John Sorenson's reconciliation of Book of Mormon archaeology and Mesoamerican cultural geography, "An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon," is rejected for publication by BYU's Religious Studies Center because Elder Mark E. Petersen finds the topic to be "too touchy." The book is Published by F.A.R.M.S. the year following Petersen's death.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
85 years ago today - May 31, 1933
Henry B. Eyring, later a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is born in Princeton, New Jersey.
120 years ago today - May 31, 1898 (Tuesday)
Willard Young, son of Pres. Brigham Young, was nominated, by Pres. Wm. McKinley, colonel of the Second regiment of U.S. volunteer engineers.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
125 years ago today - 31 May 1893 ¿ Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
President Woodruff came to the office today, being the first time since the dedication of the Temple.
... We had a call also from a plural wife of Brother [first and middle initial and last name redacted], who came to ask counsel concerning her situation. Her husband desired to associate with her as a wife, but proposed to use means to prevent conception. We were surprised at her statements, and gave her counsel upon the subject.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
President Woodruff came to the office today, being the first time since the dedication of the Temple.
... We had a call also from a plural wife of Brother [first and middle initial and last name redacted], who came to ask counsel concerning her situation. Her husband desired to associate with her as a wife, but proposed to use means to prevent conception. We were surprised at her statements, and gave her counsel upon the subject.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
150 years ago today - May 31, 1868
[Wilford Woodruff]
... I related a vision that I had at Brother Smoots in Kentucky in 1836, & the signs which I saw of the 2d Coming of Christ. We had a good Meeting.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... I related a vision that I had at Brother Smoots in Kentucky in 1836, & the signs which I saw of the 2d Coming of Christ. We had a good Meeting.
[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 - May 31, 1843. Wednesday.
[William Clayton]
...This A.M. Sarah Crooks arrived at Nauvoo. She received word that I had sent to Brother [Hiram?] Clark on Feb[ruar]y 12th, and started immediately. She has been prospered and blest on her journey. [Clayton and Sarah had fallen for each other during his mission in England.]
[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]
...This A.M. Sarah Crooks arrived at Nauvoo. She received word that I had sent to Brother [Hiram?] Clark on Feb[ruar]y 12th, and started immediately. She has been prospered and blest on her journey. [Clayton and Sarah had fallen for each other during his mission in England.]
[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]
10 years ago today - May 30, 2008
President George W. Bush met with the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this week at the Churchs headquarters in Salt Lake City.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
130 years ago today - May 30, 1888 (Wednesday)
The new buildings of the Utah Penitentiary were opened for the accommodation of the prisoners [many of whom were Latter-day saints convicted of crimes related to polygamy].
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
130 years ago today - May 30, 1888 (Wednesday)
In the Manti Temple, which had just been opened for ordinance work, a number of marriages were solemnized. Janne M. Sjodahl and Christine Christoffersen were the first couple married in the building; Apostle Francis M. Lyman officiated.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
130 years ago today - May 30, 1888
[Wilford Woodruff]
A plan was discussed to form a Settlemet with Peters & Dyer of our suits with United States Courts to rob the Church of their Property.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
A plan was discussed to form a Settlemet with Peters & Dyer of our suits with United States Courts to rob the Church of their Property.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - May 30, 1878
Two Salt Lake City baseball teams, the Deserets and the Red Stockings, meet in the first game of the season; the Red Stockings with a new second baseman, Heber J. Grant, win 11-3.
145 years ago today - May 30, 1873
Catholic Father Damien [Joseph de Veuster] begins his ministry at the leper colony of Molokai, Hawaii, five months after equally self-sacrificing Johnathon Napela, president of the LDS branch. Napela, who does not have the disease, accompanies his wife Kitty who is required to live there because of her leprosy. Jonathon contracts the disease in 1877, and dies in 1879, followed by Kitty in 1881. Father Damien dies of leprosy in 1889.
[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 )]]
35 years ago today - May 29, 1983
Salt Lake City's mayor, by placing one call to a local LDS leader, has 2,000 volunteers within an hour to create artificial sandbag levees to prevent widespread flooding.
[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 )]]
50 years ago today - May 29, 1968
Counselor Hugh B. Brown hoped "a change in leadership" would end Benson's ultra-conservative crusade.
[Source: Brown to Bennion, 29 May 1968. 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 Bennion, 29 May 1968. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
55 years ago today - May 29, 1963
[David O. McKay Presidency]
... With the thought in mind of reducing the time spent by bishops, branch presidents and mission presidents in preparing recommends for members of the Church who desire to go to one or more temples, a recommend form has been prepared which may be used for any and all temples. Hereafter, one recommend acceptable in any temple will be issued to each patron rather than issuing a separate recommend for each temple.
[Source: David O. McKay, Henry D. Moyle, and Hugh B. Brown, circular letter, May 29, 1963, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
... With the thought in mind of reducing the time spent by bishops, branch presidents and mission presidents in preparing recommends for members of the Church who desire to go to one or more temples, a recommend form has been prepared which may be used for any and all temples. Hereafter, one recommend acceptable in any temple will be issued to each patron rather than issuing a separate recommend for each temple.
[Source: David O. McKay, Henry D. Moyle, and Hugh B. Brown, circular letter, May 29, 1963, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
60 years ago today - May 29, 1958
U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower appoints general authority Marion D. Hanks to the Citizen's Advisory Committee on the Fitness of the American Youth. Later various general authorities serve on special White House conferences and committees.
[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 - May 29, 1913; Thursday
Bro[ther]. McKay said that Dr. Winship told him that the Latter-day Saints Sunday schools were ahead of the Sunday Schools in the world with the possible exception of the German Lutheran Church of New York and Philadelphia [Pennsylvania], who use text-books and have a graded system. Dr. Winship also spoke in a very complimentary way of the leading brethren of the Church whom he had met. He said he had delivered several addresses in the east favorable to the Mormon people, his most recent address was in Chicago [Illinois], speaking to a gathering of artists, on which occasion he told the artists that no one county in the United States had produced so many musicians, sculptors and artists as one county in Utah. he also told them that even now the man who had won the musician's prize of $1000, was a Mormon, named Shepherd, which brought forth applause from them. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
115 years ago today - May 29, 1903; Friday
The Presidency spent the forenoon viewing the parade in honor of President [Theodore] Roosevelt and attending the exercises in the tabernacle. President [Joseph F.] Smith breakfasted with the President at Senator [Thomas] Kearns' after the tabernacle exercises.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - 29 May 1888 ¿ Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
I explained the situation that we were in, and I said that it seemed to me that the way they were pressing us for this property would result in everything [church property] being taken sooner or later. I alluded to the manner in which the persecution in regard to polygamy and unlawful cohabitation had proceeded. In the beginning we supposed that the arresting of our brethren and their being sent to prison would awaken sympathy in the fair-minded people of the United States, and an alleviation of the harshness of the prosecutions would probably be brought about. But instead of this being the case, it seemed that the success of our enemies in perpetrating one outrage only had the effect to embolden them to take another, and it had gone on until the present time, and there was a universal carelessness, apparently, and apathy in the country and on the part of the Government concerning our affairs and our sufferings. I fear that the same results would follow the present attack upon us for our property.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I explained the situation that we were in, and I said that it seemed to me that the way they were pressing us for this property would result in everything [church property] being taken sooner or later. I alluded to the manner in which the persecution in regard to polygamy and unlawful cohabitation had proceeded. In the beginning we supposed that the arresting of our brethren and their being sent to prison would awaken sympathy in the fair-minded people of the United States, and an alleviation of the harshness of the prosecutions would probably be brought about. But instead of this being the case, it seemed that the success of our enemies in perpetrating one outrage only had the effect to embolden them to take another, and it had gone on until the present time, and there was a universal carelessness, apparently, and apathy in the country and on the part of the Government concerning our affairs and our sufferings. I fear that the same results would follow the present attack upon us for our property.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
175 years ago today - May 29, 1843. Monday.
[William Clayton]
This A.M. President Joseph told me that he felt as though I was not treating him exactly right and asked if I had used any familiarity with E[mma]. I told him by no means and explained to his satisfaction.
[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]
This A.M. President Joseph told me that he felt as though I was not treating him exactly right and asked if I had used any familiarity with E[mma]. I told him by no means and explained to his satisfaction.
[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 - May 29, 1843
9 a.m. prayer circle of same men at Smith's old home, "when Joseph instructed us further in principles pertaining to the holy Priesthood" . Joseph Smith "sealed" for time and eternity the following couples: Hyrum Smith and his deceased wife Jerusha Barden Smith (by proxy), Hyrum Smith and his present wife Mary Fielding Smith. Hyrum Smith sealed Brigham Young and his deceased wife Miriam Works Young (by proxy), Brigham Young and his present wife Mary Ann Angel Young, Willard and Jennetta Richards, and Mercy Rachel Fielding Thompson and her deceased husband Robert B. Thompson (by proxy). (claimed that Newel K. Whitney and wife Elizabeth Ann were also sealed on this occasion).
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
30 years ago today - May 28, 1988
The First Presidency issued a statement on the subject of AIDS, stressing chastity before marriage, fidelity in marriage, and abstinence from homosexual behavior, yet extending sympathy to those who have contracted the disease.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
55 years ago today - May 28, 1963
[J. Arthur Horne]
Brother Horne and I chatted again tonight about the Gospel and the Adam-God Doctrine, as we have done many times before. Brother Horne, who grew up in Salt Lake City and was the son of Richard Horne and grandson of Joseph Horne said, in reference to the Adam-God Doctrine, that when he first went through the Temple (Salt Lake) for his Endowment in 1902 before going on his mission he was surprised to hear the teachings during the Temple ceremony in the Sermon before the veil, that, 'Adam was our God' and that 'he came here with Eve, one of his wives'. Also it was taught that 'Eve bore our spirits' (ie the spirits of all men). He asked his father about it but he declined to give any opinion about it. After Brother Horne returned from his mission a few years later, in 1905, he noted these teachings had been removed from the Temple ceremony. He feels that they were left over from Brigham Young's influence, but that he himself couldn't believe such doctrine. He thinks perhaps Brigham just got off in his speculation.
[Source: J. Arthur Horne, Patriarch, North Seattle Stake, 28 May 1963; see also The Elder's Journal Vol I by C. Jess Groesbeck, p. 291; Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
Brother Horne and I chatted again tonight about the Gospel and the Adam-God Doctrine, as we have done many times before. Brother Horne, who grew up in Salt Lake City and was the son of Richard Horne and grandson of Joseph Horne said, in reference to the Adam-God Doctrine, that when he first went through the Temple (Salt Lake) for his Endowment in 1902 before going on his mission he was surprised to hear the teachings during the Temple ceremony in the Sermon before the veil, that, 'Adam was our God' and that 'he came here with Eve, one of his wives'. Also it was taught that 'Eve bore our spirits' (ie the spirits of all men). He asked his father about it but he declined to give any opinion about it. After Brother Horne returned from his mission a few years later, in 1905, he noted these teachings had been removed from the Temple ceremony. He feels that they were left over from Brigham Young's influence, but that he himself couldn't believe such doctrine. He thinks perhaps Brigham just got off in his speculation.
[Source: J. Arthur Horne, Patriarch, North Seattle Stake, 28 May 1963; see also The Elder's Journal Vol I by C. Jess Groesbeck, p. 291; Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
140 years ago today - May 28, 1878
Joseph Young (a patriarch and senior president of the Council of Seventy) blessed his neice, Brigham Young's daughter: "These blessings are yours, the blessings and power according to the Holy Melchi[z]edek Priesthood you received in your Endowments, and you shall have them."
[Source: Patriarchal blessing by Joseph Young, Zina Young Card Papers, Archives, Lee Library, BYU, as quoted at http://ordainwomen.org/quotes. See Quinn, "Mormon Political Conflicts" for full cite and context.]
[Source: Patriarchal blessing by Joseph Young, Zina Young Card Papers, Archives, Lee Library, BYU, as quoted at http://ordainwomen.org/quotes. See Quinn, "Mormon Political Conflicts" for full cite and context.]
150 years ago today - May 28, 1868
Presiding Bishop instructs ward bishops to have "faithful teachers to settle all difficulties that may arise." First Presidency letter of Jul 11, 1877 urges teachers to bring evidence of wrongdoing to church courts. Monthly meeting of teachers is pre-trial hearing in church court system.
Orson Pratt writes to plural wife Juliaet that his first wife, Sarah, gets by without financial support from him: "Sarah has, by brother Young's kindness, been permitted to return to the old homestead, south of the tabernacle; she has the use of the house and half of the lot, without paying any rent. She has rented the other house in the 17th ward for $15 dollars per month; she also rents part of the house where she now lives to Orson [Jr.] at 15 dollars per month. Laron earns at the printing office about 25 dollars per week. All this enables that part of my family to live very comfortably."
