[Leonard Arrington]
I had a chance to talk with Milt Backman, author of The Heavens Resound, the Ohio experience of the church. ... Milt says the manuscript that was published was essentially the way he submitted it, except that the Deseret Book people insisted that he leave out all references to polygamy in Kirtland [Ohio]. Deseret Book told him they had no objection to including it. But they had so much difficulty in getting approval of church authorities to include mention of polygamy in Nauvoo in the footnotes to Dean Jessee's book that they were sure they would never get approval to include mention of its practice in Kirtland. So all references to polygamy in Kirtland were deleted by Deseret Book.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
45 years ago today - Nov 30, 1973
In response to U.S. President Richard Nixon's request to conserve energy during the energy crisis, the Church announces that Christmas lights on Temple Square will not be turned on this year.
160 years ago today - Nov 30, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
We Called upon the Presidet [Brigham Young]. We were informed that the Court was trying to get him to appear as a witness on the morrow. It was expected that there was a plan laid to kill him But God will ward off the Blow. ...
I spent the evening with the President & the Committee on the Deseret Alphabet. We laboured till near 11 oclok on the word Rule. The brethren Could not agree upon the sound of it. Most of the Company wanted it <rool> others want it <riool> [in Deseret].
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We Called upon the Presidet [Brigham Young]. We were informed that the Court was trying to get him to appear as a witness on the morrow. It was expected that there was a plan laid to kill him But God will ward off the Blow. ...
I spent the evening with the President & the Committee on the Deseret Alphabet. We laboured till near 11 oclok on the word Rule. The brethren Could not agree upon the sound of it. Most of the Company wanted it <rool> others want it <riool> [in Deseret].
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Nov 30, 1838
Joseph and the other prisoners begin their trip to the Liberty jail. During this time former apostle Wm. E. McLellin and others rob the homes of some of the Saints, including that of Sidney Rigdon. McLellin asks for the privilege of flogging Joseph, but the sheriff only agrees to a fair fight between the two, and McLellin backs down.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
120 years ago today - Nov 29, 1898; Tuesday
Elder Orson Smith, President of the Cache [Utah] Stake, called upon President Snow, and conversed with him in relation to a matter of personal business with the Logan Tithing Office. He (Elder Smith) having drawn a large amount from that office without authority. The Presiding Bishop had recently had a conversation with Pres[iden]t. Snow about this same matter, he suggesting that Bro[ther]. Smith give security as best he could for the amount of his overdraft, to which Pres[iden]t. Snow assented. The President, having this in mind, now referred Bro[ther]. Smith to Bishop Preston.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Nov 29, 1893
Presidents Wilford Woodruff and George Q. Cannon meet with three apostles and James E. Talmage: "That there will also be daughters of Perdition there is no doubt in the minds of the brethren." He is giving 'Articles of Faith' as LDS University lectures. The First Presidency and apostles decide that frequent rebaptisms "will not be allowed, and that this sacred ordinance is becoming too common." After 1893 the Salt Lake temple performs no rebaptisms for a renewal of covenants. The First Presidency and apostles again discuss on 19 May 1898 whether to stop rebaptisms completely but they reach no decision. The St. George temple stops rebaptisms after 1900. The Manti and Logan temples perform only thirteen in 1910 and continue sporadically until the First Presidency ends the practice in 1922.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
125 years ago today - Nov 29, 1893
... I brought before the Presidency, asking for rulings, the following subjects:' 1. The changing of Article 4 of the Articles of Faith from the old form: 4. We believe that these ordinances are: First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. so as to designate faith and repentance in some other way than as ordinances which they are not. The following form was adopted 4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: (1) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) Repentance; (3) Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; (4) Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. 2. The proper form and ceremony of baptism whether in case of rebaptism or in any other occasion, additions to the revealed formula, such as, 'for the remission of your sins' or 'for the renewal of your covenants.' The decision was that any additions to the revealed form, or any other departure therefrom is unauthorized, and to be deprecated. The authorized form is that given in the Doctrine and Covenants. 3. The authority for rebaptisms:'The authorities were unanimous in declaring that rebaptism is not recognized as a regularly constituted principle of the Church; and that the current practice of requiring rebaptism as a prerequisite for admission to the temples, etc. is unauthorized. Nothing should be put in the way of anyone receiving his covenants by rebaptism if he feels the necessity of so doing: and of course, in cases of disfellowship, or excommunication, a repetition of the baptism is required, but the making of rebaptism a uniform procedure is not proper. It was declared to be at variance with the order of true government in the Church to require baptism of those who come from foreign branches to Zion, bringing with them certificates of membership and of full standing. Pres[ident]. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon expressed the opinion that the practice of repeating baptism came from the example and teaching of Pres[ident]. Brigham Young in the days of first migration to these parts: when the journey meant a long separation from organized branches and wards of the Church: and consequently an interruption in the observance of regular Church duties. The conditions are changed now: and the counsel given for special circumstances should not be made applicable to general procedure under all circumstances. Danger was seen in the practice of repeated baptisms:'such may be made like the confessional of the Catholics: a premium on sinning. Several minor points were ruled upon, comprising'unpardonable sin: murder and shedding of innocent blood. In the afternoon a meeting of the Presidency and the Twelve was held at the Temple, at which all the points named above were ratified as set forth. I was told by one of the Apostles on our Committee that I was authorized to proclaim this as doctrine in the Theological Class.
[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]
[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 - Nov 29, 1893
[Marriner W. Merrill]
Wednesday. I went to Salt Lake today. Met and talked with the First Presidency. Got my son Heber's mission changed from Samoa to Europe as he desired. Brought my bronzed statue back with me representing the Angel Moroni blowing a trumpet.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Wednesday. I went to Salt Lake today. Met and talked with the First Presidency. Got my son Heber's mission changed from Samoa to Europe as he desired. Brought my bronzed statue back with me representing the Angel Moroni blowing a trumpet.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Nov 29, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
The Court met this morning at 11 oclok. Judge Sinclair has tried to rig a purchase to take up Brigham Young & his Council & the Twelve for treason. He gave a Charge to the Jury to Bring in a Charge of treason against the leaders of this people but to day the District Attorney has argured before the Court & the Grand Jury that they had no Jurisdiction upon treason that was Committed at any period before the peace Commissioners left this Territory for washington. It is a Historical fact that treson did exhist in this Territory. It is equally a Historical fact that all treason which exhisted in this Territory was pardoned By James Buchanan the President of the United States & By the Govornor of this territory and the Grand Jury have no business to enquire into any thing before the leaving of the pease Commissioners left this territory. Neither the Judge or Jery has nothing to do with any thing that transpired before that event. So this ends the matter of trying to bring up Brigham Young on treason.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Court met this morning at 11 oclok. Judge Sinclair has tried to rig a purchase to take up Brigham Young & his Council & the Twelve for treason. He gave a Charge to the Jury to Bring in a Charge of treason against the leaders of this people but to day the District Attorney has argured before the Court & the Grand Jury that they had no Jurisdiction upon treason that was Committed at any period before the peace Commissioners left this Territory for washington. It is a Historical fact that treson did exhist in this Territory. It is equally a Historical fact that all treason which exhisted in this Territory was pardoned By James Buchanan the President of the United States & By the Govornor of this territory and the Grand Jury have no business to enquire into any thing before the leaving of the pease Commissioners left this territory. Neither the Judge or Jery has nothing to do with any thing that transpired before that event. So this ends the matter of trying to bring up Brigham Young on treason.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Nov 29, 1843 (Wednesday Afternoon)
[Joseph Smith]
said he rose to make a confession, that he used all his influence to prevent the brethren from fighting when mobbed in Missouri. If I did wrong I will not do so any more. It was a suggestion of the head, he would never do so again, but when the Mobs came upon you, kill them; I never will restrain you again but will go and help you. . . . if I do not stand with those who will stand by me in the hour of trouble and danger, without faltering I give you leave to shoot me.
Mayor read the Memorial to Congress--The State rights doctrine are what feed mobs,--they are a dead carcass, a stink and they shall ascend up as a stink offering in the nose of the Almighty.
[The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
said he rose to make a confession, that he used all his influence to prevent the brethren from fighting when mobbed in Missouri. If I did wrong I will not do so any more. It was a suggestion of the head, he would never do so again, but when the Mobs came upon you, kill them; I never will restrain you again but will go and help you. . . . if I do not stand with those who will stand by me in the hour of trouble and danger, without faltering I give you leave to shoot me.
Mayor read the Memorial to Congress--The State rights doctrine are what feed mobs,--they are a dead carcass, a stink and they shall ascend up as a stink offering in the nose of the Almighty.
[The Woodland Institute, http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
175 years ago today - Nov 29, 1843
A meeting is held over Joseph Smith's store to discuss the petitions to be given to Frierson and to discuss the grievances concerning Missouri in general. Joseph has prepared an appeal to his home state of Vermont, a pamphlet titled "An Appeal to the Freemen of the State of Vermont, the 'Brave Green Mountain Boys,' and Honest Men," in which Joseph remembers his birth in Vermont, relates the persecutions in Missouri, remarks on the lack of protection from the government, relates his imprisonment in Missouri, "where they tried to feed us with human flesh," and ends with an appeal for understanding from the "Green Mountain Boys" of his native state.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
185 years ago today - Nov 29, 1833
[Lucy Harris]
Being called upon to give a statement to the world of what I know respecting the Gold Bible speculation, and also of the conduct of Martin Harris, my husband, who is a leading character among the Mormons, ... Martin Harris was once industrious attentive to his domestic concerns, and thought to be worth about ten thousand dollars. ... At different times while I live with him, he has whipped, kicked, and turned me out of the house. About a year previous to the report being raised that Smith had found gold plates, he became very intimate with the Smith family, and said he believed Joseph could see in his stone any thing he wished. After this he apparently became very sanguine in his belief, and frequently said he would have no one in his house that did not believe in Mormonism; and because I would not give credit to the report he made about the gold plates, he became more austere towards me. In one of his fits of rage he struck me with the but end of a whip, which I think had been used for driving oxen, and was about the size of my thumb, and three or four feet long. He beat me on the head four or five times, and the next day turned me out of doors twice, and beat me in a shameful manner.--The next day I went to the town of Marion, and while there my flesh was black and blue in many places. His main complaint against me was, that I was always trying to hinder his making money. ...
[Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, Ohio: E. D. Howe, 1834), 254-57., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lucy Harris Statement]
Being called upon to give a statement to the world of what I know respecting the Gold Bible speculation, and also of the conduct of Martin Harris, my husband, who is a leading character among the Mormons, ... Martin Harris was once industrious attentive to his domestic concerns, and thought to be worth about ten thousand dollars. ... At different times while I live with him, he has whipped, kicked, and turned me out of the house. About a year previous to the report being raised that Smith had found gold plates, he became very intimate with the Smith family, and said he believed Joseph could see in his stone any thing he wished. After this he apparently became very sanguine in his belief, and frequently said he would have no one in his house that did not believe in Mormonism; and because I would not give credit to the report he made about the gold plates, he became more austere towards me. In one of his fits of rage he struck me with the but end of a whip, which I think had been used for driving oxen, and was about the size of my thumb, and three or four feet long. He beat me on the head four or five times, and the next day turned me out of doors twice, and beat me in a shameful manner.--The next day I went to the town of Marion, and while there my flesh was black and blue in many places. His main complaint against me was, that I was always trying to hinder his making money. ...
[Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, Ohio: E. D. Howe, 1834), 254-57., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Lucy Harris Statement]
10 years ago today - 2008-11-28
In a letter to priesthood leaders, the First Presidency announced the addition of "virtue" to the Young Women theme. The letter read, in part, "We are pleased to announce the addition of the attribute of "virtue" to the Young Women theme. This addition will assist young women in developing high moral standards. We invite parents and leaders to teach the doctrine of chastity and moral purity to help each young woman to be virtuous and worthy to make and keep sacred covenants and receive the ordinances of the temple."
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
[Mormon Women's History Timeline, http://www1.chapman.edu/~remy/MoFem/mormonwomen.html]
120 years ago today - Nov 28, 1898; Monday
Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow, as President of Zion's Savings Bank, was served by a deputy-marshal with papers of garnishment, garnishing any moneys in the bank belonging or salaries due to Geo[rge]. M. Cannon, John M. Cannon and Angus M. Cannon their father...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Nov 28, 1898
Many questions come up from theological classes--questions that are, to say the least, somewhat abstruse, and concerning which there is no written revelation; questions, too, that are not pertinent at all to the work of the schools. I was stopped yesterday afternoon by a young man, who wanted to know whether Adam was the father of our Lord and Savior--whether he was the being we worshiped, etc. Now, we can get ourselves very easily puzzled, if we choose to do so, by speculating upon doctrines and principles of this character. The Lord has said through His Prophet that there are two personages in the Godhead. That ought to be sufficient for us at the present time. ...
Concerning the doctrine in regard to Adam and the Savior, the Prophet Brigham taught some things concerning that; but the First Presidency and the Twelve do not think it wise to advocate these matters. ...
[Proceedings of the First Sunday School Convention; "Things That Should and Things That Should Not Be Taught In Our Sunday School"; General Superintendent George Q. Cannon; Salt Lake City, Utah; November 28, 1898; Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
Concerning the doctrine in regard to Adam and the Savior, the Prophet Brigham taught some things concerning that; but the First Presidency and the Twelve do not think it wise to advocate these matters. ...
