Lowell L. Bennion hosts several African-American Mormons at his home in Salt Lake City, including LDS converts Ruffin Bridgeforth Jr. and his Hispanic wife Helen Marie Romero Bridgeforth. She speaks "of the difficulty they have getting their boys to go to church after they get to be deacon age and can't pass the sacrament and do the other things L.D.S. [white] boys do."
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
85 years ago today - Apr 30, 1931
[Heber J. Grant] A letter from Brother Brigham H. Roberts claiming that the Seven Presidents of Seventies are apostles and have the right to ordain high priests, etc. was read and discussed at great length.
There did not seem to be anybody that agreed with the position Brother Roberts takes. It is a great anomaly that they are sustained as superior to the Presiding Bishopric, outranking them, and yet they cannot ordain a Bishop who presides over the lesser priesthood.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
There did not seem to be anybody that agreed with the position Brother Roberts takes. It is a great anomaly that they are sustained as superior to the Presiding Bishopric, outranking them, and yet they cannot ordain a Bishop who presides over the lesser priesthood.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
115 years ago today - Tuesday, Apr 30, 1901
The Directors of the Lehi Sugar Co. met at 10 a.m. and appointed Lorenzo Snow a Director and President of the Company to fill the Vacancy made by the death of Geo. Q. Cannon. His salary is to be $600.00 ...
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
120 years ago today - Apr 30, 1896
[Franklin D. Richards] Deliberations turned on presentation of Declarations to the people & the mode of dealing with such as do not most readily accept it. It should first be presented to the presiding authorities of a stake or ward & then accepted by them then presented it to their people. See that it is fairly presented and without too much explanation so as to avoid entanglement & without extreme action & words these who are slow to accept it.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Apr 30, 1896
[Brigham Young Jr.] Several brethren talked on interpreting the 'Declaration of Church Discipline' read at and approved by the General Conference. Bro[ther] John [W.] Taylor made remarks which called me to my feet. he resented my reproof but afterwards felt milder. I said that document was issued in self defense not as an aggressive message. we were attack[ed] first, & were obliged to defend ourselves.
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
170 years ago today - Apr 30, 1846
... After some conversation and singing[,] a prayer circle was formed immediately in front of the Melchizedek stand. O[rson] Hyde was President, and Joseph Young, mouth, after which those present were seated in the stands to represent the order of the Priesthood; myself being seated in the Teachers Stand, and a Dedicatory prayer was offered by O[rson] Hyde to which all responded "amen." After the prayer ended all shouted with a loud voice, "Hosannah, Hosannah, Hosannah to God and the Lamb, Amen, Amen, Amen!" which was repeated three times * After the services of the evening were over, by proposition of Bro. Hyde, we all went into the attick storey of the Temple and enjoyed a feast of rasins, cakes, and wine * and there decided that the temple hands should meet [the] next day at 2 oclock to enjoy themselves with cakes and wine. When about 12 we dispersed having enjoyed the blessings [and] privilege of dedicating the second Temple, built upon the Land of Zion in the last days, unto the Lord, and it was accepted by him.
[Source: Samuel W. Richards journal, Apr. 30, 1846, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Samuel W. Richards journal, Apr. 30, 1846, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
170 years ago today - Apr 30, 1846
The Temple at Nauvoo was dedicated this evening. ... Elder Joseph Young [Orson Hyde] offered up the dedicatory prayer... He prayed for the Twelve [Apostles] and all the authorities of the Church, and for the workmen that had wrought upon the Temple in the midst of persecution, want and suffering, for the deliverance of the poor; that the Lord would direct the brethren of the camp of Israel, open the way before them and lead them to a place of His own appointment for the gathering of all the Saints, that God would avenge the blood of His servants, the prophets and of the Saints who had been slain for the testimony of the truth and mete out to our enemies the same measure which they had meted out to us.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, Apr. 30, 1846, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, Apr. 30, 1846, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
175 years ago today - Apr 30, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff] 30 A fine breeze from NE. Sail 10 not an hour. Fears were entertained that the Ship was on fire as smoke arose from the holes but it was found to Come from the Cook shop. I was requested to carry the dishes to the cook So I got my hands full of dishes of various kinds & just as I steped to the door of the Cook house the Ship gave a dredful surge & rocked so that she lay upon her side with her stud sails in the water. This unexpected surge plunged me head foremost about 10 feet the whole bredth of the cook shop against the side of the cook room with the cook [on] top of me.
As this was my first introduction to the cook since I had been at sea I begged his pardon for Such an adrupt enterance, & withdrew leaving the cook with three smashed fingers (caused by trying to save me in the fall) to pick up my dishes at leasure which were scattered from one end to the other of his shop. I hope it will be a long time before I shall pay the cook a similar visit.
We Sail exceding fine & have now for 3 days. The passengers are over their sea sickness & feel Cheerful.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
As this was my first introduction to the cook since I had been at sea I begged his pardon for Such an adrupt enterance, & withdrew leaving the cook with three smashed fingers (caused by trying to save me in the fall) to pick up my dishes at leasure which were scattered from one end to the other of his shop. I hope it will be a long time before I shall pay the cook a similar visit.
We Sail exceding fine & have now for 3 days. The passengers are over their sea sickness & feel Cheerful.
[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 - Apr 30, 1831
The first time Joseph and family came to Kirtland they lived with Isaac Morley, Lucy's father. Later "Father Morley" built a small house for them on his farm. The twins were born here [on April 30]. Lucy [Morley] and her elder sister kept house for Emma Smith while she was ill. Joseph and Emma's twins, Thadeus and Louisa, are born in the cabin but survive only 3 hours. Julia Clapp Murdock dies in Warrensville after delivering twins. With three other children under seven years old, John felt he could not look after two more newborns. Emma would be able to nurse the twins, so John gave them to Joseph and Emma to raise. They named the twins Joseph and Julia. [Joseph Murdock dies eleven months later.]
[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 - Apr 30, 1831
William W. Phelps is imprisoned at Lyons (NY) for thirty days for an unpaid debt, which Phelps interprets as persecution for his belief in the Book of Mormon.
[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]
50 years ago today - Apr 29, 1966
BYU president Ernest L. Wilkinson makes the first reference in his diary to receiving reports from the student "spy ring" he has authorized and which becomes a national scandal within ten months. Among the "liberal" professors targeted is economist Richard B Wirthlin who resigns from BYU in protest, serves as a political strategist for conservative U.S. president Ronald Reagan (1980-88), and becomes a general authority in 1996.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]. See Wilkinson diary, 29 Apr.]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]. See Wilkinson diary, 29 Apr.]
50 years ago today - Apr 29, 1966
[Notes from a talk with Bruce R. McConkie concerning Brother McConkie's feelings about Luke 3:38] ... He said that it was a true doctrine, that God the Father, Eloheim, a divine resurrected being, came down to this earth after its creation with a wife and produced, in a natural way of sexual intercourse, a child who grew up and became known as Adam. They did the same and brought forth a girl, who grew up and became Eve. They had bodies of flesh and bone, but were not mortal; not till they fell. They (Adam and Eve) were not resurrected and were not translated beings. God really did create their bodies on this earth. They were not transported here; only their spirits. He then said that his father-in-law told him that was a true doctrine, and that it had been taught a great deal by President Joseph F. Smith. He also added that President Joseph Fielding Smith said it was too deep now for most saints and that's the reason for saying about the creation of Adam and Even in the temple, 'it's only figurative.'
[Source: Phone call to Reed C. Durham, in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
[Source: Phone call to Reed C. Durham, in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
100 years ago today - Apr 29, 1916
In a letter to Walter P. Monson, president of the church's Eastern States Mission in New York, Joseph F. Smith's First Presidency orders that Gisbert L. Bossard not be rebaptized, explaining: "[T]he treachery and greed which prompted this desecration of the House of the Lord is entirely another thing, something which cannot be so easily disposed of." Five years previously Bossard had secretly entered the Salt Lake Temple and taken photographs. He had tried to sell the photographs to the Church but later sold them to gentiles. Bossard had admitted regret and sought re-entrance into the church. He was unsuccessful in regaining his membership during his lifetime. He was rebaptized by proxy in 1985, over ten years after his death.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Apr 29, 1896
President Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon was today elected a Director of the Union Pacific R[ail]. R[oad].
... Letters having been received by the Presidency in reference to some persons who had suicided during temporary insanity, and were not members of the Church, their descendants desiring to know if Temple work might be performed in their behalf, President Woodruff expressed his mind to the effect that no restrictions should be placed on the friends of those unfortunate people, and that if he erred at all, he would rather it should be on the side of mercy. When reminded that such restrictions had been imposed in the past, President Woodruff said he was aware of this, but did not feel that the liberty of the friends of the deceased should be curtailed. Pres[iden]t. Joseph F. Smith concurred in this decision, and the Presidents of the Temples were authorized and requested to permit work to be done in behalf of the class of people here referred to. ...
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
... Letters having been received by the Presidency in reference to some persons who had suicided during temporary insanity, and were not members of the Church, their descendants desiring to know if Temple work might be performed in their behalf, President Woodruff expressed his mind to the effect that no restrictions should be placed on the friends of those unfortunate people, and that if he erred at all, he would rather it should be on the side of mercy. When reminded that such restrictions had been imposed in the past, President Woodruff said he was aware of this, but did not feel that the liberty of the friends of the deceased should be curtailed. Pres[iden]t. Joseph F. Smith concurred in this decision, and the Presidents of the Temples were authorized and requested to permit work to be done in behalf of the class of people here referred to. ...
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Apr 29, 1886 (Thursday)
The case of Lorenzo Snow was argued in the U.S. Supreme Court.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
150 years ago today - Apr 29, 1866
You have heard what Elder Charles S. Kimball has said this afternoon relative to the general belief of the people in the old countries,'"That Brigham Young reads all letters before they leave this county, and if any are not written to suit him, they are destroyed by his order! In this way they account for so few letters reaching the members of the Church in distant lands from their friends here in Utah. I will now make a public request that the Saints hereafter cease to bring their letters to me, if there are any that have ever done such a thing; and I also request the postmasters throughout the Territory to stop sending all foreign letters to me for my inspection previous to mailing for abroad; that is, if they have ever done such a thing; and for this simple reason, that I have so much to do that I cannot possibly pay attention to such an extensive amount of reading.
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:212-216, 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. 11:212-216, 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 - Apr 29, 1861
In speaking of Geneology & History Presidet Young Said I Care so litle about it in my feelings & spirit that as far as I am Concerned that I should not make more than one page of History. Still I like to see such things got up. Joseph would tell more in one hour about Geneology than the world Can in a year. He was particular about such things much more so than I am but I expet He will be with us.
I expect if I live to be 80 years old I am in hopes to have some of the wisdom that Moses Had. He spoke of a remark that He made in the 13 ward about Harris being sent here as Governor. He also said to Brother Kimball I took the liberty to Curse those who will still sustain our Enemies.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I expect if I live to be 80 years old I am in hopes to have some of the wisdom that Moses Had. He spoke of a remark that He made in the 13 ward about Harris being sent here as Governor. He also said to Brother Kimball I took the liberty to Curse those who will still sustain our Enemies.
[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 - Apr 29, 1851
[Brigham Young] Said his faith was that the earth would not have produced for the Gentiles as it has for us, and if we had faith and power with God to have the curse taken off instead of the sage brush and other useless shrubs, we should have the apple pear peach grape and every good fruit. But if this people do not take a different course from what they do in some things, their blessings will prove a curse and wo will be unto them. -- Manti, Utah
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal, 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: Wilford Woodruff's Journal, 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 - Apr 29, 1846
Minutes of the Dedication of the [Nauvoo] Temple ...
