[Same-Sex Marriage] Bloggers at Feminist Mormon Housewives (http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org/?p=272) begin discussing in earnest the relevancy of personal leanings toward/away from gay marriage and temple recommends when a guest reveals, "In my stake temple recommend earlier this month I was told that if I do not agree with the church's position on gay marriage, that I am not worthy to attend the temple."
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
20 years ago today - Jul 31, 1993
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reports that LDS missionary-couples in Nauvoo, Illinois have worked "for 88 consecutive hours without sleep" to help protect historical properties of RLDS church in Nauvoo from rampaging Mississippi River.
[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 - Jul 31, 1913; Thursday
An item from the minutes of the Council, dated March 15th, 1906, was read, going to show that a decision was reached at that meeting to erect a headstone at the grave of the late Martin Harris, who died and was buried at Clarkston, Cache County [Utah].
On motion of Pres[iden]t. Lyman, it was decided to recommend that this action be carried out under the direction of the Presidency. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
On motion of Pres[iden]t. Lyman, it was decided to recommend that this action be carried out under the direction of the Presidency. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Jul 31, 1888
[Franklin D. Richards] Mr Geo[rge]. Schweich-Grandson of the late David Whitmer called on F[rancis]. M. Lyman & Myself in Pres[iden]ts. office He wishes the cause of his G[rand]-Father s separation from the Church. He admitted possession of John Whitmer s Record of the Church & promised to give me what is contained there in of the ordination of Joseph [Smith] & Oliver [Cowdery] by Peter James & John. I proposed to reciprocate.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]
175 years ago today - 1838: 31 July
[Patriarchal Blessings] Loren W. Babbitt. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.)
...the heavens shall be opened unto thee and the glory of thy god shall be shone unto thee and thou shall be usfull unto thy felowmen throught [throughout] the seventy years of thy life which thou might Live on the earth if thou disire but if not thou mayist sleep a little season in the dust and then rise with the just when the trumpet shall sound to call the sleeping saints from thare tombs to enjoy the kingdom with Christ on mount Zion a thousand years ...
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
...the heavens shall be opened unto thee and the glory of thy god shall be shone unto thee and thou shall be usfull unto thy felowmen throught [throughout] the seventy years of thy life which thou might Live on the earth if thou disire but if not thou mayist sleep a little season in the dust and then rise with the just when the trumpet shall sound to call the sleeping saints from thare tombs to enjoy the kingdom with Christ on mount Zion a thousand years ...
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
5 years ago today - July 30
[Same-Sex Marriage] Member of LDS church states on blog, "I simply can't bear another Sunday of political announcements, talks, and constant references to the proposition in Relief Society lessons."
[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]
[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]
20 years ago today - Jul 30, 1993
Commemorative service at California's Mt. Coray, recently named for Melissa Coray who accompanied Mormon Battalion to California in 1846.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
25 years ago today - Jul 30, 1988
Newspaper reports that Brigham Young University has fired Hebrew professor David P. Wright due to his private disbelief in Book of Mormon as ancient history. Wright joins faculty of Brandeis University and is excommunicated in 1994 for publishing article which applies biblical textual criticism to BOOK OF MORMON. This is reported in national CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
125 years ago today - Jul 30, 1888
Susa Young Gates, daughter of Brigham Young, writes to Leo Tolstoy: "When I read your remarks in relation to the present efforts of the U.S. Gov. to crush out polygamy among the peculiar sect called Mormons. My surprise was unbounded that extensive as your reading and knowledge is, it should still reach so far, and compass so seemingly small a factor in the world's present history. I should like if I were only able, to give you a 'mormon's' view of the Mormon question. . . . You have doubtless heard 'our story' all from the one side. Would you care for the 'other side' to speak also?" Gates sends Tolstoy a copy of The Book of Mormon, and George Q. Cannon's LIFE OF JOSEPH SMITH. On Jan 23, 1889 Tolstoy records his reaction to them in his diary: "I wrote down a few things. I read both the Mormon Bible and the life of Smith and I was horrified. Yes, religion, religion proper, is the product of deception, lies for a good purpose. An illustration of this is obvious, extreme in the deception: The Life of Smith; but also other religions, religions proper, only in differing degrees."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - summer‘s end 1848
Salt Lake City population is 5,000.
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
170 years ago today - Jul 30, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Sunday, July 30th Joseph sick. Lungs oppressed &c., over heated preaching one week before. ... Willard Richards was appointed gen[eral] Church Recorder... Joseph called Hyrum Smith, W[illia]m Law, and W[illard] Richards to lay on hands and pray for him.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
170 years ago today - Jul 30, 1843
[Brigham Young Sermon] Who is the author of this work and gathering? Joseph Smith, the Prophet, as an instrument in the hands of God, is the author of it. He is the greatest man on earth. No other man, at this age of the world, has power to assemble such a great people from all the nations of the earth, with all their varied dispositions, and so assimilate and cement them together that they become subject to rule and order. This the Prophet Joseph is doing. He has already gathered a great people who willingly subject themselves to his counsel, because they know it is righteous.
[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
180 years ago today - Jul 29, 1833
W.W. Phelps wrote Joseph Smith that "although the enemy has accomplished his design in demolishing the Printing establishment they cannot demolish the design of God for his decree will stand & his purposes must be accomplished" (Phelps to Dear Brethren, July 29, 1833, Church Archives).
[Source: Lisle G Brown, "Chronology of the Literary Firm"]
[Source: Lisle G Brown, "Chronology of the Literary Firm"]
175 years ago today - Jul 29, 1838
[Joseph Smith Diary] A large majority of the Saints in Kirtland have and are arriving here [Missouri] every day. Kirtland has been broken up by those who have professed the name of Latter Day Saints and have denied the faith which they once preached and by their preaching gathered many Saints into this land, and now have betrayed them. O Justice where hast thou fled And thou administrations whither hast thou concealed thyself.
[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]
170 years ago today - Jul 29, 1843
[Brigham Young Sermon] A man should, in the first place preside over himself, his passions, his person, and bring himself into subjection to the law of God; then preside over his children and his wife in righteousness; then he will be capable of presiding over a branch of the Church. But many Elders are contending about presiding over churches, when they are not capable of presiding over themselves or the least child they have.
[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]
5 years ago today - 7/28/2008
[Same-Sex Marriage] Letter from Bob Packer to other Yes on 8 LDS volunteers describes the organizational structure ... distributed to wards:
"Organization, it' s a little confusing!?
Answer: The Brethren have felt that the best way to organize and pass the Proposition is to have an Ecclesiastical arm and a Grassroots arm to organization. Elder Dalton, Area Seventy and Chair of California for every thing, reports to the Brethren. I assist him. We work with coordinating councils, all 17 in California and then Stake Presidents and Bishops, rank and file.
The second leg to organization is grassroots. This is done so as to engage as many like minded folks who are not LDS, but whom will help. The senior folks who run the grassroots are LDS at the coalition and ... in turn by Area, then Regional Directors. The regional directors overlay Stakes. Below are Zip Code Supervisors by wards.
"What is the role of grassroots?
Answer: The grassroots folks in each Stake, Regional Directors will train zip code supervisors. Their goal, is to find the voters who will vote yes. It is not to persuade others ... but to find those who will vote yes. The ZCS will seek, with the RD help, to encourage as many as the ward members and like minded people as possible, to accept eight different responsibilities, all from walking a precinct to determine folks opinions (not to sell), to calling, to placing signage, to a myriad of essential tasks that Area Directors will oversee. Please know Presidents, that the RDs/ZCS's will be contacting many many people to accept responsibilities. We hope that you are fine with this happening without the Stake President or Bishop approving each assignment! We assume that you are ok with that!!"
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
"Organization, it' s a little confusing!?
Answer: The Brethren have felt that the best way to organize and pass the Proposition is to have an Ecclesiastical arm and a Grassroots arm to organization. Elder Dalton, Area Seventy and Chair of California for every thing, reports to the Brethren. I assist him. We work with coordinating councils, all 17 in California and then Stake Presidents and Bishops, rank and file.
The second leg to organization is grassroots. This is done so as to engage as many like minded folks who are not LDS, but whom will help. The senior folks who run the grassroots are LDS at the coalition and ... in turn by Area, then Regional Directors. The regional directors overlay Stakes. Below are Zip Code Supervisors by wards.
"What is the role of grassroots?
Answer: The grassroots folks in each Stake, Regional Directors will train zip code supervisors. Their goal, is to find the voters who will vote yes. It is not to persuade others ... but to find those who will vote yes. The ZCS will seek, with the RD help, to encourage as many as the ward members and like minded people as possible, to accept eight different responsibilities, all from walking a precinct to determine folks opinions (not to sell), to calling, to placing signage, to a myriad of essential tasks that Area Directors will oversee. Please know Presidents, that the RDs/ZCS's will be contacting many many people to accept responsibilities. We hope that you are fine with this happening without the Stake President or Bishop approving each assignment! We assume that you are ok with that!!"
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
140 years ago today - Jul 28, 1873
Ann Eliza Webb, plural wife of Brigham Young, sues for divorce, claiming neglect, cruel treatment, and desertion. Young pointed out in his defense, the inconsistency of granting a divorce and alimony for a marriage that was not legally recognized. Since he had married Mary Ann Angell at Kirtland, Ohio, in 1834 and was still lawfully married to her, he argued that the court should not grant the divorce and award alimony unless it was willing to recognize the validity of "plural or celestial marriages." After two trials court found in Brigham's favor.
[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 - Jul 28, 1843
[Brigham Young Sermon] Elder B Young arose and addressed the Saints in a vary interesting manner and tried to instill into their minds to be prepared to Hearken to the word of the Lord and obey his commandments and obey the things that the prophet tells us to do.
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
200 years ago today - Jul 28, 1813-May 1814
Joseph Sr. has a second dream/vision, according to Lucy, "soon after" their arrival in Lebanon (NH) . Lucy mentions that Joseph Sr.'s family consisted of "a wife and seven children," with "two more" children on the way (i.e., Don Carlos and Lucy), indicating that it would have occurred after Katharine's birth on 28 July 1813 and before May 1814.
[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]
200 years ago today - Jul 28, 1813
Katharine Smith is born in Lebanon (NH) . The following sources give her birth as 1812: I.H.2, CARLOS SMITH FAMILY RECORD, CIRCA 1840; L. Smith 1853, 41; J. Smith 1948, 4:189; and tombstone reproduced in Zion's Advocate 59 (April 1982): 59. However, 1813 seems more likely since Lucy implies that Katharine was born after her family's crisis with typhoid.
