50 years ago today - Apr 30, 1963

Paul H. Dunn gives a talk on his "life experiences." He claims that when he was a bat boy he pitched to Lou Gherig and Babe Ruth in batting practice and was told by Gherig, "you're going to be great." He also claims that he batted against Bob Feller in an exhibition game when Dunn was fourteen years old. In later talks the incident with Feller is changed to be during World War II when Dunn is in the army.

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

175 years ago today - Apr 30, 1838

[Joseph Smith] Sidney Rigdon gives Smith a set of "grammer [sic] lessons" and then they continue preparing the early church history. .

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

70 years ago today - Apr 30, 1943

[Frank Evans] President McKay came to my desk and asked for 5 Shares of Hotel Utah stock to qualify him for director. Handed to Brother Clawson for initial attention.

[Source: Frank Evans, Diary]

35 years ago today - Apr 29, 1978

First Presidency letter endorses "Morality in Media Inc., with headquarters in New York City. The Church is represented on its board of directors, which includes men and woman of many faiths and from many walks of life."

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

70 years ago today - Apr 29, 1943

President J. Reuben Clark introduces a new financial reorganization plan for the Church, emphasizing the point that every financial operation must help the purpose and the mission of the Church.

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

170 years ago today - Apr 29, 1843

Joseph C. Kingsbury participates in a "pretend marriage" to seventeen-year-old Sarah Ann Whitney order to help Joseph Smith disguise his secret marriage to her. Kingsbury writes in his autobiography, "I according to Pres. Joseph Smith & Council & others agreed to stand by Sarah Ann Whitney as though I was supposed to be her husband and [participated in] a pretended marriage for the purpose of . . . Bringing about the purposes of God in these last days . . ."

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

175 years ago today - Apr 29, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29 <Monday> We arose in the morning & persued our journey. We passed through Sheepscott, wisscassett, Bath, Brunswick & spent the night in Freeport. We both suffered much during this day's walk with blistered feet & weary limbs but we felt it was for Christ's sake & the gospels & did not wish to to murmer. 40 m.

[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 - Thursday, Apr 27, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Ogden

In the Congress today the statehood Question was sprung and matters at once got pretty warm. R. N. Baskin, Gov. A. L. Thomas, and C. C. Godwin spoke against it. Col. John P. Irish, Tom Patterson, Frank J. Cannon, Dave Evans and Franklin S. Richards and Senator Warren spoke in favor.

The vote was in favor of statehood, Utah not voting.

[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]

150 years ago today - Apr 27, 1863 (Monday)

About ten mounted ruffians (soldiers) from Camp Douglas made an unsuccessful attempt to kidnap a young woman in G.S.L. City, and take her to camp.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

160 years ago today - Apr 27, 1853 (Wednesday)

Elders Hosea Stout, James Lewis and Chapman Duncan arrived at Hong Kong, as the first Latter-day Saint missionaries to China. Soon afterwards they commenced to preach the gospel, but meeting with no success, they returned to California.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

170 years ago today - Apr 27, 1843

William Clayton had learned of plural marriage at least by March 7, 1843, when Joseph Smith told Brigham Young to give Clayton a "favor" regarding priesthood instruction. The word "favor" in Clayton's journal refers to the granting of an additional wife. Clayton and his first wife, Ruth Moon, were in their seventh year of marriage and had three children. The prophet personally visited the family in their Nauvoo home and suggested that Clayton participate in plural marriage. Margaret Moon, his legal wife's sister, became Clayton's first plural wife. The marriage was recorded on April 27, 1843, three months before Smith dictated his plural marriage revelation. Smith secretly marries William Clayton to his wife's sister . PLACE: Nauvoo, IL

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

175 years ago today - Apr 27, 1838

[Joseph Smith] Smith and Sidney Rigdon begin preparing a church history, with George W. Robinson as scribe. This history describes the most well-known accounts of his First Vision and the visits of the angel Moroni. Though the original manuscript history is not known to exist, it was later copied into the 1839 Manuscript History of the Church, Book A-1. . Contrary to earlier and later writing, the history indicates that the angel who appeared to Smith was named "Nephi" . Some scholars consider this to be a clerical error, though it was never corrected by Smith in later publications. Other scholars believe that Smith saw both Nephi and the angel Moroni. .

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

175 years ago today - Apr 26, 1838

A revelation changes the official name of the church, this time to "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Kirtland dissenters had claimed that Joseph Smith apostatized and became the anti-Christ in 1834 when he changed the church's name to delete reference to Jesus.

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

20 years ago today - Apr 25, 1993

San Diego California Temple; Location: San Diego, California, US; Announcement: 7 April 1984; Dedication: 25 April 1993 by Gordon B. Hinckley; Style: Modern, two-tower - designed by William S. Lewis, Jr.

[Source: Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples]

120 years ago today - Apr 25, 1893

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] The Presidency and Apostles then took up the question of where the money was to be secured to make the purchase of sugar stock stock voted on this am and it was the general feeling that Prest. Cannon should go to London and try to get it. It was suggested that he take me with him if he made the trip. Finally the matter of getting the money was referred to the First Presidency.

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

175 years ago today - Apr 25, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 25 I visited the Saints from house to house & Prayed with them that they might be strengthend for earth & hell is stired up against them & we have perils from & among fals brethren.

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

170 years ago today - Apr 24, 1843

Joseph Smith tells the Twelve, "wake up the people to the importance of building the Nauvoo House, as there is a prejudice against it in favor of the Temple." The Nauvoo House was to be, according to Smith, a hotel "where men of wealth, character, and influence from abroad can go and repose themselves."

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

150 years ago today - Apr 24, 1863 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young Sermon] A meeting was held at which presidents Young and Kimball, Elders Geo. A. Smith and John Taylor gave much valuable information. -- Moroni, Utah [Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 12:353]

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

130 years ago today - Apr 24, 1883

William E Mclellin Death: 24 Apr. 1883, Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri , Estate: No record

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

30 years ago today - Apr 23, 1983

President Thomas S. Monson of the First Presidency breaks ground for the Freiberg Germany Temple, the first temple to be built in an Eastern European country.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 23, 1893

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Sunday. I left Richmond at 6:20 a. m. for Salt Lake, Almira J. Merrill going with me. Went to Temple dedication services at 2:30 p. m. I was first speaker and spoke 15 minutes. I took Almira up on the elevator to the upper room and after meeting took her down through Temple in all the rooms. [This was the last day of the Salt Lake Temple dedications]

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

125 years ago today - Monday, Apr 23, 1888

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] ... A blessing by John Oakley, Patriarch, at Snowflake, Apache Co., Arizona, Dec. 27, 1887 upon the head of John Henry Smith, son of George A. and Sarah Ann Libbey Smith, born in Carbunca, Pottawottomie County, Iowa, Sept. 18th 1848.

... And as your days and years increase your usefullness shall also increase because of your gain in experience and prudence and discretion, and you shall live until you are satisfied with life and be changed in the twinkling of an eye. Not long hence and you

shall see and take hold of the hand of your Savior.

Your joy shall be increased as your days and your years increase, and you shall have this to add to your testimony that you have seen the Lord. There is much that I can see and understand that is for you, to numerable to mention at this time. I seal these blessings upon your head in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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

135 years ago today - Apr 23, 1878

[Franklin D. Richards] [Transfer of church properties to private individuals continues.] For $40,000.00

Pres[iden]t. [John] Taylor conveyed to Horace S. Eldredge & he to Joseph F. Smith the Constitution buildings Council House Lott & all on it.

Also for $30,200.00

To Joseph Kingsbury & he to Elijah F. Sheets the Empire Mills.

Also for $40,000.00

To Angus M. Cannon & he to O[rson]. Pratt-The Deseret publishing property, Paper Miller, Printing Office.

Also for $19,000.00

Social Hall & museum to L. W. Hardy & he to John Henry Smith.

[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]

170 years ago today - Apr 23, 1843

Robert Wiley "finds" six metal, bell-shaped plates covered with hieroglyphs while digging in a mound near Kinderhook, Illinois. The plates are found with a skeleton eleven feet below the top of the mound. There are "two mormon elders" among the dozen people witnessing the excavation. The plates are brought to Joseph Smith who says "they contain the history of the person with whom they were found and he was a descendant of Ham through the loins of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and that he received his kingdom from the ruler of heaven and earth." In 1855 and 1879 associates of Wiley claim that the plates were a hoax gotten up by Wiley and friends to fool Smith. There is debate about the validity of the "hoax" stories until 1981 when the plates are subjected to testing which conclusively verifies their 19th-century origin and details given by the hoaxers in their manufacture.

