35 years ago today - Mar 31, 1978

President Spencer W. Kimball announced that semiannual rather than quarterly stake conferences would be held starting in 1979.

[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]

120 years ago today - Mar 31, 1893

[Francis M. Lyman] Bro[ther] [B. H.] Roberts case was talked over and he declared himself in full harmony with the Presidency and Twelve upon the manifesto and the policy of the Presidency in political affairs.

[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]

120 years ago today - Friday, Mar 31, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Presidents W. Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, Jos. F. Smith, Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, F. M. Lyman, George Teasdale, George Reynolds, Geo. F. Gibbs, B. H. Roberts and myself met and talked over the situation and the question of allegiance. Bro. B. H. Roberts declared himself fully in accord with us.

[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 - Mar 31, 1883

Apostle Brigham Young Jr. tells stake priesthood meeting: "There are many girls in Utah who have never had an offer of marriage from a man of the Church... Girls who marry outsiders are not worthy of the Sacrament."

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

150 years ago today - Mar 31, 1863 (Tuesday)

Gov. Stephen S. Harding pardoned all the Morrisites, who had been convicted of resisting the officers, etc.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

175 years ago today - Mar 31, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 31 Walked to Mr Ebenezar W. Carvers. Found his wife confined to her bed with a fever. I Prayed for her & she was healed.

[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 - Mar 30, 1943

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Brother Anderson and I went upstairs, and I dictated a number of items for a conference talk. I dictated altogether too much I think. I have handed it to President Clark and requested him to please take a lot out of it, which I think he will do.

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

120 years ago today - Thursday, Mar 30, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Brigham Young, F. M. Lyman, Abraham H. Cannon and myself went to Dinwoodeys and picked out some furnature for our room [in the Temple]. Among the items a Parlor set, five oak chairs, two Wardrobes. We borrowed two tables. We ate Oysters at Arbogast's.

[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 - Mar 30, 1883

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] I read a letter from Nellie Woodruff At Ashleys Fork giving an account of 2 Men killing an Animal in the Country Sumthing of the Panther kind that measured 9 feet in length 3 1/2 feet high & weighed 200 lbs. It was shot with 17 Balls Before it died. It was Considered the largest Animal of the kind Ever killed in the Rocky Mountains.

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

140 years ago today - Mar 30, 1873

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young Said I thought while looking at the school Children to day that I should see a much larger assembly of school Children in the spirit world when we meet with all the Children who have lived on this Earth & Died without sin, & I thought would their be as many grown Persons worthy to be with them in proportion to the number of teachers with them to day. But I think there will not.

Again President Young said Joseph the Prophet told me that the garden of Eden was in Jackson Co Missouri, & when Adam was driven out of the garden of Eden He went about 40 miles to the Place which we Named Adam Ondi Ahman, & there built an Altar of Stone & offered Sacrifice. That Altar remains to this day. I saw it as Adam left it as did many others, & through all the revolutions of the world that Altar had not been disturbed. Joseph also said that when the City of Enoch fled & was translated it was where the gulf of Mexico now is. It left that gulf a body of water. -- Salt Lake City [Wilford WoodruffÂ's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 7:128-129]

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

165 years ago today - Mar 30, 1848

[Hosea Stout Diary] Ten Pawnees here now. N wind[.] Today Prest Yound requested the police to go with him to Conference on the 6th of April as there is some threats of the soldiers. & he intends to stand his ground

Went to fixing for Conference[.] The Pawnees are very troublesome.

[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

175 years ago today - Mar 30, 1838

Wilford Woodruff reports, "I was still sick in the morning. I had Prayers & was much better after my wife laid hands on me and asked the Lord to heal me."

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

80 years ago today - Mar 29, 1933

On 29 March 1933 the National Society of the Sons of Utah Pioneers was incorporated as a state society in Salt Lake City, Utah.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Sons of Utah Pioneers, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/SONSOFUTAHPION.html]

150 years ago today - Mar 29, 1863

At night in Salt Lake City, cannon fire is heard from Fort Douglas. Mormons respond by sounding their own alarm, via cannon, and many Mormons hastily dress, grab their arms, and rush to Brigham Young's residence ready to defend against an invasion by the U.S. Army. The noise from Ft. Douglas turns from cannon fire to band music and Mormons later learn that the Army men are only celebrating their commander's promotion to brigadier-general.

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

175 years ago today - Mar 29, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... The LORD is manifesting his work in great condescension & mercy to the Blood of Ephraim & honest in heart upon these Islands of the sea both by dreams & vissions, signs, healings & wonders. One remarkable circumstance that happened on this day I will mention as follows:

Mr Ebenezar Carver had been earnestly investigating the subject of the gospel as we set it forth & while desireing that he might know the truth of it he walked to the sea shore desireing that he might have some sign and while the word of God was for him to meditate upon that there should no sign be given but the sign of the Prophet Jonas on a sudden their was a large fish arose on the water in the sea at a distance from him & suddenly sunk out of sight. He much desired to again see the sight. Immediately the fish again arose on the top of the water accompanied with another fish of the same specie & size & one of them swam on a strait line on the top of the water towards Mr Carver as he stood upon the beach. When the fish Came as near his feet as the water would permit him the fish looked at the man with a Penetrating eye as though he had a message for him. He then returned to his mate in the Ocean & swam out of sight & Mr Carver returned meditating upon this strange sight & sign & the wonderful condescenscion of the Lord.

It is worthy of remark that this was at a season of the year when fish of that size is not known upon these shores or coast & they never at any season of the year are known to come ashore as in this case. Mr Carver had dreams at night to Confirm him that these things was a sign to him. Great & marvelous are the works of the Lord.

[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 - Mar 29, 1838

[Joseph Smith Diary] ... To the first Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Kirtland

...Being under the hand of wicked, vex/at/ious Lawsuits for Seven years past, my buisness was so dangerous that I was not able to leave it in as good a Situation as I had antisipated, but if there are any wrongs They shall all be noticed so far as the Lord g[iv]es me ability and power to do so.

... I would just say to Br[other] Marks that I Saw in a vision while on the road that whereas he was closely persued by an innumerable concource of enemies and as they pressed upon him hard as if they were about to devour him and had seemingly attained some degre[e] of advantage over him, But about this time a chariot of fire came near the place and the Angel of the Lord put forth his hand unto Br[other] Marks and said unto him, "Thou art my son come here." And immediately he was caught up in the Chariot and rode away [p.169] triumphantly out of their midst and again the Lord Said, "I will raise the[e] up for a blessing unto many people."

Now the particulars of this whole matter cannot be writ[t]en at this time, but the vision was evidently given to me that I might know that the hand of the Lord would be on his behalf.

J[oseph] Smith, Jr.

[P.S.] I transmit to you the following motto of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints Recorded on Pages 16 and 17 of J[oseph] Smith, Jr., Scriptory Record Book A.

... [insert] The Political Motto of the Church of Latter-day Saints. The Constitution of our country formed by the Fathers of liberty. Peace and good order in society. Love to God, and good will to man. All good and wholesome laws, virtue and truth above all things, and aristarchy, live for ever! But woe to tyrants, mobs, aristocracy, anarchy, and toryism, and all those who invent or seek out unrighteous and vexatious law suits, under the pretext and color of law, or office, either religious or political. Exalt the standard of Democracy! Down with that of priestcraft, and let all the people say Amen! that the blood of our fathers may not cry from the ground against us. Sacred is the memory of that blood which bought for us our liberty. JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

65 years ago today - March 28? 1948

Elders Spencer W. Kimball and Mark E. Petersen of the Council of the Twelve to have charge of a program to assist Latter-day Saint girls coming to Salt Lake City and other large centers of population for employment and other reasons. The purpose of the program was to prevent loneliness, discouragement and the dangers of bad companions and resulting sin.

[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

120 years ago today - Mar 28, 1893

[Francis M. Lyman] I had a long and interesting talk with bro[ther] Cha[rle]s W. Penrose upon the course he took in politics. He justified himself in nearly everything. His chief hard feelings are against Pres[ident]

Geo[rge] Q. Cannon for turning him out of the Deseret News office unceremoniously as he claims to give room for bro[ther] Cannons Sons. ..

