[Proposition-8]
Bloggers at Feminist Mormon Housewives (http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org/?p=272) begin discussing in earnest the relevancy of personal leanings toward/away from gay marriage and temple recommends when a guest reveals, "In my stake temple recommend earlier this month I was told that if I do not agree with the church's position on gay marriage, that I am not worthy to attend the temple."
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
25 years ago today - Jul 31, 1993
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that LDS missionary-couples in Nauvoo, Illinois have worked "for 88 consecutive hours without sleep" to help protect the historical properties of the RLDS church in Nauvoo from the rampaging Mississippi River.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
55 years ago today - Jul 31, 1963
Ezra Taft Benson] sent copies of [John Birch leader Robert] Welch's anti-Eisenhower book to general authorities like Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith.
[Source: Benson to Smith, 31 July 1963, in copy of Welch's The Politician, Special Collections, Lee Library; Hansen, "Analysis of the 1964 Idaho Second Congressional District Election Campaign," 50. 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 to Smith, 31 July 1963, in copy of Welch's The Politician, Special Collections, Lee Library; Hansen, "Analysis of the 1964 Idaho Second Congressional District Election Campaign," 50. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
115 years ago today - Jul 31, 1903
[Marriner W. Merrill]
Logan. We close the Temple today until September 1st.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Logan. We close the Temple today until September 1st.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - 1838: 31 July
[Patriarchal Blessing]
Loren W. Babbitt. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.) ... if thou wilt keep the commandments of god and observe the word of wisdom thou shalt live to see thy three score years and ten and be satisfied with life ...
[Source: photocopy of manuscript; Ms 7039, LDS Archives, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Loren W. Babbitt. (Given by Joseph Smith, Sen.) ... if thou wilt keep the commandments of god and observe the word of wisdom thou shalt live to see thy three score years and ten and be satisfied with life ...
[Source: photocopy of manuscript; Ms 7039, LDS Archives, in Selected LDS Patriarchal Blessings, New Mormon Studies CD ROM, Signature Book, 2009, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
10 years ago today - July 30
[Prop-8]
Member of LDS church states on blog, "I simply can't bear another Sunday of political announcements, talks, and constant references to the proposition in Relief Society lessons."
[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]
Member of LDS church states on blog, "I simply can't bear another Sunday of political announcements, talks, and constant references to the proposition in Relief Society lessons."
[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]
25 years ago today - Jul 30, 1993
The annual City of Joseph Pageant in Nauvoo, Illinois, is canceled because of the flooding of the Mississippi River.
25 years ago today - Jul 30, 1993
A commemorative service given at California's Mt. Coray, which was recently named for Melissa Coray who accompanied the Mormon Battalion to California in 1846.
[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 )]]
30 years ago today - Jul 30, 1988
A newspaper reports that Brigham Young University has fired Hebrew professor David P. Wright due to his private disbelief in the Book of Mormon as ancient history. Wright joins the faculty of Brandeis University and is excommunicated in 1994 for publishing an article which applies biblical textual criticism to the Book of Mormon. This is reported in the national 'Chronicle of Higher Education.'
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
85 years ago today - Jul 30, 1933
The legal transfer of Gila Junior College from LDS-church ownership to Graham County, Arizona, and E. Edgar Fuller begins service as the first LDS president of a secular college outside of the intermountain states.
[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 - Jul 30, 1888
Susa Young Gates, daughter of Brigham Young, writes to Leo Tolstoy: "When I read your remarks in relation to the present efforts of the U.S. Gov. to crush out polygamy among the peculiar sect called Mormons. My surprise was unbounded that extensive as your reading and knowledge is, it should still reach so far, and compass so seemingly small a factor in the world's present history. I should like if I were only able, to give you a 'mormon's' view of the Mormon question. . . . You have doubtless heard 'our story' all from the one side. Would you care for the 'other side' to speak also?" Gates sends Tolstoy a copy of The Book of Mormon, and George Q. Cannon's LIFE OF JOSEPH SMITH. On Jan 23, 1889 Tolstoy records his reaction to them in his diary: "I wrote down a few things. I read both the Mormon Bible and the life of Smith and I was horrified. Yes, religion, religion proper, is the product of deception, lies for a good purpose. An illustration of this is obvious, extreme in the deception: The Life of Smith; but also other religions, religions proper, only in differing degrees."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
160 years ago today - Jul 30, 1858
The power which BRIGHAM holds over his people is almost incomprehensible. They hang upon his lips with reverence and awe, catching and treasuring his lightest word as though it were a pearl of inestimable value. ... He is a man a little above the medium height, somewhat inclined to corpulency, with a dull, bullet-looking sort of a head, sandy complexion, and an exceedingly sensual-looking mouth. When walking in the wind he usually wears a great pair of green goggles. With these upon his nose we would naturally take him for a country schoolmaster, who had wielded the birch years enough to acquire a chronic backache. ...
Elder TAYLOR of New-York, formerly editor of the Mormon, is far his superior in personal appearance and in intellect.
[Source: James W. Simonton, Highly Important From Utah, The New-York Times, 30 July 1858, 1/1â€"6]
Elder TAYLOR of New-York, formerly editor of the Mormon, is far his superior in personal appearance and in intellect.
[Source: James W. Simonton, Highly Important From Utah, The New-York Times, 30 July 1858, 1/1â€"6]
170 years ago today - summerâ␦␦s end 1848
Salt Lake City population is 5,000.
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
110 years ago today - Wednesday, Jul 29, 1908
[John Henry Smith]
Elder A. W. Ivins, Prest. S. O. Bennion and Myself went to Gallatin...
We visited the spot where Prophet Jos. Smith said Adam built an Altar. The people say here it was here Adam was buried. It is a limestone country with hill and valley, the Grande River runnning through the County. It well may be called the Garden of Eden. We offered prayers in the spot that indicated where the Altar stood.
[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]
Elder A. W. Ivins, Prest. S. O. Bennion and Myself went to Gallatin...
We visited the spot where Prophet Jos. Smith said Adam built an Altar. The people say here it was here Adam was buried. It is a limestone country with hill and valley, the Grande River runnning through the County. It well may be called the Garden of Eden. We offered prayers in the spot that indicated where the Altar stood.
[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 - Jul 29, 1903
We have reason to believe that sufficient discriminating judgment is not being exercised in the selection of men ordained patriarchs, and that as a consequence it sometimes happens that some brethren are recommended to represent this high and important office in the holy priesthood who are not in every respect suitable to do so; and we have therefore concluded to request that all stake presidencies submit to us the names of the men recommended by them to be ordained patriarchs in order that we may satisfy ourselves as far as possible of their fitness for the patriarchal office.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Joseph Morrell, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Joseph Morrell, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
180 years ago today - Jul 29, 1838
[Joseph Smith]
This day Elder Orson Hyde and Heber C. Kimball Preached. They have just returned from England from a mission of som[e]thing over a year's duration. They bring glad tidings of great joy from that people. They baptised between one and two thousand and left Greater prospects than they had ever before seen. ...
Kirtland has been broken up by those who have professed the name of Latter Day Saints and have denied the faith which they once preached and by their preaching gathered many Saints into this land, and now have betrayed them. O Justice where hast thou fled And thou administrations whither hast thou concealed thyself.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
This day Elder Orson Hyde and Heber C. Kimball Preached. They have just returned from England from a mission of som[e]thing over a year's duration. They bring glad tidings of great joy from that people. They baptised between one and two thousand and left Greater prospects than they had ever before seen. ...
Kirtland has been broken up by those who have professed the name of Latter Day Saints and have denied the faith which they once preached and by their preaching gathered many Saints into this land, and now have betrayed them. O Justice where hast thou fled And thou administrations whither hast thou concealed thyself.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
10 years ago today - July 27
[California Proposition-8]
Top Mormon leaders participate in a meeting with "eight Area Directors in Northern California. These are amazingly powerful people. The Area folks represent the grassroots effort for the passage of the Proposition and their responsibility overlays each Coordinating Council. This was a great and powerful meeting. I assure you that the LDS folks who work closely with or who are on the Board directly of the coalition are very impressive and politically experienced folks."
[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]
Top Mormon leaders participate in a meeting with "eight Area Directors in Northern California. These are amazingly powerful people. The Area folks represent the grassroots effort for the passage of the Proposition and their responsibility overlays each Coordinating Council. This was a great and powerful meeting. I assure you that the LDS folks who work closely with or who are on the Board directly of the coalition are very impressive and politically experienced folks."
[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]
65 years ago today - Jul 27, 1953
DESERET NEWS editorial applauds the previous day's police raid of the polygamous community of Short Creek: "We hope the unfortunate activities at Short Creek will be cleaned up once and for all."
[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 - Jul 27, 1933
Death of James E. Talmage--
TRIBUTES TO DR. JAMES E. TALMAGE FROM THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
The passing of Doctor James E. Talmage, of the Council of Twelve, takes from our midst a great soul. We shall miss him. He possessed an unusual intellect, trained in the field of science. His scientific work brought to him national and international recognition and commendation; it reflected honour upon his people. He was a great teacher, an incessant worker. He was a faithful Latter-day Saint; he was schooled in the laws, principles, and doctrines of the Church; he was a defender of the faith. He sought diligently after righteousness. He passed, as all true men wish to pass, in the full enjoyment of his intellectual powers, working to the last. His achievement and example will be an inspiration to the youth of his people. He has gone to a great reward. HEBER J. GRANT, ANTHONY W. IVINS, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR.
[Source: Millennial Star 95:532-533, August 27, 1933; Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
TRIBUTES TO DR. JAMES E. TALMAGE FROM THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
The passing of Doctor James E. Talmage, of the Council of Twelve, takes from our midst a great soul. We shall miss him. He possessed an unusual intellect, trained in the field of science. His scientific work brought to him national and international recognition and commendation; it reflected honour upon his people. He was a great teacher, an incessant worker. He was a faithful Latter-day Saint; he was schooled in the laws, principles, and doctrines of the Church; he was a defender of the faith. He sought diligently after righteousness. He passed, as all true men wish to pass, in the full enjoyment of his intellectual powers, working to the last. His achievement and example will be an inspiration to the youth of his people. He has gone to a great reward. HEBER J. GRANT, ANTHONY W. IVINS, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR.
[Source: Millennial Star 95:532-533, August 27, 1933; Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
105 years ago today - Jul 27, 1913
Seventy's president J. Golden Kimball is publicly beaten in Salt Lake City by a grocer. The Assailant is acquitted by a "jury of grocers."
[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 - Jul 27, 1878
Emmeline B. Wells, Isabella M. Horne, and Sarah M. Kimball become the first female delegates to a county convention of the church's People's Party of which they also become members of the Salt Lake County central committee. However, the convention has to withdraw the nomination for Wells as the People's candidate for county treasurer because "though the statue provided for the enfranchisement of women, it does not admit of their holding office." Instead, Wells joins with Bathsheba W. Smith on 7 Oct. as the first female members of the territorial central committee of the People's Party.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
165 years ago today - Jul 27, 1853
DESERET NEWS publishes Mar 12 sermon of second counselor Jedediah M. Grant: "But if Latter Day Saints should put to death the covenant breakers, it would try the faith of the very meek, just, and pious among them, and it would cause a great deal of whining in Israel . . . and it is also their right to kill a sinner to save him, when he commits those crimes that can only be atoned for by shedding his blood."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - Jul 27, 1843
[Joseph Kingsbury]
I according to Pres. Joseph Smith & council & others, I agreed to stand by Sarah Ann Whitney [sealed to Smith 27 July 1843] as though I was supposed to be her husband and a pretended marriage for the purpose of shielding them from the enemy and for the purpose of bringing out the purposes of God-
[Source: Elder Joseph Kingsbury, -History of Joseph Kingsbury Written by His Own Hand,- page 5, Utah State Historical Society; Joseph Smith, Orson and Sarah Pratt- A timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/joseph-smith-orson-and-sarah-pratt-a-timeline/]
I according to Pres. Joseph Smith & council & others, I agreed to stand by Sarah Ann Whitney [sealed to Smith 27 July 1843] as though I was supposed to be her husband and a pretended marriage for the purpose of shielding them from the enemy and for the purpose of bringing out the purposes of God-
[Source: Elder Joseph Kingsbury, -History of Joseph Kingsbury Written by His Own Hand,- page 5, Utah State Historical Society; Joseph Smith, Orson and Sarah Pratt- A timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/joseph-smith-orson-and-sarah-pratt-a-timeline/]
180 years ago today - Jul 27, 1838 - Friday
[Joseph Smith]
They have come up hither Thus far, according to the ord[e]r of the Dan -Ites, we have a company of Danites in these times, to put to rights physically that which is not righ[t], and to clense the Church of verry great evils which hath hitherto existed among us, inasmuch as they cannot be put to rights by teachings & persuaysons, [[The Danites, a Mormon paramilitary organization, were organized in conjunction with Sidney Rigdon's "Salt Sermon" and the warning out of dissenters in mid-June.]] This company or a part of them exibited on the fourth day of July They come up to consecrate, by companies of tens, commanded by their Captain over ten. [[The Danite organization incorporated some features of the ancient Israelite organization outlined in the Bible. Dissenters later claimed that the Danites applied implicit coercion to fellow Saints to consecrate, or donate, their surplus property to the church as directed in an 8 July 1838 revelation.]]