Orson Pratt writes to plural wife Juliaet that his first wife, Sarah, gets by without financial support from him: "Sarah has, by brother Young's kindness, been permitted to return to the old homestead, south of the tabernacle; she has the use of the house and half of the lot, without paying any rent. She has rented the other house in the 17th ward for $15 dollars per month; she also rents part of the house where she now lives to Orson [Jr.] at 15 dollars per month. Laron earns at the printing office about 25 dollars per week. All this enables that part of my family to live very comfortably."
160 years ago today - May 28, 1858
A private in the Army stationed at Fr. Leavenworth, Kansas writes before his march to Fr. Floyd in Utah: "That Young's career in Utah should be arrested, no one will deny: none will attempt to apologize for his crimes and those of his fanatical followers. The cause of morality demands the extermination of this nest of adulterers, and no further time should be wasted in attempts at compromise or windy discussion. It were useless to attempt their reformation-the only missionaries that can make headway with them are such as wield the sabre and the musket."
175 years ago today - May 28, 1843
Knowlton Hanks received the Laying on of hands of Brigham Young & O Hyde. (in the Presidents office. J. Smith) after Singing Sadwik I. Elder Young'to bless and ordain a set you apart to a certain Mission to the /Quorum of/ 70 & drew the bond.... Thou art called to go to the Islands of the sea and by faithfulness seal upon you power over the winds & wafes and foul spirits & waves fear not to command the sick to be healed. to cast out Devils. ...
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: Minutes, 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 - May 28, 1843
[Heber C. Kimball blessing of Helen Mar Kimball]
A Fathers blessing upon the head of Hellen Mar Kimball ... Thou shalt be blessed with the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Thy posterity shall become numerous and great in the earth. Thou art of the ^same^ seed ^with thy brother^ of Joseph [whom she was married to] and thou shalt be blessed and crowned with his blessings. Thou shalt be honored of God and by man thy wisdom shall be great and thine understanding reach to heaven and no power shall stay these blessings from thee. ... When thou shalt be enthroned in the presence of God, deposit it there. For thou shalt be blest with a companion and he shall be a man of God. Listen with care to his council for he shall be thy head, inasmuch as thou wilt do this thou shalt be honored of God, and shall be inspired with the blessings of God. ... I seal thee up unto eternal life and thou shalt come forth in the resurrection and shalt have power to waft thyself from kingdom to kingdom where they increase forever. I seal these blessing upon thee in the name of Jesus Christ and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood even so Amen._
[Source: Digital image of holograph, Heber C. Kimball family collection, MS 23826, fd. 2, image 1-2, transcript by J. Stapley available at http://www.juvenileinstructor.org/from-the-archives-helen-mar-kimball-blessing-and-the-dating-of-her-marriage-to-joseph-smith]
A Fathers blessing upon the head of Hellen Mar Kimball ... Thou shalt be blessed with the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Thy posterity shall become numerous and great in the earth. Thou art of the ^same^ seed ^with thy brother^ of Joseph [whom she was married to] and thou shalt be blessed and crowned with his blessings. Thou shalt be honored of God and by man thy wisdom shall be great and thine understanding reach to heaven and no power shall stay these blessings from thee. ... When thou shalt be enthroned in the presence of God, deposit it there. For thou shalt be blest with a companion and he shall be a man of God. Listen with care to his council for he shall be thy head, inasmuch as thou wilt do this thou shalt be honored of God, and shall be inspired with the blessings of God. ... I seal thee up unto eternal life and thou shalt come forth in the resurrection and shalt have power to waft thyself from kingdom to kingdom where they increase forever. I seal these blessing upon thee in the name of Jesus Christ and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood even so Amen._
[Source: Digital image of holograph, Heber C. Kimball family collection, MS 23826, fd. 2, image 1-2, transcript by J. Stapley available at http://www.juvenileinstructor.org/from-the-archives-helen-mar-kimball-blessing-and-the-dating-of-her-marriage-to-joseph-smith]
175 years ago today - May 28, 1843
Sunday prayer circle "in the upper room" of Smith's old home. ... and the participants "attended to ordinances" . Because of his recent conversion to polygamy, Hyrum Smith may have been the one who performed the sealing of Emma Hale Smith to Joseph Smith for time and eternity on this date. James Adams was also sealed to his first wife Harriet Denton Adams.
"... we administered to brother Joseph the same ordinances of Endowment, and of the holy priesthood which he administered unto us." Thus, this repeated the pattern established in May 1842 of endowing Smith the second day.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
"... we administered to brother Joseph the same ordinances of Endowment, and of the holy priesthood which he administered unto us." Thus, this repeated the pattern established in May 1842 of endowing Smith the second day.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
175 years ago today - May 28, 1843
Joseph and Emma Smith are the first couple "sealed" in marriage for eternity. During the previous month, he had married as polygamous wives seventeen-year-old Lucy Walker, sixteen-year-old Flora Ann Woodworth, and fourteen-year-old Helen Mar Kimball who later testified that he had sexual relations with 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]
85 years ago today - 85 years ago - 1933. May 27
(Susa Young Gates) : Died of cancer at the age of seventy-seven in Salt Lake City. Buried in the Provo, Utah, Cemetery.
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
110 years ago today - 110 years ago - May 27, 1908
[Heber J. Grant]
[On the death of his wife, Emily] It seems rather strange that I should be attending her funeral on the anniversary of our wedding. I am sure that she would sooner be buried on this day, however, than any other day in the year. From the time we were married, I have never been separated from her on the 27th [of May] ... without writing her a letter, expressing my appreciation of our love, and my gratitude to the Lord for our union. We have practically celebrated our wedding day monthly as well an annually.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[On the death of his wife, Emily] It seems rather strange that I should be attending her funeral on the anniversary of our wedding. I am sure that she would sooner be buried on this day, however, than any other day in the year. From the time we were married, I have never been separated from her on the 27th [of May] ... without writing her a letter, expressing my appreciation of our love, and my gratitude to the Lord for our union. We have practically celebrated our wedding day monthly as well an annually.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
110 years ago today - 110 years ago - May 27, 1908
Interesting letter read from President H.L. Steed of the South African Mission ... In some cities, he says, the natives have become interested in the gospel, and elders have held meetings with them. This however he had not encouraged, as the elders could not meet the demands made upon them by the white population, and he asked to be instructed on the question of laboring among the natives, by whom he evidently meant negroes.
The question of preaching the gospel to the native negro population was now considered, President [Joseph F.] Smith remarking that all we could do for that class of people was to preach the gospel of repentence [repentance] to them, as they would be entitled to Church membership, and where they receive the gospel they should be encouraged to form branches composed of their own class of people.
[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Adam S. Bennion Papers, Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
The question of preaching the gospel to the native negro population was now considered, President [Joseph F.] Smith remarking that all we could do for that class of people was to preach the gospel of repentence [repentance] to them, as they would be entitled to Church membership, and where they receive the gospel they should be encouraged to form branches composed of their own class of people.
[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Adam S. Bennion Papers, Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm]
130 years ago today - 130 years ago - May 27, 1888, anniversary of his wedding with Emily
[Heber J. Grant]
My love for each of my wives is unbounded and it is perfect nonsense for anyone to tell me a man can't sincerely and truly love more than one wife.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
My love for each of my wives is unbounded and it is perfect nonsense for anyone to tell me a man can't sincerely and truly love more than one wife.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
170 years ago today - 170 years ago - May 27, 1848
Today to our utter astonishment, the crickets came by millions, sweeping everything before them.†Seagulls, no strangers to settlers in small numbers, arrive in dense flocks to devour crickets but not in time to save whole fields from destruction. Although published letter by First Presidency and LDS sermons refer to this event in non-miraculous terms for several years, anti-Mormon Warsaw Signal of 17 Nov. 1849 shows Mormons soon describe this experience as divine intervention: “This year, as the story goes-the Lord sent immense numbers of gulls from the Lake, to devour the crickets. Seagulls descend during cricket infestations in 1849 and 1850, but apparently not until 1853 does general authority (Orson Hyde) publicly describe the 1848 Seagull visitation as miraculous. The “Miracle of the Seagulls†is now memorialized by statue on Salt Lake Temple Square and by adoption of seagull as Utah’ s state bird.
[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 )]]
175 years ago today - 175 years ago - May 27, 1843
Pres[iden]t J. Smith said that ... The patriarchal office is the highest office in the church ... and father Smith conferred this office, on Hyrum Smith, on his death bed.
[Source: Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Minutes of Meetings and Other Documents--Excerpts, 1835-1896, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Minutes of Meetings and Other Documents--Excerpts, 1835-1896, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - May 27, 1843
Joseph Smith tells a council meeting, "The patriarchal office is the highest in the church, and father Smith conferred this office, on Hyrum Smith, on his death bed."
180 years ago today - May 27, 1838
[Hyrum Smith]
Arrives in Far West.
[Source: Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll, Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, A Brief Chronology of the Life of Hyrum Smith: 1800-1844]
Arrives in Far West.
[Source: Jeffrey S. O'Driscoll, Hyrum Smith: A Life of Integrity, A Brief Chronology of the Life of Hyrum Smith: 1800-1844]
40 years ago today - May 27, 1978
President Marion G. Romney of the First Presidency breaks ground for the Seattle Washington Temple.
175 years ago today - May 26, 1843
First entry in document titled, "Meetings of anointed Quorum[--]Journalizings"
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
175 years ago today - May 26, 1843
"Met with the Prophet Joseph, the Patriarch Hyrum, brothers Kimball and Richards, Judge James Adams, and Bishop N. K. Whitney, receiving our endowments and instructions in the Priesthood. The Prophet Joseph administered to us our first ordinances of endowment, and gave us instructions on the Priesthood and the new and everlasting covenant." Thus, Joseph Smith re-performed the endowment ceremony he had originally given these same men a year ago (which inaccurately omitted William Law). Smith reconferred the endowment for two reasons. First, to prepare for the next day's sealing of marriages for time and eternity, which he explained to the men in attendance. Second, because the Presiding Patriarch had stopped his opposition to polygamous marriages .
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
175 years ago today - May 26, 1843. Friday.
[William Clayton]
Hyrum received the doctrine of priesthood [IE Plural Marriage].
[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]
Hyrum received the doctrine of priesthood [IE Plural Marriage].
[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]
130 years ago today - 130 years ago - Friday, May 25th, 1888
[Authority Abraham H. Cannon]
[George Q. Cannon] told me that at the dedication of the Manti temple there were some remarkable manifestations of God's power. Various personages were seen. Phoebe Beatie saw a person standing behind D. C. Young while he was speaking. Halos were seen about the heads of several brethren, notably Apostle John W. Taylor. Voices were heard shouting "Hosannah," and singing was heard Bro. John S. Lewis stating that he could distinguish the various parts. These were encouraging evidences to the Saints that God is pleased with the work done, and still lives to control His Church
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[George Q. Cannon] told me that at the dedication of the Manti temple there were some remarkable manifestations of God's power. Various personages were seen. Phoebe Beatie saw a person standing behind D. C. Young while he was speaking. Halos were seen about the heads of several brethren, notably Apostle John W. Taylor. Voices were heard shouting "Hosannah," and singing was heard Bro. John S. Lewis stating that he could distinguish the various parts. These were encouraging evidences to the Saints that God is pleased with the work done, and still lives to control His Church
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
160 years ago today - 160 years ago - May 25, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
President Young spent the fore part of the day in the office. While speaking of Col Kane President Young said Col Kane did say to President Buchannan that he owed Gov Young an apology for sending an army to Utah in the way he did and persuing the Course he had towards the people of that territory and He should make that apology to Gov Young for President Buchannan and he was an agent sufficient to do it./...
While speaking upon the subject of treason and being tried for treason, He Said to Hosea Stout I want to have you get all the testimony upon that subject you can together in the defence. I should show that I as the Governor of this Territory had a right to resist an armed force entering into this Territory In as much as the Presidet of the United States gave me no notice of sending an army to this Territory or of removing me from office. Then Show that the Presidet of the United States had no right to make war upon any states or Territory upon mere rumour untill investigating the subjet. ...
Presidet Young said I will not be tried in a Court by our Enemies while under their power. It will be Settelled either amicably or by the rifle....
He soon Called at the Historians office with a proposition to sell us 30,000,000 acres of land in the Musketoe Country [Nicaragua] for 10 cts per acre one third to be paid down when we take possession of the Country & the remander to be in instalments annually with 10 per cts interest all to be paid within 10 years. The Presidet refused to purchase & wrote an answer accordingly.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
President Young spent the fore part of the day in the office. While speaking of Col Kane President Young said Col Kane did say to President Buchannan that he owed Gov Young an apology for sending an army to Utah in the way he did and persuing the Course he had towards the people of that territory and He should make that apology to Gov Young for President Buchannan and he was an agent sufficient to do it./...