[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]

125 years ago today - Mar 28, 1888

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] ... The day is gloomy and the outlook for statehood is gloomy indeed. Suing for church property keeps the Marshall busy, I feel opposed to allowing these scoundrels to abuse us as they please I believe a little wholesome resistance to unwarranted proceedings on the part of the opposition would make these blatant persecutors think well before they assalted[?] us once. Meeting [of the Twelve] closed without the council coming to definite conclusion. A great deal of useless talk was indulged in by the younger and inexperienced members. It does seem the less we know the more we have to say.

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

175 years ago today - Mar 28, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 28th I receieved three letters ... It contained an account of the Saints leaveing Kirtland for the land of Zion & of the judgments of God that were comeing upon Kirtland & also upon the whole land.

He sent me the counsel of the Presidency of our quorum which was to teach the Saints upon the Islands of the sea to immediately sell their property & prepare themselves to go to the land of Zion which is a place of safety & deliverance that they may escape the just judgments of God that are at the doors.

I also perused the late Papers of the day. Found that all things indicate that great trouble is at the doors & that the Lord is nigh at hand. Both the signs in heaven & on earth are visible in fulfillment of the word of God.

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

80 years ago today - Mar 27, 1933

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Elder J. Reuben Clark, Jr. who is to be my second counselor in the First Presidency, called this morning. I was delighted to meet him. He has just returned from serving as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.

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

120 years ago today - Mar 27, 1893

Utah Saints gather in their meetinghouses for a special fast in anticipation of the April 6 dedication of the Salt Lake Temple.

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

125 years ago today - Tuesday, Mar 27, 1888

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] It was agreed that the Presiding Bishop should be the custodian of all church funds.

[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 - Mar 27, 1888

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] Excellent feeling among us once more. Committee report was acceptable making presiding Bishops the medium through which all church funds are collected and he is also the treasurer. I objected to placing this power in the bishops hands and think that he is virning. Of course means are wholly subject to order of president. I approve of a business system such as Contemplated in the report.

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

170 years ago today - Mar 27, 1843

Joseph Smith dictates a letter to Sidney Rigdon "showing that [Joseph] believed said Rigdon was concerned [connected] with J[ohn] C. Bennet[t], Geo[rge] W. Robinson, and Jared Carter." Joseph states in the letter:."I now notify you. That unless something should take place to restore my mind to its former confidence in you, by some acknowledgments on your part or some explanations, that shall do away my Jealousies, I must as a conscientious man, publish my withdrawal of my fellowship from you, to the church through the medium of the times & Seasons, and demand of the conference a hearing concerning your case;" Willard Richards delivered the letter the same day Rigdon penned a conciliatory reply in which he denied all charges. At the next Oct conference Joseph Smith proposed that Rigdon should be dismissed but the proposition was defeated.

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

15 years ago today - Mar 26, 1998

President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicates a replica of the Palmyra, New York, log home where the Joseph Smith Sr. family resided at the time of the First Vision and where the appearances of the angel Moroni occurred.

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

130 years ago today - Mar 26, 1883

[Wilford Woodruff, "History of the St. George Temple, Its Cost & Dedication and the Labor Thereon", Mar. 26, 1883] The corner stones were laid on the 10th day of March, 1873, and labor was continued thereon until Jan[.] 1st, 1877, when it was dedicated to God. I, Wilford Woodruff, bear testimony, that Pres[iden]t B[righam] Young told me to go to work and prepare the Temple for giving Endowments, and I had made the preparations according to his acceptance; and on the 9th of Jan., 1877, we repaired to the Temple and for the first time the ordinance of baptism for the dead was performed in the Temple of St. George[.] Wilford Woodruff went into the font by the direction of Pres[iden]t Brigham Young and administered the ordinance of baptism for the first 140 persons, and confirmed the first person, Pres[iden]t Young laying on hands at the same time. John L. Smith administered the ordinance of baptism for the next 83 persons, making 223 baptisms and confirmations during that day. ... Susie Amelia Young Dunford was the first baptized and confirmed by W[ilford] Woodruff. Pres[iden]t Brigham Young requested me to take charge of the Temple, which I did. He also requested me to write all the ordinances of the Church from the first baptism and confirmation through every ordinance of the Church. Geo[rge] Q. Cannon assisted some in this writing, and when I had finished it to the satisfaction of the Pres ident, he said to me, "Now you have before you an ensample to carry on the endowments in all the temples until the coming of the Son of Man."

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

130 years ago today - Monday, Mar 26, 1883

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] [on train from Leeds to Liverpool]

In the compartment I rode in were eight other men, all English and respectable appearing. I found them well informed but from their talk rather immoral. One of them said that no longer than the night before he had had sexual intercourse with his neighbor's wife and that he always took his satisfaction out of women when they would permit him to do so. I told him he ought to have his throat cut for his vileness.

[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

175 years ago today - Mar 26, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] I was quite Ill. The destroyer made a severe attact upon me & I had a sick night.

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

60 years ago today - Mar 25, 1953

In an effort to reduce the enormous workload of the General Authorities, David O' McKay announced that missionaries returning from their fields of labor would now make their formal reports to local leaders rather than General Authorities.

[Source: Prince, David O McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism (2005), p. 145, First Presidency Circular Letter, March 25, 1953]

75 years ago today - Mar 25, 1938

[Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark Jr., and David O. McKay to Hyrum B. Calder and counselors, Mar. 25, 1938] The increased use by some Church members, young and old, of garments that do not conform to the standard prescribed, and the actual disuse of any garment at all by a few, are cause for deep concern and call for definite instructions and guidance regarding this matter. * For the guidance and protections of these and of members of the Church generally, it has been deemed advisable to copyright a different label which will be placed only upon those garments which conform to approved regulations. * The marks should never be placed on garments except by one who is entitled to wear them. [W]hen garments are marked before being sold, the marking must have been done by one officially authorized. * So far as the Lord has revealed His will on this matter, it is far better not to receive the endowment than to receive it and then to violate the undertakings and obligations and covenants that pertain thereto. Young people who declare that they will not wear the garment after they shall have received their endowment should not be given recommends.

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

100 years ago today - Mar 25, 1913

The First Presidency spends nearly two hours considering "the matter of Morris H. Wilkinson and Mima his wife. She wants her endowments and still does not want to be sealed to him for eternity, nor her children either."

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

120 years ago today - Mar 25, 1893

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Saturday. This day has been set apart by the First Presidency for fasting and prayer and for the Saints to confess their sins to one another and ask forgiveness in public meeting. I went to meeting at 11 a. m., met with the people of Richmond, confessed my sins, and asked forgiveness of the Saints if I had done anyone any wrong. Many of the Saints, male and female, spoke in a similar manner. We had an excellent meeting; held it 4 hours until all were satisfied.

[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

140 years ago today - Mar 25, 1873

[Patriarchal Blessings] [Patriarchal Blessing of Samuel Reber given by William G. Perkins on March 25, 1873]

... You will see the sea move off to the north and the two great continents coming together; then you will feel the earth reeling to and from [fro] like a drunken man. And if you should desire it you shall have an inheritance in your native land.

You will go to the center stake and work on that temple that shall be reared in this generation. You will see that finished off and dedicated unto the Lord your Redeemer. You will enter into that house with your wives, you will redeem your dead. You will labor and do a great work in that house for them. You will have power to call your dead forth, you will be blessed in all our [of] your labors, for your labors will be for the building up of Zion upon this earth. You will have your lamp trimmed and burning when the cry is made, -"Behold, the Bridegroom cometh! Go ye out to meet Him.-" You will be caught up to meet him and return with Him to His Holy temple, and the door will be shut. There you will hear great howling and lamentation. There you will see a cloud by day over that house, and a pillar of fire by night. ...