[Source: Joseph Smith, “The Scriptory Bookâ€"of Joseph Smith Jr.â€"President of The Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints In all the World,†Journal, Mar.â€"Sept. 1838]
They have come up hither Thus far, according to the ord[e]r of the Dan -Ites, we have a company of Danites in these times, to put to rights physically that which is not righ[t], and to clense the Church of verry great evils which hath hitherto existed among us, inasmuch as they cannot be put to rights by teachings & persuaysons, [[The Danites, a Mormon paramilitary organization, were organized in conjunction with Sidney Rigdon's "Salt Sermon" and the warning out of dissenters in mid-June.]] This company or a part of them exibited on the fourth day of July They come up to consecrate, by companies of tens, commanded by their Captain over ten. [[The Danite organization incorporated some features of the ancient Israelite organization outlined in the Bible. Dissenters later claimed that the Danites applied implicit coercion to fellow Saints to consecrate, or donate, their surplus property to the church as directed in an 8 July 1838 revelation.]]
[Source: Joseph Smith, “The Scriptory Bookâ€"of Joseph Smith Jr.â€"President of The Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints In all the World,†Journal, Mar.â€"Sept. 1838]
20 years ago today - Jul 26, 1998
Standardized temple building period begins
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples]
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples]
65 years ago today - Jul 26, 1953
Arizona police and the national guard raid the polygamous commune at Short Creek, Arizona, arrest all its adults, and put its children in foster homes. The First Presidency had ten days' advance notice of the raid and informed the Deseret News on 24 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 )]]
75 years ago today - Jul 26, 1943
This day will ever stand out in my mind as the day of greatest significance to me, altho as I write it seems like a dream. ...
After I closed the door and sat down on a chair close to the bed he [Heber J. Grant] took my right hand in both of his and as I looked into his kindly, tear filled eyes, he said, "With all my heart I congratulate you and pray God to bless you. You have been chosen as the newest Apostle of the Church."
The announcement seemed unbelievable and overwhelming. I was stunned and for several minutes could say only, "Oh President Grant that can't be" which I must have repeated several times before I was able to collect my thots enough to realize what had happened and that it was real and not a dream. He held my hand for a long time as we both shed tears of gratitude. For over 1/2 hour we were alone together, much of the time with our hands clasped warmly together. Tho feeble his mind was clear and alert and I was deeply inpressed with his sweet, kindly, humble spirit as he seemed to look into my soul.
I felt so utterly weak and unworthy that his words of comfort and reassurance which followed were doubly appreciated. Among other things he stated, "The Lord has a way of magnifying men who are called to positions of leadership." When in my weakness I was able to state that I love the Church, he said, "We know that the Lord wants men who will give everything for His work."
He told of the action taken in a special meeting of the First Presidency and the Twelve 2 weeks before and that the decision regarding me had been enthusiastically una[nim]mous and would be popular with the Church membership. ...
Continuing he said, "We want you to go right on with your work in Washington [D.C.]. It may be a year and it may be several years. We urged Reed Smoot to remain in the [United States] Senate because we believed he could best serve the Church in the Senate."...
... Bro. Cannon drove us to the home of Pres. McKay. I hardly spoke a word as we drove down the canyon. I was still dazed from the shock. ...
[Source: Ezra Taft Benson diary as quoted in Gary James Bergera, '"This Great Thing Which Has Come to Me a Humble, Weak Farmer Boyâ€: Ezra Taft Benson’s 1943 Call to the Apostleship', Mormon Historical Studies (Fall 2008, v.9)]
After I closed the door and sat down on a chair close to the bed he [Heber J. Grant] took my right hand in both of his and as I looked into his kindly, tear filled eyes, he said, "With all my heart I congratulate you and pray God to bless you. You have been chosen as the newest Apostle of the Church."
The announcement seemed unbelievable and overwhelming. I was stunned and for several minutes could say only, "Oh President Grant that can't be" which I must have repeated several times before I was able to collect my thots enough to realize what had happened and that it was real and not a dream. He held my hand for a long time as we both shed tears of gratitude. For over 1/2 hour we were alone together, much of the time with our hands clasped warmly together. Tho feeble his mind was clear and alert and I was deeply inpressed with his sweet, kindly, humble spirit as he seemed to look into my soul.
I felt so utterly weak and unworthy that his words of comfort and reassurance which followed were doubly appreciated. Among other things he stated, "The Lord has a way of magnifying men who are called to positions of leadership." When in my weakness I was able to state that I love the Church, he said, "We know that the Lord wants men who will give everything for His work."
He told of the action taken in a special meeting of the First Presidency and the Twelve 2 weeks before and that the decision regarding me had been enthusiastically una[nim]mous and would be popular with the Church membership. ...
Continuing he said, "We want you to go right on with your work in Washington [D.C.]. It may be a year and it may be several years. We urged Reed Smoot to remain in the [United States] Senate because we believed he could best serve the Church in the Senate."...
... Bro. Cannon drove us to the home of Pres. McKay. I hardly spoke a word as we drove down the canyon. I was still dazed from the shock. ...
[Source: Ezra Taft Benson diary as quoted in Gary James Bergera, '"This Great Thing Which Has Come to Me a Humble, Weak Farmer Boyâ€: Ezra Taft Benson’s 1943 Call to the Apostleship', Mormon Historical Studies (Fall 2008, v.9)]
85 years ago today - Jul 26, 1933
[Heber J. Grant]
Bishop Archie Graham called and told of his manifestations and we had a long talk with him. I explained about manifestations and the private meetings of the patriarchs in Davis County with Brother John W. Taylor, how they thought they were more spiritual minded than other, and that these identical patriarchs 'got off their hooks' and performed illegal plural marriages, etc. I assured him I thought it was a mistake for him to go around delivering his lectures. He thanked me and gave me to understand he would discontinue doing this.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Bishop Archie Graham called and told of his manifestations and we had a long talk with him. I explained about manifestations and the private meetings of the patriarchs in Davis County with Brother John W. Taylor, how they thought they were more spiritual minded than other, and that these identical patriarchs 'got off their hooks' and performed illegal plural marriages, etc. I assured him I thought it was a mistake for him to go around delivering his lectures. He thanked me and gave me to understand he would discontinue doing this.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
85 years ago today - Jul 26, 1933
The first effort to mark the historic sites in Nauvoo, Ill., was made by the Relief Society when it placed a monument at the site of its organization in 1842 in Joseph Smith's store.
[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 - Jul 26, 1908
Lowell Bennion is recognized as one of the finest practical philosophers Utah has produced in the twentieth century. He was born on 26 July 1908 and raised in Salt Lake City.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Lowell Bennion, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Lowell Bennion, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
150 years ago today - Jul 26, 1868
[Brigham Young]
'"Education is our motto.'"
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
'"Education is our motto.'"
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Jul 26, 1838
The First Presidency, high council, and bishops court meet at Far West to dispose of Church lands. It is decided that all Church lands will be put into the hands of the bishops. It is also decided that the traveling expenses of the First Presidency will be defrayed, and that the Church will use its influence to stop the selling of liquor in Far West.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
25 years ago today - Jul 25, 1993
Representatives of the University of Jordan and BYU sign an agreement for academic and cultural exchanges, which represents Howard W. Hunter's long encouragement for greater LDS out-reach to Arab and Muslim peoples.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
40 years ago today - Jul 25, 1978-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
I asked Sister [Camilla] Kimball about the revelation of June 9 [1978]. She said she did not learn of it until a friend of hers called her sometime after the announcement. Said President Kimball had not said a word to her about it in advance. Said she knew he had great anxiety for several days before the announcement, but didn't know what. He had great anxiety because he didn't know for sure how it would be received.
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
I asked Sister [Camilla] Kimball about the revelation of June 9 [1978]. She said she did not learn of it until a friend of hers called her sometime after the announcement. Said President Kimball had not said a word to her about it in advance. Said she knew he had great anxiety for several days before the announcement, but didn't know what. He had great anxiety because he didn't know for sure how it would be received.
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
135 years ago today - Jul 25, 1883
President John Taylor appoints George Q. Cannon and George Reynolds "to get together all papers and information that they could obtain relating to the former Schools of the Prophets that were organized under the direction of Presidents Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, so that the School might be properly organized in accordance with the designs of the Almighty."
25 years ago today - Jul 24, 1993
The Utah Pioneer Day parade has a float by "Latter-day Saints for Cultural Awareness," who portray the African-American pioneers Elijah Abel (ordained elder and Seventy with Joseph Smith's approval, denied endowment by Brigham Young), Green Flake (Utah pioneer slave), and Jane Elizabeth Manning (sealed as eternal "Servitor" to Smith).
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
135 years ago today - Jul 24, 1883
36 years ago this 24 of July I Wilford Woodruff Brought President Brigham Young in my Carriage into this Salt Lake valley the first time He ever set his Eyes upon this Barren Deseret. We arived and pitched our Camp at half past Eleven oclok and Before I Eat my Dinner I planted some two Bushels potatoes.
We met to day in the big Tabernacle to Celebrate our Entrance into the valley of the 24 of July. The west End of the Tabernacle was occupied by about 1,000 Children dressed in white who were to sing under Evan Stephens their singing Master. Erastus Snow opened By Prayer. After singing two hymns W. Woodruff Dismissed. The servises of the Afternoon Continued 2 Hours. Was then dismissed By Presidet Taylor. There was About 10,000 persons present through the day. There was also a Baloon Asscention from the 8 ward square. A Man & woman went up. How many more 24 of July I shall live to see time may Determin.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We met to day in the big Tabernacle to Celebrate our Entrance into the valley of the 24 of July. The west End of the Tabernacle was occupied by about 1,000 Children dressed in white who were to sing under Evan Stephens their singing Master. Erastus Snow opened By Prayer. After singing two hymns W. Woodruff Dismissed. The servises of the Afternoon Continued 2 Hours. Was then dismissed By Presidet Taylor. There was About 10,000 persons present through the day. There was also a Baloon Asscention from the 8 ward square. A Man & woman went up. How many more 24 of July I shall live to see time may Determin.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Jul 24, 1853
[Brigham Young]
I believe the Father came down from heaven, as the Apostles said he did, and begat the Saviour of the world; for he is the ONLY-begotten of the Father, which could not be if the Father did not actually beget him in person. ... I believe the Father came down in His tabernacle and begat Jesus Christ.
[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I believe the Father came down from heaven, as the Apostles said he did, and begat the Saviour of the world; for he is the ONLY-begotten of the Father, which could not be if the Father did not actually beget him in person. ... I believe the Father came down in His tabernacle and begat Jesus Christ.
[Source: 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 - Jul 24, 1843. Monday.
"...M[argaret] [William Clayton's plural wife, who's finance' just returned from a mission] is still miserable and unhappy and it does seem that my heart must burst. What shall I do? How shall I recompense? And how long must I thus suffer worse than death for that which I have always regarded as being the will of the Lord. By the help of the Lord I will do right. I have repeatedly offered to M[argaret] to try to get a release from the covenant and I have done all I know to make things comfortable but to no effect. She appears almost to hate me and cannot bear to come near me. ..."
[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]
175 years ago today - Jul 24, 1843
Elder Noah Rogers administers to a paralyzed woman at Farmington, Connecticut, who walks the next day.
[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]
195 years ago today - Jul 24, 1823
The Smiths' Manchester land is assessed at $1000, indicating completion of the log cabin after June 1822 and before July 1823.
[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]
45 years ago today - Jul 23, 1973-Monday
[Leonard Arrington]
My own experience is that one cannot completely trust one's dreams, hunches, and intuitions. They are not always promptings of the spirit. Some of one's dreams are meaningless or coincidental and have no particular significance in one's life and may be the result of one's physical and mental condition rather than the result of promptings of a spiritual source.
Joe Muren [Second Quorum of Seventy] is a fine lecturer and thoughtful, but it seems to me not always wise in some of the matters he brings up. He is quite dogmatic and takes a very hard line on certain issues-tends to forget the human equation, birth control for example. He tends to take the view that there is never any justification for the practice of birth control. The same with abortion and other matters. He talks quite explicitly of masturbation and homosexuality, as if they are unqualified sins and unforgivable. Aside from these occasional aberrations, he is an interesting and sound speaker.
My impression of Education Week is that the program seems more designed for "entertainment" and "inspiration" than for instruction. There seems to be no widespread interest in real history-just the use of history as a foundation for inspirational stories. ...
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
My own experience is that one cannot completely trust one's dreams, hunches, and intuitions. They are not always promptings of the spirit. Some of one's dreams are meaningless or coincidental and have no particular significance in one's life and may be the result of one's physical and mental condition rather than the result of promptings of a spiritual source.
Joe Muren [Second Quorum of Seventy] is a fine lecturer and thoughtful, but it seems to me not always wise in some of the matters he brings up. He is quite dogmatic and takes a very hard line on certain issues-tends to forget the human equation, birth control for example. He tends to take the view that there is never any justification for the practice of birth control. The same with abortion and other matters. He talks quite explicitly of masturbation and homosexuality, as if they are unqualified sins and unforgivable. Aside from these occasional aberrations, he is an interesting and sound speaker.
My impression of Education Week is that the program seems more designed for "entertainment" and "inspiration" than for instruction. There seems to be no widespread interest in real history-just the use of history as a foundation for inspirational stories. ...
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Jul 23, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
Elder Clawson said that he also attended the Weber Stake Conference and could say as Elder Teasdale had said that the meetings were poorly attended. Many people who should have been at the tabernacle went out to the various pleasure resorts. The written report of the high priest quorum showed that with an enrollment of about 800 the average attendance was 80, and the Relief Societies with an enrollment of 1900, the average attendance was 335. ...