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

170 years ago today - Apr 23, 1843 (Afternoon)

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Brigham Young instructed the laborers on the Nauvoo House to commence next morning, even if they had to beg food of their neighbors to commence with; and requested families to board hands till means could be procured. -- Nauvoo, Illinois

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

More History?

Want more Mormon history? Check out LDS-Church-History, a topical approach to the history of the church. Topics from the past have included: - The Life of Lorenzo Snow - Speaking in Tongues - Rebaptism, - Word of Wisdom - Dreams in LDS history - The life of George Albert Smith - The history of Z.C.M.I. - Tithing More info can be found here: http://bit.ly/ldshst

35 years ago today - Apr 22, 1978

The Church announces the name extraction program, through which Church members research the names and vital information of deceased individuals and families for temple work.

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

60 years ago today - Apr 22, 1953

Joseph Fielding Smith, president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, gives a speech at BYU titled "The Origin of Man" in which he not only declares organic evolution false but also attacks the scientific mindset. Two days later, Assistant Professor of Zoology Henry J. Nicholes writes to BYU administrators: "[while] the theory of organic evolution might have been a significant motivation for research in times now past, it does not need to be taught any more." He lists bacteriology, human anatomy, structural geology, general animal anatomy, plant anatomy and physiology, general agriculture, and taxonomy as "[A]mong the many avenues of research [that] do not need an understanding of the theory of organic evolution in the least." He askes, "How can this university ever become the university of the Kingdom of God as long as some of the faculty persist in their ignoring the words of our prophets and frustrate their students by unnecessary and damaging teachings? The very [existence] of [an] uncooperative attitude is apostacy-producing." The administration does not act on his recommendation to remove the topic from class discussions or textbooks. A year later Joseph Fielding Smith publushes MAN: HIS ORIGIN AND DESTINY which is the first book by a prominent Mormon that is openly antagonistic to much of science.

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

100 years ago today - Apr 22, 1913

... your vision is just as capable of penetrating the interior of the earth as ours, or that of the owners of the mine. No, we would not advise you or anybody else to invest in the “Dream Mine” or in any other mine.

[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Martin Anderson]

120 years ago today - Apr 22, 1893

Apostle Francis M. Lyman writes about meetings at the Salt Lake Temple: "Elder Moses Thatcher was so terribly sick he could not take part with us much. He could not offer the prayer which on an average took 35 minutes to offer. Pres[ident] Woodruff offered the prayer only once, the first time and he read it unhesitatingly without glasses. The rest of the Apostles including Pres[ident] Woodruff's counselors each offered the prayer twice."

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

135 years ago today - Apr 22, 1878

[Minutes, Quorum of Twelve] At 5. p.m. Council at Auditors office.

... considering the subject of best mode of preserving Church property from escheating to U[nited].

States under the Act of July 2, 1862 when the forms of deed and Declaration which we have received from Gen[eral] T[homas]. L. Kane through Geo[rge]. Q Cannon & B[righam]. Young were adopted as above mentioned with Taylor, Sharp and Woodruff-unanimously adopted.

The Council of the Apostles met at the Auditors office At 7. P.M ... The question of placing the church Real Estate in a safe and proper position was considered. when the following Vote was taken viz. That we adopt the forms furnished by legal counsel from General Thomas L

Kane through Bro[ther]s Geo[rge] Q. Cannon & Brigham Young for the conveyance of church Property-also that we sanction and adopt the Mode of conveyance as made [Various assignments of properties are listed to be transferred to individuals] .... Together with the several declarations of trust as made by the last named of each of the several classes. to the President of the church or to the council of the Twelve Apostles. and that we recommend the further continuance of this mode of conveyance of the church property so far as may be found necessary and applicapable-and that we unitedly ask the blessings of the Almighty upon the measures here adopted to secure and protect the interests of his people-

More names were selected to hold other property. and adjourned.

[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary; L. John Nuttall, Diary]

25 years ago today - Apr 21, 1988

[Mark Hofmann] The family of Kathleen Sheets awarded nearly two million dollars in a court judgment against Mark W. Hofmann.

[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,]

35 years ago today - Apr 21, 1978

Robert Stevenson, an African-American Mormon, marries Susan Bevan, a white Mormon.. They had met at Brigham Young University as students, but her Mormon family questions the viability of the relationship. Stevenson later notes that "everybody from the garbage man to the stake president had told her that marrying me would be to her eternal detriment." They seek an interview with a general authority, Boyd K. Packer. Packer calls in Marion D. Hanks. According to Stevenson, "Elder Packer squared off on one side, and Elder Hanks squared off on the other." Packer argued that Stevenson "could accomplish [his] mission in life and be more effective without being married to a white woman." Hanks said, "I think it's the best thing in the world that you marry Susan. I think that you'll be more effective and you'll be able to break down racial barriers easier."

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

100 years ago today - Apr 21, 1913 (Monday)

The First Presidency of the Church authorized the Presiding Bishopric to construct the foundation for the new building intended for General Church Offices.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

170 years ago today - 21 April 1843, Friday

[William Clayton Writings] ... the two /Joseph Smith and William Clayton/ were riding together on the prairie. Wrote Clayton, ``He swore to me he would forever defend & protect me and divide earthly things with me if I would be faithful to him which I cheerfully promised.''

[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]

180 years ago today - Apr 21, 1833

[Joseph Smith] Joseph writes to the brethren in Zion, telling them not to print any of the new translation of the Bible in the Star, that it will be printed in a volume by itself, and the New Testament and Book of Mormon will be bound together in one volume.

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

130 years ago today - Friday, Apr 20, 1883

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Liverpool

The day was spent in reading the proof of the new Key to Theology. I have ordered an edition of two thousand copies of that work. I took a Turkish Bath.

[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]

80 years ago today - Apr 20, 1933

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I called on and had a long chat with John F. Fitzpatrick regarding Deseret News business, and he said he felt we made a very serious mistake indeed by not reducing our pages. He sais (sic) that to his mind it was absolutely nonsense that a high-class Church paper would publish four extra pages of comics which are beneath our dignity. ...

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

140 years ago today - Apr 20, 1873

Elder Franklin D. Richards and others organize a society in Ogden for the mutual improvement of young men in the Church, the forerunner the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 20, 1893

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] [At a meeting of the apostles held in the temple and before adjourning to the celestial room to form the first Prayer circle in the temple] "Geo[rge] Q. Cannon My mind has been wrapt in vision since I came into this house and I have seen the glories of Eternity. I bear witness that Jesus lives for he has condescended to talk to me. I want the young to seek for this witness and to know for themselves our[?] God is a God of revelation. When you leave this meeting will you retain the Spirit you have now? I would to God that you did all feel as we do, and make the people feel the same. We do not want to dictate in politics, but we think we have a right to indicate the policy which the people ought to follow. We must use wisdom in not antagonizing the Democrats nor discourage the Republicans. The Republicans are still a power in the land."

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

175 years ago today - Apr 20, 1838

[Joseph Smith] Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde leave Liverpool for America, leaving Joseph Fielding as mission president' and Willard Richards and William Clayton as his counselors. Since they arrived in Great Britain nine months earlier, about 1500 people have been converted and 26 branches established. Until the return of the Twelve two years later, almost as many would leave the Church in England as would join, due to a series of internal problems.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 20, 1893

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] ... We remained in the Temple until 6 p. m. All joined in the Prayer Circle clothed (115) in the Celestial Room, the largest Circle ever convened or got together in the Church. ... We had a glorious time and all felt well and all testified at these meetings to sustaining the First Presidency in all things, political as well as all other matters.