[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]

165 years ago today - Mar 25, 1848

[Hosea Stout Diary] ... Council met today and passed the following law."On motion of President B. Young it was unanimously voted that the Captain of the Police be authorized to call upon as many Brethren to volunteer free of expense as he needs out of each Ward to stand guard for one month to come to entirely prevent the Indians from coming into Winter Quarters at nights; also that no one trade with the Indians. If they do they are liable to a fine of one dollar and forfeit the article they have traded for"

After recieving a copy of this law I forthwith went to the executing the same which was a great task I assure you as men were full of excuses & not willing to stand guard.

[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

170 years ago today - Mar 25, 1843

[Joseph Smith] Joseph, as mayor, issues a proclamation against the secret gangs of thieves who are hiding out along the Mississippi River. He promises protection to anyone who will volunteer the names of the criminals.

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

25 years ago today - Mar 24, 1988

At a dinner commemorating the 350th anniversary of the first Swedish settlement in the United States, the king and queen of Sweden entertain a group of guests that includes President Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, and his wife, Frances.

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

25 years ago today - Mar 24, 1988

New head of Church Security is Richard Bretzing, twenty-five-year veteran of FBI.

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

170 years ago today - Mar 24, 1843

Nauvoo, Illinois. To Joseph Smith's pleasant surprise, the Boston Bee published a favorable article about him.

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

175 years ago today - Mar 24, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... There is great excitement throughout the USA Concerning the death of Mr CILLEY a representative in congress from Thomaston state of Maine who was killed in a duel on the 24 of Feb by Mr GRAVES of Kentucky also a member of the Same body. Mr Cilley was shot through the heart with a rifle on the fourth fire at the distance of eighty yards. Congress is in uproar & finally the whole nation is in trouble. The hand of God is resting upon her because of the wickedness of the people. Bloody wars & sore distress are at the doors of America & the faces will all soon gather blackness because they have polluted this goodly land & all the judgments will soon come upon you O ye proud gentiles that the Bible & Book of Mormon declare against you.

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

120 years ago today - Mar 23, 1893

Apostle Marriner W. Merrill writes of the meeting of the First Presidency and the Apostles: "The subject of Apostle Moses Thatcher, B, H. Roberts, and C. W. Penrose was discussed at length; they all went in direct opposition to the First Presidency policy in the last fall political campaign. Those Brethren were not at the meeting, Brother Thatcher being very sick and had to go home. After a long discussion in which the First Presidency and ten of the Apostles (all that were present) were all unanimously agreed, it was decided that those Brethren should see their wrong, repent and make confessions to their Quorums and the Presidency. We all partook of bread and wine at 3:30 p. m. and adjourned at 4:30 p. m. to meet again on Monday, Apr 3rd. It was agreed upon that the Brethren above named should not attend the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple until they made matters right."

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

170 years ago today - Mar 23, 1843

[Brigham Young] --23 (Sunday)-- Attended meeting at the stand; most of the Twelve were present. I preached in the forenoon, and Elder Parley P. Pratt in the afternoon.

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

180 years ago today - Mar 23, 1833

The Prophet Joseph Smith appoints Joseph Coe, Moses Dailey, and Ezra Thayer to purchase the Peter French farm as the site for the Kirtland Temple.

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

More History?

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

120 years ago today - Mar 22, 1893

First Presidency and Twelve meet and Apostle "M[oses] Thatcher was felt not to be in harmony with the first presidency. He partly conceded he was wrong but did not go far enough." Thatcher is dropped from the quorum three years later.

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

150 years ago today - Mar 22, 1863

[Brigham Young Sermon] '-followed by President Young who gave a vary interesting discourse. -- Salt Lake City [Wilford WoodruffÂ's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 6:106; Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002)]

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

175 years ago today - Mar 22, 1838

The Ohio Repository reprints Warren Parrish's letter about Joseph hearing the voice of the Lord instructing him to establish the "Banking-Anti-Banking Institution."

[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

80 years ago today - Mar 21, 1933

[James E. Talmage] Attended a specially called meeting of the council of the Twelve, held in the Church office building. Consideration was given tot he functions of the office of the Patriarch to the Church, generally known as the Presiding Patriarch. A detailed report of the proceedings was made to the First Presidency.

[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]

170 years ago today - Mar 21, 1843

[Joseph Smith] "Young Gentlemen and Ladies Relief Society of Nauvoo" is officially organized and a charter of 12 rules is drawn up. "If the youth throughout our land would follow this good example and form themselves into such societies, there would be much less sin, iniquity, misery, and degradation among the young people than there is at the present day." (Times and Seasons, Apr. 1, 1843.)

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

170 years ago today - Mar 21, 1843

William Miller, father of the Adventist churches, predicts the earth would end sometime between Mar 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844.

[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994.]

1813, 200 years ago this year.

Brigham Young: Moved with family to Sherburne, New York, 1804, and to Auburn, New York, 1813.

[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]

10 years ago today - Mar 20, 2003

[U.S. Religious History] The United States House of Representatives voted 400-7 to condemn the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision not to reconsider its ruling that the addition of the phase "under God" to the The Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional. The seven who voted against the resolution were all Democrats.

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

80 years ago today - Mar 20, 1933

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] This evening I had intended to go through the temple, but I was talking to Brother B.H. Roberts and J. Golden Kimball regarding the filling of the vacancy in their quorum and told them the Apostles favored Brother Samuel O. Bennion. ...



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

80 years ago today - Mar 20, 1933

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I called at the State Capitol and told Governor Henry G. Blood that I would not feel to condemn him if he saw fit to sign the bill allowing beer to be manufactured in Utah to be exported outside of Utah. Neither would I condemn him if he signed the other bill. I did not tell him I hoped he would veto the cigaret (sic) bill but I certainly do. I am harassed with doubts as to whether or not he should sign the other. ...

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

125 years ago today - Tuesday, Mar 20, 1888

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] ... We passed upon some minor items and then decided to put an Iron roof on the Temple and to let A. Howe have the job. ... President Woodruff called for the report of the committee on a new system to run church affairs and also said he thought it was about time to organize the first Presidency. L. Snow spoke in favor. G. Q. Cannon was in favor. B. Young was mixed. Bro. Thatcher started to speak but we adjourned before we got through.

[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 - Mar 20, 1888

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] Meeting of Council at office 10 a.m. Much business. Pres[iden]t Woodruff proposed a first presidency which was not received with favor by younger members. In my turn to speak presented the necessity of the Quorum being one previous to consideration of said subject. I knew there existed much ill feeling towards Bro[ther] Cannon by younger members of quorum. Investigation of charges began Bro[ther]s M. Thatcher, F. M. Lyman, Jno. H. S. & H. J. Grant and a little by E. Snow. Much valuable time is wasted in these comparatively groundless charges and their generally successful refutation. I tremble for the future if we continue these unrighteous proceedings. It seems that we do not forgive each other when difficulties are apparently settled.

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

170 years ago today - 1843 20 Mar.

James C. Brewster publishes his claim that as part of an 1836 Ohio treasure-quest, Presiding Patriarch Joseph Smith, Sr., "anointed the mineral rods and seeing stones with consecrated oil, and prayed over them in the house of the Lord in Kirtland."

[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 - Mar 20, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] ...This evening from 7 to 9 was seen /by Bro[ther] Hawes and others/ in the heavens a dark stripe of considerable width passing over our Zenith, dark as the darkest clouds.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

170 years ago today - Mar 20, 1843

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... The signs in the heavens are making theire appearance. Theire has been singular signs appeared in & about the sun for sever[al] days this week. O Pratt has taken a sketch of the same which will appear in the Time & Seasons. Their has also been other signs. The light that has been represented as a sword has made its appearance for several nights past in the same place & also on the opposite of the horizen has been seem A black streak about the size of the light one. While one is as black as darkness the other has considerable of the appearance of the blaze of a Comet & some have contended that it was a Comet. But it cannot be a comet for it appears about 7 o-clock & disappears about 9 oclock remaining about two hours. Thus it appears that the signs that Joel & Jesus spoke of are making their appearance.

[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 - Mar 19, 1943

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Had a very pleasnat [visit] with Henry D. Moyle. I told him that I understood his father was writing his own history, gathering information from friends. I said I hoped he would read it over. I would be very grateful if there were no comments in it that might reflect upon President Joseph F. Smith's failure to carry out the wishes of the Democrats.