[Proceedings of the First Sunday School Convention; "Things That Should and Things That Should Not Be Taught In Our Sunday School"; General Superintendent George Q. Cannon; Salt Lake City, Utah; November 28, 1898; Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
140 years ago today - 1878. November 28
Martin Harris: Died in Spring City on Thanksgiving Day at the age of seventy-three. Buried in Spring City Cemetery.
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Nov 28, 1878
The Apostle Orson Hyde died this day at 6 oclok P.M. [in Spring City.] Thus has departed Another of the first Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of this last dispensation. This leaves but one alive in the first quorum of the Twelve Apostles viz Orson Pratt and two of the seconed quorum viz John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff the latter being the oldest man in the present Quorum of the Twelve and we know not how long we shall remain in the flesh.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - Nov 28, 1833
... In the early part of the winter in 1828, I made a visit to Martin Harris' and was joined in company by Jos[eph]. Smith, sen. and his wife. The Gold Bible business, so called, was the topic of conversation ... --They told me that the report that Joseph, jun. had found golden plates, was true, and that he was in Harmony, Pa. translating them--that such plates were in existence, and that Joseph, jun. was to obtain them, was revealed to him by the spirit of one of the Saints that was on this continent, previous to its being discovered by Columbus. Old Mrs. Smith observed that she thought he [Moroni] must be a Quaker, as he was dressed very plain. They said that the plates he then had in possession were but an introduction to the Gold Bible--that all of them upon which the bible was written, were so heavy that it would take four stout men to load them into a cart--that Joseph had also discovered by looking through his stone, the vessel in which the gold was melted from which the plates were made, and also the machine with which they were rolled; he also discovered in the bottom of the vessel three balls of gold, each as large as his fist. ... [Abigail Harris was married to Peter Harris, Lucy Harris's brother.]
[Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, Ohio: E. D. Howe, 1834), 253-54., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Abigail Harris Statement]
[Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, Ohio: E. D. Howe, 1834), 253-54., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Abigail Harris Statement]
185 years ago today - Nov 28, 1833
[George W. Stoddard]
... I have been acquainted with Martin Harris, about thirty years. As a farmer, he was industrious and enterprising, so much so, that he had, (previous to his going into the Gold Bible speculation) accumulated, in real estate, some eight or ten thousand dollars. Although he possessed wealth, his moral and religious character was such, as not to entitle him to respect among his neighbors. He was fretful, peevish and quarrelsome, not only in the neighborhood, but in his family. He was known to frequently abuse his wife, by whipping her, kicking her out of bed and turning her out of doors &c. Yet he was a public professor of some religion. He was first an orthadox Quaker, then a Universalist, next a Restorationer, then a Baptist, next a Presbyterian, and then a Mormon. By his willingness to become all things to all men, he has attained a high standing among his Mormon brethren. ...
G. W. STODARD.
I hereby concur in the above statement.
RICHARD H. FORD.
[Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, Ohio: E. D. Howe, 1834), 260-61., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: G. W. Stoddard Statement]
... I have been acquainted with Martin Harris, about thirty years. As a farmer, he was industrious and enterprising, so much so, that he had, (previous to his going into the Gold Bible speculation) accumulated, in real estate, some eight or ten thousand dollars. Although he possessed wealth, his moral and religious character was such, as not to entitle him to respect among his neighbors. He was fretful, peevish and quarrelsome, not only in the neighborhood, but in his family. He was known to frequently abuse his wife, by whipping her, kicking her out of bed and turning her out of doors &c. Yet he was a public professor of some religion. He was first an orthadox Quaker, then a Universalist, next a Restorationer, then a Baptist, next a Presbyterian, and then a Mormon. By his willingness to become all things to all men, he has attained a high standing among his Mormon brethren. ...
G. W. STODARD.
I hereby concur in the above statement.
RICHARD H. FORD.
[Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, Ohio: E. D. Howe, 1834), 260-61., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: G. W. Stoddard Statement]
40 years ago today - Nov 27, 1978
U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah.
100 years ago today - Nov 27, 1918
[Anthon H. Lund Chronology]
Appointed president of Salt Lake temple.
[Danish Apostle: The Diaries of Anthon H. Lund, 1890–1921, Chronology]
Appointed president of Salt Lake temple.
[Danish Apostle: The Diaries of Anthon H. Lund, 1890–1921, Chronology]
125 years ago today - Nov 27, 1893 (Monday)
The Pioneer Electric Power Company was organized, with Geo. Q. Cannon as president.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Nov 27, 1858
[Hosea Stout]
"Mr Blair having eaten nearly a whole rooster for breakfast this morning appeared in court quite well and ready to crow, finished his speech and court adjourned till half past three ..."
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
"Mr Blair having eaten nearly a whole rooster for breakfast this morning appeared in court quite well and ready to crow, finished his speech and court adjourned till half past three ..."
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
95 years ago today - Nov 26, 1923
The Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a corporation sole was formed: "The object of this corporation shall be to acquire, hold and dispose of such real and personal property as may be conveyed to or acquired by said corporation for the benefit of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious society, for the benefit of religion, for works of charity and for public worship. Such real and personal property may be situated, either within the State of Utah, or elsewhere, and this corporation shall have power, without any authority or authorization from the members of said Church or religious society, to grant, sell, convey, rent, mortgage, exchange, or otherwise dispose of any part or all of such property."
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
125 years ago today - Nov 26, 1893
[James E. Talmage]
I brought before the Presidency, asking for rulings, the following subjects:—
1. The changing of Article 4 of the Articles of Faith from the old form:
4. We believe that these ordinances are: First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
so as to designate faith and repentance in some other way than as ordinances which they are not. The following form was adopted
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: (1) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) Repentance; (3) Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; (4) Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
2. The proper form and ceremony of baptism whether in case of rebaptism or in any other occasion, additions to the revealed formula, such as, "for the remission of your sins" or "for the renewal of your covenants." The decision was that any additions to the revealed form, or any other departure therefrom is unauthorized, and to be deprecated. The authorized form is that given in the Doctrine and Covenants.
3. The authority for rebaptisms:—The authorities were unanimous in declaring that rebaptism is not recognized as a regularly constituted principle of the Church; and that the current practice of requiring rebaptism as a prerequisite for admission to the temples, etc. is unauthorized. Nothing should be put in the way of anyone receiving his covenants by rebaptism if he feels the necessity of so doing: and of course, in cases of disfellowship, or excommunication, a repetition of the baptism is required, but the making of rebaptism a uniform procedure is not proper. It was declared to be at variance with the order of true government in the Church to require baptism of those who come from foreign branches to Zion, bringing with them certificates of membership and of full standing. Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon expressed the opinion that the practice of repeating baptism came from the example and teaching of Pres. Brigham Young in the days of first migration to these parts: when the journey meant a long separation from organized branches and wards of the Church: and consequently an interruption in the observance of regular Church duties. The conditions are changed now: and the counsel given for special circumstances should not be made applicable to general procedure under all circumstances. Danger was seen in the practice of repeated baptisms:—such may be made like the confessional of the Catholics: a premium on sinning [?].
Several minor points were ruled upon, comprising—unpardonable sin: murder and shedding of innocent blood.
In the afternoon a meeting of the Presidency and the Twelve was held at the Temple, at which all the points named above were ratified as set forth.
[The Journals of James E. Talmage—Excerpts, Compiled by J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dOE6pgN6OkBJIq-X73JGpCdt0p5b8_UdfTfLREz4uTg/]
I brought before the Presidency, asking for rulings, the following subjects:—
1. The changing of Article 4 of the Articles of Faith from the old form:
4. We believe that these ordinances are: First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
so as to designate faith and repentance in some other way than as ordinances which they are not. The following form was adopted
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: (1) Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (2) Repentance; (3) Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; (4) Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
2. The proper form and ceremony of baptism whether in case of rebaptism or in any other occasion, additions to the revealed formula, such as, "for the remission of your sins" or "for the renewal of your covenants." The decision was that any additions to the revealed form, or any other departure therefrom is unauthorized, and to be deprecated. The authorized form is that given in the Doctrine and Covenants.
3. The authority for rebaptisms:—The authorities were unanimous in declaring that rebaptism is not recognized as a regularly constituted principle of the Church; and that the current practice of requiring rebaptism as a prerequisite for admission to the temples, etc. is unauthorized. Nothing should be put in the way of anyone receiving his covenants by rebaptism if he feels the necessity of so doing: and of course, in cases of disfellowship, or excommunication, a repetition of the baptism is required, but the making of rebaptism a uniform procedure is not proper. It was declared to be at variance with the order of true government in the Church to require baptism of those who come from foreign branches to Zion, bringing with them certificates of membership and of full standing. Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon expressed the opinion that the practice of repeating baptism came from the example and teaching of Pres. Brigham Young in the days of first migration to these parts: when the journey meant a long separation from organized branches and wards of the Church: and consequently an interruption in the observance of regular Church duties. The conditions are changed now: and the counsel given for special circumstances should not be made applicable to general procedure under all circumstances. Danger was seen in the practice of repeated baptisms:—such may be made like the confessional of the Catholics: a premium on sinning [?].
Several minor points were ruled upon, comprising—unpardonable sin: murder and shedding of innocent blood.
In the afternoon a meeting of the Presidency and the Twelve was held at the Temple, at which all the points named above were ratified as set forth.
[The Journals of James E. Talmage—Excerpts, Compiled by J. Trevor Antley, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dOE6pgN6OkBJIq-X73JGpCdt0p5b8_UdfTfLREz4uTg/]
130 years ago today - Nov 26, 1888
Apostle Lorenzo Snow speaks concerning "N. K. Whitney and wife and H.C. Kimball, who, he said, the Prophet Joseph told his sister Eliza [R. Snow], were descendants of the Savior."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
175 years ago today - Nov 26, 1843
Joseph, Hyrum, and the Twelve, among others, meet with Col. Frierson concerning sending a petition to Congress for the redress of grievances and losses in Missouri. Frierson is a representative of John C. Calhoun, who is suddenly interested in helping the Mormons now that he (Calhoun) is running for U. S. President.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
115 years ago today - Nov 25, 1903; Wednesday
By letter from the Presidents of the 55th Quorum of Seventy they ask the following question: "Brother James H. Linford, one of the Presidents of the 55th Quorum of Seventy, was ordained by one of the Apostles as a Patriarch. Inasmuch as he was not ordained a High Priest is he still a Seventy?" Brother [B. H.] Roberts moved that Brother [George] Reynolds be a committee of one to present this question to the President of the Church to be answered, with instructions to explain that two of the First Council of the Seventy were ordained Patriarchs and still retained their position as members of the First Council. Carried.
[Excerpt from the Minutes of the First Council of the Seventy]
[Excerpt from the Minutes of the First Council of the Seventy]
145 years ago today - Nov 25, 1873 (Tuesday)
A grand celebration was held in Provo, on the event of the Utah Southern Railway being completed to that city.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Nov 25, 1843
[Wilford Woodruff]
... I found the High Council sitting on a case of Harrison Sagers for some improper Conduct or offer towards some female.
... President Joseph Smith ... [said] That the Church had not received any license from him to commit adultery fornication or any such thing but to the contrary if any man Commit adultery He Could not receive the Ceslestial kingdom of God. Even if he was saved in any kingdom it could not be the Celestial kingdom.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... I found the High Council sitting on a case of Harrison Sagers for some improper Conduct or offer towards some female.
... President Joseph Smith ... [said] That the Church had not received any license from him to commit adultery fornication or any such thing but to the contrary if any man Commit adultery He Could not receive the Ceslestial kingdom of God. Even if he was saved in any kingdom it could not be the Celestial kingdom.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Nov 24, 1903
[First Presidency to Benjamin Cluff Jr.]
Your letter of the 18th inst., announcing your conclusion to resign your position as president of the Brigham Young University to accept the position of manager of the Utah Mexican Rubber Company at Tobasco received attention at our regular Council meeting last Thursday. Your determination to leave the school was a great surprise, especially to the brethren the apostles who had received no intimation of it until hearing your letter read; ... But we are pleased to inform you that the Council, while regretting your action, accepted of your resignation with sentiments of appreciation for your efficient labors as principal of the Brigham Young University, and with the best of feelings toward you personally, as well as the best of wishes for your success in your new field of labor, in which we ourselves heartily join.
[First Presidency, Letter to Benjamin Cluff Jr., as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Your letter of the 18th inst., announcing your conclusion to resign your position as president of the Brigham Young University to accept the position of manager of the Utah Mexican Rubber Company at Tobasco received attention at our regular Council meeting last Thursday. Your determination to leave the school was a great surprise, especially to the brethren the apostles who had received no intimation of it until hearing your letter read; ... But we are pleased to inform you that the Council, while regretting your action, accepted of your resignation with sentiments of appreciation for your efficient labors as principal of the Brigham Young University, and with the best of feelings toward you personally, as well as the best of wishes for your success in your new field of labor, in which we ourselves heartily join.
[First Presidency, Letter to Benjamin Cluff Jr., as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
1688
"[The "French Prophets"] first appeared in Dauphiny and the Cevennes, in France, about the year 1688; ... When they were receiving the spirit of prophesy, They spake of the new heavens, the new earth, the first resurrection, and the new Jerusalem descending from above ... they professed to have visions and revelations of the downfall of the kingdom of anti-christ, and that the second coming of Christ, or millennium, as prophesied of in the scriptures, was then actually commencing."