[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]
Elder Clawson said that he also attended the Weber Stake Conference and could say as Elder Teasdale had said that the meetings were poorly attended. Many people who should have been at the tabernacle went out to the various pleasure resorts. The written report of the high priest quorum showed that with an enrollment of about 800 the average attendance was 80, and the Relief Societies with an enrollment of 1900, the average attendance was 335. ...
[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 - Jul 23, 1888
[Heber J. Grant]
The brethren showed me a telegram from Washington from Franklin S. Richards stating that the Solicitor General had approved of the compromise settlement in the Government Suit against the Church for the purposes of an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States, also stating that no attempt would be made by the Government to try and take our Temples and Meeting Houses.
I was delighted with this news, and am free to confess that I shall not feel very badly if we can retain our Temples and Meeting Houses if the Government does rob us of the balance of our properties.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
The brethren showed me a telegram from Washington from Franklin S. Richards stating that the Solicitor General had approved of the compromise settlement in the Government Suit against the Church for the purposes of an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States, also stating that no attempt would be made by the Government to try and take our Temples and Meeting Houses.
I was delighted with this news, and am free to confess that I shall not feel very badly if we can retain our Temples and Meeting Houses if the Government does rob us of the balance of our properties.
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
175 years ago today - Jul 23, 1843
William Clayton writes in his journal: "M[argaret] appears dissatisfied with her situation and is miserable. . . . Evening I had some more talk with M[argaret] and find she is miserable which makes me doubly so. I offered to her to try to have her covenant released if she desired it but she said she was not willing." Clayton's secret plural wife, Margaret Moon, had on the previous day broken the news of her marriage, to her returned-missionary fiance' Aaron Farr.
175 years ago today - Jul 23, 1843
Joseph Smith "clarifies" his recent statement that he was resigning his prophet's mantle and giving it to his Brother Hyrum: "Last Monday morning certain brethren came to me and said they could hardly consent to receive Hyrum as a prophet, and for me to resign. But I told them, "I only said it to try your faith; and it is strange, brethren, that you have been in the Church so long, and not yet understand the Melchizedek Priesthood." Joseph's "resignation" was a temporary tactic to allow Hyrum to instruct the Saints to vote for a different candidate than the one to whom Joseph had previously committed his support. Joseph also states: "we learn in [the church about] a priesthood after the order of Melchizedek-Prophet, Priest and King, and I will advance from Prophet to Priest and then to King not to the kingdoms of this Earth but of the most High God."
185 years ago today - Jul 23, 1833
The mob again attacks the Saints in Independence. Six saints - John Corrill, John Whitmer, W. W. Phelps, A. S. Gilbert, Bishop Partridge, and Isaac Morley-offer themselves as a ransom for the Saints if the mob promises not to pursue the other Saints. They are forced to sign a treaty stating that half the Saints will leave Jackson County by January 1, 1834, and the rest will leave the following April. It is evident that the Lt. Gov. Lilburn Boggs is playing a large part in the mob action. Boggs, in fact, has contended with the Mormons for purchase of several of the lands that Mormons now own.
In Kirtland at this time, 24 elders--six at each corner--set the cornerstone of the Kirtland Temple.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
In Kirtland at this time, 24 elders--six at each corner--set the cornerstone of the Kirtland Temple.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
40 years ago today - Jul 22, 1978-Saturday
[Leonard Arrington]
... [A Knoff editor] Asked me if the Deseret Book would "feature" it [The Mormon Experience]; I said I was sure they would unless President [Spencer W.] Kimball died before the book was out. If he should die, I expressed doubt. He asked who would replace him. I said Brother [Ezra Taft] Benson. ...
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
... [A Knoff editor] Asked me if the Deseret Book would "feature" it [The Mormon Experience]; I said I was sure they would unless President [Spencer W.] Kimball died before the book was out. If he should die, I expressed doubt. He asked who would replace him. I said Brother [Ezra Taft] Benson. ...
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
110 years ago today - Jul 22, 1908; Wednesday
[George F. Richards]
Subjects which claimed our attention were Pres[ident]. B. H. Roberts' attitude towards Elder Reed Smoot's candidacy for to succeed himself as a U.S. Senator and the letter or letters written by him and published which were calculated to humiliate the First Presidency & the Twelve especially Elder Smoot.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
Subjects which claimed our attention were Pres[ident]. B. H. Roberts' attitude towards Elder Reed Smoot's candidacy for to succeed himself as a U.S. Senator and the letter or letters written by him and published which were calculated to humiliate the First Presidency & the Twelve especially Elder Smoot.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
130 years ago today - Jul 22, 1888
Abraham H. Cannon telegraphs to his father: "Tell Louis confidentially his case is fixed alone." "Louis" was a code name for First Counselor George Q. Cannon who was hiding out in the Mormon Underground. His son had made a special effort to help his father, who was in hiding on the underground, securing from government officials a promise that if George Q. Cannon would voluntarily submit to trial for polygamy and plead guilty, he would receive a light sentence.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
135 years ago today - Jul 22, 1883
[Wilford Woodruff]
Joseph F Smith spoke One hour & 25 M. He spoke upon the Marriage in Cana at Galilee. He thought Jesus was the Bridgegroom and Mary & Martha the brides. He also refered to Luke 10 ch. 38 to 42 verse, Also John 11 ch. 2 & 5 vers John 12 Ch 3d vers, John 20 8 to 18. Joseph Smith spoke upon these passages to show that Mary & Martha manifested much Closer relationship than Merely A Believer which looks Consistet. He did not think that Jesus who decended throug Poligamous families from Abraham down & who fulfilled all the Law even baptism by immersion would have lived and died without being married.
W Woodruff Closed by saying He wished the Congregation to remember the discourse of Joseph F Smith but they need not attempt to preach the same sermon. ...
It has been said that the Law upon the Patriarchal order of Marriage has Caused more sorrow to the Daughters of Eve than any other Law Ever revealed to men. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Joseph F Smith spoke One hour & 25 M. He spoke upon the Marriage in Cana at Galilee. He thought Jesus was the Bridgegroom and Mary & Martha the brides. He also refered to Luke 10 ch. 38 to 42 verse, Also John 11 ch. 2 & 5 vers John 12 Ch 3d vers, John 20 8 to 18. Joseph Smith spoke upon these passages to show that Mary & Martha manifested much Closer relationship than Merely A Believer which looks Consistet. He did not think that Jesus who decended throug Poligamous families from Abraham down & who fulfilled all the Law even baptism by immersion would have lived and died without being married.
W Woodruff Closed by saying He wished the Congregation to remember the discourse of Joseph F Smith but they need not attempt to preach the same sermon. ...
It has been said that the Law upon the Patriarchal order of Marriage has Caused more sorrow to the Daughters of Eve than any other Law Ever revealed to men. ...
[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 - Jul 22, 1843
William Clayton writes in his journal: "M[argaret] and A[aron] had a long conversation together. She. has stood true to her covenant with W[illiam] C[layton]. I also had some talk with him and although the shock is severe he endures it patiently. And I pray the Great Eloheem to make up the loss to him an hundred fold and enable him to rejoice in all things. My heart aches with grief on his and M[argaret]'s account and could almost say O that I had never known h[er]." Aaron Farr had just returned from a mission to find his fiance', Margaret Moon, pregnant and secretly married to Clayton as a plural wife.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
105 years ago today - Jul 21, 1913
[James E. Talmage]
... Brother Holton fasted and prayed and received visitations of heavenly personages and manifestations of divers kind by which he learned that in this locality immense bodies of rich gold ore lay hidden [which became the Magestic Mine near Brigham City]; and that he is the man through whom it is to be brought forth to be used primarily in building temples and in vicarious labor for the dead. In response to my request, Dr. Pack gave an account of the geologic structure, and he [illegible] stated plainly that the region is devoid of any shadow of promise of mineral occurrences. With his description I expressed myself in hearty accord and then at the request of the brethren told them how I regarded this so-called manifestation of divine power. Speaking under the influence of the Spirit of the occasion I bore solemn testimony to them that their undertaking was inspired of evil and that disappointment and trouble would surely follow a continuation of this useless work. ... I told them that I bore this testimony in the name of the Lord, and it was to them the Word of the Lord[.] The brethren were variously affected; and I believe some of them will renounce this utterly misguided undertaking. ...
[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]
... Brother Holton fasted and prayed and received visitations of heavenly personages and manifestations of divers kind by which he learned that in this locality immense bodies of rich gold ore lay hidden [which became the Magestic Mine near Brigham City]; and that he is the man through whom it is to be brought forth to be used primarily in building temples and in vicarious labor for the dead. In response to my request, Dr. Pack gave an account of the geologic structure, and he [illegible] stated plainly that the region is devoid of any shadow of promise of mineral occurrences. With his description I expressed myself in hearty accord and then at the request of the brethren told them how I regarded this so-called manifestation of divine power. Speaking under the influence of the Spirit of the occasion I bore solemn testimony to them that their undertaking was inspired of evil and that disappointment and trouble would surely follow a continuation of this useless work. ... I told them that I bore this testimony in the name of the Lord, and it was to them the Word of the Lord[.] The brethren were variously affected; and I believe some of them will renounce this utterly misguided undertaking. ...
[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]
135 years ago today - Saturday, Jul 21, 1883
[John Henry Smith]
Stockholm, Sweden
Bros E. K. Wrathall and I took a bath. In this country women wait on you. I was successfull in keeping the woman out of my room, but one put Wrathall through a regular Swedish bath, scratching his back and wipping him down.
[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]
Stockholm, Sweden
Bros E. K. Wrathall and I took a bath. In this country women wait on you. I was successfull in keeping the woman out of my room, but one put Wrathall through a regular Swedish bath, scratching his back and wipping him down.
[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]
165 years ago today - Jul 21, 1853
Salt Lake City court "release[s]" Thomas Burke from being "a bound boy" to Mormon man who mistreats him as "white" indentured servant.
115 years ago today - Monday, Jul 20, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
Elder Geo. Teasdale. Topics treated. Plural marriage. ... Evil of card playing and round dancing.
[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]
Elder Geo. Teasdale. Topics treated. Plural marriage. ... Evil of card playing and round dancing.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Jul 20, 1893
[Francis M. Lyman]
The propriety of calling on 100 men to loan to the church 1000 each or more to relieve the church of its weighty obligations. The discussion of the subject was chiefly against the plan lest it should precipitate a panic by drawing at this time such an amount from the banks. It was thought better for the banks to carry us quietly along till some relief should come in from some other direction. My name was down for 1000 and it transpires that I have already years ago loaned the church 1000 at 8% per annum. It is the amount I put into the Deseret Investment Co[mpany]. The question was postponed for one week. The pressure upon the church is verygreat just now. The Lord will have to come to our rescue or we will be compelled into Bankruptcy.
[Source: Francis M. Lyman Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
The propriety of calling on 100 men to loan to the church 1000 each or more to relieve the church of its weighty obligations. The discussion of the subject was chiefly against the plan lest it should precipitate a panic by drawing at this time such an amount from the banks. It was thought better for the banks to carry us quietly along till some relief should come in from some other direction. My name was down for 1000 and it transpires that I have already years ago loaned the church 1000 at 8% per annum. It is the amount I put into the Deseret Investment Co[mpany]. The question was postponed for one week. The pressure upon the church is verygreat just now. The Lord will have to come to our rescue or we will be compelled into Bankruptcy.
[Source: Francis M. Lyman Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
185 years ago today - Jul 20, 1833
The retraction [of a pro-abolitionist article] does nothing to alleviate the animosity of the other [Missouri] settlers. On this day several hundred assemble and declare that the Mormons must leave at once. They proceed to W. W. Phelps's printing press and destroy it and tear down his house. The Book of Commandments, which was on the press at the time, is destroyed, and a few people gather up extra pages from which come the extremely rare 160-page copies of the book presently extant. The mob then covers Bishop Edward Partridge and Charles Allen with acid and tar and feathers. Bishop Partridge is so meek that the crowd is humbled and finally stops its attack. The Rev. Pixley, one of the leaders of the mob, gives the Saints 15 minutes to leave town.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
120 years ago today - Jul 19, 1898
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill]
Tuesday. Have arranged with one Brother Ridges from Fairview, Idaho, to shingle our barns at 75c per thousand, and we board him. He commenced on upper barn in town.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Tuesday. Have arranged with one Brother Ridges from Fairview, Idaho, to shingle our barns at 75c per thousand, and we board him. He commenced on upper barn in town.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jul 19, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
19 I took canal packet in company with Elder B Young. Rode to Lockland. Fare 50 cts each $1.00. Stoped & spent the night (upon a pinch) with Mr David Martin. He had been baptized into the Church but was fearful & unbelieveing. We had the privilege however of spending the night with him & lying upon a patent Bedstead upon which it is said that neither a Bedbug or flea will stay on it. But the reason why yet remains a secret. He did not ask us our names untill we left next morning. Distance 10 m.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
19 I took canal packet in company with Elder B Young. Rode to Lockland. Fare 50 cts each $1.00. Stoped & spent the night (upon a pinch) with Mr David Martin. He had been baptized into the Church but was fearful & unbelieveing. We had the privilege however of spending the night with him & lying upon a patent Bedstead upon which it is said that neither a Bedbug or flea will stay on it. But the reason why yet remains a secret. He did not ask us our names untill we left next morning. Distance 10 m.