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

75 years ago today - Mar 19, 1938

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I then had a talk, I think of fully two hours, with Brother Adam S. Bennion, and he finally concluded to pay his tithing for last year, and to be a tithe payer in the future, for which I am very grateful indeed, and withdrew his resignation as a member of the Church Board of Education, and also I told him I would have his resignation withdrawn as a member of the Sunday School board. I have a great respect for Adam S. Bennion, for his ability and his marvelous energy, and thank the Lord that he finally concluded to withdraw these resignations. I feel sure in my heart that had he not done so eh (sic) would drift away and become indifferent to the Church. ...

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

100 years ago today - Mar 19, 1913

Attended committee [composed of Joseph Fielding Smith and James E. Talmage] meeting appointed by the Council of the Twelve to consider the matter of Temple records. The presidents and recorders of Temples were present with us. [Note: On April 12, 1913, the First Presidency instructed, based on the recommendations of Joseph Fielding Smith and James E. Talmage, that temples begin using typewriters instead of writing reports by hand, using loose-leaf sheets instead of large bound volumes, a card index system, and not maintaining duplicate records.]

[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]

130 years ago today - Monday, Mar 19, 1883

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Liverpool

Bro. Lambert and myself visited the Anatomical Museum of Liverpool. It shows the effects of vanerial diseases upon the parents also upon children born of diseased parents. It also shows the frightfull effects of masterbation on both men and women. We saw models life size of women in all stages of pregnancy. One case was that of a woman with twins, one white and the other black. Another frightfull thing was a man with child supposed to be a twin, and to have been born in him. The fearfull effects of vaccination where bad vaccine was used. The bad effects of tight lacing was also shown. We saw the Florantine model of Louisse Lateau, born in Belgium. She bleeds from the same parts of the body our saviour did.

[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

165 years ago today - May 19, 1848

[Deseret] the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican War; the United States gets more than one-half million square miles, including what will become the states of California, Nevada, Utah, most of New Mexico and Arizona, and parts of Wyoming and Colorado. Texas is also ceded to the United States.James Marshall discovers gold at Sutter's Mill in California

[Source: Legends of America, Old West Timeline, http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-TimeLine2.html]

120 years ago today - Mar 18, 1893

[:eneral] Worthiness of L.D.S. members to enter Temples-- Salt Lake City, Utah;...

This address and the circular letter which follows it under a date of May 9, 1893 both have to do primarily with the righteousness and worthiness of those who wished to and did attend the dedicatory services of the Salt Lake Temple on April 6, 1893. The address called for a complete re-dedication of the Saints to the principles of the Gospel including the spirit of forgiveness for all past wrongs, discords, etc., before attending the services. The circular letter of May 9, 1893 indicates that the provisions of the address had not been carried out in many cases and that persons were given recommends by the Bishops to attend the services who were not worthy and had not complied with the instructions of March 18th. The letter of May 9, 1893 called for disfellowshipment or excommunication of those who attended the services unworthily who would not now repent. ...

[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

125 years ago today - Mar 18, 1888

Wilford Woodruff writes, "I consecrated a seers stone that Joseph found in a well." First Presidency Secretary L.John Nuttall writes: "After our meeting the brethren met to consider the meetings of the Womens suffrage association &c commencing next Sunday and see if arrangements cannot be made to keep them from speaking against Utah and her people. Bro. Caine was requested to see Miss Susan B. Anthony on this subject tomorrow."

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

130 years ago today - Mar 18, 1883

First Counselor George Q. Cannon preaches: "So with regard to the periods occupied in the creation of the earth. Joseph taught that a day with God was not the twenty-four hours of our day; but that the six days of the creation were six periods of the Lord's time. This he taught half a century ago; it is now generally received as a great truth connected with the creation of the world. Geologists have declared it, and religious people are adopting it; and so the world is progressing."

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

170 years ago today - Mar 18, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] ... Laid down on the writing table with /back of the/ head on Law Books saying write and tell the world I acknowlidge myself a very great lawyer. I am going study law and this is the way I study and [then I] fell asleep and went to snoring. This was about noon.

In the afternoon rode out and about 4 [o'clock] took a game of ball east of Main street.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

180 years ago today - Mar 18, 1833

Sidney ordains D. P. Hurlbut an elder, then requests that he and Frederick G. Williams be ordained presidents of the High Priesthood, equal to Joseph, as revealed March 8. Joseph ordains them (organization of what would become known as the First Presidency). Vision promised. Many see vision of the Savior and angels.

[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

180 years ago today - Mar 18, 1833

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 90: Revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet, given at Kirtland, Ohio, March 8, 1833. HC 1: 329-331. This revelation is a continuing step in the establishment of the First Presidency (see heading to Section 81), and as a consequence thereof the counselors mentioned were ordained on March 18, 1833.

1-5, Keys of the kingdom are committed to Joseph Smith and through him to the Church; 6-7, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams are to serve in the First Presidency; 8-11, The gospel is to be preached to the nations of Israel, to the Gentiles, and to the Jews, every man hearing in his own tongue; 12-18, Joseph Smith and his counselors are to set in order the Church; 19-37, Various individuals are counseled by the Lord to walk uprightly and serve in his kingdom.

[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]

180 years ago today - Mar 18, 1833

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 81: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, March 1832. HC 1: 257-258. Frederick G. Williams is called to be a high priest and a counselor in the Presidency of the High Priesthood. The historical records show that when this revelation was received in March 1832, it called Jesse Gause to the office of counselor to Joseph Smith in the Presidency. However, when he failed to continue in a manner consistent with this appointment, the call was subsequently transferred to Frederick G. Williams. The revelation (dated March 1832) should be regarded as a step toward the formal organization of the First Presidency, specifically calling for the office of counselor in that body and explaining the dignity of the appointment. Brother Gause served for a time, but was excommunicated from the Church in December 1832. Brother Williams was ordained to the specified office on March 18, 1833.

1-2, The keys of the kingdom are always held by the First Presidency; 3-7, If Frederick G. Williams is faithful in his ministry, he shall have eternal life.

[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]

50 years ago today - Mar 17, 1963

A Mormon writes to Joseph Fielding Smith: "In the Temple ceremony we are told that only through Temple marriage can we receive the highest degree of exaltation and dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Christ came here to set us the example and, therefore, we believe that he must have been married. Are we right?" Joseph Fielding Smith replies with a signed, hand-written note, "Yes! But do no preach it! The Savior advised us not to cast pearls before swine!"

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

120 years ago today - Mar 17, 1893

Apostles John Henry Smith, Moses Thatcher and Abraham H. Cannon "spent the day looking up Furnature and Carpets for the Apostles rooms in the Temple." The First Presidency reviews and edits a dedicatory prayer written by Franklin D. Richards, to be given by President Wilford Woodruff at the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple on Apr. 6.

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

170 years ago today - Mar 17, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] ettled with Father Perry gave him a deed of 80 acres of land and city lot and prophecied that it would not be 6 mo[nths] before he could sell it for cash.

4 o'clock P.M. N[ewel] K. Whitney brought in a letter from R. S. Blennarhassett, Esqu[ire], St. Louis concerning [Orrin] Porter Rockwell, dated March 7th saying Porter was arrested the day previous and wishing instruction. Read and dictated answer. Heard read letters No. 1 Boston Bee by Viator and his own to [James] Arlington Bennet.

2 P.M. Walked out with 4 or 5 ladies towards the store. Went into Holmes. A report is circulated that the new indictments have been found in M[iss]o[uri] against Joseph, Hyrum, and some 100 others on the old subject and John C. Bennet[t] is going to do so and so.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

185 years ago today - about Monday, Mar 17, 1828

[Book of Mormon Translation] Harmony, Lucy [Harris] searches Joseph Smith home for plates.

[Source: Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm]

80 years ago today - Mar 16, 1933

President Grant said he hoped the brethren would be able to agree upon a successor to Elder Hyrum G. Smith, deceased, as presiding Patriarch to the Church, so that he might be installed at the April conference. He asked the Council of the Twelve to give the matter careful and prayerful consideration and submit a recommendation to him as to their choice for this position.

