80 years ago today - Jun 30, 1935
The Oahu Stake, the first stake outside of North America and the first stake in Hawaii, is organized, with Ralph E. Wooley as president.
125 years ago today - Jun 30, 1890
[Franklin D. Richards] The question of what course to take in relation to plural marriage came up for serious consideration this afternoon. President [Wilford] Woodruff has felt very clear that no plural marriages shall be solemnized in the Territory. He has not felt very favorable to marriages being solemnized at all, but has consented to some few being performed in Mexico. Soon after I returned from Washington [D.C.], Brother Joseph F. Smith informed me of the danger there was of something being learned concerning marriages of this character being performed at El Paso. He said that the last few who had gone down there to meet Brother Macdonald had attracted considerable attention, and some of those who were of the party thought it exceedingly dangerous and were afraid that the knowledge of these transactions would come to light. The question had also arisen whether there is not danger of international complications arising over it. All these matters were carefullyconsidered, and we concluded that, for the present, there should be no more marriages of this character solemnized, unless the women who enter into this relation remain in Mexico and take up their abode there.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
130 years ago today - Tues., June 30th, 1885
[Abraham H. Cannon] Attended court part of the day where Bro. F. A. Brown's case was called. The forenoon was occupied in getting a jury, and in the afternoon at his own request he was sworn as a witness. He was then permitted to read a paper in which he gave a short review of his past life, admitting his marriage with two women and saying that he would rather have his head severed from his body than to deny his religion and his God. After his testimony the case went to the Jury who brought in a verdict of guilty with a recommendation for mercy. . . . As I was returning home I went to the Co op store where a large crowd had gathered. By suggestion of some of our leaders the flags over which the "Mormons" had control were mostly placed at half mast in mourning for the sad persecution now going on in our midst. The flags at the city hall and court house had already been raised to the masthead at the command of a few anti Mormons, and now, at 5 p.m. they had assembled at ZCMI with threats of using force in hoisting the flag. The police were there in numbers, however, and no attempt at violence was made. Finally Wm. Jennings and Thos. G. Webber came and had the stars and stripes raised, to the utter disgust of the many staunch Saints. Threats were then made to raise the flags on the Gardo House, Presidents Office, Tithing and Es. News offices, the Temple and Tabernacle, but a number of friends assembled at my home and we had an exhibition of fireworks until quite a late hour. At the celebration in Ogden today Apostle Moses Thatcher threw a bombshell into the camp of the Liberals by reciting some of Utah's sufferings because of religious bigotry. His statements were too true to rest easy on the minds of the anti Mormons and he was reprimanded by Judge Powers, the orator of the day. Gentiles are really beginning to think that the Saints are in rebellion.
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
170 years ago today - Jun 30, 1845. Monday.
At 4.P.M. went to visit Mother Smith in company with President Young, H. C. Kimball, John Taylor, W. Richards, O. Pratt, A. Lyman, G. A. Smith, N. K. Whitney, G. Miller and R. Cahoon. ... Mother Smith ... said that although in her vision it was told to her that there was two men whose hearts were blacker than the rest, it was not any one who was then present.
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
170 years ago today - Jun 30, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of Mary Maxwell (deceased) given to Delilah Maxwell (proxy) by William Smith] ... Beloved Sister- In the name of Jesus Christ I lay my hands upon your head and bless you with Patriarchal blessing, that this blessing may afford thee some comfort for the one intended for whom thou art now acting as proxy. that as her Representative, the true character and state of her condition may now be represented by a blessing upon thine head, that she who is dead in the flesh and yet alive in the Spirit may have sealed upon her according to the authority of the Holy Priesthood that sealing blessing that may bind her Salvation in heaven ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing for Mary Maxwell (deceased) given to Delilah Maxwell (proxy) by William Smith]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing for Mary Maxwell (deceased) given to Delilah Maxwell (proxy) by William Smith]
170 years ago today - Monday, June 30th, 1845
[John Taylor] In the afternoon went to Mother Smith's with a number of the Twelve and the Bishops, according to previous appointment, at the request of Mother Smith to settle some misunderstanding and difficulty that existed in her mind in relation to a vision that she had. When we were there, i.e., Elders Young, Kimball, O. Pratt, John E. Page, Willard Richards, George A. Smith, and myself of the Twelve together with Bishops Whitney and Miller, and Elder Cahoon one of the Temple committee, and some of her own family were present. We conversed freely with her, she stated however that she thought that we had not a correct copy of her vision; however we know that it is; but supported that the old lady was feeble and excited, and perhaps might not fully recollect what she had said.
Elder Young told his find freely about William, and stated that he was aiming at power, and authority, and priesthood that did not belong to him.
That the statement that was published in the paper concerning Patriarchs was correct; that he would sustain William in his office and calling; but would not allow him to tread upon his neck or any other man's.... Mother Smith said he did not want it, she did not profess to be a revelator only for herself and family, that she wanted peace, union, and harmony. The twelve all exprssed the same feeling and manifested the greatest kindness to Mother Smith together with the Bishops. William did not meet with us; but we received from him the following letter: Nauvoo, June 30th, 1845.
Elder Young, It has been my purpose from the first to do all I could for peace. I said in a short note to you the other day, that I would stand by you till death; but it might be asked upon what principle? I will answer on the principle that I am dealt justly by in the Church....
I am sick and tired of such partiality ... I claim to be Patriarch over the whole Church, this gives me my place and proper standing and what I inherit ...
My proposition is my share of the kingdom, and if you will publish in the Neighbor and Times and Seasons the true state of the case in regard to my office as Patriarch over the whole Church ...
Which we answered as follows: Nauvoo, June 30th, 1845.
Dear Brother William ... As to your requests in your letter ... there are some ordinances [giving patriarchal blessings] in the Church that cannot be administered by any person out of this place at present, but must be done here. As to your having the right to administer all ordinances in the world and no one standing at your head, we could not sanction ... But as to your right to officiate in the office of Patriarch, we say you have the right to officiate in all the world wherever your lot may be cast, and no one to dictate or control you excepting the Twelve ... P.S. ... I am sorry the old lady should be troubled, she is aged woman and has past through much trouble for the cause of truth, and has the respect and confidence of the whole Church.
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
Elder Young told his find freely about William, and stated that he was aiming at power, and authority, and priesthood that did not belong to him.
That the statement that was published in the paper concerning Patriarchs was correct; that he would sustain William in his office and calling; but would not allow him to tread upon his neck or any other man's.... Mother Smith said he did not want it, she did not profess to be a revelator only for herself and family, that she wanted peace, union, and harmony. The twelve all exprssed the same feeling and manifested the greatest kindness to Mother Smith together with the Bishops. William did not meet with us; but we received from him the following letter: Nauvoo, June 30th, 1845.
Elder Young, It has been my purpose from the first to do all I could for peace. I said in a short note to you the other day, that I would stand by you till death; but it might be asked upon what principle? I will answer on the principle that I am dealt justly by in the Church....
I am sick and tired of such partiality ... I claim to be Patriarch over the whole Church, this gives me my place and proper standing and what I inherit ...
My proposition is my share of the kingdom, and if you will publish in the Neighbor and Times and Seasons the true state of the case in regard to my office as Patriarch over the whole Church ...
Which we answered as follows: Nauvoo, June 30th, 1845.
Dear Brother William ... As to your requests in your letter ... there are some ordinances [giving patriarchal blessings] in the Church that cannot be administered by any person out of this place at present, but must be done here. As to your having the right to administer all ordinances in the world and no one standing at your head, we could not sanction ... But as to your right to officiate in the office of Patriarch, we say you have the right to officiate in all the world wherever your lot may be cast, and no one to dictate or control you excepting the Twelve ... P.S. ... I am sorry the old lady should be troubled, she is aged woman and has past through much trouble for the cause of truth, and has the respect and confidence of the whole Church.
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
180 years ago today - Jun 30, 1835
[Patriarchal Blessing of Charles N. Baldwin given by Joseph Smith, Sr] ... Listen to thy teachers, and thou shalt be called to go forth and preach the gospel: angels shall instruct thee, and the Lord shall make thee mighty like unto Enoch,- and like him wafe thyself to the city of Enoch, if thou desire it; but if not thou mayest tarry to the coming of the Son of Man, and be caught up to meet him ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:22, quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:22, quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
185 years ago today - Jun 30, 1830
The Palmyra Reflector sarcastically proclaims that "[t]he age of miracle has again arived", noting that Martin Harris is telling the Palmyra neighborhood about how Smith has cast out a devil "of uncommon size from a miserable man in the neighborhood of the 'great bend' of the Susquehannah."
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
185 years ago today - 1830 30 Jun-1 Jul.
Joseph Smith is acquitted in two trials at Colesville, New York, for using a treasure-digging "peep" stone and performing an exorcism.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
185 years ago today - Jun 30, 1830
Joseph Smith is arrested by Constable Ebenezer Hatch on Wednesday, for being a "disorderly person". He spends the night in a South Bainbridge (NY) tavern with the constable by his side...
[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]
185 years ago today - Jun 30, 1830
Samuel H. Smith left on a mission to neighboring villages, including Mendon, N.Y., where the Young and Kimball families resided.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.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.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
30 years ago today - Jun 29, 1985
Second Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley dedicates temple at Freiberg (then Democratic Republic of Germany). This is only Mormon temple allowed by any Communist regime. It is also smallest LDS temple ever dedicated, with 7,840 square feet of floor space. Before this ceremony, Mormons in Communist East Germany have prepared 35,000 names for vicarious temple work. Since 1960's, apostles have reported that 80-90 percent of East German Mormons attend LDS church services, highest attendance records outside student congregations of Brigham Young University and Ricks College.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
50 years ago today - Jun 29, 1965
Four Mormon members of Congress and one Mormon U.S. Senator reply to First Presidency's letter of the previous week: "We know that each of you will agree that in this instance we act in conformity with the highest principles of our church in declining to be swayed by the view expressed in the communication of Jun 22nd under the signatures of the First Presidency. We hasten to assure you that we stand ready at any time to receive your views, that they will be considered and evaluated as the good faith expression of men of high purpose, but we cannot accept them as binding upon us." One congressman who had already decided to vote the way the First Presidency supported adds as an addendum to the letter, "Along with many L.D.S. members I have been sharply critical of Catholic and other religious leaders on occasions when they have advised legislators of their faiths on pending secular legislations. Many of these legislators have complained privately that such actions have a tendency to place in doubt the basis of their official votes. I fear that publication of your Jun 22nd communication may cause such doubts among my non-Mormon constituents who disagree with my position." The First Presidency had asked them to retain anti-union "right to work" provision of Taft-Hartley Act
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
55 years ago today - Jun 29, 1960
Elder Bruce R. McConkie sets apart his son, Joseph Fielding McConkie, a nineteen-year-old, for his mission. This action begins the policy of extending calls on a regular basis to nineteen-year-old men as full-time missionaries.