[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]
170 years ago today - Jul 28, 1843
Patriarch Hyrum Smith blesses Leonora Cannon Taylor: "You shall be blest with your portion of the Priesthood which belongeth to you, that you may be set apart for your Anointing and your induement [endowment]."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - late Jul 1833
D. P. Hurlbut's lecture tour in PA took him south through Erie county, to Jacksonville and Elk Creek. Here his relative and foremer co-religionist, Benjamin Winchester, attended one of Hurlbut's anti-Mormon addresses. Hurlbut no doubt took advantage of being in the home area of Lyman Jackson and his family and questioned them more closely about claims that Solomon Spalding had written a large part of the Book of Mormon text.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
5 years ago today - Jul 27, 2008
The Encyclopedia of Mormonism, now available online in searchable text format, can be an excellent source of information on a wide variety of subjects dealing with the beliefs, teachings, and practices of the Church. (Note: This encyclopedia is a joint product of Brigham Young University and Macmillan Publishing Company and does not necessarily represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)
[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]
60 years ago today - Jul 27, 1953
DESERET NEWS editorial applauds the previous day's police raid of the polygamous community of Short Creek: "We hope the unfortunate activities at Short Creek will be cleaned up once and for all."
[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 - 1933. July 27
(James E. Talmage) : Died at seventy-one of a throat infection complicated by overwork into acute myocarditis. He had stayed in his office at 47 East South Temple overnight July 23, suffering from a slightly irritated throat which was not relieved by his favorite drink, root beer. He remained in his office on the 24th, but on the 25th was so ill he required help getting home.
[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]
100 years ago today - Jul 27, 1913
Seventy's president J. Golden Kimball is publicly beaten in Salt Lake City by grocer. Assailant is acquitted by "jury of grocers."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
160 years ago today - Jul 27, 1853
DESERET NEWS publishes Mar 12 sermon of second counselor Jedediah M. Grant: "But if Latter Day Saints should put to death the covenant breakers, it would try the faith of the very meek, just, and pious among them, and it would cause a great deal of whining in Israel . . . and it is also their right to kill a sinner to save him, when he commits those crimes that can only be atoned for by shedding his blood."
[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 - Jul 27, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Thursday, 27th Was at the store to pray for Sis[ter] Walker and anoint her finger
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
175 years ago today - Jul 27, 1838
[Joseph Smith Diary] Thus far, according to the order /revelation/ of the Danites. We have a company of Danites in these times, to put to right physically that which is not right, and to clense the Church of every [very?] great evil[s?] which has hitherto existed among us inasmuch as they cannot be put to right by teachings and persuasyons. This company or a part of them exhibited on the fourth day of July [ - ] They come up to consecrate, by companies of tens, commanded by their captain over ten6
[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]
15 years ago today - Jul 26, 1998
Standardized temple building period begins
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples]
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples]
60 years ago today - Jul 26, 1953
Arizona police and national guard raid polygamous commune at Short Creek, Arizona, arrest all its adults, and put its children in foster homes. First Presidency had ten days' advance notice of raid and informed Deseret News on Jul 24. Arizona Governor Howard Pyle explains in a radio address: "Here is a community-many of the women, sadly right along with the men-unalterably dedicated to the wicked theory that every maturing girl child should be forced into the bondage of multiple wifehood with men of all ages for the sole purpose of producing more children to be reared to become mere chattels of this totally lawless enterprise."
[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 - Jul 26, 1943
A greatly reduced missionary force of the Church because of the call for young men in the military forces prompted this call for older couples, men not subject to Selective Service draft calls and, under certain conditions and qualifications, young women to be called as missionaries to replace the depleted missionary force. {1943-July 26-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
80 years ago today - Jul 26, 1933
The first effort to mark the historic sites in Nauvoo, Ill., was made by the Relief Society when it placed a monument at the site of its organization in 1842 in Joseph Smith's store.
[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]
170 years ago today - Jul 26, 1843
[Nauvoo Neighbor] - Poetry: "The Kidnapping of Gen. Joseph Smith" -- Eliza R. Snow -- States that Reynolds, the Sherriff of Jackson County, MO and Wilson of Carthage, Hancock County Ill kidnapped Joseph Smith when they arrested him...
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
170 years ago today - Jul 26, 1843
William Clayton writes: " . . . M[argaret, (Clayton's secret plural wife)] seems quite embittered against me in consequence of which I called her to me and asked her if she desired the covenant to be revoked if it were possible. To this she would not give me a satisfactory answer only saying if it had not been done it should not be. (meaning our union). I then asked if she would consent if A[aron Farr, (Margaret's recently-returned fiancée)] would take her under all circumstances; but she would not consent to have it revoked, saying she did it not for her sake but for the sake of the peace of my family. Under these circumstances I could not rest until I had ascertained w[h]ether the clovenant] could be revoked and although contrary to her wish I went to see President Joseph. I took A[aron] to talk with him and asked him some questions whereby I ascertained that he would be willing to take her under all circumstances. I reasoned considerable with him to prove that I had done right in all these matters so far as I knew it. I called the President [Joseph Smith] out and briefly stated the situation of things and then asked him if the C[ovenant] could be revoked. He shook his head and answered no. . . . I sympathize with her in her grief, but can't console her for she will not speak to me."
[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 - Jul 26, 1838
At Kirtland the High Council unanimously passes the following resolutions: "1st. That the First Presidency shall have their expenses defrayed in going to and from Adam-ondi-Ahman, equally by the bishop of each place. 2nd. That all the travelling expenses of the First Presidency shall be defrayed. 3rd. That the bishop be authorized to pay orders coming from the East, inasmuch as they will consecrate liberally, but this is to be done under the inspection of the First Presidency. 4th. That the First Presidency shall have the prerogative to say to the bishop, whose orders shall or may be paid by him in this place, or in his jurisdiction."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
20 years ago today - Jul 25, 1993
Representatives of University of Jordan and BYU sign agreement for academic and cultural exchanges, which represents Howard W. Hunter's long encouragement for greater LDS out-reach to Arab and Muslim peoples.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Jul 25, 1883
President John Taylor appoints George Q. Cannon and George Reynolds "to get together all papers and information that they could obtain relating to the former Schools of the Prophets that were organized under the direction of Presidents Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, so that the School might be properly organized in accordance with the designs of the Almighty."
[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 - Jul 25, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 25 I laboured for Sister Foss & spent the night at father Carters. I dreamed many enemies were seeking my life & while they were striving to destroy me Samuel Deming presented me with the following words & wished me to tell what they meant viz "Go unto Babylon. Arise go quickly for thou shalt go unto the dead."
[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 - Jul 24, 1843
Elder Noah Rogers administers to a paralyzed woman at Farmington, Connecticut, who walks the next day. William Clayton writes in his journal: ". . . M[argaret] is still miserable and unhappy and it does seem that my heart must burst. What shall I do? How shall I recompense? And how long must I thus suffer worse than death for that which I have always regarded as being the will of the Lord. By the help of the Lord I will do right. I have repeatedly offered to M[argaret] to try to get a release from the covenant and I have done all I know to make things comfortable but to no effect. She appears almost to hate me and cannot bear to come near me." Clayton's secret plural wife, Margaret Moon, had met two days previously with her returned-missionary fiancée, Aaron Farr, and told him of her marriage.
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
100 years ago today - Jul 24, 1913; Thursday
Taken from the record of the minutes of the First Presidency and Council of Twelve Apostles meeting:
President [Joseph F.] Smith and party left for Canada this evening, the party consisting of himself, Pres[iden]t. [Chalres W.] Penrose, Bishop [Charles W.] Nibley and George Albert Smith. They went for the purpose of selecting and dedicating the temple site at Cardston.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
President [Joseph F.] Smith and party left for Canada this evening, the party consisting of himself, Pres[iden]t. [Chalres W.] Penrose, Bishop [Charles W.] Nibley and George Albert Smith. They went for the purpose of selecting and dedicating the temple site at Cardston.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
180 years ago today - Jul 24, 1833
[John D. Lee] At age twenty, John D. left to find work. He worked on a steamboat and proved his trustworthiness to a merchant, a Mr. Boggs, at Galena, Illinois, where he learned more of the world and business. When he moved to Vandalia, where his sister Elizabeth lived, he became acquainted with Aggatha Ann Woolsey, whom he married 24 July 1833 after a brief courtship.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: John D. Lee, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/l/LEE%2CJOHN.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: John D. Lee, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/l/LEE%2CJOHN.html]
125 years ago today - Jul 23, 1888
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] The brethren showed me a telegram from Washington from Franklin S. Richards stating that the Solicitor General had approved of the compromise settlement in the Government Suit against the Church for the purposes of an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States, also stating that no attempt would be made by the Government to try and take our Temples and Meeting House [sic].
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Jul 23, 1843
Joseph Smith preaches: "here we learn in a priesthood after the order of Melchisedeck-Prophet priest & king. & I will advance from prophet to priest & then to King not to the kingdoms of this earth but of the most high god.
[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)]
170 years ago today - Jul 23, 1843
William Clayton writes in his journal: "M[argaret] appears dissatisfied with her situation and is miserable. . . . Evening I had some more talk with M[argaret] and find she is miserable which makes me doubly so. I offered to her to try to have her covenant released if she desired it but she said she was not willing." Clayton's secret plural wife, Margaret Moon, had on the previous day broken the news of her marriage, to her returned-missionary fiancé Aaron Farr.
[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 - Jul 23, 1843
Joseph Smith "clarifies" his recent statement that he was resigning his prophet's mantle and giving it to his Brother Hyrum: "Last Monday morning certain brethren came to me and said they could hardly consent to receive Hyrum as a prophet, and for me to resign. But I told them, "I only said it to try your faith; and it is strange, brethren, that you have been in the Church so long, and not yet understand the Melchizedek Priesthood." Joseph's "resignation" was a temporary tactic to allow Hyrum to instruct the Saints to vote for a different candidate than the one to whom Joseph had previously committed his support. Joseph also states: "we learn in [the church about] a priesthood after the order of Melchizedek-Prophet, Priest and King, and I will advance from Prophet to Priest and then to King not to the kingdoms of this Earth but of the most High God."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Jul 23, 1833
[Joseph Smith] The mob again attacks the Saints in Independence. Six saintsâ€"John Corrill, John Whitmer, W. W. Phelps, A. S. Gilbert, Bishop Partridge, and Isaac Morleyâ€"offer themselves as a ransom for the Saints if the mob promises not to pursue the other Saints. They are forced to sign a treaty stating that half the Saints will leave Jackson County by January 1, 1834, and the rest will leave the following April. It is evident that the Lt. Gov. Lilburn Boggs is playing a large part in the mob action. Boggs, in fact, has contended with the Mormons for purchase of several of the lands that Mormons now own. In Kirtland at this time, 24 eldersâ€"six at each cornerâ€"set the cornerstone of the Kirtland Temple.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
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
130 years ago today - Jul 22, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... Joseph F Smith spoke One hour & 25 M. He spoke upon the Marriage in Cana at Galilee. He thought Jesus was the Bridgegroom and Mary & Martha the brides. He also refered to Luke 10 ch. 38 to 42 verse, Also John 11 ch. 2 & 5 vers John 12 Ch 3d vers, John 20 8 to 18. Joseph Smith spoke upon these passages to show that Mary & Martha manifested much Closer relationship than Merely A Believer which looks Consistet. He did not think that Jesus who decended throug Poligamous families from Abraham down & who fulfilled all the Law even baptism by immersion would have lived and died without being married.