[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 - Jul 19, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff]
19 I spent the day at Father Carters writing in my first Journal.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
19 I spent the day at Father Carters writing in my first Journal.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
10 years ago today - Jul 18, 2008
Utah is leading the world in genetic research because of the Utah Population Data Base (UPDB), a unique combination of state vital statistics, other medical profiles and genealogical records from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[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]
55 years ago today - Jul 18, 1963
President David O. McKay is visited by astronaut Edward White. McKay quotes the words to "If You Could Hie To Kolob" to astronaut White. White is so impressed he asks for a copy of the words to take with him to read and study at home.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
115 years ago today - Jul 18, 1903
[Joseph F. Smith Presidency]
In answer to the question, if members of the Church can enter the temple who do not keep the Word of Wisdom, we would say that that is a matter to be judged of by those who issue temple recommends. ...
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Mrs. S. F. Zimmerman, July 18, 1903, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
In answer to the question, if members of the Church can enter the temple who do not keep the Word of Wisdom, we would say that that is a matter to be judged of by those who issue temple recommends. ...
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to Mrs. S. F. Zimmerman, July 18, 1903, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
125 years ago today - Jul 18, 1893 (Tuesday)
The Utah Commission adopted a resolution advising that amnestied polygamists be allowed to vote.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Jul 18, 1853
The Walker War, a conflict between the Latter-day Saint settlers and local Native Americans, begins near Payson, Utah.
175 years ago today - Jul 18, 1843
Patriarchal Blessing of Sarah Brown given by Hyrum Smith ... you shall be blest in the new & everlasting Covenant [in] Common with your husband, having a right unto the benefits of the Priesthood, which shall be allotted unto you, & signs & tokens of affirmation, that you be not deceived by those that Saith they are apostles, & are not apostles but are liars, & that you be not deceived in the Spirit but shall come forth with the wise & be numbered with the pe[ople] of the Covenant ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
25 years ago today - Jul 17, 1993
Counselor Thomas S. Monson presides at the memorial service for the reinterred bodies of former apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff and his first wife Helen Winters Woodruff. Removed from their original 1904 burial sites in Texas and Mexico, respectively, the couple is buried side-by-side in Salt Lake City. This is the first reinternment of a Mormon leader and wife since that of Joseph and Emma Smith in 1928.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
40 years ago today - Jul 17, 1978
John Singer marries a second wife, Shirley Black. She moves into his house along with her three children from a previous marriage. Shirley's ex-husband is granted custody of the children which John Singer refuses to allow. Six months later Singer is shot and killed after pointing a gun at police officers trying to serve an arrest warrant.
105 years ago today - Jul 17, 1913
[James E. Talmage]
... Bro[ther]. Talmage reported a visit made by him to the Dream Mine near Spanish Fork [Utah]. ... The shaft has been sunk between 1100 and 1200 feet at a cost of over $100,000. ... It was suggested that he express his findings to Bishop [John H.] Koyle, which he did in the presence of thirty workmen, telling them that if he were making a professional report he would advise those engaging his services not to put a penny into the mine, that from a geological standpoint there was no more promise of finding ore in that mine than there could be in a clay bank.
Bro[ther]. Talmage said he got the Bishop to tell his story as to how he came to open up the mine. He said that eighteen years ago he had a dream, and in his dream he found himself on that hillside, when it was made plain to him that there was a body of ore in that ground. He dreamed it a second time, also a third time, and then he said he was carried in the spirit into the mountain, and went on to describe the different stratas of material that he would strike before striking the ore, and the Bishop thinks now he is very near ore. ... He showed them that by going to the hillside and tunnelling in, they could easily have accomplished at an expenditure of $10,000 what had cost them over $100,000. But the Bishop explained that the shaft was sunk exactly where it had been shown him in his dream. The Bishop also remarked that it was made plain to him that they would have to work for a long period, and that only the faithful and those who remained true to the mine, would reap the benefits. President Smith now drew attention of the Council to what is called the Majestic Gold Mine near Brigham City [Utah], and suggested that Bro[ther]. Talmage and Bro[ther]. Fred J. Pack make it their business to examine that property, as he had reason to believe it was another such thing as the Dream Mine. ...
[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]
... Bro[ther]. Talmage reported a visit made by him to the Dream Mine near Spanish Fork [Utah]. ... The shaft has been sunk between 1100 and 1200 feet at a cost of over $100,000. ... It was suggested that he express his findings to Bishop [John H.] Koyle, which he did in the presence of thirty workmen, telling them that if he were making a professional report he would advise those engaging his services not to put a penny into the mine, that from a geological standpoint there was no more promise of finding ore in that mine than there could be in a clay bank.
Bro[ther]. Talmage said he got the Bishop to tell his story as to how he came to open up the mine. He said that eighteen years ago he had a dream, and in his dream he found himself on that hillside, when it was made plain to him that there was a body of ore in that ground. He dreamed it a second time, also a third time, and then he said he was carried in the spirit into the mountain, and went on to describe the different stratas of material that he would strike before striking the ore, and the Bishop thinks now he is very near ore. ... He showed them that by going to the hillside and tunnelling in, they could easily have accomplished at an expenditure of $10,000 what had cost them over $100,000. But the Bishop explained that the shaft was sunk exactly where it had been shown him in his dream. The Bishop also remarked that it was made plain to him that they would have to work for a long period, and that only the faithful and those who remained true to the mine, would reap the benefits. President Smith now drew attention of the Council to what is called the Majestic Gold Mine near Brigham City [Utah], and suggested that Bro[ther]. Talmage and Bro[ther]. Fred J. Pack make it their business to examine that property, as he had reason to believe it was another such thing as the Dream Mine. ...
[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]
125 years ago today - Jul 17, 1893 (Monday)
The Utah Commission, in accordance with Pres. Harrison's amnesty proclamation, ruled that former polygamists, who, since Nov. 1, 1890, had not broken the Edmunds law, were entitled to vote at elections.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Jul 17, 1843 - Monday
[Joseph Smith]
4 days- last past in [purgatory[?]] says [Wm]. [Clayton, referring to Emma's reaction to the plural marriage revelation.]
[Source: "President Joseph Smith’s Journal," Journal, 4 vols., Dec. 1842â€"June 1844 (Williard Richards)]
4 days- last past in [purgatory[?]] says [Wm]. [Clayton, referring to Emma's reaction to the plural marriage revelation.]
[Source: "President Joseph Smith’s Journal," Journal, 4 vols., Dec. 1842â€"June 1844 (Williard Richards)]
105 years ago today - 105 years ago - Jul 16, 1913
[James E. Talmage]
The purpose of my visit [to Spanish Fork] is to examine the 'Relief Mine,' commonly known as the 'Dream Mine.' Many rumors of this alleged mine have reached me and much has been said concerning supposed inspiration by which the work has been undertaken and prosecuted. ... I found thirty men engaged in the work, each of whom is working for stock in the company, all having faith in the divine direction by which they say the mine was located. ... The shaft penetrates the limestone of the region and is absolutely devoid of any evidence of mineralization in the mining sense of the term. ... I considered it would be well for them to abandon this work and to take themselves to useful and profitable labor. It is astounding to see the great effort they have made in what I believe to be an undertaking directed by the spirit of misguided zeal, which I believe to be the spirit of evil. Work has been in progress here for about 18 years, and on the statement made by the men themselves, the expenditure in labor and money is largely in excess of $100,000.00. ... The whole undertaking appeals to me to be lacking in the ordinary elements of common sense;...
[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]
The purpose of my visit [to Spanish Fork] is to examine the 'Relief Mine,' commonly known as the 'Dream Mine.' Many rumors of this alleged mine have reached me and much has been said concerning supposed inspiration by which the work has been undertaken and prosecuted. ... I found thirty men engaged in the work, each of whom is working for stock in the company, all having faith in the divine direction by which they say the mine was located. ... The shaft penetrates the limestone of the region and is absolutely devoid of any evidence of mineralization in the mining sense of the term. ... I considered it would be well for them to abandon this work and to take themselves to useful and profitable labor. It is astounding to see the great effort they have made in what I believe to be an undertaking directed by the spirit of misguided zeal, which I believe to be the spirit of evil. Work has been in progress here for about 18 years, and on the statement made by the men themselves, the expenditure in labor and money is largely in excess of $100,000.00. ... The whole undertaking appeals to me to be lacking in the ordinary elements of common sense;...
[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]
115 years ago today - 115 years ago - Thursday, Jul 16, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
There was a little informal talk regarding socialism and the United Order. It was remarked by one of the brethren that the claim is made by many socialists that the acceptance of the doctrines of socialism would lead to the introduction of the United Order. It was asserted by one of the brethren that the socialists have many sympathizers among our people.
[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]
There was a little informal talk regarding socialism and the United Order. It was remarked by one of the brethren that the claim is made by many socialists that the acceptance of the doctrines of socialism would lead to the introduction of the United Order. It was asserted by one of the brethren that the socialists have many sympathizers among our people.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
115 years ago today - 115 years ago - Jul 16, 1903
President Joseph F. Smith and First Counselor John R. Winder refuse to allow Approved Pattern labels to be used on Z.C.M.I. knitted garments. Garments made by The Salt Lake Knitting Company, of which Joseph F. Smith is president, contain a label saying, "Approved by the Presidency. No knitted garment approved which does not bear this label."
175 years ago today - 175 years ago - Jul 16, 1843. Sunday.
[William Clayton]
P.M. went to the Grove and heard President Joseph preach on the law of the priesthood. He stated that Hyrum held the office of prophet to the church by birthright and he was going to have a reformation and the saints must regard Hyrum for he has authority. He showed that a man must enter into an everlasting covenant with his wife in this world or he will have no claim on her in the next. He said that he could not reveal the fulness of these things untill the Temple is completed &c.
[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]
P.M. went to the Grove and heard President Joseph preach on the law of the priesthood. He stated that Hyrum held the office of prophet to the church by birthright and he was going to have a reformation and the saints must regard Hyrum for he has authority. He showed that a man must enter into an everlasting covenant with his wife in this world or he will have no claim on her in the next. He said that he could not reveal the fulness of these things untill the Temple is completed &c.
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
185 years ago today - 185 years ago - Jul 16, 1833
An "Extra" edition of the Church's EVENING AND MORNING STAR states: "Having learned with extreme regret, that an article entitled, 'Free People of Color,' in the last number of the Star, has been misunderstood, we feel in duty bound to state, in this Extra, that our intention was not only to stop free people of color from emigrating to this state, but to prevent them from being admitted as members of the Church. . . . To be short, we are opposed to having free people of color admitted into the state; and we say, that none will be admitted into the Church; . . ." This "Extra," is printed in the form of a handbill and circulated as promptly as possible.
175 years ago today - Jul 16, 1843
Joseph Smith creates confusion by declaring that he "would not prophesy any more, and proposed Hyrum to hold the office of prophet to the Church, as it was his birthright" as Presiding Patriarch. Stake president and former Nauvoo resident Abraham O. Smoot would tell the Provo School of the Prophets in 1868 that HyrumSmith "used to say [about] prophecy if you hit once in 10 times that is alright." In the same sermon Joseph Smith also "showed that a man must enter into an everlasting covenant with his wife in this world or he will have no claim on her in the next. He said that he could not reveal the fulness of these things untill the Temple is completed &c." The temple was not completed until after Joseph's death.
75 years ago today - Jul 16, 1943
"I had a most pleasant conference with Pres. David O. McKay [second counselor] about various stake matters but particularly about conditions in Wash., D.C., ... It was a pleasure to be in his sweet inspiring presence. He is truly a great man. How I wish we had a man at the head of this great country of his stature and character. I am looking forward to dinner with Pres. McKay and family on July 26th at their home on my way east."
[Source: Ezra Taft Benson diary as quoted in Gary James Bergera, '"This Great Thing Which Has Come to Me a Humble, Weak Farmer Boy": Ezra Taft Benson's 1943 Call to the Apostleship', Mormon Historical Studies (Fall 2008, v.9)]
[Source: Ezra Taft Benson diary as quoted in Gary James Bergera, '"This Great Thing Which Has Come to Me a Humble, Weak Farmer Boy": Ezra Taft Benson's 1943 Call to the Apostleship', Mormon Historical Studies (Fall 2008, v.9)]
70 years ago today - Jul 16, 1948
Returning missionaries to be interviewed at stake conferences-- Salt Lake City, Utah.
Returning missionaries will now be interviewed by a General Authority of the Church at Stake Conference in the home stake of the missionary rather than the previous policy of having missionaries report to Church headquarters. Identical but separate letters were sent to Stake Presidents and to Mission Presidents bearing this date. {1948-July 16-Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church Archives,}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
Returning missionaries will now be interviewed by a General Authority of the Church at Stake Conference in the home stake of the missionary rather than the previous policy of having missionaries report to Church headquarters. Identical but separate letters were sent to Stake Presidents and to Mission Presidents bearing this date. {1948-July 16-Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church Archives,}
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
25 years ago today - Jul 15, 1993
INSIDE RADIO reports: "New York's finest summoned to the mailroom [of station WABC] Tuesday morning. Somebody heard a beeping or ticking noise coming from a pouch. Played it safe and called the cops. Actual contents of the package: the latest PSA package from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). Seems the press kit contained a chip designed to emit an attention-getting signal. It worked."
