John Sorenson's reconciliation of Book of Mormon archaeology and Mesoamerican cultural geography, "An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon," is rejected for publication by BYU's Religious Studies Center because Elder Mark E. Petersen finds the topic to be "too touchy." The book is Published by F.A.R.M.S. the year following Petersen's death.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
130 years ago today - May 31, 1883 (Thursday)
John T. Alexander, of Salt Lake City, who labored as a missionary in Georgia, was shot and severely wounded by three masked men, near Plainville, Gordon Co., Ga.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - May 31, 1853
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday 31 May 1853. This mornings No of the "Hongkong register" has a long article showing the necessity of having the "Mormonites" indicted for Blasphemy, and set to "picking oakum and kept on bread and water" but the Editor replies that his prescriptions "savours too much of the dark ages & days of thumbkings" and recommends for the people to let us alone. I confess I admire the Editors judgement. When the Devil begins to rage and howl, it surely betokens that the Lord has a work to do.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - May 31, 1843
[Nauvoo Neighbor] - Story: "The Mormon Girl's Foreboding - Scene at Hawn's Mill Conclusion" -- Lytton -- Describes the horrifying events at Hawn's Mill.
- Poem: "The Mobbers of Missouri" -- A Lawyer in Israel -- Article calls out a reverend from a local church, I. McCoy, for being a part of the massacre.
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
- Poem: "The Mobbers of Missouri" -- A Lawyer in Israel -- Article calls out a reverend from a local church, I. McCoy, for being a part of the massacre.
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
5 years ago today - May 30, 2008
President George W. Bush met with the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this week at the Churchs headquarters in Salt Lake City.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
1913, 100 years ago this year.
[African Americans in Utah] When the noted black educator Booker T. Washington visited Salt Lake City in 1913 he gave a special lecture at Calvary Baptist church for the local African American community.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: African Americans in Utah, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/a/African_Americans.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: African Americans in Utah, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/a/African_Americans.html]
135 years ago today - May 30, 1878
Two Salt Lake City baseball teams, the Deserets and the Red Stockings, meet in the first game of the season; the Red Stockings with a new second baseman, Heber J. Grant, win 11-3.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
30 years ago today - May 29, 1983
Salt Lake City-s mayor, by placing one call to local LDS leader, has 2,000 volunteers within hour to create artificial sandbag levees to prevent widespread flooding.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
50 years ago today - May 29, 1963
... With the thought in mind of reducing the time spent by bishops, branch presidents and mission presidents in preparing recommends for members of the Church who desire to go to one or more temples, a recommend form has been prepared which may be used for any and all temples. ...
[Source: David O. McKay, Henry D. Moyle, and Hugh B. Brown, circular letter, May 29, 1963 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay, Henry D. Moyle, and Hugh B. Brown, circular letter, May 29, 1963 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
100 years ago today - May 29, 1913; Thursday
...Bro[ther]. Bro[ther]. McKay said that Dr. Winship told him that the Latter-day Saints Sunday schools were ahead of the Sunday Schools in the world with the possible exception of the German Lutheran Church of New York and Philadelphia [Pennsylvania], who use text-books and have a graded system. Dr. Winship also spoke in a very complimentary way of the leading brethren of the Church whom he had met. He said he had delivered several addresses in the east favorable to the Mormon people, his most recent address was in Chicago [Illinois], speaking to a gathering of artists, on which occasion he told the artists that no one county in the United States had produced so many musicians, sculptors and artists as one county in Utah. he also told them that even now the man who had won the musician's prize of $1000, was a Mormon, named Shepherd, which brought forth applause from them. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
170 years ago today - May 29, 1843. Monday.
[William Clayton Journal] This A.M. President Joseph told me that he felt as though I was not treating him exactly right and asked if I had used any familiarity with E[mma]. I told him by no means and explained to his satisfaction. At the store office.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
170 years ago today - May 29, 1843
[Anointed Quorum] 9 a.m. prayer circle of same men at Smith's old home, "when Joseph instructed us further in principles pertaining to the holy Priesthood" . Joseph Smith "sealed" for time and eternity the following couples: Hyrum Smith and his deceased wifeJerusha Barden Smith (by proxy), Hyrum Smith and his present wife Mary Fielding Smith. Hyrum Smith sealed Brigham Young and his deceased wife Miriam Works Young (by proxy), Brigham Young and his present wife Mary Ann Angel Young, Willard and Jennetta Richards, and Mercy Rachel Fielding Thompson and her deceased husband Robert B. Thompson (by proxy). (claimed that Newel K. Whitney and wife Elizabeth Ann were also sealed on this occasion).
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
50 years ago today - May 28, 1963
Brother Horne and I chatted again tonight about the Gospel and the Adam-God Doctrine, as we have done many times before. Brother Horne, who grew up in Salt Lake City and was the son of Richard Horne and grandson of Joseph Horne said, in reference to the Adam-God Doctrine, that when he first went through the Temple (Salt Lake) for his Endowment in 1902 before going on his mission he was surprised to hear the teachings during the Temple ceremony in the Sermon before the veil, that, 'Adam was our God' and that 'he came here with Eve, one of his wives'. Also it was taught that 'Eve bore our spirits' (ie the spirits of all men). He asked his father about it but he declined to give any opinion about it. After Brother Horne returned from his mission a few years later, in 1905, he noted these teachings had been removed from the Temple ceremony. He feels that they were left over from Brigham Young's influence, but that he himself couldn't believe such doctrine. He thinks perhaps Brigham just got off in his speculation.
[Source: J. Arthur Horne, Patriarch, North Seattle Stake, 28 May 1963; The Elder's Journal Vol I by C. Jess Groesbeck, p. 291.]
[Source: J. Arthur Horne, Patriarch, North Seattle Stake, 28 May 1963; The Elder's Journal Vol I by C. Jess Groesbeck, p. 291.]
135 years ago today - May 28, 1878
Patriarch Joseph Young, senior Seventy's president and member of Joseph Smith's Annointed Quorum, blesses Brigham Young's daughter Zina Young Card: "These blessings are your, the blessings and power according to the holy Melchisedek Priesthood you received in your Endowments, and you shall have them."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
170 years ago today - May 28, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, May 28th Clouds and rain. Cold. 5 P.M. Adjourned council met in the upper room. Attended to ordinances and counselled and prayed that James Adams might be delivered from his enemies, that O[rrin] P. Rockwell [be released from prison in Missouri], and [that] the Twelve [Apostles] be prospered in collecting means to build the Nauvoo House. /Joseph and J. Adams <were married> [were sealed for eternity to their wives]/ Adjourned to 9 o'clock
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
170 years ago today - May 28, 1843
Sunday prayer circle "in the upper room" of Smith's old home ... and the participants "attended to ordinances" . Because of his recent conversion to polygamy, Hyrum Smith may have been the one who performed the sealing of Emma Hale Smith to Joseph Smith for time and eternity on this date. James Adams was also sealed to his first wife Harriet Denton Adams . Because William Law attended the previous meeting of the Anointed Quorum, he probably also attended this one .
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
170 years ago today - May 28, 1843
Joseph and Emma Smith sealed for time and eternity.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Chronology of Church History, http://scriptures../ldsorg.org/chchrono/contents]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Chronology of Church History, http://scriptures../ldsorg.org/chchrono/contents]
170 years ago today - May 27, 1843
Joseph Smith tells a council meeting, "The patriarchal office is the highest in the church, and father Smith conferred this office, on Hyrum Smith, on his death bed."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
120 years ago today - May 27, 1893
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] ... together with several young children in them. It evidently fears approaching statehood for Utah and the failure of their 25 years crusade to prevent it till presecution(?) Liberalism shall be strong enough to control it.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
80 years ago today - 1933. May 27
(Susa Young Gates) : Died of cancer at the age of seventy-seven in Salt Lake City. Buried in the Provo, Utah, Cemetery.
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - May 26, 1843
Hyrum Smith accepts the doctrine of plural marriage, and Joseph Smith begins re-performing the endowment ceremonies for previously endowed men.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
120 years ago today - May 26, 1893
[L. John Nuttall] Pres[iden]t W[ilford]. Woodruff came to the [Salt Lake] Temple for a Short time this afternoon. he is improving but yet quite weak.
[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]
[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]
40 years ago today - May 26, 1973
President Spencer W. Kimball dedicates the restored Brigham Young home in Nauvoo, Illinois.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
70 years ago today - May 25, 1943
Role of Church patriarchs and patriarchal blessings-- Salt Lake City, Utah.
Two letters of instruction defining the role of Church patriarchs and the giving of patriarchal blessings.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Office of the First Presidency Salt Lake City, Utah May 25, 1943
SUGGESTIONS FOR STAKE PATRIARCHS
To the end that there may be a clearer and more uniform understanding of the duties and prerogatives of stake patriarchs, we bring to your attention the following considerations:
1. Nature of the Patriarchal Office and Blessings:â€"
The patriarchal office is one of blessing, not of administration. Patriarchal blessings are the only blessings that patriarchs are specifically ordained and sustained to give. Patriarchal blessings contemplate inspired declaration of the lineage of the recipient, and also, where so moved upon by the Spirit, an inspired and prophetic statement of the life mission of the recipient, together with such blessings, cautions, and admonitions as the patriarch may be prompted to give for the accomplishment of such life's mission, it always being made clear that the realization of all promised blessings is conditioned upon faithfulness to the Gospel of our Lord, whose servant the patriarch is.
All such blessings are recorded and generally only one such blessing should be adequate for each person's life. The sacred nature of the patriarchal blessing must of necessity urge all patriarchs to most earnest solicitation of divine guidance for their prophetic utterances and superior wisdom for cautions and admonitions.