As the quorum entered the room for dedication the hymn was sung in a solemn and very impressive manner and we beheld over the stand of the Melchizedek Priesthood The Lord has beheld our Sacrifice = Come after Us - in beautiful gold letters - [and] after conversation on the subject of "Eternity" another hymn was sung. ...
Elder Hyde remarked that he [was] left [feeling the] same as he did as he landed at J[erusalem] & descended the Mount of Olives. He was alone. Pres[iden]t [Brigham Young] was anxious and felt glad * & feels that this Temple is built to the opposition of half headed apostates and blood thirsty opponents & laughs and feels thankful to God that he sees this hour for the world preys upon [us] "and my prediction is that the poor shall be blessed" [and] we all see for ourselves the folly of Rigdonism ... [and] Strangism will be a stink in their own noses. ... When Porter Rockwell came in with mail I met him. The last time he came[,] [he] was intoxicated.)
Elder Hyde then called for the brethren to clothe themselves which they did & they called for a hymn when "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken" was sung. Elder Hyde then requested the brethren to form a circle [and] offer the signs and then dedicate the House, they moved to the front part of the Melchizedek Stand and formed a circle.
Elder O[rson] Hyde President.... This temple has been built in 5 years and the Gov[ernmen]t has oppressed us more and more every year and now they drive us away from it and now "I prophesy in the name of the Lord God of Hosts that this Government shall begin to be oppressed and be oppressed more and more every year and at the end of five years they shall be as badly oppressed as this people now is and they shall not know which way to look for Sunday" "It is the general government." (Amen.)
The circle again formed & offered the signs. After the signs were offered Joseph Young was appointed mouth who offered prayer to our Father in Heaven * & all responded heartily. ...
* W[ilford] Woodruff[:] ... I have seen hours at midnight when I have offered up the signs in the closet alone and not a soul in all the east room. I could enter into [a] connection with [these signs] as to the blessings of God. ...
* W[illiam] Anderson says as Brother Hyde has prophesied he would tell what was spoken in tongues and give the translation of it and he fully believed it....
* The following are designations of where the people sat in the Stands: ... O[rson] Hyde[:] May we rise before we close. We shall offer up our Hosannahs and where there's [time, to] shout out the ranks of the [priesthood this] evening. The order of it is Hosannah, Hosannah, Hosannah to God and the Lamb Amen Amen and Amen[,] and I don't know that there'll be any hour [available] if we should speak it out [in] the angels voices [tongues]. We belong to God. [I] feel like giving one shout in the House of God. If this is your mind signify it by rising upon your feet (all upright). The signs and shouts (thank God [for] being [here][.] You are dismissed with the blessings of thy Lord and your God Amen.) -
* The brethren adjourned to the attic story where a table was spread and loaded with "A Feast of Fat Things For the Righteous" in the shapes of wine, grapes[,] intestines [?] cakes &c &c which made a delightful banquet & was blessed by Elder Wilford Woodruff after which the feast was partaken of in great good harmony & happiness in testimony of the occasion of the dedication of the House of the Lord. ...
[Dancing followed the meal lasting until near midnight]
[Source: Minutes [formatting changed for readibility], Apr. 29, 1846, Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
As the quorum entered the room for dedication the hymn was sung in a solemn and very impressive manner and we beheld over the stand of the Melchizedek Priesthood The Lord has beheld our Sacrifice = Come after Us - in beautiful gold letters - [and] after conversation on the subject of "Eternity" another hymn was sung. ...
Elder Hyde remarked that he [was] left [feeling the] same as he did as he landed at J[erusalem] & descended the Mount of Olives. He was alone. Pres[iden]t [Brigham Young] was anxious and felt glad * & feels that this Temple is built to the opposition of half headed apostates and blood thirsty opponents & laughs and feels thankful to God that he sees this hour for the world preys upon [us] "and my prediction is that the poor shall be blessed" [and] we all see for ourselves the folly of Rigdonism ... [and] Strangism will be a stink in their own noses. ... When Porter Rockwell came in with mail I met him. The last time he came[,] [he] was intoxicated.)
Elder Hyde then called for the brethren to clothe themselves which they did & they called for a hymn when "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken" was sung. Elder Hyde then requested the brethren to form a circle [and] offer the signs and then dedicate the House, they moved to the front part of the Melchizedek Stand and formed a circle.
Elder O[rson] Hyde President.... This temple has been built in 5 years and the Gov[ernmen]t has oppressed us more and more every year and now they drive us away from it and now "I prophesy in the name of the Lord God of Hosts that this Government shall begin to be oppressed and be oppressed more and more every year and at the end of five years they shall be as badly oppressed as this people now is and they shall not know which way to look for Sunday" "It is the general government." (Amen.)
The circle again formed & offered the signs. After the signs were offered Joseph Young was appointed mouth who offered prayer to our Father in Heaven * & all responded heartily. ...
* W[ilford] Woodruff[:] ... I have seen hours at midnight when I have offered up the signs in the closet alone and not a soul in all the east room. I could enter into [a] connection with [these signs] as to the blessings of God. ...
* W[illiam] Anderson says as Brother Hyde has prophesied he would tell what was spoken in tongues and give the translation of it and he fully believed it....
* The following are designations of where the people sat in the Stands: ... O[rson] Hyde[:] May we rise before we close. We shall offer up our Hosannahs and where there's [time, to] shout out the ranks of the [priesthood this] evening. The order of it is Hosannah, Hosannah, Hosannah to God and the Lamb Amen Amen and Amen[,] and I don't know that there'll be any hour [available] if we should speak it out [in] the angels voices [tongues]. We belong to God. [I] feel like giving one shout in the House of God. If this is your mind signify it by rising upon your feet (all upright). The signs and shouts (thank God [for] being [here][.] You are dismissed with the blessings of thy Lord and your God Amen.) -
* The brethren adjourned to the attic story where a table was spread and loaded with "A Feast of Fat Things For the Righteous" in the shapes of wine, grapes[,] intestines [?] cakes &c &c which made a delightful banquet & was blessed by Elder Wilford Woodruff after which the feast was partaken of in great good harmony & happiness in testimony of the occasion of the dedication of the House of the Lord. ...
[Dancing followed the meal lasting until near midnight]
[Source: Minutes [formatting changed for readibility], Apr. 29, 1846, Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
170 years ago today - Apr 29, 1846
A public meeting in Iowa approves Young's proposal to sell the temple to Roman Catholic priests.
[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]
20 years ago today - Apr 28, 1996
American Mothers, Inc. names Carolyn M. Shumway, wife of BYU—Hawaii president Eric Shumway, the National Mother of the Year.
75 years ago today - Apr 28, 1941
[J. Reuben Clark] D[avid] O M[cKay] Talked with him about Hugh Brown'Agreed with Pres Grant and D O M to make his pay $35000 per month, he to furnish his own house ... Suggested also that we denominate Bishoprics of Wards and their Ward Teachers as Home Defenders and maybe parade them next July 24th he agreed might be something an idea.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
135 years ago today - Apr 28, 1881
[Wilford Woodruff] The forepart of this blessing of Orson Pratt ...
And we further say unto you that the last official act that you performed in the flesh that of washing of feet which you performed in Connexion with your Brethren the Apostles in token of your testimony and work which you have borne and alone among this Generation are recorded among the sanctified ones among the Heavenly Hosts and we your Brethren by virtue of the Apostleship which we hold seal you up unto Eternal life and Confirm upon you all the Blessings pertaining to the Apostleship which has been Confirmed upon you.
... We commit you into the Hands of God and we fell to say his will be done and all will be right.
... I spent the fore Part of the day in Copying into this Journal The Blessing of Elder Orson Pratt which I sealed upon his head On Sunday morning Feb 20, 1881 now recorded in this Journal.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
And we further say unto you that the last official act that you performed in the flesh that of washing of feet which you performed in Connexion with your Brethren the Apostles in token of your testimony and work which you have borne and alone among this Generation are recorded among the sanctified ones among the Heavenly Hosts and we your Brethren by virtue of the Apostleship which we hold seal you up unto Eternal life and Confirm upon you all the Blessings pertaining to the Apostleship which has been Confirmed upon you.
... We commit you into the Hands of God and we fell to say his will be done and all will be right.
... I spent the fore Part of the day in Copying into this Journal The Blessing of Elder Orson Pratt which I sealed upon his head On Sunday morning Feb 20, 1881 now recorded in this Journal.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Apr 28, 1861 (Afternoon)
Prest. Young attended the 13th Ward meeting, in the course of his remarks about the officers of [the] U.S. coming here he said he hoped if Harris did come, the boys and dogs would piss on him; he asked forgiveness of the congregation for condescending to describe the punishment Harris had earned ...
[Source: Historians Office Journal, 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: Historians Office Journal, 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 - Apr 28, 1861 (Afternoon)
Bro. Brigham spoke of the things in the East. Said he hoped they would both gain the victory. Said he had as much sympathy for them as the Gods and angels had for the Devils in Hell. ... said that those [Mormons] who sell their provisions to feed our enemies either man or woman should be cursed, and said he, I curse them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and the congregation shouted, Amen.... Showed the advantage we had over spirits that are evil, seeing that we have a tabernacle. -- SLC Tabernacle
[Source: Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 178, 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: Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 178, 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 - Apr 28, 1861
... Wm. W. Clayton read the Morning Extra of D News Containing the last Poney [of the Poney Express]. ...
[Regarding the civil war] The South are better prepaired & much faster than the North are. Lincoln has taken a Course to rather keep the North back. But the Curse of God will be upon the Nation and they will have Enough of it. The Rulers possess no Power in the Land. They have persecuted the Saints of God and the Rulers would do nothing for us but all they Could against us and they will now get their pay for it.
In speaking of Governor Cummings Presidet Young Said He had done us good. He had Stood between us & the army But the Lord had made him do it....
The question was asked what we would do if the Presidet Sent Secretary Harris here as Govornor. Would we not also Cecede? President Young Said No, we will keep our records Clean. We shall want to Compare records by & by & we want to Show on our part that we are right All the time. If the boys were all right they ought to piss such a man as Harris out of the Country or whittle [intimidate] him out. Yet if we submit to such mean things put upon us by the government we shall get our reward and they will get theirs...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Regarding the civil war] The South are better prepaired & much faster than the North are. Lincoln has taken a Course to rather keep the North back. But the Curse of God will be upon the Nation and they will have Enough of it. The Rulers possess no Power in the Land. They have persecuted the Saints of God and the Rulers would do nothing for us but all they Could against us and they will now get their pay for it.
In speaking of Governor Cummings Presidet Young Said He had done us good. He had Stood between us & the army But the Lord had made him do it....
The question was asked what we would do if the Presidet Sent Secretary Harris here as Govornor. Would we not also Cecede? President Young Said No, we will keep our records Clean. We shall want to Compare records by & by & we want to Show on our part that we are right All the time. If the boys were all right they ought to piss such a man as Harris out of the Country or whittle [intimidate] him out. Yet if we submit to such mean things put upon us by the government we shall get our reward and they will get theirs...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Apr 28, 1856
[Wilford Woodruff] I have been a marked victem as an attack for the power of the destroyer from my infancy up to the present day. I have faced Accident, misfortune, & apparently death so many times & in so many shapes & forms from my childhood through life thus far that it has become a proverb with me to say that there has seemed to be two powers constantly watching me & at work with me one to kill & the other to save me. ...
I have never untill now been called upon to war with poison & mortification in my system untill now. But I am satisfyed to day that I have this enemy to meet & that to in the worst form. ...
