[Mark Garff]
I asked the President to listen me out and see if I was foolish in what I was suggesting. He said he would be glad to listen and I told him I had just returned from the Far East; this is about the only time I have left my desk for the two and [a] half years I have been working for President [David O.] McKay and in my mind I tried to conceive a plan whereby we could bring Temple work to our people. I said cautiously to President McKay: "If you think I am out of bounds I want you to tell me, but I am proposing to you now, that The Church obtain or build a ship sufficient in size to run the oceans and we equip 1939. ... this ship as a temple ship; that we take the ship and outfit it as a temple, then take the ship into the ports and harbors where our people live. We could do this around the entire continent of South America, Europe, along the coast of China, Japan, Australia and even Africa if we wanted to.["] I was sure the cost would not amount to any more than what the cost of some of our temples has been.... After I explained to the President my thinking he said to me: "That is not foolish thinking and I want you to pursue this thought and pursue the feasibility of it and make a report to me." He seemed to be greatly intrigued with the idea, he seemed to grasp it very quickly and thought it would be a good idea, so I am going to pursue it a little further as fast as my time will allow.
[Source: Minutes of a Meeting, Nov. 30, 1967; included in the David O. McKay diary on the same date, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
130 years ago today - Nov 30, 1887
[Samuel Bateman]
Got up at half past 6 o'clock. After breakfast we all went to the [Logan] Temple. I was ordained an elder by Bro[ther] A. Peterson in behalf of my dead Father and got endowments for him and took my Mother through the veil and also stood proxy for my Father at the altar for my mother to be sealed to him; also took both of my wives through the veil; also my daughter, Marinda, and had our 4 old est children sealed to us. And my wives and I received our second anointings under the hands of President [Marriner W.] Merrill and Bro[th er] Moore.
[Source: Samuel Bateman diary, Nov. 30, 1887 , Perry Special Collections, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Got up at half past 6 o'clock. After breakfast we all went to the [Logan] Temple. I was ordained an elder by Bro[ther] A. Peterson in behalf of my dead Father and got endowments for him and took my Mother through the veil and also stood proxy for my Father at the altar for my mother to be sealed to him; also took both of my wives through the veil; also my daughter, Marinda, and had our 4 old est children sealed to us. And my wives and I received our second anointings under the hands of President [Marriner W.] Merrill and Bro[th er] Moore.
[Source: Samuel Bateman diary, Nov. 30, 1887 , Perry Special Collections, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
170 years ago today - Nov 30, 1847
[Hosea Stout]
Tues Nov. 30th 1847. Went to a council today which had been called to investigate the cases of H. B. Jacobs & W. N. Phelps while they were East on a mission
It appeared that Phelps had while East Last summer got some new ideas into some three young women & they had consented to become his wives & he got Jacobs to marry them to him in St Louis and he lived with them as such all the way to this place[.] After a long and tedious hearing of the matter which was altogether their own admissions, President Young decided that Phelps had committed addultery every time that he had lain with one of them & that Jacobs should be silenced for that part he had taken in marrying them.
Phelps had the privilege granted to him of being baptized again as his deeds did naturally cut him off from the Church.adjd at 2 ocl[.] Not well in the evening.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Tues Nov. 30th 1847. Went to a council today which had been called to investigate the cases of H. B. Jacobs & W. N. Phelps while they were East on a mission
It appeared that Phelps had while East Last summer got some new ideas into some three young women & they had consented to become his wives & he got Jacobs to marry them to him in St Louis and he lived with them as such all the way to this place[.] After a long and tedious hearing of the matter which was altogether their own admissions, President Young decided that Phelps had committed addultery every time that he had lain with one of them & that Jacobs should be silenced for that part he had taken in marrying them.
Phelps had the privilege granted to him of being baptized again as his deeds did naturally cut him off from the Church.adjd at 2 ocl[.] Not well in the evening.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
170 years ago today - Nov 30, 1847
[Brigham Young]
A woman is the dirtiriest creature, dirtier than a man. It is perfectly right that you enjoy a woman all you can to overflowing & tell her to keep all about her clean & neat. B. Y.[: If one is] consenting in his heart to do it if he had the chance, I wont say how often I have kept the been guilty of adultery'but I will say I never did the act.
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
A woman is the dirtiriest creature, dirtier than a man. It is perfectly right that you enjoy a woman all you can to overflowing & tell her to keep all about her clean & neat. B. Y.[: If one is] consenting in his heart to do it if he had the chance, I wont say how often I have kept the been guilty of adultery'but I will say I never did the act.
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
170 years ago today - Nov 30, 1847 (Council Meeting)
[Brigham Young]
The subject of Appointing three of the Twelve As the Presidency of the Church. Br Young said by pursuing this course it would liberate the quorum of the Twelve that they might go to the Nations of the earth to preach the gospel.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 3:293, 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 subject of Appointing three of the Twelve As the Presidency of the Church. Br Young said by pursuing this course it would liberate the quorum of the Twelve that they might go to the Nations of the earth to preach the gospel.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 3:293, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
25 years ago today - Nov 29, 1992
Mormon advocates of Ezra Taft Benson's ultra-conservativism found themselves in a religious quandary. LDS church officers were suspicious of "those obsessed with the early speeches of LDS Church President Ezra Taft Benson and who believe the ailing, 93-year-old leader has been silenced because his opinions no longer are politically popular." Such ultra- conservative Mormons were being excommunicated or disciplined in Utah and surrounding states. One of them protested, "We support President Benson 100%," but "there are some brethren who speak 180 degrees against him."
[Source: "It's Judgment Day for Far Right: LDS Church Purges Survivalists," Salt Lake Tribune, 29 Nov. 1992, A-l, A-2. In "LDS Deny Mass Ouster of Radicals," Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Dec. 1992, 1, an official LDS spokesman denied only the estimate of "hundreds" of excommunications. See also "LDS Church Downplays Reports On Discipline," Deseret News, 4 Dec. 1992, B-l. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Source: "It's Judgment Day for Far Right: LDS Church Purges Survivalists," Salt Lake Tribune, 29 Nov. 1992, A-l, A-2. In "LDS Deny Mass Ouster of Radicals," Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Dec. 1992, 1, an official LDS spokesman denied only the estimate of "hundreds" of excommunications. See also "LDS Church Downplays Reports On Discipline," Deseret News, 4 Dec. 1992, B-l. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
25 years ago today - Nov 29, 1992
As the ultra-conservative presidential candidate in the national election of 1992, most of the support for [James "Bo" Gritz, a Mormon] was in the "Mormon Culture Region" centering on the state of Utah which alone gave him 28,000 votes.
[Source: "Hero-Turned Heretic? Gritz May Be Leading LDS Flock Into Wilderness," Salt Lake Tribune, 29 Nov. 1992, A-2. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Source: "Hero-Turned Heretic? Gritz May Be Leading LDS Flock Into Wilderness," Salt Lake Tribune, 29 Nov. 1992, A-2. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
70 years ago today - Nov 29, 1947
The First Presidency announces to the Saints in North America that the regular December fast day will be dedicated to relieving the suffering of the people in Europe resulting from World War II. About $210,000 is collected and distributed to Europeans of all faiths by an agency not connected with the Church.
120 years ago today - Nov 29, 1897; Monday
The First Presidency were waited upon at their office this morning by Bro[ther]. J. E. King, a Cherokee Indian belonging to the Church, who had been visiting his tribe also the Otto Indians. ... Bro[ther]. King reported that he had baptized all of White Horse's band, also 86 Wahtangos in Oklahoma. The Ottos he said were on their way to Mexico, where they had bought lands, having sold their possessions because the Government officials required them to give up their plural wives. This they refused to do, and hence their migration.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Nov 29, 1887 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
Brother Wilcken's daughter Emma brought us our mail to-day. She is a fine looking girl, large and well-developed, which I notice the more because she is one of three children born at one time. ... John Q. has written me about Brother Bishop, who is a very successful artesian well-borer. He uses a divining rod to find the best places. I have heard of his success, and I wrote to John Q. to employ him.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Brother Wilcken's daughter Emma brought us our mail to-day. She is a fine looking girl, large and well-developed, which I notice the more because she is one of three children born at one time. ... John Q. has written me about Brother Bishop, who is a very successful artesian well-borer. He uses a divining rod to find the best places. I have heard of his success, and I wrote to John Q. to employ him.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
160 years ago today - Nov 29, 1857
The First Presidency have of right a great influence over this people; and IF WE SHOULD GET OUT OF THE WAY AND LEAD THIS PEOPLE TO DESTRUCTION, WHAT A PITY IT WOULD BE! How can you know whether we lead you correctly or not? Can you know by any other power than that of the Holy Ghost? If have uniformly exhorted the people to obtain this living witness each for themselves; then no man on earth can lead them astray.
[Source: Journal of Discourses, Vol.6, p.100, Brigham Young, November 29, 1857]
[Source: Journal of Discourses, Vol.6, p.100, Brigham Young, November 29, 1857]
160 years ago today - Nov 29, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
Early in the morning G. A. Smith & myself was Called upon to go to the Governors office as an expressed had arived from the Enemy. ... Brother Carrington read a Proclamation from A Cumming. Called himself Govornor of Utah & said that the President Appointed him Govornor of Utah but did not say what Presidet appointed him whether it was Presidet Young or Buchannan. He Commands all armed people to dispersed to their Homes & said all that opposed them would be treated as traitors.
He also wrote a Letter to Governor Young accusing him of treason & said that He should Esstablish his quarters in Green river County & organize a temporary Government that all will be tried for treason that oppose them.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Early in the morning G. A. Smith & myself was Called upon to go to the Governors office as an expressed had arived from the Enemy. ... Brother Carrington read a Proclamation from A Cumming. Called himself Govornor of Utah & said that the President Appointed him Govornor of Utah but did not say what Presidet appointed him whether it was Presidet Young or Buchannan. He Commands all armed people to dispersed to their Homes & said all that opposed them would be treated as traitors.
He also wrote a Letter to Governor Young accusing him of treason & said that He should Esstablish his quarters in Green river County & organize a temporary Government that all will be tried for treason that oppose them.
[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 - Nov 29, 1832 - Thursday
[Joseph Smith]
this Evening Brother Fr ederic [Frederick G. Williams] Prophcyed tha[t] next spring I should go to the city of Pitts Burg to establish a Bis hopwrick and within one year I should go to the city of New York the Lord spare me the life of thy servent Amen [[A month earlier, JS visited New York City, and Sidney Rigdon had recently organized a branch in Pittsburgh, where he had formerly served as the pastor of a congregation of Regular Baptists. In 1845, Rigdon claimed that while on this mission to Pittsburgh he received a revelation that it would become a gathering center, which would require a bishopric there.]]
[Source: Joseph Smith, "Joseph Smith Jrs Book for Record," Journal, Nov. 1832–Dec. 1834]
this Evening Brother Fr ederic [Frederick G. Williams] Prophcyed tha[t] next spring I should go to the city of Pitts Burg to establish a Bis hopwrick and within one year I should go to the city of New York the Lord spare me the life of thy servent Amen [[A month earlier, JS visited New York City, and Sidney Rigdon had recently organized a branch in Pittsburgh, where he had formerly served as the pastor of a congregation of Regular Baptists. In 1845, Rigdon claimed that while on this mission to Pittsburgh he received a revelation that it would become a gathering center, which would require a bishopric there.]]
[Source: Joseph Smith, "Joseph Smith Jrs Book for Record," Journal, Nov. 1832–Dec. 1834]
10 years ago today - 2007-11-28
LDS feminists post online response to Julie B. Beck's conference talk, "Mothers Who Know"
[Source: Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
[Source: Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
65 years ago today - Nov 28, 1952
David O. McKay aided by Second Counselor J. Reuben Clark, placed his hands on the apostle's head and set him apart ... as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. "You will have a responsibility, even greater than your associates in the cabinet," McKay prayed, because you go . . . as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. You are entitled to inspiration from on high, and if you so live and think and pray, you will have that divine guidance which others may not have. . . . We bless you, therefore, dear Brother Ezra, that when questions of right and wrong come before the men with whom you are deliberating, you may see clearly what is right, and knowing it, that you may have courage to stand by that which is right and proper. . . . We seal upon you the blessings of . . . sound judgment, clear vision, that you might see afar the needs of this country; vision that you might see, too, the enemies who would thwart the freedom of the individual as vouchsafed by the Constitution, . . . and may you be fearless in the condemnation of these subversive influences, and strong in your defense of the rights and privileges of the Constitution.
[Source: McKay, Diary, November 28, 1952. Unlike most entries in McKay's diary, which are typed, this one is in McKay's handwriting; Dew, Benson , 259; Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
[Source: McKay, Diary, November 28, 1952. Unlike most entries in McKay's diary, which are typed, this one is in McKay's handwriting; Dew, Benson , 259; Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
75 years ago today - Nov 28, 1942
A Deseret News Church Section cover article "L.D.S. Japanese Aid U.S. Soldiers."
[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 )]]
165 years ago today - Nov 28, 1852. Sunday.
