The 'Arizona Republic' begins a three-part series on LDS church finances and claims that the church receives $4.3 billion in tithing annually. LDS headquarters announces that this estimate is "grossly overstated."
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
55 years ago today - Jun 30, 1961
An LDS missionary records in his journal Harold B. Lee's answer (given in the temple) to the question, "If the "second endowment" existed and "if so, what connection does it have with the Holy Spirit of Promise, and who receives it and why and how," Lee's answer: "You don't have to worry. You've received all the ordinances necessary for exaltation....It is a special blessing given by the President of the Church to men who have been called. It is not necessary to receive it, however. You have all the endowment you need to be exalted."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
55 years ago today - Jun 30, 1961
[Joseph Fielding Smith]
"The Lord did not give us the complete story of the creation of Adam and Eve because He knew the world would not accept it."
[Source: Journal of John A. Tvedtnes, in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
"The Lord did not give us the complete story of the creation of Adam and Eve because He knew the world would not accept it."
[Source: Journal of John A. Tvedtnes, in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
100 years ago today - Jun 30, 1916
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve issued a doctrinal exposition clarifying the use of the title "Father" as it is applied to Jesus Christ.
[It provides reconciliation of BOOK OF MORMON passages which seem to contradict later official teachings about separate character of Godhead's trinity. The statement is written by Apostle James E. Talmage and edited and signed by the First Presidency.]
[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]
[It provides reconciliation of BOOK OF MORMON passages which seem to contradict later official teachings about separate character of Godhead's trinity. The statement is written by Apostle James E. Talmage and edited and signed by the First Presidency.]
[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 - Jun 30, 1871
Acting-Governor of Utah, George A. Black, issued a proclamation forbidding any of the militia of the Territory to assemble for the purpose of celebrating the ninety-fifth anniversary of American Independence.
[Source: Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
[Source: Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
155 years ago today - Jun 30, 1861 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
There was a man came into my office when it was pretty hard times, and he was poor, and wanted some money. I put my hand in my pocket and took out a five dollar piece and gave him, it was all I had. though that made no difference, I gave it to him and felt right in so doing. Next evening was after something in my pocket, I know now what, but I found two five dollar pieces. I never put them there, and no person else to my knowledge.... The angels know how it came there, I never knew. ... The Gold people worship silver they worship, wealth they worship, and it has consequently become a snare to the people. I this people called Latter-day Saints could have what they desire of this material it would be their ruination If the Lord wished to ruin this people I do not think there is any way in the world to do it so effectually as to lead them to find a few gold mines in these mountains. Were to commence digging gold we should have to leave here, that is the latter day saints could not live here, if they tarried it would be because we forsook our religion...
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
There was a man came into my office when it was pretty hard times, and he was poor, and wanted some money. I put my hand in my pocket and took out a five dollar piece and gave him, it was all I had. though that made no difference, I gave it to him and felt right in so doing. Next evening was after something in my pocket, I know now what, but I found two five dollar pieces. I never put them there, and no person else to my knowledge.... The angels know how it came there, I never knew. ... The Gold people worship silver they worship, wealth they worship, and it has consequently become a snare to the people. I this people called Latter-day Saints could have what they desire of this material it would be their ruination If the Lord wished to ruin this people I do not think there is any way in the world to do it so effectually as to lead them to find a few gold mines in these mountains. Were to commence digging gold we should have to leave here, that is the latter day saints could not live here, if they tarried it would be because we forsook our religion...
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Jun 30, 1846
U.S. army officers ask church leaders at Kanesville (Council Bluffs), Iowa, to raise 500 volunteers for the Mexican War. Young had previously commissioned Jesse C. Little to secretly negotiate army service for 2,000 Mormons to finance exploration of the Great Basin. But in public sermons Young would insist that the Mormon Battalion was a necessary accommodation to the U.S. president's threat to annihilate the Mormons if they did not comply.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
170 years ago today - Jun 30, 1846
[Wilford Woodruff]
I stoped my Carriage on the top of a rolling prairie And I had most A splendid view. I could stand And gaze to the east west North & South & behold the Saints pouring out & gathering like clouds from the Hills & dales grove & prairie with there teams, waggons, flocks, & Heards by Hunderds & thousands as it were untill it looked like the movements of A great Nation.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I stoped my Carriage on the top of a rolling prairie And I had most A splendid view. I could stand And gaze to the east west North & South & behold the Saints pouring out & gathering like clouds from the Hills & dales grove & prairie with there teams, waggons, flocks, & Heards by Hunderds & thousands as it were untill it looked like the movements of A great Nation.
[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 - Jun 30, 1836
[Wilford Woodruff]
30 Spent the day at Mr Criders. I <and Brothers Smoot and Clapp went to the woods to pray. The power of God sat on us. We prayed with the spirit of prophecy. I sealed> up <my brethren and prophesied on their heads great blessings by the Spirit of God. >
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
30 Spent the day at Mr Criders. I <and Brothers Smoot and Clapp went to the woods to pray. The power of God sat on us. We prayed with the spirit of prophecy. I sealed> up <my brethren and prophesied on their heads great blessings by the Spirit of God. >
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Jun 29, 1891
[Franklin D. Richards]
At 11'met other brethren at the Gardo House'W[ilford] W[woodruff] & G[eorge] Q C[annon].'F[ranklin]. D. R[ichards]. M[oses] T[hatcher]. J[ohn]. H[enry]. S[mith]. H[eber] J. G[rant]. M[arriner] W[ood]. M[errill]. A[nthon] H L[und]. A[braham] H C[annon]. & about 4 p.m. F[rancis] M. L[yman]. arrived. 1st felt deemed advisable that political parties may approach near an equality of numbers. 2d that in Salt Lake district it may be & is deemed politic to get up a fusion Ticket or a Citizen's Ticket in order to defeat the Liberal design to disfranchise all Mormons. 3d That some Committees be appoint[ed] in places precincts or counties where it may be found necessary.
[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]
At 11'met other brethren at the Gardo House'W[ilford] W[woodruff] & G[eorge] Q C[annon].'F[ranklin]. D. R[ichards]. M[oses] T[hatcher]. J[ohn]. H[enry]. S[mith]. H[eber] J. G[rant]. M[arriner] W[ood]. M[errill]. A[nthon] H L[und]. A[braham] H C[annon]. & about 4 p.m. F[rancis] M. L[yman]. arrived. 1st felt deemed advisable that political parties may approach near an equality of numbers. 2d that in Salt Lake district it may be & is deemed politic to get up a fusion Ticket or a Citizen's Ticket in order to defeat the Liberal design to disfranchise all Mormons. 3d That some Committees be appoint[ed] in places precincts or counties where it may be found necessary.
[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]
125 years ago today - Jun 29, 1891
[Abraham H. Cannon]
We had considerable talk over the conditions existing here, and felt that everything is moving along satisfactorily. The change in sentiment towards our people is exhibited in the fact that ex-Marshal F[rank] H. Dyer called Heber J. Grant out of a [Salt Lake] Herald Directors' meeting a few days ago, and told him that one of his plural wives had been located in this city by the deputies, and said, "For G-d's sake, get her away, Grant, for we can't afford to have the Vice-President of this company arrested for violating the law." Heber did get her away.
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon (Author), Edward Leo Lyman (Editor), Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895, Signature Books]
We had considerable talk over the conditions existing here, and felt that everything is moving along satisfactorily. The change in sentiment towards our people is exhibited in the fact that ex-Marshal F[rank] H. Dyer called Heber J. Grant out of a [Salt Lake] Herald Directors' meeting a few days ago, and told him that one of his plural wives had been located in this city by the deputies, and said, "For G-d's sake, get her away, Grant, for we can't afford to have the Vice-President of this company arrested for violating the law." Heber did get her away.
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon (Author), Edward Leo Lyman (Editor), Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895, Signature Books]
135 years ago today - Jun 29, 1881
[Samantha Payne (neighbor of Joseph Smith)]
"[Joseph] Smith for a period of about seven years was more or less of the time engaged in digging for money--that he so dug upon many of the farms in the neighborhood as well as upon the farm on which she now resides, and that some of the holes which he dug can now be seen"
[Source: Samantha Payne, Affidavit, 29 June 1881, Ontario County Clerk's Office, Canandaigua, New York. Published in Ontario County Times, 27 July 1881., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Samantha Payne Affidavit]
"[Joseph] Smith for a period of about seven years was more or less of the time engaged in digging for money--that he so dug upon many of the farms in the neighborhood as well as upon the farm on which she now resides, and that some of the holes which he dug can now be seen"
[Source: Samantha Payne, Affidavit, 29 June 1881, Ontario County Clerk's Office, Canandaigua, New York. Published in Ontario County Times, 27 July 1881., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Samantha Payne Affidavit]
160 years ago today - Jun 29, 1856
First Counselor Heber C. Kimball preaches: "I never said that I ever saw an angel from God, though I have dreamed about them;" In the same sermon he states: "My feelings are for you to learn to follow our leader, our Prophet, our President [Brigham Young]. He will be our President in eternity, and Joseph is his President and will counsel him, and you need not trouble yourselves, but do as you are told and you will obtain salvation and go into the celestial glory."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - Jun 29, 1851 (Morning)
[Brigham Young]
"The Abolitionists become heated and say the Negro must be made equal to the white man at the table and all other places. They will at the same time turn away the widow and orphan and put into prison a poor man for debt, and deprive him of his time to pay the debt. Instead of this we should feed the hungry and do good to all men as we have an opportunity. ... There has been a great stir to exalt the Negro and make him equal to the white man, but there is a curse upon the seed of Cain and all hell cannot wipe it out and it cannot be taken off until God takes it off. When a person unlawfully seeks for power and exaltation by taking the blessings which belong to another, he will sink far below the other. As Lucifer, the son of the morning, sought the glory that belonged to Christ, the firstborn, he was thrust down to hell. So Cain sought Abel's blessing and took the life of his brother. The consequence was Cain was cursed and his seed, and this curse will remain until Abel's posterity will get all the blessing there is for him. Then the curse may be taken from Cain or his posterity, but his posterity will be below Abel's. All are slaves. ... Let us not dishonor God, His kingdom or our brethren. If we do, we shall sink below them and their children. If the wife dishonors the husband, the children will dishonor the mother and she must welter under it."
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:41-43, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"The Abolitionists become heated and say the Negro must be made equal to the white man at the table and all other places. They will at the same time turn away the widow and orphan and put into prison a poor man for debt, and deprive him of his time to pay the debt. Instead of this we should feed the hungry and do good to all men as we have an opportunity. ... There has been a great stir to exalt the Negro and make him equal to the white man, but there is a curse upon the seed of Cain and all hell cannot wipe it out and it cannot be taken off until God takes it off. When a person unlawfully seeks for power and exaltation by taking the blessings which belong to another, he will sink far below the other. As Lucifer, the son of the morning, sought the glory that belonged to Christ, the firstborn, he was thrust down to hell. So Cain sought Abel's blessing and took the life of his brother. The consequence was Cain was cursed and his seed, and this curse will remain until Abel's posterity will get all the blessing there is for him. Then the curse may be taken from Cain or his posterity, but his posterity will be below Abel's. All are slaves. ... Let us not dishonor God, His kingdom or our brethren. If we do, we shall sink below them and their children. If the wife dishonors the husband, the children will dishonor the mother and she must welter under it."
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:41-43, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Jun 29, 1836
A public meeting is held in Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, in which the local citizens decide that to avoid a civil war the Saints must leave Clay County. They accuse the Saints of coming into the county friendless and penniless, of arriving in large numbers, of being nonslave holders, and of communicating with the Indian tribes.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
70 years ago today - Jun 28, 1946
A First Presidency statement against compulsory military service ("conscription" or "the draft") during peace time. This is an extensive version of the Presidency's earlier views and of its efforts to persuade LDS congressmen to vote against the peacetime draft.
[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)]]
100 years ago today - Jun 28, 1916
The First Presidency has the following notice hung in all temples: "The following is to be regarded as an established and imperative rule. The garments worn by those who receive endowments must be white and of the approve[d] pattern; they must not be altered or mutilated, and are to be worn as intended, down to the wrist and ankles and around the neck. Admission to the temple will be refused to those who do not comply to these requirements. The Saints should know that the pattern of endowment garments was revealed from Heaven and that the blessings promised in connection with wearing them will not be realized if any unauthorized change is made in their form or in the manner of wearing them." Later, after the garment was changed, this notice was taken down and ordered burned.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
105 years ago today - Wednesday, Jun 28, 1911
[John Henry Smith]
The state has gone dry. A few Cities have gone wet.
I was in the office during the forenoon with Prest. A. H. Lund. During the Afternoon all of the members of the Capitol commission and three other parties went in Autos up Little Cottonwood Canyon and examined some of the Granite Mountains to find Materials to build the Capitol. We found some excelent Rock. We left two experienced Rock men to look farther.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
The state has gone dry. A few Cities have gone wet.
I was in the office during the forenoon with Prest. A. H. Lund. During the Afternoon all of the members of the Capitol commission and three other parties went in Autos up Little Cottonwood Canyon and examined some of the Granite Mountains to find Materials to build the Capitol. We found some excelent Rock. We left two experienced Rock men to look farther.