2. Relation to Administrative Officers:â€"
While under the revelations patriarchs are selected and ordained by members of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, they act in the stakes of Zion under the direct supervision of the presidency of the stake whose privilege and duty it is to supervise their work and to make adequate provision for it to be carried forward in an orderly way. The patriarch is not a counselor to the people of the stake and the ward as are the presidency of the stake and the bishoprics. It is the duty of the patriarchs ever to sustain these administrative officers in the policies adopted and the counsels given to the people; and if patriarchs are solicited for counsel and advice relating to the conduct of members of the Church and decisions to be made in both temporal and spiritual matters, they should refer such persons to the administrative officers whose right it is to give attention to such matters. Patriarchs, as well as all others who hold the proper priesthood, may, when requested so to do, give blessings for the healing of the sick, but such blessings for the sick or for the comfort of individuals are of no higher order than, nor are they to be distinguished from, similar blessings given by others who hold the proper priesthood.
3. Recording Blessings:â€"
All patriarchal blessings, as hereinbefore defined, should be recorded and one copy of the recorded blessing should be given to the recipient, and one copy should be preserved for the record book. No charge is to be made nor gratuity accepted for the giving or recording of such a patriarchal blessing.
The stake patriarch should arrange for adequate stenographic service to record blessings. If stenographers are available who will furnish the service gratuitously, their services should be accepted as a worthy Church contribution. If, however, such gratuitous service is not available the patriarch may arrange for a stenographer to record blessings and for this service a stenographer so employed may submit to the First Presidency of the Church statements of charges, not to exceed $1.00 for each blessing recorded. If and when such service is continuous, monthly bills should be presented.
4. Record Books and Materials:â€"
The office of the Church Historian is the depository for the records of patriarchal blessings and stake patriarchs will receive from the Historian's Office such record books and other materials as may be essential for their use. When record books are ready for filing, they should be safely forwarded to the Historian's Office.
5. Relationship of Patriarch to the Church:â€"
Patriarchs in the stakes of Zion may solicit counsel as to their duties from the Patriarch to the Church whose office is at the Church headquarters in Salt Lake City and from him they may receive counsel from time to time as conditions may require.
6. Removal of Stake Patriarch to Another Stake:â€"
In the event a duly ordained stake patriarch moves out of the stake in which he has been sustained into another stake, the president of the stake into which he moves, when advised of the establishment of the patriarch's membership in one of the wards of his stake, should immediately notify the First Presidency of the Church so that consideration may be given by the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve to the installation of the patriarch in the stake to which he has moved. No stake patriarch may give blessings in any stake in which he has not been sustained by the people under the direction of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve.
7. Eligibility for Patriarchal Blessings:â€"
Stake patriarchs may give patriarchal blessings to those only who reside within their respective stakes, and only upon the presentation by the applicant of a recommend duly signed and approved by the bishop of the ward, except under the following conditions:
A. Stake patriarchs may give patriarchal blessings to members of organized missions upon the presentation by the applicant of a recommend duly signed and approved by the branch president and mission president. In such cases the applicant is to come into the stake for the blessing; the patriarch is not to go into the mission for that purpose.
B. Stake patriarchs are permitted to bless their blood relations wherever they may reside, provided, however, that such relations shall be duly recommended by the bishops of wards and presidents of stakes in which such relations reside.
C. In stakes where patriarchs have died or have become incapacitated or are absent from the stake so that patriarchal blessings from the stake patriarch are not available to members of the stake, in such circumstances and until such time as the services of a patriarch in such stakes may be made available to the members by a new appointment or the return of a patriarch on leave, members of such stakes may, upon proper recommendation of their bishop and the president of their stake, receive patriarchal blessings from a stake patriarch in an adjacent stake to whom they shall have been recommended. In such cases the applicant is to go into the patriarch's stake for the blessing; the patriarch is not to leave his own stake and go into another stake for such purpose. HEBER J. GRANT, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Office of the First Presidency Salt Lake City, Utah May 25, 1943.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
During the existence of the war, men in the Service who have received recommendations for patriarchal blessings, signed by their bishops and presidents of stakes, and who are unable to secure the opportunity to return to the stakes in which they live to receive such blessings from the stake patriarch, should present their recommends to the president of the stake in which they are spending their furlough, who, having satisfied himself of their present worthiness, should endorse the recommends: whereupon, the bearer thereof may receive his blessing from the patriarch in the stake in which he happens to spend his brief furlough. Patriarchs giving blessings under these conditions should do so in the spirit of utmost humility and after a diligent prayer to the Lord that He will guide and direct them in what they shall say. HEBER J. GRANT, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency. {1943-May 25-Original circular letters, L.D.S. Church Archives,}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
Two letters of instruction defining the role of Church patriarchs and the giving of patriarchal blessings.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Office of the First Presidency Salt Lake City, Utah May 25, 1943
SUGGESTIONS FOR STAKE PATRIARCHS
To the end that there may be a clearer and more uniform understanding of the duties and prerogatives of stake patriarchs, we bring to your attention the following considerations:
1. Nature of the Patriarchal Office and Blessings:â€"
The patriarchal office is one of blessing, not of administration. Patriarchal blessings are the only blessings that patriarchs are specifically ordained and sustained to give. Patriarchal blessings contemplate inspired declaration of the lineage of the recipient, and also, where so moved upon by the Spirit, an inspired and prophetic statement of the life mission of the recipient, together with such blessings, cautions, and admonitions as the patriarch may be prompted to give for the accomplishment of such life's mission, it always being made clear that the realization of all promised blessings is conditioned upon faithfulness to the Gospel of our Lord, whose servant the patriarch is.
All such blessings are recorded and generally only one such blessing should be adequate for each person's life. The sacred nature of the patriarchal blessing must of necessity urge all patriarchs to most earnest solicitation of divine guidance for their prophetic utterances and superior wisdom for cautions and admonitions.
2. Relation to Administrative Officers:â€"
While under the revelations patriarchs are selected and ordained by members of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, they act in the stakes of Zion under the direct supervision of the presidency of the stake whose privilege and duty it is to supervise their work and to make adequate provision for it to be carried forward in an orderly way. The patriarch is not a counselor to the people of the stake and the ward as are the presidency of the stake and the bishoprics. It is the duty of the patriarchs ever to sustain these administrative officers in the policies adopted and the counsels given to the people; and if patriarchs are solicited for counsel and advice relating to the conduct of members of the Church and decisions to be made in both temporal and spiritual matters, they should refer such persons to the administrative officers whose right it is to give attention to such matters. Patriarchs, as well as all others who hold the proper priesthood, may, when requested so to do, give blessings for the healing of the sick, but such blessings for the sick or for the comfort of individuals are of no higher order than, nor are they to be distinguished from, similar blessings given by others who hold the proper priesthood.
3. Recording Blessings:â€"
All patriarchal blessings, as hereinbefore defined, should be recorded and one copy of the recorded blessing should be given to the recipient, and one copy should be preserved for the record book. No charge is to be made nor gratuity accepted for the giving or recording of such a patriarchal blessing.
The stake patriarch should arrange for adequate stenographic service to record blessings. If stenographers are available who will furnish the service gratuitously, their services should be accepted as a worthy Church contribution. If, however, such gratuitous service is not available the patriarch may arrange for a stenographer to record blessings and for this service a stenographer so employed may submit to the First Presidency of the Church statements of charges, not to exceed $1.00 for each blessing recorded. If and when such service is continuous, monthly bills should be presented.
4. Record Books and Materials:â€"
The office of the Church Historian is the depository for the records of patriarchal blessings and stake patriarchs will receive from the Historian's Office such record books and other materials as may be essential for their use. When record books are ready for filing, they should be safely forwarded to the Historian's Office.
5. Relationship of Patriarch to the Church:â€"
Patriarchs in the stakes of Zion may solicit counsel as to their duties from the Patriarch to the Church whose office is at the Church headquarters in Salt Lake City and from him they may receive counsel from time to time as conditions may require.
6. Removal of Stake Patriarch to Another Stake:â€"
In the event a duly ordained stake patriarch moves out of the stake in which he has been sustained into another stake, the president of the stake into which he moves, when advised of the establishment of the patriarch's membership in one of the wards of his stake, should immediately notify the First Presidency of the Church so that consideration may be given by the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve to the installation of the patriarch in the stake to which he has moved. No stake patriarch may give blessings in any stake in which he has not been sustained by the people under the direction of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve.
7. Eligibility for Patriarchal Blessings:â€"
Stake patriarchs may give patriarchal blessings to those only who reside within their respective stakes, and only upon the presentation by the applicant of a recommend duly signed and approved by the bishop of the ward, except under the following conditions:
A. Stake patriarchs may give patriarchal blessings to members of organized missions upon the presentation by the applicant of a recommend duly signed and approved by the branch president and mission president. In such cases the applicant is to come into the stake for the blessing; the patriarch is not to go into the mission for that purpose.
B. Stake patriarchs are permitted to bless their blood relations wherever they may reside, provided, however, that such relations shall be duly recommended by the bishops of wards and presidents of stakes in which such relations reside.