[Thomas Brown, 'An Account of the People Called Shakers'; Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
[Thomas Brown, 'An Account of the People Called Shakers'; Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
1633
England, U.S., Only one legal religion in England and all her mainland colonies
[Backman, Milton, Regional Studies, British Isles, Birth of Mormonism, Preliminaries to the Restoration: Chronology, p.27]
[Backman, Milton, Regional Studies, British Isles, Birth of Mormonism, Preliminaries to the Restoration: Chronology, p.27]
80 years ago today - Nov 23, 1938
The first Mormon victim of the Nazi holocaust, Egon Engelbert Weiss in Vienna, Austria (recently annexed to Nazi Germany), writes desperate letters to eight returned missionaries in Utah and Idaho and to the First Presidency: "Conditions here are terrible for us Jewish people." He asks if the Presidency can make the necessary affidavit to enable his family to escape to America, signing the letter "your brother in the Gospel."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
100 years ago today - Nov 23, 1918
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles sustains Heber J. Grant as church president with Anthon H. Lund and Charles W. Penrose as counselors, and they are "set apart" (not ordained). Because of the deadly influenze epidemic, conference does not meet to sustain this action until 1 June 1919. ... Some Mormons criticize Grant for his relaxed golf games and trips to California resorts, without realizing that these are precautions he has gradually adopted against the build up of too much emotional stress.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
120 years ago today - Nov 23, 1898; Wednesday
[Seymour B. Young]
[In Woodruff, Arizona:] Apostle [Abraham Owen] Woodruff prophe[s]ied tonight in the meeting that the Saints here would live to see double the population in the towns of the LDS in Arizona & that the water would increase as needed for this population.
[Seymour B. Young, Diary]
[In Woodruff, Arizona:] Apostle [Abraham Owen] Woodruff prophe[s]ied tonight in the meeting that the Saints here would live to see double the population in the towns of the LDS in Arizona & that the water would increase as needed for this population.
[Seymour B. Young, Diary]
120 years ago today - Nov 23, 1898; Wednesday
Information was elicited from Pres[iden]t. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon to the effect that the Church is owing one and a half million dollars, and he thought its assets, including real estate, would amount to over three million.
Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow remarked that this was the first time he had heard of the indebtedness of the Church.
Attorney LeGrand Young agreed with attorney Richards that the Church had the legal power to issue bonds.
It having been determined to issue the bonds, the question of what interest they should bear was now considered. Some were in favor of making the interest 5%, believing that the bonds could be floated at that rate; but it was finally determined to make the interest 6%, and to make the bonds eleven year bonds, redeemable in five years. The denominations were also agreed upon, namely $100, $500, and $1,000.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Pres[iden]t. [Lorenzo] Snow remarked that this was the first time he had heard of the indebtedness of the Church.
Attorney LeGrand Young agreed with attorney Richards that the Church had the legal power to issue bonds.
It having been determined to issue the bonds, the question of what interest they should bear was now considered. Some were in favor of making the interest 5%, believing that the bonds could be floated at that rate; but it was finally determined to make the interest 6%, and to make the bonds eleven year bonds, redeemable in five years. The denominations were also agreed upon, namely $100, $500, and $1,000.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
140 years ago today - Nov 23, 1878
Deseret News reports that Apostle Orson Pratt "declared that sometimes Joseph [Smith] used a seer stone when enquiring of the Lord, and receiving revelations."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
175 years ago today - Nov 23, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith suggested -"petitioning Congress for a grant to make a canal over the falls [around the Mississippi River rapids], or a dam to turn the water to the city, so that we might erect mills and other machinery.-",
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
55 years ago today - Nov 22, 1963
Counselor Hugh B. Brown wrote that Reed Benson "is entirely out of order, does not represent the Church's position, although he claims to do so because his father [Ezra Taft Benson] has the position he has . . ."
[Hugh B. Brown to Ernest Cook, 22 Nov. 1963. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Hugh B. Brown to Ernest Cook, 22 Nov. 1963. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
100 years ago today - Nov 22, 1918
[Thomas A. Clawson Diary]
"At 10 A.M. today in a Special Meeting in the Temple of the Council of the Twelve and Presiding Patriarch the First Presidency was reorganized with Heber J. Grant President and Anthon H. Lund and Chas. W. Penrose as his Counselors. Anthon H Lund was set apart as President of the Twelve and Rudger Clawson as Acting Prest of the Twelve Apostles. This is perfectly satisfactory to me and I am quite sure that no matter how energetic and forceful Heber may have been in some of his political views and in his likes and dislikes the Lord will modify and mellow him down and prepare him for the great responsibilities he is called upon to assume."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"At 10 A.M. today in a Special Meeting in the Temple of the Council of the Twelve and Presiding Patriarch the First Presidency was reorganized with Heber J. Grant President and Anthon H. Lund and Chas. W. Penrose as his Counselors. Anthon H Lund was set apart as President of the Twelve and Rudger Clawson as Acting Prest of the Twelve Apostles. This is perfectly satisfactory to me and I am quite sure that no matter how energetic and forceful Heber may have been in some of his political views and in his likes and dislikes the Lord will modify and mellow him down and prepare him for the great responsibilities he is called upon to assume."
[Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - Nov 22, 1918
Heber J. Grant presides at the graveside services held for President Joseph F. Smith. Because of a nationwide influenza epidemic, no public funerals were allowed during this time.
140 years ago today - Nov 22, 1878
[Franklin D. Richards]
... Snow continued his interesting representation of the new missions in Arizona especially Br[other] Llewellyn Harris of Panguitch [Utah] labors in the Zuna tribe in administering to 460 cases of Small Pox & God healed all that refrained from taking Medicine.
[Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
... Snow continued his interesting representation of the new missions in Arizona especially Br[other] Llewellyn Harris of Panguitch [Utah] labors in the Zuna tribe in administering to 460 cases of Small Pox & God healed all that refrained from taking Medicine.
[Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
160 years ago today - Nov 22, 1858 (Monday)
The police in G.S.L. City were attacked and fired upon by a party of rowdies. Disturbances of the peace, robberies and stealing occurred frequently in the city at that time.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Nov 22, 1843
[Anointed Quorum]
Prayer circle meeting at Joseph Smith's old house; second anointing for Brigham and Mary Ann Young. ... Elden Jay Watson, [ed., Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968] claim Young's second anointing was on 14 Jan. 1844, which indicates that this ceremony was performed again on Young's behalf the day before the other apostles began receiving the second anointing.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
Prayer circle meeting at Joseph Smith's old house; second anointing for Brigham and Mary Ann Young. ... Elden Jay Watson, [ed., Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968] claim Young's second anointing was on 14 Jan. 1844, which indicates that this ceremony was performed again on Young's behalf the day before the other apostles began receiving the second anointing.
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
40 years ago today - Nov 21, 1978-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
Elder Durham, in a reflective mood, explained the origin of Bookcraft. Ken Orton was employed with the Improvement Era and Dr. [John A.] Widtsoe told him, "Ken, you are too talented a person to be working for the Era and for the Church. You ought to get out where you can make yourself a better living." So he quit. This was about 1940 or 1941. He got an apartment house and other businesses, and did well. He was a large, heavy person"fat." After a few months Dr. Widtsoe was coming out with In the Gospel Net, privately published by him and printed by Zion's Press in Independence [Missouri]. This was to be distributed to family and friends as a Christmas gift. Ken Orton said, I have had experience in the Era in publishing; would you allow me to publish this for the Church trade if I formed a publishing firm to do it?" Dr. Widtsoe said yes. So he formed Bookcraft, and it consisted of himself and Bry Badger, who also had worked for the Era. They did well, and shortly [G.] Homer [Durham] had finished with The Family Kingdom, the sermons of John Taylor [1943]. They published that as the second book, and it did well. Homer said he got a check for $600, which was the first down payment on his house. This was 1941 or '42. They went on, of course, and published many books, and now have a big spreadPublishers Press, the Intermountain Bindery, and other enterprises. Ken later went [retired] to Arizona and died there [in 1959] at age 53. When Bry Badger went into the service in the 1940s, they brought in Marv Wallin. Marv stayed with them and of course he has made a great deal of money....
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Elder Durham, in a reflective mood, explained the origin of Bookcraft. Ken Orton was employed with the Improvement Era and Dr. [John A.] Widtsoe told him, "Ken, you are too talented a person to be working for the Era and for the Church. You ought to get out where you can make yourself a better living." So he quit. This was about 1940 or 1941. He got an apartment house and other businesses, and did well. He was a large, heavy person"fat." After a few months Dr. Widtsoe was coming out with In the Gospel Net, privately published by him and printed by Zion's Press in Independence [Missouri]. This was to be distributed to family and friends as a Christmas gift. Ken Orton said, I have had experience in the Era in publishing; would you allow me to publish this for the Church trade if I formed a publishing firm to do it?" Dr. Widtsoe said yes. So he formed Bookcraft, and it consisted of himself and Bry Badger, who also had worked for the Era. They did well, and shortly [G.] Homer [Durham] had finished with The Family Kingdom, the sermons of John Taylor [1943]. They published that as the second book, and it did well. Homer said he got a check for $600, which was the first down payment on his house. This was 1941 or '42. They went on, of course, and published many books, and now have a big spreadPublishers Press, the Intermountain Bindery, and other enterprises. Ken later went [retired] to Arizona and died there [in 1959] at age 53. When Bry Badger went into the service in the 1940s, they brought in Marv Wallin. Marv stayed with them and of course he has made a great deal of money....
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
40 years ago today - Nov 21, 1978
The frist official LDS baptisms in Nigeria. LDS missionaries baptize less than 10 percent of the previously self-converted Mormon Nigerians from the 1960s. Prior to 1978, mosot former converts became tired of waiting for official recognition or abandoned the LDS church due to its priesthood rerstriction against those of black African "blood." Many joined the RLDS church which allowed the ordination of blacks and temporarily baptizes Third World polygamists. Now that LDS proselyting has begun, still other self-converted Nigerians refuse to abandon polygamy as the price for LDS baptism or ordination. Since polygamy is legal according to "the laws of the land" in Africa, Nigerian polygamists are in compliance with the 1890 Manifesto.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
80 years ago today - Nov 21, 1938
[Heber J. Grant]
[In conversation with 'Brother Lyman and Brother Ward'] I told of John W. Taylor's prophesying on me when I was called to go to Japan. Told of the Miraculous blessings of the Lord that I should make $46,000. in four months.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[In conversation with 'Brother Lyman and Brother Ward'] I told of John W. Taylor's prophesying on me when I was called to go to Japan. Told of the Miraculous blessings of the Lord that I should make $46,000. in four months.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
120 years ago today - Nov 21, 1898; Monday
The sum of $372.84 was appropriated by the Presidency in favor of the four wards of Provo [Utah], for the purpose of clearing off an indebtedness of some nine years standing on the books of the Tithing Office against them.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Nov 21, 1883 • Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
I took the opportunity of expressing to him our views concerning plural marriage, that it was impossible for us to abandon it. I related my own case, that I had taken wives because I believed it to be a command of the Lord and that my salvation depended upon it.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
I took the opportunity of expressing to him our views concerning plural marriage, that it was impossible for us to abandon it. I related my own case, that I had taken wives because I believed it to be a command of the Lord and that my salvation depended upon it.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
175 years ago today - Nov 21, 1843, Tuesday
[William Clayton Writings]
P.M. went to J[oseph]'s to ask him to come to my house & marry Margt. Butterfield to her first husband. He could not come but sent Hyrum. I learned from H[yrum]. that E[mma]. had power to prevent my being admitted to J[oseph]'s Lodge for the present for which I feel somewhat sorry but yet believe that innocence will finally triumph[.] I stood as proxy for Edwd. Lawrence. ... Evening I attended the [Masonic] Lodge
[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]
P.M. went to J[oseph]'s to ask him to come to my house & marry Margt. Butterfield to her first husband. He could not come but sent Hyrum. I learned from H[yrum]. that E[mma]. had power to prevent my being admitted to J[oseph]'s Lodge for the present for which I feel somewhat sorry but yet believe that innocence will finally triumph[.] I stood as proxy for Edwd. Lawrence. ... Evening I attended the [Masonic] Lodge
[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]
75 years ago today - Nov 20, 1943
... Brethren of draft age [World War II] should not be recommended [for missionary service]. ...
... The policy heretofore announced not to call sisters into the mission field during the emergency and in the absence from the missions of brethren of the Priesthood to take the lead in missionary service, still obtains. There are three possible exceptions:
... Stenographers Sisters who have had practical stenographic experience, that is, those who have demonstrated their ability to take dictation with reasonable speed and accuracy, may be needed from time to time to take the places of released missionaries in the office forces of the mission. ...
... Sisters engaged as professional school teachers, being personally fitted and having acquired through experience and training in the Church the ability creditably to represent the Church in the proclamation of the Gospel, may be recommended to spend their vacations in the mission field as short-term missionaries, paying their own transportation and other expenses. ...
... Sisters of mature age, wives of brethren beyond the draft age, may be recommended with their husbands to perform missions.
Men Beyond the Draft Age Men beyond the draft age may be recommended for long or short-term missions. ...
... Sincerely your brethren, HEBER J. GRANT, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY First Presidency.
[1943-November 20-Original circular letter, L.D.S.; Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
... The policy heretofore announced not to call sisters into the mission field during the emergency and in the absence from the missions of brethren of the Priesthood to take the lead in missionary service, still obtains. There are three possible exceptions:
... Stenographers Sisters who have had practical stenographic experience, that is, those who have demonstrated their ability to take dictation with reasonable speed and accuracy, may be needed from time to time to take the places of released missionaries in the office forces of the mission. ...