Several have died this spring by skining Cattle who have died. ...
This morning the affected spot upon my wrist had grown about the size of a dime had risen above the arm & main [-] about half an inch & turned black as ink. My arm began to swell & pain me & I felt its workings through my system. I Called upon President Young & Showed him [my] Arm and asked his advice. He counciled me to go to immediately & clense my stomach & bowels & poultice my Arm with Onions, Earth, or any thing that would draw it from my system. He also advised me to show it to Dr Sprague. I did so & he in addition to what President Young had recommended dug me up sum dock Elecompane & Blazing Star roots & advised me to make a tea of it & drink it also to make a poultice of it & put it on my Arm. I went immediately home & began to put these things into execution for I saw that I had a strong warfare in order to save my life.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I have never untill now been called upon to war with poison & mortification in my system untill now. But I am satisfyed to day that I have this enemy to meet & that to in the worst form. ...
Several have died this spring by skining Cattle who have died. ...
This morning the affected spot upon my wrist had grown about the size of a dime had risen above the arm & main [-] about half an inch & turned black as ink. My arm began to swell & pain me & I felt its workings through my system. I Called upon President Young & Showed him [my] Arm and asked his advice. He counciled me to go to immediately & clense my stomach & bowels & poultice my Arm with Onions, Earth, or any thing that would draw it from my system. He also advised me to show it to Dr Sprague. I did so & he in addition to what President Young had recommended dug me up sum dock Elecompane & Blazing Star roots & advised me to make a tea of it & drink it also to make a poultice of it & put it on my Arm. I went immediately home & began to put these things into execution for I saw that I had a strong warfare in order to save my life.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Apr 28, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff] When we arose in the morning we still found strong head winds which soon increased to a great Storm & tempest which scenery I have not language to describe. The Sails were close reefed or taken in as soon as possible. It took 16 men to Close reef the main top sail. The tempest was now raging with all power the sea piling up into mountains, the Ship mountain the waves & billows & pitching into the valleys & rocking tremendiously & shiping seas occasionly.
In the midst of this seenery the cry of help was herd in our Cabin. I rushed to the seene & found the ropes giving way & breaking which held the whole mass of baggage which was piled up between decks, consisting of heavy trunks, chests, Boxes & barrels which if once liberated from their Confinement would with one surge be hurled with all their force into the births of the men, women, & Children which would endanger the lives of all.
On seeing the foundation of this mass give way Elder W. Richards & myself Sprang to this place of danger & braced ourselves against the barrels & held them for a few moments untill it was a little secured. I then went on deck to the captain & informed him of the situation of things below & he sent the Sailors with some ropes & secured the pile which was endangering the lives of many.
After this was done I again repaired to the Aft quarter deck to behold the raging of the tempest & the wonders of the deep & the movements of the ship which was the greatest seenery I ever beheld upon the water. Elders Young, Kimball, Richard's & Smith was with me on deck for a time but all had now gone below except Elder Richards & myself & the officers & crew. We were Shiping heavy seas.
It was now about sun set. I stood in the middle of the aft quarter deck holding the captains Speaking trumpet in one hand & holding to a fast bench with the other when we Shipped a tremendious Sea on the windward side of us which passed clear over the quarter deck on which I stood. On seeing that we Could not escape it Elder Richards flung himself close under the Bulwarks & the body of the wave went clear over him without wetting him but little. But as I Could not take the same advantage I flung myself upon the deck & held upon the fast seat whare I remained untill the sea passed over me & left me drenched in the Surge.
I now thought it time for me to leave my seat of observation for the day & go below as I was thoroughly wet with salt water. I went to bed but did not sleep but little for the ship rocked at a dredful rate. Boxes, barrels, & tines were tumbling from one end of the Cabin to the other. And in the steerage about 15 Births were flung down 9 at one surge with all the men women & Children flung into a pile in the midst of the berths but no lives lost or bones broken. This is the 8th day in succession that we have had strong headwind.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In the midst of this seenery the cry of help was herd in our Cabin. I rushed to the seene & found the ropes giving way & breaking which held the whole mass of baggage which was piled up between decks, consisting of heavy trunks, chests, Boxes & barrels which if once liberated from their Confinement would with one surge be hurled with all their force into the births of the men, women, & Children which would endanger the lives of all.
On seeing the foundation of this mass give way Elder W. Richards & myself Sprang to this place of danger & braced ourselves against the barrels & held them for a few moments untill it was a little secured. I then went on deck to the captain & informed him of the situation of things below & he sent the Sailors with some ropes & secured the pile which was endangering the lives of many.
After this was done I again repaired to the Aft quarter deck to behold the raging of the tempest & the wonders of the deep & the movements of the ship which was the greatest seenery I ever beheld upon the water. Elders Young, Kimball, Richard's & Smith was with me on deck for a time but all had now gone below except Elder Richards & myself & the officers & crew. We were Shiping heavy seas.
It was now about sun set. I stood in the middle of the aft quarter deck holding the captains Speaking trumpet in one hand & holding to a fast bench with the other when we Shipped a tremendious Sea on the windward side of us which passed clear over the quarter deck on which I stood. On seeing that we Could not escape it Elder Richards flung himself close under the Bulwarks & the body of the wave went clear over him without wetting him but little. But as I Could not take the same advantage I flung myself upon the deck & held upon the fast seat whare I remained untill the sea passed over me & left me drenched in the Surge.
I now thought it time for me to leave my seat of observation for the day & go below as I was thoroughly wet with salt water. I went to bed but did not sleep but little for the ship rocked at a dredful rate. Boxes, barrels, & tines were tumbling from one end of the Cabin to the other. And in the steerage about 15 Births were flung down 9 at one surge with all the men women & Children flung into a pile in the midst of the berths but no lives lost or bones broken. This is the 8th day in succession that we have had strong headwind.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
25 years ago today - Apr 27, 1991
A Church News feature article about Pulitzer Prize winner Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. However, BYU's administration cancels the invitation for her to speak on campus due to her support of the Equal Rights Amendment and other feminist causes twenty years ago.
[Source: http://chronicle.com/article/A-Well-Behaved-Scholar-Makes/10147 Chronicles of Higher Education for more info on Laurel's life., [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[Source: http://chronicle.com/article/A-Well-Behaved-Scholar-Makes/10147 Chronicles of Higher Education for more info on Laurel's life., [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
25 years ago today - Apr 27, 1991
Fifty years after the Church began keeping individual membership records, it completed computerizing membership records worldwide.
[Source: Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Source: Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
30 years ago today - Apr 27, 1986.
The ten-month speaking ban on Linda Newell and Val Avery is lifted. The story is carried by UPI and AP, and published in the Tribune and other major newspapers in the state with the exception of the Deseret News. Linda summarizes the experience: "If you're excommunicated or disfellowshipped, you know what the repentance process is and you get on with your life. But what do you do when you've been punished by people who are handing down decisions they didn't make? I thought a lot about the damage the whole incident had done to me, to the church, my friends, to my family, untold people who were distraught by it, and those who sat in judgement. I went back to my stake president and asked him to talk to Elders Oaks and Maxwell again about reconsidering the ban. I would be participating in a KSL's `Talkabout' program discussing the upcoming Mormon History Association in England, and I knew, with audience participation, that someone would ask me about the ban. I hadn't been in a public setting for the whole ten months when people hadn't discussed it. I pointed out to my stake president the advantages to everyone of being able to say that the situation had been resolved. He said he'd see what he could do. The night before I was to tape the program, he called and said that I was no longer under any restrictions."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
55 years ago today - Apr 27, 1961
First counselor J. Reuben Clark tells the apostles: "I think it is terrible for any man in the Church to begin to use his Church position, particularly in finances, to his own advantage... So far as I know there are none of you who are trying to use the Church to your own self-advantage. That cannot be said for all our Church members."
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
85 years ago today - Apr 27, 1931
[Minutes of the Seventies] My dear President [Heber J.] Grant:
... you gave to the apparent incongruity of the First Council of the Seventy being unable to participate with members of the Twelve when out in conferences, when ordaining High Priests and bishop's counselors when occasion should arise. The answer to all this has been that the Presidency of the Seventies, not being High Priests were barred from these functions; also in regard to performing marriage ceremonies, etc. Perhaps you will remember that I said I thought the decisions that had led to this policy of excluding the Seven Presidents from such functions was too tightly drawn and that if it were considered that these brethren have an APOSTOLIC CALLING, that calling would warrant them to do along these lines whatsoever might be necessary in the course of their ministry (as stated in Doctrine and Covenants) ...
I trust you will not think me over persistent in the matter, but I did think that since this information had come into my hands and also is in strict harmony with the interpretation I gave with the Seventies holding an APOSTOLIC CALLING, it would authorize the First Council to do whatever the Apostles do when necessary, and when appointed to do it, should be made known to you and your counselors and to the present quorum of the Twelve; and in this spirit I submit it to your consideration.
Very truly yours,
[Source: Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 1: Minutes of the Seventies, 1837-1933, Excerpts]
... you gave to the apparent incongruity of the First Council of the Seventy being unable to participate with members of the Twelve when out in conferences, when ordaining High Priests and bishop's counselors when occasion should arise. The answer to all this has been that the Presidency of the Seventies, not being High Priests were barred from these functions; also in regard to performing marriage ceremonies, etc. Perhaps you will remember that I said I thought the decisions that had led to this policy of excluding the Seven Presidents from such functions was too tightly drawn and that if it were considered that these brethren have an APOSTOLIC CALLING, that calling would warrant them to do along these lines whatsoever might be necessary in the course of their ministry (as stated in Doctrine and Covenants) ...
I trust you will not think me over persistent in the matter, but I did think that since this information had come into my hands and also is in strict harmony with the interpretation I gave with the Seventies holding an APOSTOLIC CALLING, it would authorize the First Council to do whatever the Apostles do when necessary, and when appointed to do it, should be made known to you and your counselors and to the present quorum of the Twelve; and in this spirit I submit it to your consideration.
Very truly yours,
[Source: Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 1: Minutes of the Seventies, 1837-1933, Excerpts]
135 years ago today - Wednesday, Apr 27, 1881
[John Henry Smith] My self and wives received our second annointings, J. F. Smith and F. M. Lyman officiating. Julena L. and Edna L. Smith Witnesing and Edna L. Smith received hers also. [He has been an apostle for 6 months]
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
160 years ago today - Apr 27, 1856
[Brigham Young] "some of the bishops don't know right from wrong, truth from error, nor a sheep from a jackass and men would give boot to be a home. Children must be made to know their Father and they must be corrected. Wives must submit themselves unto their husbands as unto the Lord - Men if you don't know enough, hold your tongue, but don't let your wives know they know most or they will leave you - there never was a circumstance when women were the head of the men. treat your wives kindly but if they step out of their place put them right and quick. There is not a man who magnifies his calling but can rule any woman in the kingdom. I just know that the people pray for me for I feel it every hour and I pray for you always.