[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]
110 years ago today - Jun 28, 1906
At Council meeting Pres[iden]t [Joseph F.] Smith said when the Apostles are sent out into the Stakes to attend Stake conferences they are authorized to select & ordain Bishops and Bishop counselors and set them apart or ordain them, however, Presidents of Stakes should anticipate their necessities and submit the names to the Presidency of the Church that the Council may pass on the names. The Apostle visiting the Stake should be clear that it is the right thing to do. The Presidency of the Stake should in all cases receive indorsement of the Presidency & Twelve. An Apostle should not summarily dismiss a Stake Presidency before consulting Presidency of Church. Patriarchs should be chosen and ordained only after the Council or Presidency of the Church have passed on the name. The Apostles have all authority when sent out to do everything necessary but it is safe to take counsel. Be clear before doing any reorganizing.
[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]
135 years ago today - Jun 28, 1881
[John Nuttle]
(found on another paper) Pres T[aylor]. said he obtained his endowment in Nauvoo along with the others of the Twelve and their wives under the direction of Prophet Joseph in the year 1843 in the room over the store and before the temple was finished. He also related a circumstance of having met the Prophet Joseph when the principal of the revelation on celestial marriages was revealed and had been talked about some. The Prophet was on horseback riding into town having been on horseback riding into a meeting on meeting me we passed the compliment of the day when the Prophet said "These things must be accepted and entered into, for they cannot be trifled with and the Keys will soon be turned unless they are accepted." These remarks set me to thinking and I soon took steps in accordance therewith.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
(found on another paper) Pres T[aylor]. said he obtained his endowment in Nauvoo along with the others of the Twelve and their wives under the direction of Prophet Joseph in the year 1843 in the room over the store and before the temple was finished. He also related a circumstance of having met the Prophet Joseph when the principal of the revelation on celestial marriages was revealed and had been talked about some. The Prophet was on horseback riding into town having been on horseback riding into a meeting on meeting me we passed the compliment of the day when the Prophet said "These things must be accepted and entered into, for they cannot be trifled with and the Keys will soon be turned unless they are accepted." These remarks set me to thinking and I soon took steps in accordance therewith.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Jun 28, 1856
[Wilford Woodruff]
While I was at the office the Brethren from Sanpete arrived with 311 Tithing sheep from Manti & other settlements brought by Warren C Snow Bishop of Manti. They arived at 4 oclok. Bishop Snow reports that Arropeen is living 12 miles south of Manti & feels well but has a hard time to keep his people right. While trying to get some of them to give up stolen Horses & cattle several of them made an attack upon him & injoured his breast which has made him sick for 2 weeks.
... Arropeen has Delivered up 17 Head of Horses which Tintics band had stollen. Tintick who has stollen so many horses & cattle & killed so many men has sent word that he wants to come in. Will give up what he has left. Wishes to know if we are mad. Presidet Young will make him no promises but thinks he deserves to die. Kanosh has been kicked by a wicked horse. Has 3 ribs broke. He shot the Horse dead.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
While I was at the office the Brethren from Sanpete arrived with 311 Tithing sheep from Manti & other settlements brought by Warren C Snow Bishop of Manti. They arived at 4 oclok. Bishop Snow reports that Arropeen is living 12 miles south of Manti & feels well but has a hard time to keep his people right. While trying to get some of them to give up stolen Horses & cattle several of them made an attack upon him & injoured his breast which has made him sick for 2 weeks.
... Arropeen has Delivered up 17 Head of Horses which Tintics band had stollen. Tintick who has stollen so many horses & cattle & killed so many men has sent word that he wants to come in. Will give up what he has left. Wishes to know if we are mad. Presidet Young will make him no promises but thinks he deserves to die. Kanosh has been kicked by a wicked horse. Has 3 ribs broke. He shot the Horse dead.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Jun 28, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
I awoke very early this morning and immediately discovered my child to be dying. He seemed perfectly easy and now had given up to the struggle of death and lay breathing out his life sweetly. The evil spirits had entirely left him and he now had his natural, easy, pleasant, calm and usual appearance but death was in his countenance and his little spirit now in the enjoyment of its own body only seemed loth to give it up as almost every one seemed involuntary to observe who was present. He gradually and slowly declined untill forty minutes after seven when its spirit took its leave of its body without any appearant pain but seemed to go to sleep.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
I awoke very early this morning and immediately discovered my child to be dying. He seemed perfectly easy and now had given up to the struggle of death and lay breathing out his life sweetly. The evil spirits had entirely left him and he now had his natural, easy, pleasant, calm and usual appearance but death was in his countenance and his little spirit now in the enjoyment of its own body only seemed loth to give it up as almost every one seemed involuntary to observe who was present. He gradually and slowly declined untill forty minutes after seven when its spirit took its leave of its body without any appearant pain but seemed to go to sleep.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Jun 28, 1841
Assistant President of the Church John C. Bennett writes to Bodley Lodge No. 1, Quincy, Illinois, asking that it recommend that a Masonic lodge be established in Nauvoo. His request is denied because Mormons were "unknown to this lodge as Masons."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
55 years ago today - Jun 27, 1961
Musa Bey Alami in company with the daughter of Jordanian ambassador to the United States expresses gratitude to President David O. McKay and to BYU for their joint donation of a large herd of milk cows for the Jericho Dairy Project in Jordan. By this time 400 Jordanian boys have graduated from the project's dairy school, and 160 are currently enrolled in the project which is providing milk to 111 Palestinian and Jordanian villages. Alami says that "there has not been anything done in Jordan, in spite of the millions of dollars spent there that has met the success of this gift." The church called L. Burt Bigler, LDS bishop and dairyman from Jordan, Utah, to select cattle, transport them to Jericho, and supervise the dairy in the Kingdom of Jordan.
[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)]]
75 years ago today - Jun 27, 1941
[Heber J. Grant]
"It is truly refreshing to find men with the courage to stand out for what is right instead of allowing politics to warp their judgment."
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
"It is truly refreshing to find men with the courage to stand out for what is right instead of allowing politics to warp their judgment."
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Jun 27, 1901
Pres. L. Snow remarked that 57 years ago today Joseph Smith, the prophet, was martyred for the truth and suggested that "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" be sung, which was done.
... [Closing] Hymn, "Give Me Back My Prophet Dear." Benediction by Apostle Reed Smoot.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
... [Closing] Hymn, "Give Me Back My Prophet Dear." Benediction by Apostle Reed Smoot.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
145 years ago today - Jun 27, 1871
Brigham Young: "The Garden of Eden was where Jackson Co. is now in Mo. & when Adam was driven out, he crossed the river into what is now Daviess Co. The City of Enoch stood where the Gulf of Mexico is now, but these things are not written."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
145 years ago today - Jun 27, 1871
Brigham Young: "The Garden of Eden was where Jackson Co. is now in Mo. & when Adam was driven out, he crossed the river into what is now Daviess Co. The City of Enoch stood where the Gulf of Mexico is now, but these things are not written."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Jun 27, 1846. Saturday.
[William Clayton]
During the day we passed some United States officers on their way to see President Young and the Council. We afterwards learned that they profess to be going to the authorities of the church by order of the president of the U.S. to raise 500 volunteer Mormons to defend Santa Fe, but the feeling amongst the brethren is that they are spies sent to learn our movements and watch us. It is evident the U.S. are afraid of us and perhaps the serpent will send a flood after us but the earth will help us.
[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]
During the day we passed some United States officers on their way to see President Young and the Council. We afterwards learned that they profess to be going to the authorities of the church by order of the president of the U.S. to raise 500 volunteer Mormons to defend Santa Fe, but the feeling amongst the brethren is that they are spies sent to learn our movements and watch us. It is evident the U.S. are afraid of us and perhaps the serpent will send a flood after us but the earth will help us.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
170 years ago today - Jun 27, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
My child was still worse[.] ...
My child seemed strangely affected to night after laying hands on him we found him to [be] troubled with evil spirits who I knew now were determined on his destruction[.] He would show all signs of wrath to wards me & his mother and appearantly try to talk. His looks were demoniac accopanied by the most frightful gestures I ever saw in a child. His strength was greater than in the days of his health.
At times I felt almost to cowl at his fierce ghastly & horrid look and even felt to withdraw from the painful scene for truly the powers of darkness now prevailed here. We were shut up in the waggon with nothing to behold or contemplate but this devoted child thus writhing under the power of the destroyer[.] It was now late in the night & he getting worse when we came to the conclusion to lay hands on him again that the powers of darkness might be rebuked if he could not be raised up. Thus alone my wife & me over our only and dearest son struggled in sorrow and affliction with this last determination that we would not yield with the portion of the Priesthood which we had to the evil spirits[.] After laying hands on him and rebuking the evil spirits he took a Different course[.] He ceased to manifest a desire to talk & his ghastly and frightful gestures and with a set and determined eye gazed at me as if conscious of what had been done
We thus beheld him a long time until finally he became easy and went to sleep[.] Late at night we went to sleep also leaving a burning candle in the waggon.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
My child was still worse[.] ...
My child seemed strangely affected to night after laying hands on him we found him to [be] troubled with evil spirits who I knew now were determined on his destruction[.] He would show all signs of wrath to wards me & his mother and appearantly try to talk. His looks were demoniac accopanied by the most frightful gestures I ever saw in a child. His strength was greater than in the days of his health.
At times I felt almost to cowl at his fierce ghastly & horrid look and even felt to withdraw from the painful scene for truly the powers of darkness now prevailed here. We were shut up in the waggon with nothing to behold or contemplate but this devoted child thus writhing under the power of the destroyer[.] It was now late in the night & he getting worse when we came to the conclusion to lay hands on him again that the powers of darkness might be rebuked if he could not be raised up. Thus alone my wife & me over our only and dearest son struggled in sorrow and affliction with this last determination that we would not yield with the portion of the Priesthood which we had to the evil spirits[.] After laying hands on him and rebuking the evil spirits he took a Different course[.] He ceased to manifest a desire to talk & his ghastly and frightful gestures and with a set and determined eye gazed at me as if conscious of what had been done
We thus beheld him a long time until finally he became easy and went to sleep[.] Late at night we went to sleep also leaving a burning candle in the waggon.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Jun 27, 1846
Motioned by Geo A. Smith & 2d by John Taylor that John E. Page be cut off from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles [for supporting James Strang] voted unanimously. P. P. Pratt nominated Joseph Young O. Pratt [nominated] C. C. Rich[.] Young Richards, & Kimball nominated E.T. Benson[.] voted to have a gen Council on the morrow.
[Source: Willard 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: Willard Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
55 years ago today - Jun 26, 1961
At the first world seminar for mission presidents, "A Uniform System for Teaching Investigators" is introduced, as is the "every member a missionary" program. The conference in Salt Lake City lasts until July 27.
150 years ago today - Jun 26, 1866 (Tuesday)
The Indians drove off a band of horses and cattle from Spanish Fork, Utah Co. A company of men followed and overtook the thieves; a battle ensued, in which Jonathan Edmiston, of Manti, was killed, and others were wounded. Most of the stock was recovered.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
155 years ago today - Jun 26, 1861
Brigham Young's office journal records: "Br. [Samuel] Murphy called upon the President and mentioned to him that his eyes were bad and his stomach out of order. The President told him to take care of himself, and to wear a good shade to his eyes, and take some medicine to cleanse his stomach. The President noticed the effects of the first dose of lobelia he took, the lobelia poked the phlegm, but not his food. he observed persons have formed a prejudice against lobelia, because their stomachs were not properly prepared with warm drinks until they ware in a perspiration before they took the lobelia, if there is no disease the lobelia will not cause a vomit but will pass off the same as any thing else taken into the stomach, but if there is disaese then the lobelia will cause a puke."
[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 - Friday, Jun 26, 1846.
[Willard Richards]
Conversed about Mitchell's writing to Fort Kearney for troops to take the Mormon leaders and drive off the leaders, as related by Sarpee to President Young yesterday. Voted that O. Hyde and N. K. Whitney go to Major Mitchell and inquire if he has written to Fort Kearney for troops, and if so, learn the cause and get him to write a letter to counteract his former letter. ... Elders Hyde and Whitney came to them and informed them that Major Mitchell said he had written no letter to Fort Kearney except one he wrote some two months ago about Emmett's company; that since his acquaintance with the Mormons his feelings had materially changed, that he had found them gentlemen, and wished them well and would do all in his power to do them good;
[Source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
Conversed about Mitchell's writing to Fort Kearney for troops to take the Mormon leaders and drive off the leaders, as related by Sarpee to President Young yesterday. Voted that O. Hyde and N. K. Whitney go to Major Mitchell and inquire if he has written to Fort Kearney for troops, and if so, learn the cause and get him to write a letter to counteract his former letter. ... Elders Hyde and Whitney came to them and informed them that Major Mitchell said he had written no letter to Fort Kearney except one he wrote some two months ago about Emmett's company; that since his acquaintance with the Mormons his feelings had materially changed, that he had found them gentlemen, and wished them well and would do all in his power to do them good;
[Source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
170 years ago today - Jun 26, 1846
[Wilford Woodruff]
The Camp was flung into some excitement this morning by the appearance of capt J. Allen with 3 draggoons of the U S Armey. ... He informed us He was sent by order of Capt Carney who had recieved word so He said By President Polk to give the Mormons an invitation to raise 500 volunteers to Assist the USA in the Mexican war. This was his pretentions. I Had some reasons to believe them to be spies & that the president Had no Hand in it. We however treated them with civility & directed them on to Council Bluffs to lay the case before the President.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Camp was flung into some excitement this morning by the appearance of capt J. Allen with 3 draggoons of the U S Armey. ... He informed us He was sent by order of Capt Carney who had recieved word so He said By President Polk to give the Mormons an invitation to raise 500 volunteers to Assist the USA in the Mexican war. This was his pretentions. I Had some reasons to believe them to be spies & that the president Had no Hand in it. We however treated them with civility & directed them on to Council Bluffs to lay the case before the President.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
35 years ago today - Jun 25, 1981.