... Sisters engaged as professional school teachers, being personally fitted and having acquired through experience and training in the Church the ability creditably to represent the Church in the proclamation of the Gospel, may be recommended to spend their vacations in the mission field as short-term missionaries, paying their own transportation and other expenses. ...
... Sisters of mature age, wives of brethren beyond the draft age, may be recommended with their husbands to perform missions.
Men Beyond the Draft Age Men beyond the draft age may be recommended for long or short-term missions. ...
... Sincerely your brethren, HEBER J. GRANT, J. REUBEN CLARK, JR., DAVID O. MCKAY First Presidency.
[1943-November 20-Original circular letter, L.D.S.; Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
155 years ago today - Nov 20, 1863 (Friday)
The first number of the Union Vidette, a bitter anti-Mormon newspaper, was issued at Camp Douglas, Utah.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
155 years ago today - Nov 20, 1863
[Female Administration]
At midnight I was Called up to go down to the farm & visit my daughter Susan who thought her youngest Child was dying. I took Mrs Woodruff down to see the Child. We laid hands upon & rebuked the desease & the Child began to amend.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At midnight I was Called up to go down to the farm & visit my daughter Susan who thought her youngest Child was dying. I took Mrs Woodruff down to see the Child. We laid hands upon & rebuked the desease & the Child began to amend.
[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 - 10 years ago - 11/19/2008
California Supreme Court denies a request to stay the implementation and enforcement of Proposition 8 and asks plaintiffs and defendants in the relevant cases three questions: 1 - Is the proposition invalid because it is a revision, rather than an amendment, to the state constitution? 2 - Does the proposition violate the separation-of-powers doctrine under the state constitution? 3 - If the proposition is not unconstitutional, what is its effect, if any, on the same-sex marriages performed already?
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
20 years ago today - 20 years ago - Nov 19, 1998
President Gordon B. Hinckley commences a three-day tour of storm-ravaged Nicaragua and Honduras, bringing comfort and humanitarian relief to victims of Hurricane Mitch.
100 years ago today - 100 years ago - Nov 19, 1918
Joseph F. Smith died on 19 November 1918. He had six wives and forty-eight children, including apostles Hyrum M. and Joseph Fielding, and David A., a member of the Presiding Bishopric of the Church.
Smith dies. His last words are to Apostle Heber J. Grant: "Always remember this is the Lord's work, and not man's. The Lord is greater than any man. He knows who He wants to lead His Church, and never makes any mistakes." Smith is the only LDS president to be buried without a public funeral (due to the epidemic of the "Spanish Influenza").
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Joseph F. Smith, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
Smith dies. His last words are to Apostle Heber J. Grant: "Always remember this is the Lord's work, and not man's. The Lord is greater than any man. He knows who He wants to lead His Church, and never makes any mistakes." Smith is the only LDS president to be buried without a public funeral (due to the epidemic of the "Spanish Influenza").
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Joseph F. Smith, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
100 years ago today - 100 years ago - Nov 19, 1918
BEQUEST of property made to the church this date by the Estate of President Joseph F. Smith: ... Dear President Grant: President Joseph F. Smith left an undistributed estate in the hands of five sons Executors, which estate was appraised by the State of Utah and District Court Appraisers at a little over $82,000.00. The Government Estate and State Inheritance taxes, costs of administration, etc., have cost in the neighborhood of $55,000.00, leaving a comparatively small balance in the Estate; but what there is, the Executors feel (and this feeling in concurred in by all members of the family) should be turned over to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, without reservation as to it use; but with the hope that it might be devoted to temple work or temple building. ...
[Bequest, March 10, 1921, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Bequest, March 10, 1921, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
170 years ago today - Nov 19, 1848
The Nauvoo Temple was burned.
[Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
[Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306, http://www.amazon.com/Compendium-Doctrines-Gospel-ebook/dp/B002LTY4Z0?ie=UTF8tag=mormonchronic-20link_code=btlcamp=213689creative=392969]
185 years ago today - Nov 19, 1833
[Joseph Smith]
This day my /h[e]art/ is somewhat sorrowfull but [I] feel to trust in the Lord the God of Jacob. I have learned in my travels that man is treche[r]ous and selfish but few excepted.
Brother /Sidney/ [Rigdon] is a man whom I love but [he] is not capa[b]le of that pure and ste[a]dfast love for those who are his benefactors as should p/o/sess the breast of a man /a/ President of the Chu/r/ch of Christ. ...
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
This day my /h[e]art/ is somewhat sorrowfull but [I] feel to trust in the Lord the God of Jacob. I have learned in my travels that man is treche[r]ous and selfish but few excepted.
Brother /Sidney/ [Rigdon] is a man whom I love but [he] is not capa[b]le of that pure and ste[a]dfast love for those who are his benefactors as should p/o/sess the breast of a man /a/ President of the Chu/r/ch of Christ. ...
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
195 years ago today - Nov 19, 1823
Death of Joseph Smith's brother Alvin from a physician's overdose of calomel. Shortly thereafter the family lost their farm. "One of the pivotal events in the lives of Smith family members was the death of Alvin Smith. Both Joseph Smith and Lucy Smith perpetuated an incorrect date for Alvin's death, believing that it had occurred in 1824. Alvin Smith's gravestone at Palmyra's General John Swift Memorial Cemetery confirms his death date as 19 November 1823."
[Alvin Smith Gravestone, 19 November 1823, General John Swift Memorial Cemetery, Palmyra, New York., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Alvin Smith Gravestone]
[Alvin Smith Gravestone, 19 November 1823, General John Swift Memorial Cemetery, Palmyra, New York., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Alvin Smith Gravestone]
30 years ago today - Nov 18, 1988
U.S. President Ronald Reagan awards the Church a President's Historical Preservation Award for restoring the Newel K. Whitney Store in Kirtland, Ohio.
70 years ago today - Nov 18, 1948
Notification of a working agreement reached between the First Presidency of the Church and Colonel Oscar W. Gray of the Selective Service relative to young men of draft age who are or may he called for missionary service by the Church.
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
110 years ago today - Nov 18, 1908
Special to The Tribune.
PROVO, Nov. 17—An order has been issued by the Mormon church officials prohibiting the game of football at all the Mormon schools. The matter has been under discussion for more than a year. A petition, signed by a majority of the students here asking that football be allowed, was presented to the church authorities, but the petition has been set aside, and this morning the announcement was made in the B. Y. U. by President George H. Brimhall that no football would be tolerated.
It is said that the students are opposed to the order, but that they will submit without further effort.
[Salt Lake Tribune 11/2 "Mormon Church is Against Football" (provided by Joseph Johnstun)]
PROVO, Nov. 17—An order has been issued by the Mormon church officials prohibiting the game of football at all the Mormon schools. The matter has been under discussion for more than a year. A petition, signed by a majority of the students here asking that football be allowed, was presented to the church authorities, but the petition has been set aside, and this morning the announcement was made in the B. Y. U. by President George H. Brimhall that no football would be tolerated.
It is said that the students are opposed to the order, but that they will submit without further effort.
[Salt Lake Tribune 11/2 "Mormon Church is Against Football" (provided by Joseph Johnstun)]
125 years ago today - Nov 18, 1893
[President Wilford Woodruff]
18 I spent the day at home. Done some Choreing. I tied up my Jappan wine buries &c.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
18 I spent the day at home. Done some Choreing. I tied up my Jappan wine buries &c.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Nov 18, 1858
President Young said we have sent Elders for several years to go among the Indians marry their squaws & identify themself with the Indians go and live with them but up to this day I Could not get an Elder to do it. I have said if any man Could get appointed to take my place I would show them how it was done. He said when an Elder goes among the Lamanites & finds a good spirited young squaw let him take her & make a wife of her & if any of the Brethren in the South want to take a squaw to wife let him go to Amasa while He is in the South & let him seal them the same as any body.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Nov 18, 1838
Richmond, Missouri. All of the witnesses Joseph Smith and his brethren requested for their trial (between 40 and 50 persons) were arrested, thrown in prison, and prohibited from testifying.
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
1728
[Benjamin Franklin]
"I believe there is one Supreme most perfect Being, Author and Father of the Gods themselves. For I believe that Man is not the most perfect Being but One, rather that as there are many Degrees of Beings his Inferiors, so there are many Degrees of Beings superior to him. . . . I conceive that each of these is exceeding wise, and good, and very powerful; and that Each has made for himself, one glorious Sun, attended with a beautiful and admirable System of Planets. It is that particular wise and good God, who is the Author and Owner of our System, that I propose for the Object of my Praise and Adoration."
[Benjamin Franklin]
"I believe there is one Supreme most perfect Being, Author and Father of the Gods themselves. For I believe that Man is not the most perfect Being but One, rather that as there are many Degrees of Beings his Inferiors, so there are many Degrees of Beings superior to him. . . . I conceive that each of these is exceeding wise, and good, and very powerful; and that Each has made for himself, one glorious Sun, attended with a beautiful and admirable System of Planets. It is that particular wise and good God, who is the Author and Owner of our System, that I propose for the Object of my Praise and Adoration."
[Benjamin Franklin]
1723
The myth that Masonry was as old as the world was institutionalized by James Anderson, a Presbyterian minister, who was authorized by London's Grand Masonic Lodge to write Constitutions of Freemasons. Initiates felt they represented Adam. (England)
[Homer, Michael, 'Similarity of Priesthood in Masonry':The Relationship Between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Dialogue, Vol. 27, No. 3]
[Homer, Michael, 'Similarity of Priesthood in Masonry':The Relationship Between Freemasonry and Mormonism, Dialogue, Vol. 27, No. 3]
73 AD
Fremont Indians begin carving petroglyphs in Utah
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Fremont Indians, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Fremont Indians, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
25 years ago today - Nov 16, 1993
Church leaders applaud the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, passed and signed into law by the U.S. Congress. The U.S. Supreme Court later declares the law unconstitutional.
115 years ago today - Nov 16, 1903; Monday
"We return herewith [a] recommend, endorsed for second blessings, in favor of Sister Dorthy Tompsen."
"We note that you say that this sister is making a desperate effort [to do] some temple work this winter. The question has arisen in our minds, whether or not she now has, or has had a husband; and if a married woman, whether her husband has had his second anointing. If not, her husband, dead or alive, if worthy, should also be recommended, as she cannot have hers alone."
[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthony H. Lund to Thomas E. Bassett, LDS Archives]
"We note that you say that this sister is making a desperate effort [to do] some temple work this winter. The question has arisen in our minds, whether or not she now has, or has had a husband; and if a married woman, whether her husband has had his second anointing. If not, her husband, dead or alive, if worthy, should also be recommended, as she cannot have hers alone."
[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthony H. Lund to Thomas E. Bassett, LDS Archives]
140 years ago today - Nov 16, 1878
In the Salt Lake Theater, some two thousand Latter-day Saint women protest the federal government's interference with religious practice in Utah.
180 years ago today - Nov 16, 1838
[Fanny Algers, first plural wife of Joseph Smith: marriage to Solomon Custer]
"The deceased [Fanny Algers] was united in holy wedlock to Solomon Franklin Custer, in this place, at the old tavern stand, that used to occupy the site of the late Benjamin Cruil's residence in the east part of town, on Nov. 16th, 1838. As the result of this union, she had born to her nine children, two of whom survive her. With the exception of a very short period at two different times, aunt Fannie had made "Dublin her home, since first coming to the settlement; then just forming, away back in the 20's. ..."
"She joined the Universalist church on the evening of the 10th of Octrober, 1874, and until her last, held to that belief. ..."
[Fanny Algers W. Custer obituary found in the Adolphus Barnes Family Bible (also known as the Stephen Barnes Family Bible), http://www.algerclan.org/getperson.php?personID=I135&tree=alger]
"The deceased [Fanny Algers] was united in holy wedlock to Solomon Franklin Custer, in this place, at the old tavern stand, that used to occupy the site of the late Benjamin Cruil's residence in the east part of town, on Nov. 16th, 1838. As the result of this union, she had born to her nine children, two of whom survive her. With the exception of a very short period at two different times, aunt Fannie had made "Dublin her home, since first coming to the settlement; then just forming, away back in the 20's. ..."
"She joined the Universalist church on the evening of the 10th of Octrober, 1874, and until her last, held to that belief. ..."
[Fanny Algers W. Custer obituary found in the Adolphus Barnes Family Bible (also known as the Stephen Barnes Family Bible), http://www.algerclan.org/getperson.php?personID=I135&tree=alger]
25 years ago today - Nov 15, 1993
After ninety-six years, the statue of Brigham Young is moved from the intersection of South Temple and Main Streets in Salt Lake City, Utah, to a location eighty-two feet to the north.
140 years ago today - Nov 15, 1878
Elizabeth Ann Whitney (counselor to Emma Smith in the Relief Society Presidency, wife of the Church's first bishop) received her authority to bless through ordination. "I was ordained and set ... apart under the hand of Joseph Smith the Prophet to administer to the sick and comfort the sorrowful. Several other sisters were also ordained and set apart to administer in these holy ordinances."
[Elizabeth Whitney Autobiography, published in the Woman's Exponent, 15 Nov. 1878, p. 91, as quoted at http://ordainwomen.org/quotes. See Quinn, "Mormon Political Conflicts" for full cite and context.]
[Elizabeth Whitney Autobiography, published in the Woman's Exponent, 15 Nov. 1878, p. 91, as quoted at http://ordainwomen.org/quotes. See Quinn, "Mormon Political Conflicts" for full cite and context.]