[William Clayton]
Brother Glover has had some conversation today with a Baneemyite. He was able to show the folly of his faith in such a doctrine; but like all other apostates he cherished his errors, although he cannot sustain them either by reason or revelation. They believe that all the Revelations which were given through the Prophet Joseph to the day of his death are true and binding upon this generation. They are decidedly opposed to the plurality; (what will they do with the revelation of July 12, 18437). They believe that the President Brigham Young, and the Patriarch are the two horns of the beast. They believe in three orders of Priesthood; and that Baneemy is the man to gather the armies of Israel and redeem Zion, or Jackson County, Missouri. Charles B. Thompson is evidently Baneemy altho' they say it has not been told who Baneemy is.
[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]
Brother Glover has had some conversation today with a Baneemyite. He was able to show the folly of his faith in such a doctrine; but like all other apostates he cherished his errors, although he cannot sustain them either by reason or revelation. They believe that all the Revelations which were given through the Prophet Joseph to the day of his death are true and binding upon this generation. They are decidedly opposed to the plurality; (what will they do with the revelation of July 12, 18437). They believe that the President Brigham Young, and the Patriarch are the two horns of the beast. They believe in three orders of Priesthood; and that Baneemy is the man to gather the armies of Israel and redeem Zion, or Jackson County, Missouri. Charles B. Thompson is evidently Baneemy altho' they say it has not been told who Baneemy is.
[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]
175 years ago today - Nov 28, 1842
[Nauvoo Temple]
The stonecutters again brought complaints to Joseph Smith against the Temple Committee, who were accused of making unequal distribution of provisions to the workers, as well as allowing Reynolds Cahoon's sons to receive more tools than the others. After a ten hour meeting the Prophet resolved the issues to everyone's satisfaction.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
The stonecutters again brought complaints to Joseph Smith against the Temple Committee, who were accused of making unequal distribution of provisions to the workers, as well as allowing Reynolds Cahoon's sons to receive more tools than the others. After a ten hour meeting the Prophet resolved the issues to everyone's satisfaction.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
50 years ago today - Nov 27, 1967
By coincidence or design, the transfer of the the Joseph Smith Papyri to the church occurred at almost exactly the same time that the Metropolitan Museum of Art received an inquiry from anti-Mormon Wes Walters.
[Source: Boyd Jay Peterson, Hugh Nibley: A Consecrated Life (thanks to Christopher Smith for pointing this out)]
[Source: Boyd Jay Peterson, Hugh Nibley: A Consecrated Life (thanks to Christopher Smith for pointing this out)]
50 years ago today - Nov 27,1967
New York Metropolitan Museum of Art gives to LDS church the original Egyptian papyri upon which Joseph Smith based "Book of Abraham" in Pearl of Great Price. Scholars and church officials authenticate papyri as the same used by Smith. Apostle N. Eldon Tanner states the discovery of the papyri will finally prove Joseph Smith could translate ancient documents. Unfortunately, Egyptologists, LDS and non-LDS, verify that these papyri are typical "Book of Breathings" in form and content. Church officials begin repressing the story that the original papyri have been discovered and are in their possession.
[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]
85 years ago today - Nov 27, 1932
Representatives of the Church first appear on Columbia Church of the Air broadcasts (CBS). The program started on CBS radio network in 1931.
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
125 years ago today - Nov 27, 1892 • Sunday
[George Q. Cannon]
I was carried to the Franklin station by Brother Wilcken to catch the 4:17 train for Provo, I having promised Bishop J. P. R. Johnson and S. S. Jones that I would come down some evening and see them, with the view to the settling of some property matters between Brother Johnson and his first wife's children. He had deeded his property to his wives before he went into the penitentiary, thinking thereby to save it from being seized for fines. He did so with the understanding that they were to deed it back if needed. But his first wife had died, and before dying had told her children that she wanted them to retain this property.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I was carried to the Franklin station by Brother Wilcken to catch the 4:17 train for Provo, I having promised Bishop J. P. R. Johnson and S. S. Jones that I would come down some evening and see them, with the view to the settling of some property matters between Brother Johnson and his first wife's children. He had deeded his property to his wives before he went into the penitentiary, thinking thereby to save it from being seized for fines. He did so with the understanding that they were to deed it back if needed. But his first wife had died, and before dying had told her children that she wanted them to retain this property.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Nov 27, 1882
[Wilford Woodruff]
I Met in Council in the Gardo House with the Presidency & Twelve. Discussed the policy of yiealding any principal [particularly plural marriage] for a State Governmet. We then went to the Office & met with our delegates to washington And Presidet Taylor with the rest of us Come to the Conclusion that we Could not swap of the Kingdom of God or any of its Laws or Principals for a State Governmet.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I Met in Council in the Gardo House with the Presidency & Twelve. Discussed the policy of yiealding any principal [particularly plural marriage] for a State Governmet. We then went to the Office & met with our delegates to washington And Presidet Taylor with the rest of us Come to the Conclusion that we Could not swap of the Kingdom of God or any of its Laws or Principals for a State Governmet.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Monday, Nov 27, 1882
[John Henry Smith]
R. R. Anderson is acting very queer. He has never prayed in the family or returned thanks for his food, but he does kneel down in secret prayer. He has an idea that when a man prays in public he is a hypocrit and is in danger of apostacy. He feels very unhappy because I desire him to take part in the family and said he wished me to get another book keeper as soon as I could as he is not in harmony with my wishes in regard to that duty of prayer. He is nervous and acts like a mad man. He is a monomaniac on the subject of the faults of his brethren.
[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]
R. R. Anderson is acting very queer. He has never prayed in the family or returned thanks for his food, but he does kneel down in secret prayer. He has an idea that when a man prays in public he is a hypocrit and is in danger of apostacy. He feels very unhappy because I desire him to take part in the family and said he wished me to get another book keeper as soon as I could as he is not in harmony with my wishes in regard to that duty of prayer. He is nervous and acts like a mad man. He is a monomaniac on the subject of the faults of his brethren.
[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]
185 years ago today - Nov 27, 1832 - Tuesday
[First entry in Joseph Smith diary]
Joseph Smith Jrs— Record Book Baught for to note all the minute circumstances that comes under my observation Joseph Smith Jrs Book for Record Baught on the 27th of November 1832 for the purpose to keep a minute acount of all things that come under my obsevation &c— — oh may God grant that I may be directed in all my thaughts O bless thy Servent Amen
[Source: Joseph Smith, "Joseph Smith Jrs Book for Record," Journal, Nov. 1832–Dec. 1834]
Joseph Smith Jrs— Record Book Baught for to note all the minute circumstances that comes under my observation Joseph Smith Jrs Book for Record Baught on the 27th of November 1832 for the purpose to keep a minute acount of all things that come under my obsevation &c— — oh may God grant that I may be directed in all my thaughts O bless thy Servent Amen
[Source: Joseph Smith, "Joseph Smith Jrs Book for Record," Journal, Nov. 1832–Dec. 1834]
185 years ago today - Nov 27, 1832
Doctrine and Covenants 85. Duties of the church clerk, historian, recorder. They track members, life style, and activity-including apostates. Those who don't consecrate, don't get an inheritance, and they, their ancestors, and their parents won't be included among the Lord's people. One mighty and strong will come to set the church in Zion in order and arrange inheritances. Anyone who tries to interfere, will be smitten and die. Those whose names are not recorded in the book of the law of God will be treated like unbelievers.
This section was originally excerpted from a letter Joseph wrote to W. W. Phelps in 1832 (Joseph Smith to W. W. Phelps, November 27, 1832) and included in the January 1833 Evening and Morning Star article titled "Let Every Man Learn His Duty. " ... It was added to the Doctrine and Covenants in 1876.
[Source: Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
This section was originally excerpted from a letter Joseph wrote to W. W. Phelps in 1832 (Joseph Smith to W. W. Phelps, November 27, 1832) and included in the January 1833 Evening and Morning Star article titled "Let Every Man Learn His Duty. " ... It was added to the Doctrine and Covenants in 1876.
[Source: Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
55 years ago today - Nov 26, 1962
[Hugh B. Brown]
"It is certainly regrettable [that Reed Benson, son of Ezra Taft Benson] is permitted to continue to peddle his bunk [conspiratorial, conservative political philosophy] in our Church houses. The matter was brought sharply to the attention of the President by Brother Moyle during my absence . . ."
[Source: Hugh B. Brown to Richard D. Poll, 26 Nov. 1962, in response to Poll to Brown, 20 Nov. 1962. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
"It is certainly regrettable [that Reed Benson, son of Ezra Taft Benson] is permitted to continue to peddle his bunk [conspiratorial, conservative political philosophy] in our Church houses. The matter was brought sharply to the attention of the President by Brother Moyle during my absence . . ."
[Source: Hugh B. Brown to Richard D. Poll, 26 Nov. 1962, in response to Poll to Brown, 20 Nov. 1962. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
115 years ago today - Wednesday, Nov 26, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
Pres. Smith read a subpoena signed by U.S. Marshal [Benjamin B.] Heywood, summoning Jno. Nicholson to appear before the grand jury and bring with him the temple marriage records No. A. and No. A-1. Pres. Smith remarked that he did not know what the grand jury had in view but presumed they sought some evidence that might be used against Reed Smoot, prospective senator from Utah. ...
[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. Smith read a subpoena signed by U.S. Marshal [Benjamin B.] Heywood, summoning Jno. Nicholson to appear before the grand jury and bring with him the temple marriage records No. A. and No. A-1. Pres. Smith remarked that he did not know what the grand jury had in view but presumed they sought some evidence that might be used against Reed Smoot, prospective senator from Utah. ...
[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]
125 years ago today - Nov 26, 1892 • Saturday
[George Q. Cannon]
Busied myself about various matters; among other things, sent for Brother F. S. Richards to speak to him about getting up a petition to be signed by the leading citizens, asking the Attorney General to dismiss the appeal from the Supreme Court of this Territory to the U.S. Supreme Court, in the matter of the [confescated] Church personal property.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Busied myself about various matters; among other things, sent for Brother F. S. Richards to speak to him about getting up a petition to be signed by the leading citizens, asking the Attorney General to dismiss the appeal from the Supreme Court of this Territory to the U.S. Supreme Court, in the matter of the [confescated] Church personal property.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
130 years ago today - Nov 26, 1887 • Saturday
[George Q. Cannon]
Bro. D. R. Bateman called for me in a buggy, and I disguised myself and went with him to President Woodruff's, where we met with Bros. Waddell & Le Grand Young. Our conversation was on legal points connected with the securing of our [confescated] Church property... In the evening I called upon my wives Martha and Eliza. ... Being compelled to be away from home, as I am, is a great loss to my children. I notice that when I can spend a little time with them they work with diligence and take pleasure in doing so; but when left to themselves, having no experience and no one to guide them, they do not accomplish much.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Bro. D. R. Bateman called for me in a buggy, and I disguised myself and went with him to President Woodruff's, where we met with Bros. Waddell & Le Grand Young. Our conversation was on legal points connected with the securing of our [confescated] Church property... In the evening I called upon my wives Martha and Eliza. ... Being compelled to be away from home, as I am, is a great loss to my children. I notice that when I can spend a little time with them they work with diligence and take pleasure in doing so; but when left to themselves, having no experience and no one to guide them, they do not accomplish much.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
160 years ago today - Nov 26, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
In Company with G. A. Smith I called upon President Brigham Young and asked Council about publishing the Endowments or an outline of it telling the time when the Twelve Received their 2d Anointing & also the organization of the Council of 50. He gave his Concent for us to publish an account of it so that the Saints might understand it <but not the world>. He gave into our hands all the records of the council of 50 and all of his own private Letters Notes, Receipt, Pocket Books, &c which I took to the Historians Office & spent the day and Evening in examining & fileing. All that was not for Historical purposes I done up carefully on file to return to him.
While with President Young Ben Simons a Cherikee Called into President Youngs office. Had been two days in the Camp of the Enemy [U.S. troops]. He related his travels there. Said they wanted salt vary much. Their Animals were dying vary Fast. They were Cutting timber & diging holes in the Earth. That looks a little like their going into winter Quarters. The Merchants were Suffering for the want of food. They ought to suffer for they have been the means of Bringing on this war in a great measure.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In Company with G. A. Smith I called upon President Brigham Young and asked Council about publishing the Endowments or an outline of it telling the time when the Twelve Received their 2d Anointing & also the organization of the Council of 50. He gave his Concent for us to publish an account of it so that the Saints might understand it <but not the world>. He gave into our hands all the records of the council of 50 and all of his own private Letters Notes, Receipt, Pocket Books, &c which I took to the Historians Office & spent the day and Evening in examining & fileing. All that was not for Historical purposes I done up carefully on file to return to him.
While with President Young Ben Simons a Cherikee Called into President Youngs office. Had been two days in the Camp of the Enemy [U.S. troops]. He related his travels there. Said they wanted salt vary much. Their Animals were dying vary Fast. They were Cutting timber & diging holes in the Earth. That looks a little like their going into winter Quarters. The Merchants were Suffering for the want of food. They ought to suffer for they have been the means of Bringing on this war in a great measure.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Nov 26, 1842
Patriarch Hyrum Smith appoints a man to spy on suspected polygamists in order to accuse them before the Nauvoo high council. By May 1843 Kimball and Joseph Smith's private secretary would call this "a plot that is being laid to entrap the brethren of the secret priesthood."