[Lavina Fielding Anderson]
At about 9:30 a.m. the managing editor of the Ensign, Jay M. Todd, ushers me upstairs to the office of Verl Scott, where I am informed I am being "summarily terminated for distributing confidential material to unauthorized personnel."
Background: Elder Hartman Rector had delivered a conference talk in April containing a list of sins of the last days (abortion, homosexuality, birth control, and sterilization, among other things) that was "toned down" for publication. Peggy Fletcher, publisher of Sunstone, had said the magazine would run parallel before-and-after versions transcribed from the videotape. I offered to supply her with a copy of the old text, then sitting in its pigeonhole waiting to be thrown away, since the conference Ensign had been published in May. I photocopied the lowest (earliest) version and put it the interoffice mail, addressed to a Sunstone volunteer who was a church employee in another department. Jay later told me that he saw the envelope in the out-going mail and felt inspired to open it.
While I understood that conference talks were confidential before they are delivered, I asked for clarification about how a conference talk could be confidential after it is delivered. Verl Scott assured me that a manuscript of what the Ensign actually printed would still be considered confidential. Jay and a representative from the Personnel Department escorted me to my office, supervised the packing of my personal effects, and took me to my car. The whole process was over before noon. Jay also informed me that the earliest version of the Rector talk, which I had not read, actually contained additional material that did not appear in the delivered version.
I expected to feel traumatized by being fired. To my surprise I didn't. I felt cheerful. I received dozens of calls from friends who were angry, sympathetic, grieved, and hurt. I appreciated their concern, but we usually ended up laughing together. Judy Dushku offered to organize a legal aid fund so I could sue. I told her I didn't want my job back. Marybeth Raynes said, "You'll probably crash in a couple of days. Call me, day or night, if you need to talk." I never did. Linda Sillitoe sent me a poem that instead captured my feelings precisely:
One by one they throw us from the tower.
And we spread our wings and fly.
I have never experienced a moment of regret for the almost- eight years I spent at the Ensign nor one moment of regret that I am not still there; but I interpret these feelings purely and wholly as a blessing bestowed upon me. As a result, although I sometimes disagreed with Jay's management style and felt considerable frustration periodically at the correlation review system, I have only the best of memories about my work there. The next day I went in, shook hands with Jay, assured him that I held "no hard feelings," and asked him to communicate my farewells and best wishes to the staff.
Jay probably had reasons for feeling that my value as an employee was marginal. Although Christian was born three months earlier, I had no plans to stop working. Jay strongly disapproved of working mothers. I not only attended but persistently participated in academic and scholarly conferences and argued, I'm sure at wearisome length, for bolder editorial treatments of "sensitive" issues. In January 1980 Elder Boyd K. Packer had warned church employees that "keeping confidences" is "a condition of our service," adding, "an incident . . . traced to you, or to someone you are responsible to supervise . . . could be of most serious concern." Jay would certainly have felt that responsibility heavily. Furthermore I "offended" Elder M. Russell Ballard, the magazine's managing director, and Amelia Smith McConkie, wife of Elder Bruce R. McConkie, by giving a paper at a BYU Women's History Archives conference which suggested that their grandfather (Joseph F. Smith) characterized Mary Fielding Smith's wagonmaster with inaccurate harshness. Jay had accompanied me to the interview with Elder Ballard and was almost certainly embarrassed by the situation.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
At about 9:30 a.m. the managing editor of the Ensign, Jay M. Todd, ushers me upstairs to the office of Verl Scott, where I am informed I am being "summarily terminated for distributing confidential material to unauthorized personnel."
Background: Elder Hartman Rector had delivered a conference talk in April containing a list of sins of the last days (abortion, homosexuality, birth control, and sterilization, among other things) that was "toned down" for publication. Peggy Fletcher, publisher of Sunstone, had said the magazine would run parallel before-and-after versions transcribed from the videotape. I offered to supply her with a copy of the old text, then sitting in its pigeonhole waiting to be thrown away, since the conference Ensign had been published in May. I photocopied the lowest (earliest) version and put it the interoffice mail, addressed to a Sunstone volunteer who was a church employee in another department. Jay later told me that he saw the envelope in the out-going mail and felt inspired to open it.
While I understood that conference talks were confidential before they are delivered, I asked for clarification about how a conference talk could be confidential after it is delivered. Verl Scott assured me that a manuscript of what the Ensign actually printed would still be considered confidential. Jay and a representative from the Personnel Department escorted me to my office, supervised the packing of my personal effects, and took me to my car. The whole process was over before noon. Jay also informed me that the earliest version of the Rector talk, which I had not read, actually contained additional material that did not appear in the delivered version.
I expected to feel traumatized by being fired. To my surprise I didn't. I felt cheerful. I received dozens of calls from friends who were angry, sympathetic, grieved, and hurt. I appreciated their concern, but we usually ended up laughing together. Judy Dushku offered to organize a legal aid fund so I could sue. I told her I didn't want my job back. Marybeth Raynes said, "You'll probably crash in a couple of days. Call me, day or night, if you need to talk." I never did. Linda Sillitoe sent me a poem that instead captured my feelings precisely:
One by one they throw us from the tower.
And we spread our wings and fly.
I have never experienced a moment of regret for the almost- eight years I spent at the Ensign nor one moment of regret that I am not still there; but I interpret these feelings purely and wholly as a blessing bestowed upon me. As a result, although I sometimes disagreed with Jay's management style and felt considerable frustration periodically at the correlation review system, I have only the best of memories about my work there. The next day I went in, shook hands with Jay, assured him that I held "no hard feelings," and asked him to communicate my farewells and best wishes to the staff.
Jay probably had reasons for feeling that my value as an employee was marginal. Although Christian was born three months earlier, I had no plans to stop working. Jay strongly disapproved of working mothers. I not only attended but persistently participated in academic and scholarly conferences and argued, I'm sure at wearisome length, for bolder editorial treatments of "sensitive" issues. In January 1980 Elder Boyd K. Packer had warned church employees that "keeping confidences" is "a condition of our service," adding, "an incident . . . traced to you, or to someone you are responsible to supervise . . . could be of most serious concern." Jay would certainly have felt that responsibility heavily. Furthermore I "offended" Elder M. Russell Ballard, the magazine's managing director, and Amelia Smith McConkie, wife of Elder Bruce R. McConkie, by giving a paper at a BYU Women's History Archives conference which suggested that their grandfather (Joseph F. Smith) characterized Mary Fielding Smith's wagonmaster with inaccurate harshness. Jay had accompanied me to the interview with Elder Ballard and was almost certainly embarrassed by the situation.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
40 years ago today - Jun 25, 1976
Missouri Gov. Christopher S. Bond signed an executive order rescinding the extermination order issued in 1838 by Gov. Lilburn W. Boggs.
[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]
65 years ago today - Jun 25, 1951
A Deseret News editorial praises non-combatant conscientious objectors but opposes the "craven draft-dodger."
[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)]]
115 years ago today - Jun 25, 1901
At Koosharem, Utah, Apostle Owen Woodruff writes: "We then held a council of the Indians [-] they chose Mocha Nogitz for their Chief. I ordained him an Elder and set him apart as Chief of the little band of Utes."
[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)]]
120 years ago today - Jun 25, 1896
The First Presidency and Twelve met at the Temple at 11 A.M. ... Elder Brigham Young related the substance of a conversation he had on his way home from San Juan County [Utah] with Navajo Indian agent David Day. Mr. Day expressed the wish that our people would rent and work the lands in that County which had been deeded by the government in severalty to the Indians. His reason for this was that the Mormons were the only people who in their dealings with the Indians had taught them morality, and had not seduced the women, nor taught the natives to drink and gamble.
[Source: Journal History, 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: Journal History, 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]
120 years ago today - Jun 25, 1896
Brigham recorded his dream in which he, his legal wife, and the Prophet were traveling in a covered carriage: "Br Joseph Smith sat on the Back Seat with my wife [--] he whispered to hir [her--] Sead [said] it was wright [right] if she was a mind to [--] nothing more past [passed] betwen [sic] them." Then, in the dream, she disappears and is next seen as a corpse in a hearse. During a meeting of Church President Wilford Woodruff with the apostles in the Salt Lake Temple on 25 June 1896, there was a discussion about "certain trials or tests to which Prests. B. Young and Jno. Taylor were put by Prest. Joseph the Prophet in Nauvoo, as the plurality & Eternity of the M. [Marriage] covenant was being revealed. Also what Emma was commanded to abstain from, and O. Hyde's trial also." Young's dream in December 1843 apparently referred to the Prophet's "test" of asking for Brigham's wife to become Joseph's.
[Source: Brigham Young 1840-44 journal,Franklin D. Richards journal, 25 June 1896, LDS Church History Library, 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: Brigham Young 1840-44 journal,Franklin D. Richards journal, 25 June 1896, LDS Church History Library, 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)]
120 years ago today - Jun 25, 1896
[Franklin D. Richards]
Chat bro[ugh]t. out certain trials or tests to which Pres[iden]ts. B[righam]. Young & Jno. [John] Taylor were put by Pres[iden]t. Joseph [Smith] the Prophet in Nauvoo [Illinois], as the plurality & Eternity of the M[arriage]. Covenant was being revealed. also what Emma [Smith] was commanded to abstain from, and O[rson]. Hyde's trial also.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Chat bro[ugh]t. out certain trials or tests to which Pres[iden]ts. B[righam]. Young & Jno. [John] Taylor were put by Pres[iden]t. Joseph [Smith] the Prophet in Nauvoo [Illinois], as the plurality & Eternity of the M[arriage]. Covenant was being revealed. also what Emma [Smith] was commanded to abstain from, and O[rson]. Hyde's trial also.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jun 25, 1896
[John Henry Smith]
[Apostle] Moses Thatcher's condition was talked over. I held he was not responsible from his use of narcotics. Prest. W. Woodruff & G. Q. Cannon rather held that he was.
[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]
[Apostle] Moses Thatcher's condition was talked over. I held he was not responsible from his use of narcotics. Prest. W. Woodruff & G. Q. Cannon rather held that he was.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
135 years ago today - Saturday, Jun 25, 1881
[John Henry Smith]
I read the 2nd chapter of St. James and spoke a few minutes on the celestial law of marriage and closed by saying, I do not believe that any man can arrive at eternal power and the Godhead who did not have two wives in the flesh.
[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]
I read the 2nd chapter of St. James and spoke a few minutes on the celestial law of marriage and closed by saying, I do not believe that any man can arrive at eternal power and the Godhead who did not have two wives in the flesh.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
170 years ago today - Jun 25, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
Little Hosea was all this time on the decline and the laying on of hands seemed to do but little or no good but to day we concluded to call in all the men & women who had had their endowment and have the ordinance performed according to the Holy order & with the signs of the Priesthood Accordingly we did so in my tent[.] Br Spencer taking the lead which seemed to so some good for the child was better afterwards & we felt incouraged that he thus seemed to appear to be under the influences of the ordinances of the Priesthood and we now had hope again that he would yet be delivered from from the power of the destroyer. But our hopes were destined to be of short duration for in the evening there came one of the hardest rains that had been this summer.
The water came in torrents & the wind blew hard. In a few minutes our tent was down & the water ran through the waggon covers and thus every thing we had was wet almost before we knew it.
The beds were also wet and Hosea was soon discovered by his mother to be lying in water so fast did it come in on the bed. He was immediately taken worse and thus our last hopes for him vanished...
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Little Hosea was all this time on the decline and the laying on of hands seemed to do but little or no good but to day we concluded to call in all the men & women who had had their endowment and have the ordinance performed according to the Holy order & with the signs of the Priesthood Accordingly we did so in my tent[.] Br Spencer taking the lead which seemed to so some good for the child was better afterwards & we felt incouraged that he thus seemed to appear to be under the influences of the ordinances of the Priesthood and we now had hope again that he would yet be delivered from from the power of the destroyer. But our hopes were destined to be of short duration for in the evening there came one of the hardest rains that had been this summer.