155 years ago today - Nov 15, 1863
LDS Apostle George A. Smith preached:"When Joseph Smith was about fourteen or fifteen years old…the Lord answered his prayer, and revealed to Joseph, by the ministration of angels, the true condition of the religious world. When the holy angel appeared, Joseph inquired which of all these denominations was right and which he should join, and was told they were all wrong…"
["Journal of Discourses", Vol. 12, pp.333-334; A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
["Journal of Discourses", Vol. 12, pp.333-334; A Documented History of Joseph Smith's First Vision, http://beggarsbread.org/2013/04/01/a-documented-history-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/]
175 years ago today - Nov 15, 1843
Joseph Smith told the brethren of his intention to write a proclamation to the kings of the earth.
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
185 years ago today - Nov 15, 1833
[Joshua Stafford (neighbor to the Smiths)]
I, Joshua Stafford, became acquainted with the family of Joseph Smith, Sen. about the year 1819 or 20. They then were laboring people, in low circumstances. A short time after this, they commenced digging for hidden treasures, and soon after they became indolent, and told marvellous stories about ghosts, hob-goblins, caverns, and various other mysterious matters. Joseph once showed me a piece of wood which he said he took from a box of money, and the reason he gave for not obtaining the box, was, that it moved. At another time, he, (Joseph, Jr.) at a husking, called on me to become security for a horse, and said he would reward me handsomely, for he had found a box of watches, and they were as large as his fist, and he put one of them to his ear, and he could hear it "tick forty rods."
[Joshua Stafford affidavit in Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, Ohio: E. D. Howe, 1834), 258., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joshua Stafford Statement]
I, Joshua Stafford, became acquainted with the family of Joseph Smith, Sen. about the year 1819 or 20. They then were laboring people, in low circumstances. A short time after this, they commenced digging for hidden treasures, and soon after they became indolent, and told marvellous stories about ghosts, hob-goblins, caverns, and various other mysterious matters. Joseph once showed me a piece of wood which he said he took from a box of money, and the reason he gave for not obtaining the box, was, that it moved. At another time, he, (Joseph, Jr.) at a husking, called on me to become security for a horse, and said he would reward me handsomely, for he had found a box of watches, and they were as large as his fist, and he put one of them to his ear, and he could hear it "tick forty rods."
[Joshua Stafford affidavit in Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, Ohio: E. D. Howe, 1834), 258., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joshua Stafford Statement]
195 years ago today - Nov 15, 1823
[Joseph Smith's brother] Alvin gets sick and the doctors attending him administer a "heavy dose of Calomel," which results in his death four days later.
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
10 years ago today - 11/14/2008
The Seattle Times reports on LDS Church involvement in Proposition 8, including Jeff Flint's observation that - Of the approximately $40 million raised by the Yes on 8 campaign, roughly half came from Mormons.
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
10 years ago today - Nov 14, 2008
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are very disappointed over statements made in a media advisory from Mr. Ernest Michel, honorary chairman of the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors.
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
100 years ago today - Nov 14, 1918
The First Presidency and Twelve vote to accept Joseph F. Smith's revelation on the spirit world, even though several apostles have misgivings about it. Church officials publish this vision and add it to the Standard Works in 1976.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
105 years ago today - Nov 14, 1913 (Friday)
Elder Anson B. Call was seized by red flaggers at Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico, and requested to pay $2,000 as a ransom for himself; he was kept a prisoner for several days and threatened with death; finally he bought his release for $200.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
110 years ago today - Nov 14, 1908
To whom it may concern:-Among the vices of the present age gambling is very generally condemned, ... Nevertheless, in numerous guises the demon of chance is welcomed in the home, in fashionable clubs, and at entertainments for worthy charities, even within the precincts of sacred edifices. Devices for raising money by appealing to the gambling instinct are common accessories at church sociables, ward fairs, and the like.
... we say again to the people that no kind of chance game, guessing-contest, or raffling device, can be approved in any entertainment under the auspices of our Church organizations.
[1908-November 14-Improvement Era 12:143-145 (December, 1908); Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
... we say again to the people that no kind of chance game, guessing-contest, or raffling device, can be approved in any entertainment under the auspices of our Church organizations.
[1908-November 14-Improvement Era 12:143-145 (December, 1908); Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
130 years ago today - Nov 14, 1888
Sisters Zina D H Young, Jane S. Richards & Emily Richards accompanied by apostle Franklin D. Richards called this evening. Sis[ter] Emily S. Richards submitted topic of enrolling the ladies of this territory who are in favor of women suffrage for the purposes of organizing under the National Suffrage Association. Mrs Froiseth being the acredited vice president, it was not know how she will act in the matter. Mrs Richards was requested to find out so that if she will not act that steps may be taken to have the ladies properly enrolled.
[First Presidency Office 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]
[First Presidency Office 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]
35 years ago today - Nov 13, 1983-Sunday
[Leonard Arrington]
I learned this morning from Brent Metcalfe's stake president, David Grant, that he (Prest. Grant) regretted very much the firing of Brent by Church Security. He said that Brent had a fine attitude and spirit and a firm testimony, and that it was not improper for young people like him to speculate on doctrinal and historical matters. He said he had discussed the matter with President [Gordon B.] Hinckley and that President Hinckley had written Brent a personal letter apologizing to him on behalf of the Church, for what seemed a precipitous and unfair action. President Grant said that he (Grant) thought Church Security did him a favor by firing him, for Brent is too smart and well educated a person to spend his life working for Church Security.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
I learned this morning from Brent Metcalfe's stake president, David Grant, that he (Prest. Grant) regretted very much the firing of Brent by Church Security. He said that Brent had a fine attitude and spirit and a firm testimony, and that it was not improper for young people like him to speculate on doctrinal and historical matters. He said he had discussed the matter with President [Gordon B.] Hinckley and that President Hinckley had written Brent a personal letter apologizing to him on behalf of the Church, for what seemed a precipitous and unfair action. President Grant said that he (Grant) thought Church Security did him a favor by firing him, for Brent is too smart and well educated a person to spend his life working for Church Security.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
45 years ago today - Nov 13, 1973-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
The Personnel Division proposed a reorganization of the Historical Department ...
Personally I could not accept the idea. I protested that we were getting along fine and why change our present structure. I also raised questions about having Earl as my superior, fearful that he might interfere with our programs of writing and research through his administrative superiority, but Earl gave strong assurances, as did Don Schmidt and as did Brother Anderson, and it looks like it is going through regardless. It seems it will be going through so it is now my intention to attempt to get some written qualifications introduced that will protect my position as the reorganization takes place.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
The Personnel Division proposed a reorganization of the Historical Department ...
Personally I could not accept the idea. I protested that we were getting along fine and why change our present structure. I also raised questions about having Earl as my superior, fearful that he might interfere with our programs of writing and research through his administrative superiority, but Earl gave strong assurances, as did Don Schmidt and as did Brother Anderson, and it looks like it is going through regardless. It seems it will be going through so it is now my intention to attempt to get some written qualifications introduced that will protect my position as the reorganization takes place.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
65 years ago today - Nov 13, 1953
[Stephen L. Richards]
[Ten years to the day after his excommunication for adultry, former Apostle] Richard R. Lyman Dr. Lyman came in to confer with President Richards concerning his petition for reinstatement in the Church.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
[Ten years to the day after his excommunication for adultry, former Apostle] Richard R. Lyman Dr. Lyman came in to confer with President Richards concerning his petition for reinstatement in the Church.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah 2015, Appendix 2, The Diaries of Marion G. Romney, 1941-1961, Abridged]
140 years ago today - Nov 13, 1878
Three unidentified men attack John C. Young, editor of the anti-Mormon Salt Lake Tribune, as he leaves its office near midnight and breaks his nose with "brass knuckles." On 12 Feb. 1878 Deseret News reported Counselor George Q. Cannon's statement about Young: "I consider the fellow without character, who deserves kicking, and who would not resent the insult if kicked."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
160 years ago today - Nov 13, 1858
[Heber C. Kimball:] We have the true Masonry. The Mason[ry] of the day is received from the apostasy which took place in the days of Solomon and David. They know[,] now and then[,] a thing that is correct[,] but we know the real thing[;] but how many comprehend it and see the propriety of being true to each other[?]
[Journal History, Nov. 13, 1858, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Journal History, Nov. 13, 1858, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
160 years ago today - Nov 13, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
I met in the evening at President Young with the Legislature. An arangement was made by the members to assemble at the social Hall on the 2d Monday in Dec & organize & adjourn to Fillmore. This was done to sustain our own acts. Then at Fillmore we would organize to Accomodate Gov Cummings as he Considered that the Seat of Government. Then we would adjourn back to Great Salt Lake City to spend the session to accomodate all parties.
Gov. Cummings thought our adjournment to Great Salt Lake City was illegal because it was done by a Joint resolution of both Houses in Joint Session. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I met in the evening at President Young with the Legislature. An arangement was made by the members to assemble at the social Hall on the 2d Monday in Dec & organize & adjourn to Fillmore. This was done to sustain our own acts. Then at Fillmore we would organize to Accomodate Gov Cummings as he Considered that the Seat of Government. Then we would adjourn back to Great Salt Lake City to spend the session to accomodate all parties.
Gov. Cummings thought our adjournment to Great Salt Lake City was illegal because it was done by a Joint resolution of both Houses in Joint Session. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Nov 13, 1853 (Sunday)
The mail train was attacked by Indians six miles from Laramie, and three men were killed. C.A. Kinkead, of G.S.L. City, was robbed of $10,500.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - Nov 13, 1838
Sampson Avard testifies the First Presidency directed Danite activities. Other prosecution witnesses include John Corrill, Reed Peck, W. W. Phelps, George M. Hinkle, Burr Riggs, and John Whitmer.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
185 years ago today - Nov 13, 1833
[Joseph Smith Diary]
November 13th Nothing of note transpired from the 4th of Nove[m]ber u[n]til this day. In the morning at 4 Oh clock I was awoke by Brother Davis knocking at /my/ door saying "Brother Joseph come git /up/ and see the signs in the heavens." I arrose and beheld to my great Joy the stars fall from heaven. Yea they fell like hail stones. A litteral fullfillment of the word of God as recorded in the holy scriptures and a sure sign that the coming of Christ is clost [close] at hand.
Oh how marvellous are thy works Oh Lord and I thank thee for thy me[r]cy u/n/to me thy servent. Oh Lord save me in thy kingdom for Christ['s] sake. Amen.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
November 13th Nothing of note transpired from the 4th of Nove[m]ber u[n]til this day. In the morning at 4 Oh clock I was awoke by Brother Davis knocking at /my/ door saying "Brother Joseph come git /up/ and see the signs in the heavens." I arrose and beheld to my great Joy the stars fall from heaven. Yea they fell like hail stones. A litteral fullfillment of the word of God as recorded in the holy scriptures and a sure sign that the coming of Christ is clost [close] at hand.
Oh how marvellous are thy works Oh Lord and I thank thee for thy me[r]cy u/n/to me thy servent. Oh Lord save me in thy kingdom for Christ['s] sake. Amen.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
10 years ago today - Nov 12, 2008
San Diegans protested outside the Mormon Temple near La Jolla, angered over reports that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints contributed millions in support of Prop 8. The Mormon Church released a statement saying, in part, "It is wrong to target the church and its sacred places of worship for being part of the Democratic process."
[Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
75 years ago today - Nov 12, 1943
[George Albert Smith] Dreamed I was with [apostle] R[ichard] R L[yman] in his car. ... Went to Temple at 2 10 of 12 Present Including R[ichard]. R. L[yman]. [Charles A.] Callis & [Ezra Taft] Benson absent. Charges [of adultry] admitted by Richard. A sad occasion He made no defense admitted more than known before. I am shocked and grieved. R[ichard]. R. seemed not to realize his wrong. All brethren in tears. Excommunicated R[ichard]. R. Decided to publish notice in [Deseret] News.
[Spencer W. Kimball] It was a terrible experience that came to me today. I think I can never forget the scene. We were called to a special meeting of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. Earlier in the day when I asked Bro[ther]. Lee if it was a report meeting he solemnly told me that it was not and that I should get my feet firmly on the ground anticipating it. The next two hours were filled with wonder and fear. ... The slow, deliberate and saddened approach of some of the brethren as they came to the Temple presaged something ominous was ahead of us. As soon as we were all seated the meeting was called to order and announcement was made by Pres[ident]. George Albert Smith who was almost overcome, that there was a very serious charge against one of our brethren. He then directed that the charge be read. Our hearts stood still as we heard that Richard R. Lyman, for 26 years a member of the Council of the Twelve was accused of immorality. His written confession was read and he being present did not deny the accusation nor the confession. He told also of the situations. He had little to say. He was as pale as could be. He minimized his act and seemed to feel that it should be overlooked but showed no repentance and no expressed sorrow for his sin. He tried to link his sin with polygamy but the evidence gave no corroboration to the story. It was a terrible ordeal. To see great men such as the members of this quorum all in tears, some sobbing, all shocked, stunned by the impact was an unforgettable sight! No tears from him but plenty from the rest of us and what a heart-rending experience. After considerable discussion a motion was made, seconded and we voted unanimously to excommunicate him from the Church. When he retired he said goodbye and shook hands with each of us and left the Temple, his quorum, his Church. Still stunned almost beyond recovery, the members seemed to be yet unable to believe the terrible truth.