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
175 years ago today - Nov 26, 1842
[Brigham Young]
--26-- I was suddenly attacked with a slight fit of apoplexy. Next morning I felt quite comfortable; but in the evening, at the same hour that I had the fit the day before, I was attacked with the most violent fever I ever experienced. The Prophet Joseph and Elder Willard Richards visited and administered unto me; the Prophet prophesied that I should live and recover from my sickness. He sat by me for six hours, and directed my attendants what to do for me. In about thirty hours from the time of my being attacked by the fever, the skin began to peel from my body, and I was skinned all over. I desired to be baptized in the river, but it was not until the 14th day that Brother Joseph would give his consent for me to be showered with cold water, when my fever began to break, and it left me on the 18th day. I laid upon my back, and was not turned upon my side for eighteen days.
I laid in a log house, which was rather open; it was so very cold during my sickness, that Brother Isaac Decker, my attendant, froze his fingers and toes while fanning me, with boots, greatcoat and mittens on, and with a fire in the house from which I was shielded by a blanket.
When the fever left me on the 18th day, I was bolstered up in my chair, but was so near gone that I could not close my eyes, which were set in my head--my chin dropped down and my breath stopped. My wife, seeing my situation, threw some cold water in my face; that having no effect, she dashed a handful of strong camphor into my face and eyes, which I did not feel in the least, neither did I move a muscle. She then held my nostrils between her thumb and finger, and placing her mouth directly over mine, blew into my lungs until she filled them with air. This set my lungs in motion, and I again began to breathe. While this was going on I was perfectly conscious of all that was passing around me; my spirit was as vivid as it ever was in my life, but I had no feeling in my body.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
--26-- I was suddenly attacked with a slight fit of apoplexy. Next morning I felt quite comfortable; but in the evening, at the same hour that I had the fit the day before, I was attacked with the most violent fever I ever experienced. The Prophet Joseph and Elder Willard Richards visited and administered unto me; the Prophet prophesied that I should live and recover from my sickness. He sat by me for six hours, and directed my attendants what to do for me. In about thirty hours from the time of my being attacked by the fever, the skin began to peel from my body, and I was skinned all over. I desired to be baptized in the river, but it was not until the 14th day that Brother Joseph would give his consent for me to be showered with cold water, when my fever began to break, and it left me on the 18th day. I laid upon my back, and was not turned upon my side for eighteen days.
I laid in a log house, which was rather open; it was so very cold during my sickness, that Brother Isaac Decker, my attendant, froze his fingers and toes while fanning me, with boots, greatcoat and mittens on, and with a fire in the house from which I was shielded by a blanket.
When the fever left me on the 18th day, I was bolstered up in my chair, but was so near gone that I could not close my eyes, which were set in my head--my chin dropped down and my breath stopped. My wife, seeing my situation, threw some cold water in my face; that having no effect, she dashed a handful of strong camphor into my face and eyes, which I did not feel in the least, neither did I move a muscle. She then held my nostrils between her thumb and finger, and placing her mouth directly over mine, blew into my lungs until she filled them with air. This set my lungs in motion, and I again began to breathe. While this was going on I was perfectly conscious of all that was passing around me; my spirit was as vivid as it ever was in my life, but I had no feeling in my body.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
190 years ago today - about Monday, Nov 26, 1827
Manchester, Martin Harris gives Joseph Smith $50 in silver
[Source: Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm]
[Source: Watson, Elden, Approximate Book of Mormon Translation Timeline, http://www.eldenwatson.net/BoM.htm]
50 years ago today - Nov 25, 1967
Elder Spencer W. Kimball visits northern Brazil on a fact-finding assignment to determine where to expand or cut back missionary activity in the area. Many Brazilians are mixed-race with African-American heritage. Within a year, a new mission is created. Consideration of the race issue in Brazil informed Kimball, who later had a revelation on priesthood. Northern Brazil became one of the most successful missionary fields in the Church.
65 years ago today - Nov 25, 1952
Elder Ezra Taft Benson of the Quorum of the Twelve was chosen Secretary of Agriculture by Dwight D. Eisenhower, newly elected president of the United States. Elder Benson served in that capacity for eight years. Benson moved decisively into his new $22,500-a-year Cabinet position (later $25,000), not waiting for nomination hearings or official swearing in. He arranged to have his Church assignments shifted to other apostles, easily cleared the FBI's background investigation, began "prayerfully" gathering a coterie of like-minded associates—some of whom were LDS (sometimes referred to as "Mormon Mafia") —and embarked on a whirlwind cross-country tour to assess the needs of America's farmers.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
120 years ago today - Nov 25, 1897 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
We had Thanksgiving dinner together, and in the evening I arranged for my wives and children to come to the farm house, and the children played mandolins and guitars and the piano, and also sang, and we spent a very interesting evening.
I have explained to these people [out of town visitors] my domestic relations [plural marriage], and they think that my children are very superior. They are impressed by their healthy appearance, and also by the general health of all of us.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
We had Thanksgiving dinner together, and in the evening I arranged for my wives and children to come to the farm house, and the children played mandolins and guitars and the piano, and also sang, and we spent a very interesting evening.
I have explained to these people [out of town visitors] my domestic relations [plural marriage], and they think that my children are very superior. They are impressed by their healthy appearance, and also by the general health of all of us.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Nov 25, 1882
Horace S. Eldredge said he had asked of the Presidency certain questions which had not been answered. Among them was, 'What shall be done with the first quorum? And whether the number of Seventies now existing be consolidated so as to form 50 Quorums, or whether the 76 Quorums be filled up.'
[Source: Minutes of the Seventies in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 1: Minutes of the Seventies, 1837-1933, Excerpts]
[Source: Minutes of the Seventies in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015, Appendix 1: Minutes of the Seventies, 1837-1933, Excerpts]
95 years ago today - Nov 24, 1922
[George F. Richards]
Spent an hour or more with the First Presidency considering the ordinances & ceremonies of the Temple. Some changes made.
[Source: George F. Richards diary, Nov. 24, 1922, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Spent an hour or more with the First Presidency considering the ordinances & ceremonies of the Temple. Some changes made.
[Source: George F. Richards diary, Nov. 24, 1922, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
115 years ago today - Nov 24, 1902 (Monday)
The Salt Lake Ministerial Alliance adopted resolutions protesting against the [U.S. Senatorial] candidacy of Reed Smoot for the U.S. Senate on the ground that he believed in polygamy, was an Apostle in the "Mormon" Church, etc.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
120 years ago today - Nov 24, 1897
After a meeting of the First Council of the Seventy, J. Golden Kimball writes: "Some men will kiss a mans ass to get to suck a sugar tit."
[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 )]]
135 years ago today - Friday, Nov 24, 1882
[John Henry Smith]
Liverpool
... I received a copy of the following revelation.
Revelation given through President John Taylor,
... Thus saith the Lord ... Let my servants George Teasdale and Heber J. Grant be appointed to fill the vacancies in the Twelve... You may appoint Seymour B. Young to fill up 'the vacancy in the presiding quorum of seventies, if he will conform to my law [plural marriage]; for it is not meet that men who will not abide by law shall preside over my priesthood ....
[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]
Liverpool
... I received a copy of the following revelation.
Revelation given through President John Taylor,
... Thus saith the Lord ... Let my servants George Teasdale and Heber J. Grant be appointed to fill the vacancies in the Twelve... You may appoint Seymour B. Young to fill up 'the vacancy in the presiding quorum of seventies, if he will conform to my law [plural marriage]; for it is not meet that men who will not abide by law shall preside over my priesthood ....
[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]
30 years ago today - Nov 23, 1987
Catholic Community Services of Utah honors the LDS church for their "sensitive, unselfish and ecumenical response to the needs of the homeless."
[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 - Sunday, Nov 23, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
6:30 p.m. General priesthood meeting, Pres. Kelly presiding. Apostle Jno. W. Taylor was the speaker. Topics treated. Said that those who have sexual intercourse with their wives or touch any dead body are unclean until evening, and, therefore, during that day should not enter the temple or officiate in the ordinances of the gospel. Advised the brethren not to eat pork or use it in their families. Dwelt upon the power and authority of the holy priesthood. Testified that he had seen the face of the Savior in vision by night.
[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]
6:30 p.m. General priesthood meeting, Pres. Kelly presiding. Apostle Jno. W. Taylor was the speaker. Topics treated. Said that those who have sexual intercourse with their wives or touch any dead body are unclean until evening, and, therefore, during that day should not enter the temple or officiate in the ordinances of the gospel. Advised the brethren not to eat pork or use it in their families. Dwelt upon the power and authority of the holy priesthood. Testified that he had seen the face of the Savior in vision by night.
[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 - Nov 23, 1897
[President Wilford Woodruff]
We left Oasis at 2 am. I did not sleep very well. I had some pain in my bowels. Bro Nuttall got up at 3 am & rubbed me and I took some brandy. Elder Nuttall got off at Provo and arranged for our carriages to meet us at the depot at Salt Lake city which they did & at 9.30 we arrived & drove home.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We left Oasis at 2 am. I did not sleep very well. I had some pain in my bowels. Bro Nuttall got up at 3 am & rubbed me and I took some brandy. Elder Nuttall got off at Provo and arranged for our carriages to meet us at the depot at Salt Lake city which they did & at 9.30 we arrived & drove home.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Nov 23, 1887 (Wednesday)
Wm. Felstead, who was serving a long term of imprisonment for polygamy, was released from the Penitentiary, having been pardoned by Pres. Cleveland.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
55 years ago today - Nov 22, 1962
Yoshihiko Kikuchi, the only native missionary at a zone meeting in Kyushu, Japan, suddenly begins speaking English (a language he does not know) while bearing his testimony. He becomes a general authority in 1977.
[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 )]]
65 years ago today - Nov 22, 1952
While [Ezra Taft] Benson was preparing to help divide a Provo stake, he was told that his wife, Flora, was on the telephone. Eisenhower's office was trying to reach him, she said. "There's really something to it," Benson told himself moments later, concluding "to get off by myself for a while"to "quietly considera course of action." He drove to the campus of nearby Brigham Young University, where he soon located a vacant office and knelt in prayer. Afterwards, he telephoned McKay, who again stressed that he should "accept if it was a clear offer." Nearly twenty-four years later, Benson recalled telling McKay: "I had hoped you'd have a different feeling. I don't want that job [Secretary of Agriculture]."
[Source: "Prophet Remembers Telephone Call from President Eisenhower in '53 (sic)," Church News , June 1, 1984, 6.; Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
[Source: "Prophet Remembers Telephone Call from President Eisenhower in '53 (sic)," Church News , June 1, 1984, 6.; Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
115 years ago today - Nov 22, 1902
[First Presidency Letter]
Yours of the 10th inst. is duly received. In it you desire to know if you who are of the pure blood of Israel should be permitted to adopt a child in the House of the Lord who is somewhat tinctured with negro blood. As you already know, the seed of Cain inherited the curse pronounced upon their progenitor by the Lord himself, and that curse will remain until He himself shall remove it. This unfortunate class of people are permitted to become members of the Church, but they are prohibited from bearing the priesthood, and therefore prohibited from entering the House of the Lord for ordinance purposes. But while this is the case we see no reason why the child referred to in your letter should not be permitted to be adopted into your family for the purpose of sharing your hospitality and protection.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Samuel L. Moon and Virginia C. Moon, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Yours of the 10th inst. is duly received. In it you desire to know if you who are of the pure blood of Israel should be permitted to adopt a child in the House of the Lord who is somewhat tinctured with negro blood. As you already know, the seed of Cain inherited the curse pronounced upon their progenitor by the Lord himself, and that curse will remain until He himself shall remove it. This unfortunate class of people are permitted to become members of the Church, but they are prohibited from bearing the priesthood, and therefore prohibited from entering the House of the Lord for ordinance purposes. But while this is the case we see no reason why the child referred to in your letter should not be permitted to be adopted into your family for the purpose of sharing your hospitality and protection.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Samuel L. Moon and Virginia C. Moon, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
165 years ago today - Nov 22, 1852. Monday.
[William Clayton]
Augusta's sister Clarry called to see me, but was too mad and fiery to hold any conversation. Her husband came afterwards, and threatened to kill me on the spot. He was ordered out of the house, but he stood in the street opposite for sometime foaming and threatening dreadfully.
[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]
Augusta's sister Clarry called to see me, but was too mad and fiery to hold any conversation. Her husband came afterwards, and threatened to kill me on the spot. He was ordered out of the house, but he stood in the street opposite for sometime foaming and threatening dreadfully.
[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 - Nov 22, 1847
Oliver Cowdery: Invited by Brigham Young 22 Nov. 1847 to be rebaptized
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
170 years ago today - Nov 22, 1847
Meeting of the Council of the Twelve .... [Presiding Bishop] N[ewell]. K. Whitney stated that his little child dreamed lately that he saw [2nd Bishop of the church] George Miller trying to drive a flock of Sheep into the River, but he could not succeed'some went one way & some another & he was left alone. W[illard] R[ichards].[: T]he dream is certain & the interpretation sure'
Pres[iden]t. [Heber C.] Kimball came in. Adjourned [at] 5 min[utes]: to 7 without signs & ceremonies'
[Source: Minutes, 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. [Heber C.] Kimball came in. Adjourned [at] 5 min[utes]: to 7 without signs & ceremonies'
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
65 years ago today - Nov 21, 1952
"Brother Benson," McKay said, "my mind is clear in the matter. If the opportunity comes in the proper spirit I think you should accept [an appointment from the U.S. President]." "I can't believe that it will come," Benson replied. "I've never even seen Eisenhower, much less met him or spoken with him.".