110 years ago today - Jul 15, 1908; Wednesday
A letter was read from President Serge F. Ballif, stating that he had that day received a telegram from the attorney employed by him at Bern, informing him that the Supreme Court of Switzerland had reversed the decision of the court at Chur, where our elders had been arrested and imprisoned on a charge of preaching immoral doctrine, that is, polygamy and emigration. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
175 years ago today - Jul 15, 1843. Saturday.
[William Clayton]
Made Deed for 1/2 S[team] B[oat] Maid of Iowa from Joseph to Emma. Also a Deed to E[mma] for over 60 city lots... [This was three days after Emma angrily rejected the revelation on plural marriage, and two days after Joseph and Emma came to an agreement after a long, tearful discussion.]
[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]
Made Deed for 1/2 S[team] B[oat] Maid of Iowa from Joseph to Emma. Also a Deed to E[mma] for over 60 city lots... [This was three days after Emma angrily rejected the revelation on plural marriage, and two days after Joseph and Emma came to an agreement after a long, tearful discussion.]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
185 years ago today - Jul 15, 1833
The vigilance committee of Jackson County residents openly advocates driving the Saints from the county. In a lengthy epistle they charge Mormons with a multitude of offenses, including religious fanaticism, introducing to Missouri the "dregs of that society from which they came lazy, [i]dle and vicious," tampering with slaves, and "enviting free negroes and mulatoes from other States to become Mormons, and remove and settle among us."
175 years ago today - Jul 15, 1843. Saturday.
[William Clayton]
Made Deed for 1/2 S[team] B[oat] Maid of Iowa from Joseph to Emma. Also a Deed to E[mma] for over 60 city lots... [This was three days after Emma angrily rejected the revelation on plural marriage, and a day after Joseph and Emma came to an agreement after a long, tearful discussion.]
[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]
Made Deed for 1/2 S[team] B[oat] Maid of Iowa from Joseph to Emma. Also a Deed to E[mma] for over 60 city lots... [This was three days after Emma angrily rejected the revelation on plural marriage, and a day after Joseph and Emma came to an agreement after a long, tearful discussion.]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
185 years ago today - 15-Jul 20, 1833
The great haystack, common property of the church, set on fire. During the next few days dissension arose within the church between those who argued that the haystack was God's and He had allowed it to burn, and those who argued that if God couldn't protect his own haystack, what was the use of the members praying to Him for protection? As a consequence, some left the church.
[Source: Exploring Mormonism: The Law of Consecration Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-law-of-consecration-timeline/]
[Source: Exploring Mormonism: The Law of Consecration Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/the-law-of-consecration-timeline/]
60 years ago today - Jul 14, 1958
Apostle Hugh B. Brown formally recommends that the First Presidency not ask Salt Lake City Public Library to remove books on a list. Brown notes: "Many of the books on this list are only mildly critical or objectionable from the Church standpoint." In 1954 the First Presidency assigned Apostle Adam S. Bennion, another well-known liberal within the Twelve, to assess this list of books. He delayed fulfilling the assignment until his death in 1958. Joseph L. Wirthlin of the Presiding Bishopric sent the original 1953 list of books "not favorable to the Church" to the Presidency, "pursuant to your request."
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
120 years ago today - Jul 14, 1898; Thursday
Pres[ident]. Cannon was administered to by the brethren, Elder Lyman being mouth. He promised Pres[ident]. Cannon that his life should not be cut short, and that he should be fully restored.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Jul 14, 1898
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Met at 10 talk was excellent on spiritual matters, what were our ideas on former lives. Bro[ther]. [Francis M.] Lyman said we were always men never had a beginning of existence. So we all think but not quite so pronounced as Bro[ther]. L[yman]. The conversation opened our eyes a little. ...
[Source: Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Met at 10 talk was excellent on spiritual matters, what were our ideas on former lives. Bro[ther]. [Francis M.] Lyman said we were always men never had a beginning of existence. So we all think but not quite so pronounced as Bro[ther]. L[yman]. The conversation opened our eyes a little. ...
[Source: Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - Friday, Jul 14, 1893
[John Henry Smith]
Prest. Wilford Woodruff said to me today that if he was to be adopted [by] any man aside from his own father that man would be George A. Smith as he was the most fully honest man he ever knew and that he was a virtuous man in every respect.
[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]
Prest. Wilford Woodruff said to me today that if he was to be adopted [by] any man aside from his own father that man would be George A. Smith as he was the most fully honest man he ever knew and that he was a virtuous man in every respect.
[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]
155 years ago today - Jul 14, 1863
General Patrick Edward Connor and Federal Indian superintendent James D. Doty meet with the Southern Utes. After the chiefs had expressed some apprehensions, Connor is able to dissuade them from the idea that the army wanted to fight or exterminate them. The Utes had been told this by Mormon leaders.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - Jul 14, 1843
"4 Apr[il] [18]42 Marinda Johnson [Hyde] to Joseph Smith 1843" {Listed Marriage}. [This is one of two possible dates for this marriage.]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
180 years ago today - Jul 14, 1838
Carroll citizens meet to oppose Mormon settlement at DeWitt [Missouri]. Meetings and threats against Mormons at DeWitt continue throughout the summer.
[Source: LeSueur, Stephen C., The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839]
[Source: LeSueur, Stephen C., The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839]
175 years ago today - Jul 13, 1843
Joseph Smith writes in his diary: "I was in conversation with Emma most of the day." The previous day Joseph's brother Hyrum had presented Emma with the revelation on plural marriage. Emma "said she did not believe a word of it and appeared very rebellious." On This Day William Clayton records: " This A.M. Joseph sent for me and when I arrived he called me up into his private room with E[mma] and there stated an agreement they had mutually entered into. They both stated their feelings on many subjects and wept considerable. O may the Lord soften her heart that she may be willing to keep and abide by his Holy Law-" Three days later Joseph's diary records that he "preached . . . concerning a mans foes being they of his own house"
120 years ago today - Jul 13, 1898
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
Met at 10 a.m. Still we are talking on financial matters and the burden of it is Presidency should trust the Twelve just as I have felt all the time. 2 p.m. Our talk was on love for each other and our determination to sustain the presidency but we do desire them to be a .
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Met at 10 a.m. Still we are talking on financial matters and the burden of it is Presidency should trust the Twelve just as I have felt all the time. 2 p.m. Our talk was on love for each other and our determination to sustain the presidency but we do desire them to be a .
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
60 years ago today - Jul 13, 1958
[J. Reuben Clark]
Came in from Grantsville. Had lunch'felt bum'Called Dr. Reiser who came in late. Went over me thoroughly. Have "summer flu." A bit of water in lower lungs Gave me penecillin'double dose'Some swelling in feet. He telephoned his father that there was nothing serious. I had a temp. of 100 . Heart "fluttery." (a little worse "missing" than usual). Gave me something to eliminate water.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Came in from Grantsville. Had lunch'felt bum'Called Dr. Reiser who came in late. Went over me thoroughly. Have "summer flu." A bit of water in lower lungs Gave me penecillin'double dose'Some swelling in feet. He telephoned his father that there was nothing serious. I had a temp. of 100 . Heart "fluttery." (a little worse "missing" than usual). Gave me something to eliminate water.
[Source: The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
175 years ago today - Jul 13, 1843
Joseph Smith writes in his diary: "I was in conversation with Emma most of the day." The previous day Joseph's brother Hyrum had presented Emma with the revelation on plural marriage. Emma "said she did not believe a word of it and appeared very rebellious." On This Day William Clayton records: " This A.M. Joseph sent for me and when I arrived he called me up into his private room with E[mma] and there stated an agreement they had mutually entered into. Property held by Joseph is deeded into Emma's name. They both stated their feelings on many subjects and wept considerable. O may the Lord soften her heart that she may be willing to keep and abide by his Holy Law-" Three days later Joseph's diary records that he "preached . . . concerning a mans foes being they of his own house"
185 years ago today - 1833 July [13]
The July issue of the Evening and Morning Star contains a controversial article by W. W. Phelps quoting Missouri state law and constitution regarding freed blacks entering the state and freedom of religion.
--
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
--
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
15 years ago today - Jul 12, 2003
The SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reports, "Utah ranks among worst in forcible rape-The report and rankings from the Charleston, S.C.-based National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center put Utah No. 1 in the continental United States for its estimated percentage of rape victims - 20.6 percent of the state's adult female population-.The only state ahead of Utah was Alaska, where 20.9 percent of the state's female population are estimated to have been rape victims, according to the rankings."
40 years ago today - Jul 12, 1978
Elaine Anderson Cannon is called as the eighth general president of the Young Women, with Arlene Barlow Darger and Norma Broadbent Smith as counselors.
125 years ago today - Jul 12, 1893
[Heber J. Grant]
[Letter from Joseph F. Smith:] For the first time, this month the Church could not pay its employees, not the Presidency and Twelve. Well do not think I have lost hope'for I have not. I believe that Providence has something better in store for us than bankruptcy and ruin, but it will be a close shave in my opinion. May the Lord help us!
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[Letter from Joseph F. Smith:] For the first time, this month the Church could not pay its employees, not the Presidency and Twelve. Well do not think I have lost hope'for I have not. I believe that Providence has something better in store for us than bankruptcy and ruin, but it will be a close shave in my opinion. May the Lord help us!
[Source: The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
120 years ago today - Jul 12, 1898
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Meeting of Twelve at 10 a.m. at Temple. Pres[ident] [Lorenzo] Snow opened with stormy refference to our financial Condition. Others followed in same line. Pres[ident]. [George Q.] Cannon is feeble but he will not trust the Twelve in financial matters. Bro[ther]. [Abraham] Owen Woodruff asked the Quorum to take action in behalf of his father that his name might not rest under this load of in-debtedness of which he was innocent.
While we all bel[ie]ve in the integrity of Pres[ident]. Geo[rge] Q. Cannon still we bel[ie]ve that he has nearly ruined the credit of the church with schemes which have failed, and the responsibility rest upon Pres[ident]. [Wilford] W[oodruff]. Poor man, his faith is unbounded in Bro[ther]. Cannon, but we now find ourselves with a very aged man at the head and a badly paralyzed man to arrange all his public affairs. ... Now it seems to me that the saf[e]ty of his own health and the welfare of the church demanded his complete isolation from all business cares and a strong hand to guide church business considering Pres[ident]. Woodruff's enfeebled condition. The Twelve should now enter fully into the councils of the First Presidency It has been delayed too long and now necessity demands that, this reform be inaugerated.
[Source: Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Meeting of Twelve at 10 a.m. at Temple. Pres[ident] [Lorenzo] Snow opened with stormy refference to our financial Condition. Others followed in same line. Pres[ident]. [George Q.] Cannon is feeble but he will not trust the Twelve in financial matters. Bro[ther]. [Abraham] Owen Woodruff asked the Quorum to take action in behalf of his father that his name might not rest under this load of in-debtedness of which he was innocent.
While we all bel[ie]ve in the integrity of Pres[ident]. Geo[rge] Q. Cannon still we bel[ie]ve that he has nearly ruined the credit of the church with schemes which have failed, and the responsibility rest upon Pres[ident]. [Wilford] W[oodruff]. Poor man, his faith is unbounded in Bro[ther]. Cannon, but we now find ourselves with a very aged man at the head and a badly paralyzed man to arrange all his public affairs. ... Now it seems to me that the saf[e]ty of his own health and the welfare of the church demanded his complete isolation from all business cares and a strong hand to guide church business considering Pres[ident]. Woodruff's enfeebled condition. The Twelve should now enter fully into the councils of the First Presidency It has been delayed too long and now necessity demands that, this reform be inaugerated.
[Source: Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - Jul 12, 1893
[Apostle, and Logan Temple president Marriner W. Merrill]
At a Quorum meeting in the Salt Lake Temple today President Woodruff and President Joseph F. Smith, after Temple ordinance matters were discussed, ruled that the Endowment House and St. George Temple practices should prevail in all the Temples, viz., that those persons, male or female, who had not been sealed for themselves could represent the dead in being sealed for them. I demurred against the ruling as I do not think it right, but will adopt it in the Logan Temple on the responsibility of the Presidency. It was moved by President Joseph F. Smith and carried unanimously that Lorenzo Snow and M. W. Merrill, Presidents of the Salt Lake and Logan Temples, should be the judges and decide whether women in the Church having husbands deceased out of the Church should be sealed to said husbands.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At a Quorum meeting in the Salt Lake Temple today President Woodruff and President Joseph F. Smith, after Temple ordinance matters were discussed, ruled that the Endowment House and St. George Temple practices should prevail in all the Temples, viz., that those persons, male or female, who had not been sealed for themselves could represent the dead in being sealed for them. I demurred against the ruling as I do not think it right, but will adopt it in the Logan Temple on the responsibility of the Presidency. It was moved by President Joseph F. Smith and carried unanimously that Lorenzo Snow and M. W. Merrill, Presidents of the Salt Lake and Logan Temples, should be the judges and decide whether women in the Church having husbands deceased out of the Church should be sealed to said husbands.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - July 12th 1843
D&C 132 repeatedly conferred divine immunity upon Joseph Smith for any "sin" or "transgression" he had committed in the past regarding other women. The document simply mentioned them as "all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph" (D&C 132: 52), but repeatedly introduced these unnamed women within the context of "wives and concubines" (D&C 132: 1, 37, 38, 39). The revelation also conferred divine immunity from sin, transgression, or earthly condemnation for anything Joseph Smith might do with other women after July 12th 1843. ...