C. In stakes where patriarchs have died or have become incapacitated or are absent from the stake so that patriarchal blessings from the stake patriarch are not available to members of the stake, in such circumstances and until such time as the services of a patriarch in such stakes may be made available to the members by a new appointment or the return of a patriarch on leave, members of such stakes may, upon proper recommendation of their bishop and the president of their stake, receive patriarchal blessings from a stake patriarch in an adjacent stake to whom they shall have been recommended. In such cases the applicant is to go into the patriarch's stake for the blessing; the patriarch is not to leave his own stake and go into another stake for such purpose. HEBER J. GRANT, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Office of the First Presidency Salt Lake City, Utah May 25, 1943.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
During the existence of the war, men in the Service who have received recommendations for patriarchal blessings, signed by their bishops and presidents of stakes, and who are unable to secure the opportunity to return to the stakes in which they live to receive such blessings from the stake patriarch, should present their recommends to the president of the stake in which they are spending their furlough, who, having satisfied himself of their present worthiness, should endorse the recommends: whereupon, the bearer thereof may receive his blessing from the patriarch in the stake in which he happens to spend his brief furlough. Patriarchs giving blessings under these conditions should do so in the spirit of utmost humility and after a diligent prayer to the Lord that He will guide and direct them in what they shall say. HEBER J. GRANT, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY, First Presidency. {1943-May 25-Original circular letters, L.D.S. Church Archives,}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
120 years ago today - May 25, 1893 (Thursday)
In the Fourth District Curt, at Ogden, Henry Stander was sentenced by Judge Miner to four months' imprisonment for "adultery" [plural marriage].
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
125 years ago today - Friday, May 25th, 1888
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] I was out attending to some business, and among other things called to see Father with whom I had considerable talk about business. He desires me to learn the true condition of John Q.'s affairs. He told me that at the dedication of the Manti temple there were some remarkable manifestations of God's power. Various personages were seen. Phoebe Beatie saw a person standing behind D. C. Young while he was speaking. Halos were seen about the heads of several brethren, notably Apostle John W. Taylor. Voices were heard shouting "Hosannah," and singing was heard Bro. John S. Lewis stating that he could distinguish the various parts. These were encouraging evidences to the Saints that God is pleased with the work done, and still lives to control His Church In the evening I took Sarah and Mina for a ride.
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
180 years ago today - May 25, 1833
Uncle John Smith arrives in Kirtland, the first of Joseph Sr.'s relatives to join the church.
[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
70 years ago today - May 24, 1943
Bernard DeVoto writes "It is lugubriously true that the orthodox Mormon mind cannot tolerate any objective treatment of Mormon history whatever. . . . All Mormon actions have always been pure and sanitary; all criticism of them has always been evil and mendacious. Who is not for them is against them. . . . This is what I have sometimes called the Mormon Inferiority complex. Something of the sort is, of course, a part of all religious orthodoxy. Yet it is perfectly possible for any writer to handle any other religion in America objectively and be answered objectively in turn. It is not possible of the Mormons."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - May 24, 1933
President Heber J. Grant's address on Prohibition
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
150 years ago today - May 24, 1863
Brigham Young preaches, "In proportion to our fall through sin so shall we be exalted in the presence of our Father and God."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - May 24, 1843
Camilla Clara Meith (Cobb), later the founder of the first Utah kindergarten, is born in Dresden, Germany.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
60 years ago today - May 23, 1953
Apostle Spencer W. Kimball publishes repudiation of Norman C. Pierce's THE COMING OF THE GREAT WHITE CHIEF: "If members of the Church would always check the authenticity of such stories, through Church authorities before spreading them abroad, it would save much embarrassment and deception."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - May 23, 1893
The first ordinance work, baptisms for the dead, was performed in the Salt Lake Temple. On May 24, the first endowment work and sealings were performed.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
125 years ago today - Wednesday, May 23, 1888
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Manti
The people passed through the rooms of the house. 2,200 persons were said to be present.
The heavens were opened. Sacred choirs sang, Angles were seen, Hallos of light encircled the head of the Priesthood and joy filled our hearts. It was the day of days and none present will ever forget it.
[Speakers and time taken by each listed.]
[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]
The people passed through the rooms of the house. 2,200 persons were said to be present.
The heavens were opened. Sacred choirs sang, Angles were seen, Hallos of light encircled the head of the Priesthood and joy filled our hearts. It was the day of days and none present will ever forget it.
[Speakers and time taken by each listed.]
[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 - May 23, 1888
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] I regret more than words of mine can tell the absence of a majority of the members of our quorum from the dedication and my gratitude will know no bounds when in the kind providences of our Heavenly Father our quorum can meet as they did before the raid under the Edmunds Tucker bill started. No pen can picture the sufferings and heart aches our people have undergone. I take no pleasure in thinking about them or writing anything on the subject.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - May 23, 1843. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] Conversed with H[eber] C. K[imball] concerning a plot that is being laid to entrap the brethren of the secret priesthood [polygamy] by Brother H[?] [Hyrum Smith] and others. ... President stated to me that he had had a little trouble with Sister E[mma]. He was asking E[liza] Partridge concerning [Joseph] Jackson['s] conduct during Presidents absence and E[mma] came upstairs. He shut to the door not knowing who it was and held it. She came to the door and called Eliza 4 times and tried to force open the door. President opened it and told her the cause &c. She seemed much irritated. ...
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
170 years ago today - May 23, 1843
[Lucy Mack Smith] Emma gives permission for Joseph to be sealed to Emily and Eliza Partridge, not knowing that they are already his plural wives.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
More History?
Want more LDS history? Check out Mormon-Church-History, a comprehensive chronology of church history. It is a tour through church history, covering a little bit each day through the the history of the church. About a dozen chronological entries are posted daily, gradually covering the entire history of the Mormon church over the next several years. More info can be found here: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
30 years ago today - May 22, 1983
The PROVO DAILY HERALD reports of fourteen Mormon writers in four states who "had been questioned" by local ecclesiastical leaders. All had contributed to Dialogue, Sunstone, or the Seventh East Press. Roy Doxey, former BYU dean of religious education, says that Apostle Mark E. Petersen "ordered the investigations."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
70 years ago today - May 22, 1943
USS Joseph Smith, a Liberty class ship, was launched in Richmond, Calif. Ceremonies included a tribute to Joseph Smith and a description of the Church's part in the war effort.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
125 years ago today - May 22, 1888
In absence of a First Presidency Wilford Woodruff answers some doctrinal questions in a letter to Bishop S. A. Woolley: "You ask whether a person who has once been married in the Endowment House or Temple, and is left a widow or a widower, com mit adultery by marrying again when the ceremony is performed by a justice of the peace or civil officer. There is a manifest impropriety, which every Latter-day Saint who has had his or her endowments should perceive, in such a person going to a civil officer to have a ceremony of marriage performed. The fact that such a person does so is an evidence that he or she is falling away, because if in good standing a recommendation could be obtained for the Temple, where the ceremony could be performed according to the order which God has instituted. But a person marrying under such circumstances does not commit adultery. You ask some other questions concerning how many living wives a man must have to fulfil the law. When a man, according to the revelation, marries a wife under the holy order which God has revealed and then marries another in the same way, he enters into the new and everlasting covenant, and so far as he has gone he has obeyed the law. I know of no requirement which makes it necessary for a man to have three living wives at a time."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
175 years ago today - May 22, 1838
[Joseph Smith Diary] ... We [found] some ancient antiquities about one mile west of the camp, which consisted of stone mounds, appearently laid up in squire [square] piles, though somewhat decayed and obliterated by the almost continual rains. Undoubtedly these were made to seclude some valuable treasures deposited by the aborigionees of this land.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
65 years ago today - May 21, 1948
All Church building operations postponed-- Salt Lake City, Utah.
May 21, 1948 To Presidents of Stakes and Presidents of Missions
Dear Brethren:
The high cost of building materials and building construction has led the brethren immediately in charge of Church building operations and ourselves carefully to consider the matter of Church building operations in general, and particularly in the wards, branches and stakes where the people must furnish their proportionate share of construction costs ...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
May 21, 1948 To Presidents of Stakes and Presidents of Missions
Dear Brethren:
The high cost of building materials and building construction has led the brethren immediately in charge of Church building operations and ourselves carefully to consider the matter of Church building operations in general, and particularly in the wards, branches and stakes where the people must furnish their proportionate share of construction costs ...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
100 years ago today - May 21, 1913
The Boy Scout program was officially adopted by the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association and became the activity program for boys of the Church.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
125 years ago today - Monday, May 21, 1888
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Manti
Bros. L. Snow, F. D. Richards, F. M. Lyman, H. J. Grant, J. W. Taylor, John Smith and myself with other brethren met at the Temple at 9:30 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. the doors were thrown open, people being admitted by Ticket. At 5 minutes to 11 a.m. the choir sang Lord We Come before thee Now.
Lorenzo Snow gave the Dedicatory prayer â€" 38 minutes long.
[Other speakers listed with amount of time taken.]
In unison three times we shouted Hosanna to God and the Lamb forever and ever Amen, amen and amen.
I dosed with prayer and then all of the people went through the building.
It was a day never to be forgotten by those present.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
Bros. L. Snow, F. D. Richards, F. M. Lyman, H. J. Grant, J. W. Taylor, John Smith and myself with other brethren met at the Temple at 9:30 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. the doors were thrown open, people being admitted by Ticket. At 5 minutes to 11 a.m. the choir sang Lord We Come before thee Now.
Lorenzo Snow gave the Dedicatory prayer â€" 38 minutes long.
[Other speakers listed with amount of time taken.]
In unison three times we shouted Hosanna to God and the Lamb forever and ever Amen, amen and amen.
I dosed with prayer and then all of the people went through the building.
It was a day never to be forgotten by those present.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
165 years ago today - May 21, 1848
[Heber C. Kimball marriage] wife #39. Mary Dull (Duell?), 1807-?.
[Source: Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
[Source: Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
170 years ago today - May 21, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] ... Joseph arrived and after pressing his way through the crowd and getting on the stand said there were some people who thought it a terrible thing that any body should exercise a little power. [He] said he thought it a pity that any body should give occasion to have power exercised.