While speaking upon the subject of treason and being tried for treason, He Said to Hosea Stout I want to have you get all the testimony upon that subject you can together in the defence. I should show that I as the Governor of this Territory had a right to resist an armed force entering into this Territory In as much as the Presidet of the United States gave me no notice of sending an army to this Territory or of removing me from office. Then Show that the Presidet of the United States had no right to make war upon any states or Territory upon mere rumour untill investigating the subjet. ...
Presidet Young said I will not be tried in a Court by our Enemies while under their power. It will be Settelled either amicably or by the rifle....
He soon Called at the Historians office with a proposition to sell us 30,000,000 acres of land in the Musketoe Country [Nicaragua] for 10 cts per acre one third to be paid down when we take possession of the Country & the remander to be in instalments annually with 10 per cts interest all to be paid within 10 years. The Presidet refused to purchase & wrote an answer accordingly.
[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 - May 25, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
25 We finished digging my suller. I also Commenced diging me a well. I made a eurbe
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
25 We finished digging my suller. I also Commenced diging me a well. I made a eurbe
[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 - May 25, 1838
[Joseph Smith Diary]
/25th/, Friday This day our company Went up the river and made some locations. In the after part of the day we struck our tents and moved to Col[onel] Wight's.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
/25th/, Friday This day our company Went up the river and made some locations. In the after part of the day we struck our tents and moved to Col[onel] Wight's.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
70 years ago today - May 25, 1948
[J. Reuben Clark]
Mr. [Doyle] Green also brought in an article by Homer Durham in which he quoted Pres. Clark about "the law going out from America" and in a way interpreted his statement. Pres. Clark said he did not care anything about that.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Mr. [Doyle] Green also brought in an article by Homer Durham in which he quoted Pres. Clark about "the law going out from America" and in a way interpreted his statement. Pres. Clark said he did not care anything about that.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
75 years ago today - May 24, 1943
Bernard DeVoto writes "It is lugubriously true that the orthodox Mormon mind cannot tolerate any objective treatment of Mormon history whatever. . . . All Mormon actions have always been pure and sanitary; all criticism of them has always been evil and mendacious. Who is not for them is against them. . . . This is what I have sometimes called the Mormon Inferiority complex. Something of the sort is, of course, a part of all religious orthodoxy. Yet it is perfectly possible for any writer to handle any other religion in America objectively and be answered objectively in turn. It is not possible of the Mormons."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
125 years ago today - 24 May 1893 - Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
President Snow had expressed a strong desire to have the First Presidency take part in giving the first endowments. Today is the first day for giving endowments. ...
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
President Snow had expressed a strong desire to have the First Presidency take part in giving the first endowments. Today is the first day for giving endowments. ...
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
125 years ago today - May 24, 1893
Suicide of businessman William H. Jennings, the first prominent Utah Mormon male to commit suicide. This is during a national economic depression which bankrupts many Utahns. George A. Mears, another "financially ruined" Salt Lake City businessman and "a friend to the 'Mormons'" also commits suicide on 8 July.
[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 - May 24, 1888
[Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Young]
... In the Logan and Manti Temples the rooms designed for the ordinance of [the] second anointing are quite plain. In this Temple [Salt Lake] the rooms should be as well situated and at least as elegantly decorated as any other room in the building, so as to impress those who receive this sacred ordinance with its importance and elevated and solemn character. It would be well if two small dressing rooms could be nearby or connected with it. ... We shall from time to time, probably, make further suggestions as they may occur to us in regard to the interior arrangements of the Temple. We desire that the greatest pains will be taken by yourself to have everything done in the most perfect manner, and so carefully considered beforehand that we will not be under the necessity of making changes or tearing down work that has already been done. We know that you have labored under disadvantages because of the incompleteness of the plans turned over to you, and also because of the improvements that you have felt compelled to make in those plans. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Young, May 24, 1888, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
... In the Logan and Manti Temples the rooms designed for the ordinance of [the] second anointing are quite plain. In this Temple [Salt Lake] the rooms should be as well situated and at least as elegantly decorated as any other room in the building, so as to impress those who receive this sacred ordinance with its importance and elevated and solemn character. It would be well if two small dressing rooms could be nearby or connected with it. ... We shall from time to time, probably, make further suggestions as they may occur to us in regard to the interior arrangements of the Temple. We desire that the greatest pains will be taken by yourself to have everything done in the most perfect manner, and so carefully considered beforehand that we will not be under the necessity of making changes or tearing down work that has already been done. We know that you have labored under disadvantages because of the incompleteness of the plans turned over to you, and also because of the improvements that you have felt compelled to make in those plans. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff to Don Carlos Young, May 24, 1888, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
130 years ago today - May 24, 1888
Deseret News reports that a polygamist's legal wife "attempted to kill herself by cutting her throat with a razor" when she is subpoenaed to testify against him.
[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 )]]
140 years ago today - May 24, 1878
John Taylor to Daniel Tyler, 24 May 1878, regarding Tyler's forthcoming book, Concise History of the Mormon Battalion: "All that I have any desire the Church should do in the matter is to have it looked over by someone appointed by the Council of the Apostles before publication, and eliminate from it anything that is deemed undesirable to publish, should it so happen that any such be found."
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
155 years ago today - May 24, 1863
[Brigham Young]
I suppose this is one of the lowest kingdoms that ever the Lord Almighty created, and on that account is capable of becoming exalted to be one of the highest kingdoms that has ever had an exaltation in all the eternities. In proportion as it has been reduced so it will be exalted, with that portion of its inhabitants who in their humiliation have cleaved to righteousness and acknowledged God in all things. In proportion as it has been reduced so it will be exalted, with that portion of its inhabitants who in their humiliation have cleaved to righteousness and acknowledged God in all things. In proportion to our fall through sin, so shall we be exalted in the presence of our Father and God, through Jesus Christ and by living the righteousness of his Gospel. All this the people will understand in due time through their faithfulness ...
Those who are counted worthy to dwell with the Father and the Son have previously received an education fitting them for that society; they have been made fully acquainted with every pass-word, token and sign which have enabled them to pass by the porters through the doors into the celestial kingdom. We have been traditioned to think that to rise up and speak in a meeting is to bear the cross of Christ.
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 10:170-178; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I suppose this is one of the lowest kingdoms that ever the Lord Almighty created, and on that account is capable of becoming exalted to be one of the highest kingdoms that has ever had an exaltation in all the eternities. In proportion as it has been reduced so it will be exalted, with that portion of its inhabitants who in their humiliation have cleaved to righteousness and acknowledged God in all things. In proportion as it has been reduced so it will be exalted, with that portion of its inhabitants who in their humiliation have cleaved to righteousness and acknowledged God in all things. In proportion to our fall through sin, so shall we be exalted in the presence of our Father and God, through Jesus Christ and by living the righteousness of his Gospel. All this the people will understand in due time through their faithfulness ...
Those who are counted worthy to dwell with the Father and the Son have previously received an education fitting them for that society; they have been made fully acquainted with every pass-word, token and sign which have enabled them to pass by the porters through the doors into the celestial kingdom. We have been traditioned to think that to rise up and speak in a meeting is to bear the cross of Christ.
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 10:170-178; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
160 years ago today - May 24, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
I met with President B Young & H. C. Kimball & O Pratt G A Smith A Lyman C. C. Rich A. Carrington Cummings Sprague and held an interview with two men from Niquiorgo [Nicaragua] as Agents from Mr Kenny owner of some thirty millions of Acres of land in the Musketoe Kingdom. They Come to make proposals to the Latter Day Saints to go and occupy that Country.
... G. A. Smith said by the time we have got their and spent several years in improving the Country the[re/n?] they would pour in by thousands and take what we have. ...
B Young said Bless your soul I have more Confidence In the governments than they have. All they care about it is they want to get power & they will use it. What do the United States Care about the Constitution? Houper said they are doing away with the Constitution as fast as they Can. Their is no people in the Nation that Keep the Law as well as this people. ...
Mr Cooper said the Country was as Healthy as this. It Contains the Mountains Rolling, & bottom lands. There is a great amount of logwood, rosewood and all kinds of woods and fruits that grow in that Climate, sugar Cane indigo and all kinds of fruits grow spontaineously....
[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 with President B Young & H. C. Kimball & O Pratt G A Smith A Lyman C. C. Rich A. Carrington Cummings Sprague and held an interview with two men from Niquiorgo [Nicaragua] as Agents from Mr Kenny owner of some thirty millions of Acres of land in the Musketoe Kingdom. They Come to make proposals to the Latter Day Saints to go and occupy that Country.
... G. A. Smith said by the time we have got their and spent several years in improving the Country the[re/n?] they would pour in by thousands and take what we have. ...
B Young said Bless your soul I have more Confidence In the governments than they have. All they care about it is they want to get power & they will use it. What do the United States Care about the Constitution? Houper said they are doing away with the Constitution as fast as they Can. Their is no people in the Nation that Keep the Law as well as this people. ...
Mr Cooper said the Country was as Healthy as this. It Contains the Mountains Rolling, & bottom lands. There is a great amount of logwood, rosewood and all kinds of woods and fruits that grow in that Climate, sugar Cane indigo and all kinds of fruits grow spontaineously....
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
35 years ago today - May 23, 1983
Newspapers reveal that Apostle Mark E. Petersen is leading the inquisition against Mormons who have written articles for independent publications 'Sunstone' and 'Dialogue.' Although stake presidents nationally are instructed to interview such contributors, BYU faculty members are the focus of special attention. When the First Presidency learns of this, second counselor Gordon B. Hinckley tells apostles to stop this investigation immediately.
[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 - May 23, 1953
Apostle Spencer W. Kimball publishes a repudiation of Norman C. Pierce's 'The Coming of the Great White Chief': "If members of the Church would always check the authenticity of such stories, through the Church authorities before spreading them abroad, it would save much embarrassment and deception."
[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 - May 23, 1893 (Tuesday)
The Salt Lake Temple was opened for ordinance work, under the immediate direction of the First Presidencyâ€"Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith. The following were the officers; Lorenzo Show, president; John R. Winder, first assistant; Adolph Madson, second assistant; John Nicolson, chief recorder; Joseph H. Dean, janitor; William H. Salmon, doorkeeper, Zina D.H. Young, president of sisters' department, with Bathsheba W. Smith and Minnie J. Snow, her assistants.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
130 years ago today - May 23, 1888
[Heber J. Grant]
I regret more than words of mine can tell the absence of a majority of the members of our quorum from the dedication [of the Manti temple] and my gratitude will know no bounds when in the kind providences of our Heavenly Father our quorum can meet as they did before the raid under the Edmunds Tucker bill started. No pen can picture the sufferings and heart aches our people have undergone. I take no pleasure in thinking about them or writing anything on the subject.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
I regret more than words of mine can tell the absence of a majority of the members of our quorum from the dedication [of the Manti temple] and my gratitude will know no bounds when in the kind providences of our Heavenly Father our quorum can meet as they did before the raid under the Edmunds Tucker bill started. No pen can picture the sufferings and heart aches our people have undergone. I take no pleasure in thinking about them or writing anything on the subject.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Wednesday, May 23, 1888
[John Henry Smith]
Manti
The people passed through the rooms of the house. 2,200 persons were said to be present.
The heavens were opened. Sacred choirs sang, Angles were seen, Hallos of light encircled the head of the Priesthood and joy filled our hearts. It was the day of days and none present will ever forget it.
[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]
Manti
The people passed through the rooms of the house. 2,200 persons were said to be present.
The heavens were opened. Sacred choirs sang, Angles were seen, Hallos of light encircled the head of the Priesthood and joy filled our hearts. It was the day of days and none present will ever forget it.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
135 years ago today - 23 May 1883 ¿ Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
[Daniel H.] Wells desired to be excused from dressing. There had been an unpleasant scene between Bro. Brigham [Young Jr.] and he at our last meeting, and Bro. Brigham supposing that he might not be willing to dress on account of this, went and asked what his reason was for not dressing. Bro. Wells acknowledged that he could not dress with the feelings that he had ... Considerable feeling was manifested by him at remarks which Bro. Brigham had made at the last meeting, and Bro. Brigham manifested some heat today, but finally asked Bro. Wells to forgive him and he would make any reparation in his power if he had hurt his feelings, though he had not done so intentionally. Bro. Wells did not seem satisfied at this and kept up his conversation until considerable feeling was again raised, and Bro. Brigham and I had to insist on Bro. Wells not speaking any more; that it would not be proper to go into an investigation of the matter there as some of the brethren who were present at the last meeting were now absent, and I should prefer that they be present. The scene was very painful to us who were witnesses of it, and something will have to be done by them to al[l]ay it for it is not proper that such feelings should exist among men of their standing.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
[Daniel H.] Wells desired to be excused from dressing. There had been an unpleasant scene between Bro. Brigham [Young Jr.] and he at our last meeting, and Bro. Brigham supposing that he might not be willing to dress on account of this, went and asked what his reason was for not dressing. Bro. Wells acknowledged that he could not dress with the feelings that he had ... Considerable feeling was manifested by him at remarks which Bro. Brigham had made at the last meeting, and Bro. Brigham manifested some heat today, but finally asked Bro. Wells to forgive him and he would make any reparation in his power if he had hurt his feelings, though he had not done so intentionally. Bro. Wells did not seem satisfied at this and kept up his conversation until considerable feeling was again raised, and Bro. Brigham and I had to insist on Bro. Wells not speaking any more; that it would not be proper to go into an investigation of the matter there as some of the brethren who were present at the last meeting were now absent, and I should prefer that they be present. The scene was very painful to us who were witnesses of it, and something will have to be done by them to al[l]ay it for it is not proper that such feelings should exist among men of their standing.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
175 years ago today - May 23, 1843
[William Clayton]
Conversed with H. C. K. concerning a plot that is being laid to entrap the brethren of the secret priesthood [polygamists] by bro. H. [Hyrum Smith] and others. ...