Martha S. Heywood Journal. I prayed my Heavenly Father that I may receive it [President Young's words] in honesty, especially the principle that a woman, be she ever so smart, she cannot know more than her husband if he magnifies his priesthood. That God never in any, any age of the world endowed woman with knowledge above the man. -- Salt Lake City "
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Martha S. Heywood Journal. I prayed my Heavenly Father that I may receive it [President Young's words] in honesty, especially the principle that a woman, be she ever so smart, she cannot know more than her husband if he magnifies his priesthood. That God never in any, any age of the world endowed woman with knowledge above the man. -- Salt Lake City "
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, 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 - Apr 27, 1846
Voted that the Temple be sold both at Nauvoo & Kirtland to ease our burden considering that the Lord designed that the Saints should enjoy it when it was his good will & pleasure now it appears that we cannot possess it without the other buildings of the Saints & when we can possess our dwelling houses then the Temple will be redeemed & the saints will then enjoy it Bishop Whitney with reluctance assented not however until after Pres Young said that if the Bishop did not vote he would take the responsibility of voting for him & risk the blessing or cursing Pres Young related a dream that he had the previous night which was in substance as follows I saw my self employed in the services of an aged man that was a Lord' superintending the whole affairs of his dominion'among which I instructed some responsible things to be done which I considered actually necessary to be done notwithstanding the Lord had not ordered me to do'by & by the Lord came smiling his hair was as the pure wool I appraised him of what I had done and asked him if I had done right at first he was Silent but Smiled turning to me said you have done well & I intend to buy a large store of all kinds of commodities all of which shall be under your guidance & control you understand the affairs of my government
[Source: John D. Lee, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: John D. Lee, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
20 years ago today - Apr 26, 1996
A national news story that Tennessee's Fellowship of Christian Athletes has withdrawn the Male Athlete Award of the Year from high school student Aaron Walker because he is a member of the LDS church.
[Source: http://web.archive.org/web/20020404052651/http://www.cnn.com/US/9605/11/christian.mormon/ this archived CNN article. , [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[Source: http://web.archive.org/web/20020404052651/http://www.cnn.com/US/9605/11/christian.mormon/ this archived CNN article. , [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
55 years ago today - Apr 26, 1961
Pres. Clark called Bro. Snyder about the purchase of the portion of the [Nauvoo] Temple Block from the Catholics.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
70 years ago today - Apr 26, 1946
[Marion G. Romney] Attended the Friday morning Welfare meeting at 8:30 a.m. Following the meeting, I talked to President Clark and we decided to ship the remaining three carloads of [WWII relief] food to Norway and pay the ocean freight ourselves if that was necessary, in order that we may control the distribution after it reaches Norway.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
100 years ago today - Apr 26, 1916
Joseph F. Smith rules that the Salt Lake temple have daily limits for proxy ordinances: 240 endowments and 1,200 baptisms for the dead. As an example of changes in that policy, the Salt Lake temple performs 4,718 endowments on 21 May 1967.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
105 years ago today - Apr 26, 1911
[George F. Richards] The question of maintaining or abandoning the College course in the B[righam]. Y[oung]. U[niversity]. on account of the expense of maintaining same was submitted to a committee of which I am a member and next Tuesday was set for the time to meet and consider same with the B[righam]. Y[oung]. U[niversity]. faculty.
[Source: George F. 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: George F. 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]
165 years ago today - Apr 26, 1851
Wilford Woodruff records: "President Young while speaking of the Resurrection said that we should Receive the same Bodies that we lay down if our dust was Blown to the four winds of Heaven."
[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 - Apr 26, 1846
[Nauvoo Temple] Brigham Young received a letter from Orson Hyde, who wrote that a wealthy Catholic benefactor had offered to buy the Temple for $200,000. Hyde offered to lease the Temple to him instead, but he refused and the offer fell through. Hyde asked if it might not be better to sell the Church's two temples at Kirtland and Nauvoo, and use the money to help the poor move west.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
170 years ago today - Apr 26, 1846
Apostle George A. Smith writes to Brigham Young, " If you in your wisdom should think it best to sell the same [the Nauvoo Temple] for to help the poor in the present emergency, we frankly concur notwithstanding we feel opposed to a Methodist Congregation listening to a Mob Priest in that holly place" The church was considering selling the Nauvoo and Kirtland temples to pay its debts.
[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 - Sunday, Apr 26, 1846
President Young said the spirit of the Lord and keys of the priesthood holds power and dominion over all animated beings. When Father Adam transgressed the law, he did not fall all at once from the presence of the Lord, but spake face to face with him for a long time afterwards. The rising generation continued to sin and degenerate from generation to generation until they have got so far from the Lord that a veil of darkness sprung up between them, so that they could not any longer speak with the Lord save it was through a prophet. During this time the earth and all creation groaned in sin and continued to degenerate, and enmity increased and the lives of man and beast began to shorten, and the earth continued downwards to the present time. For this cause the Son of God descended below all things that he might reach the case of every man that he might return to the Father and possess all things.
In this dispensation the keys that were committed to Father Adam will be restored. And we are to commence retracting, and to approximate back again into the favor and presence of the Lord by taking up the ordinances of the gospel and following them back to the starting point.
[Source: Willard Richards Journal]
In this dispensation the keys that were committed to Father Adam will be restored. And we are to commence retracting, and to approximate back again into the favor and presence of the Lord by taking up the ordinances of the gospel and following them back to the starting point.
[Source: Willard Richards Journal]
175 years ago today - Apr 26, 1841
Alexander Neibaur goes to work for Joseph Smith. Neibaur is a German-Jewish convert well-versed in the Kabbalah. He tutors Joseph in German and Hebrew and publishes articles on the Kabbalah in official Church publications. Three years later Joseph gives the "King Follett" discourse which echoes themes from Kabbalistic literature. Neibaur is the great grandfather of noted Mormon scholar Hugh Nibley.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
20 years ago today - Apr 25, 1996
Elder Merrill J. Bateman of the Seventy is inaugurated as the eleventh president of Brigham Young University; he is the first General Authority to serve as president.
50 years ago today - Apr 25, 1966
A "standing-room-only audience" listened as David O. McKay's nephew referred to the recent Birch Society president - Robert Welch banquet as a "gathering of the clan," and referred to the "Dear Brethren" letter promoting it as "a deceitful device." Alluding to the controversies of the previous month, Quinn McKay observed: "What do we do when General Authorities do not see eye to eye on political issues? Which do we follow? If each of the General Authorities were to speak on `The Contributions of the John Birch Society' you would no doubt hear some rather contrasting views. Then which apostle would one quote?" McKay's nephew then referred to the Reed Benson letter which had ignited the race hysteria preceding the October 1965 conference.
[Source: Quinn G. McKay, statements in Davies, Political Extremism Under the Spotlight, 12, 19,20-21. The "standing-room-only" reference is from the description of the meeting on the inside front cover. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Source: Quinn G. McKay, statements in Davies, Political Extremism Under the Spotlight, 12, 19,20-21. The "standing-room-only" reference is from the description of the meeting on the inside front cover. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
70 years ago today - Apr 25, 1946
[Marion G. Romney] I had a meeting with President Clark early this morning, at which it was determined to ship immediately two carloads of food and a carload of clothing to Munich and Austria in the German Mission.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
75 years ago today - Apr 25, 1941
[J. Reuben Clark] [First Presidency] agreed on paying Assistants to Twelve $350 per month, an on raising Presiding Bishopric to that;
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
95 years ago today - 1921. April 25
(Emmeline B. Wells) : Died at the age of eighty-four in her home at 1354 South 900 East in Salt Lake City; buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery near her husband Daniel.
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Apr 25, 1851
[Wilford Woodruff] ...[I] found Walker the Utah Chief with His band. I Here saw him for the first time. He is an ugly cunning chief.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Apr 25, 1841
A Mormon "Secret Service in detecting thiefs &c." is founded. The thieves are former Danites.
[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]
180 years ago today - Apr 25, 1836
Anti-Mormons in Van Buren County, Missouri, bullwhip a non-Mormon for refusing to tell where his Mormon acquaintances are.
[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]
35 years ago today - Apr 24, 1981
Apostle David B. Haight gives the keynote address at Annual Meeting of the Utah Association of Women. He states that Many of today's problems can be traced to the music of the Beatles in the early 1960s. "I witnessed the early developing of protests on college campuses, protests against the Vietnam War, with protestors using Beatle-type music to express their feelings against our government, against our military, and against authority in general."
50 years ago today - Apr 24, 1966
Apostle Gordon B. Hinckley dedicates a specially constructed stage at the BYU film studio for filming a new version (known as "Project # 100") of the endowment ceremony. This is the second endowment film made. The first one was shot in the Salt Lake Temple. The cast of Project #100 is Adam: Max Mason Brown, Eve: Marielen Wadley Christensen; Lucifer: Lael Woodbury; Minister: Morris Clinger; Peter: Harold I. Hansen; James: Douglas Clawson; John: Max Golightly; Elohim voice: Dan Keeler; Jehovah voice: Carl Pope; Narrator: Glen Shaw. The production crew is Camera: Robert Stum and Dalvin Williams, Lighting: Grant Williams and R. Steven Clawson; Casting: Keith Atkinson, David Jacobs and Judd Pierson; Sound: Kenneth Hansen and Sharrol Felt; Set Design: Douglas Johnson and Robert Stum; Research: Scott Whitaker and Douglas Johnson; Script Girl: Marilyn Finch; Editing: Frank S. Wise; Director: Wetzel O. Whitaker.
80 years ago today - Apr 24, 1936
[J. Reuben Clark] [During a meeting with Will Seegmiller and Harold Morgan on April 23, 1936:] I said that I was tremendously interested in victory this Fall, and that I was trying to do what I could to further that possibility.
Mr. Seegmiller said that he also is most anxious for that, and that he was sure he knew a very great deal more about Utah's politics than I knew.
I reiterated two or three times that I had no personal feeling in this matter at all.
He said that people were saying that I, as a member of the First Presidency, was trying to dictate politics. I told him that there was no excuse for that, that I had made my position perfectly clear at the luncheons. He replied that some people had said I could not divest from myself my Church position in the matter of politics, to which I replied that those people would have to learn that it could be done.
I stated I had explained to the luncheons my position with reference to myself himself, and felt that in the interest of harmony he should do as I suggested.
He said that that was a matter of opinion, and his opinion differed from mine. I replied to the effect that it was a question of opinion, but I felt very clear about my own. ...
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Mr. Seegmiller said that he also is most anxious for that, and that he was sure he knew a very great deal more about Utah's politics than I knew.
I reiterated two or three times that I had no personal feeling in this matter at all.
He said that people were saying that I, as a member of the First Presidency, was trying to dictate politics. I told him that there was no excuse for that, that I had made my position perfectly clear at the luncheons. He replied that some people had said I could not divest from myself my Church position in the matter of politics, to which I replied that those people would have to learn that it could be done.
I stated I had explained to the luncheons my position with reference to myself himself, and felt that in the interest of harmony he should do as I suggested.
He said that that was a matter of opinion, and his opinion differed from mine. I replied to the effect that it was a question of opinion, but I felt very clear about my own. ...
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
105 years ago today - Apr 24, 1911
[First Presidency] From representations made to us by the Council of Apostles and upon their united recommendation, we are under the necessity of discontinuing the monthly appropriation to the family of Brother John W. Taylor; and inasmuch as you have acted as agent for the family in receiving the money, it is thought proper to advise you of this action.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to John M. Cannon, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to John M. Cannon, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Apr 24, 1886 (Saturday)
The Supreme Court of Utah rendered a decision which practically endorsed lewd and lascivious conduct...
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Apr 24, 1841, Saturday
[William Clayton Writings] I was requested to attend meeting of the High Council at President John Smiths. ... At this council Willard Snow was appointed to get up a company of independent Rifle men. I have joined this company.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
115 years ago today - Apr 23, 1901
[Brigham Young Jr.] Had talk with Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow in relation to his having a son in Quorum to represent him while he was living.