145 years ago today - Jun 29, 1870
[Wilford Woodruff] I spent the time planting Corn. I found my farm on my return home looked as though it had not been visited by Grasshoppers but when I left there were so many of them on the farm it looked as though I should not save an Acre of Grain. It was a Miricle to see How well Crops looked.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Jun 29, 1850
The DESERET NEWS publishes a sermon by Brigham Young: "Ten years ago, it was called heresy for Joseph Smith to be a money digger, and receive revelations; it actually became treason; and the people killed him for it: and now I see hundreds of reverend gentlemen going to dig money. I despise a man who wont dig for gold, he is a lazy man, and intends to spunge on others. Do not think that I blame you; all I have to say is, that you have to follow in the wake of 'Old Joe Smith,' and paddle away to dig gold"
[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 - Jun 29, 1845
President Brigham Young made remarks about Mother Smith receiving a revelation [that her son William should lead the church] - she sent to me to call and see her - she wants to see the Twelve and Bishops, she said the vision she had been misunderstood altogether - we have nothing to say about it - she did not remember what she has said - she stated that the vision related to herself and her children, and not the priesthood, and I told her she could not touch the priesthood - the statement is incorrect - she said our names were not mentioned, it was not in her heart to say it - she said she wants to correct it and I want you all to be united and build up the kingdom - I make these remarks and throw it away - don't think of it any more'
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, Leonard J. Arrington Papers, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, Leonard J. Arrington Papers, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
175 years ago today - Jun 29, 1840
William W. Phelps, who had been excommunicated, writes to Joseph Smith: "BROTHER JOSEPH:-I am alive, and with the help of God I mean to live still. I am as the prodigal son, though I never doubt or disbelieve the fulness of the Gospel. . . . I have seen the folly of my way, and I tremble at the gulf I have passed. So it is, and why I know not. I prayed and God answered, but what could I do? Says I, 'I will repent and live, and ask my old brethren to forgive me, and though they chasten me to death, yet I will die with them, for their God is my God. The least place with them is enough for me, yea, it is bigger and better than all Babylon.'" Joseph restores Phelps to full fellowship and even makes him a charter member of the Council of Fifty four years later. He is excommunicated again in 1847 for "adultery" (taking three unauthorized plural wives). He is rebaptized in 1848. Phelps serves as a Nauvoo city councilman, assists in drafting the constitution of the "State of Deseret" in 1849, and works in the Utah legislature as Speaker of the House. In 1851. But he was perhaps most noted in Utah for his convincing portrayal of Satan in the endowment ceremony in the Salt Lake Endowment House on Temple Square.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
30 years ago today - Jun 28, 1985
Harvey Tanner, head loan officer of First Interstate Bank, receives a telephone call from "an important man in the LDS church" who says he is sending over Steven Christensen and his friend Mark Hofmann to get a loan for $185,000 which the church was authorizing. When asked later by detectives, "Is that all it takes?" Tanner replies, "Well, this had been done in the past and we knew everything was okay." When pressed for the name of the "important man in the LDS church," Tanner tells detectives it was Hugh W. Pinnock of the First Quorum of Seventy. That same day Hoffman pays $165,000 towards a debt with Alvin Rust. The money authorized by Pinnock and earmarked for purchase of the "McClellen collection" in Texas never leaves Salt Lake City.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
35 years ago today - Jun 28, 1980
Sonia Johnson's appeal to President Spencer W. Kimball to overturn her Dec 5th excommunication is denied. Johnson charging that she was not invited to the high council court to defend herself and that her bishop, Jeffrey Willis, divulged testimony from the bishop's court to Beverly Campbell of McLean, Virginia, who has been traveling the country for the Church defending its position on Sonia's excommunication and the ERA.. Church officials did not give Mrs. Johnson a copy of the letter from the First Presidency denying the appeal but read parts of it to her.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
85 years ago today - Jun 28, 1930
[James E. Talmage] By prearrangement I sat with the First Presidency during the afternoon, and together we examined in detail the copy I had prepared for the prospective bringing out of a book containing extracts from the Doctrine and Covenants. The purpose of this undertaking is to make the strictly doctrinal parts of the Doctrine and Covenants of easy access, and to reduce its bulk, furthermore making it suitable for distribution by missionaries and for general use by investigators. Many of the revelations received by the prophet Joseph related to personal directions in temporal activities incident to the early years of the Church, the immediate importance of which was localized as to time and place. Part of my work in the immediate future will be the carrying of this book of extracts through press.
[Source: James E. Talmage Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: James E. Talmage Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - Jun 28, 1890
Priesthood meeting in LDS community of Cardston, Canada holds a discussion on "whether or not a man can obtain eternal increase with one wife." Everyone who speaks agrees that polygamy is an essential doctrine of the Church and H. L. Hinman who brought his second wife to Cardston in the late 1880s or early 1890s, adds that he "thought a man must live with more than one woman at the same time to fulfill the law." Charles Card points out that they should "not publish these things to the world," but "they should obey all commandments of God."
[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 - Jun 28, 1890
The Presidency, after considering the condition of matters connected with plural marriage, decided that no person should, for the moment, be permitted to enter into plural marriage without the ceremony was performed in Mexico and the parties remained in that country, or at least the lady remained in that Republic.
[Source: First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: First Presidency Office Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
130 years ago today - Jun 28, 1885
David Whitmer Sen. admitts that there was some thing like tithing in the church in Joseph Smiths day but that it was introduced by [Sidney] Rigdon. ... Mr D[avid]. Whitmer Sen did not handel the plates. Only seen <<saw>> them, says Martin Haris and Cowdry did so they say! Says he did see them and the angel and heard him speak. But that it was indiscribable that it was through the power of God (and was possibly in [the spirit] at least). ... D[avid]. Whitmer Severed himsh him self from the Church in 1838 Because Joseph and the body of the people had departed from the first principals and had gone into Bank=ing and land specul=ulations &c. and was making new inovations. ... }
[Source: 1.
James Henry Moyle, Diary, 28 June 1885, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah, as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Interview With James Henry Moyle]
[Source: 1.
James Henry Moyle, Diary, 28 June 1885, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah, as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Interview With James Henry Moyle]
140 years ago today - Jun 28, 1875 (Monday)
Bishop Culbert King baptized 85 Indians of Kanosh's band, at Kanosh, Millard Co. More than two thousand Indians had been baptized previous to this time.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
155 years ago today - Jun 28, 1860
Presidents Young & Kimball returned to the office at 11 oclok. While reading the History in speaking of that point which says that Lyman Wight should be sustained in his office in the place of David W Patten [...] not to take his place Crown. President Young said this is the Case with all the Twelve. They will have their own Crown but not the Crown of an other who has died in faith & been faithful.
[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 - Jun 28, 1845. Saturday.
[William Clayton] "...A new revelation has come to light from Mother Smith [three visions yesterday on the 1 year anniversary of Joseph & Hyrum's death], corrected and altered by William Smith so as to suit his wishes by representing him as the legal successor of Joseph in the presidency."
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
170 years ago today - Jun 28, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of James M. Wait given by William Smith] ... for as a Savior thou wilt be called to stand and defend the rights of thy Bretheren [Brethren] and to snatch their Spirits in the Spiritual world as brands from the burning, in the baptismal font thou shall declare it, they shall hail thee who are thus redeemed as their king and as their Savior thy days are not a few ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of James M. Wait given by William Smith]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of James M. Wait given by William Smith]
170 years ago today - Saturday, June 28th, 1845
[Apostle John Taylor] I went up with the Twelve to inspect their work, also to see the Arsenal and the font in the Temple, its foundation having just been laid. In the afternoon Brother Pack came to me informing me, that a lawyer who had lately came to town, had been making use of language, wherein he wanted to implicate Elder Young in the murder of Hodges; this lawyer Hall, had lately come to town for purposes of no good. I suppose he is a blackleg and in connection with several others in this town. I am inclined to think so from what Dr. A. Young had told me; he stated that Dr. A. B. Williams had said the same things of Brother Young, and we know him to be a blackleg, and a very wicked, bad man. Brother Pack and I went in search of Brother Young, to inform him of the situation of things, and ask counsel at his hands, but did not find him till evening.
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
180 years ago today - Jun 28, 1835
[Wilford Woodruff] Ordained elder in Mormon church in Benton County, Tennessee, by Warren Parrish
[Source: Kenney, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
[Source: Kenney, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
185 years ago today - Jun 28, 1830
During an evening meeting to confirm new members, Joseph is arrested for disorderly preaching. He is taken to trial in South Bainbridge, five miles from Colesville, where James Davidson and John Reid defend him. Josiah Stowell, his former employer, testifies in his behalf. Immediately after Joseph is acquitted in the first trial, he is arrested a second time, taken back to Colesville, and tried again. After the gathering of a mob and a good deal of alarm, he is again acquitted. Joseph writes that during the trials the Lord comforted the Saints by revealing a "precious morsel": Moses 1:1-42, "The Visions of Moses."
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
185 years ago today - Jun 28, 1830
Emma Smith, Joseph and Polly Knight, and twelve others are baptized in Colesville, New York.
40 years ago today - Jun 27, 1975
Announcement of end of conferences at church headquarters for church's auxiliaries. This completes Harold B. Lee's previous efforts to dismantle autonomy of church's five auxiliaries for women, teenage girls, teenage boys, children, and Sunday schools. "Priesthood correlation" eliminates century of administrative autonomy exercised by LDS women over budgetary and administrative decisions in these auxiliaries.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
60 years ago today - Jun 27, 1955
First Presidency letter instructs stake presidents that Native American Indian children may be legally taken into LDS homes "in Utah only through the agency of the Relief Society." Established Jul 1954 this Indian Placement Program seeks to give educational and acculturation advantages to Native Americans by placing their elementary and secondary school-age children in homes of LDS Anglo-Americans for each school year. This began in 1947 as innovation of Golden R. Buchanan, member of Sevier Stake presidency, who took first Native American Indian (sixteen-year-old Helen John) into his home. Later, this program is taken from jurisdiction of Relief Society and given to male church leaders. At its peak in 1972, program places 4,977 Indian children in Anglo-American homes. By 1990 participation declines to 500 because of increased resentment against this well-intentioned effort to "Americanize" Native peoples.
[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 - Jun 27, 1945
[George Albert Smith] Too weary to accompany Genl Authorities to temple Martyrdom day.
[Source: George Albert Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: George Albert Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
115 years ago today - Jun 27, 1900; Wednesday
While at Rexburg [Idaho] on June 24, 1900] Pres[ident] [George Q.] Cannon said as to the 3
presiding Quorums in the Priesthood that in the absence by disolution of the first Presidency the 12 would preside and [in] case of their disolution the 70 would preside and organize the first Presidency.
Then Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F [Smith] said in case that the first Presidency & 12 were all taken away the presiding Seventy would proceed to organize the first presidency then they would proceed to choose and organize the 12 apostles.