... Many think a prophet must be a great deal better than any body else/ Suppose I would condescend. Yes, I will /call it/ condescend to be a great deal better than any of you, I would be raised up to the highest heaven, and who should I have to accompany me. I love that man better who swears a stream as long as my arm and [is attentive to] administering to the poor and dividing his substance, than the long smoothed faced hypocrites.
I don't want you to think I am very righteous, for I am not very righteous. ...
We were eyewitnesses of his majesty and heard the voice of his excellent glory, and what could be more sure? Transfigured on the mount &c. and what could be more sure? Divines have been quarreling for ages about the meaning of this.
[I am like a] Rough stone rol[l]ing down [a] hill. [several lines left blank]
Three grand secrets lying in this chapter [2 Peter 1] which no man can dig out which unlocks the whole chapter. What is written are only hints of things which existed in the prophet's mind which are not written concerning eternal glory.
I am going to take up this subject by virtue of the knowledge of God in me which I have received from heaven.
... Organization of spirits in the Eternal World. Spirits in the Eternal world are like spirits in this world. When those spirits have come into this [world] risin and received glorified bodies, they will have an ascendency over spirits who have no bodies, or kept not their first estate like the devil. Devil's punishment, should not have a habitation like the other men. Devil's retaliation [was to] come into this world, bind up men's bodies and occupy [them] himself. Authorities come along and eject him from a stolen habitation.
Design of the Great God in sending us into this world and organizing us to prepare us for the Eternal World. I shall keep [my spirit] in my own bosom. We have no claim in our eternal comfort in relation to Eternal things unless our actions and contracts and all things tend to this end.
After all this make your calling and election sure. If this injuncti[o]n would lay largely on those to whom it was spoken. [Then] How much more there [is in this] to them of the 19th century.
1st Keyâ€"Knowledge in the power of Salvation.
2nd Keyâ€"Make his calling and Election sure.
3rd It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice &c., &c. and another /to hear the/ voice declare to you, "You have a part and lot in the kingdom."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
... Many think a prophet must be a great deal better than any body else/ Suppose I would condescend. Yes, I will /call it/ condescend to be a great deal better than any of you, I would be raised up to the highest heaven, and who should I have to accompany me. I love that man better who swears a stream as long as my arm and [is attentive to] administering to the poor and dividing his substance, than the long smoothed faced hypocrites.
I don't want you to think I am very righteous, for I am not very righteous. ...
We were eyewitnesses of his majesty and heard the voice of his excellent glory, and what could be more sure? Transfigured on the mount &c. and what could be more sure? Divines have been quarreling for ages about the meaning of this.
[I am like a] Rough stone rol[l]ing down [a] hill. [several lines left blank]
Three grand secrets lying in this chapter [2 Peter 1] which no man can dig out which unlocks the whole chapter. What is written are only hints of things which existed in the prophet's mind which are not written concerning eternal glory.
I am going to take up this subject by virtue of the knowledge of God in me which I have received from heaven.
... Organization of spirits in the Eternal World. Spirits in the Eternal world are like spirits in this world. When those spirits have come into this [world] risin and received glorified bodies, they will have an ascendency over spirits who have no bodies, or kept not their first estate like the devil. Devil's punishment, should not have a habitation like the other men. Devil's retaliation [was to] come into this world, bind up men's bodies and occupy [them] himself. Authorities come along and eject him from a stolen habitation.
Design of the Great God in sending us into this world and organizing us to prepare us for the Eternal World. I shall keep [my spirit] in my own bosom. We have no claim in our eternal comfort in relation to Eternal things unless our actions and contracts and all things tend to this end.
After all this make your calling and election sure. If this injuncti[o]n would lay largely on those to whom it was spoken. [Then] How much more there [is in this] to them of the 19th century.
1st Keyâ€"Knowledge in the power of Salvation.
2nd Keyâ€"Make his calling and Election sure.
3rd It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice &c., &c. and another /to hear the/ voice declare to you, "You have a part and lot in the kingdom."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
25 years ago today - May 20, 1988
[Quorum of the Twelve] Marion G. Romney dies. Howard W. Hunter becomes President of the 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)]
[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)]
130 years ago today - May 20, 1883
Salt Lake City police arrest seventeen boys for "breaking the Sabbath" by playing baseball on Sunday.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - May 20, 1863
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20 I took a walk with Presidents Brigham Young & D. H. Wells & W H Folsome through the Temple Block & the Theater from top to Bottom. President Young Expressed his satisfaction with the present work on the Temple. Was much Better than it was before the foundation was taken up.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - May 20, 1843
Joseph Smith writes for publication in the TIMES and SEASONS, "I may safely say that the word "Mormon" stands independent of the wisdom and learning of this generation. The word Mormon, means literally, more good."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - May 19, 1933
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] J. Golden Kimball called shortly after ten o'clock, and I had a long talk with him regarding his speech at Conference. I told him that under no circumstances would I consent to having his speech remodeled the way he had changed it, because it would be a direct reflection on anything I said, because there would be nothing there to criticize. I told him plainly that he must quit using the name of God, that I considered it absolute profanity when he said 'God, how I hate prejudice,' and when he referred to his conversation with Brother Lyman, in which he told Brother Lyman, in answer to his question as to whether he loved the brethren, that he loved some of them a damn sight better than others, that it was absolutely ridiculous to talk that way. I told him I wanted him to understand that I wouldn't and could not sustain him as one of the General Authorities of the church if he did not change. He said he would do his best to improve. He further said that if I did not want to publish his remarks it would be all right with him. I said 'I am going to publish your talk in full and mine too, unless you want me not to.' He said he would prefer not to have his talk published. I tore it up and threw it into the waste-basket. I was disappointed over my interview with him, from the fact that he did not come out frankly and fully and say 'Brother Grant, I apologize; I did wrong and I am sorry.' But we are all differently constituted, and I was glad to have a talk with him and to have him assure me he would endeavor to mend his ways. I read my talk to him word for word as it was delivered, in which I referred to my love of him, his testimony of the Gospel, etc., and there is practically no criticism whatever in it. I told him that if I had referred to his taking the name of God in vain and insulting his senior president, etc., there might have been some complaint, but I made it as mild as I know how. Golden is given to being very careless in his utterances, and I do hope and pray that he will change in the future. I always have liked him. He is fearless and has a strong testimony of the Gospel, but he is as careless in his talk as mortal man can be. He pledged his absolute loyalty to me, but I would think more of his pledge if he would be more careful in his talk.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - May 19, 1893
[L. John Nuttall] Pres[ident] [Wilford] Woodruff was at the [Salt Lake] Temple this afternoon for 2 hours & set apart Pres[ident] L[orenzo] Snow as Pres[ident] of the Temple.
[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]
[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]
170 years ago today - May 19, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, May 19th 1843 Told Bro[ther] [W. W.] Phelps a dream that the history must go ahead before any thing
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[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 - May 19, 1838
[Joseph Smith Diary] ... We next kept [traveling] up the river mostly in the timber for ten miles, untill we came to Col[onel] Lyman Wight's who lives at the foot of Tower Hill. A name appropriated by Pres[iden]t Smith in consequence of the remains of an old Nephitish Alter an[d] Tower where we camped for the Sab[b]ath.
In the after part of the day, Pre[siden]ts Smith and Rigdon and myself went to Wight's Ferry about a half mile from this place ... which was called Spring Hill. A name appropriated by the bretheren present, But afterwards named by the mouth of [the] Lord and was called Adam Ondi Awmen, because Said he, "It is the place where Adam Shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
In the after part of the day, Pre[siden]ts Smith and Rigdon and myself went to Wight's Ferry about a half mile from this place ... which was called Spring Hill. A name appropriated by the bretheren present, But afterwards named by the mouth of [the] Lord and was called Adam Ondi Awmen, because Said he, "It is the place where Adam Shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
20 years ago today - May 18,1993
[Utah] Apostle Boyd K. Packer tells All-Church Coordinating Council that LDS church faces three major threats: "The dangers I speak of come from the gay-lesbian movement, the feminist movement (both of which are relatively new), and the ever-present challenge from the so-called scholars or intellectuals."
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
25 years ago today - May 18, 1988
Apostle Howard W. Hunter signs agreement with State of Israel that "the Church will not engage in any missionary activity within the borders of Israel, as long as such activity is not allowed by the government of Israel."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - May 18, 1843. Thursday.
[William Clayton Journal] I asked the President w[h]ether children who die in infancy will grow. He answered "no, we shall receive them precisely in the same state as they died i.e. no larger. They will have as much intelligence as we shall but shall always remain separate and single. They will have no increase. Children who are born dead will have full grown bodies being made up by the resurrection."
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
170 years ago today - May 18, 1843
[Joseph Smith] Joseph dines with 30-year-old Judge Stephen A. Douglas in Carthage and relates the details of his trip to Washington to gain redress for the Missouri persecutions. He says, "I prophesy in the name of the Lord God of Israel, unless the United States redress the wrongs committed upon the Saints in the state of Missouri . . . the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted, and there will not be so much as a potsherd left. . . . Judge, you will aspire to the presidency of the United States; and if ever you turn your hand against me or the Latter-day Saints, you will feel the weight of the hand of Almighty upon you; and you will live to see and know that I have testified the truth to you; for the conversation of this day will stick to you through life."
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
175 years ago today - May 18, 1838
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. and his party choose the site of Adam-ondi-Ahman on the Grand River.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
170 years ago today - May 17, 1843
The 7th verse of 2nd chapter of Genesis ought to read---God breathed into Adam his spirit (i.e. Adam's spirit) or breath of life; but when the word "rauch" applies to Eve, it should be translated "lives." [Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 301, May 17, 1843.]