[Source: Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
[Source: Gary James Bergera, '"Rising above Principle": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 1', Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2008, v 41)]
130 years ago today - Nov 21, 1887 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
We were notified that there was danger of the Marshal coming up and taking possession of the books and papers this morning, and we endeavored to exercise vigilance by having the brethren acting as guards keep on the lookout. ...
We intended to have left the office this evening; but there was so much work to be done that we concluded to stay another day, although at some risk. I had an interview with my son Abraham on business this afternoon... He has been very successful in managing the trials up there, and by spending a little money has succeeded in keeping a number of our brethren out of the clutches of our enemies. I felt to congratulate him very much on his own escape, he having been discharged from arrest.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
We were notified that there was danger of the Marshal coming up and taking possession of the books and papers this morning, and we endeavored to exercise vigilance by having the brethren acting as guards keep on the lookout. ...
We intended to have left the office this evening; but there was so much work to be done that we concluded to stay another day, although at some risk. I had an interview with my son Abraham on business this afternoon... He has been very successful in managing the trials up there, and by spending a little money has succeeded in keeping a number of our brethren out of the clutches of our enemies. I felt to congratulate him very much on his own escape, he having been discharged from arrest.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
150 years ago today - Nov 21, 1867 (Thursday)
The first number of the Deseret Evening News was issued in G.S.L. City; Geo. Q. Cannon, editor.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Nov 21, 1857
Gov. Cumming wrote a letter to Brigham Young informing him that violent acts authorized and commanded are treasonable; that those involved are subject to the penalties accorded traitors; and the Territory is in a state of rebellion. He also issued a Proclamation to the people of Utah stating his duty "to enforce unconditional obedience." He assured that there would be no interference with their right to religious freedom.
[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]
165 years ago today - Nov 21, 1852. Sunday.
[William Clayton]
We arrived at St. Louis at noon... Elder Orson Pratt is here and has been preaching on the plurality doctrine, and also read the revelation. I understand quite a number have sent in their resignation in consequence.
[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]
We arrived at St. Louis at noon... Elder Orson Pratt is here and has been preaching on the plurality doctrine, and also read the revelation. I understand quite a number have sent in their resignation in consequence.
[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]
175 years ago today - Nov 21, 1842
[Wilford Woodruff]
Two of our Brethren was found frose to death on the prairie. Alpheus Harmon & his Nephew were the persons. They were found several miles apart.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Two of our Brethren was found frose to death on the prairie. Alpheus Harmon & his Nephew were the persons. They were found several miles apart.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
10 years ago today - Nov 20, 2007
In Utah polygamist leader Warren Jeffs, self-proclaimed prophet of a breakaway Mormon sect, was sentenced to 10 years to life in prison for forcing a 14-year-old to marry her first cousin. In 2010 the Utah Supreme Court reversed the convictions of Jeffs and ordered a new trial saying a jury received incorrect instructions.
[Source: Ratnikas, Algis, TimelinesDb, http://www.timelinesdb.com/listevents.php?subjid=201title=Utah]
[Source: Ratnikas, Algis, TimelinesDb, http://www.timelinesdb.com/listevents.php?subjid=201title=Utah]
85 years ago today - Nov 20, 1932
The report of total tithes received in 104 stakes during the nine months ending September 30 was submitted, showing a net decrease as compared with the previous year of $82,788 53 stakes reported an increase in tithes received. There was a net increase of 5,744 tithepayers. ... The attention of President Ivins was called to the action taken against Sister Elizabeth D. Barton by the Bishop's court of the 19th Ward of the Salt Lake Stake for alleged polygamy. The suggestion was made by the Bishopric that if the County Attorney were to be encouraged to prosecute some case of this kind it would have a salutary effect upon other individuals. President Ivins expressed approval of such a plan.
[Source: First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
95 years ago today - Nov 20, 1922
[George F. Richards]
Spent a busy day there [Salt Lake temple] considering the ordinances and suggestive changes for harmony's sake and for clarification.
[Source: George F. Richards diary, Nov. 20, 1922, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
Spent a busy day there [Salt Lake temple] considering the ordinances and suggestive changes for harmony's sake and for clarification.
[Source: George F. Richards diary, Nov. 20, 1922, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Nov 20, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
The council took up a question from the Y.M.M.I.A general board, as follows: Apostle Merrill had recently advised the young ladies of the Benson Stake to meet in the afternoon instead of the evening as heretofore. The young ladies were rather opposed to this change as it would interfere with the preliminary program provided in the manual for conjoint use by both organizations. The question to be determined was this, should the young ladies be required to hold their meetings in the afternoon, thus interfering with the plan followed generally throughout the church or should they meet in the evening? Apostle Merrill said in defense of his position that the young ladies—his own daughters among them—through attendance at said meetings were often out until 11 and 12 o'clock at night, and he objected to it. He referred to the many evils that usually grow
out of the habit of keeping late hours. Apostle Jno. H. Smith spoke strongly in regard to the many evils practiced among the young people of the church. He endorsed Apostle Merrill's position. He thought some steps should be taken to stem the tide of evil.
Apostle Clawson said that he appreciated the fact that evils existed among the young, but he did not think that this unfortunate condition was enhanced by the Mutual Improvement organizations. He believed that the objection offered by Apostle Merrill might be met in part, if not altogether, by commencing the meetings at a uniformly early hour—6:30 or 7 p.m. instead of 8 and 8:30 p.m. Pres. Smith expressed the view that the sexual evils in our midst did not arise from or because of the M.I.A. meetings, but rather from other causes. These organizations certainly have a restraining influence upon the minds of the young.
After some further discussion, Apostle Clawson moved that the general board of the Y.M.M.I.A. be instructed to make a special effort to establish a uniformly early hour for commencing the evening meetings throughout the stakes of Zion. The motion was seconded, but was not carried for the reason that Pres. Smith suggested that a committee be appointed to investigate the matter and report. Suggestion approved.
[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]
The council took up a question from the Y.M.M.I.A general board, as follows: Apostle Merrill had recently advised the young ladies of the Benson Stake to meet in the afternoon instead of the evening as heretofore. The young ladies were rather opposed to this change as it would interfere with the preliminary program provided in the manual for conjoint use by both organizations. The question to be determined was this, should the young ladies be required to hold their meetings in the afternoon, thus interfering with the plan followed generally throughout the church or should they meet in the evening? Apostle Merrill said in defense of his position that the young ladies—his own daughters among them—through attendance at said meetings were often out until 11 and 12 o'clock at night, and he objected to it. He referred to the many evils that usually grow
out of the habit of keeping late hours. Apostle Jno. H. Smith spoke strongly in regard to the many evils practiced among the young people of the church. He endorsed Apostle Merrill's position. He thought some steps should be taken to stem the tide of evil.
Apostle Clawson said that he appreciated the fact that evils existed among the young, but he did not think that this unfortunate condition was enhanced by the Mutual Improvement organizations. He believed that the objection offered by Apostle Merrill might be met in part, if not altogether, by commencing the meetings at a uniformly early hour—6:30 or 7 p.m. instead of 8 and 8:30 p.m. Pres. Smith expressed the view that the sexual evils in our midst did not arise from or because of the M.I.A. meetings, but rather from other causes. These organizations certainly have a restraining influence upon the minds of the young.
After some further discussion, Apostle Clawson moved that the general board of the Y.M.M.I.A. be instructed to make a special effort to establish a uniformly early hour for commencing the evening meetings throughout the stakes of Zion. The motion was seconded, but was not carried for the reason that Pres. Smith suggested that a committee be appointed to investigate the matter and report. Suggestion approved.
[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 - Nov 20, 1882 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
The last time I was in this place [Pettiville] Prest. Young in going out of the town saw a wolf and fired a pistol at it out of his carriage. The pistol in recoiling struck him in the nose making a severe wound, from the effect of which he fainted. The affair created great excitement in the company. This must be twelve or thirteen years since. ... I learned there were 125 members of the Sunday School in this place, which shows how prolific the parents must be, being a large number of children for the number of families.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
The last time I was in this place [Pettiville] Prest. Young in going out of the town saw a wolf and fired a pistol at it out of his carriage. The pistol in recoiling struck him in the nose making a severe wound, from the effect of which he fainted. The affair created great excitement in the company. This must be twelve or thirteen years since. ... I learned there were 125 members of the Sunday School in this place, which shows how prolific the parents must be, being a large number of children for the number of families.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
160 years ago today - Nov 20, 1857
[Mountain Meadows]
John D. Lee writes a fictionalized report of the massacre, attributing all the killing to the Indians, and sends it do Young.
[Source: Linder, Douglas, The Mountain Meadows Massacre Trials, http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTRIALS/mountainmeadows/leechrono.html]
John D. Lee writes a fictionalized report of the massacre, attributing all the killing to the Indians, and sends it do Young.
[Source: Linder, Douglas, The Mountain Meadows Massacre Trials, http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTRIALS/mountainmeadows/leechrono.html]
160 years ago today - Nov 20, 1857
Orrin Porter Rockwell leaves Salt Lake City with four members of Aiken party of six California emigrants whom Mormons arrest as "supposed spies." After camping near Nephi, Utah, Mormon guards murder two, then kill two survivors who had been nursed by Mormons at Nephi. In Salt Lake City William A. Hickman kills one of Aiken party, but last man escapes to California. Hickman claims he reported these killings to Brigham Young afterward. Rockwell is arrested but dies before trial begins for remaining Mormon defendant, who is acquitted due to lack of corpse as evidence. Russia's ambassador warns Czar's Foreign Minister of newspaper rumors, which U.S. presídent James Buchanan has implied are true, that Mormons are preparing to abandon Utah and "head North to settle on the lands of the Hudson Bay Company or in our American possessions" of Alaska. Russia's ambassador concludes that this "would force us either to offer armed resistance or give up a part of our territory" to Mormons. Czar Alexander II writes on this secret dispatch: "This supports the idea of settling right now the question of our American possessions." Thus, untrue rumor of Mormon intentions causes Czar to decide on disposing of Russia's only colony in North America, which Russia sells to United States in 1868.
[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 )]]
180 years ago today - Nov 20, 1837
The high council at Kirtland brings charges against several people who are following revelations given to Collins Brewster, supposedly translated by him from the book of Moroni. Moses Norris ordained Brewster a prophet. Fellowship is withdrawn.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
25 years ago today - Nov 19, 1992.
Timothy B. Wilson of Nephi, Utah, who is preparing Mormon's Book: A Modern English Rendering for publication in 1993, is called in by his stake president (Pioneer Stake in Provo) and asked about his project and whether he knows Avraham Gileadi. Tim does not, although Gileadi's wife is editing his book. His stake president also asks whether he would drop the project if he were so instructed. Tim has already received verbal confirmation from Church Copyrights and Permissions that his project does not infringe on the church's copyright and is awaiting written confirmation at the time of the interview. According to a Salt Lake Tribune article, Tim's bishop (Pioneer Third Ward of Provo) told him that the First Presidency "objected to the format of his book," which arranged the standard and modernized rendering verse by verse in parallel columns. Tim revised his rendering to a paragraph, rather than verse, format in an effort to resolve the problem. Inspired by President Benson's challenge to "flood the earth with the Book of Mormon," he has spent two years and $20,000 on this project, which he hopes will makes the Book of Mormon more accessible to millions of readers.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
50 years ago today - Nov 19,1967
BYU's administration discuss possibility of taking legal action to close down off campus student newspaper.
[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]
125 years ago today - Nov 19, 1892 • Saturday
[George Q. Cannon]
I also received a painful letter from Brother Wm. H. Shearman. He feels himself unworthy to bear the priesthood and desires to be dropped from it, and returns me his certificate. He is threatened with dementia, and I fear that he will lose his reason. He suffers dreadfully, it seems, from this depression, and has the idea that he is utterly unworthy of the Lord's favor.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I also received a painful letter from Brother Wm. H. Shearman. He feels himself unworthy to bear the priesthood and desires to be dropped from it, and returns me his certificate. He is threatened with dementia, and I fear that he will lose his reason. He suffers dreadfully, it seems, from this depression, and has the idea that he is utterly unworthy of the Lord's favor.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
140 years ago today - Nov 19, 1877
Revelation to Apostle John Taylor, President of the Quorum of the Twelve, on 19 November 1877 in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory.
I have been asking the Lord to show me how to adjust the property of the Church, held in the name of the late President Brigham Young, so as to do justice to his estate and yet not wrong the Church, and have received the following answer:
You have ask of me, and others of the Twelve have asked of me, that wisdom might be given you to adjust these property matters of the Church; Thus saith the Lord: Be one, be united, be honest, act upon the principles of justice and righteousness to the living and to the dead and to my Church, and I, the Lord, will sustain you and will acknowledge your labors. Amen.