Prest. stated to me that he had had a little trouble with sis E. [Emma] he was asking E. [Eliza] Partridge concerning Jackson conduct during prest. absence & E came up stairs. he shut to the door not knowing who it was and held it. She came to the door & called Eliza 4 times & tried to force open the door. prest. opened it & told her the cause &c. She seemed much irritated.
[Source: The Nauvoo Diaries of William Clayton, 1842-1846, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Conversed with H. C. K. concerning a plot that is being laid to entrap the brethren of the secret priesthood [polygamists] by bro. H. [Hyrum Smith] and others. ...
Prest. stated to me that he had had a little trouble with sis E. [Emma] he was asking E. [Eliza] Partridge concerning Jackson conduct during prest. absence & E came up stairs. he shut to the door not knowing who it was and held it. She came to the door & called Eliza 4 times & tried to force open the door. prest. opened it & told her the cause &c. She seemed much irritated.
[Source: The Nauvoo Diaries of William Clayton, 1842-1846, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
175 years ago today - May 23, 1843
Emma gives permission for Joseph to be sealed to Emily and Eliza Partridge, not knowing that they are already his plural wives.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]
175 years ago today - May 23, 1843
Prest Young continued [to the missionaries going to the sandwich Islands]. Keep union among yourselves. be servants to each others. when you arrive never say that the missionaries are wrong.'attend their meetings.'get the hearts of the people. go help build up a methodist church & till you get the hearts of the people,'tell the Methodist the Presbyterians are right &c.'never will do any thing with argument. do not contend against the missionaries
[Source: Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Minutes, 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]
35 years ago today - Sunday, May 22, 1983.
Dawn Tracy publishes an article in the Provo Daily Herald reporting that she talked to fourteen Mormon writers in four states who "had been questioned" by local ecclesiastical leaders. All had contributed to Dialogue, Sunstone, or the Seventh East Press. Roy Doxey, former BYU dean of religious education, says that Apostle Mark E. Petersen "ordered the investigations." Elder Petersen, whose assignment has long been the investigation and suppression of fundamentalist Mormons, has apparently expanded his mandate to include other individuals whom he defines as enemies of the church. In 1962 he told a conference of seminary and Institute faculty, "In teaching the gospel there is no academic freedom. . . . There is only fundamental orthodox doctrine and truth."
Three of the writers who were investigated are faculty members at BYU. Jack Newell, co-editor of Dialogue, comments, "We are gravely concerned that the faith of any Latter-day Saint would be questioned including the basis of his or her commitment to legitimate scholarship and the free exchange of ideas."
Scott Faulring's stake president chastised him for his writings but admitted he had never read the offending articles. This stake president also "warned him to be cautious in his writing" and refused to tell him "who asked him to talk to me," said Faulring. Gary James Bergera of Provo, also interviewed, commented: "My stake president told me that if the prophet told me to do something wrong, I would be blessed if I obeyed. . . . He said what I had written was anti-Mormon because it wasn't uplifting." The stake president, Penrod Glazier, singled out an article about Jerald and Sandra Tanner published in Seventh East Press and a news story Gary had co-authored on an anti-Mormon conference in Alta published in Sunstone Review. According to Bergera, the stake president "said it was clear in the article that I didn't support the Tanners. . . . But because I interviewed them I came close to supporting them." Bergera's stake president denies that he is acting on orders from anyone else but several years later confirms to another stake president that he was asked to "watch over" Bergera by Elder Mark E. Petersen. Other writers questioned are Armand Mauss, Thomas G. Alexander, David John Buerger, Lester Bush, Edward A. Ashment, Jeff Keller, and Richard Sherlock. Carlos Whiting, a Mormon writer from Silver Spring, Maryland, is quoted as saying the writers who were interviewed are upset and adds, "Anti- intellectualism being manifest in the church is contrary to basic doctrine. . . . More serious, however, seems to be the inept approach of the various leaders involved in the inquiries."
J. D. Williams denounces the proceedings as "an inquisition" and adds, "Passing ecclesiastical judgment on writers who have conducted serious, historical research is a denial of everything the church stands for." When Peggy Fletcher learns that her bishop also received a call, she goes to a "high church official to complain. It was later learned on good authority, she said, that the Council of Twelve Apostles was asked to lay off and, indeed, the calls abruptly ended."
During this same period, Maxine Hanks, a returned missionary who is working on Seventh East Press and teaching Sunday classes at the Mission Training Center, is released with no reason being given. When she insists on meeting with her supervisor, he denies that her release has anything to do with the Seventh East Press. "It wasn't that you weren't good enough or smart enough--and it wasn't that you weren't pretty enough," she remembers him saying. "If I had to give a reason, I would say that you are perhaps a little too intelligent for the elders. You are perhaps a little too intellectual." He will not discuss the possibility of a revised approach or reengaging her to teach.
These episodes are not without their comic side. Linda King Newell is under ecclesiastical investigation both for her prize- winning and controversial biography of Emma Hale Smith, co- authored with Valeen Tippetts Avery (New York: Doubleday, 1984) and for her co-editorship of Dialogue. She is at the time serving in her ward's Relief Society presidency while Jack is serving in the bishopric. An unnamed man, identifying himself as "the director of correlation," calls the other counselor in the bishopric, asks whether Linda has a temple recommend, and, upon being informed that she does, asks someone in the background to "hand me the file on Linda Newell." After a few more questions about Linda's worthiness, the caller terminates the conversation. The following Sunday the counselor takes Linda aside and asks, "Now, which general board have you been called to?" Peggy Fletcher's bishop reportedly assumes that the call to him is also for clearance for a general board calling and recommends her in enthusiastic terms.
Ron Priddis learns from a relative as early as 1976 that Elder Petersen "has a file" on him. But these episodes, known collectively as the Petersen Inquisition or the Petersen Witch Hunt, are important for establishing (1) that files are being kept systematically on writers for independent LDS publications and (2) that others besides Petersen are involved in creating and maintaining these files.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
Three of the writers who were investigated are faculty members at BYU. Jack Newell, co-editor of Dialogue, comments, "We are gravely concerned that the faith of any Latter-day Saint would be questioned including the basis of his or her commitment to legitimate scholarship and the free exchange of ideas."
Scott Faulring's stake president chastised him for his writings but admitted he had never read the offending articles. This stake president also "warned him to be cautious in his writing" and refused to tell him "who asked him to talk to me," said Faulring. Gary James Bergera of Provo, also interviewed, commented: "My stake president told me that if the prophet told me to do something wrong, I would be blessed if I obeyed. . . . He said what I had written was anti-Mormon because it wasn't uplifting." The stake president, Penrod Glazier, singled out an article about Jerald and Sandra Tanner published in Seventh East Press and a news story Gary had co-authored on an anti-Mormon conference in Alta published in Sunstone Review. According to Bergera, the stake president "said it was clear in the article that I didn't support the Tanners. . . . But because I interviewed them I came close to supporting them." Bergera's stake president denies that he is acting on orders from anyone else but several years later confirms to another stake president that he was asked to "watch over" Bergera by Elder Mark E. Petersen. Other writers questioned are Armand Mauss, Thomas G. Alexander, David John Buerger, Lester Bush, Edward A. Ashment, Jeff Keller, and Richard Sherlock. Carlos Whiting, a Mormon writer from Silver Spring, Maryland, is quoted as saying the writers who were interviewed are upset and adds, "Anti- intellectualism being manifest in the church is contrary to basic doctrine. . . . More serious, however, seems to be the inept approach of the various leaders involved in the inquiries."
J. D. Williams denounces the proceedings as "an inquisition" and adds, "Passing ecclesiastical judgment on writers who have conducted serious, historical research is a denial of everything the church stands for." When Peggy Fletcher learns that her bishop also received a call, she goes to a "high church official to complain. It was later learned on good authority, she said, that the Council of Twelve Apostles was asked to lay off and, indeed, the calls abruptly ended."
During this same period, Maxine Hanks, a returned missionary who is working on Seventh East Press and teaching Sunday classes at the Mission Training Center, is released with no reason being given. When she insists on meeting with her supervisor, he denies that her release has anything to do with the Seventh East Press. "It wasn't that you weren't good enough or smart enough--and it wasn't that you weren't pretty enough," she remembers him saying. "If I had to give a reason, I would say that you are perhaps a little too intelligent for the elders. You are perhaps a little too intellectual." He will not discuss the possibility of a revised approach or reengaging her to teach.
These episodes are not without their comic side. Linda King Newell is under ecclesiastical investigation both for her prize- winning and controversial biography of Emma Hale Smith, co- authored with Valeen Tippetts Avery (New York: Doubleday, 1984) and for her co-editorship of Dialogue. She is at the time serving in her ward's Relief Society presidency while Jack is serving in the bishopric. An unnamed man, identifying himself as "the director of correlation," calls the other counselor in the bishopric, asks whether Linda has a temple recommend, and, upon being informed that she does, asks someone in the background to "hand me the file on Linda Newell." After a few more questions about Linda's worthiness, the caller terminates the conversation. The following Sunday the counselor takes Linda aside and asks, "Now, which general board have you been called to?" Peggy Fletcher's bishop reportedly assumes that the call to him is also for clearance for a general board calling and recommends her in enthusiastic terms.
Ron Priddis learns from a relative as early as 1976 that Elder Petersen "has a file" on him. But these episodes, known collectively as the Petersen Inquisition or the Petersen Witch Hunt, are important for establishing (1) that files are being kept systematically on writers for independent LDS publications and (2) that others besides Petersen are involved in creating and maintaining these files.
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
50 years ago today - May 22, 1968
[David O. McKay and counselors]
It has come to our attention that in some of the temples[,] instruction has been given to those going through to receive their endowments prior to entering into the marriage covenant that they must not remove the temple garment during the time of sexual relations. We have authorized no such instruction or advice. We feel that this is a matter of such intimate nature that it must be left with the persons concerned. We therefore ask that you govern yourselves accordingly.
[Source: David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, and N. Eldon Tanner to temple presidents, May 22, 1968, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
It has come to our attention that in some of the temples[,] instruction has been given to those going through to receive their endowments prior to entering into the marriage covenant that they must not remove the temple garment during the time of sexual relations. We have authorized no such instruction or advice. We feel that this is a matter of such intimate nature that it must be left with the persons concerned. We therefore ask that you govern yourselves accordingly.
[Source: David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, and N. Eldon Tanner to temple presidents, May 22, 1968, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
75 years ago today - May 22, 1943
USS Joseph Smith, a Liberty class ship, was launched in Richmond, Calif. Ceremonies included a tribute to Joseph Smith and a description of the Church's part in the war effort.
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
110 years ago today - May 22, 1908
[Joseph F. Smith and counselors]
People who are not members of the Church during their lifetime are not eligible to receive second blessings [anointings]. They should not only have been members of the Church, but their faithfulness and worthiness to receive these blessings should be unquestioned, and besides the line has been drawn in favor of those who have either gathered with the body of the Church or died on their way to the gathering place, all others are left to be dealt with by the authority on the other side of the veil.
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Oleen N. Stohl, May 22, 1908, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
People who are not members of the Church during their lifetime are not eligible to receive second blessings [anointings]. They should not only have been members of the Church, but their faithfulness and worthiness to receive these blessings should be unquestioned, and besides the line has been drawn in favor of those who have either gathered with the body of the Church or died on their way to the gathering place, all others are left to be dealt with by the authority on the other side of the veil.
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Oleen N. Stohl, May 22, 1908, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
130 years ago today - May 22, 1888
[Wilford Woodruff]
You ask whether a person who has once been married in the Endowment House or Temple, and is left a widow or a widower, commit[s] adultery by marrying again when the ceremony is performed by a justice of the peace or civil officer. There is a manifest impropriety, which every Latter-day Saint who has had his or her endowments should perceive, in such a person going to a civil officer to have a ceremony of marriage performed. The fact that such a person does so is an evidence that he or she is falling away, because if in good standing a recommendation could be obtained for the Temple, where the ceremony could be performed according to the order which God has instituted. But a person marrying under such circumstances does not commit adultery.