And in relation to the standing in the Quorum of the apostles of Joseph F Smith & Brigham Young [Jr.] that though Brigham was ordained in 1864 to the Apostleship yet he had not at that time been accepted as one of the 12 in & by the Quorum and that in 1865 Pres[ident] Joseph F was ordained and placed in the Quorum & upheld by the general conference and that Brigham was not so placed & recognized as a member of that Quorum & sustained by the general confernce until [18]66 so Joseph F would rank him as senior apostle. So this Question is decided and in this decission [sic] my beloved cousin Brigham will not stand much chance to become the president of the church as Joseph is the youngest & strongest man physically.
All right[;] it will be as the Lord wants it no doubt.
[Source: Seymour B. Young, Diary]
presiding Quorums in the Priesthood that in the absence by disolution of the first Presidency the 12 would preside and [in] case of their disolution the 70 would preside and organize the first Presidency.
Then Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F [Smith] said in case that the first Presidency & 12 were all taken away the presiding Seventy would proceed to organize the first presidency then they would proceed to choose and organize the 12 apostles.
And in relation to the standing in the Quorum of the apostles of Joseph F Smith & Brigham Young [Jr.] that though Brigham was ordained in 1864 to the Apostleship yet he had not at that time been accepted as one of the 12 in & by the Quorum and that in 1865 Pres[ident] Joseph F was ordained and placed in the Quorum & upheld by the general conference and that Brigham was not so placed & recognized as a member of that Quorum & sustained by the general confernce until [18]66 so Joseph F would rank him as senior apostle. So this Question is decided and in this decission [sic] my beloved cousin Brigham will not stand much chance to become the president of the church as Joseph is the youngest & strongest man physically.
All right[;] it will be as the Lord wants it no doubt.
[Source: Seymour B. Young, Diary]
140 years ago today - Jun 27, 1875
Apostle Wilford Woodruff preaches that spirits "come from their eternal Father and their eternal Mother unto whom they were born in the eternal world."
[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 - Jun 27, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of John H. Potter given by William Smith] ... Dear little Brother. I confer upon you a father[']s blessing praying God my heavenly father to seal it upon thee that that thou mayest be made strong and thy little mind be strengthened and thy body healed of every infirmity that diseases may not impair the health of thy body that thou mayest grow up to become a strong man to wield the weapons of warfare in times of Zion[']s perils and dangers, that thou mayest be called mighty and great amongst men ... and if thy days are lengthened out to see a good old age thou wilt be left to wander in the wilderness as a mighty hunter ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of John H. Potter given by William Smith]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of John H. Potter given by William Smith]
170 years ago today - Jun 27, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of Elizabeth Potter given by William Smith] ... Sister Elizabeth I lay my hands upon your head to bless you and seal upon you a father[']s blessing that thou mayest be saved in the kingdom of God. and be sealed up unto eternal life ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of Elizabeth Potter given by William Smith]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of Elizabeth Potter given by William Smith]
170 years ago today - Jun 27, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of Chester Potter given by William Smith] ... thou shalt see a time in thy day when thy tongue shall be unloosed when thou shalt speak the true language of heaven and it be unto thee as it was of them in olden times the people shall marvel and wonder. ... many shall look upon thee as their Savior, for thou wilt do a work in thy day that shall be great, and thy father[']s house shall gather round thee, and in the kingdom of God shall it be...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of Chester Potter given by William Smith]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of Chester Potter given by William Smith]
170 years ago today - Friday, June 27th, 1845
[John Taylor] This was the anniversary of the day that Brothers Joseph and Hyrum were killed and myself shot. We met together (the Quorum of the Priesthood,) to pray, several of the Twelve were present; when I returned in the evening, Mrs. Taylor showed me a copy of a vision that Mother Lucy Smith had, stating that her son William was head over the Church; the following is a copy:
Brothers and Children, I was much troubled and felt as if I had the sins of the whole world to bear, and the burthen of the Church; and I felt that there was something wrong. I called on the Lord to show me what was wrong, and if it was me. I called upon him until I slept.
I then heard a voice calling on me saying awake, awake, awake, for thy only son that thou hast living, they for his life have laid a snare. My aged servant Joseph who was the first patriarch of this Church, and my servant Hyrum who was the second patriarch, my servant Joseph who was Prophet and Seer, and my servant Samuel, William, and Don Carlos they were the first founders, fathers, and heads of this Church, raised up in these last days, and thou art the mother, and thy daughters have helped, and they are the daughters in Israel, and have helped raise up this Church.
Arise, Arise, Arise, and take thy place you know not what has been in the hearts of some; but he said thou shalt know. He told me what it was; but I shall not tell. (I saw William in a room full of armed men and he having no weapons. They would have crushed him down, if it had not been for the power of God; and many of the family would have been cut off, the Lord having softened their hearts.
Two amongst them had blacker hearts than the rest, and I know who they were, and I will tell them if they will come to me. Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball know it is so, and dare not deny it.) Call upon the Twelve, let all things be set in order, and keep their hearts pure from this time henceforth, the voice saith be merciful, and then Zion shall arise and flourish as a rose. What I was told I cannot tell. Thou art the mother in Israel, and tell thy children all to walk uprightly. Thy son William he shall have power over the Churches, he is father in Israel over the patriarchs and the whole of the Church, he is the last of the lineage that is raised up in these last days. He is patriarch to regulate the affairs of the Church. He is President over all the Church, they cannot take his apostleship away from.
The Presidency of the Church belongs to William, he being the last of the heads of the Church, according to the lineage, he having inherited it from the family from before the foundation of the world. Thou art a mother in Israel. Thy spirit arose and said in eternity, that it would take a body to be a mother of [the] Prophet who should be raised up to save the last dispensation.
And, the spirit said unto me be faithful (and that I had been faithful.) And tell the Church to be faithful. And the spirit said I should live until I was satisfied with life.
Brothers and Children, I want you to take notice the burthen of the Church [rests on William.] 2nd Vision. Joseph came to me and said 'that day is coming when I shall wave the sceptre of power over my enemies. Be patient my brothers and sisters, the day is coming when you shall have eternal life and be rewarded for all your troubles.' 3rd Vision. Father came to me and I said Father have you come. And he said 'Yes.' I said tell me where you have been? And he said 'I have been all around here. I have come to you again to tell you one thing certain, which I have told you many times before. It is my prayers and the prayers of our sons that you live to take care of William and my daughters, and see that they have their rights and standing where they ought to have it. He turned to go away, and I said I will go with you. He said you must stay.
The following persons were present at the time this vision was related: William Smith, Mrs. Taylor, A. Milliken, Mrs. Milliken W.J. Salisbury, Mrs. Salisbury, David Elliott, Mrs. McLery, Robt. Campbell, Mrs. Kelly, Elias Smith, Mrs. Sherman, Joseph Cain, Bro. Stringham, Chas. Kelly, Bro. McLery,
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee (formatting added)]
Brothers and Children, I was much troubled and felt as if I had the sins of the whole world to bear, and the burthen of the Church; and I felt that there was something wrong. I called on the Lord to show me what was wrong, and if it was me. I called upon him until I slept.
I then heard a voice calling on me saying awake, awake, awake, for thy only son that thou hast living, they for his life have laid a snare. My aged servant Joseph who was the first patriarch of this Church, and my servant Hyrum who was the second patriarch, my servant Joseph who was Prophet and Seer, and my servant Samuel, William, and Don Carlos they were the first founders, fathers, and heads of this Church, raised up in these last days, and thou art the mother, and thy daughters have helped, and they are the daughters in Israel, and have helped raise up this Church.
Arise, Arise, Arise, and take thy place you know not what has been in the hearts of some; but he said thou shalt know. He told me what it was; but I shall not tell. (I saw William in a room full of armed men and he having no weapons. They would have crushed him down, if it had not been for the power of God; and many of the family would have been cut off, the Lord having softened their hearts.
Two amongst them had blacker hearts than the rest, and I know who they were, and I will tell them if they will come to me. Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball know it is so, and dare not deny it.) Call upon the Twelve, let all things be set in order, and keep their hearts pure from this time henceforth, the voice saith be merciful, and then Zion shall arise and flourish as a rose. What I was told I cannot tell. Thou art the mother in Israel, and tell thy children all to walk uprightly. Thy son William he shall have power over the Churches, he is father in Israel over the patriarchs and the whole of the Church, he is the last of the lineage that is raised up in these last days. He is patriarch to regulate the affairs of the Church. He is President over all the Church, they cannot take his apostleship away from.
The Presidency of the Church belongs to William, he being the last of the heads of the Church, according to the lineage, he having inherited it from the family from before the foundation of the world. Thou art a mother in Israel. Thy spirit arose and said in eternity, that it would take a body to be a mother of [the] Prophet who should be raised up to save the last dispensation.
And, the spirit said unto me be faithful (and that I had been faithful.) And tell the Church to be faithful. And the spirit said I should live until I was satisfied with life.
Brothers and Children, I want you to take notice the burthen of the Church [rests on William.] 2nd Vision. Joseph came to me and said 'that day is coming when I shall wave the sceptre of power over my enemies. Be patient my brothers and sisters, the day is coming when you shall have eternal life and be rewarded for all your troubles.' 3rd Vision. Father came to me and I said Father have you come. And he said 'Yes.' I said tell me where you have been? And he said 'I have been all around here. I have come to you again to tell you one thing certain, which I have told you many times before. It is my prayers and the prayers of our sons that you live to take care of William and my daughters, and see that they have their rights and standing where they ought to have it. He turned to go away, and I said I will go with you. He said you must stay.
The following persons were present at the time this vision was related: William Smith, Mrs. Taylor, A. Milliken, Mrs. Milliken W.J. Salisbury, Mrs. Salisbury, David Elliott, Mrs. McLery, Robt. Campbell, Mrs. Kelly, Elias Smith, Mrs. Sherman, Joseph Cain, Bro. Stringham, Chas. Kelly, Bro. McLery,
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee (formatting added)]
170 years ago today - Jun 27, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball] 27 June the 27, 1845. Met in Council at W. Richards. One year ago Joseph and Hirum was killed in Carthage Jail. So we met in coucil to pray that God would curs[e] those that had spilt thare B[l]ood and all those /that/ percicute the Saints. O Lord I thank Thy holy name that Thou dost hear Thy servents and bring trouble on them. Even now they are dum, and cannot do business and are all thrown in to confusion, in answer to the prairs of Thy servents, as we have felt to pleede with The[e] with uplifted hands in token of our regard to The[e]. I do thank The[e] O my Father, for Thou dost hear us in all things when we are agreeed, and this blessing Thou hast granted to Thy servents this day is set a part by Thy servents to fast and pray Thou woulst bless us with peas [peace] and prosperity, and that this blessing may rest on all of They saints, Even so Amen
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
170 years ago today - 1845 27 Jun.
On the anniversary of Joseph Smith's murder, the Quorum of Twelve prays for God's vengeance on those who shed the prophet's blood. Six months later this formal prayer (sometimes called an "oath") of vengeance would become part of the endowment ceremony. This same day, Lucy Mack Smith relates three visions that revealed to her that William Smith was already church president by virtue of his patriarchal office.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
175 years ago today - Jun 27, 1840. Saturday.