(Joseph F. Smith Papers, LDS archives, as cited in Fred C. Collier, comp., Unpublished Revelations of the Prophets and Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
[Source: Salt Lake City: Collier's Publishing Co., 2nd ed., 1981], 1:119, at Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]
I have been asking the Lord to show me how to adjust the property of the Church, held in the name of the late President Brigham Young, so as to do justice to his estate and yet not wrong the Church, and have received the following answer:
You have ask of me, and others of the Twelve have asked of me, that wisdom might be given you to adjust these property matters of the Church; Thus saith the Lord: Be one, be united, be honest, act upon the principles of justice and righteousness to the living and to the dead and to my Church, and I, the Lord, will sustain you and will acknowledge your labors. Amen.
(Joseph F. Smith Papers, LDS archives, as cited in Fred C. Collier, comp., Unpublished Revelations of the Prophets and Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
[Source: Salt Lake City: Collier's Publishing Co., 2nd ed., 1981], 1:119, at Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]
165 years ago today - Nov 19, 1852
[Hosea Stout]
We only went five miles to day in consequence of Br Jones health and encamped at the head of Los Vagus [Las Vegas] which is formed of a boiling Spring of pure water about blood heat. This Spring is some 20 feet in diamiter, of a circular form, the water about 2 feet deep, the bottom quick sand, boiling and heaving up like thick boiling soup, as the water forces its way through it. Held prayer circle & meeting & again prayers, for Br Jones after which he was better[.] Hard rain again to night.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
We only went five miles to day in consequence of Br Jones health and encamped at the head of Los Vagus [Las Vegas] which is formed of a boiling Spring of pure water about blood heat. This Spring is some 20 feet in diamiter, of a circular form, the water about 2 feet deep, the bottom quick sand, boiling and heaving up like thick boiling soup, as the water forces its way through it. Held prayer circle & meeting & again prayers, for Br Jones after which he was better[.] Hard rain again to night.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Nov 19, 1837
[After describing a day of preaching, baptizing and confirming new members of the church, Wilford Woodruff writes in code:] <We will have the prince of darkness to command [-] the day. Power [of] darkness fails.>
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
45 years ago today - Nov 18, 1972
The Church News reports that one million "family group sheets" have been stolen from the LDS genealogical library by researchers: "We appeal to all those who may have archive sheets belonging to the society to return them. No questions will be asked."
[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 )]]
130 years ago today - Nov 18, 1887
[Marriner W. Merrill]
I wrote Jos. H. Parry, 26 S. Main St., Salt Lake City, for two copies of the Book of Jasher, one for Temple and one for myself.
[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 wrote Jos. H. Parry, 26 S. Main St., Salt Lake City, for two copies of the Book of Jasher, one for Temple and one for myself.
[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 - Nov 18, 1882 • Saturday
[George Q. Cannon]
I had a most delightful conversation with Prest. Taylor upon doctrine. Listened to his views about our Father in heaven (Adam) and Jesus, and gave him some of mine upon the same subjects.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I had a most delightful conversation with Prest. Taylor upon doctrine. Listened to his views about our Father in heaven (Adam) and Jesus, and gave him some of mine upon the same subjects.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
185 years ago today - Nov 18, 1832
[Zebedee Coltrin]
"18 the went to meating the Lord blest [blessed] us much and in the Eaving [Evening] had meatig [meeting] Br Green Speak in tongs [tongues] and Br Joseph Smith with tongs [tongues] also by the Holy ghost"
[Source: Zebedee Coltrin Journal]
"18 the went to meating the Lord blest [blessed] us much and in the Eaving [Evening] had meatig [meeting] Br Green Speak in tongs [tongues] and Br Joseph Smith with tongs [tongues] also by the Holy ghost"
[Source: Zebedee Coltrin Journal]
105 years ago today - Nov 17, 1912
[Rudger Clawson]
Mobbed in Bristol, England.
[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
Mobbed in Bristol, England.
[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
175 years ago today - Nov 17, 1842 (Thursday)
Alpheus Harmon was frozen to death on the prairie, between Nauvoo and Carthage, Ill., as he was returning home from a mission.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
25 years ago today - Nov 16, 1992.
The summer 1992 issue of Brigham Young University Studies (vol. 32, no. 3, 1992) arrives, including "a revision of portions" of Elder Maxwell's FARMS banquet address, and "the main part" of BYU Provost Bruce C. Hafen's address to the faculty in September 1992, "edited . . . for distribution to a wider audience." In it he warns "troubled" faculty, "Conscientious private communication may ultimately be of real help to the Church and its leaders, but public expression . . . may simply spray another burst of spiritual shrapnel through the ranks of trusting and vulnerable students." He adds, "The statement by the First Presidency and the Twelve . . . counseling against any participation in certain kinds of symposia . . . is not primarily a BYU matter--but it clearly speaks to BYU people. It is written in nondirective, nonpunitive terms, but its expectations are clear to those with both eyes open. . . . If a few among us create enough reason for doubt about the rest of us, that can erode our support among Church members and Church leaders enough to mortally wound our ability to pursue freely the dream of a great university in Zion."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
50 years ago today - Nov 16, 1967
Following the presentation of the picture [new temple film] [,] Elder Evans stated that this is the first improvement that the committee had attempted to make since the President instructed them 12 years ago to prepare a film for the Swiss Temple, which film is now in use in several of the temples. ... President Brown commented that there is very little change, that the words are the same [and] there are a few modifications and refinements [but] nothing that changes the meaning, the wording[,] or the significance of the film [presentation]. President Brown and President Tanner had reviewed it yesterday and were greatly impressed by it and thought it should be presented to the President for his consideration. President McKay said that he approved it just as it is, and authorization was therefore given for the committee to go forward with the project...
[Source: Minutes of a meeting, Nov. 16, 1967, included in the David O. McKay diary, Nov. 16, 1967, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Minutes of a meeting, Nov. 16, 1967, included in the David O. McKay diary, Nov. 16, 1967, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
170 years ago today - Nov 16, 1847 (Council Meeting)
Br. Orson Pratt stated yesterday there is no difference between me and the Twelve only on account of my age... Must man be eternally grumbling because my stick is the longest? ... If my lot is to preside over the Church and I am the head of the Quorum-I am the mouth piece and you are the belly-Now tell the [occasion] where I failed-I chastised Brother Parley Pratt-I asked the Quorum if I had a right to chastise and I could not get a man to squeak- ... -I said in this room the other day that I would pledge that hand (striking the table) that Parley Pratt had committed adultery-It was shown to me in the valley-They committed an insult on the Holy Priesthood-and I say again, I will chastise you when I please, and how I please, and say what I please-Put some one else in my room-and I will do as Orson Pratt has done, teach my children, and suck my thumbs-and let you do all your load yourself-Brother Orson never felt the burden of the President...- Now to the subject: [Parley] Pratt came to this place and insulted me, and my Quorum, and the Priesthood-and insulted the Almighty-... I told the Saints and by the President/Priesthood. The very roads on the prairie show how they were led-Did Parley Pratt lead that body?-No-the Devil led it-I shall never have any rest until I get in that Valley and Parley Pratt and John Taylor bow down and confess that they are not Brigham Young. They are devoid of the authority-When they returned from England, they got the big head and said I am the Twelve-Did I ever say so? No, never-Why don't some of you get up and tell me the nature of my office. Brother Orson is as ignorant of it as he was ten years ago. I wonder if I am not hurt? Yes I am. I have scolded Brother Benson, he had a good team and was anxious to get home, but all in good nature. was it a private concern with PP and JT? No, it concerns the entire gathering - Brother Amasa was careless about hunting camping places, he manifested a careless spirit. If I had been able I would do it all the time - I had that care that no other man bore - that is the only time I ever spoke of him. What is Brother John Taylor's course?-I know it [and] I tell you a few points-He tried to gull every Sovereign and Shilling in England-and let the rest of the Twelve come home naked-Just as quick as he was in the Quorum-he said you are my niggers and you shall black my boots and he ride you all the time (voice: several, that's a fact). He will throw burdens on this Church and I will tell of it when I please-I feel Independent, and if you don't like it, just try titles-When I make decisions, the Spirit tells me to do so, and if you don't like it-well, just wrestle for it and see who is right-Yet I feel my nothingness as much as any of you, and if the Lord don't lead us we shall go wrong-W e should all go to the Devil-What does Orson Pratt do? Why, sit in his house all the time-... -But I have a carriage and can ride over you-but I will be untrammeled too-The question is I want the brethren to decide-But I should have told Parley, Brother Pratt, you have done wrong and you have insulted me [and God] as well as Brother Brigham-... Joseph's instructions were if one of the Twelve were to go and do wrong-just go and get him home and smother it up-But I talk to them because I want them to live-It is not because I want Brother Parley Pratt and John Taylor to die-but to live-and the only way to save those men is to talk as I do-... If a lot falls on a man to be King-is he not King? I just will be perfectly untrammeled... I believe when the President, if he was absolutely wrong, God would disown him and the Church would disown him too-Has eleven men the right to say- ... - I am the President of the Twelve-they are the head of the people. I am mouth-I will say as I please and do as I please and-if I am right, all lift up the right hand. (Up-Kimball, Richards, Smith, Woodruff, Benson, Lyman, Phelps, and Bullock.) Those who say Orson is right, lift up the right hand-Orson held a hand up. That is nine to one- ... I feel towards the twelve same as I do to my pet young ones, that I could put them in my pockets same as my wives and children. I mean to act according to the Holy Ghost. I want to put you in my pockets so that when I want to talk with you, I put my hand in my pocket, take you out and talk with you'- I have loved the twelve more than they have loved each other'- I have but one unruly member of my body, my tongue'- Any man who wants to stand where I am he must be a lion'-severe chastisement, and it is, but receive it kindly and it will do you good'- -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska
[Source: Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 9-12-3, 85-96, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 9-12-3, 85-96, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Nov 16, 1847
Young claims that Apostles Taylor and Parley P. Pratt "had committed adultery" when "they committed an insult on the Holy Priesthood" by marrying plural wives to each other in 1846 and 1847 despite Young's refusal to authorize these marriages. When the Quorum of Twelve excommunicates William W. Phelps on Dec 5 for doing the same offense, the apostles agree that Apostles Pratt and Taylor were equally guilty but pursue no action against them.
[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]
25 years ago today - Nov 15, 1992.
Cecilia Konchar Farr is called into a friendly meeting with her stake president, who explains candidly that he is acting on instructions from the area president to interview her on her general faithfulness and report back. He is not aware of Cecilia's harassed situation at BYU, that other BYU professors have been called in, or the associated issues of academic freedom. Cecilia describes a talk on Mormonism and feminism she gave in sacrament meeting soon after the lengthy interview with her in the Salt Lake Tribune. The stake president responds enthusiastically, "That's great with me. I'll report back that you're okay."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
105 years ago today - Nov 15, 1912
[First Presidency to Samuel O. Bennion]
[Son of former First Presidency counselor George Q. Cannon, and first Utah Senator] Frank J. Cannon was excommunicated for apostasy, and not for apostasy and immoral conduct, and therefore the published leaflet entitled, 'Ex-Senator Frank J. Cannon's opinion of the Mormon Prophet Joseph F. Smith months after the prophet's selection and months prior to Cannon's excommunication from the Mormon Church for apostasy and immoral conduct,' may be construed as libelous, and doubtless would be; and therefore ... unless the words, 'for apostasy and immoral conduct' in the title page immediately after 'Mormon Church' can be FULLY obliterated by printing heavy black marks over these words. If this can be satisfactorily done, it would be all right to distribute the leaflet, otherwise it should be suppressed.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Samuel O. Bennion, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Son of former First Presidency counselor George Q. Cannon, and first Utah Senator] Frank J. Cannon was excommunicated for apostasy, and not for apostasy and immoral conduct, and therefore the published leaflet entitled, 'Ex-Senator Frank J. Cannon's opinion of the Mormon Prophet Joseph F. Smith months after the prophet's selection and months prior to Cannon's excommunication from the Mormon Church for apostasy and immoral conduct,' may be construed as libelous, and doubtless would be; and therefore ... unless the words, 'for apostasy and immoral conduct' in the title page immediately after 'Mormon Church' can be FULLY obliterated by printing heavy black marks over these words. If this can be satisfactorily done, it would be all right to distribute the leaflet, otherwise it should be suppressed.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Samuel O. Bennion, 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 - Nov 15, 1892 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
I submitted the question to some of the brethren whether it was not a proper thing, now that President Woodruff was Trustee-in-trust for the church, that the amount allowed him for services should be increased. He receives now $5000 per annum, and my proposition was to increase that to $6000, as I knew he was cramped and had to incur debt, which everyone knew was abhorrent to him. President Woodruff for years and years labored as one of the Twelve traveling, preaching throughout the Territory, and never drew anything from the church to sustain himself and his family. Now that his life is so advanced, I felt that we should endeavor to make his days as easily as possible. President Joseph F. Smith heartily assented to it, as also did Brothers F. D. Richards, F. M. Lyman and J. H. Smith.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I submitted the question to some of the brethren whether it was not a proper thing, now that President Woodruff was Trustee-in-trust for the church, that the amount allowed him for services should be increased. He receives now $5000 per annum, and my proposition was to increase that to $6000, as I knew he was cramped and had to incur debt, which everyone knew was abhorrent to him. President Woodruff for years and years labored as one of the Twelve traveling, preaching throughout the Territory, and never drew anything from the church to sustain himself and his family. Now that his life is so advanced, I felt that we should endeavor to make his days as easily as possible. President Joseph F. Smith heartily assented to it, as also did Brothers F. D. Richards, F. M. Lyman and J. H. Smith.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
130 years ago today - Nov 15, 1887 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
[After the confiscation of church properties] They informed to us that the Temple Block was offered to [rent back to] us at $1/ per month. Brothers W. Woodruff and Jos. F. Smith expressed themselves emphatically at once that they would not pay it. I did not say anything upon the subject; for it was not clear to me whether a refusal of this kind would be prudent, under the circumstances. My natural feelings would prompt to say as they did, because it is an outrage that we should be required to pay rent for our property; but it is a very valuable property, and if, by paying $1/ per month and sacrificing our feelings somewhat, we could retain it in our own possession, it seems to me that it is worth considering. ... President Woodruff was very much exhausted.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
[After the confiscation of church properties] They informed to us that the Temple Block was offered to [rent back to] us at $1/ per month. Brothers W. Woodruff and Jos. F. Smith expressed themselves emphatically at once that they would not pay it. I did not say anything upon the subject; for it was not clear to me whether a refusal of this kind would be prudent, under the circumstances. My natural feelings would prompt to say as they did, because it is an outrage that we should be required to pay rent for our property; but it is a very valuable property, and if, by paying $1/ per month and sacrificing our feelings somewhat, we could retain it in our own possession, it seems to me that it is worth considering. ... President Woodruff was very much exhausted.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
130 years ago today - Nov 15, 1887 (Tuesday)
Receiver Dyer took possession of the Historian's Office and the Gardo House. The Tithing Office and Historian's Office were leased to the Church. The marshal demanded the President's Office delivered to him.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
140 years ago today - Nov 15, 1877
[John Taylor to Utah Stake Presidents]
[Contrary to Brigham Young's policy, the Endowment House would be opened for marriage sealings because of the difficulty of travelling to the St. George temple] ... for the purpose of giving endowments to the very aged, sick or inform, such, and such only as their Bishops may think will probably not live until the Temple at Salt Lake City, Manti or Logan is completed and opened. Those desiring to receive the benefit of these ordinances must obtain a recommend from the Bishop of the Ward or settlement in which they reside, or in the absence of the Bishop the recommend may be signed by the President of the Stake ... No persons will be eligible to receive these blessings except they have been rebaptized.