You ask some other questions concerning how many living wives a man must have to fulfil the law. When a man, according to the revelation, marries a wife under the holy order which God has revealed and then marries another in the same way, he enters into the new and everlasting covenant, and so far as he has gone he has obeyed the law. I know of no requirement which makes it necessary for a man to have three living wives at a time.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff to Samuel A. Woolley, May 22, 1888, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
You ask whether a person who has once been married in the Endowment House or Temple, and is left a widow or a widower, commit[s] adultery by marrying again when the ceremony is performed by a justice of the peace or civil officer. There is a manifest impropriety, which every Latter-day Saint who has had his or her endowments should perceive, in such a person going to a civil officer to have a ceremony of marriage performed. The fact that such a person does so is an evidence that he or she is falling away, because if in good standing a recommendation could be obtained for the Temple, where the ceremony could be performed according to the order which God has instituted. But a person marrying under such circumstances does not commit adultery.
You ask some other questions concerning how many living wives a man must have to fulfil the law. When a man, according to the revelation, marries a wife under the holy order which God has revealed and then marries another in the same way, he enters into the new and everlasting covenant, and so far as he has gone he has obeyed the law. I know of no requirement which makes it necessary for a man to have three living wives at a time.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff to Samuel A. Woolley, May 22, 1888, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
150 years ago today - May 22, 1868
President Brigham Young gave to the School of the Prophets the term of the railroad contract and acknowledging the hand of the Lord in giving this people the privilege of performing the work, thus keeping away from our midst the swarms of scalawags that the construction of the railway would bring here.
[Source: Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002), in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Journal History of the Church, Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 2 (2002), in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
175 years ago today - May 22, 1843
Joseph Smith's personal secretary records that on May 22nd, 1843, Smith's first wife Emma found Joseph and Eliza Partridge secluded in an upstairs bedroom at the Smith home. Emma was devastated.
[Source: William Clayton's journal entry for 23 May; Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Source: William Clayton's journal entry for 23 May; Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
55 years ago today - May 21, 1963
Although Mormon Birchers later became famous for "espionage" at Brigham Young University, anti-Birch Mormons were also involved in similar subterfuge. LDS bishop and political scientist J. D. Williams referred in May 1963 to "one of my `spies' in the local Birch Society in Salt Lake City." He felt justified in this approach toward "the Birchers, who hate me . . ."
[Source: J. D. Williams to James M. Whitmire, 21 May 1963. Reed Benson had already targeted Williams for classroom surveillance at the University of Utah. 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: J. D. Williams to James M. Whitmire, 21 May 1963. Reed Benson had already targeted Williams for classroom surveillance at the University of Utah. 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 - May 21, 1948
[First Presidency letter]
To Presidents of Stakes and Presidents of Missions
... because of the present excessive costs, [we thought] that it would be wise to postpone all building operations ...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
To Presidents of Stakes and Presidents of Missions
... because of the present excessive costs, [we thought] that it would be wise to postpone all building operations ...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
105 years ago today - May 21, 1913
The National Council of the Boy Scouts of America invites the Church's MIA Scout organization to formally join the BSA, thus beginning a long association between the two groups.
115 years ago today - May 21, 1903
[Thomas A. Clawson]
"Learned to day that John Hanson Local Editor of the Deseret News was a trator (Sic) to his brethren and was doing things and having things printed in the paper that was detrimental to the Church and and (Sic) the people generally also that he had accepted a bribe to work against the interests of the people Also that two reporters of the News had said in the presence of detective Sheets and others that they knew Henry S. Tanner was a poligamist and these were or claimed to be members of the Church. What can we expect if our own people go about making such statements.[?]"
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"Learned to day that John Hanson Local Editor of the Deseret News was a trator (Sic) to his brethren and was doing things and having things printed in the paper that was detrimental to the Church and and (Sic) the people generally also that he had accepted a bribe to work against the interests of the people Also that two reporters of the News had said in the presence of detective Sheets and others that they knew Henry S. Tanner was a poligamist and these were or claimed to be members of the Church. What can we expect if our own people go about making such statements.[?]"
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Thursday, May 21, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
The clerk read a letter from Mr. G. Edmonds, attorney, Carthage, Ill., in which he stated that Mrs. [Eliza M.] Browning, the owner of the Carthage jail, in which the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred, contemplated going to California to reside and would dispose of the property for $4,000. He now addressed this letter of inquiry to the Presidency, thinking that perhaps the church would like to make the purchase. ... The question was pretty thoroughly discussed and, in view of the fact that the Carthage jail was a building of great historic interest to the Latter-day Saints and in fact to the world, it became the sense of the council that the Presidency take such steps as might be necessary looking to the purchase of the property to the best advantage and that a bureau of information and depot for our church works he established in it. ...
Elder Smoot, speaking of the German missionary persecutions, said that this present persecution was brought on, or at least encouraged, by Mr. [Charlemagne] Tower, the United States ambassador to Germany, and he felt that some steps should be taken to reach the ambassador, and thereby bring about a modification of the situation. ...
Pres. Lund, referring to the German missionary situation, said that the matter had gone beyond Mr. Tower. Felt that it would be good policy to remain quiet for the present. If the German government look upon our people as being obnoxious and act accordingly, the United States government could do nothing. ...
Pres. Smith at this point made some very interesting remarks, in brief, as follows. We are not in a position legally, or in a popular sense, to assert our rights. We can pray to the Lord and petition governments for our rights, but cannot force our way. The whole world is against us; hence, our best policy is meekness and humility. ...
Pres. Winder endorsed the remarks of Pres. Smith, as also did Elder Jno. H. Smith. Elder Clawson moved that, as a council, we endorse the wise and prudent sentiments expressed by Pres. Smith and adopt them as the sense of the meeting. Carried by unanimous vote.
Pres. Smith suggested to Elder Smoot that he be very wise and politic in his attitude to congressmen and also endeavor to maintain good feelings with his colleague, Senator [Thomas] Kearns.
[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 clerk read a letter from Mr. G. Edmonds, attorney, Carthage, Ill., in which he stated that Mrs. [Eliza M.] Browning, the owner of the Carthage jail, in which the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred, contemplated going to California to reside and would dispose of the property for $4,000. He now addressed this letter of inquiry to the Presidency, thinking that perhaps the church would like to make the purchase. ... The question was pretty thoroughly discussed and, in view of the fact that the Carthage jail was a building of great historic interest to the Latter-day Saints and in fact to the world, it became the sense of the council that the Presidency take such steps as might be necessary looking to the purchase of the property to the best advantage and that a bureau of information and depot for our church works he established in it. ...
Elder Smoot, speaking of the German missionary persecutions, said that this present persecution was brought on, or at least encouraged, by Mr. [Charlemagne] Tower, the United States ambassador to Germany, and he felt that some steps should be taken to reach the ambassador, and thereby bring about a modification of the situation. ...
Pres. Lund, referring to the German missionary situation, said that the matter had gone beyond Mr. Tower. Felt that it would be good policy to remain quiet for the present. If the German government look upon our people as being obnoxious and act accordingly, the United States government could do nothing. ...
Pres. Smith at this point made some very interesting remarks, in brief, as follows. We are not in a position legally, or in a popular sense, to assert our rights. We can pray to the Lord and petition governments for our rights, but cannot force our way. The whole world is against us; hence, our best policy is meekness and humility. ...
Pres. Winder endorsed the remarks of Pres. Smith, as also did Elder Jno. H. Smith. Elder Clawson moved that, as a council, we endorse the wise and prudent sentiments expressed by Pres. Smith and adopt them as the sense of the meeting. Carried by unanimous vote.
Pres. Smith suggested to Elder Smoot that he be very wise and politic in his attitude to congressmen and also endeavor to maintain good feelings with his colleague, Senator [Thomas] Kearns.
[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]
130 years ago today - May 21, 1888
[James E. Talmage]
The Manti Temple is publicly dedicated g by Elder Lorenzo Snow.
[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]
The Manti Temple is publicly dedicated g by Elder Lorenzo Snow.
[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]
170 years ago today - May 21, 1848
[Heber C. Kimball marriage]
Wife #39. Mary Dull (Duell?), 1807-?.
[Source: Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
Wife #39. Mary Dull (Duell?), 1807-?.
[Source: Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
175 years ago today - May 21, 1843
requested the people to get out of their alleys and if they did not keep them clear he might some time run up and down and might hit some of them and called on Bro[ther] Morey to constable to keep the alleys clear. After singing Joseph read 1st chap[ter] 2d Epistle of Peter. ...
I have not an idea there has been a great many very good men since Adam. There was one good man, Jesus. /Many think a prophet must be a great deal better than any body else/ Suppose I would condescend. Yes, I will /call it/ condescend to be a great deal better than any of you, I would be raised up to the highest heaven, and who should I have to accompany me. I love that man better who swears a stream as long as my arm and [is attentive to] administering to the poor and dividing his substance, than the long smoothed faced hypocrites.
I don't want you to think I am very righteous, for I am not very righteous.
We were eyewitnesses of his majesty and heard the voice of his excellent glory, and what could be more sure? Transfigured on the mount &c. and what could be more sure? ...
[I am like a] Rough stone rol[l]ing down [a] hill.
Three grand secrets lying in this chapter [2 Peter 1] which no man can dig out which unlocks the whole chapter. What is written are only hints of things which existed in the prophet's mind which are not written concerning eternal glory....
... After adding all this virtue, knowledge, and make your calling sure. ... There could not any[thing] be given pertaining to life and Godliness without knowledge.
Wo, wo, wo to Christendom, the divine spirits, &c. If this be true, Salvation is for a man to be saved from all his enemies. Until a man can triumph over death he is not saved. Knowledge will do this.
Organization of spirits in the Eternal World. Spirits in the Eternal world are like spirits in this world. When those spirits have come into this [world] risin and received glorified bodies, they will have an ascendency over spirits who have no bodies, or kept not their first estate like the devil. Devil's punishment, should not have a habitation like the other men. Devil's retaliation [was to] come into this world, bind up men's bodies and occupy [them] himself. Authorities come along and eject him from a stolen habitation.
Design of the Great God in sending us into this world and organizing us to prepare us for the Eternal World. ...
After all this make your calling and election sure. If this injuncti[o]n would lay largely on those to whom it was spoken. [Then] How much more there [is in this] to them of the 19th century.
1st Key - Knowledge in the power of Salvation.
2nd Key- Make his calling and Election sure.
3rd It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice &c., &c. and another /to hear the/ voice declare to you, "You have a part and lot in the kingdom."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
I have not an idea there has been a great many very good men since Adam. There was one good man, Jesus. /Many think a prophet must be a great deal better than any body else/ Suppose I would condescend. Yes, I will /call it/ condescend to be a great deal better than any of you, I would be raised up to the highest heaven, and who should I have to accompany me. I love that man better who swears a stream as long as my arm and [is attentive to] administering to the poor and dividing his substance, than the long smoothed faced hypocrites.
I don't want you to think I am very righteous, for I am not very righteous.
We were eyewitnesses of his majesty and heard the voice of his excellent glory, and what could be more sure? Transfigured on the mount &c. and what could be more sure? ...
[I am like a] Rough stone rol[l]ing down [a] hill.
Three grand secrets lying in this chapter [2 Peter 1] which no man can dig out which unlocks the whole chapter. What is written are only hints of things which existed in the prophet's mind which are not written concerning eternal glory....
... After adding all this virtue, knowledge, and make your calling sure. ... There could not any[thing] be given pertaining to life and Godliness without knowledge.
Wo, wo, wo to Christendom, the divine spirits, &c. If this be true, Salvation is for a man to be saved from all his enemies. Until a man can triumph over death he is not saved. Knowledge will do this.
Organization of spirits in the Eternal World. Spirits in the Eternal world are like spirits in this world. When those spirits have come into this [world] risin and received glorified bodies, they will have an ascendency over spirits who have no bodies, or kept not their first estate like the devil. Devil's punishment, should not have a habitation like the other men. Devil's retaliation [was to] come into this world, bind up men's bodies and occupy [them] himself. Authorities come along and eject him from a stolen habitation.
Design of the Great God in sending us into this world and organizing us to prepare us for the Eternal World. ...
After all this make your calling and election sure. If this injuncti[o]n would lay largely on those to whom it was spoken. [Then] How much more there [is in this] to them of the 19th century.
1st Key - Knowledge in the power of Salvation.
2nd Key- Make his calling and Election sure.
3rd It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice &c., &c. and another /to hear the/ voice declare to you, "You have a part and lot in the kingdom."