The water came in torrents & the wind blew hard. In a few minutes our tent was down & the water ran through the waggon covers and thus every thing we had was wet almost before we knew it.
The beds were also wet and Hosea was soon discovered by his mother to be lying in water so fast did it come in on the bed. He was immediately taken worse and thus our last hopes for him vanished...
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Jun 25, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff]
I read [William] Millers lectures [father of Adventist sects] on the Coming of Christ & the Millenniul & on a variety of other subjects such as the vissions of Ezekiel, Daniel & John, the beast opening the seals &c. & he has made out as much of a whole sail business in spirituallizing the scriptures & trying to make out the fulfillment of all predictions of the old & new Testiment by refering to the French Government & other afairs which was as foreign from the subject as Heaven is from Hell, & among many other absurdities his declaration is that the Turkish empire & Government will be destroyed in (1840) & the Second Coming of Christ will be in 1843.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I read [William] Millers lectures [father of Adventist sects] on the Coming of Christ & the Millenniul & on a variety of other subjects such as the vissions of Ezekiel, Daniel & John, the beast opening the seals &c. & he has made out as much of a whole sail business in spirituallizing the scriptures & trying to make out the fulfillment of all predictions of the old & new Testiment by refering to the French Government & other afairs which was as foreign from the subject as Heaven is from Hell, & among many other absurdities his declaration is that the Turkish empire & Government will be destroyed in (1840) & the Second Coming of Christ will be in 1843.
[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 - Jun 25, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of David Gray given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... be diligent in the discharge of thy duty and not give way to the evil spirit that often brings darkness on thy soul
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:104-105, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:104-105, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
25 years ago today - Jun 24, 1991
The Russian Republic in the Soviet Union announces its formal recognition of the Church after the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's concert in Moscow's Bolshoi Theater.
75 years ago today - Jun 24, 1941
Counselor J. Reuben Clark advises a Mormon "against your assuming as truth the most of the criticism you see leveled against Hitler and his regime in Germany. I visited Germany twice within the last half-dozen years... Hitler is undoubtedly bad from our American point of view, but I think the Germans like him." Because of such statements, the federal intelligence agencies investigate Clark in Utah as a possible pro-Nazi subversive.
[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)]]
95 years ago today - Jun 24, 1921
[John M. Whitaker]
. . . I am going to assume responsibility for making this statement, that man came here, was placed here as an immortal, glorified, resurrected being. I want to make myself clear, because these lectures are going to the brethren, and if they want to correct them they can. . . . I believe it was the fruit that changed and modified Adam's resurrected body, and again made it subject to death. Is that clear? At least, I want you to get my idea. . . and may I say the Church does not teach this as doctrine. Many of the authorities do. Others teach that a body was prepared in some way for Adam and Eve.
[Apostle Melvin J. Ballard the same day, in lecture XI, said: "What Brother Whitaker has said I agree with, with reference to his fall and man's coming here." Also, "Adam had two ways of regaining his lost immortality. One was by partaking of the fruit of the tree of life, and so recovering 'from the mortal condition apparently.' The other is through the atonement of Jesus Christ."]
[Source: Brigham Young University, Seminary Lectures; Lecture X; John M. Whitaker; Church Archives d. 1740/f. 3; June 24, 1921 in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
. . . I am going to assume responsibility for making this statement, that man came here, was placed here as an immortal, glorified, resurrected being. I want to make myself clear, because these lectures are going to the brethren, and if they want to correct them they can. . . . I believe it was the fruit that changed and modified Adam's resurrected body, and again made it subject to death. Is that clear? At least, I want you to get my idea. . . and may I say the Church does not teach this as doctrine. Many of the authorities do. Others teach that a body was prepared in some way for Adam and Eve.
[Apostle Melvin J. Ballard the same day, in lecture XI, said: "What Brother Whitaker has said I agree with, with reference to his fall and man's coming here." Also, "Adam had two ways of regaining his lost immortality. One was by partaking of the fruit of the tree of life, and so recovering 'from the mortal condition apparently.' The other is through the atonement of Jesus Christ."]
[Source: Brigham Young University, Seminary Lectures; Lecture X; John M. Whitaker; Church Archives d. 1740/f. 3; June 24, 1921 in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
120 years ago today - Jun 24, 1896
Senator Frank J. Cannon called on Presidents [Wilford] Woodruff and [George Q.] Cannon at their office today, and explained to them his reasons for withdrawing from the late Republican Convention at St. Louis [Missouri]. President Woodruff expressed the belief that there would be a change in the governmental affairs of the nation, and that the Silver movement would prove the commencement of it. The words of the Prophet Joseph [Smith] would be fulfilled and the part which the Latter Day Saints would take in national matters would become more and more apparent, as national difficulties would increase. He believed that the course taken by Senator Cannon would be overruled for good.
Attorney John M. Cannon called on the Presidency in behalf of the Hedrickites of Independence, Missouri, in relation to assistance rendered that body in defending their title to the Temple lot at that place. Part payment of the amount was made and it was understood that the balance, about $1,000 would still be held against them as a debt of honor, as the Church rendered assistance without desire to engage in or be responsible for the law suit of the Hedrickites against the Josephites, and with no intention on the part of the Church to claim or gain possession of the Temple lot.
[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]
Attorney John M. Cannon called on the Presidency in behalf of the Hedrickites of Independence, Missouri, in relation to assistance rendered that body in defending their title to the Temple lot at that place. Part payment of the amount was made and it was understood that the balance, about $1,000 would still be held against them as a debt of honor, as the Church rendered assistance without desire to engage in or be responsible for the law suit of the Hedrickites against the Josephites, and with no intention on the part of the Church to claim or gain possession of the Temple lot.
[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]
140 years ago today - Jun 24, 1876
[Brigham Young]
'-A curiosity to him that men could commit adultery and still retain the spirit of the Lord as he had witnessed on one occasion. The man [is] now dead. -- Central Utah
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
'-A curiosity to him that men could commit adultery and still retain the spirit of the Lord as he had witnessed on one occasion. The man [is] now dead. -- Central Utah
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
150 years ago today - Jun 24, 1866 (Sunday)
The Indians made a raid on Thistle Valley, Sanpete Co., killed Charles Brown, wounded Thos. Snarr and drove off 26 horses.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Jun 24, 1856
[Wilford Woodruff]
We find a great Difficulty in writing the History of Joseph esspecially During the last few days of his life as no one kept a Journal of the same except Dr Richards wrote some but Died before the History was written out. I have a great Desire to have President Youngs Daily History written so that all things may be plain to the future Historian.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We find a great Difficulty in writing the History of Joseph esspecially During the last few days of his life as no one kept a Journal of the same except Dr Richards wrote some but Died before the History was written out. I have a great Desire to have President Youngs Daily History written so that all things may be plain to the future Historian.
[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 - Jun 24, 1831
An editorial in The Vermont Chronicler discussing Mormon revelation noted: "Our readers will recollect a similar delusion which raged soms [sic] ten years ago in the case of the 'Pilgrims.' Their Prophet - Old Isaac, as he was called - came from Canada with a few, and encamped in Woodstock. Here outraging not Christianity only but humanity, by their absurd opinions and absurder practice - by taking the assertions of their infatuated leader for divine revelation, ... they induced many decent people who should have known better to join them, under the empty promise of being led to the holy land..."
"From the resemblances between the Pilgrims and Mormonites in manners and pretensions, we should think Old Isaac had re-appeared in the person of Joe Smith, and was intending to make another speculation...."
"They are daily receiving new revelations - sometimes by letters dropped from the skies, written in a round Italian hand, and in letters of gold; which, if it is attempted to transcribe them, vanish."
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
"From the resemblances between the Pilgrims and Mormonites in manners and pretensions, we should think Old Isaac had re-appeared in the person of Joe Smith, and was intending to make another speculation...."
"They are daily receiving new revelations - sometimes by letters dropped from the skies, written in a round Italian hand, and in letters of gold; which, if it is attempted to transcribe them, vanish."
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
60 years ago today - Jun 23, 1956
Missionary work recommences in Chile, some 104 years after Elder Parley P. Pratt had left the country following an unsuccessful attempt to establish a permanent mission.
95 years ago today - Jun 23, 1921
Heber J. Grant writes to a stake president with instructions: "Send each and every recommend direct to the President, not by the hand of anybody, the person recommended included. After the President returns the recommend to you bearing his signature of approval, it will then be in order for you to deliver it in person to the head of the family thus recommended, explaining to him in a private confidential way the sacredness of the ordinance, cautioning him at the same time not to speak of it to anybody outside the temple: and in the interest of privacy you are requested not to send more than one family to the temple the same week bearing a recommend of this character."
110 years ago today - Jun 23, 1906
Ex-apostle Matthias F. Cowley gives to a mission president a copy of John Taylor's revelation of 27 Sept. 1886. This is the first verified date for distributing the 1886 revelation, but Cowley has received the copy at an earlier date from John W. Taylor.
[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)]]
125 years ago today - Jun 23, 1891
In an interview published in the Salt Lake Times, President Wilford Woodruff says that the church would not claim "the right to control the political action of the members of our body." But in private conversation with Brigham Young, Jr., he says that though he was cautious about influencing "his brethren in [political]-matters" he was willing to do so "when prompted by others in whom he has the utmost confidence."
Apostle Heber J. Grant writes in his dairy: " The Times publishes an interview this evening with Prests. Woodruff and Cannon. I have never read anything that has caused me to feel worse than the statements in this interview. I could not refrain the tears when thinking of it this evening before I retired. I cannot understand why the Lord would wish us to be so humiliated. I can not for the life of me see why the Presidency need to say that it is their understanding that the people are in good faith, keeping the laws on unlawful cohabitation. It seems to me that such a statement humiliates the sisters who are in plural marriage more than they should be called on to endure. I feel that I would do anything in reason on Gusta and Emily's [Grant's two wives] account sooner than to have had such a statement published. I confess that I do not think it was a good thing for the Presidency to refer to the matter, but then they stand at the head and I hope their position will never be such that it will try my faith, but I am free to confess that I do not and cannot see why the Lord should give a command to his servants to take more wives and then the Presidency should say that it is their understanding that these men are not in good faith living with those wives. It is killing to think of the effect of their words on sensitive women who are in plural marriage. The only way to make these women feel well is for their husbands not to live the law in good faith and such a course is not a very pleasant one after the statements of the Presidency."
Apostle Heber J. Grant writes in his dairy: " The Times publishes an interview this evening with Prests. Woodruff and Cannon. I have never read anything that has caused me to feel worse than the statements in this interview. I could not refrain the tears when thinking of it this evening before I retired. I cannot understand why the Lord would wish us to be so humiliated. I can not for the life of me see why the Presidency need to say that it is their understanding that the people are in good faith, keeping the laws on unlawful cohabitation. It seems to me that such a statement humiliates the sisters who are in plural marriage more than they should be called on to endure. I feel that I would do anything in reason on Gusta and Emily's [Grant's two wives] account sooner than to have had such a statement published. I confess that I do not think it was a good thing for the Presidency to refer to the matter, but then they stand at the head and I hope their position will never be such that it will try my faith, but I am free to confess that I do not and cannot see why the Lord should give a command to his servants to take more wives and then the Presidency should say that it is their understanding that these men are not in good faith living with those wives. It is killing to think of the effect of their words on sensitive women who are in plural marriage. The only way to make these women feel well is for their husbands not to live the law in good faith and such a course is not a very pleasant one after the statements of the Presidency."
130 years ago today - Jun 23, 1886
Brigadier General Patrick Edward Connor tells Wilhelm Wylon that Orrin Porter Rockwell used to tell him "many of the horrible deeds he had committed for the church. Among other things he told me once that HE HAD SHOT BOGGS. 'I shot through the window; said he,'and thought I had killed him, but I had only wounded him; I was damned sorry that I had not killed the son of a b-!'"
155 years ago today - Jun 23, 1861
[Wilford Woodruff]
"Presidet Kimball spoke to the people followed by Presidet Young. When He finished speaking a list of Names was read who had signed a document Betraying the brethren & they were all Cut off some 16 in number."
"We here found Brother Thomas B. Marsh quite Crazy. He had [been] Confined by being Chained up. He was now better. [Attended?] Meeting. He hert his tongue runing like a Flutter wheel when He had a Ch[ance?] & the spittle drulling down out of his mouth. This shows a sample of Apostacy & the Effects of Betraying his Brethren. The following are the names of the different Devils which He says are tormenting him. He gave the Names as follows:"
"Marrianeuba Anonondo Oie"
"Harrewansdo Dononvah"
"Toddewandah Tonanando"
"Gandesande Annonvah"
"Sotecalandaco Pluto"
"When Oie got into him He would Jerk him around the house in a dredful manner so that it almost killed him."
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"Presidet Kimball spoke to the people followed by Presidet Young. When He finished speaking a list of Names was read who had signed a document Betraying the brethren & they were all Cut off some 16 in number."