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Apr 23, 1896
Prest. Jos. F. Smith['s] sermon on the [Political] Manifesto at Provo came up for consideration but no decision was reached, only opinions expressed. I feel Bro. Jos. F. construction of the Manifesto cuts to[o] deep and will cause trouble for our people everywhere.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
140 years ago today - Apr 23, 1876
Dom Pedro II, Emperor of Brazil, attends sacrament meeting at the Salt Lake City 14th ward. The Emperor is passing through Utah on his way to Philadelphia to assist President Ulysses S. Grant in opening the Centennial Exposition. The press reports him as saying that, having failed to see the harems of Turkey, he wished to visit the seraglio of Brigham Young. He is the first head of state to visit Utah.
150 years ago today - Apr 23, 1866
[Circleville Massacre] They (the Mormon townspeople) sent messengers requesting that the Paiutes go into town and hear a letter read to them. Many did. They gathered in the meetinghouse to hear Bishop William Allred address them. According to a previous plan, the Circleville men who outnumbered the Indians three to one came in unarmed and intermingled with them. The bishop read the message from Fort Sanford, stressing that the settlers wanted only peace with their band, but the Indians would have to help by lending them their guns. In return, the Paiutes could work for the whites and be paid in goods. When the Indians showed reluctance to give up their weapons, the settlers acted: "each man knowing his place and what was expected of him, grabbed hold of his Indian to disarm [him]. They all showed resistance but their bows and arrows and knives were taken from them." Next, "their arms were tied to a stick which was passed behind their backs and under their arms."
Mormon militia proceeded to shoot the hand-tied Indian men, then slit the throats of their women and children one-by-one. Of this incident commanding general Daniel H. Wells, and Young's counselor, writes that these "brethren" did what was necessary.
[Source: Exploring Mormonism: Mountain Meadows Massacre Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/mountain-meadows-massacre-timeline/; The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn ]
Mormon militia proceeded to shoot the hand-tied Indian men, then slit the throats of their women and children one-by-one. Of this incident commanding general Daniel H. Wells, and Young's counselor, writes that these "brethren" did what was necessary.
[Source: Exploring Mormonism: Mountain Meadows Massacre Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/mountain-meadows-massacre-timeline/; The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn ]
155 years ago today - Apr 23, 1861
The first of several Church wagon trains leaves the Salt Lake Valley with provisions for incoming Saints, whom they later meet at the Missouri River. This program to help immigrating Saints lasts until the railroad comes in 1869.
155 years ago today - Apr 23, 1861 (Evening)
Br. George A. Smith called in and had a conversation about coal oil springs. The President [Brigham Young] said God had a design in these springs, in time the people will find they are dancing over a volcano. -- Salt Lake City
[Source: Brigham Young Office Journals, 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: Brigham Young Office Journals, 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]
165 years ago today - Apr 23, 1851
[Hosea Stout] Last night a man named Custer was killed by the Indians in Toolie Valley. They had been taken prisoners by the whites & attempting to break away they were pursued by the whites & Custer was shot. The Indians were taken but permitted to keep their arms. A party is going out to night to Toolie against the Indians.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Apr 23, 1846
[Nauvoo Temple] The Sangamo Journal reported that "a rich old bachelor from the South" was negotiating for the purchase of the Temple, intending to turn it into "a retreat for poor widows and other females."
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
140 years ago today - Apr 22, 1876
[Wilford Woodruff] This Evening train Brought the Emperor of Brazill Dom Pedro From Ogden to Salt Lake City. "And their Kings shall be brought" is being fulfilled. He took rooms at the waker House and went to the Theater in the Evening. He is the first Emperor that Ever Visited Utah Territory in our day.
[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]
150 years ago today - Apr 22, 1866
[Wilford Woodruff] At the Close of the meeting President Young & Wells & John Taylor W. Woodruff F. D. Richards & G. Q. Cannon met at the Historians Office for Prayer. The subject of the History of Joseph the Prophet as Published by Mother Smith was taken up & President Young said Brother Woodruff as soon as G A Smith Comes home I want you to get Elias Smith & set down & Correct the Errors in the History of Joseph Smith as published by Mother Smith & then let it be published to the world.
[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]
1826
John S Thompson, a New York universalist minister, published a theophany account in 1826:
"I dreamed Christ descended from the firmament, in a glare of brightness, exceeding ten fold the brilliancy of the meridian Sun, and he came to me saying, 'I commission you to go and tell mankind that I am come; and bid every man to shout victory."
[Source: The Christian Guide to a Right Understanding of the Sacred Scriptures, John S Thompson, 1826 p. 71, quoted in 16 Precedents to Joseph Smith's First Vision, by Thinker of Thoughts, Nov 19, 2013]
"I dreamed Christ descended from the firmament, in a glare of brightness, exceeding ten fold the brilliancy of the meridian Sun, and he came to me saying, 'I commission you to go and tell mankind that I am come; and bid every man to shout victory."
[Source: The Christian Guide to a Right Understanding of the Sacred Scriptures, John S Thompson, 1826 p. 71, quoted in 16 Precedents to Joseph Smith's First Vision, by Thinker of Thoughts, Nov 19, 2013]
50 years ago today - Apr 21, 1966
BYU president Ernest L. Wilkinson gives what he, himself calls a "powerful address" that would "rock the campus from one end to the other." Wilkinson designs the speech to be controversial and hopes that it will generate discussion on campus, especially among "liberal" professors. He then instructs the newly-formed student spy ring to solicit and report on the "liberal" professors's reactions to the speech. One professor of political science, Ray Hillam, a target of the spy ring, learns about the spy ring and requests a formal hearing which Wilkinson uses to formally charge Hillam with being pro-communist and disloyal to BYU. Hillam, in the process of defending himself exposes the spy-ring and precipitates a major scandal for Wilkinson. Wilkinson privately confesses his role to the Board of Trustees but publicly denies it.
80 years ago today - Apr 21, 1936
[As pre-WWII tensions regarding Germany increased] President Clark called attention to the heavy deposits in the German-Austrian and SwissGerman Missions and recommended that steps be taken to get the deposits out of Germany. He thought it could be done by an exchange in Germany for Swiss money. The matter was discussed at some length and President Clark asked that he be reminded to take up the matter when he visits New York next.
[Source: First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
95 years ago today - Apr 21, 1921
The IMPROVEMENT ERA publishes an article by James E. Talmadge on church discipline which says, "Should knowledge of any case of wrongdoing, or lack of harmony between or among members, come to the attention of the Bishopric of a Ward, it is their duty to delegate two or more priests or teachers to visit the parties concerned, and to try by brotherly mediation to bring about a reconciliation."
125 years ago today - Apr 21, 1891
[Brigham Young Jr.] I have had curious feelings lately. When father [Brigham Young] was verysick in St. George [Utah] in the spring of [18]77 previous to his death, he was taking a vapor bath in his house when he called for me to take him out of the box; 'quick, quick' he said. He fell into my arms fainting I laid him in his easy chair, he gasped twice, his eyes set, underjaw fell, his Bowels gave away and he lay as if dead I looked over and beyond him and saw a deep dark gulf, I was terrified and the horrible depths seemed to represent what was before us if father died. I believed him dead and my very soul cried out 'You must not die father,' the future was too terrible to contemplate. I laid my palsied hands upon his head and in a quivering voice prayed God to restore my father to life. At the end I opened my eyes and looked upon his face. His eyes were wide open and were clear and glittered like blue steel and in his natural voice he quietly said 'Well your not much of a soldier.' Twice within the last week I have been perfectly unmaned, for perhaps ten seconds each time, and the same sensations experienced on the occasion when I believed my father dead and I was gazing over his body into that gulf of dispair have the same feelings of despair assailed me. I never knew the torture of terror but these three times. I was wide awake each time and it took all the power I have in the priesthood to overcome this unknown terror. I know to some extent what the prophet Joseph [Smith] experienced when seized upon in the woods by that soul destroying power just previous to the appearing of our God & his Christ.
[Source: Brigham Young Jr. 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: Brigham Young Jr. 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]
155 years ago today - Apr 21, 1861
[Wilford Woodruff] I +***** found on the Table A Deseret Extra News Containing the latest pony dispatch which says that war has Commenced. ... This is the Commencemet of the war at South Carolina in fulfillment of the Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1832.
...Presidet Brigham Young in his instructions to the missionaries said now I want you to remember what I say to you. Now take care that you do not get to Sleep & let the devil take the advantage of you. You may do that in an hour that you cannot regain through all Eternity. ...
And let the women alone, or it will prove a Curse to you. Here is George Grant. Has no wife. Now let him not think of a wife untill He gets back. This Corting women while you are abroad upon a mission is a miserable business. I would not give shucks for an Elder who Cannot go on a mission & keep Clean & Come back Clean. Now remember that. I have spent my Early life without women. ...
Many Elders go out get to sleep & do wrong and they Come back and are good for Nothing & never will be. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
...Presidet Brigham Young in his instructions to the missionaries said now I want you to remember what I say to you. Now take care that you do not get to Sleep & let the devil take the advantage of you. You may do that in an hour that you cannot regain through all Eternity. ...
And let the women alone, or it will prove a Curse to you. Here is George Grant. Has no wife. Now let him not think of a wife untill He gets back. This Corting women while you are abroad upon a mission is a miserable business. I would not give shucks for an Elder who Cannot go on a mission & keep Clean & Come back Clean. Now remember that. I have spent my Early life without women. ...
Many Elders go out get to sleep & do wrong and they Come back and are good for Nothing & never will be. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - 130 years ago - Apr 20, 1886
[St. George Temple President] Advised all to get recommends from their Bishops signed by their President and by Pres[iden]t [John] Taylor and return[ed] to them before they leave home. Said those who marry outside of the church could attend to adoptions if they were recommended but should not [be] give[n] their endowments, because when they get their endowments they enter into covenants to have no sexual intercourse with the sons of Adam, except their lawful husbands, to whom they are given in the authority of the Holy Priesthood. (Pres[iden]t [John D. T.] McAllister Temple Pres[iden]t.)
[Source: Temple Minute Book, St. George, Apr. 20, 1886, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Temple Minute Book, St. George, Apr. 20, 1886, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
50 years ago today - Apr 20, 1966
Stephen Hays Russell organized a dozen other Birch students in a room of BYU's Wilkinson Center. A non-student chapter leader of the Birch Society acted as guard for this organizing meeting of the BYU spy ring, the only time all would be together at once.
These student-spies included the president of BYU's Young Americans For Freedom, three other members of YAF, and also Cleon Skousen's nephew. Academically, their majors included economics, political science, history, Asian studies, math, and zoology. Stephen Hays Russell acknowledged choosing ten students to assist in the "monitoring," yet his reservation for the room was for twenty persons and chairs. Fellow-spy Ronald Ira Hankin consistently claimed that Russell selected fifteen to twenty students to monitor the BYU professors. However, less than fifteen student-spies have been identified. What linked all these student-spies was their participation in the Provo chapter of the John Birch Society.
The student-organizer of [the BYU] 1966 surveillance emphasized his association with Ezra Taft Benson. "On one occasion, the head of the John Birch Society in Utah County took me to the Church Office Building at Salt Lake City to meet Apostle Ezra Taft Benson," Stephen Hays Russell later wrote. "I was introduced to Brother Benson as a `key conservative student at Brigham Young University.'"