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
135 years ago today - 135 years ago - May 20, 1883
Salt Lake City police arrest seventeen boys for "breaking the Sabbath" by playing baseball on Sunday.
[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 )]]
175 years ago today - 175 years ago - May 20, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith sent an explanation of the word -"Mormon-" to the Church newspaper Times and Seasons in response to erroneous views held by -"men that profess to be learned.-",
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
200 years ago today - May 20, 1818
Joseph Sr. incurs a 93-cent debt to Jeremiah Hurlbut for "2 1/2 bushels of oats."
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
175 years ago today - May 20, 1843
Joseph Smith writes for publication in the TIMES and SEASONS, "I may safely say that the word "Mormon" stands independent of the wisdom and learning of this generation. The word Mormon, means literally, more good."
30 years ago today - May 20, 1988
President Marion G. Romney, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, dies.
[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]
[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]
55 years ago today - May 19, 1963
Someone ... burned a Nazi swastika in the lawn of Reed Benson's house shortly after his appointment as state coordinator for the John Birch Society.
[Source: "Vandals, Reds, Loaded Queries Plague Utah's Bircher Benson," Portland Oregonian, 19 May 1963, 16, with photo of Reed beside the swastika vandalism. 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: "Vandals, Reds, Loaded Queries Plague Utah's Bircher Benson," Portland Oregonian, 19 May 1963, 16, with photo of Reed beside the swastika vandalism. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
55 years ago today - May 19, 1963
Ezra Taft Benson had identified Martin Luther King as a Communist.
[Source: "Benson Ties Rights Issue to Reds in Mormon Rift," Washington Post, 19 May 1963, E-l, E-7. Benson told BYU students that the American civil rights movement was "Communist inspired" and that its unnamed leader was a Communist sympathizer, if not an actual Communist. The publication of this talk identified King in the index as this Communist civil rights leader. See Benson, An Enemy Hath Done This, ed. Jerreld L. Newquist (Salt Lake City: Parliament Publishers, 1969), 310,361. 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: "Benson Ties Rights Issue to Reds in Mormon Rift," Washington Post, 19 May 1963, E-l, E-7. Benson told BYU students that the American civil rights movement was "Communist inspired" and that its unnamed leader was a Communist sympathizer, if not an actual Communist. The publication of this talk identified King in the index as this Communist civil rights leader. See Benson, An Enemy Hath Done This, ed. Jerreld L. Newquist (Salt Lake City: Parliament Publishers, 1969), 310,361. 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.]
85 years ago today - May 19, 1933
[Heber J. Grant]
J. Golden Kimball called shortly after ten o'clock, and I had a long talk with him regarding his speech at Conference. I told him that under no circumstances would I consent to having his speech remodeled the way he had changed it, because it would be a direct reflection on anything I said, because there would be nothing there to criticize. I told him plainly that he must quit using the
name of God, that I considered it absolute profanity when he said '2God, how I hate prejudice,' and when he referred to his conversation with Brother Lyman, in which he told Brother Lyman, in answer to his question as to whether he loved the brethren, that he loved some of them a damn sight better than others, that it was absolutely ridiculous to talk that way. I told him I wanted him to understand that I wouldn't and could not sustain him as one of the General Authorities of the church if he did not change. He said he would do his best to improve. He further said that if I did not want to publish his remarks it would be all right with him. I said 'I am going to publish your talk in full and mine too, unless you want me not to.' He said he would prefer not to have his talk published. I tore it up and threw it into the waste-basket. I was disappointed over my interview with him, from the fact that he did not come out frankly and fully and say 'Brother Grant, I apologize; I did wrong and I am sorry.' But we are all differently constituted, and I was glad to have a talk with him and to have him assure me he would endeavor to mend his ways. I read my talk to him word for word as it was delivered. ...
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
J. Golden Kimball called shortly after ten o'clock, and I had a long talk with him regarding his speech at Conference. I told him that under no circumstances would I consent to having his speech remodeled the way he had changed it, because it would be a direct reflection on anything I said, because there would be nothing there to criticize. I told him plainly that he must quit using the
name of God, that I considered it absolute profanity when he said '2God, how I hate prejudice,' and when he referred to his conversation with Brother Lyman, in which he told Brother Lyman, in answer to his question as to whether he loved the brethren, that he loved some of them a damn sight better than others, that it was absolutely ridiculous to talk that way. I told him I wanted him to understand that I wouldn't and could not sustain him as one of the General Authorities of the church if he did not change. He said he would do his best to improve. He further said that if I did not want to publish his remarks it would be all right with him. I said 'I am going to publish your talk in full and mine too, unless you want me not to.' He said he would prefer not to have his talk published. I tore it up and threw it into the waste-basket. I was disappointed over my interview with him, from the fact that he did not come out frankly and fully and say 'Brother Grant, I apologize; I did wrong and I am sorry.' But we are all differently constituted, and I was glad to have a talk with him and to have him assure me he would endeavor to mend his ways. I read my talk to him word for word as it was delivered. ...
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
120 years ago today - May 19, 1898; Thursday
The subject of rebaptism was discussed at some length by the Council, the question being whether or not the practice, which had become too common in the Church, should be discontinued, or permitted only in certain cases. The subject was dropped without action.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - 19 May 1883 ¿ Saturday
[George Q. Cannon]
Saturday, May 19, 1883. I had a visit last night after meeting from the wife of Bro. Joseph Jolly. She is in trouble over his taking another wife and appears determined to leave him. I advised her not to do so, but to bear patiently with the trouble she had to contend with. Her husband is a good, faithful man, but she is tried very much by his second wife.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
Saturday, May 19, 1883. I had a visit last night after meeting from the wife of Bro. Joseph Jolly. She is in trouble over his taking another wife and appears determined to leave him. I advised her not to do so, but to bear patiently with the trouble she had to contend with. Her husband is a good, faithful man, but she is tried very much by his second wife.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
155 years ago today - May 19, 1863 (Tuesday)
The stage from California was attacked by Indians, in Deep Creek Canyon, 150 miles west of G.S.L. City, and the driver, W.R. Simpson, was killed. Major Howard Egan, who was one of the passengers, caught the reins and drove away at full speed.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - May 19, 1838
Joseph marches across the Grand River to the mouth of Honey Creek and from there takes a boat 18 miles to Lyman Wight's home. Wight lives at the foot of Tower Hill, a name Joseph gives the hill because of some ruins, which he designates as an old Nephite altar or tower. One half mile from Lyman Wight's ferry, the brethren reach a place called Spring Hill; the Lord names it Adam-ondi-Ahman, "because, said He, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the Prophet." The above-quoted explanation of the name Adam-ondi-Ahman, is now found as D&C 116.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
25 years ago today - 1993-05-18
Boyd K. Packer identifies homosexuals, feminists, and intellectuals as enemies of the church.//In a talk given to an all-church coordinating council", Elder Boyd K. Packer, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, saying: "There are three areas where members of the Church, influenced by social and political unrest, are being caught up and led away. I chose these three because they have made major invasions into the membership of the Church. In each, the temptation is for us to turn about and face the wrong way, and it is hard to resist, for doing it seems so reasonable and right. The dangers I speak of come from the gay-lesbian movement, the feminist movement (both of which are relatively new), and the ever-present challenge from the so-called scholars or intellectuals."//See http://www.withoutend.org/elder-packer-danger-homosexuality-20-years/ for some analysis.
[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]
30 years ago today - May 18, 1988
Apostle Howard W. Hunter signs and agreement with the State of Israel that "the Church will not engage in any missionary activity within the borders of Israel, as long as such activity is not allowed by the government of Israel."
[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 )]]
50 years ago today - May 18, 1968
A Church News report about D.K. Brown, police chief of Jacksonville, Florida. As the special-agent-in-charge of the FBI office there Brown had succeeded in "breaking the back of a strong Ku Klux Klan by obtaining convictions for bombings of a Negro home."
[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 )]]
175 years ago today - May 18, 1843
Joseph Smith tells Judge Stephen Douglas, "you will aspire to the presidency of the United States: and...you will feel the weight of the hand of the Almighty upon you." Douglas would seek and lose the U.S. presidency in 1860.
[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 - May 18, 1843. Thursday.
The President [Joseph Smith] said "I prophecy in the name of the Lord God that in a few years this government will be utterly overthrown and wasted so that there will not be a potsherd left" for their wickedness in conniving at the Missouri mobocracy. The Judge appears very friendly and acknowledged the propriety of the Presidents remarks.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
235 years ago today - 1783. May 18
Martin Harris: Born in Easttown, New York. In 1808 he married his cousin Lucy Harris; they had three children. She divorced him in 1831 because of his funding of the Book of Mormon. In 1837 he married Brigham Young's niece Caroline Young, by whom he had five children.
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
45 years ago today - May 17, 1973
President Harold Bee Lee's secretary replies on Lee's behalf in response to a letter from a member to President Lee. The letter quotes President Lee: "I was shocked to have you raise the question about oral lovemaking in the genital area among married couples.' Heaven forbid any such degrading activities which would be abhorrent in the sight of the Lord. For any Latter-day Saint, and particularly those who have been taught in the sacred ordinances of the temple, to engage in any kind of perversions of this sacred God-given gift of procreation, would be sure to bring down the condemnation of the Lord whom we would offend were we to engage in any such practice."
95 years ago today - May 17, 1923
The First Presidency and Twelve agre to alter the temple undergarment worn outside the temple: "buttons instead of strings; no collar; sleeves above the elbow and a few inches below the knee and a change in the crotch so as to cover the same." Mormons regard this as a dramatic change from the endowment garment introduced by Joseph Smith. Few realize that the traditional Utah "garment" is based on the "Union suit" of the last half of the nineteenth century, while the earlier garment worn under clothing at Nauvoo was based on legless "shirt" or two-piece undergarment which was current in America from the late-eighteenth century to the 1840s.
[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 - 17 May 1893 ¿ Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
We were made happy to-day by my receiving a dispatch from Brother Heber J. Grant informing us that he had succeeded in arranging for $100000.00 [in loans]. I felt particularly pleased at this, because I had felt to promise him with a good deal of assurance when we set him apart to go East that he would succeed, and I have prayed earnestly to the Lord that he might be successful. I had two reasons for this; first, we needed the money very much, and our position was critical unless we got it; and second, I desired that when we made promises, as both Brother Lorenzo Snow and I had done, that these promises should be dictated by the Spirit of the Lord and be fulfilled, so that confidence in the priesthood might be increased. I may say here that I have been in the habit for some little time past to dress myself every morning in my Temple robes and offer prayer to the Lord in my bed chamber. I have felt the need of this in view of the responsibilities which rest upon me especially now that President Woodruff is unable to take part in the labor.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
We were made happy to-day by my receiving a dispatch from Brother Heber J. Grant informing us that he had succeeded in arranging for $100000.00 [in loans]. I felt particularly pleased at this, because I had felt to promise him with a good deal of assurance when we set him apart to go East that he would succeed, and I have prayed earnestly to the Lord that he might be successful. I had two reasons for this; first, we needed the money very much, and our position was critical unless we got it; and second, I desired that when we made promises, as both Brother Lorenzo Snow and I had done, that these promises should be dictated by the Spirit of the Lord and be fulfilled, so that confidence in the priesthood might be increased. I may say here that I have been in the habit for some little time past to dress myself every morning in my Temple robes and offer prayer to the Lord in my bed chamber. I have felt the need of this in view of the responsibilities which rest upon me especially now that President Woodruff is unable to take part in the labor.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
130 years ago today - May 17, 1888
[Heber J. Grant]
Prest Woodruff arose and referred to our people taking the oath of office and for the purpose of voting. Said they had not done wrong in doing so. It was no renunciation of our faith by taking the oath. Some people thought we were going to give up plural marriage and that our efforts for Statehood were all right and that we were not going to go back on any principle of the gospel.
He said 'We are not going to stop the practice of plural marriage until the Coming of the Son of Man.'
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Prest Woodruff arose and referred to our people taking the oath of office and for the purpose of voting. Said they had not done wrong in doing so. It was no renunciation of our faith by taking the oath. Some people thought we were going to give up plural marriage and that our efforts for Statehood were all right and that we were not going to go back on any principle of the gospel.
He said 'We are not going to stop the practice of plural marriage until the Coming of the Son of Man.'
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
130 years ago today - May 17, 1888
At dedication of Manti Temple, some hear heavenly choir, while others see bright halos of light around apostles Lorenzo Snow, John W. Taylor, Heber J. Grant, John Henry Smith, and Seventy's president Jacob Gates, and dimmer halo around Apostle Francis M. Lyman's head. Some say that John W. Taylor's "voice was exactly like Joseph the Prophet" and that Lyman's voice is that of Brigham Young. While in temple, Woodruff "Consecrated upon the Altar the [brown] seers Stone that Joseph Smith found by Revelation some 30 feet under the earth."