[Source: Minutes]

125 years ago today - Friday, Mar 16, 1888

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] ... At 10 a.m. the following brethren met in Council. Present: W. Woodruff, L. Snow, E. Snow, F. D. Richards, B. Young, M. Thatcher, F. M. Lyman, H. J. Grant, J. W. Taylor, W. B. Preston, R. T. Burton, J. R. Winder, D. H. Wells, G. Reynolds and myself. We voted not to form any more Quorums of seventies and not to ordain any more seventies at the present. ...

[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]

160 years ago today - Mar 16, 1853 (Wednesday)

After being confined in prison for several months, Svend Larsen was liberated from the Frederikstad jail, and ordered to preach "Mormonism" no more in Norway.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

175 years ago today - Mar 16, 1838

[Joseph Smith Diary] ... the following sentiments occur[r]ed to my mind:

Motto of the Church of [Jesus] Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Constitution of our country formed by the Fathers of Liberty. Peace and good order in society. Love to God and good will to man. All good and wholesome Laws, And virtue and truth above all things, And Aristarchy live forever!!! But Wo to tyrants, Mobs, Aristocracy, Anarchy and Toryism, And all those who invent or seek out unrighteous and vexatious lawsuits under the pretext or color of law or office, either religious or political.

Exalt the standard of Democracy! Down with that of Priestcraft, and let all the people say Amen! That the blood of our Fathers may not cry from the ground against us.

Sacred is the Memory of that Blood which bought for us our liberty.

Signed: Joseph Smith, Jr.

... Quest[ions] on Scripture

1st Who is the stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st, 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th verses of the 11th Chap[ter] of Isaiah?

Ans[wer] Verily thus saith the Lord, It is Christ.

Q[uestion] 2d What is the Rod spoken of in the 1st verse of the 11th Chap[ter] that should come of the stem of Jessee?

Ans[wer] Behold thus saith /the Lord/, it is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a de[s]cendant of Jessee as well as of Ephraim or of the house of Joseph, on whome thare is laid much power.

Q[u]est[ion] 3d What is the Root of Jessee spoken of in the 10th verse of the 11th Chap[ter]?

Ans[wer] Behold thus saith the Lord, it is a de[s]cendant of Jessee as well as of Joseph unto whom rightly belongs the Priesthood and the kees of the Kingdom for an ensign and for the geathering of my people in the Last days.

Questions by Elias Higby

=1st Q[uestion] What is me[a]nt by the command in Isaiah 52d Chap[ter], 1st verse which saith, "Put on thy strength O ZION," and what people has I[sa]iah referance to?

A[nswer] He had reference to those whome God should call in the last days who should hold the power of Priesthood to bring again Zion and the redemption of Israel. And to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood which She (Zion) has a right to by lineage. Also to return to that power which she had lost.

Q[ues[tion] 2d What are we to understand by Zions loosing herself from the bands of her neck, 2d verse?

A[nswer] We are to understand that the scattered remnants are ex[h]orted to return to the Lord from whence they have fal[l]en which if they do the promise of the Lord is that he will speak to them or give them revelation. See 6th, 7th, and 8th verses. The bands of her neck are the curses of God upon her or the remnants of Israel in their scattered condition among the Gentiles.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

65 years ago today - Mar 15, 1948

[Frank Evans] President Smith came to me with a letter from Joseph F. Smith, former Patriarch, in which a request was made for financial aid. After discussion of the matter, President Smith asked that the requested funds should be sent on a monthly basis up to March 1, and he asked me to outline a letter for the signature of the First Presidency and a different one for his own signature so that he might elect as to which should be signed. This was promptly attended to.

[Source: Frank Evans, Diary]

100 years ago today - Mar 15, 1913

Call for more missionaries-- Salt Lake City, Utah.

An annual decrease in the number of missionaries going into the mission field for the three preceding years and the special needs of certain missions are noted in this appeal for missionaries.

[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

120 years ago today - Mar 15, 1893

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15 I met with the Board of Z.C.MI and heard the report of the Business of the year 1892. They sold during the year $3,100,232.76 cts. Received Cash During the Month of Feb $126,847./12.5/. The Committee went to the Temple. We will have all we Can do to get it ready for dedication.

[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 - Mar 15, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] ... Gave the following [new] name to the ''Wasp" enlarged as is contemplated "The Nauvoo Neighbor", [with the following in the masthead:] "Our Motto, the Saints Singularity" "Is unity, liberty, charity".

Joseph prophecied in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that [Orrin] Porter Rockwell will get away from the Missourians.

... Dream, last night dreamed of swimming in a river of pure water, clear as crystal, over a school of fish of the largest /size/ I ever saw. They were directly under my belly. I was astonished and felt afraid they might drown me or do me injury. They were the largest I ever saw.

Conversed much about Porter, wishing the boy well.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

170 years ago today - Mar 15, 1843

One week after Joseph Smith is sealed to his 20th plural wife TIMES AND SEASONS states: "We are charged with advocating a plurality of wives, and common property. Now this is as false as the many other ridiculous charges which are brought against us. No sect has a greater reverence for the laws of matrimony or the rights of private property; and we do what others do not, we practice what we preach."

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

175 years ago today - Mar 15, 1838 (Thursday)

[Joseph Smith Sermon] (Location: Far West, Missouri, USA

Source: Ebenezer Robinson Record -Far West Record, 151) President Joseph Smith jr gave a history of the ordination of David Whitmer, which took place in July 1834, to be a leader, or a prophet to this Church, which -ordination- was on conditions that he (J.Smith jr) did not live to God himself.

President J. Smith Jr. approved of the proceedings of the High Council, after hearing the minutes of the former Councils.

[Source: The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

180 years ago today - Mar 15, 1833

Kirtland, Ohio. Doctrine and Covenants 92. Frederick G. Williams is received into the United Order. He is to be an active member.

Kirtland Revelations Book introduction: Kirtland 15th March 1833.

Not printed in the Book of Commandments.

1835 Doctrine and Covenants 93 heading: Revelation to Enoch, on the order of the Church for the benefit of the poor, given to the saints in Kirtland, March, 1833.

Background.

Kirtland March 15th 1833/Kirtland council, 11.

Thursday received a revelation making known that F. G. W. should be received into the United firm in full partnership agreeable to the specification of the bond.

Kirtland Revelations Book.

[Source: Kenny, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]

120 years ago today - Mar 14, 1893

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] [Tuesday March 14] I attended meeting of the Apostles. It was decided to allow all the Saints to go to the dedication who had a standing [not disfellowshipped or excommunicated]. It had before been decided that a regular recommend was necessary."

[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

150 years ago today - Mar 14, 1863

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14 This was the day appointed for the Dedication of the meeting House in the City of Bountiful or Sessions settlement. At an Early hour 100 Horsmen arived from Farmington with the Brass band. At about 9 oclok President Young & Company arived with 100 Cavalry. They drove 10 miles in one hour & 15 minutes. All the Presidency & 7 of the Twelve were present in the New Meeting House and a full Congregation. Meeting Commenced at 10 oclok. The Quoir sung & Presidet Heber Kimball made the Dedication Prayer. Presidet Young addressed the people .... followed By H. C. Kimball in the forenoon and D. H. Wells Joseph Young & John Taylor in the afternoon. ...

[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 - Mar 14, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] Tuesday, March 14th 1843 * [Richards includes at this point a drawing of five interconnecting circles and the following description of the three most prominent circles:]

[[A description of the circles as observed by several brethern follows]] ... The whole design to represent as one of the signs of the times. "A Union of Powers and Combination of the Nations," says Joseph. ...

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

175 years ago today - Mar 14, 1838

Joseph Smith arrives in Far West, Missouri, after escaping from apostates in Kirtland, Ohio. [Church headquarters moves from Kirtland to Far West]

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

100 years ago today - Mar 13, 1913; Thursday

Letter read from Pres[iden]t. Richard W. Young, dated 5th inst. in regard to establishing a home for girls.