Erastus Snow followed for 15 Minuts & told the Congregation what Joseph taught him upon the subject of Plurality of wives.
W Woodruff Closed by saying He wished the Congregation to remember the discourse of Joseph F Smith but they need not attempt to preach the same sermon. They might Also remember the testimony of Erastus Snow. W Woodruff also Said That He felt to indorse the discourse of Joseph F Smith and would say that the Law of the Patriarchal Order of Marriage belonged to this dispensation and After it was revealed to Joseph Smith the Prophets and He was Commanded to receive it Had He and the People rejected it The Church & Kingdom of God given into the Hands of the Saints would not have advanced any further but would have been taken out of their Hands and given to another People.
It has been said that the Law upon the Patriarchal order of Marriage has Caused more sorrow to the Daughters of Eve than any other Law Ever revealed to men. If this is the Case it is in Consequence of the fals traditions of the Children of Men. The Lord never gave any law to any of the Children of men by keeping of which will give the same Exhaltation & Glory as the Law of the Patriarchal order of Marriage. Also any People who abide that Law are placed in Connexion by Covenant with the God of Heaven in that was that the Lord is bound By Oath & Covenant to proteck them and from the day that the Apostles & Elders published that Law to the world with a determination to Maintain it The Lord has faught our Battles & Sustained us. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Erastus Snow followed for 15 Minuts & told the Congregation what Joseph taught him upon the subject of Plurality of wives.
W Woodruff Closed by saying He wished the Congregation to remember the discourse of Joseph F Smith but they need not attempt to preach the same sermon. They might Also remember the testimony of Erastus Snow. W Woodruff also Said That He felt to indorse the discourse of Joseph F Smith and would say that the Law of the Patriarchal Order of Marriage belonged to this dispensation and After it was revealed to Joseph Smith the Prophets and He was Commanded to receive it Had He and the People rejected it The Church & Kingdom of God given into the Hands of the Saints would not have advanced any further but would have been taken out of their Hands and given to another People.
It has been said that the Law upon the Patriarchal order of Marriage has Caused more sorrow to the Daughters of Eve than any other Law Ever revealed to men. If this is the Case it is in Consequence of the fals traditions of the Children of Men. The Lord never gave any law to any of the Children of men by keeping of which will give the same Exhaltation & Glory as the Law of the Patriarchal order of Marriage. Also any People who abide that Law are placed in Connexion by Covenant with the God of Heaven in that was that the Lord is bound By Oath & Covenant to proteck them and from the day that the Apostles & Elders published that Law to the world with a determination to Maintain it The Lord has faught our Battles & Sustained us. ...
[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 - Jul 22, 1843
[Lucy Mack Smith] Hyrum Smith takes Martha Jane and Howard Coray in a buggy out on the prairie, teaches them the principle of celestial [plural] marriage, then seals them at their request.
[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 - Jul 22, 1843
William Clayton writes in his journal: "M[argaret] and A[aron] had a long conversation together. She. has stood true to her covenant with W[illiam] C[layton]. I also had some talk with him and although the shock is severe he endures it patiently. And I pray the Great Eloheem to make up the loss to him an hundred fold and enable him to rejoice in all things. My heart aches with grief on his and M[argaret]'s account and could almost say O that I had never known h[er]." Aaron Farr had just returned from a mission to find his fiancé, Margaret Moon, pregnant and secretly married to Clayton as a plural wife.
[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 - Jul 22, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] [July] 22nd W[illiam] Clayton and Ruth Moon {Listed Marriage}
[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 - Jul 22, 1843
[Brigham Young] ... stopped at the town of Economy, founded by Mr. Rapp, upon the common stock principle.
[Note: A group of approximately 400 persecuted German Lutheran Separatists formally organized the Harmony Society in Pennsylvania (Harmony, PA). They placed their goods in common under its founder and self proclaimed prophet, Johann Georg Rapp. They believed baptism was not necessary until children could decide for themselves, the U.S. was "the land of Israel," they should abstain from tobacco, that Napoleon was the anti-Christ, a spirit virgin named Sophia, that God had created Adam as a dual being, having male and female sexual organs, but when the female portion of Adam separated to form Eve, disharmony followed (but one could attempt to regain harmony through celibacy) and an imminent 2nd coming. The Society existed for one hundred years in the U.S., roughly from 1805 until 1905. Members were known as Harmonists, Harmonites, or Rappites.]
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
[Note: A group of approximately 400 persecuted German Lutheran Separatists formally organized the Harmony Society in Pennsylvania (Harmony, PA). They placed their goods in common under its founder and self proclaimed prophet, Johann Georg Rapp. They believed baptism was not necessary until children could decide for themselves, the U.S. was "the land of Israel," they should abstain from tobacco, that Napoleon was the anti-Christ, a spirit virgin named Sophia, that God had created Adam as a dual being, having male and female sexual organs, but when the female portion of Adam separated to form Eve, disharmony followed (but one could attempt to regain harmony through celibacy) and an imminent 2nd coming. The Society existed for one hundred years in the U.S., roughly from 1805 until 1905. Members were known as Harmonists, Harmonites, or Rappites.]
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
80 years ago today - Jul 21, 1933
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Joseph Fielding Smith called and expressed his regret at the speeches Bishop Archie Graham is making, telling of his spirit leaving the body, and so on. He thought that lectures of that kind ought not to be delivered to the people, and we agreed with Brother Smith.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - Jul 21, 1913; Monday
We ... ascended the mountain to the alleged mining property of the Majestic Gold Mining Company. ... After a thorough inspection of the workings and an examination of the geological structure on the surface, ... we held them in an informal meeting a little over two hours. I had each of them explain the means by which he was induced to enter into this work. They all claim that they were impressed by the story told by Holton, and bore impassioned testimony to its truth. This story is to the effect that in his desire to procure means which would enable him to devote his time to Temple work for the dead, Brother Holton fasted and prayed and received visitations of heavenly personages and manifestations of divers kind by which he learned that in this locality immense bodies of rich gold ore lay hidden; and that he is the man through whom it is to be brought forth to be used primarily in building temples and in vicarious labor for the dead.
... I expressed myself in hearty accord and then at the request of the brethren told them how I regarded this so-called manifestation of divine power. Speaking under the influence of the Spirit of the occasion I bore solemn testimony to them that their undertaking was inspired of evil and that disappointment and trouble would surely follow a continuation of this useless work. I explained to them the predictions of old relating to the deceiving spirit which would lead men astray in the latter days and reiterated my declaration that these manifestations to which the brethren testified were not of God. Then in answer to a direct question I told them that I bore this testimony in the name of the Lord, and it was to them the Word of the Lord[.] The brethren were variously affected; and I believe some of them will renounce this utterly misguided undertaking.
We then returned to Brigham City and called again at the home of Fred J. Holton. With him were present his wife, a Brother Vitch Rich, who had come down from the mine with us, and Sister Vitch Rich. By request we explained again the geological structure as we had done to the brethren at the "mine", and I testified to Holton and those with him that this was the work of evil powers and explained to him the responsibility he had assumed in seeking to sell stock to innocent members under false claim of divine direction. I feel that in so testifying I have discharged my duty.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
... I expressed myself in hearty accord and then at the request of the brethren told them how I regarded this so-called manifestation of divine power. Speaking under the influence of the Spirit of the occasion I bore solemn testimony to them that their undertaking was inspired of evil and that disappointment and trouble would surely follow a continuation of this useless work. I explained to them the predictions of old relating to the deceiving spirit which would lead men astray in the latter days and reiterated my declaration that these manifestations to which the brethren testified were not of God. Then in answer to a direct question I told them that I bore this testimony in the name of the Lord, and it was to them the Word of the Lord[.] The brethren were variously affected; and I believe some of them will renounce this utterly misguided undertaking.
We then returned to Brigham City and called again at the home of Fred J. Holton. With him were present his wife, a Brother Vitch Rich, who had come down from the mine with us, and Sister Vitch Rich. By request we explained again the geological structure as we had done to the brethren at the "mine", and I testified to Holton and those with him that this was the work of evil powers and explained to him the responsibility he had assumed in seeking to sell stock to innocent members under false claim of divine direction. I feel that in so testifying I have discharged my duty.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
130 years ago today - Saturday, Jul 21, 1883
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Stockholm, Sweden
Bros E. K. Wrathall and I took a bath. In this country women wait on you. I was successfull in keeping the woman out of my room, but one put Wrathall through a regular Swedish bath, scratching his back and wipping him down.
[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 E. K. Wrathall and I took a bath. In this country women wait on you. I was successfull in keeping the woman out of my room, but one put Wrathall through a regular Swedish bath, scratching his back and wipping him down.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
160 years ago today - Jul 21, 1853
Salt Lake City court "release[s]" Thomas Burke from being "a bound boy" to Mormon man who mistreats him as "white" indentured servant.
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
170 years ago today - Jul 20, 1843
A confrontation ensues between Eliza R. Snow and an unidentified acquaintance, probably Emma Smith.
[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)]
170 years ago today - Jul 20, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] July 20th M. P. [Mary Ann Price?] to O[rson] Hyde {Listed Marriage}
[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 - Jul 20, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20 I received a letter from Elder Ball from Vinalhaven giving an account of the State of the Church in that place. <Some have denied the faith. Others [Warren Parrish?] and Benton have written letters to them to destroy my influence. This way the priests of Baal have almost thrown me.> Some of them were preparing for Zion. They wished me to call and visit them which may God grant Soon.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jul 20, 1833
An Independence, MO citizens committee meeting voted to destroy the press of The Evening and Morning Star (A. S. Gilbert (store owner), Edward Partridge, Isaac Morley, John Corrill, William W. Phelps, and John Whitmer were present). The press was destroyed by the mob and Edward Partridge and Charles Allen were tarred and feathered and ordered to leave Independence (were living in house rented from Lilburn W. Boggs).
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
180 years ago today - Jul 20, 1833
A Book of Commandments, for the Government of the Church of Christ is published by Joseph Smith in Independence, Missouri. It is never completed, as a mob destroys the W.W. Phelps & Co. print shop, confiscates the printing press and assaults Mormon leaders in Independence, Jackson County. Incomplete copies of the Book of Commandments are still published. The Evening and the Morning Star and the Upper Missouri Advertiser cease publication.
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
180 years ago today - Jul 20, 1833
The first attack on a Mormon community is launched by neighbors near Independence, Mo., continuing on and off for months. The immediate cause for this attack is THE EVENING AND THE MORNING STAR publication of a pro-abolitionist article entitled "Free People of Color."