[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 - 17 May 1888 ¿ Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
... 20 [individuals] clothed themselves in their Temple robes. President Woodruff called on Elder Brigham Young to open by prayer, and then after offering the signs, he requested me to be mouth in the circle. I felt quite free in praying and enjoyed the Spirit. I was fearful of causing some of the brethren to feel faint and therefore was as brief as possible. I did not mention in detail the brethren of the Apostles who were not with us, and as Bro. E. Snow was in a feeble condition of health, it was felt that we should offer prayer especially for him. So the signs were again offered, and I prayed again, for Bro. Snow, my son Abraham, Bro. Jos. F. Smith, Bro. Teasdale, and all the Elders who were engaged abroad, especially those who were laboring in Washington in favor of the State movement.
At 12 o¿clock we again met, in our ordinary apparel, in the Celestial room, and President Woodruff offered the Dedicatory prayer. He knelt at one of the altars and had his manuscript on it. I had made some changes in the prayer, which were accepted by the brethren, modifying some of the expressions respecting the Government. ...
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
... 20 [individuals] clothed themselves in their Temple robes. President Woodruff called on Elder Brigham Young to open by prayer, and then after offering the signs, he requested me to be mouth in the circle. I felt quite free in praying and enjoyed the Spirit. I was fearful of causing some of the brethren to feel faint and therefore was as brief as possible. I did not mention in detail the brethren of the Apostles who were not with us, and as Bro. E. Snow was in a feeble condition of health, it was felt that we should offer prayer especially for him. So the signs were again offered, and I prayed again, for Bro. Snow, my son Abraham, Bro. Jos. F. Smith, Bro. Teasdale, and all the Elders who were engaged abroad, especially those who were laboring in Washington in favor of the State movement.
At 12 o¿clock we again met, in our ordinary apparel, in the Celestial room, and President Woodruff offered the Dedicatory prayer. He knelt at one of the altars and had his manuscript on it. I had made some changes in the prayer, which were accepted by the brethren, modifying some of the expressions respecting the Government. ...
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
130 years ago today - May 17, 1888
[Wilford Woodruff]
I felt to thank God that I had lived on the Earth to once More have the privilege of Dedicating another Temple [Manti] in the Rocky Mountains unto the Most High God And I Pray God my Eternal Father that He will protect the Manti Temple and all other Temples we have built in them unto His Holy Name that they may Never go into the Hands of the Gentiles our Enemies to be defiled by them.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I felt to thank God that I had lived on the Earth to once More have the privilege of Dedicating another Temple [Manti] in the Rocky Mountains unto the Most High God And I Pray God my Eternal Father that He will protect the Manti Temple and all other Temples we have built in them unto His Holy Name that they may Never go into the Hands of the Gentiles our Enemies to be defiled by them.
[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 - Thurs. May 17th 1888
[Abraham H. Cannon]
"A private dedication of the Manti Temple occurred today at which the Underground and Apostles were present. I was invited to be present but owing to my lameness, could not go."
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
"A private dedication of the Manti Temple occurred today at which the Underground and Apostles were present. I was invited to be present but owing to my lameness, could not go."
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
150 years ago today - May 17, 1868 (Morning)
[Brigham Young]
Keep the Word of Wisdom. There are but few of the Elders now who use tobacco, and our sisters can do without their tea and coffee. They can keep the Word of Wisdom, for many of them do keep it. I only saw one cup of coffee last summer during my trip south, and it was for an old lady eighty years of age. She asked me if she might not take her cups of coffee; and I told her to take it, and blessed her and her coffee. We can stop the use of liquor.
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 12:217-221; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
Keep the Word of Wisdom. There are but few of the Elders now who use tobacco, and our sisters can do without their tea and coffee. They can keep the Word of Wisdom, for many of them do keep it. I only saw one cup of coffee last summer during my trip south, and it was for an old lady eighty years of age. She asked me if she might not take her cups of coffee; and I told her to take it, and blessed her and her coffee. We can stop the use of liquor.
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 12:217-221; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
175 years ago today - May 17, 1843. Wednesday.
[William Clayton]
At 10 President Joseph preached on 2nd Peter Chap[ter] 1. He shewed that knowledge is power and the man who has the most knowledge has the greatest power. Also that salvation means a marts being placed beyond the powers of all his enemies. He said the more sure word of prophecy meant, a marts knowing that he was sealed up unto eternal life by revelation and the spirit of prophecy through the power of the Holy priesthood. He also showed that it was impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. Paul had seen the third heavens and I more. Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles.
Dined at Brother [Almon] Babbits. President Joseph said to Brother Johnson and I that J[oseph] B. Noble when he was first taught this doctrine set his heart on one and pressed J[oseph Smith] to seal the contract but he never could get opportunity. It seemed that the Lord was unwilling. Finally another came along and he then engaged that one and is a happy man. I learned from this anecdote never to press the prophet but wait with patience and God will bring all things right. ...
In the evening we went to hear a Methodist preacher lecture. After he got through President Joseph offered some corrections as follows. The 7th verse of C[hapter] 2 of Genesis ought to read God breathed into Adam his spirit or breath of life, but when the word "ruach" applies to Eve it should be translated lives. Speaking of eternal duration of matter he said There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter but is more fine or pure and can only be discerned by purer eyes. We cant see it but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter. The gentleman seemed pleased and said he should visit Nauvoo immediately.
[Some of this material ended up in D&C 131.]
[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]
At 10 President Joseph preached on 2nd Peter Chap[ter] 1. He shewed that knowledge is power and the man who has the most knowledge has the greatest power. Also that salvation means a marts being placed beyond the powers of all his enemies. He said the more sure word of prophecy meant, a marts knowing that he was sealed up unto eternal life by revelation and the spirit of prophecy through the power of the Holy priesthood. He also showed that it was impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. Paul had seen the third heavens and I more. Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles.
Dined at Brother [Almon] Babbits. President Joseph said to Brother Johnson and I that J[oseph] B. Noble when he was first taught this doctrine set his heart on one and pressed J[oseph Smith] to seal the contract but he never could get opportunity. It seemed that the Lord was unwilling. Finally another came along and he then engaged that one and is a happy man. I learned from this anecdote never to press the prophet but wait with patience and God will bring all things right. ...
In the evening we went to hear a Methodist preacher lecture. After he got through President Joseph offered some corrections as follows. The 7th verse of C[hapter] 2 of Genesis ought to read God breathed into Adam his spirit or breath of life, but when the word "ruach" applies to Eve it should be translated lives. Speaking of eternal duration of matter he said There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter but is more fine or pure and can only be discerned by purer eyes. We cant see it but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter. The gentleman seemed pleased and said he should visit Nauvoo immediately.
[Some of this material ended up in D&C 131.]
[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]
10 years ago today - May 16, 2008
Seventeen-year-old Utah Mormon David Archuleta is one of two finalists in the singing contest American Idol.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
90 years ago today - May 16, 1928
Over vociferous protests of many citizens including famed LDS sculptor Mahonri Young, the Salt Lake Dramatic Association, Church-owned corporation, sells the historic Salt Lake Theatre (built by Brigham Young) and adjacent lands to the Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company for construction of a telephone company building. Just before demolition someone changes the marquee to read "Erected by a prophet, destroyed by a profiteer."
165 years ago today - May 16, 1853
Patriarchal Blessing of Elizabeth Bean ... I also set a mark upon you that the destroyer may pass by you as the children of Israel in Egypt and not hurt you. ... You shall have faith to heal the sick in your house and power to keep off the destroyer. ... Your sons and daughters shall be mighty men and women, clothed with the priesthood. They shall extend their dominions to the ends of the earth. ... You shall fly to meet the Lord in a cloud and be forever with him and inherit all the blessings of His Kingdom, with your companion, and all your father's house. Amen.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
165 years ago today - 16 May 1853 ¿ Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
I forgot to mention in the history of yesterday¿s proceedings a conversation I had after afternoon meeting with Bro. Paulo Maewaewa and some others on the doctrine of plurality of wives in which I explained the doctrine to them with its object. Attended meeting this morning and spoke unto them on idolatry and on the foul spirits and power of the devil that was being made manifest among the children of men, and cautioned them to forsake all such things together with all their gods, and all the traditions that had been instilled into them about such things, and to teach their children also to have <no> confidence in them; telling that there was a power that was not of God and also a power that was given, owned, and blessed by him, and besought them to seek after this power and the devil <& agents> would have no power to injure or afflict them¿if they put their confidence in the Lord they need not be afraid of being prayed to death by the pule anana and hoopiopio for they (their enemies) can have no power over us, the saints of God, if we do right. [[Pule ¿ana¿ana is a term for black magic. Ho¿opi¿opi¿o was a form of imitative magic in which it was believed that the practitioner could touch a part of his body and cause injury to his victim¿s body at the same spot (Pukui and Elbert, Hawaiian Dictionary, 24, 332, 478).]]
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I forgot to mention in the history of yesterday¿s proceedings a conversation I had after afternoon meeting with Bro. Paulo Maewaewa and some others on the doctrine of plurality of wives in which I explained the doctrine to them with its object. Attended meeting this morning and spoke unto them on idolatry and on the foul spirits and power of the devil that was being made manifest among the children of men, and cautioned them to forsake all such things together with all their gods, and all the traditions that had been instilled into them about such things, and to teach their children also to have <no> confidence in them; telling that there was a power that was not of God and also a power that was given, owned, and blessed by him, and besought them to seek after this power and the devil <& agents> would have no power to injure or afflict them¿if they put their confidence in the Lord they need not be afraid of being prayed to death by the pule anana and hoopiopio for they (their enemies) can have no power over us, the saints of God, if we do right. [[Pule ¿ana¿ana is a term for black magic. Ho¿opi¿opi¿o was a form of imitative magic in which it was believed that the practitioner could touch a part of his body and cause injury to his victim¿s body at the same spot (Pukui and Elbert, Hawaiian Dictionary, 24, 332, 478).]]
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
175 years ago today - May 16, 1843. Tuesday.
[William Clayton]
President Joseph and I went to B[enjamin] F. Johnsons to sleep. Before we retired the President gave Brother Johnson and wife some instructions on the priesthood. He put his hand on my knee and says "your life is hid with Christ in God, and so is many others." Addressing Benjamin says he "nothing but the unpardonable sin can prevent him (me) from inheriting eternal glory for he is sealed up by the power of the priesthood unto eternal life having taken the step which is necessary for that purpose." He said that except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity while in this probation by the power and authority of the Holy priesthood they will cease to increase when they die (i.e. they will not have any children in the resurrection), but those who are married by the power and authority of the priesthood in this life and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory. The unpardonable sin is to shed innocent blood or be accessory thereto. All other sins will be visited with judgement in the flesh and the spirit being delivered to the buffetings of satan untill the day of the Lord Jesus." I feel desirous to be united in an everlasting convenant to my wife and pray that it may soon be. President J[oseph] said that the way he knew in whom to confide, God told him in whom he might place confidence. He also said that in the celestial glory there was three heavens or degrees, and in order to obtain the highest a man must enter into this order of the priesthood and if he don't he can't obtain it. He may enter into the other but that is the end of his kingdom he cannot have increase.
[This is the source for D&C 131]
[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]
President Joseph and I went to B[enjamin] F. Johnsons to sleep. Before we retired the President gave Brother Johnson and wife some instructions on the priesthood. He put his hand on my knee and says "your life is hid with Christ in God, and so is many others." Addressing Benjamin says he "nothing but the unpardonable sin can prevent him (me) from inheriting eternal glory for he is sealed up by the power of the priesthood unto eternal life having taken the step which is necessary for that purpose." He said that except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity while in this probation by the power and authority of the Holy priesthood they will cease to increase when they die (i.e. they will not have any children in the resurrection), but those who are married by the power and authority of the priesthood in this life and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory. The unpardonable sin is to shed innocent blood or be accessory thereto. All other sins will be visited with judgement in the flesh and the spirit being delivered to the buffetings of satan untill the day of the Lord Jesus." I feel desirous to be united in an everlasting convenant to my wife and pray that it may soon be. President J[oseph] said that the way he knew in whom to confide, God told him in whom he might place confidence. He also said that in the celestial glory there was three heavens or degrees, and in order to obtain the highest a man must enter into this order of the priesthood and if he don't he can't obtain it. He may enter into the other but that is the end of his kingdom he cannot have increase.
[This is the source for D&C 131]
[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 - May 16, 1843
Of Joseph Smith's visit to Benjamin F. Johnson's home, he later writes that on this visit, Joseph Smith stayed with his sister Almera "as man and wife." Almera Johnson also writes later that "I lived with the prophet Joseph as his wife and he visited me at the home of my brother Benjamin F."
10 years ago today - May 15, 2008
The California Supreme Court ruled the law [Prop-8] was unconstitutional because it discriminated against gays, and an estimated 18,000 same-sex couples got married in the ensuing months.