Communication referred to a committee consisting of Heber J. Grant, Hyrum M. Smith and George F. Richards, who are to consult with President Young and Sisters Riter, Babcock and Groesbeck, and report. ...

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

160 years ago today - Mar 13, 1853

Brigham Young seals Wilford Woodruff to his long-time wife Phebe. Young also seals forty-six-year-old Woodruff to two new plural wives: fifteen-year-old Emma Smith and nineteen-year-old Sarah Brown.

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

165 years ago today - Mar 13, 1848

[Hosea Stout Diary] Mond. March 13th 1848. Mostly at home still very sick. One Tremain as he called him self who had married Roswel Stevens daughter & who was afterwards found to be a consummate thief. Had been tried found guilty & whiped & the tabernacle not long since He came over on this side & was taken up by the police & tried before Carns as He thought. He expected to be immediately killed & begged for his life which we told him would be spared in case he would go away and never more be heard of in this mormons territorythis he gladly done & away he went

[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

170 years ago today - Mar 13, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, March 13th Throwed the bully of Ramus wrestling. ... In the evening held a meeting for blessing children, 27 blessed.

... It is said by many the sword was seen in the heavens last eve again. It is said in the papers that iron filings and sulphur have fallen in form of snow storm in Missouri in five counties. This day heard that the Quincy Institute was burned last week. 3 or 4 tracks were followed in the light snow from the institute to the middle of the river which was frozen over....

[the next day he explains the reason for this virtue going out of him. He states that he saw the influence of Lucifer and strove with all his might to protect the children against it. For this reason he becomes weak and has still not recovered by the next day]

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

170 years ago today - Mar 13, 1843

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... In the evening I had a view of the sword in the heavens.

[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 - Mar 13, 1838

Under the supervision of Hyrum Smith, the Seventies draft the constitution for the organization and government of Kirtland Camp (sometimes called the "poor camp"). The camp was composed of impoverished Latter-day Saints who were fleeing Kirtland, Ohio, for Far West, Missouri, following the apostasy in Kirtland.

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

10 years ago today - Mar 12, 2003

[Utah] Elizabeth Smart, the 15-year-old girl who'd vanished from her bedroom nine months earlier, was found alive in a Salt Lake City suburb with two drifters.

[Source: Ratnikas, Algis, TimelinesDb, http://www.timelinesdb.com/listevents.php?subjid=201title=Utah]

25 years ago today - Mar 12, 1988

First Presidency statement supports Child Abuse Prevention Month and encourages Mormons to combat this "pernicious problem."

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

60 years ago today - Thu Mar 12, 1953

[David O. McKay Office Journal] 9:15 to 9:30 a.m.--Patriarch Eldred Smith called at the office. Said he does not know where he is at, that he is receiving letters asking why he does not call the patriarchs together and have a meeting. I explained that such a meeting is being called for Conference time, and that it will be under the direction of the Twelve, at which time they will be given instructions. He said he could not understand why he is not the presiding patriarch. I said that is explained in a letter from the Twelve, that his is not an administrative office. The patriarch mentioned that he is told not to give any blessings other than patriarchal blessings here, and yet when he is in the stakes the Brethren will not permit him to do any setting apart or ordaining, but if anybody wants a special blessing they invite him to give it. [Later] The Brethren of the Presidency felt there was no reason why he should not assist in setting apart high councilmen or high priests quorum president, but that he should not ordain bishops or presidents of stakes.

[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]

1813, 200 years ago this year.

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr.s leg operation.

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

1813, 200 years ago this year.

John C. Waller, husband of Joseph Smith Sen.'s sister Priscilla was the Senior Warden of the Masonic Federal Lodge in Randolph in 1804. A John Smith was Senior Warden in 1813, possibly Joseph Smith Sr's brother (although he may have moved by then).

[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994.]

130 years ago today - Mar 11, 1883 (Sunday)

A townsite was selected in Snake River Valley, Idaho, and named Rexburg, in honor of Thos. E. Ricks.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

170 years ago today - Mar 11, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] ... 8 1/2 o'clock in the office, Joseph said he had tea with his breakfast. His wife asked him if [it] was good. He said if it was a little stronger he should like it better, when Mother Granger remarked, "It is so strong and good I should think it would answer Both for drink and food."

A dream then related. Night before last I [Joseph] dreamed that an /old/ man came to me /and said/ there was a mob force coming upon him, and he was likely to loose his life, that I was Lieut[enant] General and had the command of a large force. I was also a patriot and disposed to protect the innocent and unoffending and wanted I should assist him. I told him I wanted some written documents to show the facts that they are the agressors, and I would raise a force sufficient for his protection, that I would call out the Legion. He turned to go from me, but turned again and said to me. "I have any amount of men at my command and will put them under your command."

The words of Joseph: "While conversing about the sign in the heavens last evening, as sure as there is a God who sits enthroned in the heavens, and as sure as he ever spoke by me. So sure there will be a speedy and bloody war, and the broad sword seen last evening is the sure sign thereof."....

Joseph and Brigham had a pleasant and delighful ride and arrived at Bro[ther] McClary's in Ramus 15 minutes before 4 P.M. at Benjamine Johnson's to lodge while they staid in Ramus. In the eve[ning] Joseph pulled up Bro[ther] Moses with one hand pulling sticks.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

150 years ago today - Mar 10, 1863

Brigham Young is arrested for bigamy. He appears before a federal judge and is released on $2000 bail but charges are later dismissed.

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

175 years ago today - Mar 10, 1838

[Joseph Smith] John Whitmer and William Wines Phelps are excommunicated by the High Council in Far West.

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

50 years ago today - Mar 10, 1963

Hugh B. Brown presents the ―Covenant, an address covering Mormon doctrine, on NBC radio.

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

40 years ago today - Mar 9, 1973

President Dallin H. Oaks has informed me that advice relative to counseling young men and women about temple endowments is being given by either faculty and/or Church administrators which is not in agreement with Church policies. It seems that some BYU young women are being encouraged to receive their temple endowment any time after age 19. This counsel is opposed to the Church policy which is to encourage young women to wait until the time near their marriage or prior to receiving mission calls. I have been informed by the Council of the Twelve office that young men, many of whom are ordained elders at the age of 18, should not be encouraged nor allowed to go to the temple for their endowments.

[Source: Roy W. Doxey to All Full-time BYU Faculty Members, Mar. 9, 1973 , Perry Special Collections, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

150 years ago today - Mar 9, 1863

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... [in] the afternoon the flag was raised upon Presidet Youngs House for a signal to gather together. All armed Men and many hundreds gather together and formed an Encampment in President Youngs yard & Premises, also in D. H. Wells Premises. Some 700 men stood guard through the night. This was in Consequence of the report that Gov Harding, & Judge Wait & Drake had issued a warrant to arest Brigham Young for Poligamy & had put it into Col Cornor's Hands to serve the writ through military force and the Citizens were resolved it should not be done.

[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 - 9 March 1843, Thursday

[William Clayton Writings] ... the Prophet invited me to walk with him. During our walk, he said he had learned that there was a sister back in England, to whom I was very much attached. I replied there was, but nothing further than an attachment such as a brother and sister in the Church might rightfully entertain for each other. He then said, ``Why don't you send for her?'' I replied, ``In the first place, I have no authority to send for her, and if I had, I have not the means to pay expenses.'' To this he answered, ``I give you authority to send for her, and I will furnish you with means,'' which he did. This was the first time the Prophet Joseph talked with me on the subject of plural marriage. He informed me that the doctrine and principle was right in the sight of our Heavenly Father, and that it was a doctrine which pertained to celestial order and glory. After giving me lengthy instructions and information concerning the doctrine of celestial or plural marriage, he concluded his remarks by the words, ``It is your privilege to have all the wives you want.'' After this introduction, our conversations on the subject of plural marriage were very frequent, and he appeared to take particular pains to inform and instruct me in respect to the principle. He also informed me that he had other wives living besides his first wife Emma, and in particular gave me to understand that Eliza R. Snow, Louisa Beman, Desdemona W. Fullmer and others were his lawful wives in the sight of Heaven.