[George Albert Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015; Spencer W. Kimball, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Spencer W. Kimball] It was a terrible experience that came to me today. I think I can never forget the scene. We were called to a special meeting of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. Earlier in the day when I asked Bro[ther]. Lee if it was a report meeting he solemnly told me that it was not and that I should get my feet firmly on the ground anticipating it. The next two hours were filled with wonder and fear. ... The slow, deliberate and saddened approach of some of the brethren as they came to the Temple presaged something ominous was ahead of us. As soon as we were all seated the meeting was called to order and announcement was made by Pres[ident]. George Albert Smith who was almost overcome, that there was a very serious charge against one of our brethren. He then directed that the charge be read. Our hearts stood still as we heard that Richard R. Lyman, for 26 years a member of the Council of the Twelve was accused of immorality. His written confession was read and he being present did not deny the accusation nor the confession. He told also of the situations. He had little to say. He was as pale as could be. He minimized his act and seemed to feel that it should be overlooked but showed no repentance and no expressed sorrow for his sin. He tried to link his sin with polygamy but the evidence gave no corroboration to the story. It was a terrible ordeal. To see great men such as the members of this quorum all in tears, some sobbing, all shocked, stunned by the impact was an unforgettable sight! No tears from him but plenty from the rest of us and what a heart-rending experience. After considerable discussion a motion was made, seconded and we voted unanimously to excommunicate him from the Church. When he retired he said goodbye and shook hands with each of us and left the Temple, his quorum, his Church. Still stunned almost beyond recovery, the members seemed to be yet unable to believe the terrible truth.
[George Albert Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015; Spencer W. Kimball, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Nov 12, 1888
Jacob Spori is appointed the first principal (president) of the Fremont or Bannock Stake Academy (the forerunner to Ricks College, later BYU-I) in Rexburg, Idaho.
160 years ago today - Nov 12, 1858
Brother Wall related a Circumstance of an officer of the Armey who ask him if he was a Mormon. Yes. I suppose you are an out & in mormon Just as it suits you? I am a thorough mormon. I believe in all their principles. What poligamy and all? Yes. How many wives have you? I have three & Twelve Children. How do you suppose those Children will look upon you when they get Grown up? I will tell you how they will look upon me. They will point to me & say theire is my Father who has raised me fed, Clothed & Educated me and owned me through persecution oppression & scorn and I will own honor & obey him, while your Children at Fort Levensworths St Louis & all places whare you have been which you will not own nor provide for they will not own you & their mothers will point to you as they see you pass & will say there is your father but dont say a word about it for the world. Those Children will both Hate & despise you & the vary Ground upon which you tread. Capt Wolf replied scratching his head By … that is true but I never looked upon it in that light. [The ellipses are Woodruff's.]
"What would you do if the Government should give orders to put you to death if you did not put away your wives? I would take my wives & children & go to some secluded spot of Earth whare I Could enjoy my wives & Children & liberty. "What if the Government should pounce onto you & not give you the privilege? Then I would take my family into the mountains & I would fight you over evry hill & dale as long as I lived. Capt Woolf replyed I will not shoot at you.
Capt Woolf said Governor Young ought to be the next President for He is the smartest man in the United States. He has been playing a game of Ucre with the United States and has beat them. He had gained five points while the United States has ownly had a march & he ought to be president & I would vote for him.
The man who was a waggon master of the train which Lot Smith burned said Capt Smith & his men were Gentlemen. It was the best thing for me & your people that Could have been done. It released me & sent me back to the States or I should have suffered with the rest in the mountains And it was well for the mormons for if this train had not been burned the Armey would probably have pushed on had a fight & blood been spiled.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"What would you do if the Government should give orders to put you to death if you did not put away your wives? I would take my wives & children & go to some secluded spot of Earth whare I Could enjoy my wives & Children & liberty. "What if the Government should pounce onto you & not give you the privilege? Then I would take my family into the mountains & I would fight you over evry hill & dale as long as I lived. Capt Woolf replyed I will not shoot at you.
Capt Woolf said Governor Young ought to be the next President for He is the smartest man in the United States. He has been playing a game of Ucre with the United States and has beat them. He had gained five points while the United States has ownly had a march & he ought to be president & I would vote for him.
The man who was a waggon master of the train which Lot Smith burned said Capt Smith & his men were Gentlemen. It was the best thing for me & your people that Could have been done. It released me & sent me back to the States or I should have suffered with the rest in the mountains And it was well for the mormons for if this train had not been burned the Armey would probably have pushed on had a fight & blood been spiled.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Nov 12, 1848
Oliver Cowdery: Rebaptized by Orson Hyde 12 November 1848 at Kanesville, Iowa.
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
175 years ago today - Nov 12, 1843
[Anointed Quorum]
Sunday evening prayer Circle; second anointing "at S.E. Room, Joseph's old house" for Reynolds and Thirza Cahoon, and for Lucy Mack (Smith) and her deceased husband Joseph, Sr., by proxy, .
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
Sunday evening prayer Circle; second anointing "at S.E. Room, Joseph's old house" for Reynolds and Thirza Cahoon, and for Lucy Mack (Smith) and her deceased husband Joseph, Sr., by proxy, .
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Nov 12, 1838
Judge Austin A. King holds a court of inquiry on the so-called Mormon War in Missouri. Following the hearing, some sixty-four Mormon defendants are examined. Five (including Parley P. Pratt) are committed to the Richmond Jail, and six (Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, and Alexander McRae) are committed to the Liberty Jail while they await further trial.
10 years ago today - 10 years ago - Nov 11, 2008
Holocaust survivors said they are through trying to negotiate with the Mormon church over posthumous baptisms of Jews killed in Nazi concentration camps, saying the church has repeatedly violated a 13-year-old agreement barring the practice. Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints say they are making changes to their massive genealogical database to make it more difficult for names of Holocaust victims to be entered for posthumous baptism by proxy, a rite that has been a common Mormon practice for more than a century.
But Ernest Michel, honorary chairman of the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors, said that is not enough. "We ask you to respect us and our Judaism just as we respect your religion," Michel said in a statement. "We ask you to leave our six million Jews, all victims of the Holocaust, alone, they suffered enough." Posthumous baptism by proxy allows faithful Mormons to have their ancestors baptized into the 178-year-old church, which they believe reunites families in the afterlife.
[washingtonpost.com, "Jewish Group Exhorts Mormons"; A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
But Ernest Michel, honorary chairman of the American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors, said that is not enough. "We ask you to respect us and our Judaism just as we respect your religion," Michel said in a statement. "We ask you to leave our six million Jews, all victims of the Holocaust, alone, they suffered enough." Posthumous baptism by proxy allows faithful Mormons to have their ancestors baptized into the 178-year-old church, which they believe reunites families in the afterlife.
[washingtonpost.com, "Jewish Group Exhorts Mormons"; A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
70 years ago today - 70 years ago - Nov 11, 1948
Belle Smith Spafford, general president of the Relief Society, is elected vice-president of the National Council of Women. Subsequent LDS vice-presidents are Florence Smith Jacobson, formerly the general president of LDS Young Women (1974) and Elaine Anderson Cannon, general president of the Young Women (1982).
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
75 years ago today - 75 years ago - Nov 11, 1943
[Joseph Fielding Smith]
At 6 p.m. I was engaged with Brother Harold B. Lee and others including officers of the law which resulted in bringing charges against [apostle] Richard R. Lyman of a most serious nature [adultry].
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
At 6 p.m. I was engaged with Brother Harold B. Lee and others including officers of the law which resulted in bringing charges against [apostle] Richard R. Lyman of a most serious nature [adultry].
[Joseph Fielding Smith, 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 - Nov 11, 1903
[Marriner W. Merrill]
We had our family Reunion, 35 of my own children present and 126 grandchildren ... this being the 50th anniversary of our wedding day caused the occasion.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We had our family Reunion, 35 of my own children present and 126 grandchildren ... this being the 50th anniversary of our wedding day caused the occasion.
[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 - 180 years ago - Nov. 11-28, 1838
Over 50 Latter-day Saint prisoners are kept in the Richmond jail, chained together in an unroofed courthouse. Sidney Rigdon gets very sick from exposure and loses his powers of reasoning. One night during this time the guards blaspheme and boast about their treatment, rapings, and murder of the Saints, and Joseph arises in his chains and rebukes the guards with might and power, causing them to quail and beg before him.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Nov 11, 1838
[Abraham O. Smoot]
He married his first wife, Margaret Thompson McMeans Adkinson, on 11 November 1838 in Missouri.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Abraham O. Smoot, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
He married his first wife, Margaret Thompson McMeans Adkinson, on 11 November 1838 in Missouri.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Abraham O. Smoot, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
120 years ago today - Nov 11, 1898
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill]
Friday. Richmond. I left home at 6:10 a. m. and had a cold ride to Logan. I went down and paid my County, State and School taxes amounting to $619.16.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Friday. Richmond. I left home at 6:10 a. m. and had a cold ride to Logan. I went down and paid my County, State and School taxes amounting to $619.16.
[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
75 years ago today - Nov 11, 1943
Joseph Fielding [Smith] and H[arold] B Lee called at home ... reported findings.
[George Albert Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[George Albert Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
10 years ago today - Nov 10, 2008
Jewish group wants Mormons to stop proxy baptisms
NEW YORK - Holocaust survivors said Monday they were abandoning negotiations with the Mormon church over its posthumous baptisms of Jews who were killed in Nazi death camps.
Survivors claim elders of the Salt Lake City-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have refused to systemically search for and remove the names of Holocaust victims from their master genealogical database and have failed to prevent "zealots" from adding thousands of new Jewish names to the list in recent years - including thousands lifted from Yizkor books of Jews massacred at Berdichev in Ukraine.
"We are not going to continue meeting with the Mormon Church," said Auschwitz survivor Ernest Michel, head of the American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors, who has spearheaded efforts to scrub the Mormon lists since discovering in the 1990s that his parents were among 380,000 Holocaust victims having been baptized into the Christian faith.
Gary Motokoff, a Jewish genealogist who participated in meetings with Mormon leaders, described the negotiations as "fruitless." ...
["Jewish group wants Mormons to stop proxy baptisms, "Allison Hoffman, Jerusalem Post Correspondent, New York, THE JERUSALEM POST; A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
NEW YORK - Holocaust survivors said Monday they were abandoning negotiations with the Mormon church over its posthumous baptisms of Jews who were killed in Nazi death camps.
Survivors claim elders of the Salt Lake City-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have refused to systemically search for and remove the names of Holocaust victims from their master genealogical database and have failed to prevent "zealots" from adding thousands of new Jewish names to the list in recent years - including thousands lifted from Yizkor books of Jews massacred at Berdichev in Ukraine.
"We are not going to continue meeting with the Mormon Church," said Auschwitz survivor Ernest Michel, head of the American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors, who has spearheaded efforts to scrub the Mormon lists since discovering in the 1990s that his parents were among 380,000 Holocaust victims having been baptized into the Christian faith.
Gary Motokoff, a Jewish genealogist who participated in meetings with Mormon leaders, described the negotiations as "fruitless." ...
["Jewish group wants Mormons to stop proxy baptisms, "Allison Hoffman, Jerusalem Post Correspondent, New York, THE JERUSALEM POST; A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
95 years ago today - Nov 10, 1923
Relief Societies across North America collect and repair clothes and shoes, to ease the distress the Latter-day Saints in Germany were facing, after World War 1.
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
115 years ago today - Tuesday, Nov 10, 1903
[John Henry Smith]
Word was received to night a writ had been issued to arrest heber J. Grant before he leaves for his mission. He left tonight.
[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]
Word was received to night a writ had been issued to arrest heber J. Grant before he leaves for his mission. He left tonight.
[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]
125 years ago today - Nov 10, 1893
[Franklin D. Richards]
Bro[ther]. John Rushton favored me with a view of the 'Seer Stone' which he became possessed of in Nauvoo [Illinois] & related how & where he found it. Says it is part of one of the stones that Jared's brother 'Mahonri Moriancumr' asked the Lord to touch that theymight give light to those in the Barges while they should cross the Sea.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Bro[ther]. John Rushton favored me with a view of the 'Seer Stone' which he became possessed of in Nauvoo [Illinois] & related how & where he found it. Says it is part of one of the stones that Jared's brother 'Mahonri Moriancumr' asked the Lord to touch that theymight give light to those in the Barges while they should cross the Sea.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
130 years ago today - Nov 10, 1888 (Saturday)
In the First District Court, at Provo, William R. Webb, of American Fork, was sentenced by Judge Judd to 18 months' imprisonment, for adultery.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
145 years ago today - Nov 10, 1873
[John D. T. McAllister]
... It is my desire to be buried in the garments and Robes of the Holy Priesthood, everything pertaining thereto properly made and put on my body. [I] do not want any extravagance, a medium coffin[,] no expense for funeral clothing such as the gentiles mourn in. [I] would like my Brethren of the Priesthood to dictate [to] my family in this matter, and see me buried as I ought to be, that my body can rest in peace. [I] do not want my coffin short or too long, deep enough to lay in without mashing my nose, and cramping my arms or crushing my stomach, a good strong one that it will hold together. I pray that I may so live that the Holy Priesthood will feel it a pleasure to put me away, and a pleasure to receive me in their society in the morning of the glorious resurrection.
[John D. T. McAllister, statement dated Nov. 10, 1873, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
... It is my desire to be buried in the garments and Robes of the Holy Priesthood, everything pertaining thereto properly made and put on my body. [I] do not want any extravagance, a medium coffin[,] no expense for funeral clothing such as the gentiles mourn in. [I] would like my Brethren of the Priesthood to dictate [to] my family in this matter, and see me buried as I ought to be, that my body can rest in peace. [I] do not want my coffin short or too long, deep enough to lay in without mashing my nose, and cramping my arms or crushing my stomach, a good strong one that it will hold together. I pray that I may so live that the Holy Priesthood will feel it a pleasure to put me away, and a pleasure to receive me in their society in the morning of the glorious resurrection.