[William Clayton] At night Brother Green spake in tongues. The power of Satan was powerfully manifested upon some of the Sisters. Sarah gave me a pint of porter.
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
185 years ago today - June 27-28, 1830
The Prophet visits Colesville and the Knight family. On Sunday they dam up the river to baptize over a dozen people, but a mob gathers and tears the dam down, threatening persecution and harm. Early Monday morning the Saints dam up the river again and baptize thirteen people, including Emma Smith. A mob of 50 surround them and watch.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
150 years ago today - Jun 26, 1865
[Brigham Young] You may remember it and lay it to heart, and if you wish, write it in your journals, that some of the best spirits that have ever been sent to earth are coming at the present time, comparatively speaking. Solomon said, '"He that spareth his rod hateth his son,'" but instead of using the rod, I will teach my children by example and by precept. I will teach them every opportunity I have to cherish faith, to exercise patience, to be full of long-suffering and kindness. It is not by the whip or the rod that we can make obedient children; but it is by faith and by prayer, and by setting a good example before them. This is my belief.
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:115-119, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:115-119, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
155 years ago today - Jun 26, 1860
Brigham Young's office journal records: "In the Evening Br T. Ellerbeck came into the Office and had some conversation about grape raising, Br[other] Carrington joined in and conversed about making grape wine."
[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 - Jun 26, 1855
Indian Territory Mission established to proselytize among Cherokees and Creeks in what is now Oklahoma. Directed almost exclusively toward Native Americans, mission closes in 1877, reopens in 1883 with increasing efforts toward Anglos.
[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 - Jun 26, 1845
Clothed our selves [in temple clothes] and offerd up our praiers for the prosperity of the Saints and for destruction to our Enimes. A perfect union in corum [quorum]. Orson Pratt being Mouth. After we got threw My Wife and Sister Whitney with our little children of Promise [came in?]. We then offerd the Sings [signs]. B. Young, W. Richards Laid hands on my Litle son Brigham Willard Heber C. Kimball, and sealled the Blessing of Life and health should rest on him and the holy Preast hood rested on him from his Mothers womb. Jane Whiteny then on Mary and simelor things. Then they left the room. Then we offered the signs, and concrated [consecrated] three botels of oil, 2 for me and one fore John Smith, I being mouth. We then praid onece more B. Young being mouth. We had a good time and the Lord was with us. He shall have the glory.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
180 years ago today - Jun 26, 1835
At Joseph's request, the Painesville Telegraph publishes court testimony regarding an altercation between Joseph Smith and his brother-in-law Calvin Stoddard. Calvin says Joseph has apologized for striking him on the forehead with the flat of his hand. The apology has been accepted and Joseph is acquitted.
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
185 years ago today - 1830 26 Jun.
Residents of Colesville, one of the three Mormon congregations in New York state, disrupt an intended baptismal ceremony and intimidate church members. This is the first mob action against Mormons.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
50 years ago today - Jun 25, 1965
NEW YORK TIMES reports First Presidency's letters to LDS members of Congress to retain anti-union "right to work" provision of Taft-Hartley Act.
[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 - Jun 25, 1935
... No officers or members of the Church are showing proper reverence for the Sabbath day when they attend picture shows on Sunday, and most certainly that Bishop was recreant to his leadership and to his calling as a Bishop when he announced in meeting that he would begin sacrament meeting promptly at 7:30 and dismiss at 8:30 so that his members could go to the picture show if they desired to do so, and confessed to the members of his Ward that he and his wife had so attended. ...
[Source: David O. McKay, Letter to Jesse W. Richins, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: David O. McKay, Letter to Jesse W. Richins, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - Jun 25, 1890
Letter from Daniel H. Wells to Joseph F. Smith mentioning Ester Dutcher's sealing to Joseph Smith while they were both alive.
[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)]
150 years ago today - Jun 25, 1865
[Brigham Young] We are now located in the midst of these mountains, and are here because we were obliged to go somewhere. We were under the necessity of leaving our homes, and had to go somewhere. Before we left Nauvoo, three Members of Congress told us that if we would leave the United States, we should never be troubled by them again. We did leave the United States, and now Congressmen say, if you will renounce polygamy you shall be admitted unto the Union as an independent State and live with us. We shall live any way, and increase, and spread, and prosper, and we shall know the most and be the best-looking people there is on the earth. As for polygamy, or any other doctrine the Lord has revealed, it is not for me to change, alter, or renounce it; my business is to obey when the Lord commands, and this is the duty of all mankind. ...
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:111-115, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:111-115, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
150 years ago today - Jun 25, 1865
In the Afternoon President Young spoke & reproved the Merchants & said they would go to hell if they did not repent & use their surplus means for building up the kingdom of God for they had got it out of the Saints.
[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 - Jun 25, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball] ... Nine present. Offerd up the Signs. and praid that the Lord would bless Demmen and deliver him from his enimes, that our Enimes might be cursed. At six we went to the Masonick Hall, met with the Poliece. Wm. Wright present, said he was fraid of his life. The Poliece all present, the Bishops and menny others. Wm. [Smith] recieved a rebuke from B. Young.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
170 years ago today - Wednesday, June 25th, 1845
Letter: William Smith to President Brigham Young:
President Young:'-- I feel that my life is in danger, news has come to me that certain men are forming a conspiracy to put me out of the way in this city. I am not safe in the hands of the Police that will insult me to my face and draw their canes over my head. I claim protection from your hands ... some have turned against me, because I had the audacity to get married. I also took upon me to advise the Hodges [one who was murdered two days earlier] to leave Nauvoo and never return ... I volunteered my council to Bro. Tuft who appeared to be taking an active part in getting rid of these men'--Tuft said he did not care a damn for what I said and further insulted me; he had his council from others and should follow it &c. &c., charging me falsely, I would not bear it, took him by the collar; he drew his cane. I do not believe it is your council to Police to run over me. Since this time this man Tufts is surrounded by groups of men threatening me, and I am not safe Bro. Young, and something must be done. I will not risk my life in the hands of such men, they must either give me satisfaction or quit the Police, for to be murdered in cold blood in my bed, cut to pieces .... The deacons that pass my house nightly say in the streets that it is in more harm to raise a cane over an apostle's head and beat him for a crime &c. &c., men came to me last evening and said Bro. Smith your life is in danger, take care of yourself ... '
Our mind [the Twelve] was that the Policeman was doing his duty, and Bro. Wm. Smith was in the wrong; and his life was not in jeopardy. ... we appointed a meeting of the Twelve and the Police in the Masonic Hall in the evening and that things might be overruled by the spirit of the Lord, we appointed a meeting of the Quorum of the Priesthood at which however few but the Twelve were present; we there prayed for William that God would overrule every evil principle; that his violent spirit might be curbed by the spirit of God... He was invited by President Brigham Young to speak and make a statement of his feelings.
'He arose and made some explanations in regard to the course he had taken to counsel the Police, to let a Prisoner who was in their custody go, who was one of the brothers of the Hodges condemned for murder, [and who we had every reason to believe was implicated in the same thing.] He furthermore stated he had some altercation with Brother Tufts, one of the Police, who he had heretofore considered as a good brother, and did now; that a scuffle had ensued, wherein he attempted to strike Tufts ... for if the people here did not want him, he would go away ... that he was one of the last remnants of the Smith family to whom the priesthood had come; and that if he went away, he would take along with him, his sister, his mother, and the last remains of the family; and that where he and they went, there the priesthood, authority, and the Church would be; he made many other remarks of an unpleasant nature.'
'Elder Young arose and said ... that he did not receive his priesthood from William Smith but from his brother, and he understood the power of that priesthood; neither is this Church indebted to William Smith for the priesthood; ... As William Smith says that if he goes away from here and takes his Father's family along, the priesthood and authority would go. I say it will not go the priesthood and authority is in the church and cannot be taken from it without transgression. ... William Smith had no right to counsel those men to let the Hodges go...
We could live in peace here before William Smith came; and since he came there has been the devil to pay; he has been throwing out hints all the time, that the presidency belonged to him, producing discord. I have reason to believe, and before we get through with this matter, think I can prove, that he told General Deming that I was the instigator of that murder (Hodges) I will not stand such things...
Brother William arose and seemed to be humbled ... 'Brother Brigham had misunderstood him; he did not mean that he would take the priesthood away with him; but that he would take his family away; and that he had not said, that he had a right to the presidency;'-- but that he always said that Brother Brigham was the head of the church; and that he did not wish any of the Police to be dismissed, he only wished to know if he would be safe.' Brother Brigham said, if that was all that was wanted it could be soon done.
He did not wish to harrow up any person's feelings; and this investigation would not be necessary. He called upon the Police to know if they would stand by brother William, and support him. They all answered, 'yes'. He then called upon Brother William to know if he would support the Police.
He answered, 'yes.'
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
President Young:'-- I feel that my life is in danger, news has come to me that certain men are forming a conspiracy to put me out of the way in this city. I am not safe in the hands of the Police that will insult me to my face and draw their canes over my head. I claim protection from your hands ... some have turned against me, because I had the audacity to get married. I also took upon me to advise the Hodges [one who was murdered two days earlier] to leave Nauvoo and never return ... I volunteered my council to Bro. Tuft who appeared to be taking an active part in getting rid of these men'--Tuft said he did not care a damn for what I said and further insulted me; he had his council from others and should follow it &c. &c., charging me falsely, I would not bear it, took him by the collar; he drew his cane. I do not believe it is your council to Police to run over me. Since this time this man Tufts is surrounded by groups of men threatening me, and I am not safe Bro. Young, and something must be done. I will not risk my life in the hands of such men, they must either give me satisfaction or quit the Police, for to be murdered in cold blood in my bed, cut to pieces .... The deacons that pass my house nightly say in the streets that it is in more harm to raise a cane over an apostle's head and beat him for a crime &c. &c., men came to me last evening and said Bro. Smith your life is in danger, take care of yourself ... '
Our mind [the Twelve] was that the Policeman was doing his duty, and Bro. Wm. Smith was in the wrong; and his life was not in jeopardy. ... we appointed a meeting of the Twelve and the Police in the Masonic Hall in the evening and that things might be overruled by the spirit of the Lord, we appointed a meeting of the Quorum of the Priesthood at which however few but the Twelve were present; we there prayed for William that God would overrule every evil principle; that his violent spirit might be curbed by the spirit of God... He was invited by President Brigham Young to speak and make a statement of his feelings.
'He arose and made some explanations in regard to the course he had taken to counsel the Police, to let a Prisoner who was in their custody go, who was one of the brothers of the Hodges condemned for murder, [and who we had every reason to believe was implicated in the same thing.] He furthermore stated he had some altercation with Brother Tufts, one of the Police, who he had heretofore considered as a good brother, and did now; that a scuffle had ensued, wherein he attempted to strike Tufts ... for if the people here did not want him, he would go away ... that he was one of the last remnants of the Smith family to whom the priesthood had come; and that if he went away, he would take along with him, his sister, his mother, and the last remains of the family; and that where he and they went, there the priesthood, authority, and the Church would be; he made many other remarks of an unpleasant nature.'