[Source: "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
[Source: "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
175 years ago today - Jul 12, 1843, Wednesday
[William Clayton]
On the morning of the 12th of July, 1843, Joseph and Hyrum Smith came into the office in the upper story of the `brick store,' on the bank of the Mississippi River. They were talking on the subject of plural marriage. Hyrum said to Joseph, ``If you will write the revelation on celestial marriage, I will take it to Emma, and I believe I can convince her of its truth, and you will hereafter have peace.'' Joseph smiled and remarked, ``You do not know Emma as well as I do.'' Hyrum repeated his opinion and further remarked, ``The doctrine is so plain, I can convince any reasonable man or woman of its truth, purity or heavenly origin,'' or words to their effect. Joseph then said, ``Well, I will write the revelation and we will see.'' He then requested me to get paper and prepare to write. Hyrum very urgently requested Joseph to write the revelation by means of the Urim and Thummim, but Joseph, in reply, said he did not need to, for he knew the revelation perfectly from beginning to end. ...
Hyrum then took the revelation to read to Emma. Joseph remained with me in the office until Hyrum returned. When he came back, Joseph asked him how he had succeeded. Hyrum replied that he had never received a more severe talking to in his life, that Emma was very bitter and full of resentment and anger.
Joseph quietly remarked, ``I told you you did not know Emma as well as I did'' ... [additional copies of the revelation are made] ... Two or three days after the revelation was written Joseph related to me and several others that Emma has so teased, and urgently entreated him for the privilege of destroying it, that he became so weary of her teasing, and to get rid of her annoyance, he told her she might destroy it and she had done so, but he had consented to her wish in this matter to pacify her, realizing that he knew the revelation perfectly, and could rewrite it at any time if necessary. ...
After the revelation on celestial marriage was written, Joseph continued his instructions, privately, on the doctrine, to myself and others, and during the last year of his life we were scarcely ever together, alone, but he was talking on the subject, and explaining that doctrine and principles connected with it. He appeared to enjoy great liberty and freedom in his teachings, and also to find great relief in having a few to whom he could unbosom his feelings on that great and glorious subject.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
On the morning of the 12th of July, 1843, Joseph and Hyrum Smith came into the office in the upper story of the `brick store,' on the bank of the Mississippi River. They were talking on the subject of plural marriage. Hyrum said to Joseph, ``If you will write the revelation on celestial marriage, I will take it to Emma, and I believe I can convince her of its truth, and you will hereafter have peace.'' Joseph smiled and remarked, ``You do not know Emma as well as I do.'' Hyrum repeated his opinion and further remarked, ``The doctrine is so plain, I can convince any reasonable man or woman of its truth, purity or heavenly origin,'' or words to their effect. Joseph then said, ``Well, I will write the revelation and we will see.'' He then requested me to get paper and prepare to write. Hyrum very urgently requested Joseph to write the revelation by means of the Urim and Thummim, but Joseph, in reply, said he did not need to, for he knew the revelation perfectly from beginning to end. ...
Hyrum then took the revelation to read to Emma. Joseph remained with me in the office until Hyrum returned. When he came back, Joseph asked him how he had succeeded. Hyrum replied that he had never received a more severe talking to in his life, that Emma was very bitter and full of resentment and anger.
Joseph quietly remarked, ``I told you you did not know Emma as well as I did'' ... [additional copies of the revelation are made] ... Two or three days after the revelation was written Joseph related to me and several others that Emma has so teased, and urgently entreated him for the privilege of destroying it, that he became so weary of her teasing, and to get rid of her annoyance, he told her she might destroy it and she had done so, but he had consented to her wish in this matter to pacify her, realizing that he knew the revelation perfectly, and could rewrite it at any time if necessary. ...
After the revelation on celestial marriage was written, Joseph continued his instructions, privately, on the doctrine, to myself and others, and during the last year of his life we were scarcely ever together, alone, but he was talking on the subject, and explaining that doctrine and principles connected with it. He appeared to enjoy great liberty and freedom in his teachings, and also to find great relief in having a few to whom he could unbosom his feelings on that great and glorious subject.
[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
130 years ago today - Jul 11, 1888
Patriarchal Blessing of Theodore Martineau given by William McBride ... Evil spirits shall flee from before thee, and thou shalt cause springs to break forth from the desert if it be necessary to quench the thirst of the house of Israel; and rivers shall be turned out of their courses an[d] will lead them over dry shod.
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
130 years ago today - Jul 11, 1888
Patriarchal Blessing of George Albert Martineau given by William McBride ... thou shalt be a mighty instrument in the hands of the Almighty in restoring peace to the earth and turning the government into the hands of the just: for unto this end wast thou born ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
130 years ago today - Jul 11, 1888
Patriarchal Blessing of Dora Martineau given by William McBride ... for thou art of the blood of Ephraim, who is the first born, according to the priesthood which belongeth to thee according to thy sex. Thou shalt do much in blessing and comforting thy father's house, in bringing about the salvation and exaltation of the same. ...
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]
195 years ago today - Jul 11, 1823
An opposition faction of the First Baptist Church of Pittsburg excludes Pastor Sidney Rigdon for teaching heresies. Three months later Ridgon is released as pastor.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
10 years ago today - 7/10/2008
[Proposition 8]
Letter about "raising as much money as we can in July" read in [Relief Society] and [Priesthood] meetings in California: "President Monson has asked that we, as members of the church in California, do all we can to support the California Protection of Marriage initiative on the November ballot. He has asked our Stake President to recruit one couple from each ward to assist in this endeavor." "We have been given permission to use the Ward list and to spread literature at church, but we cannot collect money on church property. However, we have been told that we can collect money at a church function that is not at the building." "We can accept checks or credit cards only - no cash contributions. Checks should be made payable to "ProtectMarriage.com" and more information can be obtained at the www.protectmarriage.com website."
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
Letter about "raising as much money as we can in July" read in [Relief Society] and [Priesthood] meetings in California: "President Monson has asked that we, as members of the church in California, do all we can to support the California Protection of Marriage initiative on the November ballot. He has asked our Stake President to recruit one couple from each ward to assist in this endeavor." "We have been given permission to use the Ward list and to spread literature at church, but we cannot collect money on church property. However, we have been told that we can collect money at a church function that is not at the building." "We can accept checks or credit cards only - no cash contributions. Checks should be made payable to "ProtectMarriage.com" and more information can be obtained at the www.protectmarriage.com website."
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
40 years ago today - Jul 10, 1978-Monday
[Leonard Arrington]
Ron [Walker of the church history department] said that Elder Hinckley could be a good champion for us [church historians] if he finally came to know us. He is the only one of the brethren, he said, who has a listed phone number. Because of that he receives many crank calls but feels he needs to do it. He feels at least one of the brethren should have a listed number so that people can find someone to "tell off" or to express their feelings to. This says a lot about Elder Hinckley. Ron said that he thought he told Brother Hinckley that he would like to chat with him for a half hour about some of the problems we face in writing history. "We just can't write the way the brethren used to write fifty years ago. We just have to be more honest."
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Ron [Walker of the church history department] said that Elder Hinckley could be a good champion for us [church historians] if he finally came to know us. He is the only one of the brethren, he said, who has a listed phone number. Because of that he receives many crank calls but feels he needs to do it. He feels at least one of the brethren should have a listed number so that people can find someone to "tell off" or to express their feelings to. This says a lot about Elder Hinckley. Ron said that he thought he told Brother Hinckley that he would like to chat with him for a half hour about some of the problems we face in writing history. "We just can't write the way the brethren used to write fifty years ago. We just have to be more honest."
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
40 years ago today - Jul 10, 1978
PEOPLE magazine runs a three-page article: "A feminist studies Mormon polygamy and, remarkably, finds that it liberated the wives." Dr. Vicky Burgess-Olson was quoted as saying that of the 341 Mormon women she studied between 1847 and 1885, most (54%) had fulltime jobs outside the home. "When the husbands were away visiting other wives in other houses, the wives they left behind ran farms, ranches or silkworm operations. . . . If the families shared the same house, the women had different assignments and could do what they liked best."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
135 years ago today - Jul 10, 1883 â␦¢ Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
A most shocking affair occurred this afternoon about 4 oclock. David P. Rich, a son of Brother Charles C. Rich, and Rudolph Smith (as he is called, an adopted son of Judge Elias Smith) entered Zions Savings Bank and with an iron rod struck the cashier, Bro. B. H. Shettler over the head and stunned him after which they stole some money and escaped. David P. Rich struck the blow, and had he struck Brother Shettler further back the blow would have killed him. As it was the rod glanced over the forehead inflicting a wound nearly to his eyebrows. There has been no crime committed in this city for a long time which has created the excitement that this has in consequence of the inoffensive character of Bro. Shettler and the daring nature of the attack and also because of the parties implicated, both being connected with two of our most respectable families. They with other young men have been drinking for some time.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
A most shocking affair occurred this afternoon about 4 oclock. David P. Rich, a son of Brother Charles C. Rich, and Rudolph Smith (as he is called, an adopted son of Judge Elias Smith) entered Zions Savings Bank and with an iron rod struck the cashier, Bro. B. H. Shettler over the head and stunned him after which they stole some money and escaped. David P. Rich struck the blow, and had he struck Brother Shettler further back the blow would have killed him. As it was the rod glanced over the forehead inflicting a wound nearly to his eyebrows. There has been no crime committed in this city for a long time which has created the excitement that this has in consequence of the inoffensive character of Bro. Shettler and the daring nature of the attack and also because of the parties implicated, both being connected with two of our most respectable families. They with other young men have been drinking for some time.
[Source: The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Jul 10, 1883
Joseph Smith III writes to an apostle of the RLDS church: "I have been ambitious of but one thing, so far as human ambition is concerned, and that was to prove by the logic of conduct that my father [Joseph Smith] was not a bad man." Joseph Smith III had been trying to prove that it was Brigham Young and not Joseph Smith who had introduced the practice of polygamy.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - Jul 10, 1853
Apostle Parley P. Pratt preaches: "If we have no one new principle in our religion, why are we considered innovators, and opposed to Christianity? And why is Christianity in the world in danger if 'Mormonism' prevails? It is because that floating Christianity, called so by the world, is a spurious one; they have departed from the doctrine of the Apostles. Then, I ask again, why say, 'If Mormonism prevails Christianity is in danger?' for if it is a false Christianity, the quicker it falls the better."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - Jul 10, 1843
Heber C. Kimball writes in a letter to his wife and daughter, Helen: "Let us seek to be true to our integrity, wherever we shall make vows or covenants with each other. Then we have got in that narrow way that leads to eternal life. Now let us be careful that we do not make a breach, but let us learn by the things that we see others suffer, and not have to pass through them ourselves. . . . Now, Helen, study to be a comfort to all who are connected to us by the ties of nature, . . ." Two months previously fourteen-year-old Helen had become a plural wife of Joseph Smith
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Jul 10, 1838
Joseph visits Adam-ondi-Ahman with several others. When the Saints are slow to consecrate their lands to the Church, he proposes an alternate plan wherein the Church would lease the property from 10 to 99 years without interest.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
185 years ago today - about Jul 10, 1833
Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith clarified to the Saints that the -"hot drinks-" spoken of in the Word of Wisdom included tea and coffee.
[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]
15 years ago today - 15 years ago - Jul 9, 2003
The Apia Samoa Temple was destroyed by fire, marking the first time in Church history an operational temple has burned. The First Presidency announced July 16 that the temple would be rebuilt.
[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 - 55 years ago - Jul 9, 1963
Joseph Fielding Smith, president of the Quorum of the Twelve, openly criticizes "the spending proclivities of President [Henry D.] Moyle, also concerning the unorthodox way with which youngsters had been baptized in the Church. . . ." This last part refers to the "kiddie-dip" program in which missionaries baptize children as part of initiation onto a sports team.
65 years ago today - 65 years ago - 9 July 1953
The Church announces the organization of the United Church School System (the forerunner to the Church Educational System), with Ernest L. Wilkinson as administrator.
[Source: LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]
[Source: LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]
115 years ago today - 115 years ago - Thursday, Jul 9, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
Pres. [Joseph F.] Smith spoke at some length of the practice among our people of playing cards. If it could be said that there is nothing wicked in a game of cards, it could also be said that there is nothing good in it, and it was a practice that might easily lead to evil. What surprised him most was that some of our prominent brethren engage in this pastime and defend it in public talk. He referred to one of the Seven Presidents of Seventies [B. H. Roberts], who advocated it as a means of keeping his children at home. Brother Smith said that he was opposed to card playing, which to say the least is a great waste of time. He knew a bright young brother who believed in cards, and from time to time, while engaged in the festive game, indulged in the use of beer, and from beer went to wine, then to strong drink, and then to jail. His downfall could properly be attributed to the practice of playing cards. ... He wanted to know how the brethren felt in regard to this subject. Pres. Lund thought card playing in our homes a very dangerous thing. It often times led to gambling. There was less objection in his opinion to a game of checkers or chess. ...
Elder Clawson ... In speaking of checkers said that many years ago he became so infatuated with the game that he sometimes sat playing until two and three o'clock in the morning to the injury of his health. There were also other evils. Said that he had been informed that a member of the general board of the Y.M.M.I.A. had installed a billiard table in his home, thus affording young men who go there an opportunity to learn how to play, which might lead later to saloon playing and saloon drinking. With such examples at the head, it is difficult to correct these evils in the church. ...
Elder Cowley felt that card playing is not in harmony with the spirit of the gospel. He also pointed out some evils connected [with] the social clubs among the women of this city. He said that we have been warned in the scriptures to "beware of the leaven of the gentiles" [cf. Matthew 16:6] and would do well to heed the counsel.
