 1983
[Mark] Hofmann has [historian] Michael Marquardt to his home for dinner. He shows him the text of a letter of Martin Harris to William W. Phelps, dated 23 October 1830. Marquardt tells a number of people about it during the next week.
[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,]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Dec 1, 1898
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] It was decided to Issue a half Million of bonds at 6 percent for Eleven years, and fifty thousand dollars to be placed as a sinking fund each year after the first year.
Some talk was had about who should be the Trustees. President Lorenzo Snow take Bro. Geo. Q. Cannon to task for the over hopefull Manner in which he had spoken of our financial Condition.
[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]
Some talk was had about who should be the Trustees. President Lorenzo Snow take Bro. Geo. Q. Cannon to task for the over hopefull Manner in which he had spoken of our financial Condition.
[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 - Dec 1, 1873 (Monday)
Notwithstanding Geo. R. Maxwell's protest, Geo. Q. Cannon was permitted to take his seat in Congress.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - 1843 1 Dec.
Joseph Smith's manuscript diary makes first mention of the Nauvoo Mansion's bar room. Joseph Smith III later reminisced that his father set up a fully-stocked bar with Orrin Porter Rockwell as bartender.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
170 years ago today - Dec 1, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] I was sued in company with J Taylor By M Madison for a debt of about $40. The first time that I was ever sued in my life.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - about Monday, Dec 01, 1828
[Book of Mormon Translation] Manchester, O Cowdery begins 16 weeks of teaching school.
[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]
40 years ago today - Nov 30, 1973
In response to U.S. President Richard Nixon's request to conserve energy during the energy crisis, the Church announces that Christmas lights on Temple Square will not be turned on this year.
[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 - Nov 30, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Joseph and the other prisoners begin their trip to the Liberty jail. During this time former apostle Wm. E. McLellin and others rob the homes of some of the Saints, including that of Sidney Rigdon. McLellin asks for the privilege of flogging Joseph, but the sheriff only agrees to a fair fight between the two, and McLellin backs down.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
30 years ago today - Nov 29, 1983
[Mark Hofmann] Hofmann calls Michael Marquardt and tells him he has just found a Martin Harris letter. He reads the letter to Marquardt.
[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,]
120 years ago today - Nov 29,1893
[Utah] Presidents Wilford Woodruff and George Q Cannon meet with three apostles and James E Talmage: "That there will also be daughters of Perdition there is no doubt in the minds of the brethren."
[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]
120 years ago today - Nov 29, 1893
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Met and talked with the First Presidency. Got my son Heber's mission changed from Samoa to Europe as he desired.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Wednesday, Nov 29, 1893
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Presidents W[ilford] Woodruff, G[eorge] Q. Cannon and Jos[oseph] F. Smith, L[orenzo] Snow, F[ranklin] D. Richards, H[eber] J. Grant, Abraham H. Cannon and I met at the Temple. ... We decided that the word Principles should be added in the fourth verse of the Articles of faith.
[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 - Nov 29, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29 + I went over Jordon rabbit hunting to Keep Thanksgiving and it was a vary exciting day.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Nov 29, 1858
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... I spent the evening with President Young & the Committee on the Deseret Alphabet.
[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 - 1843 29 Nov.
Joseph Smith tells a meeting: "The State rights doctrines are what feed mobs. They are a dead carcass--a stink, and they shall ascend up as a stink offering in the nose of the Almighty."
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
170 years ago today - Nov 29, 1843
Joseph Smith reads a letter to be sent to the Green Mountain Boys, with an appeal and detailing part of the Mormon's history. Parley P. Pratt apologizes for not killing all or being killed in the Missouri battle. Joseph Smith apologizes for preventing the brethren from fighting and would not do so again; says "...when the mobs come upon you, kill them." Brigham Young apologized for restraining Hosea Stout.
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
65 years ago today - Nov 28, 1948
Deseret News becomes daily paper. Begins 4-color weekly Sunday news rotogravure magazine supplement.
[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]
110 years ago today - Nov 28, 1903 (Saturday)
The magnificent building subsequently known as the Granite Stake tabernacle, located on the corner of State and 14th South streets, was opened to the public. The building cost about $60,000 and the main hall has a seating capacity of 2,500.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
115 years ago today - Nov 28, 1898
Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow, as President of Zion's Savings Bank, was served by a deputy- marshal with papers of garnishment, garnishing any moneys in the bank belonging or salaries due to Geo[rge]. M. Cannon, John M. Cannon and Angus M. Cannon their father.