[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 - Apr 19, 1893

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I attended a meeting of the Priesthood in the Temple in which all the Stakes of Zion were represented but Cassia; Canada and Mexico were also represented; 104 Brethren present. Had two long meetings and all spoke but the Twelve Apostles, they having all spoken at the dedicatory services. Our meeting lasted 212, hours in the forenoon and 4 hours in the afternoon. All testified of the Lord's acceptance of the Temple, and they each and all of them would uphold in all things the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles

[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 - Apr 19, 1893

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Today has been a day long to be remembered as one of the brightest in my life and I feel thankful to the Lord that I have been permitted to be present and I sincerely regret that Bro[ther] Thatcher has not been with us, but I am thankful that the Prest. was able to tell us he is better.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 19, 1893

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] [a meeting with the presidents of stakes] "President Woodruff: Said: The testimony of the Holy Ghost is greater than the ministrations of angels. Oliver Cowdery was the most powerful speaker I have heard. He could almost make the earth tremble when moved by the spirit. He had visions, but still he apostatised still he came back into the Church before he died. David Whitmer who saw angels and heard them apostatised and both then lost their power when they withstood the Prophet. Angels are sent for a purpose not to accommodate anybody. They came and administered to me and Geo[rge] A. Smith when we thought the devils would kill us. Orson Pratt prayed for a revelation time after time I told him he was wrong. The witness of the Holy Ghost is what he should seek to get. I have felt more of the Holy Ghost here at this dedication [reference to the Salt Lake Temple dedication], than I have ever felt before except on one occasion and that was when Joseph gave us his last message. The room seemed to be filled with consuming fire and Joseph's face shown like amber. I saw Bro[ther] Young and Kimball once after their death they were clad in princely robes and besk [?] me to get into their carriage and go with then to conference. I asked Bro[ther] Young to speak. "No'" he said, "I am through my preaching on earth, but I have come to impress on your mind what Joseph told me at Winter Quarters and that is: seek always to have the Spirit of God and it will direct you aright."" [A number of the stake Presidents follow with their testimonies. Consistent with sentiments expressed and articulated during the temple dedicatory services, W. W. concludes] "Heaven has accepted this people and God has forgiven the sins of the people and the brethren if they sin no more."

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

170 years ago today - Apr 19, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] ....Joseph said to the Twelve [Apostles] "go in the name of the Lord God and tell Woodworth to put the hands onto the Nauvoo House and begin the work and be patient till means can be provided. Call on the inhabitants of Nauvoo and get them to bring in their means, then go to Laharpe and serve them the same.

"Thus commence your career and never stand still till the Master appear[s], for it is necessary the house should be done. ...

"I hereby command the hands to go to work on the house trusting in the Lord. .... It will never stop till it is completed.

"Let the Twelve [Apostles] keep together. You will do more good to keep together ... travel from Maine [to] here till they make a perfect highway for the Saints from here to Maine.

..." If a High Priest comes along and goes to snub him [a young man], let him knock his teeth down his throat &c. &c.

..."Send them to Germany and when you meet with an Arab send him to Arabia, when you find an Italian send him to Italy and a French man to France, or an Indian that is suitable, send him among the Indians and this and that man send them to the different places where they belong. Send som[e]body to Central America to Spanish America and don't let a single corner of the earth go without a mission.

"Write to Oliver Cowdery and ask him if [he] has not eat[en] husks long enough. If he is not most ready to return and go up to Jerusalem, Orson Hyde hath need of him." (A letter was written and signed by the members of the Quorum present)...

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

65 years ago today - Apr 18, 1948

[Dream Mine] John Koyle negotiated a repudiation of his [visionary] claims, in 1947 and then reversed himself almost immediately and was excommunicated from the Church 18 April 1948.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Dream Mine, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/d/DREAMMINE.html]

165 years ago today - Apr 18, 1848

Brigham Young (aged 46) marriage to Sarah Malin (1804-1858) (aged 43) first marriage later divorced

[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]

170 years ago today - Apr 18, 1843

Nauvoo, Illinois. On the prairie, Joseph Smith talked with three Pottawattamie tribal chiefs concerning stolen horses and cattle.

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

180 years ago today - Apr 18, 1833

[Joseph Smith] A mob of 300 "old settlers" gathers at Independence to decide on plans to destroy or expel the Mormons from Jackson County. After they spend all day trying to decide on various plans, their liquor gets the worst of them and they break up in a "Missouri row." These "old settlers," largely from the southern states, came to Jackson County before the Saints, and could not move on because anything west of Missouri had been designated by President Jackson as Indian territory. They watched with some resentment as ever-increasing numbers of the religiously oriented northerners flocked into Jackson County claiming that God had given the county exclusively to them. Acts of violence began as early as the spring of 1832, when the homes of some Saints were stoned and windows broken. In the fall of 1832, some haystacks were burned, houses shot into, and people insulted; and as recently as February 20, a mob of 50 or 60 men armed with whips and guns attacked at least one household. The group onthis date constitutes the first organized resistance to the Mormons in Missouri.

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

75 years ago today - Apr 17, 1938

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Bishop Marion G. Romney called for me and also brought me home after the meeting. I had a nice visit with him at my home, sitting in the auto. He told me that he was very much perturbed over the editorial that was published before the last election when Roosevelt was reelected, being an official in the Democratic party, that it was a hard blow; but he said Monday was a holiday and he went to his office, and he prayed to the Lord, and he never got anything straighter than that that editorial was just what ought to be published. I was delighted to hear that from him. I am delighted when I find that a bishop's church comes first and foremost with him, and that his politics has not warped his judgment spiritually.

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

80 years ago today - Apr 17, 1933

[Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, and J. Reuben Clark Jr. to Stake Presidents, Apr. 17, 1933] ... At a recent meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve it was decided that women who are in good standing in the Church and have been faithful and devoted members, but whose husbands are not members of the Church or are not worthy of a temple recommend, may, with the written consent of their husbands, be granted the privilege of receiving their endowments and doing temple work for the dead. The written statement of the husband should be presented at the temple together with the usual temple recommend from the Bishop of the Ward and the President of the Stake, and filed with the recommend. We neither urge nor request women to take advantage of this ruling, and it is a privilege that should be given to those only who have proven themselves worthy and are desirous of receiving these blessings.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 17, 1893

[Francis M. Lyman] ... Thus closed the most glorious day of the 12 occupied by the Dedication services. Our hearts were bursting full. At 7 P.M. Our Quorum met the 2nd time in our Temple room. .... [Mentions brother Smith who saw B. Young Taylor, Hyrum Smith, Jed Grant, Orson Pratt) and other thing seen the last days. One a red light going across the building above the chandeliers. I was that. I also at one time heard beautiful music. Altogether this was a very remarkable day.]

[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

120 years ago today - Apr 17, 1893

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] On the 17th. at seven P.M. attended a meeting of the apostles in their room in the Temple. We had a splendid time together. Bros. Taylor, Lund and Cannon spoke, also Prest. Snow. Prest. Snow referred to the promise made before I came from the east that Prest Woodurff had made that none of the apostles should deny the truth. He said that I was included in the promise, and Prest. Woodruff had said so.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 17, 1893

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] "In the evening the apostles met in their room. J. W. Taylor I and Abraham spoke and were followed by L. Lund[?] We mentioned how pleased we were that Pres[iden]t Woodruff prophesied about us that none of us should lose the faith."

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

160 years ago today - Apr 17, 1853 (Evening)

[Brigham Young Sermon] Question: is there any law in any of the writings of the prophets and apostles that intimates there should not be any more ordained apostles, only the 12? Is there any impropriety to men being ordained apostles outside the quorum of the 12. We want to ordain a man in China and set him as an apostle to build up the kingdom there and then go through to the end. 1st Presidency, 12 apostles, then the 70 is the order of the priesthood'- If I am faithful who knows but the Lord will give me a Urim and Thummim'- The Urim and Thummim belongs to [-] the lesser priesthood by right Moses was the P S and Rev. but Aaron had the Urim and Thummim. I do know [-] things - Joseph put the U.T. back with the plates when he had done translating - I have Josephs first seer stone which he had from OC [Oliver Cowdery], the one found in the well by which he got the plates of the B of Mormon - Joseph had 3 which Emma has - 2 small ones and one large one... When duty demands it - Where any of the 12 apostles are they hold the keys over the 70s and the other priesthood - the 12 have the keys, the 70s are ordained apostles and when they have their endowments - if the 70s are not under the direction of the 12 - Their priesthood is preparatory'- -- SLC Tabernacle

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

175 years ago today - Apr 17, 1838

Section 114, Place: Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri.

Historical Note: Joseph Smith received two revelations on 17 April 1838--one for Brigham Young and one for David W. Patten. Section 114, the revelation for Elder Patten, directs him to arrange his affairs in preparation for traveling with others of the Twelve to Great Britain.

Publication Note. Section 114 was first published in the Deseret News (19 March 1853) and was included as section 114 in the 1876 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]

60 years ago today - Thu Apr 16, 1953

[David O. McKay Office Journal] at meeting of Presidency and Twelve in the Temple: Expressed the feeling that the family ties are fundamental, that the family is the foundation of society. Stated that the First Presidency have suggested to the auxiliary organizations that in choosing members of the General Boards women should be chosed whose family ties will not interfere and that frequently the First Presidency refuse to approve sisters whose names have been submitted because those recommended were rearing young families.