[Source: Interview of Ronald Ira Hankin by Ray C. Hillam and Louis C. Midgley, 17 Sept. 1966, Provo, Utah, transcript, 4-5, signed at the bottom of each page by Ronald I. Hankin, folder 5, Hillam Papers, and box 34, Buerger Papers; "Birchers Spied On Professors, Hialeah Student Said," Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 1967, A-32; Bergera and Priddis, Brigham Young University, 208; Stephen Hays Russell, Personal History of Stephen Hays Russell (N.P., 1983), 99. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
These student-spies included the president of BYU's Young Americans For Freedom, three other members of YAF, and also Cleon Skousen's nephew. Academically, their majors included economics, political science, history, Asian studies, math, and zoology. Stephen Hays Russell acknowledged choosing ten students to assist in the "monitoring," yet his reservation for the room was for twenty persons and chairs. Fellow-spy Ronald Ira Hankin consistently claimed that Russell selected fifteen to twenty students to monitor the BYU professors. However, less than fifteen student-spies have been identified. What linked all these student-spies was their participation in the Provo chapter of the John Birch Society.
The student-organizer of [the BYU] 1966 surveillance emphasized his association with Ezra Taft Benson. "On one occasion, the head of the John Birch Society in Utah County took me to the Church Office Building at Salt Lake City to meet Apostle Ezra Taft Benson," Stephen Hays Russell later wrote. "I was introduced to Brother Benson as a `key conservative student at Brigham Young University.'"
[Source: Interview of Ronald Ira Hankin by Ray C. Hillam and Louis C. Midgley, 17 Sept. 1966, Provo, Utah, transcript, 4-5, signed at the bottom of each page by Ronald I. Hankin, folder 5, Hillam Papers, and box 34, Buerger Papers; "Birchers Spied On Professors, Hialeah Student Said," Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 1967, A-32; Bergera and Priddis, Brigham Young University, 208; Stephen Hays Russell, Personal History of Stephen Hays Russell (N.P., 1983), 99. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
55 years ago today - Apr 20, 1961
The First Presidency and Twelve approve the rebaptism and full reinstatement of priesthood blessings for John D. Lee, the only executed participant in Mountain Meadows Massacre. The ordinances occur on 8-9 May 1961.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
90 years ago today - Apr 20, 1926
[George F. Richards] I met D[avid] O. McKay, Jos[eph] F[ielding] Smith, S[tephen] L. Richards and J[ohn] A. Widtsoe of the Twelve at the Temple as a committee at 8:00 A.M. where we spent about 1 1/2 hours in consideration of the Temple ordinances with the purpose of suggesting certain changes in the reading of the Ritual of End[owment] & the ceremonies of the Temple.
[Source: George F. Richards diary, Apr. 20, 1926, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: George F. Richards diary, Apr. 20, 1926, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
105 years ago today - Apr 20, 1911
It was decided to try to make arrangements with the publishers of Collier's Weekly to obtain, say, six thousand copies of that paper containing the reply of ex-President [Theodore] Roosevelt to the slanderous attacks of one of the magazine writers made on himself and President Smith, with a view of having the same sent as marked copies to prominent people at home and abroad. ...
Pres[iden]t. Smith reported attendance at the funeral of Isaac Manning, a negro who was employed as a servant by the Prophet Joseph Smith. President Smith spoke at the services. President Smith said that Brother Manning dug the first grave of the Prophet and Patriarch, and helped remove the bodies, perhaps, twice. The first time they were buried in the northwest room of the Nauvoo House, and were afterwards removed to the private burying ground of the old home, where his uncles, Don Carlos and Samuel were buried. In 1846, just before the departure of the Twelve from Nauvoo [Illinois], his aunt Emma had the bodies removed again, this time to the Hibbard Woods, below the Nauvoo House, near the river. There they were supposed to be when David Smith wrote the poem entitled 'The Unknown Grave.' Later they were removed back to the old place, and although the graves are without headstones, their location is known by his cousin Joseph. ...
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Pres[iden]t. Smith reported attendance at the funeral of Isaac Manning, a negro who was employed as a servant by the Prophet Joseph Smith. President Smith spoke at the services. President Smith said that Brother Manning dug the first grave of the Prophet and Patriarch, and helped remove the bodies, perhaps, twice. The first time they were buried in the northwest room of the Nauvoo House, and were afterwards removed to the private burying ground of the old home, where his uncles, Don Carlos and Samuel were buried. In 1846, just before the departure of the Twelve from Nauvoo [Illinois], his aunt Emma had the bodies removed again, this time to the Hibbard Woods, below the Nauvoo House, near the river. There they were supposed to be when David Smith wrote the poem entitled 'The Unknown Grave.' Later they were removed back to the old place, and although the graves are without headstones, their location is known by his cousin Joseph. ...
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
160 years ago today - Apr 20, 1856
[Wilford Woodruff] "I met with the Presidency & Twelve in the prayer Circle. After prayers President Young asked those who were going away if they were satisfied with him & felt satisfied that He was keeping up with the spirit of the times. They all said they were. They asked if he was satisfied with them. He said he was. He Advised Elder G A. Smith not to indulge in Arguing any point question or principle which he did not believe for the sake of Argument or to draw something out of others as it was dangerous ground. Brother Smith thanked him for his Advise & promised to follow it. Brother G. A. Smith spoke in plainness of his feelings concerning some principles of Elder O. Pratt wherein he differed from President Young concerning the creation of Adam out of the Dust of the Earth & the final consummation of knowledge & many other things. I am afraid when he comes to write he will publish in opposition to President Youngs views but he promised he would not. Many remarks were made which Thomas Bullock took & it is filed in the Historians office."
[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]
160 years ago today - Apr 20, 1856
[Brigham Young] Though we have it in history that our father Adam was made of the dust of this earth, and that he knew nothing about his God previous to being made here, yet it is not so; and when we learn the truth we shall see and understand that he helped to make this world, and was the chief manager in that operation.
He was the person who brought the animals and the seeds from other planets to this world, and brought a wife with him and stayed here. You may read and believe what you please as to what is found written in the Bible. Adam was made from the dust of an earth, but not from the dust of this earth. He was made as you and I are made, and no person was ever made upon any other principle.
Do you not suppose that he was acquainted with his associates who came and helped to make this earth? Yes, they were just as familiar with each other as we are with our children and parents.
*** Yet Enoch had to talk with and teach his people during a period of three hundred and sixty years, before he could get them prepared to enter into their rest, and then he obtained power to translate himself and his people, with the region they inhabited, their houses, gardens, fields, cattle, and all their possessions. He had learned enough from Adam and his associates to know how to handle the elements, and those who would not listen to his teachings were so wicked that they were fit to be destroyed, and he obtained power to take his portion of the earth and move out a little while, where he remains to this day.
[Source: Journal of Discourses 3:319-320; Discourse delivered by President Brigham Young in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City; April 20, 1856, quoted from Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
He was the person who brought the animals and the seeds from other planets to this world, and brought a wife with him and stayed here. You may read and believe what you please as to what is found written in the Bible. Adam was made from the dust of an earth, but not from the dust of this earth. He was made as you and I are made, and no person was ever made upon any other principle.
Do you not suppose that he was acquainted with his associates who came and helped to make this earth? Yes, they were just as familiar with each other as we are with our children and parents.
*** Yet Enoch had to talk with and teach his people during a period of three hundred and sixty years, before he could get them prepared to enter into their rest, and then he obtained power to translate himself and his people, with the region they inhabited, their houses, gardens, fields, cattle, and all their possessions. He had learned enough from Adam and his associates to know how to handle the elements, and those who would not listen to his teachings were so wicked that they were fit to be destroyed, and he obtained power to take his portion of the earth and move out a little while, where he remains to this day.
[Source: Journal of Discourses 3:319-320; Discourse delivered by President Brigham Young in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City; April 20, 1856, quoted from Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
50 years ago today - Apr 19, 1966
BYU's Ernest Wilkinson asked his administrative assistant to organize a group of "conservative" students to "monitor" professors who were regarded as Communist sympathizers. Nearly all of these BYU professors had publicly condemned the John Birch Society. ... For a year Stephen Hays Stephen Hays Russell, student-leader of this "spy ring," had already been reporting to the local Birch Society chapter and to Wilkinson about some of these professors.
[Source: Whittaker and McClellan, "The Collection: Description," 1-2, register of the Hillam Papers; Stephen Hays Russell to Ernest L. Wilkinson, 26 Apr. 1965; Richard D. Poll to Wilkinson, 24 June 1965, defending himself against the complaints by Russell and E. Eugene Bryce, Wilkinson Papers, photocopy in my possession; Morrell, Bernhard, Hillam, Wimmer, Midgley, and Wirthlin, "Events Related To the Covert Surveillance of Faculty Members," 1-2; "Birch Society Reviewed By Prof. Louis Midgley," Brigham Young University Daily Universe, 22 May 1964, 2; "Faculty Members Deplore 'Fanaticism' of Booklet," Provo Daily Herald, 23 July 1964,14; "None Dare Call It Treason Causes Sincere Concern," Brigham Young University Daily Universe, 23 July 1964, 2; also Bergera and Priddis, Brigham Young University, 207-208. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Source: Whittaker and McClellan, "The Collection: Description," 1-2, register of the Hillam Papers; Stephen Hays Russell to Ernest L. Wilkinson, 26 Apr. 1965; Richard D. Poll to Wilkinson, 24 June 1965, defending himself against the complaints by Russell and E. Eugene Bryce, Wilkinson Papers, photocopy in my possession; Morrell, Bernhard, Hillam, Wimmer, Midgley, and Wirthlin, "Events Related To the Covert Surveillance of Faculty Members," 1-2; "Birch Society Reviewed By Prof. Louis Midgley," Brigham Young University Daily Universe, 22 May 1964, 2; "Faculty Members Deplore 'Fanaticism' of Booklet," Provo Daily Herald, 23 July 1964,14; "None Dare Call It Treason Causes Sincere Concern," Brigham Young University Daily Universe, 23 July 1964, 2; also Bergera and Priddis, Brigham Young University, 207-208. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
110 years ago today - Apr 19, 1906
In view of the appalling accounts of distress resulting from the destruction by earthquake and fire of the city of San Francisco and other towns of California, it was decided, on motion of President [John R.] Winder, that the Church donate $10,000. towards the relief of the sufferers, and that Governor George C. Pardee be informed by telegraph that this amount has been placed to his credit for this purpose in the State Bank of Utah.
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Apr 19, 1896
Joseph F. Smith preaches: "It is an established rule in the Church, and the discipline of the Church requires that a member of the Fourth ward desiring to remove to the First ward shall make application to the Bishop of the Fourth ward and shall say to him in effect: "Bishop, I have determined to move out of this ward, and my purpose is now to settle in the First ward, and I desire from you a letter of recommendation, that I can carry with me, certifying that I am a member of the Church, in good fellowship in the Fourth ward, so that I may be entitled to be received as a member of the Church, in good standing, in the ward to which I shall remove." The Bishop of the Fourth ward, agreeable to his request, issues a letter of standing to him, certifying that he and his family are members of the Church, in good standing, in his ward, and as such he recommends them to the confidence and fellowship of any ward that they may desire to join. Now, no man is exempt from this discipline of the Church. No man can override this rule and still be regarded as a member in good standing. The moment a man undertakes to take the bit in his own mouth and say, "I will not ask my Bishop for a letter of standing; I will move to where I please, and claim standing in the Church wherever I please to locate," that moment he becomes insubordinate and certainly could not be regarded as a member in good standing or as a type of good membership in the Church."
125 years ago today - Apr 19, 1891
Six months after the Manifesto future apostle George F. Richards is told in a patriarchal blessing that he would "be blessed with wives and numerous prosperity." Richards does not enter into plural marriage, but he was sealed to six women "for eternity," two from consecutive monogamous marriages and four women after they were deceased.
170 years ago today - Sunday, Apr 19, 1846.