'Elder Young arose and said ... that he did not receive his priesthood from William Smith but from his brother, and he understood the power of that priesthood; neither is this Church indebted to William Smith for the priesthood; ... As William Smith says that if he goes away from here and takes his Father's family along, the priesthood and authority would go. I say it will not go the priesthood and authority is in the church and cannot be taken from it without transgression. ... William Smith had no right to counsel those men to let the Hodges go...
We could live in peace here before William Smith came; and since he came there has been the devil to pay; he has been throwing out hints all the time, that the presidency belonged to him, producing discord. I have reason to believe, and before we get through with this matter, think I can prove, that he told General Deming that I was the instigator of that murder (Hodges) I will not stand such things...
Brother William arose and seemed to be humbled ... 'Brother Brigham had misunderstood him; he did not mean that he would take the priesthood away with him; but that he would take his family away; and that he had not said, that he had a right to the presidency;'-- but that he always said that Brother Brigham was the head of the church; and that he did not wish any of the Police to be dismissed, he only wished to know if he would be safe.' Brother Brigham said, if that was all that was wanted it could be soon done.
He did not wish to harrow up any person's feelings; and this investigation would not be necessary. He called upon the Police to know if they would stand by brother William, and support him. They all answered, 'yes'. He then called upon Brother William to know if he would support the Police.
He answered, 'yes.'
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
180 years ago today - Jun 25, 1835
$6,232.50 is subscribed for House of the Lord in Kirtland. Joseph, $500; Oliver, $750; W. W. Phelps, $500; John Whitmer, $500; and Frederick G. Williams, $500; all paid within an hour.
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
110 years ago today - Jun 24, 1905; Saturday
[Apostle John W. Taylor speaking:] I want to tell that I have not broken any law. The [Wilford Woodruff] manifesto was issued to pacify the U.S. Government and for no other purpose. But thank God the U.S. have no jurisdiction outside of their boundary lines. I have taken my families away from them so that I will break no law of any kind.
[Source: Taylor (Canada) Stake Record of High Council and General Priesthood Meetings, excerpts in Quinn Papers, original in LDS Archives]
[Source: Taylor (Canada) Stake Record of High Council and General Priesthood Meetings, excerpts in Quinn Papers, original in LDS Archives]
120 years ago today - Jun 24, 1895
[Franklin D. Richards] The 2 & 3 Nos [numbers] of Men & Women appeared today. The Editor criticises B. H. Roberts, for his course in Con[stitutional]. Convention & for declining to debate with Miss Annie Shaw. I never argue with Women.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - Jun 24, 1890
[Wilford Woodruff] I had an interview with Melissa Miller & Mrs C. E. Ells. Mrs Miller Professed to be a prophetess and wanted to Deliver Revelations to the Church.
[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 - Jun 24, 1845. Tuesday.
...Wm. Smith has given bail for another brother of the Hodges who was in custody for robbing, and also beat Brother [Elbridge] Tufts shamefully yesterday for a matter of small consequence. Wm. Smith is railing against the movements of the Twelve and says he has authority here to do as he has a mind to and the people shall know it. It appears he is determined to cause us trouble.
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
170 years ago today - Tuesday, June 24th, 1845
[John Taylor] There are two parties existing at this time in the country, termed Jack-Mormons or men favorable to us, knowing the justice of our cause; and Anti-Mormons or men who oppose us and desire our expulsion. Appearances at this time indicate that they will quarrel among themselves, and cease to molest us.
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
180 years ago today - Jun 24, 1835
[Patriarchal Blessing, proxy blessing of wife, & ordination of Cyrus Smalling given by Joseph Smith, Sr. & First Presidency] [name erased] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I lay my hands upon thee to bless thee, with the blessings of a father, as thou hast no father to bless thee ...Thou shalt have all the desires of thy heart which are in righteousness; yea, even to stand to see the winding up scene of this generation. ... even prisons shall not hold thee, except it be for a short season to the glory of God. ... And I seal thee up unto eternal life in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; even so. Amen.
Brother [name erased] thy wife is not present, therefore I lay my hands upon thy head, and I seal upon thee blessings for her, and thou shalt tell her of it that she may rejoice; for the blessings of a father are her's in common with thee: and this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; even so. Amen.
... Ordination of Cyrus Smalling to the Apostleship of the First Quorum of the Seventy
on June 30, 1835
[name erased] ordination blessing which he received under the hands of presidents Joseph Smith, Jr. Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon, in Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio. June 30, 1835 when he was set apart by prophecy to the apostleship of the first Seventy, in the place of Ezra Thayer, who had left the church and the apostleship.
... Thou shalt stand before bishops, archbishops and lord bishops, and even the pope himself. Thou shalt push together thy thousands: thou shalt proclaim to Catholics, to Presbyterians and all other sects and denominations, and teach bishops, archbishops and popes. Thou shalt be changed in the twinkling of an eye ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:24-25, quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
Brother [name erased] thy wife is not present, therefore I lay my hands upon thy head, and I seal upon thee blessings for her, and thou shalt tell her of it that she may rejoice; for the blessings of a father are her's in common with thee: and this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; even so. Amen.
... Ordination of Cyrus Smalling to the Apostleship of the First Quorum of the Seventy
on June 30, 1835
[name erased] ordination blessing which he received under the hands of presidents Joseph Smith, Jr. Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon, in Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio. June 30, 1835 when he was set apart by prophecy to the apostleship of the first Seventy, in the place of Ezra Thayer, who had left the church and the apostleship.
... Thou shalt stand before bishops, archbishops and lord bishops, and even the pope himself. Thou shalt push together thy thousands: thou shalt proclaim to Catholics, to Presbyterians and all other sects and denominations, and teach bishops, archbishops and popes. Thou shalt be changed in the twinkling of an eye ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:24-25, quoted in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
60 years ago today - Jun 23, 1955
CHURCH NEWS article, "Church-Approved Formal Evening Gowns Designed: Relief Society Sewing Center."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
115 years ago today - Jun 23, 1900; Saturday
Went to town saw Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow who is much better but still a very sick man. We all pray for him constantly, God spare him to establish the U[nited]. O[rder]. among the Saints; who are they? The spirit will search them out as it did the Twelve apostles; and there will be no mistake. All ready the world feels a lonesome place to me & I look forward to that glorious reunion of the broken ties of love which have come to me in my short life.
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
130 years ago today - Jun 23, 1885
Apostle John Henry Smith writes in his journal: " I had a long talk with my Sister Mary A. Wimmer. She told me that her husband Peter Wireruer had been cut off from the Church but had been rebaptised but that his Priesthood had not been restored. I told her if she would leave him, I would make an effort to aid her to care for her family. She told me she did not think she could do it."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
145 years ago today - Jun 23, 1870
Presidt Young spoke 44 Minuts. ... The Blessings of Life & health is in keeping the word of wisdom. Tea Coffee whiskey & tobacco prepares the system for all deseases that Come along. Those who say they Cannot keep the word of wisdom it shows they Cannot. Those who say they Can such Can keep the word of wisdom. The word of wisdom if Carried out would add to the lives of the rising generation 20 to 30 years. How glorious it would be to talk with an intelligent Man 100 years old. I say to my family & to my sisters if they would give up their tea & Coffee, they would be much better off...
[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 - Jun 23, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Elizabeth Rowe given by William Smith ... yet the Angel of God that is appointed in charge, will stand by thee in all the times of thy trouble, and distress, and he shall prove unto thee as the voice of Joseph, and as a mighty deliverer shall he come and thou shalt exclaim lo and behold my deliverer has come, and one who is mighty to save and his voice shall be as the voice of mighty thunders, and many waters, thou shalt see and hear many things that are not told thee in this blessing neither can they be uttered or given to the world ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
170 years ago today - Jun 23, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing of Abigail Abbott given by William Smith ... of thy posterity shall spring a mighty people the glory and power of the Holy Priesthood in them shall be made known, and like Paul they shall speak in the temple of the Ephesians and the great men of the earth shall hail them as mighty Spirits it is not known unto thee at this time the way and manner this blessing shall be fulfilled, ere all this shall be done one of thy posterity named after the name of his father, and after the name of his Great Grandfather, who was a descendant from the tribe of Judah, and of the household of David, shall be a mighty warrior, and be led on to avenge the blood of Prophets and Patriarchs, he shall lead a mighty people from the wilderness and one mighty among them who shall be also a mighty warrior by the name of Nishcosh, he shall be a descendant of one of the name of Nimrod, who was also a descendant of that Nimrod, who was a mighty hunter in days of old, by way of the Jaredites upon this continent, who founded a city and called it the city of Gnoalum, this city now lying in ruins the wreck of which only appears as the last descriptive monument of a people that has fallen, and the remnants of whom have become barbarous, wild and uncultivated ...
Given by William Smith Patriarch to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints at Nauvoo City of Joseph 23d June 1845
[Source: Marquardt Papers]
Given by William Smith Patriarch to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints at Nauvoo City of Joseph 23d June 1845
[Source: Marquardt Papers]
170 years ago today - Jun 23, 1845
Patriarchal Blessing -- Confirmation of Patriarchal Blessing conferred by Joseph Smith Sr. of Ebenezer Landers given by William Smith on June 23, 1845
Confirmation of blessing conferred by father Smith on the head of Ebenezer Landers son of Ebenezer & Betsy born in Pittsburgh County of Frontinack Upper Canada 29th September 1816
Dear Brother this is only a confirmation of the blessing thou hast received from under the hands of my father who was the first Patriarch in the church of God in these last days. this blessing shall be unto thee a source of comfort and a fountain of life for thou art of the blood of Ephraim and thy blood is sprinkled among many nations and with the sons of Abraham thou shalt be gathered and saved in the kingdom of God and thou shalt realize in time and in eternity the fulfilment of this blessing upon thine head and of all that has been spoken before concerning thee in the name of Jesus Christ Even so Amen
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
Confirmation of blessing conferred by father Smith on the head of Ebenezer Landers son of Ebenezer & Betsy born in Pittsburgh County of Frontinack Upper Canada 29th September 1816
Dear Brother this is only a confirmation of the blessing thou hast received from under the hands of my father who was the first Patriarch in the church of God in these last days. this blessing shall be unto thee a source of comfort and a fountain of life for thou art of the blood of Ephraim and thy blood is sprinkled among many nations and with the sons of Abraham thou shalt be gathered and saved in the kingdom of God and thou shalt realize in time and in eternity the fulfilment of this blessing upon thine head and of all that has been spoken before concerning thee in the name of Jesus Christ Even so Amen
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
170 years ago today - 1845 23 Jun.