"We here found Brother Thomas B. Marsh quite Crazy. He had [been] Confined by being Chained up. He was now better. [Attended?] Meeting. He hert his tongue runing like a Flutter wheel when He had a Ch[ance?] & the spittle drulling down out of his mouth. This shows a sample of Apostacy & the Effects of Betraying his Brethren. The following are the names of the different Devils which He says are tormenting him. He gave the Names as follows:"
"Marrianeuba Anonondo Oie"
"Harrewansdo Dononvah"
"Toddewandah Tonanando"
"Gandesande Annonvah"
"Sotecalandaco Pluto"
"When Oie got into him He would Jerk him around the house in a dredful manner so that it almost killed him."
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
50 years ago today - Jun 22, 1966
The church's storage vaults in the granite mountains of Little Cottonwood Canyon are dedicated, which vaults are intended to withstand nuclear explosions in the event of war.
[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)]]
55 years ago today - Jun 22, 1961
[Marion G. Romney]
"... President McKay also submitted the same of Hugh B. Brown as a counselor in the Presidency to help the Presidency now that President Clark is almost incapacitated. President Clark remains as first counselor and President Moyle as second counselor and Hugh B. Brown as a counselor in the Presidency. I stood with the Presidency and the Twelve while he was set apart to this position."
[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]
"... President McKay also submitted the same of Hugh B. Brown as a counselor in the Presidency to help the Presidency now that President Clark is almost incapacitated. President Clark remains as first counselor and President Moyle as second counselor and Hugh B. Brown as a counselor in the Presidency. I stood with the Presidency and the Twelve while he was set apart to this position."
[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]
55 years ago today - Jun 22,1961
First Presidency supports plan to persuade U.S. Army to send its "colored contingents" to California rather than to Utah. At its same meeting Presidency agrees to allow baptism of Nigerians seeking membership in church.
[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]
95 years ago today - Jun 22, 1921
The PROVO HERALD reports: "Dancing of a standard far worse than anything permitted in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles [was] witnessed at dance halls near Provo. . . . Some eastern people with us were shocked at the dancing permitted at the resort. . . . I have seen a great deal of intoxication at dancing resorts in the county. . . . The obnoxious dancing positions are not graceful. Jazz music must be prohibited."
110 years ago today - Jun 22, 1906
Mormon Carl Badger, reflecting on Church leaders' testimony in the recently completed Reed Smoot Hearings writes to a relative: "I believe our honor is more to us than anything on earth, If as a people we had strictly observed the Manifesto, I believe that our example would have challenged the admiration of the world; but we have thought that there is something higher than honesty, and behold our confusion." Badger yearned for "simple honesty, the facts - a remedy from which we shrink-but I pray for the last time, I wish it were possible for me to hurl in the teeth of the world the accusation and the boast: While you have been cruel, we have been honest"
155 years ago today - Jun 22, 1861 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
'When br. woodruff remarked that just so long as the devil lives he will oppose the saints, the question came to my mind '"how long will he live?'" I tell you the time is coming when he will not live.'
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
'When br. woodruff remarked that just so long as the devil lives he will oppose the saints, the question came to my mind '"how long will he live?'" I tell you the time is coming when he will not live.'
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
160 years ago today - Jun 22, 1856 (Council Meeting)
[Brigham Young]
"When the sermon is published it will be then revelation. This earth was created expressly for the people come dwell on it - The spirits were all pure when they came here - the one third of the spirits were cast down to the earth never to get tabernacles - that is their curse - the fallen spirits are devils - When our persecutors die they become angels of the devils - those who left the first state will have a resurrection - when the bodies and spirits are reunited the second death has power which is dissolution - after all the righteous are redeemed then satan is let loose - All are in uproar again then a warfare again - then Jesus followers wipe them out - put them back to native element - then they can organized again - We have the promise we shall retain our identity both body and spirit - the mobocrats become angels of the devil or his perfect servants having sinned against light and knowledge - it will go on until every individual can preserve his identity - The Jews wont be as well off as the soldiers, for they will do as they were commanded - Jesus agony was not of the body but was greater for the sins of the world which were on him. -- Evening."
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"When the sermon is published it will be then revelation. This earth was created expressly for the people come dwell on it - The spirits were all pure when they came here - the one third of the spirits were cast down to the earth never to get tabernacles - that is their curse - the fallen spirits are devils - When our persecutors die they become angels of the devils - those who left the first state will have a resurrection - when the bodies and spirits are reunited the second death has power which is dissolution - after all the righteous are redeemed then satan is let loose - All are in uproar again then a warfare again - then Jesus followers wipe them out - put them back to native element - then they can organized again - We have the promise we shall retain our identity both body and spirit - the mobocrats become angels of the devil or his perfect servants having sinned against light and knowledge - it will go on until every individual can preserve his identity - The Jews wont be as well off as the soldiers, for they will do as they were commanded - Jesus agony was not of the body but was greater for the sins of the world which were on him. -- Evening."
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
160 years ago today - Jun 22, 1856 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
"... Take, for instance, the gift of tongues; years ago in this Church you could find men of age, and seemingly of experience, who would preach and raise up Branches, and when quite young boys or girls would get up and speak in tongues, and others interpret, and perhaps that interpretation instructing the Elders who brought them into the Church, they would turn round and say, '"I know my duty, this is the word of the Lord to me and I must do as these boys or girls have spoken in tongues.'" You ask one of the Elders if they understand things so now, and they will say, '"No, the gifts are from the Lord, and we are agents to use them as we please.'" If a man is called to be a Prophet, and the gift of prophecy is poured upon him, though he afterwards actually defies the power of God and turns away from the holy commandments, that man will continue in his gift and will prophecy lies. He will make false prophecies, yet he will do it by the spirit of prophecy; he will feel that he is a prophet and can prophecy, but he does it by another spirit and power than that which was given him of the Lord. He uses the gift as much as you and I use ours. The gift of seeing with the natural eyes is just as much a gift as the gift of tongues."
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 3:362-375, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"... Take, for instance, the gift of tongues; years ago in this Church you could find men of age, and seemingly of experience, who would preach and raise up Branches, and when quite young boys or girls would get up and speak in tongues, and others interpret, and perhaps that interpretation instructing the Elders who brought them into the Church, they would turn round and say, '"I know my duty, this is the word of the Lord to me and I must do as these boys or girls have spoken in tongues.'" You ask one of the Elders if they understand things so now, and they will say, '"No, the gifts are from the Lord, and we are agents to use them as we please.'" If a man is called to be a Prophet, and the gift of prophecy is poured upon him, though he afterwards actually defies the power of God and turns away from the holy commandments, that man will continue in his gift and will prophecy lies. He will make false prophecies, yet he will do it by the spirit of prophecy; he will feel that he is a prophet and can prophecy, but he does it by another spirit and power than that which was given him of the Lord. He uses the gift as much as you and I use ours. The gift of seeing with the natural eyes is just as much a gift as the gift of tongues."
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 3:362-375, 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 - Jun 22, 1851
[Brigham Young]
"I have seen a prophet and apostles who are perfect in their calling yet they are subject to all weaknesses of man, if the Prophet Joseph has been as perfect as this people wanted him to be they could not behold him, if he had been perfect he would have to wear a black veil over his face all the day long, the people could not behold the face of Moses, they begged for him to hide his face ... "
[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]
"I have seen a prophet and apostles who are perfect in their calling yet they are subject to all weaknesses of man, if the Prophet Joseph has been as perfect as this people wanted him to be they could not behold him, if he had been perfect he would have to wear a black veil over his face all the day long, the people could not behold the face of Moses, they begged for him to hide his face ... "
[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]
50 years ago today - Jun 21, 1966
[David O. McKay]
" ... President Tanner mentioned that at the meeting of the Council referred to on June 9, the Brethren had mentioned that many of our young people who go through the Temples gain a wrong impression, that they do not obtain a proper understanding of the Temple work and sometimes lose their faith by reason of the Temple ceremonies. He explained that when companies of young men and young women going on missions have been through the Temple for the first time and received their endowments, it is customary to hold a meeting with these young people after the Temple session and explain to them the meaning of the Temple ceremonies and give them opportunity to ask questions. It was thought that it would be helpful if a meeting of this kind might be held with new converts, young couples and others who go through the Temples to receive their endowments so that they could ask questions and get enlightenment regarding the Temple ceremonies. ... I also stated that the First Presidency would take the matter under consideration and appoint a committee of three to make a study of this problem."
[Source: David O. McKay diary, June 21, 1966; emphasis in original, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
" ... President Tanner mentioned that at the meeting of the Council referred to on June 9, the Brethren had mentioned that many of our young people who go through the Temples gain a wrong impression, that they do not obtain a proper understanding of the Temple work and sometimes lose their faith by reason of the Temple ceremonies. He explained that when companies of young men and young women going on missions have been through the Temple for the first time and received their endowments, it is customary to hold a meeting with these young people after the Temple session and explain to them the meaning of the Temple ceremonies and give them opportunity to ask questions. It was thought that it would be helpful if a meeting of this kind might be held with new converts, young couples and others who go through the Temples to receive their endowments so that they could ask questions and get enlightenment regarding the Temple ceremonies. ... I also stated that the First Presidency would take the matter under consideration and appoint a committee of three to make a study of this problem."
[Source: David O. McKay diary, June 21, 1966; emphasis in original, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
70 years ago today - Jun 21, 1946
The first shipment of the Welfare Plan foodstuffs and essential commodities arrives in Geneva, Switzerland, for distribution to Mormons in war-devastated European cities. This aid totals eighty-five railroad freight cars. Eight months earlier the First Presidency reestablished proselytizing missions in Europe.
[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)]]
75 years ago today - Jun 21, 1941
[David O. McKay]
11:00'A. Richard Peterson regarding selling beer in grocery stores: by officers prominent in Church affairs. For example, the case of President A. Richard Peterson who purchased a grocery store and entered into business upon his return home from his Mission. With that purchase there went a license to sell beer. This license terminates June 30 and must be renewed July 1. President Peterson asks advice as to what course he should pursue regarding the renewal of his license.
If there is objection to his selling beer, what about tobacco, cigarettes, etc. which many of the Latter-day Saints are purchasing, even mothers.
[Source: David O. McKay 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]
11:00'A. Richard Peterson regarding selling beer in grocery stores: by officers prominent in Church affairs. For example, the case of President A. Richard Peterson who purchased a grocery store and entered into business upon his return home from his Mission. With that purchase there went a license to sell beer. This license terminates June 30 and must be renewed July 1. President Peterson asks advice as to what course he should pursue regarding the renewal of his license.
If there is objection to his selling beer, what about tobacco, cigarettes, etc. which many of the Latter-day Saints are purchasing, even mothers.
[Source: David O. McKay Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
115 years ago today - Jun 21, 1901
[William Henry Smart]
'This evening from about 9-30 to 12 O.C[lock], my wife and I attended to the second part of the ordinance of second anointings. We besides the ordinance itself sang "We thank thee O God for a prophet," conversed concerning our duties to each other and children, read from John XII:1-8 verses, read the Rev[elation] on the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, Section 132. We dedicated [the] room [in our house] for the purpose of this meeting [and] closed by singing: "Oh my father thou that dwellest." Anna was mouth in [the] preliminary prayer [and] I gave the dedicatory prayer and the benediction. The spirit of the Lord was with us and we felt nearer together than usual: were much encouraged in pressing onward in an endeavor to succeed in life. We fasted during the day and broke our fast together a little after 12 O.C[lock].'
[Source: William Henry Smart diary, June 21, 1901, Marriott Library, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
'This evening from about 9-30 to 12 O.C[lock], my wife and I attended to the second part of the ordinance of second anointings. We besides the ordinance itself sang "We thank thee O God for a prophet," conversed concerning our duties to each other and children, read from John XII:1-8 verses, read the Rev[elation] on the Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, Section 132. We dedicated [the] room [in our house] for the purpose of this meeting [and] closed by singing: "Oh my father thou that dwellest." Anna was mouth in [the] preliminary prayer [and] I gave the dedicatory prayer and the benediction. The spirit of the Lord was with us and we felt nearer together than usual: were much encouraged in pressing onward in an endeavor to succeed in life. We fasted during the day and broke our fast together a little after 12 O.C[lock].'
[Source: William Henry Smart diary, June 21, 1901, Marriott Library, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
115 years ago today - Jun 21, 1901; Friday
President Lorenzo Snow promised Messrs. Taylor and Wagner, both colored, who are trying to build a church for the colored people that when said church is erected we will give them $70. on it.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
180 years ago today - Jun 21, 1836
Mormon missionaries are tried for preaching. Apostle David W. Patten and future apostle Wilford Woodruff (hereafter Woodruff), among the missionaries in the Tennessee court, are assessed court costs and released.
[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]
115 years ago today - Jun 20, 1901
[Abraham O. Woodruff]
Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow after the singing of a hymn arose and said: 'He The Savior Lives and I know it! Many of you will live to see Him. He will be a grand gentleman and will be like a kind father to you. Many of you will live to go to Jackson Co[unty]. [Missouri] and you will see Him there.'
[Source: Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary, 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. [Lorenzo] Snow after the singing of a hymn arose and said: 'He The Savior Lives and I know it! Many of you will live to see Him. He will be a grand gentleman and will be like a kind father to you. Many of you will live to go to Jackson Co[unty]. [Missouri] and you will see Him there.'