[Source: Paper, "Concepts Quotations Dealing With the Origin, Identity Position of Adam Eve"]
[Source: Paper, "Concepts Quotations Dealing With the Origin, Identity Position of Adam Eve"]
150 years ago today - May 17, 1863
John E Page: Joined Church of Christ, Temple Lot ("Hedrickite") Nov. 1862, and one of its apostles 17 May 1863
[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]
[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 - May 17, 1873
[Brigham Young Sermon] President B. Young spoke 11 Minutes -- Ogden, Utah [Wilford WoodruffÂ's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 7:138]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
85 years ago today - May 16, 1928
Over vociferous protests of many citizens including famed LDS sculptor Mahonri Young, the Salt Lake Dramatic Association, Church-owned corporation, sells the historic Salt Lake Theatre (built by Brigham Young) and adjacent lands to the Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company for construction of a telephone company building. Just before demolition someone changes the marquee to read "Erected by a prophet, destroyed by a profiteer."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
5 years ago today - May 16, 2008
Seventeen-year-old Utah Mormon David Archuleta, one of two finalists in the singing contest American Idol, is experiencing what many other Latter-day Saint celebrities have faced before him. The Osmonds, golfing great Johnny Miller, singer Gladys Knight, Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings, snowboarder Torah Bright, author Stephenie Meyer and other high-profile Mormons have all had to deal with questions about their faith and their fame. How do they reconcile the two?
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
120 years ago today - May 16, 1893
[L. John Nuttall] ...Pres[ident] L[orenzo]. snow stated the object of the meeting to present the names of all who had been invited to attend [the Salt Lake Temple] and learn from them if they were willing & could labor in the Temple and bear their own expenses. Also that the work would commence on next Monday-On the names of each being called all responded as being willing and able to do work in the Temple without any pay for the same. The names of these to word in the washing rooms were read over & the appointments made'also if those who will take the several parts in the Endowment were presented. There were quite a number of sisters present all of whom expressed their willingness to work in the Temple. Another meeting was appointed for Thursday morning next at 10 oclock to practice the several parts & prepare for work.
[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]
[Source: L. John Nuttall, Diary]
130 years ago today - Wednesday, May 16, 1883
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Liverpool
The Steamer Nevada left this city today with 217 British 184 Swiss & German & 12 Scandinavian and 14 returning Elders, 7 from England, 3 from Germany, and 4 from Scandinavia. Ben E. Rich was in charge of the party.
The Saints were singing Babylon Oh Babylon we bid thee farewell.
[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]
The Steamer Nevada left this city today with 217 British 184 Swiss & German & 12 Scandinavian and 14 returning Elders, 7 from England, 3 from Germany, and 4 from Scandinavia. Ben E. Rich was in charge of the party.
The Saints were singing Babylon Oh Babylon we bid thee farewell.
[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 - May 16, 1843. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] ... President Joseph and I went to B[enjamin] F. Johnsons to sleep. Before we retired the President gave Brother Johnson and wife some instructions on the priesthood. He put his hand on my knee and says "your life is hid with Christ in God, and so is many others." Addressing Benjamin says he "nothing but the unpardonable sin can prevent him (me) from inheriting eternal glory for he is sealed up by the power of the priesthood unto eternal life having taken the step which is necessary for that purpose." He said that except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity while in this probation by the power and authority of the Holy priesthood they will cease to increase when they die (i.e. they will not have any children in the resurrection), but those who are married by the power and authority of the priesthood in this life and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory. The unpardonable sin is to shed innocent blood or be accessory thereto. All other sins will be visited with judgement in the flesh and the spirit being delivered to the buffetings of satan untill the day of the Lord Jesus." I feel desirous to be united in an everlasting convenant to my wife and pray that it may soon be. President J[oseph] said that the way he knew in whom to confide, God told him in whom he might place confidence. He also said that in the celestial glory there was three heavens or degrees, and in order to obtain the highest a man must enter into this order of the priesthood and if he don't he can't obtain it. He may enter into the other but that is the end of his kingdom he cannot have increase.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
5 years ago today - May 15, 2008
The California Supreme Court ruled the law was unconstitutional because it discriminated against gays, and an estimated 18,000 same-sex couples got married in the ensuing months.
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
170 years ago today - May 15, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Monday, May 15th Joseph and the brethren and Emma returned towards night.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
25 years ago today - May 15, 1988
First African Stake where all priesthood leaders are black Africans, at Aba, Nigeria.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - May 15, 1913
[Joseph F. Smith to John D. T. McAllister, May 15, 1913] ... Sometime in February, 1857, Sister Romania Bunnell Pratt received her second anointing with Parley P. Pratt Jr. You are hereby authorized and instructed to cancel the record of this anointing, and report to me.
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
170 years ago today - May 15, 1843
Elder Benjamin Johnson wrote, "On the 15th of May. . the Prophet again Came and at my hosue [house] ocupied the Same Room & Bed with my Sister that the month previous he had ocupied with the Daughter of the Later Bishop Partridge as his wife." Joseph sleeps with his plural wife Almera Johnson.
[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
170 years ago today - May 15, 1843
Joseph Smith defines the word "Mormon" in the Times and Seasons 4:13 [May 15, 1843], p. 194) as "More Good."
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
15 years ago today - May 14, 1998
[Same-Sex Marriage] W.E. Woods reports that Save Traditional Marriage-98²s report to the Hawaii Ethics Commission indicated donations from the following LDS sources: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ($4,225), POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER ($1,025), BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY HAWAII ($1,200); HAWAIIS RESERVE, INC. [the LDS Church-owned land management corporation] ($1,000); and LAIE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION [an appointed unit of HAWAII RESERVES, INC] ($1,000)). This does not include officers of said organizations which are also to be calculated in aggregate amounts JACK HOAG, Chair of HAWAII RESERVES, INC. contributor of $400 and DEBI HARTMANN, BYU-HAWAII $400; GEORGE SHEA $200 (all known to be directly linked to these organizations). Total of $5,225 does not include others who may also be connected such as family members, staff and other personnel of Mormon owned or controlled entities.
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]
100 years ago today - May 14, 1913
[James E. Talmage] Attended meeting of committee appointed by the First Presidency to consider outline or scenario of a proposed motion picture dealing with Book of Mormon history.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
170 years ago today - May 14, 1843 (Sunday)
[Joseph Smith Sermon] ... Addressing Benjamin says he ``nothing but the unpardonable sin can prevent him (me) from inheriting eternal glory for he is sealed up by the power of the priesthood unto eternal life having taken the step which is necessary for that purpose.''
He said that except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity while in this probation by the power and authority of the Holy priesthood they will cease to increase when they die (ie. they will not have any children in the resurrection), but those who are married by the power & authority of the priesthood in this life & continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost will continue to increase & have children in the celestial glory.
The unpardonable sin is to shed innocent blood or be accessory thereto. All other sins will be visited with judgement in the flesh and the spirit being delivered to the buffetings of satan untill the day of the Lord Jesus.'' I feel desirous to be united in an everlasting covenant to my wife and pray that it may soon be. Prest. J. said that the way he knew in whom to confide, God told him in whom he might place confidence. He also said that in the celestial glory was three heavens or degrees, and in order to obtain the highest a man must enter into this order of the priesthood and if he dont he cant obtain it. He may enter into the other but that is the end of his kingdom he cannot have increase.
[Source: William Clayton journal as quoted at the Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
He said that except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity while in this probation by the power and authority of the Holy priesthood they will cease to increase when they die (ie. they will not have any children in the resurrection), but those who are married by the power & authority of the priesthood in this life & continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost will continue to increase & have children in the celestial glory.
The unpardonable sin is to shed innocent blood or be accessory thereto. All other sins will be visited with judgement in the flesh and the spirit being delivered to the buffetings of satan untill the day of the Lord Jesus.'' I feel desirous to be united in an everlasting covenant to my wife and pray that it may soon be. Prest. J. said that the way he knew in whom to confide, God told him in whom he might place confidence. He also said that in the celestial glory was three heavens or degrees, and in order to obtain the highest a man must enter into this order of the priesthood and if he dont he cant obtain it. He may enter into the other but that is the end of his kingdom he cannot have increase.
[Source: William Clayton journal as quoted at the Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
170 years ago today - 1843 14 May.
[Joseph Smith] Presiding Patriarch and Associate President Hyrum Smith assures a citywide congregation that only the Devil would give a revelation approving "wifes & concubines."
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
170 years ago today - May 14, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] [Joseph Smith preaches] ... So the devil thinking to thwart the decree of God by going up & down in the earth seeking whome he may destroy any person that he can find that will yield to him he will bind him & take possession of the Body & reign there glorying in it mightily not thinking that he had got a stolen tabernacle & by & by some one of Authority will come along & cast him out & restore the tabernacle to his rightful owner. But the bevil steals a tabernacle because he has not one of his own. But if he steals one he is liable to be turned out of doors.
...Now for the secret & grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God & know that Jesus was the son of God this would be no evidence that their election & calling was made shure that they had part with Christ & was a Joint heir with him. They then would want that more sure word of Prophecy that they were sealed in the heavens & had the promise of eternal live in the kingdom of God.
Then having this promise sealed unto them it was as an anchor to the soul sure & steadfast. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
...Now for the secret & grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God & know that Jesus was the son of God this would be no evidence that their election & calling was made shure that they had part with Christ & was a Joint heir with him. They then would want that more sure word of Prophecy that they were sealed in the heavens & had the promise of eternal live in the kingdom of God.