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
50 years ago today - Jul 19, 1963
[David O. McKay] We read a letter from President Philip S. Low of the Indianapolis Stake in which he presented the case of a man who had asked for a Temple recommend, but that he is not wearing his garments where he is employed because he is engaged in pouring molten metal, and when fragments scatter and fall to his shirt and his undershirt, he can easily throw them out by raising his one-piece undershirt. If he wears garments, he cannot expel the hot pellets. I directed that President Low be informed that the man may reverently remove his garments under these circumstances, but should replace them as soon as convenient when he leaves his employment where he is engaged as he explains.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, July 19, 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 diary, July 19, 1963 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
120 years ago today - Jul 19, 1893
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Three more Denver banks went to the wall today because of the runs made on them. By request of the Salt Lake bankers we [Deseret News] suppressed the exciting news from Denver, so that the people here might not become needlessly alarmed at the situation. Our bank statements published today show a very healthy condition.
[Source: Diary of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
135 years ago today - Jul 19, 1878
A letter to Elder John Morgan from John Taylor contains instructions for the emigration of Saints from the Southern States to Colorado or New Mexico rather than to Utah at this time. With conditions developing politically in Utah at the time it was wise. Also the matter of climate was a deciding factor.
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
170 years ago today - Jul 19, 1843
The Nauvoo Neighbor publishes a recent article from the Illinois State Register titled "Was the Arrest of the Prophet a Political Trick?" This article claims that Joseph's arrest may have been a Whig conspiracy to make the Democratic Governor Ford look bad by having to extradite Joseph Smith at election time. This would hopefully cause the massive Mormon vote to go for the Whigs. The Saints apparently give some credence to this accusation against the Whigs, because in the election they vote Democratic in spite of Joseph's promise to give his vote to the Whig candidate, Cyrus Walker.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
5 years ago today - Jul 18, 2008
Utah is leading the world in genetic research because of the Utah Population Data Base (UPDB), a unique combination of state vital statistics, other medical profiles and genealogical records from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[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]
50 years ago today - Jul 18, 1963
President David O. McKay is visited by astronaut Edward White. McKay quotes the words to "If You Could Hie To Kolob" to astronaut White. White is so impressed he asks for a copy of the words to take with him to read and study at home.
[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 - Jul 18, 1838 (Wednesday)
A revelation making known the disposition of property tithing was given through Joseph the Prophet, at Far West. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 120.)
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - Jul 18, 1833
A number of prominent men in Independence, Missouri, prepare the "Secret Constitution," in which they state their accusations against the Mormons. The Saints later refer to it as the "Manifesto of the Mob."
[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]
185 years ago today - Jul 18, 1828
The WAYNE SENTINEL refers to Freemasonry as a "secret combination."
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
20 years ago today - Jul 17, 1993
Counselor Thomas S. Monson presides at memorial service for reinterred bodies of former apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff and his first wife Helen Winters Woodruff. Removed from their original 1904 burial sites in Texas and Mexico, respectively, the couple is buried side-by-side in Salt Lake City. This is first reinterment of Mormon leader and wife since that of Joseph and Emma Smith in 1928.
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
80 years ago today - Jul 17, 1933
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] At 11:00 a.m. attended the regular weekly meeting of the Presidency and Presiding Bishopric. We agreed to Alex Schreiner's terms for him to become the Tabernacle Organist.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - Jul 17, 1913; Thursday
The following is the report of the regular meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles held this morning in the Temple at 10:30.
... Bro[ther]. Talmage reported a visit made by him to the Dream Mine near Spanish Fork [Utah]. He found conditions most lamentable. The shaft has been sunk between 1100 and 1200 feet at a cost of over $100,000. He went clear to the bottom and examined the work being done. It was suggested that he express his findings to Bishop [John H.] Koyle, which he did in the presence of thirty workmen, telling them that if he were making a professional report he would advise those engaging his services not to put a penny
into the mine, that from a geological standpoint there was no more promise of finding ore in that mine than there could be in a clay bank. Bro[ther]. Talmage said he got the Bishop to tell his story as to how he came to open up the mine. He said that eighteen years ago he had a dream, and in his dream he found himself on that hillside, when it was made plain to him that there was a body of ore in that ground. He dreamed it a second time, also a third time, and then he said he was carried in the spirit into the mountain, and went on to describe the different stratas of material that he would strike before striking the ore, and the Bishop thinks now he is very near ore. Thirty workmen were engaged working for capital stock, and applications are being made from all parts of the State for stock at $1.50 share, and they were selling, he was told, about 300 shares a week, and about 60,000 shares in the treasury unsold. In order to show the absurd way in which the mine is being worked Bro[ther]. Talmage said that at the bottom of the shaft only two men can work at a time, and it took eight to eighteen men to wait on them, that is, to receive and send to the top of the mine when the two men dig, and to pump water. He showed them that by going to the hillside and tunnelling in, they could easily have accomplished at an expenditure of $10,000 what had cost them over $100,000. But the Bishop explained that the shaft was sunk exactly where it had been shown him in his dream. The Bishop also remarked that it was made plain to him that they would have to work for a long period, and that only the faithful and those who remained true to the mine, would reap the benefits.
President Smith now drew attention of the Council to what is called the Majestic Gold Mine near Brigham City [Utah], and suggested that Bro[ther]. Talmage and Bro[ther]. Fred J. Pack make it their business to examine that property, as he had reason to believe it was another such thing as the Dream Mine. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
... Bro[ther]. Talmage reported a visit made by him to the Dream Mine near Spanish Fork [Utah]. He found conditions most lamentable. The shaft has been sunk between 1100 and 1200 feet at a cost of over $100,000. He went clear to the bottom and examined the work being done. It was suggested that he express his findings to Bishop [John H.] Koyle, which he did in the presence of thirty workmen, telling them that if he were making a professional report he would advise those engaging his services not to put a penny
into the mine, that from a geological standpoint there was no more promise of finding ore in that mine than there could be in a clay bank. Bro[ther]. Talmage said he got the Bishop to tell his story as to how he came to open up the mine. He said that eighteen years ago he had a dream, and in his dream he found himself on that hillside, when it was made plain to him that there was a body of ore in that ground. He dreamed it a second time, also a third time, and then he said he was carried in the spirit into the mountain, and went on to describe the different stratas of material that he would strike before striking the ore, and the Bishop thinks now he is very near ore. Thirty workmen were engaged working for capital stock, and applications are being made from all parts of the State for stock at $1.50 share, and they were selling, he was told, about 300 shares a week, and about 60,000 shares in the treasury unsold. In order to show the absurd way in which the mine is being worked Bro[ther]. Talmage said that at the bottom of the shaft only two men can work at a time, and it took eight to eighteen men to wait on them, that is, to receive and send to the top of the mine when the two men dig, and to pump water. He showed them that by going to the hillside and tunnelling in, they could easily have accomplished at an expenditure of $10,000 what had cost them over $100,000. But the Bishop explained that the shaft was sunk exactly where it had been shown him in his dream. The Bishop also remarked that it was made plain to him that they would have to work for a long period, and that only the faithful and those who remained true to the mine, would reap the benefits.
President Smith now drew attention of the Council to what is called the Majestic Gold Mine near Brigham City [Utah], and suggested that Bro[ther]. Talmage and Bro[ther]. Fred J. Pack make it their business to examine that property, as he had reason to believe it was another such thing as the Dream Mine. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Jul 17, 1893
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17 I spent the day in Camp. Ovando Beebe Cought 54 trout.
[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]
120 years ago today - Jul 17, 1893 (Monday)
The Utah Commission, in accordance with Pres. Harrison's amnesty proclamation, ruled that former polygamists, who, since Nov. 1, 1890, had not broken the Edmunds law, were entitled to vote at elections.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Jul 17, 1853
Beginning of hostilities that constitute the "Walker War." Chief Wakara ("Walker") of the Ute Indians had welcomed the Mormons into the Salt Lake Valley and given them information and advice. By now, however, he longed to rid himself of the white settlers.
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
170 years ago today - Jul 17, 1843
[Brigham Young Sermon] Elders Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff preached at Collins Pemberton's. -- Piedmont, Ohio [History of the Church. 7 Vols. B. H. Roberts, ed. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, Co., 1902. 5:510]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Jul 16, 1843
Joseph Smith teaches: "No man can obtain an eternal Blessing unless the contract or covenant be made in view of Eternity All contracts in view of this Life only terminate with this Life... The earthly is the image of the Heavenly shows that is by the multiplication of Lives that the eternal worlds are created and occupied that which is born of the flesh is flesh that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.
[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)]
170 years ago today - Jul 16, 1843 (Sunday Morning)
[Joseph Smith Sermon] Sunday 16 Joseph preached all day.â€"A.M. 27th Matthew & c.--did not hear him.â€""Mans foes they of his own house.--the Spirit that crucified Christ, same spirit in Nauvoo. referred particularly to--I wont say who--was it Bro. Marks?--did not Say.â€"bro Cole [Cowles]? or bro [DEL: P.P.P. :DEL] ? did not hear the sermon, why ask me. nothing new same as when you left.--the spirit was against Christ because of his innocence.--So in the present case.â€"
[Source: The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
170 years ago today - Jul 16, 1843 (Sunday Afternoon)
[Joseph Smith Sermon] (Location: Temple Stand, Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA
Source: William Clayton Diary -Words of Joseph Smith, 232-33) P.M. went to the Grove and heard Pres. J. preach on the law of the priesthood. He stated that Hyrum held the office of prophet to the church by birth-right & he was going to have a reformation and the saints must regard Hyrum for he had authority. He showed that a man must enter into an everlasting covenant with his wife in this world or he will have no claim on her in the next. He said that he could not reveal the fulness of these things untill the Temple is completed &c.
[Source: The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
Source: William Clayton Diary -Words of Joseph Smith, 232-33) P.M. went to the Grove and heard Pres. J. preach on the law of the priesthood. He stated that Hyrum held the office of prophet to the church by birth-right & he was going to have a reformation and the saints must regard Hyrum for he had authority. He showed that a man must enter into an everlasting covenant with his wife in this world or he will have no claim on her in the next. He said that he could not reveal the fulness of these things untill the Temple is completed &c.
[Source: The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
180 years ago today - Jul 16, 1833
An "Extra" edition of the Church's EVENING AND MORNING STAR states: "Having learned with extreme regret, that an article entitled, 'Free People of Color,' in the last number of the Star, has been misunderstood, we feel in duty bound to state, in this Extra, that our intention was not only to stop free people of color from emigrating to this state, but to prevent them from being admitted as members of the Church. . . . To be short, we are opposed to having free people of color admitted into the state; and we say, that none will be admitted into the Church; . . ." This "Extra," is printed in the form of a handbill and circulated as promptly as possible.