Elder M. W. Merrill said ... He could count on his fingers half a dozen families who had been ruined by card playing. He was opposed to the practice.
Elder Teasdale was opposed to card playing. In early life he was somewhat given to chess playing, but it worked upon his nervous system to that extent that he thought it wise to desist.
... Elder Clawson moved that it be the sense of the council that we discourage the practice of card playing in our homes, among our kinfolk, and among the Latter-day Saints generally. Carried by unanimous vote. ...
In speaking of the moral status of the world, Elder Clawson spoke of a statement made by Prof. [John M.] Mills, just returned from attendance at the University of Chicago, to the effect that it was claimed, if not actually conceded, that 85% of the students of the institution of learning consort with fast women. He further stated that one of the professors in addressing about two hundred of the students surmised that they had all indulged in intercourse with women, but if not he would advise them do so at the earliest opportunity. The only further advice he had to offer in the matter was that they go to a first-class house and thus guard against loathsome diseases. A young man at the university, who is studying for the ministry, admitted to his fellow student that he had refrained from illicit intercourse with women for three weeks but could stand it no longer.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
Pres. [Joseph F.] Smith spoke at some length of the practice among our people of playing cards. If it could be said that there is nothing wicked in a game of cards, it could also be said that there is nothing good in it, and it was a practice that might easily lead to evil. What surprised him most was that some of our prominent brethren engage in this pastime and defend it in public talk. He referred to one of the Seven Presidents of Seventies [B. H. Roberts], who advocated it as a means of keeping his children at home. Brother Smith said that he was opposed to card playing, which to say the least is a great waste of time. He knew a bright young brother who believed in cards, and from time to time, while engaged in the festive game, indulged in the use of beer, and from beer went to wine, then to strong drink, and then to jail. His downfall could properly be attributed to the practice of playing cards. ... He wanted to know how the brethren felt in regard to this subject. Pres. Lund thought card playing in our homes a very dangerous thing. It often times led to gambling. There was less objection in his opinion to a game of checkers or chess. ...
Elder Clawson ... In speaking of checkers said that many years ago he became so infatuated with the game that he sometimes sat playing until two and three o'clock in the morning to the injury of his health. There were also other evils. Said that he had been informed that a member of the general board of the Y.M.M.I.A. had installed a billiard table in his home, thus affording young men who go there an opportunity to learn how to play, which might lead later to saloon playing and saloon drinking. With such examples at the head, it is difficult to correct these evils in the church. ...
Elder Cowley felt that card playing is not in harmony with the spirit of the gospel. He also pointed out some evils connected [with] the social clubs among the women of this city. He said that we have been warned in the scriptures to "beware of the leaven of the gentiles" [cf. Matthew 16:6] and would do well to heed the counsel.
Elder M. W. Merrill said ... He could count on his fingers half a dozen families who had been ruined by card playing. He was opposed to the practice.
Elder Teasdale was opposed to card playing. In early life he was somewhat given to chess playing, but it worked upon his nervous system to that extent that he thought it wise to desist.
... Elder Clawson moved that it be the sense of the council that we discourage the practice of card playing in our homes, among our kinfolk, and among the Latter-day Saints generally. Carried by unanimous vote. ...
In speaking of the moral status of the world, Elder Clawson spoke of a statement made by Prof. [John M.] Mills, just returned from attendance at the University of Chicago, to the effect that it was claimed, if not actually conceded, that 85% of the students of the institution of learning consort with fast women. He further stated that one of the professors in addressing about two hundred of the students surmised that they had all indulged in intercourse with women, but if not he would advise them do so at the earliest opportunity. The only further advice he had to offer in the matter was that they go to a first-class house and thus guard against loathsome diseases. A young man at the university, who is studying for the ministry, admitted to his fellow student that he had refrained from illicit intercourse with women for three weeks but could stand it no longer.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
115 years ago today - 115 years ago - Jul 9, 1903
The First Presidency and Twelve agree that it would be "a disastrous thing for the country, should the time ever come when Senators would be elected by popular vote. The popular vote is a very uncertain quantity." Their primary concern is preserving the hierarchy's influence on senatorial elections by Utah's legislature. The amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1913 requires that U.S. Senators be elected directly by U.S. citizens, but by that time Apostle Reed Smoot is in his second term as U.S. senator.
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[Source: The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
135 years ago today - Jul 9, 1883
[A letter to the Bishops of the Church setting them straight on their lack of authority over Relief Society wheat and its disposition.] ... "No Bishop has any right, because of his authority as a presiding officer in the ward, to take possession of this grain. It belongs to the [relief] societies who have collected it, and it is their province to dispose of it for the purpose for which it has been collected, and it should not be appropriated or disposed of by any Bishop for any other object. JOHN TAYLOR, GEORGE Q. CANNON, JOSEPH F. SMITH,
[Source: "To the Bishops of Wards" First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. {1883-July 9-Woman's Exponent 12:4, p. 28 (July 15, 1883)} in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: "To the Bishops of Wards" First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. {1883-July 9-Woman's Exponent 12:4, p. 28 (July 15, 1883)} in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
175 years ago today - Jul 9, 1843
[Joseph Smith]
"Why is it this babler gains so many followers and retains them?" because I possess the principle of love. All I can offer the world [is] a good heart and a good hand. Mormons can testify whether I am willing to lay down my life for a Mormon. If it has been demostrated that I have been willing to die for a Mormon, I am bold to declare /before heaven/ that I am just as ready to die for a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or any other denomination. It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul. Civil and religious liberty were diffused into my soul by my grandfathers while they dandled me on their knees and shall I want friends? No!
"Where in do you differ from other[s] in your religion views?" In reality and essence we do not differ so far in our religious views but that we could all drink into [from] one principle of love. One [of] the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism is to receive truth. Let it come from where it may.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
"Why is it this babler gains so many followers and retains them?" because I possess the principle of love. All I can offer the world [is] a good heart and a good hand. Mormons can testify whether I am willing to lay down my life for a Mormon. If it has been demostrated that I have been willing to die for a Mormon, I am bold to declare /before heaven/ that I am just as ready to die for a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or any other denomination. It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul. Civil and religious liberty were diffused into my soul by my grandfathers while they dandled me on their knees and shall I want friends? No!
"Where in do you differ from other[s] in your religion views?" In reality and essence we do not differ so far in our religious views but that we could all drink into [from] one principle of love. One [of] the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism is to receive truth. Let it come from where it may.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
60 years ago today - Jul 8, 1958
Hugh B. Brown was invited to give the keynote address at the Utah Democratic state nominating convention. He met with McKay and "asked if it would be in keeping with the policy of the Church and his office as an Apostle to accept the invitation." McKay responded: "Since some think we are one-sided in politics (having a member of the Twelve as Secretary of Agriculture during a Republican administration) it might be a good thing for him to accept this assignment and let the members of the Church know that both political sides are represented in the Church."
[Source: David O. McKay 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: David O. McKay 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)]
155 years ago today - Jul 8, 1863
[Brigham Young]
We believe in God the Father and in Jesus Christ our elder brother. We believe that God is a person of tabernacle, possessing in an infinitely higher degree all the perfections and qualifications of his mortal children. We believe that he made Adam after his own image and likeness, as Moses testifies; and in this belief we differ from the professedly Christian world, who declare that '"His center is everywhere, but his circumference is nowhere.'" Their God has no body nor parts; our God possesses a body and parts, and was heard by Adam and Eve '"Walking in the garden in the cool of the day.'"
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 10:229-232; 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]
We believe in God the Father and in Jesus Christ our elder brother. We believe that God is a person of tabernacle, possessing in an infinitely higher degree all the perfections and qualifications of his mortal children. We believe that he made Adam after his own image and likeness, as Moses testifies; and in this belief we differ from the professedly Christian world, who declare that '"His center is everywhere, but his circumference is nowhere.'" Their God has no body nor parts; our God possesses a body and parts, and was heard by Adam and Eve '"Walking in the garden in the cool of the day.'"
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 10:229-232; 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]
180 years ago today - Jul 8, 1838
D&C 118 (Far West): John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards to replace apostles John F. Boynton , Luke and Lyman Johnson, and William E. McLellin, who had been excommunicated in 1837. The Twelve are to depart for England on April 26, 1839 from the temple site.
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
180 years ago today - Jul 8, 1838
Joseph Smith records the revelation (in Section 119 of the Doctrine and Covenants) that formally institutes the law of tithing among Latter-day Saints. Church members are instructed to pay "one-tenth of all their interest annually," with the stipulation that "this shall be a standing law unto them forever." The revelation also instructs that all tithing shall be put "into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion."
A second revelation (in Section 120 of the Doctrine and Covenants) recorded the same day creates the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes to oversee the management of funds and property accrued from tithing.
[Source: http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/282148/]
A second revelation (in Section 120 of the Doctrine and Covenants) recorded the same day creates the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes to oversee the management of funds and property accrued from tithing.
[Source: http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/282148/]
205 years ago today - Jul 8, 1813
Joseph Smith's sister Katharine is born at Lebanon, New Hampshire.
[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]
60 years ago today - Jul 7, 1958
Barton Kay Kirkham is executed for double murder in Utah. Before his execution he writes in a letter: "The Doctors said I felt justified when I killed those people and they are right. I did. It was revenge I was after. The love that I was denied because my parents spent so much time doing church work and they still do, and forcing me to stay home and lead the life they wanted me to live. I got my revenge and I am not sorry now and never will be-. I've had enough of it, I want to die. I'm fed up with it all. I did kill those people to hurt my parents and their good standing in the church."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
10 years ago today - July 7
Mormon Gary Lawrence, the California "LDS Grassroots Director" for Prop 8 and father of a gay son, writes in the online LDS oriented Meridian Magazine and compares opponents of Proposition 8 to those who sided with Lucifer against Jesus in a pre-mortal battle that is part of Mormon doctrine. His son later resigns from the church.
[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]
[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]
40 years ago today - Jul 7, 1978-Friday
[Leonard Arrington]
... When they were doing the Nibley book they gave it the title "The Nibley Legacy." The book had already been printed and was in galley proofs. The title had been put on the cover and on the spine and dust jacket, and Truman went with it to Nibley. Nibley hit the ceiling. Absolutely refused to have that title. He and Truman each thought of an alternative title after a wait of a few days, and Truman discovered that to change to another title would cost $1,140. Truman went to Nibley and said, "It will cost $1,140 to change it. Why don't we leave it the way it is?" "Absolutely not," said Nibley. "I insist that it be changed." Truman: "Does a change in title mean that much to you?" Nibley: "No, it is just that royalties mean that little!" There are no royalties on any of the five books in the series.
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
... When they were doing the Nibley book they gave it the title "The Nibley Legacy." The book had already been printed and was in galley proofs. The title had been put on the cover and on the spine and dust jacket, and Truman went with it to Nibley. Nibley hit the ceiling. Absolutely refused to have that title. He and Truman each thought of an alternative title after a wait of a few days, and Truman discovered that to change to another title would cost $1,140. Truman went to Nibley and said, "It will cost $1,140 to change it. Why don't we leave it the way it is?" "Absolutely not," said Nibley. "I insist that it be changed." Truman: "Does a change in title mean that much to you?" Nibley: "No, it is just that royalties mean that little!" There are no royalties on any of the five books in the series.
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
40 years ago today - Jul 7, 1978
NEW YORK DAILY WORLD prints an article about the previous month's LDS announcement granting Blacks the priesthood: "Scrapping a 148-Year Old Racist Tradition."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
45 years ago today - Jul 7, 1973-Saturday
[Leonard Arrington]
Clare [Middlemiss, secretary to David O. McKay] was so protective of President McKay that she even went so far as to prevent certain members of the Quorum of the Twelve from seeing him or having access to him, permitting it however to others. ... My friend says Clare told him that she was fired the day after President McKay's funeral, and was very bitter about it. Bitter especially against Presidents [Harold B.] Lee and [N. Eldon] Tanner. She says she left, in the vault in the basement just below her office, 80 volumes of President McKay's diary, all annotated, indexed, etc., and 130 scrapbooks of clippings, also indexed and annotated. Presumably they are still in the vault.
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Clare [Middlemiss, secretary to David O. McKay] was so protective of President McKay that she even went so far as to prevent certain members of the Quorum of the Twelve from seeing him or having access to him, permitting it however to others. ... My friend says Clare told him that she was fired the day after President McKay's funeral, and was very bitter about it. Bitter especially against Presidents [Harold B.] Lee and [N. Eldon] Tanner. She says she left, in the vault in the basement just below her office, 80 volumes of President McKay's diary, all annotated, indexed, etc., and 130 scrapbooks of clippings, also indexed and annotated. Presumably they are still in the vault.
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
60 years ago today - Jul 7, 1958
Ernest L. Wilkinson, Brigham Young University's president, wrote that Benson "espouse's certain principles which are utterly inconsistent with the feeling of the Brethren."
[Source: Wilkinson Diary, 7 July 1958. 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, 7 July 1958. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
115 years ago today - Tuesday, Jul 7, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
Spoke of the feelings of bitterness that have been aroused among the Swedish people of the church. It had been a question in his mind whether it was good policy to encourage a spirit of nationalism among the people of God. It seems to beget a spirit of clannishness, and there is some danger of these various nationalities - namely, the Danish, Swedes, Germans, and Swiss - breaking up into factions. It is certainly a matter that should receive careful and serious consideration.