Then having this promise sealed unto them it was as an anchor to the soul sure & steadfast. ...
[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 - May 13, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] A. O. Smoot told W. Woodruff that He & Alanson Ripley while surveying out Adam Ondi Ahman about 22 Miles North of Jackson County Missouri they Came across a Stone wall in the midst of a dens forest & underbrush. The wall was 30 feet long 3 feet thick, and about 4 feet high above the ground and laid in mortar or Cement. When Joseph Smith the Prophet visited the place and Examined the wall He said it was the remains of an Altar Built By Father Adam whare he offered Sacrafice after he was driven from the Garden of Eden which was located in Jackson County Missouri. The whole town which was laid out and named Adam Ondi Ahman was in the midst of a thick & heavy forest of timber and the place named after Adams Altar. The Prophet Joseph said it was upon this Altar whare Adam blessed his sons and Posterity Before his death. Let Historians of the Church note this.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - May 13, 1843
William Clayton writes: ". . . Sister Desdemona Fullmer came to see if she could board with me. I told her she could on Tuesday." Desdemona Fullmer had become a secret plural wife of Joseph Smith in 1842. By residing with the Claytons, she could maintain the confidentiality of her relationship with the prophet.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - May 13, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] After hearing of several distressing Steamboat disasters which shows that the destroyer is riding upon the waters, I read an account this morning in the Boston daily news of a great destruction in Europe by water. The letter was dated Berlin. The substance of the account was that the waters had rolled beyound there bounds & overflown the order & in less than 15 minutes rising of 70 towns were wholey inundated & destroyed. Surely the word of God is fullfilling the sea troudied & waves roaring.
I spent a short time in the morning in visiting the Roman Catholic Church. They were attending their morning meeting when I entered the house. After visiting the house & beholding their Priest Images & mockery & see them use their Holy water I left the house disgusted with their religion.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I spent a short time in the morning in visiting the Roman Catholic Church. They were attending their morning meeting when I entered the house. After visiting the house & beholding their Priest Images & mockery & see them use their Holy water I left the house disgusted with their religion.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - May 13, 1828
Joseph Sr. and Samuel Smith incur a $3.38 debt for three barrels of cider.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
20 years ago today - May 12, 1993
Regional Representative Jon M. Huntsman, recently released as U.S. ambassador, meets in Vatican with Pope John Paul II who expresses gratitude for Mormon donations to Catholic Relief work.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
1913, 100 years ago this year.
The Church established the Maori Agricultural College in New Zealand. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and was never rebuilt.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
175 years ago today - May 12, 1838
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon request annual remuneration of $1,100, each. The council gives 80 acre lots to each and grants their salary request. Council member George M. Hinkle "bitterly opposed it, as the Church had always been opposed to a salaried ministry."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - May 11, 1913
[Patriarchal Blessings] [Patriarchal Blessing of Joseph Fielding Smith Jr. by Joseph D. Smith on May 11, 1913]
... You have been greatly blessed in your birthright, and you were called and ordained before you came in the flesh, as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, to represent his work in the earth. ... You have never known the time when you did not believe and feel within your very bones that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that his mission was divine.
You have been blessed with ability to comprehend, to analyze, and defend the principles of truth above many of your fellows, and the time will come when the accumulative evidence that you have gathered will stand as a wall of defense against those who are seeking and will seek to destroy the evidence of the divinity of the mission of the Prophet Joseph; and in this defense you will never be confounded .... And you will indeed stand in the midst of this people a prophet and a revelator to them, for the Lord has blessed you and ordained you to this calling, and it will come upon you as naturally as the night shall follow the day.
.... Your counsels will be considered conservative and wise ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
... You have been greatly blessed in your birthright, and you were called and ordained before you came in the flesh, as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, to represent his work in the earth. ... You have never known the time when you did not believe and feel within your very bones that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that his mission was divine.
You have been blessed with ability to comprehend, to analyze, and defend the principles of truth above many of your fellows, and the time will come when the accumulative evidence that you have gathered will stand as a wall of defense against those who are seeking and will seek to destroy the evidence of the divinity of the mission of the Prophet Joseph; and in this defense you will never be confounded .... And you will indeed stand in the midst of this people a prophet and a revelator to them, for the Lord has blessed you and ordained you to this calling, and it will come upon you as naturally as the night shall follow the day.
.... Your counsels will be considered conservative and wise ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
170 years ago today - May 11, 1843
Marriage - Joseph to Maria Lawrence, age 19 ,. SOURCE: Historical Record 6:223; Lucy Walker Smith Kimball, in the Temple Lot case (full transcript, 461, LDS archives); Helen Kimball Whitney, Woman's Exponent, 15 Feb. 1886, 138.
[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
170 years ago today - May 11, 1843
Joseph Smith marries Emily and Eliza Partridge, youthful daughters of deceased church bishop Edward Partridge. They have been living in Joseph's house as housekeepers and nannies. This is a second ceremony done with Emma's permission. Emma had given Joseph permission to take plural wives and chose Emily and Eliza without knowing that Joseph had previously married them in secret. It is unclear that Emma knew exactly what was implied by the ceremony since Joseph later had to forcibly and secretly hold the door to Eliza's room shut to keep Emma from finding them together. Emily later remembered that "Emma was present. She gave her free and full consent. She had always up to this time, been very kind to me and my sister . . .but ever after [the ceremony] she was our enemy."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - May 11, 1843
Journal of Joseph Smith on 11 May 1843, "6 AM baptized [blank spaces] Sisters Snow, Louisa Bemen, Sarah Alley &c." These rebaptisms could have been associated with plural marriages. Eliza R Snow had become Joseph Smiths plural wife on 29 June 1842, Louisa Beaman on 5 April 1841 and Sarah Alley had been sealed as a plural wife to Joseph B Noble on 5 April 1843. The blank space and &c of this 11 May 1843 entry in Joseph Smith's journal may be explained by the affirmations of Emily and Eliza Partridge that they were sealed to Joseph Smith as plural wives on this date in the presence of his wife Emma.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, "The Practice of Rebaptism at Nauvoo," BYU Studies (1978), 18:2:226]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, "The Practice of Rebaptism at Nauvoo," BYU Studies (1978), 18:2:226]
175 years ago today - May 11, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] ...I went to the goal in order to have an interview & to comfort Elder Albert P. Rockwood who had been cast into prison by his enemies for debts in order to trouble and distress him. When I arived at the prison the Jailor permitted me to enter into the room whare he was & it was truly a happy meeting. For althoug we were strangers after the flesh yet we were united in the Spirit.
This was the first time I ever entered into a prison to see an Elder of Israel but after the keeper of the prison doors had turned the key upon us & left us together to comfort each other in the midst of Iron grates & bars I began to inquire into the state of his mind and it gladdened my Soul to find him strong in the GOD of Abram Daniel & Eligah. He was rejoicing in God Contented in his mind & strong in the faith once deliverd to the Saints. Brother Rockwood had the Bible, Book of Mormon P. P. Pratts voice of warning & the Evening & Morning Star as his companions which he constantly read.
We conversed together about three hours in this solitary abode & our souls were made glad. ...
At half past 8 oclock PM the Jailor came & unlocked the prison doors & I took the parting hand with this worthy Brother while he manifested much Joy for my visit. Well whose soul would not be cheered to have a friend visit them while cast into prison? I left him in good spirits & bent my way back again to the City of Boston....
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
This was the first time I ever entered into a prison to see an Elder of Israel but after the keeper of the prison doors had turned the key upon us & left us together to comfort each other in the midst of Iron grates & bars I began to inquire into the state of his mind and it gladdened my Soul to find him strong in the GOD of Abram Daniel & Eligah. He was rejoicing in God Contented in his mind & strong in the faith once deliverd to the Saints. Brother Rockwood had the Bible, Book of Mormon P. P. Pratts voice of warning & the Evening & Morning Star as his companions which he constantly read.
We conversed together about three hours in this solitary abode & our souls were made glad. ...
At half past 8 oclock PM the Jailor came & unlocked the prison doors & I took the parting hand with this worthy Brother while he manifested much Joy for my visit. Well whose soul would not be cheered to have a friend visit them while cast into prison? I left him in good spirits & bent my way back again to the City of Boston....
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
65 years ago today - May 10, 1948
[Frank Evans] Richard L. Evans called me by phone, stating that the State Narcotics officer had called his attention to a quantity of opium, an opium pipe, and some other trinkets known by the State to be in the Information Bureau, and requested Richard to give him permission to destroy same. Richard immediately thereafter met an F.B.I. man whom he knows well and asked him for advice on the matter, stating that the stuff has been there “since time immemorial.†The F.B.I. man stated that he was in that department of the service and asked that the stuff be delivered to him for destruction, stating that he could get an order therefor but preferred to do it quietly, he knowing that the church had no intention of violating the law by possessing the opium. I suggested to Richard that he get a little time to consider the matter and to follow some proper procedure so that the matter might be referred to the Church Attorney for investigation and that a report thereof should be made promptly to the First Presidency. Richard called me later, stating that he had made this arrangement with the F.B.I. man, and Attorney Albert R. Bowen was accordingly asked to make the investigation and report early so that the matter could be taken to the First Presidency.
[Source: Frank Evans, Diary]
[Source: Frank Evans, Diary]
120 years ago today - May 10, 1893
[Francis M. Lyman] Pres[ident] George Q. Cannon blessed bro[ther] Heber J. Grant for a mission to New York to raise money. 200,000 or more to meet obligations of Cannon Grant & Co[mpany]. He was assisted by Presidents Jos[eph] F. Smith and L[orenzo]. Snow and me. This is the most difficult mission bro[ther] Heber has ever undertaken now that financial affairs are tumbling in all directions.