[Source: John Taylor, Letter to Utah Stake Presidents, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Contrary to Brigham Young's policy, the Endowment House would be opened for marriage sealings because of the difficulty of travelling to the St. George temple] ... for the purpose of giving endowments to the very aged, sick or inform, such, and such only as their Bishops may think will probably not live until the Temple at Salt Lake City, Manti or Logan is completed and opened. Those desiring to receive the benefit of these ordinances must obtain a recommend from the Bishop of the Ward or settlement in which they reside, or in the absence of the Bishop the recommend may be signed by the President of the Stake ... No persons will be eligible to receive these blessings except they have been rebaptized.
[Source: John Taylor, Letter to Utah Stake Presidents, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
175 years ago today - Nov 15, 1842 (Tuesday)
Apostle John Taylor succeeded Joseph Smith as editor of the Times and Seasons.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - mid Nov 1837
The [Kirtland Saftey Society] formally closed its doors in Kirtland and went out of business.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
55 years ago today - 55 years ago - Nov 14, 1962
Unknown persons plant a bomb at the Salt Lake temple and blow out its east doors and three floors of windows on its east wall.
[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 - 110 years ago - Nov 14, 1907
Howard W. Hunter, later a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the fourteenth President of the Church, is born in Boise, Idaho.
125 years ago today - 125 years ago - Nov 14, 1892 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
I was deeply impressed this morning before arising with the feeling that it was wrong for me to indulge in so much grief, and it seemed as though I was plainly told that I ought to dry up my tears, and not allow my feelings of sorrow to have the effect upon me they had had, that it was not pleasing in the sight of the Lord. My daughter Mary Alice has also been yielding to her grief, for he was very dear to her. I talked to her also in the same strain, for she had been going without food and sleep, and abandoning herself to her grief. I told her it was sinful and she must stop it.
I must say in relation to the honor paid to myself and family that I felt it was far beyond our deserts, and I almost felt humbled by the prominence that was given to the funeral and the multitudes that attended.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I was deeply impressed this morning before arising with the feeling that it was wrong for me to indulge in so much grief, and it seemed as though I was plainly told that I ought to dry up my tears, and not allow my feelings of sorrow to have the effect upon me they had had, that it was not pleasing in the sight of the Lord. My daughter Mary Alice has also been yielding to her grief, for he was very dear to her. I talked to her also in the same strain, for she had been going without food and sleep, and abandoning herself to her grief. I told her it was sinful and she must stop it.
I must say in relation to the honor paid to myself and family that I felt it was far beyond our deserts, and I almost felt humbled by the prominence that was given to the funeral and the multitudes that attended.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
130 years ago today - Nov 14, 1887 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
I disguised myself and was driven by Bro. Wilcken to Bro. Armstrong's in time for breakfast. Presidents Woodruff and Jos. F. Smith were there. We had a very busy day; took some time to listen to the reading of the correspondence, which had accumulated. ... It was decided best to rent the Tithing Office [now under government control] and premises, even if $200/ per month had to be paid for them.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I disguised myself and was driven by Bro. Wilcken to Bro. Armstrong's in time for breakfast. Presidents Woodruff and Jos. F. Smith were there. We had a very busy day; took some time to listen to the reading of the correspondence, which had accumulated. ... It was decided best to rent the Tithing Office [now under government control] and premises, even if $200/ per month had to be paid for them.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
165 years ago today - Nov 14, 1852
[Heber C. Kimball]
When we escape from this earth, do we suppose we are going to heaven? Do you suppose you are going to the earth that Adam came from? that Eloheim came from? where Jehovah the Lord came from? No. When you have learned to become obedient to the Father that dwells upon this earth, to the Father and God of this earth, and obedient to the messengers He sends---when you have done all that, remember you are not going to leave this earth. You will never leave it until you become qualified, and capable, and capacitated to become a father of an earth yourselves.
[Source: J.D. 1:356; Tabernacle SLC; President Heber C. Kimball; November 14, 1852. See also Life of Heber C. Kimball by Orson F. Whitney, p. 460; "Concepts Quotations Dealing With the Origin, Identity Position of Adam Eve"]
When we escape from this earth, do we suppose we are going to heaven? Do you suppose you are going to the earth that Adam came from? that Eloheim came from? where Jehovah the Lord came from? No. When you have learned to become obedient to the Father that dwells upon this earth, to the Father and God of this earth, and obedient to the messengers He sends---when you have done all that, remember you are not going to leave this earth. You will never leave it until you become qualified, and capable, and capacitated to become a father of an earth yourselves.
[Source: J.D. 1:356; Tabernacle SLC; President Heber C. Kimball; November 14, 1852. See also Life of Heber C. Kimball by Orson F. Whitney, p. 460; "Concepts Quotations Dealing With the Origin, Identity Position of Adam Eve"]
170 years ago today - Nov 14, 1847
[Brigham Young]
President Young spoke against the present practice of dancing. Mingling with all manner of people in the dance. The control of dancing was left to the bishops as they were the judges and had the over sight of their wards and for them to always be present at all such parties in their wards. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska
[Source: On the Mormon Frontier, the Diaries of Hosea Stout. Juanita Brooks, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1964. 1:288, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
President Young spoke against the present practice of dancing. Mingling with all manner of people in the dance. The control of dancing was left to the bishops as they were the judges and had the over sight of their wards and for them to always be present at all such parties in their wards. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska
[Source: On the Mormon Frontier, the Diaries of Hosea Stout. Juanita Brooks, ed. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1964. 1:288, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
185 years ago today - Nov 14, 1832
In Kirtland Smith "speak[s] with Tongues and Sing[s] in Tongues also," having learned about speaking with "unknown tongues" from Young a week earlier.
[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]
25 years ago today - 13-Nov 14, 1992.
Elder Malcolm S. Jeppsen, president of the Utah South Area, addresses the area priesthood leadership meeting. Elders Henry B. Eyring and Joseph B. Wirthlin are also in attendance. According to an attendee, Elder Jeppsen defines "a spectrum" of church members including "an increasing number . . . who still cling to their membership" but "are pursuing paths to apostasy." In the center are "the mainstream of the Saints, whose who follow the guidance of the latter-day prophets." To the right are four groups: "the priestcrafters who sell their services of gospel understanding for money, the latter-day gnostics who believe that they are endowed with special knowledge of the mysteries and that the veil has been rent for them, the doomsayers who forecast future events, and the cultists who practice polygamy or other doctrines that are not taught by the Church." To the left are "the feminists: those who advocate a mother in heaven and women holding the priesthood, the intellectuals who advocate a naturalistic explanation for the Book of Mormon and other revelations, and the dissenters: those who challenge the interpretation of the leadership of the Church." According to this report, Elder Jeppsen also characterizes Satan as "the great multiplier of perspectives in this earth" while "Jesus Christ is the great consolidator of all truth. . . He is asking us that we follow the brethren unquestionably [sic]." Also in the same priesthood meeting, one speaker (not identified) gives a list of fifteen "false teachings," including specific dates for the Second Coming, "praying to a Mother in Heaven," explicit preparations for attacks by Russians and others, and teaching where and when the ten tribes will return.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Nov 13, 1902
[Rudger Clawson]
Pat. Jno. Smith [Presiding Patriarch John Smith] remained home all day Sunday to write letters and on Monday went to Provo to see his sick boy. He said that Black Jane [i.e., Jane Manning James] had called on him and wanted to know when the curse would be taken off that she might have her endowments. Brother John was instructed to tell her to be patient and wait a little longer; that the Lord has his eye on her and would be far better to her than ever she had dreamed.
[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]
Pat. Jno. Smith [Presiding Patriarch John Smith] remained home all day Sunday to write letters and on Monday went to Provo to see his sick boy. He said that Black Jane [i.e., Jane Manning James] had called on him and wanted to know when the curse would be taken off that she might have her endowments. Brother John was instructed to tell her to be patient and wait a little longer; that the Lord has his eye on her and would be far better to her than ever she had dreamed.
[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]
165 years ago today - Nov 13, 1852 • Saturday
[George Q. Cannon]
Bro. Keeler returned this morning from Honua<u>la and was rejoiced to see and hear the news; ... I had received was a postscript in Bro. Cain's letter dated Aug 31st; stating that the doctrine [of plural marriage] was published to the world; Bro. O. [Orson] Pratt read the revelation and preached on it Sunday, 29th Aug., and the revelation together with his sermon was to be published. This is what I have been expecting and looking for some time; it is all right and I think it will be apt to bring things to a focus—I believe it to be the proper time therefore the Lord will sustain his servants.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Bro. Keeler returned this morning from Honua<u>la and was rejoiced to see and hear the news; ... I had received was a postscript in Bro. Cain's letter dated Aug 31st; stating that the doctrine [of plural marriage] was published to the world; Bro. O. [Orson] Pratt read the revelation and preached on it Sunday, 29th Aug., and the revelation together with his sermon was to be published. This is what I have been expecting and looking for some time; it is all right and I think it will be apt to bring things to a focus—I believe it to be the proper time therefore the Lord will sustain his servants.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
60 years ago today - Nov 12, 1957
After his first meeting with John F. Kennedy, David O McKay recorded "I enjoyed my visit with him, although [I was] not too much impressed with him as a leader."
A little more than two years later, however, McKay had warmed up to the Massachusetts senator: "We had a very pleasant interview with Senator Kennedy, talking on various domestic and international subjects. I was very much impressed with him, and think that the country will be in good hands if he is elected as he seems to be a man of high character"
[Source: McKay diary, November 12, 1957, January 30, 1960.; Gary James Bergera, "Weak-Kneed Republicans and Socialist Democrats": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 2, Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought, (Winter 2008, vol 41)]
A little more than two years later, however, McKay had warmed up to the Massachusetts senator: "We had a very pleasant interview with Senator Kennedy, talking on various domestic and international subjects. I was very much impressed with him, and think that the country will be in good hands if he is elected as he seems to be a man of high character"
[Source: McKay diary, November 12, 1957, January 30, 1960.; Gary James Bergera, "Weak-Kneed Republicans and Socialist Democrats": Ezra Taft Benson as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, 1953-61, Part 2, Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought, (Winter 2008, vol 41)]
165 years ago today - Nov 12, 1852 (Friday)
Elder John A. Ahmanson was brought as a prisoner to Frederikstad, Norway. Thus all the missionaries in that country were in jail.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
55 years ago today - Nov 11, 1962
A few days after Benson publicly endorsed the Birch Society, [Hugh B.] Brown himself wrote in November 1962 that he was "disgusted" by Benson's activities "in connection with the John Birch Society," and if they did not cease, "some disciplinary action should be taken."