[Source: Abraham Owen Woodruff, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Jun 20, 1901
[Rudger Clawson]
Pres. [Lorenzo] Snow arose and said, I desire to bear my testimony. I know that Jesus lives. Many of you who are here tonight will see him, you will see that he is a noble looking man, and you will feel like going to him and shaking hands. When you return to Jackson County and engage in building the temple there, you will see Jesus and be associated with him. I bear this testimony for I know it is true.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
Pres. [Lorenzo] Snow arose and said, I desire to bear my testimony. I know that Jesus lives. Many of you who are here tonight will see him, you will see that he is a noble looking man, and you will feel like going to him and shaking hands. When you return to Jackson County and engage in building the temple there, you will see Jesus and be associated with him. I bear this testimony for I know it is true.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
115 years ago today - June 20th, 1901
[Brigham Young Jr.]
"I have been called or order for teaching that Priesthood is "Divine Authority" and when a Deacon is ordained, all the rights, keys, blessings, etc., are conferred pertaining to this office in the Aaronic Priesthood. Bro. Jos. contended that the whole Priesthood of Aaron was given in the Ordination. This view I cannot see now and take. Bro. Jos. was more than earnest and was brotherly and kindly reprimanded by Pres. Snow. Joined Presidency and Twelve at Pres. Jos. F. Good supper and excellent singing and music. Pres. Snow now spoke of Jesus coming to such gatherings and there were those there who would meet Him in this life and many other good things."
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"I have been called or order for teaching that Priesthood is "Divine Authority" and when a Deacon is ordained, all the rights, keys, blessings, etc., are conferred pertaining to this office in the Aaronic Priesthood. Bro. Jos. contended that the whole Priesthood of Aaron was given in the Ordination. This view I cannot see now and take. Bro. Jos. was more than earnest and was brotherly and kindly reprimanded by Pres. Snow. Joined Presidency and Twelve at Pres. Jos. F. Good supper and excellent singing and music. Pres. Snow now spoke of Jesus coming to such gatherings and there were those there who would meet Him in this life and many other good things."
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Jun 20, 1876
[Wilford Woodruff]
June 20, 1876 Glory Hallalulah for this days for in spite of the Devil through the Blessing of God I have had the privilege this day of going into the Endowment House and with my family have been Baptized for (949) Eight Hundred and Seventy Two of my dead Relatives & friends ...
I Felt to rejoice that after Forty three years labor in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that I had the privilege of going into a Baptismal font with my Eldest Brother Azmon Woodruff and my Children to redeem our dead.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
June 20, 1876 Glory Hallalulah for this days for in spite of the Devil through the Blessing of God I have had the privilege this day of going into the Endowment House and with my family have been Baptized for (949) Eight Hundred and Seventy Two of my dead Relatives & friends ...
I Felt to rejoice that after Forty three years labor in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that I had the privilege of going into a Baptismal font with my Eldest Brother Azmon Woodruff and my Children to redeem our dead.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Saturday, Jun 20, 1846.
A lady from Fort Leavenworth told Brother Lewis that [former Missouri governor] Boggs started with a company of emigrants for Oregon, heard that 4,000 Mormons were on their way, and for fear they would find him and kill him he had returned home to Independence, Missouri.
[Source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
[Source: Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
180 years ago today - Jun 20, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Oliver Snow given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt live to see the tribes come in from the North ... Thou salt see thy Redeemer and shalt converse with him face to face. while thou art in the flesh. This is thy portion and I seal these blessings upon thee by the authority of the holy priesthood. I seal thee up unto eternal life on condition of thy obedience, even so Amen.
[Source: Early Patriarchal Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:111, in Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
[Source: Early Patriarchal Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:111, in Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
180 years ago today - Jun 20, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Lucia Louisa Leavitt given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt teach the daughters of the Lamanites and instruct them in our Language. ... Thou shalt have children and be instrumental in peopling the new earth. for thou shalt live to behold the winding up scene of this generation when wickedness shall be swept off the face of the earth and thou shalt stand when Jesus Christ shall come in the clouds of heaven. By the authority of the holy priesthood I seal these blessings upon thee, and I seal thee up unto eternal life, even so Amen.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:112, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:112, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
180 years ago today - Jun 20, 1836
Patriarchal Blessing of Jacob Chamberlain given by Joseph Smith, Sr. ... Thou shalt go to Zion and possess the things of this life: thou shalt have houses, lands and possessions. Thou shalt have power to help build up Zion and see her flourish upon the hills: Thou shalt see the hosts of God gathered there. Thou shalt have power to translate thyself like Enoch. Thou art a Son of Abraham, has a right to the priesthood and art called to it. Something whispers me that all will be well with thee
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:84; text from Patriarchal Blessing Book 2:143-144, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessing Book 1:84; text from Patriarchal Blessing Book 2:143-144, in Early Patriarchal Blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith Sr. (Author), H. Michael Marquardt (Editor), http://amzn.to/rCBHVe]
180 years ago today - (Mon) Jun 20, 1836
Joseph Smith was acquitted in a trial before the Court of Common Pleas at Chardon, on a charge of assault and battery brought by his brother-in-law, Calvin Stoddard.
[Source: Painesville Telegraph, 1:26, June 26, 1835, quoted at Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Painesville Telegraph, 1:26, June 26, 1835, quoted at Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
65 years ago today - Jun 19, 1951
Look magazine publishes Gordon B. Hinckley's response to an article, "The Mormons: We Are a Peculiar People," one of his earliest exposures in the national media.
100 years ago today - Jun 19, 1916
[First Presidency letter]
To Bishoprics of Wards, Dear Brethren:
At the Stake Clerks' meeting, held during the late general conference, definite instructions were sought for in regard to making a record of cases of transgression of young people who make public confession of their wrongdoing and are forgiven.
No record should be made of this class of cases, nor of cases of the same character of a strictly private nature considered by a Bishop or Bishopric, but a record should be made and kept of cases of fornication or adultery tried in the regular way by the Bishop's court.
This question has also been asked:
At which of the meetings should persons guilty of unchastity be required to make confession, at the general meeting of the members of the ward, at the fast meeting, or at the monthly priesthood meeting?
Answer: The regulation of confessions should be left to the Bishopric of the ward in which the wrongdoing occurs, each case considered by them on its own merits, and disposed of according to the publicity already given to it. For instance, where people guilty of adultery or fornication confess their sin, and their transgression is known to themselves only, their confession should not be made public. But where publicity has been given to it their confession should be made before the priesthood of the ward at the regular monthly meeting; or, if it be deemed advisable that a still more public confession be made, such a confession should be made at the monthly fast meeting, and not at the regular Sunday services. ...
As a rule therefore where the transgression is known to but few, the confession (if required at all) should be made at the priesthood meeting, and only in cases where the offense has become a public scandal and reproach to the Church, should the more public confession be required. Your Brethren, JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency.
[Source: 1916-June 19-Original letter. Church Historian's Library, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
To Bishoprics of Wards, Dear Brethren:
At the Stake Clerks' meeting, held during the late general conference, definite instructions were sought for in regard to making a record of cases of transgression of young people who make public confession of their wrongdoing and are forgiven.
No record should be made of this class of cases, nor of cases of the same character of a strictly private nature considered by a Bishop or Bishopric, but a record should be made and kept of cases of fornication or adultery tried in the regular way by the Bishop's court.
This question has also been asked:
At which of the meetings should persons guilty of unchastity be required to make confession, at the general meeting of the members of the ward, at the fast meeting, or at the monthly priesthood meeting?
Answer: The regulation of confessions should be left to the Bishopric of the ward in which the wrongdoing occurs, each case considered by them on its own merits, and disposed of according to the publicity already given to it. For instance, where people guilty of adultery or fornication confess their sin, and their transgression is known to themselves only, their confession should not be made public. But where publicity has been given to it their confession should be made before the priesthood of the ward at the regular monthly meeting; or, if it be deemed advisable that a still more public confession be made, such a confession should be made at the monthly fast meeting, and not at the regular Sunday services. ...
As a rule therefore where the transgression is known to but few, the confession (if required at all) should be made at the priesthood meeting, and only in cases where the offense has become a public scandal and reproach to the Church, should the more public confession be required. Your Brethren, JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency.
[Source: 1916-June 19-Original letter. Church Historian's Library, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
110 years ago today - Jun 19, 1906; Tuesday
$250. was paid to Fred W. Clemons in payment of the old hand press on which the first edition of the Book of Mormon was printed; said press having been received and set up in the press room of the Deseret News building.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
175 years ago today - Jun 19, 1841
James Murdock writes to the CONGREGATIONAL OBSERVER of his interview with William Smith, LDS Apostle and brother of Joseph Smith: "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."
180 years ago today - Jun 19, 1836
Lorenzo Snow is baptized in the Chagrin River near Kirtland, Ohio. (He is twenty-two years and two months old.)
180 years ago today - Jun 19, 1836
Wilford Woodruff writes that "A state's warrant was issued against D[avid] W. Patten, Warren Parrish and Wilford Woodruff, . . . Elders Patten and Parrish were taken by an armed mob of about fifty, . . . I was in another county, and therefore not taken. We were accused of prophesying falsely, by saying that four persons who were baptized should receive the Holy Ghost in twenty-four hours, and that Christ should come the second time before this generation passed away." Three days later Patten and Parrish are "condemned . . . Without any cause of Guilt found in them & after condemning they let them go clear."
180 years ago today - Jun 19, 1836
Book of Mormon witnesses Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, John Whitmer, Apostle Lyman E. Johnson, and Mormon editor William W. Phelps flee for their lives after receiving a written death-threat signed by Danite chief Sampson Avard, two members of the First Presidency, and eighty other Danites. This is two days after Sidney Rigdon announced that the church will now fulfill the commandment to treat dissenters as "salt" to be "trodden under the foot of men."
185 years ago today - Jun 19, 1831
[Joseph Smith]
Starts for Missouri to designate the -"land of Zion.-"
[Source: Highlights in the Prophet's Life, Ensign, June 1994]
Starts for Missouri to designate the -"land of Zion.-"
[Source: Highlights in the Prophet's Life, Ensign, June 1994]
185 years ago today - Jun 19, 1831
Colesville saints inquire of Joseph being poor and without farmland. Section 54 of the D&C is revealed in response. Newel Knight is appointed the leader of this company and they moved from Thompson, Ohio to Missouri. After this point, legal deeds of ownership were transferred as part of the Law of Consecration. Edward leaves family with measles and is so exhausted, he fell off his horse while travelling with the company.
[Source: Exploring Mormonism: The Law of Consecration Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-law-of-consecration-timeline/]
[Source: Exploring Mormonism: The Law of Consecration Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-law-of-consecration-timeline/]
160 years ago today - Jun 18, 1856
[Hosea Stout]
Law Suit before probate on an examination[.] People vs William Camp et al. for kidnapping a Negro Dan. The case commenced Monday evening and lasted yesterday & to day till noon
It appears that Camp was the owner of Dan who had ran away and C. had went with three others to bring him back. The court acquitted them[.] Carrington atty Genl for the people & Mr T. S. Williams & self for defts
There was a great excitement on on the occasion[.] The question naturally involving more or Less the Slavery question and I was surprised to see those latent feeling aroused in our midst which are making so much disturbance in the states.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Law Suit before probate on an examination[.] People vs William Camp et al. for kidnapping a Negro Dan. The case commenced Monday evening and lasted yesterday & to day till noon
It appears that Camp was the owner of Dan who had ran away and C. had went with three others to bring him back. The court acquitted them[.] Carrington atty Genl for the people & Mr T. S. Williams & self for defts
There was a great excitement on on the occasion[.] The question naturally involving more or Less the Slavery question and I was surprised to see those latent feeling aroused in our midst which are making so much disturbance in the states.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
165 years ago today - Jun 18, 1851
Sarah Lawrence, polygamous widow of Joseph Smith, formally divorces Heber C. Kimball. Two years later she marries Joseph Mount who "had come from the gold mines of California where he made quite a fortune." On this same day Mary Ann Clark Powers, plural wife of Brigham Young since Jan 15, 1845, writes from Kanesville, Iowa: "I wish you to release me from all engagements with you for time and eternity." This request is granted.
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]
20 years ago today - Jun 17, 1996
Time magazine publishes its list of the twenty-five most influential Americans. Among those noted is Steven R. Covey (a former BYU professor, author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and founder of the Covey Leadership Center).
110 years ago today - Jun 17, 1906; Sunday
[George F. Richards]
"Talked with Bro[ther]. C[harles]. R. McBride after meeting about a matter of a private nature about which I had a dream some time ago. Left it with him."
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
"Talked with Bro[ther]. C[harles]. R. McBride after meeting about a matter of a private nature about which I had a dream some time ago. Left it with him."
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
110 years ago today - Jun 17, 1906
[Anthony W. Ivins]
"Sunday 2 P. M. Jos, C. Bently. Present authorities. Bro. H. Pratt made short remarks. Said an effort was being made to eliminate from the Doctrine & Covenants the revelation of marriage."