[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
150 years ago today - May 10, 1863 (Morning)
[Brigham Young Vision] ... When I was on my first visit to Santa Clara and Tonaquint settlements, I saw in a vision this place [St. George] inhabited by a multitude of people and large domes were towering up in every direction. I shall yet see this with my natural eyes. ...
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
175 years ago today - 1838: 10 May
[Patriarchal Blessings] Marinda Nancy Hyde. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.?)
...The time shall come when thou shalt be left by thy husband, for he must go to foreign lands and preach the gospel, he will be great in the hands of the Lord having a great work to do among the nations of the earth. Thou will have afflictions and sorrow for thy husband--but thou will give him up to his calling and trust in God, thou shall be blest. In the absence of thy companion the angels of heaven shall minister to thee--they will give thee instructions and comfort thy heart....
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
...The time shall come when thou shalt be left by thy husband, for he must go to foreign lands and preach the gospel, he will be great in the hands of the Lord having a great work to do among the nations of the earth. Thou will have afflictions and sorrow for thy husband--but thou will give him up to his calling and trust in God, thou shall be blest. In the absence of thy companion the angels of heaven shall minister to thee--they will give thee instructions and comfort thy heart....
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
10 years ago today - May 09, 2003
[U.S. Religious History] The National Association of Evangelicals, a group of evangelical Christians, condemned Franklin Graham, Jerry Falwell, Jerry Vines, Pat Robertson and other evangelical leaders for their many anti-Islamic statements.
[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
100 years ago today - May 9, 1913
First Presidency learns that James Dwyer, co-founder of Salt Lake City's LDS University (now LDS Business College), has been "teaching young men that sodomy and kindred vices are not sins..." Dwyer's daughter, actress Ada Dwyer Russell, is already in long-term relationship with lesbian poet Amy Lowell. Dwyer's bishop and stake president want to excommunicate him, but First Presidency allows Dwyer, now in his eighties, to voluntarily "withdraw his name" from LDS church membership.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - May 9, 1863 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young Sermon] Prest. Young wished to impress upon the minds of the Saints that he desired them to raise cotton, indigo, olive and fig trees, and everything else that can be raise here. Said the people need not fear raising too much cotton, for they would find a ready market for it.
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
170 years ago today - May 9, 1843
While on a boat excursion up the Mississippi, Joseph Smith tells Parley P. Pratt that his wife, Mary Ann Frost Pratt, and her sister, Olive Frost, should be sealed to the same man.
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
5 years ago today - May 8, 2008
Reuters Blogs
Catholic-Mormon tension over LDS baptism of the dead (excerpts)
The issue of Mormon proxy baptisms has resurfaced with the news that the Vatican has written to Catholic dioceses around the world telling them not to provide parish records to the Genealogical Society of Utah. As the Catholic News Service reported last week, the letter calls proxy baptism using these records detrimental and says the Vatican did not want Catholic parishes to cooperate with the erroneous practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons use genealogical data to find names of people to baptise posthumously, a practice the Roman Catholic Church rejects on theological grounds.
[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
Catholic-Mormon tension over LDS baptism of the dead (excerpts)
The issue of Mormon proxy baptisms has resurfaced with the news that the Vatican has written to Catholic dioceses around the world telling them not to provide parish records to the Genealogical Society of Utah. As the Catholic News Service reported last week, the letter calls proxy baptism using these records detrimental and says the Vatican did not want Catholic parishes to cooperate with the erroneous practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons use genealogical data to find names of people to baptise posthumously, a practice the Roman Catholic Church rejects on theological grounds.
[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
150 years ago today - May 8, 1863 (Friday)
The ship B.S. Kimball sailed from Liverpool, England, with 654 (or 657) Saints under the direction of Hans Peter Lund.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
150 years ago today - May 8, 1863 (Friday)
A small band of Indians made a raid on Box Elder Valley, four miles above Brigham City, killing William Thorpe and driving off several head of horses.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - May 8, 1838
Joseph Smith publishes answers to frequently asked questions on the beliefs of Mormons, including: Mormons do believe in the Bible, Mormons are different from other sects be cause they believe in the Bible, while other sects profess to believe in their interpretation, Non-Mormons will be damned, as well as a good portion of Mormons, unless they repent and work for righteousness, Joseph Smith is a prophet, Members' property is not held in common, Mormons do not believe in multiple wives at the same time, Mormons cannot raise the dead, members do not have to give all of their money to the church (only their portion of what's necessary to support church operations), Mormons are not abolitionists, Joseph Smith was a money digger but didn't make much money at it (only $14 a month), Mormons do baptize the dead, Joseph Smith is not Jesus Christ, The scriptures are not full.
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
130 years ago today - May 7, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 7 We drove to Richmond & I visited Beason Lewis who was 74 years of Age and was Entirely helpless from a stroke of paralasis. Had been so for a year. He has been a good Man and done Much good. He wanted me to Bless him which I felt impressed to do, & while my hands was upon his head I felt strongly moved upon to ordain him a High Priest and Patriarch which I did do and the spirit & Power of God rested upon us while doing it and He felt vary thankful for the Blessing.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - May 7, 1873
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... We have Called these Brethren to gether to Ordain them Patriarchs & to Bless them. We Consider them worthy of a Blessing under the Hands of the Apostles. They hold the keys & Power to ordain Patriarchs & all Offices in the Church on the Earth & in heaven & will hold those keys here & there for time & for Eternity. The Patriarchal Office gives you the Highest Power to Bless but does not give the Apostleship but makes you Patriarchs.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - May 7, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, May 7th 1843 Forenoon visited by several gentlemen concerning the plates which were dug out [of] a mound near Qunig [Kinderhook, Pike County, Illinois]. Sent by W[illia]m Smith to the office for Hebrew Bible and Lexicon. Mr. Vickers the wire dancer called. ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
170 years ago today - May 7, 1843
... Parley P. Pratt writes to a non-Mormon cousin concerning claims by John C. Bennet that Joseph Smith tried to seduce Orson Pratt's wife Sarah: "As to Bennett or his book [The History of the Saints, 1842] I consider it a little stooping to mention it. It is beneath contempt & would disgrace the society of HELL & the DEVIL. . . .There is not such a thing named among the saints as he represents." Orson Pratt adds a postscript to the letter: " J.C. Bennett has published lies concerning myself & family & the people with which I am connected." Sarah Pratt, however, later states: "[I] know that the principle statements in John C. Bennett's Book on Mormonism are true."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - 1838 7 May.
James G. Marsh, 14-year-old son of the president of the Quorum of Twelve, dies. The Elder's Journal issue of Jul notes that at age nine this boy "had a remarkable vision, in which he talked with the Father and many of the ancient prophets face to face, and beheld the Son of God coming in his glory." No publication at this time had yet referred to Joseph Smith's vision of the Father and the Son.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
10 years ago today - 2003 6?? May
[Hinckley] Received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Salt Lake Community College
[Source: LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]
[Source: LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]
50 years ago today - May 6, 1963
Apostle Harold B. Lee is appointed to board of governors for American Red Cross, first LDS general authority in this position.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
140 years ago today - May 6, 1873
Minutes of the Salt Lake Stake Deacon's Quorum note: "Bro. Chambers said he received the gospel when he was quite a youth while slavery was, and he saved a little money, and came to the valley. He was glad to meet with the Saints, he desired to live with them while he lives, knows the Church is true and the Saints are the people of God. He knew it from the time the Elders laid their hands on him. He feels to be active in doing what he can do for the building up of the kingdom of God. The race he comes of fall away. He feels it is right, the servants of God should keep the Priesthood pure. He feels glad to have the privilege to pay tithing and donations." Samuel D. Chambers, was a former African-American slave had worked for four years after the end of slavery in Mississippi in order to make the trek to Utah.
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
170 years ago today - May 6, 1843
The date of the so-called "White horse prophecy." Joseph Smith is reported to have said: "The last great struggle that Zion will have to contend with will be when the whole of America will be made the Zion of God. Those opposing will be called Gog and Magog. The nations of the world led by Russia and their power will be great but all opposition will be overcome and this land will then be the Zion of our God."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
175 years ago today - May 6, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Sunday. Joseph preaches, cautioning the Saints to beware of men who come among them growling and whining for money. He also explains astronomy as understood by Abraham.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - May 6, 1833
Section 93, Place: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio.
Historical Note: The inspired translation of the New Testament was temporarily completed on 2 February 1833, but work on the Old Testament continued until 2 July 1833. Verse 53 of section 93 directed the Prophet to "hasten" the translation of the scriptures. This revelation is of major doctrinal importance. The headnote of section 93 in the 1921 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants (and all subsequent reprints, 1921-1980) suggests that the text of the revelation contains a portion of the record of John the Apostle. Both John Taylor and Orson Pratt believed the record to be that of John the Baptist.
Publication Note. Section 93 was first published as section 82 in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.
[Source: Cook, Lyndon, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
Historical Note: The inspired translation of the New Testament was temporarily completed on 2 February 1833, but work on the Old Testament continued until 2 July 1833. Verse 53 of section 93 directed the Prophet to "hasten" the translation of the scriptures. This revelation is of major doctrinal importance. The headnote of section 93 in the 1921 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants (and all subsequent reprints, 1921-1980) suggests that the text of the revelation contains a portion of the record of John the Apostle. Both John Taylor and Orson Pratt believed the record to be that of John the Baptist.
Publication Note. Section 93 was first published as section 82 in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.