Cashier Geo[rge]. M. Cannon of Zion's Saving Bank called at the President's Office to talk over a matter of business pertaining to the Sterling mine. The bank held a note for $86,500.00, signed by Wilford Woodruff, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and Jos[eph]. F. Smith and secured by 150 bonds of the Sterling company. The note upon its face was a personal note, and the question of the cashier was to what extent the Church was responsible for the indebtedness of that company. Pres[iden]t. Snow took it for granted that each stockholder was responsible for the amount of stock that each held, the company being incorporated and the stock issued in the regular way. This ended the conversation.
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Cashier Geo[rge]. M. Cannon of Zion's Saving Bank called at the President's Office to talk over a matter of business pertaining to the Sterling mine. The bank held a note for $86,500.00, signed by Wilford Woodruff, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and Jos[eph]. F. Smith and secured by 150 bonds of the Sterling company. The note upon its face was a personal note, and the question of the cashier was to what extent the Church was responsible for the indebtedness of that company. Pres[iden]t. Snow took it for granted that each stockholder was responsible for the amount of stock that each held, the company being incorporated and the stock issued in the regular way. This ended the conversation.
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
120 years ago today - Nov 28, 1893
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] ... the organization last evening of a Pioneer light & power company to utilize Ogden River. Pres[iden]t G[eroge] Q Cannon & Pres[iden]t Fred Kiesel, Frank J. Cannon Manager, Mr. Bannister Secretary Tr[easurer], W[ilford]. oodruff, J[oseph] F Smith & Bannister Directors Frank & Bannister go East for funds ...
[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]
175 years ago today - Nov 28, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, and Alexander McRae are ordered to the jail in Liberty, Clay County; Parley P. Pratt, Morris Phelps, Luman Gibbs, Darwin Chase, and Norman Shearer are retained in the Richmond jail. The remaining 19 are released or allowed release on bail.
[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
35 years ago today - Nov 27, 1978
U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks in the Tabernacle 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]
1913, 100 years ago this year.
Young Men‘s Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA) officially adopts the Boy Scout program.
[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]
120 years ago today - Nov 27, 1893 (Monday)
The Pioneer Electric Power Company was organized, with Geo. Q. Cannon as president.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - Nov 27, 1843
[Brigham Young] I attended prayer meeting in the evening at President Joseph Smith's. Bishop N. [Newel] K. Whitney and wife were anointed.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
90 years ago today - Nov 26,1923
[Utah] Corporation of the President is incorporated, becoming the successor of the Trustee-in-Trust as center of church financial operations.
[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]
1913, 100 years ago this year.
[Utah Higher Education] The Legislative Assembly chartered the Cedar City branch of the University of Utah Normal School, and then transferred the branch to the Utah Agricultural College in 1913. This institution eventually became Southern Utah University.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Utah Higher Education, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/e/EDUCATION%2CHIGH.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Utah Higher Education, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/e/EDUCATION%2CHIGH.html]
100 years ago today - Nov 26, 1913; Wednesday
...the Twelve Apostles held this morning at the Temple at 10:30 ... Bro[ther]s. Clawson and McKay entered the room late, and prayer in the circle was dispensed with, not enough present to form a circle.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
110 years ago today - Nov 25, 1903; Wednesday
By letter from the Presidents of the 55th Quorum of Seventy they ask the following question: "Brother James H. Linford, one of the Presidents of the 55th Quorum of Seventy, was ordained by one of the Apostles as a Patriarch. Inasmuch as he was not ordained a High Priest is he still a Seventy?" Brother [B. H.] Roberts moved that Brother [George] Reynolds be a committee of one to present this question to the President of the Church to be answered, with instructions to explain that two of the First Council of the Seventy were ordained Patriarchs and still retained their position as members of the First Council. Carried.
[Source: Excerpt from the Minutes of the First Council of the Seventy]
[Source: Excerpt from the Minutes of the First Council of the Seventy]
140 years ago today - Nov 25, 1873 (Tuesday)
A grand celebration was held in Provo, on the event of the Utah Southern Railway being completed to that city.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Nov 25, 1848
President Brigham Young, Elder John Taylor, and John Kay create designs and inscriptions for coins to be minted in Utah from California gold. The designs include an all-seeing eye and the motto "Holiness to the Lord."