[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 - Jul 16, 1913; Wednesday
By a very strong impression to do
today what I have long contemplated doing, I .... went to Spanish Fork ... and drove to the foot of the mountain east of Salem... to examine the "Relief Mine," commonly known as the "Dream Mine." Many rumors of this alleged mine have reached me and much has been said concerning supposed inspiration by which the work has been undertaken and prosecuted..... I found thirty men engaged in the work, each of whom is working for stock in the company, all having faith in the divine direction by which they say the mine was located. .... After returning to the surface I met Brother Koyle and all the brethren here engaged and told them that from the standpoint of geological structure and all the known laws of mineral occurrence their effort is absolutely without promise of success. I listened to their statements as to the coincidences by which Brother Koyle's action seems to them to have been justified on the basis of direction by a power above the wisdom of man, and to many testimonies of the brethren that they have received manifestations and inspiration directing them to continue this work. I told them I had made the subject a matter of prayer and had asked to be free from all prejudice or bias and to be able to recognize the facts and the truth, and testified to them ... that I considered it would be well for them to abandon this work ...
It is astounding to see the great effort they have made in what I believe to be an undertaking directed by the spirit of misguided zeal, which I believe to be the spirit of evil. Work has been in progress here for about 18 years, and on the statement made by the men themselves, the expenditure in labor and money is largely in excess of $100,000.00. I showed the men how utterly contrary to wisdom it is to go to the top of a mountain and there commence to sink a shaft in order seemingly to reach the bottom. .... As to any divine direction in the matter, I had upon the ground and so testified to the men, an impression not to be disregarded, that the source of the inspiration which they claim is the very opposite of divine.
This is but one of many such instances of alleged supernatural manifestations that work among our people, most of them tending to show that those who follow the course indicated will find great wealth in the hills. ... The predictions of old, that in the last days evil spirits, and even the spirits of devils will be working miracles among the people, are fulfilled. In this particular case stock in the company is now selling at $1.50 per share. ...
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
today what I have long contemplated doing, I .... went to Spanish Fork ... and drove to the foot of the mountain east of Salem... to examine the "Relief Mine," commonly known as the "Dream Mine." Many rumors of this alleged mine have reached me and much has been said concerning supposed inspiration by which the work has been undertaken and prosecuted..... I found thirty men engaged in the work, each of whom is working for stock in the company, all having faith in the divine direction by which they say the mine was located. .... After returning to the surface I met Brother Koyle and all the brethren here engaged and told them that from the standpoint of geological structure and all the known laws of mineral occurrence their effort is absolutely without promise of success. I listened to their statements as to the coincidences by which Brother Koyle's action seems to them to have been justified on the basis of direction by a power above the wisdom of man, and to many testimonies of the brethren that they have received manifestations and inspiration directing them to continue this work. I told them I had made the subject a matter of prayer and had asked to be free from all prejudice or bias and to be able to recognize the facts and the truth, and testified to them ... that I considered it would be well for them to abandon this work ...
It is astounding to see the great effort they have made in what I believe to be an undertaking directed by the spirit of misguided zeal, which I believe to be the spirit of evil. Work has been in progress here for about 18 years, and on the statement made by the men themselves, the expenditure in labor and money is largely in excess of $100,000.00. I showed the men how utterly contrary to wisdom it is to go to the top of a mountain and there commence to sink a shaft in order seemingly to reach the bottom. .... As to any divine direction in the matter, I had upon the ground and so testified to the men, an impression not to be disregarded, that the source of the inspiration which they claim is the very opposite of divine.
This is but one of many such instances of alleged supernatural manifestations that work among our people, most of them tending to show that those who follow the course indicated will find great wealth in the hills. ... The predictions of old, that in the last days evil spirits, and even the spirits of devils will be working miracles among the people, are fulfilled. In this particular case stock in the company is now selling at $1.50 per share. ...
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
185 years ago today - about Wednesday, Jul 16, 1828
[Book of Mormon Translation] Joseph loses BoM plates and Urim and Thummim,
[Source: Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm]
[Source: Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm]
20 years ago today - Jul 15, 1993
INSIDE RADIO reports: "New York's finest summoned to the mailroom [of station WABC] Tuesday morning. Somebody heard a beeping or ticking noise coming from a pouch. Played it safe and called the cops. Actual contents of the package: the latest PSA package from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). Seems the press kit contained a chip designed to emit an attention-getting signal. It worked."
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
165 years ago today - Jul 15, 1848
[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday July 15th 1848. Moved on and stopped opposite to Chimney Rock. Had to dig some 6 or 7 feet for water being about two miles from the river. We are now entirely out of the buffalo range.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Jul 15, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, July 15th 1843 At home. 6 P.M. with his [Joseph Smith's] family and about 100 others took a pleasure excursion on the Maid of Iowa from Nauvoo House Landing to the North part of the city and back at dusk. (Theatre in the evening by Mr. Chapman). A shower this morning wet the ground 1 inch.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
170 years ago today - July 15, 1843. Saturday.
[William Clayton Journal] Made Deed for 1/2 S[team] B[oat] Maid of Iowa from Joseph to Emma. Also a Deed to E[mma] for over 60 city lots...
[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]
180 years ago today - Jul 15, 1833
Saints in Zion, MO receive notice from the citizens of Jackson County, accusing them of planning to take over all the Jackson County land, tampering with their slaves, and inviting free negroes and mulattos to join; the citizens instruct Mormons to leave or they will remove them.
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
120 years ago today - Friday, Jul 14, 1893
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
Prest. Wilford Woodruff said to me today that if he was to be adopted [by] any man aside from his own father that man would be George A. Smith as he was the most fully honest man he ever knew and that he was a virtuous man in every respect. In company with Jos. F. Smith we examined the Nauvoo sealing records.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
Prest. Wilford Woodruff said to me today that if he was to be adopted [by] any man aside from his own father that man would be George A. Smith as he was the most fully honest man he ever knew and that he was a virtuous man in every respect. In company with Jos. F. Smith we examined the Nauvoo sealing records.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
150 years ago today - Jul 14, 1863
General Patrick Edward Connor and Federal Indian superintendent James D. Doty meet with the Southern Utes. After the chiefs had expressed some apprehensions, Connor is able to dissuade them from the idea that the army wanted to fight or exterminate them. The Utes had been told this by Mormon leaders.
[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 - Jul 14, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] July 14th Our daughter Sarah Emma in half an hour after she was born performed a journey in the arms of Sister Sarah Foss through the garret, Chambers, & lower rooms, & principly through the whole house. Is not this an omen of her being an extensive traveller in her day? Let time determin.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jul 14, 1838
[Missouri War] Carroll citizens meet to oppose Mormon settlement at DeWitt. Meetings and threats against Mormons at DeWitt continue throughout the summer.
[Source: LeSueur, Stephen C., The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839]
[Source: LeSueur, Stephen C., The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839]
170 years ago today - Jul 13, 1843
Joseph Smith writes in his diary: "I was in conversation with Emma most of the day." The previous day Joseph's brother Hyrum had presented Emma with the revelation on plural marriage. Emma "said she did not believe a word of it and appeared very rebellious." On This Day William Clayton records: " This A.M. Joseph sent for me and when I arrived he called me up into his private room with E[mma] and there stated an agreement they had mutually entered into. They both stated their feelings on many subjects and wept considerable. O may the Lord soften her heart that she may be willing to keep and abide by his Holy Law-" Three days later Joseph's diary records that he "preached . . . concerning a mans foes being they of his own house"
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
120 years ago today - Jul 13, 1893
[Minutes, Quorum of Twelve] President [Wilford] Woodruff also recommended that children be sealed to parents, and then to have these parents sealed to the Prophet Joseph [Smith]. He did not feel that it was quite right and proper to have children disregard their parents who gave them birth and be sealed to men who perhaps held some high position in the Church. He had been sealed to his father and his father in turn had been sealed to the Prophet, and he felt that this course was entirely proper. All the brethren present approved of this idea.
Met Senator Peffer of Kansas in Pres[ident] [Wilford] Woodruffs office in company with the President and Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F. Smith, B[isho]p T. R. Cutler and B[isho]p Elias Morris. He is looking up the sugar making industry and immigration.
[Source: Minutes; Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
Met Senator Peffer of Kansas in Pres[ident] [Wilford] Woodruffs office in company with the President and Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F. Smith, B[isho]p T. R. Cutler and B[isho]p Elias Morris. He is looking up the sugar making industry and immigration.
[Source: Minutes; Francis M. Lyman, Diary]
180 years ago today - 1833 July [13]
The July issue of the Evening and Morning Star contains a controversial article by W. W. Phelps quoting Missouri state law and constitution regarding freed blacks entering the state and freedom of religion.
--
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
--
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
10 years ago today - Jul 12, 2003
The SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reports, "Utah ranks among worst in forcible rape-The report and rankings from the Charleston, S.C.-based National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center put Utah No. 1 in the continental United States for its estimated percentage of rape victims - 20.6 percent of the state's adult female population-.The only state ahead of Utah was Alaska, where 20.9 percent of the state's female population are estimated to have been rape victims, according to the rankings."
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
120 years ago today - Jul 12, 1893
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [Letter to Grant in New York from Joseph F. Smith:] For the first time, this month the Church could not pay its employees, not the Presidency and Twelve. Well do not think I have lost hope -- for I have not I believe that Providence has something better in store for us than bankruptcy and ruin, but it will be a close shave in my opinion. May the Lord help us!
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - July 12th 1843
D&C 132 repeatedly conferred divine immunity upon Joseph Smith for any "sin" or "transgression" he had committed in the past regarding other women. The document simply mentioned them as "all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph" (D&C 132: 52), but repeatedly introduced these unnamed women within the context of "wives and concubines" (D&C 132: 1, 37, 38, 39). The revelation also conferred divine immunity from sin, transgression, or earthly condemnation for anything Joseph Smith might do with other women after July 12th 1843. God's words specifically stated that there were no earthly limits to this immunity.
--Verses 19-20: " ... if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law ... and commit no murder ... then shall they be gods ..."
NOTE: because the only exception was murder, these verses included adultery in their provision for spiritual immunity
--Verse 26: "... if a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment ... [they can] commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatever ... yet they shall enter into their exaltation"
NOTE: because the only exceptions in this verse were "murder" and "blasphemy against the holy ghost," adultery is once more included in its provision for immunity from "any sin or transgression"
--Verse 40: "... I gave unto thee, my servant Joseph, an appointment, and [to] restore all things. Ask what ye will, and it shall be given unto you according to my word."
NOTE: the above verse was the revelatory basis upon which joseph smith answered his private secretary's inquiry about marrying plural wives a month later: "you have a right to get all you can." likewise, brigham young told the apostles: "My opinion is [--] any thing that you do in righteousness, there is no harm in it. if a man is faithful & can get a wife without injuring the cause[,] all is right.Â"
--Verse 41: "And as ye have asked concerning adultery, verily I say unto you, if a man receiveth a wife in the new and everlasting covenant, and if she be with another man, and I have not appointed [this other man] unto her by the holy anointing, she hath committed adultery ..."
NOTE: the revelation did not discuss the circumstance this verse only implied--when god appoints another man unto a woman who is already married. Consistent with the above verse, there would be no adultery on the part of the woman or on the part of this other man whom god has "appointed" to be with her sexually
--Verse 46: "... and whosesoever sins you remit on earth shall be remitted in the heavens ..."