[Source: Cook, Lyndon, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
20 years ago today - May 5, 1993
[Same-Sex Marriage] Apostle Boyd K. Packer gives an address at a meeting of the All-Church Coordinating Council and refers to homosexuality as one of the three major social problems that represent a danger to members.
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]
80 years ago today - May 5, 1933
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I went upstairs in the morning to have a talk with Golden Kimball but he had not arrived. Had a little chat with Brother Kimball's brothers inasmuch as he was not there-Joseph Kimball and Albert Kimball-and they both felt it would be an absolute injustice to me to publish Golden's corrected speech, that it would put me in a very wrong attitude if I did not publish his speech in full just as he delivered it.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - May 5, 1883
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Saturday the 5th I met her on the street and handed her her letter and told her I would call for mine in the evening at 7 P.M. -- I called at 7 and had a long talk, something over an hour, with Emily. She confessed to liking me and said her only objection was entering plural marriage. Said she never expected to marry a man that she could respect as much as me. -- We had a long talk on old times when we were young and unmarried. I told her why I had left stopped keeping company with her and why I had done so without asking her to be my wife, that it was because I was directed so to do in answer to prayer. -- From what she said and from her letter I know that Emily loves me. I have loved her from a child and if my own feelings could be consulted she would be my wife. I have heard it said that a man can't love two women at the same time I know personally from my own experience that this is not true. My love for my wife is as strong as I think it possible for any man's to be. I prayed to be directed whether or not to ask Emily to marry me also that her answer might be in keeping with the will of our Heavenly Father, -- and I feel to acknowledge His hand in her refusal.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - May 5, 1878
[Henry Ballard Diary] Bro. J. F. Smith bore a powerful testimony upon the principle of Celestial Marriage [plural marriage]; said it was obligatory upon the Saints to fulfill that law, for it was revealed from God for the exultation of the Latter-day Saints, but it would damn those that practiced it for a lustful desire, but the Lord would bless those that obeyed it in righteousness.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Henry Ballard, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Henry Ballard, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - May 05, 1873
George Washington Hill baptizes Sagwitch, the leader of a group of Shoshone Indians, and 101 of his tribe in the Bear River in Box Elder County, Utah. This is the beginning of an important relationship between the Church and the Shoshone. From this group come one of the first Native Americans to be called as a full-time missionary (Sagwitch's son) and the first Native American called as a bishop (Sagwitch's grandson). Sagwitch's family's service continues today with numerous descendants serving missions in the beginning of the twenty-first century.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
170 years ago today - May 5, 1843. Friday.
[William Clayton Journal] President Joseph told the Temple committee that he had a right to take away any property he chose from the Temple and they had no right to stand in the way. It was the people who had to dictate to him and not the committee. All the property he had belongs to the Temple and what he did was for the benefit of the Temple and the committee had no authority only as they receive it from him.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
75 years ago today - May 4, 1938
Manti Temple-- L.D.S. Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.
(Commendation for those who built the Manti Temple and to those who had carried on the work of the temple during the fifty years from May 21, 1898, to 1938.)
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
(Commendation for those who built the Manti Temple and to those who had carried on the work of the temple during the fifty years from May 21, 1898, to 1938.)
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
140 years ago today - May 4, 1873
[Wilford Woodruff] Fifty-three patriarchs appointed
[Source: Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
[Source: Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
150 years ago today - May 4, 1863
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4 I washed my flock of 128 sheep in the warm spring water to day. I was vary weary at night.
I Attended Judge Drakes Court of Examination at the Council House untill midnight ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I Attended Judge Drakes Court of Examination at the Council House untill midnight ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - May 4, 1833
A conference of high priests in Kirtland discusses the necessity of building a "school house for the purpose of accommodating the Elders . . . according to a revelation given on that subject March 8, 1833."
[Source: Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
[Source: Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
25 years ago today - May 3, 1988.
David P. Wright, BYU assistant professor in Asian and Near Eastern languages, who ranks high in all three areas of tenure review--scholarship, teaching, and citizenship-- is informed by a letter from BYU administrators that his contract will not be renewed because of his "unorthodox views" on "biblical scholarship, scriptural prophecy, and the Book of Mormon." The letter acknowledges that he does not teach these views in the classroom.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
35 years ago today - May 3, 1978
First Presidency announces end to all local prayer circle meetings, except those connected with endowment ceremony (and prayer circle meetings of general authorities).
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
80 years ago today - May 3, 1933
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Axel A. Madsen and Joel Richards called and presented the case of a woman who had been married in pretended plural marriage and who has now repented and wants to be baptized. I told them to tell her that it will be time enough to consider baptizing her when she tells who performed the marriage ceremony.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - May 3, 1883
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] May 3rd I wrote a letter to Emily Wells in which I asked her to be my wife. I recd. An answer the next morning declining my proposal.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - May 3, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, May 3d 1843 Called at the office. Drank a glass of wine with Sister Richards of her mother's make in England. ....
First No. of "Nauvoo Neighbor" was issued by Taylor and Woodruff in place of the "Wasp" which ceased.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
First No. of "Nauvoo Neighbor" was issued by Taylor and Woodruff in place of the "Wasp" which ceased.
[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 - May 3, 1838
[Joseph Smith Diary] 3rd Thursday the 3rd This day also was spent in Writing and Gram[m]er and in administering to the sick.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
20 years ago today - May 2, 1993
Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs in renovated Cathedral of the Madeleine.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - May 2, 1843. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...Talked with Jane Charnock. She loves me and would sooner unite to me than R[] Joseph rode out today with Flora W[oodworth].
[[Clayton had entered into his first plural marriage in the past week. Joseph Smith married 16-year old Flora Woodworth that Spring]]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[[Clayton had entered into his first plural marriage in the past week. Joseph Smith married 16-year old Flora Woodworth that Spring]]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
about 1813, 200 years ago this year.
[Joseph Smith] Smith stays with his uncle Jesse Smith in Salem, Massachusetts while recovering from his leg operation.
[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
100 years ago today - May 1, 1913 (Thursday)
Brigham H. Stowell was shot by Mexicans while irrigating his alfalfa field at Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - May 01, 1843
Helen Mar Kimball writes of how she married Joseph Smith: "Having a great desire to be connected with the Prophet, Joseph, he (my father) offered me to him; this I afterwards learned from the Prophet's own mouth. My father had but one Ewe Lamb, but willingly laid her upon the altar: how cruel this seemed to my mother whose heartstrings were already stretched unil they were ready to snap asunder, for she had already taken Sarah Noon to wife and she thought she had made sufficient sacrifice but the Lord required more." SOURCE: Helen Mar Whitney Journal, Helen Mar Autobiography, Womans Exponent, 1880 and recently reprinted in A Woman's view Joseph Smith gave her only 24 hours to decide on whether or not to marry him. Of this, Helen wrote: "[my father] left me to reflect upon it for the next twenty four hours. ... I was sceptical - one minute believed, then doubted. I thought of the love and tenderness that he felt for his only daughter, and I knew that he would not cast me off, and this was the only convincing proof That I had of its being right." Smith promises family salvation to marry 14-year-old . The next morning, Joseph Smith finally appeared himself to explain the "law of Celestial Marriage" and claim his teen bride. In her memoir, Helen wrote, "After which he said to me, 'if you take this step, it will ensure your eternal salvation and exaltation and that of your father's household and all of your kindred.' This promise was so great that I willingly gave myself to purchase so glorious a reward." Helen also writes about her mother's reaction to all of this: "None but God and his angels could see my mother's bleeding heart - when Joseph asked her if she was willing, she replied 'If Helen is willing I have nothing more to say." "She had witnessed the sufferings of others, who were older and who better understood the step they were taking, and to see her child, who had yet seen her fifteenth summer, following the same thorny path, in her mind she saw the misery which was as sure to come as the sun was to rise and set; but it was hidden from me." Helen thought her marriage to Joseph Smith was only dynastic. But to her surprise, it was more. Helen confided to a close friend in Nauvoo: "I would never have been sealed to Joseph had I known it was anything more than ceremony. I was young, and they deceived me, by saying the salvation of our whole family depended on it."
[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
170 years ago today - May 1, 1843. Monday.
[William Clayton Journal] A.M. at the Temple. At 10 m[arried] J[oseph] to L[ucy] W[alker]. P.m. at President Josephs ...I have seen 6 brass plates which were found in Adams County...President Joseph has translated a portion and 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.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
170 years ago today - 1843 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]
[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 - May 1, 1843
Joseph Smith marries Lucy Walker in Nauvoo, one day after her seventeenth birthday, while his legal wife Emma is away in St. Louis buying supplies. Lucy been adopted by the Smiths and worked as a maid in the Smith home. The prophet told Walker that God had commanded him to take her as a wife. She was angry and insulted, but she feared Smith's warning that if she rejected the "principle" of plural marriage, "the gate will be closed forever against you." Lucy later records: "Emma Smith was not present and she did not consent to the marriage; she did not know anything about it at all." Of her relationship with Joseph, Lucy says that although she "married Joseph as a plural wife and lived and cohabitated with him as such." that "It was not a love matter, so to speak, in our affairs, -at least on my part it was not, but simply the giving up of myself as a sacrifice to establish that grand and glorious principle that God had revealed to the world." After Joseph's murder in 1844 she becomes Heber C. Kimball's wife with the understanding that "I should be his wife for time, and time only, ...and in the resurrection [he] would surrender me, with my children, to Joseph Smith." On his death bed Heber C. Kimball says to Lucy, "What can you tell Joseph when you meet him? Cannot you say that I have been kind to you as it was possible to be under the circumstances? I know you can, and am confident you will be as a mediator between me and Joseph..."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]