[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 - Nov 25, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ...President Joseph Smith made an address upon the subject which was highly interesting & its tendency was to do away with evry evil & practice virtue & Holiness before the Lord. That the Church had not received any license from him to commit adultery fornication or any such thing but to the contrary if any man Commit adultery He Could not receive the Ceslestial kingdom of God. Even if he was saved in any kingdom it could not be the Celestial kingdom.
He said he thought the many examples that had been manifest John C Bennet & others was sufficient to show the fallacy of such a course of conduct. He condemned the principle in toto & warned those present against going into those evils, for they would shurely bring a Curse upon their heads.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
He said he thought the many examples that had been manifest John C Bennet & others was sufficient to show the fallacy of such a course of conduct. He condemned the principle in toto & warned those present against going into those evils, for they would shurely bring a Curse upon their heads.
[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 - Nov. 25th 1843
[High Council Minutes] ... Joseph Smith against Harrison Sagars.
"Nauvoo City November 21st 1843.
Brother Marks
Dear Sir I hereby prefer the following charges against Elder Harrison Sagars, namely:
1st For trying to seduce a young girl, living at his house by the name of Phebe Madison.
2nd For using my name in a blasphemous manner, by saying that I tolerated such things in which thing he is guilty of lying &c. &c.
Joseph Smith"
The defendant plead not guilty. One were appointed to speak on a side, Viz: 7) Grover and 8) Johnson.
The charge was not sustained, but it appeared that he had taught false doctrine which was corrected by President Joseph Smith, and the doctrine which was corrected by President Joseph Smith, and the defendant was continued in the church. Council adjd till Saturday the 9th of Dec. next at 2 O'clock P.M.
Hosea Stout Clerk
[Source: Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
"Nauvoo City November 21st 1843.
Brother Marks
Dear Sir I hereby prefer the following charges against Elder Harrison Sagars, namely:
1st For trying to seduce a young girl, living at his house by the name of Phebe Madison.
2nd For using my name in a blasphemous manner, by saying that I tolerated such things in which thing he is guilty of lying &c. &c.
Joseph Smith"
The defendant plead not guilty. One were appointed to speak on a side, Viz: 7) Grover and 8) Johnson.
The charge was not sustained, but it appeared that he had taught false doctrine which was corrected by President Joseph Smith, and the doctrine which was corrected by President Joseph Smith, and the defendant was continued in the church. Council adjd till Saturday the 9th of Dec. next at 2 O'clock P.M.
Hosea Stout Clerk
[Source: Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
180 years ago today - Nov 25, 1833
[Joseph Smith Diary] Brother[s] Orson Hyde and John Gould returned from Zion and brough[t] the melencholly intelegen[ce] of the riot in Zion with the inhabitants in pers[ec]uting the brethren.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
50 years ago today - Nov 24, 1963
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs on the nationwide radio broadcast for the memorial service of President John F. Kennedy.
[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]
110 years ago today - Nov 24, 1903
Your letter of the 18th inst., announcing your conclusion to resign your position as president of the Brigham Young University to accept the position of manager of the Utah Mexican Rubber Company at Tobasco received attention at our regular Council meeting last Thursday. Your determination to leave the school was a great surprise, especially to the brethren the apostles who had received no intimation of it until hearing your letter read; and we may say that we ourselves would have fully shared the same feeling had it not been for the conversation you previously had with us on this subject; but notwithstanding this fact we were not fully prepared to reconcile ourselves to the belief that you could have seen your way ear to resign the honored position you had so long and faithfully filled for one entirely out of your line of experience and of an uncertain tenure besides. But we are pleased to inform you that the Council, while regretting your action, accepted of your resignation with sentiments of appreciation for your efficient labors as principal of the Brigham Young University, and with the best of feelings toward you personally, as well as the best of wishes for your success in your new field of labor, in which we ourselves heartily join.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Benjamin Cluff Jr.]
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Benjamin Cluff Jr.]
115 years ago today - Nov 24, 1898
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Called at MCune's office and had a chat with him and Fisher Harris. Met Ja[me]s H. Moyle and chatted with him and I feel sure he would like to see McCune elected Senator.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Nov 23, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith suggested -"petitioning Congress for a grant to make a canal over the falls [around the Mississippi River rapids], or a dam to turn the water to the city, so that we might erect mills and other machinery.-",
[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]
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