NOTE: the above verse allowed joseph smith to "remit" his own sins
--Verse 48: "... whatever you give on earth, and to whomsoever you give any one [i.e., any wife] on earth, by my word and according to my law, it shall be visited with blessings and not cursings ..."
NOTE: after the revelation absolved joseph smith of adultery (particularly in his previous marriages to already-married women), the above verse authorized joseph smith to perform such marriages for anyone he might choose. Thus, soon after july 1843, joseph smith performed more ceremonies to unite already-married women as polygamous wives of trusted men (such as undivorced julia hills johnson to john smith--his uncle, undivorced augusta adams cobb to apostle brigham young, and undivorced louisa gordon rising to rank-and-file edwin d. Woolley).
--Verse 50: "Behold, I have seen all your sacrifice and will forgive all your sins: I have seen your sacrifices in obedience to that which I have told you ..."
NOTE--the above verse absolved joseph smith of any mistakes ("sins") he may have already committed concerning the revelation's main topic of "plural wives and concubines"
--Verse 59: "Verily, if a man be called of my Father ... if he do anything in my name, and according to my law and by my word, he will not commit sin and I will justify him.Â"
NOTE--the above verse absolved joseph smith of any mistake or "sin" he might commit in future concerning the revelation's main topic of "plural wives and concubines"
[Source: "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
--Verses 19-20: " ... if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law ... and commit no murder ... then shall they be gods ..."
NOTE: because the only exception was murder, these verses included adultery in their provision for spiritual immunity
--Verse 26: "... if a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment ... [they can] commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatever ... yet they shall enter into their exaltation"
NOTE: because the only exceptions in this verse were "murder" and "blasphemy against the holy ghost," adultery is once more included in its provision for immunity from "any sin or transgression"
--Verse 40: "... I gave unto thee, my servant Joseph, an appointment, and [to] restore all things. Ask what ye will, and it shall be given unto you according to my word."
NOTE: the above verse was the revelatory basis upon which joseph smith answered his private secretary's inquiry about marrying plural wives a month later: "you have a right to get all you can." likewise, brigham young told the apostles: "My opinion is [--] any thing that you do in righteousness, there is no harm in it. if a man is faithful & can get a wife without injuring the cause[,] all is right.Â"
--Verse 41: "And as ye have asked concerning adultery, verily I say unto you, if a man receiveth a wife in the new and everlasting covenant, and if she be with another man, and I have not appointed [this other man] unto her by the holy anointing, she hath committed adultery ..."
NOTE: the revelation did not discuss the circumstance this verse only implied--when god appoints another man unto a woman who is already married. Consistent with the above verse, there would be no adultery on the part of the woman or on the part of this other man whom god has "appointed" to be with her sexually
--Verse 46: "... and whosesoever sins you remit on earth shall be remitted in the heavens ..."
NOTE: the above verse allowed joseph smith to "remit" his own sins
--Verse 48: "... whatever you give on earth, and to whomsoever you give any one [i.e., any wife] on earth, by my word and according to my law, it shall be visited with blessings and not cursings ..."
NOTE: after the revelation absolved joseph smith of adultery (particularly in his previous marriages to already-married women), the above verse authorized joseph smith to perform such marriages for anyone he might choose. Thus, soon after july 1843, joseph smith performed more ceremonies to unite already-married women as polygamous wives of trusted men (such as undivorced julia hills johnson to john smith--his uncle, undivorced augusta adams cobb to apostle brigham young, and undivorced louisa gordon rising to rank-and-file edwin d. Woolley).
--Verse 50: "Behold, I have seen all your sacrifice and will forgive all your sins: I have seen your sacrifices in obedience to that which I have told you ..."
NOTE--the above verse absolved joseph smith of any mistakes ("sins") he may have already committed concerning the revelation's main topic of "plural wives and concubines"
--Verse 59: "Verily, if a man be called of my Father ... if he do anything in my name, and according to my law and by my word, he will not commit sin and I will justify him.Â"
NOTE--the above verse absolved joseph smith of any mistake or "sin" he might commit in future concerning the revelation's main topic of "plural wives and concubines"
[Source: "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
170 years ago today - Jul 12, 1843, Wednesday
[William Clayton Writings] On the morning of the 12th of July, 1843, Joseph and Hyrum Smith came into the office in the upper story of the `brick store,' on the bank of the Mississippi River. They were talking on the subject of plural marriage. Hyrum said to Joseph, ``If you will write the revelation on celestial marriage, I will take it to Emma, and I believe I can convince her of its truth, and you will hereafter have peace.'' Joseph smiled and remarked, ``You do not know Emma as well as I do.'' Hyrum repeated his opinion and further remarked, ``The doctrine is so plain, I can convince any reasonable man or woman of its truth, purity or heavenly origin,'' or words to their effect. Joseph then said, ``Well, I will write the revelation and we will see.'' He then requested me to get paper and prepare to write. Hyrum very urgently requested Joseph to write the revelation by means of the Urim and Thummim, but Joseph, in reply, said he did not need to, for he knew the revelation perfectly from beginning to end.
Joseph and Hyrum then sat down and Joseph commenced to dictate the revelation on celestial marriage, and I wrote it, sentence by sentence, as he dictated. After the whole was written, Joseph asked me to read it through, slowly and carefully, which I did, and he pronounced it correct. He then remarked that there was much more that he could write, on the same subject, but what was written was sufficient for the present.
Hyrum then took the revelation to read to Emma. Joseph remained with me in the office until Hyrum returned. When he came back, Joseph asked him how he had succeeded. Hyrum replied that he had never received a more severe talking to in his life, that Emma was very bitter and full of resentment and anger.
Joseph quietly remarked, ``I told you you did not know Emma as well as I did'' Joseph then put the revelation in his pocket, and they both left the office. The revelation was read to several of the authorities during the day. Towards evening Bishop Newel K. Whitney asked Joseph if he had any objections to his taking a copy of the revelation; Joseph replied that he had not, and handed it to him. It was carefully copied the following day by Joseph C. Kingsbury. Two or three days after the revelation was written Joseph related to me and several others that Emma has so teased, and urgently entreated him for the privilege of destroying it, that he became so weary of her teasing, and to get rid of her annoyance, he told her she might destroy it and she had done so, but he had consented to her wish in this matter to pacify her, realizing that he knew the revelation perfectly, and could rewrite it at any time if necessary.
The copy made by Joseph C. Kingsbury is a true and correct copy of the original in every respect. The copy was carefully preserved by Bishop Whitney, and but few knew of its existence until the temporary location of the Camps of Israel at Winter Quarters, on the Missouri River, in 1846.
After the revelation on celestial marriage was written, Joseph continued his instructions, privately, on the doctrine, to myself and others, and during the last year of his life we were scarcely ever together, alone, but he was talking on the subject, and explaining that doctrine and principles connected with it. He appeared to enjoy great liberty and freedom in his teachings, and also to find great relief in having a few to whom he could unbosom his feelings on that great and glorious subject.
From him I learned that the doctrine of plural and celestial marriage is the most holy and important doctrine ever revealed to man on the earth, and that without obedience to that principle no man can ever attain to the fulness of exaltation in celestial glory.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
Joseph and Hyrum then sat down and Joseph commenced to dictate the revelation on celestial marriage, and I wrote it, sentence by sentence, as he dictated. After the whole was written, Joseph asked me to read it through, slowly and carefully, which I did, and he pronounced it correct. He then remarked that there was much more that he could write, on the same subject, but what was written was sufficient for the present.
Hyrum then took the revelation to read to Emma. Joseph remained with me in the office until Hyrum returned. When he came back, Joseph asked him how he had succeeded. Hyrum replied that he had never received a more severe talking to in his life, that Emma was very bitter and full of resentment and anger.
Joseph quietly remarked, ``I told you you did not know Emma as well as I did'' Joseph then put the revelation in his pocket, and they both left the office. The revelation was read to several of the authorities during the day. Towards evening Bishop Newel K. Whitney asked Joseph if he had any objections to his taking a copy of the revelation; Joseph replied that he had not, and handed it to him. It was carefully copied the following day by Joseph C. Kingsbury. Two or three days after the revelation was written Joseph related to me and several others that Emma has so teased, and urgently entreated him for the privilege of destroying it, that he became so weary of her teasing, and to get rid of her annoyance, he told her she might destroy it and she had done so, but he had consented to her wish in this matter to pacify her, realizing that he knew the revelation perfectly, and could rewrite it at any time if necessary.
The copy made by Joseph C. Kingsbury is a true and correct copy of the original in every respect. The copy was carefully preserved by Bishop Whitney, and but few knew of its existence until the temporary location of the Camps of Israel at Winter Quarters, on the Missouri River, in 1846.
After the revelation on celestial marriage was written, Joseph continued his instructions, privately, on the doctrine, to myself and others, and during the last year of his life we were scarcely ever together, alone, but he was talking on the subject, and explaining that doctrine and principles connected with it. He appeared to enjoy great liberty and freedom in his teachings, and also to find great relief in having a few to whom he could unbosom his feelings on that great and glorious subject.
From him I learned that the doctrine of plural and celestial marriage is the most holy and important doctrine ever revealed to man on the earth, and that without obedience to that principle no man can ever attain to the fulness of exaltation in celestial glory.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
170 years ago today - Jul 12, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Wednesday, July 12th Received a Revelation in the office in presence of Hyrum and W[illia]m Clayton.
[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 - Jul 12, 1843
Smith announces [a revelation on] polygamy, or plural marriage, is not only permissible but in certain cases required. The second pronouncement, in particular, causes great division among Mormons, with Brigham Young stating he would rather die and Joseph Smith's wife Emma expressing opposition even though the revelation (now Section 132 in the LDS Doctrine and Covenants) expressly directs Emma Smith to accept plural marriage.) And although the doctrine will not be publicly announced for nearly a decade, rumors quickly spread, increasing anti-Mormon feeling. Joseph Smith will eventually have more than 25 wives, while Young will come to embrace the doctrine, take 20 wives, and father 57 children.
[Source: Whitney, Helen, Timeline: The Early History of the Mormons, A Frontline and American Experience Co-Production,
www.pbs.org/mormons/timeline/]
[Source: Whitney, Helen, Timeline: The Early History of the Mormons, A Frontline and American Experience Co-Production,
www.pbs.org/mormons/timeline/]
125 years ago today - Jul 11, 1888
[Patriarchal Blessings] [Patriarchal Blessing of Anna Sariah Martineau given by William McBride on July 11, 1888] ... thou shalt administer ordinances in languages that thou dost not now understand and teach them to save themselves with their dead for many generations back: and when thou shalt commence this work, the Lord will give thee dreams and visions and manifestations of his holy spirit ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
80 years ago today - Jul 11, 1933
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Brother Anthony C. Lund called and plead that we make arrangements to retain Alexander Schreiner as the Tabernacle organist.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jul 11, 1838
William Marks sells the House of the Lord (also known as the "Stone Temple," and "Chapel House") to Mead, Stafford & Company of Buffalo for goods purchased in 1836.