[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 - March 9th 1843

[High Council Minutes] ... The decision of the court is that Br. Hoyt cease to call certain characters witches or wizzards; and that he cease to work with the rod he calls a divining rod and that he cease to burn a board or boards to heal the sick by art that of heating a board before the fire, to heal the sick by art.

[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 - Mar 9, 1833

[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 91: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 9, 1833. HC 1: 331-332. The Prophet was at this time engaged in the translation of the Old Testament. Having come to that portion of the ancient writings called the Apocrypha, he inquired of the Lord and received this instruction.

1-3, The Apocrypha is mostly translated correctly but contains many interpolations by the hands of men that are not true; 4-6, It benefits those enlightened by the Spirit.

[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]

5 years ago today - Mar 8, 2008

A statement has been circulated that asserts in part that the youth of the Church today "were generals in the war in heaven ... and (someone will) ask you, 'Which of the prophet's time did you live in?' and when you say, 'Gordon B. Hinckley' a hush will fall,... and all in attendance will bow at your presence." A notice from the Office of the First Presidency reads: "This is a false statement. It is not Church doctrine. At various times, this statement has been attributed erroneously to President Thomas S. Monson, President Henry B. Eyring, President Boyd K. Packer, and others. None of these Brethren made this statement."

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

180 years ago today - Mar 8, 1833

Section 90, Place: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio.

Historical Note: Jesse Gause, who had served with Sidney Rigdon as counselor to the Prophet in the presidency of the high priesthood, was excommunicated in December 1832. The vacancy was filled by Frederick G. Williams. A fairly well-to-do farmer from Kirtland, Williams had served as Joseph Smith's scribe since 20 July 1832. As a clerk to the presidency Williams had the Prophet's confidence, and was a natural choice. On 5 January 1833 a revelation called Frederick G. Williams to be "a Councillor and scribe unto my servant Joseph." Among other things, section 90 directed that Rigdon and Williams be made equal with Joseph Smith in "holding the keys of this last kingdom.".

At an assembly of high priests convened at the School of the Prophets (18 March 1833), Sidney Rigdon requested that he and Frederick G. Williams be ordained to the office to which they had been called. "Accordingly Bro. Joseph preceded to and ordained them by the laying on of the hands to be equal with him in holding the Keys of the Kingdom and also to the Presidency of the high Priesthood." Two days later, 20 March 1833, Williams was given a certificate of ordination which stated that he, "was regularly ordained to the Presidency of the High Priesthood under the hands of Joseph Smith, Jr. after the holy order of God according to a commandment given the 8th day of March AD 1833.".

Publication Note. Section 90 was first published as section 84 in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.

[Source: Cook, Lyndon, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

150 years ago today - Mar 8, 1863

Brigham Young preaches: "Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the while man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so."

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

170 years ago today - Mar 8, 1843

Heber C. Kimball preaches and "made use of the figure of the Potter and clay, and showed that O[rson] Pratt was stiff and had to be cast off the wheel and A[masa] Lyman put on it." Pratt was upset after learning that Joseph Smith had proposed plural marriage to his wife, Sarah, during Pratt's absence on a mission. Thirty-seven-year-old Joseph Smith marries 22-year-old Eliza Partridge who becomes his 20th wife. He married her 19-year-old sister Emily four days earlier.

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

170 years ago today - Mar 7, 1843

William Clayton records, "Brigham Young called me on one side and said he wants to give me some instructions on the priesthood the first opportunity. He said the prophet had told him to do so and give me a favor which I have long desired." The favor is and invitation to enter into plural marriage. Two days later Joseph Smith suggests Clayton send to England for Sarah Crooks whom Clayton had had fond feelings for while on his mission to England but had stifled them since he was already married.

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

50 years ago today - Mar 7, 1963

Stake Presidencies also became presidencies of stake high priests quorums.

[Source: Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]

70 years ago today - Mar 7, 1943

The Navajo-Zuni Mission was formed, the first mission designated only for Indians.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

170 years ago today - Mar 6, 1843

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] + 10 I Wilford Woodruff testify that about 7 oclock PM I discoverd a stream of light in the south west quarter of the heavens. The rays of Light were in the form of a Broadsword with the hilt downward the Blade raised pointing from the west south west raised to an angle of 45 degrees from the horizen & extending nearly or within 2 or 3 degrees to the zenith of the degree whare the sign appeared. This sign gradually disappeared from half past 7 & at 9 oclock immediately disappeared.

The following is the declaration of Joseph the Seer conserning the foregoing sign:

As sure as there is a God who sits enthroned in the heavens & as sure as he ever spoke by me So sure there will be a spedy & Bloody war & the broad sword seen last evening is the sure sign thereof.

[Joseph Smith's diary describes the scene: "This evening presented a grand display of burning prairie on the bank of the river opposite Nauvoo."]

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

25 years ago today - Mar 6, 1988

The ARIZONA REPUBLIC reports that W. Cleon Skousen solemnly affirmed to a largely Mormon audience during a fundraising dinner for the Evan Mecham campaign that God foretold the gubernatorial candidate that he would attain the governorship to help save America from going to hell in the handbasket of socialism. Skousen referrs to Mecham as "a modern-day Isaiah," who also was "beaten, spat upon, and persecuted for being a prophet."

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

50 years ago today - Mar 5, 1963

The Nigerian government, through a strongly worded editorial in the NIGERIAN OUT-LOOK, expresses its displeasure at Mormon anti-black practices, particularly black priesthood denial. As a result, the Nigerian government denies resident visas to Mormon missionaries.

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

140 years ago today - Mar 5, 1873

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5th We learned that Congress adjourned without having power to pass the Utah Bill, although Newman & Presidet Grant done all in their power to Get Congress to pass those unconstitutional Bills against the Saints in Utah Bassed upon the foundation of a tisue of Lies, & it did pass the Senate yet the House would not pass it & we acknowledge the Hand of God in this.

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

165 years ago today - Mar 5, 1848

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... I had one of the most interesting dreams of my life during the night. Most of it was taken from me when I awoke. I flew through the air from state to state & escaped from the hand of my enemies. I went to HEAVEN and saw the Saints in their employment. I saw Joseph & Hiram Smith & many others who had died of the Latter Day Saints. The innumerable company of Saints which I saw seemed to be prepairing for some grand & important event which I could not understand. Many were busily ingaged in making Crowns for the Saints. One crown did not suit the artist so they cut it in to in the middle to make it over new. The saints were all dressed in white robes both male and female. My soul was filled with Joy & glory while I gazed upon the seenery that surrounded me but I awoke and behold it was a dream.

[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 - Mar 05, 1843

In sworn testimony, Emily D. Partridge (Smith Young) testified she "roomed" with Joseph the night following her marriage to him and said that she had "carnal intercourse" with him. Smith spends honeymoon night with secret bride Emily Partridge . SOURCE: Temple Lot case complete transcript, 364, 367, 384; also see Foster, Religion and Sexuality, 15

[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]

170 years ago today - 1843 5 Mar.

Joseph Smith tells the Nauvoo city council: "I was opposed to hanging, even if a man killed another, I will shoot him, or cut off his head, spill his blood on the ground, and let the smoke thereof ascend up to God; and if I ever have the privilege of making a law of that subject, I will have it so." After Smith's death, Young would define "blood atonement" as "the law of God."

[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 - Mar 4, 1843

Joseph Smith gives his plans for increasing Mormon control over the area surrounding Nauvoo, "There is a wheel. This is the Hub. We will drive the first spoke in Rome [Ramus], 2d Laharpe, 3rd Shokokon [and] 4[th] Lima; that is 1/2 of the wheel. The other half is over the river. We will let that alone at present. We will call the Saints from Iowa to these spokes then send Elders over and convert the whole. It is like a bank they will not discount because they have plenty of specie. We will draw this specie. Then they will discount our paper. (Call for our address)." Joseph also comments on execution of condemned murderers saying he was "opposed to hanging. If a man kill another shoot him or cut his throat spilling his blood on the ground and let the smoke thereof ascent up to God. If I ever have the privilege of making a law on this point I will have it so." This is later expanded by Brigham Young and called "blood atonement."