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

80 years ago today - Apr 16, 1933

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Had a little chat with Edward P. Kimball after meeting and he said he was very glad that I gave the rebuke I did to his Uncle [J.] Golden [Kimball] at the April Conference. He said he felt humiliated for Golden to talk the way he did.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 16, 1893

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] [the first meeting of the apostles in their new room in the Salt Lake temple] Geo[rge] Teasdale... He loved Bro[ther] Woodruff like a father yet the Lord had shown him that he was to be adopted to the Prophet [Joseph Smith] and on a new-years day he was given to Eliza R. Snow, wife of Joseph as son. He had at once felt a love as sone to a mother. [H. J. Grant then spoke; he ad wondered why he had been called to this office, and while riding over the burning lands of Arizona on a mule it came to him that he had net been so placed on account of his merit.]; but on account of his father's merit and of that of the prophet, his mother being a wife of Joseph."

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

140 years ago today - Apr 16, 1873

Brigham Young, depicted as the "Mormon Moses," appears on the cover of the Daily Graphic, a national newspaper.

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

170 years ago today - Apr 16, 1843

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] President J. Smith Addressed the assembly of the saints ... He Considered Nauvoo would be a burying place of the saints & should he die he Considered it would be a great Blessing to be buried with the saints & esspecially to be buried with his father.

Yes he wanted to lie by the side of his father that when the trump of God should sound & the voice of God should say ye Saints arise that when the tomb should birst he could arise from the grave & first salute his father & say O my father; & his father say O my Son!! as they took each other by the hand. He wished next to salute his brothers & sisters & then the saints & he said it was upon this principle that the ancients were so particular to have an honorable burial with their fathers as in the case of Joseph.

.... It is true that in the resurrrection the bodies will be caught up to meet the Lord & the Saints will all be brought together though they were scattered upon the face of the whole earth. Yet they would not as readily Salute each other as though they lay down & rose up together from the same bed. To bring it to the understanding it would be upon the same principle as though two who were vary friends indeed should lie down upon the same bed at night locked in each other embrace talking of their love & should awake in the morning together. They could immediately renew their conversation of love even while rising from their bed. But if they were alone & in seperate apartments they could not as readily salute each other as though they were together.

...In speaking of the resurrection I would say that God hath shown unto me a vission of the resurrection of the dead & I saw the graves open & the saints as they arose took each other by the hand even before they got up or while getting up & great Joy & glory rested upon them.

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

20 years ago today - Apr 15, 1993

Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicates the Asian country of Mongolia for the preaching of the gospel.

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

30 years ago today - Apr 15,1983

[Utah] University Post: The Unofficial Newspaper of Brigham Young University reports interview with director of Standards Department. He acknowledges that students suspected of cheating, illegal drug use, stealing, or homosexuality are expelled from BYU if they refuse to take polygraph examination. BYU Security has licensed polygraph examiner.

[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 - Apr 15, 1928

Anthony Ozodimma Obinna, later the first West African baptized by missionaries following the 1978 revelation on priesthood and the first to preside over a branch composed entirely of black members, is born in Aboh Mbaise, Nigeria.

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

170 years ago today - Apr 15, 1843

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15th The New emegrants assembled at the Temple & received an interesting discourse from President Joseph Smith which was truly interesting to the Saints in general.

[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 - Apr 15, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... <This day I have passed through torment since the Lord will have a tried people. The [-] of [-] with their false reports have sinned. The people and also some of the Saints are doubting the faith. Friends amaze us. They [--] on North Island. There is several on both Island very weak in the faith but the Lord's supported me through these trials and blessed be his name.> I will trust in the Lord forever.

[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 - Apr 14, 1953

[David O. McKay Office Journal] at Presidency meeting: Discussed the picture slides of archaeological artifacts presented by Thomas Ferguson, and his appeal that the church help his organization--New World Archaeological Foundation--by contributing $15,000 for this year and $30,000 per year for the next four years. The brethren decided to make the $15,000 contibution this year, but to give no further commitment. The brethren did not want to obligate the Church to finance the enterprise. It was also the feeling that such contribution should be made through someone else and that the Church should not be shown in the transaction.

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

75 years ago today - Apr 14, 1938

[David O. McKay] Went over to the Temple this morning just long enough to assist President Grant and President Clark in setting apart LeGrand Richards, the new Presiding Bishop of the Church, M.O. Ashton, First Counselor, and Joseph L. Wirthlin, Second Counselor. ... While at the Temple today President Grant, President Clark, President Rudger Clawson and members of the Council of the Twelve unitedly laid their hands on my head, President Grant being voice, and gave me a blessing for my health.

[Source: David O. McKay, Diary]

120 years ago today - Friday, Apr 14, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City [dedication continued]

Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon said that over thirty thousand saints had attended these Services. Prest. W. Woodruff said that in a vission 50 years ago he saw the dedication of this Temple. Prest. Jos. F. Smith called upon the people to say by vote whether the Lord had accepted the offering of the saints and it was unanimous.

About 20 sisters were set apart to go to the world's fair at Chica Co.

[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 - Apr 14, 1893

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [Temple dedication continued] President Woodruff said this matter of the Manifesto caused him to say in his soul that wonderful are the ways of the Lord. The putting forth of that proclamation was on e of the strangest acts of his life. He knew the feelings of the people on that subject. His own feelings were the same. Althougth plead with be honorable outsiders for a long time to settle this conflict with the nation, yet he could net feel that the Presidency had nay right to give up taht precious principle. But he had been much comforted by a vision in which was shown him the future of this people, if this step were taken. The Lord had imparted the spirit of the Manifesto to his counselors, to the Twelve, and to thousands of the people. Now it is in the hands of God, and he will take caare of it. He will hold this nation responsible.

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

130 years ago today - Apr 14, 1883

Revelation to John Taylor at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, on 14 April 1883

A Revelation given through President John Taylor, on Saturday, April 14th, 1883, in answer to the question: "Show unto us Thy will o Lord, concerning the organization of the Seventies.["]

What ye have written is my will and is acceptable unto me; and furthermore,

Thus saith the Lord unto the First Presidency, unto the Twelve, unto the Seventies, and unto all my holy Priesthood, let not your hearts he troubled, neither be ye concerned about the management and organization of my Church and Priesthood and the accomplishment of my work.

Fear me and observe my laws, and I will reveal unto you, from time to time, through the channels that I have appointed, everything that shall be necessary for the future development and perfection of my Church, for the adjustment and rolling forth of my Kingdom, and for the building up and establishment of my Zion. For ye are my Priesthood, and I am your God Even so, Amen

(Manuscript in John Taylor Papers, LDS archives, typed copy)

[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]

165 years ago today - Apr 14, 1848

Augusta Adams Cobb Young (Brigham Young's 2nd plural wife) wrote out what she called her "Last Will and Testament" (She did not die until 1886,) a request to cancel her sealing for eternity (but not for time) to Brigham Young so she could be sealed by proxy to either Jesus Christ (her first priority) or Joseph Smith. She ended her request, "I do this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by virtue of the Holy Priesthood vested in me, because I consider it necessary to my salvation, exaltation, calling and Election." The "will" was witnessed and signed by Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards (First Presidency).

Brigham Young rejected her several requests to be sealed to Jesus Christ but did cancel their sealing for eternity and stood as proxy as Joseph Smith for her sealing on April 14, 1848.

[Source: Letter, O'Donovan, Connell, "Augusta Adams Cobb Young: Priesthood Holder," Journal of Mormon History Vol. 38, No. 2, Spring 2012]

175 years ago today - Apr 14, 1838

Not a Capital Offense

An elder opposing Word of Wisdom "erred in spirit, therefore, feel to admonish him, but do not find anything in him worthy of death or bonds."

[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, Mormon History 1830-1844, Word of Wisdom, http://www.saintswithouthalos.com/n/wow.phtml]

60 years ago today - Apr 13, 1953

Elder Ezra Taft Benson, the U.S. secretary of agriculture, appears on the cover of Time magazine, which highlights his national and international influence as a member of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's cabinet.

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

80 years ago today - Apr 13, 1933

[James E. Talmage] Attended Council meetings as usual. In the Council of the First Presidency and the Twelve, Elder Joshua Reuben Clark Jr. was ordained a High Priest and set apart as Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, all the brethren laying on hands and President Heber J. Grant begin voice in the ordinance.