[John D. T. McAllister, statement dated Nov. 10, 1873, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
180 years ago today - Nov 10, 1838
The other 56 prisoners are put in Richmond jail with Joseph and his fellow prisoners. Joseph learns that during the mobbings about 30 Saints were killed, many more were wounded, 100 are missing, and approximately 60 prisoners are waiting trial at Richmond for an unknown charge. In Adam-ondi-Ahman a three-day board of inquiry concludes, Adam Black having been judge, and all Saints are honorably acquitted. General Wilson orders every family out of Adam-ondi-Ahman within ten days. He gives them permission to go to Caldwell County until spring, but says they must leave the state by then or be exterminated.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
10 years ago today - 11/9/2008
[Proposition-8]
Peaceful protesters gather in front of the Oakland temple [after passage of Prop-8].
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
Peaceful protesters gather in front of the Oakland temple [after passage of Prop-8].
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
40 years ago today - Nov 9, 1978
Latter-day Saints missionaries enter the African republic of Nigeria for the first time.
[LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]
[LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]
75 years ago today - Nov 9, 1943
[George Albert Smith]
R[ichard] R Lyman called to my attention. Shocked. [It was discovered that Apostle Lyman was having an affair with another woman.]
[George Albert 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]
R[ichard] R Lyman called to my attention. Shocked. [It was discovered that Apostle Lyman was having an affair with another woman.]
[George Albert 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]
80 years ago today - Nov 9, 1938
Nazis in Germany being Kristallnacht ("Night of Broken Glass") in which they pillage Jewish businesses, burn synagogues, and arrest thousands of Jews. Max Reschke, a non-Jewish Mormon in Hannover, rescues some Jewish friends from armed guards and helps the family escape to Switzerland. However, as an example of the polarization of German Mormons about "the Jewish question," one Hamburg branch president prohibits Jewish Mormons from attending LDS services, while another Hamburg branch welcomes these rejected Mromons, defies the Gestapo (Nazi secret police), and give religious encouragement to a Jewish Mormon who refuses to wear the yellow Star of David. Later imprisoned for hiding a Jew in his home, Reschke survives the Nazi regime.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
125 years ago today - Thurs., Nov 9, 1893
[Abraham H. Cannon]
Pres. Woodruff told of himself and David Patten being in Tennessee on a mission. While there Bro. Patten had a journey of 40 miles to make one day, but when he went out to get the mule he had procured for this labor, he was on the ground nearly dead with the colic. Bro. Patten said: "See here, old fellow, this won't do! You have got to carry me 40 miles today, and with these words he stepped up to the animal, laid his hands on the animal, and blessed him. The mule immediately arose, and made the journey. Pres. Woodruff said that was the only time in his life when his faith had been tried, but he thought it strange for an Elder to administer to a mule, and thus do what seemed sacrilege in his mind at that time.
Bro. Joseph F. Smith told of his mother having one of her oxen become sick when she was coming to the valley with her family. The captain of the company said the animal would die, but she got out a bottle of consecrated oil, and got two of the brethren to administer to the ox, and it recovered.
Father also had one of his cattle healed by the laying on of hands by himself. The animal accidentally got its leg badly hurt, and it looked as though it could no more travel, but Father slipped out after dark and administered to it, and it recovered and made the journey home.
Bro. J. F. Smith told about David Patten having seen and walked with Cain. Cain is described as being a very large man, his head being even with that of David Patten when the latter was seated on his animal. I always entertained the idea that Cain was dead, but my attention was called to the passage of scripture concerning the curse of God which should fall upon whoever should slay Cain. I supposed this meant whoever should kill his seed.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
Pres. Woodruff told of himself and David Patten being in Tennessee on a mission. While there Bro. Patten had a journey of 40 miles to make one day, but when he went out to get the mule he had procured for this labor, he was on the ground nearly dead with the colic. Bro. Patten said: "See here, old fellow, this won't do! You have got to carry me 40 miles today, and with these words he stepped up to the animal, laid his hands on the animal, and blessed him. The mule immediately arose, and made the journey. Pres. Woodruff said that was the only time in his life when his faith had been tried, but he thought it strange for an Elder to administer to a mule, and thus do what seemed sacrilege in his mind at that time.
Bro. Joseph F. Smith told of his mother having one of her oxen become sick when she was coming to the valley with her family. The captain of the company said the animal would die, but she got out a bottle of consecrated oil, and got two of the brethren to administer to the ox, and it recovered.
Father also had one of his cattle healed by the laying on of hands by himself. The animal accidentally got its leg badly hurt, and it looked as though it could no more travel, but Father slipped out after dark and administered to it, and it recovered and made the journey home.
Bro. J. F. Smith told about David Patten having seen and walked with Cain. Cain is described as being a very large man, his head being even with that of David Patten when the latter was seated on his animal. I always entertained the idea that Cain was dead, but my attention was called to the passage of scripture concerning the curse of God which should fall upon whoever should slay Cain. I supposed this meant whoever should kill his seed.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
150 years ago today - Nov 9, 1868
Unable to work with the grand Lodge of Nevada over Mormon admittence to lodges, Obed F. Strickland and Reuben H. Robertson, looked elsewhere for authorization. They applied, unsuccessfully, to Colorado and Montana. Finally, they turned to Kansas and received a dispensation, and later a charter on 9 November 1868. This aroused nationwide criticism for the Kansas Grand Lodge, but the furor subsided.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Freemasonry in Utah, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Freemasonry in Utah, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
160 years ago today - Nov 9, 1858
On 9 November 1858, amid gun fire and patriotic music, the soldiers of Camp Floyd, Utah Territory, raised the United States flag above their newly completed garrison. Named for Secretary of War, John B. Floyd, the post housed the largest concentration of U.S. troops to that time, in what immediately became the third largest city in Utah.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Camp Floyd, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Camp Floyd, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
165 years ago today - Nov 9, 1853
[Patriarchal Blessing of Sophia Pollard] ... You shall have faith to heal the sick in your own house and among your sex ... [you] shall live to see the winding up scene, see your Redeemer descend in the clouds of heaven, fly to meet him in the cloud and enjoy all the blessings and glories of his Kingdom with all your father's house. Even so, Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
180 years ago today - Nov 9, 1838
Joseph Smith and fellow prisoners arrived at Richmond, MO, and put in chains. Joseph rebuked guards.
[Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]
[Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History, http://amzn.to/eG0DIp]
25 years ago today - Nov 08, 1993
The First Presidency announces TempleReady, a software program designed to speed up the process of clearing names obtained from family history research for temple work. Also, "A Member's Guide to Temple and Family History Work" is introduced to general and local Church officers.
80 years ago today - Nov 8, 1938
Culbert L. Olson is elected Calfornia's governor, the first Mormon governor outside the state of Utah. Other governors with a Mormon background: Idaho's Arnold Williams (1945-47), California's Goodwin J. Knight (1953-59), American Samoa's H. Rex Lee (1961-67), Michigan's George W. Romney (1963-69), Idaho's John V. Evans (1977-87), Arizona's Evan Mecham (1987-88), and Massachusettes' Willard Mitt Romney (2003-07). Knight does not claim Mormonism as a politician, and in 1952 the Church News retracts its statement that he is an LDS governor. LDS Luis Alberto Ferrizo is elected to Uruguay's equivalent of governor (1990), and Jien-Nien Chen is elected as governor in Taiwan (1993).
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
80 years ago today - Nov 8, 1938
[George F. Richards]
Last night I had a remarkable dream which left upon my mind a good and wonderful impression. I dreamed that I and a number of other men of non German extraction were gathered in a group for some unexplained purpose where were the German Keiser or Ruler, no name attached, and a number of uniformed German soldiers. They seemed to be engaged in sharpening their swords and otherwise preparing for war or executions or something of the sort. They fell in line and marched round in a large circle. Then we non Germans were marched in a smaller circle before them, and as they marched one after another chopped out of the circle and I was one of them. If it was for execution or what not I did not know, but I walked straight toward the Keiser who was sitting apart from the other soldiers. He seemed to be well uniformed and a very dignified personage. I addressed him as if I had an appeal to make to him though I had no fear, and he gave me attentive audience. While I do not remember the exact words I used and I do not remember that he said a word, I addressed him as follows. I am your brother. In the Spirit world you were a son of God. I also was His Son. We lived together in the same heavenly family. We loved each other as brothers. As I spoke feelingly and deliberately, I seemed to feel that his feelings were touched so that he believed my words, and that [he] believed and felt as I did a real brotherly love for one another. It became so intense that we embraced each other and kissed each other on the lips a brotherly kiss or kiss of affection. Then I saw these soldiers marching again, and the Keiser stepped out of line as he passed, and again kissed me on the lips. This ended the dream, and I was left with the thoughts, Why can we not feel thus toward all men for we are really and truly brothers. I was made to realize as never before that the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves and to even love our enemies is possible and the command is consistent. Were we living together in such brotherhood, the Evil One would have no power to divide us, through bearing false witness, evil speaking, back-biting, exhagerating the weaknesses of others, cheating, stealing from another or any other unchristian like conduct towards others. We do not knowingly injure one we love.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Last night I had a remarkable dream which left upon my mind a good and wonderful impression. I dreamed that I and a number of other men of non German extraction were gathered in a group for some unexplained purpose where were the German Keiser or Ruler, no name attached, and a number of uniformed German soldiers. They seemed to be engaged in sharpening their swords and otherwise preparing for war or executions or something of the sort. They fell in line and marched round in a large circle. Then we non Germans were marched in a smaller circle before them, and as they marched one after another chopped out of the circle and I was one of them. If it was for execution or what not I did not know, but I walked straight toward the Keiser who was sitting apart from the other soldiers. He seemed to be well uniformed and a very dignified personage. I addressed him as if I had an appeal to make to him though I had no fear, and he gave me attentive audience. While I do not remember the exact words I used and I do not remember that he said a word, I addressed him as follows. I am your brother. In the Spirit world you were a son of God. I also was His Son. We lived together in the same heavenly family. We loved each other as brothers. As I spoke feelingly and deliberately, I seemed to feel that his feelings were touched so that he believed my words, and that [he] believed and felt as I did a real brotherly love for one another. It became so intense that we embraced each other and kissed each other on the lips a brotherly kiss or kiss of affection. Then I saw these soldiers marching again, and the Keiser stepped out of line as he passed, and again kissed me on the lips. This ended the dream, and I was left with the thoughts, Why can we not feel thus toward all men for we are really and truly brothers. I was made to realize as never before that the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves and to even love our enemies is possible and the command is consistent. Were we living together in such brotherhood, the Evil One would have no power to divide us, through bearing false witness, evil speaking, back-biting, exhagerating the weaknesses of others, cheating, stealing from another or any other unchristian like conduct towards others. We do not knowingly injure one we love.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Nov 8, 1General
First Presidency and Twelve discuss a payment ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to Frank Dyer, receiver in church suits. Dyer wanted $25,000 in compensation, and church leaders were afraid that not compensating him enough would result in further harassment of Mormons in the form of anti-polygamy law enforcement. Several of the brethren felt this requested compensation was a form of blackmail. Rumors suggest Dyer is compensating deputies for each arrest they make.
[First Presidency Office 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]
[First Presidency Office 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]
130 years ago today - Nov 8, 1888
[David H. Cannon]
In such sacred matters as second anointings it must be understood that those only who are quite aged, and whose life and labors in the Church entitles them to this blessing shall be recommended by the Presidency of the Stake... Wilford Woodruff to Charles Sperry, Oct. 24, ... if we see a person who we think is here to take another wife, we should not talk about it for there is [a] danger of him doing so. At the time the Tucker Edmunds bill became Law, President [John] McAllister sent me to Salt Lake City to see President [John] Taylor and learn what we should do as the penalties were very heavy for the person who performed an illegal Marriage and this class of cases would be illegal under this new law. The President of the Church said, There must be no more Plural Sealings in the Temple and we will leave the responsibility upon our enemies and I can give you my word that the instructions then given ha[ve] been faithfully carried out. Keep a correct Record of all the work you may do here today. ...
[David H. Cannon, Temple Minute Book, St. George, Nov. 8, 1888, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
In such sacred matters as second anointings it must be understood that those only who are quite aged, and whose life and labors in the Church entitles them to this blessing shall be recommended by the Presidency of the Stake... Wilford Woodruff to Charles Sperry, Oct. 24, ... if we see a person who we think is here to take another wife, we should not talk about it for there is [a] danger of him doing so. At the time the Tucker Edmunds bill became Law, President [John] McAllister sent me to Salt Lake City to see President [John] Taylor and learn what we should do as the penalties were very heavy for the person who performed an illegal Marriage and this class of cases would be illegal under this new law. The President of the Church said, There must be no more Plural Sealings in the Temple and we will leave the responsibility upon our enemies and I can give you my word that the instructions then given ha[ve] been faithfully carried out. Keep a correct Record of all the work you may do here today. ...
[David H. Cannon, Temple Minute Book, St. George, Nov. 8, 1888, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
175 years ago today - Nov 8, 1843
[Nauvoo Neighbor]
Guardianship Announced -- Hyrum Smith -- announced that he has been appointed guardian of Joel Bulard of Nauvoo, who was considered by the court to be insane.
[http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
Guardianship Announced -- Hyrum Smith -- announced that he has been appointed guardian of Joel Bulard of Nauvoo, who was considered by the court to be insane.