[Source: Brown to Gustive O. Larson, 11 Nov. 1962, in answer to Larson's letter of 1 Nov., folder 12, box 10, Larson Papers, archives, Lee Library. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Source: Brown to Gustive O. Larson, 11 Nov. 1962, in answer to Larson's letter of 1 Nov., folder 12, box 10, Larson Papers, archives, Lee Library. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
100 years ago today - Nov 11, 1917
[James E. Talmage]
After not being able to find the Latter-day Saints in Buffalo, New York, Talmage attends church services at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He also visits Niagara Falls, writing in his journal that "I felt that I was worshiping at God's own shrine".
[Source: Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa; MSS 229, Box 5, Folder 6. Journal 22 ]
After not being able to find the Latter-day Saints in Buffalo, New York, Talmage attends church services at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He also visits Niagara Falls, writing in his journal that "I felt that I was worshiping at God's own shrine".
[Source: Chronology of the Life and Work of James E. Talmage, J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJsHY83JZL_n6CjWq11y1trT_CVXMMXAx2uYOWAwn0c/edit#heading=h.2zfdaoa; MSS 229, Box 5, Folder 6. Journal 22 ]
140 years ago today - Nov 11, 1877
Apostle Charles C. Rich preaches: "When I first received the gospel [in 1832] I did not expect forty-seven years to pass away before the prophecies would be fulfilled concerning the second coming of the Savior, and the end of the world." (published in the Deseret News, 17 Jan. 1878)
[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 )]]
145 years ago today - Nov 11, 1872
Maude Ewing Adams, later a popular stage actress in the early twentieth century and particularly noted for her title role in Peter Pan, is born in Salt Lake City, Utah.
145 years ago today - Nov 11, 1872
Brigham Young re-establishes the School of the Prophets in Salt Lake City, with tighter controls on membership and attendance to protect confidentiality. At this meeting, second counselor Daniel H. Wells says, "The violation of the Word of Wisdom is not a matter of fellowship and will not clip a man in his glory; but he will not have the blessings which are promised."
[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 )]]
40 years ago today - Nov 10, 1977
Pope Paul VI abolished the automatic excommunication imposed on divorced American Catholics who remarried. This penalty of excommunication was first handed down by the Plenary Council of American Bishops in 1884.
[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
105 years ago today - Nov 10, 1912
[Thomas A. Clawson Diary]
"Went to High Priests (Sic) Quorum Meeting at 10 A.M. It was very interesting bro Jos. E. Taylor [brother of President John Taylor] read an account of some predictions made by Joseph Smith the Prophet in Nauvoo in 1844 [White Horse Prophecy] in which he said that the Ottoman Empire would be the first great nation to crumble away in order that the gospel might be preached to the inhabitance (Sic) of that country. He said also that he would speak in parables and would liken the Saints to the White horse of Peace who should be established in the Valleys of the Mountains That the Greek and Roman Church should become united and would eventually be lead (Sic) by the Czar of Russia who would be represented by the Black horse or war. and he would lead his armies against Jerusalem and is the God and Magog of the scriptures. THat England is represented by the Red horse and would be the last of the great nations to fall because of great amount of the blood of Isreal (Sic) that was sprinkled among her people and who would be gathered out first. She would hold the balance of power among the nations and would assist the White horse when in need. It would be the while horse that would save the constitution when it was held only by a thread as fine as the finest filiment (Sic) of a silken cord. That there would [be] a great famin (Sic) in the Land of the White horse, not due to the ground failing to yielding (Sic) up her bounties but to the great multitude who flock her (Sic) for peace and perservation from the great unrest of the world. The reading of these predictions were brought out by the present crisis in the affairs of Europe by the defeat of the Turkish Army and the threatened fall of Constantinople."
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"Went to High Priests (Sic) Quorum Meeting at 10 A.M. It was very interesting bro Jos. E. Taylor [brother of President John Taylor] read an account of some predictions made by Joseph Smith the Prophet in Nauvoo in 1844 [White Horse Prophecy] in which he said that the Ottoman Empire would be the first great nation to crumble away in order that the gospel might be preached to the inhabitance (Sic) of that country. He said also that he would speak in parables and would liken the Saints to the White horse of Peace who should be established in the Valleys of the Mountains That the Greek and Roman Church should become united and would eventually be lead (Sic) by the Czar of Russia who would be represented by the Black horse or war. and he would lead his armies against Jerusalem and is the God and Magog of the scriptures. THat England is represented by the Red horse and would be the last of the great nations to fall because of great amount of the blood of Isreal (Sic) that was sprinkled among her people and who would be gathered out first. She would hold the balance of power among the nations and would assist the White horse when in need. It would be the while horse that would save the constitution when it was held only by a thread as fine as the finest filiment (Sic) of a silken cord. That there would [be] a great famin (Sic) in the Land of the White horse, not due to the ground failing to yielding (Sic) up her bounties but to the great multitude who flock her (Sic) for peace and perservation from the great unrest of the world. The reading of these predictions were brought out by the present crisis in the affairs of Europe by the defeat of the Turkish Army and the threatened fall of Constantinople."
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Nov 10, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
It snowed all day & was Cold. 1,300 men are ordered into the mountains in addition to those already there Col Phileman C Merrill Commanding. The Davis County troops past the governor office for the mountains with 242 men 56 of which were mounted 17 offercers of the line & 4 of the col staff. They had 23 Baggage waggons. After stoping a short time in front of the Gov office they Continued their march towards the mountains of snow as near 2,000 of their Brethren had done before to meet the Enemy [U.S. troops]. Many went with wet feet poor shoes & straw hats on without tents or fire at night as they Could not reach timber untill next day. Yet it shoes the willingness the saints have to maintain the kingdom of God & defend themselves against our Enemies. It was a cold night.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
It snowed all day & was Cold. 1,300 men are ordered into the mountains in addition to those already there Col Phileman C Merrill Commanding. The Davis County troops past the governor office for the mountains with 242 men 56 of which were mounted 17 offercers of the line & 4 of the col staff. They had 23 Baggage waggons. After stoping a short time in front of the Gov office they Continued their march towards the mountains of snow as near 2,000 of their Brethren had done before to meet the Enemy [U.S. troops]. Many went with wet feet poor shoes & straw hats on without tents or fire at night as they Could not reach timber untill next day. Yet it shoes the willingness the saints have to maintain the kingdom of God & defend themselves against our Enemies. It was a cold night.
[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 - Nov 10, 1837
[Wilford Woodruff]
... Mr Crockett in some respects is a wonderful man. <I dreamed a wonderful dream at his house.> In dreams and visions &c.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... Mr Crockett in some respects is a wonderful man. <I dreamed a wonderful dream at his house.> In dreams and visions &c.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
45 years ago today - Nov 09, 1972
The International Mission is organized for members of the Church living in areas where no formal missionary work is being conducted.
85 years ago today - Nov 9, 1932
[Heber J. Grant]
I got up this morning at 2:30 and phoned the Tribune to learn how the election had gone and was informed that practically all of the Republicans had been defeated, Senator Smoot among the number. My heart goes out in deep sympathy to Senator [and apostle] Smoot. After thirty years of the most splendid labor, the most diligent work that I think any man ever performed in the Senate, to have the people be so ungrateful for all he has done for Utah as to leave him home, it must be a terrible disappointment to him.
I had a poor night's rest. ...
I called on John F. Fitzpatrick'met him in Mr. Kearns' office'and thanked them for the splendid treatment given by the Tribune during the election campaign and told them that I was delighted with their support of Senator Smoot, without mentioning any names. ...
Senator Reed Smoot and Isaac M. Stewart called on me. The Senator was greatly disappointed because of the outcome of the election. The only consolation that can come to him is that practically all the Republicans throughout the nation were defeated; he is no exception to the general rule.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
I got up this morning at 2:30 and phoned the Tribune to learn how the election had gone and was informed that practically all of the Republicans had been defeated, Senator Smoot among the number. My heart goes out in deep sympathy to Senator [and apostle] Smoot. After thirty years of the most splendid labor, the most diligent work that I think any man ever performed in the Senate, to have the people be so ungrateful for all he has done for Utah as to leave him home, it must be a terrible disappointment to him.
I had a poor night's rest. ...
I called on John F. Fitzpatrick'met him in Mr. Kearns' office'and thanked them for the splendid treatment given by the Tribune during the election campaign and told them that I was delighted with their support of Senator Smoot, without mentioning any names. ...
Senator Reed Smoot and Isaac M. Stewart called on me. The Senator was greatly disappointed because of the outcome of the election. The only consolation that can come to him is that practically all the Republicans throughout the nation were defeated; he is no exception to the general rule.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
125 years ago today - Nov 9, 1892
[Franklin D. Richards]
Papers report a most wonderful Democratic majorityin most of the largest states in the Union as well as in Utah. Like a tidal wave it has swept the whole country landing the Republican party high & dry. I called on Junior [i.e., Francis M. Lyman Jr.] at his office and from him learned of the crushing defeat of the republicans throughout the United States. It is a Perfect landslide for the Democratic party in Utah as well as throughout the Nation. It comes as the voice of a great people in thunder tones. Republicans bow humbly to the sovereign will. We all acknowledge the ha[n]d of God in it all.
[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]
Papers report a most wonderful Democratic majorityin most of the largest states in the Union as well as in Utah. Like a tidal wave it has swept the whole country landing the Republican party high & dry. I called on Junior [i.e., Francis M. Lyman Jr.] at his office and from him learned of the crushing defeat of the republicans throughout the United States. It is a Perfect landslide for the Democratic party in Utah as well as throughout the Nation. It comes as the voice of a great people in thunder tones. Republicans bow humbly to the sovereign will. We all acknowledge the ha[n]d of God in it all.
[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]
160 years ago today - Nov 9, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
I also found that the City had been alive with soldiers since mid night preparing to go into the mountains to meet with our Enemies. An express arived during the night saying that the Cavalry was advanceing upon Bridger under a gallop and the picket guard had to run their Horses to get out of the way.
Col Johnson Arived in Camp of the main Armey. He said to Maj Allen whom they held a prisioner "God damn you when I get to Bridger I will hang you." Maj Allen thinking there was not much Chance for his life & prefered shooting to Hanging during the same evening being Closely guarded by 24 men He pulled off his Boots & walked up to a fire to warm his toes. While steping around to warm his feet He made a spring & cleared himself from the guard. He run into the midst of a heard of Cattle so they Could not shoot him. Horsmen immediately started in persuit of him but in the darkness of the night they Could not over take him. He run in his stocking feet in the snow for 30 miles Carrying his Boots in his hand not dareing to stop to put them on & arived in our Camps in safety.
Our men took 100 head of Cattle one night & 300 head another which were now coming in.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I also found that the City had been alive with soldiers since mid night preparing to go into the mountains to meet with our Enemies. An express arived during the night saying that the Cavalry was advanceing upon Bridger under a gallop and the picket guard had to run their Horses to get out of the way.
Col Johnson Arived in Camp of the main Armey. He said to Maj Allen whom they held a prisioner "God damn you when I get to Bridger I will hang you." Maj Allen thinking there was not much Chance for his life & prefered shooting to Hanging during the same evening being Closely guarded by 24 men He pulled off his Boots & walked up to a fire to warm his toes. While steping around to warm his feet He made a spring & cleared himself from the guard. He run into the midst of a heard of Cattle so they Could not shoot him. Horsmen immediately started in persuit of him but in the darkness of the night they Could not over take him. He run in his stocking feet in the snow for 30 miles Carrying his Boots in his hand not dareing to stop to put them on & arived in our Camps in safety.
Our men took 100 head of Cattle one night & 300 head another which were now coming in.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Nov 9, 1852
Patriarchal Blessing of Matthias Cowley ... I continue the Blessing which I Sealed upon you in former days - thou art of the blood of Judah, ... you shall also visit the land of Palestine and proclaim the Gospel to the Jews, the Lord[']s ancient covenant people, and you shall be esteemed as a Mighty Prophet amongst them, - thousands will receive thy testimony, and confess that Jesus is the true Messiah, you shall see Jerusalem established in the hands of the Jews, according to the revelations of the Lord. you shall also see the Temple built in Jackson County, Missouri, and shall receive the fulness of the Priesthood with thy companions - you shall receive an endowment in that Temple, which is the greatest blessing you ever have received - your companions shall be many, and your children shall be numerous; shall increase upon the Mountains of Israel so numerous that they cannot be numbered. You shall live to see the closing scene of wickedness on the earth - be satisfied with riches, and inherit all the blessings of the Redeemer[']s Kingdom, with all your Father[']s house, even so, Amen.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - --9 [November, 1837].
[Willard Richards]
--Met at Mr. Ingra's, and confirmed those baptized. During the night my lodgings were surrounded by hundreds of persons, yelling and howling.
[Source: Willard Richards Journal]
--Met at Mr. Ingra's, and confirmed those baptized. During the night my lodgings were surrounded by hundreds of persons, yelling and howling.