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
170 years ago today - 1843: 11 July
[Patriarchal Blessings] William Leany. (Given by John Smith.)
.... Thou art called to go forth to the nations of the earth to hunt up the remnants of Jacob, not only from among the gentiles but to gather thousands of the Lamanites and their seed. ... gather thousands of the remnants of Jacob and build a city for their safety, and establish it as a Stake of Zion and preside over it forever ...
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... Thou art called to go forth to the nations of the earth to hunt up the remnants of Jacob, not only from among the gentiles but to gather thousands of the Lamanites and their seed. ... gather thousands of the remnants of Jacob and build a city for their safety, and establish it as a Stake of Zion and preside over it forever ...
[Source: Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
5 years ago today - 7/10/2008
[Same-Sex Marriage] Letter about "raising as much money as we can in July" read in RS and PH meetings in California: "President Monson has asked that we, as members of the church in California, do all we can to support the California Protection of Marriage initiative on the November ballot. He has asked our Stake President to recruit one couple from each ward to assist in this endeavor." "We have been given permission to use the Ward list and to spread literature at church, but we cannot collect money on church property. However, we have been told that we can collect money at a church function that is not at the building." "We can accept checks or credit cards only - no cash contributions. Checks should be made payable to "ProtectMarriage.com" and more information can be obtained at the www.protectmarriage.com website."
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
20 years ago today - Jul 10, 1993
In Laie, Oahu, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV of Tonga attends the Polynesian Cultural Center's thirtieth anniversary festivities.
[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]
35 years ago today - Jul 10, 1978
PEOPLE magazine runs a three-page article: "A feminist studies Mormon polygamy and, remarkably, finds that it liberated the wives." Dr. Vicky Burgess-Olson was quoted as saying that of the 341 Mormon women she studied between 1847 and 1885, most (54%) had fulltime jobs outside the home. "When the husbands were away visiting other wives in other houses, the wives they left behind ran farms, ranches or silkworm operations. . . . If the families shared the same house, the women had different assignments and could do what they liked best."
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
60 years ago today - Jul 10, 1953
Regarding the matter of granting temple recommends to people who have been divorced ... The bishop of the ward should make his investigation and write a letter giving the results thereof to the president of the stake. The bishop's letter to the president of the stake should, whenever possible, contain a short statement signed by the person making the application ... The president of the stake should likewise make an investigation, personally whenever possible, and either approve or disapprove the recommendation of the bishop of the ward. .... The president of the stake should forward the completed file to us. .... the essential thing we wish to know is whether or not there was on the part of the one seeking the recommend any infidelity or other serious transgression. We wish both the bishop and the president of the stake to make definite statements of their own feelings and impressions on these matters after their interviews with the applicants. This information should be sent to us irrespective of the fact that we may have a record here having to do with a sealing cancellation. We are sure you understand that the Church has always looked with disfavor upon divorce, and has discouraged it wherever possible. ...
[Source: David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards, and J. Reuben Clark Jr., circular letter, July 10, 1953, as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards, and J. Reuben Clark Jr., circular letter, July 10, 1953, as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
130 years ago today - Jul 10, 1883
Joseph Smith III writes to an apostle of the RLDS church: "I have been ambitious of but one thing, so far as human ambition is concerned, and that was to prove by the logic of conduct that my father [Joseph Smith] was not a bad man." Joseph Smith III had been trying to prove that it was Brigham Young and not Joseph Smith who had introduced the practice of polygamy.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Jul 10, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] On the 10 July 1883 David P Rich Son of Charles C Rich and Rudolph Smith Adopted Son of Elias Smith went into Zions Savings Bank a little after 4 oclok & David Rich Struck Br B. H. Schetler with a rod of Iron with a not on such as goes through the End gate of a waggon and split his scalp down from the schull in the shape of a horse shoe down over his face. They knocked him down with the intention of robing the bank. David Rich gathered up about $200 in gold and put [it] in his pocket. By that time Br Dunbar Came to the Door & asked what was the Matter and as he Entered the Door Rudolph Smith ran out first & David Rich followed But they were soon Arested and in Jail.
Dr Benedic was soon there & I was present when they sowed his head up. It was a Bold Daring Robery and most of the Money was obtained which Rich took. I did not hear that Smith got any. This is the result of Drinking & Carousing.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Dr Benedic was soon there & I was present when they sowed his head up. It was a Bold Daring Robery and most of the Money was obtained which Rich took. I did not hear that Smith got any. This is the result of Drinking & Carousing.
[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 - Jul 10, 1843
Heber C. Kimball writes in a letter to his wife and daughter, Helen: "Let us seek to be true to our integrity, wherever we shall make vows or covenants with each other. Then we have got in that narrow way that leads to eternal life. Now let us be careful that we do not make a breach, but let us learn by the things that we see others suffer, and not have to pass through them ourselves. . . . Now, Helen, study to be a comfort to all who are connected to us by the ties of nature, . . ." Two months previously fourteen-year-old Helen had become a plural wife of Joseph Smith
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
180 years ago today - about Jul 10, 1833
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith clarified to the Saints that the -"hot drinks-" spoken of in the Word of Wisdom included tea and coffee.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
10 years ago today - Jul 9, 2003
The Apia Samoa Temple was destroyed by fire, marking the first time in Church history an operational temple has burned. The First Presidency announced July 16 that the temple would be 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]
50 years ago today - Jul 9, 1963
Joseph Fielding Smith, president of the Quorum of the Twelve, openly criticizes "the spending proclivities of President [Henry D.] Moyle, also concerning the unorthodox way with which youngsters had been baptized in the Church. . . ." This last part refers to the "kiddie-dip" program in which missionaries baptize children as part of initiation onto a sports team.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Jul 9, 1883
To the Bishops of Wards-- A letter to the Bishops of the Church setting them straight on their lack of authority over Relief Society wheat and its disposition. The authority over the wheat rested with the Relief Societies who had collected it.
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
170 years ago today - Jul 9, 1843
[Joseph Smith] Sunday. Joseph speaks in the grove on the subject of love and toleration.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
170 years ago today - Jul 9, 1843
[Brigham Young] --9-- Left St. Louis at half-past 9 a.m., for Cincinnati, on the steamer Lancet, and had conversation with various gentlemen who were inquiring after "Mormonism," one of whom, a professor in a Southern university, said, "I have heard and read much of your people, and of Joseph Smith, but I have no confidence in newspaper stories, and, if it would be agreeable, I would like to ask a few questions." I told him I would answer any questions he might propose, so far as I was able.
He then asked me if Joseph Smith had more wives than one. I told him I would admit he had. In order to explain the principle, I asked the gentleman if he believed the Bible, and was a believer in the resurrection. He said he was a believer in the Old and New Testament and in the resurrection.
I then asked him if he believed parents and children, husbands and wives would recognize each other in the resurrection. He said he did.
Also, if parents and children would have the same filial feeling towards each other which they have here; and he said he believed they would, and that their affections would be more acute than they were in this life.
I then said, "We see in this life, that amongst Christians, ministers and all classes of men, a man will marry a wife, and have children by her; she dies, and he marries another, and then another, until men have had as many as six wives, and each of them bear children. This is considered all right by the Christian world, inasmuch as a man has but one at a time. Now, in the resurrection this man and all his wives and children are raised from the dead; what will be done with those women and children, and who will they belong to? and if the man is to have but one, which one in the lot shall he have?"
The professor replied, he never thought of the question in this light before, and said he did not believe those women and children would belong to any but those they belonged to in this life.
"Very well," said I, "you consider that to be a pure, holy place in the presence of God, angels, and celestial beings; would the Lord permit a thing to exist in his presence in heaven which is evil? And if it is right for a man to have several wives and children in heaven at the same time, is it not an inconsistent doctrine that a man should have several wives, and children by those wives at the same time, here in this life, as was the case with Abraham and many of the old Prophets? Or is it any more sinful to have several wives at a time than at different times ?"
He answered, "I cannot see that it would be any more inconsistent to have more wives in this life than in the next, or to have five wives at one time than at five different times. I feel to acknowledge it is a correct principle and a Bible doctrine, and I cannot see anything inconsistent in it."
After conversing with him upon the organization of the Church, the gospel, and order of the priesthood, he remarked that such an organization possessed within itself all the elements of permanent success and prosperity, and the system of such a government could not be overthrown.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
He then asked me if Joseph Smith had more wives than one. I told him I would admit he had. In order to explain the principle, I asked the gentleman if he believed the Bible, and was a believer in the resurrection. He said he was a believer in the Old and New Testament and in the resurrection.
I then asked him if he believed parents and children, husbands and wives would recognize each other in the resurrection. He said he did.
Also, if parents and children would have the same filial feeling towards each other which they have here; and he said he believed they would, and that their affections would be more acute than they were in this life.
I then said, "We see in this life, that amongst Christians, ministers and all classes of men, a man will marry a wife, and have children by her; she dies, and he marries another, and then another, until men have had as many as six wives, and each of them bear children. This is considered all right by the Christian world, inasmuch as a man has but one at a time. Now, in the resurrection this man and all his wives and children are raised from the dead; what will be done with those women and children, and who will they belong to? and if the man is to have but one, which one in the lot shall he have?"
The professor replied, he never thought of the question in this light before, and said he did not believe those women and children would belong to any but those they belonged to in this life.
"Very well," said I, "you consider that to be a pure, holy place in the presence of God, angels, and celestial beings; would the Lord permit a thing to exist in his presence in heaven which is evil? And if it is right for a man to have several wives and children in heaven at the same time, is it not an inconsistent doctrine that a man should have several wives, and children by those wives at the same time, here in this life, as was the case with Abraham and many of the old Prophets? Or is it any more sinful to have several wives at a time than at different times ?"
He answered, "I cannot see that it would be any more inconsistent to have more wives in this life than in the next, or to have five wives at one time than at five different times. I feel to acknowledge it is a correct principle and a Bible doctrine, and I cannot see anything inconsistent in it."