[Brigham Young] "I will order in the name of the Lord, and my counsel shall be obeyed."
[Source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
[Source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
180 years ago today - Apr 19, 1836
[Wilford Woodruff] ... Br Smoot related the news to me from Br Patten which was glorious in the first degree. He gave me an account of the endowment at Kirtland Ohio. The heavens Was opened unto them. Angels & Jesus Christ was seen of them sitting at the right hand of the father.
He also informed me that ... the second seventy was chosen & that I was one of the number. O God prepare me for the Battle while combating error with everlasting truth. The above are great blessings indeed. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
He also informed me that ... the second seventy was chosen & that I was one of the number. O God prepare me for the Battle while combating error with everlasting truth. The above are great blessings indeed. ...
[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 - Apr 19, 1831
The Painesville Telegraph publishes a letter from Martin Harris that includes the earliest published version of the Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ. Joseph and Oliver are each "called of God and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church."
[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]
75 years ago today - Apr 18, 1941
[J. Reuben Clark] Read Lowell Bennion's book on Mormonism. This is less objectionable than the 1938-39 books.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
75 years ago today - Apr 18, 1941
President Grant at my desk re division of his salary'$35 per month of which was paid to Emeline Wells until her recent death. The last payment of said amount was added to President Grant's monthly allowance check. He explained that the relatives of Emeline Wells have asked that the contribution be continued in favor of her relatives. He will think the matter over and advise us.
[Source: Frank Evans, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: Frank Evans, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
105 years ago today - Apr 18, 1911
Elder [Gustavus A.] Gamble was invited to make a statement in reply to the accusation. ... Since coming to Utah, some six years ago, I have tried to associate with what I regarded as the best members of the Church. I have sought the society of temple-workers and others supposed to be in good standing.
I had not been blessed with children, as my domestic affairs were such that this privilege was denied me. I desired to have offspring, and was told that by embracing the principle of plural marriage, I might have posterity. I received encouragement in this from what I thought were responsible brethren, and I made every effort possible to avoid publicity and everything that might bring disgrace upon the Church, but my attempt has been a failure, and I feel that I have greatly sinned against the Church. ...
A ceremony was performed, uniting me in plural marriage, but I am not certain as to the identi[t]y of the one who officiated...
I understood from conversation on the subject, that it would be best for me not to know that name of the man who officiated in the ceremony. ...
[Source: Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015, Appendix 7: The Salt Lake Stake High Council and Post-1904 Plural Marriage: Minutes of Meetings, 1909-1914]
I had not been blessed with children, as my domestic affairs were such that this privilege was denied me. I desired to have offspring, and was told that by embracing the principle of plural marriage, I might have posterity. I received encouragement in this from what I thought were responsible brethren, and I made every effort possible to avoid publicity and everything that might bring disgrace upon the Church, but my attempt has been a failure, and I feel that I have greatly sinned against the Church. ...
A ceremony was performed, uniting me in plural marriage, but I am not certain as to the identi[t]y of the one who officiated...
I understood from conversation on the subject, that it would be best for me not to know that name of the man who officiated in the ceremony. ...
[Source: Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015, Appendix 7: The Salt Lake Stake High Council and Post-1904 Plural Marriage: Minutes of Meetings, 1909-1914]
110 years ago today - Apr 18, 1906
San Francisco earthquake. The room of Matthias F. Cowley, recently dropped from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "is the only one in [his hotel that is] undamaged."
[In the ensuing fire, the mission home is destroyed. The fire results in the California Mission headquarters being moved to Los Angeles in Southern California.]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[In the ensuing fire, the mission home is destroyed. The fire results in the California Mission headquarters being moved to Los Angeles in Southern California.]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
110 years ago today - Apr 18, 1906
[J. Golden Kimball to John W. Taylor] Our hearts go out to you in sympathy, love and esteem because of your integrity, loyalty and patriotism to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We know, just as well as we know anything, that both you and Brother [Matthias F.] Cowley would look into a cannon's mouth and are more than willing to place all that you have and are upon the alt[a]r of sacrifice for the Church. While it is true that we do not understand the action taken against you brethren and cannot believe you are out of harmony with the Twelve Apostles, yet we are under the necessity, as things now stand, to allow matters to go just as they are. The Presidency of the Church and the Twelve Apostles assumed the responsibility of the action without asking the people to give their consent, further than to sustain the brethren who were chosen to fill the vacancies in the Council of the Twelve. The only thing we can do is to keep our mouths shut and wait until these difficulties are made clear or until we can understand why such action was taken.
[Source: J. Golden Kimball, Letter to John W. Taylor, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: J. Golden Kimball, Letter to John W. Taylor, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
145 years ago today - Apr 18, 1871 (Tuesday)
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the eminent litterateur, arrived in Salt Lake City, on a visit.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Apr 18, 1841
[William Smith interview] ... About the year 1823, there was a revival of religion in that region, and Joseph was one of several hopeful converts. The others were joining, some one church, and some another in that vicinity, but Joseph hesitated between the different denominations. While his mind was perplexed with this subject, he prayed for divine direction; and afterwards was awaked one night by an extraordinary vision. The glory of the Lord filled the chamber with a dazzling light, and a glorious angel appeared to him, conversed with him, and told him that he was a chosen vessel unto the Lord to make known true religion. The next day he went into the field; but he was unable to work, his mind being oppressed by the remembrance of the vision. He returned to the house, and soon after sent for his father and brothers from the field; and then, in presence of the family, (my informant one of them,) he related all that had occurred. They were astounded, but not altogether incredulous. After this, he had other similar visions, in one of which the existence of certain metallic plates was revealed to him and their location described--about three miles off, in a pasture ground. The next day he went alone to the spot, and by digging discovered the plates in a sort of rude stone box. They were eight or ten inches long, less in width, about the thickness of panes of glass; and together, made a pile about five or six inches high. They were in a good state of preservation, had the appearance of gold, and bore inscriptions in strange characters on both sides. He brought them home, but was unable to read them. He afterwards made a facsimile of some parts of the inscription, and sent it to professor Anthon of New York city. The professor pronounced the characters to be ancient Hebrew corrupted, and the language to be degenerate Hebrew with a mixture of Egyptian. He could decypher only one entire word. After this Joseph Smith was supernaturally assisted to read and to understand the inscription; and he was directed to translate a great part of it. The pages which he was not to translate were found to be sealed together, so that he did not even read them and learn their contents. With an assistant to correct his English, he translated so much of the inscription as now makes the book of Mormon. He kept the plates a long time in his chamber, and after translating from them, he repeatedly showed them to his parents and to other friends. But my informant said, he had never seen them. At length he was directed by a vision to bury the plates again in the same manner; which he accordingly did. ...
[Source: James Murdock to Congregational Observer, 19 June 1841, "The Mormons and Their Prophet," Congregational Observer (Hartford and New Haven, Connecticut) 2 (3 July 1841): 1. Reprinted in Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer (Peoria, Illinois), 3 September 1841., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: William Smith Interview With James Murdock]
[Source: James Murdock to Congregational Observer, 19 June 1841, "The Mormons and Their Prophet," Congregational Observer (Hartford and New Haven, Connecticut) 2 (3 July 1841): 1. Reprinted in Peoria Register and North-Western Gazetteer (Peoria, Illinois), 3 September 1841., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: William Smith Interview With James Murdock]
25 years ago today - Apr 17,1991
Chronicle of Higher Education reports that Utah "ranks last in proportion of students who are female" throughout the United States. This is result of Utah's "traditions that inhibit the educational progress of women."
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
1716
[Polyandry] "For when a Roman thought himself to have a sufficient Provision of Children, in case his Neighbour who had none, should come and desire him to accommodate him with his Wife, that he also might have the benefit of Issue from his fruitful Woman; he had a lawful Power to lend her to him who desired her, either for a certain time, or else to loose the Bonds of Marriage, and consign her into the Hands of her Paramour for ever. But the Laconian had another rule: for it was allowable for him to afford the use of his Wife to any other that desired to have Children by her, and yet still to keep her in his House, and retain the Bond and Conditions of Marriage in the same force and vertue [virtue] as before"
[Source: "The Comparison of NUMA with LYCURGUS," at end of Paul Rycaut's translation of "THE LIFE OF Numa Pompilius," in John Dryden, ed., Plutarch's Lives: In Five Volumes. Translated from the Greek, By several Hands, 5 vols. (London: Jacob Tonson, 1716), 1: 203, quoted in "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
[Source: "The Comparison of NUMA with LYCURGUS," at end of Paul Rycaut's translation of "THE LIFE OF Numa Pompilius," in John Dryden, ed., Plutarch's Lives: In Five Volumes. Translated from the Greek, By several Hands, 5 vols. (London: Jacob Tonson, 1716), 1: 203, quoted in "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
1656
John Aubrey begins writing A Natural History of Wiltshire in which he states that -the Fraternity of Free-Masons are known to one another by certain signs and watch words, and other significant words,- and also described them as -adopted masons- and -accepted masons.- His history is not published until 1847
[Source: The Temple Timeline (Masons, Ancient Temples, Garments and a Lot More), http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-temple-timeline-masons-ancient-temples-garments-and-a-lot-more/]
[Source: The Temple Timeline (Masons, Ancient Temples, Garments and a Lot More), http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-temple-timeline-masons-ancient-temples-garments-and-a-lot-more/]
50 years ago today - Apr 16, 1966
A Birch member in Arizona wrote a letter to "all of the General Authorities," which said "Brother [Mark E.] Petersen's article was a tragic and regrettable mistake," and added a few lines later that the "Communists and their dupes have directed their attacks and smear campaign against the John Birch Society . . ." Petersen's editorial was "a shocking smear I'm sure the Church doesn't condone," according to a "Letter to the Editor" which the Deseret News refused to print. This Mormon Bircher concluded: "Elder Petersen owes an apology to the readers of the Church News for the unwarrantable and unauthorized innuendos."
[Source: Joe H. Ferguson to "All General Authorities," 16 Apr. 1966, 4, with postscript to "Mark" (Mark E. Anderson). From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Source: Joe H. Ferguson to "All General Authorities," 16 Apr. 1966, 4, with postscript to "Mark" (Mark E. Anderson). From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
50 years ago today - April 16, 18, 1966
McKay reversed his previous position: "I told Clare that I did not wish these paragraphs deleted; that I gave them and the statement should stand as given; that many people have recordings of the full statement…. These things are very upsetting to me, and the deletion of what I said at Priesthood Meeting is causing a lot of people to question and to wonder what is going on." The deleted paragraphs were restored in the official Conference Report and Improvement Era. His Secretary Clare Middlemiss tried to get the full version published in the next issue of the Church News, but was thwarted by Lawrence McKay.
[Source: David O. McKay diary; Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
[Source: David O. McKay diary; Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
50 years ago today - Apr 16, 1966
Ezra Taft Benson met with McKay and described "The 1976 Committee," to be composed of 100 prominent men from throughout the country, which proposed to nominate Benson for president and Thurmond for vice president. McKay repeated his resistance to forming a third party, to which Benson replied that he also was "opposed to this, but this Committee and movement might result in a realignment between the two political parties." McKay responded "that this nation is rapidly moving down the road of soul-destroying socialism, and that I hoped and prayed that the efforts of the 1976 Committee would be successful in stemming the tide." He told Benson "to let them go ahead and wait and see what develops." Benson presented him with proposed statements that he and McKay might make if the committee moved as planned to propose his nomination, to which McKay agreed. McKay's statement ended with the words "his doing so has my full approval."