[Source: Willard Richards Journal]
85 years ago today - Nov 8, 1932
Utah Mormons overwhelmingly vote for Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt as the U.S. president and for all other New Deal candidates. Defeated after nearly thirty years in the U.S. Senate, Apostle Reed Smoot is resentful that Heber J. Grant decided not to ask Mormons at the October conference to re-elect him. He never forgives Democratic counselor Anthony W. Ivins for persuading Grant against an official endorsement.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
105 years ago today - Nov 8, 1912
The First Presidency organized the Correlation Committee, under the direction of Apostle David O McKay as the chairman of the committee. This was apparently the first use of the term "correlation." Although the committee worked for several years, it failed to accomplish its assignment of correlating the curricula of the various Priesthood quorums and Auxiliaries, but it was more successful in implementing age specific quorums in the wards.
[Source: Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Source: Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
115 years ago today - Nov 8, 1902
Joseph F. Smith tells a congregation how he was once ready to stab a man to death on the suspicion that this man approved afterwards of the killing of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.
[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 - Tuesday, Nov 8, 1892
[John Henry Smith]
Salt Lake City
The World is on fire today. I went to Republican headquarters in the evening and soon learned that everything all over the land was going Democratic.
[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]
Salt Lake City
The World is on fire today. I went to Republican headquarters in the evening and soon learned that everything all over the land was going Democratic.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
160 years ago today - Nov 8, 1857
[Heber C. Kimball]
Now, brethren, you have got a spirit in you, and that spirit was created and organized---was born and begotten by our Father and our God before we ever took these bodies; and these bodies were formed by him, and through him, and of him, just as much as the spirit was; for I will tell you, he commenced and brought forth spirits; and then, when he completed that work, he commenced and brought forth tabernacles for those spirits to dwell in. I came through him, both spirit and body.
"God designs we should be pure men, holding the oracles of God in holy and pure vessels; but when it is necessary that blood should be shed, we should be as ready to do that as to eat an apple . . . we will let you know that the earth can swallow you up, as it did Korah with his host; and as brother Taylor says, You may dig your graves, and we will slay you, and you may crawl into them...
But they cannot whore it here; for, gentlemen, if there is anything of that kind, we will slay both men and women. We will do it, as the Lord liveth—we will slay such characters. Now, which would be the most worthy to be slain—the woman that had had her endowments and made certain covenants before God, or the man that knew nothing about it? The woman, of course."
[Source: Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, pp. 31, 34-35, 38]
Now, brethren, you have got a spirit in you, and that spirit was created and organized---was born and begotten by our Father and our God before we ever took these bodies; and these bodies were formed by him, and through him, and of him, just as much as the spirit was; for I will tell you, he commenced and brought forth spirits; and then, when he completed that work, he commenced and brought forth tabernacles for those spirits to dwell in. I came through him, both spirit and body.
"God designs we should be pure men, holding the oracles of God in holy and pure vessels; but when it is necessary that blood should be shed, we should be as ready to do that as to eat an apple . . . we will let you know that the earth can swallow you up, as it did Korah with his host; and as brother Taylor says, You may dig your graves, and we will slay you, and you may crawl into them...
But they cannot whore it here; for, gentlemen, if there is anything of that kind, we will slay both men and women. We will do it, as the Lord liveth—we will slay such characters. Now, which would be the most worthy to be slain—the woman that had had her endowments and made certain covenants before God, or the man that knew nothing about it? The woman, of course."
[Source: Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, pp. 31, 34-35, 38]
160 years ago today - Nov 8, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
President Brigham Young related the circumstances of their seeing a Circle of about 40 persons dressed in white robes & caps in the upper Story of the Temple in kirtland during the spring of 1835 after the Endowments. Their was no person in that room at the time that was mortal yet the room was filled with light & many personages did appear Clothed in white & freequently went to the windows and looked out So that the Brethren in the street Could see them plainly. Brother Young & Truman Angel stood to gether in the street & looked at them a long time. W W Phelps says he saw them for 3 hours. They were visable by all the Brethren Present. Brother Angel said they must have stood some 2 feet from the floor if they were ownly the size of common men they Could not have been seen from the place whare they stood except it should be the head & those personages appeared nearly down to the waist as they looked out of the window with a front view.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
President Brigham Young related the circumstances of their seeing a Circle of about 40 persons dressed in white robes & caps in the upper Story of the Temple in kirtland during the spring of 1835 after the Endowments. Their was no person in that room at the time that was mortal yet the room was filled with light & many personages did appear Clothed in white & freequently went to the windows and looked out So that the Brethren in the street Could see them plainly. Brother Young & Truman Angel stood to gether in the street & looked at them a long time. W W Phelps says he saw them for 3 hours. They were visable by all the Brethren Present. Brother Angel said they must have stood some 2 feet from the floor if they were ownly the size of common men they Could not have been seen from the place whare they stood except it should be the head & those personages appeared nearly down to the waist as they looked out of the window with a front view.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Nov 8, 1852
[A number of couples gathered] in the Temple room. The brethren annointed each other. The wives were annointed by Sister [Elizabeth Ann] Whitney and [Eliza R.] Snow; afterwards all partook of cakes and wine. Some spoke in tongues, etc.
[Source: Journal History, Nov. 8, 1852, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Journal History, Nov. 8, 1852, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
170 years ago today - Nov 8, 1847
[Winter Quarters]
... [Orson Hyde]: I now offer a vote of thanks from the bottom of my heart /to my brethren/ for finding us a place in the Rocky mountains'
B. Young[:] I accept the same with thankfulness' Adjourned at 10 min[utes] past 2'till 9 tomorrow A.M.
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
... [Orson Hyde]: I now offer a vote of thanks from the bottom of my heart /to my brethren/ for finding us a place in the Rocky mountains'
B. Young[:] I accept the same with thankfulness' Adjourned at 10 min[utes] past 2'till 9 tomorrow A.M.
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
185 years ago today - Nov 8, 1832
We immediately repaired to the woods, where we found the Prophet, and two or three of his brothers, chopping and hauling wood. Here my joy was full at the privilege of shaking the hand of the Prophet of God, and receiving the sure testimony, by the spirit of prophecy, that he was all that any man could believe him to be as a true prophet. He was happy to see us and bid us welcome. We soon returned to his house, he accompanying us. In the evening, a few of the brethren came in, and we conversed upon the things of the kingdom. He called upon me to pray; in my prayer I spoke in tongues. As soon as we arose from our knees, the brethren flocked around him, and asked his opinion concerning the gift of tongues that was upon me. He told them it was the pure Adamic language. Some said to him they expected he would condemn the gift Brother Brigham had, but he said, '"No, it is of God.'" -- Kirtland, Ohio
[Source: History of the Church. 7 Vols. B. H. Roberts, ed. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, Co., 1902. 1:295, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: History of the Church. 7 Vols. B. H. Roberts, ed. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, Co., 1902. 1:295, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
85 years ago today - Nov 7, 1932
[Heber J. Grant]
I concluded that it would not be wise for me to attend the meeting in the Tabernacle in honor of President Hoover, for fear I would have to go out, which would create comment, and I could not very well explain, so I decided to visit my daughter Rachel Taylor and listen to the President's talk, by radio, and then go to my office, as I understood President Hoover was going to pay me a visit, which he did'he and his wife. My wife Gusta was with me when they called. There accompanied him secret service men, Reed Smoot and wife and some others. I assured the President that I felt highly honored that he should take the time to call at my office. I was very favorably impressed indeed with his talk, in fact I have been favorably impressed with all his talks that I have heard during this campaign. I certainly hope that he will be reelected.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
I concluded that it would not be wise for me to attend the meeting in the Tabernacle in honor of President Hoover, for fear I would have to go out, which would create comment, and I could not very well explain, so I decided to visit my daughter Rachel Taylor and listen to the President's talk, by radio, and then go to my office, as I understood President Hoover was going to pay me a visit, which he did'he and his wife. My wife Gusta was with me when they called. There accompanied him secret service men, Reed Smoot and wife and some others. I assured the President that I felt highly honored that he should take the time to call at my office. I was very favorably impressed indeed with his talk, in fact I have been favorably impressed with all his talks that I have heard during this campaign. I certainly hope that he will be reelected.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
165 years ago today - Nov 7, 1852
[Hosea Stout]
In the evening [apostle] G[eorge]. A. Smith delivered an address Specially for the missionaries, in which discourse he delivered the following prophecy which however in only an extract of what he said viz:Speaking of the Missionary elders present.
"Every people to whom they preach, their words shall (kindle [crossed out]) tingle in their ears, every language they shall engage to learn, they shall learn it, and shall learn it quicker than any one who has learned it hitherto. – and they shall, many of them, be called to stand before the kings and princes of the earth, and shall bear that testimony to them which will bring to pass the saying that kings shall be their nursing fathers and Queens their nursing mothers,In the name of Israels God – amen.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
In the evening [apostle] G[eorge]. A. Smith delivered an address Specially for the missionaries, in which discourse he delivered the following prophecy which however in only an extract of what he said viz:Speaking of the Missionary elders present.
"Every people to whom they preach, their words shall (kindle [crossed out]) tingle in their ears, every language they shall engage to learn, they shall learn it, and shall learn it quicker than any one who has learned it hitherto. – and they shall, many of them, be called to stand before the kings and princes of the earth, and shall bear that testimony to them which will bring to pass the saying that kings shall be their nursing fathers and Queens their nursing mothers,In the name of Israels God – amen.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Nov 7, 1837
The First Presidency ordains Isaac Morley a stake patriarch in Missouri. Although the president of the Quorum of Twelve is present, he is not invited to join in the ordination since apostles in the 1830s are not authorized to function in stakes or to ordain stake patriarchs. [Morley had been temporarily incarcerated for treason, arson and murder.]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Nov 7, 1837
Far West "general assembly" elects Joseph president of the whole church and Sidney as a counselor. Counselor Frederick G. Williams is rejected and Hyrum is voted in. Opposition to David Whitmer, W. W. Phelps, and John Whitmer, but ultimately they are elected. A high council is elected, as are members of the Quorum of the Twelve (including the Johnsons and John F. Boynton who had been rejected in Kirtland), bishopric, patriarch, keeper of the Lord's storehouse, presidents of seventies.
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
185 years ago today - Nov 7, 1832
Joseph Smith writes letter scolding Edward for use of leases. Becomes D&C 51. Apostate who leaves can retain property. Edward Partidge said to be struck dead if he is not successful.
[Source: Exploring Mormonism: Kirtland Safety Society Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirltand-safety-society-timeline-note-this-was-built-back-in-january-2013/]
[Source: Exploring Mormonism: Kirtland Safety Society Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirltand-safety-society-timeline-note-this-was-built-back-in-january-2013/]
5 years ago today - 2012-11-06
Mitt Romney, a Mormon, lost to Barack Obama in the general election.
[Source: Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
[Source: Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
175 years ago today - Nov 6, 1842
Martin Harris: Rebaptized 6 November 1842.
[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
180 years ago today - Nov 6, 1837
Oliver Cowdery: Allowed by leading quorums 6 Nov. 1837 to resolve difficulty with Joseph Smith Jr. over polygamy without involving the church council
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
185 years ago today - Nov 6, 1832
William E. McLellin dates the Fanny Alger "Transaction" to this date in a letter to Joseph Smith III, written 70 years later about his conversation with Emma about Fanny Alger
"Your father [written to Joseph Smith III] committed an act with a Miss Hill—a hired girl. Emma saw him, and spoke to him. He desisted, but Mrs. Smith refused to be satisfied. He called in Dr. Williams, O. Cowdery, and S. Rigdon to reconcile Emma. But she told them just as the circumstances took place. He found he was caught. He confessed humbly, and begged forgiveness. Emma and all forgave him."
An author pseudo named "Historicus" also writes that it occurred on this day
She [Emma Smith] discovered that Joseph had been celesitalizing with this maiden, Fanny, who acknowledged the truth, but Joseph denied it in toto and stigmatized the statement of the girl as a base fabrication. Emma, of course, believed the girl, as she was very well aware that no confidence could be placed in her husband, and she became terrible worked up about it. She was like a mad woman, and acted so violently that Oliver Cowdery and some of the elders were called in to minister to her and 'cast the devil out of sister Emma."
[Source: Letter to Joseph Smith, III, July 1872, Community of Christ Archives, reprint in Stan Larson and Samuel J. Passey, eds., The William E. McLellin Papers, 1854-1880; in Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
"Your father [written to Joseph Smith III] committed an act with a Miss Hill—a hired girl. Emma saw him, and spoke to him. He desisted, but Mrs. Smith refused to be satisfied. He called in Dr. Williams, O. Cowdery, and S. Rigdon to reconcile Emma. But she told them just as the circumstances took place. He found he was caught. He confessed humbly, and begged forgiveness. Emma and all forgave him."
An author pseudo named "Historicus" also writes that it occurred on this day
She [Emma Smith] discovered that Joseph had been celesitalizing with this maiden, Fanny, who acknowledged the truth, but Joseph denied it in toto and stigmatized the statement of the girl as a base fabrication. Emma, of course, believed the girl, as she was very well aware that no confidence could be placed in her husband, and she became terrible worked up about it. She was like a mad woman, and acted so violently that Oliver Cowdery and some of the elders were called in to minister to her and 'cast the devil out of sister Emma."
[Source: Letter to Joseph Smith, III, July 1872, Community of Christ Archives, reprint in Stan Larson and Samuel J. Passey, eds., The William E. McLellin Papers, 1854-1880; in Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
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