Irvine Hodge is stabbed to death in front of Young's house, presumably by Nauvoo police officers Hosea Stout, Elbridge Tufts, and Allen J. Stout.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
170 years ago today - Monday, June 23rd, 1845
[John Taylor] William Smith has been ordained Patriarch to the Church; but he is not the only Patriarch, but would act as a senior Patriarch, holding the keys of that priesthood; and his labors would be more especially connected with the Church in Zion; and he would take the lead, priority, or presidency of the Patriarchal office in this place; and in this capacity if there should be a council of Patriarchs, he as a matter of course would preside by night of office. ...
Every father, after he has received his patriarchal blessing, is a Patriarch to his own family; and has the right to confer patriarchal blessings upon his family; which blessings will be just as legal as those conferred by any Patriarch of the Church; in fact it is his right...
A Patriarch to the Church is appointed to bless those who are orphans, or have no father in the Church to bless them. ...
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
Every father, after he has received his patriarchal blessing, is a Patriarch to his own family; and has the right to confer patriarchal blessings upon his family; which blessings will be just as legal as those conferred by any Patriarch of the Church; in fact it is his right...
A Patriarch to the Church is appointed to bless those who are orphans, or have no father in the Church to bless them. ...
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
185 years ago today - June 23-25, 1830
The proceedings of the 'Antimasonic State Convention of Vermont, Montpelier, 1830' reports of "a secret combination of great extent and influence ... is such a secret combination compatible with the genius and spirit of our constitution ? ... [One delegate asks,] Does not the blood of a murdered citizen call to each of you from the ground against the monster which deprived that citizen of his life?" (Moses 5:31, 35)
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
145 years ago today - Jun 22, 1870
Presidet Young spoke 38 M. ... I told the people the day would Come when the world would be flooded with Revelation, but from the devil. This begins by a woman being put to sleep & g[iving?] Revelation. Spiritualism began in this way. All their Revelations go to deny Jesus Christ, the gospel & the Atonement. ... In the days of Joseph He felt vary Bad to see a Man Apostitize. But now I feel if a man wants to Apostitize I say let him go. Cut the thread & the least we say about the Apostates or the officers of Government the Better
[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 - Jun 22, 1845
William Smith marries Mary Jane Rollins. He also marries Mary Ann Sheffield polygamously (for him) and polyandrously (for her). Mary Jane leaves him in August. Mary Ann considers the marriage at an end when he leaves Nauvoo later that year.
[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]
175 years ago today - 1840: 22 June
[Patriarchal Blessing of Simeon Dunn] "... thou shalt speak before Kings and Nobles, and they shall be astonished at thee because of the power of God which is in thee. ... I seal thee up to eternal life, even so, Amen."
[Source: Simeon A. Dunn patriarchal blessing, Given by Joseph Smith, Sen., from typescript; William L. Knecht Family Records. In Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Simeon A. Dunn patriarchal blessing, Given by Joseph Smith, Sen., from typescript; William L. Knecht Family Records. In Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
85 years ago today - Jun 21, 1930
[Heber J. Grant] After lunch Brother Guy C. Wilson called and read a chapter from a book that is being prepared along historical and religious lines for the seminaries. We approved of it and suggested that he make it even stronger. It was with regard to the faith of the leaders in early days in plural marriage. He said the idea was growing among the young people that the introduction of polygamy was a mistake. I read to him a list of the apostles at the time that Brother Lyman was president of the Quorum of the Twelve, and showed him that eight of them were the product of polygamy, that three were too old to have been born in polygamy, and only one of the entire twelve who was young enough to have been the product of polygamy, Matthias F. Cowley, was not the product of polygamy, and he lost his standing in the Council because of advocating the practise (Sic) of plural marriage after the Lord had said stop. It is a fine thing for the people to get it into their heads that when the Lord tells you to do something and then tells you to quit doing it, he should be obeyed in both cases.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Jun 21, 1900; Thursday
the substance of which was from a letter of a missionary in the Southern states to his father in which the writer states that in common with the other missionaries had been requested to purchase two copies of the Book of Mormon now and agree to dispose of one every month, that is either to sell or give it away, and the reason assigned for this request was to get the price of the Book of Mormon down to fifty cents apiece. Also a request had been made of him, in common with other Elders to deposit $50. to his credit at the office at Chattanooga [Tennessee]; and the reason assigned for this is that if the missionary should take sick or had to be released suddenly he would have the means whereby he could go--for an elder cannot be released in honor except he is out of debt. The writer goes on to state that he regretted having to make this requirement of his father, but asked him to borrow it, and he would work to pay it back on his return home. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
145 years ago today - Jun 21, 1870
Presidet Young spoke 20 Minuts [Richmond]. ...Now ye Elders of Israel lay up your grain for 2 years or 3 years if you Can & not make fools of yourselves & give your grain to your Enemies as you have before. Continue to lay up your grain untill you get 7 years supply. ... we should not depend upon the United States for our support for they are our Deadly Enemies & will do all they Can against us, & now any Elder that will go to our Enemies here to trade are of No use to us or the kingdom of God. They would destroy the kingdom of God if they Could. Cut off such men for they are of no use in the Church. Let them go to the pit....
Presidet Young spoke 20 [Smithfield]. He said I would rather have slept with Joseph Smith than to have lived to turn one honest Man from the Church of Christ.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Presidet Young spoke 20 [Smithfield]. He said I would rather have slept with Joseph Smith than to have lived to turn one honest Man from the Church of Christ.
[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 - Jun 21, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of William A. Beebe given by William Smith ] ... thou shalt have a peculiar desire to examine every apartment of the temple when it is finished and understand the order of its arrangements and all the blessings that belong to the enduement [a Masonic term/ "endowment"] ... and by visions and dreams thou Shalt be warned of marvellous events the gifts of wisdom and knowledge are thine and the discerning of Spirits and none shall have power to deceive thee by their cunning craft for in a most marvellous manner hast thou enjoyed the gift of the Spirit in times that are past and the wicked acts of men have been made known to thine understanding by which thou hast been delivered from their devices to destroy thee ... for by the highest authority in the church of God I seal thee up to eternal life and to a Salvation that is immortal and that shall never end in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of William A. Beebe given by William Smith ]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of William A. Beebe given by William Smith ]
170 years ago today - Jun 21, 1845
[Patriarchal Blessing of Louisa B. Beebe given by William Smith] ... thou shalt behold an Angel in the dark hours of the night and in a dream he shall appear dressed in white array and he shall be unto thee as the voice of Joseph thy doubts and fears shall be removed thou shalt behold him afar off beckoning for thee to come and the time shall come when thy desire shall be to depart. ... and if thou art tempted & at any time cast down thy guardian Angel which is appointed of God shall comfort thee and by a still small voice thou shalt rest thy Soul in sleep and waking hours and in the morning of the first Resurrection thou shalt wake never to sleep again the sleep of death and the blessing of an eternal Salvation a crown that never fadeth away and a glory that is celestial I seal upon thine head in the name of Jesus Christ Amen
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of Louisa B. Beebe given by William Smith]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of Louisa B. Beebe given by William Smith]
60 years ago today - Jun 20, 1955
[First Presidency] ... It should be understood that wives of non-member husbands should not be recommended to the temple to receive their endowments. If they have previously had their endowments, then temple recommends might be issued to them provided they are in every way worthy, but even in such an event it is recommended that the wife receive the written consent of the husband before the recommend is issued. Worthy female members of the Church who are married to husbands who are not worthy to go to the temple must secure the written consent of their husbands, and in addition, the branch president or mission president should interview the husband to satisfy himself that there is no objection on his part to his wife's receiving her endowments in the temple. It is not necessary that worthy brethren receive the consent of their wives, whether the wives be non-members or unworthy of temple recommends, in order that they may be recommended to the temple for their own endowments or to do other ordinance work.
[Source: David O. McKay, Stephen L. Richards, and J. Reuben Clark Jr. to Presidents of Missions in Europe, June 20, 1955, 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. to Presidents of Missions in Europe, June 20, 1955, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
120 years ago today - Jun 20, 1895
[Wilford Woodruff] The Apostles Dedicated a Bottle of Oil from Palestine then Anointed me & Blessed me for my Breathing.
[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]
125 years ago today - Jun 20, 1890
George M. Brown, a polygamist lawyer who had moved to the Mexican colonies to avoid arrest, warns the First Presidency that "international difficulty" could result if U.S. authorities learned of the plural marriages Alexander F. Macdonald is performing in Mexico for U.S. citizens who were returning to the United States.
[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 - Jun 20, 1885
Elizabeth Ann Starkey is brought in as a witness against Charles S. White by federal officers investigating polygamy. On refusing to answer the question, "Have you ever in this country, within the last two years, occupied the same bed with defendant?" she was sentenced to one day's imprisonment and a fine of $50, and placed in the custody of the United States marshal until payment. On Jun 22 she again declined to answer, and was fined $100 and committed until payment. On Jun 24 she refused to answer similar personal questions to the grand jury, and was committed to the penitentiary until Aug 21, but was again imprisoned and kept till Oct 6.
[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 - Sat. June 20th, 1885
[Abraham H. Cannon] Attended a special meeting at President's office "where a society was organized which could hold the Social Hall and prevent outsiders from seizing and confiscating it as Church Property." "I attended another meeting at which the county and city Bishops were present to prepare for holding Church property." "Our enemies are now preparing to attack our property with a view to robbing us of our goods as well as our liberty."
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
170 years ago today - Jun 20, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball] My Father in heaven I feel greatfull to The[e] for Thy kindness, for Thou dost bless me and mine and Thy name shall have all the glory Amen. We stopt reding at 2 Oclock in the after noon. My wife wors[e]. I sent for Sister Whitney, she com. We Clothed our selves [in temple robes], and Anointed hur and praid. The Lord hurd. She was beter.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
175 years ago today - Jun 20, 1840
Joseph Smith asks to be released as land agent for Nauvoo in order to concentrate on his religious and prophetic duties. He asks the High Council "That when he is relieved from such temporal duties he would have no means of support whatever and and requested that some one might be appointed to see that all his necessary wants are provided for, as well as, sufficient means or appropriations for a Clerk or Clerks which he may require to aid him in his important work."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - Jun 20, 1830
Joseph Smith's wife Emma is baptized by Oliver Cowdery.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - Jun 20, 1830
According to Abner Cole, Mormons held a "disorderly meeting on Sunday [20 June] evening at the MARKET" where "one of JO'S greatest apostles, gave decided tokens of entire approbation".
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
20 years ago today - Jun 19, 1995
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reposts that Utah state task force is trying to understand why suicide is second leading cause of death for Utah's teenage males and young men, and why Utah's suicide rate is sixth highest in nation. Article down plays alleged role of LDS church's "too high expectations on young people," by pointing out that five states (all surrounding Utah) with higher suicide rates have lower percentages of Mormons. However, this is statistical error ("ecological fallacy") because states have not identified religious affiliation of suicides who might actually be disproportionately Mormon. TRIBUNE refers to U.S. Health Department's 1989 estimate that homosexual orientation is factor in 30 percent of teenage suicides. DESERET NEWS excluded that estimate from its analysis of federal report on Aug 12, 1989 and has said little about this current Utah task force.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
75 years ago today - Jun 19, 1940
Susan Michaelene Packer (Grassli), later the eighth general president of the Primary, is born in Salt Lake City, Utah.