[http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
180 years ago today - Nov 8, 1838
General Wilson surrounds Adam-ondi-Ahman, Adam Black convenes a court of inquiry. Joseph and other prisoners in Independence start for Richmond with three guards who get drunk. Prisoners take their arms and horses but apparently do not attempt to escape.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
185 years ago today - Nov 8, 1833
[Joseph Capron (neighbor to the Smiths)]
... The family of Smiths held Joseph Jr. in high estimation on account of some supernatural power, which he was supposed to possess. This power he pretended to have received through the medium of a stone of peculiar quality. The stone was placed in a hat, in such a manner as to exclude all light, except that which emanated from the stone itself. This light of the stone, he pretended, enabled him to see any thing he wished. Accordingly he discovered ghosts, infernal spirits, mountains of gold and silver, and many other invaluable treasures deposited in the earth. He would often tell his neighbors of his wonderful discoveries, and urge them to embark in the money digging business. ...
The sapient Joseph discovered, north west of my house, a chest of gold watches; but, as they were in the possession of the evil spirit, it required skill and stratagem to obtain them. Accordingly, orders were given to stick a parcel of large stakes in the ground, several rods around, in a circular form. This was to be done directly over the spot where the treasures were deposited. A messenger was then sent to Palmyra to procure a polished sword: after which, Samuel F. Lawrence, with a drawn sword in his hand, marched around to guard any assault which his Satanic majesty might be disposed to make. Meantime, the rest of the company were busily employed in digging for the watches. ... the devil came off victorious, and carried away the watches. ...
[Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, Ohio: E. D. Howe, 1834), 258-60., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joseph Capron Statement]
... The family of Smiths held Joseph Jr. in high estimation on account of some supernatural power, which he was supposed to possess. This power he pretended to have received through the medium of a stone of peculiar quality. The stone was placed in a hat, in such a manner as to exclude all light, except that which emanated from the stone itself. This light of the stone, he pretended, enabled him to see any thing he wished. Accordingly he discovered ghosts, infernal spirits, mountains of gold and silver, and many other invaluable treasures deposited in the earth. He would often tell his neighbors of his wonderful discoveries, and urge them to embark in the money digging business. ...
The sapient Joseph discovered, north west of my house, a chest of gold watches; but, as they were in the possession of the evil spirit, it required skill and stratagem to obtain them. Accordingly, orders were given to stick a parcel of large stakes in the ground, several rods around, in a circular form. This was to be done directly over the spot where the treasures were deposited. A messenger was then sent to Palmyra to procure a polished sword: after which, Samuel F. Lawrence, with a drawn sword in his hand, marched around to guard any assault which his Satanic majesty might be disposed to make. Meantime, the rest of the company were busily employed in digging for the watches. ... the devil came off victorious, and carried away the watches. ...
[Eber D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed (Painesville, Ohio: E. D. Howe, 1834), 258-60., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joseph Capron Statement]
10 years ago today - 11/7/2008
[Proposition-8]
[After passage of prop-8] Protesters march peacefully around Salt Lakes Temple Square
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[After passage of prop-8] Protesters march peacefully around Salt Lakes Temple Square
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
35 years ago today - Nov 7, 1983-Monday
[Leonard Arrington]
This morning I went through a "live" endowment ceremony at the Salt Lake Temple. I went at the invitation of a very close friend [Brook Bowman] who wanted to go through for her own endowment and who wanted me to go through with her.
I was dismayed to find how little of the ceremony I remembered. It must have been years since I went through an endowment session. ... Certain things still irritated me. The repeated use of "It is well." Also the preoccupation with the signs of the penalty. Certain other things have now been eliminated, e.g., the elimination of the flaming sword, and the elimination of the Protestant hymn we always used to sing. I keep thinking that so many beautiful things could be said to make the ceremony more memorable and beautiful and substantive. I think of many people that I would not encourage to go through the temple, who would be turned off by it, who would not get the spiritual lift that it promises. The building is beautiful-the rooms, the paintings, the hallways, the woodwork and painting and art work. The uniform [white robes] impresses me as being quite Arabic-or perhaps ancient Greek. The hat, the robe, the apron, all look quite Greek, except for the length of the robe. The ceremony is also quite masonic, and could be improved to make it less so. Even the prayer circle, which I have remembered as a poignant moment in the ceremony, seemed this time to be mostly a preoccupation with ritual and ceremony, tokens and signs. The prayer seemed to be an afterthought, subsidiary to the principal part which was the performance of the various signs. I had remembered it as a splendid and intimate fellowship in which we joined hands in a solemn beseeching on behalf of the sick. It did not seem that way this time.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
This morning I went through a "live" endowment ceremony at the Salt Lake Temple. I went at the invitation of a very close friend [Brook Bowman] who wanted to go through for her own endowment and who wanted me to go through with her.
I was dismayed to find how little of the ceremony I remembered. It must have been years since I went through an endowment session. ... Certain things still irritated me. The repeated use of "It is well." Also the preoccupation with the signs of the penalty. Certain other things have now been eliminated, e.g., the elimination of the flaming sword, and the elimination of the Protestant hymn we always used to sing. I keep thinking that so many beautiful things could be said to make the ceremony more memorable and beautiful and substantive. I think of many people that I would not encourage to go through the temple, who would be turned off by it, who would not get the spiritual lift that it promises. The building is beautiful-the rooms, the paintings, the hallways, the woodwork and painting and art work. The uniform [white robes] impresses me as being quite Arabic-or perhaps ancient Greek. The hat, the robe, the apron, all look quite Greek, except for the length of the robe. The ceremony is also quite masonic, and could be improved to make it less so. Even the prayer circle, which I have remembered as a poignant moment in the ceremony, seemed this time to be mostly a preoccupation with ritual and ceremony, tokens and signs. The prayer seemed to be an afterthought, subsidiary to the principal part which was the performance of the various signs. I had remembered it as a splendid and intimate fellowship in which we joined hands in a solemn beseeching on behalf of the sick. It did not seem that way this time.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
160 years ago today - Nov 7, 1858
[Wilford Woodruff]
An opposition paper is being published in this City by Kirk Anderson. It is Called Kirk Andersons valley Tan. The first peace strikes out against Polygamy in Strong terms.
They are seting at liberty a thousand or more teamsters at Col Johnsons Camp which are filling our Cities & towns with rowdyism & Crime to get up a fuss with the Saints.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
An opposition paper is being published in this City by Kirk Anderson. It is Called Kirk Andersons valley Tan. The first peace strikes out against Polygamy in Strong terms.
They are seting at liberty a thousand or more teamsters at Col Johnsons Camp which are filling our Cities & towns with rowdyism & Crime to get up a fuss with the Saints.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Nov 7, 1848
[Wilford Woodruff]
Election. This day decides who is Elected President of the United States for the next four years to come. I have not cast A vote for A President since this nation Shed the Blood of the Prophets Joseph And Hiram Smith Neither do I expect to. I spent the day at home while most men went to the Election.
The Electric telegraph has become so perfect And universal through the United States that citizens of New York recieved the returns of many of the States of the Union before they did the returns of the City itself, And before the papers went to press next morning after the Election, returns had been recieved enough to show that Gen Taylor was Elected President of the United States by an overwhelming majority.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Election. This day decides who is Elected President of the United States for the next four years to come. I have not cast A vote for A President since this nation Shed the Blood of the Prophets Joseph And Hiram Smith Neither do I expect to. I spent the day at home while most men went to the Election.
The Electric telegraph has become so perfect And universal through the United States that citizens of New York recieved the returns of many of the States of the Union before they did the returns of the City itself, And before the papers went to press next morning after the Election, returns had been recieved enough to show that Gen Taylor was Elected President of the United States by an overwhelming majority.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Nov 7, 1843
According to the NAUVOO NEIGHBOR (Nov 8) August Cobb Young's child, Brigham Cobb, dies at age 5 months. This was five days after her plural marriage to Brigham Young on November 2, 1843. Augusta was still legally married to the father, non-Mormon Henry Cobb.
[Nauvoo Neighbor (Nov 8)]
[Nauvoo Neighbor (Nov 8)]
185 years ago today - Nov 7, 1833
[Parley P. Pratt]
"About two o'clock the next morning we were called up by the cry of signs in the heavens. We arose, and to our great astonishment all the firmament seemed enveloped in splendid fireworks, as if every star in the broad expanse had been hurled from its course, and sent lawless through the wilds of ether. Thousands of bright meteors were shooting through space in every direction, with long trains of light following in their course. This lasted for several hours, and was only closed by the dawn of the rising sun. Every heart was filled with joy at this majestic display of signs and wonders, showing the near approach of the coming of the Son of God."
[Autobiography of Parley Parker Prat, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
"About two o'clock the next morning we were called up by the cry of signs in the heavens. We arose, and to our great astonishment all the firmament seemed enveloped in splendid fireworks, as if every star in the broad expanse had been hurled from its course, and sent lawless through the wilds of ether. Thousands of bright meteors were shooting through space in every direction, with long trains of light following in their course. This lasted for several hours, and was only closed by the dawn of the rising sun. Every heart was filled with joy at this majestic display of signs and wonders, showing the near approach of the coming of the Son of God."
[Autobiography of Parley Parker Prat, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
185 years ago today - Nov 7, 1833
The Saints are driven from Jackson County to Clay County, Ray County, Van Buren County (and from Van Buren County to Lafayette County). On both sides of the Missouri River, 1200 homeless Saints gather, destitute, camping out in tents.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
55 years ago today - Nov 6, 1963
Congressman Harding wrote that "prospects in the Church do look brighter with the assignment of Ezra Taft Benson to Europe."
[Ralph Harding to Richard D. Poll, 6 Nov. 1963. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[Ralph Harding to Richard D. Poll, 6 Nov. 1963. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
120 years ago today - Nov 6, 1898; Sunday
[Heber J. Grant]
... B H Roberts' reply to Gov[ernor]. [Heber M.] Wells in this morning's [Salt Lake] Herald disgusts me almost if not quite as much as the Governor's speech did. Politics is a good thing to have nothing to do with. ... I met Apostle Brigham Young [Jr.] ... and we chatted together on the political situation. He agreed with me perfectly that Bro[ther] Wells had made a great mistake and that Bro[ther] Roberts had done equally as bad in replying the way that he had. ...
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
... B H Roberts' reply to Gov[ernor]. [Heber M.] Wells in this morning's [Salt Lake] Herald disgusts me almost if not quite as much as the Governor's speech did. Politics is a good thing to have nothing to do with. ... I met Apostle Brigham Young [Jr.] ... and we chatted together on the political situation. He agreed with me perfectly that Bro[ther] Wells had made a great mistake and that Bro[ther] Roberts had done equally as bad in replying the way that he had. ...
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
160 years ago today - Nov 6, 1858
Kirk Anderson's Valley Tan begins in Great Salt Lake City – Deseret News' first opposition paper. It ran for 16 months.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
180 years ago today - Nov 6, 1838
General Clark addresses the Saints in Far West, telling them that it is only out of kindness that he is allowing them to leave the state instead of murdering them, and that "as for your leaders, do not once think—do not imagine for a moment—do not let it enter your mind that they will be delivered, or that you will see their faces again, for their fate is fixed—their die is cast—their doom is sealed." He then takes the new prisoners from Far West and heads for Richmond under a large guard.
The brethren were compelled to sign deeds of trust for paying the expense of the mob. About sixty men were retained as prisoners, and the remainder of the Saints ordered to leave the State, according to the exterminating order of Gov. Boggs.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
The brethren were compelled to sign deeds of trust for paying the expense of the mob. About sixty men were retained as prisoners, and the remainder of the Saints ordered to leave the State, according to the exterminating order of Gov. Boggs.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
10 years ago today - 11/5/2008
[Proposition-8]
[The day after Prop-8 passes] Proposition 8 opponents file the first lawsuits questioning the legality of the proposition's passge. Ruth Youth proclaim International Mormon Appreciation Day
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[The day after Prop-8 passes] Proposition 8 opponents file the first lawsuits questioning the legality of the proposition's passge. Ruth Youth proclaim International Mormon Appreciation Day
[Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
105 years ago today - Nov 05, 1913
Ground is broken for the Alberta Temple (later the Cardston Alberta Temple), the first temple outside of the United States.
115 years ago today - Nov 5, 1903 (Thursday)
The authorities of the Church purchased the old Carthage jail in which the Prophet Joseph Smith and Patriarch Hyrum Smith were assassinated. The cost of the building and the grounds (two acres) was $4,000.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Nov 5, 1903
[Rudger Clawson]
Elder Clawson said that he had been approached by a bishop who wanted to know the view of the council in regard to the Word of Wisdom, as to whether it was now binding upon the church as a commandment, as thus saith the Lord. Pres. Smith replied that it is so regarded. Benediction.
[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 had been approached by a bishop who wanted to know the view of the council in regard to the Word of Wisdom, as to whether it was now binding upon the church as a commandment, as thus saith the Lord. Pres. Smith replied that it is so regarded. Benediction.
[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 - Nov 5, 1903; Thursday
[Anthony Ivins]
When someone wanted to move from one ward to another, they were supposed to obtain a "recommend" from their bishop indicating their standing in the church, which they could carry with them to their new bishop. The Deseret News Press had apparently just printed the new forms.
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
When someone wanted to move from one ward to another, they were supposed to obtain a "recommend" from their bishop indicating their standing in the church, which they could carry with them to their new bishop. The Deseret News Press had apparently just printed the new forms.
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
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