[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]

120 years ago today - Apr 13, 1893

At session of Salt Lake temple dedication, "Pres Woodruff said there would never be an hour when these apostles will be divided from now until the coming of the Son of Man." Apostle Francis M. Lyman and Mary Ann Burnham Freeze separately record seeing bright light pass over head of second counselor Joseph F. Smith as he speaks. Apostle Lyman also hears heavenly choir.

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

175 years ago today - Apr 13, 1838

John Taylor: Smith ordained Whitmer as his successor in July 1834, in the event of SMITH's own death or apostasy. The Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, Oliver Cowdery , Whitmer, and Martin Harris chose and ordained the first members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1835. Although Whitmer presided over the LDS church in Missouri, he never functioned in the general authority role of presiding over the entire church. David Whitmer was excommunicated on 13 Apr. 1838, and never rejoined the LDS church, even though he took frequent opportunities to reaffirm publicly his testimony of the Book of Mormon. He was president of a "Church of Christ" in 1847-48, and renewed that organization in 1876.

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

175 years ago today - Apr 13, 1838

David Whitmer: Excommunicated from Church 13 April 1838 at Far West, Missouri, for apostasy. After leaving Church, located in Richmond, Ray County, Missouri; operated a livery stable. For fifty years maintained strict separation from Church. Recognized by peers as prominent citizen and businessman.

[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

175 years ago today - Apr 13, 1838

[Quorum of the Twelve] Lyman E. Johnson and his brother, Luke S. Johnson excommunicated.

[Source: Wikipedia, Chronology of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)]

175 years ago today - Apr 13, 1838

[Brigham Young Sermon] Brigham Young, testifies that Phineas Young came to Br. [John P] Green's a few mornings since, with his head cut, the blood running out of his ears, also his stomach was injured, and Phineas [Young] said {apostle{ Lyman E. Johnson had fought him; which was proved in court afterwards. -- Far West, Missouri [Far West Record 175.]

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

170 years ago today - Apr 12, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] ... Before the Conference closed the Steamer Amarenth appeared in sight of the Temple coming up the River and about noon landed her passengers at the wharf opposite the old Post office building. About 240 of the Saints from England in charge of Elder Lorenzo Snow who has been preaching in England 2 or 3 years. Joseph and Emma were present and a large company of the brethren and sister[s] ready to greet their friends on their arrival..... This is the first boat up this season. Bro[ther] Snow and Co[mpany] left Liverpool in January.

About 5 P.M. The Steamer "Maid of Iowa" hauled up at the Nauvoo House Landing and discharged about 200 Saints In charge of Elders P[arley] P. Pratt and Levi Richards. ... Joseph was present at the landing and the first to board the steamer and appeared Melted in tenderness when he met Sister Pratt (who had been to England with Parley) and her little daughter only 3 or 4 days old. ...

Joseph was very busy the P.M. and coming among the brethren shaking hands and conversing freely till about 9 o'clock and rejoiced to meet so many of the Saints and in such good health and fine spirits equal to any that had ever come in Nauvoo.

[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 - Apr 12, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... held a meeting at night at Br Maltire Luce & had a good time & gained victory over the power of the devil for he has come to fox Islands having great wrath. The devil fell upon one sister as if to devour her at once but by Prayer & faith she was saved from his grasp. ...

[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 - Apr 12, 1838

High council and bishopric of Zion meet as a "common council" in Far West and excommunicate Lyman E. Johnson, David Whitmer, and Oliver Cowdery.

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

175 years ago today - 12Apr38

[Joseph Smith Sermon] Far West, Missouri High Council [High council presided over by Joseph Smith. Council called to consider the case of Oliver Cowdery] ... George W. Harris testifies that one evening last fall [see November 7, 1837 FWR.] O. Cowdery was at his house together with Joseph Smith jr, and Thomas B. Marsh, when a conversation took place between Joseph Smith jr & O. Cowdery, when he seemed to insinuate that Joseph Smith jr was guilty of adultery, but when the question was put, if he (Joseph) had ever acknowledged to him that he was guilty of such a thing; when he [Oliver] answered No...

... David W. Patten testifies, that he went to Oliver Cowdery to enquire of him if a certain story was true respecting J. Smith's committing adultery with a certain girl , when he turned on his heel and insinuated as though he [Joseph] was guilty; he then went on and gave a history of some circumstances respecting the adultery scrape stating that no doubt it was true. Also said that Joseph told him, he had confessed to Emma, ...

... Thomas B. Marsh testifies that while in Kirtland last summer, David W. Patten asked Oliver Cowdery if he Joseph Smith jr had confessed to his wife that he was guilty of adultery with a certain girl, when Oliver Cowdery cocked up his eye very knowingly and hesitated to answer the question, saying he did not know as he was bound to answer the question yet conveyed the idea that it was true. Last fall after Oliver came to this place he heard a conversation take place between Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery when J. Smith asked him if he [Joseph] had ever confessed to him that he was guilty of adultery, when after a considerable winking &c. he said No. Joseph then asked him if he ever told him that he confessed to any body, when he answered No.

Joseph Smith jr testifies that Oliver Cowdery had been his bosom friend, therefore he intrusted him with many things.

He then gave a history respecting the girl business.

[Source: The Parallel Joseph, http://www.boap.org/LDS/Parallel/]

175 years ago today - 1838 12 Apr.

Second counselor Frederick G. Williams testifies that Cowdery knew a Mormon who could counterfeit coins. Joseph Smith and first counselor Rigdon say Cowdery left Kirtland because he was about to be indicted for manufacturing counterfeit money. In private correspondence, Cowdery would insist that these were conscious lies that LDS leaders should retract, but he also accepted rebaptism a decade later without such retraction.

[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]

185 years ago today - Saturday, Apr 12, 1828

[Book of Mormon Translation] Translation of the Book of Lehi

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

75 years ago today - Apr 11, 1938

[David O. McKay] Arrived at the office with best of intentions to stay and do some work, but President Grant commanded me to go home. I’ll have to admit that I am weaker than I thought I would be after a week’s illness.

[Source: David O. McKay, Diary]

120 years ago today - Apr 11, 1893

[Francis M. Lyman] During our dinner the Twelve met informally for the first time all together in our room in the [Salt Lake] Temple. We took our seats in our order. [In the prayer circle:] We laid our hands on bro[ther]

Thatcher and bro[ther] [Franklin D.] Richards was mouth in blessing him. That was the first blessing or prayer ever offered in our room.

[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]

120 years ago today - Apr 11, 1893

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I attended the dedication services again today, and I read the dedicatory prayer in the forenoon, and Apostle Lund this afternoon. ... The Twelve had a short meeting at 1 p. m. and subscribed $1,800.00 to pay for the furniture in our room in the Temple. I paid $150.00 today.

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

130 years ago today - Apr 11, 1883

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] I spent the forenoon in Council <of fifty> in the social Hall and the Afternoon in the Prayer Circle. I spent the Evening 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]

130 years ago today - Wednesday, Apr 11, 1883

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Liverpool

The steamship Nevada of the Guion line left Liverpool today with 352 saints on board, David McKay in charge.

[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 - Apr 11, 1838

[Joseph Smith Diary] Charge[s] prefer[r]ed against O[liver] Cowdery before the High Council in Far West, M[iss]o[uri] by Elder Seymour Brounson ... For seeking to destroy the Character of Pres[ident] Joseph Smith, Jr., by fals[e]ly insinuating that he was guilty of Adultery &c. ...

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

170 years ago today - Apr 10, 1843

[Nauvoo Temple] The brethren commenced work for the 1843 season on the Temple at 10 A.M.

[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]

130 years ago today - Apr 10, 1883

At 7:30 p.m. at Lehigh College in South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, James E. Talmage administers "0.3 grams white Arsenic" to a "Full-grown male cat." He give a second dose two hours later and a third dose the next morning at 10:00 a.m. The cat is finally "Killed by force at 12:30." Talmage then dissects the cat and fills 12 pages of notes.

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

135 years ago today - Apr 10, 1878

Br Joseph Young Senr. said that after the Seventies were organized, the Prophet told Brigham that if the First Presidency and the Twelve were swept away the Seventies had all power to organize the Church and kingdom of God and carry on the work in all the world. He ( the Prophet) also, told Sidney Rigdon when ordaining the Seventies, that, “he had promised these men that they should be blessed with all the blessings that he himself had got,” and said he, “put all the blessings on their head, that I have got, or ever had.” And many were the prophetic declarations they made while ordaining in those days.