120 years ago today - Jun 19, 1895
[Marriner W. Merrill] I commenced Doctor Parkinson's treatment to reduce my weight today.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Jun 19, 1870
Presidet Young spoke 17 Minuts. ... All they in the spirit world will appear Natural Spirits. Can See Each other & their Shape will appear as Natural as it here & when we were in the spirit world with our Father in Heaven all was as natural as it is here & it will be the Same after the resurrection. ...
[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 - June 19, 1845. Thursday.
[William Clayton] ...Afterwards at Dr. Richards...Prayers were offered up for many things especially that the curse of God may fall upon Judge [?] Young and the Lawyers who have justified the murderers, and that they may not be able to hold court. Evening at home.
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[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://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
170 years ago today - Jun 19, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball] ... Sister Richards sent for us to Cloth us [in the robes of the Holy Order] and pray for hur as she felt as she should not live long. We offered up the Signs and praided for my wife; after dinner B. Young, G. A. and my self went to the Temple to see how things ware going on. The Rafters most on. All things going will. At fore in the after noon, we met at W. R. for prair, may the Lord bless His people. Present to this meting of the twelve ... We offerd prair Br... that Jugment to come on Juge Young, that our Enimes might be cursed. Returned home found my wifee quite sick with fowing[?]. Sister Whitney come in annointed hur and sung in Toungs [tongues]. I also sung. The Lord blest us.
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
175 years ago today - Jun 19, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff] I arose early in the morning & Baptized & confirmed one. A number of others soon came to us & wished to be Baptized. We immediately walked to the river Lug. & we being hendered a short time in looking for a suitable place for Baptizing a man by the name of Pitt Came to us filled with the Devil & wrath at the head of a mob & commanded us not to he Baptized in that river & threatened us much if we did so. Elder Richard Preached to Mr Pitt & warned him to repent & be Baptized or he could not be saved. But the Devel raged to such a degree in this man & his company we thought it wisdom to omit it on this occasion. We did so & retired & went our way, with this wicked man & the rest of the mob following us shouting, hooting, & yelling as though a part of hell at least had broke loose. The Saints were strengthend seeing that they were not of the world but the world hated them & we also went our way rejoicing that we were counting worthy to partake of thes things.
We clensed our feet by the way side as a testimony against Mr Pitt for rejecting our testimony, & forbiding, & hindering, others from Entering into the kingdom of God. May the will of God be done conserning that man, I pray that we may ever be reconciled to his will in all things
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We clensed our feet by the way side as a testimony against Mr Pitt for rejecting our testimony, & forbiding, & hindering, others from Entering into the kingdom of God. May the will of God be done conserning that man, I pray that we may ever be reconciled to his will in all things
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
80 years ago today - Jun 18, 1935
In your letter of June 12, 1935, to President Heber J. Grant, you express the desire to have an explanation which will harmonize the word of the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76, verses 50-94 with the statement in Section 131, where it is stated that in the Celestial Kingdom there are three degrees, or glories. You also say that you feel that the Prophet Joseph Smith was not correctly quoted in Section 131.
There is no conflict between these two revelations. In the verses you refer to in Section 76, the Lord makes it very clear to us that all who are just and true by their integrity and obedience to all the principles of the Gospel, are made 'equal in power, and in might, and in dominion.' This does not, however, preclude others from entering the Celestial Kingdom in some lesser degree who have not received all the covenants and obligations upon which the highest exaltation in that kingdom is based. ....
[Source: David O. McKay, Letter to H.C. Gregersen, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
There is no conflict between these two revelations. In the verses you refer to in Section 76, the Lord makes it very clear to us that all who are just and true by their integrity and obedience to all the principles of the Gospel, are made 'equal in power, and in might, and in dominion.' This does not, however, preclude others from entering the Celestial Kingdom in some lesser degree who have not received all the covenants and obligations upon which the highest exaltation in that kingdom is based. ....
[Source: David O. McKay, Letter to H.C. Gregersen, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
85 years ago today - Jun 18, 1930
[Heber J. Grant] If the Bishop of the Ward where Sister R--- S---- resides and the President of her stake see fit to give her a recommend to the temple, from their knowledge of her life since her separation from her former husband, I would raise no objection to their doing so. [She had an abortion three years earlier.]
[Source: Heber J. Grant to Arias G. Belnap, June 18, 1930; hyphens added., quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Heber J. Grant to Arias G. Belnap, June 18, 1930; hyphens added., quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
145 years ago today - Jun 18, 1870
First counselor George A. Smith tells Salt Lake School of the Prophets about "the evil of Masturbation" among Utah Mormons. Apostle Lorenzo Snow says that "Plural Marriage would tend to diminish this evil self-pollution," and he believes that "indulgence on the part of men was less in Plural marriage than in Monogomy." Elder George Reynolds (Secretary to Brigham Young) also tells the School that "where Monogomy was the Law, it compelled a more frequent (sexual) cohabitation than is right and proper." Medical books of the time advise sexual intercourse only once a month.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
145 years ago today - Jun 18, 1870
D. P. Kimball Spok 2 M and asked Can a man have an Exhaltation without a wife or two? Presidet Young said you Cannot put a gallon Measure in a pint Measure but both Can be filled full. If a man is faithful with one wife he will grow to be a gallon measure. Some men have not judgment & wisdom. A Badlam whiped his wife for fear She would disobey him....
The Question of Adoption was preached. Presidt Young said the Priesthood had been on the Earth at different times. When the Priesthood has not been on Earth Men will have to be sealed to Each other untill we go on to Father Adam. Men will have to be sealed to Men so as to link the Chain from begining to End & all Children will have to be sealed to their Parents that was born before they had their Endowments. But this must be in A Temple & No whare Els. Joseph will be with us No doubt & Joseph will have to be sealed to Somebody But it will require Revelation to do this. Elijah Holds those keys & who ever holds those keys holds the keys of Elijah.
... He said a Man might take his own life without Committing Suicide but a woman should not be sealed to a Man who had Committed Suicide without Revelation.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Question of Adoption was preached. Presidt Young said the Priesthood had been on the Earth at different times. When the Priesthood has not been on Earth Men will have to be sealed to Each other untill we go on to Father Adam. Men will have to be sealed to Men so as to link the Chain from begining to End & all Children will have to be sealed to their Parents that was born before they had their Endowments. But this must be in A Temple & No whare Els. Joseph will be with us No doubt & Joseph will have to be sealed to Somebody But it will require Revelation to do this. Elijah Holds those keys & who ever holds those keys holds the keys of Elijah.
... He said a Man might take his own life without Committing Suicide but a woman should not be sealed to a Man who had Committed Suicide without Revelation.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Jun 18, 1865
[Brigham Young] Elder Orson Pratt has written extensively on the doctrines of this church, and upon this particular doctrine. When he writes and speaks upon subjects with which he is acquainted and understands, he is a very sound reasoner; but when he has written upon matters of which he knows nothing'"his own philosophy, which I call vain philosophy'"he is wild, uncertain, and contradictory. ... Jesus Christ is known in the scriptures as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and it is written of Him as being the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of His person. The word image we understand in the same sense as we do the word in the 3rd verse of the 5th chapter of Genesis, '"And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image.'" I am quite satisfied to be made aware by the scriptures, and by the Spirit of God, that He is not only the God and Father of Jesus Christ, but is also the Father of our spirits and the Creator of our bodies which bear His image as Seth bore the image of his father Adam.
He (God) created man, as we create our children; for there is no other process of creation in heaven, on the earth, in the earth, or under the earth, or in all the eternities, that is, that were, or that ever will be.
Since the founding of the Roman empire monogamy has prevailed more extensively than in times previous to that. The founders of that ancient empire were robbers and women stealers, and made laws favoring monogamy in consequence of the scarcity of women among them, and hence this monogamic system which now prevails throughout all Christendom, and which has been so fruitful a source of prostitution and whoredom throughout all the Christian monogamic cities of the Old and New World, until rottenness and decay are at the root of their institutions both national and religious.." In the congregation is visiting Speaker of the U.S. House of representatives and future vice-president Schuyler Colfax.
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:119-128, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
He (God) created man, as we create our children; for there is no other process of creation in heaven, on the earth, in the earth, or under the earth, or in all the eternities, that is, that were, or that ever will be.
Since the founding of the Roman empire monogamy has prevailed more extensively than in times previous to that. The founders of that ancient empire were robbers and women stealers, and made laws favoring monogamy in consequence of the scarcity of women among them, and hence this monogamic system which now prevails throughout all Christendom, and which has been so fruitful a source of prostitution and whoredom throughout all the Christian monogamic cities of the Old and New World, until rottenness and decay are at the root of their institutions both national and religious.." In the congregation is visiting Speaker of the U.S. House of representatives and future vice-president Schuyler Colfax.
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:119-128, quoted in 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 - 18th of June [1845]
Returned home and found Sister Whitney. She anointed my wife and sang in tongues; I also sang and the Lord blessed us.
[Source: Heber Kimball, in Helen Mar Kimball Whitney, "Life Incidents," Woman's Exponent 9 (1880)]
[Source: Heber Kimball, in Helen Mar Kimball Whitney, "Life Incidents," Woman's Exponent 9 (1880)]
170 years ago today - Wednesday, June 18th, 1845
[John Taylor] This night I had the following dream: I dreamt that I stood by the Temple and looked up, and saw that it was finished. I admired the elegance and symmetry of the building, and felt animated in my spirits and rejoiced to see the building finished. I remarked to a person standing by, what a beautiful structure this is, how elegant the design, and how well it is executed. I then said it is only a very short time since we laid the topstone; and now it is finished. I knew that a great deal of the wood work was prepared, but did not anticipate that the building would be so soon completed. I felt at the same time filled with the spirit of God, and my heart rejoiced before the Lord.
While I stood gazing with pleasure at the Temple, I saw another tower rising like unto the one that is on the west end of the Temple, and immediately exclaimed to the person that I had before conversed with, why there is another tower, and said I pointing my finger, still further there is another, and yet another; we have not yet began to see the whole; the scenery gradually changed, and a temple very much larger in dimensions, than the one which we are building, stood before me; there were a number of towers, placed apparently at equal distances on the outside, each of which were supported by buildings as large as this temple, and yet were united with, and were a part of the great temple; they were of as large dimensions as that which is on this Temple, from the midst of these towers and in the center of the building arose in majestic grandeur an immense large dome, that seemed to tower as high above the towers, as the towers were from the earth; it was not quite finished at the top, and there were some workmen employed near the top of the dome, who in consequence of the extreme height of the building appeared very small. I was much delighted with the scenery that presented itself to my view, and soon after awoke retaining for some time afterwards the same pleasing sensation that I had enjoyed during my dream.