[Source: David O. McKay diary; Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
[Source: David O. McKay diary; Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
80 years ago today - Apr 16, 1936
[Heber J. Grant] [Former apostle] Matthias F. Cowley called this morning and expressed his deep gratitude that he had been restored to fellowship with authority to officiate in the office of an elder. I am very happy indeed that he has confessed his mistakes and has once more been fellowshipped after years and years of suffering, no doubt, on his part. ...
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
110 years ago today - Apr 16, 1906
[Angus M. Cannon] ... I called upon Pres[ident]. [Heber J.] Grant, in his bedroom, before he was up and talked matters over with him relating to the ordination of 2 additional members of the 'Twelve.' ... I feel that the two brethren [i.e., John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley] who have been supplanted have only been suspended, temporarily, from necessity to keep the Church from persecution. He said:'I feel they have proved refractory after taking upon themselves the responsibility to marry people, if not to take wives themselves, without God's justification,'as witness: Abraham H. Cannon, A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff & M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill's early death, who evidently did take upon themselves, to do that which we agreed should not be done. I replied:'Bro[ther]. Grant,'the late President Brigham Young, once said:'Hansen Walker, a Bishop who lived at Pleasant Grove, Utah, had eaten so much stolen beef he could not talk and that is how I am situated. I know so much, that I cannot talk hence I will not say more, than that I cannot understand, knowing what I do, how brethren can vote to suspend those two brethren from their positions perm[a]n[e]ntly. He replied:''I do not blame brethren who have gone into that principle, through these two mens instrumentality or ministrations, for they cannot be held to be equally guilty, but I know: I could not get liberty to do what I wished without committing a breach of good faith, when I hoped to have a son to bear my name,'and now it appears as if I must have my name blotted out from the earth.' I dare say no more but realized he did not take in the scope of my thoughts. Hence I changed the subject.
[Source: Angus M. Cannon 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: Angus M. Cannon 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 - Apr 16, 1891
The First Presidency learns that the U.S. solicitor general and Utah's district attorney have formally agreed "to let loose of our Temple."
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
160 years ago today - Apr 16, 1856
"Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed their blood?" – Brigham Young
[Source: Deseret News, April 16, 1856, quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Mountain Meadows Massacre Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/mountain-meadows-massacre-timeline/]
[Source: Deseret News, April 16, 1856, quoted at Exploring Mormonism: Mountain Meadows Massacre Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/mountain-meadows-massacre-timeline/]
175 years ago today - Apr 16, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff] [Upon preparing to leave England] "It hath truly been a miricle what God hath wrought by our hands in this land since we have been here & I am asstonished when I look at it for during our Stay here we have esstablished churches in all the most noted cities & towns in this Kingdom have Baptized more than 5,000 souls Printed 5,000 Books of mormon 3000 Hymn Books 2,500 Volumes of the Millennial Star & about 50,000 tracts, & gatherd to the land of Joseph 1,000 Souls & esstablished a great influence among those that trade in ships at sea & lacked for nothing to eat drink or ware. Truly the Lord hath been good."
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Apr 16, 1836
Future-apostle Charles C. Rich describes his endowment ceremony-experience in the Kirtland Temple: "We then continued to fast and pray until the setting of the sun when we Broke Bread and Drank wine[.] we prophesied all night pronouncing blessings and cursings until the morning light[.] there was Great manifestations of the power of God . . . and I was filled with the spirit of prophesy and I was endued with power from on high."
25 years ago today - Apr 15, 1991
Charles Edward 'Charlie Brown' Artman, dies. His obituary in the DESERET NEWS calls him "the first true hippie to confuse Utahns." Artman dressed in a black robe with a large, brass "ankh" symbol around his neck. As a social and environmental activist he was arrested in Salt Lake City twenty-one times but never convicted of anything. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s he asked to be baptized into the LDS church. He was repeatedly refused but spent ten to fifteen hours daily doing genealogy research at the Salt Lake genealogical library. In 1968 he organized a "love in" in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Later he worked through the Alameda Street Church to help troubled, lower-classed persons. In the mid 1970s he spent three years with Guru Maharaji, the fourteen-year-old living master who claimed to be Krishna himself. He finally succeeded in getting baptized on May 5, 1985. He spent the last years of his life going through the Oakland temple doing work for his ancestors.
95 years ago today - Apr 15, 1921
[George F. Richards] ... I formulated a pledge of loyalty to the Church & authorities and to their attitude towards plural marriage for temple workers to sign.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
105 years ago today - Apr 15, 1911
Collier's magazine published a letter from Theodore Roosevelt refuting many charges made against Utah Sen. Reed Smoot and the Church. This action helped defuse an anti-Mormon propaganda surge of 1910-11.
[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]
145 years ago today - Apr 15, 1871 (Saturday)
The first number of the Salt Lake Daily Tribune [Salt Lake Tribune] was issued instead of the Mormon Tribune, suspended.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
150 years ago today - Apr 15, 1866
"We should obey the laws which God revealed gladly."
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, 1855–1875, Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, 1855–1875, Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
160 years ago today - Apr 15, 1856
While reading the revelation upon the patriarchal marriage & While reading that paragraph relating to the sheding of innocent Blood President Young remarked that that was a vary nice point to distinguish between innocent Blood & that which is not innocent. Were we now Commanded to go & avenge the Blood of the prophets whare it wood reach infants from the Cradle to the third & forth generation would they know what to do in such a case? They would not. But there is one thing that is a consolation to me And that is I am satisfied that the Lord will not require it of this people untill they become sanctifyed & are led by the spirit of God so as not to shed inocent Blood.
Again what does the saying mean that sayes all shall be damned that does not keep this Law unto whom it is revealed? Does it mean that they shall take more wives than one? I think it includes the whole law with its covenants. ...
President B. Young then wrote the following words to be put upon one of the Stones of the Temple:
Holiness to the Lord
The Temple of our God
Built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Commenced on the 6th day of April A.D. 1853.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Again what does the saying mean that sayes all shall be damned that does not keep this Law unto whom it is revealed? Does it mean that they shall take more wives than one? I think it includes the whole law with its covenants. ...
President B. Young then wrote the following words to be put upon one of the Stones of the Temple:
Holiness to the Lord
The Temple of our God
Built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Commenced on the 6th day of April A.D. 1853.
[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 - Apr 15, 1851
24 free Blacks living in Utah in 1851
[Source: http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]
[Source: http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]
170 years ago today - Apr 15, 1846. Wednesday.
[William Clayton] This morning Ellen Kimball came to me and wishes me much joy. She said Diantha [his wife, who had not yet joined the pioneers] has a son. I told her I was afraid it was not so but she said Brother [Samuel] Pond had received a letter. I went over to Pond's and he read that she had a fine fat boy on the 30th ult. but she was very sick with ague and mumps. Truly I feel to rejoice at this intelligence but feel sorry to hear of her sickness. ... This morning I composed a new song, "All is well." I feel to thank my heavenly father for my boy and pray that he will spare and preserve his life and that of his mother and so order it so that we may soon meet again.
[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 - April 15 or Aug 2, 1846
[Wilford Woodruff marriage] Mary Ann Jackson (married at the Nauvoo Temple or at Winter Quarters) Mary Ann was twenty-eight, Wilford was thirty-nine. They had one child, James Jackson, but divorced in 1848.
... Wilford Woodruff met her on his English mission. In his journal, on August 8, 1845, he wrote: I recieved 2 letters & wrote 2. 4 m. Sister Mary Jackson commenced labour with us this day."
On August 2, 1846, Woodruff wrote: During the evening President Young And Dr Richards Called at my tent. President Young deliverd an interesting lecture upon the priesthood And the principal of sealing there being present: Phebe W. Woodruff / [Mary] Caroline Barton / Caroline [mistake for Sarah] Brown / Mary Jackson." There is a picture of a large heart with four keys. This is a typical pre-1852 cryptic reference to plural marriages. On August 8, at a time of rebaptisms, Woodruff baptized the trio, and got the names right: Caroline, Sarah, Mary." He also has the names correct on August 26: Caroline Barton and Sarah Brown." He describes them there as members of my family."
... Working for the Woodruffs as housekeeper [in Liverpool], she returned with Phebe and a party of emigrants via New Orleans in January 1846. On April 15, two days after his return to Nauvoo for a reunion with his wife and children, Wilford and his family and friends visited the temple. The records are contradictory, but he married Mary Ann on that occasion or on August 2, at Winter Quarters. ...
[Source: Compton, Todd, 'The Wives of Wilford Woodruff', http://toddmcompton.com/WWfamilies.htm]
... Wilford Woodruff met her on his English mission. In his journal, on August 8, 1845, he wrote: I recieved 2 letters & wrote 2. 4 m. Sister Mary Jackson commenced labour with us this day."
On August 2, 1846, Woodruff wrote: During the evening President Young And Dr Richards Called at my tent. President Young deliverd an interesting lecture upon the priesthood And the principal of sealing there being present: Phebe W. Woodruff / [Mary] Caroline Barton / Caroline [mistake for Sarah] Brown / Mary Jackson." There is a picture of a large heart with four keys. This is a typical pre-1852 cryptic reference to plural marriages. On August 8, at a time of rebaptisms, Woodruff baptized the trio, and got the names right: Caroline, Sarah, Mary." He also has the names correct on August 26: Caroline Barton and Sarah Brown." He describes them there as members of my family."
... Working for the Woodruffs as housekeeper [in Liverpool], she returned with Phebe and a party of emigrants via New Orleans in January 1846. On April 15, two days after his return to Nauvoo for a reunion with his wife and children, Wilford and his family and friends visited the temple. The records are contradictory, but he married Mary Ann on that occasion or on August 2, at Winter Quarters. ...
[Source: Compton, Todd, 'The Wives of Wilford Woodruff', http://toddmcompton.com/WWfamilies.htm]
170 years ago today - Apr 15, 1846
[Hosea Stout] [A description of shuffling of assignments of individuals involved in Nauvoo church security is given -- a group with ties to the earlier Danites.] Thus the distinction of the old Police was entirely done away & we could say according to the prophecy of Joseph "Where is the old Police" &c
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
160 years ago today - Apr 14, 1856
I hear that Jacob Lance who was under arrest in Lehi Utah County for an assault with an intent to commit a Rape? on a Danish woman, this morning while his guards were snoozing and he either asleep or nodding had his head split asunder by a woman supposed to be the injured one, who came in and split his head with an axe then gently retiring with out saying a word
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
320 years ago today - 1696
First recorded mention of the five points of fellowship in the Edinburgh Register.
[Source: The Temple Timeline (Masons, Ancient Temples, Garments and a Lot More), http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-temple-timeline-masons-ancient-temples-garments-and-a-lot-more/]
[Source: The Temple Timeline (Masons, Ancient Temples, Garments and a Lot More), http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-temple-timeline-masons-ancient-temples-garments-and-a-lot-more/]
240 years ago today - 1776
Fathers Silvestre Velez de Escalante and Francisco Atanasio Dominguez seek a new route from New Mexico to California and explore Utah.
[Source: History to Go, Trappers, Traders and Explorers, http://historytogo.utah.gov/timeline/trapperstradersandexplorers.html]
[Source: History to Go, Trappers, Traders and Explorers, http://historytogo.utah.gov/timeline/trapperstradersandexplorers.html]
50 years ago today - Apr 13, 1966
Ernest Wilkinson and Skousen conversed about the John Birch Society: "We would probably agree with 90% of their principles but we both believe that Ezra Taft Benson has made some tactical or procedural errors in trying to vouch President McKay in on everything he has done . . ."
[Source: Wilkinson diary, 13 Apr. 1966. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Source: Wilkinson diary, 13 Apr. 1966. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]