[Source: Minutes, Quorum of Twelve]

130 years ago today - Apr 10, 1883 (Tuesday)

The constitutional convention met in Salt Lake City and received the report of the committee appointed to present the memorial and constitution, upon which was based Utah's application for admission as a State.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

170 years ago today - Apr 10, 1843

[Brigham Young Sermon] ... I wish to give a word of advice to the sisters, and I will give it to my wife. I have known elders who had by some means got in debt, but had provided well for their families during their contemplated mission; and after they had taken their departure, their creditors would tease their wives for the pay due from their husbands, till they would give them the last provision they had left them, and they were obliged to subsist on charity or starve till their husbands returned. Such a course of conduct on the part of the creditor is anti-Christian and criminal; and I forbid my wife from paying one cent of my debts while I am absent on the same principle.

[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]

60 years ago today - Apr 9, 1953

Through the influence of J. Willard Marriott, Thomas Stuart Ferguson meets with the First Presidency and other invited General Authorities. He appeales to them for Church funds to continue the work of New World Archaeological Foundation, $15,000 to finish out the current year and $120,000 to cover the next four years Near the end of the presentation, Ferguson told the assembled Church leaders that he "had prayed to [the] Lord & asked him to stop me if it weren't his will that we go forward." At this point President David O. McKay replied with a smile, "Brother Ferguson, you're a hard man to stop" The next day Ferguson writes a letter to the First Presidency reminding them that "the priceless artifacts of Book of Mormon people" would assist in the missionary program and would publicize the Book of Mormon to the world. A week later, President Ruben J. Clark replies with a partially favorable decision: the Church would con' tribute $15,000 to Ferguson for the present year only, with the condition that "no publicity whatever in any way or at any time" be given to this private donation.

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

60 years ago today - Apr 9, 1953

[David O. McKay Office Journal] At 8 o'clock this morning Presidents Richards, Clark, members of the Council of the Twelve, and I witnessed slide pictures of archaeological discoveries in Central America, as presented by Thomas Ferguson, and in connection therewith he made an appeal for the Church to help their association financially.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 9, 1893

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [Temple dedication continued; Jos. F. Smith:] He then explained how the law of consecration had been revealed and afterwards supended, becasue the people were not prepared for it. So with the principle of celestial marriage. The Lord had revealed that, but only about two per cent. of the members of the Church had practiced it; and some of those who did practice it, abused it, while others had entered into it unworthily. "I am not surprised that theLord spoke through His servant Wilford Woodruff, and said this principle shall be suspended. The Lord permitted our government to put its heavy hand upon us, and made it apparent to us that thewisest thing we could do, in the sight of God and world, was to stop plural marriage among the Latter-day Saints. And it has been stopped. Now, I want to say to you, Elders of Israel, who have plural families, if you take advantage of these circumstances to cast off your wives and your children, and to leave them homeless and friendless, breaking the hearts of your wives, and filling the souls of your children with bitterness and hatred--if you do this, in the name of Israel's God, the curse of the Almighty will rest upon you, that you shall wither and die."

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

135 years ago today - Apr 9, 1878

William Smith: " accepted as RLDS 9 Apr. 1878 "on original baptism" and as high priest (office of Presiding Patriarch not re-established until 3.5 years after William Smith 's death)

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

140 years ago today - Apr 9, 1873

Brigham Young: Sustained as "Prophet, Seer and Revelator" 9 Oct. 1872 with counselors, alone 9 Apr. 1873 to his death

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

175 years ago today - Apr 9, 1838

[Joseph Smith Diary] April 9th Letter Sent to John Whitmer in consequence of [his] with[h]olding the records of the Church in the City of Far West when called for by the Clerk &c.

Far West, April 9th 1838

Mr. J[ohn] Whitmer,

Sir, We were desireous of hononoring you by giving publicity to your notes on the history of the Church of Latter-day Saints After Such corrections as we thought would be necessary. Knowing your incompetency as a historian and that your writings coming from your pen could not be put to the press without our correcting them, or elce [else] the Church must Suffer reproach.

Indeed Sir, we never Supposed you capable of writing a history, but were willing to let it come out under your name notwithstanding it would real[l]y not be yours but ours. We are still willing to honour you if you can be made to know your own interest and give up your notes, so that they can be corrected, and made fit for the press. But if not, we have all the materials for another, which we Shall commence this week to write.

Your humble Servents,

Joseph Smith, Jr.

Sidney Rigdon

Presidents of the whole

Church of Latter-day Saints

Attest[ed by]

E[benezer] Robinson, Clerk

N.B.* over {page 28)

* The preceding letter to John Whitmer was entered through a mistake occupying a space not belonging to it notwithstanding in its place.

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

25 years ago today - Apr 08, 1988

[U.S. Religious History] Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart was defrocked by the Assemblies of God after it was revealed that he was involved with a prostitute. Swaggart was ordered to stay off TV for a year, but returned anyway after just three months.

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

140 years ago today - Apr 8, 1873 - 9 May 1874

[1st Presidency Changes] Brigham Young George A. Smith Daniel H. Wells Joseph F. Smith (Counselor) John Willard Young (Counselor) George Q. Cannon (Counselor) Brigham Young, Jr. (Counselor) Lorenzo Snow (Counselor) Albert Carrington (Counselor) John Willard Young, George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young, Jr., Lorenzo Snow, and Albert Carrington called as Counselors

[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]

170 years ago today - 1843 8 Apr.

Joseph Smith preaches concerning the Nauvoo high council trial of Pelatiah Brown, Sr.: "I do not like the old man being called up for erring in doctrine. It looks too much like the Methodist[s], and not like the Latter-day Saints. Methodists have creeds which a man must believe or be asked out of their church. I want the liberty of thinking and believing as I please. It feels so good not to be trammelled. It does not prove that a man is not a good man because he errs in doctrine."

1 May. William Clayton's diary says that Joseph Smith "has translated a portion [of the "brass" Kinderhook Plates dug up in Adams County, Illinois] and says they contain the history of...a descendant of Ham through the loins of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and that he received his kingdom from the ruler of heaven and earth." The discoverers of these artifacts would later claim that they manufactured the items complete with "hieroglyphics by making impressions on beeswax and filling them with acid." The 1992 Encyclopedia of Mormonism acknowledges that extensive tests on one of the original Kinderhook plates "proved conclusively that the plate was one of the Kinderhook six; that it had been engraved, not etched; and that it was of nineteenth-century manufacture. There thus appears no reason to accept the Kinderhook plates as anything but a frontier hoax." This leaves unanswered what Joseph Smith meant when he said he "translated" the Kinderhook Plates, or more fundamentally what he meant by the word "translation."

[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 - 1838: 8 April

[Patriarchal Blessings] Cyrene Dustin. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.)

... it is thy privilege to behold the heavens opened on they head be faithful and thy tongue shall be loosed thou shalt sing the songs of Zion and speak in tongues and have the interpretation thereof thou shalt prophecy and see visions ... Angles shall minister unto thee ere long and thou shalt see them and hear them sing ... thou Shalt behold Zion built up a holy city see the great gathering of the saints and the glory of God appear yea and thy fingers even the fingers which thou now hast on thy hands shall be engaged in sewing the veils of the great Temple which is to be built in Zion in this generation ...

[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

40 years ago today - Apr 7, 1973

The creation of the Welfare Services Department was announced in general conference. The new organization brought the three welfare units â€" health services, social services and welfare â€" into full correlation.

[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 - Apr 7, 1943

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I then went into Brother Widtsoe's office and had a talk with him and Brother Wilford Wood. Much to my sorrow Brother Wood has gathered a lot of information that reflects very seriously on Joseph Smith the Prophet's wife's actions just previous to his murder. I shall live in hopes that she may be able to clear herself. I am glad we are not going to publish what we have learned.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 7, 1893

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] [2nd day of the Salt Lake Temple dedication] Bro[ther] Woodruff: 'I will tell you what has been revealed to me since yesterday: Joseph Smith and the saints of this dispensation the saints of the Christian Dispensation the prophets Elijah Esajah [sic] and the good of all ages have been gathered and when the shout went up from this Temple they carried it on to the throne of God.'

.... Pres[iden]t Cannon [it is not exactly clear here when, I think in the evening session] once I was wind bound in San Francisco Bay. I had a dream that we ten elders on board were pulling at the windlass and trying to raise the anchor when we found we could not budge it an inch. Joseph Smith came and said: "George, come with me." We went to the front. "Now," said he; "we will pray." he prayed and then told me to pray. When we were done he said, "Take hold of the cable." I took hold and without the least effort raised the anchor. He said, "Let this be a lesson to you always." Bro[ther] Cannon said that the power of faith had been much underrated. In faith and with prayer we can do nearly everything.