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

5 years ago today - 3/4/2008

[Same-Sex Marriage] In re marriage cases oral arguments (http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/audio-arch.htm)

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

10 years ago today - Mar 04, 2003

[U.S. Religious History] The United States Senate voted 94-0 that it "strongly" disapproved of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision not to reconsider its ruling that the addition of the phase "under God" to the The Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional.

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

30 years ago today - Mar 3, 1983

[Mark Hofmann] E. B. Grandin printing contract for first printing of Book of Mormon, signed by Joseph Smith and Martin Harris (dated 17 August 1829), sold to LDS church for $25,000.

[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,]

60 years ago today - Mar 3,1953

[Blacks and the Priesthood] First Presidency secretary answers Mormon's inquiry about receiving blood transfusions from African Americans: "The LDS Hospital here in Salt Lake City has a blood bank which does not contain any colored blood." This represents five year effort to keep LDS Hospital's blood bank separate from American Red Cross system in order "to protect the purity of the blood streams of the people of this Church" (Counselor J. Reuben Clark's phrase.)

[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]

80 years ago today - Mar 3, 1933

[Reed Smoot] He was reelected as senator in 1908, 1914, 1920, and 1926, and served from 4 March 1903 to 3 March 1933.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Reed Smoot, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/SMOOT%2CREED.html]

80 years ago today - Mar 3, 1933

[Media] The first efforts to carry the gospel through mass media started with a series of six national broadcasts over CBS called the "Church of the Air."

[Source: The Mormon Channel: The Broadcast and Media History of the LDS Church Timeline, http://radio.lds.org/eng/about/media-timeline]

120 years ago today - Mar 3, 1893

First Presidency secretary L. John Nuttall writes in his diary, "Went through the Temple, think the Celestial room is too gaudy. The Font is too small."

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

135 years ago today - Mar 3, 1878

Apostle Erastus Snow preaches: "'What,' says one, 'do you mean we should understand that Deity consists of man and woman?' Most certainly I do. If I believe anything that God has ever said about himself, and anything pertaining to the creation and organization of man upon the earth, I must believe that Deity consists of man and woman . . . there can be no God except he is composed of the man and woman united, and there is not in all the eternities that exist, nor ever will be, a God in any other way . . . There never was a God, and there never will be in all eternities, except they are made of these two component parts; a man and a woman; the male and the female."

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

Mar 3, 1863

[Black History] Young requires blood atonement for miscegenation,

[Source: http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166 [defunct]]

140 years ago today - Mar 2, 1873

In Jerusalem two apostles, George A. Smith and Lorenzo Snow, as well as a number of other Saints including Eliza R. Snow, Lorenzo Snow's sister, "rode to the Mount of Olives," pitched a tent, and assembled for a prayer meeting. With a "watchman outside" posted at the door, the small group robed themselves and "united in service in the order of the Holy Priesthood." After an opening prayer by Apostle Snow "in which the - dedicatory sentiments were contained," George A. Smith "dedicated" the land: "I was mouth, remembering the general interests of Zion, and dedicating this land, praying that it might become fertile - and the prophecies and promises unto Abraham and the prophets be fulfilled in the own due time of the Lord."

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

165 years ago today - Mar 2, 1848

Mary Parker Richards challenges her father's (First Presidency Counselor Willard Richards) assertion that "Adam never transgressed," that Eve alone "was under transgression"

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

165 years ago today - Mar 2, 1848

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 2d This is the most tedious stormy day we have had this winter. The air was filled with snow through the day. I spent the day reading the life of Benjamin Franklin.

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

180 years ago today - Mar 2, 1833

Rev. Richmond Taggart of Cleveland writes Rev. Jonathan Goings that the previous week, Joseph told congregation in Newburg (6 miles from Cleveland) that "he had seen Jesus Christ and the Apostles and conversed with them, and that he could perform Miracles."

[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

5 years ago today - Mar 1, 2008

[In a Jewish Times of Seattle article, a Mormon claimed that the Church has met their commitment to the Jews regarding posthumous baptisms. This is the response of Gary Mokotoff, leader of American-Jewish genealogy. [Ed.]]

jtnews.net

Letters

Gary Mokotoff

Bergenfield, N.J.

Acts of the church

Posthumous baptism of Jews by the Mormon Church, [that it was] was the act of just nine people out of 13 million Mormons is not true (The record keepers, Feb. 22). Until the Mormon Church signed an agreement with certain Jewish organizations in May 1995, the Church itself regularly acquired Jewish records often under the false pretense of record preservation and used them for their religious rituals, including posthumous baptism. An example was the records of the Hambro synagogue of London, England. All persons whose births were recorded in the synagogue in the 19th century were baptized. The Church did not limit itself to birth records. All the Jews murdered in the Holocaust who were recorded in a Dutch memorial book were posthumously baptized by an act of the Church, not the act of individual Mormons.

This practice stopped with the signing of the 1995 agreement, but it was discovered that as late as 2004, and likely up to this date, that Jewish records that were distributed by the Church to its local churches before 1995 were still being used for posthumous baptism. When this was discovered in 2005, the Church claimed they had no way of stopping these baptisms. This seems unreasonable. A simple directive to all the local wards could have stopped the extraction of names.

[Mark] Paredes stated that Church rules make it clear that a person who adds a name to the baptism rolls must be able to prove that they are related. This is true. But it is also true that this rule, along with many other rules, are ignored by individual Mormons, and the Church makes no attempt to enforce the rules. For example, there is a rule that you cannot posthumously baptize any person who was born within the past 95 years without permission of the closest relative. Yet Anne Frank was baptized six times. There is a rule that you should baptize only relatives, not famous people, yet Simon Wiesenthal was recently cleared for baptism. I call all these rules the 55-mile-an-hour-speed-limit rules of the Mormon Church. The rules are there, but no one follows them and the Church does not enforce them.

Paredes states that a Mormon is permitted to perform ordinances on any relative. This is true. But the 1995 agreement with the Jewish organization specifically limits it to direct ancestors. The Church has not enforced this rule.

No one has a right to involve other peoples families in their religion. It is time that the Mormon Church did the honorable thing and met its commitment to the Jewish people to cease this offensive act of posthumous baptism as outlined in the agreement they signed in 1995.

[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]

130 years ago today - Mar 1, 1883

was Thursday and fast day. I went to the meeting, Had tongues and prophecy. Bro, Erastus F. Clark told a dream, which was, that he saw a terrible pestilence in Springville; the doctors could not find anything that would stop it or do it any good. It was a disease that they had never seen nor heard of. There were some persons that escaped the disease and a voice said to him, "Behold they upon /whom" the plague has no power are they that keep the word of wisdom,"

[Source: History of the Life of Oliver B, Huntington Written by Himself 1878 -1900, typescript]

130 years ago today - Mar 1, 1883

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] {March 1, 1883 Wilford Woodruff 76 years of Age} This is my birth day. I have lived to see 76 years in the flesh this day at 10 oclok. Through the Blessing of God I have lived to reach this age and Am in the Enjoyment of good health. I thank my Heavenly Father for this great Blessing, and Esspecially that I have lived to receive the fulness of the Everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ and have been blessed with the Apostleship and have the great honor of being the President of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and through the Blessings of God have been Enabled in Connexion with my family of Being Baptized for about 3,000 of my Dead relatives and Also through the Assistance of friend I have been Enabled to get Endowments in the Temple of St George for about 2,500 of my relatives Besides having Been Baptized in the font of St George Temple for 100 Eminent Men including all the Signers of the Declaration of Indipendance of the United States. For these Blessings I feel to thank my Heavenly Father and Praise his Holy Name. My wife Phebe W Carter Woodruff has been preserved unto me we having been Married 49 years the 13 day of next month Aprail. This is also my wife Emma Birth day Making her 45 years old to day she being born March 1, 1838. ...

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

180 years ago today - Mar 1, 1833

A disgruntled member successfully sues Bishop Partridge to recover the $50 he had paid for an inheritance in Zion.

--

[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]