Elder Hy. M. Smith followed. ... Many of the employees of Z.C.M.I. are non-Mormons, and many of the [Mormon] employees are weak in the faith. Deprecated the spirit of faultfinding against the priesthood, which he has met in the church. Considerable fault had been found with Pres. Smith, his father, because of his remarks at the last conference in reference to lawyers, which remarks were misunderstood. Desired to see the spirit of union among the saints.
Elder Clawson ... Said that the practice of self-abuse existed to an alarming extent among the boys in our community who attend the district schools, and also, he doubted not, the church schools. He felt that the boys and girls should be properly instructed in regard to this evil. The matter could be mentioned to good advantage at our priesthood meetings.
Elder Abraham O. Woodruff felt that this question of national lines among our people [was] very important. He had noticed that the saints in the German organization were drifting into a spirit of indifference. The matter needs looking into. ...
[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]
Spoke of the feelings of bitterness that have been aroused among the Swedish people of the church. It had been a question in his mind whether it was good policy to encourage a spirit of nationalism among the people of God. It seems to beget a spirit of clannishness, and there is some danger of these various nationalities - namely, the Danish, Swedes, Germans, and Swiss - breaking up into factions. It is certainly a matter that should receive careful and serious consideration.
Elder Hy. M. Smith followed. ... Many of the employees of Z.C.M.I. are non-Mormons, and many of the [Mormon] employees are weak in the faith. Deprecated the spirit of faultfinding against the priesthood, which he has met in the church. Considerable fault had been found with Pres. Smith, his father, because of his remarks at the last conference in reference to lawyers, which remarks were misunderstood. Desired to see the spirit of union among the saints.
Elder Clawson ... Said that the practice of self-abuse existed to an alarming extent among the boys in our community who attend the district schools, and also, he doubted not, the church schools. He felt that the boys and girls should be properly instructed in regard to this evil. The matter could be mentioned to good advantage at our priesthood meetings.
Elder Abraham O. Woodruff felt that this question of national lines among our people [was] very important. He had noticed that the saints in the German organization were drifting into a spirit of indifference. The matter needs looking into. ...
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Jul 7, 1893
First Counselor George Q. Cannon sends a telegram from England to Salt Lake City with the single word "UNSUCCESSFUL" for the message. Cannon had met with Baron Rothschild, his brothers, and other leading financiers in search of a long term loan for the Church, but the prevailing American panic and the European ignorance of Utah affairs made a loan impossible. After reading the telegram Apostle Francis M Lyman writes: "This word is very discouraging. Money matters are very tight, banks and mercantile institutions are going broke on every hand." In Provo, Utah Apostles John Henry Smith and Brigham Young Jr. assist a stake high Counsel in deciding the Case of Williams Vs. Jones. Apostle Smith writes "It was decided that S.S. Jones pay Williams $700.00 in full of all accounts."
140 years ago today - Jul 7, 1878
Apostle Joseph F. Smith preaches from the Tabernacle pulpit: "Some people have supposed that the doctrine of plural marriage was a sort of superfluity, or non-essential to the salvation or exaltation of mankind. In other words, some of the Saints have said, and believe, that a man with one wife, sealed to him by the authority of the Priesthood for time and eternity, will receive an exaltation as great and glorious, if he is faithful, as he possibly could with more than one. I want here to enter my solemn protest against this idea, for I know it is false. . . . Therefore, whoever has imagined that he could obtain the fullness of the blessings pertaining to this celestial law, by complying with only a portion of its conditions, has deceived himself. He cannot do it."
[Source: Journal of Discourses, Vol.20, p.31, Joseph F. Smith]
[Source: Journal of Discourses, Vol.20, p.31, Joseph F. Smith]
155 years ago today - Jul 7, 1863
I [Wilford Woodruff] walked through the [Salt Lake] Temple Block with President Young. He gave his views of the Temple in Jackson County M[iss]o[uri] According to his view at present it will be composed of 12 Twelve Temples ['] a tower upon Each than a main high Tower in the center & in the centre of the Square would be a place for the people to meet & a dore through the wall of Each Temple so that those at work in the Temple could go through the door of any one of the Temples & meet with the congregation ['] He spoke of having gardens gardens on the top of the Towers with fruit & flowers growing thereon.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff, Historian's Private Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff, Historian's Private Journal, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
190 years ago today - ca. Jul 7, 1828
Joseph goes to Manchester and learns that Martin Harris has lost the 116 transcribed pages. The Urim and Thummim are taken from him but returned a few days later. Joseph receives two chastising revelations (D&C 3 and D&C 10; the latter is dated as late summer 1828 in HC and as May 1829 in the Book of Commandments).
[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]
70 years ago today - Jul 6, 1948
[Joseph Fielding Smith]
... President George Albert Smith asked us to come over to his home ... The purpose of this request was that certain questions on Church history had arisen in a discussion with members of President Smith's family and members of the Prophet's family who are not in the Church, but bitterly opposed to it. My presence was desired in order to consider some of the questions. We were there until 10 p.m. ...
[Source: Joseph Fielding Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
... President George Albert Smith asked us to come over to his home ... The purpose of this request was that certain questions on Church history had arisen in a discussion with members of President Smith's family and members of the Prophet's family who are not in the Church, but bitterly opposed to it. My presence was desired in order to consider some of the questions. We were there until 10 p.m. ...
[Source: Joseph Fielding Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
180 years ago today - July 6-Oct 4, 1838
[Exodus from Kirtland]
The Kirtland Camp of Saints travels from Kirtland to Adam-ondi-Ahman, Mo. On March 6, 1838, a meeting of the seventies in the Kirtland Temple had decided to move the Saints from Kirtland to Missouri. On July 6, 1838, a wagon train, over a mile long with over 500 Saints, leaves Kirtland for Missouri. Because of great suffering and discouragement, by the time the group reaches Springfield, Ill., about halfway, only 260 are left. They reach Adam-ondi-Ahman on October 4, 1838.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
The Kirtland Camp of Saints travels from Kirtland to Adam-ondi-Ahman, Mo. On March 6, 1838, a meeting of the seventies in the Kirtland Temple had decided to move the Saints from Kirtland to Missouri. On July 6, 1838, a wagon train, over a mile long with over 500 Saints, leaves Kirtland for Missouri. Because of great suffering and discouragement, by the time the group reaches Springfield, Ill., about halfway, only 260 are left. They reach Adam-ondi-Ahman on October 4, 1838.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
40 years ago today - Jul 5, 1978-Wednesday
[Leonard Arrington]
This afternoon Paul Anderson came into the office to talk some other business and said he would be glad to share with me what he and [wife] Lavina had heard about the revelation of June 9. Lavina had heard it from Jay Todd. Jay Todd had heard it from Joseph Fielding McConkie and Oscar McConkie, both of whom had talked with Jay by telephone shortly after they had heard Bruce McConkie tell about it at a family reunion. ...
For several months the Twelve and the First Presidency have discussed the problems created by the denial of the Priesthood to blacks. Three persons were appointed to prepare memoranda on the subject: Bruce McConkie, Boyd Packer, and Thomas Monson. They had discussed these matters as a quorum and in smaller committee groups. And President Kimball and the First Presidency had prayed earnestly about this matter-for several months. He (they) had received no direction on the matter. On June 1, President K. had asked the Twelve to remain in the temple with the First Presidency. President K. then told them that, while he had not received direction on the matter, he felt impressed that they must pray this day and that the answer would come this day. Whereupon President Kimball led them in prayer.
President Kimball asked for a manifestation of the Lord's will on this matter. During the prayer, the Brethren felt the spirit of Pentecost. There was felt (by some at least) the rushing of winds and the burning of fire. The Prophet Joseph Smith appeared. He showed them what must come to pass. He gave them a vision of events to come, of problems and their solutions and consequences. The giving of the Priesthood to the blacks was only one aspect of the understanding they were given. There were other personages present, but whether they were recognized was not mentioned by Elder McConkie. At least they played no important role in the communication which took place.
... In one of the meetings at which the giving of the priesthood to the blacks was discussed by the Quorum of the Twelve in a preliminary way, Elder McConkie felt impressed to intervene in the discussion and speak, out of turn. In this he was inspired to discuss the last days, to review the scriptures which told of the Second Coming, and to say that the priesthood must be granted to the Negro before the Second Coming. He said it must be done in preparation.
Two other members of the Twelve arose, out of turn, to give their own feeling about the necessity of giving the Priesthood to the Negro at this time. Elder McConkie, finally, is the person telling of the pentecostal spirit on June 1. Is it possible that only he felt the rushing of wind and the fire? Is it possible that only he saw the Prophet Joseph Smith? Is it possible that only he saw the vision which was presented by the Prophet? Elder McConkie, Elder Packer, and President [Marion G.] Romney have been appointed to discuss the revelation in October conference, this fall. The story, as it was told to me, has one other aspect, and this may arise from confusion or it may be based on fact. This is that when the First Presidency were earnestly praying, one day prior to June 1, they were visited, in turn, by each of the previous presidents as witnesses that they approved the measures about to be taken. The trouble with this story is that it suggests that the decision was tentative before June 1-a fact that all stories deny. Second, it may confuse the visitations of June 1. Third, it may be based on the fact that researchers had been going over carefully the statements of previous prophets and that this labor may have involved "visiting" with them, and embellished by tellers. ...
Max Caldwell was a professor in the Institute of Religion at Logan teaching courtship and marriage, classes in marriage counseling, and so on. He also served as a counselor to President Charles Hyde of North Cache stake. He made a talk at a stake conference session and said that as he came into the building that day he had a personal revelation that he should tell the people that it was completely wrong to use any form of birth control except abstinence. Even in case of rape, even in case of the probability of a malformed child. These spirits needed those bodies even if they were incorrectly formed. There should be no sexual intercourse except with birth as the intention and end result. ...
Many couples in the stake were upset since this represented something different than the teachings of President [Spencer W.] Kimball and in particular of President [David O.] McKay. ...
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
This afternoon Paul Anderson came into the office to talk some other business and said he would be glad to share with me what he and [wife] Lavina had heard about the revelation of June 9. Lavina had heard it from Jay Todd. Jay Todd had heard it from Joseph Fielding McConkie and Oscar McConkie, both of whom had talked with Jay by telephone shortly after they had heard Bruce McConkie tell about it at a family reunion. ...
For several months the Twelve and the First Presidency have discussed the problems created by the denial of the Priesthood to blacks. Three persons were appointed to prepare memoranda on the subject: Bruce McConkie, Boyd Packer, and Thomas Monson. They had discussed these matters as a quorum and in smaller committee groups. And President Kimball and the First Presidency had prayed earnestly about this matter-for several months. He (they) had received no direction on the matter. On June 1, President K. had asked the Twelve to remain in the temple with the First Presidency. President K. then told them that, while he had not received direction on the matter, he felt impressed that they must pray this day and that the answer would come this day. Whereupon President Kimball led them in prayer.
President Kimball asked for a manifestation of the Lord's will on this matter. During the prayer, the Brethren felt the spirit of Pentecost. There was felt (by some at least) the rushing of winds and the burning of fire. The Prophet Joseph Smith appeared. He showed them what must come to pass. He gave them a vision of events to come, of problems and their solutions and consequences. The giving of the Priesthood to the blacks was only one aspect of the understanding they were given. There were other personages present, but whether they were recognized was not mentioned by Elder McConkie. At least they played no important role in the communication which took place.
... In one of the meetings at which the giving of the priesthood to the blacks was discussed by the Quorum of the Twelve in a preliminary way, Elder McConkie felt impressed to intervene in the discussion and speak, out of turn. In this he was inspired to discuss the last days, to review the scriptures which told of the Second Coming, and to say that the priesthood must be granted to the Negro before the Second Coming. He said it must be done in preparation.
Two other members of the Twelve arose, out of turn, to give their own feeling about the necessity of giving the Priesthood to the Negro at this time. Elder McConkie, finally, is the person telling of the pentecostal spirit on June 1. Is it possible that only he felt the rushing of wind and the fire? Is it possible that only he saw the Prophet Joseph Smith? Is it possible that only he saw the vision which was presented by the Prophet? Elder McConkie, Elder Packer, and President [Marion G.] Romney have been appointed to discuss the revelation in October conference, this fall. The story, as it was told to me, has one other aspect, and this may arise from confusion or it may be based on fact. This is that when the First Presidency were earnestly praying, one day prior to June 1, they were visited, in turn, by each of the previous presidents as witnesses that they approved the measures about to be taken. The trouble with this story is that it suggests that the decision was tentative before June 1-a fact that all stories deny. Second, it may confuse the visitations of June 1. Third, it may be based on the fact that researchers had been going over carefully the statements of previous prophets and that this labor may have involved "visiting" with them, and embellished by tellers. ...
Max Caldwell was a professor in the Institute of Religion at Logan teaching courtship and marriage, classes in marriage counseling, and so on. He also served as a counselor to President Charles Hyde of North Cache stake. He made a talk at a stake conference session and said that as he came into the building that day he had a personal revelation that he should tell the people that it was completely wrong to use any form of birth control except abstinence. Even in case of rape, even in case of the probability of a malformed child. These spirits needed those bodies even if they were incorrectly formed. There should be no sexual intercourse except with birth as the intention and end result. ...
Many couples in the stake were upset since this represented something different than the teachings of President [Spencer W.] Kimball and in particular of President [David O.] McKay. ...
[Source: Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
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