F. M. Lyman gave us his dream in the Penitentiary and Bro[ther] B. Young gave his early experience in excavating the temple foundation the curious incident of a dollar falling on the corner stone and no body knows who flung it there [when this session closed a sister as taken in labor and birthed in the temple]

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

120 years ago today - Friday, Apr 7, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City [dedication continued]

Prest. Wilford Woodruff said the Lord had revealed to him that the building was accepted, that if the vail was rent we could see [a] host of heavenly beings.

Mrs. Benjamin Bennett gave birth to a baby boy in the Temple just at the close of the evening services.

Monday, April 10, 1893 - Salt Lake City [dedication continued]

Prest. W. Woodruff spoke and said their were Temples in heaven.

[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 - Saturday, Apr 7, 1888

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Bros. W. Woodruff, E. Snow, G. Q. Cannon, B. Young, M. Thatcher, F. M. Lyman and I held a Council. We passed upon a matter releiving Bro. Cannon of some financial embarrasment. It involved a note of his son Abraham for $10,000.00.

[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 - Apr 7, 1843, Friday

[William Clayton Writings] The squabbling [among the temple workers] broke out again, and on April 7 it was William Clayton who brought charges against the committee before the general conference of the church. He accused its members of partiality in distributing goods, money, and ``store pay'' (i.e., credit at Joseph Smith's store). .... Hyrum Smith, however, rose to the committee's defense, and in the end the conference sustained it in its work, thus exonerating it for a third time.

[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 - Apr 7, 1843

Orrin Porter Rockwell confined in Independence, MO.

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

170 years ago today - Apr 7, 1843

Orson Pratt preaches, "Resurrection of the body is denyed by many because it is contrary to the laws of nature, because flesh and bones are constantly changing, completely new in 7 or 10 years. If this is true a man in 70 years would have matter enough for 10 different bodies. Objector says this resurrection cannot be true, for if so, men would be quarreling which body belong[s] to himself and others. Who shall have the best right to it. I do not believe that more than 3/4 of our bodies is comprised of animal organization, but is purely vegetable. Hence through all the 70 years a man will have one or two parts, which will be the same original. If he receives the matter he was in possession of 50 years before he died, he has the same body."

Joseph Smith later adds, "Their is no fundamental principle belonging to a human System that 'ever goes into another in this world or the world to come.' The principle of Bro[ther] Pratt was correct. I care not what the theories of men are. We have the testimony that God will raise us up and he has power to do it. If any one supposes that any part of our bodies that is the fundamental parts thereof, ever goes into another body he is mistaken."

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

40 years ago today - Apr 06, 1973

Immediately following the end of the Vietnam War, the first missionaries to Vietnam arrive from Hong Kong.

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

50 years ago today - Apr 6, 1963

CHURCH NEWS reports explosion of small bomb in LDS chapel at Porto Allegre, Brazil by terrorists who leave anti-American publications nearby.

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

75 years ago today - Apr 6, 1938

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Invited all the apostles to attend a meeting in the Presidency's office. We told them we were going to release Bishop Sylvester Q. Cannon on account of his poor health, and would choose a successor, and that we would sustain Brother Cannon as an apostle, although we would not make him a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, but promising him that the first vacancy he would become a member. We agreed to meet a few minutes before ten o'clock and ask the brethren to give me a list of names, one or more, their choice for Presiding Bishop. At this latter meeting we agreed on LeGrand Richards and called Brother McKay by telephone, and he said of course it was all right with him but he thought a certain other brother whom I do not need to mention would make a better executive. All of the brethren present voted for LeGrand Richards.



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

80 years ago today - Apr 6, 1933

J. Reuben Clark, Jr. is sustained as second counselor in First Presidency. As first LDS president since Brigham Young to ask non-general authority to serve as Presidency counselor, Heber J. Grant kept position vacant for sixteen months to allow Clark to complete his service as Ambassador to Mexico. Clark is first general authority who has previously served U.S. government in high office. He is also first member of Presidency with post-graduate degree (from Columbia) and is ordained high priest today.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 6, 1893

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] [Thursday 7 April 1893] "The Dedication [of the Salt Lake Temple] was grand Pres[iden]t Woodruff Geo[rge] Q. Cannon and Jos[eph] F. Smith spoke. L. Snow led in the Hosannahs. Jos[eph] F. melted every heart with his sweet speech on forgiveness.

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

120 years ago today - Thursday, Apr 6, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City

[dedicatory services for the Salt Lake Temple]

The Temple was crowded to Overflowing. Singing.

Prest. Wilford Woodruff called the meeting to order and he offered the Dedicatory prayer. It took 35 minutes.

The shout of hossanna was given with waving of handkerchiefs, Bro. Lorenzo Snow leading. The Salt Lake Choir sang Hossanna, The Spirit of God like a Fire is Burning...

The wind blew the swiftest ever known in this City today. Much damage was done. Some gulls lighted on the Tower of the Temple.

[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 - Apr 6, 1893

Wilford Woodruff dedicated Salt Lake temple, forty years after its cornerstone-laying [twice the time it took to build the Great Pyramid at Giza, Egypt]. It is largest LDS temple ever build, with 253,105 square feet of floor space. Joseph F. Smith "sobbed & wept like a child" as he gives talk that day. Some see halos of light around first counselor George Q. Cannon and around Apostles Lorenzo Snow, John W. Taylor, and Heber J. Grant. Not everyone present sees these manifestations, and future apostle James E. Talmage notes: "There were no strange or bewildering manifestations of 'supernatural' agencies during the service: but the power of God was there, and the entire assembly felt it."

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

170 years ago today - 1843 6 Apr.

In a Sunday morning meeting, Young refuses Joseph Smith's requirement that the apostles post bonds to guarantee the donations they collect. In the afternoon meeting, Young refuses to sit with church authorities on the stand. He does not execute his bond until 30 May.

[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 - Apr 6, 1843

[Joseph Smith] Joseph records in his personal journal, "If I had not actually got into this work, and been called of God, I would back out. But I cannot back out, I have no doubt of the truth."

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

170 years ago today - Apr 6, 1843

Three days after William Miller's predicted advent, Joseph reiterated the "eighty-five years old" prophecy and promised that, "There are those of the rising generation who shall not taste death till Christ comes. ... I prophecy in the name of the Lord God, and let it be written, that the Son of Man will not come in the heavens till I am 85 years old, 48 years hence or about 1890." Joseph then indulged in calculations based on biblical prophecy, referring ambiguously to the beginning of the "hour of his judgement" and figuring that if a day with God is 1,000 years, then an hour with God is "41 years, 8 months ..."

[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]

5 years ago today - Apr 5, 2008

[Quorum of the Twelve] D. Todd Christofferson added to Quorum

[Source: Wikipedia, Chronology of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)]

120 years ago today - Wednesday, Apr 5, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City [general conference]

All of the Twelve except Bro. J. H. Grant were together tonight until Twelve O clock and Eld. Moses Thatcher confessed he had been wrong in the position he had taken in regard to Political matters and that he desired the fellowship of the Presidency and his Quorum.

About five hundred non-Mormons went through the Temple today.

[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]

150 years ago today - Apr 5, 1863

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Elder Orson Pratt had been sick & nigh unto death with the Pleurisy in the left side. I went with the Twelve to visit him on the 2d instant & laid hands upon him. On the 3d Friday several of the Twelve laid hands upon him. I visited him in the Evening & laid hands upon him & told him in the name of the Lord that He Should live & not die & that He Should be healed for He had not done his work in the flesh. He began to amend & told me he thought He Should be able to attend Conference. I was quite surprised to see him Come into the Tabernacle this morning & take a seat with us.

Brother O Hyde spoke in the Morning & Presidet Young spoke in the afternoon & Corrected some of Brother Hydes teaching. The Twelve met at the Prayer Circle at 5 oclok. Erastus Snow Prayed. O Hyde was Mouth. Ten of the Twelve were present all Except O. Pratt & G. Q. Cannon.

[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 - Apr 5, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5th + The worst difficulties in the saints warfare are perils among & from fals Brethren. I walked to Mr John Kents store & Post Office & he Presented me with a letter containing two sheets from Mr Warren Parrish at Kirtland Ohio who had been an Elder in the Church of Latter Day Saints & had travled with me in the ministry many miles. He had now made ship reck of faith was cut of from the church & he with some others in like circumstances are now making every exertion against us & the cause, & the letter alluded to was teeming with falshood against Joseph & the Church.