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"Sunday 2 P. M. Jos, C. Bently. Present authorities. Bro. H. Pratt made short remarks. Said an effort was being made to eliminate from the Doctrine & Covenants the revelation of marriage."
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Anthony W. Ivins, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Jun 17, 1901
A contingent headed by Apostle John Henry Smith and future apostle Anthony W. Ivins meets in Mexico City with Mexican President Porfirio Diaz. Ivins clasps his hand and says, in Spanish, "Mr. President I greatly appreciate this opportunity of grasping the hand of the Chief Magistrate of the Government which gave an asylum and protection to my people when they were in trouble."
120 years ago today - Jun 17, 1896
With approval from President Wilford Woodruff, Second Counselor Joseph F. Smith seals Lillian Hamlin by proxy to the deceased David H. Cannon. During the ceremony, in the Salt Lake Temple, Smith marries her to the proxy Apostle Abraham H. Cannon as a plural wife for time. The next day, the Smiths and Cannons leave Salt Lake City for California. Later Joseph F. Smith is accused of having performed the post-manifesto marriage off the coast of California which he (truthfully) denies.
135 years ago today - Jun 17, 1881
[James E. Talmage]
"[...] if I would give way to selfish feelings I would today almost register a vow that I would not serve in the B. Y. Academy again unless I were well paid. […] Then again I think and realize that the training I am receiving in teaching these higher branches benefits me as much, if not more than regular attendance at school would. Have been enabled to save nothing in the way of money during the year."
[Source: The Journals of James E. Talmage—Excerpts, Compiled by J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dOE6pgN6OkBJIq-X73JGpCdt0p5b8_UdfTfLREz4uTg/]
"[...] if I would give way to selfish feelings I would today almost register a vow that I would not serve in the B. Y. Academy again unless I were well paid. […] Then again I think and realize that the training I am receiving in teaching these higher branches benefits me as much, if not more than regular attendance at school would. Have been enabled to save nothing in the way of money during the year."
[Source: The Journals of James E. Talmage—Excerpts, Compiled by J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dOE6pgN6OkBJIq-X73JGpCdt0p5b8_UdfTfLREz4uTg/]
160 years ago today - Jun 17, 1856
The new Republican Party Platform brought polygamy into the national political debate regarding slavery. It argued that since the Constitution gives Congress sovereign power over the territories it was "right and imperative" that Congress prohibit both slavery and polygamy in the territories. This created a dilemma the Democrats. Virtually all were offended at Mormon polygamy. The Republican Platform put the Democrats in the awkward position of explaining why a territory could become a slave state by the determination of the people, but could not self-determine the legality of polygamy.
[Source: Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]
[Source: Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]
180 years ago today - 1836: 17 June
Patriarchal blessing of Esther Smith Fuller given by Joseph Smith, Sen. ... "I seal the blessing of God on thy children: ... while young shall be in the Spirit and Prophesy, they shall be among the prophets and prophetesses. ..."
[Source: typescript, private collection, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: typescript, private collection, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jun 17, 1836
Patriarch Joseph Smith Senior gives blessings to Amos B. Fuller: "Thy years shall be many for thou shalt stand on the Earth and proclaim the Gospel to the Nations of the Gentiles, and the seed of Abraham, as long as the earth shall stand." And to Betsy Smith: " Thy children and thy children's children shall be saved and reign with thee in the kingdom of father and thou shall see the fourth generation and thou shall not see death but shall be grave thou must see tribulation but thou shalt have power to prevail over all thy enemies and shall see thy the Holy One of Israel while yet in the flesh"
115 years ago today - Sunday, Jun 16, 1901
[Rudger Clawson]
"Read a prophecy of Joseph Smith declaring that the saints would move to the Rocky Mountains and become a mighty people there."
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
"Read a prophecy of Joseph Smith declaring that the saints would move to the Rocky Mountains and become a mighty people there."
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
120 years ago today - Jun 16, 1896; Tuesday
[Charles W. Penrose]
"Read to [Salt Lake Stake] High Council Bro[ther] F[rancis]. M Lyman's remarks at first meeting of Stake Conference June 6th. Council adopted a resolution which I wrote dissenting from the doctrine advanced by Bro[ther] Lyman that an Apostle had the right to change a regulation established in a regularly organized Stake of Zion, of his own volition, without instructions from the First Presidency. The Presidency of the Stake were requested to write the views of the Council and present them with the Resolution and the report of the remarks of Bro[ther] Lyman to the First Presidency."
[Source: Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
"Read to [Salt Lake Stake] High Council Bro[ther] F[rancis]. M Lyman's remarks at first meeting of Stake Conference June 6th. Council adopted a resolution which I wrote dissenting from the doctrine advanced by Bro[ther] Lyman that an Apostle had the right to change a regulation established in a regularly organized Stake of Zion, of his own volition, without instructions from the First Presidency. The Presidency of the Stake were requested to write the views of the Council and present them with the Resolution and the report of the remarks of Bro[ther] Lyman to the First Presidency."
[Source: Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
145 years ago today - Jun 16, 1871
Apostle Joseph F. Smith writes of his divorced first wife "Levira [who] arrived from California in a state of insanity." Daughter of founder's brother Samuel H. Smith and first cousin-wife of Apostle Smith, Levira C. Smith is earliest example of mental illness in a prominent Mormon. In 1886 she is legally committed to the Utah Insane Asylum as its fifty-ninth patient, and remains there for three months.
[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)]]
155 years ago today - Jun 16, 1861 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
"Br. Kimball does pretty well in playing on the fiddle I think, so does br. Joseph Young. I will try my hand at my fiddle."
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"Br. Kimball does pretty well in playing on the fiddle I think, so does br. Joseph Young. I will try my hand at my fiddle."
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
160 years ago today - Jun 16, 1856
Brigham Young's office journal records "Had an interview with Bro[ther]s Jesse Little & Robert Burton about Bro[ther] Kamp taking away his Negro." Thomas Bedford, a Beaver Island resident who had been publicly whipped on James J. Strang's direction, fatally shoots the Strang. Strang had led a large portion of Mormons away from Brigham Young's rule after the death of Joseph Smith.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Jun 16, 1836
[Brigham Young]
"[Went] to Isac Brownnels had som conversation With him he rejected our testmoney and abused ous [ours] and turned me out adore [of doors] and I washed my feet aganst him"
[Source: Brigham Young Journal, 1832 Apr. 9-1836, Sept. 9, typescript]
"[Went] to Isac Brownnels had som conversation With him he rejected our testmoney and abused ous [ours] and turned me out adore [of doors] and I washed my feet aganst him"
[Source: Brigham Young Journal, 1832 Apr. 9-1836, Sept. 9, typescript]
185 years ago today - Jun 16, 1831
Jared Carter writes in his diary: "there was one of our Sisters healed from blindness by his [Joseph Smith's] instrumentality,"
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Jun 15, 1951
Patriarchal Blessing of Taylor Woodruff Turner by George E. Jorgensen ... "You were valiant in the Spirit World where you supported the Savior and fought diligently by His side against Lucifer."
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
Jun 15, 1911
[Joseph F. Smith]
"... I can only say that the charge [regarding new polygamous marriages] about Brother [Anthony W.] Ivins is one of those unproven allegations which, like others, has not been taken up by the church or its authorities, as it comes from a source which is not only entirely unreliable, but which at sight conveys the idea of falsity. It is not required of any accused person or society to prove a negative ..."
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, Letter to Isaac Russell, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
"... I can only say that the charge [regarding new polygamous marriages] about Brother [Anthony W.] Ivins is one of those unproven allegations which, like others, has not been taken up by the church or its authorities, as it comes from a source which is not only entirely unreliable, but which at sight conveys the idea of falsity. It is not required of any accused person or society to prove a negative ..."
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, Letter to Isaac Russell, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Jun 15, 1856
Brigham Young preaches: "I have proof ready to show that Bishops have taken in thousands of pounds of tithing which they have never reported to the general tithing office. We have documents to show that Bishops have taken in hundreds of bushels of wheat, and only a small portion of it has come into the general tithing office; they stole it to let their friends speculate upon. If anyone is doubtful about this, will you not call on me to produce my proof before a proper tribunal? I should take pleasure in doing so, but we pass over such things in mercy to the people."
Jun 15, 1851 (Morning)
[Brigham Young]
"I say to the Saints, kill every white man you see stealing and not kill the Indian for it, for the white men know better."
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"I say to the Saints, kill every white man you see stealing and not kill the Indian for it, for the white men know better."
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Jun 15, 1851
[Brigham Young]
"Let the wife rule the Husband & she will keep him tied to the dish cloth & kitchen all the days of his life & it proves A curse upon him...."
"Then let the Father Govern. I can govern my children when they are with me. I would rather one of my sons would stab me to the Heart & kill me dead than to conquer & master me in government."
"When any undertake to govern out of their place they do not prosper. As An ensample P[arley] P Pratt & John Taylor undertook to govern & controll & set right my affairs at winter Quarters while I was on a pioneer Journey to the Mountains & they liked to have destroyed many. But I said peace be still And I saved the people...."
"A Mormon Boy will whip out the priest. We will Advance untill we can stand in the society of the gods. ..."
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"Let the wife rule the Husband & she will keep him tied to the dish cloth & kitchen all the days of his life & it proves A curse upon him...."
"Then let the Father Govern. I can govern my children when they are with me. I would rather one of my sons would stab me to the Heart & kill me dead than to conquer & master me in government."
"When any undertake to govern out of their place they do not prosper. As An ensample P[arley] P Pratt & John Taylor undertook to govern & controll & set right my affairs at winter Quarters while I was on a pioneer Journey to the Mountains & they liked to have destroyed many. But I said peace be still And I saved the people...."
"A Mormon Boy will whip out the priest. We will Advance untill we can stand in the society of the gods. ..."
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Jun 15, 1846
[Nauvoo Temple]
A newspaper reported that a man in Fort Madison, Iowa, expressed no hesitation in saying that the Temple must be destroyed, and he had powder ready for that purpose.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
A newspaper reported that a man in Fort Madison, Iowa, expressed no hesitation in saying that the Temple must be destroyed, and he had powder ready for that purpose.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Jun 15, 1841
Letter, Orson Hyde to Joseph Smith Smith, London: "I retired to my bed one night ... the vision of the Lord, like clouds of light burst into my view. The cities of London, Amsterdam, Constantinople, and Jerusalem, all appeared in succession before me; and the spirit said unto me, 'Here are many of the children of Abraham whom I will gather to the land that I gave to their fathers; and here also, is the field of your labors. Take therefore proper credentials from my people, your brethren, ... and go ye forth to the cities which have been shown you, and declare these words unto Judah, and say. 'Blow ye the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, assemble yourselves and let us go into the defended cities. Set up the standard towards Zion ..."
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
175 years ago today - Jun 15, 1841
Joseph receives a letter from Orson Hyde recounting his travels on the way to Jerusalem. Hyrum Smith and William Law, on a mission in Pittsburgh, learn that John C. Bennett has an estranged wife and child (he had claimed to be unmarried). This is reported to Joseph. Soon afterward, Joseph confronts Bennett with these facts, and Bennett takes poison in an attempted suicide. However, many assume that because he is a doctor, he knows how much he can consume and stay alive. At any rate, he does survive the suicide attempt. Joseph accepts his dramatic show of repentance and allows him to remain in power in the Church and in the city.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
5 years ago today - Jun 14, 2011
Chief U.S. District Judge James Ware said Tuesday that former Chief Judge Vaughn Walker did not have to divulge whether he wanted to marry his own gay partner before he declared last year that voter-approved Proposition 8 was unconstitutional. The decision struck down a brief filed by those backing Prop 8 who argued Walker should have recused himself.
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
50 years ago today - Jun 14, 1966
[David O. McKay]
... In his letter, Elder Christiansen also states that two Temple Presidents have recently inquired regarding permitting couples to be married civilly before traveling from their home to the Temple within a few days to have the sealing solemnized in the Temple. We decided to send a letter to Presidents of Temples informing them that the First Presidency must be consulted in regard to any proposed civil marriage of couples desiring to go to the Temple to be sealed.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, June 14, 1966, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
... In his letter, Elder Christiansen also states that two Temple Presidents have recently inquired regarding permitting couples to be married civilly before traveling from their home to the Temple within a few days to have the sealing solemnized in the Temple. We decided to send a letter to Presidents of Temples informing them that the First Presidency must be consulted in regard to any proposed civil marriage of couples desiring to go to the Temple to be sealed.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, June 14, 1966, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
55 years ago today - Jun 14, 1961
President McKay rejects a proposal to merge the Assistants to the Twelve with the First Council of the Seventy, now that the latter are also high priests.
[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)]]
110 years ago today - Jun 14, 1906; Thursday
[George F. Richards]
Attended Council meeting in the temple from 10 A.M. until 3 P.M. Question.