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
30 years ago today - May 15, 1988
The first African stake where all priesthood leaders are black Africans, at Aba, Nigeria.
[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 )]]
35 years ago today - May 15, 1983.
Elder Packer, speaking at an Aaronic priesthood commemorative fireside, states: "Some, out of curiosity, claiming their interest is only academic or intellectual . . . push open the doors of the temple and stride into those hallowed precincts to discuss sacred ordinances. In doing so they assume an authority that is not theirs." He may be alluding to David John Buerger's article, "`The Fulness of the Priesthood': The Second Anointing in Latter-day Saint Theology and Practice," an early draft of which circulated through the Church Administration Building. The finished article appears that week in Dialogue.
[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]
65 years ago today - Fri May 15, 1953
[David O. McKay]
Arthur Watkins called from Washington, D.C. [regarding emmigration to the U.S.] ... I told Senator Watkins that I did not feel too well about the Italians, but that I did feel all right about the Dutch and the Germans. All of them should, of course, be examined closely before entering.
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
Arthur Watkins called from Washington, D.C. [regarding emmigration to the U.S.] ... I told Senator Watkins that I did not feel too well about the Italians, but that I did feel all right about the Dutch and the Germans. All of them should, of course, be examined closely before entering.
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
130 years ago today - May 15, 1888
[Wilford Woodruff]
We took Breakfast in the Temple and Met with J. D. T. McAllister J. G. Bleak & F M Farnsworth from St George. We visited the whole Temple from the font to the roof. Is the finest Temple best finished & most Costly of any Building the Latter Day Saints have Ever Built since the organization of the Church. It Cost over One Million Dollars.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We took Breakfast in the Temple and Met with J. D. T. McAllister J. G. Bleak & F M Farnsworth from St George. We visited the whole Temple from the font to the roof. Is the finest Temple best finished & most Costly of any Building the Latter Day Saints have Ever Built since the organization of the Church. It Cost over One Million Dollars.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - May 15, 1878
John Taylor preaches: "These 'damned Gentiles,' as you are sometimes pleased to call them, are the children of our Heavenly Father."
[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 )]]
175 years ago today - May 15, 1843
Elder Benjamin Johnson wrote, "On the 15th of May. . the Prophet again Came and at my hosue [house] ocupied the Same Room & Bed with my Sister that the month previous he had ocupied with the Daughter of the Later Bishop Partridge as his wife. Joseph sleeps with his plural wife Almera Johnson.
[Source: Zimmerman, I Knew the Prophets, 44; Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
[Source: Zimmerman, I Knew the Prophets, 44; Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
30 years ago today - May 14, 1988
800 Mormon teenagers and young adults participate in a dance festival in New Jersey as part of the church's centennial in that state. This demonstrates the replication of western Mormon culture wherever the LDS population is sufficient. LDS dance festivals are discontinued in 1990.
[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 - May 14, 1913
Attended meeting of committee appointed by the First Presidency to consider outline or scenario of a proposed motion picture dealing with Book of Mormon history.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - May 14, 1888 (Monday)
Deputy marshals demanded the Latter-day Saint tabernacle at Logan as Church property, but were refused.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
155 years ago today - May 14, 1863
President Young informed the congregation that Bishop Farnsworth had tendered to him his resignation of the bishopric of Beaver, which he said he had concluded to accept, and called a vote of the people to see if they also would accept his resignation. There was not a clear vote, but a little explanation placed the matter in a clearer light, and the second vote was unanimous. The President requested Bishop Farnsworth to still act in the office until his successor should be appointed.
[Source: Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 12:379, 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: Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 12:379, 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 - May 14, 1848
President Young addressed the people. ... He Blessed the land of Winter Quarters And prayed that no gentile city might ever be permitted to settle on it. And he felt to curse some of our enemies who was seeking our overthrow. He felt to Bless the Saints who go or stay. He blessed the Pottawatomie lands. He said we never should be driven from the mountains except by insurrections among ourselves And He had no fears of that.
[Source: Wilford WoodruffÂ's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 3:348, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Source: Wilford WoodruffÂ's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 3:348, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
175 years ago today - May 14, 1843
Presiding Patriarch and Associate President Hyrum Smith assures a citywide congregation that only the Devil would give a revelation approving "wifes & concubines."
[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]
May 14 1843
[Joseph Smith preaches] ... So the devil thinking to thwart the decree of God by going up & down in the earth seeking whome he may destroy any person that he can find that will yield to him he will bind him & take possession of the Body & reign there glorying in it mightily not thinking that he had got a stolen tabernacle & by & by some one of Authority will come along & cast him out & restore the tabernacle to his rightful owner. But the bevil steals a tabernacle because he has not one of his own. But if he steals one he is liable to be turned out of doors.
...Now for the secret & grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God & know that Jesus was the son of God this would be no evidence that their election & calling was made shure that they had part with Christ & was a Joint heir with him. They then would want that more sure word of Prophecy that they were sealed in the heavens & had the promise of eternal live in the kingdom of God.
Then having this promise sealed unto them it was as an anchor to the soul sure & steadfast. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
...Now for the secret & grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God & know that Jesus was the son of God this would be no evidence that their election & calling was made shure that they had part with Christ & was a Joint heir with him. They then would want that more sure word of Prophecy that they were sealed in the heavens & had the promise of eternal live in the kingdom of God.
Then having this promise sealed unto them it was as an anchor to the soul sure & steadfast. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
55 years ago today - May 13, 1963
By 1963 [Apostle Harold B.] Lee privately said Benson labelled as a Communist "anyone who didn't agree with Brother Benson's mind."
[Source: Wilkinson diary, 13 May 1963. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Source: Wilkinson diary, 13 May 1963. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
55 years ago today - May 13, 1963
[BYU President Ernest Wilkinson received a phone call from Ezra Taft Benson "who read me the riot act for having invited a Communist to speak to our students ... Brother Lee commented that anyone who didn't agree with Brother Benson's mind was, indeed, a Communist. Brother Moyle said that he was happy that I was finding Brother Benson out, that when it came to this subject, he just didn't have any reason."
[Source: Ernest L. Wilkinson diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
[Source: Ernest L. Wilkinson diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
115 years ago today - May 13, 1903
[Post-Manifesto plural marriage]
Guy Carlton Wilson, born at Fairview, Utah, April 10, 1864
Anna Lowrie Ivins, born at St. George, Utah, October 20, 1882
Married at Colonia Juarez, May 13, 1903
Elizabeth S. Ivins, Witness
[Source: Stanley Ivins typewritten copy of Anthony Ivins "Record Book of Marriages" [Plural] performed in Mexican colonies, Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013), Appendix A]
Guy Carlton Wilson, born at Fairview, Utah, April 10, 1864
Anna Lowrie Ivins, born at St. George, Utah, October 20, 1882
Married at Colonia Juarez, May 13, 1903
Elizabeth S. Ivins, Witness
[Source: Stanley Ivins typewritten copy of Anthony Ivins "Record Book of Marriages" [Plural] performed in Mexican colonies, Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013), Appendix A]
135 years ago today - May 13, 1883
[Wilford Woodruff]
A. O. Smoot told W. Woodruff that He & Alanson Ripley while surveying out Adam Ondi Ahman about 22 Miles North of Jackson County Missouri they Came across a Stone wall in the midst of a dens forest & underbrush. The wall was 30 feet long 3 feet thick, and about 4 feet high above the ground and laid in mortar or Cement. When Joseph Smith the Prophet visited the place and Examined the wall He said it was the remains of an Altar Built By Father Adam whare he offered Sacrafice after he was driven from the Garden of Eden which was located in Jackson County Missouri. The whole town which was laid out and named Adam Ondi Ahman was in the midst of a thick & heavy forest of timber and the place named after Adams Altar. The Prophet Joseph said it was upon this Altar whare Adam blessed his sons and Posterity Before his death. Let Historians of the Church note this.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
A. O. Smoot told W. Woodruff that He & Alanson Ripley while surveying out Adam Ondi Ahman about 22 Miles North of Jackson County Missouri they Came across a Stone wall in the midst of a dens forest & underbrush. The wall was 30 feet long 3 feet thick, and about 4 feet high above the ground and laid in mortar or Cement. When Joseph Smith the Prophet visited the place and Examined the wall He said it was the remains of an Altar Built By Father Adam whare he offered Sacrafice after he was driven from the Garden of Eden which was located in Jackson County Missouri. The whole town which was laid out and named Adam Ondi Ahman was in the midst of a thick & heavy forest of timber and the place named after Adams Altar. The Prophet Joseph said it was upon this Altar whare Adam blessed his sons and Posterity Before his death. Let Historians of the Church note this.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - May 13, 1868
[Wilford Woodruff]
13 I marked out 5 acres of land for Planting & drove grasshoppers into holes & Buried them.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
13 I marked out 5 acres of land for Planting & drove grasshoppers into holes & Buried them.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - May 13, 1858 (Thursday)
Gov. Cumming left G.S.L. City for Camp Scott, for the purpose of removing his wife to the city. When he returned, June 8th, he found the city deserted by its inhabitants.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - May 13, 1843
William Clayton writes: ". . . Sister Desdemona Fullmer came to see if she could board with me. I told her she could on Tuesday." Desdemona Fullmer had become a secret plural wife of Joseph Smith in 1842. By residing with the Claytons, she could maintain the confidentiality of her relationship with the prophet.
180 years ago today - May 13, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff]
After hearing of several distressing Steamboat disasters which shows that the destroyer is riding upon the waters, I read an account this morning in the Boston daily news of a great destruction in Europe by water. The letter was dated Berlin. The substance of the account was that the waters had rolled beyound there bounds & overflown the order & in less than 15 minutes rising of 70 towns were wholey inundated & destroyed. Surely the word of God is fullfilling the sea troudied & waves roaring.
I spent a short time in the morning in visiting the Roman Catholic Church. They were attending their morning meeting when I entered the house. After visiting the house & beholding their Priest Images & mockery & see them use their Holy water I left the house disgusted with their religion.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
After hearing of several distressing Steamboat disasters which shows that the destroyer is riding upon the waters, I read an account this morning in the Boston daily news of a great destruction in Europe by water. The letter was dated Berlin. The substance of the account was that the waters had rolled beyound there bounds & overflown the order & in less than 15 minutes rising of 70 towns were wholey inundated & destroyed. Surely the word of God is fullfilling the sea troudied & waves roaring.
I spent a short time in the morning in visiting the Roman Catholic Church. They were attending their morning meeting when I entered the house. After visiting the house & beholding their Priest Images & mockery & see them use their Holy water I left the house disgusted with their religion.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - May 13, 1828
Lemuel Durfee, landlord to Joseph Smith's family, writes in his account book: "Joseph [Sr.] & [Samuel] Harrison Smith Dr. [debit] to three barrels of Cider the Liqure at $3=38"
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
25 years ago today - May 12, 1993
Regional Representative Jon M. Huntsman, recently released as U.S. ambassador, meets in the Vatican with Pope John Paul II who expresses gratitude for the Mormon donations to the Catholic relief work.
[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 )]]
60 years ago today - May 12, 1958
LDS James Gladstone ("Many Guns") of Blood Tribe begins his service as first Native American in Canada's national senate.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
85 years ago today - May 12, 1933
[J. Reuben Clark]
Talked of moral conditions'abortions'several physicians doing it. Parents discourage daughters from child bearing. Fear of criticism and of [illegible] have much to do with non-childbearing.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Talked of moral conditions'abortions'several physicians doing it. Parents discourage daughters from child bearing. Fear of criticism and of [illegible] have much to do with non-childbearing.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
110 years ago today - Tuesday, May 12, 1908
[John Henry Smith]
I went with Prest. Joseph F. Smith to the U.S. MarshalIs office. He had been subpoened before the U.S. Grand Jury as a witness in the Utah National Bank Robery Case.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
I went with Prest. Joseph F. Smith to the U.S. MarshalIs office. He had been subpoened before the U.S. Grand Jury as a witness in the Utah National Bank Robery Case.
[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]
115 years ago today - May 12, 1903
I have a pair of garments here that the Presidency of the Church have had arranged for the Saints and all must conform to the same and the brethren and sisters who are engaged in the washrooms should see that the garments there are the proper ones for the Saints.
[Source: David H. Cannon, Temple Minute Book, St. George, May 12, 1903, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David H. Cannon, Temple Minute Book, St. George, May 12, 1903, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
115 years ago today - Tuesday, May 12, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
Brother Andrew B. Christensen of Gunnison was set apart and blessed as a missionary to England to pursue the study of philosophy of literature in history, under the hands of Geo. Reynolds and myself, I being mouth.
[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]
Brother Andrew B. Christensen of Gunnison was set apart and blessed as a missionary to England to pursue the study of philosophy of literature in history, under the hands of Geo. Reynolds and myself, I being mouth.
[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]