O Warren Parrish how art thou fallen. Thy former letters will stare thee in the face make thee blush & pierce thy soul. The letter is believed by our opposers & causes persecution to rage.

I had a Prayer meeting at Br Ames. 4 miles.

[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 - Apr 4, 1998

Gordon B. Hinckley accelerates church construction of temples by announcing a plan to build smaller, less-expensive temples to serve the needs of membership in remote areas.

[Source: http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/282148/]

25 years ago today - Apr 4, 1988

Arizona-s state senate convicts Governor Evan Mecham of "high crimes and misdemeanors," thus removing him from office. Mecham is first Mormon office-holder to be impeached (February 1988), and first to be convicted by senate and constitutionally removed from office. Every LDS legislator (all Republicans) voted against his impeachment; there were no Mormons in Arizona senate at this time. BYU's College Republicans invite Mecham to speak on their campus but it i denied by the faculty advisor because of BYU's speaker policy which states: "The speaker must not in his personal life (as reflected in the news media and common understanding of the public) have committed acts of immorality, dishonesty, or other conduct that would make it inappropriate for the Church Educational System to feature him as a speaker and thus as a person whose life and advice are an appropriate model for students in an educational system with our ideals."

Apr 4,1992 -- Apostle Richard G Scott tells general conference that LDS women should avoid "morbid probing into details of past acts, long buried and mercifully forgotten," and that "the Lord may prompt a victim to recognize a degree of responsibility for abuse." Among his concluding remarks: "Remember, false accusation is also a sin," and 'bury the past." Unspoken background to his remarks is that in recent years current stake presidents and temple workers have been accused of child abuse by their now adult children. SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reports that suicide prevention lines are swamped with telephone calls by women in days after Scott's remarks.

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

120 years ago today - Apr 4, 1893

[Francis M. Lyman] [General conference began with Moses Thatcher absent still ill, Heber J. Grant on road from east with sick children.] Met with the Twelve in the Presidents office at 7 P.M. bro[ther] Moses Thatcher came in about 9 P.M. We took a labor of 2 or 3 hours with him and succeeded in getting him to yield that he was wrong and peace and union was full established in our Quorum.

[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

120 years ago today - Tuesday, Apr 4, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City [general conference]

23 years ago today my son George Albert was born. 16 years ago today my wife Josephine was sealed.

[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]

100 years ago today - Apr 3, 1913

The following is the report of the regular meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of Twelve Apostles held this morning in the Temple at 10:30. ... [Joseph W.] McMurrin ... went on to El Paso [Texas]. He found 250 of our refugee people in El Paso, all in work and self sustaining except a few elderly people. Railroad communication between El Paso and the colonies had been established again, and a few of our people were returning to their homes from time to time. General Salazar had invited the people to return, and now says he never wanted them to leave. Bro[ther]. Ivins was of the opinion however that Salazar was saying this now under the changed conditions to save himself.

[Source: Journal History; George F. Richards, Diary; James E. Talmage, Diary]

120 years ago today - Monday, Apr 3, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Bros. Lyman and Taylor reported a visit to Bro. M. Thatcher and said he did not receive them kindly but exhibited a bad spirit.

I assisted in the setting apart of Sister Franklin S. Richards and May Preston to go to the World's fair.

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

135 years ago today - Apr 3, 1878

Concerning recent split in church's political party, DESERET NEWS editorializes: "'One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one hope of their calling,' are accepted principles in spiritual things; and one platform, one party, and one ticket, acknowledged fundamentals in political things." On Feb. 4 NEWS editorialized: "One policy, one ticket, one ballot for all. Whatever is more or less than this cometh of evil."

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

170 years ago today - Apr 03, 1843

Elder William Clayton officiating Marriage - Joseph to Almera Woodward Johnson, age 30

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

170 years ago today - Apr 3, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] [William] Miller's Day of Judgement has arrived, but tis too pleasent for false prophets.

.... [Spent the] evening reading [the] /Book of/ Revelation with Elder Hyde and conversing with Esqu[ire] Backman. ...

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

65 years ago today - Apr 2, 1948

George Albert Smith-s announcement (later described as "a revelation") that mission presidents are to have counselors. Apostle Spencer W. Kimball later says revelation's text exists but is not to be published.

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

170 years ago today - Apr 2, 1843

William Clayton Performs plural marriage of Almera Johnson to Joseph Smith.

[Source: Smith, George D., An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, p.lxiii, A William Clayton Chronology, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

170 years ago today - Apr 2, 1843

... During the day President Joseph made the following remarks on doctrine. "I was once praying very earnestly to know to the time of the comeing of the son of man when I heard a voice repeat the following 'Joseph my son, if thou livest until thou art 85 years old thou shalt see the face of the son of man, therefore let this suffice and trouble me no more on this matter.' I Was left thus without being able to decide whether this coming referred to the beginning of the Millenium, or to some previous appearing, or wether I should die and thus see his face. I believe the coming of the son of man will not be any sooner than that time" In correct<ing> two points in E[lde]r Hydes discourse he observed as follows, "The meaning of that passage where it reads 'when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is' is this, When the savior appears we shall see that he is a man like unto ourselves, and that same sociality which exists amongst us here will exist among us then {possibly "there"} only it will be coupled with eternal glory which we do not enjoy now. Also The appearing of the father and the son in John c. 14 v 23 is a personal appearing, and the idea that they will dwell in a mans heart is a sectarian doctrine and is false"

In answer to a question which I proposed to him as follows, 'Is not the recokoning of Gods time, Angels time, prophets time & mans time according to the planet on which they reside he answered Yes "But there is no Angel ministers to this earth only what either does belong or has belonged to this earth And the Angels do not reside on a planet like our earth but they dwell with God and the planet where he swells is like crystal, and like a sea of glass before the throne. This is the great Urim & Thummim whereon all things are manifest both things past, present & future and are continually before the Lord. The Urim & Thummim is a small representation of this globe. The earth when it is purified will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim & Thummim whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order will be manifest to those who dwell on it. And this earth will be with Christ Then the white stone mentioned in Rev. c 2 v 17 is the Urim and Thummim whereby all things pertaining to an higher order of kingdoms even all kingdoms will be made known and the a {or "a the"} white stone is given to each of those who come into this the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word.

Whatever principal of intelligence we obtain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection: and if a person gains more knowledge in this life through his diligence & obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world upon which all blessings are predicated; and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated; and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

The Holy Ghost is a personage, and a person cannot have the personage of the H. G. in his heart. A man may receive the gifts of the H. G, and the H. G. may descend upon a man but not to tarry with him.["]

He also related the following dream "I dreamed that a silver-headed old man came to me and said he was invaded by a gang of robbers, who were plundering his neighbors and threatening destruction to all his subjects. He had heard that I always sought to defend the oppressed, and he had come to see if the General would call out his Legion and protect him, and he had come to hear with his own ears what answers I would give him. I answered, if you will make out the papers and shew that you are not the aggressor I will call out the Legion and defend you while I have a man to stand by me. The old man then turned to go away. When he got a little distance he turned suddenly round and said I must call out the Legion and go and he would have the papers ready when I arrived, and says he I have any amount of men which you can have under your command.["]

E[lde]r Hyde gave the this interpretation "The old man represents the government of these United States who will be invaded by a foreign foe, probably England. The U. S. government will call on you to defend probably all this Western Territory, and will offer you any amount of men you may need for that purpose.["]

Once when Prest Joseph was praying earnestly to know concerning the wars which are to preceed the coming of the son of man, he heard a voice proclaim that the first outbreak of general bloodshed would comence at South Carolina -- see Revelation

The sealing of the 144000 was the number of priests who should be anointed to administer in the daily sacrifice &c.

During prest Joseph's remarks he said there was a nice distinction between the vision which John saw as spoken of in Revelations & the vision which Daniel saw. The former relating only to things as they actually existed in heaven – the latter being a figure representing things on the earth. God never made use of the figure of a beast to represent the kingdom of heaven – when they were made us of it was to represent an apostate church.

[Source: The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Volume 2: December 1841-April 1843, Appendix 2: William Clayton, Journal Excerpt, 1-4 April 1843, Entry for 2 April 1843, http://mormon-chronicles.blogspot.com/2012/03/additional-context-of-d-130.html]