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
While I stood gazing with pleasure at the Temple, I saw another tower rising like unto the one that is on the west end of the Temple, and immediately exclaimed to the person that I had before conversed with, why there is another tower, and said I pointing my finger, still further there is another, and yet another; we have not yet began to see the whole; the scenery gradually changed, and a temple very much larger in dimensions, than the one which we are building, stood before me; there were a number of towers, placed apparently at equal distances on the outside, each of which were supported by buildings as large as this temple, and yet were united with, and were a part of the great temple; they were of as large dimensions as that which is on this Temple, from the midst of these towers and in the center of the building arose in majestic grandeur an immense large dome, that seemed to tower as high above the towers, as the towers were from the earth; it was not quite finished at the top, and there were some workmen employed near the top of the dome, who in consequence of the extreme height of the building appeared very small. I was much delighted with the scenery that presented itself to my view, and soon after awoke retaining for some time afterwards the same pleasing sensation that I had enjoyed during my dream.
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
175 years ago today - Jun 18, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff] ... The church minister in the Parish Sent a spy to attend meeting to carry him word what we preached. As soon as meeting closed I put my hand upon his shoulder & asked him what he thought of our doctrin. He replied "I think it is of God." He appeared asstonished when he left the house.
Almost evry person I conversed with said they wished to be Baptized as soon as an oppertunity offered. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Almost evry person I conversed with said they wished to be Baptized as soon as an oppertunity offered. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - 1830 18 Jun.
The earliest description of the new church is in German by Rev. Diedrich Willers of Fayette, New York. He writes that "Mormonites" call themselves Die wahre Nachfolger Christi ("the True Disciples of Christ"). Concerning six Book of Mormon witnesses who had been his parishioners, Willers writes that the Whitmers "even believe in witches. Hiram Page is likewise full of superstition."
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
100 years ago today - Jun 17, 1915
Uniform spelling of the proper name Melchizedek-- Our attention having been called to the different forms of spelling the proper name Melchizedek (as, for example: Melchisedek, Melchizedec, Melchisedec, etc.,), at our request Dr. James E. Talmage made a critical investigation of the subject with a view to learning the biblical and philosophical consensus of authority and opinion concerning it. In harmony with Elder Talmage's report, and expressing our own views, the Council of the Presidency and Apostles has decided that the proper noun, and the adjective as applied to the High Priesthood should be spelled MELCHIZEDEK (as it appears in the Old Testament and Book of Mormon) in all publications of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency.
[Source: 1915-June 17-MS 77:376 (June 17, 1915). OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT, quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: 1915-June 17-MS 77:376 (June 17, 1915). OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT, quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
115 years ago today - Jun 17, 1900
[Patriarchal Blessing of Samuel RosKelly by Henry Jackson] ... thou shalt live for many years upon the earth; yea, thou shalt live to the full age of man. Even until thou hast passed thy 85th birthday...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of Samuel RosKelley by Henry C. Jackson on June 17, 1900]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing of Samuel RosKelley by Henry C. Jackson on June 17, 1900]
160 years ago today - Jun 17, 1855
... if I should get mad in Washington, I would as soon fight the whole crowd as one individual, and they would use me up. There are but few spirited men who would endure the abuse and lies heaped upon this people. There is one statement which I have already made in this stand twice or thrice, but I will now make it again before our Delegate, for it has caused him much trouble. It has been reported in the United States that Brigham should have said that the President of the United States could not remove him from his office. I will repeat what I did say, as nearly as my memory will serve me. Exhorting the brethren and sisters, I said, '"Do not be alarmed, neither let your hearts sink within you, or be worried in the least with regard to a new Governor's coming to this Territory, for the Lord Almighty will preserve your present Governor unto you as long as He pleases, and no power can hinder. And if it is His will to remove the present Governor, know ye that it will be for the best.'" ... when Colonel Steptoe received the appointment; but the Lord operated upon the Colonel to continue his march to California.
[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 - Jun 17, 1845
The Twelve indicated they wanted to follow Joseph Smith's proposal and erected a canvas tabernacle on the west side of the temple. Orson Hyde was to travel east and raise money to purchase the canvas. The tabernacle was to be erected "in front of , and joining the Temple on the west." It was to be about 250 feet long and 125 feet wide. It was designed to seat a congregation of eight to ten thousand persons for "preaching," while the temple was to be "used for the meeting of councils and quorums, and the administrations of ordinances and blessings, and preaching to smaller congregations."
Near his date Orson Hyde left for the East "to obtain cloth for the tabernacle" and Howard Eagan had earlier left for St Louis to purchase hemp for making ropes to hold the canvas up. [some minor corrections made]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Near his date Orson Hyde left for the East "to obtain cloth for the tabernacle" and Howard Eagan had earlier left for St Louis to purchase hemp for making ropes to hold the canvas up. [some minor corrections made]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
170 years ago today - Jun 17, 1845
"While in this condition, Elder Phineas Richards, the father of Apostle F. D. Richards, assisted by other kind brethren, took me [Lorenzo Snow] from my bed, wrapped in a sheet - placed me in a carriage, drove to a stream of water, and baptized me in the name of the Lord, for my recovery. The fever immediately abated, and through kind, unwearied nursing and attention . . . I was delivered from suffering and restored to health."
[Source: Eliza R. Snow writing as Lorenzo Snow in "Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow" Salt Lake City: Deseret News Company, 1884, quoted in Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]
[Source: Eliza R. Snow writing as Lorenzo Snow in "Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow" Salt Lake City: Deseret News Company, 1884, quoted in Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]
170 years ago today - Tuesday, June 17th, 1845
[John Taylor] Went to Mother Lucy Smith's, by her request to read some of her history, to see if it was fit or ready for publication. I had an interesting conversation with the old lady; wherein she related many things concerning the family that pleased as well as instructed me; though now quite an aged woman, the power of her memory is surprising, she is able to relate circumstances connected with the family, with great distinctness and accuracy; she is an honor as well as an ornament to the family she belongs.
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
[Source: 'The John Taylor Nauvoo journal, January 1845-September 1845,' BYU Studies 23:3 (1983) edited by Dean C. Jessee]
190 years ago today - Jun 17, 1825
The REPUBLICAN ADVOCATE of Batavia, New York publishes an article titled "GOLD:" "Gold is beaten into leaves upon a smooth block of marble. . . These pieces are then fitted into books. . . It was anciently the custom to beat gold into thin plates..."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
10 years ago today - JUNE 16, 2005
An Arizona grand jury indicts Warren Jeffs on two counts of felony child sex abuse for his role in planning and performing the marriage of a 16-year-old girl to a man that was already married. He could face two years in jail. Jeffs also faces 2 civil suits in Utah, one from young men expelled from the church and another from a nephew who has accused him of sexual abuse.
Two U.S. courts determine he is trying to avoid being served with papers regarding two lawsuits against him and the United Effort Plan trust. One suit, launched last July by Brent Jeffs, alleges that Warren Jeffs, his uncle, began molesting him when he was five. Since Jeff fails to file a statement of defence, and the UEP trust also did not file a statement of defence, lawyers for Brent ask court to freeze the UEP trust.
Utah authorities seize FLDS's biggest asset the UEP trust, registered in that state. It controls ¾ of Bountiful's landall the farms, ranches, and homes. Utah officials remove the Board of Directors.
Warren Jeffs is on the run, authorities believe he may be in Canada.
[Source: Gartner, Hana, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Timeline: History of Polygamy]
Two U.S. courts determine he is trying to avoid being served with papers regarding two lawsuits against him and the United Effort Plan trust. One suit, launched last July by Brent Jeffs, alleges that Warren Jeffs, his uncle, began molesting him when he was five. Since Jeff fails to file a statement of defence, and the UEP trust also did not file a statement of defence, lawyers for Brent ask court to freeze the UEP trust.
Utah authorities seize FLDS's biggest asset the UEP trust, registered in that state. It controls ¾ of Bountiful's landall the farms, ranches, and homes. Utah officials remove the Board of Directors.
Warren Jeffs is on the run, authorities believe he may be in Canada.
[Source: Gartner, Hana, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Timeline: History of Polygamy]
20 years ago today - Jun 16, 1995
International Olympic Committee in Budapest votes overwhelmingly for Salt Lake City as site of winter Olympics in year 2002. Utahns are divided about economic benefit/losses, and some Mormons have misgivings about long-term secularization of city that Olympics will cause. However, many see this as ideal opportunity to preach Mormonism directly and indirectly to tens of thousands of visitors in short time. LDS headquarters technically remains neutral about this "political matter" during five-year promotional effort. However, Salt Lake Olympic Bid Committee's legally required financial statement shows that during its final year of operation alone, committee received $100,000 from LDS church's "associated business" Intermountain Healthcare, and $100,000 from Deseret Foundation (Arm of LDS Hospital). Hospital subsequently denies that it is officially involved in transaction by which "anonymous" party channels donations through Deseret Foundation.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
30 years ago today - Jun 16, 1985
Joyce McKinney is arrested in Salt Lake City after Kirk Anderson informs police she has been shadowing him. She is charged with disturbing the peace and giving false information to police. Seven years earlier McKinney (one-time Miss Wyoming in the "Miss Universe" pageant and former BYU graduate student) became a fugitive from justice in Great Britain, where she stands accused of abducting then missionary Anderson, keeping him tied to a bed for three days, and raping him. She denied the charges at the time, saying Anderson went along with her willingly and had promised to marry her. In May of 1982 LDS Communications director Heber Wolsey referred to a positive effect of publicity surrounding the McKinney-Anderson case: "a lot of doors [were opened] to missionaries in England because of the publicity generated by the abduction of an elder by a young woman." Salt Lake City police reports show McKinney possessed numerous photographs of Anderson, had recorded his daily activities in a notebook, and had mapped out his travels, pinpointing where Anderson lives with his wife and children. Years earlier Loren Pomeroy had given McKinney a priesthood blessing when she was distraught over being pregnant out of wedlock with what she claimed was Anderson's child
[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 - Jun 16, 1945
[George Albert Smith] Talked to Pres Clark & Nicholas [G. Smith?] about use of meeting houses for meetings to prevent Negroes from becoming neighbors. [Decided against allowing this]
[Source: George Albert Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: George Albert Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
110 years ago today - Jun 16, 1905
Second blessings [anointings] are intended for those only who have borne the heat and burden of the day, and endured faithful to the end: and, as a general thing, they are administered only to people who have gathered with the body of the Church. And in recommending such people it is expected that their worthiness is personally known to the Stake President who recommends them. The case referred to in yours of the 12th inst. cannot for a moment be considered as eligible for these higher blessings.
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Stephen L. Chipman, June 16, 1905, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Stephen L. Chipman, June 16, 1905, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
140 years ago today - Jun 16, 1875
[Wilford Woodruff] I spent the day in the Endowment House. We gave Endowments Baptized 646. D H Wells sealed 62 Couple & W Woodruff 116 Couple for the dead the most I ever done in one day in my life. I was vary weary when I got through 178 Cealing.
[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]
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