Was Moses Thatcher's Priesthood taken from him? Ans[wer]--
Pres[iden]t. Smith Jos[eph]. F. said his understanding is that the only way one's priesthood can be taken from him is by
excommunication from the Church. Parley P. Pratt held that in trying an elder in the Sandwitch [sic] islands who was charged with attempted rape. Pres[iden]t Geo[ge] Q. Cannon was present there and entertained a different view & contended later for same. Pres[iden]t. Smith's understanding is that a man may be silenced and prohibited from the exercise of his Priesthood and such is the Case of Moses Thatcher. Geo[rge] Albert Smith testified that that is the idea Moses has as he Geo[rge]. A[lbert]. had heard Moses express himself.
From the above I deduce the fol[lowing]--A man can be deprived of his priesthood only by excommunication from the Church.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
Attended Council meeting in the temple from 10 A.M. until 3 P.M. Question.
Was Moses Thatcher's Priesthood taken from him? Ans[wer]--
Pres[iden]t. Smith Jos[eph]. F. said his understanding is that the only way one's priesthood can be taken from him is by
excommunication from the Church. Parley P. Pratt held that in trying an elder in the Sandwitch [sic] islands who was charged with attempted rape. Pres[iden]t Geo[ge] Q. Cannon was present there and entertained a different view & contended later for same. Pres[iden]t. Smith's understanding is that a man may be silenced and prohibited from the exercise of his Priesthood and such is the Case of Moses Thatcher. Geo[rge] Albert Smith testified that that is the idea Moses has as he Geo[rge]. A[lbert]. had heard Moses express himself.
From the above I deduce the fol[lowing]--A man can be deprived of his priesthood only by excommunication from the Church.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
115 years ago today - Friday, Jun 14, 1901
[John Henry Smith]
Frank Marsh, youngest son of Thomas B. Marsh, called upon us. he claimed to be in the faith. he says that about one month before Emma Hale Smith died he called upon her. he asked her if the Prophet Joseph had more wives than one. She broke into tears and said my son has accepted the Presidency of the Reorganized Church.
He also said he had met with a body of Masons in London. A gentleman present by the name of Hamilton gave a wonderfull testimony of the character and Mission of the Prophet. Said He Joseph Smith Initiated me into the Secrets of Masonry and I esteem him among the great men of the World.
[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]
Frank Marsh, youngest son of Thomas B. Marsh, called upon us. he claimed to be in the faith. he says that about one month before Emma Hale Smith died he called upon her. he asked her if the Prophet Joseph had more wives than one. She broke into tears and said my son has accepted the Presidency of the Reorganized Church.
He also said he had met with a body of Masons in London. A gentleman present by the name of Hamilton gave a wonderfull testimony of the character and Mission of the Prophet. Said He Joseph Smith Initiated me into the Secrets of Masonry and I esteem him among the great men of the World.
[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 - Jun 14, 1876
[Wilford Woodruff]
14 I spent the day at the Endowment House. We Baptized 634 for the dead. W Woodruff sealed 144 Couple for the dead the greatest Number I Ever sealed in one day in my life. Joseph F Smith sealed 28 Couple. Total 172 Couple. It made me nearly Sick.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
14 I spent the day at the Endowment House. We Baptized 634 for the dead. W Woodruff sealed 144 Couple for the dead the greatest Number I Ever sealed in one day in my life. Joseph F Smith sealed 28 Couple. Total 172 Couple. It made me nearly Sick.
[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 - Jun 14, 1856
The ship Thornton arrives in New York City with 764 Saints led by James G. Willie. Most in the company are those who later make up the ill-fated Martin and Willie handcart companies, which become stranded on their way to Utah later that year.
170 years ago today - Jun 14, 1846
Several hundred men gathered at the temple with their firearms because a large mob had assembled at nearby Golden Point and were threatened to attack the temple. When the temple bell rang, the defenders met at the green near the temple. Stephen Markham led the troops into the temple and rallied them together. On this occasion the mob dispersed and did not dare approach the city. But these renewed threats prompted many families to quickly leave their homes and start their journey to the 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 - Jun 14, 1846
On the ship Brooklyn, filled with Latter-day Saints bound for California, a baby girl is born to Phebe and John Robbins and is named Georgiana Pacific Robbins. "Pacific" was used as part of the name because they were in the Pacific ocean, just as "Atlantic" had been used as part of the name of another baby born earlier in the voyage.
75 years ago today - Jun 13, 1941
Sunday Funerals Discouraged-- Salt Lake City, Utah.
The holding of funerals for L.D.S. Church members on Sundays should be discontinued for two reasons: interference with regular Church meetings and the necessity of Sunday work by morticians and their employees.
[Source: 1941-June 13-Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church Archives, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
The holding of funerals for L.D.S. Church members on Sundays should be discontinued for two reasons: interference with regular Church meetings and the necessity of Sunday work by morticians and their employees.
[Source: 1941-June 13-Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church Archives, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
110 years ago today - Jun 13, 1906
[Charles Penrose to Reed Smoot]
Excitement over removals, etc. has died out, but would you believe it, there are still efforts put forth to obtain consent to forbidden marriages.
[Source: Charles W. Penrose, Letter to Reed Smoot, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Excitement over removals, etc. has died out, but would you believe it, there are still efforts put forth to obtain consent to forbidden marriages.
[Source: Charles W. Penrose, Letter to Reed Smoot, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Jun 13, 1901
[Rudger Clawson]
... I referred to the matter of non-tithe-payers and felt that some action should be taken relative to those who bear the priesthood, as by experience I had been led to believe that those who rejected the law of tithing, or failed to honor it, were indifferent, generally, to their duties in the church. The question was pretty fully discussed, and though no formal action was taken, it seemed to be the mind of the brethren that while it would be unwise and injudicious at present to relieve men of their priesthood, who failed to observe the law of tithing, it would certainly be proper to call for the resignation of non-tithe-payers, who were officiating in various prominent positions in the church.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
... I referred to the matter of non-tithe-payers and felt that some action should be taken relative to those who bear the priesthood, as by experience I had been led to believe that those who rejected the law of tithing, or failed to honor it, were indifferent, generally, to their duties in the church. The question was pretty fully discussed, and though no formal action was taken, it seemed to be the mind of the brethren that while it would be unwise and injudicious at present to relieve men of their priesthood, who failed to observe the law of tithing, it would certainly be proper to call for the resignation of non-tithe-payers, who were officiating in various prominent positions in the church.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
115 years ago today - Jun 13, 1901
[Marriner W. Merrill]
I attended meeting with the First Presidency and seven of the Apostles. It was decided to ordain High Councilmen as High Priests and set them apart as High Councilmen; also decided that it be the rule in the Church for those administering the sacrament, for only one to kneel when asking the blessing on the bread and water, as in our circumstances the whole congregation cannot kneel.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I attended meeting with the First Presidency and seven of the Apostles. It was decided to ordain High Councilmen as High Priests and set them apart as High Councilmen; also decided that it be the rule in the Church for those administering the sacrament, for only one to kneel when asking the blessing on the bread and water, as in our circumstances the whole congregation cannot kneel.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Jun 13, 1881
David Whitmer writes to the KANSAS CITY JOURNAL to correct some items in a recently-published interview: "I did not say that Smith used 'two small stones' as stated nor did I call the stone 'interpreters.' I stated that 'he used one stone (not two) and called it a sun stone.' . . .My statement was and is that in translating he put the stone in his hat and putting his face in the hat so as to exclude the light and that the light and characters appeared in the hat together with the interpretation which he uttered and was written by the scribe and which was tested at the time as stated."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
140 years ago today - Jun 13, 1876 (Tuesday)
The case of George Reynolds, convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary under the anti-bigamy law, was argued before the Supreme Court of the Territory, on appeal.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
60 years ago today - Jun 12, 1956
[David O. McKay] Pres[ident] Joseph Fielding Smith telephoned about second anointings for some of the brethren. I told him to send the forms and we would take care of this at the next meeting of the Council.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, June 12, 1956, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay diary, June 12, 1956, quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
115 years ago today - Wednesday, Jun 12, 1901
[Rudger Clawson] '[5th Ward] L. S[now]. Addressing the audience he said, "Where will you be in 50 years hence?" Many of you will be in Jackson County and at that time, if not before, you will be looking for Jesus to come for he will be very near. Trials will come to you, but for every trial, every sacrifice, every suffering you will receive four-fold in reward. No man can receive a fullness of glory unless he has suffered a portion of bitterness. Said that Patriarch Joseph Smith [Sr.] in blessing him many years ago made use of this expression: "You shall be great, just as great as you want to be, as great as God himself, and you will not wish to be any greater than that." This truth was revealed to him later by the Spirit of the Lord, namely, that "as man now is God once was, as God now is man may be." [President Snow] Testified to having received the Holy Ghost at the time of his conversion. It came as the rustling of silken garments and rested upon him and filled his whole being. Through the Holy Ghost he received a knowledge of the Father in Heaven and of Jesus, His son, and also that the Father and Son had spoken to Joseph Smith, the prophet. Admonished those present to live that they might be privileged to receive their second anointings....'
'At the close of the meal I was called upon to give an after-dinner speech. ... I referred to the imprisonment of President Snow in the "Pen" for conscience sake and related an incident that occurred while he was there, namely, the giving of the sacred shout by the brethren, led by President Snow, that which was probably never done in a prison before and which may never be done again. In conclusion, taking up a cup of warm water diluted with milk, I drank to the health, prosperity, and success of President L. W. Shurtliff, his counselors, the high council, the bishopric[s] of the wards, and all the authorities of the Weber Stake present.'
'At this juncture Pres. Snow arose and said that he felt that it would be appropriate and acceptable to the Lord to give the sacred shout upon this occasion, whereupon all arose, and led by Pres. Snow, raised their voices in a mighty shout of Hosanna to God and the Lamb. Apostle A. H. Lund followed with brief remarks.'
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
'At the close of the meal I was called upon to give an after-dinner speech. ... I referred to the imprisonment of President Snow in the "Pen" for conscience sake and related an incident that occurred while he was there, namely, the giving of the sacred shout by the brethren, led by President Snow, that which was probably never done in a prison before and which may never be done again. In conclusion, taking up a cup of warm water diluted with milk, I drank to the health, prosperity, and success of President L. W. Shurtliff, his counselors, the high council, the bishopric[s] of the wards, and all the authorities of the Weber Stake present.'
'At this juncture Pres. Snow arose and said that he felt that it would be appropriate and acceptable to the Lord to give the sacred shout upon this occasion, whereupon all arose, and led by Pres. Snow, raised their voices in a mighty shout of Hosanna to God and the Lamb. Apostle A. H. Lund followed with brief remarks.'
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
135 years ago today - June 12th, 1881
[Abraham H. Cannon] "After meeting, Bro. Bloesch, the president of the branch, expressed the desire to be rebaptized. He is guilty of having intercourse with another man's wife, but he asked forgiveness for this, and made everything right as near as possible. We therefore went down to the Bieler Canal, where I rebaptized Bro. Bloesch and baptized Elsie Bangeter, Bro. Alder confirming the former and I the latter."
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
145 years ago today - Jun 12, 1871
15-year-old Sarah Minnie Ephramina Jensen becomes the 9th wife of 57-year-old Lorenzo Snow.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
155 years ago today - Jun 12, 1861
Brigham Young's office journal records: "Pres Young & his brother Phineas, had some conversation about the death of Stephen A. Douglass the President remarked he should be president in the lower world and Tom Benton should be his first counsellor. ..."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - Jun 12, 1831
Official Church Historian John Whitmer, one of the "eight witnesses" to the Book of Mormon, begins keeping the history of the church in "The Book of John Whitmer, kept by commandment." After Whitmer's excommunication he continued his history: "He [Joseph Smith] from this time began to be lifted up in the pride of his eyes, and began to seek riches and the glory of the world, also sought to establish the ancient order of things, as he & his counsellors Rigdon & Hyrum Smith pleased to call it. Therefore they began to form themselves into a secret Society which they termed the Brother of Gideon, in the which Society they took oaths that they would support a brother wright or wrong even to the sheding of blood."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
190 years ago today - Jun 12, 1826
Lemuel Durfee's will identifies Joseph Smith Sr.'s Manchester property as belonging to Smith. Durfee became the Smith's landlord after the Smith's home was taken from them due to shading dealings by a land agent. Durfee saved the Smith's home by purchasing their property and renting it to them to recover his investment.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
140 years ago today - 140 years ago - Jun 11, 1876
Br Brigham spoke on a variety of subjects. Said that those who made the greatest howl against Polygamy were whores and whoremongers and those filled with lust and of unclean hearts. Said as to the Mountain Meadow Massacre, if he had not been foiled by Judge Cradlebaugh and other federal officials, He would have hung every guilty person concerned in the bloody deed. Spoke of the building of temples showing that a man would gain riches faster working for the Lord and trusting in him, than all the men could make who were hunting after, and working in mines. Urged the Brethren to labor diligently on the Temple to have it completed by the 15th of next Sept. -- St. George, Utah
[Men in congregation are involved in the massaccre, and by arrangement several testify against John D. Lee.]
[Source: Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 427, 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]
[Men in congregation are involved in the massaccre, and by arrangement several testify against John D. Lee.]
[Source: Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 427, 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]
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