After conversing with him upon the organization of the Church, the gospel, and order of the priesthood, he remarked that such an organization possessed within itself all the elements of permanent success and prosperity, and the system of such a government could not be overthrown.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
70 years ago today - Jul 8, 1943
Brother George Albert Smith: As the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I lay my hands upon your head, and I bless you and set you apart to be the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and I bestow upon you this blessing and pray that the Spirit of the living God may be and abide with you during your administration as the President of the Twelve Apostles. I bless you for your devotion. No more devoted and splendid worker has ever been among the leaders of the Church than yourself, excepting of course, the Prophet Joseph Smith. I bless you for blessing me upon two occasions when I was nigh unto death, and I was immediately touched with healing power and restored to my wonted strength. I bless you for your many travels. I bless you for the many comforting sermons you have preached to those who have lost their loved ones. You have been particularly willing to go and come and to preach. I bless you that your life has been spared, and I pray that you may have better strength of body in the future of your life, notwithstanding your age, than you have had for years past. You have been doing more work than your body was capable of doing. You have overdone in preaching and working for other people, and I bless you that you may have wisdom to take care of yourself and to prolong your life. I do not forget that you went to St. George for nearly if not quite a year, and I feel that Brother Joseph F. Smith and some of the others of the Quorum lacked the faith that you would return to health. I thank the Lord that I felt that you would return, and you did. I feel that you will magnify this office. I bless you with every gift, grace, and power necessary to be in a very deed one of the strong Presidents of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. I bless you with vigor of body and of mind, and with all the blessings that you need to continue your labor, but do so with wisdom and not overdo yourself. I bestow these blessings upon you in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and by the power and authority that I hold as the Prophet of God in the last days, and I do it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. I attended the meeting of the Apostles and their assistants at 8:30 and at ten o’clock met with the First Presidency and Apostles in the Presidents’ Office where President Heber J. Grant set apart Elder George Albert Smith as President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. He also presented the name of a brother [i.e., Spencer W. Kimball] to fill one of the two vacancies in the Council which was unanimously approved, although we are not at liberty at this time to mention his name. He is from one of the southern stakes. The name of some one to fill the other vacancy was not mentioned.
[Source: “Blessing by President Heber J. Grant upon the Head of Elder George Albert Smith, Setting Him Apart as President of the Council of the Twelve Apostlesâ€; Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary]
[Source: “Blessing by President Heber J. Grant upon the Head of Elder George Albert Smith, Setting Him Apart as President of the Council of the Twelve Apostlesâ€; Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary]
80 years ago today - Jul 8, 1933
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] President W.J. Henderson of the Panguitch Stake and a member of the legislature, called and expressed the hope we would not repeal the Eighteenth Amendment. I told him I had that same hope but acknowledged that my faith was not very strong that my hope would be realized. There seems to be a wave of sentiment in favor of repeal.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Jul 8, 1863
President Brigham Young; Remarks were delivered on the Public Square, Great Salt Lake City; July 8, 1863.
We believe in God the Father and in Jesus Christ our elder brother. We believe that God is a person of tabernacle, possessing in an infinitely higher degree all the perfections and qualifications of his mortal children. We believe that he made Adam after his own image and likeness, as Moses testifies; and in this belief we differ from the professedly Christian world, who declare that "His center is everywhere, but his circumference is nowhere." Their God has no body nor parts; our God possesses a body and parts, and was heard by Adam and Eve "Walking in the garden in the cool of the day."
[Source: J. D. 10:230-231]
We believe in God the Father and in Jesus Christ our elder brother. We believe that God is a person of tabernacle, possessing in an infinitely higher degree all the perfections and qualifications of his mortal children. We believe that he made Adam after his own image and likeness, as Moses testifies; and in this belief we differ from the professedly Christian world, who declare that "His center is everywhere, but his circumference is nowhere." Their God has no body nor parts; our God possesses a body and parts, and was heard by Adam and Eve "Walking in the garden in the cool of the day."
[Source: J. D. 10:230-231]
175 years ago today - Jul 8, 1838
[D and C] Doctrine and Covenants 118: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, July 8, 1838, in response to the supplication: -"Show us thy will, O Lord, concerning the Twelve.-" HC 3: 46-47.
1-3, The Lord will provide for the families of the Twelve; 4-6, Vacancies in the Twelve are filled.
[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]
1-3, The Lord will provide for the families of the Twelve; 4-6, Vacancies in the Twelve are filled.
[Source: Doctrine and Covenants, http://amzn.to/DoctrineandCovenants]
200 years ago today - Jul 8, 1813
[Joseph Smith] Smith's sister Katherine is born in Lebanon, New Hampshire. .
[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.]
5 years ago today - 7/7/2008
[Same-Sex Marriage] Meridian Magazine publishes a letter from ProtectMarriage's Grassroots Director Gary Lawrence titled, "Wonder What the War in Heaven Was Like? Watch California This Fall" In part, it reads, "In short, if the arguments used in the war in heaven were persuasive enough to draw billions of God's spirit children away from Him, why should we not expect them to be used on the present battlefield? The same minions cast out from the Father's presence still remember what worked up there."
Lawrence, is the father of a gay son. His son later resigns from the church.
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
Lawrence, is the father of a gay son. His son later resigns from the church.
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
25 years ago today - Jul 07, 1988
Vance Law is named to the National League's all-star baseball team after a very successful year in the majors.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
120 years ago today - Jul 7, 1893
[Francis M. Lyman] This A.M. a cablegram from Pres[ident] George Q. Cannon in England said he was unsuccessful in getting money and would return home. This word is very discouraging. Money matters are very tight, banks add mercantile institutions are going broke on every hand.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Jul 7, 1863
[Minutes, Quorum of Twelve] I [Wilford Woodruff] walked through the [Salt Lake] Temple Block with President Young.
He gave his views of the Temple in Jackson County M[iss]o[uri] According to his view at present it will be composed of 12 Twelve Temples ['] a tower upon Each than a main high Tower in the center & in the centre of the Square would be a place for the people to meet & a dore through the wall of Each Temple so that those at work in the Temple could go through the door of any one of the Temples & meet with the congregation ['] He spoke of having gardens gardens on the top of the Towers with fruit & flowers growing thereon.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff, Historian s Private Journal]
He gave his views of the Temple in Jackson County M[iss]o[uri] According to his view at present it will be composed of 12 Twelve Temples ['] a tower upon Each than a main high Tower in the center & in the centre of the Square would be a place for the people to meet & a dore through the wall of Each Temple so that those at work in the Temple could go through the door of any one of the Temples & meet with the congregation ['] He spoke of having gardens gardens on the top of the Towers with fruit & flowers growing thereon.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff, Historian s Private Journal]
170 years ago today - Jul 7, 1843 - Friday
[Relief Society] Second Meeting of Society.
... convened in the room under the Hall, the Hall being occupied by the Masonic Fra ternity.
...Mrs [Elizabeth Davis] Durfee presented the case of [Orrin] Porter Rockwell
- express'd much feeling of sympathy awakened in her heart by recent recitals of his sufferings- recommended the sisters to unite like the ancient saints in faith & pray'r for his deliverance.
Mrs. Sessions mentioned the case of a man whose name she did not know who had been fo[r] some length of time begging- had heard he had plenty of money. She described his dress.- Mrs. Pratt said she knew him- that his appearance bespoke deep poverty.
Mrs. Sessions spoke of some articles of clothing, to wit. 2 pr. pantaloons and 1 shirt, which she designed either to donate to the Society or to the Temple, as Society shall think proper. ....
[Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperDetails/nauvoo-relief-society-minute-book]
... convened in the room under the Hall, the Hall being occupied by the Masonic Fra ternity.
...Mrs [Elizabeth Davis] Durfee presented the case of [Orrin] Porter Rockwell
- express'd much feeling of sympathy awakened in her heart by recent recitals of his sufferings- recommended the sisters to unite like the ancient saints in faith & pray'r for his deliverance.
Mrs. Sessions mentioned the case of a man whose name she did not know who had been fo[r] some length of time begging- had heard he had plenty of money. She described his dress.- Mrs. Pratt said she knew him- that his appearance bespoke deep poverty.
Mrs. Sessions spoke of some articles of clothing, to wit. 2 pr. pantaloons and 1 shirt, which she designed either to donate to the Society or to the Temple, as Society shall think proper. ....
[Source: Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperDetails/nauvoo-relief-society-minute-book]
170 years ago today - Jul 7, 1843
[Joseph Smith] Ford's agent in Nauvoo, Mr. Brayman, meets with the Saints to get affidavits about the recent arrest, escape, and rescue by a military force. While Governor Ford is trying to decide whether or not to use a militia to rearrest Joseph, a heated congressional campaign is occurring between the Whig, Cyrus Walker (to whom Joseph had promised his vote), and the Democrat Joseph Hoge. The two most influential Church leaders other than Joseph, Hyrum Smith and William Law, are in disagreement about the candidates. The Democrats try to convince the Mormons that Gov. Ford will send out the militia against Joseph if the Mormons vote for the Whigs.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
70 years ago today - Jul 6, 1943
Serological tests before temple marriages in Utah-- Serological tests as required by civil law in Utah are required for all temple marriages in Utah. Similar instruction had already been issued by the First Presidency in letters of June 27, 1941, June 30, 1941, and August 17, 1942.
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
130 years ago today - Jul 6, 1883 (Friday)
A fatal powder magazine explosion occurred in Ogden Canyon.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - July 6-Oct 4, 1838
[Joseph Smith] The Kirtland Camp of Saints travels from Kirtland to Adam-ondi-Ahman, Mo. On March 6, 1838, a meeting of the seventies in the Kirtland Temple had decided to move the Saints from Kirtland to Missouri. On July 6, 1838, a wagon train, over a mile long with over 500 Saints, leaves Kirtland for Missouri. Because of great suffering and discouragement, by the time the group reaches Springfield, Ill., about halfway, only 260 are left. They reach Adam-ondi-Ahman on October 4, 1838.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
165 years ago today - Jul 5, 1848
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] During the evening A hard thunder Storm was Approaching us. My Mules were tied to A large oak tree on the opposite side of the street. I felt impressed to move my Mules away to another place. I did so. I also removed my Children out of the carriage & made them a bed in the house. I also moved my Carriage one rod down to the house in which Mrs Woodruff myself & one child slept. We had Just retired to bed when the storm reached us with great fury. In A moment the large oak tree came thundering to the ground with A mighty crash. Had I not have moved my Mules it probably would have killed them. Had I not have moved my Carriage it would have crushed it to atoms And killed us dead for the body of the tree fell whare my Carriage stood & Just missed Br Kingleys waggon. I Considerd it an interposition of Providence to save our lives.
[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]
1913, 100 years ago this year.
"Inwardly, I felt impelled to persuade him otherwise, and I was sure he had expected me to. I nevertheless controlled myself and made no response to his far-reaching decision. My silence at the moment was not an easy thing. Yet, I am aware now that the years of preceding struggle to live polygamy had all helped to steel me for whatever may come. I thought in those few moments before he departed: 'I'll be equal to whatever must come.'" Thus ended the thirty-year marriage. Annie was forced to find work as a practical nurse in Salt Lake City.
After thirty years as a plural wife, Annie Clark Tanner concluded the "companionship between husband and wife in polygamy could not be so close as in monogamy. There was more independence on both sides in polygamy …. It is needless to observe that monogamous marriages are by far the more successful. They give security and confidence, and these are the requirements for happiness."
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
After thirty years as a plural wife, Annie Clark Tanner concluded the "companionship between husband and wife in polygamy could not be so close as in monogamy. There was more independence on both sides in polygamy …. It is needless to observe that monogamous marriages are by far the more successful. They give security and confidence, and these are the requirements for happiness."
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Jul 5, 1873 (Saturday)
Zion's Savings' Bank and Trust Company was organized; Brigham Young, president.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]